bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Recombination coefficients for Cl on plasma-conditioned yttrium oxide chamber wall surfaces
Authors: Ma Tianyu , List Tyler , Arora Priyanka , Donnelly Vincent M.
Published: January 2019

Studies of power-modulated chlorine inductively coupled plasmas (ICPs) bounded by yttria-coated chamber walls are presented. Time-resolved optical emissions from Cl and Xe actinometry trace gas were recorded over the 740–920 nm region as power at 13.56 MHz was modulated between high power and no power. The intensity ratio of Cl-to-Xe emission, proportional to Cl number density, nCl, followed the modulation in power, allowing Cl heterogeneous loss coefficients, γCl, to be obtained from a simple time-resolved, 0-dimensional model of the afterglow period that best matched computed relative changes in nCl at the beginning and end of the powered period, with γCl as the only adjustable parameter. This approach only requires a treatment of diffusion and avoids complications introduced by attempting simulations of the full modulation period. Cl recombination coefficients were determined on the mostly yttria surfaces for Cl2 ICPs (a) immediately after NF3 plasma cleaning (γCl = 0.20), (b) during long exposure to the Cl2 plasma with no substrate bias (γCl = 0.11), and (c) during Si etching with substrate bias (γCl = 0.055-0.070). For Cl2/5% O2 ICPs, these values are 0.28, 0.17, and 0.030, respectively. These results compare favorably to qualitative behavior reported previously for continuous Cl2 and Cl2/O2 ICPs in this yttria-coated chamber.
Investigation of drift-wave instability in the presence of zonal flows using spatial averaging
Authors: Gadgil S. , Hnat B. , Rowlands G.
Published: January 2019

The interaction of micro-scale turbulence with zonal flows is one of the key topics in magnetically confined plasma research. We study the stability of drift waves in the presence of large scale flows in the Hasegawa-Wakatani system using spatial averaging. The dispersion relation obtained by this treatment is independent of the radial coordinate and includes resonant terms, which become dominant when the phase speed of the drift wave is comparable to the local advection speed of zonal flow. This dispersion relation is then solved numerically to yield linear growth rates for a small drift wave perturbation against a zonal flow background. The growth rates are similar to those found without zonal flows, when far from the resonant conditions. Close to resonance, both the real frequency and the growth rates differ significantly from the usual case. The stability of zonal flows is also examined.
Effect of annealing conditions on dopants activation and stress conservation in silicon-germanium
Authors: Kuo Tai-Chen , Jhong Kai-Jyun , Lin Chia-Wei , Lee Wen-Hsi
Published: January 2019

As the miniaturization of the size of semiconductor components, the silicon-based transistor has reached its material limitations, so that researching the new materials (silicon-germanium compound) to replace silicon is more important. The ion implantation technology is conducted to discuss the activation issue of p-type dopants, due to silicon-germanium epitaxial layer has the stress effect to enhance the carrier mobility, it is in a conflict of high-temperature annealing. In order to maintain the stress of the epitaxial silicon germanium layer and achieve the activation level of the carrier at the same time, this paper explores a new annealing method - microwave annealing (MWA) with the low thermal budget. In this study, we have investigated that using one-step microwave annealing energy in 3P (1P = 600W), which can make boron implanted into 30% Ge content of silicon germanium layer has the lowest sheet resistance (170 ohm/sq), the best epitaxial layer quality and the better residual stress index (1.48%). However, using two-step microwave annealing energy in 3P+1P over 100s, it can further achieve higher activation level for Si0.7Ge0.3: B sample without stress relaxation. (Sheet resistance as low as 134.6 ohm/sq, Hall measurement mobility of 302.7 cm2/Vs.).
Probing the dynamics of photoexcited carriers in Si2Te3 nanowires
Authors: Chen Jiyang , Wu Keyue , Shen Xiao , Hoang Thang Ba , Cui Jingbiao
Published: January 2019

We report an optical study of the dynamics of photoexcited carriers in Si2Te3 nanowires at various temperatures and excitation powers. Si2Te3 nanowires were synthesized, by using gold as a catalyst, on a silicon substrate by the chemical vapor deposition method. The photoluminescence spectrum of Si2Te3 nanowires was primarily dominated by defects and surface states related emission at both low temperatures and room temperature. We observed that the decay time of photoexcited carriers was very long (>10 ns) at low temperatures and became shorter (<2 ns) at room temperature. Further, the carrier decay time became faster at high excitation rates. The acceleration of the photoexcited carrier decay rates indicates thermal quenching and structural modification along with the non-radiative recombination at high temperatures and excitation powers. Our results have quantitatively elucidated decay mechanisms that are important toward understanding and controlling the electronic states in Si2Te3 nanostructures for optoelectronic applications.
Excitation and suppression of asymmetrical modes in high frequency coaxial slow wave structures
Authors: Chen Siyao , Zhang Jun , Zhang Jiande
Published: January 2019

The interaction characteristics of quasi-TEM mode and EHv1 mode with an electron beam in coaxial slow wave structures (SWSs) are analyzed and compared in this paper. Through theoretical analysis and simulation verification, we find that the asymmetric EHv1 quasi-π mode has high external Q-factor, low starting current, and high temporal growth. It is almost impossible to suppress the EHv1 mode when using single section SWSs. In order to solve this problem, a feasible method is proposed in this paper to suppress the EHv1 mode effectively, under the premise that all modes cannot be exited in single section SWSs, introducing the feedback to ensure that the quasi-TEM mode operates effectively.
Use of synchrotron-based radiography to diagnose pulsed power driven wire explosion experiments
Authors: Theocharous S. P. , Bland S. N. , Yanuka D. , Rososhek A. , Olbinado M. P. , Rack A. , Krasik Ya. E.
Published: January 2019

We describe the first use of synchrotron radiation to probe pulsed power driven high energy density physics experiments. Multi-frame x-ray radiography with interframe spacing of 704 ns and temporal resolution of <100 ps was used to diagnose the electrical explosion of different wire configurations in water including single copper and tungsten wires, parallel copper wire pairs, and copper x-pinches. Such experiments are of great interest to a variety of areas including equation of state studies and high pressure materials research, but the optical diagnostics that are usually employed in these experiments are unable to probe the areas behind the shock wave generated in the water, as well as the internal structure of the exploding material. The x-ray radiography presented here, performed at beamline ID19 at European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (ESRF), was able to image both sides of the shock to a resolution of up to 8 μm, and phase contrast imaging allowed fine details of the wire structure during the current driven explosion and the shock waves to be clearly observed. These results demonstrate the feasibility of pulsed power operated in conjunction with synchrotron facilities, as well as an effective technique in the study of shock waves and wire explosion dynamics.
In situ X-ray imaging of heterogeneity in dynamic compaction of granular media
Authors: Crum R. S. , Homel M. A. , Pagan D. C. , Herbold E. B. , Miller D. , Lind J. , Jensen B. J. , Iverson A. J. , Akin M. C.
Published: January 2019

Dynamic compaction of granular materials is a complex process, wherein the material response at the continuum scale arises from fracture, comminution, and fragment flow at the grain scale. Granular materials have heterogeneity due to variation in grain properties as well as variation in local packing density and structure. These heterogeneities may affect the dynamic compaction response, producing a structured and time-varying compaction front. The methodology used to characterize the shock behavior in solid materials may be inappropriate for granular materials because of this unsteady behavior and interactions between the granular material and measurement surfaces. To observe the compaction front heterogeneity, in situ x-ray imaging of granular compaction is conducted at a scale between the grain- and continuum scales. To allow for sufficient x-ray transmission, a thin sample geometry is used, for which boundary affects may result in a significantly different load path than would occur in a 1-D compaction configuration. Numerical simulations of the experimental geometry support the analysis of the results so that the feature of the compaction front can be distinguished from artifacts of the experimental configuration. The results suggest that compaction front heterogeneity may have structure with a length scale of tens of particle diameters and demonstrate that finite grain size can inhibit the formation of shear-induced features that would arise in a homogenized representation of the same material.
Microwave absorbing properties of two dimensional materials GeP5 enhanced after annealing treatment
Authors: Chang Yukai , Mu Congpu , Yang Bingchao , Nie Anmin , Wang Bochong , Xiang Jianyong , Yang Yong , Wen Fusheng , Liu Zhongyuan
Published: January 2019

High efficiency, lightweight, and tunable microwave absorbing materials have drawn tremendous attention. Here, we have synthesized layered GeP5 bulk at high temperature and high pressure. Then, the GeP5 nanosheets are obtained by an efficient liquid-phase exfoliation method and display excellent microwave absorption performance as a microwave absorber. The reflection loss (RL) can achieve below −10 dB in a wide range of thicknesses and microwave frequencies. For further meeting the lightweight demand of microwave absorption materials, porous germanium (GeP5-570) is obtained from GeP5 via the annealing treatment. Microwave absorption characteristics can be significantly improved after annealing treatment. The minimum RL values of porous germanium (GeP5-570) can reach −37.8 dB at a microwave frequency of 4.7 GHz under a thickness of 2.9 mm. The effective absorption bandwidth (RL< −10 dB) of GeP5-570 is 11.8–14.3 GHz with a thickness of 1.2 mm. In addition, the RL value can attain −20 dB in the frequency range of 3.8–16.1 GHz with various thicknesses from 1.0 to 3.5 mm.
Noise-optimized ultrastable low-noise current amplifier
Authors: Krause C. , Drung D. , Götz M. , Scherer H.
Published: January 2019

We have developed a noise-optimized ultrastable low-noise current amplifier (ULCA) aimed at reducing the uncertainty at low currents. It involves a thin-film resistor network with 6.75 GΩ at the high-ohmic path which reduces the noise level to 1.6 fA/Hz. Noise investigations as well as short-term and long-term stability studies were carried out. The stability of the input current gain was measured using a cryogenic current comparator at ±6.1 nA. Methods for investigating the measurement accuracy at low input currents of about 100 pA at a level of below one part in 107 are introduced and experimentally verified. The performance of the noise-optimized ULCA is compared with that of the standard variant introduced in 2014. It is shown that the reduced noise floor is achieved without impairing the stability of the transresistance.
Effect of Au additions on the structure and properties of (Fe0.5Co0.5)71Nb4Si5B20 bulk metallic glass
Authors: Abbas Syed Zameer , Ali Rashid , Khalid Fazal Ahmad , Khan Kamran Amir , Rehman Muhammad Abdul
Published: January 2019

The effect of addition of gold (Au) on the structure and mechanical properties of (Fe0.5Co0.5)71Nb4Si5B20 BMG alloy was studied. Addition of Au formed crystals in the BMG alloy. Gradual increase in the amount of Au added to the BMG alloy resulted in an increase in the amount of crystallinity and hardness of the alloy. Hardness values in excess of 1100 HV were found in all the alloys with a maximum value of 1245 HV. The thermal transition temperatures were also found to increase with an increasing amount of Au. Corner cracks were produced in the alloy with 1.5 at.-% Au content showing a low indentation fracture toughness value of 2.98 MPa-m0.5.
A single molecular distance predicts agonist binding energy in nicotinic receptors
Authors: Tripathy Sushree , Zheng Wenjun , Auerbach Anthony
Published: January 2019

Agonists turn on receptors because they bind more strongly to active (R*) versus resting (R) conformations of their target sites. Here, to explore how agonists activate neuromuscular acetylcholine receptors, we built homology models of R and R* neurotransmitter binding sites, docked ligands to those sites, ran molecular dynamics simulations to relax (“equilibrate”) the structures, measured binding site structural parameters, and correlated them with experimental agonist binding energies. Each binding pocket is a pyramid formed by five aromatic amino acids and covered partially by loop C. We found that in R* versus R, loop C is displaced outward, the pocket is smaller and skewed, the agonist orientation is reversed, and a key nitrogen atom in the agonist is closer to the pocket center (distance dx) and a tryptophan pair but farther from αY190. Of these differences, the change in dx shows the largest correlation with experimental binding energy and provides a good estimate of agonist affinity, efficacy, and efficiency. Indeed, concentration–response curves can be calculated from just dx values. The contraction and twist of the binding pocket upon activation resemble gating rearrangements of the extracellular domain of related receptors at a smaller scale.
Efficiency measures the conversion of agonist binding energy into receptor conformational change
Authors: Nayak Tapan K. , Vij Ridhima , Bruhova Iva , Shandilya Jayasha , Auerbach Anthony
Published: January 2019

Receptors alternate between resting↔active conformations that bind agonists with low↔high affinity. Here, we define a new agonist attribute, energy efficiency (η), as the fraction of ligand-binding energy converted into the mechanical work of the activation conformational change. η depends only on the resting/active agonist-binding energy ratio. In a plot of activation energy versus binding energy (an “efficiency” plot), the slope gives η and the y intercept gives the receptor’s intrinsic activation energy (without agonists; ΔG0). We used single-channel electrophysiology to estimate η for eight different agonists and ΔG0 in human endplate acetylcholine receptors (AChRs). From published equilibrium constants, we also estimated η for agonists of KCa1.1 (BK channels) and muscarinic, γ-aminobutyric acid, glutamate, glycine, and aryl-hydrocarbon receptors, and ΔG0 for all of these except KCa1.1. Regarding AChRs, η is 48–56% for agonists related structurally to acetylcholine but is only ∼39% for agonists related to epibatidine; ΔG0 is 8.4 kcal/mol in adult and 9.6 kcal/mol in fetal receptors. Efficiency plots for all of the above receptors are approximately linear, with η values between 12% and 57% and ΔG0 values between 2 and 12 kcal/mol. Efficiency appears to be a general attribute of agonist action at receptor binding sites that is useful for understanding binding mechanisms, categorizing agonists, and estimating concentration–response relationships.
Report on the APMP.M.F-S3 supplementary comparison for 1 kN force
Authors: Hayashi T , Ueda K , Maejima H , Hafid  , Nurcahyono D
Published: January 2019

The comparison results revealed the equivalence of forces realized by the 1 kN and 20 kN DWMs of RCM-LIPI (Indonesia) to those by the 3 kN DWM of NMIJ (Japan) within their claimed uncertainties.

KEY WORDS FOR SEARCH

Force, Equivalence, RCM-LIPI, NMIJ, Supplementary comparison

Main text

To reach the main text of this paper, click on Final Report. Note that this text is that which appears in Appendix B of the BIPM key comparison database kcdb.bipm.org/.

The final report has been peer-reviewed and approved for publication by the CCM, according to the provisions of the CIPM Mutual Recognition Arrangement (CIPM MRA).
AQUAPONY: visualization and interpretation of phylogeographic information on phylogenetic trees
Authors: Cazaux Bastien , Castel Guillaume , Rivals Eric
Published: January 2019

Motivation

The visualization and interpretation of evolutionary spatiotemporal scenarios is broadly and increasingly used in infectious disease research, ecology or agronomy. Using probabilistic frameworks, well-known tools can infer from molecular data ancestral traits for internal nodes in a phylogeny, and numerous phylogenetic rendering tools can display such evolutionary trees. However, visualizing such ancestral information and its uncertainty on the tree remains tedious. For instance, ancestral nodes can be associated to several geographical annotations with close probabilities and thus, several migration or transmission scenarios exist.

Results

We expose a web-based tool, named AQUAPONY, that facilitates such operations. Given an evolutionary tree with ancestral (e.g. geographical) annotations, the user can easily control the display of ancestral information on the entire tree or a subtree, and can view alternative phylogeographic scenarios along a branch according to a chosen uncertainty threshold. AQUAPONY interactively visualizes the tree and eases the objective interpretation of evolutionary scenarios. AQUAPONY’s implementation makes it highly responsive to user interaction, and instantaneously updates the tree visualizations even for large trees (which can be exported as image files).

Availability and implementation

AQUAPONY is coded in JavaScript/HTML, available under Cecill license, and can be freely used at http://www.atgc-montpellier.fr/aquapony/.
A network of networks approach for modeling interconnected brain tissue-specific networks
Authors: Kawakubo Hideko , Matsui Yusuke , Kushima Itaru , Ozaki Norio , Shimamura Teppei
Published: January 2019

Motivation

Recent sequence-based analyses have identified a lot of gene variants that may contribute to neurogenetic disorders such as autism spectrum disorder and schizophrenia. Several state-of-the-art network-based analyses have been proposed for mechanical understanding of genetic variants in neurogenetic disorders. However, these methods were mainly designed for modeling and analyzing single networks that do not interact with or depend on other networks, and thus cannot capture the properties between interdependent systems in brain-specific tissues, circuits and regions which are connected each other and affect behavior and cognitive processes.

Results

We introduce a novel and efficient framework, called a ‘Network of Networks’ approach, to infer the interconnectivity structure between multiple networks where the response and the predictor variables are topological information matrices of given networks. We also propose Graph-Oriented SParsE Learning, a new sparse structural learning algorithm for network data to identify a subset of the topological information matrices of the predictors related to the response. We demonstrate on simulated data that propose Graph-Oriented SParsE Learning outperforms existing kernel-based algorithms in terms of F-measure. On real data from human brain region-specific functional networks associated with the autism risk genes, we show that the ‘Network of Networks’ model provides insights on the autism-associated interconnectivity structure between functional interaction networks and a comprehensive understanding of the genetic basis of autism across diverse regions of the brain.

Availability and implementation

Our software is available from https://github.com/infinite-point/GOSPEL.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Plasticity in the antipredator behavior of the orange-footed sea cucumber under shifting hydrodynamic forces
Authors: Brown Nicholas A W , Wilson David R , Gagnon Patrick
Published: January 2019

Marine invertebrates that move too slowly to evade unfavorable environmental change may instead exhibit phenotypic plasticity, allowing them to adjust to varying conditions. The orange-footed sea cucumber Cucumaria frondosa is a slow-moving suspension feeder that is preyed on by the purple sunstar Solaster endeca. The sea cucumber’s antipredator behavior involves changing shape and detaching from the substratum, which might increase its probability of being displaced by water motion into an unsuitable environment. We hypothesized that sea cucumbers’ antipredator responses would be diminished under stronger hydrodynamic forces, and that behavioral strategies would be flexible so that individuals could adjust to frequent changes in water flows. In a natural orange-footed sea cucumber habitat, individuals lived along a pronounced hydrodynamic gradient, allowing us to measure antipredator behavior under different water flow strengths. We placed purple sunstars in physical contact with sea cucumbers living at various points along the gradient to elicit antipredator responses. We then repeated this procedure in a laboratory mesocosm that generated weak and strong hydrodynamic forces similar to those observed at the field site. Subjects in the mesocosm experiment were tested in both wave conditions to determine if their antipredator behavior would change in response to sudden environmental change, as would be experienced under deteriorating sea conditions. Antipredator responses did not covary with hydrodynamic forces in the field. However, antipredator responses in the mesocosm experiment increased when individuals were transplanted from strong to weak forces and decreased when transplanted from weak to strong forces. Overall, our results indicate environmentally induced plasticity in the antipredator behavior of the orange-footed sea cucumber.
Aortic root enlargement to mitigate patient–prosthesis mismatch: do early adverse events justify reluctance?†
Authors: Haunschild Josephina , Scharnowski Sven , Mende Meinhard , von Aspern Konstantin , Misfeld Martin , Mohr Friedrich-Wilhelm , Borger Michael A , Etz Christian D
Published: January 2019

OBJECTIVES

Concomitant aortic root enlargement (ARE) at the time of surgical aortic valve replacement can be performed to avoid patient–prosthesis mismatch, an important predictor of adverse long-term outcome.

METHODS

We performed a single-centre, retrospective analysis of 4120 patients receiving isolated aortic valve replacement, of whom 171 (4%) had concomitant ARE between January 2005 and December 2015. The analysis of postoperative outcome and early mortality was performed. Owing to inequality of the groups, patients were matched 1:1.

RESULTS

The mean age of all 4120 patients was 68.8 ± 10.5 years, and comorbidities were equally balanced after matching. The mean aortic cross-clamp time, cardiopulmonary bypass time and total operative time were prolonged by 19, 20 and 27 min in the ARE group, respectively. Early mortality was not statistically significantly different with 1.4% in the surgical aortic valve replacement and 1.8% in the ARE group. Postoperative complications were <5% in all matched 338 patients: bleeding (3% vs 3%), pericardial effusion (3.0% vs 4.2%), sternal instability (1.8% vs 0%) and sternal wound infection (3.0% vs 1.2%). A significant higher number of patients had respiratory failure after ARE (unmatched: 17.1% vs 9.9%, P < 0.001; matched: 18.3% vs 9.5%, P = 0.028). Factors independently associated with overall mortality were age [hazard ratio (HR) 1.71], chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (HR 1.47), diabetes (HR 1.82), atrial fibrillation (HR 2.14) and postoperative respiratory failure (HR 2.84).

CONCLUSIONS

ARE can be performed safely in experienced centres with no significant increase in the risk of early postoperative surgical complications and early mortality. However, the surgeon and the intensive care unit team should be aware of an increased risk for postoperative respiratory failure in ARE patients.
Mental health first aid for the UK Armed Forces
Authors: Crone Diane M , Sarkar Mustafa , Curran Thomas , Baker Colin M , Hill Denise , Loughren Elizabeth A , Dickson Tabitha , Parker Andrew
Published: January 2019

Education programmes in mental health literacy can address stigma and misunderstanding of mental health. This study investigated self-rated differences in knowledge, attitudes and confidence around mental health issues following participation in a bespoke Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training course for the Armed Forces. The mixed methods approach comprised quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews. A survey, administered immediately post-training (n = 602) and again at 10-months post-attendance (n = 120), asked participants to rate their knowledge, attitudes and confidence around mental health issues pre- and post-training. Quantitative findings revealed a significant increase in knowledge, positive attitudes and confidence from the post-training survey which was sustained at 10-months follow-up.Semi-structured telephone interviews (n = 13) were conducted at follow-up, 6-months post-attendance. Qualitative findings revealed that participation facilitated an ‘ambassador’ type role for participants. This study is the first to have investigated the effect of MHFA in an Armed Forces community. Findings show participants perceived the training to increase knowledge regarding mental health and to enhance confidence and aptitude for identifying and supporting people with mental health problems. Results suggest that such an intervention can provide support for personnel, veterans and their families, regarding mental health in Armed Forces communities.
Leaving the Victorian Children’s Institution: Aftercare, Friendship and Support
Authors: Soares Claudia
Published: January 2019

This article explores the needs of young people leaving residential care and the provision of aftercare support in the late-nineteenth and early-twentieth centuries. Young people’s discharge, aftercare and post-institutional experiences occupy a peripheral position in scholarship on institutional care. This essay broadens interpretations of aftercare, which have been presented as inadequate inspections that monitored employment performance. Examining the formal and informal systems that aimed to enhance care-leavers’ welfare and wellbeing, the essay offers new understandings of the ongoing provision of practical and emotional support to young people, and the importance of sustained contact and affective ties between former inmates and institutional staff.
The Batalin–Vilkovisky Structure on the Tate–Hochschild Cohomology Ring of a Group Algebra
Authors: Liu Yuming , Wang Zhengfang , Zhou Guodong
Published: January 2019

We determine the Batalin–Vilkovisky structure on the Tate–Hochschild cohomology of the group algebra $kG$ of a finite group $G$ in terms of the additive decomposition. In particular, we show that the Tate cohomology of $G$ is a Batalin–Vilkovisky subalgebra of the Tate–Hochschild cohomology of the group algebra $kG$ and that the Tate cochain complex of $G$ is a cyclic ${A_{\infty}}$-subalgebra of the Tate–Hochschild cochain complex of $kG$.
Impact of dose adaptations following voriconazole therapeutic drug monitoring in pediatric patients
Authors: Lempers Vincent J , Meuwese Edmé , Mavinkurve-Groothuis Annelies M , Henriet Stefanie , van der Sluis Inge M , Hanff Lidwien M , Warris Adilia , Koch Birgit C P , Brüggemann Roger J
Published: January 2019

Voriconazole is the mainstay of treatment for invasive aspergillosis in immunocompromised pediatric patients. Although Therapeutic Drug Monitoring (TDM) of voriconazole is recommended, it remains unknown if TDM-based dose adaptations result in target attainment. Patients <19 years from two pediatric hematologic-oncology wards were retrospectively identified based on unexplained high voriconazole trough concentrations (Cmin > 6 mg/l). Patient demographics, clinical characteristics, treatment, voriconazole dosing information, voriconazole Cmin before and after adjustment based on TDM were obtained. Twenty-one patients, median (range) age 7.0 (1.2–18.5) years, were identified in two centers. First Cmin (3.1 mg/l [0.1–13.5]) was obtained after 3 days (1–27) of treatment. The median of all Cmin (n = 485, median 11 per patient) was 2.16 mg/l (0.0 (undetectable)–28.0), with 24.1% of Cmin < 1 mg/l, 48.9% 1–4 mg/l, 9.3% 4–6 mg/l, and 17.7% > 6 mg/l. Intrapatient variability was large (94.1% for IV, 88.5% for PO). Dose increases at Cmin < 1 mg/l resulted in an increased Cmin in 76.4%, with 60% between 1 and 4 mg/l. Dose decreases at Cmin > 6 mg/l resulted in a decreased Cmin in 80%, with 51% between 1 and 4 mg/l. Overall, in 45% of the cases (33 out of 55 and 12 out of 45) therapeutic targets were attained after dose adjustment. Fifty-five percent of initial Cmin was outside the therapeutic target of 1–4 mg/l, with multiple dose adaptations required to achieve therapeutic concentrations. Only 60% and 51% of dose adaptations following sub- and supra-therapeutic Cmin, respectively, did result in target attainment. Intensive and continuous TDM of voriconazole is a prerequisite for ensuring adequate exposure in pediatric patients.
Female lower urinary tract microbiota do not correspond to IC/PBS symptoms: a case-controlled study
Authors: Bresler L. , Price T.K. , Tulke M. , Hilt E.E. , Joyce C. , Fitzgerald C.M. , Wolfe A.J.
Published: January 2019

OBJECTIVE

Current etiology of interstitial cystitis/painful bladder syndrome (IC/PBS) is poorly understood and multifactorial. Recent studies suggest the female urinary microbiota (FUM) contribute to IC/PBS symptoms. This study was designed to determine if the FUM, analyzed using mid-stream voided urine samples, differs between IC/PBS patients and controls.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This prospective case-controlled study compared the voided FUM of women with symptoms of urinary frequency, urgency, and bladder pain for greater than 6 months to the voided FUM of healthy female controls without pain. Bacterial identification was performed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing and EQUC, a validated enhanced urine culture approach. Urotype was defined by a genus present at >50% relative abundance. If no genus was present above this threshold, the urotype was classified as ‘mixe’. Chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests were performed. P-values <0.05 were considered significant.

RESULTS

A mid-stream voided specimen was collected from 21 IC/PBS patients and 20 asymptomatic controls. Both groups had similar demographics. Urotypes did not differ between cohorts as assessed by either EQUC or 16S rRNA gene sequencing. We detected no significant differences between cohorts in terms of alpha-diversity. Cohorts also were not distinct using Principle Component Analysis or hierarchical clustering. Detection by EQUC of bacterial species considered uropathogenic was high in both cohorts, but detection of these uropathogenic species did not differ between groups (p=0.10).

CONCLUSIONS

Enhanced culture and modern DNA sequencing methods provide evidence that IC/PBS symptoms may not be related to differences in the FUM, at least not its bacterial components. Future larger studies are needed to confirm this preliminary finding.
Epidemic foci of hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome in Shandong Province, China, based on patients, rodents and molecular epidemiology characteristics, 2012-2015
Authors: Zheng Zhaolei , Wang Peizhu , Wang Zhiqiang , Zhang Dandan , Wang Xu , Zuo Shuqing , Li Xiujun
Published: January 2019

Background

Hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS), an infectious disease caused by hantaviruses, is endemic in China and remains a serious public health problem. Historically, Shandong Province has had the largest HFRS burden in China. However, we do not have a comprehensive and clear understanding of the current epidemic foci of HFRS in Shandong Province.

Methodology/Principal Findings

The incidence and mortality rates were calculated, and a phylogenetic analysis was performed after laboratory testing of the virus in rodents. Spatial epidemiology analysis was applied to investigate the epidemic foci, including their sources. A total of 6,206 HFRS cases and 59 related deaths were reported in Shandong Province. The virus carriage rates of the rodents Rattus norvegicus, Apodemus agrarius and Mus musculus were 10.24%, 6.31% and 0.27%, respectively. The phylogenetic analysis indicated that two novel viruses isolated from R. norvegicus in Anqiu City and Qingzhou City were dissimilar to the other isolated strains, but closely related to strains previously isolated in northeastern China. Three epidemic foci were defined, two of which were derived from the Jining and Linyi epidemic foci, respectively, while the other was the residue of the Jining epidemic focus.

Conclusions/Significance

The southeastern and central Shandong Province are current key HFRS epidemic foci dominated by A. agrarius and R. norvegicus, respectively. Our study could help local departments to strengthen prevention and control measures in key areas to reduce the hazards of HFRS.

Author summary

Hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) is a global infectious disease, which is still a serious public health threat in China today. The reported HFRS cases in Shandong Province accounted for approximate one third of total cases in the whole country. HFRS is a zoonosis mainly caused by Hantaan virus (HTNV) and Seoul virus (SEOV), which natural rodent hosts are A. agrarius and R. norvegicus, respectively. To explore the current HFRS epidemic foci based on patients, rodents and molecular epidemiology characteristics in Shandong Province, we collected the records of HFRS cases from whole province and the rodents captured in 14 surveillance sites. We found that the epidemic situation of HFRS is quiet different in temporal and spatial distribution. Three epidemic foci were defined based on patients, rodents and molecular epidemiology characteristics. The situation of HFRS epidemic foci in Shandong Province was clear. Our study provides a reference for relevant departments to develop key prevention strategies.
A therapeutic approach to learning through creative storytelling
Authors: Rutherford Jessica I.
Published: January 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of a Learning Programme designed around the animation film-making process, contextualising abstract concepts to address the cognitive limitations of children with foetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD).

Design/methodology/approach

Animation production is tactile, multimodal and multisensory which allows for wide application alongside traditional learning tools, targeting multiple learning pathways with its visual, auditory and kinaesthetic approach. Individuals with FASD require information to be explained in a concrete way to enable them to process and understand. Most information can be drawn, providing a visual to assist the individual, but we must also consider abstract concepts which require further explanation or a series of drawings to display the concepts development. Animation, however, allows us the opportunity to make abstract concepts concrete, contextualising the concept in a visualisation of the child’s story, narrated with their voice and designed to represent their world, in a film produced entirely by them, therefore allowing opportunity for a therapeutic approach to learning through storytelling. This learning tool is designed to be implemented in a specifically designed therapeutic learning environment to enhance the benefits of participation from both educational and therapeutic perspectives.

Findings

A review of relevant literature highlights a significant connection between animation, the learning needs of those with FASD and the need for a therapeutic learning environment. This is a proof of concept study, demonstrating the value and potential of animation film making in this new area of practical application. The study closely considers the learning environment from a therapeutic perspective and aims not only to develop a learning tool but to also define the optimum therapeutic learning environment. The study is therefore untested at this stage.

Practical implications

Phase 2 of this ongoing research study seeks to explore additional benefits of participation and engagement with the process in an educational and therapeutic context. Considerations of the therapeutic learning environment will be further explored to determine the optimum setting to support the ongoing learning of this pedagogically bereft (Carpenter, 2011) population. Phase 2 also aims to clarify therapeutic benefits as additional outcomes of participation in this programme.

Originality/value

The proposed learning tool and therapeutic learning environment outlined in this paper is an original contribution to knowledge and if found to be successful, could offer significant opportunities for a therapeutic approach to education for this population and others.
E-books: yes or no? A case study of undergraduate students at the University of Namibia
Authors: Leonard Anna , Snyman Maritha
Published: January 2019

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to determine how undergraduate students at the University of Namibia perceive and use e-books. This paper aims to report on the result of a study that investigated the adoption of, views about and use of e-books at the University of Namibia.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used a mixed-method approach. It used three methods, namely, focus group interviews, observation combined with the think aloud and a survey to investigate how undergraduate students use e-books.

Findings

Major findings of the study indicated that students use and prefer e-books for course and research purposes. But they mainly use non-library search engines such as Google, Yahoo and commercial sites. Lack of searching skills, slow/unreliable internet and limited or lack of relevant content of e-book collections were the major hindrances affecting e-book use.

Originality/value

The findings of the study could be used to understand the use of e-books at the University of Namibia and at academic institutions with similar context to Namibia. The study contributes to the knowledge base of library and information science (LIS) by providing a detailed analysis on the views and use of e-books at the University of Namibia. The recommendations of this study can be adopted by libraries in other countries with similar socio-economic conditions like Namibia.
Student and teacher perspectives on a multi-disciplinary collaborative pedagogy in architecture and construction
Authors: Leathem Thomas , Hillesheim Christina , Coley Aressa , McGregor Shane
Published: January 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate a unique pedagogical approach intended to address a need of the architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) professions for graduates to work in cross-disciplinary collaborative teams. Addressing this industry need has been challenging for higher education programs in the past. The pedagogy evaluated in this study takes a unique approach to addressing the issue and the aim of the study is to capture the effectiveness of the approach.

Design/Methodology/Approach

This paper presents a qualitative research study evaluating perceptions of students and faculty participating in the cross-disciplinary course experience between architecture and construction. The study evaluated perceived vs received learning outcomes and perceived challenges of the cross-disciplinary course approach. Data were collected from open-ended interviews and observations of students and faculty participating in the course, as well as course artifacts.

Findings

Results of the study indicate alignment between perceived and received outcomes. Identified perceptions of challenges to the approach reflect many identified in previous studies. Areas for future study, and practice in collaborative education within the AEC disciplines are also suggested.

Research Limitations/Implications

This research used a qualitative approach to evaluate perspectives of six students and two teachers in a specific pedagogical approach at one university. Given the small sample size and delimitation of one-course approach, findings from this study are not generalizable to a broader population. In addition to providing valuable data for future quantitative studies on a larger population, the study also provides pedagogical options for other schools to consider implementing and studying. The findings support previous research suggestions that collaborative approaches done early and often for longer durations are needed to address collaborative learning challenges.

Originality/Value

The pedagogical approach evaluated in this study takes a unique approach to addressing a well-documented need in the AEC industry. Information included in this paper demonstrates an approach not yet documented in AEC higher education. Further, it provides a glimpse into the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and challenges that contribute a body of knowledge for others in the discipline to build from. The findings suggest a more in-depth approach may help cross the negative student impressions developed in shorter in-frequent approaches, and begin to develop student understanding of the value and necessity of multi-disciplinary collaboration.
Structural equation modelling of the impact of environmental capabilities on competitiveness
Authors: Salem Milad Abdelnabi
Published: January 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the influence of both environmental practices and corporate environmental performance on competitiveness. It determines the mediating effects of corporate environmental performance on the relationship between environmental practices and competitiveness.

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopts a cross-sectional survey method. The data were collected from 155 industrial companies from Libya and analysed using structural equation modelling.

Findings

The results indicate that environmental performance partially mediates the relationship between environmental practices and competitiveness. The mediating effects occur between competitiveness and green conventional practices, organisational practices and stakeholders’ integration.

Research limitations/implications

The study used a self-reported questionnaire completed by managers in Libyan industrial companies. As such, the survey data might be subject to social desirability. Additionally, the results of the study may be generalised only to a similar environment and stage of development.

Practical implications

The results can help companies better understand how to improve their current resources base by building incremental capabilities, which, in turn, protect the surrounding environment and enhance their competitiveness.

Originality/value

This study is the first to have considered the issue of incremental capabilities in the environmental domain, which can contribute significantly to better understanding the role of incremental capabilities in improving the competitiveness of companies. Additionally, it provides empirical evidence on the state-of-art of environmental practices and their consequences in less-developed countries which are characterised by scarcity of research.
A systematic approach for maintenance performance measurement
Authors: Wijesinghe Dananjaya , Mallawarachchi Harshini
Published: January 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to determine the maintenance performance indicators (MPIs) which are significant for maintenance decision making in the apparel industry through an accurate maintenance performance measurement.

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative research approach was followed. A questionnaire survey was used to collect the data which were evaluated based on Mean Weighted Rating and Relative Importance Index.

Findings

In total, 15 significant MPIs were determined which can directly affect maintenance decision making. A systematic approach was finally developed by allocating weightages for each critical MPI.

Practical implications

These results can be used to assist the decision-making process and as a performance measurement platform for maintenance management of the apparel industry.

Originality/value

The significance of maintenance has not been recognized and the value created through such massive efforts has remained hidden. Therefore, the need of adopting a performance-based approach for maintenance management in apparel industry exists. This research was aimed to provide a systematic approach to make decisions on maintenance management in the apparel industry in Sri Lanka.
A case-based reasoning system for fault detection and isolation: a case study on complex gearboxes
Authors: Boral Soumava , Chaturvedi Sanjay Kumar , Naikan V.N.A.
Published: January 2019

Purpose

Usually, the machinery in process plants is exposed to harsh and uncontrolled environmental conditions. Even after taking different types of preventive measures to detect and isolate the faults at the earliest possible opportunity becomes a complex decision-making process that often requires experts’ opinions and judicious decisions. The purpose of this paper is to propose a framework to detect, isolate and to suggest appropriate maintenance tasks for large-scale complex machinery (i.e. gearboxes of steel processing plant) in a simplified and structured manner by utilizing the prior fault histories available with the organization in conjunction with case-based reasoning (CBR) approach. It is also demonstrated that the proposed framework can easily be implemented by using today’s graphical user interface enabled tools such as Microsoft Visual Basic and similar.

Design/methodology/approach

CBR, an amalgamated domain of artificial intelligence and human cognitive process, has been applied to carry out the task of fault detection and isolation (FDI).

Findings

The equipment failure history and actions taken along with the pertinent health indicators are sufficient to detect and isolate the existing fault(s) and to suggest proper maintenance actions to minimize associated losses. The complex decision-making process of maintaining such equipment can exploit the principle of CBR and overcome the limitations of the techniques such as artificial neural networks and expert systems. The proposed CBR-based framework is able to provide inference with minimum or even with some missing information to take appropriate actions. This proposed framework would alleviate from the frequent requirement of expert’s interventions and in-depth knowledge of various analysis techniques expected to be known to process engineers.

Originality/value

The CBR approach has demonstrated its usefulness in many areas of practical applications. The authors perceive its application potentiality to FDI with suggested maintenance actions to alleviate an end-user from the frequent requirement of an expert for diagnosis or inference. The proposed framework can serve as a useful tool/aid to the process engineers to detect and isolate the fault of large-scale complex machinery with suggested actions in a simplified way.