bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bending Properties of 3D Glass Woven Fabric Reinforced Composites
Authors: Hamada Hiroyuki , Fujita Akihiro , Maekawa Zenichiro , Kotaki Masaya
Published: January 2019

3D glass woven fabric (PARABEAM) reinforced composites are of particular interest to composite industry, because light weight large scale composite structures can be fabricated. Bending properties of hybrid composites with 3D fabric and chopped strand mat were possible to be estimated by using theory of composite beam. The relations between thickness, weight and bending properties of the 3D composites could be drawn for designing composite structure.
A Test Method for Experimental Determination of Shear Moduli of Fibre Reinforced Composite Materials
Authors: Laleh B. , Myler P.
Published: January 2019

This paper describes a simple test method for determining the in-plane and transverse shear moduli of unidirectional carbon fibre reinforced composites. The method employs photoelastic coating techniques in conjunction with four point offset bend loading conditions.
Characterization of Fiber Alignment and Fiber Volume Content of Long-fiber Reinforced Composites
Authors: Schuster J. , Selzer R. , Friedrich K.
Published: January 2019

Scanning electron micrographs of long fiber reinforced thermoplastic composites were analyzed using an image processing system. The main objective of this study was to determine the alignment process which takes place during thermoforming of Long Discontinouos Fiber Composties (LDF™). The planar orientation factor and the standard deviation of the fiber cross section area were determined. Thus, an alignment process could be stated. In addition, the fiber volume fraction was calculated.
A Method for Simple and Precise Measurements of Kinetics of Reactions between SiC and Molten Al
Authors: Carotenuto G. , Gallo A. , Nicolais L.
Published: January 2019

Reinforced aluminum is generally fabricated by liquid metal infiltration. The reinforcement degradation produced by molten matrix is the major problem to be considered. The relationship between conversion and thermal exposure time is an important information. In the present paper a method for measuring the conversion by weight determinations is proposed.
Carbon Fibre - Copper Composites Obtained by Foil Casting
Authors: Wtosiński W.K. , Olesińska W. , Pietrzak K. , Kaliński D.
Published: January 2019

A method for production of carbon fibre - copper composites by foil casting is presented. As follows from the test results included, the foil casting process may be applied to produce the carbon fibre -copper composites. Thanks to the use continuous fibres, the method allows to obtain composites with fibres ordered directionally. Measurements of thermal expansion and micro-hardness of a composite with 30% fibre content, as well as examination of its microstructure are presented. The composites may, among others, find application in manufacturing of electrodes for resistance welding, electric contacts and expansion wafers for semiconductor power components.
On Interlaminar Failure due to Mechanical and Thermal Stresses at the Free Edges of Composite Laminated Plates
Authors: Morton S. K. , Webber J. P. H.
Published: January 2019

The three-dimensional stress field that occurs near a free edge in a composite laminated plate may lead to interlaminar failure. On the basis of an analytical model for this stress field, critical applied loads for interlaminar failure are predicted using a quadratic criterion. Both mechanical and thermoelastic effects are considered.
Damage Progression in Carbon Fibre Reinforced Metal Laminates
Authors: Lawcock Glyn , Ye Lin , Mai Yiu-Wing
Published: January 2019

Penetrant X-ray radiography and C-scan techniques were used to study the damage progression in Carbon Fibre Reinforced Metal Laminates (FRMLs) with saw-cuts and circular cut-outs. The differences in damage growth in the two types of specimens were observed and crack-bridging in the saw-cut specimens was identified via chemical removal of the aluminium.
A Micro-mechanical Investigation of Empirical Models for the Effective Properties of Aligned Short-Fibre Composites
Authors: Papathanasiou T.D.
Published: January 2019

The predictions of the Halpin equation concerning the effect of fibre volume fraction and fibre aspect ratio on the effective tensile modulus of uniaxially aligned short-fibre composites are compared with computational experiments on three-dimensional, multiparticle composite samples. The method of boundary elements is used to model the mechanical behaviour of composite specimens consisting of up to 40 discrete aligned fibres randomly dispersed in an elastic matrix. Statistical averages of computational results relating the effective tensile modulus to the aspect ratio and volume fraction of the fibres are found to agree very well with the predictions of the Halpin equation for fibre aspect ratio up to 10 and fibre volume fractions up to 20%. Computational results seem to indicate that the predictions of the Halpin equation fall bellow those of micro-mechanical models at higher volume fractions.
Bearing Failures of Pin Jointed CSM Laminates under Biaxial Loading
Authors: Arnold W.S.
Published: January 2019

Preliminary results on the failure characteristics of pin jointed CSM laminates under biaxial loading are presented. Novel cruciform pin jointed test specimens are subjected to a range of biaxial stress fields which are shown to have a pronounced effect on joint strength. Bearing strengths are increased under transverse compression but reduced under transverse tension.
The Tensile Properties of a Thermoset Composite using Heat Cleaned Glass Fibres as Reinforcement
Authors: Kennerley J R , Fenwick N J , Pickering S J , Rudd C D
Published: January 2019

Composites incorporating heat cleaned glass fibres have reduced properties compared with laminates containing virgin reinforcement. Under certain conditions, this time and temperature dependent effect can be alleviated by silane coating the fibres. This work is relevant to the quality of glass fibres recycled from thermoset composites by fluidized bed combustion.
Hardening in a Squeeze Cast Continuous Fibre MMC
Authors: Johannesson B. , Gudmundsson H. , Brynjolfsson S.
Published: January 2019

A356 aluminium matrix composites reinforced with continuous Altex alumina fibres were made with the squeeze infiltration process. Stage II hardening is measured and found to be equal to or slightly higher than the fibre contribution. These results and comparison with literature data indicates that in-situ matrix hardening, if any, is caused by the matrix microstructure rather than by the constraint of the fibres.
The Effect of Hygrothermal Aging on the Microcracking Properties of of Some Carbon Fiber/Polyimide Laminates
Authors: Kim Hyung-Won , Grayson Michael A. , Nairn John A.
Published: January 2019

Hygrothermal aging in the absence of external loads can lead to spontaneous formation of matrix microcracks in carbon fiber laminates made with Avimid® K polymer. The microcracks are caused by a water-induced decrease in the laminate microcracking toughness. A parallel decrease in neat K polymer toughness suggests that changes in the matrix play a role in water-induced microcracks.
The Use of Low Resolution NMR to Monitor the Extent of Cure in an Epoxy Resin System
Authors: Newbury Angela L. , Lowry Roy B , Short David
Published: January 2019

The solidification of samples of an epoxy resin has been monitored by low field NMR. The shape of the free induction decay curve and the initial signal intensity are shown to depend upon the state of cure and results from this method are compared to those from mechanical measurements.
Wear Transition in Fluoropolymer Based Composite Coatings
Authors: Zhang M.Q. , Friedrich K. , Batzar K. , Thomas P.
Published: January 2019

Abrasive wear behavior of fluoropolymer based composite coatings was investigated by using a particular wear testing method, the Nord Test. It was found that the abrasion process was a decelerated one due to a transition from three-body abrasion to two-body sliding wear. Coating thickness but not material microstructure controlled the wear performance of the present coating systems.
Estimation of Initial Debonding Stress in Adhesive Structure between Concrete and Composites
Authors: Yokoyama Atsushi , Fujita Akihiro , Urai Shigeo , Hamada Hiroyuki
Published: January 2019

This paper describe a numerical analysis using finite element method(FEM) to investigate effects of composite material on repairing of concrete structures. The numerical results were in good agreement with the experimental data. Particularly, bonding strength between composite materials and concrete was investigated.
A Study on Interfacial Shear Strength of GF/EPOXY Composites by Means of Microbond Tests
Authors: Zhao Fang Ming , Takeda Nobuo , Inagaki Koichi , Ikuta Nobuo
Published: January 2019

A systematic study has been conducted to investigate the influence of silane treatment on the interfacial shear strength of glass fibre/epoxy composites by means of microbond tests, and to clarify the relationship between the interphase consisting of physisorbed and chemisorbed silanes on glass fibre surfaces and the corresponding interfacial shear strength.
Optical Properties of Titania-Cobalt Nitrate Composite Thin Films
Authors: Pacheco F. , Palomino R. , Martínez G. , Mendoza-Galván A. , Rodriguez R. , Castaño V.M.
Published: January 2019

Optical properties of titania thin films supported on silica plates and compounded with varying amounts of Co(II) from cobalt nitrate are reported. The ellipsometric characterization allows to model the spatial micro-structure of these thin film composites. The titania films were produced by the sol-gel method at room temperature and their thicknesses can be controlled by modifying the experimental conditions. The refractive index of the doped titania films was also determined by using ellipsometry.
Effect of Flexible Interphase on Impact Response in Aramid/Epoxy Composites
Authors: Kitagawa Kazuo , Hayasaki Satoru , Ikuta Nobuo , Maekawa Zen-ichiro
Published: January 2019

The flexible interphase in aramid/epoxy composites was investigated to enhance the impact response which is an advantage of aramid composites. Two kinds of procedures were performed to make flexible interphase using a flexible epoxy resin; one was sized with conventional epoxy resin and glycol acrylate and the other was coated with the mixture and a hardening catalyst using sol-gel method. Both composites showed higher impact energy absorption than that of the non-treated composite. The energy absorption increased with testing temperature. This was due to Tg of the flexible interphase.
Preparation of a Microfiber-Modified Corrossion - Resistant Hydraulic Concrete
Authors: Caballero-Badillo C. , Gaitán-Colin I. , Hernández-Zaragoza J.B. , Castaño V.M.
Published: January 2019

The preparation and dissolution properties, in both alkaline and acidic conditions, of a novel hydraulic cement-based, fibre-modified composite are presented. The results indicate that this material has a much higher corrosion resistance than comparable standard Portland concrete, with the formation of a protective layer on the surface of the materials after immersion in sulphuric acid.
Carbon Black Filled Polyolefine as a PTC Material: Melt Rheological Behavior
Authors: Yu Gang , Zhang Ming Qiu , Zeng Han Min
Published: January 2019

The melt rheological properties of low density polyethylene filled with carbon black as a PTC material have been investigated in the shear rate range 11.52 to 2280s−1. The data obtained in a capillary rheometer were presented to describe the effect of content, morphology and treatments of carbon black as well as shear rate on flow behavior, melt viscosity, temperature sensitivity and shear sensitivity, in hopes of giving preliminary references for a better understanding of the relationship between composition, processing and property of this kind of material.
Simulation of Mould Filling in Resin Transfer Moulding
Authors: Van Melick H.G.H. , Haagh G.A.A.V. , Van De Vosse F.N. , Peijs T.
Published: January 2019

Resin transfer moulding is a production method of fibre reinforced plastics which involves the flow of a resin through a mould packed with dry reinforcement. As simulation by finite element code can be a useful tool in designing the mould or optimising the process, mathematical modelling of RTM is indispensable. The equations concerning the isothermal RTM process with a Newtonian fluid are implemented in the finite element program VI p, applying the ‘thin film approximation’. To validate the code, model experiments are performed in which the position of the front as a function of time is monitored and compared to the results of a finite element simulation. A good agreement between simulation and experiment was found. For further validation of more complex mould geometries a plate with inserts is considered. Again good agreement was found between simulation and experiment was found. The finite element code of VI p proves to give reliable and accurate results in the simulation of the isothermal filling process of RTM and can therefore be used for designing mould geometries or optimisation of the RTM process as a whole.
Effect of Fabric Pre-stretching on the Tensile Properties of Knitted Fabric Composites
Authors: Ramakrishna S.
Published: January 2019

This paper illustrates the influence of fabric pre-stretching on the tensile properties of knitted fabric composites. Prior to the composite fabrication, the fabric was stretched bi-axially in wale and course directions by different amounts. It has been shown that tensile properties of the composite in a specific direction can be improved by selectively pre-stretching the fabric more in that direction. It is also found that the equi-biaxially pre-stretched fabric composite displays marginally higher tensile properties compared to the composite reinforced with 0% pre-stretched fabric.
Experimental Results from Laboratory Tests on an 8 Metre Beam Manufactured from Hybrid Composite Fromwork
Authors: Gutiérrez E. , Di Salvo G. , Mieres J.M. , Mogensen L. , Shahidi E. , Schnabel W. , Verzeletti G.
Published: January 2019

In this paper we outline the development of an all-in-one composite reinforcing formwork system for manufacturing reinforced concrete elements, in particular, we describe the main experimental tests carried out on an 8 metre beam using high strength concrete poured and bonded on a hybrid, glass/carbon fibre formwork.
Application of the Rapid Frequency Sweep Technique for Delamination Detection in Composite Laminates
Authors: Valdes S.H. Diaz , Soutis C.
Published: January 2019

As a first step in developing a health monitoring system, the effect of delamination on the natural frequencies of laminated composite beams has been investigated. A piezoceramic patch driven with a linear rapid frequency sweep was used to induce vibrations on the structure and its response registered via piezoelectric film sensors. Modal frequencies were obtained through a method defined here as the maximum amplitude at resonance (MAR), which has proved to be a simple and effective procedure. Changes of the modal frequencies after delamination initiation, compared to those of an uncracked (non-delaminated) specimen, gave a good indication of the degree of damage, especially at high modal frequencies (9-12 kHz).
An Intensity Based Optical Fibre Sensor for Flexural Damage Detection in Woven Composites
Authors: Uskokovic P. S. , Miljkovic M. , Krivokuca M. , Putic S. S. , Aleksici R.
Published: January 2019

Flexural deformation of the composite laminate and the integrity of the embedded optical fibres under three-point bending load were monitored. Signal attenuation in optical fibres was used as the damage indicator. The network of the specimen failure was primary dominated by fibre failure, low rate of transverse matrix cracks and internal delamination between two plies close to the tensile side. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was performed on the fracture surfaces of the mechanically failed samples to examine the interfaces between the optical fibres and host materials, and showed interface debonding in the acrylate coated system.
Synthesis of an Aluminium-Zirconia Composite through Powder Metallurgy and Sol-Gel
Authors: Jimιnez S. , Lima R. , Castaρo V.
Published: January 2019

A novel route to produce an aluminium-zirconia composite through the synthesis of an aluminium matrix obtained by powder metallurgy, which is infiltrated with a sol, containing Zr ions, is described. The tetramer chemical unit contained in the sol is a good precursor to obtain high purity zirconia tetragonal phase at temperatures at 350–550° C, whose phase is transformed to a monoclinic structure between 550 to 610°C. The microstructural characteristics, and the development of phases in the composite were studied by SEM and XRD. Also, the tribological properties of the materials are reported.
Feasibility of using Embedded Carbon Fibre Aray in Composites to Detect Damage
Authors: Zhao J.H. , Wang T. , Liu Y.P.
Published: January 2019

In this work, the sensibility of the resistance to the strain for the carbon fibre bundle embedded in composites was examined. Feasibility of using the embedded carbon fibre bundle array in composites to detect damage was explored too.
A New Fibre Composite Beam for Civil Engineering Applications
Authors: Van Erp Gerard M.
Published: January 2019

This paper presents preliminary findings of an experimental study into the structural behaviour of a new composite beam designed specifically for the civil engineering market. The Filled Resin Core (FRC) beam eliminates most problems associated with standard pultruded beams and is capable of carrying very high loads at a cost similar to steel and concrete beams. Principles of the new design are discussed and test results for three different types of beams are presented.
Whole genome sequencing confirms source of pathogens associated with bacterial foodborne illness in pets fed raw pet food
Authors: Jones Jennifer L. , Wang Leyi , Ceric Olgica , Nemser Sarah M. , Rotstein David S. , Jurkovic Dominika A. , Rosa Yamir , Byrum Beverly , Cui Jing , Zhang Yan , Brown Cathy A. , Burnum Anne L. , Sanchez Susan , Reimschuessel Renate
Published: January 2019

Reports of raw meat pet food containing zoonotic foodborne bacteria, including Salmonella, Escherichia coli, and Listeria monocytogenes, are increasing. Contaminated raw pet food and biological waste from pets consuming those diets may pose a public health risk. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration Veterinary Laboratory Investigation and Response Network conducted 2 case investigations, involving 3 households with animal illnesses, which included medical record review, dietary and environmental exposure interviews, animal sample testing, and whole genome sequencing (WGS) of bacteria isolated from the pets and the raw pet food. For each case investigation, WGS with core genome multi-locus sequence typing analysis showed that the animal clinical isolates were closely related to one or more raw pet food bacterial isolates. WGS and genomic analysis of paired animal clinical and animal food isolates can confirm suspected outbreaks of animal foodborne illness.
Squamous cell carcinoma with clear cell differentiation in an equine eyelid
Authors: Stein Leah , Sledge Dodd , Smedley Rebecca , Kiupel Matti , Thaiwong Tuddow
Published: January 2019

A 15-y-old Miniature horse mare had a 6-mo history of an ulcerated mass on the right lower eyelid. An incisional biopsy and a subsequent excisional biopsy were submitted to the Michigan State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory for microscopic evaluation. Histologically, the incisional biopsy was composed of sheets of large neoplastic vacuolated polygonal cells. A few regions contained poorly differentiated neoplastic round-to-basaloid cells that rimmed the sheets of highly vacuolated polygonal cells. Both vacuolated and basaloid cells exhibited strong perimembranous and cytoplasmic immunoreactivity for E-cadherin and cytokeratin 5/6, respectively. Vacuolated polygonal cells were histochemically negative for periodic acid–Schiff, mucicarmine, and oil red O, consistent with a diagnosis of poorly differentiated carcinoma. Within the excisional biopsy specimen, there were anastomosing cords and nests of neoplastic squamous epithelial cells that merged with sheets of similar vacuolated polygonal cells. These findings are consistent with a squamous cell carcinoma with clear cell differentiation. In addition, in the adjacent dermis, there was solar elastosis suggestive of ultraviolet (UV) damage. A clear cell variant of squamous cell carcinoma is a rare entity in humans that previously has not been described in animals, to our knowledge, and is often associated with chronic UV exposure.
How Do Basic Human Values Affect Self-Care of Type 2 Diabetes Patients? A Multicentre Observational Study
Authors: Luciani Michela , Rebora Paola , Rossi Emanuela , Tonoli Luca , Androni Silvia , Ballerini Enrico , Fabrizi Diletta , Riegel Barbara , Ausili Davide , Di Mauro Stefania
Published: January 2019

In type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients, human values have been identified as having a possible impact on self-care. Despite this, basic human values have never been described in the T2DM population and the association between basic human values and self-care has not been assessed. The aims of this study were to describe basic human values and self-care, and investigate the associations between basic human values and self-care in adults with T2DM. The study was cross-sectional multicentre with T2DM patients ( n = 390). Sociodemographic and clinical data were collected from charts, and two questionnaires were administered. The Portrait Values Questionnaire (PVQ) measured basic human values and allowed us to group patients into four groups based on the value profile: (A) Openness to Change and Self-Transcendence, (B) Conservation and Self-Transcendence, (C) Conservation and Self-Enhancement, and (D) Openness to Change and Self-Enhancement. The Self-care of Diabetes Inventory measured self-care maintenance, self-care monitoring, self-care management, and self-care confidence, according to the Middle-Range Theory of Self-Care of Chronic Illness. Multiple regression models were used to assess associations between the basic human values and self-care. Group D (Openness to Change and Self-Enhancement) performed significantly lower self-care maintenance ( p = .024) and self-care monitoring ( p = .031) when compared with Group A, and lower self-care monitoring ( p = .008) and self-care management ( p = .018) when compared with Group B. Group D showed significantly lower self-care monitoring ( p = .027) when compared with Group C. People with T2DM who value more self-enhancement and openness to change might be more prone to perform worse self-care compared with those who value conservation and self-transcendence. Clinicians should consider this when designing interventions aimed at improving self-care behaviors in patients with T2DM.
Human-Centered Design Process for a Hospital Bed: Promoting Patient Safety and Ease of Use
Authors: Wiggermann Neal , Rempel Kelli , Zerhusen Robert Mark , Pelo Travis , Mann Nick
Published: January 2019

The modern hospital bed is a sophisticated medical device, and its users represent a diversity of abilities and needs. To develop a new bed, Hill-Rom studied these users in nearly 500 hr of observation across 29 hospital units. Focus groups were used to evaluate early concepts, and formative usability testing included over 130 users to evaluate design prototypes. This research and testing resulted in the development of the Centrella bed, which includes new features to address patient satisfaction, patient safety, and caregiver efficiency. The resulting design is the winner of the 2017 Stanley Caplan User Centered Design Award.
Evaluating Hospital Readmissions for Persons With Serious and Complex Illness: A Competing Risks Approach
Authors: May Peter , Garrido Melissa M. , Del Fabbro Egidio , Noreika Danielle , Normand Charles , Skoro Nevena , Cassel J. Brian
Published: January 2019

Hospital readmission rate is a ubiquitous measure of efficiency and quality. Individuals with life-limiting illnesses account heavily for admissions but evaluation is complicated by high-mortality rates. We report a retrospective cohort study examining the association between palliative care (PC) and readmissions while controlling for postdischarge mortality with a competing risks approach. Eligible participants were adult inpatients admitted to an academic, safety-net medical center (2009-2015) with at least one diagnosis of cancer, heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, liver failure, kidney failure, AIDS/HIV, and selected neurodegenerative conditions. PC was associated with reduced 30-, 60-, and 90-day readmissions (subhazard ratios = 0.57, 0.53, and 0.52, respectively [all p < .001]). Hospital PC is associated with a reduction in readmissions, and this is not explained by higher mortality among PC patients. Performance measures only counting those alive at a given end point may underestimate systematically the effects of treatments with a high-mortality rate.
The Psychology of Morality: A Review and Analysis of Empirical Studies Published From 1940 Through 2017
Authors: Ellemers Naomi , van der Toorn Jojanneke , Paunov Yavor , van Leeuwen Thed
Published: January 2019

We review empirical research on (social) psychology of morality to identify which issues and relations are well documented by existing data and which areas of inquiry are in need of further empirical evidence. An electronic literature search yielded a total of 1,278 relevant research articles published from 1940 through 2017. These were subjected to expert content analysis and standardized bibliometric analysis to classify research questions and relate these to (trends in) empirical approaches that characterize research on morality. We categorize the research questions addressed in this literature into five different themes and consider how empirical approaches within each of these themes have addressed psychological antecedents and implications of moral behavior. We conclude that some key features of theoretical questions relating to human morality are not systematically captured in empirical research and are in need of further investigation.
How far will we travel? A global distance pattern of international travel from both demand and supply perspectives
Authors: Sun Ya-Yen , Lin Pei-Chun
Published: January 2019

The travel distance of international journeys critically determines our reliance on different transportation modes and the associated carbon intensity. This study quantified the influence of macrolevel determinants to the inbound and outbound average distance per visitor from a panel data of 152 countries using spatial econometric analysis. Results confirmed that national development and transport capacity assisted the spatial expansion of outbound travel, while tourism competitiveness, geographic attributes, and institutional arrangements regarding people’s mobility facilitate inbound visits from distant source markets. A high level of heterogeneity was found across five continents where the distance friction effect through geographic barrier, transport accessibility, and the freedom of people’s movement exhibited a different level of influences. To manage the spatial expansion of international travels for a sustainable transport future, a strong geopolitical integration system across countries within the region and adjustments to the aviation capacity to disfavor long-haul flights have been proposed.
International Political Economy of Labour and Gramsci’s methodology of the subaltern
Authors: Las Heras Jon
Published: January 2019

Gramscian International Political Economy scholarship has predominantly focused on studying capital’s power to subsume labour under different hegemonic projects. Various Autonomist Marxists have recently sought to fill such gap by proposing a disruption-oriented International Political Economy. However, the article argues that it mirrors domination-oriented International Political Economy approaches for overemphasising labour’s disruptive potentiality and for paying little attention to the limitations that labour faces in its own empowerment. To escape from the unilateralism of these two mutually exclusive perspectives, the article reviews Gramsci’s ‘Methodology of the Subaltern’ in order to propose a Gramscian or strategic International Political Economy of Labour. Hence, the article shows that it is possible for International Political Economy scholars to study uneven capitalist development as the result of the agency of (dis)organised labour as well as to account better for the emancipatory potentiality of working-class strategies in specific contexts.
Investigating intersemiosis: a systemic functional multimodal discourse analysis of the relationship between language and gesture in classroom discourse
Authors: Lim Fei Victor
Published: January 2019

A challenge for researchers working with multimodal classroom discourse is to be able to describe and discuss the interaction and interplay across various semiotic resources. This article adopts the Systemic Functional Multimodal Discourse Analysis approach to examine the relationship between language and gesture used by the teacher, in interaction with the students, and the emergent meanings made multimodally. It discusses the mechanisms by which language and gesture combine to make meaning by extending concepts originally developed for language–image relations. From the analysis and interpretation of the teachers’ multimodal selections in the lesson, the emergent meaning of ‘structured informality’ is proposed. Structured informality offers a way to consider how a teacher can design an effective learning experience for their students using multimodal resources.
‘I’m not Sherlock Holmes’: Suspicions, secrecy and silence of transplant professionals in the human organ trade
Authors: Ambagtsheer Frederike , Van Balen Linde
Published: January 2019

This article presents the results of a qualitative interview study amongst 41 Dutch transplant professionals. The overarching aim was to acquire in-depth understanding of transplant professionals’ experiences with and attitudes towards patients who purchase kidneys. We found that transplant professionals occasionally treat patients who are suspected of kidney purchases abroad. However, they turn a blind eye to their patients’ suspected purchases. Secrecy and silence function as a tacit agreement between patients and their caregivers that keeps the subject of kidney purchase at a safe distance and allows transplant professionals to ignore its suspected occurrence. They thus participate in the building of walls of secrecy and silence in the organ trade.
Post-transfer Transition Experiences for Engineering Transfer Students
Authors: Ogilvie Andrea M. , Knight David B.
Published: January 2019

Expanding and enhancing transfer pathways may help broaden participation in engineering. However, colleges of engineering have primarily focused their recruitment and retention efforts on students who matriculate directly from high school. Our research increases understanding of the transition experiences for engineering transfer students at 4-year institutions so that programs may better support their unique needs. We explore survey data of over one thousand engineering transfer students across four Texas institutions to identify problems post-transfer and students’ perceptions of their receiving institutions and disaggregate findings by transfer pathway, institutional enrollment policies, Hispanic/Latino status, and first-generation college student status. Cost of attendance, credit transfer, and academic expectations surfaced as top problems for engineering transfer students. Although perceptions of their receiving institutions were generally positive, disaggregated analyses show that transfer students should not be considered as a homogeneous population—subgroups of transfer students face different problems and have different needs.
Obesity Prevention in Children in Latin America Through Interventions Using Technology
Authors: Banna Jinan
Published: January 2019

The number of children in Latin America with overweight and obesity has increased markedly in recent years. However, interventions focused on prevention of childhood obesity are still in their infancy in Latin America. Leveraging the use of technology in children and adolescents to introduce or reinforce patterns of healthy eating and mobility in interventions is a priority. Though there is a low number of intervention studies focused on obesity prevention in Latin America, several studies using technology have been conducted. Further implementation of such programs as part of multilevel interventions will allow for continued prevention efforts to address increasing rates of overweight and obesity in this population.
Remunerated patient care services and injections by pharmacists: An international update
Authors: Houle Sherilyn K. D. , Carter Caitlin A. , Tsuyuki Ross T. , Grindrod Kelly A.
Published: January 2019

Objectives:

Recognizing pharmacists’ increasing roles as primary care providers, programs offering remuneration for patient care services and the administration of injections by pharmacists continue to be implemented. The objective of this article is to provide an update on remuneration programs available to pharmacists internationally for nondispensing services.

Data sources:

Systematic searches for relevant articles published from January 2013 to February 2018 across PubMed (MEDLINE), Embase, International Pharmaceutical Abstracts, Cochrane Library, Econlit, Scopus and Web of Science. Gray literature searches, including targeted searches of websites of payers and pharmacy associations, were also performed.

Study selection:

Programs were included if they were newly introduced or had changes to patient eligibility criteria and fees since previously published reviews and if they were established programs offered by third-party payers for activities separate from dispensing.

Data extraction:

Descriptive information on each program was extracted, including the program’s jurisdiction (country and state, provincial or regional level, as applicable), payer, service description, patient eligibility criteria and fee structure.

Results:

Over the 5-year period studied, 95 new programs for noninjection patient care services and 37 programs for pharmacist-administered injections were introduced. Large ranges in fees offered for similar programs were observed across programs, even within the same country or region, at an average of $US 71 for an initial medication review, $19 for follow-ups to these reviews, $18 for prescription adaptations and $13 for injection administration. Apart from some smoking cessation programs in England, which offered incentive payments for successful quits, all services were remunerated on a fee-for-service basis, often in the form of a flat fee regardless of the time spent providing the service.

Conclusion:

Although funding for pharmacists’ activities continues to show growth, concerns identified in previous reviews persist, including the great variability in remunerated activities, patient eligibility and fees. These issues may limit opportunities for multijurisdictional program and service outcome evaluation. Can Pharm J (Ott) 2019;152:xx-xx.
Unravelling the ‘crimmigration knot’: Penal subjectivities, punishment and the censure machine
Authors: Di Molfetta Eleonora , Brouwer Jelmer
Published: January 2019

This article explores the challenges that (cr)immigration practices pose to draw the boundaries of punishment by examining foreign national prisoners’ penal subjectivities. More exclusionary and draconian migration policies have blurred the boundaries between border control and crime control, creating hybrid forms of punishment that, even if officially claimed as measures outside the criminal justice realm, inflict pain and communicate censure. Drawing on 37 in-depth interviews with foreign national prisoners facing expulsion in the Dutch penitentiary facility of Ter Apel, we detail how hybrid (cr)immigration practices are capable of imposing and delivering meanings that go well behind rooted significances and aims of administrative measures. Traditionally designed with preventive purposes, administrative measures have now become part of a project of social exclusion and reaffirmation of the worth of citizenship. This circumstance raises problematic questions for the legitimacy of the criminal justice system in dealing with non-citizens.
Evaluation of Linearity and Interference Effect on SMBG and POCT Devices, Showing Drastic High Values, Low Values, or Error Messages
Authors: Sai Shizuki , Urata Mitsunori , Ogawa Iwao
Published: January 2019

Background:

When a patient with diabetes measures blood glucose levels using a simple blood glucose meter, an error message or abnormal value may be displayed because of interfering substances, potentially leading to unnecessary medical treatment.

Methods:

Here, we tested 10 self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) and point-of-care testing (POCT) devices to investigate under what conditions they fail to measure blood glucose levels or display abnormal values instead. We also evaluated the influence and linearity of several well-known interfering substances and hematocrit (Ht). Each adjusted sample was measured by each device twice and the values compared with the reference values.

Results:

Linearity was favorable in all but one model. The impact of the interfering substances and Ht has been confirmed in many SMBG and POCT devices. In particular, some models showed significant pseudo-high or -low levels for samples that contained ascorbic acid, which is used widely in infusion solutions. Three devices showed error messages to avoid presenting a false value.

Conclusions:

Since pseudo-high levels may result in the excessive administration of insulin and lead to adverse events, this report serves as a critical reminder of the importance of device choice for specific indications. Three new devices have safety functions that prevent the showing of false values.
Model-Based Tool for Personalized Adjustment of Basal Insulin Supply in Patients With Intensified Conventional Insulin Therapy
Authors: Vogt Lutz , Thomas Andreas , Fritzsche Gert , Heinke Peter , Kohnert Klaus-Dieter , Salzsieder Eckhard
Published: January 2019

Background:

The decisive factor in successful intensive insulin therapy is the ability to deliver need-based-adjusted nutrition-independent insulin dosages at the closest possible approximation to the physiological insulin level. Because this basal insulin requirement is strongly influenced by the patient’s lifestyle, its subtlety is of great importance. This challenge is very different between patients with type 1 diabetes and those with insulin-dependent type 2 diabetes. Furthermore, it is more difficult to finetune a basal insulin dosage with intensified conventional insulin therapy (ICT), due to delayed insulin delivery, compared to insulin pump therapy, which provides continuous delivery of small doses of exclusively short-acting insulin. In all cases, the goal is to achieve an optimal basal delivery rate.

Method:

We hypothesized that this goal could be achieved with a modeling tool that determined the optimal basal insulin supply based on the patient’s anamnestic data and monitored glucose values. This type of modeling tool has been used in health insurance programs in Germany to improve insulin control in patients that receive ICT.

Results:

Our retrospective data analysis showed that this modeling tool provided a significant improvement in metabolic control, significant reductions in HbA1c and Q scores, and improved time-in-range values, with reduced daily insulin levels.

Conclusion:

The model-based basal rate test could provide additional data of the actual effect of the basal insulin adjustment in intensified insulin treated diabetes to the physician or treatment team.
Immunotherapy in myeloma: how far have we come?
Authors: Franssen Laurens E. , Mutis Tuna , Lokhorst Henk M. , van de Donk Niels W. C. J.
Published: January 2019

The treatment of multiple myeloma (MM) has evolved substantially over the past decades, leading to a significantly improved outcome of MM patients. The introduction of high-dose therapy, especially, and autologous stem cell transplantation, as well as the development of new drugs, such as immunomodulatory drugs (IMiDs) and proteasome inhibitors have contributed to the improvement in survival. However, eventually most MM patients relapse, which indicates that there is a need for new agents and novel treatment strategies. Importantly, the long-term survival in a subset of MM patients after allogeneic stem cell transplantation illustrates the potential of immunotherapy in MM, but allogeneic stem cell transplantation is also associated with a high rate of treatment-related mortality. Recently, a better insight into several immune-evasion mechanisms, which contribute to tumor progression, has resulted in the development of active and well-tolerated novel forms of immunotherapy. These immunotherapeutic agents can be used as monotherapy, or, even more successfully, in combination with other established anti-MM agents to further improve depth and duration of response by preventing the outgrowth of resistant clones. This review will discuss the mechanisms used by MM cells to evade the immune system, and also provide an overview of currently approved immunotherapeutic drugs, such as IMiDs (e.g. lenalidomide and pomalidomide) and monoclonal antibodies that target cell surface antigens present on the MM cell (e.g. elotuzumab and daratumumab), as well as novel immunotherapies (e.g. chimeric antigen receptor T-cells, bispecific antibodies and checkpoint inhibitors) currently in clinical development in MM.
Educational intervention to improve the knowledge, attitude and practice of healthcare professionals regarding pharmacovigilance in South-South Nigeria
Authors: Opadeyi Abimbola O. , Fourrier-Réglat Annie , Isah Ambrose O.
Published: January 2019

Background:

Our aim in this study was to evaluate the effect of a combined educational intervention and year-long monthly text message reinforcements via the Short Messaging System (SMS) on the knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) of healthcare professionals (HCPs) towards pharmacovigilance.

Methods:

Six randomly selected teaching hospitals in the South-South zone of Nigeria were randomized in 1:1 ratio into intervention and control groups. The educational intervention consisted of delivering a seminar followed by sending monthly texts message reinforcements via SMS over 12 months. Then a semi-structured questionnaire regarding the KAP of pharmacovigilance was completed by HCPs working in the hospitals after the intervention. Data was analysed descriptively and inferentially.

Results:

A total of 931 HCPs participated in the post intervention study (596 in the intervention and 335 in the control). The M:F ratio was 1:1.5. According to the KAP questionnaire, a significant difference was observed between the intervention and control groups, regarding knowledge of the types of adverse drug reactions (ADRs). ADR resulting from pharmacological action of the drug (85.6% versus 77%, p = 0.001), the fact that ADRs can persist for a long time; (60.1% versus 53.4%, p = 0.024) and a higher awareness of the ADR reporting form (48.7% versus 18.8%, p < 0.001). Most respondents in the intervention group (68.5% versus 60.6%, p = 0.001) believed they should report ADRs even if they were unsure an ADR has occurred, a greater proportion of HCPs from the intervention group had significantly observed an ADR (82% versus 73.4%, p = 0.001). Furthermore, of the 188 who had ever reported an ADR, 41% from the intervention group used the national ADR reporting form compared with 19.8% from the controls ( p < 0.001).

Conclusion:

This educational intervention and the use of SMS as a reinforcement tool appeared to have positively impacted on the knowledge and practice of pharmacovigilance in South-South Nigeria with a less-than-impressive change in attitude. Continuous medical education may be required to effect long-lasting changes.
Developing digital applications for tailored communication in orthopaedics using a Research through Design approach
Authors: Groeneveld Bob , Melles Marijke , Vehmeijer Stephan , Mathijssen Nina , Dekkers Tessa , Goossens Richard
Published: January 2019

Objective

Tailored communication and information provision is expected to contribute to patient-centred care (PCC) in total hip arthroplasty (THA). In previous research, three subgroups of THA patients were identified that are similar in their clinical, psychological and communication characteristics. Preliminary subgroup-specific design guidelines were also formulated. Using these insights as a starting point, a theoretical framework was developed for tailored information provision and communication using digital applications. This study aims to refine the framework as well as subgroup-specific design guidelines for digital applications.

Methods

This study uses a Research through Design (RtD) approach, generating insights both from the development and evaluation of prototypes in the early design stage. Paper-based prototypes will be made for each subgroup and evaluated with patients and care providers. Semi-structured interviews are held with participants exploring their experiences with the prototype. A quasi-experiment with a non-random control cohort is used to validate the qualitative findings. Post-surgery consultations with and without prototype are videotaped and scored using a structured instrument.

Results

A design diary will be used to summarize design decisions and considerations. Feedback from participants is analysed inductively. Adaptations in subgroup-specific guidelines will be based on comparison of verbal feedback and descriptive statistics from consultations with and without prototype.

Conclusions

Although mixed-method feasibility studies of digital health interventions are common, this protocol also considers the utility of the early design process and the designer’s perspective for realizing PCC and tailored care.
Revisiting the Cost of Skin Color: Discrimination, Mastery, and Mental Health among Black Adolescents
Authors: Louie Patricia
Published: January 2019

This article investigates the association between skin tone and mental health in a nationally representative sample of black adolescents. The mediating influences of discrimination and mastery in the skin tone–mental health relationship also are considered. Findings indicate that black adolescents with the darkest skin tone have higher levels of depressive symptoms than their lighter skin tone peers. This is not the case for mental disorder. For disorder, a skin tone difference appeared only between black adolescents with very dark skin tone and black adolescents with medium brown skin tone. Discrimination partially mediates the association between skin tone and depression, while mastery fully mediates this association, indicating that the impact of skin tone on depression operates primarily through lower mastery. Similar patterns were observed for disorder. By extending the discussion of skin tone and health to black adolescents and treating skin tone as a set of categories rather than a linear gradient, I provide new insights into the patterning of skin tone and depression/disorder.