bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Models of maternal and child healthcare for African refugees: protocol for an exploratory, mixed-methods study
Authors: Njue Carolyne , Hayen Andrew , Dawson Angela J
Published: June 2020

Introduction

There is a paucity of research examining models of maternal and child health (MCH) care for refugees in high-income countries. Attention has focused on tailoring existing healthcare services to meet the needs of this population and ensure accessible high-quality patient-centred care. This protocol reports the methodology of a study designed to identify models of care for African refugees in New South Wales (NSW), Australia, to determine the evidence for these models and the improvements necessary to best meet service needs that can be delivered in line with available resources, organisational readiness and capacity to implement.

Methods and analysis

This multiphased, participatory research project will employ an exploratory, mixed-methods design. Preparatory activities involve a situational analysis of current MCH services for African refugees and associated policies and guidelines in NSW. We will consult key health service providers and analyse Australian census and settlement data to identify refugee communities and their relation to healthcare services. Phase 1 will ascertain the MCH care needs of African refugees and appropriate service models using: a Delphi survey with health service managers and providers, a nominal group process with African women refugees and; key informant interviews with senior health service managers. This data will be synthesised to provide insight into appropriate models-of-care that could be implemented. These will be discussed in a stakeholder workshop. Phase 2 will comprise a readiness-to-change survey with a selection of providers to explore the willingness, commitment and efficacy of staff members to adopt such models-of-care.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval was granted by NSW Health. Findings will be disseminated to all stakeholders at a knowledge exchange forum to inform the development of a high-quality MCH service delivery model that can be feasibly implemented specifically for African refugee communities.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42018095564.
Reporting incidents involving the use of advanced medical technologies by nurses in home care: a cross-sectional survey and an analysis of registration data
Authors: ten Haken Ingrid , Ben Allouch Somaya , van Harten Wim H
Published: June 2020

Background

Advanced medical technologies (AMTs), such as respiratory support or suction devices, are increasingly used in home settings and incidents may well result in patient harm. Information about risks and incidents can contribute to improved patient safety, provided that those are reported and analysed systematically.

Objectives

To identify the frequency of incidents when using AMTs in home settings, the effects on patient outcomes and the actions taken by nurses following identification of incidents.

Methods

A cross-sectional study of 209 home care nurses in the Netherlands working with infusion therapy, parenteral nutrition or morphine pumps, combining data from a questionnaire and registration forms covering more than 13 000 patient contacts. Descriptive statistics were used.

Results

We identified 140 incidents (57 adverse events; 83 near misses). The frequencies in relation to the number of patient contacts were 2.7% for infusion therapy, 1.3% for parenteral nutrition and 2.6% for morphine pumps. The main causes were identified as related to the product (43.6%), the organisation of care (27.9%), the nurse as a user (15.7%) and the environment (12.9%). 40% of all adverse events resulted in mild to severe harm to the patient. Incidents had been discussed in the team (70.7%), with the patient/informal caregiver(s) (50%), or other actions had been taken (40.5%). 15.5% of incidents had been formally reported according to the organisation’s protocol.

Conclusions

Most incidents are attributed to product failures. Although such events predominantly cause no harm, a significant proportion of patients do suffer some degree of harm. There is considerable underreporting of incidents with AMTs in home care. This study has identified a discrepancy in quality circles: learning takes place at the team level rather than at the organisational level.
Developing and training mental toughness in sport: a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies and pre-test and post-test experiments
Authors: Stamatis Andreas , Grandjean Peter , Morgan Grant , Padgett Robert Noah , Cowden Richard , Koutakis Panagiotis
Published: June 2020

Objective

To investigate the efficacy of interventions designed to train and develop mental toughness (MT) in sport.

Design

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Data sources

Journal articles, conference papers and doctoral theses indexed in Embase, Scopus, PubMed and SPORTDiscus from inception to 22 November 2019.

Eligibility criteria for selecting studies

Observational and pre–post experimental designs on the efficacy of physical and/or psychological interventions designed to promote MT in athletes.

Results

A total of 12 studies, published between 2005 and 2019, were included in the review. A majority of the studies included a sample comprised exclusively of male athletes (54.55%), MT interventions were primarily psychological (83.33%) and most studies measured MT via self-report (75%). The Psychological Performance Inventory (25%), the Mental Toughness Questionnaire-48 (16.67%), and the Mental, Emotional and Bodily Toughness Inventory (16.67%) were the most popular inventories used to measure MT. Methodological quality assessments for controlled intervention studies (k=7), single group pre-test–post-test designs (k=4) and single-subject designs (k=1) indicated that the risk of bias was high in most (75%) of the studies. The meta-analysis involvingk=10 studies revealed a large effect (d=0.80, 95% CI 0.30 to 1.28), with variability across studies estimated at 0.56.

Conclusion

Although the findings of this review suggest there are effective, empirically based interventions designed to train MT in sport, practitioners should be aware of the level of validity of intervention research before adopting any of the MT training programmes reported in the applied sport psychology literature.
National survey evaluating the provision of gastroenterology dietetic services in England
Authors: Rej Anupam , Buckle Rachel Louise , Shaw Christian Charles , Trott Nick , Urwin Heidi , McGough Norma , Aziz Imran , Sanders David Surendran
Published: June 2020

Aims

The aim of the study was to assess the provision of dietetic services for coeliac disease (CD), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Methods

Hospitals within all National Health Service trusts in England were approached (n=209). A custom-designed web-based questionnaire was circulated via contact methods of email, post or telephone. Individuals/teams with knowledge of gastrointestinal (GI) dietetic services within their trust were invited to complete.

Results

76% of trusts (n=158) provided GI dietetic services, with responses received from 78% of these trusts (n=123). The median number of dietitians per 100 000 population was 3.64 (range 0.15–16.60), which differed significantly between regions (p=0.03). The most common individual consultation time for patients with CD, IBS and IBD was 15–30 min (43%, 44% and 54%, respectively). GI dietetic services were delivered both via individual and group counselling, with individual counselling being the more frequent delivery method available (93% individual vs 34% group). A significant proportion of trusts did not deliver any specialist dietetic clinics for CD, IBS and IBD (49% (n=60), 50% (n=61) and 72% (n=88), respectively).

Conclusion

There is an inequity of GI dietetic services across England, with regional differences in the level of provision and extent of specialist care. Allocated time for clinics appears to be insufficient compared with time advocated in the literature. Group clinics are becoming a more common method of dietetic service delivery for CD and IBS. National guidance on GI dietetic service delivery is required to ensure equity of dietetic services across England.
Population-based targeted sequencing of 54 candidate genes identifiesPALB2as a susceptibility gene for high-grade serous ovarian cancer
Authors: Song Honglin , Dicks Ed M , Tyrer Jonathan , Intermaggio Maria , Chenevix-Trench Georgia , Bowtell David D , Traficante Nadia , Group AOCS , Brenton James , Goranova Teodora , Hosking Karen , Piskorz Anna , van Oudenhove Elke , Doherty Jen , Harris Holly R , Rossing Mary Anne , Duerst Matthias , Dork Thilo , Bogdanova Natalia V , Modugno Francesmary , Moysich Kirsten , Odunsi Kunle , Ness Roberta , Karlan Beth Y , Lester Jenny , Jensen Allan , Krüger Kjaer Susanne , Høgdall Estrid , Campbell Ian G , Lázaro Conxi , Pujara Miguel Angel , Cunningham Julie , Vierkant Robert , Winham Stacey J , Hildebrandt Michelle , Huff Chad , Li Donghui , Wu Xifeng , Yu Yao , Permuth Jennifer B , Levine Douglas A , Schildkraut Joellen M , Riggan Marjorie J , Berchuck Andrew , Webb Penelope M , Group OPAL Study , Cybulski Cezary , Gronwald Jacek , Jakubowska Anna , Lubinski Jan , Alsop Jennifer , Harrington Patricia , Chan Isaac , Menon Usha , Pearce Celeste L , Wu Anna H , de Fazio Anna , Kennedy Catherine J , Goode Ellen , Ramus Susan , Gayther Simon , Pharoah Paul
Published: June 2020

Purpose

The known epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) susceptibility genes account for less than 50% of the heritable risk of ovarian cancer suggesting that other susceptibility genes exist. The aim of this study was to evaluate the contribution to ovarian cancer susceptibility of rare deleterious germline variants in a set of candidate genes.

Methods

We sequenced the coding region of 54 candidate genes in 6385 invasive EOC cases and 6115 controls of broad European ancestry. Genes with an increased frequency of putative deleterious variants in cases versus controls were further examined in an independent set of 14 135 EOC cases and 28 655 controls from the Ovarian Cancer Association Consortium and the UK Biobank. For each gene, we estimated the EOC risks and evaluated associations between germline variant status and clinical characteristics.

Results

The ORs associated for high-grade serous ovarian cancer were 3.01 forPALB2(95% CI 1.59 to 5.68; p=0.00068), 1.99 forPOLK(95% CI 1.15 to 3.43; p=0.014) and 4.07 forSLX4(95% CI 1.34 to 12.4; p=0.013). Deleterious mutations inFBXO10were associated with a reduced risk of disease (OR 0.27, 95% CI 0.07 to 1.00, p=0.049). However, based on the Bayes false discovery probability, only the association forPALB2in high-grade serous ovarian cancer is likely to represent a true positive.

Conclusions

We have found strong evidence that carriers ofPALB2deleterious mutations are at increased risk of high-grade serous ovarian cancer. Whether the magnitude of risk is sufficiently high to warrant the inclusion ofPALB2in cancer gene panels for ovarian cancer risk testing is unclear; much larger sample sizes will be needed to provide sufficiently precise estimates for clinical counselling.
‘Healthcare Heroes’: problems with media focus on heroism from healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Cox Caitríona L
Published: June 2020

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the media have repeatedly praised healthcare workers for their ‘heroic’ work. Although this gratitude is undoubtedly appreciated by many, we must be cautious about overuse of the term ‘hero’ in such discussions. The challenges currently faced by healthcare workers are substantially greater than those encountered in their normal work, and it is understandable that the language of heroism has been evoked to praise them for their actions. Yet such language can have potentially negative consequences. Here, I examine what heroism is and why it is being applied to the healthcare workers currently, before outlining some of the problems associated with the heroism narrative currently being employed by the media. Healthcare workers have a clear and limited duty to treat during the COVID-19 pandemic, which can be grounded in a broad social contract and is strongly associated with certain reciprocal duties that society has towards healthcare workers. I argue that the heroism narrative can be damaging, as it stifles meaningful discussion about what the limits of this duty to treat are. It fails to acknowledge the importance of reciprocity, and through its implication that all healthcare workers have to be heroic, it can have negative psychological effects on workers themselves. I conclude that rather than invoking the language of heroism to praise healthcare workers, we should examine, as a society, what duties healthcare workers have to work in this pandemic, and how we can support them in fulfilling these.
Rebleeding and bleeding in the year following intracranial aneurysm coiling: analysis of a large prospective multicenter cohort of 1140 patients—Analysis of Recanalization after Endovascular Treatment of Intracranial Aneurysm (ARETA) Study
Authors: Pierot Laurent , Barbe Coralie , Herbreteau Denis , Gauvrit Jean-Yves , Januel Anne-Christine , Bala Fouzi , Ricolfi Frédéric , Desal Hubert , Velasco Stéphane , Aggour Mohamed , Chabert Emmanuel , Sedat Jacques , Trystram Denis , Marnat Gaultier , Gallas Sophie , Rodesch Georges , Clarençon Frédéric , Papagiannaki Chrysanthi , White Phil , Spelle Laurent
Published: June 2020

Background

Endovascular treatment is the first line therapy for the management of ruptured and unruptured intracranial aneurysms, but delayed aneurysm rupture leading to bleeding/rebleeding can occur subsequently. ARETA (Analysis of Recanalization after Endovascular Treatment of intracranial Aneurysm) is a prospective, multicenter study conducted to analyze aneurysm recanalization. We analyzed delayed bleeding and rebleeding in this large cohort.

Methods

16 neurointerventional departments prospectively enrolled patients treated for ruptured and unruptured aneurysms between December 2013 and May 2015 (ClinicalTrials.gov:NCT01942512). Participant demographics, aneurysm characteristics and endovascular techniques were recorded. Data were analyzed from participants with ruptured or unruptured aneurysms treated by coiling or balloon-assisted coiling. Rates of bleeding and rebleeding were analyzed and associated factors were studied using univariable and multivariable analyses.

Results

The bleeding rate was 0.0% in patients with unruptured aneurysms and 1.0% (95% CI 0.3% to 1.7%) in patients with ruptured aneurysms. In multivariate analysis, two factors were associated with rebleeding occurrence: incomplete aneurysm occlusion after initial treatment (2.0% in incomplete aneurysm occlusion vs 0.2% in complete aneurysm occlusion, OR 10.2, 95% CI 1.2 to 83.3; p=0.03) and dome-to-neck ratio (1.5±0.5 with rebleeding vs 2.2±0.9 without rebleeding, OR 0.2, 95% CI 0.04 to 0.8; p=0.03). Modalities of management of aneurysm rebleeding as well as clinical outcomes are described.

Conclusions

Aneurysm coiling affords good protection against bleeding (for unruptured aneurysms) and rebleeding (for ruptured aneurysms) at 1 year with rates of 0.0% and 1.0%, respectively. Aneurysm occlusion and dome-to-neck ratio are the two factors that appear to play a role in the occurrence of rebleeding.
Left distal radial access in patients with arteria lusoria: insights for cerebral angiography and interventions
Authors: Majmundar Neil , Patel Pratit , Gadhiya Arjun , Patel Nitesh Vijay , Gupta Gaurav , Agarwalla Pankaj K , Khandelwal Priyank
Published: June 2020

Background

The transradial approach (TRA) is frequently used for neurointerventional procedures as it is safer, improves patient comfort, and decreases costs and procedural time in comparison with the transfemoral approach (TFA). Patients with arteria lusoria, or an aberrant right subclavian artery (ARSA), provide a unique challenge for cerebral angiography and interventions when using the TRA.

Objective

To examine the hypothesis that the extreme angulation encountered while accessing the great vessels from the right TRA could be overcome by reversing the approach to the left distal TRA (dTRA).

Methods

A prospectively maintained database of transradial neurointerventional cases since 2018 was searched. Six cases from 850 were identified, in which the left dTRA was used. Three cases were for patients with an ARSA. For the three cases of interest, patient history, pathology, imaging, and access techniques were reviewed.

Results

Two diagnostic cerebral angiography cases and one intervention were successfully performed through a left dTRA.

Conclusions

Proper positioning of the left wrist and familiarity with forming the Simmons catheter can overcome this anatomical challenge. This technique and results further demonstrate that the left distal radial artery is a feasible access site for catheterization of bilateral carotid, left vertebral, and right subclavian arteries for patients with an ARSA.
Deep venous communication in vein of Galen malformations: incidence, Imaging, and Implications for treatment
Authors: Kortman Hans , Navaei Ershad , Raybaud Charles A , Bhatia Kartik Dev , Shroff Manohar , terBrugge Karel , Armstrong Derek , Pereira Vitor M , Dirks Peter B , Krings Timo , Muthusami Prakash
Published: June 2020

Background

Failure to appreciate deep venous drainage pathways is a major cause of severe complications in the endovascular treatment of vein of Galen aneurysmal malformations (VOGMs).

Objective

To report deep venous drainage patterns in patients with VOGM, emphasizing the internal cerebral veins, and to describe the challenges in evaluating these.

Methods

Patients with VOGM presenting to our institute between 2000 and 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients with complete and good quality imaging datasets were included in the study. Three neuroradiologists with expertise in the subject independently analyzed the deep venous drainage patterns on multi-sequence MRI and digital subtraction angiography. Follow-up imaging studies were analyzed for alterations in deep venous drainage patterns that occurred following endovascular treatment. Descriptive statistics were used to report findings.

Results

Twenty-three patients had optimal quality MRI imaging and 25 had optimal quality DSA imaging available. In 14/23 (61%) patients, internal cerebral vein (ICV) communication could be reliably identified on MRI and in 8/25 (32%) patients on DSA. Deep venous communication with the VOGM was demonstrated in 8/26 (30.8%) patients. One (3.8%) patient demonstrated ICV communication with the VOGM only on postoperative imaging, while in 2 (8%) patients the ICV drainage route changed from VOGM to alternative pathways after the procedure. Other variant pathways included lateral mesencephalic vein, superior or inferior sagittal sinus, anterior mesencephalic vein, tentorial sinus, deep Sylvian vein, and superior vermian vein.

Conclusion

ICV communication with the VOGM is not uncommon and requires dedicated preprocedural imaging to identify it. However, there are significant challenges in assessing this communication in the presence of high-flow fistulae, vessel tortuosity and size, and contrast limitations in this population.
Radiographic, computed tomographic and histopathological characteristics of multilobar congenital pulmonary emphysema in a puppy
Authors: Bouyssou Sarah , Sanz Inigo , Marchesi Francesco , Eivers Caroline
Published: June 2020

A 10‐week‐old male entire Labrador retriever was presented for evaluation of acute‐onset coughing and respiratory distress. Radiographic and CT examination of the thorax revealed the presence of multifocal and numerous gas‐filled cystic lesions throughout the lung field and a mild pneumothorax. Gross pathological and histopathological findings were consistent with congenital lobar emphysema due to bronchial cartilage dysplasia/hypoplasia and possible congenital bronchiectasis. This is the first report describing combined radiographic and CT characteristics of a rare case of multilobar congenital pulmonary emphysema in a puppy.
A formalism for magnon gravitational wave detectors
Authors: Ito Asuka , Soda Jiro
Published: June 2020

In order to detect high frequency gravitational waves, we need a new detection method. In this paper, we develop a formalism for a gravitational wave detector using magnons in a cavity. Using Fermi normal coordinates and taking the non-relativistic limit, we obtain a Hamiltonian for magnons in gravitational wave backgrounds. Given the Hamiltonian, we show how to use the magnons for detecting high frequency gravitational waves. Furthermore, as a demonstration of the magnon gravitational wave detector, we give upper limits on GHz gravitational waves by utilizing known results of magnon experiments for an axion dark matter search.
Dark energy as a large scale quantum gravitational phenomenon
Authors: Singh Tejinder P.
Published: June 2020

In our recently proposed quantum theory of gravity, the universe is made of ‘atoms‘” of space-time-matter (STM). Planck scale foam is composed of STM atoms with Planck length as their associated Compton wave-length. The quantum dispersion and accompanying spontaneous localization of these STM atoms amounts to a cancellation of the enormous curvature on the Planck length scale. However, an effective dark energy term arises in Einstein equations, of the order required by current observations on cosmological scales. This happens if we propose an extremely light particle having a mass of about [Formula: see text], forty-two orders of magnitude lighter than the proton. The holographic principle suggests there are about [Formula: see text] such particles in the observed universe. Their net effect on space-time geometry is equivalent to dark energy, this being a low energy quantum gravitational phenomenon. In this sense, the observed dark energy constitutes evidence for quantum gravity. We then invoke Dirac’s large number hypothesis to also propose a dark matter candidate having a mass halfway (on the logarithmic scale) between the proton and the dark energy particle, i.e. about [Formula: see text].
Effects of external fields on the optical absorption of quantum multirings
Authors: Ghajarpour-Nobandegani S. , Ashrafi-Dalkhani V. , Karimi M. J.
Published: June 2020

In this paper, the effects of the electric and magnetic fields on the optical absorption of GaAs/AlGaAs quantum multirings were studied. Using the two-dimensional finite element method, energy eigenvalues and wavefunctions were calculated, and optical absorption was obtained by the density matrix approach. The result showed that optical absorption increases with increasing number and size of the rings.
An electrohydrodynamic (EHD) printing method with nanosilver ink for flexible electronics
Authors: Zhang Xinyu , Chi Xiang , Li Zongan , Yuan Zhe , Yang Jiquan , Zhu Liya , Zhang Feng
Published: June 2020

In this paper, the electrohydrodynamic (EHD) printing method for the flexible electronics with nanosilver ink was studied. The effect of DC voltage and air pressure on the printed nanosilver line was experimentally researched on the printing system. The necessary working voltage was above 600 V DC voltage, and when the voltage reached 1100 V, the line width increased from [Formula: see text] to [Formula: see text]. The air supply of [Formula: see text] resulted an obviously larger width than that of [Formula: see text], but the printing process was unstable on the [Formula: see text] condition. The EHD printing was applied to realize nanosilver ink line ranged from [Formula: see text] to [Formula: see text] and a kind of antenna pattern for radio frequency identification devices (RFID) was fabricated. This kind of EHD printing method has the advantages of high flexibility and printing resolution and shows potential prospects in the field of flexible electronics.
The influence of knowledge governance and boundary-spanning search on innovation performance
Authors: Cao Ning , Wang Jianjun
Published: June 2020

The realization of exploratory innovation is a complex and nonlinear evolutionary problem. Existing works point out that it is closely related with knowledge governance and boundary-spanning search. However, the intricate relationship among them still lacks exact quantitative explanations. Motivated by this, using four machine learning methods, namely, linear regression (LR), neural network (NN), support vector machine (SVM) and k-nearest neighbors (KNN), we explore how boundary-spanning search combined with knowledge governance influences innovation. Results show that SVM has the highest values of both stability and goodness of fitting. The SVM results show that the combination of low knowledge governance and high boundary-spanning search boosts innovation most efficiently, while high knowledge governance combined with low boundary-spanning search caused the most detrimental effect on innovation. Our results reveal enhancing boundary-spanning search is essential and beneficial to innovation.
Thermo-Electro-Mechanical Size-Dependent Buckling Response for Functionally Graded Graphene Platelet Reinforced Piezoelectric Cylindrical Nanoshells
Authors: Zhao Zhen , Ni Yiwen , Zhu Shengbo , Tong Zhenzhen , Zhang Junlin , Zhou Zhenhuan , Lim C. W. , Xu Xinsheng
Published: June 2020

An accurate buckling response analysis for functionally graded graphene platelet (GPL) reinforced piezoelectric cylindrical nanoshells subject to thermo-electro-mechanical loadings is presented by a rigorous symplectic expansion approach. Three types of GPL reinforced patterns are considered, and the modified Halpin–Tsai model is employed to determine their effective material properties. By using Eringen’s nonlocal stress theory and Reissner’s shell theory, new governing equations are established in the Hamiltonian form. Exact solutions are expanded into symplectic series and three possible forms are derived. A comparison with the existing study is presented to validate the solution and very good agreement is observed. The effects of material and geometrical properties of GPLs, electric voltage and temperature rise on critical buckling stresses are investigated and discussed in detail.
A triple integral analog of a multiple zeta value
Authors: Amdeberhan Tewodros , Moll Victor H. , Straub Armin , Vignat Christophe
Published: June 2020

We establish the triple integral evaluation [Formula: see text] as well as the equivalent polylogarithmic double sum [Formula: see text] This double sum is related to, but less approachable than, similar sums studied by Ramanujan. It is also reminiscent of Euler’s formula [Formula: see text], which is the simplest instance of duality of multiple polylogarithms. We review this duality and apply it to derive a companion identity. We also discuss approaches based on computer algebra. All of our approaches ultimately require the introduction of polylogarithms and nontrivial relations between them. It remains an open challenge to relate the triple integral or the double sum to [Formula: see text] directly.
Some further Hecke-type identities
Authors: Zhang Zhizheng , Song Hanfei
Published: June 2020

In this paper, we obtain some Hecke-type identities by using two [Formula: see text]-series expansion formulae. And, the identities can also be proved directly in terms of Bailey pairs. In particular, we show that certain partial theta functions and the theta functions can be expressed in terms of Hecke-type identities.
Modular forms on the double half-plane
Authors: Duncan John F. R. , McGady David A.
Published: June 2020

We formulate a notion of modular form on the double half-plane for half-integral weights and explain its relationship to the usual notion of modular form. The construction we provide is compatible with certain physical considerations due to the second author.
Photoacoustic detection of circulating melanoma cells in late stage patients
Authors: Viator John A. , Hazur Marc , Sajewski Andrea , Tarhini Ahmad , Sanders Martin E. , Edgar Robert H.
Published: June 2020

Melanoma is the deadliest skin cancer and is responsible for over 7000 deaths in the US annually. The spread of cancer, or metastasis, is responsible for these deaths, as secondary tumors interrupt normal organ function. Circulating tumor cells, or those cells that spread throughout the body from the primary tumor, are thought to be responsible for metastasis. We developed an optical method, photoacoustic flow cytometry, in order to detect and enumerate circulating melanoma cells (CMCs) from blood samples of patients. We tested the blood of Stage IV melanoma patients to show the ability of the photoacoustic flow cytometer to detect these rare cells in blood. We then tested the system on archived blood samples from Stage III melanoma patients with known outcomes to determine if detection of CMCs can predict future metastasis. We detected between 0 and 66 CMCs in Stage IV patients. For the Stage III study, we found that of those samples with CMCs, two remained disease free and five developed metastasis. Of those without CMCs, six remained disease free and one developed metastasis. We believe that photoacoustic detection of CMCs provides valuable information for the prediction of metastasis and we postulate a system for more accurate prognosis.
Chapter 2 Geodynamics of the SW Pacific: a brief review and relations with New Caledonian geology
Authors: Collot J. , Patriat M. , Sutherland R. , Williams S. , Cluzel D. , Seton M. , Pelletier B. , Roest W. R. , Etienne S. , Bordenave A. , Maurizot P.
Published: June 2020

The SW Pacific region consists of a succession of ridges and basins that were created by the fragmentation of Gondwana and the evolution of subduction zones since Mesozoic times. This complex geodynamic evolution shaped the geology of New Caledonia, which lies in the northern part of the Zealandia continent. Alternative tectonic models have been postulated. Most models agree that New Caledonia was situated on an active plate margin of eastern Gondwana during the Mesozoic. Extension affected the region from the Late Cretaceous to the Paleocene and models for this period vary in the location and nature of the plate boundary between the Pacific and Australian plates. Eocene regional tectonic contraction included the obduction of a mantle-derived Peridotite Nappe in New Caledonia. In one class of model, this contractional phase was controlled by an east-dipping subduction zone into which the Norfolk Ridge jammed, whereas and in a second class of model this phase corresponds to the initiation of the west-dipping Tonga–Kermadec subduction zone. Neogene tectonics of the region near New Caledonia was dominated by the eastwards retreat of Tonga–Kermadec subduction, leading to the opening of a back-arc basin east of New Caledonia, and the initiation and southwestwards advance of the New Hebrides–Vanuatu subduction zone towards New Caledonia.
Elementary Students’ Understanding of CS Terms
Authors: Vandenberg Jessica , Tsan Jennifer , Boulden Danielle , Zakaria Zarifa , Lynch Collin , Boyer Kristy Elizabeth , Wiebe Eric
Published: June 2020

The language and concepts used by curriculum designers are not always interpreted by children as designers intended. This can be problematic when researchers use self-reported survey instruments in concert with curricula, which often rely on the implicit belief that students’ understanding aligns with their own. We report on our refinement of a validated survey to measure upper elementary students’ attitudes and perspectives about computer science (CS), using an iterative, design-based research approach informed by educational and psychological cognitive interview processes. We interviewed six groups of students over three iterations of the instrument on their understanding of CS concepts and attitudes toward coding. Our findings indicated that students could not explain the terms 
computer programs 
nor 
computer science
 as expected. Furthermore, they struggled to understand how coding may support their learning in other domains. These results may guide the development of appropriate CS-related survey instruments and curricular materials for K–6 students.
Methods in Teaching Computer Networks
Authors: Prvan Marina , OžEGOVIć Julije
Published: June 2020

This article provides a survey of methods and paradigms for teaching Computer Networks (CN). Since the theoretical concepts are rather abstract in this subject, and students often find them too technical and difficult to understand, many authors attempt to answer the question on how to improve students’ motivation and interest for the complex teaching material of CN. In this work, we follow a rigorous paper collection methodology and extract a large number of previous studies that relate to the stated research questions. Also, we find that there is no review article in the current literature that would provide a clear systematization or a guided study on this topic. Hence, this work provides a literature overview by binding all the previously used methods for teaching CN in one place, and brings contribution by classifying the existing approaches into four basic classes: methods based on using visualization objects such as network simulators, multimedia applications, packet-tracing tools or visual analogies; methods based on using the virtualization techniques; methods precipitating active learning paradigm and methods based on the practical hands-on laboratory exercises. Moreover, the research in this article goes beyond the proposed classification. The classes of methods and tools are compared and contrasted based on the findings from the literature. Methods are evaluated by a detailed cross-comparison based on their advantages, disadvantages and challenges in the perspective of both teachers and students. The review is additionally strengthened by comparing the educational effectiveness of the classified methods. We examine, classify, and contrast the usual approaches used in teaching CN, provide useful insights on how appropriate they are in achieving specific educational goals and determine the future research directions.
Neural Serendipity Recommendation
Authors: Xu Yuanbo , Yang Yongjian , Wang En , Han Jiayu , Zhuang Fuzhen , Yu Zhiwen , Xiong Hui
Published: June 2020

Recommender systems have been playing an important role in providing personalized information to users. However, there is always a trade-off between accuracy and novelty in recommender systems. Usually, many users are suffering from redundant or inaccurate recommendation results. To this end, in this article, we put efforts into exploring the hidden knowledge of observed ratings to alleviate this recommendation dilemma. Specifically, we utilize some basic concepts to define a concept,
Serendipity
, which is characterized by high-satisfaction and low-initial-interest. Based on this concept, we propose a two-phase recommendation problem which aims to strike a balance between accuracy and novelty achieved by serendipity prediction and personalized recommendation. Along this line, a Neural Serendipity Recommendation (NSR) method is first developed by combining Muti-Layer Percetron and Matrix Factorization for serendipity prediction. Then, a weighted candidate filtering method is designed for personalized recommendation. Finally, extensive experiments on real-world data demonstrate that NSR can achieve a superior serendipity by a 12% improvement in average while maintaining stable accuracy compared with state-of-the-art methods.
Pore Network Modelling of Capillary Transport and Relative Diffusivity in Gas Diffusion Layers with Patterned Wettability
Authors: Tranter T. G. , Boillat P. , Mularczyk A. , Manzi-Orezzoli V. , Shearing P. R. , Brett D. J. L. , Eller J. , Gostick J. T. , Forner-Cuenca A.
Published: June 2020

Engineering the wettability and microstructure of gas diffusion layers offers a powerful strategy to optimize water management in polymer electrolyte fuel cells. To this goal, we recently developed a radiation grafting technique to synthesize GDLs with patterned wettability. Despite the promise of this approach, current designs are empirically-driven which hampers the development of advanced wettability patterns. To design materials with improved transport characteristics over a range of water saturations, physically representative models can be employed for the bottom-up design of gas diffusion layers with local variations in hydrophilicity. In this paper, pore network models using topology and size information extracted from high resolution tomographic images of three common gas diffusion layer materials are presented with patterned wettability. We study the influence of the substrate microstructure, the hydrophobic coating load, and the hydrophilic pattern width. It is shown that tuning the wettability leads to enhanced phase separation and increased diffusive transport which is attributed to decreased gas phase tortuosity. The network model elaborates on previous experimental studies, shedding light on the effectiveness of the radiation pattern transference and the importance of matching the masking pattern with the substrate microstructure. The work opens the door for exploration of advanced patterns, coupled with flow from gas flow field designs.
Effect of Aluminum Anode Temperature on Growth Rate and Structure of Nanoporous Anodic Alumina
Authors: Chernyakova Katsiaryna , Tzaneva Boriana , Vrublevsky Igor , Videkov Valentin
Published: June 2020

In the present study, we investigated the effect of an anode temperature on current transient process during porous anodic alumina growth and morphology of the anodic layers. Alumina films were formed in a 0.4 M oxalic acid at a constant voltage mode and electrolyte temperature. The temperature of the Al anode was controlled by thermoelectric Peltier element and varied in the range of 5 °C–60 °C. Surface morphology of both sides of anodic films and their cross-sections were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with subsequent statistical analysis of the SEM images by ImageJ software. It was found that when anode temperature was increased from 5 °С to 50 °С the pores diameter and interpore distance has not changed, but the porous structure became more ordered. According to these results, the rate of chemical dissolution of the barrier layer and pore walls did not depend on the anode temperature. At the anode temperature of 60 °С, pores diameter has increased 1.7 times and there was a distortion of the ordering of porous cells. It was concluded that the temperature difference between the aluminum substrate and electrolyte is an important parameter affecting the formation of ordered structure of nanoporous anodic alumina.
Facile and Eco-Friendly Method for Fabrication of Superhydrophobic Surface on Copper Metal
Authors: Mohamed M. E. , Abd-El-Nabey B. A.
Published: June 2020

A superhydrophobic nickel film was successfully fabricated on copper surface by galvanostatic deposition in presence of palmitic acid as a superhydrophobic material and eggshell extract as additive. The electrodeposition process in presence of eggshell extract exhibits potential oscillations with 180° antiphase shape. The surface morphology of the as-prepared nickel film was examined by scanning electron microscope (SEM), the results show that, in absence of eggshell extract the formed nickel film shows a smooth shape while in presence of eggshell extract the formed nickel film exhibits micro-nano structure with pine cone shape. The EDX results confirm the deposition of thin film of nickel on copper surface modified by low surface energy palmitic acid and the eggshell extract. The wettability of the deposited films indicates that, the as-prepared nickel film in presence of eggshell extract (NiC) exhibits superhydrophobicity with contact angle of 162° and sliding angle of 3o. The formed superhydrophobic film in presence of eggshell extract exhibits superhydrophobicity even after 200 abrasion, reflecting excellent mechanical resistance. In acidic, neutral, and basic environments the prepared superhydrophobic film display strong chemical stability. Potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) results indicate that the formed superhydrophobic surface exhibits high corrosion resistance behavior.
Long-term, high-fat feeding exacerbates short-term increases in adipose mitochondrial reactive oxygen species, without impairing mitochondrial respiration
Authors: Politis-Barber Valerie , Brunetta Henver S. , Paglialunga Sabina , Petrick Heather L. , Holloway Graham P.
Published: June 2020

White adipose tissue (WAT) dysfunction in obesity is implicated in the onset of whole body insulin resistance. Alterations in mitochondrial bioenergetics, namely impaired mitochondrial respiration and increased mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mtROS) production, have been suggested to contribute to this metabolic dysregulation. However, techniques investigating mitochondrial function are classically normalized to tissue weight, which may be confounding when considering obesity-related adipocyte hypertrophy. Furthermore, the effect of long-term high-fat diet (HFD) on mtROS in WAT has yet to be elucidated. Therefore, we sought to determine the HFD-mediated temporal changes in mitochondrial respiration and mtROS emission in WAT. C57BL/6N mice received low-fat diet or HFD for 1 or 8 wk and changes in inguinal WAT (iWAT) and epididymal WAT (eWAT) were assessed. While tissue weight-normalized mitochondrial respiration was reduced in iWAT following 8-wk HFD-feeding, this effect was mitigated when adipocyte cell size and/or number were considered. These data suggest HFD does not impair mitochondrial respiratory capacity per adipocyte within WAT. In support of this assertion, within eWAT compensatory increases in lipid-supported and maximal succinate-supported respiration occurred at 8 wk despite cell hypertrophy and increases in WAT inflammation. Although these data suggest impairments in mitochondrial respiration do not contribute to HFD-mediated WAT phenotype, lipid-supported mtROS emission increased following 1-wk HFD in eWAT, while both lipid and carbohydrate-supported mtROS were increased at 8 wk in both depots. Combined, these data establish that while HFD does not impair adipocyte mitochondrial respiratory capacity, increased mtROS is an enduring physiological occurrence within WAT in HFD-induced obesity.
Controller for a Low-Altitude Fixed-Wing UAV on an Embedded System to Assess Specific Environmental Conditions
Authors: von Eichel-Streiber Johannes , Weber Christoph , Rodrigo-Comino Jesús , Altenburg Jens
Published: June 2020

The use of an appropriate sensor on an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) is vital to assess specific environmental conditions successfully. In addition, technicians and scientists also appreciate a platform to carry the sensors with some advantages such as the low costs or easy pilot management. However, extra requirements like a low-altitude flight are necessary for special applications such as plant density or rice yield. A rotary UAV matches this requirement, but the flight endurance is too short for large areas. Therefore, in this article, a fixed-wing UAV is used, which is more appropriate because of its longer flight endurance. It is necessary to develop an own controller system to use special sensors such as Lidar or Radar on the platform as a multifunctionality system. Thereby, these sensors are used to generate a digital elevation model and also as a collision avoidance sensor at the same time. To achieve this goal, a small UAV was equipped with a hardware platform including a microcontroller and sensors. After testing the system and simulation, the controller was converted into program code to implement it on the microcontroller. After that, several real flights were performed to validate the controller and sensors. We demonstrated that the system is able to work and match the high requirements for future research.
A Lagrangian Multiplier Method for TDOA and FDOA Positioning of Multiple Disjoint Sources with Distance and Velocity Correlation Constraints
Authors: Yang Bin , Yang Zeyu , Wang Ding
Published: June 2020

This paper considers the source localization problem using time differences of arrival (TDOA) and frequency differences of arrival (FDOA) for multiple disjoint sources moving together with constraints on their distances and velocity correlation. To make full use of the synergistic improvement of multiple source localization, the constraints on all sources are combined together to obtain the optimal result. Unlike the existing methods that can achieve the normal Cramér-Rao lower bound (CRLB), our object is to further improve the accuracy of the estimation with constraints. On the basis of maximum likelihood criteria, a Lagrangian estimator is developed to solve the constrained optimization problem by iterative algorithm. Specifically, by transforming the inequality constraints into exponential functions, Lagrangian multipliers can be used to determine the source locations via Newton’s method. In addition, the constrained CRLB for source localization with distance and velocity correlation constraints is also derived. The estimated accuracy of the source positions and velocities is shown to achieve the constrained CRLB. Simulations are included to confirm the advantages of the proposed method over the existing methods.
Plants Used in Antivenom Therapy in Rural Kenya: Ethnobotany and Future Perspectives
Authors: Omara Timothy
Published: June 2020

Snake envenomation is one of the neglected tropical diseases which has left an intolerable death toll and severe socioeconomic losses in Kenya. In a continued effort to identify some antiophidic East African botanical species, this study generated ethnobotanical information on antivenom plants reported in Kenya, with a view to identify potential species which could be subjected to in vitro and clinical studies for possible development into antivenoms. Data retrieved through searches done in multidisciplinary databases (Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, Science Direct, Google Scholar, and Scientific Electronic Library Online) indicated that 54 plant species belonging to 45 genera, distributed among 27 families, are used for the management of snakebites in Kenya. Most species belonged to the family Asteraceae (11%), Malvaceae (11%), Fabaceae (9%), Annonaceae (6%), Combretaceae (6%), and Lamiaceae (6%). The main growth habit of the species is as herbs (35%), shrubs (33%), and trees (28%). Ethnomedicinal preparations used in treating snake poisons are usually from leaves (48%), roots (26%), and stem bark (8%) through decoctions, infusions, powders, and juices which are applied topically or administered orally. The most frequently encountered species were Combretum collinum, Euclea divinorum, Fuerstia africana, Grewia fallax, Microglossa pyrifolia, Solanecio mannii, and Solanum incanum. Indigenous knowledge on medicinal antivenom therapy in Kenya is humongous, and therefore studies to isolate and evaluate the antivenom compounds in the claimed plants are required to enable their confident use in antivenom therapy alongside commercial antivenin sera.