bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A modified inverse method for determining spectral radiative properties of participating medium from normal-hemispherical transmittance and reflectance
Authors: Liu Hua , Chen Xue , Chen Zhongcan , Duan Yanjun , Ren Nan , Wei Caobing , Li Jian , Zhang Xingzhou
Published: March 2021

This paper presents a modified inverse method for retrieving the spectral absorption and transport scattering coefficients of participating medium, the method combines (i) several analytical expressions obtained from the modified two-flux (TF) approximation, (ii) the Monte Carlo (MC) method for predicting normal-hemispherical transmittance Tnh and reflectance Rnh generally obtained from experiments, as well as (iii) an optimization method employing the genetic algorithm (GA). Three types of typical participating medium, the green glass, the low-iron glass, and the silica aerogel with known radiative properties taken form the literatures, were used to illustrate the accuracy and robustness of the modified method by retrieving the input properties from the inverse identification in which the Tnh and Rnh ‘experimental data’ were obtained from the MC predictions. The results show that the modified inverse method was able to retrieve accurately the absorption and transport scattering coefficients of participating medium.
Current situation and Countermeasures of power battery recycling industry in China
Authors: Zou RuiRui , Liu Qian
Published: March 2021

At present, China has entered the stage of centralized decommissioning of power batteries. If the retired power battery can not be effectively recovered, it will pose a serious threat to the ecological environment and public safety. At present, China’s power battery recycling industry has not yet formed a very mature technology line. Against this background, China’s government needs to further strengthen the policy system and standard system, increase support for power battery recycling enterprises, and promote the rapid development of power battery recycling industry.
Research on Development Countermeasures of Prefabricated Buildings in Chongqing Based on SWOT Analysis
Authors: Luo Wenjin , Lei Limei , Guo Yingying , Ren Yunxia
Published: March 2021

The development of prefabricated building is a transformation of the traditional construction mode, a new cut-in point for the sustainable development of the construction industry, and can promote the supply-side structural reform of the construction industry in China. As an important city in the development of the western region, the development and promotion of prefabricated buildings in Chongqing has played an exemplary role for other cities. Therefore, this research provides a certain degree of theoretical exploration and practical application. In this paper, SWOT analysis is used to analyze the advantages, disadvantages, opportunities and challenges of the prefabricated building, and to gain a full understanding of the development conditions of the prefabricated building. On this basis, the paper summarizes the four major constraints on the development of prefabricated building, including policy factors, economic factors, technological factors and industrial factors, and analyzes the weight of these constraints, in view of each restriction factor proposed the corresponding solution countermeasure.
First principle study of the B-site doped double perovskite oxides LaMg0.5M0.5O3 (M=Sc, Ti, Zr)
Authors: Yu Zhou , Mandi Lin , Zemin Zhang
Published: March 2021

The stable configuration of double perovskite LaMgO3 was constructed by CASTEP module in Materials Studio. How the B sites doping (Sc3+, Ti4+, Zr4+) affect the structure and physical properties was theoretical investigated. Three configurations of doping are structural geometry and energy optimized by GGA+WC correlation function, according to the principle of minimum energy, the most stable geometry structure is obtained, based on this structure, the physical properties are calculated. The results show that: The energy of LaMg0.5Ti0.5O3 is the lowest and it is deduced as semiconductor according to the band gap. In the vicinity of Fermi level, the interaction between p-electron and d-electron is obvious, which contributes the most to the density of states. By optical properties simulation, the frequency of absorption peaks of the three materials becomes lower and lower in low frequency range, while the absorption peaks of LaMg0.5Sc0.5O3 and LaMg0.5Zr0.5O3 appear earlier than LaMg0.5Ti0.5O3 in high frequency range, but the peak intensity is lower.
Microbial Simulation Experiment on Enhancing Coalbed Methane Production
Authors: Hao Chen , Yong Qin , Meng Geng , Zhenhong Chen , Yanpeng Chen , Wenguang Tian
Published: March 2021

Coalbed Methane(CBM) production enhancement for single wells is a big problem to CBM industrialization. Low production is due to insufficient gas generation by thermogenic. Luckily, Biogenic gas was found in many areas and its supply is assumed to improve coalbed methane production. Therefore, microbial simulation experiment will demonstrate the effectiveness of the assumption. From microbial simulation experiment on different coal ranks, it is found that microbes can use coals to produce biogas under laboratory conditions. With different temperatures for different experiments, it turns out that the gas production at 35 °C is greater than that at 15 °C, indicating that 35 °C is more suitable for microbes to produce gas. According to quantitative experiments, adding exogenous nutrients or exogenous bacteria can improve CBM production. Moreover, the production enhancement ratio can reach up to 115% under the condition of adding exogenous bacterial species, while the ratio for adding nutrients can be up to 144%.
Construction of wind turbine performance model based on SCADA data
Authors: Wu Sha , Lu Sheng , Xie Xin , Deng Shaoping , Jiang Zixiao , Wang Jian
Published: March 2021

Compared with traditional wind turbine performance evaluation methods such as operating power curve fitting, the wind turbine performance model construction method using SCADA data on machine learning has gradually attracted attention in the industry in recent years. In this technical route, the choice of input SCADA data type will directly affect the accuracy of the wind turbine performance model construction. However, in the past, selecting key SCADA data types in the performance evaluation of wind turbines were mostly subjective judgments or correlation analyses. This paper proposed a key SCADA data type selection method based on mutual information calculation and a wind turbine performance model construction method based on deep neural network training. The selected key SCADA data types based on mutual information were applied to the deep neural network to construct the wind turbine performance model, and the actual SCADA operation data of the wind farm was applied to test the model. The results show that the model construction method’s accuracy and generalizability using the above technical route can satisfy the industry demand in the same wind farm with the same wind turbine type.
Dynamic Thinking on the Construction and Development of Hydrogen Stations: Research on Influencing Factors Based on Factor Analysis Method
Authors: Kong Chuiying , Men Feng , Sun Tian
Published: March 2021

This article studies the influencing factors of hydrogen refueling station construction from the macro, meso, and micro levels, based on the first-hand questionnaire data and using factor analysis to analyze influencing factors. It is concluded that industry development factors have the greatest impact on the construction of hydrogen refueling stations, and on this basis, the influence weights of various specific factors are calculated. On the basis of the above analysis, relevant suggestions are put forward for the construction of hydrogen refueling stations in my country.
Demand Analysis of Wind Turbine System Based on MBSE
Authors: Jing Ben , Hao Wang , Yang Xu
Published: March 2021

Because the wind turbine system is complex and involves a wide range of disciplines, the model-based system engineering (MBSE) method is used to effectively process demand analysis, system function analysis, and system logic architecture design synthesis and verification in a graphical manner, forming a standard Sequential design process reduces costs and improves design efficiency. Requirement analysis is the key to system design and the key to the forward design process of MBSE system architecture model. It is of great significance to the entire system and subsequent development. This article mainly describes the application of MBSE in wind turbine system demand analysis.
Research on the market-oriented trading of renewable energy power based on BlockChain technology under the new quota system
Authors: Li Jiangtao , Li Guomin , Zhao Pengfei
Published: March 2021

With the steady progress of the energy transition, the proportion of renewable energy in my country has continued to increase, and the market-oriented trading of renewable energy power has become an important link in promoting the construction of Chinese low-carbon clean energy system.Under the background of the new quota system policy, through the analysis of Chinese renewable energy distribution and market-oriented transaction needs and characteristics,research the application method of BlockChain technology in renewable energy power transactions,from the three aspects of transaction system architecture, BlockChain support technology selection, and transaction process management, an intelligent transaction model suitable for Chinese renewable energy power consumption is proposed, building an automatic matching and automatic settlement method for renewable energy power transactions based on BlockChain technology, optimizing the transaction process, and reduce transaction management costs, providing a certain reference for the development of Chinese renewable energy power market trading.
Research on the Modeling Method of Microwave Power Module Cascade Converter
Authors: Guodong Zhang
Published: March 2021

It is difficult to obtain the accurate small signal modeling by traditional modeling method especially for the complex converter. System identification is a new method to construct the high voltage cascade converter small signal modeling. The first-stage and the second-stage can be analyzed on the whole. The improved least-square parameter estimation is used to analyze the sampling data of input and output. Furthermore, the system parameter and accurate system modeling can be acquired. Comparing the step response of system model with the Pspice stimulating result, the validity of the method is verified.
Effects of Igneous Intrusion on Low-rank Coalbed Methane Reservoir Formation in Fuxin Basin, China
Authors: Zhenhong Chen , Zhaoping Meng , Hao Chen
Published: March 2021

Researches of igneous intrusion in Fuxin basin on more complex formation mechanism of low-rank coalbed methane(CBM)reservoir are not only the focus and critical problem of basic geology, but also contribute to improvement of the exploration effectiveness of the same type of reservoirs, serving as one of rare achievement examples of low-rank CBM development. This paper presents a comprehensive research of the reservoir characteristics of the Wangying-Liujia CBM formation, such as the intense control action of the dolerite dike invasion so as to further confirm the effects of igneous intrusion on low rank CBM reservoir formation. The result shows that the dolerite dike invasion not only facilitates large hydrocarbon regeneration, but also obviously improves the Ro of the thick bituminite at the bottom of Fuxin formation. It also greatly improves the coal reservoir property, which helps the groundwater double replenishment along the coal seams outcrop and dolerite dike and the closed pressure water condition formation. Moreover, the research shows that there exists much free gas clearly for the closed fault-preventing gas diffusion. So the cokeite growing area is the most advantageous where the high production CBM wells will distribute in the girdle band along the dike. In summary, concerning low-rank CBM exploration, this paper proposes gas evaluation by using CBM and conventional means.
Fourth order sequence and its distribution characteristics determined by well - seismic combination in Wuerxun depression
Authors: Gao Geng , Zhou Yue
Published: March 2021

Wuerxun depression is a secondary structural unit of Beier lake depression in Hailaer basin. It is located in the middle of the basin and has a high degree of exploration, with the gradual deepening of exploration degree, the previous studies on sequence division and sedimentary facies cannot meet the requirements of high-precision exploration. In this paper, the Nantun Formation is divided into three third-order sequences and eight fourth-order sequences through the study of high-resolution sequence stratigraphy in Wuerxun depression, in the study, firstly, multiple exploration wells with complete sequence development are selected in Wunan area of Wuerxun depression, because Wuerxun depression on the whole is characterized by complex structural features, multiple provenances, short provenances and rapid phase transformation, so we should try our best to make the distribution of preferred wells in all the fourth order structural zones, in order to facilitate the next step of stratigraphic correlation between the structural zones and the whole region. After that, the original sequence of all the selected wells is further subdivided according to the rock and electrical characteristics of single well, and a set of scheme for dividing the fourth-order sequence is determined. Finally, through the tracing of seismic horizon between exploration wells and the fine comparison of well and well seismic in the development area, the traceability and comparability of the newly divided fourth-order sequence are determined, and a set of reasonable fourth-order sequence division scheme in Wuerxun depression is finally determined, which effectively guides the geological oil and gas exploration deployment and lays a solid foundation.
Artificial Floating Island Technology
Authors: Yang Hui , Zhang Ying , Zhang Jiaqi
Published: March 2021

This paper reviews the origin of artificial floating islands at home and abroad and introduces the principle of purifying water quality of artificial floating island, including the selection and combination of plants in floating island. The mechanism of microbial and plant combined action to remove organic matter in water is discussed one by one. The development trend of the new artificial floating island is discussed in order to provide reference for the new artificial floating island technology in the future.
The Sustainability Analysis of Land Use and Social Economy in Mountain Areas, Western Hunan Province, China
Authors: Kuang Yixiao , Peng Yu , Sun Bing , Jiang Chunqian , Sang Weiguo , Huang Yihang , Liu Xiufang , Bai Ting
Published: March 2021

Western Hunan is the core and key area of ecological restoration and protection in the mountain areas of southern China and the middle and upper reaches of the Yangtze River. How to make a good trade-off in land-using between ecological conservation and economic development is the primary issue for the regional sustainable development. We analyzed the spatial-temporal changes of land use and socio-economic development in this area. The results showed that: 1) The change of cropland, woodland and urban construction land from 1980 to 2018 was significant, and cropland was evolving towards the hollowing pattern, while the urban construction was expanding from the center to the periphery; 2) With the high speed of socio-economic development in recent years, rural population and the production industry proportion of each county deceased, while urban population, the manufacturing industry proportion and the service industry proportion were increasing; 3) There was a strong correlation between the area proportion of cropland, woodland and the proportion of rural population and the production industry, and the correlation decreased first and then increased with the annual economic development, while the urban construction land had a certain correlation with urban population and the manufacturing industry and the service industry, especially with the service industries. On the basis of further analysis, it was concluded that the social and economic development were the important driving factors to land use change, the capacity of ecosystem services reduced in recent years. The results could be used as the basis for the local government to make decision on the effective land protection. It was also a reference information for researchers to carry out in-depth optimization and integrated management on land resources, so as to achieve the good synergistic effect for both socio-economic development and land protection and promote the sustainable development of human society and economy.
The use of fractal theory to study the sources of soil Cd and Pb pollution in Youjiang River Basin
Authors: Huamei Zhao , Zhengli Mao
Published: March 2021

Fractal theory can be applied to study the complexity of spatial structures in nature, and operates by extracting the deterministic parameters driving complex processes. However, to date there has been little reported application of fractal theory to the analysis of the sources of soil heavy metal pollution. This study aimed to determine the sources of heavy metal accumulation in the shallow soil of the Youjiang River Basin. A total of 71 shallow soil samples were collected across an area of 1,000 km2 for the analysis of Cd and Pb to determine the spatial distribution of heavy metal pollution in the basin. The fractal characteristics of Cd and Pb for the eastern, central and western parts of the study area were analyzed using a content-frequency fractal model. The results showed that the content-frequency fractal distributions of Cd and Pb in the area were similar and multifractal. Linear models described the three different groupings of the sample points well with a scattering of several high points, indicating a chaotic distribution of high-content Cd and Pb areas. Two linear models similarly could describe the fractal distributions of these two elements in the eastern part of the study area, with a scattering of several high-value points, whereas although the fractal distributions of the central and western parts of the study area also showed linear distributions, the linear fit for the western part of the study area was slightly worse. The fractal distributions indicated that the spatial distributions of soil Cd and Pb show several trends, which indicates the influence of multiple geochemical processes. When combined with regional industrial and mining enterprises and high density population, the fractal Cd and Pb distributions infer that soil Cd and Pb in the area originate from the same sources, and four major geochemical process are responsible for the distribution of Pb and Cd: 1) the soil formation process; 2) modern agricultural production; 3) industrial sources and dense population; 4) aluminum resources development and utilization. Among these, exploitation and utilization of aluminum resources is the most complex, resulting in a chaotic distribution of Cd and Pb.
Experimental study on the influence of temperature on compressive strength of non-spontaneous combustion coal gangue aggregate concrete
Authors: Yao Suqin , Zha Wenhua , Yu Yue
Published: March 2021

In Pingxiang mining area of Jiangxi Province, a large amount of non-spontaneous combustion coal gangue is piled up into mountains, which not only occupies the land, but also seriously pollutes the ecological environment. In order to solve this problem and improve the utilization rate of coal gangue, the study of coal gangue without spontaneous combustion in Pingxiang mining area was carried out, and the differences of chemical composition, physical characteristics and thermal activation characteristics of coal gangue were analyzed. On this basis, the coal gangue was used as coarse aggregate instead of some natural stones, and the influence of different temperatures on the compressive properties of coal gangue aggregate concrete was studied. The results show that the compressive strength of gangue concrete is lower than that of ordinary concrete at room temperature. At high temperature, under the influence of secondary hydration of cement and thermal activation of gangue, the compressive strength of concrete test blocks in each group presents an upward trend before 400°C, and reaches its maximum strength at 400°C, among which the mechanical strength of concrete with 30% gangue coarse aggregate is the best. This study provides a basis for the resource utilization of coal gangue in Pingxiang.
Influencing Factors of biofilm nitrification in long-distance water pipeline
Authors: Yang Hui , Qi Shuaige , Yan Yujie
Published: March 2021

The long-distance water transfer project alleviates the situation of water supply tension in various parts of China. In the process of raw water transportation, the nitrification reaction will be carried out by microorganisms due to the existence of a pipe wall biofilm, which converts ammonia nitrogen in water into nitrite nitrogen and nitrate nitrogen. Nitrification of pipeline biofilm is affected by many factors, including temperature, dissolved oxygen concentration, nutrient content, type, and concentration of disinfectants. These factors can change the activity, quantity of nitrifying bacteria, and the conversion rate of ammonia nitrogen, which leads to the effect of nitrification.
Ozone therapy in dentistry: from traditional applications towards innovative ones. A review of the literature
Authors: Gallo Simone , Scribante Andrea
Published: March 2021

Ozone (03) is a natural gas deriving from dioxygen (02) and acting as a strong oxidant. Despite this characteristic, low doses of ozone can be beneficial for the organism due to the antioxidant response implemented by this latter. Accordingly, since the 19th century, several therapeutic applications have been proposed in medicine, but even dental pathologies can benefit from the use of this substance. In particular, the introduction of ozone therapy in dentistry dates to 1930 when it was proposed as a disinfectant and wound-healing agent. Nowadays, it is known as an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, anti-hypoxic, biosynthetic and antimicrobial agent. The main forms of ozone administration are three (gaseous ozone, ozonated water and ozonated oils) but its therapeutic indications almost cover every field of dentistry. The aim of the present review is first to describe the main traditional uses of ozone in dentistry, and, subsequently, to present the innovative applications proposed both in dental and orthopaedic implantology.
Comparison Waterlogging Tolerance Potential of Cassava
Authors: Dethvongsa Sengsoulichan , Vu Nguyen Anh , Van Tran Khanh
Published: March 2021

This experiment was conducted to evaluate the waterlogging tolerance of cassava. Five cassava genotypes from CIAT: CM9912-167, GM214-62, GM1263-6, GM1406-13 and GM1521-10, were used to assess the impact of artificial waterlogging conditions on growth and development of cassava. Cassava plantlets (in vitro) were cultivated in soil pots, and after 3 months of growth, they were waterlogged for 12 days. After three days of waterlogging, it was found that all 5 genotypes of cassava were affected by the waterlogged conditions. Notably, the variety of CM9912-167 clearly showed physiological changes such as chlorosis of leaves, wilting leaves and some plants even died within 6 days. Other varieties of cassava showed a belated onset of symptoms. Genotypes GM1406-13 and GM1512-10 showed the highest percent of chlorosis leaves, they resisted the effects of waterlogging for 12 days which was the longest time period for the genotypes tested. Through this experiment, cassava has two types of response to flooding. The first was cassava showing early yellow leaf, starting from old leaves and losing those yellow leaves. The other was withered whole the plant, then leaves dries and fall off, only a few young leaves on the top. In conclusion, cassava with yellow leaves is more resistant to flooding.
Pathogenicity Scoring System for Selection of Bacterial Consortium Formulated as Bioremediation Agent of Hospital Wastewater in Central Java
Authors: Darmawati S , Muchlissin S I , Ernanto A R , Sulistyaningtyas A R , Fuad H , Rahman K M Z , Sabdono A , Ethica S N
Published: March 2021

The search of cost-effective bioremediation agent of hospital wastewater is critical since current methods to treat biomedical waste worldwide are still costly and not environmentally friendly. Use of hydrolytic bacteria as bioremediation agent has been known, yet it is important to ensure that they fit safety requirement. This study aimed to establish and implement a simple plate-based pathogenicity selection scoring method to determine the pathogenicity levels of 26 indigenous hydrolytic bacteria isolated from the untreated wastewater of two hospitals in Semarang, Central Java, Indonesia. Bacterial cultivations were carried out in parallel on MacConkey Agar Plate (MAP), Blood Agar Plate (BAP) and Chocolate Agar Plate (CAP) followed by molecular identification. Next, a scoring system was set based on the ability of isolates to produce violet colour on the MA and hemolysis characteristics of the bacteria on both the BAP and CAP media. Based on the scoring system, 6 out of 26 bacterial isolates mostly belong to the members of Bacillus velezensis, B. amyloliquefaciens and B. licheniformis were identified having low pathogenicity, which make them a suitable bioremediation agent of the studied hospital wastewater. As conclusion, the set plate-based pathogenicity scoring system could be a simple, yet useful and reliable tool for selecting non-pathogenic indigenous hydrolytic bacterial strains potential as a bioremediation agent.
A big data of rehabilitation process management based on block chain
Authors: Xu YY , Li SL , Ma CM
Published: March 2021

This article uses block chain and big data technology to design a process management, and proposes a medical data sharing scheme based on block chain, which can effectively solve the problem that rehabilitation data may be tampered or deleted and improve work efficiency. Uses the chain block in the chain alliance technology, we design a rehabilitation information data storage management scheme, this scheme will be stored module is divided into two parts, one is the recovery operation data storage module, the module using relational data store inventory data, data read operations related to the rehabilitation treatment all can still read the database; The other is the audit log word storage module, which uses key-value database word storage to store the user’s operation contents of the business data, and any modification of the business data will be written to the data module. The blockchain-based rehabilitation big data process management model proposed in this article not only well meets the regulatory audit requirements of the rehabilitation treatment management system, but also forms a real alliance among the health administration departments, hospitals and recovered patients. Conclusions: Through rehabilitation big data sharing system, medical personnel through case information to rehabilitation plan provides more valuable reference, and carries on the reasonable use of these information, so as to enhance the level of rehabilitation treatment and effective information will be fully in the medical data mining, medical personnel can strengthen communication and cooperation with information technology personnel, so as to create more convenient, applicable platform for the rehabilitation.
Research on Data Fusion Technology of Mobile Intelligent Robot Based on Internet of Things
Authors: Wang Jingjing
Published: March 2021

With the development of the Internet of Things, the increasing variety of sensors and the rapid development of sensor technology, multi-sensor data fusion technology has received more and more attention. And because of its strong survivability in solving problems such as detection, tracking and identification, it can enhance the detection performance, credibility and reliability of the system, improve the accuracy of measurement data, and expand the time and space coverage of the system. Multi-sensor The application of data fusion in various fields such as military, agriculture, and industry is becoming more and more frequent. Among them, the application of data fusion technology in the field of robotics research is also in a stage of rapid development, especially in mobile robots, the application of data fusion technology is more extensive. This paper analyses the multi-sensor data fusion technology used in existing mobile robots, and conducts reasonable design and research on the development of data fusion technology in the field of intelligent mobile robot research.
Generation and experimental reconstruction of optimized Fresnel random phase-only holograms
Authors: Velez-Zea Alejandro , Quinchia Santiago Bustamante , Barrera-Ramírez John Fredy , Torroba Roberto
Published: March 2021

In this paper, we demonstrate a method for random phase optimization in the Fresnel domain that enables the fast generation of phase-only holograms (POHs). Our proposal consists of applying the iterative Fresnel transform algorithm (IFrTA) to optimize a random phase with the parameters of a given holographic projection system. Then, the resulting optimized Fresnel random phase is used for the generation of POHs of several objects. We compare the performance of our proposed method to the direct generation of holograms using IFrTA, and quantitatively study the quality of the reconstructed object varying the generation parameters. Our results show significantly improved computation speed and minor loss of accuracy compared with the direct application of the IFrTA. We present both numerical and optical reconstructions obtained with a holographic projection scheme based on a phase-only spatial light modulator to verify the validity and effectiveness of our proposal.
The effects of monomer on the diffusion behavior of drug molecules in acrylic pressure-sensitive adhesive
Authors: Wang Yaxin , Qian Jun , Fang Minghui , Guo Ruilin , Shi Yifeng
Published: March 2021

Acrylic pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) is widely used in transdermal drug delivery systems (TDDS). In this study, PSAs with different monomer proportion were synthesized, the effects of soft monomer/hard monomer ratio on the diffusion of drug molecules were investigated by Fourier transform infrared attenuated total reflection (ATR-FTIR) measurement and molecular dynamics simulation. The accuracy of the diffusion coefficient was confirmed by the consistency of the results from the above two methods. Based on the characterization of diffusion behavior, the diffusion mechanism was revealed. Three dominant factors, which affect the diffusion behavior: the wriggling of the polymer chain, the free volume and the drug-PSA interaction, were discussed. The wriggling of the polymer chain and the free volume of PSA are positive to the diffusion process while drug-PSA interaction is negative. Through the synergy of the three factors, the diffusion rate of drug molecules in PSA can be controlled by adjusting the proportion of soft monomer and hard monomer.
Adsorptive removal of permanganate anions from synthetic wastewater using copper sulfide nanoparticles
Authors: Aljohani Meshari M H , AL-Aoh Hatem A
Published: March 2021

The performance of Copper Sulfide (CuS) was evaluated as sorbent material for Permanganate ions (

MnO

4

−

). The influences of pH,

MnO

4

−

concentration, sorption time and temperature were inspected. The outcomes of this study approved that the sorbate primary concentration of 1200 mg l−1, solution pH of 1.5, 90 min sorption time and temperature of 60 °C are the optimal conditions for

MnO

4

−

sorption by CuS. The study also revealed that the kinetic model of second order and model of Langmuir isotherm describe well the experimental data of this sorption. Furthermore, significant sorption capacities of 769.23, 909.09, 1111.11 and 1250.00 mg g−1 were resulted at 20 °C, 30 °C, 40 °C and 60 °C, one-to-one. Additionally, thermodynamic outcomes confirmed that the nature of

MnO

4

−

sorption by CuS is a heat-absorbing and spontaneous.
Performance evaluation of cellulose nanofiber reinforced polymer composites
Authors: Norrrahim Mohd Nor Faiz , Mohd Kasim Noor Azilah , Knight Victor Feizal , Abdul Halim Norhana , Ahmad Shah Noor Aisyah , Mohd Noor Siti Aminah , Jamal Siti Hasnawati , Ong Keat Khim , Wan Yunus Wan Md Zin , Ahmad Farid Mohammed Abdillah , Jenol Mohd Azwan , Rushdan Ahmad Ilyas
Published: March 2021

In recent years, cellulose nanofiber (CNF) has become an avidly researched material in cutting edge research fields involving prominent researchers, both in academia and industry. This has become an exciting time reaching beyond just scientific curiosity as CNF is beginning to enter various marketplaces. CNF shows unique and potentially useful features, which includes abundance, high specific surface area, renewability, high strength, eco-friendliness and high crystallinity. It is an excellent material for polymer reinforcement. Many studies have been conducted to understand the effects of CNF as a filler in polymer composites. Interestingly, most CNF polymer composites have shown a better mechanical performance compared to the neat base polymer. Thus, this enhances the application of CNF into reinforced polymer composites in several industries such as automotive, packaging, medical implant, electronics, building material and paper. Therefore, in this review, the performances of CNF polymer composites are carefully evaluated. Beyond that, several factors influencing the performance of these composites are discussed.
1 Quality of Care Transitions: Older Adults’ Experiences in An Integrated Care Trust
Authors: Thorley N , Chakravorty M , Schiff R , Oikonomou E , Symes R , Seymour E , Vincent C ,   PACT group
Published: March 2021

Introduction

The transition of care from hospital to home is a high-risk time for older adults. The Partners at Care Transitions (PACT) programme aims to improve safety and quality of care transitions. We aimed to test the feasibility of using the Partners at Care Transitions Measure (PACT-M) to evaluate older adults’ experiences of the transition from hospital to home in an Inner London Integrated Care Trust and to identify factors impacting transition quality.

Methods

The PACT-M, a validated patient-reported questionnaire designed to evaluate care transitions, was administered to patients ≥65 years at 7, 30 and 90 days post-discharge. Likert scores were analysed quantitatively and manual thematic analysis performed on free-text comments.

Results

101 participants were recruited. Mean age 77.8 years. 84, 70 and 65 participants completed follow-up at 7, 30 and 90 days, respectively.

Factors impacting patients’ experience of transition quality are shown in Table 1.

Conclusions
5 Quality Improvement Project (QIP): A Teamwork Approach to Optimise Fluid Intake in Older Inpatients #ButFirstADrink
Authors: Vourliotis N , Grimshaw K , Harris R
Published: March 2021

The shortfalls of hydration management have been widely exposed since the Frances report in 2013. Age-related changes create challenges for people to drink adequate fluid amounts (Nazarko, 2018), making dehydration prevention in older people an ongoing public health priority (NICE, 2016). Hydration needs of older people are complex and may not be fully understood. A proactive MDT approach to facilitate regular drinking opportunities seems an achievable solution to increase hydration awareness, knowledge and daily fluid intake in older inpatients.

A QI methodology was used, including stakeholder engagement and PDSA learning cycles to influence, engage and educate staff on hydration management. Outcome measures: Fluid intake (ml/day), number of drinks/days based on fluid balance chart recordings. Interventions: Sharing the #ButFirstADrink social media hydration movement, which includes educational posters, flyers and a YouTube video. Face to face drop-in education sessions were implemented using local hydration education resources from Age UK Salford and GM nutrition and hydration programme as teaching tools. SPC charts were used to show a time-series data. In 15 weeks, 461/525 fluid charts were reviewed from 169 patients. Mean age was 84 years and 68% females. Average daily fluid intake increased by 25% (exceeding aim) indicating 176mls more fluid was offered on average/day. Mean number of drinks/days increased from 4.6 to 6 post interventions.

Knowledge and attitude improved in some areas; however fluid output is not routinely recorded. Post intervention, 89% of staff felt that offering a drink at first contact is a suitable hydration promotion campaign. The project scored 58% using the NHS sustainability model (ACT Academy, 2018) suggesting reason for optimism. As it is a behaviour change project, further engagement and momentum is dependent on ongoing enthusiasm to drive the #ButFirstADrink approach. This intervention is free, simple and innovative and stimulates behaviour change, raises drinking awareness and increases hydration.
10 Fear of Falling in Community Dwelling Ambulatory Older Patients: Associations with Physiological Falls Risk, Cognition and Mood Disorders
Authors: Dolphin H , McFeely A , Kennelly S , Mello S
Published: March 2021

Introduction

Fear of falling (FOF) is associated with a range of adverse health outcomes including increased risk of falls1, and more rapid decline in physical and cognitive function2. We aim to determine the prevalence of FOF amongst ambulatory community dwelling older adults attending an Age-Related Day Hospital, and to describe it’s associations with cognition, mood disorders, frailty and mobility measures.

Methods

A retrospective chart review was conducted on 50 patients attending the Day Hospital. Baseline demographics collected include comorbidities, medications, and falls history. Objective mobility measurements include the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test and grip strength. Patients were divided into two groups based on their answer to the question, “Are you afraid of falling?” Differences between groups were compared using chi-squared test.

Results

The average age of Day Hospital attendees was 85 (SD X). 62% were male. Three quarters of patients experienced a recent fall, and half admitted to FOF. Those with FOF were more likely to be dependent in personal care (27% vs 16%, p = 0.15) and use a walking aid (69% vs 58%, p = 0.02). They were also more likely to be prescribed psychoactive medications (53% vs 45%, p = 0.42), and have a diagnosis of anxiety (4% vs 0%, p = 0.03).

Conclusions

Both having a falls history and FOF is prevalent in our Day Hospital population. FOF is associated with high physiological risk of falling, increased dependency, and anxiety. Standardization of mobility measures and potential screening for cognitive and mood disorders in patients with FOF will aid in further development of targeted interventions.
17 Conversations on Living and Dying: Facilitating Advance Care Planning for Older People Living with Frailty. A Qualitative Study
Authors: Combes S , Nicholson C , Gillett K , Norton C
Published: March 2021

Introduction

Advance care planning (ACP) is a process that supports people to articulate their future care preferences. This process is a priority for older people living with frailty due to their vulnerability to sudden deterioration, something that has been highlighted during the current pandemic. However, ACP is uncommon for older people living with frailty, hindering choice and person-centred end-of-life care. This study aimed to identify the barriers, facilitators and behaviours required to support cognitively-able, community-dwelling older people living with frailty to engage with ACP. Findings will inform the development an ACP intervention underpinned by behavioural change theory.

Methods

Semi-structured interviews with community-dwelling older people living with frailty (Clinical Frailty Score 6 or 7) and family members were audio-recorded, filmed and transcribed verbatim. A thematic analysis framework was developed using a recent systematic review, and expanded to reflect new themes.

Results

Ten older people living with frailty and eight family members were interviewed. The older people’s median age was 85 and seven were female. Family members were spouses (n = 4) and children (n = 4). The key findings were that: the meaning of ACP could be unclear and at times confusing; many of the older people believed ACP was not relevant to them; relationships and relational autonomy were of greater relevance to older people than autonomous decision-making; older people were more interested in living well now than in planning for the future.

Conclusions

Older people living with frailty need to be engaged with ACP in a way that helps them to understand what ACP is and why it is relevant for them. Professionals need to develop their skills in assessing readiness and facilitating ACP conversations with this population at the older person’s pace. Reframing ACP to include living well now alongside encouraging family inclusion would also relate better to this populations’ lives.
22 Coping with Medicines After Hospital Discharge; the Invisible Work of Older Patients and Their Care-Givers
Authors: Tomlinson J , Smith H , Silcock J , Karban K , Fylan B
Published: March 2021

Introduction

Older patients often experience medication-related problems following discharge from hospital. These can be categorised as issues with obtaining medication, taking medication, medication effects or problems with communication or care co-ordination (Nicosia et al., Journal of General Internal Medicine, 2019, https://doi.org/10.1007/s11606-019-05463-z). The aim of this study was to explore older adults’ experiences of post-discharge medicines management, including the strategies they use to safely manage their changed medicines.

Methods

Following ethical approval, patients aged 75 and above, with a change in their long term medicines, were recruited during admission to one of two hospitals in Yorkshire. Semi-structured interviews took place with the participants in their own homes, approximately two weeks after discharge. Interviews were audio recorded and transcribed. Data were analysed using the Framework method.

Results

Twenty-seven patients (mean age 85 years; 6 males) consented to be interviewed. They described multiple self-management and safety strategies used to support medicines management in the early post-discharge phase. The work done included adaptations (to routines, the home environment and action plans), scaffolding (where patients and their care-givers support the primary care system by providing additional documentation or prompts to ensure medicines were supplied on time and were correct) and error avoidance (seeking information, performing checks and balances).

Conclusion

Older patients experience gaps in their post-discharge medicines-related care which they had to bridge through implementing their own strategies or by enlisting support from others. This study shines a spotlight on to the invisible work that patients have to do in order to make post-discharge medicines management fit for purpose. Further work should consider those patients who are not able to carry out these tasks or who do not have any care-givers available for support and how this potential gap in care can be addressed.
23 Frailty, Older Age-Associated Conditions, and Multimorbidity Amongst People Experiencing Homelessness in A Hostel in London
Authors: Rogans-Watson R , Shulman C , Lewer D , Armstrong M , Hudson B
Published: March 2021

Introduction

People experiencing homelessness (PEH) face poor health outcomes and extreme health inequity, and evidence suggests earlier onset of older age-associated conditions and signs of premature ageing. This is the first UK study to assess frailty in this population. The objective was to assess frailty, age-associated conditions, and multimorbidity in PEH residing in hostel accommodation, drawing comparisons with population data.

Methods

Participants were drawn from a hostel in London for PEH aged over 30. Age-associated conditions were identified using validated tools and a questionnaire modelled on comprehensive geriatric assessments. Participants’ keyworkers completed questionnaires to provide collateral information. Frailty was defined according to five criteria in Fried’s phenotype model: participants with three or more criteria are classified as frail, one or two criteria as vulnerable, and no criteria as not frail. Multimorbidity was defined as the presence of two or more long-term conditions in one person. Comparisons were made with population data from The English Longitudinal Study of Ageing and Health Survey for England.

Results

Thirty-three people participated (83% of eligible residents), with a mean age of 55.7 years (range 38–74). Frailty was identified in 18/33 participants (55%), with 13/33 (39%) classified as vulnerable, and 2/33 (6%) as not frail. Participants met an average of 2.6/5 frailty phenotype criteria, comparable to 90-year-olds in the general population. The most common age-associated conditions identified were: falls (in 61%), visual impairment (61%), low grip strength (61%), mobility impairment (52%), and cognitive impairment (45%). Multimorbidity was present in all thirty-three participants.

Conclusions

A wide range of unmet health needs was identified. The high prevalence of frailty and age-associated conditions support evidence of premature ageing, indicating a need to include holistic older-age assessments in PEH at a younger age. Involvement of health professionals with experience of working with older people could contribute to improving health outcomes for homeless patients.
24 Loneliness, Social Isolation and Frailty Among Older Adults in England: Results From the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing
Authors: Davies K , Maharani A , Chandola T , Todd C , Pendleton N
Published: March 2021

Introduction

Ten percent of over 65 s and between a quarter and half of over 85 s are frail. Loneliness and social isolation are associated with increased falls, rates of hospitalisation and mortality. Lonely and socially isolated older adults may also be at risk of frailty. We examined the relationship between loneliness, social isolation and incident frailty among older adults in England longitudinally over 12 years.

Methods

The study sample are 9,171 older adults aged ≥50 years participating in a population representative longitudinal panel survey, the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing Waves 2–8. To define frailty across the biannual waves, we used the Frailty Index (FI), analysed continuously and into categories (FI ≤0.08 non-frail, 0.08–0.25 pre-frail and ≥ 0.25–1 frail). We used baseline (Wave 2): loneliness measure using the UCLA 3-item loneliness scale; social isolation measure using previously reported method (Banks et al. The Institute for Fiscal Studies. 2006.). Both were categorised into low/medium/high. To examine relationships, we used linear mixed methods modelling (for the continuous FI), and Cox proportional hazard model (for the categorical FI).

Results

Loneliness (β = 0.023; 95% CI = 0.022, 0.025) and social isolation (β = 0.007; 95% CI = 0.003, 0.010) were significantly associated with increased FI, after adjusting for cofounders (gender, age, marital status, smoking status and wealth). There was a 60% greater relative risk of belonging to the frail class with a medium loneliness score compared to low (HR = 1.570; 95% CI 1.492, 1.652) and a 160% greater relative risk with high loneliness score compared to low (HR = 2.621; 95% CI 2.488, 2.761). Although less pronounced, there was a 1% greater relative risk of developing frailty with a medium social isolation score compared to low (HR = 1.010, 95% CI 1.010, 1.197) and a 30% greater relative risk with high social isolation score compared to low (HR = 1.267; 95% CI 1.154, 1.390).

Conclusions

Our research indicates both loneliness and social isolation increase risk of developing frailty, expanding on previous evidence. This provides further support to the importance of understanding approaches to promote social inclusion of older adults.