bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An investigation on dry sliding wear behavior of Al6061/ Titanium carbide/ Basalt hybrid metal matrix composites
Authors: MUTHU P.
Published: December 2021

Dry sliding wear plays an important role in selecting material for automotive and aerospace applications. Researchers have been exploring novel aluminum matrix composites (AMC), which offer minimum wear rate for various tribological applications. The present work involves multi-objective optimization for dry sliding wear behavior of Al6061 reinforced with 6 % of Titanium carbide and 4% of basalt hybrid metal matrix composites using principal component analysis (PCA)-based grey relational analysis (GRA). In this article, the effects of input variables of wear parameters such as applied load, sliding speed and sliding distance were investigated on different output responses, namely the wear rate, friction force and specific wear rate. Taguchi’s L9 orthogonal array with three-level settings was chosen for conducting experiments. Three output responses in each experiment were normalized into a weighted grey relational grade using grey relational analysis coupled with the principal component analysis. The analysis of variance indicated that sliding distance is the most influential parameter followed by load and sliding velocity that contributes to the quality characteristics. Optimal results have been verified through additional experiments.
Effect of Turbulence Models in Performance Characterization of a Low Reynolds Number UAV Propeller
Authors: SEENI Aravind
Published: December 2021

The advancement of computer technology has given the necessary impetus to perform numerical modelling and simulation in engineering. Turbulence modelling in Computational Fluid Dynamics is characterized by non-physics based modelling and there are several developments in this area that also has contributed to the growing rise in empiricism. Typically, turbulence models are chosen based on expert knowledge and experience. In this paper, the problem of selecting a turbulence closure is addressed for a small Unmanned Aerial Vehicle propeller rotating at a low Reynolds number. Using scientific approaches, verification and validation of performance data against experimental results have been performed for a selected number of turbulence model candidates available in the well-known finite-volume solver Fluent. Modified bivariate plots of performance data error reveal a few numbers of strong candidates of turbulence closures for this problem. After performing a series of checks for consistency, accuracy and computational cost, the two-equation standard k-ω is selected as the preferred model for further propeller simulations.
Analysis and characterization of additive manufacturing processes
Authors: TOFAN-NEGRU Andra , BARBU Cristian , STEFAN Amado , BOGLIS Ioana-Carmen
Published: December 2021

Recently, additive manufacturing (AM) processes have expanded rapidly in various fields of the industry because they offer design freedom, involve layer-by-layer construction from a computerized 3D model (minimizing material consumption), and allow the manufacture of parts with complex geometry (thus offering the possibility of producing custom parts). Also, they provide the advantage of a short time to make the final parts, do not involve the need for auxiliary resources (cutting tools, lighting fixtures or coolants) and have a low impact on the environment. However, the aspects that make these technologies not yet widely used in industry are poor surface quality of parts, uncertainty about the mechanical properties of products and low productivity. Research on the physical phenomena associated with additive manufacturing processes is necessary for proper control of the phenomena of melting, solidification, vaporization and heat transfer. This paper addresses the relevant additive manufacturing processes and their applications and analyzes the advantages and disadvantages of AM processes compared to conventional production processes. For the aerospace industry, these technologies offer possibilities for manufacturing lighter structures to reduce weight, but improvements in precision must be sought to eliminate the need for finishing processes.
The influence of weight on fuel consumption and range for a turboprop medium courier aircraft
Authors: VOICU Marius-Alexandru , FUIOREA Ion
Published: December 2021

Performance in the en route phase can be measured using the range and endurance parameters of the airplane. The range is a more useful performance parameter than endurance and one that aircraft designers are constantly trying to improve. While endurance refers to airborne time, the range is more concerned with distance covered and is therefore sometimes referred to as fuel mileage. In most cases, the trade-off between range and payload is achieved at the initial purchase of the aircraft and, subsequently during in-flight planning.
Hydrostatic pressure loads for a tank using “CID Distributed Loads” fields in a PATRAN FEM model
Authors: BARAN Daniela , PETRE Mihaela
Published: December 2021

The purpose of this paper is to present a practical way to introduce distributed loads on the walls of a tank in order to perform a FEM analysis using PATRAN/NASTRAN programs. The problem is generated mainly by the fact that there are gravitational accelerations in the three directions of the moving airplane that produce a great number of combinations of inertial loads and consequently a great number of critical load cases. We compared the performed stress analysis with the loads obtained with this method in different cases for 𝑛𝑛=1. (Different forms of the fuel tanks and different placements of the tank inside the aircraft). The form and the density of the grid do not significantly affect the precision of the real inertia loads. Using the presented method one can reduce the volume of FEM files used in the analysis and can quite accurately reproduce the pressure loads on the fuel of a moving aircraft.
Failure Mode and Effect Analysis for a military nose landing gear project
Authors: NICOLIN Ilie , NICOLIN Bogdan Adrian
Published: December 2021

Failure Mode and Effect Analysis (FMEA) techniques were originally developed by the US Military and have been used as techniques for assessing the reliability and effects of equipment failures. However, the first notable applications of FMEA techniques are related to the impressive development of the aerospace industry in the mid-1960s. FMEA is a methodology for systematically analyzing the failure modes of a project, product or process, prioritizing their importance, identifying system failure mechanisms, analyzing potential failure modes and the effects of these failures, followed by corrective actions, which are applied in the stage of conceptual and detailed design of the product. All approaches to FMEA methods in the scientific literature converge to achieve three goals, namely: the ability to predict the type of failure that may occur, the ability to predict the effects of the failure on system operation, and the establishment of the steps to prevent failure and its effects on the system operation. The FMEA for the project of a nose landing gear analyzes the failure modes of the product and their effects in operation, as a consequence of project deficiencies and identifies or confirms critical functions. To apply the FMEA method to the project of the nose landing gear of a military training aircraft, the following steps need to be accomplished: product description and identification of components; identification of functions; identification of potential ways of failure; estimating the frequency of causes of failure; appreciation of the severity of effects; assessment of difficulties in detecting defects; calculation of the Risk Priority Number (RPN); establishing the measures and corrective actions for the analyzed project.
Safety Management for Unmanned Aviation
Authors: STASTNY Peter , STOICA Adrian-Mihail
Published: December 2021

In Air Traffic Management (ATM), Safety Management Systems (SMS) provide the principal vehicle for implementing safety policies, practices and procedures in accordance with internationally agreed Standards. In a constantly changing operating environment, it is essential to maintain SMS effectiveness to maintain and enhance levels of ATM safety. Research at the University Politehnica of Bucharest (UPB) has analysed the major, fast-rising threats to ATM safety emerging in the field of unmanned aviation. After considering the operating environment in terms of control arrangements and unmanned vehicle types, the relationship between ATM and Unmanned Traffic Management (UTM) is examined. It is concluded that the SMS supporting ATM requires enhancement to address the risks arising from the emergence of unmanned aviation and relevant enhancement measures are therefore proposed. Further, research shows that detailed safety management arrangements to support UTM are not yet defined. Indicative SMS requirements for UTM are therefore derived and presented.
Environmental effects on the mechanical properties of E-glass and S-glass fiber epoxy composite ring specimens used in aircraft fuel pipes
Authors: BOBBA Sujith , LEMAN Z. , HARISH BABU B.
Published: December 2021

An experimental investigation was performed in predicting the consequences of the exposure to seawater and moisture absorption on the mechanical properties of two different GFRE pipe rings made of E-glass and S-glass fiber and utilized in aircraft fuel pipe line system. Filament winded tubular composite pipe rings were immersed in seawater for two, four and six months, respectively and their moisture absorption was noted. The outcomes exhibit a remarkable decrease in fatigue life for saturated GFRE sample rings. In contrast, a water absorption up to 40% of the maximum content exhibited no impact. The tests revealed debonding and cracks in the fiber and matrix interphase in the case of samples immersed in seawater on a long-term basis, although the applied mechanical load was zero.
Some aspects in Kelvin-Helmholtz instability with and without Boussinesq approximation
Authors: BURDULEA Ilinca-Laura , BOGOI Alina
Published: December 2021

The topic of this paper is the Kelvin-Helmholtz instability, a phenomenon which occurs on the interface of a stratified fluid, in the presence of a parallel shear flow, when there is a velocity and density difference across the interface of two adjacent layers. This paper focuses on a numerical simulation modelled by the Taylor-Goldstein equation, which represents a more realistic case compared to the basic Kelvin-Helmholtz shear flow. The Euler system is solved with new modelled smooth velocity and density profiles at the interface. The flux at cell boundaries is reconstructed by implementing a third order WENO (Weighted Essentially Non-Oscillatory) method. Next, a Riemann solver builds the fluxes at cell interfaces. The use of both Rusanov and HLLC solvers is investigated. Temporal discretization is done by applying the second order TVD (total variation diminishing) Runge-Kutta method on a uniform grid. Numerical simulations are performed comparatively for both Kelvin-Helmholtz and Taylor-Goldstein instabilities, on the same simulation domains. We find that increasing the number of grid points leads to a better accuracy in shear layer vortices visualization. Thus, we can conclude that applying the Taylor-Goldstein equation improves the realism in the general fluid instability modelling.
Thermal Influence on the Stiffness of Hybrid Metal-Composite Countersunk Bolted Joints
Authors: COMAN Calin-Dumitru COMAN
Published: December 2021

This paper presents the effects of temperature on the axial stiffness of a hybrid metal-composite countersunk bolted joint designed for the bearing failure mode. A detailed 3D finite element model incorporating geometric, material and friction-based full contact nonlinearities is developed to numerically investigate the temperature effects on joint stiffness. In order to validate the temperature effects, experiments were conducted using an Instron testing machine coupled to a temperature controlled chamber. The results showed that the temperature effects on axial joint stiffness were quite accurately predicted by the 3D finite element model, denoting a reduction in the stiffness of the axial joint with an increase in temperature for hybrid metal-composite countersunk bolted joints.
Mechanical and tribological behaviour of PA6 and short aramid fiber composites
Authors: CRISTEA George Catalin , STEFAN Adriana , PELIN George , PELIN Cristina-Elisabeta , SONMEZ Maria , ILINA Sorina , DELEANU Lorena
Published: December 2021

This paper presents the results of mechanical and tribological characteristics for two composites: PA6 as matrix and 5% aramid whiskers as additive material and PA6 + 10% aramid whiskers, comparing them to those made of PA6 (polyamide 6). To improve the mechanical and thermal properties of polyamide (PA6), the composites were prepared via the Brabender lab mixer and mould forming under given pressure and temperature conditions. Test specimens made of pure PA6 and PA6 mixed with 5 wt.% and 10 wt.% aramid whiskers were subjected to mechanical tests (three-point bending and impact), thermo–mechanical test (HDT - heat deflection temperature), tribological test (block-on-ring) and analyzed from morpho-structural point of view. Compared to the PA6 samples, the mass concentrations of aramid whiskers improved the HDT deflection temperature values. In the case of samples with 5% aramid whiskers, the absorbed energy increased by 13% and for those with 10% aramid whiskers they increased by 30%. Aramid whiskers-doped materials performed much better on severe tribological testing as compared to PA6 samples. Increasing the deflection temperature, also improved their resistance from a tribological point of view.
Small Satellite Operational Phase Thermal Analysis and Design: A Comparative Study
Authors: ELWETEEDY Ahmed , ELMAIHY Ali , ELHEFNAWY Ahmed
Published: December 2021

This paper is about the modeling and design of the passive thermal control system for the European Student Earth Orbiter (ESEO) satellite. A detailed thermal model was created in Thermal Desktop software. The model was running for the operative phase which includes cycles of 28 orbits. During these 28 orbits, there are several modes (10 modes). Each mode has a specific duration, attitude (Sun-nadir), and certain internal heat dissipation. The design of the passive thermal control system was based on controlling the conductive and radiative heat exchange between the internal components and the mounting panels, between panels themselves, and controlling external radiation exchange to achieve the desired components temperature ranges. The temperature results from simulations were presented to show the expected component temperatures and to demonstrate that the passive thermal control system met the requirements of the temperature limits. The final passive thermal control design shows that the satellite components temperatures were always maintained within their required limits during the operational phase
Concurrent Engineering and based Applications for 3D Big Data
Authors: IOSIF Gabriela , IORDACHE Iulian , SUCIU George , CHEVERESAN Romulus , BUCUR Gabriela , PETRE Ioana , BOSOC Sabina
Published: December 2021

European companies’ competitiveness depends on obtaining innovative products. In the last years, clients demand started to be higher and more complex. Because of that, managing products development processes have become a necessity. Product development processes need to be proficient and flexible: less complex and more competence-focused. 3DSpace brings more solutions in this matter. EXALEAD transforms large volumes of heterogeneous, multi-source data into real-time information intelligence to help users improve business processes and gain competitive advantage. EXALEAD enables organizations to gather and enrich Big Data to deliver that information in the process of integrated product development and allows customers to fully manage product programs, from 3D design to traceability of changes, cost, quality and issue analytics. Concurrent or Simultaneous Engineering is one of the fundamental approaches that meet the challenges mentioned above. EXALEAD uses CloudView to process big data flows. Concurrent Engineering represents a standardized approach to integrated product improvement which accentuates and gives priority to the customer expectations level. In this matter, 3DSpace’s ENOVIA is used together with graphic software for manufacturing. It is about teamwork and confidence in which the decision-making process is consensual, even from the beginning of the product life cycle.
Trailing Edge Thickness Effect on Tonal Noise Emission Characteristics from Wind Turbine Blades
Authors: MADDULA Satya Prasad , NUKALA Vasishta Bhargava , NEIGAPULA Venkata Swamy Naidu
Published: December 2021

Broadband noise generation from wind turbine blades is one of the fundamental aspects of flow-induced noise. Besides the turbulent boundary layer flow over the blades, factors such as the angle of attack, the turbulence intensity, the trailing edge thickness of the blade and their shapes strongly influence the overall sound power levels at high frequencies, i.e. f > 8 kHz. In large operating wind farms, a trade-off between noise generation and power production is considered by power utility firms to maximize the return on investment (ROI) and minimize the fatigue damage on wind turbine components. The present work deals with the analysis of the thickness effect on trailing edge bluntness noise level at hub height average wind speeds of 7 m/s, 10 m/s. A semi-empirical BPM model was used to predict the sound pressure levels from the 37 m blade length of a 2MW wind turbine. The receiver configuration was fixed at a distance of 120 m from the source height of 80 m. The results demonstrated that as the trailing edge height increased from 0.1 % to 0.5 % of the local chord, the sound power level increased by ~ 17 dB for frequencies > 200 Hz, but decreased by 16 dB when the thickness is 0.1 % local chord. The computed results of the sound power level using the BPM model have been validated using experimental data and showed a good agreement for the tonal frequencies, f ~ 10 kHz, where the trailing edge bluntness noise becomes dominant.
FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH DIMINISHED COUGH INTENSITY IN COMMUNITY-DWELLING ELDERLY USING DAY CARE SERVICES: A PILOT STUDY
Authors: Mikiya R. , Momoki C. , Habu D.
Published: December 2021

Purpose: We investigated factors affecting diminished cough intensity in community-dwelling elderly using day care services. Participants and Methods: A total of 61 elderly males and females aged ≥65 years who were certified to receive long-term adult day care services were enrolled in this study. Assessments included: Cough intensity (assessed using cough peak flow measurements, as well as possible determinants of cough intensity, lifestyle, and demographic characteristics), nutritional status (using the Mini Nutritional Assessment-Short Form), dietary intake (using the Dietary Variety Score), routine activity (using the Japanese version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire), care-related factors (including day care services utilization and an oral exercise regimen) as well as age, need for long-term care, gender, sarcopenia status, the Charlson Comorbidity Index, and body mass, limb skeletal mass, and respiratory indices. Results: A reduced cough peak flow (odds ratio 4.46, 95% confidence interval: 1.08–18.43) was associated with sarcopenia and was weakly (not significantly) associated with age, gender, and the Mini Nutritional Assessment-Short Form score. Conclusion: A reduced cough peak flow was independently associated with sarcopenia and associated with age, gender, and nutritional status.
ASSESSING THE IMPACT OF A NUTRITION-FOCUSED QUALITY IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM IN CARDIOPULMONARY PATIENTS
Authors: Costanzo M.R. , Kozmic S. , Sulo S. , Dabbous F. , Warren B. , Partridge J. , Brown A. , Sriram K.
Published: December 2021

Background: Patients with cardiopulmonary diagnoses are at high risk for hospital readmissions and prolonged hospitalizations. Nutrition-focused quality improvement programs (QIPs) can improve the care of malnourished hospitalized patients. Objectives: Data collected previously was analyzed to evaluate the impact of a nutrition-focused QIP on health outcomes in patients with cardiopulmonary diseases. Design: The QIP consisted of malnutrition risk screening, prompt initiation of oral nutritional supplements (ONS), and nutrition education. Setting: A total of 4 hospitals implemented the QIP–2 teaching hospitals and 2 community hospitals. Participants: Eligible QIP participants were hospitalized patients with any diagnosis, 18 years of age or older, at risk for malnutrition at admission, and able to consume food and beverages orally. Measurements: Data collected from the QIP patients was compared to data from historical controls to assess differences in readmission rates and length of stay (LOS). Results: Patients were mainly older adults (66 ± 17.4 years) and non-obese (85%). Univariate analysis showed significant reductions in 30-day readmission rates for the QIP group when compared with the controls (13.9% for QIP vs. 26.4% for controls), with the QIP group experiencing a 55% reduction in the odds of being readmitted (OR = 0.45, p = 0.006). Similarly, a significant reduction in LOS was reported for the QIP group (5.4 ± 5.7 days for QIP vs. 6.8 ± 5.7 days for controls) corresponding to a relative risk reduction (RR) of 20% (RR = 0.80, p = 0.0085). Logistic regression adjusting for patient characteristics showed that the QIP patients were 33% less likely to be readmitted (p = 0.33), and had a 6% RR (RR = 0.94, p = 0.55) in LOS versus controls. Conclusions: Malnourished hospitalized cardiopulmonary patients participating in a nutrition-focused QIP experienced fewer readmissions and improved LOS compared to controls. These results underscore the importance of nutrition-focused interventions as a key part of treatment for cardiopulmonary patients.
KNOWLEDGE OF COMMONLY PRESCRIBED MEDICATIONS TO OCTOGENARIANS
Authors: Didone T.V.N. , Oliveira de Melo D. , Ribeiro E.
Published: December 2021

Eighty outpatients aged 80 years or more were face-to-face interviewed in order to assess the appropriate recall of six items of information about the 19 most commonly prescribed medications by means of a questionnaire cross-culturally adapted into Brazilian Portuguese. In some cases, the caregiver was interviewed instead. The frequency of medications whose information was appropriately recalled ranged from 36% to 100%, 36% to 100%, 18% to 90%, 9% to 63%, 0 to 25%, and 0 to 10% for respectively the following items dosage, form of administration, indication, storage, side effects, and precautions and warnings, indicating poor overall knowledge. The lowest frequency of dosage and form of administration was seen for alendronic acid (36% each), and the highest frequency of side effects was found for donepezil (25%). Octagenarians and their caregivers should be constantly counseled on medication information.
ADEQUACY OF CURRENT AND FUTURE INCOME AND ASSETS AND THE RISK OF MORTALITY IN A COHORT OF OLDER MEN – THE MANITOBA FOLLOW-UP STUDY
Authors: St John P.D. , Tate R.B.
Published: December 2021

Background: Income security is a determinant of health in most populations, but there is less evidence in very old men. Objective: To determine if self-reported current income adequacy or future expectation of income adequacy predicts death amongst older men. Design and Setting: We conducted an analysis of a prospective cohort of 3 983 men who have been followed since 1948. In 2006, 1001 men were alive, of whom 807 completed the annual survey without assistance. Two items in the 2006 survey were: “How well do you think your income and assets satisfy your current needs?” and “How well do you think your income and assets will satisfy your needs in the future?” We considered the categories: “very adequate, adequate and inadequate.” Time to death over the next 11 years was examined with the Cox proportional hazards models, and adjusted for age, marital status, and functional status. Results: The mean age in 2006 was 85 years old. The median follow-up time was 6.1 years, and 664 of the participants died. Satisfaction with current income did not predict mortality. Those with an expectation of inadequate future income had a higher risk of death: Hazard Ratio of 1.37 [(95%CI) 1.02, 1.84)] for “Not adequate” relative to “Very Adequate”. In models adjusted for age, marital status and functional status, this association was only marginally statistically significant (p=0.07). Conclusions: Perceived adequacy of future income predicts mortality in very old men. The effect may be confounded or mediated by functional decline.
TOLERABILITY, COMPLIANCE, AND PRODUCT EVALUATION OF A PRE-THICKENED ORAL NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENT FOR DISEASE RELATED MALNUTRITION IN PATIENTS WITH DYSPHAGIA
Authors: Dennehy T. , Veldkamp F. , Lansink M. , Schulz R.J.
Published: December 2021

Background: Oropharyngeal dysphagia is a prevalent risk factor for malnutrition in older patients and both conditions are related to poor outcome. For the management of (risk of) malnutrition in patients with oropharyngeal dysphagia pre-thickened oral nutritional supplements are available. Objective: The objective of the study is to describe tolerance parameters (stool frequency and incidence and intensity of gastrointestinal symptoms), study product intake (compliance), product appreciation and product properties of a pre-thickened oral nutritional supplement compared to a manually-thickened standard oral nutritional supplement. Design: A randomized, open label, controlled, parallel group study. Setting: participants were recruited through nine general practices in Ireland, one nursing home in The Netherlands, and one hospital in Germany. Participants: Fifty patients requiring oral nutritional support (twenty-four of fifty cases (48%) with dysphagia) were divided into two groups: test group (N = 27) and control group (N = 23). Intervention: During four weeks the test group received a ready-to-use, low volume (125 mL), and energy dense pre-thickened oral nutritional supplement, and the control group a manually-thickened iso-caloric oral nutritional supplement (200 mL) with a similar viscosity. Measurements: Compliance and stool frequency were recorded daily, evaluation of the product appreciation and properties and gastrointestinal tolerability were assessed with questionnaires. Results: Incidence and intensity of gastrointestinal symptoms was not statistically different between groups. Pre-thickened oral nutritional supplement scored significantly better on compliance in week 4 (p = 0.019), on thickness appreciation by patients (day 14, p = 0.035) and on product properties evaluation by carers (appearance, preparation time, ease of preparation and change in thickness, all p < 0.001) compared to the manually-thickened ONS. Conclusion: These results substantiate the use of pre-thickened oral nutritional supplement for the dietary management of patients in need of nutritional support and with oropharyngeal dysphagia.
MALNUTRITION POINT-PREVALENCE FROM 2012 TO 2019 AND ASSOCIATED HEALTH-OUTCOMES IN ADULT PATIENTS IN RURAL HOSPITALS
Authors: Lopez E. , Banbury M. , Isenring E. , Marshall S.
Published: December 2021

Background: Malnutrition negatively impacts hospitalised patients and the healthcare system. Objectives: 1) report point-prevalence of hospital malnutrition from 2012 to 2019; and 2) determine if there was an association between nutrition status and health-related outcomes. Design: Point-prevalence of malnutrition was determined by three (2012, 2014, and 2019) cross-sectional studies. Health-related outcomes, assessed by a prospective cohort study in 2014, were length of stay, in-hospital mortality, hospital readmission, infection, falls, fractures, and pressure wounds. Setting: three Australian rural hospitals. Participants: Adult inpatients. Measurements: Nutrition status was assessed with the Subjective Global Assessment (SGA) tool. Results: Malnutrition point prevalence was 39% in 2012 (n=62), 48% in 2014 (n=128), and 28% in 2019 (n=96); where the prevalence in 2019 was significantly lower than in 2014 (p<0.017). The 2019 (median age 70 years) sample was younger than the 2012 (median age 80 years) and 2014 (median age 78 years) samples (p<0.05). Mortality and falls rate were higher in the severely malnourished participants (p=<0.05); and severe malnutrition may predict mortality (Adjusted OR: 3.47 (95%CI: 0.94, 12.78] p=0.061). Conclusions: Nutrition status did not predict other health-related outcomes. The rate of malnutrition in rural hospitals was consistently high and may increase the risk of in-hospital mortality.
NUTRITIONAL ADEQUACY AND ORAL NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENTATION IN OLDER COMMUNITY-DWELLING ADULTS
Authors: McKeever L. , Farrar I.C. , Sulo S. , Partridge J. , Sheean P. , Fitzgibbon M.
Published: December 2021

Background: Older adults (65 years and older) comprise a high-risk group that are susceptible to the development of malnutrition. Dietary intake and diet quality represent key modifiable risk factors to help prevent and to treat declines in nutrition status, with oral nutritional supplements (ONS) often being a cost-effective therapy for many to increase protein and caloric intake. The DETERMINE Checklist offers a series of questions capable of mapping the initial landscape of contextual factors that influence the dietary patterns of the at-risk populations. Objectives: To examine independent predictors of inadequate dietary intake and poor diet quality amongst a multi-ethnic sample of urban community-dwelling older adults in an effort to identify target groups of participants that could benefit most from an ONS intervention. Design: Cross-sectional. Participants: Chicago, Illinois, United States urban residents greater than 55 years of age who self-reported to be non-Hispanic White, non-Hispanic Black, or Hispanic. Methods: Telephone surveys were conducted to obtain basic demographic information. The DETERMINE Checklist was administered to (1) characterize participants’ nutritional risk, and (2) identify participants with inadequate intake and/or poor diet quality. Predictors of inadequate intake, defined as any participant who reported either to eat less than two meals per day and/or poor diet quality, defined as any participant who reported to eat few fruits, vegetables or dairy were used to identify groups of participants who could benefit most from ONS consumption. Mantel-Hanzel chi square, Breslow-day tests, and logistic regressions were conducted. Results: 1001 ethnically diverse participants were interviewed (37% non-Hispanic White, 37% non-Hispanic Black, and 26% Hispanic). Respondents were predominantly female (69%) with a mean age of 66.9 (± 6.4) years. The majority were found to be at either moderate or high nutrition risk (78.7%). Domains of the DETERMINE Checklist that predicted either inadequate dietary intake or poor diet quality included social isolation, lower levels of educational attainment, food insecurity, limitations in activities of daily living (ADL), polypharmacy, or three or more alcoholic drinks per day. Of the participants who met the criteria as those who would benefit from ONS, less than 50% had reported consuming ONS in the past six months. Conclusion: Older community-dwelling adults living in an urban setting, especially those with social isolation, lower levels of education, food insecurity, limitations with ADLs, polypharmacy, and those reporting heavy alcohol intake represent a population who could benefit from consuming ONS. Efforts should be made towards further understanding these contextual factors and providing nutrition education along with an ONS intervention that could be beneficial to supplement dietary inadequacies in this population.
EVALUATION OF INPATIENTS NUTRITIONAL STATUS AND PROGNOSTIC INVOLVEMENT
Authors: Ares Blanco J. , Moreno Díaz L. , Fernández-Fernández E. , López-Alba A.J.
Published: December 2021

Background: There is an association between malnutrition and mortality. However, it is unclear if this association is truly independent of confounding factors. Objectives: The objective of this study is to evaluate nutritional status, defined according to the three categories defined in the Nutritional Screening Tool “Mini Nutritional Assessment”, and to investigate its prognostic involvement. Design, Setting and Participants: Single cohort retrospective observational study in hospitalized patients between December 2013 and January 2014, who were placed under observation until September 2015 (21 months) (n=144). Nutritional status was determined by MNA short form at the beginning of the study, as well as clinical and epidemiological data. Results: Based on categories defined by MNA SF, 59 (40.97%) were well nourished, 55 (38.19%) were at risk of malnutrition, and 30 (20.83%) patients showed malnutrition. 45 patients died during follow up (31.25%). Of them, 40% (18) were malnourished, 38% (17), at risk of malnutrition, and 22% (9), well nourished. After adjusting for confounding factors, hazard ratio (95% CI) for all-cause mortality was significantly greater in the malnourished group (3.44 (1,27-9,31: p 0,015)), comparing to the reference group (well-nourished patients). Conclusions: Nutritional status defined according to the 3 categories defined in MNA short form predicts the probability of mid-term death in hospitalized patients, after adjusting for confounding factors as age and comorbidities. These data show the importance of knowing nutritional status during hospitalization for avoiding potential complications and helping the patient to overcome them.
PREVALENCE OF UNDER NUTRITION AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS AMONG PEOPLE OF OLD AGE IN DEBRE MARKOS TOWN, NORTHWEST ETHIOPIA, 2015
Authors: Adhana Z.K. , Tessema G.H. , Getie G.A.
Published: December 2021

Background: Malnutrition is defined as a disproportion of nutrients caused by either an excess intake of nutrients or a nutritional deficit. One of the most common nutritional problems in older people (aged 60 years and over) is under nutrition. Worldwide studies revealed that the prevalence of under nutrition in people of old age is high. Objective: To assess the prevalence of under nutrition and its associated factors among old people in Debre Markos town, Northwest Ethiopia, 2015. Methods and materials: A cross sectional study design was conducted among 423 study subjects of old age in Debre Markos town from August 4 to August 30, 2015. Primary data was collected using a pre tested Mini Nutritional Assessment Short-Form (MNA-SF) screening tool and structured questionnaires by trained data collectors. The data that was collected was entered and cleaned using EpiData version 3.1 statistical software then exported to the SPSS version 20 statistical package for further data analysis. Descriptive statistics of frequency, tables and graphs were used and summary measures were calculated to determine the prevalence of under nutrition. The data was also used to describe the distribution of the independent variables among study subjects. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression models were utilized to calculate crude and adjusted odds ratios in order to identify factors associated with under nutrition of study participants at 0.05 level of significance. Result: The prevalence of under nutrition among study participants was found to be 22.7% (95%CI 18.7-26.7). A number of independent variables have a significant association with under nutrition, including gender (females (AOR 7.95 95% CI (2.86, 22.08)), age (Oldest Old and Middle Old, (AOR=3.45 95%CI (1.44, 8.26) and (AOR=5.25, 95%CI (2.48, 11.13) respectively), marital status (widowed elderly individuals (ARO 3.29 95 % CI (1.54, 7.06)), individuals with eating difficulty (AOR 10.73 95 % CI (4.49, 25.63), individuals with vision problems (AOR 5.67 95 % CI (2.80, 11.48) and meal frequency (ARO 6.71 95 % CI (3.31, 13.63). Conclusion and recommendation: Prevalence of under nutrition among study participants was 22.7%. Gender, age, marital status, eating difficulty, visual problems and meal frequency were found to be independent determinant factors of under nutrition among study subjects. The government, family members and other stakeholders should give more attention to older individuals especially older females.
PREVALENCE AND CHARACTERISTICS ASSOCIATED WITH ALCOHOL USE AND ALCOHOL RELATED PROBLEMS IN COMMUNITY DWELLING OLDER ADULTS
Authors: van Gils Y. , Franck E. , van Alphen S.J.P. , Dierckx E.
Published: December 2021

Objective: This study examine the prevalence, characteristics and associated factors of alcohol use and alcohol related problems among Belgian community dwelling older adults. Design: Retrospective cross-sectional study by extensive examination survey. Setting: The participants were questioned in their homes or in community centres. Participants: Overall, 1,366 adults ≥65 years participated in this study. Method: Information about self-reported alcohol use during the past year, Health Related Quality of Life (HRQL) and alcohol related problems was gathered with respectively the AUDIT, SF36 and MAST-G. Results: Of the total sample, 84.4% reported alcohol consumption. Using the NIAAA guidelines, the overall prevalence for at risk drinking was 26.6% and for binge drinking 14.8%, both risky alcohol patterns. Logistic regression analyses were performed on the drinking sample to determine the predictors associated with at risk drinking, binge drinking and hazardous drinking. Being male, a smoker of former smoker and living alone were associated with at risk drinking. Being male, being aged 65-74 years, being a smoker, reporting polypharmacy, MCS and having recent loss experience were associated with binge drinking. More than 25% of respondents were classified as hazardous drinking (score ≥5 on MAST-G). Associated factors with hazardous drinking were being male, having a family history of alcohol problems, PCS and MCS. Conclusions: The prevalence rates for at risk alcohol patterns and alcohol related problems were higher than in previous studies. As older adults are more vulnerable to the adverse consequences of alcohol use, awareness about alcohol use should be raised among older adults, as well as amongst health care givers and researchers.
PREVALENCE AND PROGNOSTIC VALUE OF GERIATRIC SYNDROMES IN ELDERLY PATIENTS IN INTERMEDIATE GERIATRIC REHABILITATION UNITS
Authors: Serra-Prat M. , Martínez-Suárez E. , Cristofol Allue R. , Santaeugènia S. , Roqué M. , Salvà A.
Published: December 2021

Background: The prevalence and prognostic value of geriatric syndromes in geriatric rehabilitation units is poorly understood. Objective: To determine the prevalence of geriatric syndromes in intermediate geriatric rehabilitation units and evaluate associations with outcomes and death during admission. Methods: Observational, longitudinal study of patients admitted to 10 intermediate geriatric rehabilitation units in 2015. Admission-to-discharge data were collected retrospectively from a shared minimum data set (CMBD-RSS). The geriatric syndromes considered were dementia, depression, immobility, urinary incontinence, faecal incontinence, instability, insomnia, acute confusional state, terminal illness and pressure ulcers. The main outcome measures were functional status on admission (assessed using the Resource Utilization Group Activities of Daily Living Scale), functional improvement between admission and discharge, length of stay and death during admission. Results: We analysed 5619 patients (mean age 80.2 years; 57.1% women). The mean number of syndromes was 2.3. The most prevalent syndromes were urinary incontinence (62%), dementia (35%), faecal incontinence (35%) and immobility (26%). The presence of each geriatric syndrome increased the risk of functional impairment at discharge (except in the case of insomnia) and of death during admission (except in the case of instability syndrome). Conclusions: Geriatric syndromes are very prevalent in intermediate geriatric rehabilitation units and indicate a lower probability of functional recovery and a greater probability of death during admission.
ORAL N-ACETYLCYSTEINE LOWERS PLASMA HOMOCYSTEINE IN ADULTS ON A BACKGROUND OF ANABOLIC RESISTANCE TRAINING
Authors: Hildebrandt W. , Krakowski-Roosen H. , Renk H. , Künkele A. , Sauer R. , Tichy D. , Edler L. , Kinscherf R.
Published: December 2021

Lowering high plasma levels of homocysteine (tHcy) by folate/vitamin-B-supplementation only unsufficiently protects against cardiovascular diseases and dementia. To enhance therapeutic options, we evaluated whether the significant tHcy-lowering effect of oral N-acetylcysteine (NAC) in sedentary adults (-11.71% [12]) is still detectable on a background of anabolic resistance training (RT) which moderately decreases tHcy itself. Reanalysing a previous randomized controlled double-blinded clinical trial, we compared the effect of oral NAC (8 weeks 1.8 g/d, n=9) to that of placebo (n=8) on postabsorptive tHcy in healthy middle-aged subjects (tHcy 11.82±0.69 µM) undergoing 8 weeks of supervised progressive RT. NAC (+RT) led to a significantly greater reduction of tHcy (-13.97±5.81%) than placebo (+RT) (-3.85±4.81%) as confirmed by ANOVA (P<0.05) adjusting for methionine plasma levels and gain in strength. This add-on effect of NAC (~-10%) suggests that combining cysteine supplementation with RT may offer a novel (additional) option to lower tHcy in an aging population.
EFFECTS OF VITAMIN D SUPPLEMENTATION ON WELL-BEING, POSTURAL CONTROL, MUSCLE STRENGTH, BONE AND CALCITROPIC HORMONES – A RANDOMIZED DOUBLEBLIND PLACEBO CONTROLLED TRIAL
Authors: Eriksen S.A. , Starup-Linde J. , Hirata R.P. , Petersen K.K. , Graven-Nielsen T. , Vestergaard P.
Published: December 2021

Background: Antidepressants may increase the risk of fractures through negative effects on the musculoskeletal system that could be hindered by vitamin D supplements. Objectives: To study the pleiotropic effects of daily vitamin D supplementation in depressed patients treated with citalopram (patients) and healthy controls. Design: Randomised double blind placebo controlled trial. Setting: A study of Danish women in the age 50 to 90 years. Participants: A total of 21 patients and 50 controls. Intervention: Participants received daily vitamin D supplementation (50 micrograms) or placebo in one year. Measurements: Bone Densitometry by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D, intact-Parathyroid Hormone, type 1 procollagen N terminal peptide, tartrate resistant acid phosphatase type 5b. Pain sensitivity measures based on pain detection thresholds by cuff algometry, temporal summation of pain, conditioned pain modulation, and cutaneous pain sensitivity by pinprick test. Degree of depression by the Major Depression Inventory. Physical performance was assessed by Timed up and go, isomeric handgrip exercise, and postural control by force plate. Results: Serum 25(OH)D levels increased in the vitamin D treated patients compared with controls at the 12 months visit (P<0.05). Conversely, intact- Parathyroid Hormone decreased among the patients and controls receiving vitamin D compared with placebo (P<0.05). Vitamin D improved Major Depression Inventory scores in patients and controls compared with placebo (P<0.05). In patients receiving vitamin D, handgrip strength improved (P<0.05). Conclusions: Vitamin D may improve depressive symptoms, and improve handgrip strength among patients compared to controls.
Oikography: Ethnographies of House-ing in Critical Times
Authors: Biehl João , Neiburg Federico
Published: December 2021

Houses are at once built shelters; collections of relations, affects, and moralities; and nodes within neighborhoods, communities, and larger political-economic and environmental regimes. This Colloquy proposes oikography as an ethnographic approach that deconstructs technocratic assumptions about the house and traces the plasticity of dwelling across multiple space-times, with a focus on the action of house-ing. Inspired by critical perspectives emanating from the diasporic, post-plantation house, we explore the reciprocal process of people making houses and houses making people amid ongoing calamity. The processes of house-ing reveal houses as unpredictable human-nonhuman entities, modulated by tensions between stability and instability, borders and fluxes, stillness and movement. Oikography is thus attuned to multirelational efforts at creating provisional dwellings, grounds from which the past is gauged and future horizons crafted.

Resumo

As casas são ao mesmo tempo abrigos construídos, coleções de relações, afetos e moralidades, e nodos dentro de bairros, comunidades e regimes político-econômicos e ambientais. Esta coletânea propõe a oikografia como uma abordagem etnográfica que desmonta pressupostos tecnocráticos sobre a casa e traça a plasticidade da moradia através de múltiplos espaços e temporalidades, com foco nas ações de house-ing. Inspirados por perspectivas críticas que emanam do viver diaspórico e pós-plantação, exploramos o processo recíproco de pessoas fazendo casas e casas fazendo pessoas em meio a calamidades recorrentes. Os processos de house-ing mostram as casas como entidades humano-não humanas imprevisíveis, moduladas por tensões entre estabilidade e instabilidade, limites e fluxos, repouso e movimento. A oikografia está assim em sintonia com os esforços multi-relacionais de criação de vivendas provisórias, bases a partir das quais o passado é aferido e horizontes futuros são traçados.

Resumen

Las casas son a la vez refugios construidos, complejos de relaciones, afectos y moralidades, nodos dentro de barrios, comunidades, regímenes político-económicos y medioambientales. Este dossier propone a la oikografía como un enfoque etnográfico que deconstruye los supuestos tecnocráticos sobre la casa y rastrea su plasticidad a través de tiempos y espacios, focalizando las acciones de house-ing. Inspirados en las perspectivas críticas que emanan del vivir diaspórico y de la post-plantación, exploramos el proceso recíproco de personas que hacen casas y de casas que hacen personas en medio a las calamidades del mundo contemporáneo. Los procesos de house-ing muestran a las casas como entidades humanas-no humanas impredecibles, moduladas por tensiones entre estabilidad e inestabilidad, fronteras y flujos, quietud y movimiento. La oikografía está, por lo tanto, en sintonía con los esfuerzos multirrelacionales para crear hogares provisorios, terrenos desde los que se observa el pasado y se elaboran horizontes de futuro.
The Immune Home: Domestic Enclaves, Diffuse Protections
Authors: Kelly Ann H. , Lezaun Javier
Published: December 2021

This essay tracks a paradigm shift in the use of chemicals to control malaria: away from insecticidal approaches, focused on killing mosquitoes within private domestic dwellings, and toward the creation of protective communal atmospheres. An ongoing study of the efficacy of spatial repellents to reduce malaria transmission in rural Tanzania provides an opportunity to rethink the oikographic assumptions of malaria control—and of many global health interventions—and to foreground the specific relationalities of peri-domestic spaces. Yet a sense of moral ambivalence permeates this inquiry, as malaria prevention becomes untethered from any long-lasting material improvement in the house. We reflect on the power of chemicals to reveal chronic forms of neglect and, just possibly, conjugate new, if diffuse, forms of communitas.