bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mechanochemical reaction of Al and melamine: a potential approach towards the in situ synthesis of aluminum nitride–carbon nanotube nanocomposites
Authors: Rounaghi Seyyed Amin , Eshghi Hossein , Scudino Sergio , Esmaeili Elaheh , Kiani-Rashid Ali-Reza , Eckert Jürgen
Published: September 2019

A novel mechanistic approach for the in situ synthesis of AlN and CNTs through the mechanochemical reaction of Al and melamine.
Tailoring the structural and electronic properties of an SnSe2/MoS2 van der Waals heterostructure with an electric field and the insertion of a graphene sheet
Authors: Vu Tuan V. , Hieu Nguyen V. , Thao Le T. P. , Hieu Nguyen N. , Phuc Huynh V. , Bui H. D. , Idrees M. , Amin B. , Duc Le M. , Nguyen Chuong V.
Published: September 2019

van der Waals heterostructures by stacking different two-dimensional materials are being considered as potential materials for nanoelectronic and optoelectronic devices because they can show the most potential advantages of individual 2D materials.
Reaction engineering implications of cellulose crystallinity and water-promoted recrystallization
Authors: Tyufekchiev Maksim , Kolodziejczak Alex , Duan Pu , Foston Marcus , Schmidt-Rohr Klaus , Timko Michael T.
Published: September 2019

Mechanical decrystallization and water-promoted recrystallization of cellulose were studied to understand the effects of cellulose crystallinity on reaction engineering models of its acid-catalyzed hydrolysis.
Evaluating a prototype compact thermal energy storage tank using paraffin-based phase change material for domestic hot water production
Authors: Dogkas George , Konstantaras John , Koukou Maria K. , Stathopoulos Vassilis N. , Coelho Luis , Rebola Amandio
Published: September 2019

A full-scale thermal energy storage system using phase change materials (PCM) is experimentally investigated for solar and geothermal applications. The system consists of a rectangular tank filled with PCM and a staggered fin tube heat exchanger (HE). The system is designed for the production of Domestic Hot Water (DHW) based on the EU Commission Regulation No 814/2013 [1] requirements. The characteristics that are studied are the stored energy density of the system, the heat transfer rate through the HE during the charging and discharging processes, the adequacy of produced hot water amount and the storage efficiency of the tank. The results of the experiments confirmed the potential of the system to meet several prerequisites of a DHW installation and in addition to make the operation of the coupled solar collector or ground heat pump efficient.
Total carbon dioxide emissions from ground source heat pump and groundwater one in Białystok
Authors: Gajewski Andrzej
Published: September 2019

To limit greenhouse gases emissions caused by energy production European Union (EU) prompts heat pump as heat generator which should decrease CO2 emissions to the atmosphere. Because of the climatic conditions and low efficiency of electrical energy production and transfer in Poland it could be possible a condensing gas boiler would emit less CO2. The analysis includes ten-year temperature measurements in Białystok where is more severe climate in Poland. Due to relatively high seasonal coefficient of performance (SCOP) value heat pumps can emit less CO2 than condensing gas boiler and can be applied as ecological heat generators.
Decomposition of LCD screen inverter by pyrolysis
Authors: Gurgul Agnieszka , Szczepaniak Włodzimierz , Zabłocka-Malicka Monika
Published: September 2019

PCBs (Printed Circuit Boards) are important parts of electronic equipment and their use increases with technology development. Recycling of waste PCBs is challenging due to their complex structure and receives wide concerns as the amount of this type of waste is growing rapidly. In the article, the experiment of pyrolysis carried out with electronic waste sample was presented. The material employed in the present work was inverter of the LCD screen that it the example of the multilayer PCB. The correlation between pyrolysis temperature and gas emission from the system, which is associated with epoxy resin decomposition, is presented in the article.
Modeling the global biogeochemical cycle of carbon and nitrogen in the system atmosphere-plant-soil
Authors: Kurbatova A. I. , Tarko A. M. , Kozhevnikova P. V.
Published: September 2019

The modeling of the global biogeochemical cycle of carbon and nitrogen against the background of global warming and other anthropogenic impacts on the biosphere is carried out. It is shown that in the process of absorption of anthropogenic CO2 emissions into the atmosphere during global warming, the nitrogen cycle is significantly intensified and contributes to more efficient absorption of emissions. The greater the dependence of productivity on nitrogen nutrition, the bigger the degree of carbon absorption and, thus, the larger the degree of compensation of the investigated effects. Generally, soil absorbs a significant share of carbon dioxide emissions and therefore holds much significance in absorption. The role of litter is relevant in absorbing emissions. Having 10 times less mass than humus, it absorbs more carbon than humus.
Dual Media Thermocline (DMT) techno-economic interest for heat storage on the range 80°C –600°C – The SMARTREC project
Authors: Rougé Sylvie , Chowdhury Mohammed , Chowdhury Fahim , Jouhara Hussam , Gibbs Andy
Published: September 2019

The economic assessment of a sensible heat storage system, the Dual Media Thermocline (DMT), is estimated for an industrial application of waste heat storage on the range of temperature 80°C to 600°C. The DMT is a main component of the standard and modular system developed in the frame of the H2020 Smartrec project (GA n° 723838). Further, the life cycle assessment (LCA) of the 1MWh Smartrec system is studied.
The use of green walls and the impact on air quality and life standard
Authors: Wesołowska Małgorzata , Laska Marta
Published: September 2019

People living in urban areas are exposed to a number of threats related with dense urban tissue and high number of vehicles. These include air pollutions, traffic noise and high temperatures. In addition, large cities are struggling with high energy consumption for heating and cooling purposes. One of the possibilities to reduce the mentioned undesirable effects is the use of vegetation on the walls. Plants absorbs the pollutants of air, produced the oxygen, mounted on external walls create thermal insulation and positively affect the psychological aspect. Green walls can be used both indoors and outdoors. The article presents literature review on green walls, describes their benefits and presents the calculations SPBT and possible energy savings taking into account the transmission losses for small residential building.
First analysis of inclined air showers detected by Tunka-Rex
Authors: Marshalkina T. , Bezyazeekov P.A. , Budnev N.M. , Chernykh D. , Fedorov O. , Gress O.A. , Haungs A. , Hiller R. , Huege T. , Kazarina Y. , Kleifges M. , Kostunin D. , Korosteleva E.E. , Kuzmichev L.A. , Lenok V. , Lubsandorzhiev N. , Mirgazov R.R. , Monkhoev R. , Osipova E. , Pakhorukov A. , Pankov L. , Prosin V.V. , Schröder F.G. , Shipilov D. , Zagorodnikov A.
Published: September 2019

The Tunka Radio Extension (Tunka-Rex) is a digital antenna array for the detection of radio emission from cosmic-ray air showers in the frequency band of 30 to 80 MHz and for primary energies above 100 PeV. The standard analysis of Tunka-Rex includes events with zenith angle of up to 50?. This cut is determined by the efficiency of the external trigger. However, due to the air-shower footprint increasing with zenith angle and due to the more efficient generation of radio emission (the magnetic field in the Tunka valley is almost vertical), there are a number of ultra-high-energy inclined events detected by Tunka-Rex. In this work we present a first analysis of a subset of inclined events detected by Tunka-Rex. We estimate the energies of the selected events and test the efficiency of Tunka-Rex antennas for detection of inclined air showers.
Radio universality and template-based pulse synthesis
Authors: Butler David , Huege Tim , Scholten Olaf
Published: September 2019

When discussing radio emission from cosmic ray air showers we commonly make a number of assumptions regardingthe production and propagation physics. Incorporating all of these it should be possible to construct a forward model to predict the radio signal produced by an air shower from simple parameters, an application and generalisation of shower universality to radio emission.

In terms of particle detection shower universality focuses on the one-dimensional longitudinal profile, counting only the number of particles. This appears insufficient in the context of radio emission, the particle cascade develops on the scale of traversed atmospheric depth while electromagnetic radiation scales with the geometric trajectories of the sources. Further a real shower extends several radio wavelengths in the lateral directionwhile analyses often assume a point source on the shower axis.

Our simulation studies show an unanticipated complexity in the radio output responsible for around 10% variation in the signals. We are still in the process of identifying the relevant quantities and improving our analytical modeling accordingly.
Process Identification Using Relay Shifting Method for Auto Tuning of PID Controller
Authors: Hofreiter Milan , Hornychová Alžběta
Published: September 2019

The paper describes the use of a recently introduced relay shifting method for estimation parameters of a second order time delayed model. The aim is to obtain a process model for setting PID control parameters. For this purpose, an algorithm is designed for estimation of model parameters from two frequency response points obtained from a single relay feedback test without any assumptions about a model transfer function. The relay shifting method is slightly modified here by using an integrator to receive the frequency response points in positions more suitable for model fitting. This modification enables to better estimate the static gain even under constant load disturbance. The proposed solution is demonstrated on simulated examples.
Statistical analysis of control quality of MPC using testing hypothesis
Authors: Kubalcik Marek , Bobal Vladimir , Barot Tomas
Published: September 2019

Methods of the statistical induction have a significant role in the quantitative research. In a wide spectrum of research areas, the methods based on testing hypotheses have been frequently used. However, in the area of the process control, testing hypothesis has not been widely considered as an established tool for signal analyses, although signals in control loops are suitable for analysis by means of quantitative statistical methods due to their stochastic character. Particularly, a statistical paired comparison can be applied for analysis of control quality achieved with different control algorithms. This comparison can be based on a paired comparison of corresponding signals obtained with different or modified control algorithms. The aim of this paper is a proposal of incorporation of testing hypothesis to analysis of control quality. The analysis was performed on a strictly defined significance level 0.001, which is a standardly used value in technical applications. As an example was demonstrated analysis of control quality achieved with two versions of a predictive controller. Finally, achieved results of paired comparison using testing hypothesis are discussed.
Ethische Orientierungshilfen und Fallbesprechungen im
Tandemmodell
Authors: Bögershausen Stephan , Post-Dömer Elisabeth , Wittenhaus Jörg , Kliesch Stefan
Published: September 2019

Basierend auf dem Lengericher Modell der Ethik-Beratung geben unsere Autoren
ethische Orientierungshilfen für den Klinikalltag. Unter anderem erläutern sie,
ob Strafanzeigen bei aggressivem Verhalten von Patienten gegenüber Behandelnden
zulässig sind. Außerdem stellen sie die Fallberatung im Tandemmodell vor.
Role of Music in a Plastic Surgery Setting: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Zapata-Copete James A. , Cordoba-Wagner Maria Juliana , García-Perdomo Herney Andrés
Published: September 2019

Objective To assess the effectiveness and harm of music to reduce anxiety and pain in a plastic surgery setting.

Materials and Methods A search strategy was conducted in the MEDLINE, CENTRAL, EMBASE, and LILACS databases. Searches were also conducted in other databases and unpublished literature. Clinical trials were included without language restrictions. The risk of bias was evaluated with the Cochrane Collaboration’s tool. An analysis of random effects was conducted. The primary outcomes were anxiety and pain. The secondary outcomes were length of stay, physiological parameters, and adverse effects. The measure of the effect was the mean difference (MD) and standardized MD (SMD) with a 95% confidence interval (CI). The planned interventions were music versus no music.

Results Four articles were included in the qualitative and quantitative analysis. A total of 306 patients were found among the four studies. A low risk of bias was shown for most of the study items. The overall standardized mean difference (SMD) for anxiety -3.64 [95%CI -5.71 to -1.56 (p-value = 0.0006)] favoring music compared with no intervention, and for pain the mean difference (MD) was -12.06 [95%CI -33.47 to 9.35 (p-value = 0.2696)] showing no statistical differences.

Conclusion Playing music is a safe and free intervention that diminishes anxiety in patients who undergo plastic surgery procedures.
Phonon-assisted cyclotron resonance in Pöschl-Teller quantum well
Authors: Pham Khang D. , Tung Luong V. , Thuan Doan V. , Nguyen Chuong V. , Hieu Nguyen N. , Phuc Huynh V.
Published: September 2019

The phonon-assisted cyclotron-resonance (PACR) effect due to the one-photon (1P) and two-photon (2P) absorption processes in a quantum well (QW) with the Pöschl-Teller (PT) potential is studied. The magneto-optical absorption coefficient as functions of photon energy for different QW-parameters, magnetic fields, and temperatures is presented. The calculations are done for four different possible cases: both 1P- and 2P-processes as well as both phonon emission and absorption processes. The numerical results for a GaAs, InAs, InSb, and GaSb PT-QW show that the PACR peaks are blueshifted with κ and magnetic field, redshifted with QW-length, but remained unchanged with temperature. Peak intensities are found to increase with κ and magnetic field and decrease with QW-length but have a complex dependency on the temperature. The full-width at half-maximum is found to increase with κ, magnetic field, and temperature but found to decrease with QW-length. The phonon emission process is always dominant in comparison with absorption. The 2P-process is comparable with the 1P-process and should be taken into account when studying the PACR in QWs.
First-principles study of monolayer Be2C as an anode material for lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Yeoh K. H. , Chew K.-H. , Chu Y. Z. , Yoon T. L. , Rusi  , Ong D. S.
Published: September 2019

In this work, the feasibility of a monolayer Be2C as the anode material for lithium-ion battery (LiB) was investigated using the density functional theory. Our study reveals that the adsorption of Li atoms changes the electronic conductivity of a monolayer Be2C from semiconducting to metallic. This resulted in a low Li diffusion barrier of 0.11 eV, which is highly needed for the fast charge and discharge processes of the LiB. Additionally, the predicted open-circuit voltage was 0.33 V, and the calculated maximum theoretical capacity was impressively high (1785 mAh/g). Our findings suggest that the monolayer Be2C is a promising anode material for high-performance LiB.
Development of in-situ particle monitor with beam homogenizing module for enhancement of nanoparticle countering efficiency
Authors: Kim Jongho , Mun Jihun , Lee Kyuhang , Park SangHyun , Lim Sung Kyu , Lee Chang-sug , Lim Jong Yeon , Kang Sang-Woo
Published: September 2019

An in situ particle monitor (ISPM) was developed to measure the concentration of several hundred nanosized contaminant particles generated from the semiconductor process. It is difficult to measure particles below 300 nm owing to low sensitivity and reliability. To improve the sensitivity and reduce the uncertainty caused by the Gaussian distribution of laser, a beam homogenizing module was applied to transform the Gaussian beam into a flat-top beam by total internal reflection. The performance of the beam-homogenizing ISPM was evaluated by measuring standard polystyrene latex particles in vacuum. We analyzed the measurement efficiency by a comparative evaluation with a scanning mobility particle sizer. Following this, the count of particles generated from the exhaust line of a plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition process was measured for real-time process diagnosis.
Strain and charge modulated magnetization in a BTO/Fe3O4/Au/BTO multilayered heterostructure
Authors: Lu Y. L. , Jain A. , Wang N. , Wang F. L. , Li Y. , Wang Y. G. , Pan F. M.
Published: September 2019

Temperature dependent magnetization (M–T) in a magnetic field much lower than the saturated field has been explored without and with an electric field applied at two independent positions of a BaTiO3 (BTO)/Fe3O4/Au/BTO multilayered heterostructure. Without an applied electric field, the M–T curve shows two discontinuities around 185 K and 280 K because of the phase transitions of BTO. With an applied electric field, the magnetizations induced by piezoelectric strain (M1) and polarization charges (M2) are obtained by separating the strain and charge effects, respectively. Both the temperature dependent M1 and M2 exhibit two peaks at the phase transition temperatures of BTO simultaneously, which are in accordance with the dielectric nature of BTO. It is also found that M2 decreases rapidly at high temperature due to the increase in thermal motion of screening charges.
Selective cadmium regulation mediated by a cooperative binding mechanism in CadR
Authors: Liu Xichun , Hu Qingyuan , Yang Jinmei , Huang Shanqing , Wei Tianbiao , Chen Weizhong , He Yafeng , Wang Dan , Liu Zhijun , Wang Kang , Gan Jianhua , Chen Hao
Published: September 2019

Detoxification of the highly toxic cadmium element is essential for the survival of living organisms.
Pseudomonas putida
CadR, a MerR family transcriptional regulator, has been reported to exhibit an ultraspecific response to the cadmium ion. Our crystallographic and spectroscopic studies reveal that the extra cadmium selectivity of CadR is mediated by the unexpected cooperation of thiolate-rich site I and histidine-rich site II. Cadmium binding in site I mediates the reorientation of protein domains and facilitates the assembly of site II. Subsequently, site II bridge-links 2 DNA binding domains through ligands His140/His145 in the C-terminal histidine-rich tail. With dynamic transit between 2 conformational states, this bridge could stabilize the regulator into an optimal conformation that is critical for enhancing the transcriptional activity of the cadmium detoxification system. Our results provide dynamic insight into how nature utilizes the unique cooperative binding mechanism in multisite proteins to recognize cadmium ions specifically.
Task-based fMRI predicts response and remission to exposure therapy in obsessive-compulsive disorder
Authors: Pagliaccio David , Middleton Rachel , Hezel Dianne , Steinman Shari , Snorrason Ivar , Gershkovich Marina , Campeas Raphael , Pinto Anthony , Van Meter Page , Simpson H. Blair , Marsh Rachel
Published: September 2019

Exposure and ritual prevention (EX/RP) is an effective first-line treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), but only some patients achieve minimal symptoms following EX/RP. Herein, we investigate whether task-based neural activity can predict who responds best to EX/RP. Unmedicated adult patients with OCD (
n
= 36) and healthy participants (
n
= 33) completed the Simon Spatial Incompatibility Task during high-resolution, multiband functional MRI (fMRI); patients were then offered twice-weekly EX/RP (17 sessions). Linear mixed-effects models were used to identify brain regions where conflict-related activity moderated the slope of change in Yale–Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS) scores across treatment. Conflict-related activity in the left pallidum and 35 cortical parcels/regions significantly predicted symptom improvement with EX/RP for patients with OCD (false discovery rate-corrected
P
< 0.05). Significant parcels/regions included cingulo-opercular and default mode network regions, specifically the anterior insula and anterior and posterior cingulate. Summarizing across these parcels/regions, greater conflict-related activity predicted greater EX/RP response and which patients achieved remission (Y-BOCS score ≤ 12; Cohen’s
d =
1.68) with >80% sensitivity and specificity. The association between brain activity and treatment response was partially mediated by patient EX/RP adherence (b = −2.99; 43.61% of total effect;
P
= 0.02). Brain activity and adherence together were highly predictive of remission. Together, these findings suggest that cingulo-opercular and default mode regions typically implicated in task control and introspective processes, respectively, may be targets for novel treatments that augment the ability of persons with OCD to resolve cognitive conflict and thereby facilitate adherence to EX/RP, increasing the likelihood of remission.
Structural and functional analyses reveal promiscuous and species specific use of ephrin receptors by Cedar virus
Authors: Laing Eric D. , Navaratnarajah Chanakha K. , Cheliout Da Silva Sofia , Petzing Stephanie R. , Xu Yan , Sterling Spencer L. , Marsh Glenn A. , Wang Lin-Fa , Amaya Moushimi , Nikolov Dimitar B. , Cattaneo Roberto , Broder Christopher C. , Xu Kai
Published: September 2019

Cedar virus (CedV) is a bat-borne henipavirus related to Nipah virus (NiV) and Hendra virus (HeV), zoonotic agents of fatal human disease. CedV receptor-binding protein (G) shares only ∼30% sequence identity with those of NiV and HeV, although they can all use ephrin-B2 as an entry receptor. We demonstrate that CedV also enters cells through additional B- and A-class ephrins (ephrin-B1, ephrin-A2, and ephrin-A5) and report the crystal structure of the CedV G ectodomain alone and in complex with ephrin-B1 or ephrin-B2. The CedV G receptor-binding site is structurally distinct from other henipaviruses, underlying its capability to accommodate additional ephrin receptors. We also show that CedV can enter cells through mouse ephrin-A1 but not human ephrin-A1, which differ by 1 residue in the key contact region. This is evidence of species specific ephrin receptor usage by a henipavirus, and implicates additional ephrin receptors in potential zoonotic transmission.
A self-assembled Ru–Pt metallacage as a lysosome-targeting photosensitizer for 2-photon photodynamic therapy
Authors: Zhou Zhixuan , Liu Jiangping , Huang Juanjuan , Rees Thomas W. , Wang Yiliang , Wang Heng , Li Xiaopeng , Chao Hui , Stang Peter J.
Published: September 2019

Significance

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is an emerging treatment method for various types of diseases. In PDT, photosensitizers absorb light of appropriate energy and then convert oxygen into highly reactive oxygen species that destroy malignant cells. Photosensitizers with 2-photon absorption bring benefits such as increased penetration depth with near-infrared light excitation and reduced photodamage to healthy tissues. Herein, we describe the use of molecular self-assembly for a metallacage with strong 2-photon absorption by combining multiple Ru(II) complexes with Pt(II) building blocks via coordination. The metallacages were encapsulated in a polymer to form nanoparticles which, upon internalization into cells, accumulate in the lysosomes leading to high photocytoxicity. In vivo studies demonstrated the outstanding therapeutic performance of the nanoparticles in 2-photon PDT.
Imaginative Desires and Interactive Fiction: On Wanting to Shoot Fictional Zombies
Authors: Van De Mosselaer Nele
Published: September 2019

What do players of videogames mean when they say they want to shoot zombies? Surely they know that the zombies are not real, and that they cannot really shoot them, but only control a fictional character who does so. Some philosophers of fiction argue that we need the concept of imaginative desires (or ‘i-desires’) to explain situations in which people feel desires towards fictional characters or desires that motivate pretend actions. Others claim that we can explain these situations without complicating human psychology with a novel mental state. Within their debates, however, these scholars exclusively focus on non-interactive fictions and children’s games of make-believe. In this paper, I argue that our experience of immersive, interactive fictions like videogames gives us cause to reappraise the concept of imaginative desires. Moreover, I describe how i-desires are a useful conceptual tool within videogame development and can shed new light on apparently immoral in-game actions.
PICH promotes SUMOylated TopoisomeraseIIα dissociation from mitotic centromeres for proper chromosome segregation
Authors: Hassebroek Victoria , Park Hyewon , Pandey Nootan , Lerbakken Brooklyn T. , Aksenova Vasilisa , Arnaoutov Alexei , Dasso Mary , Azuma Yoshiaki
Published: September 2019

Polo-like kinase interacting checkpoint helicase (PICH) is a SNF2 family DNA translocase and is a Small Ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO) binding protein. Despite that both translocase activity and SUMO-binding activity are required for proper chromosome segregation, how these two activities function to mediate chromosome segregation remains unknown. Here, we show that PICH specifically promotes dissociation of SUMOylated TopoisomeraseIIα (TopoIIα) from mitotic chromosomes. When TopoIIα is stalled by treatment of cells with a potent TopoII inhibitor, ICRF-193, TopoIIα becomes SUMOylated, and this promotes its interaction with PICH. Conditional depletion of PICH using the Auxin Inducible Degron (AID) system resulted in retention of SUMOylated TopoIIα on chromosomes, indicating that PICH removes stalled SUMOylated TopoIIα from chromosomes. In vitro assays showed that PICH specifically regulates SUMOylated TopoIIα activity using its SUMO-binding and translocase activities. Taken together, we propose a novel mechanism for how PICH acts on stalled SUMOylated TopoIIα for proper chromosome segregation.

Summary Statement

Polo-like kinase interacting checkpoint helicase (PICH) interacts with SUMOylated proteins to mediate proper chromosome segregation during mitosis. The results demonstrate that PICH promotes dissociation of SUMOylated TopoisomeraseIIα from chromosomes and that function leads to proper chromosome segregation.
CanShariahboard characteristics influence risk-taking behavior of Islamic banks?
Authors: AlAbbad Amal , Hassan M. Kabir , Saba Irum
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study whether the characteristics of theShariahSupervisory Board (SSB) can influence the risk-taking behaviors of Islamic banks.

Design/methodology/approach

The data on governance were collected from 70 Islamic banks’ annual reports across 18 countries for the period from 2000 to 2011 to investigate the relationship between SSB’s characteristics including size, busyness and foreign board and the Islamic banks’ risk activities.

Findings

The size of SSB and the proportion of busy board in SSB positively and significantly influence Islamic banks’ asset return and insolvency risks. Foreign members are more effective in monitoring banks’Shariahcompliance. Further analysis provides some evidence that most of the findings on the associations between the SSB structure and bank risk are derived from countries in the Gulf Cooperation Council whereShariahgovernance is ruled internally at the bank level.

Practical implications

There is a need for betterShariahboard characteristics in place that complement with other governance mechanisms to well comprehend the main purpose of Islamic banks.

Originality/value

SSB board busyness and foreign characteristics appear to influence the risk-taking behaviors of Islamic banks.
Design and analysis of all optical biochemical sensors based on the coupled-ring reflectors
Authors: Feili Sahar , Sabouhi H.R. , Sobhani Hassan , Traz M.
Published: September 2019

Purpose

This study aims to propose a new scheme for designing a high-sensitivity optical biosensor. For this, two agents have been considered: reflection-type micro-resonators, which filter the noise of the pump, and coupled-ring reflectors (CRRs), which are coupled to partial reflecting elements in the bus waveguide to create Fano-resonance. These two agents improve the sensor sensitivity and have low-power optical switching/modulation.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed model is based on the coupling of the CRRs with the Fabry–Pérot cavity. The slope of the Fano-resonance line shape and consequently the sensitivity of the proposed CRRs are higher than those of conventional microring resonators.

Findings

The proposed scheme has many characteristics: CRRs have been used to create a higher slope of the Fano-resonance line shape; the sensitivity of the sensor shows improvement on the basis of reflection-type micro-resonators and by the removal of the pump noise; the designed sensor has low-power optical switching/modulation; and the modeling and designing of a novel high-sensitivity resonator is based on coupling the CRRs with the Fabry–Pérot cavity.

Originality/value

This study has proposed a new scheme for designing a high-sensitivity optical biosensor. This method is based on the improvement of the sensitivity by two agents: reflection-type micro-resonators, which filter the noise of the pump, and coupled-ring reflectors, which are coupled to partial reflecting elements in the bus waveguide to create Fano-resonance.
Road roughness acquisition and classification using improved restricted Boltzmann machine deep learning algorithm
Authors: Liu Qinghua , Sun Lu , Kornhauser Alain , Sun Jiahui , Sangwa Nick
Published: September 2019

Purpose

To realize classification of different pavements, a road roughness acquisition system design and an improved restricted Boltzmann machine deep neural network algorithm based on Adaboost Backward Propagation algorithm for road roughness detection is presented in this paper. The developed measurement system, including hardware designs and algorithm for software, constitutes an independent system which is low-cost, convenient for installation and small.

Design/methodology/approach

The inputs of restricted Boltzmann machine deep neural network are the vehicle vertical acceleration power spectrum and the pitch acceleration power spectrum, which is calculated using ADAMS finite element software. Adaboost Backward Propagation algorithm is used in each restricted Boltzmann machine deep neural network classification model for fine-tuning given its performance of global searching. The algorithm is first applied to road spectrum detection and experiments indicate that the algorithm is suitable for detecting pavement roughness.

Findings

The detection rate of RBM deep neural network algorithm based on Adaboost Backward Propagation is up to 96 per cent, and the false positive rate is below 3.34 per cent. These indices are both better than the other supervised algorithms, which also performs better in extracting the intrinsic characteristics of data, and therefore improves the classification accuracy and classification quality. Additionally, the classification performance is optimized. The experimental results show that the algorithm can improve performance of restricted Boltzmann machine deep neural networks. The system can be used for detecting pavement roughness.

Originality/value

This paper presents an improved restricted Boltzmann machine deep neural network algorithm based on Adaboost Backward Propagation for identifying the road roughness. Through the restricted Boltzmann machine, it completes pre-training and initializing sample weights. The entire neural network is fine-tuned through the Adaboost Backward Propagation algorithm, verifying the validity of the algorithm on the MNIST data set. A quarter vehicle model is used as the foundation, and the vertical acceleration spectrum of the vehicle center of mass and pitch acceleration spectrum were obtained by simulation in ADAMS as the input samples. The experimental results show that the improved algorithm has better optimization ability, improves the detection rate and can detect the road roughness more effectively.
Ohmic Heating of Lemon and Grapefruit Juices Under Vacuum Pressure— Comparison of Electrical Conductivity and Heating Rate
Authors: Fadavi Ali , Salari Saeed
Published: September 2019

Ohmic heating fundamentally depends on electrical conductivity. In this study, grapefruit and lemon juices were ohmically heated under vacuum conditions. The electrical conductivity was measured at voltage gradients (10, 20, and 30 V/cm) and vacuum pressure (0 [atmospheric pressure], −30, and −60 kPa) for four temperature ranges (30, 40, 50, and 60 °C), meanwhile the heating rate was also reported at the same level of pressure and voltage gradient. The electrical conductivity and heating rate considerably vary by voltage gradient relative to pressure. Grapefruit had considerably lower electrical conductivity (about 20%) relative to lemon juice for the same pressure–voltage gradient treatment, while the percent reduction of heating rate (grapefruit relative to lemon) varied from 19 to 32%. The multivariate linear regression of electrical conductivity, including temperature and voltage, was found to be a more suitable model. pH assessments showed that pressure significantly affected the pH of grapefruit and lemon juices (P < 0.01). The combination of different treatments, which created a shorter residence time, caused a greater decrease in pH.
Impact of different preanalytical conditions on results of lupus anticoagulant tests
Authors: Kristoffersen Ann Helen , Hammer Ida Jansrud , Vannes Solveig , Åsberg Arne , Aakre Kristin Moberg
Published: September 2019

Introduction

The currently recommended preanalytical conditions for lupus anticoagulant (LA) analysis require analyzing samples in fresh or freshly frozen platelet‐poor plasma. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether alternative and less cumbersome preanalytical procedures for LA testing give significantly different results compared to recommended conditions.

Materials and Methods

Citrated blood samples were drawn from 29 study participants, 15 with negative and 14 with positive LA results. The samples were processed according to the ISTH guideline for LA testing and compared to several alternative preanalytical conditions. Measurements were performed using the dilute Russell's viper venom time (DRVVT) and silica clotting time (SCT), both screen and confirm, on a STA‐R Evolution analyzer. Stability criteria were based upon biological variation.

Results

All DRVVT tests (normalized screen, confirm, and screen/confirm ratio) met the stability criteria for all the preanalytical conditions. The SCT tests (normalized screen, confirm, and screen/confirm ratio) met the stability criteria only when treated according to the ISTH guideline, except for SCT normalized screen/confirm ratio which also met the stability criteria for double‐centrifuged aliquoted plasma stored in room temperature for 24 hours and then analyzed “fresh” or after being frozen. One warfarin‐treated patient was reclassified from positive to negative for DRVVT after the preanalytical modifications, while 2 of 29 participants became falsely positive for 2 of 8 conditions for SCT.

Conclusions

The DRVVT assays met the criteria for stability for all preanalytical conditions tested, while the SCT assays should be interpreted with caution if the preanalytical guidelines from ISTH are not followed.
BET 1: What is the incidence of cardiac arrhythmia in adult patients with acute infection prescribed fluoroquinolones?
Authors: Chan Kathryn , Fitzpatrick Jada
Published: September 2019

A shortcut review was carried out to establish the incidence of arrhythmia after prescription of a fluoroquinolone antibiotic. 332 papers were found using the reported searches, of which 14 presented the best evidence to answer the clinical question. The author, date and country of publication, patient group studied, study type, relevant outcomes, results and study weaknesses of these papers are tabulated. It is concluded that the incidence of arrhythmia after prescription of a fluoroquinolone antibiotic is low (<3%), but estimates are imprecise.
01 Accuracy of ECG chest lead placements by paramedics
Authors: Gregory Pete , Lodge Stephen , Paget Suzy , Kilner Tim
Published: September 2019

Background

The use of the 12-lead ECG is common in UK paramedic practice but its value depends upon accurate placement of the ECG-electrodes. Several studies have shown widespread variation in the placement of chest electrodes by other health professionals but no studies have addressed the accuracy of paramedics. The main objective of this study was to ascertain the accuracy of the chest lead placements by registered paramedics.

Methods

Registered paramedics who attended the Emergency Services Show in Birmingham in September 2018 were invited to participate in this observational study. Participants were asked to place the chest electrodes on a male model in accordance with their current practice. Correct positioning was determined against the Society for Cardiological Science & Technology’s Clinical Guidelines for recording a standard 12-lead electrocardiogram (2017) with a tolerance of 19 mm being deemed acceptable based upon previous studies.

Results

52 eligible participants completed the study. Measurement of electrode placement in the craniocaudal and mediolateral planes showed a high level of inaccuracy with 3/52 (5.8%) participants able to accurately place all chest leads. In leads V1- V3, the majority of incorrect placements were related to vertical displacement with most participants able to identify the correct horizontal position. In V4, the tendency was to place the lead too low and to the left of the pre-determined position whilst V5tended to be below the expected positioning but in the correct horizontal alignment. There was a less defined pattern of error in V6although vertical displacement was more likely than horizontal displacement.

Conclusions

Our study identified a high level of variation in the placement of chest ECG electrodes which could alter the morphology of the ECG. From a patient safety perspective, we would advocate that paramedics leave the chest electrodes in situ to allow hospital staff to assess the accuracy of the placements.
PP16 Prehospital recognition and antibiotics for 999 patients with sepsis: feasibility study results
Authors: Bulger Jenna , Allen Susan , Davies Jan , Driscoll Timothy , Ellis Gemma , Fegan Greg , Foster Theresa , Francis Nick , Islam Saiful , Morgan Matt , Nanayakkara Prabath , Perkins Gavin , Porter Alison , Rainer Timothy , Ricketts Samuel , Sewell Bernadette , Shanahan Tracy , Smith Fang Gao , Smyth Mike , Snooks Helen , Moore Chris
Published: September 2019

Background

Sepsis is a common condition which kills approximately 44,000 people annually in the UK. Early recognition and management of sepsis has been shown to reduce mortality and improve outcomes. Paramedics frequently attend patients with sepsis, and are well placed to provide early diagnosis and treatment. We aimed to assess whether a multi-centre randomised trial to evaluate pre-hospital antibiotics was feasible.

Methods

Volunteer paramedics used scratchcards to allocate patients with ‘Red Flag’ Sepsis at random between experimental and control arms. The primary outcome was mortality at six months. We also measured: adverse events, costs, final diagnosis, length of stay in hospital, and quality of care; and collected qualitative data about acceptability to patients in interviews, and paramedics in focus groups. We pre-specified criteria for deciding whether to progress to a fully powered trial based on: recruitment of paramedics and patients; retrieval of outcome data; safety; acceptability; and diagnostic accuracy.

Results

Fifty-four paramedics completed their training and were issued scratchcards to randomly allocate patients to trial arms. Patients were recruited from 1.12.17 to 31.5.18. In total, 118 patients were randomly allocated to trial arms; four patients dissented to be included in the trial, leaving 114 patients to follow-up. Sixty-two patients (54%) were allocated to the intervention arm. The mean age of the control arm was 71.2 years (range 28–97); 33 (65%) control participants were female. In the intervention arm the mean age was 75.6 years (range 30–99) and 38 patients (61%) were female. Nine patients in the control group (18%) and 17 in the intervention group (28%) were already taking antibiotics at the time of their 999 call. Twenty-three questionnaires were received. No serious adverse events were reported.

Conclusions

Complete results will be presented at the time of the conference, when routine linked anonymised outcomes are available.
PP17 Ambulance paramedics responding to urgent patient requests in general practice for home visits – evaluation development (ARRIVE)
Authors: Bulger Jenna , Driscoll Timothy , Hussain Ather , Edwards Adrian , Evans Bridie , Griffiths Lesley , James Mari , Keen Leigh , Kingston Mark , Mclean Grayham , Phillips Ceri , Porter Alison , Snooks Helen , Watkins Alan
Published: September 2019

Background

In response to rising demand for health care and limited availability of GPs, paramedics are increasingly working in general practices, most commonly to carry out home visits. UK policy supports this change which involves role substitution across professional groups and sectors of care. In Wales, schemes have recently been introduced with various configuration, employment and governance arrangements, but we do not know the risks and benefits of Paramedics working in Primary Care (PPC), or which model works best. As well as effects at individual patient level (safety, acceptability, and quality of care), this interface-crossing innovation may have an impact on service and workforce issues including efficiency, costs, professional role development, emergency ambulance availability and 999 response. There is an urgent need to better understand the PPC innovation. We aim to describe the evidence base, theoretical underpinning and current initiatives; and determine the feasibility of undertaking a definitive evaluation of PPC in order to produce generalisable evidence to inform policy and practice.

Method

A survey of Welsh Health boards has been undertaken to identify sites and stakeholders to take part in qualitative interviews. We will conduct a feasibility study using a controlled before and after natural experiment design with three GP practice sites: one with a directly-employed paramedic; one with a Welsh Ambulance Service-employed paramedic; and a control site. We will collect the following outcomes:

Number of home visits requested

Home visit outcomes – the proportion resolved; further home visit required; emergency admission; 999 call placed

Prescribing patterns

Subsequent health care contacts

Patient satisfaction

Serious Adverse Events

Cost profile

Conclusion

We will submit an application for a fully powered application to NIHR HS&DR if indicated by our progression criteria.

Results

Welsh Health board survey and qualitative findings will be available at the time of the conference.
PP27 An exploration of the experiences of paramedics taking part in a large randomised trial of airway management, and the impact on their views and practice
Authors: Kirby K , Brandling J , Robinson M , Voss S , Benger J
Published: September 2019

Background

The participation of over 1500 study paramedics in AIRWAYS-2 provides a unique opportunity for an in depth exploration of how the views and practice of study paramedics, in advanced airway management, may have developed as a result of their participation in AIRWAYS-2, and how their experiences can inform future trials in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). Future prehospital guidelines and practice will not only be shaped by the results of large trials such as AIRWAYS-2, but also by the views and attitudes of UK paramedics towards OHCA, airway management and research. This study allows an opportunity to add depth and understanding to the results of AIRWAYS-2.

Study aims

To explore paramedics’ experiences of participating in a large cluster randomized trial of airway management during OHCA, specifically:

The challenges of enrolling patients who are critically unwell and unable to consent;

Barriers and facilitators to successful research in OHCA patients;

The impact on paramedics’ clinical practice and airway management during and after the trial;

The role of advanced airway management during OHCA.

Methods

Content analysis of an online survey of 1500 study paramedics to assess their experiences of participating in the trial and to establish any changes in their views and practice.

Thematic analysis of telephone interviews with study paramedic to explore the findings of the online questionnaire. Exploring any changes in views and practice around advanced airway management as a result of participating in the trial; assessing experiences of trial training and enrolling critically unwell patients without consent, and exploring the barriers and facilitators for trial participation and the views of paramedics on the future role of advanced airway management during OHCA.

Results and conclusions

The study is in the analysis phase and is due to complete and report by the 31stJanuary 2019.
OP5 Closing emergency departments in england (CLOSED): the impact on ambulance services
Authors: Knowles Emma , Shephard Neil , Stone Tony , Bishop-Edwards Lindsey , Hirst Enid , Abouzeid Linda , Mason Suzanne , Nicholl Jon
Published: September 2019

Background

In recent years a number of Emergency Departments (EDs) in England have closed, or been replaced by a lower acuity facility such as an Urgent Care Centre. With further re-organisation of EDs expected, the ‘closED’ study aimed to provide research evidence to inform the public, NHS, and policymakers when considering future closures. Our aim was to understand the impact of ED closure on populations and emergency care providers, the first study to do so in England. In this session I will focus on the impact on the ambulance service.

Methods

We undertook a controlled interrupted time series analysis assessing changes in ambulance service activity, following the closure of Type 1 EDs in England. Data was sourced data from Ambulance service computer-assisted dispatch (CAD) records. The resident catchment populations of five EDs, closed between 2009 and 2011, were selected for analysis. Five control areas were also selected. The primary ambulance outcome measures were: ambulance service incident volumes and mean ‘call to destination’ time.

Results

There was some evidence of a large increase of 13.9% [95% confidence interval (CI) 3.5% to 24.4%] in the total number of emergency ambulance incidents compared with the control areas. There was an increase of 3.9 minutes (95% CI 2.2 to 5.6 minutes) in the meantime taken from a 999 ‘red’ call being answered to a patient arriving at hospital.

Conclusions

Given such major reorganisation of emergency and urgent care we might expect some changes in emergency and urgency care activity. Our study found some changes in the ambulance service measures. The increase in emergency ambulance incidents, over and above the increase in the control area, suggests that the closure of the EDs in our study may have contributed to an additional increase in workload within the ambulance services in these areas.