bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Photocatalytic Esterification of Aldehydes and Degradation of Organic Dye Over Gold Anchored Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Under Irradiation of Visible Light
Authors: Wang Yufei , Yan Long , Li Jian , Chen Bi , Liu Huijin , Zhang Yu , Ma Langlang , Fu Feng
Published: January 2020

One-pot simple and efficient synthetic pathway for the synthesis of Au/ZnO nanocomposite has been studied herein with the photocatalytic efficiency for visible light esterification of aldehydes and degradation of organic dye. As-synthesized nanostructured catalyst has been thoroughly
characterised using X-ray diffraction, nitrogen sorption analysis, SEM, TEM, elemental mapping, EDX, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and ICP-AES-analysis. It is notified that 2–7 nm Au-nanoparticles which were supported onto 20–60 nm ZnO nanoparticles, having 1 wt% gold loading,
showing the high conversion as well as high selectivity towards the target product ester. Also, the synthesized nanomaterial also proved to be an excellent photocatalyst for organic dyes degradation like rhodamine B (RhB) and methylene blue (MB). Hence it is proved that Au/ZnO nanocomposite
does not loses its catalytic effectiveness even after five consecutive cycles.
Very Large Scale Integrated-Circuit Architecture for Offset Quadrature Phase Shift Keying Modulation Using Offset Generator
Authors: Stanley Alphyn , Sharma R.K.
Published: January 2020

This work presents an architecture for Offset Quadrature Phase Shift Keying (OQPSK) using an Offset generator. The Offset generator generates symbol patterns such that there is a maximum phase shift of ±90° only between the symbols, unlike the Quadrature Phase Shift Keying
(QPSK) modulator which has a maximum of ±180° phase shift. Here the effort of designing an Offset generator, which can be embedded onto QPSK modulator to generate OQPSK with minimum combinational logic, has been discussed. Whenever the input symbols to the Offset generator varies
in phase with a ±180° in constellation, it generates an intermediate symbol which differs only in ±90° with the previous one. Then it continues to give out the original symbol to be transmitted. This follows the exact OQPSK technology while it doesn't follow the conventional
generation method of OQPSK modulation which provides an offset between the even and odd bit patterns of the symbols to be transmitted. The architecture is modelled using Verilog HDL and the functionality is validated from the simulation result.
Characteristics of Graphene and Carbon Nanotubes Field Effect Transistors in NH3 Gas
Authors: Afroozeh A. , Yupapin P.
Published: January 2020

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and graphene, has currently prolonged the short listing on existing atomic crystals. There are much inconceivable electrified residences as well namely special thermal conductivities. Graphene has shown its potentiality in accordance with stay an essential piece
about dense after digital circuits or gadgets utilized within high frequency. Graphene then longevity CNTs continue to write activity of rising applied sciences because on the happiness of their integration of Nano electro mechanical systems (NEMS). Although graphene and CNTs show exclusive
electrified conductivity behavior, theirs service attention has comparable behavior. Semiconducting single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) have been demonstrated in accordance with showing great conductance modifications within response in conformity with exposure to different gases. The study
is aimed at proposing a Field effect transistor (FET) based structure model to be used as a gas detection sensor platform so that the carbon nanotube and grapheme conductance change is due to the chemical reaction among NH3, CNT, and Graphene. Therefore I–V characteristics
following exposure to NH3 have been reported.
Modified two-degree-of-freedom Smith predictive control for processes with time-delay
Authors: Li Ziwei , Bai Jianjun , Zou Hongbo
Published: January 2020

This article proposes an improved two-degree-of-freedom Smith predictive control method for typical industrial control systems. Smith predictive control is a classic control strategy designed for systems with pure lag. As an extension of Smith predictive control, internal model control can solve the time-delay problem effectively and make the controller design simple. Based on the two control algorithms, an enhanced control method with modified control structure is developed in this paper. In the design scheme, the set-point tracking and the disturbance rejection characteristics are decoupled, such that the set-point tracking and disturbance rejection controllers can be designed independently to achieve better control performance. The obtained control strategy possesses simple and convenient parameter tuning procedures. The validity of the proposed scheme is verified through theoretical analysis and simulation comparison with other control methods, and the results indicate that the proposed strategy shows better performance on set-point tracking and disturbance rejection.
Phase calibration and uncertainty evaluation for a RF comb generator
Authors: Cho Chihyun , Koo Hyunji , Kwon Jae-Yong , Lee Joo-Gwang
Published: January 2020

In this paper, we present calibration and uncertainty evaluation methods for the phase of a radio-frequency comb generator using a calibrated sampling oscilloscope. In addition, we present many solutions that are indispensable for the precise calibration of phase up to 50 GHz. First, we correct the sampling time error, which is the systematic error of the equivalent time sampling system. Second, the frequency response of the oscilloscope is de-convoluted from the measured pulse, and the impedance mismatch between the radio-frequency comb generator and the oscilloscope is calibrated. Finally, we present the calibrated phase of the radio-frequency comb generator and the measurement uncertainty, which demonstrated 95% confidence intervals within ±4.4° up to 50 GHz. The calibrated radio-frequency comb generator, which is traceable to SI units, is used to calibrate a nonlinear vector network analyzer, vector signal analyzer, and oscilloscope. Uncertainties are easily propagated to the measurement uncertainty of other apparatus since it is obtained in the form of covariance.
The interaction of administrative tradition and organisational characteristics: the case of agency personnel management autonomy
Authors: Bach Tobias , Verhoest Koen , Wynen Jan
Published: January 2020

Comparative scholars emphasise that public administration should be understood in terms of context-bound patterns of organising and decision-making. Agencies in the same context will display more commonalities than those in another. At the same time, there is good empirical evidence for organisational-level variation in decision-making. For instance, not all agencies in one country are delegated similar levels of personnel management autonomy. This article develops a theoretical argument about how administrative tradition moderates the effect of organisational drivers of personnel management autonomy. We identify the degree of uniformity embedded in administrative tradition as a key explanatory factor for this relationship. In empirical terms, the article compares the perceived personnel management autonomy of agencies in 10 European countries nested in three country clusters (Scandinavian, Latin-Napoleonic and Continental). The analysis confirms theoretical expectations about the context-specific effects of organisational characteristics on personnel management autonomy in agencies.

Points for practitioners

This article explains why agency managers’ perceived degree of personnel management autonomy varies between different administrative traditions. It shows that some contexts display a greater heterogeneity of delegating personnel management autonomy to agency managers, whereas other contexts are characterised by homogeneous practices of delegation to agencies of the same legal type. This finding suggests that changes in agencies’ legal type are important instruments of effective reform in high-uniformity contexts, whereas they will have only a limited effect in low-uniformity contexts.
The Development and Influence of Parasocial Relationships With Television Characters: A Longitudinal Experimental Test of Prejudice Reduction Through Parasocial Contact
Authors: Bond Bradley J.
Published: January 2020

The current study investigates parasocial relationships as the underlying mechanism explaining prejudice reduction following extended exposure to mediated outgroups. Heterosexual participants viewed a fictional television series for 10 weeks depicting outgroup (gay) characters in which the outgroup attribute (sexuality) was accentuated or sanitized. Parasocial relationships with outgroup characters grew significantly over the course of the study regardless of condition. White participants and participants who reported the strongest pretest prejudice experienced the most intense growth. Outgroup prejudice decreased significantly over time for participants in both experimental conditions. Parasocial relationships predicted both prejudice reduction over time and behavioral responses to the outgroup. Parasocial relationships with an ingroup character engaged in intergroup contact did not contribute to prejudice reduction beyond parasocial relationships with outgroup characters. This research suggests that audiences can develop socioemotional bonds with outgroup television characters that can influence attitudes and behaviors much the same as direct, interpersonal intergroup contact.
Neural-network-based Motion Tracking for Breast Ultrasound Strain Elastography: An Initial Assessment of Performance and Feasibility
Authors: Peng Bo , Xian Yuhong , Zhang Quan , Jiang Jingfeng
Published: January 2020

Accurate tracking of tissue motion is critically important for several ultrasound elastography methods. In this study, we investigate the feasibility of using three published convolution neural network (CNN) models built for optical flow (hereafter referred to as CNN-based tracking) by the computer vision community for breast ultrasound strain elastography. Elastographic datasets produced by finite element and ultrasound simulations were used to retrain three published CNN models: FlowNet-CSS, PWC-Net, and LiteFlowNet. After retraining, the three improved CNN models were evaluated using computer-simulated and tissue-mimicking phantoms, and in vivo breast ultrasound data. CNN-based tracking results were compared with two published two-dimensional (2D) speckle tracking methods: coupled tracking and GLobal Ultrasound Elastography (GLUE) methods. Our preliminary data showed that, based on the Wilcoxon rank-sum tests, the improvements due to retraining were statistically significant (p < 0.05) for all three CNN models. We also found that the PWC-Net model was the best neural network model for data investigated, and its overall performance was on par with the coupled tracking method. CNR values estimated from in vivo axial and lateral strain elastograms showed that the GLUE algorithm outperformed both the retrained PWC-Net model and the coupled tracking method, though the GLUE algorithm exhibited some biases. The PWC-Net model was also able to achieve approximately 45 frames/second for 2D speckle tracking data investigated.
Human motion analysis in medical robotics via high-dimensional inverse reinforcement learning
Authors: Li Kun , Burdick Joel W
Published: January 2020

This work develops a novel high-dimensional inverse reinforcement learning (IRL) algorithm for human motion analysis in medical, clinical, and robotics applications. The method is based on the assumption that a surgical robot operators’ skill or a patient’s motor skill is encoded into the innate reward function during motion planning and recovered by an IRL algorithm from motion demonstrations. This class of applications is characterized by high-dimensional sensory data, which is computationally prohibitive for most existing IRL algorithms. We propose a novel function approximation framework and reformulate the Bellman optimality equation to handle high-dimensional state spaces efficiently. We compare different function approximators in simulated environments, and adopt a deep neural network as the function approximator. The technique is applied to evaluating human patients with spinal cord injuries under spinal stimulation, and the skill levels of surgical robot operators. The results demonstrate the efficiency and effectiveness of the proposed method.
Reduction of Postoperative Hip Arthroscopy Pain With an Ultrasound-Guided Fascia Iliaca Block: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Glomset John L. , Kim Eugene , Tokish John M. , Renfro Suzanne D. , Seckel Tyler B. , Adams Kyle J. , Folk Jason
Published: January 2020

Background:

Ultrasound-guided fascia iliaca blocks have been used for pain control after hip arthroscopy. There is little evidence regarding their effectiveness in comparison with other pain control modalities in patients who have undergone hip arthroscopy.

Purpose:

To compare the efficacy of ultrasound-guided fascia iliac block with intra-articular ropivacaine in controlling pain after hip arthroscopy.

Study Design:

Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 2.

Methods:

Between 2015 and 2017, patients (N = 95) undergoing hip arthroscopy were randomly assigned to 2 groups. The first group received an ultrasound-guided fascia iliaca block with 50 to 60 mL of 0.35% ropivacaine. The second group received an intra-articular injection of 20 mL of 0.5% ropivacaine at the completion of the surgical case. Primary outcomes were postoperative pain scores in the recovery room; at postanesthesia care unit (PACU) discharge; and at 2 weeks, 6 weeks, and 3 months. Secondary outcomes included intraoperative and PACU narcotic usage (converted to morphine equivalent use) as well as readmission rates, PACU recovery time, and postoperative nausea and vomiting.

Results:

Postoperative pain across all points did not significantly differ between the groups. Intraoperative and PACU narcotics did not differ significantly between the groups. Readmission rates, PACU recovery time, and postoperative nausea and vomiting did not significantly differ between the groups. There were no associated complications in either group.

Conclusion:

Ultrasound-guided fascia iliaca block for hip arthroscopy had no clinical advantage when compared with onetime intra-articular ropivacaine injection.

Registration:

NCT02365961 (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier).
Prevention Strategies for Sexual Harassment in Academic Medicine: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Jenner Sabine C. , Djermester Pia , Oertelt-Prigione Sabine
Published: January 2020

Sexual harassment and gendered discrimination in the workplace are global issues that can affect anyone regardless of their age, gender, job title, or field of employment. The medical field is also relevantly concerned, yet effective prevention measures are scarce. The purpose of this study was to explore preventive options for sexual harassment in an academic medical context from the employees’ perspective and to develop transferable strategies. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 15 female physicians and 15 female nurses working at a tertiary referral center in Berlin, Germany, in the months of April to November 2015. The one-on-one interviews addressed the perception of sexual harassment and available and desirable preventive measures. Data were analyzed by qualitative content analysis. The participants outlined preventive measures at two levels: individual and institutional. Individual options included personal safety measures and individual protection strategies against patients, peers, and superiors. Institutional strategies included guidelines and workplace policies, structured complaint and reporting procedures, formal training options, and organizational development and leadership strategies. The current study highlights how the prevention of sexual harassment hinges on a combination of individualized and system-wide measures to capture the personal as well as the organizational dimension of sexual harassment. Only a concerted effort addressing both aspects will sensitize the workforce, support the victims, and prevent sexual harassment in medical institutions.
Ketogenic Diet for the Treatment and Prevention of Dementia: A Review
Authors: Davis Joshua J. , Fournakis Nicole , Ellison James
Published: January 2020

Dementia (major neurocognitive disorder) is an increasingly common syndrome with a significant burden on patients, caregivers, the health-care system, and the society. The prevalence of dementia will certainly continue to grow as the US population ages. Current treatments for dementia, though, are limited. One proposed nonpharmacologic approach for the delay or prevention of dementia is the use of a ketogenic diet. The ketogenic diet was originally employed to treat refractory epilepsy and has shown promise in many neurologic diseases. It has also gained recent popularity for its weight loss effects. Several preclinical studies have confirmed a benefit of ketosis on cognition and systemic inflammation. Given the renewed emphasis on neuroinflammation as a pathogenic contributor to cognitive decline, and the decreased systemic inflammation observed with the ketogenic diet, it is plausible that this diet may delay, ameliorate, or prevent progression of cognitive decline. Several small human studies have shown benefit on cognition in dementia with a ketogenic diet intervention. Future, large controlled studies are needed to confirm this benefit; however, the ketogenic diet has shown promise in regard to delay or mitigation of symptoms of cognitive decline.
Military conscription, external security, and income inequality: The missing link
Authors: Konstantinidis Nikitas
Published: January 2020

This article seeks to analyze the political economy of military conscription policy and its relationship with a country’s external security environment. National security is modeled as a non-rivalrous and non-excludable public good, whose production technology consists of either centrally conscripted or competitively recruited military labor. Conscription is construed as an implicit discretionary tax on citizens’ labor endowment. Based on this, I propose a simple political economy model of pure public goods provision financed by two policy instruments: a lump-sum income tax and a conscription tax. Constraint optimization of a quasi-linear utility function gives rise to three general classes of preferences: high- and low-skilled citizens will prefer an all-volunteer army, albeit of different size, whereas medium-skilled citizens will favor positive levels of conscription. These derived preferences allow me to tease out an explicit relationship between military manpower procurement policy, a country’s level of external threat, and its pre-tax income inequality levels. One of my key findings is that more egalitarian countries are more likely to use conscription as a military manpower procurement mechanism.
Effects of combined electroacupuncture and exercise training on motor function and microtubule-associated protein 2 expression in the middle and late stages of cerebral infarction in rats
Authors: Yu Qian , Li Xiaohong , Li Yamei , Fu Jing , Xiao Zhongxin
Published: January 2020

Objective:

To evaluate the effects of electroacupuncture (EA) combined with exercise training on motor function and microtubule-associated protein (MAP)-2 in the hippocampal CA3 region of rats in the middle and late stages of cerebral infarction, and explore potential underlying mechanisms of action.

Methods:

A total of 80 Wistar rats were randomly divided into model, EA, training and EA + training groups (n = 20 per group) after establishing the middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model of cerebral infarction. Rats were treated with EA and/or training in the sixth week post-MCAO. After receiving 2 weeks of treatment, motor function was assessed and MAP-2 expression in the CA3 region was measured using an immunohistochemical method.

Results:

Compared to the model group, significant differences in walking stick, balance beam and screen capture ability were detected in the EA, training and EA + training groups (p < 0.05). The EA + training group showed greater improvements than the EA and training groups (p < 0.05 each). Significant differences in MAP-2 expression were detected in the EA, training and EA + training groups compared to the model group (p < 0.05). MAP-2 expression was higher in the EA + training group than in the EA and training groups (p < 0.05 each).

Conclusion:

MAP-2 expression and motor functional recovery were higher in the combined therapy (EA + training) group compared to the monotherapy (EA or training) groups. EA combined with exercise training appeared to significantly promote the recovery of motor function in the middle and late stages of cerebral infarction in this rat model.
Examination and Analysis of After-Hours Calls in Hospice
Authors: Mayahara Masako , Fogg Louis
Published: January 2020

To ensure safe and effective care at home, most hospice agencies provide 24-hour call services to patients and their families. However, responding to such calls can be very extensive since so many calls occur after hours when staff are fewer. The purpose of the current study was to better understand the types of after-hours calls and differences across patient teams. By understanding why these calls are made, we might be able to reduce the number of avoidable after-hours calls. This descriptive retrospective chart review study was conducted using data from 9 patient care teams within a single hospice agency. During the 6-month study period, the hospice agency received 1596 after-hours calls. The number of calls averaged 10.3 per night. Common clinical-related calls included consultations about the shortness of breath (10.2%) and pain (9.5%). A total of 37.7% of the calls were nonclinical, nonemergency in nature, including requests for supplies (29.6%) and medication refills (8.1%). There were statistically significant differences ( P < .05) between teams in the numbers of supply request calls, medication refill request calls, and calls associated with clinical-related issues. Also, there was a statistically significant difference in the after-hours calls across teams that resulted in dispatching staff to a home ( P < .05). These findings suggest that many after-hours calls would be more appropriately addressed during regular daytime hours. There are significant across-team differences that are not yet well understood. Further studies are needed to determine how to reduce the number of after-hours calls.
Factors Associated With Using Contraception Among Sexually Active Adolescents in Monocultural and Multicultural Families
Authors: Kwon Eunji , Kang Myungsuk , Kim Heejung
Published: January 2020

The purposes of this study were to compare the use of contraception by monocultural and multicultural adolescents and identify the multidimensional factors in an ecological model. This study was cross-sectional design with a secondary data analysis using national data from the 2018 Korea Youth Risk Behavior Survey, including 3,031 participants (81 multicultural and 2,950 monocultural adolescents with sexual activity). The monocultural adolescents reported significantly higher rates of contraceptive use (61.66%) than multicultural adolescents (39.39%, p < .001). Monocultural adolescents’ contraception use was significantly associated with intrapersonal factors (gender, drinking, and using substances) and school factors (school location, grade, and sex education). School factors also associated with multicultural adolescents’ contraception use. To promote contraception use by multicultural adolescents with sexual activity, sex education should be tailored to meet specific cultural needs. In addition, risky behavior prevention should be part of comprehensive health promotion and sex education for monocultural adolescents.
Time as a Social and Environmental Determinant of Health for Rural Women
Authors: Madsen Wendy , Judd Jenni , Williams Susan Lee , McKenzie Fiona , Deagon Jay , Ames Kate
Published: January 2020

Background. Time insufficiency is frequently cited as a reason for poor dietary habits. This does not adequately explain the variations in how time is perceived as a factor in healthy eating. Aims. This study placed the eating behaviors of rural Australian women within the contexts of their stories to understand the factors that influenced healthy eating and how rural communities could enhance their health and well-being. Method. A three-phase sequential multimode narrative inquiry was used within four communities in rural Queensland, Australia. Each phase used a different mode of data collection: photo elicitation focus groups, narrative interviews, participatory workshops. Data were thematically analyzed iteratively to inform subsequent phases. Results. Nine final themes were identified. This article explored the theme of time and two contrasting perceptions of time sufficiency regarding healthy eating within a rural context during a drought. Discussion. Exploration of “time as a commodity” and “time as a duty” allowed a deeper understanding of time as a social and environmental determinant of health. Conclusion. Time’s influence on healthy eating is much more than the minutes it takes to prepare a meal. To fully appreciate its impact, time should be considered as a social and environmental determinant of health.
Basking in detected vice: Outgroup immorality enhances self-view
Authors: Sacchi Simona , Brambilla Marco , Graupmann Verena
Published: January 2020

In the last decade, a growing body of research has revealed that morality is the most important driver of impression formation. As such, social targets lacking morality are disliked and kept at distance, while moral targets are liked and respected. Here, we investigated whether social targets lacking morality elicit positive reactions in the observer. Study 1 revealed that participants reported an enhanced self-view when confronted with an immoral (vs. moral) behavior performed by a political opponent. Study 2 revealed the key role of morality in this process, as differential perceptions of the target’s incompetence had no comparable effect on the observer self-view. Importantly, such results emerged when participants were highly identified with their ingroup. Taken together, these findings suggest that outgroup immorality can elicit positive self-related responses in the observer. Results are discussed in terms of their theoretical and practical implications for social judgment and intergroup relations.
Keeping it raw on the ‘gram: Authenticity, relatability and digital intimacy in fitness cultures on Instagram
Authors: Reade Josie
Published: January 2020

This article builds on a growing body of research on social media and authenticity through examining practices of ‘keeping it raw’ in fitness cultures on Instagram. Such practices include posting unedited or ‘realistic’ visuals of the body, storying the everyday and ‘real talk’ about topics such as mental health and body image. Drawing on empirical findings from my research with 21 Australian women aged 20–35 who use Instagram to post and engage with fitness inspiration – fitspo – content, I specifically trace how enactments of ‘raw’ cultivate digital intimacies between Instagram users. Here, I take up a feminist new materialist approach to consider how various body parts, objects, platform functionalities and discourses come together to create affective encounters between my participants and other Instagram users. The contribution of this article lies in attending to the work that raw does, to what end and for whom.
Large eddy simulation analysis of the turbulent flow in an optically accessible internal combustion engine using the overset mesh technique
Authors: Rulli Federico , Barbato Alessio , Fontanesi Stefano , d’Adamo Alessandro
Published: January 2020

Computational fluid dynamics has become a fundamental tool for the design and development of internal combustion engines. The meshing strategy plays a central role in the computational efficiency, in the management of the moving components of the engine and in the accuracy of results. The overset mesh approach, usually referred to also as chimera grid or composite grid, was rarely applied to the simulation of internal combustion engines, mainly because of the difficulty in adapting the technique to the specific complexities of internal combustion engine flows. The article demonstrates the feasibility and the effectiveness of the overset mesh technique application to internal combustion engines, thanks to a purposely designed meshing approach. In particular, the technique is used to analyze the cycle-to-cycle variability of internal combustion engine flows using large eddy simulation. Fifty large eddy simulation cycles are performed on the well-known TCC-III engine in motored condition. Results are analyzed in terms of tumble center trajectory and using proper orthogonal decomposition to objectively characterize the spatial and temporal evolution of turbulent flow field in internal combustion engines. In particular, an original decomposition method previously applied by the authors to the TCC-III measured flow fields is here extended to computational fluid dynamics results.
Teachers’ perspectives on communication and parent engagement in early childhood education programs for migrant farmworker children
Authors: Smith Julia
Published: January 2020

As early childhood education programs in the United States increasingly serve a growing number of children from linguistically and culturally diverse families, understanding teacher practices to better serve these families continues to be an important focus for the profession. In programs that serve migrant farmworker families, little is known about teachers’ communication practices and ways in which teachers promote parent engagement with migrant farmworker families. This article explores the practices of teachers relevant to family communication and engagement in Migrant and Seasonal Head Start programs, a branch of Head Start program for farmworker families, mostly of Mexican origin. This study used qualitative methods of in-depth interviews and a focus group to bring forth the perspectives and lived experience of Spanish-speaking and English-speaking teachers working with farmworker families in the Great Lakes region of the United States. Key findings illustrate the role of shared language and culture, mediated language barriers, the reliability of interpreters and written communication, and authentic ways of creating home–school connections with the migrant farmworker community.
Outcomes of Pedal Artery Angioplasty Are Independent of the Severity of Inframalleolar Disease: A Subanalysis of the Multicenter RENDEZVOUS Registry
Authors: Tsubakimoto Yoshinori , Nakama Tatsuya , Kamoi Daisuke , Andoh Hiroshi , Urasawa Kazushi
Published: January 2020

Purpose: To examine the efficacy of pedal artery angioplasty (PAA) for chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI) according to the severity of inframalleolar disease. Methods: In total, 257 consecutive CLTI patients (mean age 73.2 years; 175 men) with de novo infrapopliteal and inframalleolar artery disease were enrolled from the retrospective RENDEZVOUS registry. Inframalleolar artery disease was classified as moderate (Kawarada type 2, 144 patients) or severe (Kawarada type 3, 113 patients). PAA was performed in 140 patients: 66 (45.8%) with moderate disease and 74 (65.5%) with severe disease. The remaining 117 patients (78 with moderate disease and 39 with severe disease) underwent interventions that did not include PAA. The primary outcomes were the wound healing and limb salvage rates at 12 months after the initial treatment. The outcomes of the PAA and no-PAA groups were examined to determine any correlation between treatment efficacy and baseline disease severity. Results: The success rates of PAA among the patients with moderate and severe inframalleolar disease were 89.4% and 87.8%, respectively (p=0.683). The wound healing rate at 12 months was significantly higher in the PAA group than in the no-PAA group regardless of the severity of inframalleolar disease [moderate: 58.8% vs 40.0% (p=0.049); severe: 59.6% vs 33.2% (p=0.021), respectively]. The worst limb salvage rate (76.9%) was seen among patients in the no-PAA group with severe inframalleolar disease (no-PAA/moderate: 94.8%; PAA/moderate: 90.9%; and PAA/severe: 87.8%, p=0.028). Conclusion: PAA improves the wound healing rate of patients with CLTI regardless of the severity of inframalleolar disease. This treatment modality also might improve limb salvage rates in patients with severe inframalleolar disease affecting both the anterior and posterior pedal circulations.
Bioactive Glass in a Rare Case of Osteomyelitis of the Heel in a Guillain-Barré Syndrome: A Case Report
Authors: Iacopi Elisabetta , Ferranti Simone , Riitano Nicola , Abbruzzese Lorenza , Pieruzzi Letizia , Goretti Chiara , Zampa Virna , Piaggesi Alberto
Published: January 2020

Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) represents an acute inflammatory immune-mediated demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy with an incidence of 0.6 per 100 000 people. In this article, we report the case of a 19-year-old girl affected by GBS since the age of 2 who presented at our clinic complaining for a chronic plantar hindfoot–infected ulceration. Serology showed increase of inflammatory markers and leukocytosis, and magnetic resonance imaging revealed osteomyelitis of calcaneum and soft tissue alterations with air bubbles. The patient was treated in our clinic by an integrated multidisciplinary approach consisting of immediate admission, soft tissue and bone debridement, and administration of antibiotics under the close control of infectious disease specialist. After the control of acute condition, the patient underwent negative pressure therapy associated with instillation of antiseptic solution until the restoration of bone and soft tissue loss of substance and, eventually, to the application of bioactive glass substitute until the achievement of complete wound healing.
Improving the speed of initial alignment for marine strapdown inertial navigation systems using heading control signal feedback in extended Kalman filter
Authors: Rahimi Hossein , Nikkhah Amir Ali
Published: January 2020

In this article, a method was proposed for strapdown inertial navigation systems initial alignment by drawing on the conventional alignment method for stable platform navigation systems. When a vessel is moored, the strapdown inertial navigation system contributes to the disturbing motion. Moreover, the conventional methods of accurate alignment fail to succeed within an acceptable period of time due to the slow convergence of the heading channel in the mooring conditions. In this work, the heading was adjusted using the velocity bias resulting from the component of the angular velocity of the Earth on the east channel on the strapdown inertial navigation systems analytic platform plane to accelerate convergence in the initial alignment of navigation system. To this end, an extended Kalman filter with control signal feedback was used. The heading error was calculated using the north channel residual velocity of the strapdown inertial navigation systems analytic platform plane and was entered into an extended Kalman filter. Simulation and turntable experimental tests were indicative of the ability of the proposed alignment method to increase heading converge speed in mooring conditions.
The introduction of research ethics review procedures at a university in South Africa: review outcomes of a social science research ethics committee
Authors: Davies Simeon EH
Published: January 2020

The research ethics committee (REC) is a key element of university administration and has gained increasing importance as a review mechanism for those institutions that wish to conduct responsible research, along with safeguarding research ethics standards, scientific merit and human rights of participants. Given the critical role of the university REC, it is argued that there is a need to assesses and understand the work of RECs to identify areas for improvement and thus focus on capacity building to respond to the escalating volume, type and complexity of research. This paper reports on the research ethics outcomes of a social science REC in a Business Faculty at a South African university during its seminal period of operation (2010–2015). Content methodology and a standardised questionnaire were used to assess the REC. The results show the increasing workload of the REC with favourable scores for submission/review processes and minute-taking. However, lower scores were seen for ethics education/training and tracking previously approved research. These shortcomings appear to be related to inadequate funding and resource support for research ethics education/training and administrative structures. Factors contributing to proposal rejections included weak research questions or hypotheses, poor questionnaires/interview schedule design and inadequate research ethics consideration in the proposal. It is argued that the complexity and escalation of research submissions to South African RECs necessitates that they are appropriately developed and capacitated to enhance their utility and thereby support the research mandate of universities.
Fabrication of densified wood via synergy of chemical pretreatment, hot-pressing and post mechanical fixation
Authors: Shi Jiangtao , Peng Junyi , Huang Qiongtao , Cai Liping , Shi Sheldon Q.
Published: January 2020

Wood densification can improve the strength of low density wood species and extend wood product applications. To enhance the wood compressive quality, chemical pretreatments for pristine wood have widely been used. Densified Abies wood was fabricated by combining NaOH/Na2SO3 solution treatment, hot-pressing and post mechanical fixation. The appearance, color, chemical composition, and physiology and mechanical properties before and after the densification treatment were examined by the colorimeter, FTIR and mechanical testing machine, respectively. Surface color of Abies wood was changed obviously after the densification. The values of brightness L* and b* decreased but the value of a* showed a slight increase in the densified wood. FTIR results confirmed that the color changes can be explained by the degradation of hemicellulose and lignin in wood cell walls and migration of extractives during the densification process. Sufficient removal of wood polymers resulted in the average compression ratio of about 80% in the radial direction of the natural wood. The density of densified wood increased with the wood thickness up to 1.227 g cm−1, accounting for a 169% increase compared to that of the pristine wood. Modulus of rupture (MOR) and modulus of elasticity (MOE) in the thickness direction of densified wood also markedly enhanced. Degradation of polymers in wood cell walls also was reconfirmed by the difference of fracture interface. All the results suggested that the densified softwood can be easily fabricated using the proposed method and the new densified softwood can be appropriately used as interior decoration materials.
Carbon Nanofibers Propped Hierarchical Porous SiOC Ceramics Toward Efficient Microwave Absorption
Authors: Liu Yani , Zeng Sifan , Teng Zhen , Feng Wanlin , Zhang Haibin , Peng Shuming
Published: January 2020

The hierarchical porous SiOC ceramics (HPSCs) have been prepared by the pyrolysis of precursors (the mixture of dimethicone and KH-570) and polyacrylonitrile nanofibers (porous template). The HPSCs possess hierarchical porous structure with a BET surface area of 51.4 m2/g and have a good anti-oxidation property (only 5.1 wt.% weight loss). Owing to the porous structure, the HPSCs deliver an optimal reflection loss value of − 47.9 dB at 12.24 GHz and an effective absorption bandwidth of 4.56 GHz with a thickness of 2.3 mm. The amorphous SiOC, SiOx, and free carbon components within SiOC make contributions to enhancing dipolar polarization. Besides, the abundant interfaces between SiOC and carbon nanofibers (CNFs) are favorable for improving interfacial polarization. The conductive loss arisen from cross-linked CNFs can also boost the microwave absorption performance.
Effect of Ag Concentration Dispersed in HfOx Thin Films on Threshold Switching
Authors: Jeong Won Hee , Han Jeong Hwan , Choi Byung Joon
Published: January 2020

A sneak path current—a current passing through a neighboring memory cell—is an inherent and inevitable problem in a crossbar array consisting of memristor memory cells. This serious problem can be alleviated by serially connecting the selector device to each memristor cell. Among the various types of selector device concepts, the diffusive selector has garnered considerable attention because of its excellent performance. This selector features volatile threshold switching (TS) using the dynamics of active metals such as Ag or Cu, which act as an electrode or dopant in the solid electrolyte. In this study, a diffusive selector based on Ag-doped HfOx is fabricated using a co-sputtering system. As the Ag concentration in the HfOx layer varies, different electrical properties and thereby TS characteristics are observed. The necessity of the electroforming (EF) process for the TS characteristic is determined by the proper Ag concentration in the HfOx layer. This difference in the EF process can significantly affect the parameters of the TS characteristics. Therefore, an optimized doping condition is required for a diffusive selector to attain excellent selector device behavior and avoid an EF process that can eventually degrade device performance.
Perceived availability of future care and depressive symptoms among older adults in China: evidence from CHARLS
Authors: Silverstein Merril , Gong Cathy Honge , Kendig Hal
Published: January 2020

Background

Major concerns have arisen about the challenges facing China in providing sufficient care to its older population in light of rapid population ageing, changing family structure, and considerable rates of internal migration. At the family level, these societal changes may produce care uncertainty which may adversely influence the psychological wellbeing of older individuals. This paper applies social support and control theories to examine the relationship between perceived availability of future care and psychological wellbeing of older adults in China, and how this relationship is moderated by economic insufficiency, health vulnerability, and urban/rural context.

Methods

Analyses are based on data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study, a multi-panel nationally representative household survey of the Chinese population aged 45 years and older. Data are taken from 2013 and 2011 waves of the study, with an initial sample size around 17,000, in which around 11,000–14,000 respondents are used for our final regression model. The score of depressive symptoms was measured in both waves with the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D10), and perceived availability of future care was measured in 2013 by asking respondents the question “Suppose that in the future, you need help with basic daily activities like eating or dressing, do you have relatives or friends (besides your spouse/partner) who would be willing and able to help you over a long period of time (yes/no)?”

Results

Multivariate regression analysis revealed that uncertainty regarding future care support was associated with greater depressive symptoms even after controlling for factors confounded with care uncertainty such as family structure, socio- economic status, and a lagged measure of depression. Further, older adults without an anticipated source of care faced double jeopardy in their depressive symptoms if they also experienced functional limitations.

Conclusions

Considering rapid aging of the Chinese population, anticipated increases in chronic disease burden, and possible attenuation of filial care, this analysis suggests that older adults in China may increasingly face health and social conditions detrimental to their mental health. Polices that remedy these concerns should be discussed, developed and implemented.
Outbreak of acute undifferentiated febrile illness in Kathmandu, Nepal: clinical and epidemiological investigation
Authors: Pokharel Sunil , Karki Manan , Acharya Bhim , Marasini Baburam , Arjyal Amit
Published: January 2020

Background

Outbreaks of acute undifferentiated febrile illness (AUFI) are common in Nepal, but the exact etiology or risk factors for them often go unrecognized. Diseases like influenza, enteric fever and rickettsial fevers account for majority of such outbreaks. Optimal diagnostic tests to inform treatment decisions are not available at the point-of-care. A proper epidemiological and clinical characterization of such outbreaks is important for appropriate treatment and control efforts.

Methods

An investigation was initiated as a response to increased presentation of patients at Patan Hospital from Chalnakhel locality in Dakchinkali municipality, Kathmandu with AUFI from June 10 to July 1, 2016. Focused group discussion with local inhabitants and the epidemiological curve of febrile patients at local primary health care centre confirmed the outbreak. The household-survey was conducted in the area with questionnaire administered on patients to characterize their illnesses and their medical records were reviewed. A different set of questionnaire was administered on the patients and controls to investigate the association with common risk factors. Water samples were collected and analyzed microbiologically.

Results

Eighty one patients from 137 households suffered from febrile illness within 6 weeks window before the investigation. All the 67 sampled patients with acute fever had a generalized illness without a discernible focus of infection. Only 38% of the patients had received a clinical diagnosis while the rest were treated empirically without a diagnosis. Three patients had blood culture confirmed enteric fever. Forty-two (63%) patients had been administered antibiotics, most commonly, ofloxacin, cefixime or azithromycin with a mean fever clearance time of 4 days. There was no definite association between several risk factors and fever. Fecal contamination was noted in tap water samples.

Conclusion

Based on the pattern of illness, this outbreak was most likely a mixture of self-limiting viral infections and enteric fever. This study shows that even in the absence of a confirmed diagnosis, a detailed characterization of the illness at presentation and the recovery course can suggest the diagnosis and help in formulating appropriate recommendation for treatment and control.