bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Speciation of a subterranean amphipod on the glacier margins in South Eastern Alps, Europe
Authors: Delić Teo , Trontelj Peter , Zakšek Valerija , Brancelj Anton , Simčič Tatjana , Stoch Fabio , Fišer Cene
Published: November 2021

Aim

Climatic oscillations altered distributions through migration, extinction, adaptation or speciation. Their joint effect has been rarely studied. Here, we tested how Pleistocene climatic oscillations shaped the evolutionary history and distribution of a subterranean amphipod. We tested four predictions for extant populations: (i) populations of good dispersers moving along the ice‐sheet margin should have homogenous genetic structure and broad tolerance to temperatures; (ii) adaptation to local temperatures evolved in poor dispersers with spatially structured populations; (iii) Pleistocene extinctions in the range of historical glaciers should reflect founder effects and high sensitivity to low temperatures; (iv) para‐ or allopatric speciation could unfold through diverse scenarios as a response to local adaptation and constrained dispersal.

Location

North‐Western part of the Balkan Peninsula, Europe.

Taxon

Niphargus stygius, Amphipoda, Crustacea.

Methods

We used time‐calibrated multilocus phylogenies and multilocus delimitations to test independently evolving lineages. For each lineage, separately we assessed historical population dynamics and dispersal potential, modelled climatic niches and mapped them onto palaeoclimatic maps. Additionally, we conducted enzymatic and respiratory tests of thermal tolerance, and reconstructed historical distribution range using phylogeographical diffusion analyses.

Results

We identified four independently evolving tentative species, dated to the Pleistocene, with no evidence of extinction events. Three main lineages are parapatric with few pairwise syntopies and no traces of hybridization. They evolved in allopatry and possibly maintained constant effective population sizes. The lineages are phylogeographically substructured, indicating low recent dispersal. They differ in their climatic niche envelopes and physiological responses to unfavourable temperatures.

Main conclusions

We infer that periodic drops of groundwater in the Pleistocene caused two vicariant events and the onset of two allopatric speciation events, followed by phases of dispersal leading to secondary contact and occasional overlap of ranges. Speciation was seemingly fostered by eco‐physiologically differentiation due to adaptation to local climates.
Temperature and oxygen saturation in skilled nursing facility residents positive for SARS‐CoV‐2 prior to symptom onset
Authors: Lehnertz Nicholas B. , Lifson Alan , Galloway Eboni , Taylor Joanne , Carter Rosalind J. , Kazazian Lilit , Day Katelyn , Miller Sarah , Mendez Elyssa , Lynfield Ruth
Published: November 2021

Background

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus‐2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) spreads rapidly amongst residents of skilled nursing facilities (SNFs). The rapid transmission dynamics and high morbidity and mortality that occur in SNFs emphasize the need for early detection of cases. We hypothesized that residents of SNFs infected with SARS‐CoV‐2 would demonstrate an acute change in either temperature or oxygen saturation (SpO2) prior to symptom onset. The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) conducted a retrospective analysis of both temperature and SpO2 at two separate SNFs to assess the utility of these quantitative markers to identify SARS‐CoV‐2 infection prior to the development of symptoms.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was conducted of 165 individuals positive for SARS‐CoV‐2 who were residents of SNFs that experienced coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) outbreaks during April–June 2020 in a metropolitan area of Minnesota. Age, sex, symptomology, temperature and SpO2 values, date of symptom onset, and date of positive SARS‐CoV‐2 test were analyzed. Temperature and SpO2 values for the period 14 days before and after the date of initial positive test were included. Descriptive analyses evaluated changes in temperature and SpO2, defined as either exceeding a set threshold or demonstrating an acute change between consecutive measurements.

Results

Two (1%) residents had a temperature value ≥100°F, and 30 (18%) had at least one value ≥99°F within 14 days before symptom development. One hundred and sixteen residents (70%) had at least one SpO2 value ≤94%, while 131 (80%) had an acute decrease in SpO2 of ≥3% between consecutive values in the 14 days prior to symptom onset.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that acute change in SpO2 might be useful in the identification of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection prior to the development of symptoms among residents living in SNFs. Facilities may consider adding SpO2 to daily temperature and symptom screening checklists to improve early detection of residents of SNFs infected with SARS‐CoV‐2.
The ACTN3 R577X polymorphism is associated with metabolic alterations in a sex‐dependent manner in subjects from western Mexico
Authors: Barrón‐Cabrera Elisa , Torres‐Castillo Nathaly , González‐Becerra Karina , Zepeda‐Carrillo Eloy A. , Torres‐Valadez Rafael , Hernández‐Cañaveral Iván , Martínez‐López Erika
Published: November 2021

Background

The ACTN3 gene is primarily expressed in fast skeletal muscle fibres. A common nonsense polymorphism in this gene is ACTN3 R577X (rs1815739), which causes an absolute deficiency of α‐actinin‐3 protein and alterations in muscle metabolism. Considering metabolic alterations are influenced by nutrition and genetic factors, as well as lifestyle factors, we hypothesise a possible association of the ACTN3 R577X polymorphism with metabolic alterations.

Methods

In this cross‐sectional study, 397 adults met the inclusion criteria. Body composition was measured by electrical bioimpedance. Dietary data were analysed using Nutritionist Pro™ software. Biochemical variables were determined by dry chemistry. Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral leukocytes and genotyping of the ACTN3 R577X polymorphism was determined by allelic discrimination using TaqMan probes. The statistical analyses were performed using SPSS statistical software. p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

The ACTN3 577XX genotype was associated with high glucose, triglyceride and very low density lipoprotein‐cholesterol levels and a higher frequency of hypertriglyceridaemia and insulin resistance in women. In males, the genetic variant showed a trend towards significance for insulin resistance.

Conclusions

The ACTN3 R577X polymorphism was associated with metabolic alterations in women and a tendency was observed in men variant carriers. Thus, this common genetic variant could be implicated in the development of chronic metabolic diseases.
Impact of a web‐based educational program on Japanese nurses tobacco cessation practice and attitudes in oncology settings
Authors: Mizuno Michiyo , Yagasaki Kaori , Imai Yoshie , Ueta Isako , Bando Takae , Takahashi Aki , Komatsu Hiroko , Asanuma Chie , Sarna Linda , Wells Marjorie , Brook Jenny , Floegel‐Shetty Astrid , Bialous Stella
Published: November 2021

Purpose

To evaluate the effects of a short web‐based educational program on Japanese nurses’ self‐reported attitudes toward tobacco cessation and their use of interventions to help smokers to quit.

Design

Prospective, single‐group design with a pre‐educational survey, a short web‐based educational program, and a follow‐up survey at 3 months.

Methods

Clinical nurses were asked to view two prerecorded webcasts about helping smokers quit. They completed two online surveys, one at baseline and one at a 3‐month follow‐up. Generalized linear models were used to determine changes in nurses’ self‐reported routine practice after the study intervention.

Findings

A total of 1401 nurses responded to the baseline survey, 678 of whom completed the follow‐up survey. Compared with baseline, nurses at follow‐up were more likely to advise smokers to quit (odds ratio [OR] = 1.45, 95% confidence interval [CI: 1.15, 1.82]), assess patients’ interest in quitting (OR = 1.46, 95% CI [1.01, 1.04]), and assist patients with smoking cessation (OR = 1.34, 95% CI [1.04, 1.72]). However, the proportion of nurses who consistently recommended resources for tobacco cessation did not significantly improve at follow‐up.

Conclusions

This study provides preliminary evidence that a web‐based educational program can increase nurses’ implementation of tobacco dependence interventions in cancer care practice. Sustaining these educational efforts could increase nurses’ involvement in providing these interventions, encourage nurses to refer patients to cessation resources, and support nurses’ attitudes towards their role in smoking cessation.

Clinical relevance

Our short web‐based educational program can increase nurses’ use of tobacco‐dependence interventions in cancer care practice. This role can be enhanced with additional information about existing cessation resources that nurses could use to refer patients for support post‐discharge.

Japanese nurses, when properly educated, are willing and significant contributors to promote tobacco use cessation for cancer patients. The contribution can be facilitated through nursing care protocol that integrate tobacco use cessation interventions within evidence‐based cancer care approaches.
Land and contract farming: Changes in the distribution and meanings of land in Kilombero, Tanzania
Authors: Isager Lotte , Fold Niels , Mwakibete Anne
Published: November 2021

In the context of contract farming of sugarcane in an outgrower scheme in Tanzania, this paper explores how the scheme has fundamentally altered people's relationships with the land over the last 50 years, in particular, since 1999, when, after three decades, the sugar parastatal was privatized. The paper reviews the literature on the mutual relationship between contract farming and land ownership and examines the scheme with a focus on long‐term changes in the forms of land acquisitions and land use. We argue that the meaning and importance of landownership in contract farming schemes needs to be reassessed if participation in contract farming entails a departure from previous forms of acquiring land, generates new spatial patterns of agricultural production, and necessitates additional economic and social resources in order to transform land into an economic asset.
Contesting total extractivism: Between idealism and materialism
Authors: Purcell Thomas F.
Published: November 2021

This review essay develops a methodologically‐minded critical engagement with two books that seek to make big theoretical contributions to our understanding of the socially and ecologically destructive dynamics of extractivism. By reading both texts through their methods of concept building and abstraction, the essay points towards the potential and pitfalls of science and technology in the capitalist mode of production and, in turn, the prospects for human agency to contest the forces of extractivism.
Larvae of coastal marine invertebrates enhance their settling success or benefits of planktonic development – but not both – through vertical swimming
Authors: Meyer Alexander D. , Hastings Alan , Largier John L.
Published: November 2021

The planktonic larvae of many coastal marine invertebrates swim vertically during dispersal to exploit variation in current strength and direction, food abundance and mortality rate throughout the water column and offshore. Prior studies have estimated the effects of vertical swimming upon larval dispersal using mathematical models. However, most such studies consider just a small number of predefined swimming behaviors despite evidence that even seemingly insignificant changes to these behaviors can dramatically alter predictions of larval delivery. Additionally, the concurrent effects of vertical swimming upon predation risk, feeding opportunities and energy budgeting are not well characterized. We used a simple mathematical model of larval dispersal in upwelling‐favorable conditions to investigate how a continuum of swimming behaviors affect these quantities simultaneously. Within this continuum, we identified two categories of successful behaviors. ‘Mean‐onshore' behaviors deliver most larvae to coastal habitats, but offer limited opportunities for feeding and alongshore movement during dispersal. By contrast, ‘mean‐offshore' behaviors deliver fewer larvae to shore, but permit more feeding, alongshore movement, and, potentially, safety from nearshore hazards. No behaviors considered achieved the benefits of both categories. We hypothesize that mean‐onshore behaviors are advantageous for species with non‐feeding larvae or sparse adult populations, while mean‐offshore behaviors are advantageous for species with feeding larvae or crowded adult populations. Our results underscore the importance of considering how behavior interacts with environmental structure and individual biology while studying dispersal in marine and other ecosystems.
Reflecting on opportunities and challenges regarding implementation of responsible digital agri‐technology innovation
Authors: Jakku Emma , Fielke Simon , Fleming Aysha , Stitzlein Cara
Published: November 2021

Digital transformation within agriculture involves advances in information and communication technologies that promise a ‘next generation’ of agricultural technologies that will drive improvements in productivity and efficiency while reducing risks and negative impacts. Here, we discuss the Digiscape Future Science Platform, a program that seeks to facilitate the digital transformation of Australia's agricultural industries and land sector. Digiscape is one example of significant efforts internationally to realise the transformative potential of digital agriculture. However, there are significant socio‐ethical challenges associated with digital agriculture. Responsible innovation (RI) provides one conceptual lens to address such challenges, acknowledging the power of research and innovation to create the future and posing questions about the types of futures that societies want to encourage or avoid. This article uses insights from rural sociology and innovation studies, which can complement RI dimensions–anticipation, inclusion, reflexivity and responsiveness–to reflect on how RI can be implemented in digital agriculture initiatives. We draw on insights from interviews with researchers involved in Digiscape to show how RI dimensions can be blended with applied sociological theories and co‐innovation principles and identify recommendations to help foster responsible agricultural technology development.
Sociodemographic correlates of vaccine hesitancy in the United States and the mediating role of beliefs about governmental conspiracies
Authors: Stroope Samuel , Kroeger Rhiannon A. , Williams Courtney E. , Baker Joseph O.
Published: November 2021

Objective

Vaccine hesitancy remains a significant public health challenge, and one that is socially patterned. This study examined whether the vaccine hesitancy effects of identifying as female, race–ethnicity, the number of children, educational attainment, and political conservatism were mediated by governmental conspiracy beliefs.

Methods

Linear mediation models controlling for potential confounders were employed to analyze data from a national survey of adults (2019 Chapman University Survey of American Fears; n = 1,209).

Results

Effects on vaccine hesitancy were significant and negative for educational attainment, and significant and positive for the other focal predictors. Governmental conspiracy beliefs significantly mediated each of these effects; the percent mediated was largest for Hispanic identity (79 percent), followed by female identification (69 percent), educational attainment (69 percent), number of children (55 percent), black identification (34 percent), and political conservatism (30 percent).

Conclusion

This study underscores the importance of nonvaccine‐related conspiracy beliefs for future interventions aimed at reducing sociodemographic disparities in vaccine hesitancy.
Characterization of the novel HLA‐DPA1*01:03:34 allele by sequencing‐based typing
Authors: Blandin Lucie , Guidicelli Gwendaline , Cargou Marine , Rouzaire Paul , Lemal Richard
Published: November 2021

HLA‐DPA1*01:03:34 differs from HLA‐DPA1*01:03:01:04 by one nucleotide substitution in codon 85 in exon 3.
Peripheral venous catheter collection of immune effector cells and hematopoietic stem cells is feasible and safe in older pediatric patients
Authors: Livingston Joel , Di‐Mola Maria , Lowry Jane , Ruse Nigel , Chiang Kuang‐Yueh , Chopra Yogi , Schechter Tal , Ali Muhammad , Licht Christoph , Wall Donna , Krueger Joerg
Published: November 2021

Background

The Collection of hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) and immune effector cells (IEC) has unique challenges in children. To maintain adequate blood flow, central venous catheters (CVCs) remain the standard of care in many centers, but are associated with procedural risks and increased resource utilization. The goal of this study was to determine feasibility and safety of peripheral venous catheter (PVC) cell collection in older children.

Methods

Patients and donors requiring venous access with weight >25 kg, age >8 years were screened for PVC collection via 18G PVCs. Those with poor venous access (on history/exam/pre‐screening ultrasound) or unable to maintain suitable procedural position were excluded. Comparison was made to CVC collections in a matched patient cohort.

Results

Thirty‐eight individuals were screened and met age/weight criteria for PVC collection. Five did not have PVC collection attempted due to poor access (n = 4) or behavioral concerns (n = 1). Thirty‐three had PVC collection attempt (HSC = 22; IEC = 11) with median age 15.3 year (range 9.7–18.0) and weight 58.5 kg (range 27.9–115.4). Thirty‐two of 33 (97%) patients were collected successfully by PVC without adverse events. Comparing PVC to matched CVC collection cohort (n = 18), there was no significant difference in flow rate (48.2 mL/h vs 53.9 mL/h, p = 0.12), collection time (266 min vs 262 min, p = 0.85) or collection efficiency (IEC/CD3 60.9% vs 60.8% p = 0.99; HSC/CD34 53.6% vs 41.3% p = 0.05).

Conclusion

PVC collection of HSC and IEC is feasible and safe in older children with comparable collection efficiency to CVC collections. Ultrasound screening may reduce failure rates. PVC collections can reduce the risk of CVC insertions and associated healthcare costs.
Economic impact and health care utilization outcomes of diabetes self-management education and support interventions for persons with diabetes: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Whitehouse Christina R. , Haydon-Greatting Starlin , Brady Veronica J. , Bzowyckyj Andrew S. , Smith Tierra , Srivastava Sneha Baxi , Kauwetuitama Adonica Ihilani , Blanchette Julia , Cedrone Melanie , Litchman Michelle L.
Published: November 2021

Objective:

The aim of this systematic review is to summarize and synthesize existing research on the economic impact of diabetes self-management education and support.

Introduction:

Diabetes self-management education and support is an essential component of diabetes care, yet it continues to be underutilized. A gap exists regarding the true measured economic impact of this intervention.

Inclusion criteria:

This review will consider studies that report the measured economic impact and health care utilization of diabetes self-management education and support for persons with diabetes or their caregivers. The inclusion criteria are as follows: quantitative studies providing measured data on the economic outcomes and health care utilization of diabetes self-management education and support interventions that include at least one of the Association for Diabetes Care and Education Specialists Seven Self-Care Behaviors.

Methods:

The review will search the following databases: MEDLINE Epub Ahead of Print, In-Process and Other Non-Indexed Citations, Daily and Versions; Embase; Scopus; CINAHL; ERIC, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews; and the Cochrane Register of Controlled Trials. Additionally, a search of gray literature will be performed using Google Scholar. Date limitations will be from January 2006 to May 2020. Two members of the research team will independently screen abstracts and full texts, and extract data. The screening process will be described using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Articles will be assessed for risk of bias using the JBI critical appraisal tools. Data will be narratively summarized.

Systematic review registration:

PROSPERO (CRD42020166743)
Montes de María. Un territorio en disputa
Authors: Berman Arévalo Eloísa , Caro Tapia Duván , Contreras Camilo Arturo , Latorre Restrepo Sergio , Martínez Martínez Franklin , Diana Ojeda Ojeda , Páez Bernal Camila , Petzl Jennifer , Quiroga Manrique Catalina , Rodríguez Ana Catalina , Rodríguez Sánchez Haidy , Vallejo Bernal Diana
Published: November 2021

Las formas en las que las campesinas y campesinos de Montes de María han resistido a las violencias de la desigualdad y el despojo, aventurando otros futuros para el campo en el país, nos dice mucho sobre la historia contemporánea de Colombia. Conscientes de esto, las editoras de Montes de María. Un territorio en disputa han reunido una serie de textos que propone reflexiones situadas e interdisciplinares sobre disputas locales por el acceso al agua, la participación política y las desigualdades de género, raza, clase y edad. Sus principales líneas de análisis son la vida cotidiana, la reproducción social y el cuidado; los espacios de participación colectiva —incluida la participación de las infancias—; la guerra; la agroindustria, y el despojo de tierra y agua. En tiempos neoliberales, cuando se desestiman las redes de afinidad, compromiso político, cuidado y afecto que soportan la producción de conocimiento, este libro se impone con su vasto tejido etnográfico para demostrar que lo importante es la vida de las personas de carne y hueso y de las ecologías que la hacen posible. Quienes recorran sus páginas trasegarán por parcelas, montes, ríos, cocinas y huertas. Al final quedará una convicción: que la fuerza de quienes viven en Montes de María hace imposible contar una historia de vencidos.
Historias del hecho religioso en Colombia
Authors: Salcedo Martínez Jorge Enrique, S. J. , Cortés Guerrero José David , Abadía Quintero Carolina , Arboleda Mora Carlos , Brizuela Molina Sofía , Cabrera Becerra Gabriel , Hernán Carballo Fabio , Castro Carvajal Beatriz , Córdoba-Restrepo Juan Felipe , Cortés Guerrero José David , Echeverry Pérez Antonio José , Gaona Poveda Juan Carlos , Kuan Bahamón Misael , López Amaya David , Manosalva Correa Andrés Felipe , Marín Tamayo John Jairo , Moreno Pablo , Moreno-Goldschmidt Aliza , Plata Quezada William Elvis , Quintero Espinosa Beatriz Eugenia , Ramírez Bonilla Laura Camila , Salcedo Martínez Jorge Enrique S. J. , Santos Delgado Adriana , Tamayo-Franco Rafael
Published: November 2021

En la década de los noventa, el estudio de la historia del hecho religioso en Colombia comenzó a explorar escenarios diferentes al catolicismo debido a varios factores. El primero afectó a todas las ciencias sociales en Occidente: la crisis de los grandes paradigmas ejemplificados en el final del socialismo real, la disolución de la URSS y la caída del Muro de Berlín. El segundo, vinculado con el anterior, fue la crisis del discurso excesivamente racionalista e ilustrado que pronosticaba, desde la década de los sesenta, la debacle de la religión. Por el contrario, lo que se vivió fue el reverdecimiento de las creencias, entre ellas las religiosas. El tercero tiene que ver con la explosión temática de la historia en Colombia, es decir, con la manera como diversos temas, entre ellos el hecho religioso, pasaron a ser objeto de investigación por parte de historiadores profesionales. El cuarto se relaciona con la Constitución Política de 1991, en la que quedó plasmada la libertad religiosa, que derivó en el reconocimiento y aumento de credos diferentes al católico en la cotidianidad. Treinta años después es notorio el auge de la historia en Colombia, por las múltiples temáticas que han surgido y se han consolidado. Ejemplo de ello es este libro que trata sobre las diversas historias del hecho religioso en el país.
La espiritualidad del subdesarrollo: trabajo, trabajadores y ocio en la prensa católica colombiana (1958-1981)
Authors: Manosalva Correa Andrés Felipe
Published: November 2021

Después de la segunda guerra mundial circuló en América Latina el ideario de que los países podían “desarrollarse” si seguían ciertos pasos entre los que se incluía un cambio de actitudes y de mentalidad en su población. Según esto, los trabajadores debían capacitarse y modificar algunos hábitos de vida para que, con su propio esfuerzo, lograran superar los obstáculos que los mantenían en condiciones de pobreza. Por esta razón, algunos sectores de la Iglesia católica en Colombia impulsaron una visión que promovía un deber ser del trabajador, bajo el supuesto de que en la población colombiana había una espiritualidad del subdesarrollo que le impedía mejorar sus condiciones de vida. Este libro investiga las representaciones de los trabajadores rurales y urbanos en el semanario El Campesino, el periódico El Catolicismo y la Revista Javeriana entre 1958 y 1981. El examen detallado de estas tres publicaciones católicas evidencia, por un lado, el ideal de trabajador en tiempos de labor y de ocio que proponía la Iglesia en la segunda mitad del siglo XX y, por el otro, la forma en la que e ha buscado inculcar la idea de que el éxito o el fracaso económico son frutos estrictamente del esfuerzo personal y de los hábitos de los trabajadores.
Taking Mechanical Integrity Regulations One Step Further
Authors: Olener J. L. , Briegel Keith
Published: November 2021

In 1996, with Mechanical Integrity a requirement, Rohm & Haas had DNV look at its management systems. This began a process which led to Rohm & Haas achieving Star Status in it recent OSHA VPP audit. Going beyond just what was required to what made good business sense has improved operations in the Deer Park, Texas plant. The procedures in place were developed by DNV and customized for Rohm & Haas. They have built-in accountability for activities, inspection planners do a better job because they know what to do and when to do it and asset utilization is up significantly.
Platforms, the Ultimate DFM for Rapid Product Development: A Case Study
Authors: Kim Byoung Sung , Condra Steven C. , Slothower Robert E. , Mann Charles J.
Published: November 2021

Developing the right products of good quality in a short period of time at a low cost is what every product development team dreams about. Developing multiple products with a common proven-in engine or “platform” is a powerful process that can help the team achieve the dream.

In 1996, Lucent Technologies redesigned an entire family of outdoor electronic cabinets based on platforms. The impact of platform far exceeded expectation of all team members, both in terms of the development interval and manufacturing cost. For example, the first cabinet of the family took about the same development interval as in the pre-platform era. The second and third cabinets needed only about 25% of the development interval of the first. The fourth cabinet, however, consumed less than 10%; it required only 16 new parts to be designed out of an assembly total of 202 parts. In addition, all cabinets now have far fewer parts, most parts are common, and the assembly architecture is identical.

The purpose of this paper is to share the experiences of the development team and describe a robust, step-by-step process that ensures the success of platform development. The emphasis has been placed on the business and process side of the project rather than technical details.
Electroosmotic Flow Suppression and Its Implications for a Miniaturized Full-Field Detection Approach to Capillary Isoelectric Focusing (cIEF)
Authors: Herr Amy E. , Mikkelsen James C. , Santiago Juan G. , Kenny Thomas W.
Published: November 2021

Application of a full-field detection approach to a biological sample separation scheme known as capillary isoelectric focusing (cIEF) has yielded detailed spatial and temporal information about the transport processes associated with this technique, as well as the efficiency of this separation scheme. The full-field cIEF detection technique utilizes an illumination source such as blue light emitting diodes or a mercury arc lamp, microscope objectives, and a charged-coupled device (CCD) camera to image fluorescently labeled proteins and peptides. Interest in this approach arises from the ability to collect, in real time, information from the entire length of the separation channel. This full-field detection eliminates the need for flow mobilization and aids in the empirical analysis of the separation process. In an effort to optimize a miniaturized cIEF system, the full-field detection approach was used as a diagnostic to gauge the effect of varying the channel wall surface charge distribution.
Oil- Gas- and Engineering
Authors: Thayer Keith B. , Honda Hiroshi
Published: November 2021

This presentation will be the authors’ beliefs and opinions on the how Oil, Gas and Engineering may fit into the Energy Industry in the 21st century.
U.S. Patent/Intellectual Property Law: What Should Engineers Know?
Authors: Schwartz Jeff E. , Girards Richard T. , Borrelli Karen A.
Published: November 2021

Engineers, by the practice of their profession, regularly apply new methods and products to the end of solving old problems. These new methods and products may prove to be both commercially useful and financially valuable. The U.S. intellectual property system can afford such innovations broad protection from old fashioned “poaching” by securing for their creators/inventors powerful legal rights to such innovations.
Development of Target Point Search Methods for Course Following Systems: Treating Vehicle Control
Authors: Schaefer Frank R. , Ramsey Marc , Haque Imtiaz , Schuller Jürgen
Published: November 2021

This paper addresses target point search methods for course following systems. A central concept in the development of the control algorithms for such systems is that of target point selection. For a given driving situation, target points constitute spatial objectives that the control algorithm strives to realize. The results presented in this paper are based on experiments made with a recently developed new driver model [Schaefer and Schuller, 1999]. The model establishes control in two steps: geometric dynamic planning and plan-to-action mapping. The separation into these two units allows one to investigate the process of target point search independently.

Target point search is conducted for the guidance of a vehicle’s c.g., i.e. a system thats trajectory can be assumed to have ‘differentiable’ curvature profile. The concepts introduced here, however, may easily be generalized to any system whose state transition (i.e. trajectory) may be described locally by instantaneous circles and that has to follow an abstract nominal path in the state space.

A so called situational driving motivation ‘SDM’ is formulated that defines a clear guideline for geometric dynamic planning based on an time isolated situation. A number of different search methods including Preview Point Search, End of Sight Search, Deviation Dependent Preview Point, and a so-called Nestle Point Search, are investigated. The results are evaluated on the basis of the vehicle’s ability to go around a course with a minimum lateral deviation from the nominal course. The results show that the Nestle Curve Search method provides the best performance.
Design Evolution of a Novel Tilting Three-Wheeled Motorcycle for City Environments
Authors: Darling Jos , Harrison Adrian , Shalders Ben
Published: November 2021

The average speed of European City traffic is less than 12 miles per hour and the vast majority of journeys are less than two miles. It seems reasonable therefore to devise an environmentally friendly vehicle with low or zero emissions to serve a market that requires safe but manoeuvrable transport with a small road footprint. Working with European colleagues in industry and academia a narrow track three-wheeled vehicle with crash protection, partial enclosure, electric drive and lightweight construction has been developed to the prototype stage.

In this paper the design evolution of a tilting mechanism for this narrow track vehicle which provides locking of the tilt axis at low speed and variable damping at high speed is presented. Active and passive alternatives are discussed and a passive alternative is chosen on the basis of cost and safety. A range of actuation and speed sensing mechanisms are compared and a solution identified which is simple, low power, low cost and controllable. The system uses appropriate technology with a low maintenance requirement that is both compact and lightweight. Despite the potential for good reliability the system is designed to be fail safe; it is of paramount importance that the vehicle be allowed to tilt freely rather than become locked once the speed has risen above that required to balance. The driving style required at low speed, when the tilt axis is locked, will be different to that required at higher speeds, when the handling will be similar to that of a standard motorcycle. However the low lateral accelerations associated with low speed manoeuvres should make the change in driving style imperceptible and a degree of rear wheel steering, introduced as a result of the tilt axis, should improve mid-speed manoeuvrability. Having an estimated sale cost of $7000 the vehicle would be suitable for personal transport or a carrier of light loads in city environments.
A New Technique for Characterizing the Transient Rheological Response of Polymer Melt at High Shear Rates
Authors: Feng R. , Hu Y.
Published: November 2021

Characterization of the transient rheological response of polymer melts is important for computerized modeling and optimization of the manufacturing processes involving fast polymer melt flow such as injection molding and extrusion. In this paper, a new cone-and-plate rheometer utilizing the Kolsky torsion bar technique is reported. This rheometer can be accelerated to an angular velocity of 1600 rad/s within 100 μs. It enables characterization of the transient response of polymer melts for shear rates up to 104 1/s, temperatures up to 300°C, pressures up to 10 MPa, and shear strains up to 1000%. Experimental data are presented for a low-density polyethylene melt at shear rates between 780 1/s and 6840 1/s. The results show that the shear stress in the material increases not only with the shear rate but also more significantly with the shear strain. The significance of this finding is also discussed.
A Numerical Solution of the Inverse Problem for Thermoforming Processes Using Finite Element Analysis
Authors: Wang Chao-Hsin , Nied Herman F.
Published: November 2021

Finite element analysis of thermoforming simulation based on isothermal as well as non-isothermal initial conditions has been applied successfully for predicating final thickness distributions. For these simulations, it is assumed that the initial sheet temperature is known and does not change significantly during forming at a rapid stretch rate. For a non-isothermal analysis, the temperature dependent material properties are necessary. In this paper sample results are presented for the so-called inverse thermoforming problem, where an initial temperature distribution is sought numerically that will result in a specific final thickness distribution. Thus, a finite element simulation is combined with an iterative algorithm to obtain inverse solutions for a thermoformed part. In this example, the required initial temperature distributions that result in a uniform final thickness are determined for a thermoformed part. It is shown that the calculated results are quite sensitive to perturbations in the specified initial temperature profile and thus the practical application of optimal temperature distributions may require high precision thermal sensors and controls. This initial temperature distribution can then be used for the determination of desired heating patterns on zone-controlled heaters of a thermoforming machine using transient heat transfer analysis.
Runner System Design Optimization for Multigated and Multicavity Injection Molds
Authors: Jin Xiaoshi
Published: November 2021

Runner system design for injection molds with multiple gates or multiple cavities often requires iterative analyses for optimized results, because the gate locations or cavity shapes may not be naturally balanced. In addition, in molds with symmetrical layouts, the required injection pressure may be unnecessarily high if the runners are poorly sized. In this paper, a scheme for quickly optimizing runner system design is presented. The objective of design optimization is to minimize the required injection pressure within the design space defined by a given total runner volume. Each runner segment can be given an upper limit and lower limit to define the range of runner cross sectional dimensional size. Application examples are included to demonstrate the effectiveness of the scheme.
An Optimized Specimen for Crack Growth Studies in a Constant K Environment
Authors: Cammino R. , Gosz M. , Mostovoy S.
Published: November 2021

Techniques in computational fracture mechanics were employed to optimize the performance of a fracture specimen for use in crack growth studies in a constant K environment. The finite element method was used to model the specimen. In the numerical calculations, the mode I stress intensity factors were obtained using a domain integral approach. The specimen was optimized by systematically changing its geometry and performing finite element calculations in an iterative fashion. The procedure was carried out until a variation in the mode I stress intensity factor of less than three percent within the desired range of crack propagation was achieved.
Sizing and Topology Optimization of a Chassis Frame
Authors: Krishna Murali M. R. , Simboli Andrew
Published: November 2021

The application of sizing and topology optimization to a complete chassis frame has been undertaken to improve its performance within mass/weight constraints. The static frame stiffness (vertical bending and torsion), the first four modal frequencies and point mobility numbers were targeted for improvement. First, sizing optimization was undertaken to meet frame targets. The gage thicknesses of a number of different components, were allowed to be varied. This resulted in an increase in frame weight. Later topology optimization was undertaken to recommend the area where weight can be taken off without affecting the performance. An MSC NASTRAN optimizer was used for all the analyses.
Optimization of Mission Critical Joints in Bolted Machine Tool Structures
Authors: Kushnir Emmanuil , Patel Mahendra R. , Sheehan Terrence M.
Published: November 2021

In general, precision machine tools consist of a number of structural components, usually castings machined and bolted together to very tight and precise tolerances. Machine bolts are used to prevent the contact surfaces from separating or sliding relative to each other. The issues critical in the design of these precision bolted joints include tensile, compressive, and lateral stiffness, and stability of the joint under different types of load.

In machine tool design, the shape and tightening force in these joints are usually evaluated based on two counteracting requirements: (1) maintain sufficient stiffness provided by the joint at the cutting (load) point, and (2) allow the joint to slip (breakaway) in the event of a machine crash; in this case, the bolted joint works as a fuse preventing damage and, thus, protect critical/expensive components in the machine and/or avoid extensive repairs.

Field data from machines running production have shown that satisfaction of the two criteria, presented above, using conventional methods of bolted joint design does not always assure that the stability requirements are met. This data shows that in the range of loads that do not exceed the maximum force allowed in the machine, there might occur permanent lateral displacements in the joint. These displacements accumulate during normal operations under repeated loads and the machine looses alignment without obvious instantaneous slippage in the joint.

This paper discusses an approach that gives a qualitative and numerical evaluation of the joint shape, position of the bolts, tightening force, and load that it can withstand without compromising the joint integrity while still providing an effective breakaway for the protection of critical components.
Effects of Distribution in Headers of Microchannel Evaporators on Transcritical CO2 Heat Pump Performance
Authors: Beaver Andrew C. , Hrnjak Predrag S. , Yin Jian M. , Bullard Clark W.
Published: November 2021

This article presents experimental results on the effect of refrigerant distribution in microchannel a parallel flow evaporator that is part of an air conditioner/heat pump system that operates with CO2 in transcritical cycle. The improvements of COP achieved are as high as 20%. Three different refrigerant feeding strategies are discussed.
Performance Evaluation of a Window Room Air Conditioner With Micro-Channel Condensers
Authors: Kim Man-Hoe , Bullard Clark W.
Published: November 2021

The performance evaluation for a residential window air conditioning system with micro-channel condensers has been performed. First, a series of wind-tunnel calorimeter tests are conducted for two different prototype micro-channel heat exchangers. The measured heat transfer and pressure drop characteristics for the heat exchangers are then compared to four conventional finned round tube designs, which were obtained using a validated simulation model for identical air and refrigerant inlet conditions. Finally, two prototype micro-channel condensers are installed in the system and system performance tests are conducted. System characteristics such as capacity, energy efficiency ratio, and suction and discharge pressures and temperatures are presented, compared to those for the conventional system. Refrigerant charge amount for a window air conditioner with a micro-channel condenser is decreased by 35%, and the condenser core volume and weight can be reduced by 55% and 35%, respectively, compared to the conventional baseline system.
Regenerative PEM Fuel Cell Systems for Low Earth Orbit Satellites
Authors: Savin Olivier , Weng Dacong , Rehg Tim
Published: November 2021

Thanks to recent considerable progress in proton exchange membrane (PEM) technology, fuel cells and electrolyzers are on the verge of widespread commercialization. When a fuel cell and an electrolyzer are combined, a regenerative fuel cell (RFC) system is formed. By using an auxiliary power supply, such as solar power, for recharging, an RFC provides a complete power system for niche markets such as low-earth-orbit (LEO) satellites.

The thermodynamics of RFC systems are presented, and design tradeoffs are investigated: a unitized system, where the fuel cell and the electrolyzer are combined into a single electrochemical device, is compared to a discrete system, where the fuel cell and the electrolyzer are discrete components. The analyses show that the RFC is well suited for LEO space applications, due to an appropriate charge/discharge cycle, and represents a high-energy-density, high-efficiency power solution.
The Thermodynamics of Air-Water Vapor Mixtures
Authors: Adebiyi George A.
Published: November 2021

Traditional approaches to the thermodynamic analysis of processes involving air-water vapor mixtures are often limited to a psychrometric analysis and a first-law analysis. The substances involved are moist air (a mixture of dry air and moisture), and water (either as vapor, or as a liquid). A complete thermodynamic analysis must, however, include a second-law analysis.

This article presents a complete outline for the thermodynamic analysis and evaluation of processes involving air-water vapor mixtures. With regards to exergy analysis, in particular, it is noted that the published and widely accepted equation for the exergy of moist air is indeterminate when the humidity ratio of the ambient air is zero. This raises questions about the appropriate reference environment for water or water vapor when the atmospheric air does not contain moisture. The alternative of an expanded reference environment, which includes a large pool of water co-existing with ambient air is proposed in this article. The resulting equations for the exergy of moist air are determinate regardless of the humidity ratio of the atmospheric air in the reference environment.
The Scope of Application of Continuum Thermodynamics
Authors: Geskin Ernest S.
Published: November 2021

The objective of this study is to address the ambiguities concerning the application of continuum thermodynamics. In particular, we consider the limitation imposed on this application by the values of the time and space derivatives of the process variables as well as the degree of process irreversibility. We discuss the distribution and the properties of the shock waves in a compressible fluid. Shock waves are one of the fastest phenomena, which occur in continuous systems. It is shown that the analysis of this phenomenon is based completely on the apparatus of continuum thermodynamics. At the same time, the characteristic equations, which determine the distribution of the shock waves, do not depend on process irreversibility. We also show that any modification of the Gibbs (fundamental) equation due the rate of the process, for example, violate the First and the Second Laws of thermodynamics. The analysis presented demonstrates that the only condition for the application of continuum thermodynamics is compliance with the continuum hypothesis.
Three-Dimensional Thermocapillary Convection in Open Cylindrical Annuli
Authors: Sim Bok-Cheol , Zebib Abdelfattah
Published: November 2021

Three-dimensional, time-dependent thermocapillary convection in open cylindrical containers is investigated numerically. Results for aspect ratios (Ar) of 1, 2.5, 8, and 16 and a Prandtl number of 6.84 are obtained to compare the results of numerical simulations with ongoing experiments. Convection is steady and axisymmetric at sufficiently low values of the Reynolds number (Re). Transition to oscillatory states occurs at critical values of Re which depend on Ar. With Ar = 1.0 and 2.5, we observe, respectively, 5 and 9 azimuthal wavetrains travelling clockwise at the free surface near the critical Re. With Ar = 8.0 and 16.0, there are substantially more, but pulsating waves near the critical Re. In the case of Ar = 16.0, which approaches the conditions in an infinite layer, our results are in good agreement with linear theory. While the critical Reynolds number decreases with increasing aspect ratio in the case of azimuthal rotating waves, it increases with increasing aspect ratio in the case of azimuthal pulsating waves. The critical frequency of temperature oscillations is found to decrease linearly with increasing Ar. We have also computed supercritical time-dependent states and find that while the frequency increases with increasing Re near the critical region, the frequency of supercritical convection decreases with Re.