bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Interactive Manufacturability Analysis and Tolerance Allocation Tool for Additive Manufacturing
Authors: Budinoff Hannah D. , McMains Sara , Rinaldi Alberto
Published: November 2018

Geometric tolerances for new products are sometimes assigned without specific knowledge of the cost or feasibility of manufacturing them to the assigned tolerances, which can significantly drive up production costs and lead to delays and design revisions. We present an interactive tool that quickly estimates the manufacturability of assigned tolerances for additive manufacturing and a compact visualization to present this information to the designer. The designer can use the system to explore feasible build orientations and then adjust specified tolerance limits if all tolerances are not simultaneously achievable at a single orientation. After the designer is satisfied that the range of feasible orientations has been fully explored, a physical programming approach is used to identify a single orientation to best satisfy the designer’s preferences. The calculation and visualization of the results is done in real-time, enabling quick iteration. A test case is presented to illustrate the use of the tool.
An Integrated Design and Simulation Environment for Rapid Prototyping of Laminate Robotic Mechanisms
Authors: Sharifzadeh Mohammad , Khodambashi Roozbeh , Aukes Daniel M.
Published: November 2018

Laminate mechanisms are a reliable concept in producing low-cost robots for educational and commercial purposes. These mechanisms are produced using low-cost manufacturing techniques which have improved significantly during recent years and are more accessible to novices and hobbyists. However, iterating through the design space to come up with the best design for a robot is still a time consuming and rather expensive task and therefore, there is still a need for model-based analysis before manufacturing. Until now, there has been no integrated design and analysis software for laminate robots. This paper addresses some of the issues surrounding laminate analysis by introducing a companion to an existing laminate design tool that automates the generation of dynamic equations and produces simulation results via rendered plots and videos. We have validated the accuracy of the software by comparing the position, velocity and acceleration of the simulated mechanisms with the measurements taken from physical laminate prototypes using a motion capture system.
Curvature Theory on Contact and Transfer Characteristics of Enveloping Curves
Authors: Ting Kwun-Lon , Chan Cody Leeheng
Published: November 2018

In differential geometry, a curve is characterized by the curvature properties and so is a point trajectory in curvature theory. However, due to the rolling and sliding between contact curves, the characterization of enveloping curves embedded on rigid bodies in relative motion is not complete without the transfer (or shifting) characteristics of the contact point. This paper presents the new perspectives and the first comprehensive theory on not only the curvature characteristics but also the transfer characteristics between enveloping curves embedded on rigid bodies. The paper contains three parts. In the first part, a point traces a curve on the moving body and consequently traces a curve on the fixed body. Both generated curves form a pair of enveloping curves. This part establishes the foundation of the paper. Because each enveloping curve is treated as a point trajectory. One may examine all aspects of the enveloping process. Essentially this unmasks the veil that has hindered further understanding and observation of the enveloping behavior beyond the fundamental curvature. It represents a significant advancement on envelope theory. In the second part, the moving point is the instant center, which traces the moving centrode on the moving body and the fixed centrode on the fixed body. It characterizes the rolling between centrodes and the transfer characteristics of the instant center on each centrode. It not only offers a simple way to treat the instant center transfer (shifting) velocity but also successfully extends it to any order of motion. The third part is about the rolling and sliding of between enveloping curves embedded on rigid bodies in relative motion. It addresses the transfer characteristics of the contact on each of the contact curves for the first time. The transfer characteristics are functions of the rigid body motion characteristics. This part offers the vital kinematic aspect of enveloping curves distinctly different from the conventional curvature theory that addresses an individual curve. The proposed enveloping curvature theory offers an important model to account for all aspects of the contact and removes the veil that blurs the contact behavior caused by the traditional envelope definition of Fλxy=∂F∂λλxy=0. This is a kinematic solution for envelopes. The proposed theory is illustrated with an example of two rolling cylinders.
Approximate Functionally Graded Materials for Multi-Material Additive Manufacturing
Authors: Leung Yuen-Shan , Mao Huachao , Chen Yong
Published: November 2018

Functionally graded materials (FGM) possess superior properties of multiple materials due to the continuous transitions of these materials. Recent progresses in multi-material additive manufacturing (AM) processes enable the creation of arbitrary material composition, which significantly enlarges the manufacturing capability of FGMs. At the same time, the fabrication capability also introduces new challenges for the design of FGMs. A critical issue is to create the continuous material distribution under the fabrication constraints of multi-material AM processes. Using voxels to approximate gradient material distribution could be one plausible way for additive manufacturing. However, current FGM design methods are non-additive-manufacturing-oriented and unpredictable. For instance, some designs require a vast number of materials to achieve continuous transitions; however, the material choices that are available in a multi-material AM machine are rather limited. Other designs control the volume fraction of two materials to achieve gradual transition; however, such transition cannot be functionally guaranteed. To address these issues, we present a design and fabrication framework for FGMs that can efficiently and effectively generate printable and predictable FGM structures. We adopt a data-driven approach to approximate the behavior of FGM using two base materials. A digital material library is constructed with different combinations of the base materials, and their mechanical properties are extracted by Finite Element Analysis (FEA). The mechanical properties are then used for the conversion process between the FGM and the dual material structure such that similar behavior is guaranteed. An error diffusion algorithm is further developed to minimize the approximation error. Simulation results on four test cases show that our approach is robust and accurate, and the framework can successfully design and fabricate such FGM structures.
Passive Vibration Control of Roller Batteries in Cableways
Authors: Carboni Biagio , Arena Andrea , Lacarbonara Walter
Published: November 2018

A passive vibration control strategy to mitigate the accelerations of roller batteries in cableways caused by the vehicle transit is investigated. The vibration control strategy makes use of a group of Tuned Mass Dampers (TMDs) placed in different positions along the roller battery. When the frequencies of the TMDs are properly tuned to the modes to control, the energy provided by the dynamic forcing to the roller battery is transferred as kinetic energy to the TMDs. This work investigates the effectiveness of an array of linear TMDs in comparison with the performance of hysteretic TMDs that exploit the restoring forces provided by an assembly of wire ropes. First a dynamical characterization of the roller battery (modal analysis) is carried out. Then an optimization of the assembly of linear TMDs against skew-symmetric harmonic excitations is achieved by means of the Differential Evolution algorithm (DE). Subsequently, the performance of the linear TMDs assembly against the vehicle transit across the tower is assessed. Finally the performance of a network of hysteretic TMDs is studied together with practical feasibility considerations.
Hysteretic Resonances and Intermittency Chaos in Ball Bearings
Authors: Zhang Zhiyong , Rui Xiaoting , Chen Yushu , Dong Wenkai , Li Lei
Published: November 2018

Ball bearings are essential parts of mechanical systems to support the rotors or constitute the revolute joints. The time-varying compliance (VC), bearing clearance and the Hertzian contact between the rolling elements and raceways are three fundamental nonlinear factors in a ball bearing, hence the ball bearing can be considered as a nonlinear system. The hysteresis and jumps induced by the nonlinearities of rolling bearings are typical phenomena of nonlinear vibrations in the rolling bearing-rotor systems. And the corresponding hysteretic impacts have direct effects on the cleavage derivative and fatigue life of the system components. Therefore, the behaviors of hysteresis and jumps are given full attentions and continued studies in the theoretical and engineering fields. Besides, many researchers have done a lot of calculations to depict the various characteristics of bifurcations and chaos in the rolling bearings and their rotor systems, but few researches have been addressed on the inherent mechanism of the typical intermittency vibrations in rolling bearings. With the aid of the HB-AFT (the harmonic balance method and the alternating frequency/time domain technique) method and Floquet theory, this paper will investigate deeply the resonant hysteresis and intermittency chaos in ball bearings.
Current and Future Manufacturing of Chest Orthoses, Considering the Case of Osteogenesis Imperfecta
Authors: Redaelli Davide Felice , Biffi Emilia , Colombo Giorgio , Fraschini Paolo , Reni Gianluigi
Published: November 2018

The present paper aims at discussing the current manufacturing processes of chest orthoses, considering patients affected by Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI) and a possible future scenario. OI is a genetic disease caused primarily by the genes responsible for collagen production. One of the most common symptoms among the groups of living subjects affected by OI is scoliosis, the abnormal deformation of the spine curvature. The non-invasive treatments for realigning the spine consist of both physical exercise and use of chest braces. The latter are strongly patient-dependent devices; thus, the level of customization is high. The production processes can be classified in: traditional, modern and research process. The first one consists of a sequence of manual operations on plaster casts and final orthoses. The modern process integrates CAD/CAM systems for the first phases of virtual 3D modeling and the automation of the cast production using milling robot, but maintaining the second part of the process. The research process considers the introduction of polymer Additive Manufacturing (AM) in substitution to the thermoforming. Advantages and disadvantages related to each process are discussed in relation to the OI problem.
Vibrational Behavior of Epicyclic Gear Trains With Lumped-Parameter Models: Analysis and Design Optimization Under Uncertainty
Authors: Wehrle Erich , Palomba Ilaria , Vidoni Renato
Published: November 2018

Vibrational behavior of epicyclic gearing a critical aspect as this can lead to detrimental structural-mechanical effects including fatigue, comfort and acoustics. In order to better understand this behavior, lumped-parameter models are used in early development phases. Here the eigenfrequencies as well as frequency responses are ascertained with and without consideration of uncertainty. Uncertainty is critical in the early design phases and beyond. In such systems, there is variation in parameter values from a variety of sources. Here the uncertain stiffness will be considered.

It is also the goal of this work to dimension the epicyclic gear train to optimize performance. The early design phase is plagued by uncertainty and if this is neglected in the design optimization, this can lead to drastically suboptimal designs. In this work, a methodology is introduced to optimally design and dimension epicyclic gear trains under uncertainty. Though specifically aimed at epicyclic gearing, the methods developed here are general enough for further application fields.

Mass and inertia terms are chosen as design variables, though others are possible in this framework. The constraints are so formulated so that the eigenfrequencies avoid the harmonics of the mesh frequencies and its side bands. The uncertain parameters are treated as bounded and therefore intervals are used instead of statistical distributions. Statistical information needed for probabilistic methods of the uncertain parameters are assumed here to be unavailable in early development phases.
Effects of Ar+ etching of Cu2ZnSnSe4 thin films: An x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and photoluminescence study
Authors: Yakushev Michael V. , Sulimov Mikhail A. , Skidchenko Ekaterina , Márquez-Prieto Jose , Forbes Ian , Edwards Paul R. , Kuznetsov Mikhail V. , Zhivulko Vadim D. , Borodavchenko Olga M. , Mudryi Alexander V. , Krustok Juri , Martin Robert W.
Published: November 2018

Cu2ZnSnSe4 (CZTSe) is a semiconductor used as the absorber layer in highly promising sustainable thin film solar cells. The authors study the effect of Ar+ etching of copper deficient and zinc excess CZTSe thin films deposited on Mo/glass substrates on the surface elemental composition, measured by x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and photoluminescence (PL) spectra. Low temperature PL spectra reveal a broad asymmetrical band at 0.95 eV. The temperature and excitation intensity dependencies of this band suggest that it is a free-to-bound (FB) recombination of electrons from the conduction band with holes localized at an acceptor affected by potential fluctuations. The surface composition of the as grown films demonstrates a strong copper deficiency: [Cu]/[Zn + Sn] = 0.33. The etching of the film surface using Ar+ beam increases [Cu]/[Zn + Sn] to 0.51, which is significantly smaller than that of 0.78 in the bulk, measured by wavelength dispersive x-ray analysis, demonstrating the presence on the surface of a copper-depleted layer. The Ar+ etching drastically reduces the FB band intensity by a factor of 4.5, broadens it and develops a low energy tail. Ar ions displace atoms in CZTSe lattice creating primary radiation defects, vacancies, and interstitials, which recombine at room temperature forming antisite defects with deep energy levels. Some of them generate the observed low energy tail and increase the mean depth of potential fluctuation γ, determined from the shape of the low energy side of FB band, from 24 meV before Ar+ etching to 35 meV after. Other deep defects work as nonradiative recombination centers reducing the intensity of the FB band.
Undergraduate Research in Kinesiology: Examples to Enhance Student Outcomes
Authors: Carson James A. , Petrella John K. , Yingling Vanessa , Marshall Mallory R. , O Jenny , Sherwood Jennifer J.
Published: November 2018

Undergraduate research is emphasized as a critical component of today’s science-based undergraduate education and widely accepted as an important part of the overall undergraduate education experience. While educators agree on the value of undergraduate research, significant challenges exist related to the design of the undergraduate research experience and the faculty member’s role in it. Additional challenges include providing high-quality research experiences that benefit the education of a large number of students while maintaining feasibility and cost-effectiveness. The scope of this review is to provide an overview of research and service-learning experiences in kinesiology departments at 3 institutions of higher learning that vary in size and mission.
Promoting Active-Learning Instruction and Research (PALIR) in Kinesiology Departments
Authors: Knudson Duane , Meaney Karen
Published: November 2018

This article describes the implementation and evaluation of an initiative to promote active learning through facility renovation and faculty training. Twenty faculty representing a variety of academic areas from 2 departments participated in a 3-part active-learning professional development workshop series. Department of Health and Human Performance faculty (N = 14) teaching 19 courses and 416 of the students in the new active classroom were surveyed on their attitudes on the facilities, room design, professional development, and active-learning instruction. Consistent with previous active-learning research, there were subtle differences between student and faculty perceptions of the importance of renovation features, active-learning exercises, and philosophy of the learning process. The initiative was effective in helping predisposed faculty to implement active-learning experiences in their classes and engaging in more scholarship of teaching and learning, as well as enhancing the visibility of the department as a leader in active learning and the scholarship of teaching and learning at the university.
The American Kinesiology Association Core Content for Kinesiology Programs: From Concept to Curriculum
Authors: Chodzko-Zajko Wojtek , Taylor Erica M. , Reeve T. Gilmour
Published: November 2018

The American Kinesiology Association identified the essential core content for undergraduate kinesiology-based academic programs. The core includes 4 content elements: physical activity in health, wellness, and quality of life; scientific foundations of physical activity; cultural, historical, and philosophical dimensions of physical activity; and the practice of physical activity. This article, expanding on the development of the core, describes the 4 elements in more detail, suggests methods for assessing student learning outcomes for the core content, and provides examples of the inclusion of the core in undergraduate curricula. Finally, a case study is presented that addresses how a department revised its kinesiology curriculum using the core elements to refocus its undergraduate degree program.
A novel ternary heterostructure with dramatic SERS activity for evaluation of PD-L1 expression at the single-cell level
Authors: Feng Enduo , Zheng Tingting , He Xiaoxiao , Chen Jinquan , Tian Yang
Published: November 2018

A ternary nanostructure with substantial SERS activity is created for protein receptor (PD-L1) evaluation on the cell surface.
Correlative 3D x-ray fluorescence and ptychographic tomography of frozen-hydrated green algae
Authors: Deng Junjing , Lo Yuan Hung , Gallagher-Jones Marcus , Chen Si , Pryor Alan , Jin Qiaoling , Hong Young Pyo , Nashed Youssef S. G. , Vogt Stefan , Miao Jianwei , Jacobsen Chris
Published: November 2018

X-ray ptychography and fluorescence imaging reveal 3D elemental composition and ultrastructure in frozen-hydrated green algae.
Compliant and stretchable thermoelectric coils for energy harvesting in miniature flexible devices
Authors: Nan Kewang , Kang Stephen Dongmin , Li Kan , Yu Ki Jun , Zhu Feng , Wang Juntong , Dunn Alison C. , Zhou Chaoqun , Xie Zhaoqian , Agne Matthias T. , Wang Heling , Luan Haiwen , Zhang Yihui , Huang Yonggang , Snyder G. Jeffrey , Rogers John A.
Published: November 2018

Thermoelectric coils for energy harvesting are fabricated in miniature flexible devices.
Rethinking retractions
Authors: Brainard Jeffrey
Published: November 2018

The largest-ever database of retracted articles suggests the burgeoning numbers reflect better oversight, not a crisis in science.
Ethane/ethylene separation in a metal-organic framework with iron-peroxo sites
Authors: Li Libo , Lin Rui-Biao , Krishna Rajamani , Li Hao , Xiang Shengchang , Wu Hui , Li Jinping , Zhou Wei , Chen Banglin
Published: November 2018

A preference for ethane

Industrial production of ethylene requires its separation from ethane in a cryogenic process that consumes large amounts of energy. An alternative would be differential sorption in microporous materials. Most of these materials bind ethylene more strongly that ethane, but adsorption of ethane would be more efficient. Li
et al.
found that a metal-organic framework containing iron-peroxo sites bound ethane more strongly than ethylene and could be used to separate the gases at ambient conditions.

Science
, this issue p.
443
Synchrotron radiation from an accelerating light pulse
Authors: Henstridge M. , Pfeiffer C. , Wang D. , Boltasseva A. , Shalaev V. M. , Grbic A. , Merlin R.
Published: November 2018

Shrinking synchrotron generation

The generation of synchrotron radiation is typically achieved by accelerating charges in large magnetic fields. Synchrotron facilities are usually the realm of large international organizations. Henstridge
et al.
show that the interaction of a femtosecond light pulse moving in an arc on a specially designed metasurface can also generate synchrotron radiation. In this case, the synchrotron radiation at terahertz frequencies was produced by the nonlinear polarization induced by the light pulse. The results hold promise for the development of powerful on-chip light sources.

Science
, this issue p.
439
Transmission modes of the mammalian gut microbiota
Authors: Moeller Andrew H. , Suzuki Taichi A. , Phifer-Rixey Megan , Nachman Michael W.
Published: November 2018

Transmission of the gut community

Natural transmission of the mammalian microbiota is poorly understood. Some genera of bacteria are transmitted from mothers to offspring, whereas others are acquired from the wider environment. Moeller
et al.
derived inbred mouse lines from two wild populations of mice with distinct microbiota and monitored the populations' microbiomes for 3 years while they were kept in the same animal facility. The microbiota of the two mouse lineages remained distinct even after 10 generations. Most microbiota genera transmitted vertically. Those taxa that transmitted horizontally through the shared environment of the animal facility tended to be those that include pathogens.

Science
, this issue p.
453
Response to Comment on “The earliest modern humans outside Africa”
Authors: Hershkovitz Israel , Duval Mathieu , Grün Rainer , Mercier Norbert , Valladas Helene , Ayalon Avner , Bar-Matthews Miryam , Weber Gerhard W. , Quam Rolf , Zaidner Yossi , Weinstein-Evron Mina
Published: November 2018

Our original claim, based on three independent numerical dating methods, of an age of ~185,000 years for the Misliya-1 modern human hemi-maxilla from Mount Carmel, Israel, is little affected by discounting uranium-series dating of adhering crusts. It confirms a much earlier out-of-Africa
Homo sapiens
expansion than previously suggested by the considerably younger (90,000 to 120,000 years) Skhul/Qafzeh hominins.
Us against them
Uncivil Agreement: How Politics Became Our Identity
Lilliana Mason
University of Chicago Press, 2018. 192 pp.
Authors: Federico Christopher M.
Published: November 2018

Is contemporary partisanship “identity all the way down”?
How fish get their stripes—again and again
Authors: Gante Hugo F.
Published: November 2018

Cichlid fish emerge as new models for pattern development and evolution
The mechanotransduction of blood pressure
Authors: Ehmke Heimo
Published: November 2018

Two stretch-activated channels in arteries could be targets for some types of heart failure
Imagine a world without facts
Authors: Berg Jeremy
Published: November 2018

When I was a young faculty member, my laboratory was deeply engaged in studies of zinc-containing proteins. One evening, after our two sons had been tucked into bed, I was watching The Simpsons and the episode began, uncharacteristically in black and white, with a man trying unsuccessfully to start his car. Another man says, “You said that you wanted to live in a world without zinc…” and explains the essential roles that zinc plays in various machines and expands on the frightening and dysfunctional scenario. I was genuinely concerned that I was hallucinating and wondered whom I could call to confirm what I thought I had seen. We are now living in a world where the reality of facts and the importance of scientific inquiry and responsible journalism are questioned with distressing frequency. This trend needs to be called out and arrested; the consequences of allowing it to continue are potentially quite damaging.
Population Genetics and Molecular Epidemiology of Eukaryotes
Authors: Blanton Ronald E.
Published: November 2018

Molecular epidemiology uses the distribution and organization of a pathogen’s DNA to understand the distribution and determinants of disease. Since the biology of DNA for eukaryotic pathogens differs substantially from that of bacteria, the analytic approach to their molecular epidemiology can also differ. While many of the genotyping techniques presented earlier in this series, “Advances in Molecular Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases,” can be applied to eukaryotes, the output must be interpreted in the light of how DNA is distributed from one generation to the next. In some cases, parasite populations can be evaluated in ways reminiscent of bacteria. They differ, however, when analyzed as sexually reproducing organisms, where all individuals are unique but the genetic composition of the population does not change unless a limited set of events occurs. It is these events (migration, mutation, nonrandom mating, selection, and genetic drift) that are of interest. At a given time, not all of them are likely to be equally important, so the list can easily be narrowed down to understand the driving forces behind the population as it is now and even what it will look like in the future. The main population characteristics measured to assess these events are differentiation and diversity, interpreted in the light of what is known about the population from observation. The population genetics of eukaryotes is important for planning and evaluation of control measures, surveillance, outbreak investigation, and monitoring of the development and spread of drug resistance.

*

This article is part of a curated collection.
Laboratory Methods in Molecular Epidemiology: Viral Infections
Authors: Parreira Ricardo
Published: November 2018

Viruses, which are the most abundant biological entities on the planet, have been regarded as the “dark matter” of biology in the sense that despite their ubiquity and frequent presence in large numbers, their detection and analysis are not always straightforward. The majority of them are very small (falling under the limit of 0.5 μm), and collectively, they are extraordinarily diverse. In fact, the majority of the genetic diversity on the planet is found in the so-called virosphere, or the world of viruses. Furthermore, the most frequent viral agents of disease in humans display an RNA genome, and frequently evolve very fast, due to the fact that most of their polymerases are devoid of proofreading activity. Therefore, their detection, genetic characterization, and epidemiological surveillance are rather challenging. This review (part of the Curated Collection on Advances in Molecular Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases) describes many of the methods that, throughout the last few decades, have been used for viral detection and analysis. Despite the challenge of having to deal with high genetic diversity, the majority of these methods still depend on the amplification of viral genomic sequences, using sequence-specific or sequence-independent approaches, exploring thermal profiles or a single nucleic acid amplification temperature. Furthermore, viral populations, and especially those with RNA genomes, are not usually genetically uniform but encompass swarms of genetically related, though distinct, viral genomes known as viral quasispecies. Therefore, sequence analysis of viral amplicons needs to take this fact into consideration, as it constitutes a potential analytic problem. Possible technical approaches to deal with it are also described here.

*

This article is part of a curated collection.
How do type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM)-related complications and socioeconomic factors impact direct medical costs? A cross-sectional study in rural Southeast China
Authors: Wu Haibin , Eggleston Karen N , Zhong Jieming , Hu Ruying , Wang Chunmei , Xie Kaixu , Chen Yiwei , Chen Xiangyu , Yu Min
Published: November 2018

Objective

To evaluate type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM)-related direct medical costs by complication type and complication number, and to assess the impacts of complications as well as socioeconomic factors on direct medical costs.

Design

A cross-sectional study using data from the region’s diabetes management system, social security system and death registry system, 2015.

Setting

Tongxiang, China.

Participants

Individuals diagnosed with T2DM in the local diabetes management system, and who had 2015 insurance claims in the social security system. Patients younger than 35 years and patients whose insurance type changed in the year 2015 were excluded.

Main outcome measures

The mean of direct medical costs by complication type and number, and the percentage increase of direct medical costs relative to a reference group, considering complications and socioeconomic factors.

Results

A total of 19 015 eligible individuals were identified. The total cost of patients with one complication was US$1399 at mean, compared with US$248 for patients without complications. The mean total cost for patients with 2 and 3+ complications was US$1705 and US$2994, respectively. After adjustment for socioeconomic confounders, patients with one complication had, respectively, 83.55% and 38.46% greater total costs for inpatient and outpatient services than did patients without complications. The presence of multiple complications was associated with a significant 44.55% adjusted increase in total outpatient costs, when compared with one complication. Acute complications, diabetic foot, stroke, ischaemic heart disease and diabetic nephropathy were the highest cost complications. Gender, age, education level, insurance type, T2DM duration and mortality were significantly associated with increased expenditures of T2DM.

Conclusions

Complications significantly aggravated expenditures on T2DM. Specific kinds of complications and the presence of multiple complications are correlated with much higher expenditures. Proper management and the prevention of related complications are urgently needed to reduce the growing economic burden of diabetes.
Integrated management of non-communicable diseases in low-income settings: palliative care, primary care and community health synergies
Authors: Munday Daniel , Kanth Vandana , Khristi Shadrach , Grant Liz
Published: November 2018

Palliative care is recognised as a fundamental component of Universal Health Coverage (UHC), which individual countries, led by the United Nations and the WHO, are committed to achieving worldwide by 2030—Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3.8. As the incidence of non-communicable diseases (NCD) in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs) increases, their prevention and control are the central aspects of UHC in these areas. While the main focus is on reducing premature mortality from NCDs (SDG 3.4), palliative care is becoming increasingly important in LMICs, in which 80% of the need is found. This paper discusses the challenges of providing comprehensive NCD management in LMICs, the role of palliative care in addressing the huge and growing burden of serious health-related suffering, and also its scope for leveraging various aspects of primary care NCD management. Drawing on experiences in India and Nepal, and particularly a project on the India–Nepal border in which palliative care, community health and primary care-led NCD management are being integrated, we explore the synergies arising and describe a model where palliative care is integral to the whole spectrum of NCD management, from promotion and prevention, through treatment, rehabilitation and palliation. We believe this model could provide a framework for integrated NCD management more generally in rural India and Nepal and also other LMICs as they work to make NCD management as part of UHC a reality.
Exploring parents’ reasons for attending the emergency department for children with minor illnesses: a mixed methods systematic review
Authors: Butun Ahmet , Linden Mark , Lynn Fiona , McGaughey Jennifer
Published: November 2018

Background

The number of EDs visit is on the increase, and the pressure on EDs is of significant concern worldwide. The usage of EDs by parents of children with minor illness is an important and still unresolved problem causing a burden to healthcare services. The aim of this study was to review the literature to summarise parental reasons for visiting ED for children with minor illness.

Method

Seven electronic databases (Medline, Embase, PsycINFO, CINAHL, PubMed, Web of Science and Scopus) were comprehensively searched during a 2-week period in August 2016 and updated between 11 and 20 June 2018. The study selection process was undertaken independently by two authors. Qualitative and quantitative studies that focused on the reasons for parents of children with minor illness to attend an ED were included. Studies were assessed for quality and data were analysed by means of narrative synthesis.

Results

Twenty-four studies were included. Eleven studies employed quantitative methods, eleven studies used qualitative methods and two studies used mixed methods. Parental reasons for using ED included perceived urgency, ED advantages (eg, faster service, superior ED resources and efficiency), difficulties with getting a general practitioner appointment, lack of facilities in primary healthcare services, lack of health insurance, reassurance, convenience and access.

Conclusion

This review identified some of the reasons why parents bring their children to the ED for minor illnesses highlighting the multifaceted nature of this problem. Understanding parental reasons behind their choice to use the ED may help us better design targeted interventions to reduce unnecessary ED visits and alleviate the burden on overstretched healthcare services. This review may help inform emergency care policy makers, researchers and healthcare staff to understand parents’ reasons for visiting the ED, to better meet their healthcare needs.
Haematemesis and acute dysphagia: oesophagogastroduodenoscopy or CT—which one first?
Authors: Mogavero Giuseppe , Imperiali Gianni , Rondonotti Emanuele , Martegani Alberto , Spinzi Giancarlo , Radaelli Franco
Published: November 2018

We present an uncommon case of a patient presenting at the emergency department for severe vomiting, persisting for at least 12 hours, without nausea or abdominal pain. She initially referred vomiting food eaten several hours earlier and eventually a single episode of haematemesis with emission of a small amount of red blood and clots. She also reported the occurrence of acute dysphagia for solid food. The patient underwent oesophagogastroduodenoscopy (OGD), which showed that the lumen was almost completely narrowed by a submucosal bluish bulging from midoesophagus (19 cm from the incisors) to the cardia (located at 35 cm from the incisors). She therefore underwent chest CT showing a 15 cm long intramural oesophageal haematoma. Although the combination of vomiting and haematemesis is usually associated with Mallory-Weiss syndrome, in which a prompt OGD has a key role in the patient management, when these symptoms are associated with acute dysphagia, a possible intramural haematoma might be suspected. In this case, chest CT should take precedence, because it allows a quick and complete diagnostic appraisal. However, in this setting, although OGD can directly show typical findings (bluish swelling mucosa with or without a superficial tears), it might increase the risk of oesophageal haematoma rupture and intraluminal bleeding.
Dietitian first gastroenterology clinic: an initiative to reduce wait lists and wait times for gastroenterology outpatients in a tertiary hospital service
Authors: Mutsekwa Rumbidzai N , Canavan Russell , Whitfield Anthony , Spencer Alan , Angus Rebecca L
Published: November 2018

Objective

The demand for outpatient gastroenterology medical specialist consultations is above what can be met within budgetary and staffing constraints. This study describes the establishment of a dietitian first gastroenterology clinic to address this issue, the patient journey and its impact on wait lists and wait times in a tertiary gastroenterology service.

Design

A dietitian first gastroenterology clinic model was developed and a mixed-methods approach used to evaluate the impact of the service over a 21-month period.

Setting

Gold Coast University Hospital, Queensland, Australia (a public tertiary hospital).

Patients

658 patients were triaged to the clinic between June 2016 and March 2018.

Intervention

A dietitian first gastroenterology clinic for low-risk gastroenterology patients.

Main outcome measures

We examined demographic, referral, wait list, wait time and service activity data, patient satisfaction and patient journey.

Results

At the time of audit, 399 new (67.9% female) and 307 review patients had been seen. Wait times for eligible patients reduced from 280 to 66 days and the percentage of those in breach of their recommended wait times reduced from 95% to zero. The average time from referral to discharge was 117.8 days with an average of 2.4 occasions of service. 277 patients (69.4%) had been discharged to the care of their general practitioner and 43 patients (10.7%) had an expedited specialist medical review. Patient surveys indicated a high level of satisfaction.

Conclusion

A dietitian first gastroenterology model of care helps improve patient flow, reduces wait times and may be useful elsewhere to address outpatient gastroenterology service pressures.
Economic and environmental effects of reduction in smoking prevalence in Tanzania
Authors: Jha Veena , Narayanan Badri G , Wadhwa Deepika , Tesche Jean
Published: November 2018

Background

In Tanzania, strong tobacco control measures that would lead to a reduction in prevalence (consumption) have so far not been implemented due to concern about possible economic effects on gross domestic product and employment. The aim of this study is to analyse the economic effects of reducing tobacco consumption in Tanzania.

Methods

The study uses computable general equilibrium (CGE) modelling to arrive at the effects of decreasing tobacco prevalence. A full-fledged global CGE model was developed, including comprehensive details on tobacco and tobacco products/sectors using the Global Trade Analysis Program-Environment model and database.

Results

The results indicate that a 30% reduction in prevalence could lead to employment losses of about 20.8% in tobacco and 7.8% in the tobacco products sector. However, when compensated by increases in other sectors the overall decline in employment is only 0.5%. The decline in the economy as a whole is negligible at −0.3%.

Conclusion

Initially, some assistance from the Tanzanian government may be needed for the displaced workers from the tobacco sector as a result of the decline in smoking prevalence. However, these results should be taken as a lower bound since the economic burden of diseases caused by tobacco may be far higher than the sectoral losses. The results do not include the health benefits of lower smoking prevalence. In addition, the revenues from higher taxes, as part of measures to decrease prevalence, would provide more fiscal space that can be used to finance assistance for displaced tobacco farmers and workers.
Equation of state and background geometry for the accelerating universe
Authors: Yusofi E.
Published: November 2018

By using the observational data, we show that the background geometry for both the early inflation and present accelerating universe can be quasi-de Sitter form containing cosmic fluid with equation of state [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text]. For the dynamical expanding background of the universe, we obtain the scale factor as a function of conformal time [Formula: see text] and Hankel function index [Formula: see text]. Since the background geometry of the universe is related to the index [Formula: see text], a direct relation between the geometry [Formula: see text] and the equation of state parameter [Formula: see text] will be obtained. By using this fact and the constraints on the scalar spectral index and equation of state from Planck 2015, our calculations show that the cosmic fluid of the present accelerating universe is contained with both phantom [Formula: see text] and non-phantom [Formula: see text] phases, but the cosmic gas during inflation is contained with just non-phantom [Formula: see text] phase. Also, the background geometry for both early inflation and present accelerating universe is inferred to be quasi-de Sitter form with [Formula: see text].
Gradient Direction Accumulation-based Heat Kernel Signature Descriptor for Nonrigid 3D Model Retrieval
Authors: Zeng Hui , Yu Haipeng , Liu Wenli , Sun Wei
Published: November 2018

This paper presents an effective 3D local feature descriptor, which is called Gradient Direction Accumulation-based Heat Kernel Signature (GDA-HKS) descriptor, and its application in nonrigid 3D model retrieval. The GDA-HKS descriptor is based on the heat kernel signature, and it is scale invariant and robust to the nonrigid deformation of the 3D model. Compared with the SI-HKS descriptor, the GDA-HKS descriptor is constructed directly in the time domain, and it can effectively avoid the loss of high frequency information. The absolute gradient difference is used to encode the GDA-HKS descriptor, which can describe the changing trend of the one-dimensional signal more effectively. Extensive experimental results have validated the effectiveness of the designed GDA-HKS descriptor.
Dual-Notched Monopole Antenna Using DGS for WLAN and Wi-MAX Applications
Authors: De Arnab , Roy Bappadittya , Bhattacharjee Anup Kumar
Published: November 2018

In this paper, a wideband printed polygon-shaped monopole antenna has been designed using microstrip line feeding technique which provides dual-notch band characteristics (2.98–3.19[Formula: see text]GHz) and (3.62–5.00[Formula: see text]GHz) by the use of slots geometry in both the patch and the ground plane. The results of the antenna have been compared both with and without slots in both planes. The initial antenna without DGS and slots in the patch was made to work in the frequency range from 2.56–5.98[Formula: see text]GHz having impedance bandwidth of about 80.09%. The proposed antenna can be made usable for multi-band applications such as WLAN (2.4/3.2/5.2/5.8[Formula: see text]GHz) and Wi-MAX (3.5 and 5.5[Formula: see text]GHz) applications providing fractional bandwidth (FBW) of 85.36% (2.33–5.80[Formula: see text]GHz) and maximum peak gain of 5.65[Formula: see text]dBi at 3.50[Formula: see text]GHz. The value of return loss obtained is about 53.36[Formula: see text]dB at 2.56[Formula: see text]GHz. Prototype of the final antenna is fabricated and the results are verified with the simulated ones.
Generalizations of a Conway algebra for oriented surface-links via marked graph diagrams
Authors: Bae Yongju , Choi Seonmi , Kim Seongjeong
Published: November 2018

In 1987, Przytyski and Traczyk introduced an algebraic structure, called a Conway algebra, and constructed an invariant of oriented links, which is a generalization of the HOMFLY-PT polynomial invariant. In 2018, Kim generalized a Conway algebra, which is an algebraic structure with two skein relations, which is called a generalized Conway algebra. In 2017, Joung, Kamada, Kawauchi and Lee constructed a polynomial invariant of oriented surface-links by using marked graph diagrams.

In this paper, we will introduce generalizations [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] of a Conway algebra and a generalized Conway algebra, which are called a marked Conway algebra and a generalized marked Conway algebra, respectively. We will construct invariants valued in [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] for oriented marked graphs and oriented surface-links by applying binary operations to classical crossings and marked vertices via marked graph diagrams. The polynomial invariant of oriented surface-links is obtained from the invariant valued in the marked Conway algebra with additional conditions.
Alexander- and Markov-type theorems for virtual trivalent braids
Authors: Caprau Carmen , Dirdak Abigayle , Post Rita , Sawyer Erica
Published: November 2018

We prove Alexander- and Markov-type theorems for virtual spatial trivalent graphs and virtual trivalent braids. We provide two versions for the Markov-type theorem: one uses an algebraic approach similar to the case of classical braids and the other one is based on [Formula: see text]-moves.
Parameter Prediction Based on Type-2 Fuzzy Clustering
Authors: Dalkiliç Türkan Erbay , Sağirkaya Seda
Published: November 2018

In regression analysis, the data have different distributions which requires to go beyond the classical analysis during the prediction process. In such cases, the analysis method based on fuzzy logic is preferred as alternative methods. There are couple important steps in the regression analysis based on fuzzy logic. One of them is identification of the clusters that generate the data set, the other is the degree of memberships that are determined the grades of the contributions of the data contained in these clusters. In this study, parameter prediction based on type-2 fuzzy clustering is discussed. Firstly, type-1 fuzzy clustering problem was solved by the fuzzy c-means (FCM) method when the fuzzifier index is equal to two. Then the fuzzifier index m is defined as interval number. The membership degrees to the sets are determined by type-2 fuzzy clustering method. Membership degree obtained as a result of clustering based on type-1 and type-2 fuzzy logic are used as weight and parameter prediction using these membership degrees that determined by the proposed algorithm. Finally, the prediction result of the type-1 and type-2 fuzzy clustering parameter is compared with the error criterion based on the difference between observed values and the predicted values.
Extreme Points of the Core of Possibility Measures and Maxitive p-Boxes
Authors: Montes Ignacio , Miranda Enrique
Published: November 2018

Under an epistemic interpretation, an upper probability can be regarded as equivalent to the set of probability measures it dominates, sometimes referred to as its core. In this paper, we study the properties of the number of extreme points of the core of a possibility measure, and investigate in detail those associated with (uni- and bi-)variate p-boxes, that model the imprecise information about a cumulative distribution function.