bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigating the thixotropic behaviour of Type 4 solder paste during stencil printing
Authors: Krammer Oliver , Gyarmati Benjámin , Szilágyi András , Storcz Richárd , Jakab László , Illés Balázs , Géczy Attila , Dušek Karel
Published: January 2017

Purpose

A measurement method has been developed to reveal the viscosity change of solder pastes during stencil printing. This paper aimed to investigate thixotropic behaviour, the viscosity change of a lead-free solder paste (Type 4).

Design/methodology/approach

The viscosity change of the solder paste during stencil printing cycles was characterised in such a way that the time-gap between the printing cycles was modelled with a rest period between every rheological measurement. This period was set as 15, 30 and 60 s during the research. The Cross model was fitted to the measurement results, and the η0 parameter was used to characterise the viscosity change. The number of printing cycles necessary for reaching a stationary state in viscosity was determined for various rest periods.

Findings

It was found that the decrease in zero-shear viscosity is significant (25 per cent) in the first cycles, and it starts to become stationary at the sixth-seventh cycles. This means a printing process can provide the appropriate deposits only after the 7th cycle with the investigated Type 4 solder paste.

Originality/value

Time-dependent rheological behaviour of solder pastes was studied in the literature, but only the viscosity change over continuous time at constant shear rates was examined. The time-gap between stencil printing cycles was not considered, and thixotropic behaviour of solder pastes was also neglected. Therefore, the authors developed a measurement set which is able to model the effect of time-gap between printing cycles on the viscosity change of solder pastes.
X-ray inspection and Six-Sigma in analysis of LED thermal pad coverage
Authors: Dziurdzia Barbara , Mikolajek Janusz
Published: January 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate selected methods of reduction voidings in lead-free solder joints underneath thermal pads of light-emitting diodes (LEDs), using X-ray inspection and Six Sigma methodology.

Design/methodology/approach

On the basis of cause and effect diagram for solder voiding, the potential causes of voids and influence of process variables on void formation were found. Three process variables were chosen: the type of reflow soldering, vacuum incorporation and the type of solder paste. Samples of LEDs were mounted with convection and vapour phase reflow soldering. Vacuum was incorporated into vapour phase soldering. Two types of solder pastes OM338PT and LFS-216LT were used. Algorithm incorporated into X-ray inspection system enabled to calculate the statistical distribution of LED thermal pad coverage and to find the process capability index (Cpk) of applied soldering techniques.

Findings

The evaluation of selected soldering processes of LEDs in respect of their thermal pad coverage and statistical Cpk indices is presented. Vapour-phase soldering with vacuum is capable (Cpk > 1) for OM338PT and LFS-216LT paste. Convection reflow without vacuum with LFS-216LT paste is also capable (Cpk = 1.1). Other technological soldering processes require improvements. Vacuum improves radically the capability of a reflow soldering for an LED assembly. When vacuum is not accessible, some improvement of capability to a lower extent is possible by an application of void-free solder pastes.

Originality/value

Six Sigma statistical methodology combined with X-ray diagnosis was used to check whether applied methods of void reduction underneath LED thermal pads are capable processes.
Studying heat transfer on inclined printed circuit boards during vapour phase soldering
Authors: Geczy Attila , Nagy Daniel , Illes Balazs , Fazekas Laszlo , Krammer Oliver , Busek David
Published: January 2017

Purpose

The paper aims to present an investigation of heating during vapour phase soldering (VPS) on inclined printed circuit board (PCB) substrates. The PCB is a horizontal rectangular plate from the aspect of filmwise condensation with a given inclination setting.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper focuses on the measurement of temperature distribution on the PCBs with a novel setup immersed in the saturated vapour space. The measuring instrumentation is optimized to avoid and minimize vapour perturbing effects.

Findings

The inhomogeneity of the heating is presented according to the lateral dimensions of the PCB. The inclination improves temperature uniformity, improves heat transfer efficiency; however, a minor misalignment may affect the flow and result in uneven heating.

Practical implications

The results can be implemented for practical improvements in industrial ovens with the use of intended inclination. The improvements may consequently point to more efficient production and better joint quality.

Originality/value

The novel method can be used for deeper investigation of inclination during and can be complemented with numerical calculations. The results highlight the importance of precise PCB holding instrumentation in VPS ovens.
Stability of electrical properties for mechanically exposed thick- and thin-film resistors on flexible substrates
Authors: Dziedzic Andrzej , Osypiuk Pawel , Steplewski Wojciech
Published: January 2017

Purpose

The paper aims to verify the influence of mechanical factors (longitudinal elongation at constant stretching velocity, constant elongation strain and cyclic compressive and tensile stresses) on the electrical properties of thin-film and polymer thick-film resistors on flexible substrates.

Design/methodology/approach

Kapton foil was used as a substrate for all test samples. Designed resistive structures were made with the aid of two polymer thick-film resistive inks or OhmegaPly Ni-P resistive foil. Two different topologies – the horseshoe and triangular – were used. These topologies should have the opposite stability parameters.

Findings

Almost all presented data confirm the influence of the topology of resistors on stability of their electrical properties. The resistive materials applied for test structures also affect the stability under various mechanical exposures.

Originality/value

In general, the largest changes were caused by longitudinal elongation at constant stretching velocity, whereas other tests caused smaller changes of electrical properties. The measurements confirm the influence of topology on stability of electric properties.
New method for determining correction factors for pin-in-paste solder volumes
Authors: Krammer Oliver , Varga Bertalan , Dušek Karel
Published: January 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to present a new method to calculate the appropriate volume of solder paste necessary for the pin-in-paste (PIP) technology. By the aid of this volume calculation, correction factors have been determined, which can be used to correct the solder fillet volume obtained by an explicit expression.

Design/methodology/approach

The method is based on calculating the optimal solder fillet shape and profile for through-hole (TH) components with given geometrical sizes. To calculate this optimal shape of the fillet, a script was written in Surface Evolver. The volume calculations were performed for different fillet radiuses (0.4-1.2 mm) and for different component lead geometries (circular and square cross-sections). Finally, the volume obtained by the Evolver calculations was divided by the volume obtained by an explicit expression, and correction factors were determined for the varying parameters.

Findings

The results showed that the explicit expression underestimates the fillet volume necessary for the PIP technology significantly (15-35 per cent). The correction factors for components with circular leads ranged between 1.4 and 1.59, whereas the correction factors for square leads ranged between 1.1 and 1.27. Applying this correction can aid in depositing the appropriate solder paste volume for TH components.

Originality/value

Determining the correct volume of solder paste necessary for the PIP technology is crucial to eliminate the common soldering failure of TH components (e.g. voiding or non-wetted solder pads). The explicit expression, which is widely used for volume calculation in this field, underestimates the necessary volume significantly. The new method can correct this estimation, and can aid the industry to approach zero-defect manufacturing in the PIP technology.
How Leaders Affect Followers’ Work Engagement and Performance: Integrating Leader−Member Exchange and Crossover Theory
Authors: Gutermann Daniela , Lehmann‐Willenbrock Nale , Boer Diana , Born Marise , Voelpel Sven C.
Published: January 2017

Drawing on leader−member exchange and crossover theory, this study examines how leaders’ work engagement can spread to followers, highlighting the role of leader−member exchange as an underlying explanatory process. Specifically, we investigate if leaders who are highly engaged in their work have better relationships with their followers, which in turn can explain elevated employee engagement. For this purpose, we surveyed 511 employees nested in 88 teams and their team leaders in a large service organization. Employees and supervisors provided data in this multi‐source design. Furthermore, we asked the employees to report their annual performance assessment. We tested our model using multilevel path analyses in Mplus. As hypothesized, leaders’ work engagement enhanced leader−member exchange quality, which in turn boosted employee engagement (mediation model). Moreover, employee engagement was positively linked to performance and negatively linked to turnover intentions. As such, our multilevel field study connects the dots between work engagement research and the leadership literature. We identify leaders’ work engagement as a key to positive leader−follower relationships and a means for promoting employee engagement and performance. Promoting work engagement at the managerial level may be a fruitful starting point for fostering an organizational culture of engagement.
An Ethnographic Study of Health Information Technology Use in Three Intensive Care Units
Authors: Leslie Myles , Paradis Elise , Gropper Michael A. , Kitto Simon , Reeves Scott , Pronovost Peter
Published: January 2017

Objectives

To identify the impact of a full suite of health information technology (HIT) on the relationships that support safety and quality among intensive care unit (ICU) clinicians.

Data Sources

A year‐long comparative ethnographic study of three academic ICUs was carried out. A total of 446 hours of observational data was collected in the form of field notes. A subset of these observations—134 hours—was devoted to job‐shadowing individual clinicians and conducting a time study of their HIT usage.

Principal Findings

Significant variation in HIT implementation rates and usage was noted. Average HIT use on the two “high‐use” ICUs was 49 percent. On the “low‐use” ICU, it was 10 percent. Clinicians on the high‐use ICUs experienced “silo” effects with potential safety and quality implications. HIT work was associated with spatial, data, and social silos that separated ICU clinicians from one another and their patients. Situational awareness, communication, and patient satisfaction were negatively affected by this siloing.

Conclusions

HIT has the potential to accentuate social and professional divisions as clinical communications shift from being in‐person to electronically mediated. Socio‐technically informed usability testing is recommended for those hospitals that have yet to implement HIT. For those hospitals already implementing HIT, we suggest rapid, locally driven qualitative assessments focused on developing solutions to identified gaps between HIT usage patterns and organizational quality goals.
Efficacy, safety, and pharmacokinetics of subcutaneous azacitidine in Taiwanese patients with higher‐risk myelodysplastic syndromes
Authors: Chou Wen‐Chien , Yeh Su‐Peng , Hsiao Liang‐Tsai , Lin Sheng‐Fung , Chen Yeu‐Chin , Chen Tsai‐Yun , Laille Eric , Galettis Anoula , Dong Qian , Songer Steve , Beach CL
Published: January 2017

Aim

Clinical and pharmacokinetic effects of azacitidine in higher‐risk myelodysplastic syndromes were established in mainly Caucasian populations. Because of inter‐ethnic genotype variability of drug‐metabolizing enzymes, it is important to evaluate azacitidine in populations expected to use the drug.

Methods

In this single‐arm study, Taiwanese patients with higher‐risk myelodysplastic syndromes received azacitidine 75 mg/m2/day for 7 days/28‐day cycle for up to six cycles. Response‐evaluable patients had baseline and cycle 6 marrow assessments. Clinical outcomes are compared descriptively with those from a phase 3 study comprising mainly Caucasian patients (N = 179). Pharmacokinetics in a subgroup of Taiwanese patients are descriptively compared with a historical control of North American patients (N = 45).

Results

Median age of Taiwanese patients (N = 44) was 64 years (range 36–90), and 46% had poor cytogenetics. Median number of azacitidine cycles was six (1–6). No response‐evaluable patient (n = 33) achieved complete or partial remission; however, 22 patients (50%) achieved hematologic improvement, 12 of 32 patients attained RBC transfusion independence and 7 of 18 attained platelet transfusion independence. Most common grade 3–4 treatment‐emergent adverse events were neutropenia (52%) and leukopenia (39%). Pharmacokinetic profiles were similar for Taiwanese (N = 12) and North American (N = 45) patients. Maximum plasma concentration was higher in Taiwanese patients; however, mean azacitidine exposure was within the range for North American patients.

Conclusion

These data confirm the safety and efficacy of azacitidine in Taiwanese patients with higher‐risk myelodysplastic syndromes. Clinical outcomes were generally comparable with those for Caucasian patients. No meaningful differences in azacitidine pharmacokinetics were observed for Taiwanese patients, and no initial dose adjustment is necessary.
Prednisone treatment in infertile patients with oligozoospermia and accessory gland inflammatory alterations
Authors: Milardi D. , Luca G. , Grande G. , Ghezzi M. , Caretta N. , Brusco G. , De Filpo G. , Marana R. , Pontecorvi A. , Calafiore R. , Foresta C. , Garolla A.
Published: January 2017

The association between inflammation of the male reproductive system and oligozoospermia has been frequently reported in the clinical work‐up of male infertility. To improve sperm parameters in infertile patients with genital inflammation, many phytochemical and nutraceutical drugs are currently being used. However, their use is still empirical and no conclusive data have been provided about their efficacy. The treatment with steroid anti‐inflammatory drugs might be useful in reducing inflammation and improving sperm parameters, thus increasing the fertility outcome. The aim of this study was to evaluate if glucocorticoid treatment improves seminal parameters in infertile oligozoospermic patients presenting signs of accessory gland inflammation at genital ultrasound. A total of 90 infertile patients were enrolled in the study. They presented normal testicular volume, normal FSH plasma levels, the presence of various degrees of oligozoospermia, associated with scrotal and trans‐rectal ultrasound signs indicative of accessory gland inflammation, but negative microbiological analysis on semen and/or prostatic secretions. Patients were randomly allocated into three groups of treatment, receiving, respectively, 5, 12.5, and 25 mg daily oral Prednisone for one month. Seminal parameters were evaluated at admission and after treatment. In patients undergoing Prednisone treatment at a daily dose of 5 mg we observed a significant increase in total sperm count. At a daily dose of 12.5 mg, Prednisone treatment improved sperm concentration, total sperm count, and the percentage of sperm motility. Twenty‐five mg of Prednisone led to significant improvement in all the sperm parameters, except for semen volume. These results clearly demonstrate that Prednisone treatment can significantly improve sperm parameters in a selected population of oligozoospermic patients. These findings suggest that Prednisone treatment should be considered in idiopathic oligozoospermic patients with supposed normal spermatogenesis and accessory gland inflammatory alterations, in order to improve sperm parameters and fertility outcome.
Meta‐analysis of two surgical approaches for calcaneal fractures: sinus tarsi versus extensile lateral approach
Authors: Zhang Fei , Tian Hongtao , Li Shilun , Liu Bo , Dong Tianhua , Zhu Yanbin , Zhang Yingze
Published: January 2017

Background

There remains a controversy between extensile lateral approach and sinus tarsi approach (STA) to treat calcaneal fractures. The aim of this study is to evaluate the medium‐ and long‐term outcomes of the STA versus extensile lateral approach in terms of intraoperative variables, quality of alignment on a lateral radiograph incidence of wound healing complication, visual analogue scale and American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society for the treatment of calcaneal fractures.

Methods

Relevant original studies were searched in PubMed, Medline and Embase and Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (January 1990 and November 2015). Studies included in this meta‐analysis had to compare the effectiveness or complications and provide sufficient data of interest. The patients treated by both methods were similar statistically in age, gender or injury mechanism. The Stata 11.0 was used to analyse all data.

Results

Eight studies involving 564 participants were included. STA was associated with decreased incidence of overall complications (odds ratio: 0.14; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.05–0.38) and wound healing complications (odds ratio: 0.16; 95% CI: 0.06–0.41) and lower visual analogue scale score (standardized mean difference: −1.28; 95% CI: −2.27 to −0.29). However, there were no significant differences in other adverse events including the quality of anatomical reduction and the excellent and good rate according to the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society.

Conclusion

The existing evidence supports STA to be a better approach for treating calcaneal fractures, and this might aid in the management of this injury.
Surgical outcomes for duodenal adenoma and adenocarcinoma: a multicentre study in Australia and the United Kingdom
Authors: Lee Chun Hin Angus , Shingler Guy , Mowbray Nicholas G. , Al‐Sarireh Bilal , Evans Peter , Smith Marty , Usatoff Val , Pilgrim Charles
Published: January 2017

Background

Pancreaticoduodenectomy is often required in patients with duodenal adenoma and adenocarcinoma and these patients generally have soft pancreatic texture and small pancreatic ducts, the two most significant factors associated with post‐operative pancreatic fistula (POPF). The aims of the study were to evaluate the rate of POPF and long‐term outcomes for patients with duodenal adenoma and adenocarcinoma who underwent curative resection.

Methods

This retrospective study (2004–2014) examined patients treated surgically with non‐ampullary duodenal tumours (NADTs) in two hepatopancreaticobiliary units in Victoria, Australia, and Swansea, UK.

Results

There were 49 resections performed including 33 pancreaticoduodenectomies, five pancreas‐preserving total duodenectomies and 11 segmental duodenal resections. Median length of follow‐up was 23.5 months. Final histopathology revealed 18 duodenal adenomas and 31 adenocarcinomas. POPF rate for NADTs was 28.9% (of which 54.5% were grade C) compared to 14.5% for all other pathologies. Grade C POPF was associated with poorer survival outcomes (hazard ratio = 6.73; P = 0.005). The 5‐year overall survival for patients with duodenal adenocarcinoma was 66.5%.

Conclusion

Due to the soft pancreatic texture and small pancreatic duct, pancreatic resection for NADTs is associated with a high rate of POPF which contributes to reduced survival. Nevertheless, surgery is associated with favourable 5‐year survival compared to pancreatic resection for pancreatic adenocarcinoma.
Load response and gap formation in a single‐row cruciate suture rotator cuff repair
Authors: Huntington Lachlan , Richardson Martin , Sobol Tony , Caldow Jonathon , Ackland David C.
Published: January 2017

Background

Double‐row rotator cuff tendon repair techniques may provide superior contact area and strength compared with single‐row repairs, but are associated with higher material expenses and prolonged operating time. The purpose of this study was to evaluate gap formation, ultimate tensile strength and stiffness of a single‐row cruciate suture rotator cuff repair construct, and to compare these results with those of the Mason‐Allen and SutureBridge repair constructs.

Methods

Infraspinatus tendons from 24 spring lamb shoulders were harvested and allocated to cruciate suture, Mason‐Allen and SutureBridge repair groups. Specimens were loaded cyclically between 10 and 62 N for 200 cycles, and gap formation simultaneously measured using a high‐speed digital camera. Specimens were then loaded in uniaxial tension to failure, and construct stiffness and repair strength were evaluated.

Results

Gap formation in the cruciate suture repair was significantly lower than that of the Mason‐Allen repair (mean difference = 0.6 mm, P = 0.009) and no different from that of the SutureBridge repair (P > 0.05). Both the cruciate suture repair (mean difference = 15.7 N/mm, P = 0.002) and SutureBridge repair (mean difference = 15.8 N/mm, P = 0.034) were significantly stiffer than that of the Mason‐Allen repair; however, no significant differences in ultimate tensile strength between repair groups were discerned (P > 0.05).

Conclusion

The cruciate suture repair construct, which may represent a simple and cost‐effective alternative to double‐row and double‐row equivalent rotator cuff repairs, has comparable biomechanical strength and integrity with that of the SutureBridge repair, and may result in improved construct longevity and tendon healing compared with the Mason‐Allen repair.
Clinico‐pathological correlation of hepatic angiomyolipoma: a series of 23 resection cases
Authors: Jung Dong Hwan , Hwang Shin , Hong Seung Mo , Kim Ki Hun , Ahn Chul Soo , Moon Deok Bog , Alshahrani Abdulwahab A , Lee Sung Gyu
Published: January 2017

Background

Angiomyolipomas are rare neoplasms of mesenchymal origin and are derived from perivascular epithelioid cells. They usually develop in the kidney and rarely in the liver. Due to their rarity, most hepatic angiomyolipomas have been misinterpreted as hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) or other hypervascular liver tumours on imaging studies. We aimed to assess the clinico‐pathological correlation of hepatic angiomyolipoma.

Methods

We identified 23 patients with hepatic angiomyolipoma through an institutional database search.

Results

Of 5680 cases of primary liver tumours, 23 (0.4%) had angiomyolipomas (mean age, 43.6 ± 12.4 years; 16 female patients). Hepatitis B virus infection was noted in four patients, whereas a liver mass was incidentally detected on routine health screening in 13 patients. The preoperative diagnoses, before liver biopsy, included HCC in 14, angiomyolipoma in six, focal nodular hyperplasia in two and hepatic adenoma in one patient. Eventually, the preoperative diagnoses were changed to HCC in 12 and hepatic angiomyolipoma in 11 patients. The tumour size was 5.3 ± 4.6 cm, and 22 patients had a single tumour. All tumours exhibited positive findings for human melanoma black‑45 and smooth muscle actin staining. During a follow‐up period of 52.2 ± 23.7 months, none of the patients exhibited tumour recurrence or mortality.

Conclusions

Hepatic angiomyolipoma is a rare form of primary liver tumour and is often misdiagnosed as other hypervascular tumours. Although angiomyolipoma is benign in nature, it also has malignant potential; hence, resection is indicated if the tumour grows or malignancy cannot be excluded. Surgical resection is a definitive curative treatment of hepatic angiomyolipoma.
Multiple interventions with prolonged length of stay are required for treatment of necrotizing pancreatitis
Authors: Shilton Hamish , Breen Daniel , Gupta Sachin , Evans Peter , Pilgrim Charles
Published: January 2017

Background

A proportion of patients with acute pancreatitis (AP) develop necrosis. Around a third will become infected, and this is associated with a significant requirement for intervention and support. We evaluated the burden of necrotizing pancreatitis (NP) in an Australian tertiary hospital with regards to morbidity, mortality and resource consumption.

Methods

This is a retrospective case series of patients with AP admitted for at least 5 days to identify those with NP between 2009 and 2014. Data were analysed in groups according to the determinant‐based classification of AP severity.

Results

Of 1339 patients with AP, 546 stayed 5 days or longer, and 38 had necrosis. Overall mortality for those with necrosis was 10.5% (4/38). Infection complicated necrosis in 45% (17/38). Organ failure also occurred in 45% (17/38) of patients with necrosis. All patients in the critical category and severe category required admission to the intensive care unit for a median of 21 and 12 days, respectively. A total of 90% of patients with critical category disease developed multi‐organ failure, whereas most with severe category disease developed single organ failure only. Overall length of stay increased with increasing severity of disease. Intervention was required in 82% of infected necrosis (median 4 procedures). Those without infection also required multiple radiological investigations (median 7).

Conclusion

Necrosis is uncommon in our cohort but is associated with a significant health‐care burden. Almost half the patients with necrosis develop organ failure requiring prolonged hospital and intensive care unit stay. Patients require multiple investigations and interventions for infected necrosis. NP remains a costly, morbid disease in our society.
Written instructions to patients to confirm pathology results: is this effective in the transmission of results?
Authors: Patwardhan Ashwin , Wilkins Simon , Staples Margaret , McMurrick Paul J.
Published: January 2017

Background

Bowel cancer is the second most common internal malignancy in Australia. Bowel cancer is suited to community screening methods such as faecal occult blood testing and colonoscopy. Typical reporting of histopathology results after colonoscopy takes 3–5 days. Patients were given written instructions to call the clinician within 3–5 days to discuss the histopathology results. The objective of the study was to perform an audit whether patients call the clinician to discuss their histopathology results after undergoing a colonoscopy, gastroscopy or both.

Methods

A retrospective study was performed of patients attending for gastroscopy or colonoscopy at a single colorectal clinic at Cabrini Hospital, Melbourne, between 1 January and 31 December 2014. Age, pre‐scope category and compliance with written instructions to callback were analysed.

Results

A total of 176 patients met the selection criteria, of whom 32.9% did not callback to discuss their histopathology results. Age and pre‐scope category were independent predictors for patients to callback after endoscopy. The mean age of the patients who called back was higher (P < 0.01). Compared with patients who had a previous polyp or resection, patients in the pre‐scope category of faecal occult blood testing/screening were more likely to callback (odds ratio: 4.37; 95% confidence interval: 1.17–16.31).

Conclusion

Patients undergoing a colonoscopy for the purposes of screening and older patients were more likely to callback. Patients aged 62 years and younger were less likely to callback and should be targeted. Enhancements to the way information is presented to patients (e.g. video) should be considered for future studies.
Re‐Examining China's Charm Offensive Toward Asia: How Much Reshaping of Regional Order?
Authors: Glosny Michael A.
Published: January 2017

Drawing mostly on Chinese‐language sources, this article examines Chinese assessments of the effectiveness of China's earlier “charm offensive” in increasing China's regional influence and reshaping the regional order according to its preferences. The main argument is that China achieved mixed success. China was successful in preventing others from adopting hostile anti‐China balancing postures, and especially before 2005, successful in attaining support and momentum for its preferred vision of East Asian regional cooperation and regional trade liberalization. China was less successful, however, in shaping the regional security order, although experts recognized the incremental improvements in what would be a gradual process in minimizing the dominance of U.S. alliances. Around 2005, however, Chinese experts noted increased resistance to China's preferred vision for regionalism and regional economic cooperation. The article concludes by examining analytical themes that enabled China to successfully exert regional influence or represented challenges to its efforts to reshape the region.
Economic Interdependence and International Conflict: Situating China's Economic and Military Rise
Authors: Leon David Pak Yue
Published: January 2017

Many scholars have argued that systemic risks of conflicts tend to increase at critical junctures of power transitions or major power shifts. This article examines the economic and military rise of China and the challenges that it both faces and poses in East Asia, especially in relation to the United States. Specifically, it connects issues of power projection and parity, trade, and interdependence, as well as international institutions and governance to underscore the need for continued economic engagement and institutional enmeshment to lessen the likelihood of militarized conflict in the region.
Osteochondroma on the cranial aspect of the distal radial metaphysis causing tenosynovitis of the extensor carpi radialis tendon sheath in a horse
Authors: Russell JW , Hall MS , Kelly GM
Published: January 2017

Case report

A 3‐year‐old Thoroughbred gelding was presented with a grade 3/5 lameness of the right forelimb and effusion of the extensor carpi radialis tendon sheath (ECRTS). Radiographic and ultrasonographic examinations revealed an osteochondroma on the cranial aspect of the distal radius projecting into the fibrous lining of theECRTS. An open surgical approach was used to remove the osteochondroma and some of the proliferative synovial tissue.

Conclusion

Six months after surgery the clinical signs had resolved and the horse raced successfully.
Survival of two dogs with pyothorax secondary to perforating oesophageal foreign body
Authors: Boyd C , Claus M , Hosgood G , Smart L
Published: January 2017

Case report

Two dogs with an oesophageal foreign body (FB) were diagnosed with secondary pyothorax at the time of presentation. One dog was managed with surgical FB removal, pleural lavage and thoracostomy tube placement. Following surgery, it was admitted to the intensive care unit for oxygen therapy, antimicrobial and analgesic administration, fluid therapy, thoracic drainage and enteral nutrition. The other dog was managed with endoscopic FB removal, thoracostomy tube placement with continuous suction, and similar aftercare in the intensive care unit. Both survived to discharge from hospital.

Conclusion

This report details the treatment and survival of two dogs with secondary pyothorax associated with oesophageal FB, with successful management through supportive care, oesophageal rest and treatment of infection.
Interleukin‐8, interleukin‐1β and tumour necrosis factor‐α in sequential units of packed red blood cells collected from retired racing Greyhounds
Authors: Purcell SL , Claus M , Hosgood G , Smart L
Published: January 2017

Background

We hypothesised that concentrations of interleukin‐8 (IL‐8), interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) and tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) would increase during storage in the third sequential unit (U3) of canine packed red blood cells (PRBC) collected from terminal donors in haemorrhagic shock. We further hypothesised that leucoreduction would prevent cytokine accumulation in U3 and that cytokine concentrations in U3 would be higher than in the first units (U1) collected from the same dogs.

Methods

U1 and U3 were each collected from 12 anaesthetised healthy Greyhounds. Removal of leucocytes from half of each PRBC unit produced one leucoreduced (LR) and one non‐leucoreduced (NLR) unit. Canine IL‐8, IL‐1β and TNF‐α concentrations were measured in samples collected from the units during storage on days 0, 10, 20, 30 and 37.

Results

The IL‐8 concentration in U3 NLR units was significantly higher on days 10, 20, 30 and 37 than on day 0 and was significantly higher than in the LR units at all time points. The IL‐1β concentration in U3 did not change over time, or between LR and NLR units. TNF‐α was not detected in any unit. There were no significant differences in IL‐8 or IL‐1β concentrations between U3 and U1 at any time point; however, some NLR U3 units had markedly elevated IL‐8 concentrations at day 37 (2060–20,682 pg/mL) compared with NLR U1 units (3369–5280 pg/mL).

Conclusion

NLR U3 units collected from dogs in haemorrhagic shock showed a significant increase in IL‐8 concentrations during storage. Leucoreduction was effective at preventing the accumulation of IL‐8. There was no difference detected between U3 and U1.
Silence, voice, and “other languages”: Digital storytelling as a site for resistance and restoration in a South African higher education classroom
Authors: Stewart Kristian D. , Ivala Eunice
Published: January 2017

In order to investigate the composing practices of digital storytellers in a South African context, a qualitative case study, set within a university of technology in South Africa and framed by literature stemming from the disciplines of digital storytelling and composition and rhetoric, was implemented as part of a larger dissertation project initiated in 2014. This study spanned a year and included participant observation and the collection of interviews as primary methods of investigation. Findings linked digital storytelling to creating a liberating classroom space where students could redefine themselves outside of historicized representations. Within a digital storytelling praxis, the story circle component has proven to be an effective means to engage students in both a reflective and critical engagement of their own writing practices, highlighting the synergy between the spoken word, process‐based writing, and digital formats for composing. However, questions remain surrounding the ethical practice of digital storytelling in classrooms especially when students share personal stories and those stories are both publicly consumed and graded. Implications for practice cover themes relating to the integration of technology that supports the democratization of varied voices in the public sphere, which is particularly important in post‐conflict zone environments like South Africa.
Incremental impact of time on students' use of E‐learning via Facebook
Authors: Moghavvemi Sedigheh , Salarzadeh Janatabadi Hashem
Published: January 2017

The majority of studies utilised the cross‐sectional method to measure students' intention to learn and investigate their corresponding learning behaviours. Only a few studies have measured the process of change in students' learning behaviour in the context of time. The main purpose of this study is to determine the effects of using a Facebook group as an e‐Learning tool based on students' longitudinal perceptions to address the aforementioned literature gap. We surveyed 170 students in a business statistics course. We also measured changes that occurred in the students' intention to use and use of e‐Learning at three different stages. The model was tested at the beginning, middle and end of the semester using structural equation modelling. The results show that students' perceptions when using e‐Learning via Facebook changed when they interacted and explored the system. Students were more familiar with the usability of the Facebook group after learning for a few weeks, and their intention to use and use of e‐Learning via Facebook subsequently increased. The results indicated that social network sites such as Facebook can be used as complementary tools to expose students to course‐related links and documents, which will create extra time for learning, when they plan to spend time on Social network sites (Facebook) and interact and communicate with friends.
852. KEWA ACIDA
Authors: Christenhusz Maarten J. M. , Clubbe Colin , Hilgenhof Rebecca , Fay Michael F.
Published: January 2017

Recent studies showed that a group of Hypertelis species was neither related to the type of that genus or to other members of Molluginaceae. As a result, these species were segregated as a new genus in its own family, Kewaceae. The St Helenan endemic Kewa acida (Hook.) Christenh. is illustrated here and its relationships, status, cultivation and conservation are discussed.
853. SOPHORA CASSIOIDES
Authors: Rix Martyn , Lewis Gwilym
Published: January 2017

Sophora cassioides (Phil.) Sparre, from Chile, is illustrated and suggestions for its cultivation are given. The history of Sophora sect. Edwardsia is discussed briefly.
Safety and efficacy of IDegLira titrated once weekly versus twice weekly in patients with type 2 diabetes uncontrolled on oral antidiabetic drugs: DUAL VI randomized clinical trial
Authors: Harris Stewart B. , Kocsis Győző , Prager Rudolf , Ridge Terry , Chandarana Keval , Halladin Natalie , Jabbour Serge
Published: January 2017

Aims

To compare the safety and efficacy of a simpler titration algorithm for insulin degludec/liraglutide (IDegLira) with that used in previous DUAL trials in insulin‐naïve patients with type 2 diabetes.

Research design and methods

This 32‐week, open‐label, non‐inferiority trial randomized adults with type 2 diabetes uncontrolled on metformin ± pioglitazone to receive IDegLira, titrated either once weekly, based on the mean of 2 pre‐breakfast plasma glucose (PG) readings (n = 210), or twice weekly, based on the mean of 3 pre‐breakfast PG readings (n = 210).

Results

Mean HbA1c decreased from 8.2% (65 mmol/mol) to 6.1% (43 mmol/mol) with once‐weekly titration and from 8.1% (65 mmol/mol) to 6.0% (42 mmol/mol) with twice‐weekly titration; non‐inferiority was confirmed (estimated treatment difference: 0.12% [−0.04; 0.28]95%
CI
, 1.30 mmol/mol [−0.41; 3.01]95%
CI
). Approximately 90% of patients achieved HbA1c < 7% in each arm. Mean fasting PG was similar after 32 weeks. Weight change was −1.0 kg vs −2.0 kg for once‐weekly vs twice‐weekly titration. Rates of severe or blood glucose‐confirmed symptomatic hypoglycaemia were low in both arms: 0.16 events/patient‐year of exposure (PYE) for once‐weekly, 0.76 events/PYE for twice‐weekly titration. Mean IDegLira dose at 32 weeks was 41 dose steps (41 U IDeg/1.48 mg Lira) for both arms. Overall adverse event rates were 207.8 and 241.3 events/100 PYE with once‐weekly and twice‐weekly titration, respectively.

Conclusion

A pragmatic titration algorithm with once‐weekly adjustments based on 2 PG readings resulted in a safety and glycaemic efficacy profile similar to that with twice‐weekly adjustments based on 3 preceding PG values in insulin‐naïve patients.
Evaluating potential competitive bottlenecks between invasive common carp and native bluegill and yellow perch
Authors: Weber Michael J. , Brown Michael L.
Published: January 2017

Processes influencing fish recruitment are often highly complex and inherently difficult to understand. Invasive species may complicate recruitment through habitat and food web modifications resulting in competitive bottlenecks. Common carp Cyprinus carpio have been distributed worldwide, and their introductions have resulted in destructive effects on aquatic ecosystems and food web dynamics. Common carp are highly fecund, and high densities of age‐0 carp may occur in some years that may reduce invertebrate prey resources and adversely affect native age‐0 fishes. We used enclosures and field observations to examine potential effects of age‐0 common carp on growth and survival of age‐0 yellow perch Perca flavescens and bluegill Lepomis macrochirus. Yellow perch and bluegill were stocked into enclosures with and without common carp (31 fish/m3) using a substitution experimental design, and fish growth and survival and invertebrate prey resources were assessed. Common carp reduced growth of yellow perch but not bluegill and did not affect survival of either species in mesocosms. Next, we used patterns of common carp, bluegill, and yellow perch abundance and total length across 38 lake‐years to evaluate potential interspecific interactions in natural systems. Age‐0 common carp abundance was not negatively related to size or abundance of bluegill or yellow perch. However, adult common carp and age‐0 yellow perch abundance were inversely related, suggesting a potential competitive bottleneck. Thus, age‐0 common carp may suppress growth of yellow perch when prey is limited, but adult common carp may have larger effects than early life stages on native juvenile fishes.
Rates of criminal victimization in an early intervention for psychosis service ‐ a cross sectional survey
Authors: Jones Rowena , Banbury Luke
Published: January 2017

Background

There is a growing body of research looking into the high rates of victimization amongst people with severe mental illness. Studies to date have tended to look at victimization rates in people with chronic mental illness over a wide age range. However, national crime surveys indicate that younger people are more likely to be the victim of crime than older people. There is also evidence that people from ethnic minorities are more likely to experience and less likely to report criminal victimization. This study therefore aimed to look at victimization rates specifically in young people with first episode psychosis (FEP) in Birmingham, one of the most youthful and ethnically diverse cities in the UK.

Methods

Patients with FEP under the South Birmingham Early Intervention Service were asked to complete a modified version of the Crime Survey for England and Wales (CSEW). Data was compared to control‐group data from the CSEW 2014.

Results

Patients with FEP were significantly more likely to be victims of crime, in particular violent crime, than their age‐matched counterparts. The overall victimization rate was 39%. Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) groups were more likely to be victims of personal and violent crime than the white FEP population. Victimization rates were broadly in keeping with other UK and international studies.

Conclusions

Young people with FEP, particularly those from BME backgrounds, are at significantly greater risk of victimhood than the general population of the West Midlands.
An uncontrolled trial of multi‐component care for first‐episode psychosis: Effects on social cognition
Authors: Breitborde Nicholas J. K. , Moe Aubrey M. , Woolverton Cindy , Harrison‐Monroe Patricia , Bell Emily K.
Published: January 2017

Growing evidence suggests that specialized, multi‐component treatment programmes produce improvements in numerous outcomes among individuals with first‐episode psychosis. However, these programmes often lack interventions specifically designed to address deficits in social cognition. This raises questions about the effectiveness of such programmes in addressing deficits in social cognition that accompany psychotic disorders. We investigated the effect of participation in a multi‐component treatment programme on social cognition among 71 individuals with first‐episode psychosis. Participants experienced gains in emotion processing, social knowledge, social perception and theory of mind. However, after controlling for multiple comparisons, these improvements were limited to theory of mind and recognition of social cues in low emotion interactions. Although our findings should be interpreted cautiously, they raise the possibility that individuals participating in multi‐component treatment programmes for first‐episode psychosis without interventions specifically targeting social cognition may still experience gains in social cognition.
Correlation of Pipe Ring Notched Bend (PRNB) specimen and Single Edge Notch Bend (SENB) specimen in determination of fracture toughness of pipe material
Authors: Damjanović D. , Kozak D. , Matvienko Y. , Gubeljak N.
Published: January 2017

It is well known that pipes or tubes due to their geometry are not suitable for producing standard specimens for fracture toughness testing (e. g. Single Edge Notched Bend (SENB) specimens or Compact Tension specimens. This is especially evident in thin walled pipes or tubes. We propose a new type of specimen, called Pipe Ring Notched Bend (PRNB) specimen, which is ideal for pipes or tubes due to its ring geometry. In the recent years, the authors have made a lot of research on this type of specimen, but cut out from a plate, not from pipes, where some imperfections in the geometry, material, residual stresses, etc. are present. Within this paper, two PRNB specimens (designations PRNB1 and PRNB2) are cut out from pipe which is used in boilers and made from 16Mo3 steel. From the same pipe, four SENB specimens (designations SENB1, SENB2, SENB3 and SENB4) are also made in order to compare the fracture behaviour of standard SENB and newly proposed PRNB specimens.
Calculation of the crack tip parameters in the holed‐cracked flattened Brazilian disk (HCFBD) specimens under wide range of mixed mode I/II loading
Authors: Akbardoost J. , Ghadirian H. R. , Sangsefidi M.
Published: January 2017

In this paper, the crack tip parameters including the stress intensity factors (KI and KII), T‐stress and the third terms of the stress field (A3 and B3) are determined comprehensively for a disk‐type sample named holed‐cracked flattened Brazilian disk (HCFBD) under various combinations of mode I and mode II loading. The HCFBD specimen is a circular disk containing a central hole in which the initial cracks are created radially from the hole circumference. Moreover, the ends of HCFBD are flattened for the sake of convenient loading. Performing enormous finite element analyses and calculating the stress intensity factors KI and KII, the states of pure mode II are determined for different configurations of HCFBD. Furthermore, the sign and magnitude of parameter A3 which plays an important role to justify the geometry and size effects on the fracture toughness of quasi‐brittle materials are also determined for HCFBD with different geometrical ratios.
Effect of intermetallic particles and grain boundaries on short fatigue crack growth behaviour in a cast Al–4Cu–3Ni–0.7Si piston alloy
Authors: Mbuya T. O. , Gu Y. , Thomson R. C. , Reed P. A. S.
Published: January 2017

The short fatigue crack growth behaviour in a model cast aluminium piston alloy has been investigated. This has been achieved using a combination of fatigue crack replication methods at various intervals during fatigue testing and post‐mortem analysis of crack profiles. Crack–microstructure interactions have been clearly delineated using a combination of optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and electron backscatter diffraction. Results show that intermetallic particles play a significant role in determining the crack path and growth rate of short fatigue cracks. It is observed that the growth of short cracks is often retarded or even arrested at intermetallic particles and grain boundaries. Crack deflection at intermetallics and grain boundaries is also frequently observed. These results have been compared with the long crack growth behaviour of the alloy.