bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Friction Evaluation for Combined Drawing and Ironing Process With Thick Sheet by Ball Ironing Test
Authors: Sae-eaw Nuttakorn , Aue-u-lan Yingyot
Published: November 2020

Ball ironing test (BIT) was proposed to evaluate the tribological conditions of the combined drawing and ironing process for thick sheets. This process was used to produce the products with controlled thickness at the sidewall, such as pulleys. Finite element modeling (FEM) was utilized to study the effects of the main geometrical parameters on friction from the BIT results and thereby design suitable tooling geometries. Clearance-to-thickness ratio (c/t), inner die radius (rd), and inner diameter of specimen (di) were adopted as process and specimen parameters. The results of the BIT comprised the maximum load and final height of the specimen. Slope sensitivity (λ) in the results was introduced to evaluate the friction sensitivity. According to the simulation, the maximum load was highly sensitive to the friction and was thus used as a friction indicator. Friction calibration curve (FCC) was established and fitted on the basis of a simplified mathematical model as a function of the maximum load and friction factor (m). The BIT with various types of lubricants was performed experimentally to evaluate the performances of the lubricants and approximate the friction factors. The solid lubricant, Zn-Ph coating, provided the least forming with m of 0.03. The liquid lubricant, oil with extreme pressure (EP) additives, performed similarly to the Zn-Ph coating with m of 0.07. In conclusion, the BIT test performed very well in ranking the lubricants and determining the friction value of the combined drawing and ironing process for thick sheets.
Construction of a Code Verification Matrix for Heat Conduction With Finite Element Code Applications
Authors: Toptan Aysenur , Porter Nathan W. , Hales Jason D. , Spencer Benjamin W. , Pilch Martin , Williamson Richard L.
Published: November 2020

When establishing the pedigree of a simulation tool, code verification is used to ensure that the implemented numerical algorithm is a faithful representation of its underlying mathematical model. During this process, numerical results on various meshes are systematically compared to a reference analytic solution. The selection of analytic solutions can be a laborious process, as it is difficult to establish adequate code confidence without performing redundant work. Here, we address this issue by applying a physics-based process that establishes a set of reference problems. In this process, code simulation options are categorized and systematically tested, which ensures that gaps in testing are easily identified and addressed. The resulting problems are primarily intended for code verification analysis but may also be useful for comparison to other simulation codes, troubleshooting activities, or training exercises. The process is used to select fifteen code verification problems relevant for the one-dimensional steady-state heat conduction equation. These problems are applicable to a wide variety of simulation tools, but, in this work, a demonstration is performed using the finite element-based nuclear fuel performance code BISON. Convergence to the analytic solution at the theoretical rate is quantified for a selection of the problems, which establishes a baseline pedigree for the code. Not only can this standard set of conduction solutions be used for verification of other codes, but also the physics-based process for selecting problems can be utilized to quantify and expand testing for any simulation tool.
Best Practices and Lessons Learned From Nuclear Materials Retrieval Programs of the United States Department of Energy
Authors: Abbott Kaatrin , Geroux Zachary
Published: November 2020

The Atomic Energy Act, as amended, authorizes the United States (U.S.) Department of Energy (DOE) and its predecessor agencies to distribute nuclear materials to public or private institutions for the purposes of education as well as research and development. Significant transformations throughout the nuclear industry have led to changes in programmatic responsibility for loaned nuclear materials. DOE has established several programs to catalog, transfer ownership, retrieve, and/or dispose of these loaned nuclear materials. The variety of loaned nuclear material types as well as operational and regulatory variations between facility licensees have created unique challenges for the retrieval and dispositioning processes. These include packaging and transportation, confirmation of regulatory jurisdiction, property transfer, and disposal of sources with no remaining economic value. This paper explores the methods and actions taken by DOE to address these challenges. Lessons learned and the best practices identified from these programs are also presented.
Computational Fluid Dynamics Simulations of the Cold Neutron Source at the OPAL Reactor
Authors: Spedding James , Ho Mark , Lu Weijian
Published: November 2020

The open pool Australian light-water (OPAL) reactor cold neutron source (CNS) is a 20 L liquid deuterium thermosiphon system which has performed consistently but will require replacement in the future. The CNS deuterium exploits neutronic heating to passively drive the thermosiphon loop and is cryogenically cooled by forced convective helium flow via a heat exchanger. In this study, a detailed computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model of the complete thermosiphon system was developed for simulation. Unlike previous studies, the simulation employed a novel polyhedral mesh technique. Results demonstrated that the polyhedral technique reduced simulation computational requirements and convergence time by an order of magnitude while predicting thermosiphon performance to within 1% accuracy when compared with prototype experiments. The simulation model was extrapolated to OPAL operating conditions and confirmed the versatility of the CFD model as an engineering design and preventative maintenance tool. Finally, simulations were performed on a proposed second-generation CNS design that increases the CNS moderator deuterium volume by 5 L, and results confirmed that the geometry maintains the thermosiphon deuterium in the liquid state and satisfies the CNS design criteria.
Data-Driven Identification of Nonlinear Flame Models
Authors: Ghani Abdulla , Boxx Isaac , Noren Carrie
Published: November 2020

This paper presents a data-driven identification framework with the objective to retrieve a flame model from the nonlinear limit cycle. The motivation is to identify a flame model for configurations, which do not allow the determination of the flame dynamics: that is commonly for industrial applications where (i) optical access for nonintrusive measurements of velocity and heat release fluctuations are not feasible and (ii) unstable combustion is monitored via multiple pressure recordings. To demonstrate the usefulness of the method, we chose three test cases: (i) a classical Rijke tube; (ii) an experiment of a laminar flame (EM2C case), (iii) and a high-pressure, turbulent premixed flame (German Aerospace Center (DLR) case). The procedure is as follows: First, acoustic network models for the three cases are generated for which the in-house software taX is employed. Next, the acoustic network models are embedded in an optimization framework with the objective to identify flame parameters that match the experimental limit cycle data: based on the instability frequency and pressure amplitudes, we formulate physical constraints and an objective function in order to identify the flame model parameters gain nopt and time delay τopt in the nonlinear regime. We demonstrate for the three cases that the identified flame parameters reproduce the unstable combustion processes and highlight the usefulness of the method for control purposes.
Large Deflection Model for Multiple, Inline, Interacting Cantilever Beams
Authors: Bebee Austin , Stubbs Christopher J. , Robertson Daniel J.
Published: November 2020

Numerous natural and synthetic systems can be modeled as clusters of interacting cantilever beams. However, a closed-form mathematical model capable of representing the mechanics of multiple interacting cantilever beams undergoing large deflections has yet to be presented. In this work, a pioneering mathematical model of the force–deflection response of multiple, inline, interacting (i.e., contacting) cantilever beams is presented. The math model enables the determination of the force–deflection response of a system of interacting cantilever beams and is predicated upon the “Pseudo Rigid Body Model” concept. The model was validated through data triangulation experiments which included both physical and computational studies. An analysis of the mathematical model indicates it is most accurate with deflections less than 50 deg. In the future, the model may be used in high throughput phenotyping applications for investigating stalk lodging and estimating the flexural rigidity of crop stems. The model can also be used to gain intuition and aid in the design of synthetic systems composed of multiple cantilever beams.
De novo design of potent and resilient hACE2 decoys to neutralize SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Linsky Thomas W. , Vergara Renan , Codina Nuria , Nelson Jorgen W. , Walker Matthew J. , Su Wen , Barnes Christopher O. , Hsiang Tien-Ying , Esser-Nobis Katharina , Yu Kevin , Reneer Z. Beau , Hou Yixuan J. , Priya Tanu , Mitsumoto Masaya , Pong Avery , Lau Uland Y. , Mason Marsha L. , Chen Jerry , Chen Alex , Berrocal Tania , Peng Hong , Clairmont Nicole S. , Castellanos Javier , Lin Yu-Ru , Josephson-Day Anna , Baric Ralph S. , Fuller Deborah H. , Walkey Carl D. , Ross Ted M. , Swanson Ryan , Bjorkman Pamela J. , Gale Michael , Blancas-Mejia Luis M. , Yen Hui-Ling , Silva Daniel-Adriano
Published: November 2020

A decoy to neutralize SARS-CoV-2

Many efforts to develop therapies against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) are focused on the interaction between the spike protein, which decorates the surface of the virus, and its host receptor, human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (hACE2). Linsky
et al.
describe a de novo design strategy that allowed them to engineer decoy proteins that bind to the spike protein by replicating the hACE2 interface. The best decoy, CTC-445, bound with low nanomolar affinity, and selection of viral mutants that decrease binding is unlikely because this would also affect binding to hACE2. A bivalent version of CTC-445 bound even more tightly, neutralized SARS-CoV-2 infection of cells, and protected hamsters from a SARS-CoV-2 challenge. The stable decoy has the potential for respiratory therapeutic delivery.

Science
, this issue p.
1208
Protocol for a feasibility study of smoking cessation in the surgical pathway before major lung surgery: Project MURRAY
Authors: Lugg Sebastian T , Kerr Amy , Kadiri Salma , Budacan Alina-Maria , Farley Amanda , Perski Olga , West Robert , Brown Jamie , Thickett David R , Naidu Babu
Published: November 2020

Introduction

Smoking prior to major thoracic surgery is the biggest risk factor for development of postoperative pulmonary complications, with one in five patients continuing to smoke before surgery. Current guidance is that all patients should stop smoking before elective surgery yet very few are offered specialist smoking cessation support. Patients would prefer support within the thoracic surgical pathway. No study has addressed the effectiveness of such an intervention in this setting on cessation. The overall aim is to determine in patients who undergo major elective thoracic surgery whether an intervention integrated (INT) into the surgical pathway improves smoking cessation rates compared with usual care (UC) of standard community/hospital based NHS smoking support. This pilot study will evaluate feasibility of a substantive trial.

Methods and analysis

Project MURRAY is a trial comparing the effectiveness of INT and UC on smoking cessation. INT is pharmacotherapy and a hybrid of behavioural support delivered by the trained healthcare practitioners (HCPs) in the thoracic surgical pathway and a complimentary web-based application. This pilot study will evaluate the feasibility of a substantive trial and study processes in five adult thoracic centres including the University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust. The primary objective is to establish the proportion of those eligible who agree to participate. Secondary objectives include evaluation of study processes. Analyses of feasibility and patient-reported outcomes will take the form of simple descriptive statistics and where appropriate, point estimates of effects sizes and associated 95% CIs.

Ethics and dissemination

The study has obtained ethical approval from NHS Research Ethics Committee (REC number 19/WM/0097). Dissemination plan includes informing patients and HCPs; engaging multidisciplinary professionals to support a proposal of a definitive trial and submission for a full application dependent on the success of the study.

Trial registration number

NCT04190966.
Association between platelet count and hepatocellular carcinoma overall survival: a large retrospective cohort study
Authors: Lu Linbin , Su Zhimin , Zheng Peichan , Wu Zhixian , Zhang Yan , He Huimin , Liu Jingnan , Lin Shan , Chen Xiong
Published: November 2020

Objectives

To explore the non-linear relationship between platelet count (PLT) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) overall survival (OS).

Setting

The study was done in Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center (SYSUCC) from January 2007 to May 2012, a total of 5005 consecutive participants at SYSUCC were retrospectively reviewed, and 979 patients with Barcelona clinic liver cancer (BCLC) stage B were selected for the final analysis.

Participants

A total of 979 newly diagnosed patients with HCC with BCLC stage B were identified for the secondary analysis. Eight cases were excluded for missing data of PLT.

Main outcome measures

Cox proportional hazard regression models were used to calculate multivariable-adjusted HRs and 95% CIs for HCC. The non-linear relationship was estimated through a restricted cubic spline regression, and a two-piecewise Cox proportional hazards model was further performed to calculate the threshold effect. We used multiple imputation to deal with the missing data.

Results

In the multivariate analysis, Log PLT was associated with a 91% risk increase in death (HR 1.91; 1.28 to 2.85) with adjustment for gender, Child-Pugh class, age × diameter of main tumour, both lobe with lesions × number of the intrahepatic lesions, alpha-fetoprotein (<25, ≥25) and lactic dehydrogenase (<245, ≥245). We also found a U-shape relationship between PLT and HCC OS at the inflexion point of 67.6×109/L. The HR was 0.12 (95% CI 0.03 to 0.52) for Log PLT≤10.83 and 3.07 (CI 1.91 to 4.92) for Log PLT>10.83 after adjusting for potential confounders. The core results were consistent with those from the sensitivity analysis. Besides, a significantly higher hazard risk was found in the patients with age <55, both lobes with lesions, tumour diameter >50, haemoglobin ≥120 and C reactive protein >10.

Conclusion

PLT was nonlinearly associated with HCC OS.
Implementation of the Assistive Product List (APL) in Malawi through development of appropriate policy and systems: an action research protocol
Authors: Ebuenyi Ikenna D , Smith Emma M , Kafumba Juba , Jamali Monica Z , Munthali Alister , MacLachlan Malcolm
Published: November 2020

Introduction

Assistive technology (AT) is important for the achievement of the sustainable development goals (SDGs) for persons with disabilities (PWD). Increasingly, studies suggest a significant gap between the need for and demand for and provisions of AT for PWD in low-income and middle-income settings. Evidence from high income countries highlights the importance of robust AT policies to the achievement of the recommendations of the World Health Assembly on AT. In Malawi, there is no standalone AT policy. The objectives of the Assistive Product List Implementation Creating Enablement of inclusive SDGs (APPLICABLE) project, are to propose and facilitate the development of a framework for creating effective national AT policy and specify a system capable of implementing such policies in low-income countries such as Malawi.

Method and analysis

We propose an action research process with stakeholders in AT in Malawi. APPLICABLE will adopt an action research paradigm, through developing a shared research agenda with stakeholders and including users of AT. This involves the formation of an Action Research Group that will specify the priorities for practice—and policy-based evidence, in order to facilitate the development of contextually realistic and achievable policy aspirations on AT in Malawi and provide system strengthening recommendations that will ensure that the policy is implementable for their realisation. We will undertake an evaluation of this policy by measuring supply and support for specific AT prior to, and following the implementation of the policy recommendations.

Ethics and dissemination

The study protocol was approved by Maynooth University Research Ethics Committee (SRESC-2019-2378566) and University of Malawi Research Ethics Committee (P.01/20/10). Findings from the study will be disseminated by publication in peer-reviewed journals, presentations to stakeholders in Malawi, Ireland and international audiences at international conferences.
Ambulance dispatch of older patients following primary and secondary telephone triage in metropolitan Melbourne, Australia: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Eastwood Kathryn , Nambiar Dhanya , Dwyer Rosamond , Lowthian Judy A , Cameron Peter , Smith Karen
Published: November 2020

Background

Most calls to ambulance result in emergency ambulance dispatch (direct dispatch) following primary telephone triage. Ambulance Victoria uses clinician-led secondary telephone triage for patients identified as low-acuity during primary triage to refer them to alternative care pathways; however, some are returned for ambulance dispatch (secondary dispatch). Older adult patients are frequent users of ambulance services; however, little is known about the appropriateness of subsequent secondary dispatches.

Objectives

To examine the appropriateness of secondary dispatch through a comparison of the characteristics and ambulance outcomes of older patients dispatched an emergency ambulance via direct or secondary dispatch.

Design

A retrospective cohort study of ambulance patient data between September 2009 and June 2012 was conducted.

Setting

The secondary telephone triage service operated in metropolitan Melbourne, Victoria, Australia during the study period.

Participants

There were 90 086 patients included aged 65 years and over who had an emergency ambulance dispatch via direct or secondary dispatch with one of the five most common secondary dispatch paramedic diagnoses.

Main outcome measures

Descriptive analyses compared characteristics, treatment and transportation rates between direct and secondary dispatch patients.

Results

The dispatch groups were similar in demographics, vital signs and hospital transportation rates. However, secondary dispatch patients were half as likely to be treated by paramedics (OR 0.51; CI 0.48 to 0.55; p<0.001). Increasing age was associated with decreasing treatment (p<0.005) and increasing transportation rates (p<0.005).

Conclusion

Secondary triage could identify patients who would ultimately be transported to an emergency department. However, the lower paramedic treatment rates suggest many secondary dispatch patients may have been suitable for referral to alternative low-acuity transport or referral options.
Information given by websites selling home self-sampling COVID-19 tests: an analysis of accuracy and completeness
Authors: Taylor-Phillips Sian , Berhane Sarah , Sitch Alice J , Freeman Karoline , Price Malcolm James , Davenport Clare , Geppert Julia , Harris Isobel M , Osokogu Osemeke , Skrybant Magdalena , Deeks Jonathan J
Published: November 2020

Objectives

To assess the accuracy and completeness of information provided by websites selling home self-sampling and testing kits for COVID-19.

Design

Cross-sectional observational study.

Setting

All websites (n=27) selling direct to user home self-sampling and testing kits for COVID-19 (41 tests) in the UK (39 tests) and USA (two tests) identified by a website search on 23 May 2020.

Main outcome measures

Thirteen predefined basic information items to communicate to a user, including who should be tested, when and how testing should be done, test accuracy, and interpretation of results.

Results

Many websites did not provide the name or manufacturer of the test (32/41; 78%), when to use the test (10/41; 24%), test accuracy (12/41; 29%), and how to interpret results (21/41; 51%). Sensitivity and specificity were the most commonly reported test accuracy measures (either reported for 27/41 [66%] tests): we could only link these figures to manufacturers’ documents or publications for four (10%) tests. Predictive values, most relevant to users, were rarely reported (five [12%] tests reported positive predictive values). For molecular virus tests, 9/23 (39%) websites explained that test positives should self-isolate, and 8/23 (35%) explained that test negatives may still have the disease. For antibody tests, 12/18 (67%) websites explained that testing positive does not necessarily infer immunity from future infection. Seven (39%) websites selling antibody tests claimed the test had a CE mark, when they were for a different intended use (venous blood rather than finger-prick samples).

Conclusions

At the point of online purchase of home self-sampling COVID-19 tests, users in the UK are provided with incomplete, and, in some cases, misleading information on test accuracy, intended use, and test interpretation. Best practice guidance for communication about tests to the public should be developed and enforced for online sales of COVID-19 tests.
Evidence for B cell maturation but not trained immunity in uninfected infants exposed to hepatitis C virus
Authors: Lutckii Anton , Strunz Benedikt , Zhirkov Anton , Filipovich Olga , Rukoiatkina Elena , Gusev Denis , Lobzin Yuriy , Fischler Björn , Aleman Soo , Sällberg Matti , Björkström Niklas K
Published: November 2020

Objectives

Vertical transmission of hepatitis C virus (HCV) is rare compared with other chronic viral infections, despite that newborns have an immature, and possibly more susceptible, immune system. It further remains unclear to what extent prenatal and perinatal exposure to HCV affects immune system development in neonates.

Design

To address this, we studied B cells, innate immune cells and soluble factors in a cohort of 62 children that were either unexposed, exposed uninfected or infected with HCV. Forty of these infants were followed longitudinally from birth up until 18 months of age.

Results

As expected, evidence for B cell maturation was observed with increased age in children, whereas few age-related changes were noticed among innate immune cells. HCV-infected children had a high frequency of HCV-specific IgG-secreting B cells. Such a response was also detected in some exposed but uninfected children but not in uninfected controls. Consistent with this, both HCV-exposed uninfected and HCV-infected infants had evidence of early B cell immune maturation with an increased proportion of IgA-positive plasma cells and upregulated CD40 expression. In contrast, actual HCV viraemia, but not mere exposure, led to alterations within myeloid immune cell populations, natural killer (NK) cells and a distinct soluble factor profile with increased levels of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines.

Conclusion

Our data reveal that exposure to, and infection with, HCV causes disparate effects on adaptive B cells and innate immune cell such as myeloid cells and NK cells in infants.
Pain patterns in chronic pancreatitis: a nationwide longitudinal cohort study
Authors: Kempeneers Marinus A , Issa Yama , Verdonk Robert C , Bruno Marco , Fockens P , van Goor Harry , Alofs Eline , Bollen Thomas L , Bouwense Stefan , van Dalen Anne S H M , van Dieren Susan , van Dullemen Hendrik M , van Geenen Erwin-Jan , Hoge Chantal , van Hooft Jeanin E , Kager Liesbeth M , Keulemans Yolande , Nooijen Lynn E , Poley Jan-Werner , Seerden Tom C J , Tan Adriaan , Thijs Willem , Timmer Robin , Vleggaar Frank , Witteman Ben , Ahmed Ali Usama , Besselink Marc G , Boermeester Marja A , van Santvoort Hjalmar C
Published: November 2020

Objective

Pain in chronic pancreatitis is subdivided in a continuous or intermittent pattern, each thought to represent a different entity, requiring specific treatment. Because evidence is missing, we studied pain patterns in a prospective longitudinal nationwide study.

Design

1131 patients with chronic pancreatitis (fulfilling M-ANNHEIM criteria) were included between 2011 and 2018 in 30 Dutch hospitals. Patients with continuous or intermittent pain were compared for demographics, pain characteristics, quality of life (Short-Form 36), imaging findings, disease duration and treatment. Alternation of pain pattern and associated variables were longitudinally assessed using a multivariable multinomial logistic regression model.

Results

At inclusion, 589 patients (52%) had continuous pain, 231 patients (20%) had intermittent pain and 311 patients (28%) had no pain. Patients with continuous pain had more severe pain, used more opioids and neuropathic pain medication, and had a lower quality of life. There were no differences between pain patterns for morphological findings on imaging, disease duration and treatment. During a median follow-up of 47 months, 552 of 905 patients (61%) alternated at least once between pain patterns. All alternations were associated with the Visual Analogue Scale pain intensity score and surgery was only associated with the change from pain to no pain.

Conclusion

Continuous and intermittent pain patterns in chronic pancreatitis do not seem to be the result of distinctly different pathophysiological entities. The subjectively reported character of pain is not related to imaging findings or disease duration. Pain patterns often change over time and are merely a feature of how severity of pain is experienced.
Long-term instability of the intestinal microbiome is associated with metabolic
liver disease, low microbiota diversity, diabetes mellitus and impaired exocrine
pancreatic function
Authors: Frost Fabian , Kacprowski Tim , Rühlemann Malte , Pietzner Maik , Bang Corinna , Franke Andre , Nauck Matthias , Völker Uwe , Völzke Henry , Dörr Marcus , Baumbach Jan , Sendler Matthias , Schulz Christian , Mayerle Julia , Weiss Frank U , Homuth Georg , Lerch Markus M
Published: November 2020

Objective

The intestinal microbiome affects the prevalence and pathophysiology of a
variety of diseases ranging from inflammation to cancer. A reduced taxonomic or
functional diversity of the microbiome was often observed in association with poorer
health outcomes or disease in general. Conversely, factors or manifest diseases that
determine the long-term stability or instability of the microbiome are largely
unknown. We aimed to identify disease-relevant phenotypes associated with faecal
microbiota (in-)stability.

Design

A total of 2564 paired faecal samples from 1282 participants of the
population-based Study of Health in Pomerania (SHIP) were collected at a 5-year
(median) interval and microbiota profiles determined by 16S
rRNA gene sequencing. The changes in faecal microbiota over time were
associated with highly standardised and comprehensive phenotypic data to determine
factors related to microbiota (in-)stability.

Results

The overall microbiome landscape remained remarkably stable over time. The
greatest microbiome instability was associated with factors contributing to metabolic
syndrome such as fatty liver disease and diabetes mellitus. These, in turn, were
associated with an increase in facultative pathogens such as
Enterobacteriaceae or
Escherichia/Shigella. Greatest stability of the
microbiome was determined by higher initial alpha diversity, female sex, high
household income and preserved exocrine pancreatic function. Participants who newly
developed fatty liver disease or diabetes during the 5-year follow-up already
displayed significant microbiota changes at study entry when the diseases were
absent.

Conclusion

This study identifies distinct components of metabolic liver disease to be
associated with instability of the intestinal microbiome, increased abundance of
facultative pathogens and thus greater susceptibility toward dysbiosis-associated
diseases.
Statistically significant but clinically unimportant: a systematic review and meta-analysis of the analgesic benefits of erector spinae plane block following breast cancer surgery
Authors: Hussain Nasir , Brull Richard , Noble Jordan , Weaver Tristan , Essandoh Michael , McCartney Colin JL , Abdallah Faraj W
Published: November 2020

The novel erector spinae plane block (ESPB) has been reported to provide important postoperative analgesic benefits following a variety of truncal and abdominal surgical procedures. However, evidence of its analgesic efficacy following breast cancer surgery, compared with parenteral analgesia, is unclear. This meta-analysis evaluates the analgesic benefits of adding ESPB to parenteral analgesia following breast cancer surgery.

Databases were searched for breast tumor resection trials comparing ESPB to parenteral analgesia. The two co-primary outcomes examined were 24-hour postoperative oral morphine equivalent consumption and area-under-curve of rest pain scores. We considered reductions equivalent to 3.3 cm.h and 30 mg oral morphine in the first 24 hours postoperatively for the two co-primary outcomes, respectively, to be clinically important. We also assessed opioid-related side effects and long-term outcomes, including health-related quality of life, persistent postsurgical pain and opioid dependence. Results were pooled using random effects modeling.

Twelve trials (699 patients) were analyzed. Moderate quality evidence suggested that ESPB decreased 24-hour morphine consumption and area-under-curve of rest pain by a mean difference (95% CI) of −17.60 mg (−24.27 to −10.93) and -2.74 cm.h (−3.09 to −2.39), respectively; but these differences were not clinically important. High-quality evidence suggested that ESPB decreased opioid-related side effects compared with parenteral analgesia by an OR (95% CI) of 0.43 (0.28 to 0.66). None of the studies evaluated long-term block benefits.

Adding ESPB to parenteral analgesia provides statistically significant but clinically unimportant short-term benefits following breast cancer surgery. Current evidence does not support routine use of ESPB. Given the very modest short-term benefits and risk of complications, the block should be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Time–temperature superposition of asphalt materials and temperature sensitivity of rheological parameters (TSRP)
Authors: Azimi Alamdary Yashar , Baaj Hassan
Published: November 2020

Different temperature sensitivity parameters were introduced to address the temperature susceptibility of asphalt cement, all of which used a single number to define each particular material by assuming linearity in temperature sensitivity. The time–temperature superposition principle (TTS) has been used, under different circumstances, to understand the viscoelastic properties of asphalt materials. Various empirical relationships have been developed to explain the relationship between TTS shift factors and temperature. This research evaluated the suitability of such relationships to evaluate the temperature sensitivity of viscoelastic materials and found that the modified Arrhenius equation is more fundamentally appropriate for this purpose. Results of this study showed that the temperature sensitivity of rheological parameters, introduced here, is sensitive to age hardening (for both asphalt cement and mix) and can be used to evaluate age hardening and changes in mix’s volumetric properties as well as investigating the effect of mix design properties.
The unified treatment of the non-relativistic bound state solutions, thermodynamic properties, and expectation values of exponential-type potentials
Authors: Omugbe E. , Osafile O.E. , Onyeaju M.C. , Okon I.B. , Onate C.A.
Published: November 2020

In this paper, we obtained the analytical N-dimensional bound state solutions of exponential-type potential functions using the semi-classical Wentzel–Kramers–Brillouin (WKB) approximation method with an improved approximation to the orbital centrifugal barrier. Furthermore, we derived the partition function with the associated thermodynamic properties. We calculated the expectation values (〈1/r2〉) via the Hellmann–Feynman theorem. Our results for the energy levels are in excellent agreement with the best available results obtained by other methods in the existing literature. The variations of the thermodynamic functions with the temperature parameter (β) agree very well with the other results obtained under different potential energy functions. The expectation values conformed to the ones obtained by another approach in previous work. This work demonstrates the exactness of the leading-order WKB approximation.
Pricing and Cargo Canvassing with Risk-Sensitive Shipping Lines: A Mean-Risk Analysis
Authors: Zhuo Xiaopo , Wang Fan , Zhou Shaorui
Published: November 2020

This study considers a shipping supply chain consisting of an ocean carrier (OC) and two competing feeder carriers (FCs) in which the OC and FCs can canvass for cargos. We propose two contrastive structures: structure O (the OC canvasses for cargos) and structure F (the FCs canvass for cargo) to study the carriers’ cargo canvassing strategies. We employ a mean-risk objective function to reflect the cargo-canvassing carriers’ different risk attitudes. We find that the cargo canvassing carrier’s risk attitude has an opposite influence on the equilibrium freight rate of the OC and FCs, which is referred to as vertical reverse effect. We identify the horizontal consistent effect, which implies that an FC’s equilibrium freight rate increases in its and the rival’s risk sensitivity coefficient. In a market with high demand volatility, the OC and FCs should set high freight rates when they are risk-seeking, while set low freight rates when they are risk-averse. In addition, we highlight that FCs canvass for cargos can lead to an incentive alignment of the OC and FCs on cargo canvassing. Our analytical results provide the operational strategies for risk-sensitive OCs and FCs to canvass for cargos.
Treating the phase change of cavitation as the source of vapor inside bubbles
Authors: Ye Yanghui , Liang Yangyang , Dong Cong , Xu Yousheng , Zhang Zhiguo
Published: November 2020

Interface capturing methods are effective means to analyze the micromechanism of cavitation. It is complex to handle the phase change for interface capturing methods since it occurs at the narrow gas–liquid interface. This study proposes a new method to handle the phase change: treating it as the source of vapor inside the bubble. The phase change rate is calculated by the constant-transfer model, and the gas phase is an ideal mixture of non-condensable gas and vapor. In the validation part, the cavitation of a spherical bubble is trigged by the Gaussian pulses and harmonic forcing pressure is simulated, which shows good agreements between the proposed model and the constant-transfer model.
Thermodynamic analysis of an antiferromagnet Ising system
Authors: Jiao Shi-Yu , Hou Ji-Xuan
Published: November 2020

A mean field antiferromagnetic model with both short and long interaction was studied via the microcanonical approach. The thermodynamic quantities such as temperature and entropy were calculated theoretically. The ergodicity breaking and negative heat capacity could be encountered in this system.
Guest Editor’s Introduction: Software Mathematical Models for Human Understanding
Authors: Exman Iaakov
Published: November 2020

The unrelenting trend of larger and larger sizes of Software Systems and data has made software comprehensibility an increasingly difficult problem. However, a tacit consensus that human understanding of software is essential for most software related activities, stimulated software developers to embed comprehensibility in their systems’ design. On the other hand, recent empirical successes of Deep Learning neural networks, in several application areas, seem to challenge the tacit consensus: is software comprehensibility a necessity, or just superfluous? This introductory paper, to the 2020 special issue on Theoretical Software Engineering, offers reasons justifying our standpoint on the referred controversy. This paper also points out to specific techniques enabling Human Understanding of software systems relevant to this issue’s papers.
Degradation-Safety Analytics in Lithium-Ion Cells: Part I. Aging under Charge/Discharge Cycling
Authors: Juarez-Robles Daniel , Jeevarajan Judith A. , Mukherjee Partha P.
Published: November 2020

Disparate degradation modes in lithium-ion cell components due to aging under continuous cycling cause capacity fade and safety concerns under abuse conditions. In this work, the interplay between aging and abuse conditions, namely overcharge and external short, is investigated in fresh and aged cylindrical lithium-ion cells for different degradation conditions and operating windows. The objective, to elicit insights into the potential hazards in an aged cell, is accomplished via a comprehensive and controlled experimental analytics of the electrochemical, thermal and morphological behavior of the cell components. The Part I of the study sets the baseline for the aging induced degradation. According to the results of the aging study, cycle life can be doubled by reducing 200 mV at either ends of the voltage window at the expense of having a 20% reduction in capacity utilization. Differential voltage and temperature analyses revealed a state-of-charge dependence of the internal resistance and heat generation rate. Post-mortem analyses showed that the loss of cyclable lithium inventory due to the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) formation; and electrochemical deactivation of the cathode owing to delamination and particle cracking, are the primary degradation mechanisms responsible for the cell capacity fade due to aging under continuous cycling.
ASK1 Enhances Angiotensin II-Induced Liver Fibrosis In Vitro by Mediating Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress-Dependent Exosomes
Authors: Fang Pei-pei , Pan Chen-wei , Lin Wei , Li Jie , Huang Shan-shan , Zhou Guang-yao , Du Wen-jun , Li Qiang
Published: November 2020

Background. Apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1 (ASK1) has been reported to induce fibrotic signaling in the setting of oxidative stress. However, the role of ASK1 and its mechanism of action in angiotensin II- (Ang II-) induced liver fibrosis remain largely unknown. Methods. Human hepatic LX-2 stellate cells were treated with Ang II alone or cotreated with Ang II plus an ASK1 inhibitor (GS-4997) or siRNA-targeting ASK1. Immunofluorescent staining, real-time PCR, and western blotting were used to determine the expressionof α-SMA, Col I, and Col III expression. Cell viability was assessed by the CCK-8 assay. The concentrations of IL-1β, IL-18, and TNF-α in conditioned medium were determined by ELISA. The levels of intracellular ROS in LX-2 cells were analyzed using a ROS assay kit. Exosome size was determined by electron microscopy. Results. Ang II markedly increased the expression of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins (α-SMA, Col I, and Col III) and proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-18, and TNF-α). Ang II also increased the expression of endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) markers (GRP78, p-PERK, and CHOP) and p-ASK1. Results also showed that pretreatment with GS-4997 or siRNA could abolish all the abovementioned effects on LX-2 cells. Furthermore, we found that exosome release caused by ASK1-mediated ERS was involved in the activation of LX-2 cells by Ang II. The activation of LX-2 cells could be blocked by treating the exosomes with annexin. Conclusions. In summary, we found that ASK1 mediates Ang II-activated ERS in HSCs and the subsequent activation of HSCs, suggesting a promising strategy for treating liver fibrosis.
Chronic Endophthalmitis Caused by Pseudomonas stutzeri
Authors: Alshahrani Saeed T. , Arevalo J. Fernando
Published: November 2020

A patient presented with complaints of a sudden decrease in vision, ocular redness, and pain in the right eye. The patient had a history of clear lens extraction with intraocular lens (IOL) implantation for myopia 2 years previously. He had been prescribed topical steroids for episodes of inflammation that occurred repeatedly every 1–2 months. With a presumptive diagnosis of chronic endophthalmitis, a 23-G transconjunctival sutureless pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) with delivery of intravitreal antibiotics was performed the next day. Culture sensitivity testing of the vitreous sample indicated Pseudomonas stutzeri that was sensitive to ceftazidime and gentamicin. Two weeks later, the patient presented with sudden loss of vision and all the signs of recurrent endophthalmitis. 23-G transconjunctival sutureless PPV was performed along with removal of the posterior chamber IOL through a corneal incision. Complete resolution was only achieved after removal of the IOL, resulting in excellent visual recovery. Due to its chronic and fulminating nature, P. stutzeri can induce endophthalmitis and should be considered in the differential diagnosis. Aseptic measures are the best prevention.
The turn-taking mechanism in classroom interactions of public high school 2 Ambon
Authors: Sasabone Carolina
Published: November 2020

A special feature of class interaction discourse relates to typical elements of context. The elements of the context include the participants, the background, the topic, the nature of the message, and the message tone. Teachers are more dominant to organize the course of teaching and learning activities, such as topic selection, topic development, and control of conversation topics or learning topics. Teachers determine the direction of a conversation or turn-taking, ie when an opportunity is given to students to speak and when to take the rotation-said. The characteristics of learning conversations are (1) the participants are teachers and students, (2) the conversation is done during the teaching and learning activities, (3) the conversation has a purpose, and the topic is related to the learning objectives. . In addition teachers also have certain rights that usually appear in the teacher-centered classroom. These rights include (a) participating in all interactions, (b) initiating interactions, (c) determining the time to participate, (d) determining who is given the opportunity to interact, (e) determining who gets a turn more than once, and (f) closing the interaction. The mechanism of teacher-student turn-taking in classroom learning activities can be done by (1) getting opportunities (2) stealing opportunities, (3) seizing opportunities, (4) replacing, and (5) continuing.
Cursive handwriting skills of primary school pre service teachers
Authors: Fellasufah Fetty , Mustadi Ali
Published: November 2020

Normally, a pre service teacher will get an education in order to prepare themselves in cognitive knowledge, positive attitudes and skills. Moreover, what will be faced by them is educating children who are actually going through the initial stages of learning, namely reading, writing, and counting. Writing, especially cursive handwriting, helps children train their motor skills. To teach cursive handwriting, the pre service teacher should have good cursive handwriting skills. It would be nice if during their study, pre service teachers get cursive handwriting training. This article will describe the learning activities of primary teacher education program related to cursive handwriting. Qualitative studies were conducted on 39 students in the same class. The result shows that learning activities which implement planning, implementation and evaluation stages can support students' skills in cursive handwriting. This process is being implemented in order to prepare pre service teachers to have good cursive handwriting skill.
Correlation between continuous assessment and students’ performance in Islamic studies
Authors: Abdur-Rafiu Jamiu , Ajidagba U , Rafiu Masood
Published: November 2020

This study investigated the correlation between continuous assessment scores and Islamic Studies students’ performance in WASSCE and NECO Examinations in Ilorin, Nigeria. The instruments used were the copy of cumulative continuous assessment scores for three consecutive years (2011-2013) in Islamic Studies; (ii) the 2011-2013 Islamic Studies may/June SSCE computerized result sheets sent to each school by WAEC and NECO. The results of students were analysed using Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient (r) and regression. The findings showed that: (i) Students’ performance in Islamic Studies in NECO and WASSCE of the years under study (2011-2013) is fluctuating. (ii). Significant relationship exists between students’ continuous assessment scores and their performance in Islamic Studies in SSCE conducted by NECO. (iii). There is a significant relationship between students’ continuous assessment scores and their performance in Islamic Studies in WASSCE. (iv). There is a significant correlation among the school type of Students, their continuous assessment scores and their performance in Islamic Studies. Based on the findings of the study, it was recommended among others that there is a need to encourage Islamic Studies teachers in both public and private senior secondary schools to attach importance to the proper and regular conduct of continuous assessments.
Teachers’ knowledge of children’s mathematical development
Authors: Noviyanti Mery
Published: November 2020

This research was conducted due to the importance value of mathematics for early childhood and the fact some researches showed the early childhood education (ECE) teachers' low level of basic mathematical knowledge, especially the one related to childhood developmental stages. The participants of this research were 35 ECE teachers from one of the cities in West Java province with teaching experience approximately ten years. In this research, 30 minutes was given to the participants to solve 20 questions, which tested teachers' knowledge related to verbal counting sequence, counting, the ordinal number of words, addition/subtraction, divisions of sets, written number symbols, and words. Besides, the interview was conducted to get more in-depth information from the participants. The quantitative descriptive analysis was used to identify the frequency, percentage, mean value, and standard deviation. The result of the research showed that ECE teachers had limited knowledge of children's mathematical development. It was revealed by the result of the mean value of the teachers’ responses, which were only 33% correct answers and 16% no idea answers. This result can become input for the stakeholders to hold a professional development program which aims to increase the quality of ECE teachers related to mathematical development activity.