bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Primary or secondary Bentall-De Bono procedure: are the outcomes worse?
Authors: Kaskar Ameya , Bohra Deepak V , Rao K Rahul , Shetty Varun , Shetty Devi
Published: February 2019

Background

The aim of this study was to compare the outcomes of a primary and secondary Bentall-De Bono procedure.

Methods

From 2008 to 2015 (8-year period), 308 patients underwent a Bentall-De Bono procedure in our institute. The mean age was 43 ± 13 years and 80% were men. Twenty-eight patients had prior cardiac surgery through a median sternotomy (group 1) and 280 underwent a primary Bentall-De Bono procedure (group 2). Various preoperative and perioperative parameters were analyzed before and after propensity-score matching.

Results

Before propensity-score matching, patients undergoing a secondary Bentall-De Bono procedure had a worse preoperative profile, as indicated by a higher EuroSCORE II ( p < 0.0001), with hospital mortality in group 1 of 14% (4/28) and 5% (14/280) in group 2 ( p = 0.069). After propensity-score matching, there was no significant difference in EuroSCORE II ( p = 0.922) or hospital mortality ( p = 0.729). After adjusting for the different variables, repeat sternotomy could not be identified as an independent predictor of postoperative mortality or morbidity. Survival at the end of 1 and 5 years in both groups showed no significant differences before or after propensity-score matching ( p = 0.328 and p = 0.356, respectively). In Cox multivariable regression analysis, reoperation was not identified as an independent factor for survival before ( p = 0.559) or after propensity-score matching ( p = 0.365).

Conclusion

A secondary Bentall-De Bono procedure can be performed with acceptable mortality and morbidity, and with midterm survival rates comparable to those of a primary Bentall-De Bono procedure.
Online news media reports on empirical business research: An exploratory thematic analysis in the knowledge mobilization of business information
Authors: Berry Alison , Simmons Shawna
Published: February 2019

This study explored how empirical business research is translated into business information for professional use within online news media reports. A hybrid approach to thematic analysis was utilized to investigate a sample of new media reports ( N = 53) on recent business research. The analysis revealed that the news media reports generally (1) contained informational categories pertaining to those typically detailed in social-scientific research and (2) utilized either a negative or positive frame for communicating research results. The results of this study reinforce the conceptualization of news media outlets as an intermediary in knowledge mobilization of business information. Additionally, the results of this study identify communicative strategies utilized in news media reports on business research that may allow business information creators to understand how research may be conveyed to knowledge managers and practitioners.
Psychiatric hospitalization following antipsychotic medication cessation in first episode psychosis
Authors: Hayes Joseph F , Osborn David PJ , Lundin Andreas , Dalman Christina
Published: February 2019

Background:

There are questions about the risk-benefit balance of longer-term antipsychotic medication treatment following first episode psychosis, especially in relation to relapse because of dopamine supersensitivity following treatment cessation.

Aim:

The purpose of this study was to determine whether hospitalization rates in first episode psychosis patients are associated with length of initial oral antipsychotic medication exposure.

Methods:

We examined psychiatric hospitalization rates in patients experiencing first episode of psychosis from the total population of Sweden between 1 January 2007–31 December 2016 ( n=7043). We categorised patients by the length of first antipsychotic treatment (<6 months, 6 months to <1 year, 1 year to <2 years, 2 years to <5 years and ⩾5 years).

Results:

Compared to those treated for <6 months, individuals receiving oral antipsychotic medications for ⩾5 years had less than half the cumulative incidence of hospitalization at all times between 1–4 years after treatment cessation.

Conclusion:

We found no evidence that hospitalization rates increased with increasing baseline antipsychotic exposure.
Feasibility of reduced-dose CT of the head and neck with iterative reconstruction: a phantom and prospective clinical study
Authors: Chung Mi Sun , Choi Young Jun , Hwang Jae-Yeon , Yoon Dok Hyun , Seo Kyeong Jin , Lee Jeong Hyun , Baek Jung Hwan
Published: February 2019

Background

There is growing concern over computed tomography (CT)-related radiation exposure, particularly in patients requiring head and neck CT due to the proximity of radiosensitive organs.

Purpose

We aimed to evaluate the feasibility of reduced-dose CT of the head and neck with iterative reconstruction in a phantom and patient study.

Material and Methods

In the phantom study, low-contrast resolution test of the American Association of Physicists in Medicine CT performance phantom was scanned to determine the lowest acceptable tube current (mAs). In the patient study, three sets of CT images (standard-dose [200 mAs] and reduced-dose with iterative reconstruction or filtered back projection [FBP]) were prospectively obtained. The image noise, qualitative image quality, and radiation dose were compared.

Results

In the phantom study, 100 mAs was determined as the lowest acceptable value. In the patient study (n = 29), reduced-dose CT with FBP showed significantly higher image noise and lower qualitative image quality than reduced-dose CT with iterative reconstruction and standard-dose CT ( P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in image noise and qualitative image quality between reduced-dose CT with iterative reconstruction and standard-dose CT ( P > 0.05). The radiation dose of the reduced-dose CT was significantly lower than that of the standard-dose CT (volume CT dose index = 6.9 vs. 14.3, P < 0.001; dose-length product = 223.6 vs. 455.8, P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Reduced-dose CT with iterative reconstruction is a potential alternative to standard-dose CT of the head and neck, reducing radiation dose by approximately 50% while preserving image quality.
Habitus, spatial capital and making place: Housing developers and the spatial praxis of Johannesburg’s inner-city regeneration
Authors: Mosselson Aidan
Published: February 2019

This paper presents a sociology of housing developers, stressing the contingent, socially and spatially embedded nature of their practices. It complicates prevailing views of developers and demonstrates how urban development is, in fact, a spatial praxis requiring adaptability and capacities to adjust dispositions and practices to suit the particular environments in which it takes place. A growing body of work tries to understand the motivations and practices of property developers. While this has contributed to understandings of developers’ networks, the ways they understand their roles and the ways different national or regional contexts shape approaches, it largely lacks a spatial perspective, and does not account for the contingency, fluidity and adaptability of developers’ actions. Most importantly, it does not theorize how experiences in space shape practices. Developers are still largely presented as powerful actors who are able to exercise domination over space in relatively straight-forward, linear ways. In contrast, in this paper I demonstrate that developers are influenced by competing dynamics and agendas, and actively adapt their strategies and activities in accordance with the demands and realities of particular places. Building on the work of Centner (2008) and Marom (2014), the paper further develops the concepts ‘spatial capital’ and ‘spatial habitus’ and attempts to use them to make sense of the practices of property developers and affordable housing providers working in inner-city Johannesburg
“Who Should Care about Our Children?”: Public Childcare Policy in Yugoslav Socialism and Its Serbian Aftermath
Authors: Simic Marina , Simic Ivan
Published: February 2019

This study explores public childcare policies in socialist Yugoslavia and their postsocialist transformation in Serbia. Focusing on gender regimes of the state provided childcare, we examine how they reflect ideology of availability of public childcare facilities—crèches and kindergartens. Basing our work on archival sources, interviews, and ethnographic material, we show that despite the socialist state’s ideology of gender equality, women continued to be primary caregivers, while the female kinship networks acted as an additional safety net due to unavailability of childcare facilities. This article reveals long-term patterns of childcare practices, only slightly altered with the fall of socialism.
A 2-Year Prospective Study of Injury Epidemiology in Elite Australian Rugby Sevens: Exploration of Incidence Rates, Severity, Injury Type, and Subsequent Injury in Men and Women
Authors: Toohey Liam A. , Drew Michael K. , Finch Caroline F. , Cook Jill L. , Fortington Lauren V.
Published: February 2019

Background:

Injuries are common in rugby sevens, but studies to date have been limited to short, noncontinuous periods and reporting of match injuries only.

Purpose:

To report the injury incidence rate (IIR), severity, and burden of injuries sustained by men and women in the Australian rugby sevens program and to provide the first longitudinal investigation of subsequent injury occurrence in rugby sevens looking beyond tournament injuries only.

Study Design:

Descriptive epidemiology study.

Methods:

Ninety international rugby sevens players (55 men and 35 women) were prospectively followed over 2 consecutive seasons (2015-2016 and 2016-2017). All medical attention injuries were reported irrespective of time loss. Individual exposure in terms of minutes, distance, and high-speed distance was captured for each player for matches and on-field training, with the use of global positioning system devices. The IIR and injury burden (IIR × days lost to injury) were calculated per 1000 player-hours, and descriptive analyses were performed.

Results:

Seventy-three players (81.1%) sustained 365 injuries at an IIR of 43.2 per 1000 player-hours (95% CI, 38.8-47.8). As compared with male players, female players experienced a lower but nonsignificant IIR (incidence rate ratio, 0.91; 95% CI, 0.73-1.12). Female players also sustained a higher proportion of injuries to the trunk region (relative risk, 1.75; 95% CI, 1.28-2.40) but a lower number to the head/neck region (relative risk, 0.58; 95% CI, 0.37-0.93; P = .011). The majority (80.7%) of subsequent injuries were of a different site and nature than previous injuries. A trend toward a reduced number of days, participation time, distance, and high-speed distance completed before the next injury was observed after successive injury occurrence.

Conclusion:

A trend for a lower IIR was observed for female players compared with male players, with variation of injury profiles observed between sexes. With a surveillance period of 2 years, subsequent injuries account for the majority of injuries sustained in rugby sevens, and they are typically different from previous types of sustained injuries. After each successive injury, the risk profile for future injury occurrence appears to be altered, which warrants further investigation to inform injury prevention strategies in rugby sevens.
Efficacy of dextran and peptide-everolimus bi-directional stent
Authors: Lee So Youn , Jang Eun Jae , Bae In-Ho , Park Dae Sung , Sim Doo Sun , Jeong MyungHo
Published: February 2019

Everolimus inhibits stent restenosis and the WKYMV (fluorescein isothiocyanate) peptide promotes endothelial homing. Dextran is a natural polymer that is widely used as a pharmaceutical agent. The purpose of this study was to develop a double-drug-coated stent using a bidirectional coating system and to examine the surface shape with in vitro experiments. Stent length was 16 mm and strut thickness was 70 µm (Chonnam National University Hospital Tiger stent). Optical and scanning electron microscopy showed good coating without cracks or bubbles. Fluorescein isothiocyanate-peptide was dip-coated on the lumen and the abluminal surface was coated with everolimus and dextran. Stents were coated with dextran, everolimus, or everolimus–dextran. The radial force and flexibility were measured to determine the mechanical properties. Contact angle testing was performed in all groups. Dextran and peptide as hydrophilic substances and everolimus as a hydrophobic substance were each coated on cover glasses (cobalt–chromium). A10 and human umbilical vein endothelial cells were used in the experiments. Water and dimethyl sulfoxide served as a control, and three drug groups were tested: peptide–everolimus, everolimus–dextran, and peptide–everolimus–dextran. Immunocytochemistry was performed to assess cell adhesion. Light intensity was plotted according to the average on nuclear staining. Experiments were conducted using 5-bromo-2′-deoxyuridine to investigate A10 and human umbilical vein endothelial cell proliferation. Cell adhesion and proliferation of peptide–everolimus–dextran were inhibited at A10, and human umbilical vein endothelial cell was found to proliferate with cell adhesion. On conclusion, dextran and peptide–everolimus bidirectional stent is effective in re-endothelialization and inhibition of cell proliferation.
Real-World Effectiveness of High- Versus Moderate-Intensity Statin Therapy in Thai Patients With Acute Coronary Syndrome and Who Had Undergone Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
Authors: Kunlamas Yotsaya , Areepium Nutthada , Ariyachaipanich Aekarach , Bunditanukul Krittin
Published: February 2019

Although high-intensity statins are recommended for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, evidence has shown that Asians may need lower dose statins to achieve similar effect when compared to Caucasians. Moreover, awareness of adverse effects leads physicians to initiate moderate-intensity statins. Comparative of high versus moderate-intensive statins on LDL-C among patients who had undergone primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) for ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) are less established in Thailand. We conducted a retrospective cohort study to identify pattern of statins prescribing and explored the effectiveness on lipid profiles, including LDL-C goal achievement (<70 mg/dL) in STEMI patients underwent PPCI. A total of 983 patients with STEMI who had undergone PPCI were identified during 2005-2015. At 3-month follow-up, 31.9% patients were investigated for their lipid profile. There was 26.11% of patients who received high-intensity statins. When compared to baseline, we found more LDL-C reduction (38.22% ± 26.75% vs 22.36% ± 35.05%, P < .01) in the high-intensity group. Eighty-one patients achieved the target LDL-C, the high-intensity group were able to achieve the LDL-C goal than moderate-intensity group, but did not reach statistical significance (24.1% vs 30.5%, P = .26). This study confirmed that high-intensity statins have superior for LDL-C reduction and tend to achieve LDL-C goal more than moderate-intensity statins.
Politicising Women’s Part-Time Work in Norway: A Longitudinal Study of Ideas
Authors: Ellingsæter Anne Lise , Jensen Ragnhild Steen
Published: February 2019

Numerous studies have expanded the understanding of part-time work as a gendered labour market phenomenon. However, there has been little research into how societies perceive women’s part-time work over time. The passage of several decades since women in great numbers entered the labour market in Scandinavia, many in part-time jobs, provides an opportunity to investigate this. We examine ideas about the nature and desirability of part-time work for women based on government advisory commission reports published in Norway between 1978 and 2016. With the gender contract as a conceptual lens, this longitudinal study of ideas demonstrates how a changing national context transformed perceptions of women’s part-time work and the ‘woman worker’. From being a strategy for increasing women’s economic independence and individual choice, part-time work has become undesirable, whereas full-time work for all women is promoted. The ideational and institutional drivers of the politicisation of women’s part-time work are discussed.
The Downward Spiral of Youth Unemployment: An Approach Considering Social Networks and Family Background
Authors: Bolíbar Mireia , Verd Joan Miquel , Barranco Oriol
Published: February 2019

Taking as a starting point the relationship between unemployment and the loss of social support put forward by social exclusion theory, this article aims to analyse how long-term unemployment affects young people’s support networks for job seeking. To do so, it uses the framework of social network analysis. Based on data produced by a personal network survey of 250 young individuals in the Metropolitan Area of Barcelona, the results highlight the particularly harmful effect of long-term unemployment on the support network of young individuals with a low family socioeconomic status background. Unemployment reduces the presence of resourceful contacts among these young workers, which is not the case for young people with a higher family socioeconomic status. Moreover, gender and educational level intervene in the relationship between unemployment and loss of social support. These findings refine the social exclusion theory shedding light on how social inequalities crosscut labour market trajectories.
Evaluation of the impact of urban water systems on railways: The scenario of track flooding caused by a water main burst
Authors: Faramehr Samane , Hemida Hassan , Fujiyama Taku
Published: February 2019

Failures and disruption scenarios can reveal inherent but little known dependencies that exist between technical infrastructure systems. Whereas the dependencies between infrastructures in their normal state of operation are usually obvious and mutually correlated, interdependencies, when systems are disrupted, show a great deal of variety, depending on the specific scenario. The literature reveals the lack of a proper tool that can evaluate and quantify the scenario of track flooding caused by a water main burst, a cross-sectoral failure that can impact the operation of two urban infrastructure systems: the railways and the water supply. This work presents an approach to investigate the impact of urban water systems on railways and applies it to the case study of the Thameslink railway and Thames Water assets in London. The developed tool can be integrated into city level water supply GIS systems to facilitate the understanding of external risks (transport disruption) caused by an internal failure (water main bursts). Also, the results can help railway system operators facilitate the decision-making process in terms of drainage policy and maintenance activities.
The impact of different classes of lupus nephritis on maternal and fetal outcomes: a cohort study of 147 pregnancies
Authors: Rodrigues B Costa , Lacerda M Ignacchiti , Ramires de Jesús G R , Cunha dos Santos Flávia , Ramires de Jesús N , Levy R A , Klumb E Mendes
Published: February 2019

Objective

To analyze the impact of different classes of lupus nephritis as risk variables for maternal and fetal adverse outcomes in a cohort of pregnant lupus patients.

Methods

This is a cohort study with retrospective and prospective data collection, conducted at the University Hospital of State University of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from 2011 to 2016. A total of 147 pregnancies of 137 systemic lupus erythematosus patients of whom 66 had lupus nephritis were included. Demographic and clinical features, as well as maternal and fetal outcomes were observed for each nephritis histological class among systemic lupus erythematosus patients and compared with those without nephritis. Categorical variables were expressed as absolute and relative frequencies and numerical variables as means and standard deviation. The chi-square test with Fisher's correction and Student's t-test were used for statistical analysis. A pvalue < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

Systemic lupus erythematosus patients with proliferative nephritis (classes III/IV, n = 54) presented more frequent disease flares ( p = 0.02), continuous active disease during pregnancy and puerperium ( p = 0.006), hospitalization due to systemic lupus erythematosus ( p < 0.001), hospitalization not directly associated to systemic lupus erythematosus ( p = 0.04), higher frequency of cesarean delivery ( p = 0.03) and preeclampsia ( p = 0.01) than patients without nephritis. Permanent damage measured by Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics/American College of Rheumatology Damage Index was more frequent in classes III/IV than among the other patients. The frequency of adverse fetal outcomes such as prematurity and admission to neonatal intensive care unit were not different among systemic lupus erythematosus patients with or without nephritis. However, perinatal deaths were more frequent in patients with all classes of nephritis ( p = 0.003).

Conclusion

Systemic lupus erythematosus patients with proliferative nephritis (classes III/IV) have a higher frequency of adverse maternal outcomes. This is probably due to the major impact of proliferative forms of nephritis on women's global heath, which is corroborated by the higher Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics/American College of Rheumatology Damage Index findings, although we cannot exclude the negative influence of disease activity for the maternal adverse events. The findings indicate a need for further lupus nephritis classification beyond the nonspecific term nephritis in the context of lupus pregnancy as the impact on maternal and fetal outcomes varies according to histological class.
Iron Dyshomeostasis Induces Binding of APP to BACE1 for Amyloid Pathology, and Impairs APP/Fpn1 Complex in Microglia: Implication in Pathogenesis of Cerebral Microbleeds
Authors: Gong Li , Tian Xiangzhu , Zhou Jing , Dong Qiong , Tan Yan , Lu You , Wu Jiayan , Zhao Yanxin , Liu Xueyuan
Published: February 2019

As a putative marker of cerebral small vessel disease, cerebral microbleeds (CMBs) have been associated with vascular cognitive impairment. Both iron accumulation and amyloid protein precursor (APP) dysregulation are recognized as pathological hallmarks underlying the progression of CMBs, but their cross-talk is not yet understood. In this study, we found a profound increase of amyloid formation with increasing FeCl3 treatment, and a distinct change in APP metabolism and expression of iron homeostasis proteins (ferritin, Fpn1, iron regulatory protein) was observed at the 300 uM concentration of FeCl3. Further results revealed that extracellular iron accumulation might potentially induce binding of APP to BACE1 for amyloid formation and decrease the capability of APP/Fpn1 in mediating iron export. Our findings in this study, reflecting a probable relationship between iron dyshomeostasis and amyloid pathology, may help shed light on the underlying pathogenesis of CMBs in vascular cognitive impairment.
Effect of Polycarbosilane Content on Microstructures and Mechanical Properties of Short-Carbon-Fibre-Reinforced SiC Composites
Authors: He Xiulan , Dai Yuguang , Guo Yinggui , Zhou Yu , Jia Dechang
Published: February 2019

Short-carbon-fibre-reinforced SiC composites were prepared by precursor pyrolysis-hot pressing with Polycarbosilane (PCS) as precursor polymer and MgO-Al2O3-Y2O3 as sintering additives. The effects of PCS content on microstructures and mechanical properties of the composites were investigated. The results showed that, the composites could be densified at a relatively low temperature of 1800? via the liquid-phase-sintering mechanism and the highest mechanical property was obtained for the composites with 20wt. % PCS content. During sintering, Y2O3, Al2O3 reacted with the pyrolysis products from PCS and formed amorphous interphase, which was benefit of densification of the composites and avoidance of degeneration of the carbon fibres. The nano PCS-derived SiC almost lied on the surface of the particle of starting powder β-SiC, which could play a role of filling up the void and improve the relative density of the composites.
On Surface Fibre-Free Zones and Irregularity of Piercing Pattern in Structurally Stitched NCF Preforms
Authors: Koissin Vitaly , Ruopp Andreas , Lomov Stepan V. , Verpoest Ignaas , Witzel Volker , Drechsler Klaus
Published: February 2019

The paper addresses the surface imperfections (openings in fibrous plies) and irregularity of the piercing pattern in structurally stitched multilayer carbon-fibre preforms. Each layer is a multiaxial multiply non-crimp fabric (NCF) with a non-structural stitching. The term “structural” presumes here that the stitching yarn does not only consolidate the plies (as the non-structural one does) but forms also a through-the-thickness (3D) reinforcement. Four stitching methods are studied: ordinary CNC-sewing, tufting, dual-needle, and curved needle techniques with multifilament yarns: aramide (60 or 120 tex) or glass (204 tex). In total, 14 stitching cases are investigated experimentally. It is observed that a non-negligible variability exists in the meso-level geometry of the reinforcement. The geometrical characterization provides important input data for analysis of the permeability and mechanical properties of the preforms.
End-of-Life Alternatives of Glass Reinforced Polyester Boat Hulls Compared by LCA
Authors: Önal Mehmet , Neşer Gökdeniz
Published: February 2019

Glass reinforced polyester (GRP), as a thermoset polymer composites, dominates boat building industry with its several advantages such as high strength/weight ratio, cohesiveness, good resistance to environment. However, proper recovering and recycling of GRP boats is became a current environmental requirement that should be met by the related industry. In this study, to propose in a cost effective and environmentally friendly way, Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) has been carried out for six scenarios include two moulding methods (namely Hand Lay-up Method, HLM and Vacuum Infusion Method, VIM) and three End-of-Life (EoL) alternatives(namely Extruding, Incineration and Landfill) for a recreational boat's GRP hulls. A case study from raw materials purchasing phase to disposal/recycling stages has been established taking 11 m length GRP boat hull as the functional unit. Analysis show that in the production phase, the impacts are mainly due to the use of energy (electricity), transport and raw material manufacture. Largest differences between the methods considered (HLM and VIM) can be observed in the factors of marine aquatic ecotoxicity and eutrophication while the closest ones are abiotic depletion, ozon layer depletion and photochemical oxidation. The environmental impact of VIM is much higher than HLM due to its higher energy consumption while vacuum infusion method has lower risk than hand lay-up method in terms of occupational health by using less raw material (resin) in a closed mold. In the comparison of the three EoL techniques, the mechanical way of recycling (granule extruding) shows better environmental impacts except terrestrial ecotoxicity, photochemical oxidation and acidification. Among the EoL alternatives, landfill has the highest environmental impacts except ‘global warming potential’ and ‘human toxicity’ which are the highest in extrusion. The main cause of the impacts of landfill is the transportation needs between the EoL boats and the licenced landfill site. Although it has the higher impact on human toxicity, incineration is the second cleaner alternative of EoL techniques considered in this study. In fact that the similar trend has been observed both in production and EoL phases of the boat. It is obvious that using much more renewable energy mix and greener transportation alternative can reduce the overall impact of the all phases considerably.
Preparation of Graphene/Polymer Composite Sponge for Pressure-Sensing Application
Authors: Cao Liu , Zhang Dong
Published: February 2019

The graphene/polymer composite sponge was prepared by self-assembly of water-soluble chloroprene on 3D graphene sponge and freeze drying. The composite sponge possesses 3D interconnected skeleton structure. This unique structure not only maintains the physical properties of graphene sponge, but also effectively transfers load from graphene sponge to polymer skeletons under compressive deformations. The composite sponge shows promising applications in pressure-sensing sensors.
Microstructural Characteristics and Mechanical Properties of a Nb/Nb5Si3 based Composite with and without Directional Solidification
Authors: Sheng L.Y. , Tian Y.X. , Guo J.T.
Published: February 2019

The Nb/Nb5Si3 based composites were fabricated by conventional casting (CC) and directional solidification (DS) methods. Micro structural characteristics, compressive properties and fracture toughness of the CC and DS composites were investigated by SEM, XRD, TEM, bending and compression tests. The results demonstrate that in the CC Nb/Nb5Si3 based composite, the intergrowth of fine (Nb,Ti)ss and α-(Nb,Ti)5Si3 phases leads to the formation of eutectic structure and the coarse α-(Nb,Ti)5Si3 dendritic phase prefers to grow along eutectic cell boundary. The (Nb,Ti)3Si, (Ti,Nb)5Si3 and Dy2O3 phases mainly segregate along the eutectic cell boundary and moreover there is an orientation relationship between the (Nb,Ti)3Si and (Nb,Ti)ss phases: [001] (Nb,Ti)3Si//[112](Nb,Ti)ss and (110)(Nb,Ti)3Si//(110)(Nb,Ti)ss. The DS processing promotes the formation of coarse primary α-(Nb,Ti)5Si3 phase, (Ti,Nb)5Si3/(Nb,Ti)ss eutectic and α-(Nb,Ti)5Si3/(Nb,Ti)ss eutectic in the DS Nb/Nb5Si3 based composite. Moreover, the (Nb,Ti)ss and α-(Nb,Ti)5Si3 phases are aligned paralleling to the DS direction and exhibits strong crystal orientation preference. In addition, an orientation relationship between the (Nb,Ti) ss and α-(Nb,Ti)5Si3 phases is observed: [310]α(Nb,Ti)5Si3//[110](Nb,Ti)ss. Compared with the CC Nb/Nb5Si3 based composite, the DS Nb/Nb5Si3 based composite possesses the higher yield strength and fracture toughness, which should be ascribed to the microstructure optimization.
Impact Resistance of Plain and Twill Fabric in GFRP Measured by Active Thermography
Authors: Strugala G. , Landowski M. , Zaremba M. , Turowski J. , Szkodo M.
Published: February 2019

This paper discusses the impact resistance of glass-fibre reinforced polymer (GFRP) composites depending on the type of reinforcement – plain or twill weave. The values of impact energy were: 3J, 10J and 15J. Specimens featuring twill weave transferred higher force during the impact as compared with plain weave specimens. It was observed that an increase of impact energy was accompanied by an increase of the disproportion in transferred forces, in favour of twill weave specimens. Impact damage (in both types of weave) occurring as a result of 3J impact was undetectable with active thermography method. The damage area measured by means of active thermography for impact energy values equal to 10J and 15J proved that the type of reinforcement significantly influences the impact resistance of a composite. This has been justified by smaller damage areas with high spot intensity of damage in plain weave specimens and highly dispersed damage with lower intensity in twill weave specimens.
Preparation and Characterization of Chitosan-Zeolite Molecular Sieve Composite for Ammonia and Nitrate Removal
Authors: Gao Yunan , Ru Yafang , Zhou Litao , Wang Xinzhi , Wang Jing
Published: February 2019

A new zeolite molecular sieve modified with chitosan was prepared and employed for the adsorption of ammonia and nitrate from underground water. Batch of experiments were performed to investigate the effects of various conditions on chitosan/ zeolite molecular sieve(CTS-Z) preparation, including the concentration of acetic acid, the concentration of chitosan, the stirring time and the stirring temperature. Characteristic of CTS-Z adsorption particles were analyzed by Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Specific surface area (BET), Fourier infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Experimental results showed that the optimum preparation processes for the chitosan / zeolite molecular sieve were as follows: the concentration of acetic acid was 4%, the concentration of chitosan was 7g / L, the stirring time was 10h and the stirring temperature was 30°C. And adsorption capacity of adsorption particles for ammonia and nitrate were 0.636 mg/g and 1.952 mg/g, and the removal rates were 81.60 % and 40.28 % respectively. The surface morphology of the particles showed more protrusions and micropores, the specific surface area of the particle was 391.516 m2/g. FTIR analysis showed that CH3- and NH2- have been loaded into the basic framework of zeolite molecular sieve and XPS analysis showed that the element O 1s played an important role in the attachment of chitosan to zeolite molecular sieves. Therefore, the results of the research can provide a theoretical basis for the upgrading of the water purification plants in the cold region of northern China.
Electrical Discharge Drilling of Metal Matrix Composites with a Hollow Hexagonal Electrode
Authors: Lin Zhibiao , Guo Zhongning , Jiang Shuzhen , Liu Guixian , Liu Jiangwen
Published: February 2019

Aimed at the problems of the conventional electrical discharge machining of particle-reinforced aluminum matrix composites (PR-AMCs), a novel hollow hexagonal electrode has been employed and the influence of the electrode structure on the MRR has been investigated. In this study, 3-D model of the working medium fluid flow field has been established to study the structure effect of the hexagonal electrode. And a lot of single factor comparison experiments are carried out between the hexagonal hollow electrode and round hollow electrode. The effects of peak current, duty cycle, machining rotation speed and pulse width on the MRR of work-piece has been studied respectively. The Response Surface Method (RSM) is adopted to imitate the law of machining surface of the hexagonal hollow electrode. The theoretical and experimental results both show that the MRR of the work-piece can be improved remarkably by using a hexagonal hollow electrode. Moreover, according to the RSM, the maximum MRR of machining AMCs of the hexagonal hollow electrode is 225mm3/min, while the optimum combination of parameters that the peak current (12A), the duty cycle (0.75), machining rotation speed (900 r/min) and flushing pressure (1.5MPa) is exerted.
Preparation and Charaterization of Treated BIS [3-(Triethoxysilyl) Propyl] Tetrasulfide (Si-69) -HYBRID CB/PCC Fillers Reinforced NR/SBR Composites: Cure Characteristic, Mooney Viscosity and Cross-Link Density
Authors: Mamauod Siti Nur Liyana , Fauzi Basirah , Suhaimi Nor Atiqah , Fauzi Roslinda , Romli Ahmad Zafir
Published: February 2019

Hybridization of silanized CB/PCC filler reinforced NR/SBR blends was prepared on a two roll mill. The si-CB/PCC composites were vulcanized via a conventional sulphur system at 180°C. The primary aims of this research are to scrutinize the effects of different concentration of si treated hybrid CB/PCC fillers ranging from 2 wt. % to 10 wt. % on the NR/SBR blends properties towards the curing characteristics, viscosity and crosslink density. In this work, a positive correlation was found between silane content on the hybrid filler surface and NR/SBR blend properties. It was found that at 6% of Si 69 concentration (F4) provided improvement in crosslink density and mooney viscosity properties. Increment of crosslink density in the blends would increase the viscosity and it may be due to the network formation between the treated fillers and rubber molecules. Moreover, the incorporation of treated fillers accelerates the curing process due to the surface activation and hence leads to tightly contact between filler-rubber phases.
Improving graduate outcomes for technical colleges in Nigeria
Authors: Okolie Ugochukwu C , Igwe Paul A , Elom Elisha N
Published: February 2019

This study examined key issues affecting the effective management of carpentry and joinery workshops for improving the quality of graduates of technical colleges in Nigeria. Drawing upon data collected through a structured questionnaire administered to 27 technical colleges teachers and 13 craft trainers, plus a focus group, this study adopts a mixed methods approach. The survey was conducted in technical colleges in Enugu and Ebonyi States of eastern Nigeria; hence, this study cuts across single geographical boundaries. The patterns of responses among respondents suggested that poor student academic performance result from lack of equipment, funding, and support for technical colleges by the government, whereas effective management of workshops promoted learning and student discipline. The study addressed issues for how workshop success can be promoted.
Career counselling strategies to enhance the vocational wellness of journalists
Authors: Chen Charles P , Javid-Yazdi Madia
Published: February 2019

The journalism industry and particularly the professionals it employs are facing considerable amounts of stress and tension in a living world that is now entangled by many issues and challenges. As a result, making a career in the realm of journalism has brought unique issues that can have a vital impact on the vocational well-being of journalists. This article examines the contributing factors – in particular, emotional distress, unfavourable working conditions, and a poor balance between work and life – which are putting the career well-being of journalists in jeopardy. It also provides recommendations for how career counsellors, who are directed by key tenants from career development theoretical approaches, can utilize counselling interventions to address the issues affecting the career well-being of journalists.
Encouraging students to draw on work experiences when articulating achievements and capabilities to enhance employability
Authors: Jackson Denise A , Edgar Susan
Published: February 2019

Employability drives higher education policy yet despite the investment in developing ‘rounded’ graduates, students experience difficulties in articulating their achievements and capabilities during graduate recruitment. The purpose of this research was to trial and evaluate a career development intervention aimed at drawing on work experiences when applying for graduate roles. Students ( N = 136) from two contrasting disciplines, Business and Physiotherapy, and two institutions participated in a two-staged intervention. A focus group was also conducted with career advisors ( N = 9) to examine student engagement with career development learning. Findings indicated that students were confident in their ability to draw on relevant work experience in job applications and showed low levels of engagement in the intervention due to time constraints from their study commitments. Despite the varied contexts of the degree programmes investigated, similarities in engagement and student feedback were noted. Factors contributing to weak engagement in career provision along with strategies for improvement are presented.
Evaluation of a human glycated hemoglobin test in canine diabetes mellitus
Authors: Kim Na-Yon , An Jaehoon , Jeong Jae-Kyung , Ji Sumin , Hwang Sung-Hyun , Lee Hong-Seok , Kim Myung-Chul , Kim Hyun-Wook , Won Sungho , Kim Yongbaek
Published: February 2019

Glycated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) is widely used for monitoring and diagnosing human diabetes mellitus, but is rarely used in veterinary clinics. The goal of our study was to validate the commercial HbA1c testing system SD A1cCare analyzer (Bionote, Gyeoggi-do, South Korea) for use in dogs. Dogs were recruited with owner’s consent. Diabetic status was determined based on clinical signs, fasting hyperglycemia, and glycosuria. Intra-assay precision and linearity were evaluated with EDTA, heparin, or citrate as anticoagulants, and had excellent precision with mean coefficients of variation (CVs) of 2.47%, 2.26%, and 1.92%, respectively. Diluted anticoagulated blood samples showed excellent linear relationships with R2 of 0.991, 0.996, and 0.994, respectively. Inter-assay precision revealed that the mean CV of the normal control was 2.18% and that of the high control was 2.01% (30 repeats). Observed total error of a normal control was 7.81%, and 6.12% for the high control. HbA1c level measured before and after removal of plasma and replacement by saline showed minimal interference by lipid contents ( p = 0.929). The HbA1c concentrations of diabetic dogs were significantly higher than those of non-diabetic dogs ( p < 0.001). HbA1c value >6.2% indicated canine diabetes through a classification and regression tree model. In most cases, fructosamine and HbA1c were highly correlated ( r = 0.674, p < 0.001). The HbA1c testing system could be a valuable testing system to evaluate canine diabetes mellitus, providing an alternative in-house option for use by veterinary clinicians.
Algorithms for multiaxial cycle counting method and fatigue life prediction based on the weight function critical plane under random loading
Authors: Wang Xiao-Wei , Shang De-Guang , Sun Yu-Juan , Liu Xiao-Dong
Published: February 2019

Based on the critical plane determined by the weight function method, two algorithms for multiaxial cycle counting method are proposed by modifying the rainflow and range cycle counting methods. The proposed two algorithms can be applied to multiaxial random loading, and be suitable to any critical plane-based fatigue life prediction models, since the counted cycles or reversals are represented by the start time and end time. The proposed two algorithms are used to predict multiaxial fatigue life by the experimental data of 7075-T651 aluminum alloy, En15R steel and 7050-T7451 aluminum alloy conducted under multiaxial random loading in both high-cycle and low-cycle fatigue region. The life prediction results are in good agreement with the experimental data.
Derotation of the Talus and Arthrodesis Treatment of Stages II-V Müller-Weiss Disease: Midterm Results of 36 Cases
Authors: Yuan Chengjie , Wang Chen , Zhang Chao , Huang Jiazhang , Wang Xu , Ma Xin
Published: February 2019

Background:

Various operative procedures have been reported for the treatment of Müller-Weiss disease (MWD). This study reports the midterm operative treatment results for stages II to V MWD with derotation of the talus and arthrodesis.

Methods:

Thirty-four patients (36 feet) with MWD were treated by talonavicular (TN) or talonavicular-cuneiform (TNC) arthrodesis in our center from 2008 to 2015. The affected feet were staged according to the Maceira staging system (stage II: 9; stage III: 10; stage IV: 9; stage V: 8). The American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) midfoot scale, the visual analog scale (VAS), and relative radiologic parameters were evaluated preoperatively and also during follow-up. The mean follow-up duration was 38.2 (range, 25-113 months).

Results:

The final follow-up showed satisfactory outcomes. Overall, the AOFAS scores improved from 41.5 (range, 20-56) to 85.3 (range, 68-100) points ( P <.001), and the VAS score decreased from 5.7 (range, 3-8) to 0.9 (range, 0-4) points ( P <.001). The Tomeno-Méary angle decreased from −6.7 (range, −26.4 to 17.7) to 0.7 (range, −5.3 to 7) degrees ( P=.001). The calcaneal pitch angle increased from 13.7 (range, 4.1-26.2) to 22.0 (range, 13.3-28.9) degrees ( P < .001). The anteroposterior (AP) talar–first metatarsal angle decreased from −15.8 (range, −30.1 to −13.7) to −7.0 (range, −25.9 to −8.9) degrees ( P < .001), and the AP talocalcaneal angle increased from 14.7 (range, 4.7-22.3) to 22.1 (range, 13.4-29.5) degrees ( P=.005). The AP talonavicular coverage angle decreased from −27.0 (range, −40.4 to −13.3) to −7.8 degrees (range, −20.7 to −1.8) degrees ( P < .001).

Conclusion:

The midterm results found that the TN or TNC joint fusion could achieve a favorable clinical and radiologic outcome for patients with MWD. Even for the patients with severe deformities (stages IV-V), this treatment strategy could also achieve satisfactory deformity correction and functional improvement. Intraoperative restoration of talus rotation was the key to normal alignment of the subtalar joint/TN joint.

Level of Evidence:

Level IV, retrospective case series.
When is indigeneity: closing a legal and sociocultural gap in a contested domestic/international term
Authors: Bello-Bravo Julia
Published: February 2019

Indigeneity is a much contested term, complicated by formal definitions under domestic and international law, the unlimited right to self-identification by indigenous people, conflicts and/or contradictions between these legal principles, and the political inequalities that result from variations in access to the processes and legal actions that invoke these terms. In particular, this generates a gap between legal definitions of indigeneity (framed, then and now, by hegemonic powers) and sociocultural practices of indigeneity (expressed and experienced, then as now, by cultures themselves). Reviewing the conceptual framing(s) of indigeneity both internationally and in a domestic (US) context, this article explores and offers a more flexible, resilient, and just understanding of indigeneity capable of closing the legal/sociocultural gap currently affecting indigenous people worldwide. At root, this less means asking what (or where) is indigeneity, and more instead when is indigeneity.
Open Defecation Practices in Lodwar, Kenya: A Mixed-Methods Research
Authors: Busienei Phylis Jepkorir , Ogendi George Morara , Mokua Millicent A
Published: February 2019

Background:

As of the year 2014, about 2.5 billion people globally lacked access to improved sanitation. The situation is even worse in the sub-Saharan African countries including Kenya. The practice of open defecation (OD) peaks beyond 72% of the population in Turkana County, Kenya, despite various interventions to end it.

Methods:

This article reports on both qualitative and quantitative aspects of a cross-sectional study. A partially mixed sequential dominant (quantitative) status was used to understand various socioeconomic factors associated with OD practice in Lodwar’s human settlements, Turkana County. Simple random sampling technique was chosen to select participants for this study with the sample drawn from various administrative units of Lodwar. Standardized questionnaires, focus group discussions, and key informant interviews were used to collect data.

Results:

The quantitative findings revealed that culture was the leading factor as to why people practiced OD with a frequency of 44%. The findings further revealed that poverty was the major influencing factor for latrine ownership among the households (frequency 27%). Pearson χ2 tests revealed that there was a significant association between latrine presence and education level of the household head (χ2 = 107.317; P < .05), latrine sharing (χ2 = 403; P < .05), and occupation of the household head (χ2 = 74.51; P < .05). The quantitative findings showed that culture was by far the most common factor that contributed to the OD practice with a theme intensity of 31.1%. Further analyses identified 5 major cultural aspects that were associated with OD practice. This included sexual immorality, OD as a common habit, nomadic pastoralism, bride’s dignity and mixing of feces. Open defecation as a common habit among the respondents was the most cited factor that contributed to its rampant practice (theme intensity 31.3%) followed closely by nomadic pastoralism kind of life among the residents that limit latrine construction (theme intensity 28.1%).

Conclusions:

In addition to cultural aspects, high poverty levels influence latrine adoption and consequently OD practices. Future sanitation interventions addressing OD should assess and factor in these cultural aspects in such communities to come up with appropriate eradication measures which have otherwise been difficult to solve through poverty eradication and sanitation campaigns that have been in existence.