bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experimental Investigation of PPCI Engine fuelled with Ethanol
Authors: Singh Juneja Harpreet , Singh Sandhu Sarbjot
Published: December 2019

Emissions are among those crucial factors that create a huge stress on the people related to engine industry. LTC concepts like HCCI and PPCI are proved as potential solutions for reducing NOX emissions. The impact of ethanol premixed fraction on PPCI mode diesel engine has been investigated in this study. Various ethanol flow rates like 0.27, 0.45, 0.54, 0.72 and 0.81 kg/hr are fumigated in conventional single cylinder diesel engine. Ethanol is used due to the fact that it is available naturally as well as manufactured industrially. The combustion, emission and performance characteristics are plotted for each and every load with various premixed fractions and then the results are compared to pure diesel operation. It is clear from the results that the range of stable operation is being confined by ethanol for different premixed fractions. It can be safely said that for all stable operation, the NOX emission is exceptionally less compared to pure diesel, though, the Un burnt Hydrocarbon & Carbon monoxide emissions are comparatively more. NOX and smoke are decreased for all the premixed fractions at full load. At medium load operations, less NOX, smoke opacity, CO and HC is obtained. Also, at low load operations, there is less NOX and smoke opacity up to premixed fraction 0.3, but HC and CO emissions increases on further increase in the premixed fraction.
A review on mixed assembly line balancing, sequencing and scheduling in an industry
Authors: Chetna  , Ram Chauhan Nathi , Chawla Vivek
Published: December 2019

Assembly line in a production unit is a line of workers and machines. In a manufacturing unit the production of components are done on assembly line. The product moves along this line while it is being processed. The assembly lines changed with time from single models straight lines to the mixed, multi -model lines in a flexible manufacturing system and also lines with parallel work stations, U-shaped lines. The main objective of assembly line design for a system is balancing the assembly line according to the desired production volume per shift and minimizing the number of workstations. In this paper, different assembly line balancing problems (ALBP) have been reviewed and discussed. For solving the assembly line balancing and sequencing problems, the development of mathematical model may be quite helpful for the researchers.
Effect of Relative Permittivity with Strain in Dielectric Elastomer Peristaltic Actuator
Authors: Prabhakar Om Prakash , Sahu Dhananjay , Kumar Sahu Raj
Published: December 2019

This article, exemplify the deformation behaviour of dielectric elastomer peristaltic actuator with variation in relative permittivity as a function of voltage induced strain. Modified model is proposed to predict the behaviour of peristaltic actuators, best suited for biomedical applications to transport incompressible fluids. Transportation is accomplished by a series of radially expanding and axially inextensible tubular modules, made up of dielectric elastomer. Consecutive equations are derived using the hypothesis of linear elasticity. The static electromechanical actuation performance is estimated and compared well with existing experimental as well as modelling data. Results indicate an efficient model is attained by considering crucial material parameters that significantly influence electromechanical performance. In the highlight, many other behaviours like viscoelasticity, dielectric loss, breakdown strength, etc. need attention to realize a reliable model for dielectric elastomer actuator towards commercial applications.
Stress analysis of engine mounting assembly of a three wheeler
Authors: Singh Deepak , Kumar Rajeev
Published: December 2019

One of the essential parts of an auto vehicle is an engine mounting bracket, which helps in mounting the engine on the chassis. This paper analyses and compares the existing bracket design of one of the famous three-wheeler of Scooter India limited named as Vikram 750 D with five new alternative models using finite element analysis. In the first part, linear structural finite element analysis of engine mounting bracket of the existing design was carried out to determine the maximum stresses and deformations in the existing model and then identical analysis was conducted for five proposed models of the mounting brackets. The maximum stresses and deformations of the proposed models were compared with that of the existing model to identify a better design. The weight of the existing model and five proposed model were also compared to obtain an optimal design.
Attributes and Methods for Evaluating Sustainable CSR
Authors: Singh Ishdeep , Srivastava Priyank , Garg Dhairya , Khanduja Dinesh
Published: December 2019

The present study was conducted with the aim to understand corporate social responsibility and study the various factors that affect the policy of CSR. Air pollution, water pollution, renewable energy use rate, involvement in community service, power consumption rate, maintenance of community environment, etc are some of the factors that have been used by researchers for conducting CSR studies. With the help of this study, some other factors were identified that were not considered in previous studies This project thus aims to identify various factors that affect sustainable CSR.
Numerical Simulation of Heat Transfer in GraduallyVarying Microchannel Heat Sink
Authors: Pandey Jyoti , Zahid Ansari Mohd. , Husain Afzal
Published: December 2019

Microchannel heat sink has broad relevance in microelectronics and optical devices. Study in this paper focuses on enhancing the cooling characteristics of microchannel heat sink used in such devices. Instead of conventional, rectangular or circular cross-section channel designs, this study uses microchannels with gradually varying cross-section along the length. Three channels geometries employing entirely diverging or converging designs as well as combined diverging-diverging design are studied. The cooling performance is ascertained by using nanofluid and DI water as coolants flowing at different Reynolds numbers by analysing thermal characteristics such as temperature variation and Nusselt number using commercial software ANSYS® Fluent. Study demonstrates that the nanofluid is more efficient for the heat sink application irrespective of the channel geometry.
A STUDY ON AUTOMATIC SHOPPING CART IN MEGA MALL
Authors: Pangasa Himani , Ram Chauhan Nathi
Published: December 2019

Now a day’s automation has changed the way of living of the humans. All probable one of us pursue for an eminence in our everyday lives. Therefor this has emanated in large imbue at procure items which have led to extended queues at the check-out because the patron needs to scan all probable article and then go into the billing section. The line in billing point is bit time and effort consuming. It can be called as “Modish Cart with Instant bill” to Ease line at shopping mall. The brief interpretation of its working is, when customer pick an artefact and drop item into the cart, the RFID reader scan the artefact’s distinctive code and it is secure. And it gets shown on LCD/LED/OLED screen. After customer has consummate with the procure customer has to go to the billing section to pay the bill and can move out from checkout gate. This will conserve the epoch that was prior being consumed to get desired items.
Comparison of different methods of Severe Plastic Deformation for grain refinement
Authors: Mohan Agarwal Krishna , Tyagi R K , Chaubey V K , Dixit Anurag
Published: December 2019

The methods of severe plastic deformation are the procedures of grain refinement of bulk crystalline materials to ultrafine or up-to Nano crystalline structure followed by improvement in mechanical properties of different metals and alloys used for various automobile, aerospace and defence applications. In this research paper, discussion has been made about the comparison of different methods of severe plastic deformation for perfection in microstructure and subsequent changes in mechanical properties for industrial applications. The results achieved by Equal Channel Angular Pressing method are more useful for grain refinement by the reason of high imposed shear strain in the material. It has also been observed that using this method strength is also increased with ductility as desired in most of the cases. It can be concluded here that detailed study is still to be explored after processing the material after severe plastic deformation.
Heat Transfer Analysis of Flat Plate Air Collector
Authors: Kumar Neeraj , Tyagi Abhishek , Yadav Tapan , Prakash Om , Singh Vinay , Tiwari Sumit
Published: December 2019

Solar colletors of Flat Plate type is a thermal transfer device that absorbs solar radiation and converts it into heat, which is mainly used to increase the water temperature, heat and dryness, dryness of crops in the region, space heating and in industries where this hot fluid is required for many chemical reactions, and for applications requiring the temperature of the fluid to be less than 100°C. As non-renewable sources of energy are becoming depleted and will soon have the power crisis. So, referring to fatigue rates, we should use our entire renewable resources so that we can control the rate of decline. The main components of the flat plate air collector are, absorbing plate, top covering plate (glass cover), insulating material and channel pipes covered with insulating material. Absorber plates are covered with a high absorbent coating. The top cover should be made of a maximum transmittance. The effectiveness of the flat plate air collector is highly affected by the losses through the top covering material and also due to the low heat transfer coefficient between the absorber plate and the air flowing through it. Most of the experiments and studies have shown that efficiency can be increased by using different types of solar collector which include double pass, a single pass with fins etc. Based on the literature survey it has been found that most of the studies on the solar collector are done to increase its thermal efficiency by enhancing the rate heat transfer between air and the absorber plate by using rough surface on the absorber plate.
Exergoeconomic and Envirnoeconomic Analysis of Building Integrated photovoltaic Thermal (BIPVT) System and its Optimization
Authors: Kumar Dash Amit , Agrawal Sanjay , Gairola Sanjay , Shukla Shweta
Published: December 2019

This paper gives an idea about advantage of semitransparent photovoltaic system over opaque system. In an inclined system. Considering different parameters of the cell, room, duct and tedlar effect has been made to increase the overall efficiency of the total system. Thermal Model has been designed and mathematical analysis has been done. Electrical as well as thermal energy calculation has been compared with other system from different outputs of different places. If we compare a normal PV system definitely the hybrid PVT system has an edge over PV as in PVT system we consider thermal energy too. A soft computing technique has been developed to optimize the exergy of the system by varying the velocity and length of channel. For the proposed system, it has found that air at 4.5 m/s and channel length of 0. 2083 m gives maximum exergy. A total thermal energy gain of 54716kWh and electrical energy gain of 15838kwh is obtained.
Influence of number of gaps created in a arc shaped roughened absorber plate used in solar air-heaters
Authors: Kumar Pandey Navneet , Kumar Bajpai Vijay , Yadav Sanjay
Published: December 2019

Experimental investigation to study the influence of number of gaps in arc shaped roughness elements on heat transfer (Nu) and friction penalty (f) used in solar air-heaters (SAHs) was performed. A heating source of 1000 W/m2 was provided on the top of the surface to simulate the radiant energy of the sun. Experimentation was done to ascertain the influence of gaps with 36 set of test results. The result shows that the highest value of Nu was obtained for roughness element which is having number of gaps equal to 2.
Performance and Emission evaluation of Butanol blends in SI Engine
Authors: Saraswat Manish , Dixit Ankur , Goel Abhishek , Ram Chauhan Nathi
Published: December 2019

In recent times, butanol emerges as one of the most promising option to diminish the prolong use of fossil products. The testing of different blends and composition of butanol with gasoline is newest theme of research. In the present work, three different fuels are prepared by using 5%, 10% and 15% blends of butanol with gasoline. The important performance parameters & emission characteristics of a conventional SI engine namely, brake power, torque, brake specific fuel consumption, fuel power, brake specific energy consumption, brake mean effective pressure, un-burnt HC emissions, CO emissions, NOx emissions, and CO2 emissions are tested. Result shows that the butanol blend of 15% is the most appropriate to use as fuel. The experimentally measured values of butanol blends in gasoline confirms that the properties of butanol are quite adaptive with gasoline which implies that no engine modifications required for using butanol blends with gasoline as a replacement to gasoline.
An Experimental and Statistical Analysis of Double Slope Single Basin Solar Still in Active and Passive Mode with Different Water Depth.
Authors: Prasad Rakesh , Singh Devendra , Sharma Ajay
Published: December 2019

In the present work, experimental work on double slope single-basin still is investigated. The statistical analysis shows the effect of various factors related to the efficiency of still. The water level in the basin investigated at 10 cm, 6 cm and 2 cm depth. The process temperature TW, TG and TB were recorded one each day. The still is used in the Agra city climate. The mode of operation affects its water yield as an active mode of operation produces more water yield than a passive mode of operation. In the statistical analysis R2=99.29 (passive mode) and R2=99.11 (active mode) recommend the satisfactory agreement of the factorial design regression model.
The Study of Parametric Factor in Attic Space for Winter Season
Authors: Gupta Anuj , Thakur Harishchandra
Published: December 2019

This research investigates the structure of an attic space from the perspective of thermal engineering. It helps in understanding the variation of flow and field strength due to natural convection. A critical review concludes that heat transfer inside a building is most complex for the attic space. The study examines the effect of the parametric factor on natural convection. It includes analysis for the winter conditions. The numerical model is simulated for different values of Rayleigh Number (Ra = 104
− 106) using ANSYS 19 considering air with Prandtl number 0.71. With the assumptions of having the uniform temperature over the wall and no-slip condition for walls, Results are demonstrated with the use of Isotherm, Streamline and Nusselt number. With the finding of plots, the study argues that S/L ratio of 0.8 is recommended for the attic space having good thermal performance.
Design and analysis of thin walled composite beam
Authors: Sahu Shiva , kumar singh Mukesh
Published: December 2019

In present research composite beam of Glass/Epoxy has been taken for the analysis of failure bending moment by Finite Element Analysis. The orientation of the plies are oriented as [0°/-45°/45°/90°/90°/45°/-45°/0°] named as S1 are tested and analyzed with the Tsai- Wu failure criteria. It is found that the sample S1 composite having low load carrying capacity and bending moment. Furthermore, another ply are oriented as [0°/90°/0°/90°/90°/0°/90°/0°] named as S4 are tested and analyzed Tsai-Wu failure criteria under same loading condition. It is found that the sample S4 composite having higher load carrying capacity and bending moment. The composite materials such as the Graphite/Epoxy and the Boron/Epoxy have also been considered for the analysis with the same boundary condition as the Glass/Epoxy. Comparative result shows that the Boron/Epoxy having highest load carrying capacity and bending moment as compare to the Graphite/Epoxy and the Glass/Epoxy. The results obtained from the proposed method having good agreement with the results obtained from the previous research.
Printed graphene/WS2 battery-free wireless photosensor on papers
Authors: Leng Ting , Parvez Khaled , Pan Kewen , Ali Junaid , McManus Daryl , Novoselov Kostya S , Casiraghi Cinzia , Hu Zhirun
Published: December 2019

Screen-printed graphene near field communication (NFC) tag antenna is integrated with inkjet-printed WS2 photodetector on paper substrate to fabricate battery-free wireless photosensor. A sequential multi-stack printing is employed for the wireless photosensor fabrication: the NFC tag antenna is first screen-printed with graphene conductive ink and then the photodetector is inkjet-printed with transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) WS2 ink as photoactive component. High responsivity and sensitivity are observed for the WS2 photodetector, which acts as photoactive thermistor of the NFC sensor IC chip. The highly conductive graphene nanoflakes ink enables the screen-printed graphene NFC tag antenna to withdraw sufficient power wirelessly from the reader to power the sensor IC chip. This work demonstrates a prospective approach to manufacture 2D materials enabled electronics where the electronic circuits (normally having a large size) can be realized by mass production screen printing and the sensing component (normally having a small size) can be produced by inkjet printing, enabling low cost and simple fabrication methods, compatible with flexible substrates such as paper.
Mass spectrometry of carbohydrate-protein interactions on a glycan array conjugated to CVD graphene surfaces
Authors: Merino Juan Pedro , Serna Sonia , Criado Alejandro , Centeno Alba , Napal Ilargi , Calvo Javier , Zurutuza Amaia , Reichardt Niels , Prato Maurizio
Published: December 2019

Mass spectrometry (MS) is a valuable tool for functional genomic, proteomic, and glycomic studies. In particular, the combination of MS with microarrays is a powerful technique for analyzing the activity of carbohydrate processing enzymes and for the identification of carbohydrate-binding proteins (lectins) in complex matrices. On the other hand, graphene exhibits high desorption/ionization efficiency, good conductivity and optical transparency, specifications of a high-performance component for matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) platforms. Besides, the chemical functionalization of graphene increases the adsorption capability of functional biomolecules (e.g. receptors), resulting in very stable interfaces. Taking advantage of the properties of graphene, we developed several modified chemical vapor deposited graphene (CVDG)-based glycan arrays on different substrates including ITO and bare glass, as a potential sensing platform for carbohydrate-lectin interactions, which are involved in a plethora of biological processes. The glycan arrays were fully characterized by MALDI-MS analysis and, in some cases, optical microscopy.
Using non-homogeneous point process statistics to find multi-species event clusters in an implanted semiconductor
Authors: Stockbridge K , Chick S , Crane E , Fisher A , Murdin B N
Published: December 2019

The Poisson distribution of event-to-

i
th

-nearest-event radial distances is well known for homogeneous processes that do not depend on location or time. Here we investigate the case of a non-homogeneous point process where the event probability (and hence the neighbour configuration) depends on location within the event space. The particular non-homogeneous scenario of interest to us is ion implantation into a semiconductor for the purposes of studying interactions between the implanted impurities. We calculate the probability of a simple cluster based on nearest neighbour distances, and specialise to a particular two-species cluster of interest for qubit gates. We show that if the two species are implanted at different depths there is a maximum in the cluster probability and an optimum density profile.
Curing perovskites—a way towards control of crystallinity and improved stability
Authors: Seewald Tobias , Schütz Emilia R , Ebenhoch Carola , Schmidt-Mende Lukas
Published: December 2019

Power conversion efficiencies of lead halide perovskite solar cells have rapidly increased in the decade since their emergence, reaching 25% this year. However, reliable film uniformity and device stability remain hard to achieve and often require precise compliance with complicated protocols, which hampers upscaling towards industrial applications. Here, we explore the potential of an alternative route towards high-quality perovskite films: The reaction between a pre-existing perovskite film and methylamine (MA) gas has been shown to possess the striking ability to both improve film morphology and increase grain size drastically, boosting device performance. This post-deposition treatment could provide the means to decouple film quality from the initial deposition process, thus promising to facilitate upscaling and lowering production costs. Furthermore, such MA gas treatments show great promise regarding the stability of fabricated devices, as they open up the opportunity to reduce or even eliminate the adverse role of grain boundaries in film degradation.
The extent of Ssa1/Ssa2 Hsp70 chaperone involvement in nuclear protein quality control degradation varies with the substrate
Authors: Jones Ramon D. , Enam Charisma , Ibarra Rebeca , Borror Heather R. , Mostoller Kaitlyn E. , Fredrickson Eric K. , Lin JiaBei , Chuang Edward , March Zachary , Shorter James , Ravid Tommer , Kleiger Gary , Gardner Richard G.
Published: December 2019

The ubiquitin-mediated proteasomal degradation of misfolded proteins is generally thought to require Hsp70 chaperones, particularly Ssa1 and Ssa2 in yeast. This study reveals that Ssa1/Ssa2 are involved in the degradation of misfolded proteins in the yeast nucleus, but their degree of involvement varies depending on the misfolded nuclear protein.
Differential sorting behavior for soluble and transmembrane cargoes at the trans-Golgi network in endocrine cells
Authors: Hummer Blake H. , Maslar Drew , Soltero-Gutierrez Margarita , de Leeuw Noah F. , Asensio Cedric S.
Published: December 2019

Formation of secretory granules (SGs) occurs at the trans-Golgi network (TGN). Here we show that transmembrane SG cargoes (phogrin and VMAT2) do not sort directly onto SGs during budding, but rather exit the TGN into nonregulated vesicles to get incorporated to SGs at a later step, suggesting a more complex model of SG biogenesis than anticipated.
BRAF, KIT, and NRAS Mutations of Acral Melanoma in White Patients
Authors: Dika Emi , Veronesi Giulia , Altimari Annalisa , Riefolo Mattia , Ravaioli Giulia Maria , Piraccini Bianca Maria , Lambertini Martina , Campione Elena , Gruppioni Elisa , Fiorentino Michelangelo , Melotti Barbara , Ferracin Manuela , Patrizi Annalisa
Published: December 2019

Objectives

Malignant acral melanoma (AM) is relatively infrequent in white patients. Molecular investigations have returned variable results regarding the mutational pattern. We sought to describe the mutation profile and clinicopathologic features of AM.

Methods

We investigated BRAF, KIT, and NRAS mutational status in a series of 31 AM samples from white patients.

Results

Nodular melanoma was the most common histopathologic subtype (48.4%), followed by acral lentiginous melanoma (25.8%) and superficial spreading melanoma (25.8%). BRAF, KIT, and NRAS mutational rates were 12.9%, 17.2%, and 30.0%, respectively. We observed significant associations between KIT mutational status and a thinner Breslow thickness compared with wild-type (WT) status (P = .002), NRAS mutation status and younger age compared with WT. In patients presenting at least one mutation, triple-WT patients presented metastases most frequently.

Conclusions

Although these data represent preliminary results, better knowledge of tumor biology and prognosis of AM can support the clinical approach and follow-up.
Characterizing Cross-Culturally Relevant Metrics of Stigma Among Men Who Have Sex With Men Across 8 Sub-Saharan African Countries and the United States
Authors: Augustinavicius Jura L , Baral Stefan D , Murray Sarah M , Jackman Kevon , Xue Qian-Li , Sanchez Travis H , Nowak Rebecca G , Crowell Trevor A , Zlotorzynska Maria , Olawore Oluwasolape , Lyons Carrie E , Njindam Iliassou M , Tamoufe Ubald , Diouf Daouda , Drame Fatou , Kouanda Seni , Kouame Abo , Charurat Man E , Anato Simplice , Mothopeng Tampose , Mnisi Zandile , Kane Jeremy C
Published: December 2019

Overcoming stigma affecting gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (MSM) is a foundational element of an effective response to the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) pandemic. Quantifying the impact of stigma mitigation interventions necessitates improved measurement of stigma for MSM around the world. In this study, we explored the underlying factor structure and psychometric properties of 13 sexual behavior stigma items among 10,396 MSM across 8 sub-Saharan African countries and the United States using cross-sectional data collected between 2012 and 2016. Exploratory factor analyses were used to examine the number and composition of underlying stigma factors. A 3-factor model was found to be an adequate fit in all countries (root mean square error of approximation = 0.02–0.05; comparative fit index/Tucker-Lewis index = 0.97–1.00/0.94–1.00; standardized root mean square residual = 0.04–0.08), consisting of “stigma from family and friends,” “anticipated health-care stigma,” and “general social stigma,” with internal consistency estimates across countries of α = 0.36–0.80, α = 0.72–0.93, and α = 0.51–0.79, respectively. The 3-factor model of sexual behavior stigma cut across social contexts among MSM in the 9 countries. These findings indicate commonalities in sexual behavior stigma affecting MSM across sub-Saharan Africa and the United States, which can facilitate efforts to track progress on global stigma mitigation interventions.
Capsulectomy, Implant Exchange, and Placement of Acellular Dermal Matrix Is Effective in Treating Capsular Contracture in Breast Augmentation Patients
Authors: Wagner Douglas S , Mirhaidari Shayda J
Published: December 2019

Background

Capsular contracture is a common complication of breast augmentation surgery and many techniques to prevent and treat it have been suggested with inconsistent or variably effective results.

Objectives

The aim of this paper was to describe a protocol for treating established capsular contracture after breast augmentation with a low recurrence rate.

Methods

From January 2009 to December 2012, 79 previous bilateral breast augmentation patients presented for treatment of established capsular contracture. There were 135 breasts with capsular contracture: 56 were bilateral and 23 were unilateral. Ten patients opted for no treatment; 2 patients opted for implant removal. Twenty-four were treated with the ICES (implant exchange, capsulectomy, and possible exchange of site) protocol and 43 were treated with the SPICES (Strattice placement in the reconstructive position, implant exchange, capsulectomy, and possible exchange of site) protocol.

Results

The 24 patients treated with the ICES protocol had a recurrent capsular contracture rate of 15%. The 43 patients treated with the SPICES protocol had a 2.7% recurrent capsular contracture incidence and an 2.7% complication rate.

Conclusions

Capsular contracture after breast augmentation, whether primary or recurrent, can be successfully treated with the SPICES protocol.

Level of Evidence: 4
RNA-binding protein CUGBP1 controls the differential INSR splicing in molecular subtypes of breast cancer cells and affects cell aggressiveness
Authors: Huang Gena , Song Chen , Wang Ning , Qin Tao , Sui Silei , Obr Alison , Zeng Li , Wood Teresa L , Leroith Derek , Li Man , Wu Yingjie
Published: December 2019

The insulin receptor gene (INSR) undergoes alternative splicing to give rise to two functionally related, but also distinct, isoforms IR-A and IR-B, which dictate proliferative and metabolic regulations, respectively. Previous studies identified the RNA-binding protein CUGBP1 as a key regulator of INSR splicing. In this study, we show that the differential splicing of INSR occurs more frequently in breast cancer than in non-tumor breast tissues. In breast cancer cell lines, the IR-A:IR-B ratio varies in different molecular subtypes, knockdown or overexpression of CUGBP1 gene in breast cancer cells altered IR-A:IR-B ratio through modulation of IR-A expression, thereby reversed or enhanced the insulin-induced oncogenic behavior of breast cancer cells, respectively. Our data revealed the predominant mitogenic role of IR-A isoform in breast cancer and depicted a novel interplay between INSR and CUGBP1, implicating CUGBP1 and IR-A isoform as the potential therapeutic targets and biomarkers for breast cancer.
Civil Society Must Be Defended: Misinformation, Moral Panics, and Wars of Restoration
Authors: Bratich Jack
Published: December 2019

In this article, I propose that we think of the recent concern over fake news, misinformation, disinformation, and conspiracy theories as a moral panic. I revisit Stuart Hall and his co-authors’ concept, updating it in two ways. First, I focus on how the current panic has altered what they called “primary definers” (which now includes professional journalism, as a result of their own waning authority). Second, the new alliance of panic actors (journalism, technology companies, intelligence agencies, politicians, civil society organizations) are expressions of a crisis policing that is now martialized. I assess this new nexus in terms of a breakdown of civil peace into outright hostilities; as a counterinsurgency operation. I draw on Michel Foucault’s strategic analysis of power and society that challenges boundaries between politics and war. This nexus is waging what I call a war of restoration, one that has significant implications for dissent and oppositional knowledges.
Breaking the silence: community radio, women, and empowerment
Authors: Rimmer Annette
Published: December 2019

The article argues that community development work, in the form of feminist pedagogy and community radio, can engage more women in technological roles, aid women’s confidence and mental health and possibly, improve diversity in mainstream media. In UK media, corporations are heavily criticized for their under and misrepresentation of women and, in general, their inability to engage with excluded groups. The BBC’s strategic aim is to improve inclusion and diversity by 2020. The article asserts the value of community development methods in efforts to address this. It explores concepts of voice poverty and empowerment through analysis of the narratives of twelve female community radio volunteers in Northern England.

Using Freire’s (1972) notion of ‘culture of silence’ and against the backdrop of gender inequality, the article clarifies the nature of community radio and employs a variety of literatures to understand how a feminist pedagogy (hooks, 1994) and an intersectional approach (Crenshaw, 1989) might be useful in media. It builds from Stuart Hall’s contention that media and cultural spaces can be powerful sites of social action.

Analysis of participant accounts indicates that community radio is a site of diverse identities, laughter, dialogue, raised consciousness, and conflict. This confronts not only the orthodoxy of young white, male-dominated media but also challenges romantic notions of community harmony and happiness by recognizing inherent tensions within prevailing conceptions of womanhood and within and between communities.

The article foregrounds evidence from the majority world, where community radio is well documented as giving voice to invisiblized women, and concludes with an argument for further exploration of this highly symbolic dimension of empowerment, whereby women overcome technological fears and break their silence by broadcasting diverse voices. The project challenges UK commercial and public broadcasters to learn from the global south that community radio is an effective method of development with potential to enrich the mainstream media world.
Clinical Implications of Microbiologic Treatment Failure in the Setting of Clinical Cure of Bacterial Pneumonia
Authors: Albin Owen R , Henig Oryan , Patel Twisha S , Valley Thomas S , Pogue Jason M , Petty Lindsay A , Mills John P , Brancaccio Adamo , Martin Emily T , Kaye Keith S
Published: December 2019

Background

Microbiologic cure is a common outcome in pneumonia clinical trials, but its clinical significance is incompletely understood.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study of adult patients hospitalized with bacterial pneumonia who achieved clinical cure. Rates of recurrent pneumonia and death were compared between patients with persistent growth of the index pathogen at the time of clinical cure (microbiologic failure) and those with pathogen eradication (microbiologic cure).

Results

Among 441 patients, 237 experienced microbiologic cure and 204 experienced microbiologic failure. Prevalences of comorbidities, ventilator dependence, and severity of acute illness were similar between groups. Patients with microbiologic failure experienced significantly higher rates of recurrent pneumonia or death following clinical cure than patients with microbiologic cure, controlling for comorbid conditions, severity of acute illness, appropriateness of empiric antibiotics, intensive care unit placement, tracheostomy dependence, and immunocompromised status (90-day multivariable adjusted odds ratio [OR], 1.56; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.04–2.35). This association was observed among patients with pneumonias caused by Staphylococcus aureus (90-day multivariable adjusted OR, 3.69; 95% CI, 1.73–7.90). A trend was observed among pneumonias caused by nonfermenting gram-negative bacilli, but not Enterobacteriaceae or other pathogens.

Conclusions

Microbiologic treatment failure was independently associated with recurrent pneumonia or death among patients with bacterial pneumonia following clinical cure. Microbiologic cure merits further study as a metric to guide therapeutic interventions for patients with bacterial pneumonia.
Early Evidence of Inactivated Enterovirus 71 Vaccine Impact Against Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease in a Major Center of Ongoing Transmission in China, 2011–2018: A Longitudinal Surveillance Study
Authors: Head Jennifer R , Collender Philip A , Lewnard Joseph A , Skaff Nicholas K , Li Ling , Cheng Qu , Baker Julia M , Li Charles , Chen Dehao , Ohringer Alison , Liang Song , Yang Changhong , Hubbard Alan , Lopman Benjamin , Remais Justin V
Published: December 2019

Background

Enterovirus 71 (EV71) is a major causative agent of hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD), associated with severe manifestations of the disease. Pediatric immunization with inactivated EV71 vaccine was initiated in 2016 in the Asia-Pacific region, including China. We analyzed a time series of HFMD cases attributable to EV71, coxsackievirus A16 (CA16), and other enteroviruses in Chengdu, a major transmission center in China, to assess early impacts of immunization.

Methods

Reported HFMD cases were obtained from China’s notifiable disease surveillance system. We compared observed postvaccination incidence rates during 2017–2018 with counterfactual predictions made from a negative binomial regression and a random forest model fitted to prevaccine years (2011–2015). We fit a change point model to the full time series to evaluate whether the trend of EV71 HFMD changed following vaccination.

Results

Between 2011 and 2018, 279 352 HFMD cases were reported in the study region. The average incidence rate of EV71 HFMD in 2017–2018 was 60% (95% prediction interval [PI], 41%–72%) lower than predicted in the absence of immunization, corresponding to an estimated 6911 (95% PI, 3246–11 542) EV71 cases averted over 2 years. There were 52% (95% PI, 42%–60%) fewer severe HFMD cases than predicted. However, the incidence rate of non-CA16 and non-EV71 HFMD was elevated in 2018. We identified a significant decline in the trend of EV71 HFMD 4 months into the postvaccine period.

Conclusions

We provide the first real-world evidence that programmatic vaccination against EV71 is effective against childhood HFMD and present an approach to detect early vaccine impact or intended consequences from surveillance data.
Vascular pressure bands on high-resolution esophageal manometry with impedance studies
Authors: Lis Steffen , Vachhani Herit , Tanner Samuel , Leopold Andrew , Zitomer Samantha , Bhuta Rajiv , Schey Ron , Malik Zubair , P  Parkman Henry
Published: December 2019

Horizontal pressure bands on high-resolution esophageal manometry with impedance (HREMI) tracings are often seen and thought to be due to cardiovascular structures compressing the esophagus. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and location of vascular pressure bands on HREMI studies and correlate these pressure bands to bolus clearance. HREMI studies in supine and upright positions from patients and normal volunteers were reviewed. Pressure bands were defined as bands of horizontal pressure greater than the 20 mmHg isobaric contour. Each swallow was reviewed with impedance to determine if bolus transit was impaired by the band. 38.6% of 251 patients and 36.4% of 11 normal controls had a pressure band present. There were a greater number of bands in supine versus upright position (patients: 130 vs. 25, P < 0.001 and controls: 6 vs. 1). Patients with pressure bands had similar demographics (age, gender, BMI) compared to those without. Average distal contractile integral of bands was greater in supine compared to upright (133 ± 201 vs. 60 ± 148 mmHg cm s, P < 0.05). Bands were commonly located clustered at 46 and 72% of esophageal length. Bolus transit was impaired by bands in 20.4% of supine and 14.0% of upright swallows. Vascular pressure bands can have a prominent appearance on HREMI studies, present in, being more prevalent and having greater pressure in the supine than the upright position. These vascular bands, when present, may impair esophageal transit.
Echocardiographic features in antiphospholipid-negative Sneddon’s syndrome and potential association with severity of neurological symptoms or recurrence of strokes: a longitudinal cohort study
Authors: Assan Florence , de Zuttere Dominique , Bottin Laure , Tavolaro Sebastian , Courvoisier Delphine S , Barbaud Annick , Alamowitch Sonia , Francès Camille , Chasset François
Published: December 2019

Aims

Sneddon’s syndrome (SS) may be classified as antiphospholipid positive (aPL+) or negative (aPL− SS). An association between Libman–Sacks (LS) endocarditis and strokes has been described in aPL+ patients. To describe cardiac involvement in aPL− SS and assess the potential association between LS endocarditis and severity or recurrence of neurological symptoms.

Methods and results

This longitudinal cohort study included aPL− SS patients followed in our departments between 1991 and June 2018. All patients underwent transthoracic 2D and Doppler echocardiography at diagnosis. Follow-up echocardiography was performed annually and the potential relationship between LS endocarditis development and neurovascular relapse as well as long-term cardiac worsening was prospectively assessed. We included 61 patients [52 women; median age 45 (range 24–60)]. For valvular involvement, 36 (59%) patients showed leaflet thickening; 18 (29.5%) had LS endocarditis at baseline. During a median follow-up of 72 months, LS endocarditis developed in eight (17.4%) patients, and 13 (28.3%) showed significant worsening of their cardiac status, including two who needed valvular replacement. After adjusting for baseline antithrombotic treatment regimen, neither the presence of LS endocarditis at baseline nor development during follow-up was associated with neurological relapse [hazard ratio (HR): 1.06, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.33–4.74, P = 0.92] and [HR: 0.38, 95% CI: 0.02–1.89, P = 0.31], respectively.

Conclusion

A long-term follow-up is needed to detect cardiac complications in aPL− SS. No change in neurological relapse was observed in patients presenting LS endocarditis occurrence during follow-up without any modification in antithrombotic treatment. Further research is necessary to assess the usefulness of treatment escalation in these patients.
Association between quality of life and severity of profile deviation in prospective orthognathic patients
Authors: Kämäräinen Minna , Alanko Outi , Svedström-Oristo Anna-Liisa , Peltomäki Timo
Published: December 2019

Aim

to evaluate whether severity of skeletal facial profile deviation assessed by professionals associates with quality of life and psychosocial factors in patients with dentofacial deformities and prospective orthognathic treatment.

Materials and method

The study consisted of 55 patients admitted to orthognathic treatment. Skeletal profile was assessed from lateral head films using cephalometric analysis. The following angles were used to assess the sagittal position of upper and lower jaw and profile: Sella-Nasion-A-point-angle, Sella-Nasion-B-point-angle, and A-point-Nasion-B-point-angle (ANB). For vertical assessment, gonial angle and the angle between Sella-Nasion and mandibular plane were used. Merrifield’s Z-angle was used to assess soft-tissue profile. Severity of skeletal facial profile deviation was assessed with deviation in ANB angle. Orthognathic quality of life (OQoL) and psychosocial factors were defined with four questionnaires: Orthognathic Quality of Life Questionnaire, Symptom Checklist-90, Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, and a body image questionnaire.

Results

Increase in ANB deviation was associated with increased awareness of dentofacial deformity [Orthognathic Quality of Life Questionnaire subscale awareness of dentofacial deformity (OQLQ-AoDD), r = 0.319, P = 0.017). OQOL-AoDD was not found to be equal when ANB angle was divided into three different categories (χ 2 = 6.78, P = 0.034): G1. ANB = 0–4 degrees; G2. ANB <0 degrees; and G3. ANB >4 degrees. Furthermore, categories G1 and G2 differed significantly (U = 50.5, P = 0.017). Increase in ANB angle was also associated with a more positive body image (r = 0.342, P = .023). There were no significant correlations between other cephalometric variables, quality of life, and psychosocial factors.

Conclusion

Skeletal facial profile seems to associate with some aspects of orthognathic quality of life. Professional cephalometric analysis of the severity of facial profile deviation correlates with patients’ awareness of their own facial and dental appearance. Patients with more deviating skeletal profile are more aware of their dentofacial deformities compared to patients with normal values.
Are national antitobacco campaigns reaching high-risk adolescents? A cross-sectional analysis from PATH Wave 2
Authors: Weiger C V , Alexander T N , Moran M B
Published: December 2019

Smoking education and prevention campaigns have had marked success in reducing rates of tobacco use among adolescents, however, disparities in use continue to exist. It is critical to assess if adolescents at risk for tobacco use are being exposed to antitobacco campaigns. We used data from Wave 2 of the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health Study to assess the relationship between exposure to three antitobacco campaigns and key characteristics related to higher risk of cigarette use using full-sample weights and Poisson regression models with robust variance. Adjusted models identified that exposure to antitobacco campaigns was more common among racial and sexual minority adolescents and adolescents who: reported exposure to tobacco marketing, spent more time using media and had household income greater than $25 000. While some high-risk youth are more likely to report exposure to campaigns, there are some priority groups that are not being reached by current efforts compared with non-priority groups, including youth living in households with income below the poverty line and adolescents who are susceptible to cigarette smoking. Future campaigns should consider targeting these groups specifically in order to reduce tobacco use disparities.
‘[…] the situation in the schools still remains the Achilles heel.’ Barriers to the implementation of school tobacco policies—a qualitative study from local stakeholder’s perspective in seven European cities
Authors: Hoffmann Laura , Mlinarić Martin , M�lard Nora , Le�o Teresa , Grard Adeline , Lindfors Pirjo , Kunst Anton E ,   Silne-R Consortium, Perelman Julien , Le�o Teresa , Alves Joana , Federico Bruno , Marandola Diego , di Marco Anna , Lorant Vincent , Robert Pierre-Olivier , Schreuders Michael , Nuyts Paulien , Kuipers Mirte , Rimplea Arja , Lindfors Pirjo , Linnansaari Anu , Kinnunen Jaana , Clancy Luke , Keogan Sheila , Breslin Elisabeth , Taylor Keisha , Richter Matthias
Published: December 2019

School tobacco policies (STPs) are a crucial strategy to reduce adolescents smoking. Existing studies have investigated STPs predominantly from a school-related ‘insider’ view. Yet, little is known about barriers that are not identified from the ‘schools’ perspective’, such as perceptions of local stakeholders. Forty-six expert interviews from seven European cities with stakeholders at the local level (e.g. representatives of regional health departments, youth protection and the field of addiction prevention) were included. The analysis of the expert interviews revealed different barriers that should be considered during the implementation of STPs. These barriers can be subsumed under the following: (i) Barriers regarding STP legislature (e.g. inconsistencies, partial bans), (ii) collaboration and cooperation problems between institutions and schools, (iii) low priority of smoking prevention and school smoking bans, (iv) insufficient human resources and (v) resistance among smoking students and students from disadvantaged backgrounds. Our findings on the expert’s perspective indicate a need to enhance and implement comprehensive school smoking bans. Furthermore, collaboration and cooperation between schools and external institutions should be fostered and strengthened, and adequate human resources should be provided.
Trait Multi-Functionality in Plant Stress Response
Authors: Sack Lawren , Buckley Thomas N
Published: December 2019

Plants often experience multiple stresses in a given day or season, and it is self-evident that given functional traits can provide tolerances of multiple stresses. Yet, the multiple functions of individual traits are rarely explicitly considered in ecology and evolution due to a lack of a quantitative framework. We present a theory for considering the combined importance of the several functions that a single trait can contribute to alleviating multiple stresses. We derive five inter-related general predictions: (1) that trait multifunctionality is overall highly beneficial to fitness; (2) that species possessing multifunctional traits should increase in abundance and in niche breadth; (3) that traits are typically optimized for multiple functions and thus can be far from optimal for individual functions; (4) that the relative importance of each function of a multifunctional trait depends on the environment; and (5) that traits will be often “co-opted” for additional functions during evolution and community assembly. We demonstrate how the theory can be applied quantitatively by examining the multiple functions of leaf trichomes (hairs) using heuristic model simulations, substantiating the general principles. We identify avenues for further development and applications of the theory of trait multifunctionality in ecology and evolution.