bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effect of Si and Ge on the elastic properties and plastic deformation modes in high- and medium-entropy alloys
Authors: Lizárraga Raquel , Li Xiaojie , Wei Daixiu , Vitos Levente , Li Xiaoqing
Published: October 2021

We employ quantum mechanics modeling to investigate the effects of Ge and Si solute elements on the elastic properties and plastic deformation modes in two families of high-entropy alloys, CoCrFeMnNi and CoCrFeNi, and medium-entropy alloy, CoCrNi. The static lattice constants and single-crystal elastic parameters are calculated for these three face-centered-cubic random solid solutions as a function of composition. Using the elastic constants, we analyzed mechanical stability, derived polycrystalline modulus, and evaluated solid-solution strengthening for these multi-component alloys. We fabricated (CoCrFeNi)100−x Six (x = 0, 4, 6) and measured the polycrystalline modulus and hardness. The calculated trends for Young's and shear modulus as well as lattice parameters were verified by our measurements. The dependence of generalized stacking fault energy on Ge and Si was studied in detail for the considered multi-component alloys. The competition between various plastic deformation modes was revealed based on effective energy barriers. Our calculations predict that the activated deformation modes in all the alloys studied here are the stacking fault mode (dominant) and the full-slip mode (secondary), and as the concentrations of Ge and Si increase, twining becomes favored.
Sensitivity of actuation dynamics on normal and lateral Casimir forces: Interaction of phase change and topological insulator materials
Authors: Tajik F. , Sedighi M. , Palasantzas G.
Published: October 2021

We investigated here the influence of the lateral and normal Casimir force on the actuation dynamics between sinusoidal corrugated surfaces undergoing both normal and lateral displacements. The calculations were performed for topological insulators and phase change materials that are of high interest for device applications. The results show that the lateral Casimir force becomes stronger by increasing the material conductivity and the corrugations toward similar sizes producing wider normal separation changes during lateral motion. In a conservative system, bifurcation and Poincaré portrait analysis shows that larger but similar in size corrugations and/or higher material conductivity favor stable motion along the lateral direction. However, in the normal direction, the system shows higher sensitivity on the optical properties for similar in size corrugations leading to reduced stable operation for higher material conductivity. Furthermore, in non-conservative systems, the Melnikov function with the Poincaré portrait analysis was combined to probe the possible occurrence of chaotic motion. During lateral actuation, systems with more conductive materials and/or the same but high corrugations exhibit lower possibility for chaotic motion. By contrast, during normal motion, chaotic behavior leading to stiction of the moving components is more likely to occur for systems with more conductive materials and similar in magnitude corrugations.
Active external control effect on the collective locomotion of two tandem self-propelled flapping plates
Authors: Kang Linlin , Peng Ze-Rui , Huang Haibo , Lu Xi-Yun , Cui Weicheng
Published: October 2021

The self-organization of active swimmers is interesting but not fully understood. Lighthill conjectured that the orderly configurations may emerge passively from the hydrodynamic interactions rather than active control mechanism. To further test Lighthill's conjecture, the effect of active control on the propulsive performance of two self-propelled flapping plates in tandem configuration is studied. Different types of external horizontal forces are applied at the leading edge of the following plate. It is found that the collective dynamic and propulsive performance of the two-plate system are mainly affected by the mean value of the external horizontal force rather than its specific form. The two-plate self-propelled system has certain ability to counteract a limited external intervention and maintain the orderly configuration by adjusting the gap spacing between two plates. For a stable configuration, the external intervention hardly affects the propulsion velocity but has a significant monotonic effect on the gap spacing and input work. Further, a simplified model is proposed to relate the external horizontal force to the gap spacing between two plates and verified to be reliable by the numerical results. Moreover, the momentum and energy transferred to fluid are investigated in terms of local vortical structures. It is revealed that the impulse of the wake vortex pair is hardly affected by the external horizontal force, while its kinetic energy and the local dissipative energy vary monotonically with it. These results may shed some light on the understanding of collective behaviors of living swimmers and robotic fish.
Enhanced 850-nm SM VCSEL transmission by favorable chirp interaction with fiber dispersion
Authors: Chen Xin , Li Kangmei , Stone Jeffery S. , Li Ming-Jun
Published: October 2021

Single-mode (SM) vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs), especially those operating around 850 nm, have been studied intensively in recent years for short distance transmission. Despite the demonstrations of increased data rate and system distance, the impact of frequency chirp that is commonly present in directly modulated lasers is an area that needs more detailed studies for 850 nm VCSEL-based systems. In this paper, we explore the interaction between a laser chirp and fiber chromatic dispersion using an 850-nm SM VCSEL over a standard SM fiber that is two-mode at the operating wavelength. Our transmission experiments show that the system can enjoy a benefit from negative fiber dispersion instead of a penalty compared to the back-to-back case, due to the favorable chirp–dispersion interaction, which is also supported by our system bandwidth measurements. Furthermore, we measure the chirp value of the SM VCSEL and conduct modeling using the time-domain pulse concept to illustrate the impact on the chirp–dispersion interaction and explore the optimal chirp parameters for different transmission data rates. Our study indicates a significant system benefit of using 850-nm SM VCSELs with a high bandwidth single-mode fiber around 850 nm due to the favorable chirp–dispersion interaction. Such a benefit can enable high data rate and longer distance system transmission for modern data center applications.
Epitaxial HfTe2 Dirac semimetal in the 2D limit
Authors: Tsipas Polychronis , Pappas Panagiotis , Symeonidou Evgenia , Fragkos Sotirios , Zacharaki Christina , Xenogiannopoulou Evangelia , Siannas Nikitas , Dimoulas Athanasios
Published: October 2021

One monolayer semimetallic HfTe2 thin films are grown on three substrates with different electronic properties in order to study the substrate effect on the electronic structure of the HfTe2 epilayer. Angle resolved photoelectron spectroscopy measurements indicate that the band features are identical in all three cases, providing evidence that the HfTe2 epilayer does not interact with any of the substrates to form hybridized bands and any band feature originates from the HfTe2 material itself. However, a shift of HfTe2 energy bands is observed among the three cases, which is attributed to substrate electron doping. This paves the way for accessing the Dirac point of HfTe2 Dirac semimetal, which is located about ∼0.2 to 0.3 eV above the Fermi level in the case of suspended HfTe2 in a non-destructive way.
Gravity effects on oil–water two-phase displacement in homogeneous porous media
Authors: Yang Wenzhe , Chang Yunsheng , Cheng Jindian , Wang Zhiguo , Li Xingbo , Lv Pengfei , Zhang Baoliang , Liu Bin , Song Yongchen
Published: October 2021

Gravity plays an important role in enhanced oil recovery and groundwater hydrology. A two-dimensional visual homogeneous micromodel was used in this study to describe the role of gravity in displacement processes. A theoretical analysis is proposed for three flow modes, i.e., vertical-upward, vertical-downward, and horizontal displacements, in which water and decane are used for the displacing and the displaced phases, respectively. A relatively compact displacement front was obtained at high flow rates in the three displacement modes, and the front gradually became unstable with a decrease in the flow rate. Compared with horizontal displacement, in vertical-upward displacements, gravity can hinder the evenness of the flow and aggravate the front finger formations at the inlet. This process forces the heavier displacing phase to expand horizontally at the midpoint and weakens the front's fingers. In the vertical-downward displacement process, two states occurred at the same low flow rate: stable flow and unstable flow. Unstable flows occurred more frequently with a decrease in the flow rate. To better understand the role of gravity in displacement, we proposed a theoretical prediction model for the flow state transition of the three displacement modes by combining the capillary force, viscous force, and gravity based on pore-filling events. Finally, to predict the final recovery factor for various displacement modes, four dimensionless formulations were produced using the capillary number, the gravity number, the bond number, and the viscosity ratio.
Peripheral heat transfer prediction of the subcooled falling liquid film on a horizontal smooth tube
Authors: Zhao Chuang-Yao , Qi Di , Li Qiong-Tao , Jin Pu-Hang , Ji Wen-Tao , Tao Wen-Quan
Published: October 2021

The peripheral heat transfer correlation of the subcooled falling liquid film outside the horizontal tube was established using the present numerical data under different liquid flow rates, heat fluxes, tube sizes, distributor heights, and liquid temperatures. The results indicated that the present correlation can predicate 93% of 2654 data within ±25% in θ = 2°–15°, 92% of 2254 data within ±15% in θ = 15°–165°, and 80% of 1442 data within ±30% in θ = 165°–178°. The peripheral heat transfer correlation can predict 74% of 903 data and 80% of 700 data, respectively, within 0°–180° and 15°–165° with the deviations of ±30%. The sensitivity analysis indicated that the parameter angle and the distributor height have the most and least significant impact on the peripheral heat transfer correlation, respectively.
Deterministic role of fluorine incorporation in the amorphous Zn–O–N semiconductors: First-principles and experimental studies
Authors: Kim Hyoung-Do , Kim Jong Heon , Jang Seong Cheol , Nahm Ho-Hyun , Kim Hyun-Suk
Published: October 2021

In this work, the effects of F incorporation in a-ZnON are investigated through first-principles calculations and experimental demonstrations. Based on first-principles calculations, the incorporated F in a-ZnON prefers to have structural properties similar to ZnF2 rather than merely serving as a substitute for the anion of ZnON. Therefore, this feature of F not only effectively makes the VN formation difficult but also greatly improves the structural order of Zn–N bonds near F. The experimental results also confirmed that similar to the calculational results, the nonstoichiometric and stoichiometric Zn–N bonds were decreased and increased, respectively, by F incorporation through the x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis of the N 1s subpeaks. Furthermore, the F-doped zinc oxynitride thin-film transistors exhibited significantly improved transfer characteristics with high field-effect mobility (>50 cm2/Vs). The corresponded theoretical and experimental results demonstrated the role of incorporated F as a carrier controller and a structural stabilizer for ZnON.
Power Quality Issues and their Possible Solutions in Grid-Integrated Solar Photovoltaic Systems
Authors: Dube Anirudh , Rizwan Mohammad , Jamil Majid
Published: October 2021

The objective of this chapter is to discuss the power quality issues that arise when a solar photovoltaic system is integrated with the utility grid, and their promising solutions. Historically, the purpose of power system-based components was to produce electricity in predefined quantities. However, after the introduction of and advances in power electronics-based components, along with distributed generators, the purpose has been modified to produce a low-disturbance uninterrupted power supply with adequate quality. This leads to the new concept of smart grids, where the demands of power are realized by the combination of conventional sources and distributed generators. However, at the same time, maintaining the power quality in this complex power system becomes the challenging task. This chapter focuses on the various power quality problems associated with a grid-integrated solar photovoltaic system and the probable methods to address the same. Vital guidelines and standards related to power quality are also deliberated upon in this chapter.
Energy Storage Systems for Renewable Energy Sources
Authors: Ahmad Md. Tausif , Khan Shagufta
Published: October 2021

The purpose of this chapter is to familiarize the reader with the modeling of energy storage devices for distribution systems with integrated renewable energy sources (RES). The integration of RES into a distribution system at low voltage may affect grid stability. It requires active demand support and energy storage systems (ESSs) to maintain the stability of the grid. To utilize both the technical and economic advantages of the integrated system, it is important to set the optimal operation of ESSs. On a large scale, the integration of efficient and economic ESSs into distributed generation (DG) systems may affect the power industry in many ways. In this manner, smart energy storage management (SESM) technologies are introduced to prevent power outages, to reduce the cost of storage, and to maintain consistent and reliable integrated RES within the DG systems. The SESM technologies are fast emerging as an essential part of the evolving clean energy systems of the twenty-first century.
Design Challenges for Efficient Integration of Electric Vehicles in Smart Cities
Authors: Jain Anjali , Mani Ashish , Siddiqui Anwar S.
Published: October 2021

The concept of a smart city is one in which planners look beyond the traditional approach to city planning, finding ways to provide a place to live that is environmentally, economically, and socially sustainable in nature. Mobility is a key element to support this new approach in the growth of cities. Sustainable mobility is one of the most important design issues in a smart city, as it could produce high benefits for the quality of life of almost all the city stakeholders. Electric vehicles (EVs) play an important role in sustainable mobility. However, the naive inclusion of EVs in cities leads to several challenges, like increase in peak load, traffic congestion due to charging stations, etc. Hence, the proper design of charging infrastructure and its scheduling is needed to reduce the overall cost of electricity and transportation. This chapter provides the key components of different types of EVs. We will discuss the opportunities, challenges, benefits, and limitations accompanying EVs, and the different types of EVs based on different categories. Emphasis is also given to the impact of EVs on the power grid and to the different charging and scheduling methods for EVs. Finally, the design considerations and challenges associated with EVs are discussed.
Long-term dairy manure application in a no-tillage system: crop yield and soil fertility
Authors: Barth Gabriel , Gotz Lenir Fátima , Favaretto Nerilde , Pauletti Volnei
Published: October 2021

Dairy activity expansion has resulted in increased manure volume produced, with the main destination application in agricultural areas. Accordingly, the aims of this study were to (i) evaluate the effects of dairy liquid manure (DLM), in addition to mineral fertilisation, on crop yields over a 9-year period and (ii) identify the soil chemical attributes modified by the manure, and which most affect grain yield. The experiment was conducted from 2005 to 2015 in a no-tillage system, in Paraná state, Brazil, in soil with sandy clay loam texture. The treatments consisted of four doses of DLM (0, 60, 120, and 180 m3 ha−1 year−1) in addition to mineral fertiliser (same amount for all treatments). The DLM application increased maize and black oat yield but did not affect soybean and wheat yield. The DLM improved all evaluated soil chemical attributes and, even with application on the soil surface and no soil disturbance, the effect was observed in deeper layers. Maize grain yield was strongly correlated with soil chemical attributes, especially with pH (positive) and potential acidity (negative). The DLM application, in addition to mineral fertilisation, increased grain yield in a rotation system, especially of maize, with the effect mainly attributed to improvement in soil acidity attributes and the effect on nutrient availability. The estimated dose of DLM for maximum maize yield was 150 m3 ha−1 year−1, with 16% increment in grain yield.
Relict inland mangrove ecosystem reveals Last Interglacial sea levels
Authors: Aburto-Oropeza Octavio , Burelo-Ramos Carlos Manuel , Ezcurra Exequiel , Ezcurra Paula , Henriquez Claudia L. , Vanderplank Sula E. , Zapata Felipe
Published: October 2021

Significance

With geological sea-level fluctuations driven by climate change, the distribution of mangrove forests has expanded and contracted through time. We studied an inland, isolated mangrove forest located 170 km away from the nearest coastline in the interior of the rainforests of the Yucatan Peninsula (Mexico). Combining multiple lines of evidence, we demonstrate that this extant forest is a relict from a past, warmer world when relative sea levels were 6 to 9 m higher than at the present. Our finding highlights the extensive landscape impacts of past climate change on the world’s coastline and opens opportunities to better understand future scenarios of relative sea level rise.
The Ecuadorian Spanish benefactive and its inherent aspect
Authors: González Paz , Bruil Martine
Published: October 2021

The Spanish benefactive verbal periphrasis dar ‘give’ + gerund is unique to the Spanish spoken in
Ecuador and it seems to have emerged in the historical Ecuadorian context of multilingualism. The analysis presented sheds light
to the intricacies of the construction, taking into consideration the inherent aspect of the gerundial verb. Oral data was
collected during two months of participant observation in Ecuador. The aspectual theoretical analysis of Verkuyl (1993), González (2003) and González and Verkuyl (2017) is applied to the data in order to determine the inherent aspectual
value of the gerundial verb in the predications. The results show that there is an overwhelming use of terminative predications.
Additionally, some predications that prima facie seem durative can be interpreted as terminative. This finding can be partially
explained by particular linguistic phenomena only appearing in the Spanish in contact with Kichwa. Moreover, this study adds
empirical proof of how relevant discourse is in aspectual representations.
Early childhood teachers’ specialised knowledge to promote algebraic thinking as from a task of additive decomposition (El conocimiento especializado del profesor de educación infantil para fomentar el pensamiento algebraico a partir de una tarea de descomposición aditiva)
Authors: Muñoz-Catalán M. Cinta , Ramírez-García Mónica , Joglar-Prieto Nuria , Carrillo-Yáñez José
Published: October 2021

In this article we aim to deepen our understanding of the content and nature of the early childhood teacher’s knowledge, focusing on those aspects which might promote students’ algebraic thinking. Approaching arithmetic from the viewpoint of algebra as an advanced perspective and considering the analytical model Mathematics Teachers’ Specialised Knowledge, we analyse the specialised knowledge in a classroom of five-year-olds handled by an experienced teacher in a lesson on the decomposition of the number 6. Moreover, alternative management of the session is proposed in order to promote early algebraic thinking. In the domain of mathematical knowledge, this analysis has revealed the specificity of the knowledge that this professional must have of the natural number. In the domain of pedagogical content knowledge, it has highlighted the many elements of the knowledge of mathematics teaching that should be possessed to promote algebraic thinking at this educational stage. These elements appear to be more closely related to a profound knowledge of the mathematics taught than to pedagogical knowledge of a more general nature.
Evolutionary patterns of scale morphology in damselfishes (Pomacentridae)
Authors: Wainwright Dylan K , Karan Elizabeth A , Collar David C
Published: October 2021

Fish scales are bony plates embedded in the skin that vary extensively in shape across taxa. Despite a plethora of hypotheses regarding form–function relationships in scales, we know little about the ecological selective factors that shape their diversity. Here we examine evolutionary patterns of scale morphology using novel three-dimensional topography from the surfaces of 59 species of damselfishes, a prominent radiation of coral reef fishes. We find evidence that scale morphology changes with different flow environments, such that species that spend more time in open-water habitats have smoother scales. We also show that other aspects of ecology lead to highly derived scales. For example, anemonefishes show an evolutionary transition to smaller scales and smaller ctenii (scale spines). Moreover, changes in body shape, which may reflect ecological differentiation, are related to scale shape but not surface properties. We also demonstrate weak evolutionary integration among multiple aspects of scale morphology; however, scale size and shape are related, and scale morphology is correlated between different body regions. Finally, we also identify a relationship between aspects of lateral line pore morphology, such that the number of lateral line pores per scale and the size of those pores are inversely related. Overall, our study provides insights into the multidimensionality of scale evolution and improves our understanding of some of the factors that can give rise to the diversity of scales seen across fishes.
A scalable software solution for anonymizing high-dimensional biomedical data
Authors: Meurers Thierry , Bild Raffael , Do Kieu-Mi , Prasser Fabian
Published: October 2021

Background

Data anonymization is an important building block for ensuring privacy and fosters the reuse of data. However, transforming the data in a way that preserves the privacy of subjects while maintaining a high degree of data quality is challenging and particularly difficult when processing complex datasets that contain a high number of attributes. In this article we present how we extended the open source software ARX to improve its support for high-dimensional, biomedical datasets.

Findings

For improving ARX's capability to find optimal transformations when processing high-dimensional data, we implement 2 novel search algorithms. The first is a greedy top-down approach and is oriented on a formally implemented bottom-up search. The second is based on a genetic algorithm. We evaluated the algorithms with different datasets, transformation methods, and privacy models. The novel algorithms mostly outperformed the previously implemented bottom-up search. In addition, we extended the GUI to provide a high degree of usability and performance when working with high-dimensional datasets.

Conclusion

With our additions we have significantly enhanced ARX's ability to handle high-dimensional data in terms of processing performance as well as usability and thus can further facilitate data sharing.
Risk Factors for COVID-19 Deaths Among Elderly Nursing Home Medicare Beneficiaries in the Prevaccine Period
Authors: Lu Yun , Jiao Yixin , Graham David J , Wu Yue , Wang Jing , Menis Mikhail , Chillarige Yoganand , Wernecke Michael , Kelman Jeffrey , Forshee Richard A , Izurieta Hector S
Published: October 2021

Background

We evaluated prevaccine pandemic period COVID-19 death risk factors among nursing home (NH) residents.

Methods

In a retrospective cohort study covering Medicare fee-for-service beneficiaries aged ≥65 years residing in US NHs, we estimated adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) using multivariate Cox proportional hazards regressions.

Results

Among 608251 elderly NH residents, 57398 (9.4%) died of COVID-19–related illness 1 April to 22 December 2020; 46.9% (26893) of these deaths occurred without prior COVID-19 hospitalizations. We observed a consistently increasing age trend for COVID-19 deaths. Racial/ethnic minorities shared similarly high risk of NH COVID-19 deaths with whites. NH facility characteristics for-profit ownership and low health inspection ratings were associated with higher death risk. Resident characteristics (male [HR, 1.69], end-stage renal disease [HR, 1.42], cognitive impairment [HR, 1.34], and immunocompromised status [HR, 1.20]) were death risk factors. Other individual-level characteristics were less predictive of death than in community-dwelling population.

Conclusions

Low NH health inspection ratings and private ownership contributed to COVID-19 death risks. Nearly half of NH COVID-19 deaths occurred without prior COVID-19 hospitalization and older residents were less likely to get hospitalized with COVID-19. No substantial differences were observed by race/ethnicity and socioeconomic status for NH COVID-19 deaths.
Territorial dispute at home: strategic narratives contestation over the Diaoyu/Senkaku Islands nationalization policy in Japan
Authors: Shao Jingkai
Published: October 2021

Japan’s ‘nationalization’ of three islands of the Diaoyu/Senkaku Islands in 2012 involves a Sino–Japanese territorial dispute as well as a strategic narrative contestation within Japan. This article argues that ‘strategic narrative’, a persuasive discursive tool, can exert power through three communicative processes (formation, projection, and reception) in the same way as Copenhagen School’s ‘securitization’ concept. Thus, the strategic narrative can be used to explain the mechanism of securitization. In the 2012 Diaoyu/Senkaku nationalization crisis, the then Tokyo Governor Ishihara Shintaro formed and projected a ‘provocation narrative’ to securitize the territorial issue, and then Japanese Prime minister Noda Yoshihiko attempted to use a ‘peace and stabilization narrative’ to calm things down. After analyzing the narrative contestation processes between Ishihara and Noda, this article finds that it was Ishihara’s triumph on the battlefield of strategic narrative, despite the result of the ultimate success of Noda to ‘nationalize’ the disputed islands.
Radical Target Setting and China’s Great Famine
Authors: Liu Chang , Zhou Li-An
Published: October 2021

This article empirically examines the role of radical targets for grain yields in triggering China’s Great Famine (1959–61), one of the largest man-made catastrophes in human history. Beginning in 1958, the Chinese central government assigned different targets for grain yields in most counties, based on their geographic location. All targets seemed unrealistically high. Using novel county-level data, combined with a spatial regression discontinuity strategy, we find evidence that these radical grain targets prompted excessive procurement and subsequent famine. Our estimates show that a one-standard deviation increase in grain yield targets led to an 18‰ higher death rate in 1960. This article sheds new light on the consequences of target-setting in an authoritarian regime without considering local contexts. (JEL O21, N45, P26).
On underwater sound radiation in a towing tank induced by continuous machine vibration in a steel circular cylinder
Authors: Wu Chen-I , Too Gee-Pinn
Published: October 2021

An understanding of the characteristics and mechanisms of structural vibrations produced by underwater vehicles is required to reduce sound radiation in submarine environments. In this study, experiments were performed using a continuously running machine to produce low-frequency vibrations in a submerged, watertight, steel circular cylinder in the centre of a 176 × 8 × 4 m3 towing tank, and the underwater radiation sound field was measured. Finite element method simulations of the system were also performed and showed good agreement with the experimental results. The wall effects of the towing tank were simulated in detail by changing the alternative impedances of the wall. The reflection and acoustic impedance of the towing tank walls were found to significantly affect the underwater sound field in both the experiments and simulations. An analytical solution was used to verify the frequency range applied in the simulation analysis. The results of this study provide a measurement procedure and a simulation method, which can be used to evaluate the underwater radiation sound field from the vehicle machine running in the water at wall boundary environment.
Relationship between lake area and distance from the city centre on lake-dependent resident and migratory birds in urban Bangalore, a tropical mega-city in Southern India
Authors: Jambhekar Ravi , Suryawanshi Kulbhushansingh , Nagendra Harini
Published: October 2021

Urbanization is one of the major causes of biodiversity loss worldwide. Some species are able to adapt to urbanization, whereas others perish. Studies on long-term effects of the impact of urbanization on species diversity and abundance patterns are especially lacking from tropical cities. We seek to assess the relationship between urbanization and species richness of lake-dependent birds in Bangalore, a tropical mega-city in Southern India. We specifically ask: (i) How is bird species richness related to the size of the lake? (ii) How is bird species richness in Bangalore’s lakes related to the degree of urbanization? We used data from 2014 to 2019, collected from eBird—an online database that collates information on bird observations globally. Both lake area and distance from the city centre are correlated to species richness, with larger lakes supporting more bird species. As distance from the city centre increased (i.e. urbanization decreases), bird richness increased. Overall, in the city of Bangalore, migratory birds have declined while many lake-dependent resident birds seem to be increasing over the past 5 years. We hypothesize that birds that roost and nest in trees appear to be increasing. To confirm this, further research taking a trait-based approach is required. Urbanization appears to have species-specific impacts on lake-dependent birds in this tropical city, with certain groups of birds faring better than others. This research adds to the significant paucity of studies of the impact of urbanization on biodiversity in the urban tropics.
Neural response to rewards in youths with insomnia
Authors: Ling Jiefan , Lin Xuanyi , Li Xiao , Chan Ngan Yin , Zhang Jihui , Wing Yun Kwok , Hu Xiaoqing , Li Shirley Xin
Published: October 2021

Study Objectives

Insomnia and depression are common comorbid conditions in youths. Emerging evidence suggests that disrupted reward processing may be implicated in the association between insomnia and the increased risk for depression. Reduced reward positivity (RewP) as measured by event-related potential (ERP) has been linked to depression, but has not been tested in youths with insomnia.

Methods

Twenty-eight participants with insomnia disorder and without any comorbid psychiatric disorders and 29 healthy sleepers aged between 15–24 completed a monetary reward task, the Cued Door task, while electroencephalographic activity was recorded. RewP (reward minus non-reward difference waves) was calculated as the mean amplitudes within 200−300 ms time window at FCz. Two analyses of covariance (ANCOVAs) were conducted with age as a covariate on RewP amplitude and latency, respectively.

Results

Participants with insomnia had a significantly lower RewP amplitude regardless of cue types (Gain, Control, and Loss) than healthy sleepers, F(1, 51) = 4.95, p = 0.031, indicating blunted reward processing. On the behavioral level, healthy sleepers were more prudential (slower reaction time) in decision making towards Loss/Gain cues than their insomnia counterparts. Trial-by-trial behavioral adjustment analyses showed that, compared with healthy sleepers, participants with insomnia were less likely to dynamically change their choices in response to Loss cues.

Conclusions

Dysfunctional reward processing, coupled with inflexibility of behavioral adjustment in decision-making, is associated with insomnia disorder among youth, independent of mood disorders. Future studies with long-term follow-up are needed to further delineate the developmental trajectory of insomnia-related reward dysfunctions in youth.
Hastening Death in Canadian ICUs: End-of-Life Care in the Era of Medical Assistance in Dying*
Authors: Andersen Sarah K. , Stewart Samuel , Leier Brendan , Alden Lynn E. , Townsend Derek R. , Garros Daniel
Published: October 2021

OBJECTIVES:

Since 2016, Canada has allowed for euthanasia based on strict criteria under federal medical assistance in dying legislation. The purpose of this study was to determine how Canadian intensivists perceive medical assistance in dying and whether they believe their approach to withdrawal of life-sustaining therapies has changed following introduction of medical assistance in dying.

DESIGN:

Electronic survey.

SETTING:

Participants were recruited from 11 PICU programs and 14 adult ICU programs across Canada. All program leaders for whom contact information was available were approached for participation.

PARTICIPANTS:

We invited intensivists and critical care trainees employed between December 2019 and May 2020 to participate using a snowball sampling technique in which department leaders distributed study information. All responses were anonymous. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Categorical variables were analyzed using Pearson chi-square test.

INTERVENTIONS:

Not applicable.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS:

We obtained 150 complete questionnaires (33% response rate), of which 50% were adult practitioners and 50% pediatric. Most were from academic centers (81%, n = 121). Of respondents, 86% (n = 130) were familiar with medical assistance in dying legislation, 71% in favor, 14% conflicted, and 11% opposed. Only 5% (n = 8) thought it had influenced their approach to withdrawal of life-sustaining therapies. Half of participants had no standardized protocol for withdrawal of life-sustaining therapies in their unit, and 41% (n = 62) had observed medications given in disproportionately high doses during withdrawal of life-sustaining therapies, with 13% having personally administered such doses. Most (80%, n = 120) had experienced explicit requests from families to hasten death, and almost half (47%, n = 70) believed it was ethically permissible to intentionally hasten death following withdrawal of life-sustaining therapies.

CONCLUSIONS:

Most Canadian intensivists surveyed do not think that medical assistance in dying has changed their approach to end of life in the ICU. A significant minority are ethically conflicted about the current approach to assisted dying/euthanasia in Canada. Almost half believe it is ethical to intentionally hasten death during withdrawal of life-sustaining therapies if death is expected.
Clinical Outcomes of Symptomatic Neuroma Resection and Reconstruction with Processed Nerve Allograft
Authors: Jain Sonu A. , Nydick Jason , Leversedge Fraser , Power Dominic , Styron Joseph , Safa Bauback , Buncke Gregory
Published: October 2021

Background:

Neuromas causing sensory disturbance can substantially affect nerve function and quality of life. Historically, passive termination of the nerve end and proximal relocation to muscle or bone has been performed after neuroma resection, but this method does not allow for neurologic recovery or prevent recurrent neuromas. The use of processed nerve allografts (PNAs) for intercalary reconstruction of nerve defects following neuroma resection is reasonable for neuroma management, although reported outcomes are limited. The purpose of this study was to assess the outcomes of pain reduction and functional recovery following neuroma resection and intercalary nerve reconstruction using PNA.

Methods:

Data on outcomes of PNA use for peripheral nerve reconstruction were collected from a multicenter registry study. The registry database was queried for upper extremity nerve reconstruction with PNA after resection of symptomatic neuroma. Patients completing both pain and quantitative sensory assessments were included in the analysis. Improvement in pain-related symptoms was determined via patient self-reported outcomes and/or the visual analog scale. Meaningful sensory recovery was defined as a score of at least S3 on the Medical Research Council Classification scale.

Results:

Twenty-five repairs involving 21 patients were included in this study. The median interval from injury to reconstruction was 386 days, and the average nerve defect length was 31 mm. Pain improved in 80% of repairs. Meaningful sensory recovery was achieved in 88% of repairs.

Conclusion:

Neuroma resection and nerve reconstruction using PNA can reduce or eliminate chronic peripheral nerve pain and provide meaningful sensory recovery.
The Role of von Willebrand Factor in Microvascular Surgery in Severely Injured Patients
Authors: Rothweiler René M. , Metzger Marc C. , Zieger Barbara , Huber-Schumacher Sabine , Schmelzeisen Rainer , Kalbhenn Johannes
Published: October 2021

Microvascular anastomosis has become a standard surgical technique for reconstruction because of increasing possibilities, indications, and clinical success regarding the survival of the flaps. However, the main dreaded complications exist in thrombosis. Leaving surgical complications aside, systemic problems like disorder of the coagulation-fibrinolysis system are a significant cause of graft loss usually being unrecognized. Reports exist describing a hypercoagulable state with clotting activation and inhibition of fibrinolysis after trauma and delayed surgery considering the secondary homeostasis. In this clinical case, a patient had a large soft tissue defect at the temporal side of the head after severe trauma. After some days of primary stabilization, reconstruction using a free microvascular latissimus dorsi flap was performed. Multiple revisions of the arterial and venous branches had to be performed intraoperatively due to insufficient flap perfusion. After 24 hours, definitive flap loss occurred due to multiple thrombosis in the arterial and venous branches. Postoperative comprehensive coagulation analysis revealed a distinct activation of primary hemostasis with massively increased von Willebrand factor parameters and factor VIII activity as well as acetylsalicylic acid resistance contributing to thrombotic occlusion. In severely injured patients, comprehensive preoperative determination of the coagulation status (especially those of the primary hemostasis) is indispensable before performing free flap reconstruction surgeries to reduce the risk of microvascular flap loss.
Need for Speed: Investigating Publication Times and Impact Factors of Plastic Surgery Journals
Authors: Chawla Sahil , Shelly Sandeep , Phord-Toy Rachel , Khosa Faisal
Published: October 2021

Background:

Prolonged publishing time in scientific journals can be discouraging for researchers because earlier publication can mean a higher h-index and more academic opportunities. In this study, we evaluated the publication time for articles in plastic surgery journals compared with journals in surgery and medicine. We also assessed correlations between publication speed and journal impact factors (IFs).

Methods:

The overall indexes of all plastic surgery journals were compared with journals in the discipline of surgery and medicine. In addition, we evaluated original articles published in all plastic surgical journals and the highest-ranking journals from various surgical subspecialties listed in the 2018 Journal Citation Report, assessing the time intervals from submission to publication, submission to acceptance, and acceptance to publication. Correlation between time interval and journal IF were analyzed.

Results:

A total of 18 plastic surgery journals were compared with 210 surgical journals. Our study found that the IFs of journals significantly affect submission-to-acceptance times of the articles (P < 0.05, Wilcoxon test). The median submission-to-publication time for all plastic surgery and all surgical journals was 29.7 weeks (IQR, 12.1 and 35.8) and 22.1 days (IQR,18.8 and 36.8), respectively.

Conclusions:

There is a significant submission to publication time lag in plastic surgery journals when compared with other nonplastic-surgery journals. There was a positive correlation between submission-to publication time and IF for plastic surgery journals but a negative correlation for surgery journals (Spearman Correlation). In the last 14 years, plastic surgery journals have remained slow in publishing articles.
Free-style Approach to the Pedicled Lower Medial Thigh Perforator Flap
Authors: Koh Keith , Kong Yuan , Loh Mei Ling , Wu Yijun , Pek Chong Han
Published: October 2021

Soft tissue reconstruction around joints such as the knee requires a few additional considerations compared with other regions. The overlying skin must be pliable, with adequate distensibility to maintain the range of motion as a hinge joint, and ideally be replaced with “like-for-like” tissue to restore its delicate contour. The advent of perforator flaps has provided reconstructive surgeons with thin, pliable flaps conferring superior aesthetic results, good preservation of joint range of motion, and less donor site morbidity. Utilizing locoregional options also allows replacement with “like-for-like.” We retrospectively reviewed lower medial thigh perforator flaps performed for traumatic and debrided infected knee wounds, using a free-style approach to flap harvest. The described technique was found to be reliable, with consistent anatomy. All flaps survived and successfully covered small- to medium-sized critical defects in healthy individuals and those with multiple comorbidities.
Clinical Nurse Specialist Expands to Crisis Management Role During COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Ladak Anila , Lee Betty , Sasinski Juliet
Published: October 2021

Purpose

Emergence of the COVID-19 crisis into the healthcare system challenged existing roles and shifted organizational priorities and staff responsibilities. Operating within the spheres of impact, clinical nurse specialists (CNSs) adapted to the needs of the organization and expanded their responsibilities to provide crisis leadership.

Description of Project

The CNSs used advanced practice nursing skills and leadership to implement hospital rounds, identify issues, make decisions, collaborate with stakeholders, disseminate new and emerging information, and evaluate processes in an ongoing pandemic. Using the health crisis management framework, the CNSs demonstrated authentic leadership throughout the prevention, preparedness, response, recovery, and rehabilitation phases.

Outcome

Data analysis of CNS handoff and meeting communications generated these areas of focus involving the CNSs: (1) clinical practice, (2) supplies, (3) workflows, and (4) people.

Conclusion

The CNS played a vital role in the planning, training, and evaluation of crisis preparation. New and emerging infectious diseases may continue to confront the healthcare system. Thus, healthcare systems need to remain prepared for public health threats. In the crisis leadership role, the CNS helped the transition to learn and relearn practices. As authentic leaders, CNSs instilled calmness, confidence, trust, and resiliency to the staff during the COVID-19 pandemic.
A Comfort Measures Only Checklist for Critical Care Providers
Authors: Matone Emily , Verosky Denise , Siedsma Matthew , O'Kane Erica N. , Ren Dianxu , Harlan Melissa D. , Tuite Patricia K.
Published: October 2021

Purpose

This quality improvement project created a guide for critical care providers transitioning patients to comfort measures only encouraging communication, collaboration, and shared decision making; ensuring management of patients' end-of-life symptoms and needs; and enhancing provider satisfaction by improving structure and consistency when transitioning patients.

Description of the Project

Interviews conducted with staff in intensive care units revealed opportunities to improve structure and processes of transitioning patients at the end of life. A subcommittee of experts designed a checklist to facilitate interdisciplinary conversations. Impact on provider satisfaction and symptom management was assessed. Presurveys circulated used a Research Electronic Data Capture tool. A checklist was implemented for 3 months, and then postsurveys were sent. Charts were audited to identify improvement in symptom management and compared with retrospective samples.

Outcomes

Clinical improvements were seen in communication (12%), collaboration (25%), shared decision making (22%), and order entry time (17%). In addition, 72% agreed the checklist improved structure and consistency; 69% reported improved communication, collaboration, and shared decision making; 61% felt it improved knowledge/understanding of patient needs; and 69% agreed it improved management of patient symptoms.

Conclusion

After checklist implementation, staff felt more involved and more comfortable, and reported more clarity in transitioning patients; no improvement in patient outcomes was realized.
“Sometimes Life Throws You a Curve Ball”
Authors: O'Neil Hailey A. , Fletcher Paula C.
Published: October 2021

Introduction

Individuals with early-onset Alzheimer's disease face many challenges and barriers older adults with late-onset Alzheimer's do not. Unfortunately, information about early-onset Alzheimer's disease is in its infancy stage in comparison with late-onset Alzheimer's.

Purpose/Aims

The purpose of this study was to examine the lived experiences of a 54-year-old man with early-onset Alzheimer's disease and his family (wife, sister, and mother) to understand the effects on the family unit.

Design

Interpretive phenomenology was used to guide this study.

Methods

All participants completed 2 in-person one-on-one interviews, and a final interview was completed online. Field notes, member checks, and triangulation were used to enhance the study's credibility.

Results

This article focuses on the theme “‘A big curve ball’: Disruption of the life cycle.” Participants indicated the major financial and social challenges experienced by Joe and his wife. Furthermore, participants emphasized the importance of acceptance and maintaining a positive attitude to help cope with Joe's diagnosis.

Conclusions

The accounts of Joe and his family shed light on an area relatively void in the literature. In addition, Joe's experiences may provide comfort for other families facing early-onset Alzheimer's disease. The implications for community health nurses in assisting individuals with early-onset Alzheimer's disease and their families are discussed.