bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Electron Injection Layer on the Parasitic Recombination at the Hole Transport Layer/Quantum Dot Interface in Quantum Dot Light-Emitting Diodes
Authors: Park Da-Young , Lim Jae-Hoon , Lee Bum-Joo , Moon Dae-Gyu
Published: January 2020

Zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles layers are used as a substitute for organic electron transport layer due to high electron mobility, higher thermal stability and less sensitivity to the oxygen/moisture. In this study, we investigated the electron injection properties of ZnO nanoparticles
in QLED compared with TPBi commonly used as injection layer in OLEDs. The expected electron injection barrier from energy diagram is similar in both devices, but the current density of the ZnO injection layer was slightly high compared with the TPBi injection layer. The current efficiency
of ZnO and TPBi devices were 5.21 cd/A and 2.24 cd/A, respectively. The current efficiency of TPBi device is below half of ZnO device. We found that the electron–hole recombination occurs not only in the QD but also in the poly-TPD for TPBi device.
Fabrication of Antimicrobial Nanofiber Air Filter Using Activated Carbon and Cinnamon Essential Oil
Authors: Son Byeong Cheol , Park Chan Hee , Kim Cheol Sang
Published: January 2020

Recently, air quality is seriously worsening because of micro dust. As a result, respiratory and heart disease patients are also increasing every year. Therefore, the development of a highly efficient air filter media is required. In this study, we developed an antibacterial air filter
media with activated carbon (AC) and cinnamon essential oil (CO). 12 wt.% polyurethane (PU) solution mixed with CO and AC was electrospun to prepare the AC+CO+PU nanofiber mat. We studied various characteristics of the AC+CO+PU nanofibrous mat. The surface morphology of mats in different concentration
ratios was observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). We confirmed the antimicrobial activity of the nanofibrous mat using zone of inhibition test with Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Air filter test was carried out to observe air
filtration efficiency and pressure drop. This data was used to calculate the quality factor of the fabricated nanofiber air filter media. The fabricated antimicrobial nanofiber air filter media can be applied to various fields such as personal masks, air purification devices and bio applications.
Performance of Pt and Ir Supported on Mesoporous Materials for Decomposition of Hydroxylammonium Nitrate Solution
Authors: Yoo Dalsan , Woo Jaegyu , Oh Seolyeong , Jeon Jong-Ki
Published: January 2020

The catalytic decomposition of hydroxylammonium nitrate (HAN) was investigated using a series of platinum and iridium supported on mesoporous materials. In this study, MMZY, KIT-6, and SBA-15 were used as supports. The effects of the active metal and the pore structure of
the catalysts on decomposition of HAN solution were studied. The activity of the platinum catalysts supported on mesoporous material is much superior to that of the iridium catalysts on the same support. The Pt(10)/SBA-15 catalyst showed excellent decomposition activity and was the best among
the catalysts tested here, which seemed to be because of the pore structure of Pt(10)/SBA-15. Because the pore size of Pt(10)/SBA-15 is larger than that of Pt(10)/MMZY and Pt(10)/KIT-6, it is more advantageous for diffusion of reactant and product gas. The activity of the catalyst
increased as the amount of Pt loaded on the SBA-15 support increased.
Block Copolymer Nanosystems Encapsulating Magnetic Nanoparticles and Drug
Authors: Vlassi E. , Papagiannopoulos A. , Sergides A. , Pispas S.
Published: January 2020

The goal of this study was to investigate the solution behavior of nanosystems composed of self-assembling amphiphilic diblock copolymers, poly(ethylene oxide-b-phenyl oxazoline) and poly(isoprene-b-ethylene oxide) (PEO-b-PPhOx and PI-b-PEO), with encapsulated iron oxide nanoparticles
(γ-Fe2O3). The hybrid nanosystems were tested in aqueous solution, under physiological conditions and in mixtures with serum proteins. Light scattering methods were used to probe changes in size and mass of the formed aggregates in different solution conditions
and as a function of storage time. The developed stable hybrid systems with encapsulated magnetic nanoparticles were able to entrap the anti-inflammatory drug, indomethacin. This work demonstrates versatile nanosystems with metal oxide characteristics for bio-imaging and the potential for
drug delivery in aqueous media.
Biomedical Application of Doxorubicin Coated Hydroxyapatite—Poly(lactide-co-glycolide) Nanocomposite for Controlling Osteosarcoma Therapeutics
Authors: Ghosh Saikat , Ghosh Sampad , Jana Saikat Kumar , Pramanik Nabakumar
Published: January 2020

Nano drug delivery systems are widely used in cancer treatment nowadays. It is used to accomplish a remarkable drug therapeutic index to increase the efficacy of nanocomposites against cancer cells without affecting the other cells. Ceramic nanoparticles are well-known to carry chemotherapeutic
drugs to the infected sites. Interest in them is aroused by their potential for application as promising biomaterials, especially in various orthopaedic applications. In the current study, Hydroxyapatite (HAp) was prepared by a simple in situ precipitation method and coated with a potent
anticancer drug doxorubicin (DOX) using poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) polymer. The interfacial strength of the composite is enhanced by the use of polymer in the nanocomposite preparation. An interaction between HAp particle and PLGA matrix has been noticed, which leads to improve the
physicochemical properties of the prepared composites. Such a novel nanocomposite is further physicochemically characterized using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Transmission Electron Spectroscopy (TEM) and Particle Size Distribution (PSD). In addition,
the biocompatibility and the anticancer activity of the nanocomposite were evaluated by a colorimetric assay (MTT assay). The synthesized DOX-HAp-PLGA nanocomposite shows a significant cytotoxicity towards osteosarcoma cells, which may be potentially used as an anticancer agent against osteosarcoma
diseases.
Reduced Graphene Oxide Supported Molybdenum Oxide Hybrid Nanocomposites: High Performance Electrode Material for Supercapacitor and Photocatalytic Applications
Authors: Dhanabal Rengasamy , Naveena Dhanasekaran , Velmathi Sivan , Bose Arumugam Chandra
Published: January 2020

Using a simple solution based synthesis route, hexagonal MoO3 (h-MoO3) nanorods on reduced graphene oxide (RGO) sheets were prepared. The structure and morphology of resulting RGO-MoO3 nanocomposite were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman
spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), atomic force microscopy (AFM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). The optical property was studied using UV-Visible diffuse reflectance
spectroscopy (UV-Vis DRS) and photoluminescence spectroscopy (PL). The RGO-MoO3 nanocomposites were used as an electrode for supercapacitor application and photocatalyst for photodegradation of methylene blue (MB) and rhodamine B (RhB) under visible light irradiation. We demonstrated
that the RGO-MoO3 electrode is capable of delivering high specific capacitance of 134 F/g at current density of 1 A/g with outstanding cyclic stability for 2000 cycles. The RGOMoO3 photocatalyst degrades 95% of MB dye within 90 min, and a considerable recyclability up
to 4 cycles was observed. The quenching effect of scavengers test confirms holes are main reactive species in the photocatalytic degradation of MB. Further, the charge transfer process between RGO and MoO3 was schematically demonstrated.
Effect of Simplified-Single-Step Microwave Annealing in O2 Ambient for High Performance Solution-Processed In–Ga–Zn–O Thin Film Transistors
Authors: Cho Seong-Kun , Cho Won-Ju
Published: January 2020

In this study, we propose a simplified-single-step microwave annealing (S3-MWA) technique in an O2 ambient, which is a low thermal budget heat treatment method, for the application in solutionprocessed amorphous indium-gallium-zinc oxide (a-IGZO) thin films.
For the application of solutionprocessed a-IGZO films in electronic devices, a multi-step post deposition annealing (PDA) process, which involves baking at low temperatures to vaporize the solvent, and high temperature conventional thermal annealing to remove defects in the film, is
essential. To simplify the multi-step PDA process, we studied the possibility of reducing the thermal process temperature and time by replacing it with a single-step PDA process using microwave equipment. The electrical properties were compared to investigate the effect of the annealing method
and ambient on solution-processed a-IGZO thin film transistors (TFTs). As a result, the S3-MWA-processed a-IGZO TFTs were found to exhibit superior electrical characteristics in comparison with the conventional PDA-processed devices. It was found that the O2
ambient process not only shortened the annealing time of S3-MWA but also improved the electrical properties. Furthermore, the S3-MWA was superior to the conventional PDA in the evaluation of device reliability under a gate bias stress test. The S3-MWA process
in the O2 ambient was also responsible for improving the reliability of solution-processed a-IGZO TFTs. Therefore, we confirmed that the proposed S3-MWA in the O2 ambient is a more effective and promising technique than conventional PDA for the low thermal
budget treatment of solution-processed a-IGZO TFTs.
Characteristics of GaN-Based Nanowire Gate-All-Around (GAA) Transistors
Authors: Im Ki-Sik , Reddy Mallem Siva Pratap , Choi Jinseok , Hwang Youngmin , Roh Jea-Seung , An Sung Jin , Lee Jung-Hee
Published: January 2020

We investigate the DC, C–V, and pulse performances in GaN-based nanowire gate-all-around (GAA) transistors with two kinds of geometry: one is AlGaN/GaN heterostructure with two dimensional electron gas (2DEG) channel and the other is only GaN layer without 2DEG channel.
From I–V and C–V curves, the fabricated GaN nanowire GAA transistor with AlGaN layer clearly exhibits normally-on operation with negative threshold voltage (Vth) due to the existence of 2DEG channel on the trapezoidal shaped GaN nanowire. On the
other hand, the GaN nanowire GAA transistor without AlGaN layer presents a positive Vth (normally-off operation) due to the absent of 2DEG channel on the triangle shaped GaN nanowire. However, both devices show the similar temperaturedependent I–V characteristics
due to the combination of bulk channel and surface channel in GaN nanowire GAA channel are mostly contributed, rather than the 2DEG channel. GaN-based nanowire GAA transistors demonstrate to almost negligible current collapse phenomenon due to the perfect GAA gate structure in GaN nanowire.
The proposed GaN-based nanowire GAA transistors are very promising candidate for both high power device and nano-electronics application.
Mechanical Properties of Rapidly Solidified Ni3Ge and Ni5Ge3 Intermetallic Compounds
Authors: Haque Nafisul , Jegede Oluwatoyin E. , Mullis Andrew M.
Published: January 2020

The congruently melting, single phase, intermetallic compounds β-Ni3Ge and ε-Ni5Ge3 were produced by arc melt. Each was subject to rapid solidification via drop-tube processing. Each compound remained fully single phase (either
β-Ni3Ge or ε-Ni5Ge3) irrespective of the imposed cooling rate. In the investigation of β-Ni3Ge compound, droplets spanning the size range ≥850 to ≤38 μm diameter particles, with corresponding cooling
rates of <700 to >54500 K s−1, were subject to microstructural investigation using SEM. Six dominant solidification morphologies were identified with increasing cooling rate, namely; (i) spherulites, (ii) mixed spherulites and dendrites, (iii) dendrites-orthogonal, (iv)
dendrites-non-orthogonal, (v) recrystallized, and (vi) dendritic seaweed, are observed imbedded within a featureless matrix. For the ε-Ni5Ge3 compound, four dominant solidification morphologies were observed, namely; (i) partial plate and lath, (ii) plate and
lath microstructure (iii) isolated hexagonal crystallites, and (iv) single crystal imbedded within a featureless matrix. Micro-Vickers hardness test result of both compounds showed a complex dependence of micro hardness upon cooling rate. At 700 K s−1 the hardness was significantly
lower in both compounds than the reported equilibrium value, although in both cases this subsequently increased with further increases in cooling rate. Moreover, in both cases, microstructural transition, such as change in growth direction, led to abrupt drops in hardness. The micro-Vickers
hardness results confirmed that the ε-Ni5Ge3 is significantly harder (maximum 1021 Hv0.01) than the β-Ni3Ge compound (maximum 526 Hv0.01).
Phase Formation, Crystal Structure and Ion Conductivity of Silver Antimonate-Molybdates
Authors: Lupitskaya Yu. A. , Kalganov D. A. , Kovalenko L. Yu. , Yaroshenko F. A.
Published: January 2020

The features of the formation of compounds based on silver antimonate obtained in the AgNO3–Sb2O3–MoO3 system by the solid-phase reaction were investigated. For a synthesis temperature of 1023 K, a homogeneous concentration region
of the Ag2−xSb2−xMoxO6 solid solution with a structure of the defective pyrochlore type in the range of 0.0 ≤ x ≤ 2.0 was detected. The Rietveld method, within the constraints of the Fd-3m space group, was used to refinement
of X-ray diffraction data, specify the structural parameters of powders, and the correlation of structural disorder with their electrically conductive properties. Relative density and average particle size for ceramic samples sintered at 1223 K were determined using scanning electron microscopy.
Surface Pressure a More Skillful Predictor of Normalized Hurricane Damage than Maximum Sustained Wind
Authors: Klotzbach Philip J. , Bell Michael M. , Bowen Steven G. , Gibney Ethan J. , Knapp Kenneth R. , Schreck Carl J.
Published: January 2020

Atlantic hurricane seasons have a long history of causing significant financial impacts, with Harvey, Irma, Maria, Florence, and Michael combining to incur more than 345 billion USD in direct economic damage during 2017–2018. While Michael’s damage was primarily wind and storm surge-driven, Florence’s and Harvey’s damage was predominantly rainfall and inland flood-driven. Several revised scales have been proposed to replace the Saffir–Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale (SSHWS), which currently only categorizes the hurricane wind threat, while not explicitly handling the totality of storm impacts including storm surge and rainfall. However, most of these newly-proposed scales are not easily calculated in real-time, nor can they be reliably calculated historically. In particular, they depend on storm wind radii, which remain very uncertain. Herein, we analyze the relationship between normalized historical damage caused by continental United States (CONUS) landfalling hurricanes from 1900–2018 with both maximum sustained wind speed (Vmax) and minimum sea level pressure (MSLP). We show that MSLP is a more skillful predictor of normalized damage than Vmax, with a significantly higher rank correlation between normalized damage and MSLP (rrank = 0.77) than between normalized damage and Vmax (rrank = 0.66) for all CONUS landfalling hurricanes. MSLP has served as a much better predictor of hurricane damage in recent years than Vmax, with large hurricanes such as Ike (2008) and Sandy (2012) causing much more damage than anticipated from their SSHWS ranking. MSLP is also a more accurately-measured quantity than is Vmax, making it an ideal quantity for evaluating a hurricane’s potential damage.
Obstructing Justice: The Association Between Prosecutorial Misconduct and the Identification of True Perpetrators
Authors: Weintraub Jennifer N.
Published: January 2020

Prosecutorial misconduct is a potential barrier to identifying true perpetrators of crimes in wrongful conviction cases. Previous theories posit that pressures on prosecutors to carry out their role as ministers of justice in an adversarial system can incentivize misconduct and disincentivize postconviction cooperation, especially regarding alleged misconduct at trial. This study empirically tests how prosecutorial misconduct at trial can affect postconviction proceedings by analyzing the relation between prosecutorial misconduct alleged at trial and the identification of a true perpetrator postconviction in DNA exoneration cases. Results demonstrate that, as predicted, prosecutorial misconduct is associated with a decrease in the odds of true perpetrator identification. This work further underscores the need for the implementation of functional policy to deter prosecutorial misconduct.
Facial-recognition algorithms: A literature review
Authors: Kaur Paramjit , Krishan Kewal , Sharma Suresh K. , Kanchan Tanuj
Published: January 2020

The face is an important part of the human body, distinguishing individuals in large groups of people. Thus, because of its universality and uniqueness, it has become the most widely used and accepted biometric method. The domain of face recognition has gained the attention of many scientists, and hence it has become a standard benchmark in the area of human recognition. It has turned out to be the most deeply studied area in computer vision for more than four decades. It has a wide array of applications, including security monitoring, automated surveillance systems, victim and missing-person identification and so on. This review presents the broad range of methods used for face recognition and attempts to discuss their advantages and disadvantages. Initially, we present the basics of face-recognition technology, its standard workflow, background and problems, and the potential applications. Then, face-recognition methods with their advantages and limitations are discussed. The concluding section presents the possibilities and future implications for further advancing the field.
The Effect of Authenticity Orientation on Existential Authenticity and Postvisitation Intended Behavior
Authors: Stepchenkova Svetlana , Belyaeva Veronika
Published: January 2020

This study puts to empirical test the existence of three attitudes toward object-based authenticity that have been theorized in the literature as realist, constructivist, and postmodernist. We examine the relationship between an individual’s orientation toward object-based authenticity and the existential authenticity of tourists’ experience and postvisitation intended behavior. Two tourism settings are used: a museum with genuine historical artifacts and a place where authenticity is re-created, reconstructed, and interpreted. We find that the impact of authenticity orientation depends on the nature of the site: it affects existential authenticity in the re-created setting only. The largest differences are recorded between realists and postmodernists. Intended behavior does not depend on authenticity orientation when we control for the impact of existential authenticity.
Intake of sugar sweetened soft drinks among adolescents: Trends and social inequality in Denmark 2002-2018
Authors: Holstein Bjørn E. , Damsgaard Mogens Trab , Due Pernille , Krølner Rikke Fredenslund , Pedersen Trine Pagh , Rasmussen Mette
Published: January 2020

Background:

Intake of sugar sweetened soft drinks (SSSD) has decreased among adolescents, but trends in social inequality in SSSD intake are unknown.

Aim:

Examine trends in social inequality in SSSD intake among adolescents in Denmark during 2002–2018.

Methods:

Five Health Behaviour in School-aged Children surveys with data on SSSD intake and parents’ occupational social class (OSC) from nationally representative samples of 11, 13 and 15 year olds, n =20,112.

Results:

The overall prevalence of daily SSSD intake decreased from 10.1% in 2002 to 6.4% in 2018. The prevalence decreased in both high OSC (from 8% to 5%) and middle OSC (from 10% to 6%) but remained around 12% in low OSC. The odds ratio (OR) estimates of low compared with high OSC increased over the years around an overall OR of 2.01 (1.74–2.34).

Conclusions:

Danish adolescents’ SSSD intake decreased during 2002–2018 and was higher the lower the parents’ OSC. Thus, social inequality increased during 2002–2018.
From vulnerability to risk: Consolidating state interventions towards Māori children and young people in New Zealand
Authors: Stanley Elizabeth , de Froideville Sarah Monod
Published: January 2020

Vulnerability has been a guiding narrative to state interventions towards children and their families in New Zealand. This article shows how this progressive notion has been systematically managed to fit pre-established political and policy priorities. These processes have emphasised: (i) categorisations of risk to those who demonstrate vulnerabilities; (ii) pre-emptive, multi-agency involvement in the lives of those deemed potentially ‘vulnerable’; and (iii) a responsibilising expectation that children and families will avoid vulnerable situations and comply with interventions. This individualising logic of vulnerability has solidified policy interventions towards Māori, and re-emphasised colonial practices of viewing Māori children and young people as deficit-laden risks to be managed. With a late 2017 change in government, the political dalliance with vulnerability appears to be in decline. A new progressive policy discourse – of child ‘well-being’ and ‘best interests’ – is being engaged. Yet, the emphasis on risk, and its corresponding elements of pre-emption and responsibility, persist. These discursive and institutional arrangements will ensure that Māori remain perilously entrenched in welfare and justice systems.
Representing the citizenship of mental health users in French mental health policy: A critical analysis of the official French texts on mental health policies since 2005
Authors: Lampropoulos Dimitrios , Apostolidis Thémis
Published: January 2020

Research has shown that mental healthcare policies aimed at achieving autonomy and integration for people with mental disorders have been developing all over the world. Critics working from a governmentality perspective have argued that these changes are associated with broader neoliberal strategies and aims. In France however, there is no systematic work on this development. In this study, we have applied Bacchi’s ‘What’s the Problem Represented to Be’ approach to the main texts published by the French Ministry of Health since 2005, in order to study how the citizenship of mental health users is problematized. According to our analysis, the objectives of the autonomization, responsibilization and self-management of users have become increasingly central, following the recognition of users’ rights, social inclusion and the fight against the stigma of mental disorders. These developments have many points of contact with neoliberal governmentality. We conclude with recommendations for empirical research on discourses and practices in the field, where mental health policies are translated into mental health projects and practice.
Patterning of midlife marital trajectories in enduring marriages in a dyadic context: Physical and mental health outcomes in later years
Authors: Wickrama Kandauda A. S. , Klopack Eric T. , O’Neal Catherine Walker , Neppl Tricia
Published: January 2020

The current study, using prospective data over 25 years (1991–2015; N = 245 couples), investigates life course dyadic patterns of positive and negative marital trajectories (i.e., marital strength and strain, respectively) in middle-aged husbands and wives and an array of physical and mental health outcomes associated with these patterns. Spousal warmth, spouse’s constructive conflict resolution, and couple’s joint participation were used as indicators of marital strength, whereas spousal hostility, spouse’s destructive conflict resolution, and marital instability were used as indicators of marital strain. Four dyadic latent classes with heterogeneous trajectory patterns were identified using husbands’ and wives’ concurrent strength and strain marital trajectories (1991–2001), including a couple stable and moderately favorable group, a couple stable and highly favorable group, a couple stable and husband more favorable than wife group, and a husband improving with wife slightly worsening group. The best health outcomes in 2015 were generally reported by members of the couple stable and highly favorable group, whereas the worst health outcomes were found, on average, for members of the husband improving with wife slightly worsening group. Based on these findings, interventions should promote and develop resiliency factors, thereby aiding in the redirection or improvement of middle-aged spouses’ marital trajectories, which can reduce detrimental positive–negative imbalances in marital strength and strain.
Perspectives of elders and their adult children of Black and minority ethnic heritage on end-of-life conversations: A meta-ethnography
Authors: De Souza Joanna , Gillett Karen , Froggatt Katherine , Walshe Catherine
Published: January 2020

Background:

People of Black and minority ethnic heritage are more likely to die receiving life supporting measures and less likely to die at home. End-of-life care decision making often involves adult children as advance care planning is uncommon in these communities. Physicians report family distress as being a major factor in continuing with futile care.

Aim:

To develop a deeper understanding of the perspectives of elders of Black and minority ethnic heritage and their children, about end-of-life conversations that take place within the family, using a meta-ethnographic approach

Design:

Systematic interpretive exploration using the process of meta-ethnography was utilised.

Data sources:

CINAHL, MEDLINE, PubMed and PsycINFO databases were searched. Inclusion criteria included studies published between 2005 and 2019 and studies of conversations between ethnic minority elders and family about end-of-life care. Citation snowballing was used to ensure all appropriate references were identified. A total of 13 studies met the inclusion criteria and required quality level using Critical Appraisal Skills Programme.

Results:

The following four storylines were constructed: ‘My family will carry out everything for me; it is trust’; ‘No Mum, don’t talk like that’; ‘I leave it in God’s hands’; and ‘Who’s going to look after us?’ The synthesis reflected the dichotomous balance of trust and burden avoidance that characterises the perspectives of Black and minority ethnic elders to end-of-life care planning with their children.
Grip strength and pen pressure are not key contributors to handwriting difficulties in children with developmental coordination disorder
Authors: Prunty Mellissa M , Pratt Anna , Raman Evren , Simmons Laura , Steele-Bobat Fahyma
Published: January 2020

Introduction

Children with developmental coordination disorder have significant difficulties with handwriting. Factors such as hand grip strength and pen pressure are often assumed by clinicians to play a role, although empirical evidence is lacking. The aim of this study was to measure grip strength and pen pressure to examine their relationships with handwriting performance in children with developmental coordination disorder.

Method

Sixteen 8–14-year-old children with developmental coordination disorder were compared with 20 typically developing age- and gender-matched controls. Palmar, pinch and tripod grip strength were measured using hand dynamometers. The mean pressure exerted on a writing tablet by the pen was obtained during a handwriting task. Group comparisons were made and correlations conducted between grip strength and pen pressure and a range of handwriting product and process measures.

Results

There were no group differences on the three measures of grip strength. However, the developmental coordination disorder group exerted less pressure on the writing surface compared to typically developing peers. There were no significant correlations between grip strength or pen pressure and handwriting performance in children with developmental coordination disorder.

Conclusion

Clinicians should be cautious when using measures of grip strength or pen pressure to inform them about aspects of handwriting skill in children with developmental coordination disorder.
Is “extreme” bladder neck preservation in robot-assisted radical prostatectomy a safe procedure?
Authors: Dal Moro Fabrizio , Zazzara Michele , Morlacco Alessandro , Gardiman Marina Paola , Costa Giovanni , Zattoni Fabio
Published: January 2020

Introduction:

The aim was to investigate the surgical and pathological outcomes of an “extreme” bladder neck preservation in prostate cancer patients treated with robotic radical prostatectomy. The greatest concern about the “extreme” bladder neck preservation is the potential risk of creating a positive surgical margin at the level of bladder neck.

Materials and methods:

We prospectively collected data from 88 patients with diagnosed prostate cancer who underwent robotic radical prostatectomy with “‘extreme’ bladder neck preservation.” All surgical procedures were performed by the same expert surgeon (F.D.M.). In this study, “‘extreme’ bladder neck preservation” was considered when the length of the spared intraprostatic segment of bladder neck was ⩾1 cm. We compared the histopathologic data with those of a homogeneous similar cohort of 88 consecutive patients who underwent robotic radical prostatectomy without bladder neck preservation.

Results:

The two groups analyzed were comparable according to clinical and pathological characteristics. A positive surgical margin at the level of bladder neck was found in five (5.7%) cases in the “extreme” bladder neck preservation group and in six cases (6.8%) in the no–bladder neck preservation group. The prostatic base was involved by neoplasia in 14 and 19 patients (15.9% and 21.6%, respectively); of these, five (35.7%) and six (31.6%) had positive surgical margin at the level of bladder neck, respectively. The pathological staging in positive surgical margin at the level of bladder neck patients was pT3 in five (100%) cases in the “extreme” bladder neck preservation group and in four (66.7%) cases when we decided not to preserve the bladder neck.

Conclusion:

We demonstrated that “extreme” bladder neck preservation is a safe oncological procedure with similar pathologic findings of a comparable no–bladder neck preservation series. Positive surgical margins at the level of bladder neck are linked to neoplasia with adverse pathological features, rather than the “extreme” bladder neck preservation procedure.
The Role of Inclusive Leadership in Supporting an Inclusive Climate in Diverse Public Sector Teams
Authors: Ashikali Tanachia , Groeneveld Sandra , Kuipers Ben
Published: January 2020

In organizations with a diverse workforce, inclusive leadership is assumed to be required to support the full appreciation and participation of diverse members. To date, studies identifying how leadership enables an inclusive climate in diverse teams are scarce. The aim of this study, therefore, is to examine how inclusive leadership fosters inclusiveness in diverse teams. Hypotheses were tested on a sample of 293 team members clustered in 45 public sector teams using structural equation modeling. The results showed that inclusive leadership positively moderates the negative relation between team ethnic–cultural diversity and inclusive climate. This study shows that greater team diversity does not automatically yield an inclusive climate. Inclusive leadership is needed to support an inclusive climate in which different team members are valued for what they bring to work practices. Inclusive leadership is crucial for fostering inclusiveness in diverse teams. Limitations are discussed and recommendations for future research are proposed.
Butter Sculpture: The History of an Unconventional Medium
Authors: Simpson Pamela H.
Published: January 2020

With its roots in ancient food molds and table art for Renaissance banquets, butter sculpture in the United States debuted during the centennial and flourished in the first quarter of the twentieth century. As the dairy industry moved from farm to regional cooperative creameries and eventually to national brands, butter sculpture appeared at fairs and expositions. Both amateur and professional sculptors used this unusual medium for busts and portraits, dairy‐related subjects, and models of buildings. The ephemeral nature of the medium and the novelty of food as art drew crowds to exhibits advertising butter as the natural, healthy alternative to oleomargarine.
Study on the damping efficiency of continuous beam bridge with constant cross-section applied by lead rubber bearings and fluid viscous dampers
Authors: Zhen Li , Dejian Li , Leihua Peng , Yao Lu , Kepei Cheng , Qianqiu Wu
Published: January 2020

Bridges are the lifelines of disasters in earthquake areas. Therefore, it is very necessary to ensure the safety and traffic function after earthquake. Seismic isolation refers to install external energy dissipation devices or external energy input devices in specific parts of engineering structures. There are certain differences in longitudinal and transverse seismic responses of multi-span continuous beam bridges by changing the seismic dynamic characteristics or dynamic effects of structures. It is difficult to achieve the purpose of seismic isolation in both horizontal directions using isolation devices alone. The rubber deformation ability of lead rubber bearings can effectively insulate, and the yield energy consumption ability of its lead core can effectively consume the seismic energy for damping. The horizontal resistance is very small under the creep load, and the stiffness decreases rapidly after yielding under the strong dynamic earthquake load; meanwhile, the seismic energy is dissipated by the hysteresis of bearing. Fluid viscous damper is a velocity-dependent energy dissipation device, which produces viscous damping force, provides strong restoring force for components, and has a good limit function. This process will also dissipate the seismic energy, so as to reduce the structural earthquake response. Using these two methods together, the horizontal seismic responses of multi-span continuous beam bridges can be effectively controlled at the same time. Based on this idea, this article takes a high-speed multi-span continuous beam bridge with equal section as the engineering background, and uses dynamic time history analysis method to discuss the seismic isolation effect of lead rubber bearings and fluid viscous dampers.
Toll-like receptor signalling associated with immunomodulation of umbilical cord–derived mesenchymal stem cells in mice with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Wu K H , Cheng C C , Li J P , Weng T F , Yang S F , Pan H H , Chao Y H
Published: January 2020

With potent immunomodulatory activities, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have the potential to be a beneficial treatment option for diseases with aberrant immune responses such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). However, the underlying mechanisms remain largely unknown. Here, we used NZBWF1 mice as a SLE animal model to examine immunomodulation of MSCs as well as to assess the role of Toll-like receptor signalling in this circumstance. We found that mice receiving MSCs had a significant decrease in severity of proteinuria at 20 and 22 weeks of age ( p = 0.009 and p = 0.022, respectively). Serum anti-dsDNA levels were significantly lower compared with the control group ( p = 0.016 and p = 0.036, respectively). C3 and C4 levels were significantly higher at 22 weeks of age ( p = 0.046 and p = 0.016, respectively). Altered expression of inflammation-associated cytokine profiles in the serum was also noted in mice receiving MSCs. Down-regulation of myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88)-nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signalling in the liver was demonstrated by quantitative polymerase chain reaction, ELISA and Western blotting. In addition to demonstrating the beneficial effects of MSC treatment in NZBWF1 mice, our study provided the first evidence for the association of MyD88-NF-κB signalling and MSC-mediated immunomodulation in this disease.
Strengthening the Circle: An International Review of Government Domestic Violence Prevention Plans and Inclusion of Indigenous Peoples
Authors: Fotheringham Sarah , Wells Lana , Goulet Sharon
Published: January 2020

This study describes the level of government commitment in preventing domestic violence (DV) toward Indigenous women in countries of the Global North. Seventy-two government-endorsed DV prevention plans across 11 countries were analyzed. While more than half of the plans acknowledged Indigenous peoples, the main discourse reinforced a Western DV paradigm, reproduced negative stereotypes, and ignored systemic factors. Little consideration for intersectionality, the impact of colonization, or Indigenous worldviews was evident. Targeted prevention strategies were found but were disjointed and culturally inappropriate. Taken together, these findings suggest minimal government commitment and absence of cultural understanding regarding DV in Indigenous communities.
Repeatability of ultrasound examination of the optic nerve sheath diameter in the adult cat: comparison between healthy cats and cats suffering from presumed intracranial hypertension
Authors: Evangelisti Maria Antonietta , Carta Giovanni , Burrai Giovanni P , Pinna Parpaglia Maria Luisa , Cubeddu Francesca , Ballocco Isabella , Puggioni Antonella , Manunta Maria Lucia
Published: January 2020

Objectives

The objectives of this study were to test: (1) the repeatability of ultrasonographic examination of the optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD) in the cat; (2) the association between the ONSD and age, sex and body weight in healthy cats; and (3) the difference in the ONSD between healthy cats and those suffering from presumed intracranial hypertension (ICH).

Methods

This study had a prospective, blinded, observational cross-sectional study design. Two groups of animals were considered: healthy cats (group A) and cats with a diagnosis of presumed ICH (group B). The ONSD was evaluated, measured and compared between the two groups via an ultrasonographic transpalpebral approach. Repeatability of the procedure was evaluated through the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Data were statistically compared using the Student’s t-test and linear regression analysis.

Results

A strong inter- and intraobserver ICC indicating good repeatability was observed. The interobserver ICC was 0.965 ( P  <0.05) for the right eye and 0.956 ( P  <0.05) for the left eye. The intraobserver ICC was 0.988 ( P  <0.05) and 0.984 ( P  <0.05) for the right and left eyes, respectively. In healthy cats the mean ± SD ONSD was 1.23 ± 0.11 mm (range 1–1.47 mm) and 1.23 ± 0.10 (range 1–1.4 mm) for right and left eyes, respectively. The ONSD was not related to sex or weight; a weak relationship was observed with age. In group B, the mean ONSD was 1.68 ± 0.13 mm (range 1.5–1.9 mm) and 1.61 ± 0.15 mm (range 1.4–1.9 mm) for the right and left eyes, respectively. In group B, the ONSD was statistically significantly larger than in group A, the healthy cats ( P  <0.001).

Conclusions and relevance

The transpalpebral ultrasonographic technique is a non-invasive, feasible and reproducible method to measure ONSD both in healthy cats and in cats suffering from suspected ICH.
New imaging approaches for precision diagnosis and disease staging of MS?
Authors: Oh Jiwon , Sicotte Nancy L
Published: January 2020

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has revolutionized the diagnosis and management of people living with multiple sclerosis (MS). However, conventional MRI sequences and measures currently used in clinical practice have limitations in the appropriate diagnosis, prediction of future disability, and monitoring of disease activity in MS. A specific challenge is the accurate and timely diagnosis of progressive subtypes of MS. This article will summarize emerging MRI measures that may be of utility as clinical tools in diagnosis and prediction in MS. Although a wide range of MRI techniques have different strengths and weaknesses, those that will be discussed in this article include the “central vein sign,” leptomeningeal inflammation/enhancement, conventional and quantitative spinal cord imaging, susceptibility-weighted imaging, and high-field MRI techniques. There are a number of novel and emerging MRI techniques that hold promise in improving diagnosis, prediction, and disease monitoring in MS.
Biosensors to monitor MS activity
Authors: Graves Jennifer S , Montalban Xavier
Published: January 2020

Advances in wearable and wireless biosensing technology pave the way for a brave new world of novel multiple sclerosis (MS) outcome measures. Our current tools for examining patients date back to the 19th century and while invaluable to the neurologist invite accompaniment from these new technologies and artificial intelligence (AI) analytical methods. While the most common biosensor tool used in MS publications to date is the accelerometer, the landscape is changing quickly with multi-sensor applications, electrodermal sensors, and wireless radiofrequency waves. Some caution is warranted to ensure novel outcomes have clear clinical relevance and stand-up to the rigors of reliability, reproducibility, and precision, but the ultimate implementation of biosensing in the MS clinical setting is inevitable.
Genetic and gene expression signatures in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Patsopoulos Nikolaos A , De Jager Philip L
Published: January 2020

Multiple sclerosis (MS) exhibits a well-documented increased incidence in individuals with respective family history, that is, is a heritable disease. In the last decade, genome-wide association studies have enabled the agnostic interrogation of the whole genome at a large scale. To date, over 200 genetic associations have been described at the strict level of genome-wide significance. Our current understanding of MS genetics can explain up to half of the disease’s heritability, raising the important question of whether this is enough information to leverage toward improving diagnosis in MS. Parallel advancements in technologies that allow the characterization of the full transcriptome down to the single-cell level have enabled the generation of an unprecedented wealth of information. Transcriptional changes of putative causal cells could be utilized to identify early signs of disease onset. These recent findings in genetics and genomics, coupled with new technologies and deeply phenotyped cohorts, have the potential to improve the diagnosis of MS.
Stress management and health promotion intervention program for police forces
Authors: Liakopoulou Dimitra , Tigani Xanthi , Varvogli Liza , Chrousos George P , Darviri Christina
Published: January 2020

Police are exposed to considerable amounts of stress while undertaking their work; confronting not only a plethora of stress factors common to the field of work, but also frequently experienced violence, aggression, environmental stressors and traumatic events, thus leading to poor physical and mental health. This study aims to expand evidence on the role of stress management in police forces. The study concerns a randomized control trial in a sample of police officers ( N = 54) randomly separated into intervention and control groups. The intervention group ( N = 27) underwent Pythagorean Self-Awareness Intervention (PSAI), a novel 8-week non-pharmaceutical self-referring intervention, whereas the control group completed self-reported questionnaires that were used pre- and post-intervention in both groups. The majority of participants were males in their mid-30s, with tertiary education, married, and had been working in police forces for more than a decade; more than half were shift workers. Statistical analyses revealed beneficial changes in the intervention group for the variables anger in, negative affect, cognitive speed and verbal memory compared with the control group. We aspire to the introduction of PSAI as a method that have beneficial effects on police stress, cognitive amelioration and management of negative feelings and anger.
Explaining the collapse of the prison population in the Netherlands: Testing the theories
Authors: Boone Miranda , Pakes Francis , van Wingerden Sigrid
Published: January 2020

Between 2005 and 2015 the Dutch prison population decreased by 44 percent. Such a rapid yet sustained reduction in the number of prisoners has no parallel in the Western world in this period. What are the factors that underlie this unique development? This article charts the decline of prisoner numbers in the Netherlands and considers areas that may account for it. It takes a systemic approach which considers publicly available data that has involved the whole of the criminal justice system. It finds that a serious decline in crimes reported to the police is part of the explanation. Although the overall percentage of cases solved by the police has not changed and the prosecution office has not become more reluctant to forward cases to court, fewer cases that warrant imprisonment have come before the court over this period. In addition, the average sentence length imposed by judges has gone down. The proportion of acquittals has gone up. This shows that any explanation should involve developments in policing as well as in the courtroom. However, questions regarding police capacity to deal with serious and organized crime call into question any conclusion that the Dutch carceral collapse is simply due to a decrease in crime. The reality underlying this remarkable reduction in the number of people in prison at any one time in the Netherlands requires a more multifaceted answer than this.
Treatment of Sagittal Band Injuries and Extensor Tendon Subluxation: A Systematic Review
Authors: Wu Kitty , Masschelein Geoffrey , Suh Nina
Published: January 2020

Background: This systematic review assesses the current literature and reviews the clinical outcomes of treatment for sagittal band injuries and extensor tendon instability. Materials: A systematic search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane databases was performed for English-language articles on the treatment of nonrheumatoid adult sagittal band injuries between 1969 and 2019. Two independent reviewers were involved in screening, data extraction, and critical appraisal. The level of evidence was assigned using the Sackett scale, and the methodological quality of the studies was evaluated using the Structured Effectiveness Quality Evaluation Scale (SEQES). Outcome measures were persistent pain, extensor lag, and recurrent tendon subluxation. Results: In all, 1653 abstracts were identified, with 43 articles reviewed in full text and 17 articles (429 treated digits) included in the final systematic review. There were 10 studies on surgical management, 3 on nonoperative management, and 4 on both. There were 4 retrospective case series and 13 retrospective case reports (Sackett level 4) with an average SEQES score of 15 (low quality). Studies on nonoperative management had on average more digits per study and higher SEQES scores (n = 27.7, SEQES = 19) compared with studies on surgical management (n = 11.8, SEQES = 13.8). Variability in reported outcome measures precluded meta-analysis. Conclusion: Qualitative synthesis of available literature suggests that acute sagittal band injuries can be successfully treated by splinting the injured digit in neutral or hyperextension. Patients with chronic injuries or those failing nonoperative management may benefit from surgical exploration. A lack of consistent outcome measures precluded comparison of surgical techniques.