bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Oxide scale spallation behaviour of cast chromia-forming TaC-strengthened superalloys
Authors: Berthod Patrice , Gomis Jean-Paul , Aranda Lionel
Published: August 2020

Six {Ni,Co}-based alloys containing TaC were oxidised at 1250°C. The mass variations files were exploited to follow the progress of the spallation of the oxide scales during cooling. The oxides formed on surface were characterised. On average, spallation started after a 300 K cooling, at higher temperature for the nickel-richest alloys than for the others. These results are discussed by considering the effect of the base element and the natures and thicknesses of the external oxides. Tantalum has a negative influence on the scales adherence. The thicker scales formed on the cobalt-richest alloys are less affected by spallation. The CrTaO4 oxide is more deleterious for the adherence of the external oxide scale when it is gathered at the interface.
Tensile and creep properties of Al–7Si–0.3Mg alloy with Zr and Er addition
Authors: Rashno S. , Reihanian M. , Ranjbar Khalil
Published: August 2020

The combined and singular effects of Zr and Er addition on the microstructure, tensile and impression creep behaviour of the cast A356 alloy were investigated. The Zr and Er refined the α-Al dendrites and secondary dendrite arm spacing (SDAS) and modified the eutectic morphology. The simultaneous addition of Zr and Er exhibited the smallest α-Al dendrites and SDAS with a fibrous eutectic morphology, resulting in the highest yield (∼118 MPa) and tensile (∼190 MPa) strength, and the largest creep resistance. The stress exponent, and the activation energy, were within the range of 6.28–7.22 and between 121.6 and 148.2 kJ mol−1, respectively. The lattice self-diffusion climb-controlled creep was the dominant creep mechanism. The constitutive creep equation was developed for each alloy.
The myth of the ‘book famine’ in African publishing
Authors: le Roux Elizabeth
Published: August 2020

The publishing industry in Africa is usually described in terms of ‘booklessness’, ‘hunger’ or ‘famine’. But does this language of scarcity reflect the realities of book production and consumption? In this paper, the concept of ‘book famine’ is analysed as a central frame of discourse on African books, using a survey of existing documentation. Two ways of responding to book famine – provision and production – are identified, and the shortcomings of book aid (provision) are contrasted with strengthening local publishing industries (production). It is argued that the concept has become a cliché that is no longer relevant and that African publishing, while variable, is responding to local needs.
Modeling characterisation of a bipolar pulsed discharge
Authors: Donkó Zoltán , Zajičková Lenka , Sugimoto Satoshi , Harumningtyas Anjar Anggraini , Hamaguchi Satoshi
Published: August 2020

We apply particle based kinetic simulations to explore the characteristics of a low-pressure gas discharge driven by high-voltage (∼kV) pulses with alternating polarity, with a duty cycle of ≈ 1% and a repetition rate of 5 kHz. The computations allow tracing the spatio-temporal development of several discharge characteristics, the potential and electric field distributions, charged particle densities and fluxes, the mean ion energy at the electrode surfaces, etc. As such discharges have important surface processing applications, e.g. in the treatment of artificial bones, we analyse the time-dependence of the flux and the mean energy of the ions reaching the electrode surfaces, which can be both conducting and dielectric. Our investigations are conducted for argon buffer gas in the 40–140 Pa pressure range, for 1–5 cm electrode gaps and voltage pulse amplitudes ranging between 600 V and 1200 V.
Micro-actuation design in VO2-based bimorph cantilevers
Authors: Craciunescu Corneliu M , Kohl Manfred , Ercuta Aurel
Published: August 2020

The temperature-dependent actuation of cantilever-type bimorphs based on VO2 active layers exhibiting a reversible phase transformation (known as the ‘metal-to-insulator transition’ (MIT)) between a semiconducting monoclinic phase, and a metallic tetragonal (rutile) phase, can be optimized for specific applications by convenient selection of several parameters, among which the nature of the passive layer material, the cantilever geometry (layers thickness, beam length), and also the deposition temperature (at which the active and passive layers are joined), or the temperature at which the as-manufactured bimorph is annealed (in both cases the curvature being zero), are of special importance. In this sense, a model for the thermally controlled actuation of such bimorphs, in which the thermo-elastic parameters of the two layers materials, and also the evolution of these parameters during the phase transformation are taken into account, has been developed. The analysis projects significant differences in the actuation, in terms of the deposition temperature position relative to the thermal range of the phase transformation in the active layer. The model is useful in predicting the profile of the temperature-controlled actuation for custom-engineered devices based on this transformation. Nevertheless, the model provides a very useful tool for the design of experiments and actuators based on such MIT bimorphs.
Aperiodically ordered nano-graphene on the quasicrystalline substrate
Authors: Maniraj M , Lyu L , Mousavion S , Becker S , Emmerich S , Jungkenn D , Schlagel D L , Lograsso T A , Barman S R , Mathias S , Stadtmüller B , Aeschlimann M
Published: August 2020

Designing exotic structures in low dimensions is key in today’s quest to tailor novel quantum states in materials with unique symmetries. Particularly intriguing materials in this regard are low dimensional aperiodic structures with non-conventional symmetries that are otherwise forbidden in translation symmetric crystals. In our work, we focus on the link between the structural and electronic properties of aperiodically ordered aromatic molecules on a quasicrystalline surface, which has largely been neglected so far. As an exemplary case, we investigate the self-assembly and the interfacial electronic properties of the nano-graphene-like molecule coronene on the bulk truncated icosahedral (i) Al–Pd–Mn quasicrystalline surface using multiple surface sensitive techniques. We find an aperiodically ordered coronene monolayer (ML) film on the i-Al–Pd–Mn surface that is characterized by the same local motifs of the P1 Penrose tiling model as the bare i-Al–Pd–Mn surface. The electronic valence band structure of the coronene/i-Al–Pd–Mn system is characterized by the pseudogap of thebare i-Al–Pd–Mn, which persists the adsorption of coronene confirming the quasiperiodic nature of the interface. In addition, we find a newly formed interface state of partial molecular character that suggests an at least partial chemical interaction between the molecule and the quasicrystalline surface. We propose that this partial chemical molecule–surface interaction is responsible for imprinting the quasicrystalline order of the surface onto the molecular film.
Astrophysical S-factor for radiative capture of proton by 13C at low energy
Authors: Kabir Abdul , Irgaziev B. F. , Nabi Jameel-Un
Published: August 2020

Radiative capture p + 13C →
14N + γ at energies of astrophysical interest is one of the important process in the CNO cycle. We focus the reader’s attention on the possibility of describing this reaction within the framework of a single-particle potential model even when the reaction has a resonant characteristic. The partial components of the astrophysical S-factor are calculated for electric dipole transition. The calculated value of S-factor is in good agreement with experimental data both at low and high energy from the resonance position.
Implementation of Differential Transform Method (DTM) for Large Deformation Analysis of Cantilever Beam
Authors: Abbasi Hassaan , Javed Ali
Published: August 2020

Large deformation of a cantilever beam is an eminent structural analysis and engineering problem. A non-linear differential equation governs the problem of large deformation of beams. It has many important applications scientific and engineering fields. It is quite intricate and complex to find a closed-form or an exact solution for such a problem. It is relatively easier to use analytic expressions for calculations than numerical or experimental analysis. Large deformation analysis has always been an active area of research for researchers. The main focus of this research is to implement a new method namely Differential Transformation Method (DTM) for non-linear beam problem analysis. DTM is quite reliable and efficient in giving an approximate analytical solution to beam problems. Moreover, it is a new application for DTM. Hence, the primary purpose of this work is to evaluate the utility of the method for solution of beam problem. DTM yields a 2-point boundary value problem. It is based Taylor’s series expansion. DTM helps to calculate the deflection angle and horizontal as well as vertical displacements of a cantilever beam, experiencing large deformation, in an explicit analytical form. Mathematical formulation code will be developed using MATLAB. Variation of rotation angle at free end will be analysed using different number of terms used and values of non-dimensional load “β”. Results of DTM prove the method to be quite effective and suitable for predicting solutions to non-linear beam problems. Therefore, DTM can be used for widespread applications for new, emerging and complex engineering problems.
Investigation of Sensors & Actuators based on Hankel Singular Values
Authors: Malik Sheharyar
Published: August 2020

The work presented here proposes a method to rank the efficiency of the actuators and sensors for the attenuation of excited structural modes. Aeroelastic wing designed with multiple control surfaces and equipped with sensors at different locations is used as a test case. A unifying theme to this work is the application of Hankel Singular Values (HSV), an analytical approach applied to the experimental data conducted during the Ground Vibrational (GVT) and Wind Tunnel (WT) tests. Modal information gathered from experimental results is used to define actuator/sensor relationships, once the mode of interest is decided then the sensor and actuator location is determined to effectively cater the structural vibrations, it paves the way for the design of specific performance metrics. The research will add redundancy to the available set of instrumentation by paving the way for the dedicated use of control surface for the stable flight mechanics or flight dynamics instability. The results presented here are supported by Power Spectral Densities (PSD’s) and band pass filters.
IOT based Smart Energy Manager for Low Voltage Consumers with Remote Monitoring and Control
Authors: Banumathi S , Preethika P , Shangeetha S , Anusuya A
Published: August 2020

Electricity consumption at houses and companies are calculated using digital energy meters installed in the consumer’s premises. The consumer will aware of the energy consumption rate only at the end of the period and get worried about the high electricity bill. This IoT based smart energy manager is capable of monitoring the electricity usage and send SMS/E-mail to the consumer when the consumed energy reaches beyond the threshold value. In addition to the above it aims to save energy by turning off the appliances from remote place when energy consumption gets exceeded. Remote monitoring and control of electricity is obtained with the help of Arduino, ESP-12E Wi-Fi module. The current sensor is used to measure the current consumption and gives input signal to the Arduino Uno, which is programmed to calculate the electricity bill. With the help of CritaC App IoT, IFTTT, it sends SMS/E-mail about the total energy consumption and electricity bill. The prototype model is implemented and test results are discussed in this paper.
Energy Saving on Industrial Drive Technologies - Past, Present, and Future Perspective
Authors: Baranidharan M. , Rajesh Kanna R. , Raja Singh R.
Published: August 2020

Power is a crucial factor in sustainable economic development and growth, the world is facing the obstacles to pass towards a cleaner and more accessible route for utilization, a recent review of new developments in the energy-efficient sectors, concentrating on selected innovations instead. Efficiency of energy for various application, enhancing the productivity, performance and precision. At the same time, using the energy efficiently on any industrial applications reduces the operation cost, therefore adopting suitable energy efficiently to the system in a conventional profit. Also, there is no limit for innovation of new energy saving technologies. These technology is defined by in terms of their energy efficiency, economy and performance in the environment. This paper provides an overview of energy savings on industrial drive technologies, sustainable economy and the environment, are going to be running out of technologies in the future.
Integrated Multi-Port Converter For Off - Grid Photovoltaic System
Authors: Divya M , Banumathi S
Published: August 2020

The multi-port converter proposed in this work is used for the integration of many converters in a single system. The system is the solar dc-dc standalone converter with the battery storage. The proposed integrated multiport converter consists of three separate converters they are, bidirectional PWM converter, switched capacitor converter, series resonant converter. The numbers of switches are reduced and thus the loss in the power electronics circuit is also reduced. A 300 watts prototype model of the system is implemented and the hardware results obtained is discussed and the same system is simulated using matlab software and the results are matched.
Dual Input Full Bridge Isolated DC to DC Converter
Authors: Shimpi Himani , Arunkumar G. , Hunachal Santoshkumar M. , Bhosale Ajay , Kumar Jaysawal Rajan
Published: August 2020

This paper presents isolated dc to dc converter. It has dual input followed by two cascaded multilevel H bridge inverter and rectifier. This topology reduces the no of switches and components. Hence the cost of inverter is reduced and complexity is decreased. This is a major advantage over conventional topologies. This topology uses two DC sources which are asymmetrical, because of that seven level output voltage is obtain on the primary side of the transformer and step-up voltage obtain across the load. Switching techniques are used for proper working on this isolated converter and hence fulfil the objective of reducing overvoltage and stress in semiconductor devices. Simulation results are obtained in PSIM software.
Solar powered highly efficient Seven-level inverter with switched capacitors
Authors: Nazar Ali Dr.A. , Jai Ganesh R. , Sivamani D. , Shyam D.
Published: August 2020

In this article, a seven-level inverter powered by solar has been proposed to achieve a sinusoidal output voltage with high efficiency and enhanced power quality. This system consists of active inverter and flipped condenser clamping. It gives output voltage level of 2/3. By connecting the switched condenser branch in the front or back end series to the inverter output a seven-level output voltage wave shape can be obtained with ample non-work switching states to match the voltage of switching condensers. The consequence of the proposed method is validated using MATLAB SIMULINK for simulation. Comparing with conventional seven-level inverter topology, the proposed design used a minimal number of switches using a basic modulation process.
RETRACTED: Applications of Internet of things on Smart Grid
Authors: Paul Divakar P , Vijaya Lakshmi G , Devi L
Published: August 2020

Internet of Things devices in public and private spaces has changed our lifestyle. For example, home automation applications that support smart devices, locks, keys, surveillance systems, and Internet-connected devices has change the way we interact with our living spaces. These systems are widely adopted; the Internet of Things digitally expresses concern on safety and security. This technology makes life easier, safety as its priority. The firewall is also very important for the Internet of objects. The algorithms designed for users should be unique and safety. The basic principle of the Internet of Things is based on the integration of information networks to make people’s lives easier. In this way, the objects can connect to each other and share information. The development of the Internet of Things has triggered by technology. A smart grid is an electricity network based on digital technology that is used to supply electricity to consumers via two-way digital communication. This system allows for monitoring, analysis, control and communication within the supply chain to help improve efficiency, reduce energy consumption and cost, and maximize the transparency and reliability of the energy supply chain. The smart grid was introduced with the aim of overcoming the weaknesses of conventional electrical grids by using smart net meters. Smart Grid technologies contribute to manage IoT energy efficiently, which the present ones lack in the existing framework. The two-way communication between connected devices and hardware which can sense and respond to user demands makes the IOT smart grid better. A smart Grid with the help of these technologies is more resilient and less costly than the current power infrastructure
Harmonic elimination and dc-link voltage balancing in bipolar hybrid microgrid using Space vector modulation for Interlinking Converter (ILC)
Authors: Vasantharaj S , Indra Gandhi V
Published: August 2020

The modernization of distribution grids developed the power systems towards the smart grid. The microgrid plays a vital role in an improving power systems area, which refers to the loads operated under an organized and synchronized way and the distributed energy resources. The microgrid, which is operated in “islanded” mode, should be connected to the main power grid, or it must be entirely off-grid. Bipolar hybrid microgrid feeds local loads with local resources because it consists of both DC and AC bus simultaneously. The converter, which is used for microgrid application, plays an important role, which is said to be Interlinking Converter (ILC). The lower order harmonics can be eliminated by these ILCs. By reducing the THD and increasing the dc-link voltage utilization SVM is used. In this paper, there will be an increase in system performance and great reliability with a fully automated system. There will be a decrease in switching losses, current ripple and THD of grid current by the use of a new switching modulation method, which is validated by the Matlab simulation results.
Secure File Sharing System in Cloud Using AES and Time Stamping Algorithms
Authors: Sheeja R. , Bibin Chidambaranathan , Krishnan Priya R , Nishanth R. , Gopinath S. , Ashok K.G.
Published: August 2020

In recent days, the growth of digital data has been increased explosively due to data-intensive applications like healthcare, education and electronic commerce. Due to the huge volume of data created and the utilization of data in emerging applications, a local storage device has to be deployed. Cloud storage services allow both the individuals and commercial users for the outsourcing of data to the cloud server and to access the data remotely with the help of the internet, so the demand for cloud storage has been raised. However, one of the critical problems of cloud data storage is security. Some researchers have used third party auditor for verifying the data stored in the cloud. This paper introduces a novel method for cloud storage and for protecting the organizations’ data. The proposed system strengthens the level of authentication with the help of AES and time-stamping algorithms. The experimental results demonstrate the efficiency of the proposed method when auditing the shared data integrity
Investigation of the magnetic properties and fracture behavior of Nd–Fe–B alloy powders during high-energy ball milling
Authors: Shin Dong-won , Madavali Babu , Kim Dong-soo , Lee Jin-Young , Kang Min-chul , Yang Cheol-woong , Suryanarayana C , Hong Soon-jik
Published: August 2020

In this work, Nd–Fe–B alloy powders are fabricated via high energy ball milling and their fracture behavior and magnetic properties are investigated at different milling times. The powder characteristics (particle shape, size, size distribution, and microstructure) and magnetic properties of the Nd–Fe–B alloys are systematically analyzed. The initial spherical Nd–Fe–B powder is cracked/crushed even after a short period of milling (30 s) due to the high impact energy generated during high energy ball milling. These randomly cracked polygonal-shaped powders are fragmented after 5 min of milling and converted to fine powders. Interestingly, the fine particles after milling for 5 min are conducive to agglomeration at longer milling times (20–60 min) and formed spherically-shaped agglomerated powder. Additionally, the sphericity of the powder increased to 92% by re-pulverization and agglomeration at 60 min. The milled powder shows the Nd2Fe14B phase, and the x-ray diffraction patterns exhibit peak broadening with increasing milling time, clearly confirming the powder refinement behavior by high energy ball milling. The magnetic properties of the milled powders are systematically investigated and their behavior is elucidated as a function of the milling time.
Meat freshness revealed by visible to near-infrared spectroscopy and principal component analysis
Authors: Peyvasteh Motahareh , Popov Alexey , Bykov Alexander , Meglinski Igor
Published: August 2020

Increasing concerns about adulterated meat encouraged industry looking for new non-invasive methods for rapid accurate meat quality assessment. Main meat chromophores (myoglobin, oxy-myoglobin, fat, water, collagen) are characterized by close comparable absorption in visible to near-infrared (NIR) spectral region. Therefore, structural and compositional variations in meat may lead to relative differences in the absorption of light. Utilizing typical fiber-optic probes and integrating sphere, a degradation of pork samples freshness was observed at room temperature referring to the relative changes in absorbance of main meat chromophores. The application of principal component analysis (PCA) used for examination of measured absorbance spectra revealed more detailed sub-stages of freshness, which are not observed by the conventional analysis of the reflectance spectra. The results show a great potential of the combined application of optical-NIR spectroscopy with complementary use of PCA approach for assessing meat quality and monitoring relative absorbance alternation of oxymyoglobin and myoglobin in visible, and fat, water, collagen in NIR spectral ranges.
Ionic liquid based distributed touch sensor using electrical impedance tomography
Authors: Zhao T , Wu C , Soleimani M
Published: August 2020

Inspired by the human skin sensory mechanism, there are growing interests in creating a sense of touch in robotics. This work describes a new impedance based design to create an artificial tactile sensing skin. It has demonstrated that the electrical impedance tomography imaging technique allows for detecting the pressure distribution in a large area by a distributed touch sensor. The sensor is fabricated by filling a circular shaped phantom with liquid conductor and covering with an elastic shell on the top. The proposed sensor can detect the pressure applied to the elastic top using electrical impedance tomography imaging method. The sensor can therefore operate as a touch sensor mimicking a piezo-impedance operation in a simple fashion. The new sensor can differentiate between various force levels and their locations and thus produces a distribution of pressure. Such a simple sensor can function as a large area skin, enabling smarter human-machine interactions in emerging augmented reality and robotic applications.
Self-Determination Theory and Its Relation to Organizations
Authors: Olafsen Anja H. , Deci Edward L.
Published: August 2020

Self-determination theory (SDT) is a macro theory of human motivation that utilizes concepts essential for organizational psychology. Among the concepts are types and quality of motivation and basic (i.e., innate and universal) psychological needs. Further, the theory has specified social-environmental factors that affect both the satisfaction versus frustration of the basic psychological needs and the types of motivation. The social-environmental factors concern ways in which colleagues, employees’ immediate supervisors, and their higher-level managers create workplace conditions that are important determinants of the employees’ motivation, performance, and wellness. In addition, SDT highlights individual differences that also influence the degrees of basic need satisfaction and the types of motivation that the employees display. This theoretical framework has gained increasingly attention within the context of work the last 15 years, showcasing the importance of basic psychological needs and type of work motivation in explaining the relation from workplace factors to work behaviors, work attitudes and occupational health.
Brody, Elaine Marjorie Breslow
Authors: Logan Sadye L. M.
Published: August 2020

Elaine Marjorie Breslow Brody (1922–2014) was a prolific researcher during a career that spanned six decades at the Philadelphia Geriatric Center, now the Polisher Research Institute. She was a trailblazer and visionary who combined practice and research as a social work practitioner. She served as a mentor and role model for many who were taking professional risks when gerontology was a new area of specialization. She leaves an outstanding legacy of scholarship, research, leadership, and service. She brought honor to the profession.
ANMCO POSITION PAPER: The management of suspect or confirmed COVID-19 patients needing urgent electrophysiology and/or electrostimulation procedures
Authors: Gulizia Michele Massimo , Zecchin Massimo , Colivicchi Furio , Francese Giuseppina Maura , Murrone Adriano , Caldarola Pasquale , Di Lenarda Andrea , Valente Serafina , Roncon Loris , Amodeo Enzo , Aspromonte Nadia , Cipriani Manlio Gianni , Domenicucci Stefano , Imazio Massimo , Scotto di Uccio Fortunato , Urbinati Stefano , Gabrielli Domenico
Published: August 2020

The aim of this document is the management and organization of patients in need of urgent access to electrophysiology (EP) and pacing procedures during the COVID-19 emergency. Specifically, non-deferrable procedures or irreplaceable with a drug therapy prior to the resolution of the COVID-19 virus emergency [pacemaker (PM) implant/replacement/urgent defibrillator (implantable cardioverter-defibrillator, ICD) or arrhythmic storm or other indication of non-deferrable ablation]. The pacing and electrophysiological procedures urgent as they may be, less and less frequently represent situations of emergency, therefore for almost all cases, it is possible to perform a swab test to determine the positivity to COVID-19 of the patient. In cases where this is not possible, due to situations of emergency, the recommendations and procedures we have indicated are advisable, if not mandatory, in order to avoid the spreading of the virus to healthcare personnel and other patients.
Identifying patients who access musculoskeletal physical therapy: a retrospective cohort analysis
Authors: Sharpe Jason A , Martin Brook I , Fritz Julie M , Newman Michael G , Magel John , Vanneman Megan E , Thackeray Anne
Published: August 2020

Background

Musculoskeletal conditions are common and cause high levels of disability and costs. Physical therapy is recommended for many musculoskeletal conditions. Past research suggests that referral rates appear to have increased over time, but the rate of accessing a physical therapist appears unchanged.

Objective

Our retrospective cohort study describes the rate of physical therapy use after referral for a variety of musculoskeletal diagnoses while comparing users and non-users of physical therapy services after referral.

Methods

The study sample included patients in the University of Utah Health system who received care from a medical provider for a musculoskeletal condition. We included a comprehensive set of variables available in the electronic data warehouse possibly associated with attending physical therapy. Our primary analysis compared differences in patient factors between physical therapy users and non-users using Poisson regression.

Results

15 877 (16%) patients had a referral to physical therapy, and 3812 (24%) of these patients accessed physical therapy after referral. Most of the factors included in the model were associated with physical therapy use except for sex and number of comorbidities. The receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.63 suggesting poor predictability of the model but it is likely related to the heterogeneity of the sample.

Conclusions

We found that obesity, ethnicity, public insurance and urgent care referrals were associated with poor adherence to physical therapy referral. However, the limited predictive power of our model suggests a need for a deeper examination into factors that influence patients access to a physical therapist.
Punching Above its Weight: Current and Future Aging Policy in Malta
Authors: Formosa Marvin , Scerri Charles
Published: August 2020

Malta has been at the forefront in aging policy and healthy aging development. It was the first country to highlight the need of a United Nations-led international action plan aimed at meeting the needs of an emerging global aging population. Through a number of initiatives, Malta has managed to put aging as a top priority on its national policy agenda. The country boasts of the longest life span spent in good health among all European Union countries with its inhabitants expected to live a significant portion of their life free of disability. Malta’s ranking in the Active Ageing Index experienced consistent improvements in the past decade, registering the sharpest progress in the European Union. In response to an increase in individuals with dementia, Malta was also among the first countries to adopt a national strategic policy for dementia. Notwithstanding such significant progress, Malta still lags behind in developing policy directions addressing gender inequalities and minority groups’ interests among its older population. Similar to other Southern European countries, Malta’s accelerated rate of population aging raises concerns with regard to economic growth, sustainability of effective health care and pension systems, and the well-being of older persons. Gender will also feature prominently in the future planning of long-term care policy as older women are projected to increase threefold in the foreseeable years with the high risk of poverty associated with older single and widowed women, implying that a few would be able to opt for private care.
The Impact of Intergenerational Engagement on Social Work Students’ Attitudes toward Aging: The Example of Clermont College
Authors: Steward Andrew , Hasche Leslie , Talamantes Michael , Bernhardt Moriah
Published: August 2020

As a response to our rapidly aging society, professional training programs in health care need to offer rich applied learning experiences with older adults and educate students about ageist attitudes. Health care professionals are likely to work with older adults in a variety of settings, yet ageist attitudes continue to be a barrier to workforce development. This study evaluated the effects of an intergenerational lifelong learning initiative as a way to decrease ageist attitudes in social work students. The research hypothesis was that intergenerational engagement would help reduce ageist attitudes of social work students. Paired samples t tests were conducted with 32 students through pre- and post-surveys of the ROPE (Relating to Old People Evaluation). Results indicated a significant decrease in ageist attitudes overall, in negative ageism, and in students’ self-report of behaviors such as complimenting older adults “despite their age” and avoiding older adults. Qualitative comments indicated significant changes in perception about the aging experience and increased awareness of ageist stereotypes. Overall, this pilot study offers an encouraging model that can be applied through future partnerships to reduce ageism of students in health care–related fields.
Persistent common arterial trunk with hexaleaflet truncal valve and intact ventricular septum
Authors: Sandoval Boburg Rodrigo , Hahn Julia Kelley , Hofbeck Michael , Schlensak Christian
Published: August 2020

We report a case of a 3-week-old infant who presented a heart murmur and low oxygen saturation. An echocardiography was performed and presented a common arterial trunk type B4 with an interrupted aortic arch and intact ventricular septum. We describe the surgical management and short-term follow-up.
Using individualized three-dimensional printed airway models to guide airway stent implantation
Authors: Xu Jesse , Sullivan Cameron , Ong Hui Xin , Williamson Jonathan P , Traini Daniela , Hersch Nicole , Byrom Michael , Young Paul M
Published: August 2020

Airway stents are used to manage central airway obstructions by restoring airway patency. Current manufactured stents are limited in shape and size, which pose issues in stent fenestrations needed to be manually created to allow collateral ventilation to airway branches. The precise location to place these fenestrations can be difficult to predict based on 2-dimensional computed tomography images. Inspiratory computed tomography scans were obtained from 3 patients and analysed using 3D-Slicer™, Blender™ and AutoDesk® Meshmixer™ programmes to obtain working 3D-airway models, which were 3D printed. Stent customizations were made based on 3D-model dimensions, and fenestrations into the stent were cut. The modified stents were then inserted as per usual technique. Two patients reported improved airway performance; however, stents were later removed due to symptoms related to in-stent sputum retention. In a third patient, the stent was removed a few weeks later due to the persistence of fistula leakage. The use of a 3D-printed personalized airway model allowed for more precise stent customization, optimizing stent fit and allowing for cross-ventilation of branching airways. We determine that an airway model is a beneficial tool for stent optimization but does not prevent the development of some stent-related complications such as airway secretions.
Low-rank matrix completion and denoising under Poisson noise
Authors: McRae Andrew D , Davenport Mark A
Published: August 2020

This paper considers the problem of estimating a low-rank matrix from the observation of all or a subset of its entries in the presence of Poisson noise. When we observe all entries, this is a problem of matrix denoising; when we observe only a subset of the entries, this is a problem of matrix completion. In both cases, we exploit an assumption that the underlying matrix is low-rank. Specifically, we analyse several estimators, including a constrained nuclear-norm minimization program, nuclear-norm regularized least squares and a non-convex constrained low-rank optimization problem. We show that for all three estimators, with high probability, we have an upper error bound (in the Frobenius norm error metric) that depends on the matrix rank, the fraction of the elements observed and the maximal row and column sums of the true matrix. We furthermore show that the above results are minimax optimal (within a universal constant) in classes of matrices with low-rank and bounded row and column sums. We also extend these results to handle the case of matrix multinomial denoising and completion.
Discrete Analogues in Harmonic Analysis: Directional Maximal Functions in ℤ2
Authors: Cladek Laura , Krause Ben
Published: August 2020

Let $V = \{ v_1,\dots ,v_N\}\subset \mathbb{Z}^2$ be a collection of $N$ vectors that lie near a discrete sphere. We consider discrete directional maximal functions on $\mathbb{Z}^2$ where the set of directions lies in $V$, given by $$\begin{align*}& \sup_{v \in V, k \geq C \log N} \left| \sum_{n \in \mathbb{Z}} f(x-nv ) \phi_k(n) \right|, \ f:\mathbb{Z}^2 \to \mathbb{C},\end{align*}$$where $\phi _k(t):= 2^{-k} \phi (2^{-k} t)$ for some bump function $\phi$. Interestingly, the study of these operators leads one to consider an “arithmetic version” of a Kakeya-type problem in the plane, which we approach using a combination of geometric and number-theoretic methods. Motivated by the Furstenberg problem from geometric measure theory, we also consider a discrete directional maximal operator along polynomial orbits, $$\begin{align*}& \sup_{v \in V} \left| \sum_{n \in \mathbb{Z}} f(x-v\cdot P(n) ) \cdot \phi(n) \right|, \ P \in \mathbb{Z}[-].\end{align*}$$
Determination and Dietary Intake Risk Assessment of Pesticide Residues in Fritillariae Thunbergii Bulbs and Cultivated Soils
Authors: Zhang Qianke , Ge Qiqing , Zhang Zihan , Song Jiajin , Chen Shiyu , Zhang Houpu , Yu Yunlong , Mao Bizeng , Fang Hua
Published: August 2020

Background

Pesticide residues in traditional Chinese medicines pose a potential risk to human health. However, little is known about the characteristics of pesticide residues in the fritillariae thunbergii bulbs (FTB).

Objective

This study aims to establish a method for the determination of pesticide multi-residues in FTB and then measured their residual levels in the FTB collected from nine cultivation regions.

Methods

A modified QuEChERS method coupled with GC/UPLC was used to determine the residues of 24 pesticides in the FTB and soil samples.

Results

The recoveries of these pesticides at three concentrations were 72.17–112.48% in the FTB and 70.92–113.74% in the soil with RSD < 11.83%, and the LOD and LOQ ranged from 0.005–10 μg/kg and 0.011–22 μg/kg, respectively. A total of 13 pesticide residues were detected in the FTB samples with the residual levels of 0.0011–509.63 μg/kg, which were all below the referred MRLs in other Chinese herbs or food. Meanwhile, dietary intake risk assessment showed that the risk of pesticide residues in the FTB was acceptable to consumers.

Conclusions

This study developed a method for the determination of pesticide multi-residues in the FTB and cultivated soil samples, and furthermore the dietary intake risk of pesticide residues in the FTB is safe.

Highlights

A modified QuEChERS method was established for the determination of 24 pesticides in the FTB with high sensitivity, accuracy, and precision.
Retrospective evaluation of risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy for BRCA1/2 pathogenic variant carriers among a cohort study in a single institution
Authors: Kobayashi Yusuke , Hirasawa Akira , Chiyoda Tatsuyuki , Ueki Arisa , Masuda Kenta , Misu Kumiko , Kawaida Miho , Hayashi Shigenori , Kataoka Fumio , Banno Kouji , Kosaki Kenjiro , Aoki Daisuke
Published: August 2020

Background

Risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy is performed for the primary prevention of ovarian cancer in patients with hereditary breast–ovarian cancer syndrome. We performed risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy for the first time in Japan in 2008, and we experienced 20 cases of risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy through 2019. In the past, the use of risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy in Japan was restricted because it was not covered by a Japanese National Health Insurance. Since April 2020, risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy has been covered by insurance for patients with breast–ovarian cancer syndrome and pre-existing breast cancer, and this surgery is expected to become more widely implemented in Japan.

Methods

To contribute to the widespread use of risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy in the future, we retrospectively reviewed 20 cases of risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy at our hospital cohort study to clarify the issues in its implementation.

Results

The variant genes for which risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy was indicated were BRCA1 and BRCA2 in 13 (65%) and 7 patients (35%), respectively. The median age at which risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy was performed was 49 years (range, 38–58), 13 patients (65%) had gone through menopause, and 16 patients (80%) had a history of breast cancer. Of the five patients (25%) with vasomotor symptoms, four received Chinese medicine, and only one received hormone replacement therapy. Occult cancer was detected in the removed ovaries in two patients (10%), although no postoperative peritoneal carcinogenesis has been observed to date.

Conclusions

Women who paid for risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy out of pocket were older than the recommended age at which the procedure should be performed, and this may explain the higher rate of occult cancers than previously reported. We need to perform risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy at the recommended age to ensure that the procedure is effective for primary prevention.
Coffee Intake and Colorectal Cancer Incidence According to T-Cell Response
Authors: Ugai Tomotaka , Haruki Koichiro , Väyrynen Juha P , Zhong Rong , Borowsky Jennifer , Fujiyoshi Kenji , Lau Mai Chan , Zhao Melissa , Akimoto Naohiko , Chang Tzuu-Wang , Kishikawa Junko , Arima Kota , Shi Shan-Shan , Gu Simeng , Fuchs Charles S , Giovannucci Edward L , Giannakis Marios , Zhang Xuehong , Song Mingyang , Meyerhardt Jeffrey A , Wang Molin , Nowak Jonathan A , Ogino Shuji
Published: August 2020

We hypothesized that the associations between coffee intake and colorectal cancer (CRC) incidence might differ by immune cell densities in CRC tissue. Using the Nurses’ Health Study and the Health Professionals Follow-up Study, we examined the association of coffee intake with incidence of CRC classified by intraepithelial or stromal T-cell subset densities by multiplex immunofluorescence assay for CD3, CD4, CD8, CD45RO (PTPRC), and FOXP3. We applied an inverse probability-weighted Cox proportional hazardsregression model to control for selection bias and potential confounders. During follow-up of 133 924 participants (3 585 019 person-years), we documented 3161 incident CRC cases, including 908 CRC cases with available data on T-cell densities in tumor tissue. The association between coffee intake and CRC was not statistically significantly different by intraepithelial or stroma T-cell subset (Pheterogeneity > .38). Hence, there is no sufficient evidence for differential effect of coffee intake on incidence of CRC subtypes classified by T-cell infiltrates.
Ideology, Unionization, and Personnel Politics in the Federal Budget Process
Authors: Bolton Alexander
Published: August 2020

This article studies how administrations seek to shape the federal workforce through the budget process. I develop a theory of personnel politics in which presidents balance ideological and interest group demands in distributing human resources across the federal government. I argue administrations advantage organizations with which they are ideologically aligned and that agencies with higher levels of union penetration see increased budgeted personnel levels, particularly during Democratic presidencies. Using an original dataset of budgeted personnel levels from fiscal years (FY) 1983–2016 and a series of regression analyses, I find strong support for these hypotheses. I also examine the sensitivity of presidential strategy to congressional preferences, agency professionalization, and leadership politicization, providing insights into how this control strategy interacts with the broader environment. Overall, these results have implications for understanding the political dynamics of human capital and capacity in the federal bureaucracy, the administrative presidency, and the politics of performance in federal agencies.
Forever a profession in the making? The intermediate status of project managers in Germany
Authors: Nicklich Manuel , Braun Timo , Fortwengel Johann
Published: August 2020

Research typically finds that several new professions are barely institutionalized. Labels such as ‘semi-profession’, ‘emerging profession’, or ‘commercialized profession’ have been developed to capture this notion of professions in the making. Yet there is limited understanding of the factors contributing to such an intermediate status. Employing a relational perspective on professions, we study the case of project managers in Germany to shed light on the underlying reasons for this limited institutionalization. We show how project managers in Germany face a particular field of relations populated by various stakeholders, including neighboring occupations embedded in existing institutional structures, which helps explain their sustained status as a profession in the making. Our study contributes to the literature by revealing the reasons for this limited institutionalization, and by offering a positive mapping of professions in the making, as opposed to seeing them either as failed professionalization projects or merely as a stage in the process toward full professionalization.
Small bowel intussusception in marijuana users
Authors: Kakish Daniel , Alaoudi Marwan , Welch Brian , Fan David , Meghpara Melissa , Mandava Nageswara , Kumthekar Narendra
Published: August 2020

Intussusception occurs when one portion of bowel ‘telescopes’ into another due to a lead point created by a range of benign or pathologic process. Intussusception mostly occurs in children. Although adult intussusception (AI) is rare, accounting for <5% of intestinal obstructions, it is more concerning in adults as malignancy accounts for nearly 65% of lead points in AI. Patients present with severe abdominal pain concerning for an acute abdomen along with a degree of bowel obstruction. We have experienced a total of 11 patients within recent years presenting with symptoms of an acute abdomen due to AI. None of these patients were found to have a pathologic process creating a lead point. However, we found that all of them were marijuana users. In this report, we compare their management, hospital course and review of the literature discussing proposed mechanisms that suggest an association between cannabis and intussusception.
Epigenetic regulation of geminivirus pathogenesis: a case of relentless recalibration of defence responses in plants
Authors: Zarreen Fauzia , Chakraborty Supriya
Published: August 2020

Geminiviruses constitute one of the largest families of plant viruses and they infect many economically important crops. The proteins encoded by the single-stranded DNA genome of these viruses interact with a wide range of host proteins to cause global dysregulation of cellular processes and help establish infection in the host. Geminiviruses have evolved numerous mechanisms to exploit host epigenetic processes to ensure the replication and survival of the viral genome. Here, we review our current knowledge of diverse epigenetic processes that have been implicated in the regulation of geminivirus pathogenesis, including DNA methylation, histone post-transcriptional modification, chromatin remodelling, and nucleosome repositioning. In addition, we discuss the currently limited evidence of host epigenetic defence responses that are aimed at counteracting geminivirus infection, and the potential for exploiting these responses for the generation of resistance against geminiviruses in crop species.