bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhanced Oxygen Evolution Reaction Performance of WO3/Nb:SrTiO3 Heterostructure By Using Graphene
Authors: Cho Ayoung , Lee Ho Jin , Lee Sangwoo , Lee Joonbong , Youn Chulmin , Seong Hanwool , Choi Taekjib
Published: December 2020

Designing photoelectrodes by incorporation of photo-active nanomaterials is an emerging strategy to enhance photoelectrochemical performance of semiconducting metal oxides. The small diffusion paths through the ultrathin layer, large surface area, and exposing abundant active sites can effectively boost charge separation and charge transfer in photoelectrochemical water oxidation. We utilized single layer graphene as a photocatalyst on WO3 thin film/Nb:SrTiO3 (100) structure to enhance oxygen evolution reaction in alkaline electrolyte. The photoelectrode exhibits efficient charge transfer due to electronic properties of graphene edges. Graphene decreases onset potential and increases photo current density from 237 μA/cm2 to 763 μA/cm2 at 1.23 V vs RHE. In addition, such extremely thin layer can protect the photoelectrode from chemical corrosion without disturbing the light absorption. In this study, we investigated mechanism of photoelectrochemical water splitting in graphene edge. Thus, these results can provide a new route for advanced designs of nanomaterial-based PECs devices.

Acknowledge : This research was supported by Next Generation Engineering Researcher Program of National Research Foundation of Korea(NRF) funded by the Ministry of Science, ICT (NRF-2019H1D8A2106002).
(Invited) Defect Engineering and Surface Probing of Few-Layer MoS2 As Photocatalyst for CO2 Reduction to Solar Fuels
Authors: Chen Li-Chyong , Huang Yi-Fan , Lien Hsiang-Ting , Du He-Yun , Chang Yu-Chung , Chen Kuei-Hsien
Published: December 2020

(Invited) Photocatalytic CO2 conversion to hydrocarbon fuels, which makes solar energy harvesting and CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR) simultaneously, is a killing two birds with one stone approach to solving the energy and environmental problems. However, challenges are the low photon-to-fuel conversion efficiency of the photocatalysts and lack of the product selectivity. Recently, 2D-layered nanomaterials with defect engineering, e.g. the carbon interstitial-doped SnS2 nanosheets [Nature Comm. 9, 169 (2018)], have shown promise for CO2RR. Here, I will present a different case, MoS2 with vacancies controlled by plasma. Productivity and selectivity of CO2RR were found to be dependent strongly with the different Mo/S ratios of the MoS2 of single to few layers. Orders-of-magnitude enhancement in productivity and selectivity of C2 product over 97% has been obtained. The role and interplay of the defects and the hosting materials, and their effects on the adsorption of CO2 and subsequent CO2RR, studied by the near-ambient pressure X-ray photoemission spectroscopy, along with density functional theory will be discussed.
Analysis of Rate and Temperature Dependence of Inhomogeneous Cathode Reaction By Means of in-Situ XAFS Imaging
Authors: Katayama Misaki , Yamagishi Hirona , Orikasa Yuki , Inada Yasuhiro
Published: December 2020

Inhomogeneous reaction in secondary batteries promotes local degradation of the electrode. Composite electrodes have inhomogeneity of conductivity at a certain scale. The inhomogeneity depends on the conductivity of each materials and the ratio of conductive additive. The study on the inhomogeneity of reaction in the composite electrode is essential as well as a development for manufacturing homogeneous composite electrodes. In the present study, we analyzed the temperature dependence of reaction distribution of LiFePO4 lithium-ion battery by using in-situ XAFS imaging technique. In LiFePO4 cathodes, remarkable inhomogeneity has been reported because of low conductivity of the active material.

A cathode sheet was prepared using composite mixture of LiFePO4, acetylene black, and polyvinylidene difluoride binder. A lithium foil was used as an anode. An Al-laminated pouch cell was used for analyzing the reaction distribution in the discharging process at four conditions of temperatures (23 °C and 60 °C) and discharging rates (0.2 C and 2.0 C). XAFS imaging experiments were performed at BL-4 of Ritsumeikan Synchrotron Radiation Center in Japan. The cathode of 3 × 10 mm2 was fully covered by the X-ray beam. Obtained X-ray images were converted to X-ray absorption spectra at each detector pixel. The chemical state of active material was estimated from the energy of Fe K absorption edge, E
0. Variance in the histogram of E
0 for the whole electrode was used as a measure of the inhomogeneity.

The 2-dimentonal chemical state maps at the depth of discharge of 20% showed inhomogeneous distribution at all discharging conditions. The values of variance of the histograms are 0.6 eV2, 1.2 eV2 at 23 °C for the discharging rate of 0.2 C and 2.0 C, respectively. The values at 60 °C are 1.0 eV2 for 0.2 C and 1.8 eV2 for 2.0 C. The variance becomes large at higher temperature and higher discharging rate. At high rate processes, electric current in the cathode concentrates to the limited path with low resistance in compared with low rate processes. Inhomogeneous distribution caused by conductivity in the cathode will be emphasized. The temperature dependence indicates that ion diffusion in electrolyte solution affects to inhomogeneity of the cathode reaction. The inhomogeneous reaction is promoted at higher temperature by the following mechanism. The concentration of lithium ion in the solution decreases at reaction preceding area in a cathode during discharging process. The further discharge reaction at the area restrains by the concentration gradient in the solution. When the fast diffusion in the solution supplies lithium ions continuously, the reaction proceeds without the effect of concentration gradient.

In conclusions, higher discharging rate and higher temperature promote inhomogeneous cathode reaction. These results show the reaction distributions are considerably affected by the environment and the condition of use.
Electronic and Electrochemical Characteristics of Metal-Graphene Hybrid System: DFT Approach
Authors: Jang Seung Soon
Published: December 2020

Epitaxially grown Pt thin film on a graphene template is found to have a few monolayer thickness with structural stability comparable to Pt(111) surface and promising electrochemical activity. The newly synthesized thin film shows a quadrilateral-polygon structure of Pt in monolayer on graphene surface. In this study, we present a computational research on the unique architecture of the graphene-templated epitaxial Pt monolayer. Recently proposed strongly constrained and appropriately normed (SCAN) density function study (DFT) is employed to investigate the characteristics of the system. Electrochemical activities of the system are evaluated in terms of the free energy variation in oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). In architectures, Pt exhibits registry with the C-C bridge sites along the armchair and zigzag directions forming strong covalent bonds. Here, the details of the atomistic/electronic structures and binding energies are discussed. Interestingly, the ORR can occur on both Pt and graphene surfaces. This would provide a good strategy to protect metallic catalyst and to tune electronic structure of catalyst.
Electrocatalytic CO2 Reduction Using Heteroatom Doped Carbon Materials for Multi-Carbon Production
Authors: Kim Hyun-Tak , Kwon Tae_Hyuk
Published: December 2020

Electrocatalytic reduction of CO2 into multicarbon (C2+) products is a highly attractive route for CO2 utilization; however, the yields of C2+ products remain low because of the limited C2+ selectivity. Here, we report a heteroatom doped carbon based electrocatalyst that exhibits a Faradaic efficiency greater than 70% for CO2 reduction (CO2R) and 90% of C2-3 selectivity. We show a C–C coupling mechanism between adsorbed CO intermediates for C2+ formation. This excellent efficiency and the corresponding mechanism are explained by theoretical calculations and spectroscopic analyses. With these results, we suggest a molecular design strategy for next-generation CO2 reduction catalysts for a green atmosphere.
Production of High-Quality Graphene Using a Novel Electrochemical Intercalation-Exfoliation Approach
Authors: Singh Ashutosh Kumar , Perez-Page Maria , Yasri Nael , Momodu Damilola , Holmes Stuart , Roberts Edward P.L.
Published: December 2020

Large scale production of graphene has recently received a great deal of attention because of its interesting properties and wide range of potential applications. Conventional chemical exfoliation approaches, such as Hummer’s method,provides cost-effective pathway for large scale production, however, the method suffers from several key challenges such as the usage of corrosive and toxic solution, high processing temperature, long duration, and the poor quality of graphene produced which severely affects its potential applications. Recently, electrochemical exfoliation of graphene has been proposed for a high production yield with better quality. The electrochemical method involves two steps: 1) intercalation of ionic species between the graphene layers, followed by 2) oxidation of these ionic species under an anodic voltage into gas molecule enabling exfoliation of graphene flakes from the graphite electrode.1 In this study we examine a new approach to the intercalation, using an intercalating ion that has received very little attention and has not been evaluated for electrochemical exfoliation. The intercalation was followed by exfoliation in (NH4)2SO4 solution leading to the production of graphene flakes. The resultant graphene was found to have less disrupted sp2 lattice structure, with a high yield of about 95 % of graphene, along with high electrical conductivity and a low oxidation level (with a C:O ratio of about 15, determined by XPS). In addition, the presence of nitrogen and sulfur moieties in the resulting graphene structure can act as an electrocatalyst2 for applications such as the oxygen reduction reaction. Thus, the as-prepared graphene could be used for a range of electrochemical applications.

References:

(1) Sharif, F.; Zeraati, A. S.; Ganjeh-Anzabi, P.; Yasri, N.; Perez-Page, M.; Holmes, S. M.; Sundararaj, U.; Trifkovic, M.; Roberts, E. P. L. Synthesis of a High-Temperature Stable Electrochemically Exfoliated Graphene. Carbon
2019.

(2) Singh, A.; Yasri, N.; Karan, K.; Roberts, E. P. L. Electrocatalytic Activity of Functionalized Carbon Paper Electrodes and Their Correlation to the Fermi Level Derived from Raman Spectra. ACS Appl. Energy Mater.
2019, acsaem.9b00180.
Facile Solution Plasma Synthesis of Cationic Nitrogen-Doped Graphene
Authors: Chae Sangwoo , Saito Nagahiro
Published: December 2020

Cationic N-doped graphene (CNG) was synthesized through a new method called Solution Plasma (SP) in a mixture of ionic liquid and organic solution, at ambient temperature and atmospheric pressure. The originality of the research consists in two things. First, the process allows one-step, rapid, substrate-free synthesis and simultaneously doping of CNG. X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron and Raman spectroscopy confirmed that the graphene synthesis had proceeded, the material contains a high-level of nitrogen (13.4 at%) with the presence of cationic nitrogen, and has a few-layer structure (about 3-layer). Second, CNG behave like p-type semiconductor with a high sheet resistance of 16 Ω sq−1 and a high carrier concentration of 1019 cm−3; indicating that process can significantly control the electrical properties of graphene. The combination of SP and ILs shows a promising strategy for the design and synthesis of NG using cationic N-doping, which cannot be achieved with other methods.

Acknowledgements

This work was financially supported by JST-OPERA (JPMJOP1843), JST-SICORP (JPMJSC18H1) and JSPS-KAKENHI (JP18K18998).

Figure 1
Effects of Oxygen on Corrosion Behavior of Pure Copper in Simulated Geological Disposal Environments
Authors: Nishida Kimika , Tsuchiya Hiroaki , Fujimoto Shinji
Published: December 2020

Geological disposal of radioactive wastes has been extensively discussed in many counties. In the geological disposal, the corrosion behavior of candidate metals for overpack must be thoroughly investigated. We have examined the corrosion behavior of copper, which is one of the candidate metals as overpack, in simulated geological disposal environments, especially, bentonite slurries. In the present work, effects of dissolved oxygen concentration in bentonite slurries on the growth of corrosion products is focused.
Evaluation of the Urban Low-Carbon Sustainable Development Capability Based on the TOPSIS-BP Neural Network and Grey Relational Analysis
Authors: Zhang Wei , Zhang Xinxin , Liu Fan , Huang Yan , Xie Yuwei
Published: December 2020

With the development of industrialization and urbanization, cities have become the main carriers of economic activities. However, the long-term development of cities has also caused damage to resources and the environment. Hence, objective and scientific evaluation of urban low-carbon sustainable development capacity is very important. An index system of urban low-carbon sustainable development capability is constructed in this paper, and a TOPSIS-BP neural network model is established to evaluate the low-carbon sustainable development capability of Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Guangzhou in China. At the same time, the difference degree of low-carbon sustainable development level in these four cities is analyzed by standard deviation and coefficient of variation, and the influencing factors of urban low-carbon sustainable development ability are extracted by grey correlation analysis. The results show that (1) the capability of low-carbon sustainable development in four cities is rising and the difference of low-carbon sustainable development capability is decreasing; (2) the general view that the higher the general investment in low-carbon sustainable development, the higher the level of low-carbon sustainable development in cities has not been verified; (3) with the change of time series, the factors affecting the capability of low-carbon sustainable development in the same city are different and the influence of the same factor on the capability of low-carbon sustainable development in different cities is different.
A Cluster-Head Rotating Election Routing Protocol for Energy Consumption Optimization in Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Wang Jun , Du Zhuangzhuang , He Zhengkun , Wang Xunyang
Published: December 2020

Balancing energy consumption using the clustering routing algorithms is one of the most practical solutions for prolonging the lifetime of resource-limited wireless sensor networks (WSNs). However, existing protocols cannot adequately minimize and balance the total network energy dissipation due to the additional tasks of data acquisition and transmission of cluster heads. In this paper, a cluster-head rotating election routing protocol is proposed to alleviate the problem. We discovered that the regular hierarchical clustering method and the scheme of cluster-head election area division had positive effects on reducing the energy consumption of cluster head election and intracluster communication. The election criterion composed of location and residual energy factor was proved to lower the probability of premature death of cluster heads. The chain multihop path of intercluster communication was performed to save the energy of data aggregation to the base station. The simulation results showed that the network lifetime can be efficiently extended by regulating the adjustment parameters of the protocol. Compared with LEACH, I-LEACH, EEUC, and DDEEC, the algorithm demonstrated significant performance advantages by using the number of active nodes and residual energy of nodes as the evaluation indicators. On the basis of these results, the proposed routing protocols can be utilized to increase the capability of WSNs against energy constraints.
An Efficient Pairing-Free Certificateless Searchable Public Key Encryption for Cloud-Based IIoT
Authors: Ma Mimi , Luo Min , Fan Shuqin , Feng Dengguo
Published: December 2020

The Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), as a special form of Internet of Things (IoT), has great potential in realizing intelligent transformation and industrial resource utilization. However, there are security and privacy concerns about industrial data, which is shared on an open channel via sensor devices. To address these issues, many searchable encryption schemes have been presented to provide both data privacy-protection and data searchability. However, due to the use of expensive pairing operations, most previous schemes were inefficient. Recently, a certificateless searchable public-key encryption (CLSPE) scheme was designed by Lu et al. to remove the pairing operation. Unfortunately, we find that Lu et al.’s scheme is vulnerable to user impersonation attacks. To enhance the security, a new pairing-free dual-server CLSPE (DS-CLSPE) scheme for cloud-based IIoT deployment is designed in this paper. In addition, we provide security and efficiency analysis for DS-CLSPE. The analysis results show that DS-CLSPE can resist chosen keyword attacks (CKA) and has better efficiency than other related schemes.
Subgraph-Indexed Sequential Subdivision for Continuous Subgraph Matching on Dynamic Knowledge Graph
Authors: Sun Yunhao , Li Guanyu , Guan Mengmeng , Ning Bo
Published: December 2020

Continuous subgraph matching problem on dynamic graph has become a popular research topic in the field of graph analysis, which has a wide range of applications including information retrieval and community detection. Specifically, given a query graph

q

, an initial graph

G

0

, and a graph update stream

△

G

i

, the problem of continuous subgraph matching is to sequentially conduct all possible isomorphic subgraphs covering

△

G

i

of

q

on

G

i

(=

G

0

 
⊕
 
△

G

i

). Since knowledge graph is a directed labeled multigraph having multiple edges between a pair of vertices, it brings new challenges for the problem focusing on dynamic knowledge graph. One challenge is that the multigraph characteristic of knowledge graph intensifies the complexity of candidate calculation, which is the combination of complex topological and attributed structures. Another challenge is that the isomorphic subgraphs covering a given region are conducted on a huge search space of seed candidates, which causes a lot of time consumption for searching the unpromising candidates. To address these challenges, a method of subgraph-indexed sequential subdivision is proposed to accelerating the continuous subgraph matching on dynamic knowledge graph. Firstly, a flow graph index is proposed to arrange the search space of seed candidates in topological knowledge graph and an adjacent index is designed to accelerate the identification of candidate activation states in attributed knowledge graph. Secondly, the sequential subdivision of flow graph index and the transition state model are employed to incrementally conduct subgraph matching and maintain the regional influence of changed candidates, respectively. Finally, extensive empirical studies on real and synthetic graphs demonstrate that our techniques outperform the state-of-the-art algorithms.
Varieties of Crises: Comparing the Politics of COVID-19 and Climate Change
Authors: van der Ven Hamish , Sun Yixian
Published: December 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic is the largest public health crisis in recent history. Many states have taken unprecedented action in responding to the pandemic by restricting international and domestic travel, limiting economic activity, and passing massive social welfare bills. This begs the question, why have states taken extreme measures for COVID-19 but not the climate crisis? By comparing state responses to COVID-19 with those to the climate crisis, we identify the crisis characteristics that drive quick and far-reaching reactions to some global crises but not others. We inductively develop a conceptual framework that identifies eight crisis characteristics with observable variation between COVID-19 and climate change. This framework draws attention to under-considered areas of variance, such as the perceived differences in the universality of impacts, the legibility of policy responses, and the different sites of expertise for both crises. We use this structured comparison to identify areas of leverage for obtaining quicker and broader climate action.
Through a Black Hole into Parallel Universes
Authors: Härke Heinrich
Published: December 2020

The Anglo-Saxon immigration of the 5th-6th centuries AD led to a dual contact situation in the British Isles: with the native inhabitants of the settlement areas in south-eastern England (internal contact zone), and with the Celtic polities outside the Anglo-Saxon areas (external contact zone). In the internal contact zone, social and ethnogenetic processes resulted in a complete acculturation of the natives by the 9th century. By contrast, the external contact zone between Anglo-Saxon and Celtic polities resulted in a cultural and linguistic split right across the British Isles up to the 7th century, and arguably well beyond. The cultural boundary between these two domains became permeable in the 7th century as a consequence of Anglo-Saxon Christianization which created a northern communication zone characterized by a distinct art style (Insular Art). In the early medieval British Isles, contact resulting from migration did not lead to cultural exchange for about two centuries, and it took profound ideological and social changes to establish a basis for communication.
In Pursuit of the White Whale of Cooperation
Authors: Steenkamp Robert C. , Jefferies Cameron
Published: December 2020

On 26 December 2018, Japan announced that it would withdraw from the International Whaling Commission (iwc) and indicated its intention to begin commercial whaling for the first time in 30 years. Despite the ethical and political outcry from several States, the legal ramifications of Japan’s withdrawal requires further analysis. This article examines the relationship between Japan and the iwc ex ante and ex post Japan’s withdrawal. Such an examination highlights the influence that Japan’s international duty to cooperate in the conservation and management of cetaceans might have across various international instruments. Japan is no longer bound by the recommendations and resolutions of the iwc; however, Japan remains a member of both the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora. With this in mind, the article examines the interaction between these three international instruments as well as the influence that such interaction might have on Japan’s international obligation to cooperate in the conservation of cetaceans.
Two new species of Clavaria (Agaricales, Basidiomycota) from Central China

Authors: YAN JUN , WANG XIAO-YAN , WANG XIAO-HUI , CHEN ZUO-HONG , ZHANG PING
Published: December 2020

Species of Clavaria (Clavariaceae, Agaricales) collected from China were studied using morphological and molecular methods. Two species, C. griseolilacina and C. sinensis were described as new species; both possess branched and pale purple-tinged fruit bodies. However, the former possess a few branched, while the latter is profusely branched. The phylogenetic analysis based on the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequences confirmed the distinctions between these two new species and their close relationships with C. rubicundula and C. fumosa in the genus. An evolutionary tendency in genus Clavaria was discussed. Additionally, morphological features of the two new species were described in detail and were illustrated with line drawings and photographs. Holotypes of the new species are deposited in the Mycological Herbarium of Hunan Normal University (MHHNU). The ITS sequences generated in this study were deposited in GenBank. A key is provided for the known Clavaria species in China.
Common Methodological Challenges Encountered With Multiple Systems Estimation Studies
Authors: Vincent Kyle Shane , Sharifi Far Serveh , Papathomas Michail
Published: December 2020

Multiple systems estimation refers to a class of inference procedures that are commonly used to estimate the size of hidden populations based on administrative lists. In this paper we discuss some of the common challenges encountered in such studies. In particular, we summarize theoretical issues relating to the existence of maximum likelihood estimators, model identifiability, and parameter redundancy when there is sparse overlap among the lists. We also discuss techniques for matching records when there are no unique identifiers, exploiting covariate information to improve estimation, and addressing missing data. We offer suggestions for remedial actions when these issues/challenges manifest. The corresponding R coding packages that can assist with the analyses of multiple systems estimation data sets are also discussed.
Multiple System Estimation of Victims of Human Trafficking: Model Assessment and Selection
Authors: Cruyff Maarten , Overstall Antony , Papathomas Michail , McCrea Rachel
Published: December 2020

Recently, multiple systems estimation (MSE) has been applied to estimate the number of victims of human trafficking in different countries. The estimation procedure consists of a log-linear analysis of a contingency table of population registers and covariates. As the number of potential models increases exponentially with the number of registers and covariates, it is practically impossible to fit and compare all models. Therefore, the model search needs to be restricted to a small subset of all potential models. This paper addresses principles and criteria for model assessment and selection for MSE of human trafficking with special attention to sparsity which is typical to human trafficking data. The concepts are illustrated on data from Slovakia and Romania.
Inclusive-Empathy in Leadership
Authors: Nakamura Yoshie Tomozumi , Milner Julia , Milner Trenton
Published: December 2020

The unexpected rapid change in the workplace revealed one simple truth: Sizeable benefits exist when leaders show inclusive-empathy. Given current developments in the way people work with technology and within society, inclusive-empathy needs to be adapted. How do leaders begin to show inclusive-empathy if this was never the case beforehand? And what tactics can be used to continually display inclusive-empathy in challenging times? A leader needs to understand and reflect upon the patterns and routines that may have quietly manifested at work and the interactions with others that follow on. This is easier said than done, and in practice it is quite a challenge to identify patterns via self-reflection. In this article, we introduce one practical tool that incorporates reflections as well as opportunities for behavior change in order to assist leaders on the journey of increasing inclusive-empathy.
An Evaluation of the Mental Health, Financial Stress, and Anticipated Debt-at-Graduation Across Clinical and Counseling PhD and PsyD Students
Authors: Borgogna Nicholas C. , Smith Tracey , Berry April T. , McDermott Ryon C.
Published: December 2020

Clinical and counseling psychology doctoral programs are popular avenues for graduate education. However, little is known about the mental health and financial stress of students across the differing types of programs. We conducted as online survey of current doctoral students in APA-accredited psychology doctoral programs ( n = 114 Clinical PhD, n = 80 Counseling PhD, n = 123 PsyD). We also utilized a control ( n = 5,401 undergraduate psychology/social science majors). Results indicated that students in all doctoral programs had lower depression scores compared to undergraduates. Clinical PhD students demonstrated the best outcomes, though not significantly better from other doctoral programs. Undergraduates demonstrated significantly less financial stress compared to counseling PhD and PsyD students, but not clinical PhD students. Large differences were observed regarding anticipated debt-at-graduation, with PsyD students reporting the highest anticipated debt. Areas for further research, limitations, and policy implications are discussed.
Models for prehistoric lithic quarry development
Authors: Fritz Brian L
Published: December 2020

Archaeologists have struggled to find meaningful and cost effective ways to analyze and interpret prehistoric quarry sites. Quarry site deposits typically contain large quantities of broken rock fragments that generally lack morphological attributes commonly used for lithic debitage analysis. Remnants of quarry pits often overlap and converge, forming complex cultural landscapes that are difficult to document and understand. Archaeological excavations near Glens Falls, New York, uncovered evidence of prehistoric mine pits, dense layers of chert quarry debris, and intensively battered bedrock surfaces. High resolution mass analysis was used to analyze large quantities of quarry debris. A new classification for prehistoric quarry sites and new models for quarry site development are proposed.
Cybernetic Communications: Focusing Interactions on Goal-Centered Care
Authors: Chaaban Taghrid , Hallal Rola , Carroll Karen , Rothan-Tondeur Monique
Published: December 2020

In nursing homes, due to time constraints, lack of communication can influence the quality of information exchanged, which influences the outcomes of healthcare for residents. Nurses’ proximity to the nursing home resident, their knowledge, and skill serve as an opportunity to communicate and facilitate patient-centered goals and improve treatment decision-making. Concepts within the cybernetic communication literature entail systemic interactive relationships that enable the sharing of knowledge and expertise. These interactions are based on nursing’s theoretical knowledge, clinical judgment, and empowerment and are based on patient-centered goals.
Pondering Endlessly About Nursing Theory
Authors: Kabigting Edwin-Nikko R.
Published: December 2020

The author in this article provides a review and introduction to Marlaine C. Smith’s fifth edition of Nursing Theories and Practice. Additionally, the author explores the notions of theory and middle-range theory within the discipline of nursing.
The Evolving Distribution of Giving in the United States
Authors: Duquette Nicolas J.
Published: December 2020

I compute the share of U.S. household giving accounted for by the American tax units donating the largest amounts over the 1960–2012 period from repeated cross-sectional samples of federal income tax returns. The share of donations accounted for by a minority of top donors rose sharply over this period. Donor concentration has risen both because the largest gifts have grown larger and because more households give little or nothing in any given year.
Achieving Recovery Through Resilience: Insights From Adults in Midlife Living With Anorexia Nervosa
Authors: McCallum Leslie A. , Alaggia Ramona
Published: December 2020

Despite the high percentage of adults living with anorexia nervosa (AN) over the life course, there is limited understanding of what it means to be living with AN in midlife when the majority of research has focused on adolescents and young adults. As such, clinical practice for individuals in midlife is informed by a severe and enduring AN (SE-AN) framework, which assumes that recovery is not necessarily feasible past young adulthood. This study used constructivist grounded theory methodology to understand the experiences of adults in midlife living with AN. In-depth analyses of 19 participant narratives in midlife show that individuals face barriers to seeking help or remaining in recovery; however, midlife can also act as a significant catalyst toward recovery. Subsequently, there is merit in revisiting the utility of the SE-AN framework in the context of life course theory and exploring resilience-informed approaches in supporting recovery from AN.
Testing Re-Engineered Discharge Program Implementation Strategies in SNFs
Authors: Popejoy Lori L. , Vogelsmeier Amy A. , Wang Yan , Wakefield Bonnie J. , Galambos Colleen M. , Mehr David R.
Published: December 2020

The Re-Engineered Discharge (RED) program, designed for hospitals, is being trialed in skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) with promising results. This paper reports on the quantitative results of a multimethod study testing two different RED program implementation strategies in SNFs. A pretest-posttest design was used to compare utilization outcomes of two different RED implementation strategies (Enhanced and Standard) and overall group differences in four Midwestern SNFs. In the Standard group there were higher odds of being readmitted in the pre-intervention versus post-intervention period. After adjusting coefficients using Poisson regression, in the pre-intervention period the adjusted number of rehospitalizations for the Standard group was 45% higher at 30 days, 50% higher at 60 days ( p = .01), and 39% higher at 180 days ( p = .001). SNF RED may be a useful program to reduce rehospitalizations after discharge. Benefit of SNF RED is dependent on degree of adoption of the intervention.
Preventive Effect of Probiotics on Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia: A Meta-analysis of 2428 Patients
Authors: Ji Ting , Zhu Xingxing , Shang Futai , Zhang Xiangcheng
Published: December 2020

Background:

Researchers had contradictory conclusions about the role of probiotics in preventing ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP), which has led to the controversial use of probiotics in mechanically ventilated patients.

Objective:

To explore the efficacy and safety of probiotics in preventing VAP.

Methods:

A literature search was conducted in 7 medical databases. Two investigators assessed literature quality independently and collected data. The primary outcome was the incidence of VAP. Secondary outcomes included 16 measures. Sensitivity analysis and subgroup and meta-regression analyses were performed to analyze the source of heterogeneity. P values <0.05 were considered statistically significant, and CIs were set at 95%. A random-effects model was set when I2 <50%, otherwise a fixed-effects model was used.

Results:

A total of 20 randomized controlled studies with a total of 2428 patients were analyzed. Pooled results showed positive effects of probiotics on the reduction of VAP incidence (risk ratio [RR] = 0.672; P < 0.001; I2 = 11.3%), length of ICU stay (WMD = −1.417; P = 0.012; I2 = 90.7%), oropharyngeal (RR = 0.866; P = 0.031; I2 = 12.4%) and gastric (RR = 0.645; P < 0.001; I2 = 30.2%) colonization.

Conclusions and Relevance:

Probiotics can reduce the incidence of VAP and reduce oropharyngeal and gastric bacterial colonization. The results also suggest that probiotics do not cause adverse effects.
Interrelationship of Osteopontin, MMP-9 and ADAMTS4 in Patients With Osteoarthritis Undergoing Total Joint Arthroplasty
Authors: Slovacek Hannah , Khanna Rajan , Poredos Pavel , Jezovnik Mateja , Hoppensteadt Debra , Fareed Jawed , Hopkinson William
Published: December 2020

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease characterized by loss of articular cartilage, inflammation and pain, which sometimes necessitates total joint arthroplasty (TJA). Profiling biomarkers of cartilage degradation and inflammation is a promising area of research to understand the pathogenesis of OA. This study aims to report the post-operative fluctuations of 3 biomarkers of OA, osteopontin (OPN), matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), and ADAMTS4 (a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs 4), in patients undergoing TJA to further define the interaction among these biomarkers and delineate their role in OA pathogenesis. OPN is an extracellular matrix (ECM) glycoprotein with increased activity in OA and joint damage and is upregulated by either inflammation or cleavage by MMPs and thrombin. MMP-9 is known to cleave OPN and is upregulated by inflammatory markers, such as IL-1, IL-6 and CRP. ADAMTS4 is an enzyme that degrades aggrecan, a major component of cartilage. These biomarkers were measured in deidentified blood samples collected on the day of surgery, 1 day post-operatively, and day 5-7 post-operatively. MMP-9 and OPN levels were significantly elevated at all times, and ADAMTS4 was significantly decreased at baseline versus controls. OPN and ADAMTS4 inversely fluctuated post-operatively, indicating an interrelation between these 2 biomarkers. This study suggests that the upregulation of MMP-9 and therefore OPN then results in the downregulation of ADAMTS4. The relationship between OPN and thrombin also highlights the importance of monitoring for thrombotic complications. These biomarkers, along with thrombin-mediated cleavage products, may be helpful in the prognostic management of OA patients.
Using data to design and monitor sentencing guidelines: The case of Ireland
Authors: Guilfoyle Eoin , Marder Ian D
Published: December 2020

There is a growing trend across common law jurisdictions towards more structured sentencing processes. Many have implemented some form of sentencing guidelines in recent years; others are designing or considering introducing them. This article focuses on Ireland, a jurisdiction that has recently legislated for sentencing guidelines but does not have sufficient sentencing data available to inform key decisions on guideline design and implementation. It highlights the importance of sentencing data for guideline development and outlines how the lack of data on current sentencing trends and outcomes means that there is no frame of reference for current practice against which to design guidelines, nor assess their likely impact or gauge their effectiveness once introduced. The article examines the types of data that are needed to develop and monitor sentencing guidelines and sets out how they might be collected and analysed in Ireland. The Irish example serves as a case study for other jurisdictions with respect to the importance of sentencing data and the need to ensure that such data are available prior to the introduction of sentencing guidelines.
An easy way to create duration variables in binary cross-sectional time-series data
Authors: Philips Andrew Q.
Published: December 2020

In cross-sectional time-series data with a dichotomous dependent variable, failing to account for duration dependence when it exists can lead to faulty inferences. A common solution is to include duration dummies, polynomials, or splines to proxy for duration dependence. Because creating these is not easy for the common practitioner, I introduce a new command, mkduration, that is a straightforward way to generate a duration variable for binary cross-sectional time-series data in Stata. mkduration can handle various forms of missing data and allows the duration variable to easily be turned into common parametric and nonparametric approximations.
Identifying optimal features for cutting tool condition monitoring using recurrent neural networks
Authors: Yu Wennian , Mechefske Chris , Kim Il Yong
Published: December 2020

Identification of optimal features is necessary for the decision-making models such as the artificial neural network to achieve effective and robust on-line monitoring of cutting tool condition. Most feature selection strategies proposed in the literature are for pattern recognition or classification problems, and not suitable for prognostic problems. This paper applies three parameter suitability metrics introduced in previous similar studies for failure-time analysis and modifies them for failure-process analysis which allows for the unit-wise variation of the component in a population. The suitability of a feature used for cutting tool condition monitoring is determined by its fitness value calculated based on the three metrics. Two types of recurrent neural network are employed to analyze the prognostics ability of the features extracted from multi-sensor signals (acoustics emission, motor current, and vibration) collected from a milling machine under various operating conditions. The analysis results validate that the fitness value of a feature can depict its prognostic ability. It is found that adding more features which share abundant information does not increase the prediction performance but increases the burden on the decision-marking models. In addition, adding features with low fitness values may even deteriorate the prediction.
On dynamic information-based life extension
Authors: Finkelstein Maxim , Cha Ji Hwan , Ghosh Shyamal
Published: December 2020

When the level of degradation of a deteriorating system is observed at inspection, a decision can be made either to perform its preventive maintenance (PM) immediately or to postpone it. This type of policy can increase the expected lifetime of a system if executed in an optimal way. The main distinction from the previous works is that for optimal decision, we utilise the information on degradation, which enables to use optimally resources of a system. The case of one possible PM with the deterministic failure threshold is considered in detail. Generalisations to the cases of imperfect PM, several PMs and of a random failure threshold are discussed. The obtained optimal solutions are illustrated by numerical examples.
Results of surgical resection of carotid body tumors: A twenty-year experience
Authors: Moore January F , Casler John D , Oldenburg Warner Andrew , Reimer Ronald , Wharen Robert E , Deen H Gordon , Farres Houssam , Hakaim Albert G
Published: December 2020

This study examines whether surgical resection of carotid body tumors (CBTs) is acceptable in light of potential significant neurologic complications. This IRB-approved retrospective study analyzed data from 24 patients undergoing surgical treatment for CBTs between April 1998 and April 2017 at Mayo Clinic (Florida campus only). For patients who underwent multiple CBT resections, only data from the first surgery was used in this analysis. CBT resection occurred in 24 patients with the following demographics: fourteen patients (58.3%) were female, median age was 56.5 years, median BMI was 29. A prior history of neoplasm was found in ten patients (41.7%). A known family history of paraganglioma was present in five patients (20.8%). Two patients were positive for succinate dehydrogenase mutation (8.3%). Multiple paragangliomas were present in seven patients (29.2%). There was nerve sacrifice in three patients (12.5%) during resection. Carotid artery reconstruction and patch angioplasty occurred in one patient (4.2%). Complete resection occurred in 24 patients (100.0%). Postoperatively, one patient (4.2%) suffered stroke. No mortalities occurred within or beyond 30 days of surgery. Persistent cranial nerve injury occurred in two patients (8.3%) with vocal cord paralysis. There was no recurrence of CBT through last follow-up. Five patients (20.8%) were diagnosed with other neoplasms after resection, including basal cell carcinoma, contralateral carotid body tumor, glomus vagale, and glomus jugulare. There was 100% survival at 1 year in patients followed for that time ( n = 17). Surgical treatment remains the first-line curative treatment to relieve symptoms and ensure non-recurrence. While acceptable, neurologic complications are significant and therefore detailed preoperative informed consent is mandatory.
Introduction: Creative labour in East Asia
Authors: de Kloet Jeroen , Lin Jian , Chow Yiu Fai
Published: December 2020

In this introduction to this special issue on creative labour in East Asia, we explore how the creative industries discourse, and related debates around creative labour, continue to be haunted by a Eurocentric cum Anglocentric bias. The critical language of this discourse often directs all discussion of “inequality”, “precarity” and “self-exploitation” of creative labour towards a critique of “neoliberalism”, thus running the risk of overlooking different socio-political contexts. We point at the urgency to contextualize and globalize, if not decolonize, creative work studies, including the debates surrounding precarity. This special issue explores the nuanced situations of governance and labour experiences in the cultural economies of East Asia.
Empirical Study of Industrial Classification, Structure, and Factor Intensity: An Enquiry into Dwindling Labor Intensity in a Labor-Surplus Economy
Authors: Soni Swapnil , Subrahmanya M.H. Bala
Published: December 2020

In the process of economic growth, industrial structure exhibits changes in terms of factor intensity, output, and employment. This study presents the dynamics of industrial structure by empirically investigating the factor intensity and employment at distinct derived categories of registered Indian manufacturing industries. To probe the industrial structures, the study proposes empirical approaches for classification of industries based on use-based classification and factor intensity. The results reveal the dwindling trend of labor intensity across categories of industries implying technological progress, on the one hand, and employment concerns, on the other. An investigation of employment scenario reveals a heartening finding for the current industrial structure: both labor-intensive and capital-intensive (CI) industries exhibit increasing employment trends. In contrast with the conventional perception, capital goods industries are found to absorb an increasing amount of labor relative to capital. Accordingly, in the recent years, CI industries drove employment generation while adopting technological progress resulting from capital deepening and thereby maintained a high labor productivity.
Intracranial Arterial Stenosis Among Filipino Ischemic Stroke Patients: A Single Center Study
Authors: Ilagan-Gacita Suzanne Marie Q. , Sanchez-Tapia Jennifer Ann P. , Navarro Jose C.
Published: December 2020

Introduction:

Intracranial arterial stenosis (ICAS) is common among certain race. It is prevalent in Asians, Hispanics, and African Americans, who constitutes about 2/3 of the world population making it the most common cause of stroke worldwide.

Objectives:

The objectives are to describe the demographic data and risk factors of patients with ICAS and 1-year outcome.

Methods:

Patients who had ischemic stroke by cranial computed tomography scan or magnetic resonance imaging, magnetic resonance angiography, computed tomographic angiography, or transcranial Doppler with periodic follow-up for 1 year were consecutively collected. Patients without intracranial stenosis were also collected and served as control. The demographic data, risk factors, modified Rankin Scale, stroke recurrence and mortality between ICAS and large artery atherosclerosis (LAA) patients were compared. The distribution and the degree of steno-occlusive lesions were estimated.

Results:

A total of 258 cases were consecutively collected. ICAS was demonstrated in 109 patients and 149 were LAA patients. There were 62 (56.88%) males. The age range distribution was as follows: 18 to 45 year olds, 15 (13.76%); 46 to 60 year olds, 28 (25.69%); and 61 year olds and above 66 (60.55%). Risk factors were hypertension 82 (75.23%), diabetes mellitus 46 (42.20%), hyperlipidemia 27 (24.77%), atrial fibrillation 16 (14.68%), history of previous stroke 23 (21.10%), alcohol drinker 28 (25.69%), obesity 8 (7.34%), and family history of cerebrovascular disease 33 (30.28%). ICAS was seen in the middle cerebral artery 46 (46.9%), ICA 21 (21.4%), BA 11 (11.2%), VA 8 (8.16%), PCA 7 (7.14%), and ACA 5 (5.1%). Majority of the patients showed moderate to severe stenosis. Modified Rankin Scale ranged from 0 to 2 in the majority of the patients and showed not much difference compared to LAA patients. The recurrence of stroke and death rate showed no significant difference between the 2 groups.

Conclusion:

In this study, no difference was seen between ICAS and LAA patients.