bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Refugee Health Partnership: A Longitudinal Experiential Medical Student Curriculum in Refugee/Asylee Health
Authors: Bernhardt Lydia J. , Lin Stephanie , Swegman Casey , Sellke Robert , Vu Alexander , Solomon Barry S. , Cuneo C. Nicholas
Published: January 2019

Problem

In 2017, there were 25.4 million refugees worldwide, of whom 33,400 were resettled in the United States. In fiscal year 2016, 20,455 individuals were granted permanent asylum status in the United Sates. Both in the United States and overseas, refugees/asylees face significant disparities in accessing needed medical, mental health, and social support.

Approach

The Refugee Health Partnership (RHP) was developed by Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine students and colleagues at a local refugee resettlement agency in 2011. The program pairs teams of preclinical medical students with recently resettled refugees/asylees who have special health care needs. After receiving training, students conducted monthly home visits and accompanied patients to appointments to assist them in navigating the health care system over one year. Students participated in monthly reflection exercises to process experiences and attended monthly seminars facilitated by expert faculty and guests.

Outcomes

From 2012 to 2016, the RHP served 20 refugee families and engaged 60 students across four cohorts. Refugee participant retention was 20/22 (90.9%), and student retention was 57/60 (95.0%). In surveys completed at the end of their programs, students reported improvement in all measures, including understanding of different patient perspectives as well as comfort in communicating with patients across cultures and language barriers.

Next Steps

The authors plan to integrate more objective measures of students’ progress into the evaluations. They are scaling this model up both locally and beyond and plan to gather data from refugee/asylee participants to more accurately assess how they benefit from the program.
Extracorporeal Shock Wave Treatment for Delayed Union and Nonunion Fractures: A Systematic Review
Authors: Willems Annika , van der Jagt Olav P. , Meuffels Duncan E.
Published: January 2019

Objectives:

Nonunions after bone fractures are usually treated surgically with risk of infections and failure of osteosynthesis. A noninvasive alternative is extracorporeal shock wave treatment (ESWT), which potentially stimulates bone regeneration. Therefore this review investigates whether ESWT is an effective and safe treatment for delayed unions and nonunions.

Data Sources:

Embase.com, MEDLINE ovid, Cochrane, Web of Science, PubMed publisher, and Google Scholar were systematically searched.

Study Selection:

Inclusion criteria included studies with patients with delayed union or nonunion treated with ESWT; inclusion of ≥10 patients; and follow-up period ≥6 weeks.

Data Extraction:

Assessment for risk of bias was conducted by 2 authors using the Cochrane tool. Union rates and adverse events were extracted from the studies.

Data Synthesis:

Two RCTs and 28 nonrandomized studies were included. One RCT was assessed at medium risk of bias and reported similar union rates between ESWT-treated patients (71%) and surgery-treated patients (74%). The remaining 29 studies were at high risk of bias due to poor description of randomization (n = 1), nonrandomized allocation to control groups (n = 2), or absence of control groups (n = 26). The average union rate after ESWT in delayed unions was 86%, in nonunions 73%, and in nonunions after surgery 81%. Only minor adverse events were reported after ESWT.

Conclusions:

ESWT seems to be effective for the treatment of delayed unions and nonunions. However, the quality of most studies is poor. Therefore, we strongly encourage conducting well-designed RCTs to prove the effectiveness of ESWT and potentially improve the treatment of nonunions because ESWT might be as effective as surgery but safer.

Level of Evidence:

Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Does Supplemental Intramedullary Grafting Increase Stability of Plated Proximal Humerus Fractures?
Authors: Rusimov Lyubomir , Zderic Ivan , Ciric Daniel , Barcik Jan P. , Enchev Dian , Rashkov Mihail , Hadzhinikolova Mariya , Richards Geoff , Gueorguiev Boyko , Baltov Asen
Published: January 2019

Objectives:

To investigate the biomechanical competence of locked plating augmented with supplemental intramedullary graft in comparison to conventional locked plate fixation in proximal humerus fractures (PHF).

Methods:

Complex four-part PHFs were set in 30 artificial humeri assigned to 3 study groups (n = 10 in each group). Group 1 was characterized by loss of medial support, group 2 by simulated severe cancellous bone damage due to osteoporosis, and group 3 by combination of the 2 features. After locked plating, each specimen underwent nondestructive quasi-static mechanical testing in 25 degrees lateral angulation under axial loading between 150 and 400 N in 50-N increments, accompanied by consecutive anteroposterior x-ray imaging. Subsequently, an additional 3D-printed intramedullary graft was inserted into each specimen and all tests were repeated.

Results:

Grafting resulted in significantly higher axial stiffness compared with no graft in groups 1 and 3 (P < 0.01) but not in group 2 (P = 0.12). Nongrafted specimens represented significantly higher stiffness in group 2 compared with groups 1 and 3 (P < 0.01), whereas no significant differences were detected among the 3 groups in the grafted state (P > 0.99). Varus deformation decreased significantly in each group after graft insertion (P ≤ 0.04). Nongrafted specimens in group 2 showed significantly lower varus deformation compared with groups 1 and 3 (P ≤ 0.04). No significant differences were registered among the 3 groups after grafting (P ≥ 0.65).

Conclusions:

From a biomechanical perspective, locked plating augmented with intramedullary graft has the potential to increase significantly the stability against varus collapse in unstable PHFs when compared with conventional locked plate fixation.
Improved Outcomes With Semi-extended Nailing of Tibial Fractures? A Systematic Review
Authors: Ibrahim Ishaq , Johnson Andrew , Rodriguez Edward K.
Published: January 2019

Objective:

To systematically review the existing literature to determine whether knee pain and function following intramedullary nailing of tibial shaft fractures differs significantly by surgical technique—specifically with semi-extended nailing versus traditional infrapatellar approaches.

Data Source:

A comprehensive search of PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Database was conducted on August 15, 2018.

Study Selection:

We included level I–level III studies that examined outcomes of tibial intramedullary nailing utilizing a semi-extended technique. All included studies reported Lysholm Knee Scores with minimum clinical follow-up of 1 year. Non-English language literature and studies older than 20 years were not included.

Data Extraction:

Data from each study were independently recorded by 2 reviewers.

Data Synthesis:

Two prospective, randomized trials and 4 retrospective cohort studies were included in this review. A meta-analysis was not performed.

Conclusions:

Evidence comparing postoperative knee pain and functional outcomes between semi-extended and traditional infrapatellar nailing is limited. Available literature suggests satisfactory outcomes with semi-extended nailing. The highest level of evidence available does indicate improved pain and function with semi-extended nailing as compared to infrapatellar nailing. Additional research may be required to reach consensus conclusions.

Level of Evidence:

Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Sentinel lymph node biopsy in patients affected by breast ductal carcinoma in situ with and without microinvasion
Authors: Bertozzi Serena , Cedolini Carla , Londero Ambrogio P. , Baita Barbara , Giacomuzzi Francesco , Capobianco Decio , Tortelli Marta , Uzzau Alessandro , Mariuzzi Laura , Risaliti Andrea
Published: January 2019

With the introduction of an organized mammographic screening, the incidence of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) has experienced an important increase. Our experience with sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) among patients with DCIS is reviewed.

We collected retrospective data on patients operated on their breasts for DCIS (pTis), DCIS with microinvasion (DCISM) (pT1mi) and invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) sized ≤2 cm (pT1) between January 2002 and June 2016, focusing on the result of SLNB.

543 DCIS, 84 DCISM, and 2111 IDC were included. In cases of DCIS and DCISM, SLNB resulted micrometastatic respectively in 1.7% and 6.0% of cases and macrometastatic respectively in 0.9% and 3.6% of cases. 5-year disease-free survival and overall survival in DCISM and IDC were similar, while significantly longer in DCIS. 5-year local recurrence rate of DCIS and DCISM were respectively 2.5% and 7.9%, and their 5-year distant recurrence rate respectively 0% and 4%. IDC, tumor grading ≥2 and lymph node (LN) macrometastasis were significant predictors for decreased overall survival. Significant predictors for distant metastases were DCISM, IDC, macroscopic nodal metastasis, and tumor grading ≥2. Predictors for the microinvasive component in DCIS were tumor multifocality/multicentricity, grading ≥2, ITCs and micrometastases.

Our study suggests that despite its rarity, sentinel node metastasis may also occur in case of DCIS, which in most cases are micrometastases. Even in the absence of an evident invasive component, microinvasion should always be suspected in these cases, and their management should be the same as for IDC.
Diagnostic value of T1ρ and T2 mapping sequences of 3D fat-suppressed spoiled gradient (FS SPGR-3D) 3.0-T magnetic resonance imaging for osteoarthritis
Authors: Li Zhihui , Wang Hanqi , Lu Yong , Jiang Meihua , Chen Zhe , Xi Xiaobing , Ding Xiaoyi , Yan Fuhua
Published: January 2019

Three-dimensional fat-suppressed spoiled gradient magnetic resonance imaging can be used to observe cartilages with high resolution.

To quantify and compare the T1ρ and T2 relaxation times of the knee articular cartilage between healthy asymptomatic adults and patients with osteoarthritis (OA).

This was a retrospective study of 53 patients with symptomatic OA (6 males and 47 females; aged 57.6 ± 10.0 years) and 26 healthy adults (11 males and 15 females; aged 31.7 ± 12.2 years) from the Ruijin Hospital. T1ρ and T2 relaxation times of knee cartilage were quantified using sagittal multi-echo T1ρ and T2 mapping sequences (3.0-T scanner) and analyzed by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve.

T1ρ and T2 relaxation times in the OA group were higher than in controls (both P < .01). The sensitivity, specificity, and critical value for differentiating normal from OA cartilage were respectively 92%, 85.6%, and 45.90 ms for T1ρ, and 93.6%, 93.3%, and 50.42 ms for T2. T2 mapping sequence showed a higher area under the ROC curve (AUC) than T1ρ (0.965 vs 0.927, P = .02). The AUC for differentiating normal from Noyes IIA cartilage was 0.922 for T1ρ (cut-off: 46.0; sensitivity: 87.7%; specificity: 89.7%) and 0.954 for T2 (cut-off: 49.5; sensitivity: 91.2%; specificity: 92.3%), with no significant difference between them (P = .08).

Both T1ρ and T2 mapping sequences could be used to assess OA cartilage lesions, with T2 mapping sequence demonstrating significant sensitivity for cartilage degeneration. These 2 sequences could also identify early-stage OA cartilage.
Can CT radiomic analysis in NSCLC predict histology and EGFR mutation status?
Authors: Digumarthy Subba R. , Padole Atul M. , Gullo Roberto Lo , Sequist Lecia V. , Kalra Mannudeep K.
Published: January 2019

To assess the role of radiomic features in distinguishing squamous and adenocarcinoma subtypes of nonsmall cell lung cancers (NSCLC) and predict EGFR mutations.

Institution Review Board-approved study included chest CT scans of 93 consecutive patients (43 men, 50 women, mean age 60 ± 11 years) with biopsy-proven squamous and adenocarcinoma lung cancers greater than 1 cm. All cancers were evaluated for epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation. The clinical parameters such as age, sex, and smoking history and standard morphology-based CT imaging features such as target lesion longest diameter (LD), longest perpendicular diameter (LPD), density, and presence of cavity were recorded. The radiomics data was obtained using commercial CT texture analysis (CTTA) software. The CTTA was performed on a single image of the dominant lung lesion. The predictive value of clinical history, standard imaging features, and radiomics was assessed with multivariable logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses.

Between adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinomas, ROC analysis showed significant difference in 3/11 radiomic features (entropy, normalized SD, total) [AUC 0.686–0.744, P = .006 to <.0001], 1/3 clinical features (smoking) [AUC 0.732, P = .001], and 2/3 imaging features (LD and LPD) [AUC 0.646–0658, P = .020 to .032]. ROC analysis for probability variables showed higher values for radiomics (AUC 0.800, P < .0001) than clinical (AUC 0.676, P = .017) and standard imaging (AUC 0.708, P < .0001). Between EGFR mutant and wild-type adenocarcinoma, ROC analysis showed significant difference in 2/11 radiomic features (kurtosis, K2) [AUC 0.656–0.713, P = .03 to .003], 1/3 clinical features (smoking) [AUC 0.758, P < .0001]. The combined probability variable for radiomics, clinical and imaging features was higher (AUC 0.890, P < .0001) than independent probability variables.

The radiomics evaluation adds incremental value to clinical history and standard imaging features in predicting histology and EGFR mutations.
Male Caregivers Report Problems in Caring at Home After Spouses Survive Stroke
Authors: Pierce Linda L. , Steiner Victoria , Alamina Foluso , Onyekelu Doreen , Stevenson Samantha
Published: January 2019

STROKE is sudden and often traumatic with results that affect both the patient and family members who provide care. Approximately 40% of individuals caring for family members/friends are male. Transitioning from the noncaregiver role to caregiver can be unsettling. Guided by Friedemann's framework of systemic organization, this secondary data analysis examined problems reported by men caring for spouses in the first year after stroke. Using a mixed methods design, 73 caregivers (CGs) participated in bimonthly telephone interviews for 1 year. For this analysis, only the males caring for spouses (n = 12 married and n = 1 unmarried partner) were examined. These data were analyzed using Colaizzi's rigorous method of content analysis. Five problem themes emerged: 1) adjusting to multitasking in everyday living (Friedemann's system maintenance and individuation), 2) recognizing physical and mental disabilities (coherence), 3) dealing with outside forces and limited resources (individuation), 4) struggling to return to normal (system maintenance), and 5) feeling physically, mentally, and emotionally exhausted (system maintenance). These problem themes demonstrated incongruence as the men sought to maintain their prior lives.Theory-based themes of male stroke CGs' problems were uncovered that can be used to target interventions to help them achieve balance between incongruence and congruence in their lives.
Professional Development Associate
Authors: Spagnola Tina , Dickerson Pamela S. , Harper Mary G.
Published: January 2019

Although many nursing professional development departments have an individual functioning in the professional development associate position, the role has never been formally described. To develop role clarity, a survey of 521 individuals was conducted to determine the extent of the role, responsibilities, and requirements of professional development associates. The survey indicates that standardization of titles, responsibilities, and competencies is needed. Strengthening the professional development associate role is vital to maintaining quality and efficiency and improving outcomes of professional development departments.
Treatment With Grazoprevir/Elbasvir for Renal Transplant Recipients With Chronic Hepatitis C Virus Infection and Impaired Allograft Function
Authors: Eisenberger Ute , Friebus-Kardash Justa , Guberina Hana , Kribben Andreas , Witzke Oliver , Willuweit Katharina , Gerken Guido , Herzer Kerstin
Published: January 2019

Background

Direct-acing antiviral agents are highly efficient treatment options for chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection after renal allograft transplantation. Treatment options for patients with impaired graft function remain limited. Therefore, we assessed the effectiveness and safety of grazoprevir/elbasvir therapy for patients with chronic HCV infection and impaired renal allograft function.

Methods

Eleven renal allograft recipients with therapy-naïve HCV genotype (GT) 1a, 1b, or 4 were treated with the fixed-dose combination of elbasvir/grazoprevir without ribavirin for 12 weeks. All recipients exhibited impaired graft function with an average glomerular filtration rate lower than 30 mL/min per 1.73 m2. Clinical data were retrospectively reviewed for renal and liver function parameters. Patients were closely monitored for trough levels of immunosuppressive agents, viral load, laboratory values, and potential adverse effects.

Results

Seven (64%) patients exhibited a rapid virologic response within 4 weeks (HCV GT1a, n = 2; HCV GT1b, n = 5). The other 4 patients exhibited a virologic response within 8 weeks (HCV GT1b, n = 3; HCV GT 4, n = 1). All patients exhibited a sustained virologic response at week 12 after the end of treatment. Clinical measures of liver function improved substantially for all patients. Few adverse effects were reported. Impaired renal allograft function and proteinuria remained stable. For most patients, only moderate adjustments to the tacrolimus dosage were necessary for maintaining sufficient trough levels.

Conclusions

This treatment appears to be safe and effective for renal transplant recipients with impaired allograft function and is a promising treatment option for eradicating HCV infection in this patient population.
Ostomy Adjustment Inventory-23 (OAI-23)
Authors: Dellafiore Federica , Conte Gianluca , Baroni Irene , Pittella Francesco , Di Pasquale Cristina , Nania Tiziana , Saracco Carla , Roveron Gabriele , Caruso Rosario
Published: January 2019

PURPOSE:

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the validity and reliability of the Italian version of the Ostomy Adjustment Inventory-23 (OAI-23).

DESIGN:

This is a methodological study evaluated psychometric properties of the OAI-23.

SUBJECTS AND SETTING:

A sample of 230 patients with an ostomy was enrolled in an Italian university hospital from May to September 2017.

METHODS:

This study comprised two phases; during phase 1, the cultural-linguistic translation of the OAI-23 into Italian was completed. In addition, content and face validity were tested. In phase 2, psychometric testing of the OAI-23 was conducted in a cross-section sample of 258 Italian patients with a fecal ostomy.

RESULTS:

The Italian version of the OAI-23 presents 23 items giving a 3-dimensional structure: acceptance, negative feelings, and social engagement. Accordingly, this 3-dimensional structure arise from an exploratory factorial analysis with the maximum likelihood robust estimator (RMSEA = 0.089 [95% CI = 0.063-0.113; P = .05], and CFI = 0.901, explaining 44% of the total variance). The internal consistency of the OAI-23 was good (Cronbach α for acceptance = 0.91; for negative feelings = 0.87; for social engagement = 0.93; for overall scale = 0.91).

CONCLUSIONS:

The OAI-23 provides a valid and reliable assessment of patients' psychosocial adjustment to an ostomy. It provides important resource for clinical decision-making; for example, it may be used to design or tailor educational strategies to enhance psychosocial adjustment following creation of an ostomy.
Pressure Redistribution Crib Mattress
Authors: Singh Charleen Deo , Shoqirat Noordeen
Published: January 2019

BACKGROUND:

Selective use of pressure-redistributing support surfaces is considered an essential component of a pressure injury prevention bundle. Critically ill children who are too big for an isolette but too little for a bed are usually placed in critical care cribs that have unique features such as moveable side rails and a built-in scale for weighing the patient, but they do not have a mattress designed to redistribute pressure. The primary aim of this quality improvement project was to evaluate a pressure redistribution mattress designed for use in critical care cribs.

CASES:

We retrospectively reviewed 22 charts of critically ill pediatric patients who participated in a product trial completed over a 12-week period in a stand-alone children's hospital in the Western United States. We reviewed demographic data, skin assessments, Braden Q Scale score, and support surface use. Our review revealed no pressure injury occurrences over the 12-week data collection period.

CONCLUSIONS:

Findings from this quality improvement project suggest that the pressure-redistributing mattress, when used as part of an intervention bundle, prevents pressure injuries in critically ill pediatric patients.
Diesel exhaust nanoparticles and their behaviour in the atmosphere
Authors: Harrison Roy M. , Rob MacKenzie A. , Xu Hongming , Alam Mohammed S. , Nikolova Irina , Zhong Jian , Singh Ajit , Zeraati-Rezaei Soheil , Stark Christopher , Beddows David C. S. , Liang Zhirong , Xu Ruixin , Cai Xiaoming
Published: January 2019

Diesel engine emissions are by far the largest source of nanoparticles in many urban atmospheres, in which they dominate the particle number count, and may present a significant threat to public health. This paper reviews knowledge of the composition and atmospheric properties of diesel exhaust particles, and exemplifies research in this field through a description of the FASTER project (Fundamental Studies of the Sources, Properties and Environmental Behaviour of Exhaust Nanoparticles from Road Vehicles) which studied the size distribution—and, in unprecedented detail, the chemical composition—of nanoparticles sampled from diesel engine exhaust. This information has been systematized and used to inform the development of computational modules that simulate the behaviour of the largely semi-volatile content of the nucleation mode particles, including consequent effects on the particle size distribution, under typical atmospheric conditions. Large-eddy model studies have informed a simpler characterization of flow around the urban built environment, and include aerosol processes. This modelling and engine-laboratory work have been complemented by laboratory measurements of vapour pressures, and the execution of two field measurement campaigns in London. The result is a more robust description of the dynamical behaviour on the sub-kilometre scale of diesel exhaust nanoparticles and their importance as an urban air pollutant.
Chitinophaga silvisoli sp. nov., isolated from forest soil
Authors: Wang Chunling , Lv Yingying , Li Anzhang , Feng Guangda , Bao Gegen , Zhu Honghui , Tan Zhiyuan
Published: January 2019

A Gram-stain-negative, rod-shaped and aerobic bacterium, designated K20C18050901T, was isolated from forest soil collected on 11 September 2017 from Dinghushan Biosphere Reserve, Guangdong Province, PR China (23° 10′ 24′′ N; 112° 32′ 10′′ E). Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that strain K20C18050901T belongs to the genus

Chitinophaga

, and showed the highest similarities to

Chitinophaga sancti

NBRC 15057T (98.6 %) and

Chitinophaga oryziterrae

JCM 16595T (96.9 %). The major fatty acids (>10 %) were iso-C15 : 0, C16 : 1ω5c, summed feature 3 (C16 : 1ω6c and/or C16 : 1ω7c) and iso-C17 : 0 3-OH. The predominant respiratory quinone was menaquinone-7. The major polar lipid was phosphatidylethanolamine. The draft genome size of strain K20C18050901T was 8.36 Mb with a DNA G+C content of 44.7 mol%. The digital DNA–DNA hybridization and average nucleotide identity values between strain K20C18050901T and

C. sancti

NBRC 15057T were 31.40 and 85.82 %, respectively. On the basis of phenotypic, genotypic and phylogenetic analysis, strain K20C18050901T represents a novel species of the genus

Chitinophaga

, for which the name

Chitinophaga
silvisoli sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is K20C18050901T (=GDMCC 1.1411T=KCTC 62860T).
Analysis of DNA by Agarose Gel Electrophoresis
Authors: Green Michael R. , Sambrook Joseph
Published: January 2019

Electrophoresis through agarose or polyacrylamide gels is used to separate, analyze, identify, and purify DNA fragments. The technique is simple, rapid to perform, and capable of resolving fragments of DNA that cannot be separated adequately by other procedures, such as density gradient centrifugation. The location of bands of DNA within the gel can be determined directly by staining with low concentrations of fluorescent intercalating dyes, such as ethidium bromide or SYBR Gold; bands containing as little as 20 pg of double-stranded DNA can then be detected by direct examination of the gel in ultraviolet (UV) light. If necessary, these bands of DNA can be recovered from the gel.
Crystal structure of tris(2,2′-bipyridine)cobalt(II) bis(1,1,3,3-tetracyano-2-ethoxypropenide)
Authors: Benabdallah Jamila , Setifi Zouaoui , Setifi Fatima , Boughzala Habib , Titi Abderrahim
Published: January 2019

In the title compound, [Co(C10H8N2)3](C9H5N4O)2, the tris(2,2′-bipyridine)cobalt(II) dication lies across a twofold rotation axes in the space group C2/c. The N atoms of the three bipyridine ligands form a distorted octahedron around the cobalt ion. All the N atoms of the polynitrile 1,1,3,3-tetracyano-2-ethoxypropenide anions participate in C—H...N hydrogen bonds ensuring crystal cohesion and forming a three-dimensional structure. The structure is further stabilized by C—H...π(cation) and anion...π(cation) interactions.
Crystal structure and Hirshfeld surface analysis of (2E)-1-(3-bromophenyl)-3-(4-fluorophenyl)prop-2-en-1-one
Authors: Atioğlu Zeliha , Bindya S. , Akkurt Mehmet , Chidan Kumar C. S.
Published: January 2019

In the title compound, C15H10BrFO, the molecular structure consists of a 3-bromophenyl ring and a 4-fluorophenyl ring linked via a prop-2-en-1-one spacer. The 3-bromophenyl and 4-fluorophenyl rings make a dihedral angle of 48.90 (15)°. The molecule has an E configuration about the C=C bond and the carbonyl group is syn with respect to the C=C bond. In the crystal, molecules are linked by C—H...π interactions between the bromophenyl and fluorophenyl rings of molecules, resulting in a two-dimensional layered structure parallel to the ab plane. The molecular packing is stabilized by weak Br...H and F...H contacts, one of which is on the one side of each layer, and the second is on the other. The intermolecular interactions in the crystal packing were further analysed using Hirshfeld surface analysis, which indicates that the most significant contacts are Cl...H/H...Cl (20.8%), followed by C...H/H...C (31.1%), H...H (21.7%), Br...H/H...Br (14.2%), F...H/H...F (9.8%), O...H/H...O (9.7%).
Iron–sulfur clusters have no right angles
Authors: Moriarty Nigel W. , Adams Paul D.
Published: January 2019

Accurate geometric restraints are vital in the automation of macromolecular crystallographic structure refinement. A set of restraints for the Fe4S4 cubane-type cluster was created using the Cambridge Structural Database (CSD) and high-resolution structures from the Protein Data Bank. Geometries from each source were compared and pairs of refinements were performed to validate these new restraints. In addition to the restraints internal to the cluster, the CSD was mined to generate bond and angle restraints to be applied to the most common linking motif for Fe4S4: coordination of the four Fe atoms to the side-chain sulfurs of four cysteine residues. Furthermore, computational tools were developed to assist researchers when refining Fe4S4-containing proteins.
5,5-Diphenyl-cis-penta-2,4-dienoic acid
Authors: Pineda Leslie W. , Amey Adam , Cabezas Jorge A.
Published: January 2019

In the title compound, C17H14O2, the dihedral angle between the phenyl rings is 76.52 (7)°. In the crystal, pairwise O—H...O hydrogen bonds link the molecules into carboxylic acid inversion dimers.
Dichlorido[1,1-(diphenylphosphino)hydrazide]palladium(II) dichloromethane monosolvate
Authors: Höhne Martha , Aluri Bhaskar R. , Spannenberg Anke , Müller Bernd H. , Peulecke Normen , Rosenthal Uwe
Published: January 2019

In the title compound, [PdCl2(C24H22N2P2)]·CH2Cl2, the palladium(II) atom is surrounded by a chelating P—N—P ligand Ph2P—N(NH2)—PPh2 containing a hydrazine entity and two chlorido ligands in a distorted square-planar coordination geometry. Beside the complex molecule, the asymmetric unit contains a co-crystallized dichloromethane molecule. The contributions of further disordered solvent molecules were removed from the diffraction data using the SQUEEZE [Spek (2015). Acta Cryst. C71, 9–18] procedure.
Fibre Bragg grating sensor applications for structural health monitoring
Authors: Karatas Cansu , Degerliyurt Boray , Yaman Yavuz , Sahin Melin
Published: January 2019

Purpose

Structural health monitoring (SHM) has become an attractive subject in aerospace engineering field considering the opportunity to avoid catastrophic failures by detecting damage in advance and to reduce maintenance costs. Fibre Bragg Grating (FBG) sensors are denoted as one of the most promising sensors for SHM applications as they are lightweight, immune to electromagnetic effects and able to be embedded between the layers of composite structures. The purpose of this paper is to research on and demonstrate the feasibility of FBG sensors for SHM of composite structures.

Design/methodology/approach

Applications on thin composite beams intended for SHM studies are presented. The sensor system, which includes FBG sensors and related interrogator system, and manufacturing of the beams with embedded sensors, are detailed. Static tension and torsion tests are conducted to verify the effectiveness of the system. Strain analysis results obtained from the tests are compared with the ones obtained from the finite element analyses conducted using ABAQUS® software. In addition, the comparison between the data obtained from the FBG sensors and from the strain gauges is made by also considering the noise content. Finally, fatigue test under torsion load is conducted to observe the durability of FBG sensors.

Findings

The results demonstrated that FBG sensors are feasible for SHM of composite structures as the strain data are accurate and less noisy compared to that obtained from the strain gauges. Furthermore, the convenience of obtaining reliable data between the layers of a composite structure using embedded FBG sensors is observed.

Practical implications

Observing the advantages of the FBG sensors for strain measurement will promote using FBG sensors for damage detection related to the SHM applications.

Originality/value

This paper presents applications of FBG sensors on thin composite beams, which reveal the suitability of FBG sensors for SHM of lightweight composite structures.
Lesson study as a trigger for preservice physics and chemistry teachers’ learning about inquiry tasks and classroom communication
Authors: Conceição Teresa , Baptista Mónica , da Ponte João Pedro
Published: January 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to understand what physics and chemistry preservice teachers learn on the nature of the inquiry tasks and about classroom communication in an inquiry task when they take part in a lesson study.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a qualitative and interpretive research which was carried out within a master’s degree course in physics and chemistry teaching with three preservice teachers. Data were collected from participant observation with video recording, interviews, written reflections and group report by the preservice teachers. This two-cycle lesson study was conducted over 12 sessions. The data analysis took place through asking questions and using the constant comparison method, which allowed the identification of the most relevant issues about the preservice teachers learning according to the categories nature of the inquiry tasks and communication promoted by the teacher.

Findings

The results show that the preservice teachers learnt to identify the characteristics of inquiry tasks, how to develop an inquiry task when planning the research lesson and acknowledged its potential for student learning. Moreover, the preservice teachers acknowledged the fact that the classroom communication promoted by the teacher fostered student participation, negotiation of meanings about scientific concepts and construction of new learning that can be shared within the class.

Research limitations/implications

Research is needed as regards how initial teacher education providers may contribute to the learning of preservice teachers in lesson study in initial teacher education programmes.

Originality/value

This research contributes to show potentialities of lesson study in the initial teacher education of preservice physics and chemistry teachers.
Employee engagement and job performance in Lebanon: the mediating role of creativity
Authors: Ismail Hussein Nabil , Iqbal Adnan , Nasr Lina
Published: January 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the relationship between employee engagement and job performance in the country of Lebanon, and to test whether creativity mediates the relationship between engagement and performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The research sample consisted of 186 respondents working in Lebanese firms. The questionnaire included established measures relating to employee engagement, job performance and creativity – in addition to various demographic questions. Stepwise multiple regression and bootstrapping methods were employed in the analysis of the data.

Findings

The findings showed a significant positive effect of employee engagement on job performance. However, mediation analysis using bootstrapping methods has shown that creativity has fully mediated the relationship between engagement and performance.

Originality/value

The study extends previous research and increases the external validity of the findings by investigating the relationship between engagement and performance in new non-western contexts. Moreover, this is one of the first research studies that explores the role of creativity in the relationship between the two variables; this helps in improving our understanding of the model and aids in enhancing the effect of engagement on performance.
Reinterpreting the value chain in an indigenous community enterprise context
Authors: Kawharu Merata
Published: January 2019

Purpose

Research in the field of indigenous value chains is limited in theory and empirical research. The purpose of this paper is to interpret values that may inform a new approach to considering value chains from New Zealand Maori kin community contexts.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper derives from research that develops Indigenous research methods on positionality. By extending the “included researcher” (Kawharu, 2016) role, the research recognises the opportunity of being genealogically connected to one of the communities, which may enable “deep dive research” relatively easily. Yet practical implications of research also obligate researchers beyond contractual terms to fulfil community aspirations in innovation.

Findings

Research findings show that a kin community micro-economy value chain may not be a lineal, progressive sequence of value from supplier to consumer as in Porter’s (1985) conceptualisation of value chains, but may instead be a cyclical system and highly consumer-driven. Research shows that there is strong community desire to connect lands and resources of homelands with descendant consumers wherever they live and reconnect consumers back again to supply sources. Mechanisms enabling this chain include returning food scraps to small community suppliers for composting, or consumers participating in community working bees, harvesting days and the like.

Social implications

The model may have implications and applicability internationally among indigenous communities who are similarly interested in socio-economic growth and enterprise development.

Originality/value

The apper’s originality, therefore, derives from addressing a research gap, showing that indigenous values may provide a new approach to conceptualising value chains and developing them in practice.
Stress analysis of shielding electrode in chip with pressure sensor embedded in accelerometer
Authors: Lu Chun-Lin , Yeh Meng-Kao
Published: January 2019

Purpose

Analysis of the thermal effects during the packaging process or in the actual operating environment is necessary to develop small monolithic integrated sensing chips with heterogeneous integration. The use of multiple layers and various materials in monolithic integrated sensing chips addresses the coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) mismatch issue. The purpose of this study is to focus on the residual stress analysis of the shielding electrode, which is a metal film that prevents pull-in of proof-mass during anodic bonding in microelectromechanical system (MEMS) chips with pressure sensors embedded in an accelerometer.

Design/methodology/approach

The finite element model of the chip was built by the commercial software ANSYS, and the residual stress was evaluated during the die attachment process for the shielding electrode. Various shielding electrode materials and a proposed design with a keep-out zone to reduce the residual stress are discussed, with a focus on the relationship between the geometric parameters of the chip and the residual stress for copper shielding electrodes of different thicknesses.

Findings

The results of the finite element analysis showed that the use of polysilicon as a shielding electrode in the proposed design generated the lowest residual stress because of its low CTE. The maximum stresses in both of in-plane and out-of-plane directions in the finite element model were reduced by keep-out zone design for the proposed design of the copper shielding electrode, and had 11 times reduction in out-of-plane direction especially, according to the nonlinear analysis as the stress concentration point in the shielding electrode moved. Moreover, the design with a thinner shielding electrode, thinner glass substrate and higher CTE of the glass substrate also lowered the maximum von Mises stress. On the other hand, the stress level during the operating temperature, without considering residual stress, overestimated up to five times in the proposed design.

Originality/value

In this study, valuable suggestions are proposed for the design of chips with pressure sensors embedded in accelerometers.
Study on self-cleaning performance and hydrophobicity of TiO2/silane coatings
Authors: Syafiq A. , Pandey A.K. , Balakrishnan Vengadaesvaran , Rahim Nasrudin Abd
Published: January 2019

Purpose

The paper aims to investigate the effect of Degussa P-25 Titanium Dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles on hydrophobicity and self-cleaning ability as a single organic coating on glass substrate.

Design/methodology/approach

Two methods have been used to enhance the hydrophobicity on glass substrates, namely, surface modification by using low surface energy isooctyltrimethoxysilane (ITMS) solution and construction of rough surface morphology using Degussa P-25 TiO2 nanoparticles with simple bottom-up approach. The prepared sol was applied onto glass substrate using dip-coating technique and stoved in the vacuum furnace 350°C.

Findings

The ITMS coating with nano TiO2 pigment has modified the glass substrate surface by achieving the water contact angle as high as 169° ± 2° and low sliding angle of 0° with simple and low-cost operation. The solid and air phase interface has created excellent anti-dirt and self-cleaning properties against dilute ketchup solution, mud and silicon powder.

Research limitations/implications

Findings will be useful in the development of self-cleaning and anti-dirt coating for photovoltaic panels.

Practical implications

Sol method provides the suitable medium for the combination of organic–inorganic network to achieve high superhydrophobicity and optimum self-cleaning ability.

Originality/value

Application of blended organic–inorganic sol as self-cleaning and anti-dirt coating film.
Preparation and flame retardancy of epoxy resin phosphoric acid modified poly-acrylate resin
Authors: Xu Buqin , Xu Guilong , Qiao Hui , Liang Yun , Yang Jin , Hu Jian
Published: January 2019

Purpose

The flammability of poly-acrylate (PA) resin is a major disadvantage in applications that require flame resistance. It has been reported that a flame-retardant PA resin could be prepared by covalent incorporate phosphorous containing monomer with vinyl group via free radical polymerization, and the prepared modified PA resin is expected to exhibit better flame resistance than those by an additive approach. However, the phosphorus-containing monomers reported previously are made from expensive or toxic materials, and the production procedure is tedious and under harsh reaction conditions, which are not feasible for industrial application. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is the preparation of flame-retardant PA resin modified by epoxy resin phosphorous acid (EPPA) and the study of its flame retardancy.

Design/methodology/approach

EPPA is first prepared by epoxy resin E-51 and phosphorous acid and then used to prepare phosphorous containing PA resin by free radical polymerization. The flame retardancy of the prepared EPPA-modified PA (EPPA-PA) resin is studied.

Findings

The results show that EPPA can graft onto the PA polymer chain by free radical polymerization, the flame retardancy of the EPPA-PA resin increases as the EPPA content increasing. The flame retardancy of EPPA-PA resin prepared reaches 27.8% and can pass the V-0 rating in the UL-94 test when EPPA content is 30.0%. SEM and EDS results indicate that phosphorous element in the EPPA-PA resin shows a condensed-phase flame retardant effect.

Research limitations/implications

The grafting degree of EPPA cannot be accurately tested.

Practical implications

It is expected that the large-scale production of this epoxy resin phosphoric acid modified PA resin will enable practical industrial applications.

Originality/value

This method for synthesis of epoxy resin phosphoric acid modified PA resin is newfrangled.
Study on inert solvent for preparation based on GO/EP composite
Authors: Hu Guangkai , Zhang Xiaorui , Liu Lizhu , Ling Weng , Cui Weiwei
Published: January 2019

Purpose

The dispersity of graphene oxide (GO) has an important effect on the properties of epoxy resin (EP) composites. Many modification and dispersion methods require the use of inert solvents which do not participate in the modification reaction, although GO can be uniformly dispersed in water and alcohol solvents. Based on this requirement, several inert solvents were selected as dispersion solvents to find out the suitable inert solvent for GO dispersion into EP matrix.

Design/methodology/approach

Several inert solvents with different solubility parameters were selected as dispersion solvents to prepare GO/EP composite. The microstructure, mechanical properties, insulation properties, dielectric properties and thermal property of the composite were characterized, which was due to find suitable inert solvent for GO dispersion into EP matrix.

Findings

The dispersity of N, N-dimethylformamide (DMF) was the best stable suspension state when it was used as solvent instead of occurring sedimentation and agglomeration. Moreover, DMF was further confirmed as a suitable inert solvent for the dispersion of GO into EP according to the mechanical properties, insulation properties and thermal conductivity characterization.

Research limitations/implications

The dispersion of GO in solvents has already been researched, but the traditional solvents, such as alcohols and water, has shown their limitations with the increase of modification methods, which were not suitable for the modification environment such as cyanate graft modification. Therefore, it was very important to choose a kind of inert solvent for dissolving EP matrix and dispersing GO better.

Originality/value

Several inert solvents were used to disperse GO into EP, and the influence of different dispersing solvents on the adhesive was discussed through the analysis of the mechanical properties, insulation properties and thermal conductivity, which was due to explore the inert solvent suitable for GO dispersion.
Dietitians' perspectives on patient barriers and enablers to weight management: An application of the social‐ecological model
Authors: Aboueid Stephanie , Pouliot Catherine , Nur Teeyaa , Bourgeault Ivy , Giroux Isabelle
Published: January 2019

Aim

Dietitians are nutrition experts who conduct nutrition assessments and provide support to patients seeking to manage their weight. The aim of the present study was to assess dietitians' perspectives on the barriers and enablers encountered by patients during their weight management journey.

Methods

Fourteen individual semi‐structured interviews were conducted over a 3‐month period in 2017 with dietitians working in Ontario, Canada. All interviews were audio‐recorded and transcribed verbatim. Two researchers coded the data independently using a directed content analysis approach.

Results

Emerging themes were classified at societal, community, relationship, individual levels of the social‐ecological model (SEM). Barriers included low socioeconomic status, ‘go big or go home approach’, lack of knowledge and cooking skills, lack of time, emotional eating, unsupportive home and work environments, discrimination and weight bias, lack of communication between health professionals, and low accessibility to healthy foods. Enablers included community programs, workplaces promoting healthy behaviours, and ongoing clinical support. Dietitians mentioned that patients encounter many barriers that may coexist and hinder weight management and/or maintenance of lost weight.

Conclusions

Communication between health team members and ongoing patient support in the clinical setting are required. A whole‐of‐government, whole‐of‐society approach is needed to target the various aforementioned barriers at various level of the SEM.
Buyer power and mutual dependency in a model of negotiations
Authors: Inderst Roman , Montez Joao
Published: January 2019

We study bilateral bargaining between several buyers and sellers in a framework that allows both sides, in case of a bilateral disagreement, flexibility to adjust trade with each of their other trading partners and receive the gross benefit generated by each adjustment. A larger buyer pays a higher per‐unit price when buyers' bargaining power in bilateral negotiations is sufficiently low, and a lower price otherwise. An analogous result holds for sellers. These predictions, and the implications of different technologies, are explained by the fact that size is a source of mutual dependency and not an unequivocal source of power.
Maintaining guideline transparency and pragmatism in the post‐truth era
Authors: Gilmore Ian
Published: January 2019

Commentary to: How should we set consumption thresholds for low risk drinking guidelines? Achieving objectivity and transparency using evidence, expert judgement and pragmatism