bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Integration of biocrude production from fast pyrolysis of biomass with solar PV for dispatchable electricity production
Authors: Perkins Greg
Published: August 2018

This article analyses the integration of distributed biocrude production facilities using fast pyrolysis with solar photovoltaic (PV) for dispatchable electricity production. The strong growth of intermittent electricity generation from solar PV and wind is leading to a greater need for energy storage at grid scale and dynamic demand management. Various forms of energy storage, including electrochemical (e.g. batteries), mechanical (e.g. flywheels) and gravitational (e.g. pumped-hydro), are being developed. This work studies the issues of integrating fast pyrolysis of biomass to produce biocrude that can be readily stored in tanks and combusted to produce electricity when required to supplement the electricity generation from a solar PV unit to meet an arbitrary energy demand curve. The use of biomass pyrolysis in this application has a range of benefits, including the flexibility to augment intermittent renewables, the integration of more bioenergy into the electricity sector and the creation of commercial quantities of biocrudes that can be refined into renewable transport fuels such as jet fuel for which few other alternatives exist. Biocrudes, especially partially upgraded, can be stored and used when required in engines and gas turbines, making them a suitable fuel for augmenting the intermittent nature of solar and wind projects. The development of the distributed 100% renewable power stations using a mix of biomass/biocrude and solar PV and/or wind would also increase the certainty of supply, knowledge of quality and price of raw biocrudes that can also be used to supply a centralized biorefinery, thereby substantially reducing the risk of investing in new biorefinery capacity.
Development and Decline of the Hippocampal Long-Axis Specialization and Differentiation During Encoding and Retrieval of Episodic Memories
Authors: Langnes Espen , Vidal-Piñeiro Didac , Sneve Markus H , Amlien Inge K , Walhovd Kristine B , Fjell Anders M
Published: August 2018

Change in hippocampal function is a major factor in life span development and decline of episodic memory. Evidence indicates a long-axis specialization where anterior hippocampus is more engaged during encoding than during retrieval, and posterior more engaged during retrieval than during encoding. We tested the life span trajectory of hippocampal long-axis episodic memory-related activity and functional connectivity (FC) in 496 participants (6.8–80.8 years) encoding and retrieving associative memories. We found evidence for a long-axis encoding–retrieval specialization that declined linearly during development and aging, eventually vanishing in the older adults. This was mainly driven by age effects on retrieval, which was associated with gradually lower activity from childhood to adulthood, followed by positive age relationships until 70 years. This pattern of age effects characterized task engagement regardless of memory success or failure. Especially for retrieval, children engaged posterior hippocampus more than anterior, while anterior was relatively more activated already in teenagers. Significant intrahippocampal connectivity was found during task, which declined with age. The results suggest that hippocampal long-axis differentiation and communication during episodic memory tasks develop rapidly during childhood, are different in older compared with younger adults, and that the age effects are related to task engagement, not the successful retrieval of episodic memories specifically.
“It’s Like I Never Had a Child of My Own”: Care and Support for the Elderly in a Changing Socioeconomic Context in Rural Uganda
Authors: Amurwon Jovita
Published: August 2018

Objectives

Individual households remain important for elderly care and support in resource-limited settings. Factors such as availability of young people and ownership of assets are important for care and support for the elderly. This article examines changing trends in accessing care and support for the elderly in a context of socioeconomic changes such as increasing school attendance and outmigration of youth from rural areas.

Method

Rich data from the life stories of individuals from 22 households in rural Uganda collected in 2009–2010 were analyzed.

Results

The elderly were lacking care and support, as the youth experienced increasing schooling and outmigration. The loss of young adults from HIV infection deprived the elderly of care and support, and increased their responsibilities of caring for the sick and the orphans. Mitigating factors included remittances and asset ownership. The availability of free health care encouraged people to stay in households to utilize these resources while also caring for the elderly members.

Discussion

With the current socioeconomic transformations, the rules and resources used in the traditional care system no longer serve as a “safety network” for the elderly. Adaptation efforts from individual households cannot deal with the multiple concurrent changes. Programs to increase education should consider investing in additional social programs, especially for those who are negatively impacted by increased access to education.
Perianal Infections in Children With Acute Myeloid Leukemia: A Report From the Canadian Infection in Acute Myeloid Leukemia Research Group
Authors: Renzi Samuele , Bartram Jack , Ali Salah , Portwine Carol , Mitchell David , Dix David , Lewis Victor , Price Victoria , Johnston Donna L , Sung Lillian
Published: August 2018

Among 235 children with acute myeloid leukemia, 17 experienced 19 perianal infections. Among 12 episodes with definite abscess, 75% were severely neutropenic. Sixteen diagnostic imaging evaluations were performed; diagnostic yield was similar between computerized tomography of pelvis (5 of 10) and ultrasound (3 of 5). Consistent management approaches to perianal infection should be developed.
Vitamin D status in preschool children: should vitamin D supplementation, preventing vitamin D deficiency be continued in children over 2 years?
Authors: Esmaeili dooki M R , Moslemi L , Moghadamnia A A , Alijanpour Aghamaleki M , Bijani A , Pornasrollah M , Ashrafianamiri H
Published: August 2018

Background

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among preschool children in rural and urban areas of Northern Iran and need for continuing vitamin D supplementation after 2 years of age.

Method

A sample of 406 children aged 30–72 months was selected from health centres. Serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD), demographic data, anthropometric characteristics and total body surface area, were evaluated.

Results

Subnormal vitamin D levels were found in 68.94% (269) of children. In multiple logistic regression models, season (P = 0.001) and residency (P = 0.006) were significantly correlated with vitamin D deficiency. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that age (β = −0.18, P < 0.001), body mass index (β = −1.1, P < 0.001) and sun exposure (β = 0.4, P < 0.001) were significantly associated with 25OHD level.

Conclusion

Owing to the high prevalence of subnormal vitamin D levels in preschool children, it is recommended that vitamin D deficiency prevention programs are continued in this age group.
Understanding Classification Systems in Spine Deformity
Authors: Slattery Casey , Sokol Samantha , Verma Kushagra
Published: August 2018

Classification systems provide organization for pathologic conditions and guide treatment for similar disease states. Spine deformity is a growing field with newer classification systems being developed as our surgical techniques and clinical understanding advances. The evolution of these classification systems reflects our current knowledge and are used to better understand the evolving field of spine surgery. Currently, classification systems in spine surgery range from describing deformity in different age groups and different regions of the spine to describing various osteotomies and the severity of proximal junctional kyphosis. This paper will describe what makes a successful classification system in spine deformity. Old classification systems will be briefly described and their limitations that necessitated the need for newer classification systems. Newer systems will also be reviewed and the importance of specific radiographic parameters. Finishing this review, clinicians will be able to pick which systems are ideal for their practice.
FRACTAL DIMENSION AND OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY ANGIOGRAPHY FEATURES OF THE CENTRAL MACULA AFTER REPAIR OF RHEGMATOGENOUS RETINAL DETACHMENTS
Authors: Agarwal Aniruddha , Aggarwal Kanika , Akella Madhuri , Agrawal Rupesh , Khandelwal Neha , Bansal Reema , Singh Ramandeep , Gupta Vishali ,   for the OCTA Study Group
Published: August 2018

Purpose:

Patients with macula-off rhegmatogenous retinal detachments (RRDs) may have suboptimal visual recovery, despite successful reattachment due to various reasons. This study was performed to evaluate the retinal microvasculature in subjects undergoing surgery for RRD using optical coherence tomography angiography.

Methods:

In this case–control study, the analysis of optical coherence tomography angiography findings of 19 eyes of 19 patients (15 men) who underwent RRD surgery at a tertiary institute were compared with 19 eyes of 19 age- and sex-matched healthy subjects with no known ocular disease. 3 × 3-mm optical coherence tomography angiography scans were obtained at 3 months postoperatively and analyzed. Optical coherence tomography angiography images of patients with RRD and control subjects were analyzed for capillary density index and fractal dimensions.

Results:

Mean age of the patients was 40.21 years, and the mean age of controls was 43.73 years. Eight eyes underwent scleral buckling alone, and 11 eyes underwent primary vitrectomy with gas tamponade (C3F8 gas) for macula-off RRD. None of the eyes had redetachment during the follow-up at 3 months. Mean capillary density index among patients was 33.28% ± 0.99% and 34.06% ± 2.22% in the superficial and deep retinal plexuses, respectively, compared with 36.11% ± 1.29% and 37.52% ± 1.24% among controls (P < 0.001). The mean fractal dimension was lower among subjects compared with controls (1.46 vs. 1.61 in the superficial plexus, P < 0.001; 1.58 vs. 1.64 in the deep plexus, P < 0.001).

Conclusion:

Optical coherence tomography angiography demonstrates significant reduction in mean capillary density index and fractal dimension in patients after surgery for RRD in our patients. Thus, reduction in vascular perfusion and branching pattern identified using novel analysis techniques on optical coherence tomography angiography images may provide an insight into the reasons for suboptimal visual gain after RRD surgery.
Eltrombopag for Delayed Platelet Recovery and Secondary Thrombocytopenia Following Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation in Children
Authors: Li Sidan , Wu Runhui , Wang Bin , Fu Lingling , Zhu Guanghua , Zhou Xuan , Ma Jie , Zhang Liqiang , Qin Maoquan
Published: August 2018

The delay in platelet recovery after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is closely related to the overall survival rate of transplanted children. The use of platelet-producing agents such as eltrombopag and romiplostim has made great progress in treating diseases such as immune thrombocytopenia and aplastic anemia. However, the use of such drugs in patients with thrombocytopenia after transplantation, especially in children, is rare. This study aimed to report eltrombopag treatment for 3 children with primary platelet engraftment failure and secondary thrombocytopenia after allogeneic HSCT. Of these patients, 2 had platelets stabilized at ≥50×109/L after eltrombopag treatment and subsequent withdrawal of eltrombopag. All 3 patients showed no clear adverse reactions. The results indicated a wide application prospect of eltrombopag treatment in children with thrombocytopenia after allogeneic HSCT.
Is MPV a Predictive Marker for Neonatal Sepsis? A Pilot Study
Authors: Hanaganahalli Sridevi B. , Sreeram Saraswathy , Bompada Mytreyi , Kuppannagari Santosh K. , Suresh Pooja K. , Philipose Cheryl S.
Published: August 2018

Neonatal sepsis (NS) continues to be a diagnostic challenge and a prime cause of mortality. Forage for a lucid, cost-effective yet highly sensitive and specific marker in diagnosing this entity is an incessant task. This study aimed to evaluate the predictive value of mean platelet volume (MPV) in diagnosing NS. Neonates diagnosed with sepsis from January 2016 to March 2016 were included in the study. The subjects were stratified into the following: (i) culture-proven sepsis (group I); (ii) culture-negative clinical sepsis (group II); and (iii) control group (group III). Several hematologic markers such as hemoglobin, total leukocyte count, platelet count, MPV, plateletcrit, platelet distribution width, immature-to-mature neutrophil ratio, toxic change, serum urea, bilirubin, and C-reactive protein were analyzed. The results were compared among the groups, and their efficacy in diagnosing NS was appraised. The study involved 210 neonates, of which, groups I, II, and III constituted 64, 75, and 71 cases, respectively. The mean MPV among groups I, II, and III was 9.56, 8.86, and 8.58 fL, respectively (P<0.05). Strikingly higher values of platelet count, immature-to-mature neutrophil ratio, MPV, plateletcrit, and C-reactive protein were found in group I in contrast to those in groups II and III (P<0.05). The baseline MPV of patients with culture-proven sepsis was comparatively higher than controls and was found to be statistically significant. Hence, MPV can be a simple, economical, and specific predictor of NS.
Characterizing the HIV Care Continuum and Identifying Barriers and Facilitators to HIV Diagnosis and Viral Suppression Among Black Transgender Women in the United States
Authors: Bukowski Leigh A. , Chandler Cristian J. , Creasy Stephanie L. , Matthews Derrick D. , Friedman Mackey R. , Stall Ronald D.
Published: August 2018

Background:

Although black transgender women (BTW) experience high prevalence of HIV in the United States, no characterization of the HIV care continuum exists for this population. This study addresses this gap by (1) characterizing the HIV care continuum, and (2) exploring correlates of HIV diagnosis and viral suppression among a community-based sample of BTW.

Methods:

Data came from Promoting Our Worth, Equality, and Resilience (POWER). From 2014 to 2017, POWER recruited BTW who attended Black Pride events in 6 U.S. cities. Participants completed a behavioral health survey and were offered onsite HIV testing. Simple frequencies were used to characterize the HIV care continuum, and multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to identify correlates of HIV diagnosis and viral suppression.

Results:

A total of 422 BTW provided completed data for our analysis, 45.0% of whom were living with HIV. Over half of the HIV-positive BTW (51.4%) reported being undiagnosed at the time of survey, and 24.5% reported viral suppression. Incarceration and a lack of access to medical care were significantly and positively associated with an undiagnosed HIV-positive status in multivariable models. Incarceration, homelessness, polydrug use, physical assault, intimate partner violence, and current hormone use were significantly and negatively associated with viral suppression in multivariable models.

Conclusions:

Developing and implementing interventions that address timely HIV diagnosis may assist in informing the HIV disparity among BTW in the United States. Interventions should address the fundamental causes of poor health in this population.
The detection of hand tremor through the characteristics of finger movement while typing
Authors: Adams Warwick R.
Published: August 2018

Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative movement disease affecting over 6 million people worldwide. Current diagnosis is based on clinical and observational criteria only, resulting in a high misdiagnosis rate. Approximately 75% of people with PD have hand tremor, which can precede clinical diagnosis by up to 6 years. Previous studies have shown that early PD can be accurately detected from keystroke features while typing, and this study investigated whether tremor can be detected as well. Typing data from 76 subjects, with and without PD, including 27 with PD and 15 with tremor, was analysed and showed that hand tremor in PD can be detected from keystroke features. This novel technique has not been used before and was able to achieve an overall sensitivity of 67% and a specificity of 80% and was also able to differentiate PD tremor from essential tremor. This means that the diagnosis of early PD through typing can achieve the clinical requirement of at least two cardinal features being present (bradykinesia and tremor). Less than half a page of typing is needed, the technique does not require any specialised equipment, and can take place in the patient’s home as they type normally on a computer.
Surge of Corticocardiac Coupling in SHRSP Rats Exposed to Forebrain Cerebral Ischemia
Authors: Tian Fangyun , Liu Tiecheng , Xu Gang , Ghazi Talha , Sajjad Azeem , Farrehi Peter , Wang Michael M. , Borjigin Jimo
Published: August 2018

Sudden death is an important but under-recognized consequence of stroke. Acute stroke can disturb central control of autonomic function, and result in cardiac dysfunction and sudden death. Previous study showed that bilateral common carotid artery ligation (BCCAL) in spontaneously hypertensive stroke-prone rats (SHRSP) is a well-established model for forebrain ischemic sudden death. This study aims to investigate the temporal dynamic changes in electrical activities of the brain and heart and functional interactions between the two vital organs following forebrain ischemia. EEG and ECG signals were simultaneously collected from 9 SHRSP and 8 Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats. RR interval and cardiac arrhythmias were analyzed to investigate the cardiac response to brain ischemia. EEG power and coherence (CCoh) analysis were conducted to study the cortical response. Corticocardiac coherence (CCCoh) and directional connectivity (CCCon) were analyzed to determine brain-heart connection. Heart rate variability (HRV) was analyzed to evaluate autonomic functionality. BCCAL resulted in 100% mortality in SHRSP within 14 hours, whereas no mortality was observed in WKY. The functionality of both the brain and the heart were significantly altered in SHRSP compared to WKY after BCCAL. SHRSP rats, but not WKY rats, exhibited intermittent surge of CCCoh, which paralleled the elevated CCCon and reduced HRV, following the onset of ischemia until sudden death. Elevated brain-heart coupling invariably associated with the disruption of the autonomic nervous system and the risk of sudden death. This study may improve our understanding of the mechanism of ischemic stroke-induced sudden death.
Variants in regulatory elements ofPDE4Dassociate with Major Mental Illness in the Finnish population
Authors: Sinha Vishal , Ukkola-Vuoti Liisa , Ortega-Alonso Alfredo , Torniainen-Holm Minna , Therman Sebastian , Tuulio-Henriksson Annamari , Jylhä Pekka , Kaprio Jaakko , Hovatta Iiris , Isometsä Erkki , Cannon Tyrone D. , Lönnqvist Jouko , Paunio Tiina , Suvisaari Jaana , Hennah William
Published: August 2018

We have previously reported a replicable association between variants at thePDE4Dgene and familial schizophrenia in a Finnish cohort. In order to identify the potential functional mutations alluded to by these previous findings, we sequenced the 1.5Mb of thePDE4Dgenomic locus in 20 families (consisting of 96 individuals, and 79 independent chromosomes), followed by two stages of genotyping across 6,668 individuals from multiple Finnish cohorts for major mental illnesses. We identified 4,570 SNPs across thePDE4Dgene, with 380 associated to schizophrenia (p≤0.05). Importantly, two of these variants, rs35278 and rs165940, are located at transcription factor binding sites, and displayed replicable association in the two-stage enlargement of the familial schizophrenia cohort, (combined statistics for rs35278 p=0.0012; OR=1.18, 95% CI 1.06-1.32; and rs165940 p=0.0016; OR=1.27, 95% CI 1.13-1.41). Further analysis using additional cohorts and endophenotypes revealed that rs165940 principally associates within the psychosis (p=0.025, OR=1.18, 95% CI 1.07-1.30) and cognitive domains of major mental illnesses (g-score p=0.044, beta=-0.033). Specifically, the cognitive domains represented verbal learning and memory (p=0.0091, beta=-0.044) and verbal working memory (p=0.0062, beta=-0.036). Moreover, expression data from the GTEx database demonstrated that rs165940 significantly correlates with the mRNA expression levels ofPDE4Din the cerebellum (p-value=0.04; m-value=0.9), demonstrating a potential functional consequence for this variant. Thus, rs165940 represents the most likely functional variant for major mental illness at thePDE4Dlocus in the Finnish population, increasing risk broadly to psychotic disorders.
Multiscale dynamic mean field model to relate resting-state brain dynamics with local cortical excitatory-inhibitory neurotransmitter homeostasis in health and disease
Authors: Naskar Amit , Vattikonda Anirudh , Deco Gustavo , Roy Dipanjan , Banerjee Arpan
Published: August 2018

Previous neuro-computational studies have established the connection of spontaneous resting-state brain activity with “large-scale” neuronal ensembles using dynamic mean field approach and showed the impact of local excitatory−inhibitory (E−I) balance in sculpting dynamical patterns. Here, we argue that whole brain models that link multiple scales of physiological organization namely brain metabolism that governs synaptic concentrations of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and glutamate on one hand and neural field dynamics that operate on the macroscopic scale. The multiscale dynamic mean field (MDMF) model captures the synaptic gating dynamics over a cortical macrocolumn as a function of neurotransmitter kinetics. Multiple MDMF units were placed in brain locations guided by an anatomical parcellation and connected by tractography data from diffusion tensor imaging. The resulting whole-brain model generates the resting-state functional connectivity and also reveal that optimal configurations of glutamate and GABA captures the dynamic working point of the brain, that is the state of maximum metsatability as observed in BOLD signals. To demonstrate test-retest reliability we validate the observation that healthy resting brain dynamics is governed by optimal glutamate-GABA configurations using two different brain parcellations for model set-up. Furthermore, graph theoretical measures of segregation (modularity and clustering coefficient) and integration (global efficiency and characteristic path length) on the functional connectivity generated from healthy and pathological brain network studies could be explained by the MDMF model. In conclusion, the MDMF model could relate the various scales of observations from neurotransmitter concentrations to dynamics of synaptic gating to whole-brain resting-state network topology in health and disease.
S100A4 inhibits cell proliferation by interfering with the RAGE V domain-S100A1
Authors: Khan M I , Yuan T , Chou R H , Yu C
Published: August 2018

The Ca2+-dependent human S100A4 (Mts1) protein is part of the S100 family, and the S100A1 protein is the target of S100A4. Here, we studied the interactions of S100A1 with S100A4 using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR; 700 MHz) spectroscopy. We used HADDOCK software to model S100A4 and S100A1, and we observed that S100A1 and the RAGE V domain have an analogous binding area in S100A4. We discovered that S100A4 acts as an antagonist among the RAGE V domain and S100A1, which inhibits tumorigenesis and cell proliferation. We used a WST-1 assay to examine the bioactivity of S100A1 and S100A4. This study could possibly be beneficial for evaluating new proteins for the treatment of cancer.
Aircraft neural modeling and parameter estimation using neural partial differentiation
Authors: Mohamed Majeed , Dongare Vikalp
Published: August 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to build a neural model of an aircraft from flight data and online estimation of the aerodynamic derivatives from established neural model.

Design/methodology/approach

A neural model capable of predicting generalized force and moment coefficients of an aircraft using measured motion and control variable is used to extract aerodynamic derivatives. The use of neural partial differentiation (NPD) method to the multi-input-multi-output (MIMO) aircraft system for the online estimation of aerodynamic parameters from flight data is extended.

Findings

The estimation of aerodynamic derivatives of rigid and flexible aircrafts is treated separately. In the case of rigid aircraft, longitudinal and lateral-directional derivatives are estimated from flight data. Whereas simulated data are used for a flexible aircraft in the absence of its flight data. The unknown frequencies of structural modes of flexible aircraft are also identified as part of estimation problem in addition to the stability and control derivatives. The estimated results are compared with the parameter estimates obtained from output error method. The validity of estimates has been checked by the model validation method, wherein the estimated model response is matched with the flight data that are not used for estimating the derivatives.

Research limitations/implications

Compared to the Delta and Zero methods of neural networks for parameter estimation, the NPD method has an additional advantage of providing the direct theoretical insight into the statistical information (standard deviation and relative standard deviation) of estimates from noisy data. The NPD method does not require the initial value of estimates, but it requiresa prioriinformation about the model structure of aircraft dynamics to extract the flight stability and control parameters. In the case of aircraft with a high degree of flexibility, aircraft dynamics may contain many parameters that are required to be estimated. Thus, NPD seems to be a more appropriate method for the flexible aircraft parameter estimation, as it has potential to estimate most of the parameters without having the issue of convergence.

Originality/value

This paper highlights the application of NPD for MIMO aircraft system; previously it was used only for multi-input and single-output system for extraction of parameters. The neural modeling and application of NPD approach to the MIMO aircraft system facilitate to the design of neural network-based adaptive flight control system. Some interesting results of parameter estimation of flexible aircraft are also presented from established neural model using simulated data as a novelty. This gives more value addition to analyzing the flight data of flexible aircraft as it is a challenging problem in parameter estimation of flexible aircraft.
Dynamic impedance compensation for WPT using a compensator in a three-coil wireless power transfer system
Authors: Liu Suqi , Tan Jianping
Published: August 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the wireless power transfer (WPT) system that always achieves the maximum output power at a fixed angular frequency using the dynamic impedance compensation and also the maximum transfer efficiency.

Design/methodology/approach

An efficient topology of the WPT system is proposed which states that the functions of the relay are transformed into the functions of the compensator in the three-coil WPT system.

Findings

Increasing the ratio of the frequency detuning factor of the compensator relative to the frequency detuning factor of the compensator also causes the curves of the normalized output power and the transfer efficiency to move toward the high frequency direction.

Practical implications

The scheme of the dynamic compensation for the WPT using a compensator is convenient to obtain the dynamic impedance compensation by adding or removing the capacitances or inductances from the compensator.

Originality/value

The functions of the relay are transformed into the functions of the compensator in the three-coil WPT system.
DACA applications and anxiety among undocumented youths
Authors: Lauby Fanny
Published: August 2018

Purpose

While the literature has focused on the benefits granted by Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals to undocumented youths in the USA, the purpose of this paper is to focus on the challenges encountered during the application process.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is based on 60 semi-structured interviews with Latino undocumented youths living in the New York City and northern New Jersey metropolitan area.

Findings

The policy was intended to improve the inclusion of some undocumented youths in the USA by temporarily shielding them from deportation and providing them with a social security number. Analyses indicate great variation in youths’ experiences while applying for DACA, including program knowledge, financial impact, and application assistance – some of which was alleviated by respondents’ political engagement. This paper shows that participants suffered from anxiety due to the manner of implementation of the program.

Research limitations/implications

This research is based on the self-disclosure of participants as undocumented youths. Fieldwork also took place in the New York/New Jersey metropolitan area, which is traditionally considered as more “immigrant-friendly” context than other areas of the USA.

Originality/value

This paper provides much needed information on the ways in which undocumented youths navigate the federal immigration system and the anxiety associated with it. This paper demonstrates the possibility that a federal policy whose goal is inclusionary could be implemented at the local level in such a way as to promote anxiety and alienation. It also highlights the role of political engagement in shaping immigrant youth’s experiences in the USA.
Cultivating sustainable communities of practice within hierarchical bureaucracies
Authors: Duryan Meri , Smyth Hedley
Published: August 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to address hierarchies in a large program of projects. It explores cultivation of communities of practice (CoP) within a hierarchical client organization that manages multi-billion-euro infrastructure programs and projects.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is based on an exploratory longitudinal case study approach involving action research. In-depth semi-structured interviews, company records, industry reports and observation from a case study in the hierarchical bureaucracy were translated into the language of cognitive maps for software analysis and subsequent interpretation.

Findings

The findings highlight the importance of hierarchy constraints and program management practices in project-based firms. The involvement of senior management in CoP cultivation reinforced the community’s contribution to strategic value creation in the firm under scrutiny.

Research limitations/implications

This paper mobilizes the concepts of boundary spanning and loose coupling as a way of analyzing the role of CoPs in bureaucratic hierarchies to promote learning and knowledge transfer. The results of the study suggest that application of those concepts can contribute to sustainability of CoPs in hierarchical organizations by giving them social space to span horizontal and vertical boundaries.

Practical implications

The authors practically contribute to the field by demonstrating the process and the impact of CoP sponsors’ engagement in their cultivation. This was enabled through the research-oriented action research component. The paper also concludes that cognitive mapping may provide a useful addition to engaged research, potentially simulating and influencing change in practice.

Originality/value

The academic contribution concerns understanding the roles of hierarchies, program management and CoP cultivation in project-based firms. It offers clear guidelines for managers of hierarchical bureaucracies to cultivate CoPs to address hierarchical constraints and how CoPs differ in organizational form.
Tribological properties of zirconium phosphate-quinoline compound as an additive in lithium grease
Authors: Niu Wenxing , Liu Lei , Xu Hong , Dong Jinxiang
Published: August 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the tribological properties of (C9H8N)4(H2O)4[Zr8P12O40(OH)8F8] (designated as ZrPOF-Q1) used as an additive in lithium grease.

Design/methodology/approach

The tribological properties of ZrPOF-Q1 as an additive in the lithium grease were evaluated with a four-ball tester. To understand the lubrication mechanism, post-test characterization of the contact tracks was performed via three-dimensional (3D) optical profiler, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS).

Findings

The results reveal that ZrPOF-Q1 exhibits good performance in anti-wear, friction-reducing and load-carrying capacity. The action mechanism is estimated through analysis of the worn surface with SEM, EDS and 3D. The results indicate that ZrPOF-Q1 can adhere on the substrate, protecting the rubbed surfaces from a direct contact, even under high load for a long-time test. ZrPOF-Q1 can adhere on the substrate, protecting the rubbed surfaces from a direct contact, even under high load for a long-time test.

Originality/value

This work illustrates that ZrPOF-Q1 as an additive can improve lubricating performance. These tribological properties make ZrPOF-Q1 a promising candidate for lubricant additive.
Future strategic considerations and development priorities for national museum libraries
Authors: Williams Rupert Nicholas
Published: August 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the main strategic considerations facing the libraries of national museums over the next decade, and to examine anticipated future service and resource development priorities.

Design/methodology/approach

An explanatory sequential mixed-methods study was undertaken, consisting of a quantitative research phase followed by a qualitative phase. An online survey was sent to the head librarians of two hundred national museum libraries for the quantitative phase. Semi-structured interviews were undertaken with the head librarians at seven national museum libraries for the qualitative phase. The survey data were analysed using descriptive statistics and the interview data were analysed through use of recursive abstraction. Mixing of the data occurred following the qualitative phase.

Findings

National museum libraries are facing a complex array of future challenges and opportunities as a result of a rapidly changing socio-technical landscape, evolving organisational needs and priorities and ongoing operational constraints. The main strategic considerations for many national museum libraries relate to their preparedness for these issues, and their ability to deliver services and resources that are relevant, required, and responsive to the future research needs of internal and external users. It seems likely that development priorities will focus on consolidating high impact services and resources, whilst also expanding provision into new areas that have the greatest potential for growth.

Originality/value

This study identifies issues of strategic importance for national museum libraries and examines the main priority areas being considered by museum librarians as they prepare to develop their libraries into the third decade of the twenty-first century.
Development of a current mirror-integrated pressure sensor using CMOS-MEMS cofabrication techniques
Authors: Kumar Shashi , Rathore Pradeep Kumar , Panwar Brishbhan Singh , Akhtar Jamil
Published: August 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to describe the fabrication and characterization of current mirror-integrated microelectromechanical systems (MEMS)-based pressure sensor.

Design/methodology/approach

The integrated pressure-sensing structure consists of three identical 100-µm long and 500-µm wide n-channel MOSFETs connected in a resistive loaded current mirror configuration. The input transistor of the mirror acts as a constant current source MOSFET and the output transistors are the stress sensing MOSFETs embedded near the fixed edge and at the center of a square silicon diaphragm to sense tensile and compressive stresses, respectively, developed under applied pressure. The current mirror circuit was fabricated using standard polysilicon gate complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) technology on the front side of the silicon wafer and the flexible pressure sensing square silicon diaphragm, with a length of 1,050 µm and width of 88 µm, was formed by bulk micromachining process using tetramethylammonium hydroxide solution on the backside of the wafer. The pressure is monitored by the acquisition of drain voltages of the pressure sensing MOSFETs placed near the fixed edge and at the center of the diaphragm.

Findings

The current mirror-integrated pressure sensor was successfully fabricated and tested using in-house developed pressure measurement system. The pressure sensitivity of the tested sensor was found to be approximately 0.3 mV/psi (or 44.6 mV/MPa) for pressure range of 0 to 100 psi. In addition, the pressure sensor was also simulated using Intellisuite MEMS Software and simulated pressure sensitivity of the sensor was found to be approximately 53.6 mV/MPa. The simulated and measured pressure sensitivities of the pressure sensor are in close agreement.

Originality/value

The work reported in this paper validates the use of MOSFETs connected in current mirror configuration for the measurement of tensile and compressive stresses developed in a silicon diaphragm under applied pressure. This current mirror readout circuitry integrated with MEMS pressure-sensing structure is new and fully compatible to standard CMOS processes and has a promising application in the development CMOS-MEMS-integrated smart sensors.
System in package (SiP) technology: fundamentals, design and applications
Authors: Santagata Fabio , Sun Jianwen , Iervolino Elina , Yu Hongyu , Wang Fei , Zhang Guoqi , Sarro P.M. , Zhang Guoyi
Published: August 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate a novel 3D system-in-package (SiP) approach. This new packaging approach is based on stacked silicon submount technology. As demonstrators, a smart lighting module and a sensor systems were successfully developed by using the fabrication and assembly process described in this paper.

Design/methodology/approach

The stacked module consists of multiple layers of silicon submounts which can be designed and fabricated in parallel. The 3D stacking design offers higher silicon efficiency and miniaturized package form factor. This platform consists of silicon submount design and fabrication, module packaging, system assembling and testing and analyzing.

Findings

In this paper, a smart light emitting diode system and sensor system will be described based on stacked silicon submount and 3D SiP technology. The integrated smart lighting module meets the optical requirements of general lighting applications. The developed SiP design is also implemented into the miniaturization of particular matter sensors and gas sensor detection system.

Originality/value

SiP has great potential of integrating multiple components into a single compact package, which has potential implementation in intelligent applications.
Facile method for synthesis ofα-Co(OH)2and their supercapacitor properties
Authors: Shaikh F.F.M , Dongale T.D. , Kamat R.K.
Published: August 2018

Purpose

The overall purpose of this research paper largely depends on developing an easy method to synthesis a material suitable for supercapacitor application. This paper includes the synthesis of, α-Co(OH)2, its structural, elemental and morphological properties and its supercapacitor properties.

Design/methodology/approach

Firstly, the electrolyte is prepared using binder free method, then electrodeposition is used to synthesize α-Co(OH)2at 2 V. X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) are used to study the structural, elemental and morphological characteristics. The supercapacitor properties are investigated by using cyclic voltammetry, charging-discharging graph, stability test and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS).

Findings

Synthesis of α-Co(OH)2is a tedious job as the temperature and use of weak base plays an important role. However, throughout electrodeposition, temperature is maintained using a water bath and weak base as the precursor. The presence of nitrate anions shows more interlayer space than that of ß-Co(OH)2because of which free diffusion of the electrolyte is possible. Sheets structures are more visible in SEM images. Nanosheet like structure is observed in the film and such kind of structure provide higher surface area and higher specific capacitance. Usually, the surface morphology of cobalt hydroxide shows flower-like, spherical and nanocubes particles. The cross-section of the deposited film and it is found to be approximately 100 µm. In the forward and backward scan, oxidation and reduction peaks are clearly visible. However, such a behavior is reported as stable because of no further peaks of oxidation.

Originality/value

XRD and EDS confirms the growth of α-Co(OH)2. SEM images shows the porous nature of the film. Specific capacitance and energy density has been estimated at 5 mV s−1is 780 F g−1and 82 W h kg−1, respectively. The film was stable for 600 cycles showing 75 per cent capacitance retention. The voltage drop is 0.02 V for 0.5 A cm−2, indicating low resistance and good conductivity of the film. The specific power is estimated to be 15 W kg−1for 1 A cm−2. The value of RESR, RCT, CDLand W is 4.83 Ohm, 1.273 Ohm, 0.00233 C and 0.717, respectively. Thus indicating α-Co(OH)2to be better candidate for supercapacitor applications.
A Reliable Regression‐Based Approach for Reassociating Human Skeletal Elements of the Lower Limbs from Commingled Assemblages
Authors: Anastopoulou Ioanna , Karakostis Fotios A. , Moraitis Konstantinos
Published: August 2018

Accurate sorting of commingled human remains comprises a fundamental requirement for all further anthropological analyses. The lower limb bones are particularly important for reconstructing biological profiles. This study introduces a metric technique for sorting these elements using eight standard anthropological measurements and 222 adult individuals from Greece. The bones utilized were the os coxae, the femora, the tibiae and the tali. Simple regression analyses were used to develop functions for reassociating articulating bones, providing strong correlations (r = 0.74–0.95, p‐value <0.05) and high coefficients of determination (r2=0.54–0.91). Blind tests demonstrated that combining metric and morphoscopic techniques provides an excellent sorting accuracy for the hip and knee joints (ten of ten individuals), allowing for a reliable reassociation between a sex and age indicator (os coxae) and a body size indicator (femur). Overall, these results indicate the high value of metric methods in sorting commingled human remains.
Do the microorganisms from laboratory culture spent growth medium affect house dust mite fitness and microbiome composition?
Authors: Molva Vit , Bostlova Marie , Nesvorna Marta , Hubert Jan
Published: August 2018

The interaction of house dust mites (HDM) and microorganisms is the key factor in the survival of these mites in human‐made environments. Spent growth medium (SPGM) provides the rest of the diet, along with dead mite bodies and microorganisms. SPGM represents a source of microorganisms for the recolonization of mite food and the mite digestive tract. An experiment was performed to observe how adding SPGM to the HDM diet affects HDM population growth, the microbiome composition and the microbial respiration in microcosms. We analyzed American house dust mite (Dermatophagoides farinae) and European house dust mite (Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus) originating from control diets and diets treated with an extract of SPGM from 1‐ and 3‐month‐old mite cultures. The microbiome was described using 16S and 18S barcode sequencing. The composition of the bacterial and fungal microbiomes differed between the HDM species, but the SPGM treatment influenced only the bacterial profile of D. farinae. In the D. farinae microbiome of specimens on SPGM‐treated diets compared to those of the control situation, the Lactobacillus profile decreased, while the Cardinium, Staphylococcus, Acinetobacter, and Sphingomonas profiles increased. The addition of SPGM extract decreased the microbial respiration in the microcosms with and without mites in almost all cases. Adding SPGM did not influence the population growth of D. farinae, but it had a variable effect on D. pteronyssinus. The results indicated that the HDM are marginally influenced by the microorganisms in their feces.
Alcohol Outlets, Neighborhood Retail Environments, and Pedestrian Injury Risk
Authors: Nesoff Elizabeth D. , Milam Adam J. , Branas Charles C. , Martins Silvia S. , Knowlton Amy R. , Furr‐Holden Debra M.
Published: August 2018

Background

Alcohol outlet density has been associated with increased pedestrian injury risk. It is unclear whether this is because alcohol outlets are located in dense retail areas with heavy pedestrian traffic or whether alcohol outlets contribute a unique neighborhood risk. We aimed to compare the pedestrian injury rate around alcohol outlets to the rate around other, similar retail outlets that do not sell alcohol.

Methods

A spatial analysis was conducted on census block groups in Baltimore City. Data included pedestrian injury emergency medical services (EMS) records from January 1, 2014 to April 15, 2015 (n = 848); locations of alcohol outlets licensed for off‐premise (n = 726) and on‐premise consumption (n = 531); and corner (n = 398) and convenience stores (n = 192) that do not sell alcohol. Negative binomial regression was used to determine the relationship between retail outlet count and pedestrian injuries, controlling for key confounding variables. Spatial autocorrelation was also assessed and variable selection adjusted accordingly.

Results

Each additional off‐premise alcohol outlet was associated with a 12.3% increase in the rate of neighborhood pedestrian injury when controlling for convenience and corner stores and other confounders (incidence rate ratio [IRR] = 1.123, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.065, 1.184, p < 0.001). The attributable risk was 4.9% (95% CI = 0.3, 8.9) or 41 additional injuries. On‐premise alcohol outlets were not significant predictors of neighborhood pedestrian injury rate in multivariable models (IRR = 0.972, 95% CI = 0.940, 1.004, p = 0.194).

Conclusions

Off‐premise alcohol outlets are associated with pedestrian injury rate, even when controlling for other types of retail outlets. Findings reinforce the importance of alcohol outlets in understanding neighborhood pedestrian injury risk and may provide evidence for informing policy on liquor store licensing, zoning, and enforcement.