bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CVD synthesis and morphology of TiN fibers and films
Authors:   Frantsevich Institute for Problems of Materials Science, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, 3 Omeliana Pritsaka street, 03142 Kyiv, Ukraine, Pokropyvnyi Oleksii , Andrushchenko Denis , Yakubiv Mykola , Okun Igor , Solonin Yuriy
Published: August 2024

TiN, due to its excellent properties, is widly used industry, for example, in the manufacture of cutting tools, for the reinforcement of ceramic, metal and polymer matrices, for the creation of electronic devices, in particular, for obtaining solar energy, energy storage, photocatalysis, as well as as biomedical implants and protective wear-resistant coatings [1]. One of the promising directions of materials science is the creation of fibrous composite materials with ceramic, metal and polymer matrices. For this, continuous, micro- and nanofibers of refractory compounds, such as SiC, Si3N4, BN, TiC, TiN, etc., are mainly used [2,3]. In this work, the peculiarities of the processes of synthesis of films, micro- and nanofibers of TiN by the method of chemical vapor deposition (CVD) are considered. The research was done using titanium tetrachloride (TiCl4) in a mixture of nitrogen and hydrogen gases in a wide temperature range, namely 700-1300 °C. Silicon, steel 3 and titanium plates and Al, Sn, Pb, Ni powders were used as substrates. Study of synthesis products by scanning and transmission electron microscopy. With the above synthesis parameters, coatings were obtained in the form of fibers, films with a regular and island structure, namely in the form of plates, needles and stars. It was proved that depending on the material and temperature of the substrates, TiN films or crystals of different shapes and agglomeration were formed on the refractory or molten surface. During deposition at low temperatures (700-900 °C), films without filamentous crystals were observed. The morphology of these films was with microcracks. At temperatures of 1000-1150 °C, the new morphological structures were lamellar, needle-like, and star-shaped crystals. Micro- and nanofibers were formed at temperatures of 1150-1300 °C. A new way of forming star-shaped crystals is proposed by the method of quantum-chemical modeling [4].
Structure and properties of the Fe3Al-TiC composites obtained by hot forging
Authors:   Frantsevich Institute for Problems of Materials Science, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, 3 Omeliana Pritsaka street, 03142 Kyiv, Ukraine, Tolochyn Okeksandr , Kyryliuk Stepan , Bagliuk Gennadii , Tolochyna Oleksandra
Published: August 2024

Modern developments of more productive power systems are based on the principles of energy and resource saving and are associated with increasing their efficiency and increasing temperature and force loads. For such operating conditions, intermetallic matrix composites strengthened with carbides, borides or oxides are being considered, which will combine the heat- and wear-resistance of ceramics with the engineering properties of intermetallic compounds. Iron aluminides is a good matrix material in such composites due to their excellent resistance to oxidation and sulfidation at elevated temperature, as well as good fatigue and creep strength [1]. The intermetallic composites reinforced with carbide particles were produced by powder metallurgy. The mixtures obtained by planetary grinding of powders were formed into samples and heated and compacted by hot forging at 1220°C. The consolidated samples were tested for physical and mechanical properties. Compression tests were carried out at temperatures of 20 and 700°C. The formation of the phase composition and structure of the composite occurs at each technological stage of the material production. While the carbide phase TiC (10-30 vol.%) is introduced as a whole compound and as a result of intensive milling it can be ground to a particle size of 0.7-2 µm, the oxide hardening phase FexAlyOz with a particle size of 0.08-0.2 µm is formed during the milling of powders. The formation of the matrix phase, occurs as a result of reaction synthesis during heating. A feature of the deformation structure is the formation of lamellar particles of iron aluminide 5 μm. Fine particles of the strengthening phase are located inside and mainly at the grain boundaries. With an increase in the amount of carbide phase, a decrease in the bending strength is observed from 1700/1560/1330 MPa for composition 10/20/30 vol.% TiC. Compression tests showed high yield strength — 800-1100 MPa at room temperature and 400-440 MPa at 700°C.
Dispersion and polarization control of light with metasurfaces and related applications
Authors:   V. N. Karazin Kharkiv National University, Oleh Yermakov Oleh Yermakov , Polevoy Sergey
Published: August 2024

Two-dimensional (2D) materials offer unique opportunities for photodetection, light emission, energy harvesting, and enhanced light-matter interactions. Even more interest brings the artificially engineered 2D micro- and nanostructures with on-demand properties paving the way for a plethora of specific applications and devices including lensing, holography, imaging, polarimetry, biosensing, etc. The rapidly developing use of 2D nanostructures poses new challenges for their proper engineering and novel applications. This work focuses on the metasurfaces, which are two-dimensional periodic arrays of subwavelength scatterers. Despite their ultrathin thickness, metasurfaces efficiently manipulate light acting as the refractors, reflectors, absorbers, lenses, antennas, polarizers, etc. In this work, we develop new approaches and advanced algorithms for metasurfaces engineering and study their electromagnetic properties in both far- and near-field. The developed analytical and semi-analytical models are used to investigate the metasurfaces for the modification of the Brewster angle [1], the diffractionless in-plane transfer of the localized light [2], the development of planar polarizer [3], the enhanced light coupling and light-matter interactions.
Thermal stability of composite materials based on boron oxide modified basalt fibers
Authors:   Frantsevich Institute for Problems of Materials Science, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, 3 Omeliana Pritsaka street, 03142 Kyiv, Ukraine, Ivanitskii Stanislav , Chuvashov Yurii
Published: August 2024

Composite materials (CM) based on fibers containing B2O3 are used for neutron radiation shielding in nuclear reactors. Thermal stability of CM is related to the ability to maintain high strength of reinforcing fibers under thermal loads. The main reason for the decrease in strength is crystallization. This is due to the development of microcrystalline nuclei that formed in the fibers at the stage of drawing in the crystallization zone. The aim of this work is to analyze the influence of the rheological properties of the melt containing B2O3 on the conditions of fiber drawing, which affect the appearance of the microcrystalline phase in them. Modified glass was obtained by adding B2O3 to andesite basalt. The viscosity of the glass melt was determined on a rotary viscometer. The study of the conditions for the drawing of modified fibers was carried out on a laboratory bench and through theoretical analysis. The temperature of the upper limit of crystallization of the melt Tulc was determined by the quenching method. A mathematical model of the continuous fiber drawing process was used to estimate the crystallization zone. The viscosity of the glass melt with a content of 6 wt.% B2O3 is lower than viscosity of the andesite-basalt melt. The temperature Tulc of modified glass and andesite basalt is the same. Calculations of the speed of movement and the cooling rate of the melt jet during fiber drawing were carried out, which made it possible to determine the glass transition temperature Tgl, the temperature zone of crystallization from Tulc to Tgl and the residence time of the melt in this zone (the time of crystallization). The research results showed that the addition of B2O3 to the composition of glass changed the rheological properties of the glass melt and the conditions for drawing fibers from it. This led to a change in the fibers production interval and the concentration of microcrystalline nuclei in them and affected the thermal stability of fibers.
In-situ formation of borides and their effect on structure and mechanical properties of AlNiCrTiB high-entropy alloy prepared by electron-beam sintering
Authors:   National Technical University of Ukraine “Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute”, Nakonechnyi Serhii , Yurkova Alexandra , Loboda Petro
Published: August 2024

Metal-ceramic composites based on high-entropy alloys have an excellent combination of various properties of metal and ceramic materials [1]. At the same time, one of the most promising ways to obtain such composites is the introduction of non-metallic elements, such as boron [2, 3]. The in-situ formation of ceramic particles/fibers can significantly improve different characteristics of the resulting composite. In this study, a mechanically alloyed, for 10 h in petrol environment, equiatomic powder mixture of the Al-Ni-Cr-Ti-B system was sintered by electron beam method using different currents (4, 6 and 8 mA) applied to the cathode of electron beam gun. At the current strength of 4 mA, an alloy exhibits the transformation of the BCC phase resulted from MA into the FCC phase, as well as the formation of small inclusions of boride phases based on Cr and Ti. An increased average microhardness of 7.5 GPa is achieved due to interstitial strengthening by dissolution of boron element in the voids of solid-solution lattice and alloy quenching. Increasing the current strength to 6 mA leads to the formation of a significant amount of titanium diboride inclusions. However, a higher content of the BCC phase is transformed into a soft FCC phase, reducing the average microhardness to 3.0 GPa. At a current of 8 mA, the phase composition of the alloy does not change, but three heating zones are formed in the microstructure. In the zone of electron beam contact, a FCC matrix with inclusions of chromium monoboride fibers is formed, and the average microhardness here is 7.4 GPa. Inside the sample, at a distance of 2-3 mm, the microstructure consists of a same FCC matrix and titanium diboride inclusions, and the average microhardness reaches 11.8 GPa. After that, the microstructure and microhardness of the alloy are like those obtained at 6 mA. The results reflect the prospects and the necessity of further research on the formation of the structure and properties of such materials.
Effect of caesium adsorption on the emission properties of (110) and (100) molybdenum surfaces
Authors:   G. V. Kurdyumov Institute For Metal Physics, N.A.S. Of Ukraine, Smolnik Sviatoslav , Shevchenko Mykola , Galstian Iryna , Tsapko Yevheniy , Len Evgen
Published: August 2024

Improving the emission properties of refractory metals electrodes of thermionic converters (TECs) and emission electronics devices is a challenging but important task [1]. Optimization of the electron work function (φ) for the electrodes’ surfaces and the back current from the anode to the cathode, i.e., the reduction of the electron reflection coefficient (K) from anode, in particular due to the presence of adsorbates (in our case, caesium) on its surface, is one of the main aspects of this task’s solution. To understand the emission properties formation in refractory metals, it is important to obtain their atomically clean surfaces and to study these properties on them. In the present work, the influence of caesium adsorption on the work function of atomically clean surfaces (110) and (100) of Mo single crystal obtained by high-temperature annealing and on the reflection of electrons from them is considered. To control the state of the surface and measure φ the methods of total current spectroscopy I(U) and contact difference of potentials, correspondingly, are used. Dependences of coefficient K on adsorbed caesium concentration (n) were determined from the experimental current-voltage characteristics (CVC) in the region of the first maximum, which corresponds to slow electrons with energies of 1-2 eV. It is shown that the electron reflection coefficient from the anode takes the largest value (0.42) for a pure (Cs-free) Mo (110) face, and for a similar Mo (100) face it acquires the smallest value (0.05). Formation of Cs monolayer on both investigated surfaces (at n ≥ 6.2·1014 at/cm2) leads to the levelling of the difference between different faces and to attainment of saturation for K (~0.21).
A first-principles study of uniaxial compression of boron carbide doped by aluminum in intercosahedral chain
Authors:   Frantsevich Institute for Problems of Materials Science, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, 3 Omeliana Pritsaka street, 03142 Kyiv, Ukraine, Bilyi Vladyslav , Vasiliev Oleksandr
Published: August 2024

Boron carbide is a widely used impact-resistant ceramic due to its hardness, low density, and high Hugonio elastic limit, but it is prone to amorphization under high non-hydrostatic loads. Fanchini [1] suggested that the cause of amorphization lies in the (B₁₂)C-C-C boron carbide polytype, namely in the intercosahedral C-C-C chain. Previously, we determined [2] that the substitution of aluminum in the center of the chain is possible, and the most likely configuration is (B₁₂)C^Al^C. In this work, we consider the simulation of uniaxial compression along the intercosahedral chain of (B₁₂)C^Al^C and (B₁₂)C-C-C. For both configurations, we calculate the dependence of uniaxial stress on uniaxial strain and determine the maximum uniaxial stress and elastic strain values. We used a slightly modified method of uniaxial compressing that was described in [3]. The simulation was performed using the Quantum Espresso software package. A 2x2x1 unit cells of (B₁₂)C-C-C hexagonal supercell was constructed along the intercosahedral chain. All central carbon atoms were changed to aluminum and shifted in the same direction. Compression simulations were performed with a step size of 0.01 of the uniaxial elastic strain. Parameters used in the calculation include: kinetic energy cutoff for wavefunctions of 100 Ry, convergence criteria of Ry for the self-consistent field and Ry/Bohr for forces on the atoms, gamma point only for Brillouin zone, and gaussian spreading of Ry. Our results show that the introduction of aluminum into the chain of (B₁₂)C-C-C polytype leads to a decrease in the maximum elastic strain (from 0.24 to 0.17) and the maximum uniaxial stress (from 161 GPa to 94 GPa) that the system can withstand. Consequently, the (B₁₂)C^Al^C configuration has lower mechanical properties compared to the (B₁₂)C-C-C polytype of boron carbide. No mechanism for improving the characteristics of boron carbide was identified.
Solubility of AlN-submicropowders of vacuum aluminothermic origin
Authors:   Frantsevich Institute for Problems of Materials Science, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, 3 Omeliana Pritsaka street, 03142 Kyiv, Ukraine, Sydorenchuk Vera , Kuzmenko Lyudmila , Silinska Tatiana , Khomko Tatiana , Muratov Valeriy , Romanova Larisa
Published: August 2024

AlN powders in a wide range of sizes and purposes have influential applications from functional and composite ceramics to film technologies in electronics [1]. Products of topological vacuum-thermal interaction in the system: submicron B₁₂Al and AlN "BN-Al" powders are used in the production of dense resistive ceramics. Surprisingly, micron AlN powders did not want to be wetted by boiling 20% NaOH solution. Vacuum-thermal AlN dissolves exothermically. X-ray diffraction studies confirmed the hexagonal structure of the space group of wurtzite P6₃mc. The average size of AlN crystallites was determined to be ≈ 40 nm in the field of coherent reflection scattering. Solid B₁₂Al was selectively dissolved with HNO₃=1:10 solution. The black AlN precipitate (vs. white 100 nm in [1]) was filtered, washed with 5% citric acid, ethanol, dried (130⁰C), sieved and packed in a sealed container. The nuances of solubility of AlN are known in reference books. The results of comparative experiments were obvious. A reversible Gleiter effect of the spatial transition of a significant number of internal 3D atoms of Al and N to the 2D surface of crystallitesnano is observed. The mass fraction of oxygen in powders can be a measure of this process. Peripheral Al-atoms have partially broken chemical bonds. Contact with air causes recombination with oxygen in the presence of water vapor. Bridging bonds of the type (=N˃Al-O(HO)Al˂N=)n are formed by the hydrate-solvate mechanism. According to the data of pulse reduction extraction with carbonin helium flow and gas chromatography, the mass fraction of oxygen in AlN powders decreases with the growth of crystallites. Plasma chemical samples (up to 10 nm) contain 3.2% (by mass) oxygen. Al-thermal samples (40-50 nm) are oxidized by 1.9% (by mass). In furnace synthesis samples (up to 1µ), oxygen is 0.75% (by mass), respectively.
Thermodynamic properties of melts of the Ti-Sb(Ce) and Ti-Sb-Ce systems
Authors:   Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Sudavtsova Valentina , Usenko Nataliya , Podoprygora Nataliya , Ivanov Michael
Published: August 2024

Stibium alloys with transition metals are promising for the creation of new thermoelectric and refractory materials. In order to obtain them on a scientific basis, it is necessary to know the thermodynamic properties of various phases, especially the liquid phase. The enthalpies of formation of melts of binary systems Ti-Sb(Ce) for the first time were investigated by the method calorimetry at 1600 and 1800 K in the range of compositions 0
Thermodynamic properties of liquid alloys of the Sb-Sc system
Authors:   Frantsevich Institute for Problems of Materials Science, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, 3 Omeliana Pritsaka street, 03142 Kyiv, Ukraine, Sudavtsova Valentina , Romanova Larysa , Ivanov Michael , Kudin Volodymyr
Published: August 2024

Enthalpies of alloy formation in the Sb-Sc system have not been previously studied because scandium is refractory metal whereas stibium is extremely volatile. In this study, for the first time, the mixing enthalpies of melts in the Sb-Sc system were determined by the calorimetric method in wide concentration regions at 1413-1423 K. The minimum of the integral enthalpy of mixing is –44.8 ±2.3 kJ/mol is observed near the equiatomic composition. Such significant exothermic effects are explained by the large difference in electronegativities of the components. The limiting partial enthalpies of the components are –125±4 kJ/mol for scandium and –129±9 kJ/mol for stibium. In order to monitor how ΔН min of liquid alloys and Δ f H of monostibides in the Sb–3d-metal systems change, as well as predict similar data for unstudied systems, we presented them depending on the serial number of the transition metal. For this purpose, we used the most reliable literature data as well as our data obtained in the present study. It was established that ΔН of melts of the Sс–Sb system obtained in the work correlate with similar data for the Sb–3d-metal systems. In addition, they are the most exothermic. This can be explained by the electronic structure of 3d metals. It is known that there are 9 electrons on the 3d-orbitals of Ni, therefore, when forming alloys with Sb, nickel accepts the outer electrons of the latter, forming a donor-acceptor bond. On the contrary, at the formation of liquid alloys of the Sc–Sb system, most likely, occurs the transition of one electron from the 3d-orbitals of Sc to the outer orbital of Sb. Based on the values of ΔНmin of melts of Sb–3d-metal systems, it can be concluded that the formation of bonds in liquid alloys of the Sc–Sb system is energetically more advantageous than even in melts of the Ni–Sb system.
Formation of microstructure and optical characteristics of Al₂O₃/YAG:Ce eutectic obtained by HDC method
Authors:   State Scientific Institution “Institute for Single Crystals” of National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Siryk Yurii , Vovk Oleh , Gryn Leonid , Baranov Viacheslav , Nizhankovskyi Sergii
Published: August 2024

Ce³⁺ doped directionally crystallized Al₂O₃/YAG eutectic composites show promise as fluorescent converters for powerful LED and LD white light sources [1]. The mechanical and optical characteristics of these composites depend on the dimensional and morphological parameters of the eutectic microstructure, which are influenced by the crystallization conditions and Ce impurity concentration. This work investigates the effect of crystallization rate and Ce concentration on the microstructure parameters of the Al₂O₃/YAG:Ce³⁺ eutectic obtained through the horizontal directional crystallization (HDC) method. The results indicate that Al₂O₃/YAG:Ce³⁺ eutectic is a proficient optical medium for light scattering. The shape of the elastic light scattering indicator depends on the sample thickness, the characteristic eutectic distance λₑᵤₜ, and the angle of incidence of the primary beam. The presence of Al₂O₃/YAG:Ce³⁺ eutectic texture with a cellular morphology obtained by directional crystallization causes these effects. It is important to consider these factors during converter manufacturing. The emission spectra of Al₂O₃/YAG:Ce³⁺ eutectic samples exhibit a broad emission band resulting from 5d¹ - 4f electronic transitions of the Ce³⁺ ion in the YAG matrix. The radiation intensity of the samples varies along the ingot due to an increase in Ce concentration from the beginning to the end of the ingot. Analysis of the emission peaks revealed that the eutectic morphology can increase the reabsorption of Ce³⁺ ion radiation, resulting in a shift of the luminescence maximum towards the red part of the spectrum. The Al₂O₃/YAG:Ce³⁺ eutectic samples obtained exhibit excellent lighting characteristics, with a luminous efficacy of 142 lm/W, a color rendering index of 72%, a correlated color temperature of 5120 K, and chromatic coordinates of x-0.3500 and y-0.400. Therefore, we recommend this eutectic as a phosphor for high-power white LEDs.
Mechanical, structural and acoustic properties of new heat-resistant alloys Inconel® Filler Metal 52 and Inconel® Filler Metal 52MSS in the temperature range of 77-1200K
Authors:   B.I. Verkin Institute for Low Temperature Physics and Engineering, N.A.S. of Ukraine, Semerenko Yuri , Zoryansky Viktor
Published: August 2024

Inconel®FM52 [1] and it next generation FM52MSS [2] were developed as welding consumables for heat and radiation resistant alloy Inconel®690 [3]. Low levels of Al and Ti in FM52MSS provides “clean” weld deposits that tend to be free of inclusions. Improved wetting and clean welds make FM52MSS ideal for welding in radioactively “hot” repair situations. In this regard, it is appropriate to study the physical and mechanical characteristics of these alloys. The acoustic, mechanical and structural properties of the FM52 and FM52MSS were studied using methods of acoustic spectroscopy, active deformation and electron microscopy in a temperature 77–1200K. In FM52MSS chemical heterogeneity in Nb and Mo is observed (grain boundaries are enriched in Nb and Mo with the release of NbC). In FM52 there is increase in the dislocation density during the transition from the grain volume to the boundary, which leads to a sharp gradient of local internal stresses. The distribution of local internal stresses in FM52MSS is uniform, which can be explained by the redistribution of internal stresses along grain boundaries during the defects diffusion to the grain boundaries. The failure of plasticity is observed in FM52, where the value of the relative elongation has reduced values, with a maximum in the temperature 1000-1200K. This temperature range coincides with the temperature interval of the failure of plasticity during the formation of hot cracks. At the same time, this failure in ductility is not observed in the FM52MSS. The behavior of high temperature background of acoustic absorption in FM52 correlates with the temperature range of failure of the plasticity [4]. As established, the availability of effective pinning centers hindering the dislocation mobility creates the preconditions for a uniform distribution of dislocations that leads to the absence of gradients of local stresses that, in turn, provides a high heat resistance and hot cracking resistance of the FM52MSS.
STUDI KITAB RIJAL AL-HADIS
Authors: Fikri Shofil , Azzahra Fatimah , Khanifah Halimatus , Hariri Ahmad Nizar , Aulia Muhammad Restu
Published: August 2024

This study discusses the book Rijal al-Hadith which is very important in the study of Hadith science. This field deals with individuals connected in the chain of transmission (sanad), namely the narrators of Hadith. Rijal al-Hadith talks about the narrators of Hadith, aimed at assessing the validity of Hadith from the perspective of the chain of narration, whether the connections are sound or flawed by any narrator. This research focuses on how al-Mizzi obtained or revealed narrators in a valid manner. The author also seeks this information. Therefore, the author hopes to contribute to broader and more specific research on the book Rijal al-Hadith.
Ilmu Pendidikan Islam Pendekatan Arkelogis: Prasasti, Situs-Situs Peradaban Islam
Authors: Alauddin Alauddin
Published: August 2024

Arkeologi sendiri merupakan suatu ilmu yang mempelajari kebudayaan manusia melalui material artifak yang ditemukanberdasarkan peninggalan manusia di masa lampau. Kalau dulu, arkeologi didasarkan pada peninggalan fisik yang tertinggal dengan penggunaan metode secara teoritis dan filosofis. Sebagian besar ilmu ini termasuk dalam hubungan manusia dan masih termasuk di dalam ilmu Antropologi. Bagian lain dari antropologi mendukung penemuan arkeologi seperti antropologi budaya, yang mempelajari tingkah laku, simbolis, dan dimensi material dari suatu budaya. Berdasarkan sudut pandang tersebut, Islam dapat dipahami dalam berbagai benda-benda peninggalan kebudayaannya. Penelitian ini menggunakan penelitian kualitatif dengan menggunkan pendekatan pustaka. Adapun Peninggalan-peninggalan sejarah peradaban Islam terdapat di berbagai wilayah di dunia dan dijaga sebagai peninggalan yang memiliki makna bagi umat Islam itu sendiri. Adapun peninggalan-peninggalan tersebut mencakup peninggalan tempat suci, mushaf Al-Qur’an, pengetahuan, arsitektur, serta mileter dan persenjataan.Syaikh Nawawi al-Bantani adalah seorang ulama Melayu-Nusantara yang telah berhasil melanjutkan tradisi para ulama Melayu sebelumnya untuk mentransformasikan gagasan keilmuan melalui murid dan karyanya dari Haramain ke wilayah Nusantara, khusunya Indonesia. Aktivitas dan perannya dalam menyebarkan Islam di Nusantara khususnya Indonesia sangat berguna bagi generasi sesudahnya.
Improving Third Year English Students’ Translation of Text Genres by Using The Method of Comparing the Position of Words in Phrases or Sentences in the Text Genres
Authors:   Souphanouvong University, Sisombath Sithonh
Published: August 2024

This article presents an action research study undertaken at the Faculty of Education, Souphanouvong University during the 2020-2021 academic year. The aim was to determine whether teaching a method of comparing the position of words in the source language (English) and the target language (Lao) could improve third-year English students’ translation of text genres, and whether they were able to learn new vocabulary using this procedure. The sample comprised the 19 students from class 3ENT who studied English as their major. Research instruments included a pre-test, post-test, and questionnaire. Both pre-test and post-test consisted of English to Lao and Lao to English translation, and the questionnaire included 12 closed and open-ended questions. For the experimental method of teaching-learning translation, specific instruction for comparing the position of words between English and Lao was provided for three hours, followed by further practice in translating text genres for two hours per week over 16 weeks. This was implemented in-class and online. Finally, the pre-test and post-test scores of the 19 students were compared to see the difference in students’ translation ability. SPSS version 20 was used to calculate all the data. The results of this study showed the mean of the pre-test was 13.5263 with SD = 5.30585, and the mean of the post-test was 28.5263 with SD = 5.95696, while the t-test = -8.652 and p = 0.000. Before learning this technique for translation, 37% of students did not know how to translate English phrases or sentences into the Lao language by themselves, 47% of them knew a few ways, and 16% of students knew and understood how to use many techniques by themselves. After the experimental method was taught, 63% of students felt they knew how to translate English to Lao by themselves. In addition, 84% of students indicated they could learn new vocabulary from text genres, while 16% said they could learn a little new vocabulary from them.
Glycemic Control Impacts the Quality of Bowel Preparation in Patients Undergoing Elective Colonoscopy: A Multicenter Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Shah Yash , Singh Dahiya Dushyant , Kumar Gangwani Manesh , Ali Hassam , Chandan Saurabh , Parker Kelly , deLongpre Jennifer , Sule Anupam , Takriti Mones , Inamdar Sumant , Rabinowitz Loren G , Krishnamoorthy Geetha
Published: August 2024

Introduction: Diabetes Mellitus has been linked to poor quality of bowel preparation (BP) but the impact of various glycemic control levels remains unclear. The primary objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between the quality of BP and the glycemic control in patients with diabetes.

Methods: Data was collected retrospectively to identify adults who underwent elective colonoscopy from March 2020-December 2022. The patient population was subdivided into two groups based on the quality of BP. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to assess associations between glycemic control, medications, sociodemographic factors, and BP quality.

Results: A total of 1458 patients who met the inclusion criteria were included in the final analysis. Of these, 6.3% of patients had suboptimal BP. Non-diabetics, prediabetics, and well-controlled diabetics had lower odds (0.28, 0.20, and 0.32;p<0.001) of having suboptimal BP as compared to poorly controlled diabetics. Insulin users had higher odds (5.39;p<0.01), non-smokers and former smokers had lower odds (0.54, 0.40;p<0.04), and medicare and commercial insurance holders had lower odds (0.49, 0.28;p<0.001) of suboptimal BP. Gender, body mass index, and the use of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonists were not shown to impact the quality of BP.

Conclusions: This study shows that poorly controlled and insulin-dependent diabetics have higher rates of suboptimal QBP, leading to missed lesions and increased colon cancer risk. Limited access to healthcare due to low socioeconomic status indirectly contributes to poorly controlled DM and higher rates of suboptimal QBP. Identifying poor preparation risks allows targeted interventions to enhance QBP in high-risk patients. By prioritizing bowel preparation optimization, we can enhance the overall quality of colonoscopy screening, leading to earlier detection of colorectal malignancies, improved patient outcomes, and a reduction in the burden of colorectal cancer.
Physician Attire - Does it Matter? A Study Evaluating Patient Preferences for Attire for Family Medicine
Authors: Bell Eleisha , Yu Dorothy , Abu-Zahra Ahmad , Keller Evelyn , Brannan Grace , Stan Ioana , Hasnat Heraa , Smith Cheryl , Zawilinski Laci
Published: August 2024

Introduction: Historically, white coats have been the distinctive and respected dress code worn by physicians. With the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, many physicians exchanged white coats and professional attire for scrubs and personal protective equipment to feel safer and reduce the spread of infectious pathogens in clinical settings. Our aim was to investigate patient preferences in attire for family physicians in an outpatient setting following the Covid-19 pandemic.

Methods: Patients from two family medicine clinics were recruited to participate in the study from June 2023 to December 2023. Surveys were distributed to volunteers who met demographic criteria: age ≥ 18 years, ability to read and speak English and not legally blind. Patients completed an anonymous survey consisting of six questions that would assess physician attire based on level of knowledge, trustworthiness, caring, approachability, comfortability, and professionalism on a 10-point scale (1=somewhat to 10=extremely). Each photo set included a male and female in one of the following attire: white coat with either business casual attire (#1) or scrubs (#2), or fleece with either business casual attire (#3) or scrubs (#4). A one-way analysis of variance was performed to compare photos sets on variable scores; means ± standard deviations were calculated. P<.05 was considered significant.

Results: A total of 288 patients participated in the study. Photo sets #1 (8.2±2.1) and #3 (7.7±2.4) were significantly different for approachability compared to #2 (7.6±2.5) and #4 (7.6±2.5) (p=.007). Otherwise, photo set #1 was significantly different from all other photo sets in regards to knowledge (p=.0001), trustworthiness (p=.0005), caringness (p=.0003), comfortableness (p=.002), and professionalism (p=<.0001).

Conclusions: Patients prefer physicians to wear a white coat with business casual attire, based on all six of our study’s domains. Continuation of this study could look at variables of gender and race and the roles they play in patient preference for physician attire.
Household Income Disparities in Childhood Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Incidence and Mortality: A US Population-Based Analysis between 2000 and 2020
Authors: Ruhban Inas , Szpunar Susan , Anne Premchand
Published: August 2024

Introduction: Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) is the most common childhood cancer with an annual incidence of 3.7-4.9 cases per 100,000. There are no recent reports of the effect of socioeconomic status on pediatric ALL incidence and mortality class. Objective: Assess the association between ALL incidence and mortality and the socioeconomic status in children ages 21 years and younger.

Methods: Retrospective analysis was conducted of the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) database, which represents up to 48% of the general US population. We included patients with ALL up to 21 years of age during 2000-2020. Patients were categorized based on annual household income into three groups: low-income: < $50,000; middle-income: $50,000-$75,000; high-income: >$75,000. Incidence and mortality rates were expressed per 100,000 person-years. Annual Percentage Changes (APCs) were defined as the average year-over-year rate change. Student’s t test was used to determine if APCs were significantly different from zero with a significance level of 0.05.

Results: We reviewed 30,852 cases, of which 9%, 54%, and 37% belonged to low-, middle-, or high-income families, respectively, and with incidence rates of 3.2, 3.4, and 3.1 per 100,000 person-years, respectively. Incidence in low-income children showed a statistically significant average increase of 1.1% (p = 0.003) per year during 2000-2020, while it showed a significant increased followed by stable rates since 2007 and 2010 in middle- and high-income children, respectively. ALL mortality was 0.5, 0.4, and 0.4 per 100,000 person-years, in low-, middle-, and high-income children, respectively. Mortality in low-income children has increased 2000-2007 (APC= 25.2%, p = 0.011); it did not significantly change after that.

Conclusions: ALL incidence in low-income children has been increasing and remained the highest while mortality improved in middle-income children. Differences in healthcare access may be associated with the findings; further studies are needed to delineate this further.
Referencing the Center of Rotation of the Talus to Restore Tuber Length in Anatomic Reduction of Calcaneus Fractures
Authors: Suhrawardy Ameen , Brenner Joseph , Van Aken Trey , Joiner Jonathan , Steelman Kevin , Meehan Robert , Vaidya Rahul
Published: August 2024

Introduction: The deforming forces of calcaneus fractures shorten, push into varus, and disrupt its articular surface. The height of the calcaneus depends on restoration of Bohler’s Angle (BA) and Tuber Length (TL). Contraction of the gastrocsoleus plantarflexes the ankle around the center of rotation of the talus (COR). The moment arm of the Achilles tendon is the calcaneal tuber. The purpose of this study is to define the COR, assess the TL after reconstruction of the calcaneal tuber and assess its influence on calcaneal height and work of the Achilles tendon.

Methods: An IRB-approved retrospective study included 345 calcaneal fracture operative cases at a level 1 trauma center over 10 years. Of them, 39 cases had lateral x-rays of both operated and uninjured feet. X-rays were sized to each other on the Detroit Bonesetter App, which was used to find BA and COR. The moment arm of the Achilles tendon was defined as the distance from the tendon insertion to the COR of the talus. It was also the measurement used to describe TL.

Results: The average postoperative TL was 5.72 ± 0.47 cm, and the average contralateral TL was 5.99 ± 0.42 cm (p=0.01). This resulted in a calculated average of 4.48% ± 5.28% increased gastrocsoleus work in all patients compared to the contralateral extremity. ORIF had shorter TL compared to CRPF (p=0.02). Eight of the 39 patients had shortened TL despite adequately restored BA.

Conclusions: While BA restoration has served as the operative marker of success for intra-articular calcaneus fractures, it does not consider the change in mechanical work of the Achilles tendon, which may be a better indicator of the functional length of the calcaneus. This study demonstrates that there is increased work on the Achilles with shortened TL even when the reduction has adequately restored BA. Finding COR and referencing it to measure TL compared to the contralateral foot should be considered as an additional goal to restoration of BA, anatomic reduction, and varus deformity correction when treating calcaneal fractures.
Torsemide versus Furosemide Therapy in Patients with Chronic Heart Failure: An updated Meta-analysis
Authors: Talaei Fahimeh , Pratiti Rebecca , Ibrahim Mahmoud , Almorsy Khaled , Moudgal Varsha , Kesari Kavitha
Published: August 2024

Introduction: Torsemide’s oral bioavailability and half-life theoretically render it a more efficient diuretic than Furosemide, but the clinical outcomes of torsemide compared with furosemide remain unclear. A rigorous meta-analysis performed by Bishoy et al 2019 showed Torsemide as compared to Furosemide improved hospitalization though it was not statistically significant. We performed an updated meta-analysis to evaluate the effects of Torsemide vs. Furosemide in heart failure hospitalization and mortality.

Methods: In addition to the studies included in previous meta-analyses, we performed a literature search using Medline from 2019 till 07/25/2023. We used the MESH term ‘Torsemide’ AND ‘Furosemide[Mesh]) AND ‘Heart Failure’. Eligible studies were 1) Randomized control studies (RCT), non-RCT, and observational prospective and retrospective cohort studies, 2) with English abstract 3) compared torsemide with furosemide, and 4) assessed outcomes of all-cause hospitalization or all-cause mortality. When studies reported both short-term and long-term outcomes, a preference was given to long-term outcomes. Study quality was assessed by the Ottawa scale. RevMan 5.4 was used for analysis. Study results were analyzed using a random effects model. I2 statistics were applied to assess the between-study heterogeneity. Further subgroup analysis was performed for RCTs only.

Results: In addition to the previous studies, our literature search returned 27 studies. Two studies met the inclusion criteria. A total of twenty studies (8 randomized control trials [RCTs] and 12 observational studies) with a total of 22,749 patients were included. New-Castle Ottawa scale was used to assess the quality of each study, score of each study ranged from 7 to 9 which reflected high quality. Intra-study risks of bias were also assessed. During a mean follow-up duration of 12 months, risk of hospitalization due to heart failure in patients treated with Torsemide was not different from those treated with Furosemide (odds ratio [OR] 0.80, 95% confidence interval [CI] [0.59, 1.07], p< 0.23, I2 = 24%) also no difference in risk of all-cause mortality (odds ratio [OR] 0.94, 95% confidence interval [CI] [0.87, 1.02], p< 0.001, I2 = 96%, respectively) noted between the two groups. The results remained consistent when subgroup analysis was conducted using only RCTs.

Conclusions: Compared with Furosemide, Torsemide use was not associated with a significant difference in hospitalization for heart failure or all-cause mortality in patients with heart failure. The studies included in hospitalization analyses showed lower heterogeneity while for all-cause mortality a higher heterogeneity was noted.
Mortality and Readmission Outcomes for Intensive and Conventional Cardiac Rehabilitation
Authors: Bellino Alycia , Suneja Anupam , Patel Yash , Kumar Agara , Huebner Marianne , Smith Frank
Published: August 2024

Background: Cardiac rehabilitation, a cornerstone of cardiovascular disease (CVD) management, offers two approaches: Convention Cardiac Rehabilitation (CCR)—a multidisciplinary intervention centered around exercise, and Intensive Cardiac Rehabilitation (ICR). ICR provides a more comprehensive approach focusing on dietary modifications including a whole-food, plant-based diet, and wellness counseling. There is limited data in the current literature comparing Major Adverse Cardiac Events (MACE) between patients undergoing ICR or CCR, which we aim to investigate.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study to compare a primary composite MACE outcome at 730 days (2 years) for patients who participated in ICR, CCR, and eligible patients who did not engage in cardiac rehab. The composite outcome included 2-year mortality, PCI, MI, stroke, CABG, and unstable angina requiring hospitalization. Secondary outcome measures included composite cost of readmissions, number of readmissions, composite cost of MACE and frequency of MACE components. We included patients who attended at least 5 CCR or 10 ICR sessions from 2016-2019.

Results: Out of 5832 patients in the timeframe observed, 3445 did not participate in any cardiac rehab. Of the remaining 2104 included in our statistical analysis, 963 were in the CCR group and 1141 in the ICR group. We found no significant difference in MACE outcomes using a chi-squared test; 89% of ICR and 90% of CCR experienced zero MACE outcomes (P=0.566). Observed deaths were not significantly different, with 3% in both the ICR and CCR groups (P=0.587). However, the data showed that readmissions were 5% more common in the ICR group compared to CCR (34% vs 29%, P=0.006).

Conclusions: Our study did not provide definitive evidence demonstrating the benefits of ICR over CCR for the composite MACE outcome, as no difference was observed. Study limitations include its retrospective nature, and reliance on observational data, which precluded randomization of baseline patient characteristics. In conclusion, despite more extensive sessions and content involving dietary strategies and wellness counseling, there is currently no definitive evidence favoring ICR over CCR.
Early Discharge after Enhanced Recovery Colectomy does Not Increase ED Visits and Readmissions: A Single Institution Analysis
Authors: Baur Katherine , Sood Evan M , Huebner Marianne , Kolli Nivya , Cleary Robert
Published: August 2024

Background: With continued advancements in Enhanced Recovery Pathway (ERP) protocols, we have noticed a significant decrease in colorectal surgery emergency department (ED) visits and readmissions. When considering same-day discharge after colorectal surgery in ERP patients, it would be important to know if early discharge is associated with increased ED visits and readmissions. This study is to determine if discharge on postoperative days (POD) one or two is associated with increased rates of ED visits and hospital readmissions after left and right colectomy.

Methods: This is a single institution analysis of a prospectively maintained institutional colorectal surgery database between 07/01/2018 and 07/15/2022. The primary outcomes were ED visit and readmission rates for enhanced recovery open and minimally invasive right and left colectomy using logistic regressions models.

Results: 820 patients met inclusion criteria; mean age 62.8 years; 47.4% ASA-3, and 83.2% had a minimally invasive surgical approach. Hospital length-of-stay decreased over the study period. There were significant differences in discharge-day by diagnosis - 58.5% of patients with Crohn’s disease were discharged on POD≥4 and 21.6% of those with benign colon neoplasia were discharged on POD 0-1 (p < 0.001). ED visits occurred in 12.9% of the study population and were not significantly different between discharge-day groups (p=0.096). Overall readmission rate was 8.5% and significantly different between discharge-day groups (0% POD-0 vs 8.3% POD-1 vs 5.8% POD-2 vs 6.9% POD-3 vs 12.9% POD≥4, p=0.041). Logistic regression showed that ED visits and readmissions for longer discharge-days (POD-2, POD-3, POD≥4) were not significantly different than POD-0-1. Readmission diagnoses for the study population were higher for ileus (17.1%) and SSI III (22.9%) than for AKI (1.4%) and SSI I/II (1.4%). Readmissions were not related to discharge day of the week (p=0.494).

Conclusions: Early discharge after left and right colectomy is not associated with increased rates of ED visits and readmissions. Same-day discharge may be feasible in selected enhanced recovery patients. Risks and benefits associated with same-day discharge require further investigation.
Decreased Time to Treatment in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Improves Survival
Authors: Muca Antonela , Howard Kathryn , Tolkacz Michael , Reilly Jordan , Ye Hong , Grills Ingra , Watson Thomas , Welsh Robert , Long Graham
Published: August 2024

Introduction: Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related mortality in men and women in the United States. Survival is directly correlated to stage, and stage can progress if cancer is left untreated. We hypothesize that expedited time to treatment after initial radiographic detection results in decreased mortality of local or locoregional non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Methods: We reviewed prospectively collected single institution data from patients with stage I-III NSCLC between 2009-2016. Interval between initial CT on which a suspicious lung nodule was detected (index CT), a subsequent biopsy date, and treatment start date (i.e., day of surgical resection or initiation of radiation therapy) was assessed. Follow-up data were obtained for overall (OS), and disease-free survival (DFS). Univariate analysis was used to investigate variables that correlated with OS and DFS. OS and DFS were compared between time groups using a log-rank test.

Results: Of 503 patients analyzed, 239 (47.5%) underwent surgical resection, 255 (50.7%) underwent radiation therapy, and 9 (1.8%) underwent both. Median follow-up was 5.2 years. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves identified the optimum time to improve OS was ≤28 days from index CT to biopsy and ≤87 days from index CT to start of treatment. For stage I patients, a shorter time from index CT to biopsy was associated with improved OS, and DFS (p<0.001 and <0.001, respectively), as was a shorter time from index CT to treatment, (<0.001 and <0.001 respectively). No significant differences were found for stage II and III lung cancers.

Conclusions: Diagnosis within 28 days and treatment within 87 days after index CT resulted in improved OS and DFS for Stage I NSCLC. While treatment delays are often multifactorial in etiology, time to treatment must be addressed at the healthcare system level to improve outcomes for NSCLC.