bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis of AG Nanocrystal/Few-Layer Graphite Nanoplatelet Composites
Authors: li Shasha , Liu Nailiang , Fang Changqing
Published: January 2019

The present study focuses on improving the combination of graphite nanoplatelet (GNP) with other organic materials without reducing its properties. An Ag nanocrystal was synthesized by electroless plating method under sonication at 40 °C, which was coated densely onto few-layer GNP and hexagon-slice GNP that was found during GNP treatment. Results illustrated that the Ag nanocrystal had uniform grain size and distinct boundary covered onto GNP. The thermal conductivity of the Ag nanocrystal /few-layer GNP (Ag/GNP) composite was superior to that of the GNP material. In addition, the Ag/GNP composite exhibited excellent electrical conductivity.
Thermoplastic Filament Winding Using Powder Impregnated Yarns
Authors: Haupert F , Friedrich K
Published: January 2019

During thermoplastic filament winding the processing parameters such as mandrel temperature, nip point temperature, winding speed, compaction force, and tow tension have to be optimized. Continuous fiber reinforced rings were wound under variation of these winding parameters. In order to characterize the consolidation quality, an interlaminar shear test and a vibration test were made.
Effect of plasma polymerization on tensile properties of Kevlar fiber
Authors: Mathur A. , Netravali A. N.
Published: January 2019

The effects of plasma polymerization on the tensile properties of Kevlar 49 fiber has been investigated. Gaseous ammonia was mixed with ethylene to deposit a thin cross linked film containing reactive functional groups on the fiber surface. Results suggest that the plasma conditions such as power input and mixing ratios could be manipulated to minimize the tensile property losses of the fiber.
Tensile Behaviour of Pultruded FRP Sandwich Composite Bolted Joints
Authors: Ramakrishna S. , Hamada H. , Naito H.
Published: January 2019

In this experimental study, the tensile behaviour of bolted joints of pultruded glass fibre reinforced polyester sandwich composites was investigated. The transverse specimens cut normal to the pultrusion direction failed by net-tension whereas the longitudinal specimens cut parallel to the pultrusion direction failed by a combination of bearing and shear-out modes. The joint strength was dependent on the specimen geometry in the case of transverse specimens whereas it was not in the case of longitudinal specimens.
Damage Growth in Interleaved CF/EP-Composites from Instrumented Impact Fatigue Data
Authors: Karger-Kocsis J. , Yuan Q.
Published: January 2019

Impact fatigue behavior of cross-ply carbon fiber/epoxy (CF/EP) laminates of different lay-up containing adhesive interlayers (interleaves), as well, was studied in instrumented 3-point-bending (Charpy) and falling weight impact (IFWI) tests. It was established that due to low- energy repeated impact (impact fatigue) the maximum load (Fmax) decreases and the contact time with the projectile increases the appearance of which is a “flattening” of the force-time traces, at least above a critical number of impact (NOI) threshold. The absorbed proportion of the incident energy increases with NOI and thus with the damage growth. It was suggested that the change in the initial or secant slope of the load-deflection curves as a function of NOI reflects the damage growth more properly than the change in Fmax alone, as quoted previously.
A Model for Compressive Fragmentation
Authors: Wood Jonathan R. , Wagner H. Daniel , Marom Gad
Published: January 2019

A model has been proposed that represents the compressive fragmentation phenomenon and can evaluate the interfacial shear strength without recourse to complicated stress transfer models. The temperature dependence of the interfacial shear strength is investigated for carbon fibre-polycarbonate microcomposites and the values obtained are applicable to a system that has weak interfacial bonding.
Influence of Maleic-Anhydride Polypropylene on Transverse Cracking in Glass Fibre-Reinforced Polypropylene Cross-Ply Laminates
Authors: van den Oever M.J.A. , Peijs T.
Published: January 2019

This study investigates the influence of improved adhesion, resulting from maleicanhydride modification of the polypropylene matrix, on transverse cracking in 0/906/0 glass fibre-reinforced polypropylene laminates. It was shown that the characteristic damage state in cross-ply polypropylene/glass laminates, i.e. the saturation level of transverse cracks, is independent of fibre-matrix adhesion and corresponds very well with a predicted value using a shear-lag analysis.
On Simulation of Impact Damage in Composite Laminate
Authors: Xiong Y.
Published: January 2019

A complex variational approach is proposed for the stress analysis of a finite composite laminate containing soft inclusion of elliptical shape which simulates the impact damage. The finite width correction is avoided by using this approach in the prediction model for the compression-after-impact strength of laminates. Comparisons with the FEM and test date are made and presented to verify the accuracy of the approach proposed.
Modelling the Dielectric Behaviour of Composites of Epoxy Resin and Kevlar Fibres
Authors: Tsangaris G.M. , Psarras G.C. , Kouloumbi N.
Published: January 2019

The logarithmic law of mixtures can be suitably extended to form equations which can describe the dielectric behaviour of polymeric composites containing non conductive fillers. The proposed equations can give the permittivity and loss of the composites as a function of the permittivities of the constituents, the volume fraction of the inclusions and their aspect ratio. The proposed equation are tested with experimental data obtained in a wide range of frequency and temperature from composites with epoxy resin and Kevlar fibres. Satisfactory agreement is observed and existing discrepancies must be attributed to the intrinsic weakness of the logarithmic law of mixtures on which the proposed equations are based.
Natural-Fibre-Mat-Reinforced Thermoplastic Composites based on Flax Fibres and Polypropylene
Authors: Heijenrath R. , Peijs T.
Published: January 2019

Natural-fibre-mat-reinforced thermoplastics (NMTs) based on flax fibres and a polypropylene (PP) matrix were manufactured using a film-stacking method. The influence of fibre content on stiffness and strength is reported and compared with data for glass-matreinforced-thermoplastics (GMTs), including the influence of improved fibre/matrix adhesion as a result of the use of maleic-anhydride grafted PP. Additionally, unidirectional and random-flax-mat composites based on epoxy resin were manufactured as reference materials. Results indicated that NMTs are of interest for low cost engineering applications, especially when a high stiffness per unit weight is desirable.
Processing of Composites of Chopped PE Fibre-Reinforced PE Matrix
Authors: Stern T. , Teishev A. , Marom G. , Varelidis P.C. , Papaspyrides C.D.
Published: January 2019

This is a preliminary investigation of the effect of compounding on the mechanical properties of chopped PE fibre-reinforced PE composites, aiming in general at determining the processing conditions which avoid fibre relaxation. It is found that compounding in a Brabender results in fibre melting and recrystallization, whereby its extended chain crystallinity is lost. The property improvement relative to the original LLDPE matrix is attributed to a partial formation of HDPE crystallinity.
The Effects of Starter Film Thickness, Residual Stresses and Layup on GIc of a 0°/0° Interface
Authors: Robinson P. , Foster S , Hodgkinson JM
Published: January 2019

This paper reports on an investigation of the mode I delamination fracture toughness of 0°/0° interfaces in a carbon-epoxy system (T800-924). It has been found that thicker starter films give a lower GIc. The toughness of a natural interface (ie unaffected by the presence of a starter film) has been found to be closest to the toughness measured using the thinnest starter films. Tests on 0°/0° interfaces in multidirectional laminates have shown that residual stresses have a significant effect on GIc. Finally, it has been shown that bend-twist coupling in the arms of the Mode I specimen can lead to considerable changes in the apparent toughness.
Analysis of Flexural Fatigue Damage in Woven Glass-Polyester Composites
Authors: Elleuch R. , Chateauminois A. , Bradai Ch.
Published: January 2019

The monotonic and fatigue behaviour of a woven glass/polyester composite has been investigated under three-point bending conditions. Microscopic observations of the fatigue specimens revealed that the damage was mainly related to the early nucleation of transverse micro-cracks and delaminations along the longitudinal fiber bundles. From the quantitative analysis of the length and the orientation of these defects, it was possible to derive a lifetime criterion which was associated to a transition in damage mechanisms.
Initial Failure of Mechanically Fastened Joints with Offset Loading
Authors: Falzon B.G. , Davies G.A.O
Published: January 2019

In this preliminary study the initial failure of a bolted composite joint was investigated. The results of an experimental program using two simple beams bolted together with offset loading are presented. These test specimens were used to simulate a typical skin-spar attachment in a composite wing undergoing hydraulic shock. Initial failure was found to be due to a prying force induced at the outer sections of the joint leading to transverse shear failure.
The Effects of Water and Seawater on the Mechanical Properties of Carbon Fibre Reinforced Epoxy Composite under Pre-Cure Curing Condition
Authors: Zhang M. , Mason S.E.
Published: January 2019

The influences on the interlaminar fracture toughness (GIC) and ultimate tensile strength (UTS) of a cured structural carbon fibre reinforced epoxy composite of two contaminants, water and seawater, introduced prior to cure have been investigated. The results have demonstrated that the control of environmental factors such as water and seawater can have significant effects on the mechanical performance of laminate composite components during the manufacturing process.
Failure Mechanisms of Sisal Fibres in Composites
Authors: Bai S. L. , Wu C. M.L. , Mai Y.-W. , Zeng H. M. , Li R. K. Y.
Published: January 2019

Model specimens, each containing five embedded continuous sisal fibres in an epoxy matrix, were subjected to four-point bending tests. The micro-failure behaviour of sisal fibres was examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Interfacial debonding of both sisal fibre bundle/epoxy matrix and tubular micro-fibre/bonding material was also noted in all embedded fibres. The fibre bundle/matrix interface had a moderate high strength; but the adhesive strength between the micro-tubular fibre and the bonding material appeared to be small.
Solid Particle Erosion of Knitted Glass Fabric-Reinforced Poly(Ethylene Terephthalate) Composites
Authors: Moos E. , Karger-Kocsis J.
Published: January 2019

The erosion behaviour of knitted fabric-reinforced glass fibre (GF)/poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET)-composites was investigated by solid particle impact with irregularly shaped corundum particles. Angular (30° to 90°) and morphological (matrix crystallinity) dependencies of the wear rate were studied.

The specific erosion wear rate was recorded and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) investigations have been performed to describe the wear mechanisms. In general, high erosive wear rates were detected. A maximum erosion rate was found at impacting angles of 60° for all investigated composites. At normal impact (90°) lower wear rates were observed which depended also on the matrix crystallinity. The erosion wear rate increased with increasing crystallinity, knit stretching and annealing (crystallinity change by cold crystallisation). No influence was found for the erosion direction when tests were performed in wale (WD) and course (CD) direction of the knit, respectively. SEM micrographs supported the semi-brittle wear behaviour showing brittle fracture of the glass fibres and the ductile deformation of the PET matrix.
Improved Inherent Flaw Model for Tensile Fracture of Cracked Composite Laminates
Authors: Potti P.K. Govindan , Rao B. Nageswara , Srivastava V.K.
Published: January 2019

Modifications are made in the inherent flaw model to predict the tensile fracture strength of cracked composite laminates. A simple relation is used for the inherent flaw length to improve the accuracy while evaluating the fracture strength of laminates. A quartic (fourth-order polynomial) equation is developed for the fracture strength of an infinite width plate containing a crack. This model is successfully applied to centre crack tensile specimens of graphite/epoxy and nylon/glass polyamide.
Pultrusion of Micro-Braided GF/PA6 Yarn
Authors: Bechtold G. , Sakaguchi M. , Friedrich K. , Hamada H.
Published: January 2019

The present paper reports about experimental investigations on a new type of thermoplastic intermediate material (TP-prepreg). Today, most processes for producing fibre reinforced composite parts with thermoplastic matrices require expensive prepregs like pre-impregnated tapes or hybrid yarns (commingled yarns or powder impregnated yarns). The microbraiding technique offers some advantages compared to existing prepregs: Microbraided yarns can be produced directly by the user by a microbraiding process requiring only glass rovings and polymer rovings, and at the same time, the user is free of any restrictions on fibre/matrix combinations or reinforcement fibre content.

Glass Fibre/Polyamide 6 (Nylon 6) microbraided yarn was compared to commercially available GF/PA6 tape concerning the use in a pultrusion process. For mechanical characterisation, shear strength and bending strength were determined. The processing parameters such as preheating temperature, heated die temperature and pulling speed were varied.
Thermomechanical Behaviour of 2D-SiC/Sic Composites with Nanoscale-Multilayered (PyC/SiC)n Interphases
Authors: Bertrand S. , Germain F. , Pailler R. , Lamon J.
Published: January 2019

2D woven SiC/SiC composites, with nanoscale-multilayered (PyC/SiC)n interphases, have been made via chemical vapour infiltration of a preform of either Nicalon or Hi-Nicalon fibres. The nanoscale-multilayered (PyC/SiC)n interphases consist of n successive PyC-SiC sequences. In the present paper n = 10 and the thickness of the PyC and SiC sublayers was about 20 nm and 50 nm respectively. The influence of Hi-Nicalon fibres and multilayered interphases on the mechanical behaviour at room temperature and the lifetime in cyclic fatigue at 600°C and 1200°C was investigated. The Hi-Nicalon fibre and the multilayered interphases are shown to lead to improved 2D-SiC/SiC composites.
Psychosocial Depression Interventions for Dialysis Patients, With Attention to Latinos: A Scoping Review
Authors: Sullivan John E. , Choi Namkee G. , Vazquez Christian E. , Neaves Margaret A.
Published: January 2019

Purpose:

Depression is a common and debilitating condition that often goes undetected and untreated among people with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). We conducted a scoping review to identify psychosocial depression interventions for adult dialysis patients and gaps in depression care, with particular attention to Latinos, a group disproportionately affected by ESRD in the United States.

Methods:

We searched electronic databases and grey literature sources for studies in English and Spanish.

Results:

We found 36 studies including cognitive behavioral, problem-solving, hope, psychoeducation, expressive writing, and physical activity interventions. Twelve studies (33%) were U.S.-based, while the rest were conducted elsewhere. U.S.-based studies involved mostly individual-format cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) interventions carried out during dialysis. CBTs showed the most promising effect on depression in both randomized clinical and quasi-experimental studies. Among 22 randomized trials reviewed, 1 reported participants with Latino/Hispanic ethnicity.

Conclusions:

More intervention research is needed for depression treatment with ESRD patients, especially Latinos.
Correlates of Chronic Suicidal Ideation Among Community-Based Minor-Attracted Persons
Authors: Cohen Lisa J. , Wilman-Depena Sherilyn , Barzilay Shira , Hawes Mariah , Yaseen Zimri , Galynker Igor
Published: January 2019

Elevated suicidal risk has been documented in adults who are sexually attracted to minors but the topic has not been adequately investigated, particularly outside the context of the criminal justice system. In this study, risk factors for chronic suicidal ideation were assessed in 333 community-based minor-attracted persons (95% male) via an online survey. Chronic suicidal ideation was endorsed by 38.1% of the participants but was associated neither to history of sexually engaging with a child nor to prior contact with the criminal justice system. In bivariate logistic regression analyses, significant unadjusted correlates included young age, less education, prior mental health treatment, weaker attraction to adult women, history of sexual abuse in the participants’ own childhood, and the psychosocial effect of perceived stigma against pedophilia. In multivariable analysis, all these factors except education were uniquely associated with suicidal ideation. These results identify meaningful clinical risk factors and treatment targets in this population.
Major Cardiac Events in Patients Admitted to Intensive Care After Vascular Noncardiac Surgery: A Retrospective Cohort
Authors: Reis Pedro Videira , Lopes Ana Isabel , Leite Diana , Moreira João , Mendes Leonor , Ferraz Sofia , Amaral Tânia , Mourão Joana , Abelha Fernando
Published: January 2019

Introduction. Patients proposed to vascular noncardiac surgery (VS) have several comorbidities associated with major adverse cardiac events (MACE). We evaluated incidence, predictors, and outcomes, and compared different scores to predict MACE after VS. Methods. We included all patients admitted from 2006 to 2013. Perioperative MACE included cardiac arrhythmias, myocardial infarction (MI), cardiogenic pulmonary edema (CPE), acute heart failure (AHF), and cardiac arrest (CA). Lee Revised Cardiac Risk Index (RCRI), Vascular Quality Initiative (VQI-CRI), Vascular Study Group of New England (VSG-CRI), and South African Vascular Surgical (SAVS-CRI) Cardiac Risk Indexes were calculated and analyzed. We performed multivariate logistic regression to assess independent predictors with calculation of odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). To reduce overfitting, we used leave-one-out cross-validation approach. The Predictive ability of scores was tested using area under receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC). Results. A total of 928 patients were included. We observed 81 MACE (28 MI, 22 arrhythmias, 10 CPE, 9 AHF, 12 CA) in 60 patients (6.5%): 3.3% in intermediate-risk surgery and 9.8% in high-risk surgery. Previous history of coronary artery disease (OR = 3.2, CI = 1.8-5.7), atrial fibrillation (OR = 5.1, CI = 2.4-11.0), insulin-treated diabetes mellitus (OR = 3.26, CI = 1.51-7.06), mechanical ventilation (OR = 2.75, CI = 1.41-4.63), and heart rate (OR = 1.02, CI = 1.01-1.03) at admission were considered independent risk factors in multivariate analysis. The AUROC of our model was 0.79, compared with RCRI (0.66), VSG-CRI (0.69), VQI-CRI (0.71), and SAVS-CRI (0.73). Conclusions. Observed MACE were within predicted range (1% to 5% after intermediate-risk surgery and >5% after high-risk surgery). SAVS-CRI and VQI-CRI had slightly better predictive capacity than VSG-CRI or RCRI.
Long-term outcomes of lateral tunneled transposed brachiobasilic arteriovenous fistulas in elderly hemodialysis patient
Authors: Lin Yen-Chin , Huang Yu-Ying , Lin Ming-Yen , Chiu Yi-Wen , Lim Lee-Moay , Hsieh Chong-Chao
Published: January 2019

Background:

Arteriovenous fistula is recommended for the general dialysis population, but its use remains controversial in the elderly population. We evaluated the long-term outcomes of lateral tunneled transposed brachiobasilic arteriovenous fistulas in older patients who underwent hemodialysis.

Methods:

In this retrospective cohort study, we included patients who received a two-stage transposed brachiobasilic arteriovenous fistula in a medical center from May 2005 to January 2014. The patients were followed up from the fistula placement date until any intervention, death, failure, January 2015, or the end of the sixth year. Death and arteriovenous fistula failure during the observation period were considered as adverse outcomes, and the cause of death was identified. The cumulative patency rate was calculated using the Kaplan–Meier approach to reveal the long-term outcomes of this procedure.

Results:

Among the 66 patients who underwent surgery, the average age was 65.8 ± 13.5 years and the majority were females (62.1%). After a median follow-up of 20.6 months, 19 patients died, 12 (18.2%) received vascular intervention, and 3 experienced fistula failure. No significant difference was observed in the 6-year cumulative patency rates between younger and older adults (96.3% vs 80.3%, p = 0.58). None of the deaths during the observation period were related to bloodstream infection.

Conclusion:

A two-stage lateral tunneled transposed brachiobasilic arteriovenous fistula can be applied to patients undergoing hemodialysis, regardless of age.
On the determinants of Airbnb location and its spatial distribution
Authors: Eugenio-Martin Juan L , Cazorla-Artiles José M , González-Martel Christian
Published: January 2019

This article explores Airbnb accommodation spatial distribution and it estimates the main determinants of its location choice. It employs spatial bivariate correlations and spatial econometrics to understand the heterogeneous spatial relationship between established hotels and Airbnb for three kinds of local tourism destinations: sun and beach, nature-based, and city. The case study concerns the Canary Islands where a good mixture of these attractions can be found. The main conclusion drawn is that Airbnb regulation needs to distinguish the kind of tourism. More precisely, Airbnb supply overlaps established hotels in city tourism, but it does not so clearly in sun and beach nor nature-based destinations. Airbnb supply matches tourist visits spatial distribution better than established hotels in city and nature-based destinations, but not in sun and beach destinations, where the incumbent hotels are closer to the tourism resources. Finally, the results from the spatial econometrics model shows that population size and the number of tourist visits matters as determinants of Airbnb location. However, the main determinant is price, which has got a much larger elasticity.
Recruitment and initial socialization into adapted physical education teacher education
Authors: Richards K Andrew R , Wilson Wesley J
Published: January 2019

While much has been learned about the socialization of physical education teachers through occupational socialization theory, less is known about the socialization of adapted physical educators. The purpose of this study was to examine the experiences leading individuals to enrol in a graduate-level adapted physical education teacher education programme in the United States. Participants included 17 first semester preservice adapted physical education teachers (5 males, 12 females). Data were collected through two individual interviews with each participant and autobiographical essay writing. Results revealed similarities and differences in the recruitment of adapted physical educators and physical education generalists. Specific themes included: (a) individuals with disabilities were the most powerful socializing agents; (b) both positive and negative experiences in sport and physical education facilitated recruitment; (c) an incomplete apprenticeship of observation framed recruitment; and (d) participants had different background experiences and espoused diverse career goals. Results are discussed with implications focusing on the socialization of both physical educators and adapted physical education specialists.
Measuring health status and symptom burden using a web-based mHealth application in patients with heart failure
Authors: Baik Dawon , Reading Meghan , Jia Haomiao , Grossman Lisa V , Masterson Creber Ruth
Published: January 2019

Background:

Symptoms of heart failure markedly impair a patient’s health status. The aim of this study was to identify predictors of health status in a sample of racially and ethnically diverse patients with heart failure using a web-based mobile health application, mi.Symptoms.

Methods:

We conducted a cross-sectional study at an urban academic medical center. Patients with heart failure self-reported symptoms using validated symptom instruments (e.g. patient-reported outcome measurement information system) by way of the mobile health application, mi.Symptoms. The primary study outcome was health status, measured with the Kansas City cardiomyopathy questionnaire clinical summary score. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multiple linear regression.

Results:

The mean age of the sample ( n=168) was 58.7 (±12.5) years, 37% were women, 36% were Black, 36% identified as Hispanic/Latino, 48% were classified as New York Heart Association class III, and 44% reported not having enough income to make ends meet. Predictors of better health status in heart failure included higher physical function ( β=0.89, p=0.001) and ability to participate in social roles and activities ( β=0.58, p=0.002), and predictors of poorer health status were New York Heart Association class IV ( β=−11.68, p=0.006) and dyspnea ( β=−0.77, p<0.001). The predictors accounted for 73% of the variance in health status.

Conclusion:

Patient-centered interventions should focus on modifiable risk factors that reduce dyspnea, improve functional status, and enhance engagement in social roles to improve the health status of patients with heart failure.
What is the FAFSA? An adult learner knowledge survey of student financial aid jargon
Authors: Taylor ZW , Bicak Ibrahim
Published: January 2019

Although adult learners (aged 25–34) have comprised over 33% of all enrolled students in US institutions of higher education, researchers have consistently found adult learners are under-supported by federal and institutional financial aid, leading these students to experience high dropout rates and low graduation rates. To better understand what adult learners understand about the process of applying for federal student aid, this study captured nationally representative survey data from 813 adult learners applying to four-year, bachelor’s degree-granting US institutions of higher education in Fall 2018. A financial aid jargon survey was written to assess what financial aid jargon terms are unfamiliar or confusing to adult learners. Results suggest some adult learners understand financial aid jargon, but many reported jargon as unfamiliar and confusing, such as Free Application for Federal Student Aid, master promissory note, entrance counseling, data retrieval tool, and non-filer’s statement. Implications for research and practice are addressed.
Competitions Versus Classes: Exploring the Impact of Case Competitions and Communication Coursework on MBA Ranking
Authors: Marcel Mary , Ross Mahon Nancy
Published: January 2019

Business communication programs and business school competitions are a prevalent component of graduate-level business education. Both activities help students develop problem-solving skills, critical thinking, high-level communication, and applied experiential learning. While business competitions may aid in the development of advanced communication skills, to date there has been no comparison of the effectiveness of coursework, competitions, or both. Using U.S. News & World Report rankings of the top 100 U.S. MBA programs as a proxy for program quality, we find that business communication coursework provides greater benefits when compared with internal case competitions. Specifically, findings indicate a higher ratio of graduate business communication classes to internal competitions correlated to higher rank. Furthermore, reputational advantage was also associated with required communication coursework and a higher number of internal competitions offered for graduate business student participation.
Rural Primary Care Offices and Cancer Survivorship Care: Part of the Care Trajectory for Cancer Survivors
Authors: Berry-Stoelzle Maresi , Parang Kim , Daly Jeanette
Published: January 2019

Background:

A cancer diagnosis is a monumental event in a patient’s life and with the number of cancer survivors increasing; most of these patients will be taken care of by a primary care provider at some point after their cancer therapy. The purpose of this study is to identify primary care physician’s needs to care for a patient who has had cancer.

Methods:

A cross-sectional survey of the physician members of the Iowa Research Network was conducted. The survey was designed to measure physician confidence in cancer survivor’s care, office strategies regarding cancer survivorship care, and resources available for patients with cancer. Two hundred seventy-four Iowa Research Network members were invited to participate in this survey.

Results:

Eighty-two physicians (30%) completed the questionnaire with 96% reporting that they are aware of their patient’s cancer survivorship status. Seventy-one physicians reported they were aware of cancer survivorship status by an oncologist sending a note to the office, 68 being diagnosed in their office, 61 by the patient keeping the office apprised, and 15 receiving a survivorship care plan. Physicians reported the top changes in a cancer survivor’s physical health as fatigue (81%) and pain (59%). Sixty-two physicians reported not feeling confident for managing chemobrain, cardiotoxicity (71%), and skin changes (35%). Male physicians were significantly more confident managing patients’ skin changes ( P = .049) and musculoskeletal disturbances than female physicians ( P = .027), while female physicians were significantly more confident managing early-onset menopause than male physicians ( P = .027).

Conclusion:

Most respondents are aware of their patients who are cancer survivors and are mostly confident in the care they provide for them related to long-term effects and side effects of cancer therapies with limited receipt of cancer survivorship care plans.
Laboratory Courses with Guided-Inquiry Modules Improve Scientific Reasoning and Experimental Design Skills for the Least-Prepared Undergraduate Students
Authors: Blumer Lawrence S. , Beck Christopher W.
Published: January 2019

Past studies on the differential effects of active learning based on students’ prior preparation and knowledge have been mixed. The purpose of the present study was to ask whether students with different levels of prior preparation responded differently to laboratory courses in which a guided-inquiry module was implemented. In the first study, we assessed student scientific reasoning skills, and in the second we assessed student experimental design skills. In each course in which the studies were conducted, student gains were analyzed by pretest quartiles, a measure of their prior preparation. Overall, student scientific reasoning skills and experimental design skills did not improve pretest to posttest. However, when divided into quartiles based on pretest score within each course, students in the lowest quartile experienced significant gains in both studies. Despite the significant gains observed among students in the lowest quartile, significant posttest differences between lowest and highest quartiles were observed in both scientific reasoning skills and experimental design skills. Nonetheless, these findings suggest that courses with guided-inquiry laboratory activities can foster the development of basic scientific reasoning and experimental design skills for students who are least prepared across a range of course levels and institution types.
Role of fracture opening in triggering microseismicity observed during hydraulic fracturing
Authors: Barthwal Himanshu , van der Baan Mirko
Published: January 2019

Hydraulic fracturing in low-permeability hydrocarbon reservoirs creates/reactivates a fracture network leading to microseismic events. We have developed a simplified model of the evolution of the microseismic cloud based on the opening of a planar fracture cavity and its effect on elastic stresses and pore pressure diffusion during fluid injection in hydraulic fracturing treatments. Using a material balance equation, we compute the crack tip propagation over time assuming that the hydraulic fracture is shaped as a single penny-shaped cavity. Results indicate that in low-permeability formations, the crack tip propagates much faster than the pore pressure diffusion front thereby triggering the microseismic events farthest from the injection domain at any given time during fluid injection. We use the crack tip propagation to explain the triggering front observed in distance versus time plots of published microseismic data examples from hydraulic fracturing treatments of low-permeability hydrocarbon reservoirs. We conclude that attributing the location of the microseismic triggering front purely to pore pressure diffusion from the injection point may lead to incorrect estimates of the hydraulic diffusivity by multiple orders of magnitude for low-permeability formations. Moreover, the opening of the fracture cavity creates stress shadow zones perpendicular to the principal fracture walls in which microseismic triggering due to the elastic stress perturbations is suppressed. Microseismic triggering in this stress shadow region may be attributed mainly to pore pressure diffusion. We use the width, instead of the longest size, of the microseismic cloud to obtain an enhanced diffusivity measure, which may be useful for subsequent production simulations.
Effectiveness of psychological treatments for depression and alcohol use disorder delivered by community-based counsellors: two pragmatic randomised controlled trials within primary healthcare in Nepal
Authors: Jordans Mark J. D. , Luitel Nagendra P. , Garman Emily , Kohrt Brandon A. , Rathod Sujit D. , Shrestha Pragya , Komproe Ivan H. , Lund Crick , Patel Vikram
Published: January 2019

Background

Evidence shows benefits of psychological treatments in low-resource countries, yet few government health systems include psychological services.

Aim

Evaluating the clinical value of adding psychological treatments, delivered by community-based counsellors, to primary care-based mental health services for depression and alcohol use disorder (AUD), as recommended by the Mental Health Gap Action Programme (mhGAP).

Method

Two randomised controlled trials, separately for depression and AUD, were carried out. Participants were randomly allocated (1:1) to mental healthcare delivered by mhGAP-trained primary care workers (psychoeducation and psychotropic medicines when indicated), or the same services plus individual psychological treatments (Healthy Activity Program for depression and Counselling for Alcohol Problems). Primary outcomes were symptom severity, measured using the Patient Health Questionnaire – 9 item (PHQ-9) for depression and the Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test for AUD, and functional impairment, measured using the World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule (WHODAS), at 12 months post-enrolment.

Results

Participants with depression in the intervention arm (n = 60) had greater reduction in PHQ-9 and WHODAS scores compared with participants in the control (n = 60) (PHQ-9: M = −5.90, 95% CI −7.55 to −4.25, β = −3.68, 95% CI −5.68 to −1.67, P < 0.001, Cohen's d = 0.66; WHODAS: M = −12.21, 95% CI −19.58 to −4.84, β = −10.74, 95% CI −19.96 to −1.53, P= 0.022, Cohen's d = 0.42). For the AUD trial, no significant effect was found when comparing control (n = 80) and intervention participants (n = 82).

Conclusion

Adding a psychological treatment delivered by community-based counsellors increases treatment effects for depression compared with only mhGAP-based services by primary health workers 12 months post-treatment.

Declaration of interest

None.
Transcryptums
Authors: Cavanagh Sheila L.
Published: January 2019

This article brings the psychoanalysis of Bracha L. Ettinger to the question of mourning in the television series Transparent. As evident in the television series, and in everyday life, there is a troubling metonymy linking trans* lives with death. The appeal to death is often in stark contrast to the way trans* people experience their transitions as giving form to a new and invigorating commitment to life. Despite this, there can be something haunting and unspoken bothering familial relations post-transition. These cryptic experiences are well dramatized in Transparent. From a matrixial perspective, a transition always involves Others and rechoreographs intimate relations in conscious and nonconscious ways. Part of what happens post-transition is a non-cognized change in the matrixial web. Because so much of the matrixial is associated with metaphors of reproduction, life and death, it may be that the vocabulary of death (as metonymy of loss) is used to condense a vicissitude of unprocessed experiences in the matrixial. In other words, we lack ways to work through what has been changed in the relationality between intimate Others occasioned by a transition. The signifier “death” thus overwrites interpersonal familial relations. This article offers a way to understand and unpack the metonymic association using three key psychoanalytic concepts: the psychic crypt, the cryptic carriance, and the transcryptum. By bringing these concepts to the question of “mourning without loss” (van der Weele 2017) in Transparent, this article considers how transitions can enable a “working through” of unacknowledged familial trauma passed down between and within generations.
The Atmosphere of Trans* Politics in the Global North and West
Authors: Nay Yv E.
Published: January 2019

This essay scrutinizes the conundrum of recent trans* politics in the Global North and West. Although this trans* politics has achieved important social changes for some gender-variant people, it at the same time participates in neoliberal notions of equality. In addition, while constructing a seemingly legitimate subject called transgender, this politics perpetuates colonial violence. This article suggests a turn to atmospheres as a crucial term to reassess this quandary. With a focus on discomfort, this article explores ways to decolonize and deprivilege transnational trans* politics in the Global North and West. It argues that such an approach might open up ways to consider trans* politics as an imaginary that would enable fragmented realities, bodies, and selves to become legible and articulable and thereby also make it possible to name the constitutive violence that is at work in politics under the purview of trans*.
Understanding Socio-Legal Complexities of Sex Change in Postrevolutionary Iran
Authors: Saeidzadeh Zara
Published: January 2019

Sex-change surgery has been practiced through a medico-judicial process in Iran based on Ayatollah Khomeini's Islamic juristic legal opinion (fatwa), which he issued just a few years after the Islamic revolution, in 1982. According to the Iranian legal system, judges can refer to the fatwas as a source of decision making if there are no stipulations on the matter within existing legal codes. In this article, I elucidate the divergent legal opinions on sex change among Islamic jurists in Iran and how this has amounted to different legal practices by judges in the country. The lack of law has generated difficult—and in some places impossible—conditions for trans persons to undergo sex-change surgery. According to Ayatollah Khomeini's fatwa, and by drawing on semi-structured interviews conducted in Iran, I argue that sex-change surgery is not obligatory, opposing those who believe homosexuals in Iran are forced to undergo it. Trans people who decide to do so see it as a way to complete the transition, which indicates the importance of body materiality. Using the information gathered during interviews with trans persons in Iran, I examine bodily experiences during the process of transition, in which I have identified three phases: self-recognition, passing, and rebirth. These analyses show that transition does not happen at once or suddenly, it rather takes a long time and may continue after sex-change surgery, which is only one part of it.
Does Treatment of Preoperative Asymptomatic Bacteriuria Reduce the Rate of Postoperative Prosthetic Joint or Surgical Site Infection in Elective Joint Arthroplasty? A Systematic Review
Authors: Sathanandan Krishanthi , Partridge Judith , Hemsley Carolyn , Shah Zameer , Dhesi Jugdeep
Published: January 2019

Introduction: Inconsistent guidelines for management of preoperative asymptomatic bacteriuria (ASB) prior to elective joint arthroplasty leads to practice variance, surgical delays and antimicrobial overuse. This systematic review examined whether: 1) preoperative ASB in patients awaiting elective arthroplasty was associated with increased rates of postoperative prosthetic joint (PJI) and surgical site infection (SSI) 2) treatment of ASB modifies these rates.
Methods: A textual narrative synthesis was performed of randomised control, quasiexperimental and observational studies (identified through MEDLINE, EMBASE, HMIC and grey literature resources), which included patients with ASB and an outcome measure of rate of PJI/SSI. Significant study heterogeneity precluded meta-analysis.
Results: Eleven studies (comprising a total of 31857 patients) were included: one randomised control, three quasiexperimental, and seven observational studies. Ten studies involved a control group to address whether ASB was associated with PJI/SSI. Eight out of these ten studies found no association between ASB and PJI/SSI; two studies found an association. Only four out of 239 cases across all studies grew identical pathogens in wound and urine cultures. One study only included patients with ASB and focused on whether treatment of ASB reduced PJI incidence. Two of the former ten studies also explored this. No studies reported that treatment of ASB reduced rates of PJI/SSI.
Conclusions: Treatment of ASB prior to joint arthroplasty does not reduce rates of PJI/SSI. Within the current climate of antibiotic stewardship and financial healthcare pressures, this review suggests that preoperative urine cultures should not be routinely sent in asymptomatic patients prior to elective joint arthroplasty.
Sleep and autonomy in later life: the SomnIA project
Authors: Arber Sara , Venn Susan , Eyers Ingrid
Published: January 2019

This chapter discusses how the sleep of older people is linked to issues of autonomy and active ageing. For older people living in the community, this chapter demonstrates how the strategic use of napping is related to the goal of active ageing, discusses the reluctance of older people to take prescribed sleeping medication, and examines how care-giving can adversely affect the sleep of older people. For older people living in care homes, care home routines, staffing levels at night and night-time monitoring by staff can compromise the sleep of care home residents, which has implications for their daytime functioning. This chapter argues that poor sleep is often ignored by both the medical profession and by the general public, yet is fundamental in terms of optimising health and well-being in later life, and enabling older people to achieve independent and active lives.
Migration and nutrition
Authors: Thompson Janice L. , Merrell Joy , Bogin Barry , Jennings Hannah , Heinrich Michael , Garaj Vanja , Harper Diane , Molik Bablin , Chowdhury Jasmin
Published: January 2019

This chapter describes Project MINA, an intergenerational and transnational project using a mixed-methods approach to investigate migration, nutrition, and ageing in two generations of Bangladeshi women living in the UK or Sylhet, Bangladesh. Results indicate that varied migration histories and changing family structures play an important role in influencing nutritional status, perceived and actual health status, and future health and social care needs of ageing Bangladeshis in the UK. Future research should focus on developing culturally and linguistically tailored research tools to assess dietary intake and eating behaviours within this population, and examine the complex interplay between family dynamics, cultural norms and social influences that impact the ability of older Bangladeshi adults to eat more healthfully and engage in physical and social activities that promote healthy ageing.
Representing self – representing ageing
Authors: Warren Lorna
Published: January 2019

Previous research has shown that older women are negatively stereotyped as the focus of a rapidly expanding anti-ageing industry or otherwise absent from the media. This chapter discusses the Representing Self-Representing Ageing project, which worked collaboratively with older women, using a range of participatory visual methods to explore their everyday experiences of ageing. The aim was to create alternative images of ‘ordinary’ older women. The women produced a diverse range of visual artwork including photos, fine art and sculpture, which subsequently has been displayed in exhibitions across the UK. Collectively, project participants called for more representations in the media of older women who had not been surgically or digitally enhanced, and who were making a contribution so that younger people might be less fearful of ageing. Participating in the project enhanced the women’s well-being and sense of public validation, while the project itself has contributed to a new cultural turn in social gerontology.
Conclusion
Authors: Walker Alan
Published: January 2019

This chapter concludes the book by first extracting the key findings from each of the preceeding chapters. This provides an easy to access summary of the main policy-orientated implications of one half of the NDA Programme (to match the similar summary in volume 1). Then the overall contribution of the NDA Programme is assessed briefly under the headings, including multi-disciplinarity, Research methods and theory building. In addition to the authors’ personal evaluation evidence is drawn from an independent one.
Poverty, labour markets and ‘poor work’
Authors: Shildrick Tracy
Published: January 2019

This chapter looks at working-class employment. Millions of people experience poverty despite their commitment to working hard in paid employment, which fails to raise them out of poverty. This issue is an increasingly important piece of the poverty jigsaw in contemporary Britain; but it remains hidden behind the simply and easily digested rhetoric of poverty propaganda. An overriding conclusion from many years of researching these sorts of issues in deprived neighbourhoods with high rates of worklessness is that it is very difficult to find people who have never had a job or who choose a lifetime on out-of-work benefits, even when one is determinedly searching for them in some of the most deprived locales in the UK.
Conclusions
Authors: Shildrick Tracy
Published: January 2019

This concluding chapter summarizes the book's main arguments. Among these are that in the current economic and political context, the realities of poverty as a condition are obscured from view by the increasing preponderance of poverty propaganda that breeds myths and untruths about poverty and those who experience the condition. The main causes of poverty in Britain are inadequate and poor-quality employment opportunities and an insufficient ‘welfare’ system that fails to provide social security for people when they require it. Poverty propaganda facilities punitive and cruel policies towards poverty and helps such policies to masquerade as necessary, just and fair. The success of poverty propaganda means that even those experiencing deep poverty are keen to dissociate themselves from poverty.