bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Olfactory changes after endoscopic sinus surgery for chronic rhinosinusitis: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Zhao Rui , Chen Kai , Tang Yuedi
Published: August 2020

Background

Endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) is an important treatment modality for chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). However, its effect on olfaction remains controversial.

Objective of review

To assess the olfactory impact of ESS in patients with CRS.

Type of review

A meta‐analysis.

Search strategy

A systematic literature search in the PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane Library databases was conducted to identify studies that assessed change in olfaction after ESS in patients with CRS. Search terms were related to paranasal sinus diseases, smell and endoscopy.

Evaluation method

The extracted data included authors, publication year, study type, age, sex, diagnostic criteria, surgical mode, sample size, follow‐up time, olfaction measurement tool and outcome. We analysed the olfactory changes as continuous variables.

Results

Thirty‐five studies including 3164 patients with CRS were eligible for the meta‐analysis. Among patients having CRS with nasal polyps, olfactory dysfunction improved, as assessed by the Sniffin' Sticks total score (P = .000), Sniffin' Sticks discrimination score (P = .023), Sniffin' Sticks identification score (P = .005), University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test (P = .046) and Visual Analogue Scale (P = .000). However, the threshold score of the Sniffin' Sticks test did not improve significantly (P = .361). Olfactory dysfunction did not improve in patients having CRS without nasal polyps according to the University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test (P = .404). In non‐classified CRS patients, improvement in olfactory dysfunction was observed according to the University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test (P = .000), Visual Analogue Scale (P = .001) and Questionnaire of Olfactory Disorders‐Negative Statements (P = .001). However, there were no significant improvements according to the Brief Smell Identification Test (P = .325), Sniffin' Sticks threshold score (P = .160) and Sniffin' Sticks identification score (P = .079).

Conclusion

Endoscopic sinus surgery may be beneficial for improvement in olfactory conditions in patients with CRS. Further thorough and comprehensive studies need to be conducted.
Ultrathin colonoscopy can improve complete preoperative colonoscopy for stenotic colorectal cancer: Prospective observational study
Authors: Ito Sayo , Hotta Kinichi , Imai Kenichiro , Kishida Yoshihiro , Takizawa Kohei , Kakushima Naomi , Kawata Noboru , Yoshida Masao , Yabuuchi Yohei , Ishiwatari Hirotoshi , Matsubayashi Hiroyuki , Shiomi Akio , Ono Hiroyuki
Published: August 2020

Objectives

Preoperative colonoscopy is often incomplete for stenotic colorectal cancers (CRC). This prospective observational study aimed to evaluate the ability of an ultrathin colonoscope (UTC) to inspect the whole colon by passing through the stenotic CRC.

Methods

All patients who underwent preoperative colonoscopy for stenotic CRCs at Shizuoka Cancer Center were examined for eligibility. If a standard colonoscope (PCF‐H290ZI) could not pass because of a stenosis, the patients were recruited. All of the eligible patients were prospectively enrolled when informed consent could be obtained, and complete colonoscopy was attempted again using an UTC (PCF‐PQ260L). Patients with stent placement and those requiring right hemicolectomy were not recruited. Primary endpoints were pass‐through and cecal intubation rates. The detected synchronous neoplasias (adenomas and cancers) and their pathological findings after resection were evaluated.

Results

A total of 100 patients were enrolled between September 2017 and February 2019. The mean age was 65.6 ± 10.8 years, and 59% were male. The pass‐through and cecal intubation rates were 67% (67/100) and 58% (58/100), respectively. Synchronous lesions located proximal to the stenoses were detected in 65.5% (38/58) of the complete colonoscopies, with a total of 86 lesions, including 18 advanced neoplasias with three invasive cancers.

Conclusion

When standard colonoscopy cannot pass through stenotic CRC, ultrathin colonoscopy can be considered as an option to inspect the whole colon proximal to the stenosis because treatment strategy can potentially be changed by detecting synchronous neoplasias proximal to the stenosis before surgery. (UMIN000028505)
The relation between municipal and government bond yields in an era of unconventional monetary policy
Authors: Knezevic David , Nordström Martin , Österholm Pär
Published: August 2020

In this paper, we investigate how the 5‐year Swedish municipal bond yield has been related to the corresponding yield on government bonds during the period that the Riksbank has conducted unconventional monetary policy in terms of bond purchases. Using daily Swedish data on bond yields from February 2015 to January 2018, we first conduct an event study to assess the short‐run effects of the Riksbank's bond‐purchase announcements. We then estimate bivariate vector autoregressive models to study the dynamic relationship between the yields. Results from the event study suggest that the accumulated short‐run effect of the Riksbank's announcements was to lower the government bond yield by approximately 40 to 50 basis points and municipal bond yields by 30 to 35 basis points. Our vector autoregressive analysis indicates—in line with the event study—that an unexpected decrease in the government bond yield initially increases the municipal bond‐yield spread. However, after approximately 4 weeks, the effect has been reversed and the municipal bond‐yield spread is lower than it was initially. By conducting this analysis, we contribute to the understanding of the transmission of unconventional monetary policy.
A case of GNE myopathy mimicking hereditary motor neuropathy
Authors: Huang Y.‐N. , Chuang H.‐J. , Hsueh H.‐W. , Huang H.‐C. , Lee N.‐C. , Chao C.‐C. , Huang P.‐H. , Lee Y.‐C. , Lin K.‐P. , Yang C.‐C. , Hsieh S.‐T.
Published: August 2020

A 36‐year‐old woman who presented with upper limb distal weakness since the age of 15 years, with gradual progression to the lower limbs, is reported. Hereditary motor neuropathy was initially suspected based on distal weakness and hyporeflexia; however, whole exome sequencing accidentally revealed a compound heterozygous variant in the GNE gene, and ultrasound revealed increased homogeneous echogenicity in the involved muscles, which is characteristic of myopathic changes. Muscle magnetic resonance imaging revealed fatty infiltration in all limb muscles, sparing the triceps brachii, vastus lateralis and vastus medialis. Muscle biopsy revealed intracytoplasmic rimmed vacuole, supporting the diagnosis of GNE myopathy.
The Ins and Outs of HOPS/TMUB1 in biology and pathology
Authors: Della‐Fazia Maria Agnese , Castelli Marilena , Piobbico Danilo , Pieroni Stefania , Servillo Giuseppe
Published: August 2020

Liver regeneration represents an outstanding tool to study not only proliferation, but also other important processes such as inflammation, regenerative response or stem cell biology. Several novel genes have been identified as being involved in the proliferation of residual hepatocytes. One of them, HOPS/TMUB1, is proving to be a significant player in the control of proliferation, both contributing to genomic stability and as a partner of essential molecules. HOPS is an ubiquitin‐like protein, shuttling from nucleus to cytoplasm, and it is engaged in a number of biological and physiopathological functions. HOPS overexpression in tumour cell lines strongly reduces proliferation, arresting cell cycle in G0/G1. HOPS is involved in centrosome assembly and maintenance, and its knockdown causes genomic instability. Moreover, a direct interaction of HOPS with nucleophosmin (NPM) and p19Arf has been established, resulting in proper control of p19Arf stability and localization. These data indicate that HOPS acts as a functional bridge in the interaction between NPM and p19Arf, providing new mechanistic insight into how NPM and p19Arf will oppose cell proliferation. HOPS exerts a control in p53 stability, directing p53 mitochondrial apoptosis and cytoplasmic localization. HOPS plays a direct role as novel post‐translational modifier of p53, much like SUMO or NEDD. HOPS is overexpressed in a high number of human tumours in patients affected by large intestinal, CNS, liver and oesophageal tumours. This review highlights HOPS involvement in distinct cellular functions, establishing its role as a key player in cell biology and pathology in a broader context.
Seasonal and spatial variability in condition of age‐0+ Argentine hake Merluccius hubbsi Marini, 1933, in the San Jorge Gulf (Argentina): A bottom‐up perspective
Authors: Temperoni Brenda , Massa Agueda E. , Martos Patricia , Marrari Marina
Published: August 2020

In the north Patagonian region of the Argentinean Continental Shelf, the San Jorge Gulf (SJG; 45°‐47°S, 65°30ʹ‐67°30ʹW) is the main nursery ground of age‐0+ Argentine hake Merluccius hubbsi Marini, 1933, one of the most important fishery resources in Argentina. The gulf exhibits strong seasonal and spatial fluctuations in environmental features, which might affect survival of age‐0+ individuals and recruitment to the adult population. Our main goal was to evaluate the seasonal and spatial dynamics of their nutritional status within the SJG in winter 2016, spring 2016 and summer 2017. Condition indices (relative condition factor Kn, hepatosomatic index HSI and liver lipid content %L) and diet information (feeding incidence and relative importance of prey) were combined with physical (temperature and salinity) and biological (satellite chlorophyll‐a concentration; chl‐a) data. Age‐0+ condition indices and prey intake showed significant seasonal variations, with minimum values in winter, intermediate in summer and maximum in spring, strongly coupled to the mean chl‐a concentration in each season. Herbivorous euphausiids Euphausia spp. were the preferred prey along the study period. A bottom‐up effect on condition of age‐0+ hake is suggested, manifested as lower condition values in winter, the less productive season. Spatially, better conditioned individuals matched sectors of the gulf where chl‐a concentrations were higher, coupled to the presence of frontal systems. Monitoring age‐0+ hake nutritional status is relevant in the current global change scenario, which might modify phytoplankton biomass and composition and, consequently, the herbivorous zooplankton abundances.
Density‐dependent egg production in chub mackerel in the Kuroshio Current system
Authors: Takasuka Akinori , Yoneda Michio , Oozeki Yoshioki
Published: August 2020

A paradigm of proportionality between spawning stock biomass (SSB) and total egg production (TEP) has been largely untested at multidecadal scales mainly because of difficulty in estimating annual TEP. Recently, this paradigm was directly tested for sardine (Sardinops melanostictus) and anchovy (Engraulis japonicus) at a multidecadal scale to reveal that SSB–TEP proportionality was partially distorted by intraspecific (sardine) and interspecific (anchovy) density dependence in total egg production per spawner individual (TEPPS) or unit weight (TEPPSW). In the present study, we demonstrate intraspecific density dependence in TEPPS/TEPPSW for chub mackerel (Scomber japonicus) in the Kuroshio Current system, using a proxy for TEPPS/TEPPSW, calculated from snapshot abundance data based on fishery‐independent egg surveys in combination with fishery‐dependent stock assessment data, at a multidecadal scale (38 years). TEPPS/TEPPSW exponentially declined with SSB, indicating a strong intraspecific density dependence in TEPPS/TEPPSW in chub mackerel. The observed phenomenon for chub mackerel was similar to that for sardine. Hence, intraspecific density dependence in TEPPS/TEPPSW may be a phenomenon that is generally applicable for species with a high maximum biomass and large population fluctuations. Lastly, we recommend the application of a TEP‐based framework to studies on recruitment mechanisms of fish.
Greater topoclimatic control of above‐ versus below‐ground communities
Authors: Mod Heidi K. , Scherrer Daniel , Di Cola Valeria , Broennimann Olivier , Blandenier Quentin , Breiner Frank T. , Buri Aline , Goudet Jérôme , Guex Nicolas , Lara Enrique , Mitchell Edward A. D. , Niculita‐Hirzel Hélène , Pagni Marco , Pellissier Loïc , Pinto‐Figueroa Eric , Sanders Ian R. , Schmidt Benedikt R. , Seppey Christophe V. W. , Singer David , Ursenbacher Sylvain , Yashiro Erika , van der Meer Jan R. , Guisan Antoine
Published: August 2020

Assessing the degree to which climate explains the spatial distributions of different taxonomic and functional groups is essential for anticipating the effects of climate change on ecosystems. Most effort so far has focused on above‐ground organisms, which offer only a partial view on the response of biodiversity to environmental gradients. Here including both above‐ and below‐ground organisms, we quantified the degree of topoclimatic control on the occurrence patterns of >1,500 taxa and phylotypes along a c. 3,000 m elevation gradient, by fitting species distribution models. Higher model performances for animals and plants than for soil microbes (fungi, bacteria and protists) suggest that the direct influence of topoclimate is stronger on above‐ground species than on below‐ground microorganisms. Accordingly, direct climate change effects are predicted to be stronger for above‐ground than for below‐ground taxa, whereas factors expressing local soil microclimate and geochemistry are likely more important to explain and forecast the occurrence patterns of soil microbiota. Detailed mapping and future scenarios of soil microclimate and microhabitats, together with comparative studies of interacting and ecologically dependent above‐ and below‐ground biota, are thus needed to understand and realistically forecast the future distribution of ecosystems.
Subcontracting chain and workers’ participation in continuing vocational training: findings from the French, quantitative, linked employer–employee survey of training and career paths
Authors: Sigot Jean‐Claude , Vero Josiane
Published: August 2020

This article discusses the correlation between cascading subcontracting and employees' participation in continuing vocational training. Based on a capability approach, it uses the French quantitative linked employer–employee survey on training and career paths (DEFIS) to question to what degree inter‐firm relations influence their employees’ training opportunities and processes. The results suggest cascading effects in training participation, considered from the angle of taking part both in training and training decision making. It addresses public policy issues arising from inequalities in employee participation with respect to the subcontracting relationship and thereby questions the liability of pure principal contractors.
Antibody detection assays for COVID‐19 diagnosis: an early overview
Authors: Ejazi Sarfaraz Ahmad , Ghosh Sneha , Ali Nahid
Published: August 2020

The ongoing pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) has not only commenced a global health emergency but also agitated various aspects of humanity. During this period of crisis, researchers over the world have ramped their efforts to constrain the disease in all possible ways, whether it is vaccination, therapy or diagnosis. Because the spread of the disease has not yet elapsed, sharing the ongoing research findings could be the key to disease control and management. An early and efficient diagnosis could leverage the outcome until a successful vaccine is developed. Both in‐house and commercial kits are the preferred molecular tests being used worldwide in the COVID‐19 diagnosis. However, the limitation of high prices and lengthy procedures impede their use for mass testing. Keeping the constant rise of infection in mind, the search for an alternative test that is cost‐effective, simple and suitable for large‐scale testing and surveillance is the need of the hour. One such alternative could be immunological tests. In the last few months, a deluge of immunological rapid tests have been developed and validated across the globe. The objective of this review is to share the diagnostic performance of various immunological assays reported so far in severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 case detection. We consolidate the studies (published and preprints) related to serological tests such as chemiluminescence, enzyme‐linked and lateral flow‐based point‐of‐care tests in COVID‐19 diagnosis and update the current scenario. This review aims to be an add‐on in COVID‐19 research and will contribute to congregation of the evidence for decision making.
The empowering potential of intergroup leadership: How intergroup leadership predicts psychological empowerment through intergroup relational identification and resources
Authors: van der Stoep Joost , Sleebos Ed , van Knippenberg Daan , van de Bunt Gerhard
Published: August 2020

As work increasingly transcends organizational boundaries, employee psychological empowerment benefits from resources provided by others outside of the employee's own team, department, or organization. These intergroup collaborations, however, may be inhibited by social identity and social categorization processes, so that the empowerment potential of these relations remains largely untapped. In this study (N = 213), we demonstrate that intergroup leadership is linked to employee psychological empowerment via intergroup relational identification and access to resources. In this way, this study demonstrates the empowering potential of intergroup leadership and intergroup relational identification for employees who collaborate across group barriers. We finish this paper by discussing the main implications for both empowerment and intergroup leadership theory, suggesting fruitful avenues for future research and highlighting the practical value for those who are motivated to increase psychological empowerment among boundary‐spanning employees.
C5 conserved region of hydrophilic C‐terminal part of Saccharomyces cerevisiae Nha1 antiporter determines its requirement of Erv14 COPII cargo receptor for plasma‐membrane targeting
Authors: Papouskova Klara , Moravcova Michaela , Masrati Gal , Ben‐Tal Nir , Sychrova Hana , Zimmermannova Olga
Published: August 2020

Erv14, a conserved cargo receptor of COPII vesicles, helps the proper trafficking of many but not all transporters to the yeast plasma membrane, for example, three out of five alkali‐metal‐cation transporters in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Among them, the Nha1 cation/proton antiporter, which participates in cell cation and pH homeostasis, is a large membrane protein (985 aa) possessing a long hydrophilic C‐terminus (552 aa) containing six conserved regions (C1–C6) with unknown function. A short Nha1 version, lacking almost the entire C‐terminus, still binds to Erv14 but does not need it to be targeted to the plasma membrane. Comparing the localization and function of ScNha1 variants shortened at its C‐terminus in cells with or without Erv14 reveals that only ScNha1 versions possessing the complete C5 region are dependent on Erv14. In addition, our broad evolutionary conservation analysis of fungal Na+/H+ antiporters identified new conserved regions in their C‐termini, and our experiments newly show C5 and other, so far unknown, regions of the C‐terminus, to be involved in the functionality and substrate specificity of ScNha1. Taken together, our results reveal that also relatively small hydrophilic parts of some yeast membrane proteins underlie their need to interact with the Erv14 cargo receptor.
The use of lung ultrasound compared to chest X‐ray to diagnose pneumothorax following the Nuss procedure for pectus excavatum repair in children
Authors: Bonfiglio Rachele , Disma Nicola , Stagnaro Nicola , Girometti Rossano , Gentile Alice , Torre Michele , Bove Tiziana , Vetrugno Luigi
Published: August 2020

Background

Pectus Excavatum is the most common deformation of the skeletal chest wall, and the Nuss procedure is used to correct this deformation. Residual pneumothorax is a frequent postoperative complication after thoracoscopy. Primary aim of this prospective observational study was to compare the level of agreement among readers using lung ultrasound and chest X‐ray.

Methods

This was an inter‐reader single‐center prospective observational agreement study for lung ultrasound and chest X‐ray. Three lung ultrasound evaluations were performed at the end of surgery in the operating room by two Consultant Anesthesiologist (A1 and A2) and by a medical student (A3). Chest X‐ray was interpreted by a consultant Radiologist (R1) and a pool of 11 radiologists (collectively named R2). Cohen's kappa was used to evaluate the level of agreement between the two imaging techniques.

Results

Sixty‐eight pediatric patients were included in the study. The overall agreement among (A = Anesthesiologist) A1, A2, A3, (R = Radiologist) R1, and R2 in assessing pneumothorax was fair (k = 0.32; 95% CI 0.21‐0.40). The stratified analysis showed moderate inter‐reader agreement among lung ultrasound readers A1, A2, and A3 (k 0.58; 95% CI 0.44‐0.71), as opposed to the fair agreement found among chest X‐ray readers R1 and R2 (k = 0.39; 95% CI 0.18‐0.60).

Conclusions

Our results support the use of lung ultrasound to diagnose pneumothorax after Nuss procedure. We found that the inter‐reader accuracy was better with ultrasound compared to X‐ray at our institution.
Mitigating the impact of selective phenotyping in training populations on the prediction ability by multi‐trait pedigree and genomic selection models
Authors: Michel Sebastian , Löschenberger Franziska , Sparry Ellen , Ametz Christian , Bürstmayr Hermann
Published: August 2020

Training populations for pedigree and genomic prediction in plant breeding programmes are largely updated with superior genotypes from multi‐environment trials, where they are tested with the goal of variety development. Such a selective phenotyping has, however, a negative impact on prediction abilities, especially when only a subset of breeding lines can be tested, as for laborious and costly to phenotype traits. This study focused, thus, on investigating the impact of selective phenotyping in the training population of an applied wheat breeding programme, and assessing the potential to mitigate this impact by pedigree and genomic multi‐trait prediction models as well as bi‐directionally selected training populations for several baking quality parameters. Combining both pedigree and genomic information in multi‐trait prediction models with pre‐existing phenotypic information for protein content and sedimentation value compensated for the observed loss in prediction ability, while entering few inferior breeding lines into the training population further mitigated the impact of selective phenotyping and even led to a slight increase of prediction ability in comparison to a randomly chosen training population.
A retrospective review of phototherapy in children, at a tertiary paediatric dermatology unit
Authors: Seccombe Ella , Wynne Matthew David , Clancy Cornelius , Godfrey Keith M. , Fityan Adam
Published: August 2020

Background/Purpose

To examine the efficacy, tolerability and safety of phototherapy in children, in whom there is currently a paucity of data.

Materials and Methods

Retrospective review of children under 18 years who received narrowband UVB (NB‐UVB), broadband UVB (BB‐UVB) phototherapy or psoralen with UVA (PUVA) photochemotherapy between 2003 and 2017 at a tertiary Paediatric dermatology centre in Southampton, UK.

Results

100 children aged 6‐17 years were included. The majority of children had psoriasis (74), atopic dermatitis (10) or vitiligo (8), with others having rarer dermatoses. Grade 2 erythema or above occurred in 46% of all included children and 42% (36/86) of those receiving NB‐UVB; however, grade 3 and 4 reactions were infrequent and only 3 children stopped treatment due to burning. NB‐UVB was particularly effective in those with psoriasis; 55/65 (85%) significantly improved, and 72% had not relapsed after 2 years. However, its effectiveness in atopic dermatitis was less convincing; in a small group of children, 6/10 (60%) significantly improved, but 66% relapsed within 3 months.

Conclusions

Our analysis demonstrates that NB‐UVB is effective in children with psoriasis and vitiligo, with potential to achieve extended periods of remission in psoriasis. Its usefulness in atopic dermatitis is less clear. The long‐term safety of NB‐UVB in children is still unknown, but it appears to be a well‐tolerated treatment and should be considered in children for a variety of inflammatory dermatoses before progressing to immunosuppressive therapies.
What Feedback Matters? The Role of Experience in Motivating Crowdsourcing Innovation
Authors: Chan Kimmy Wa , Li Stella Yiyan , Ni Jian , Zhu John JianJun
Published: August 2020

Recent open innovation literature indicates increasing concern about the quality of crowdsourced ideas. Building on a framework of creativity capability, rooted in behavioral literature, and intrinsic (vs. extrinsic) motivation, derived from personnel economics and social psychology literature, this study predicts the influence of feedback on ideation performance. Specifically, the effectiveness of feedback on ideation performance in firm‐sponsored, non–financially incentivized, idea‐crowdsourcing communities may depend on its valence (positive vs. negative), source (peers vs. firm), and ideators’ ideation experience. Field data, obtained using text‐mining techniques from an idea‐crowdsourcing community, reveal that the effects of positive (negative) peer feedback for increasing (decreasing) subsequent idea quality strengthen (weaken) as ideators gain experience. However, the effects of positive (negative) firm feedback for increasing (decreasing) subsequent idea quality weaken with ideation experience. Experienced ideators are more motivated (less demotivated) to improve subsequent ideation performance when they receive positive peer (negative firm) feedback; inexperienced ideators are less motivated by negative peer feedback but more motivated by positive firm feedback. The results are robust to tests with alternative field data and model specifications, as validated by a controlled laboratory experiment. They also suggest feedback strategies that managers can use to boost customer ideation performance in crowdsourcing contexts.
Do Street‐Level Bureaucrats Discriminate Based on Religion? A Large‐Scale Correspondence Experiment among American Public School Principals
Authors: Pfaff Steven , Crabtree Charles , Kern Holger L. , Holbein John B.
Published: August 2020

Although public administration scholars have long studied discrimination on the basis of race/ethnicity,class,and gender,little to no research exists on whether street‐level bureaucrats provide differential services based on the religious identity of their constituents. This article reports the results from a large‐scale correspondence study of street‐level bureaucrats in the American public school system. The authors emailed the principals of a large sample of public schools and asked for a meeting,randomly assigning the religious (non)affiliation of the family. To get at potential causal mechanisms,religious belief intensity was also randomly assigned. The findings show evidence of substantial discrimination against Muslims and atheists on a par with,and sometimes larger than,the racial discrimination found in previous studies. These individuals are substantially less likely to receive a response,with discrimination growing when they signal that their beliefs are more intense. Protestants and Catholics face no discrimination unless they signal that their religious beliefs are intense.
Understanding the key characteristics and challenges of pine barrens restoration: insights from a Delphi survey of forest land managers and researchers
Authors: Gobster Paul H. , Schneider Ingrid E. , Floress Kristin M. , Haines Anna L. , Arnberger Arne , Dockry Michael J. , Benton Claire
Published: August 2020

Pine barrens are open‐canopy ecological communities once prevalent on sandy soils across the northern Great Lakes Region of the United States and Canada, though fire suppression and plantation forestry have now reduced them to a few isolated areas. Efforts to restore pine barrens are underway on some public lands, but lack of knowledge on the social and ecological issues and challenges that affect these projects impedes fuller progress. As a precursor to designing a public preference survey for pine barrens restoration, we sought input from those with expert knowledge about pine barrens. Using a three‐round modified Delphi survey, forest land managers and researchers identified the key characteristics of pine barrens and important current and future management challenges. Key characteristics were related to fire, landscape structure, plant and animal species, soils, and social themes. Current and future challenges were related to landscape, invasive species, social, economic, climate change, and science themes. Four social issues (education, fire acceptance, fire risk, aesthetics) were rated among the top current challenges but none of them maintained prominence as future challenges. Potential explanations for this shift are that the experts felt these social concerns would be resolved in time or that other issues, such as development pressures and budgets for carrying out restoration, would become greater future challenges. Our approach can be used by managers and researchers to better understand the ecosystems they seek to restore and to communicate with public stakeholders about restoration efforts.
Effects of a mindfulness‐based programme on the health‐ and work‐related quality of life of healthcare professionals
Authors: Cascales‐Pérez María Luisa , Ferrer‐Cascales Rosario , Fernández‐Alcántara Manuel , Cabañero‐Martínez María José
Published: August 2020

Background and Objectives

The objective of mindfulness‐based stress reduction (MBSR) programmes is to promote awareness of the present moment without judging, evaluating or reacting to the different thoughts or emotions that may arise. Development of these abilities appears especially important for healthcare professionals. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness and medium‐ and long‐term effects of a MBSR programme for primary care (PC) health professionals on their health‐related quality of life and quality of work life.

Design

Randomised clinical trial using an intervention and control group with follow‐up of the experimental group.

Setting

Primary Care centres in the Alicante Public Health Service (Spain).

Participants

Participants were PC health professionals (N = 58) divided between an intervention group receiving the 8‐week MBSR programme and a control group receiving a theoretical training session alone.

Method

Both groups were evaluated at baseline and at 8 weeks, and the intervention group was additionally evaluated at 3‐, 6‐, 9‐ and 12‐month postprogramme.

Results

In comparison to the control group, the intervention group obtained higher scores postintervention for mindfulness, health‐related quality of life, mood and compassion satisfaction and a lower score for burnout. Improvements in mindfulness, mood and burnout syndrome persisted at 12 months after the programme.

Conclusions

In conclusion, MBSR is an effective intervention to enhance the health‐related quality of life and quality of work life of Primary Care Health professionals.
A Review of Geothermal Technologies and Their Role in Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions in the USA
Authors: Ball Philip J.
Published: August 2020

A review of conventional, unconventional, and advanced geothermal technologies highlights just how diverse and multi-faceted the geothermal industry has become, harnessing temperatures from 7 °C to greater than 350 °C. The cost of reducing greenhouse emissions is examined in scenarios where conventional coal or combined-cycle gas turbine (CCGT) power plants are abated. In the absence of a US policy on a carbon tax, the marginal abatement cost potential of these technologies is examined within the context of the social cost of carbon (SCC). The analysis highlights that existing geothermal heat and power technologies and emerging advanced closed-loop applications could deliver substantial cost-efficient baseload energy, leading to the long-term decarbonization. When considering an SCC of $25, in a 2025 development scenario, geothermal technologies ideally need to operate with full life cycle assessment (FLCA) emissions, lower than 50 kg(CO2)/MWh, and aim to be within the cost range of $30−60/MWh. At these costs and emissions, geothermal can provide a cost-competitive low-carbon, flexible, baseload energy that could replace existing coal and CCGT providing a significant long-term reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. This study confirms that geothermally derived heat and power would be well positioned within a diverse low-carbon energy portfolio. The analysis presented here suggests that policy and regulatory bodies should, if serious about lowering carbon emissions from the current energy infrastructure, consider increasing incentives for geothermal energy development.
Complementarity Relationships and Critical Configurations in Rigid-Body Collisions of Planar Kinematic Chains With Smooth External Contacts
Authors: Hurmuzlu Yildirim
Published: August 2020

In this article, we consider a special class of collision problems that are frequently encountered in the field of robotics. Such problems can be described as a kinematic chain with one of its ends striking an external surface, while the remaining ends resting on other surfaces. This type of problem involves complementarity relationships between the normal velocities and impulses at the contacting ends. We present a solution method that takes into account the complementarity conditions at the contacting ends. In addition, we study the critical configurations of particle and rigid-body chains where the impulse wave generated by impact gets blocked before it reaches a contacting end.
Forced Convection Laminar Pulsating Flow in a 90-deg Bifurcation
Authors: Selimefendigil Fatih , Öztop Hakan F. , Khodadadi Jay M.
Published: August 2020

Numerical investigation of laminar forced convection of pulsating flow in a 90-deg bifurcation was performed with the finite volume method. The inlet velocity varies sinusoidally with time while constant wall temperature is utilized. The working fluid is air with constant properties and the numerical work is conducted for a range of the Reynolds numbers (100–2000), dividing flowrates (0.3–0.7) and Strouhal numbers (0.1–10). It is observed that the amplitudes of oscillating heat transfer are damped as the value of the Strouhal number increases. The average value of Nu number rises for higher Reynolds number and the dividing flowrate for the downstream wall of the y-channel branch. As the value of the dividing flowrate increases from 0.3 to 0.7, heat transfer is less effective in the vicinity of the branch at the Reynolds number of 500. The effects of the Reynolds number on the average Nu number variation is more pronounced for the y-branch wall for different values of dividing flowrates. Resonant type behavior of average Nu number is obtained for the y-branch channel for diving flowrates of 0.3 and 0.5.
Coupled Temperature-Microstructure Model for Predicting Temperature Distribution and Phase Transformation in Steel for Arbitrary Cooling Curves
Authors: Saha Sandip K. , Kumar Akhilesh
Published: August 2020

This study aims at developing a numerical model that can be employed for simulating the thermomechanical treatment to develop the advanced high strength steels. The developed numerical method is used to calculate the heat transfer coefficient of the quenching medium during the continuous cooling of the steel using the inverse heat transfer model for predefined cooling paths. Further, the phase transformation models are used to predict the final microstructure of the steel plate. The cooling rate, plate thickness, and rolling speed are varied to evaluate the temperature and microstructure distribution in the steel plate. It is found that on increasing the quenching time, the transformation fraction from austenite to ferrite and bainite phases increases and the corresponding martensite fraction decreases. The temperature variation in the plate is significant due to the change in plate thickness and rolling speed for a given quenching time. The present model will be useful for designing process parameters to obtain desired microstructures in third-generation advanced high strength steels.
Remaining Useful Life Prediction of Bearings Using Ensemble Learning: The Impact of Diversity in Base Learners and Features
Authors: Shi Junchuan , Yu Tianyu , Goebel Kai , Wu Dazhong
Published: August 2020

Prognostics and health management (PHM) of bearings is crucial for reducing the risk of failure and the cost of maintenance for rotating machinery. Model-based prognostic methods develop closed-form mathematical models based on underlying physics. However, the physics of complex bearing failures under varying operating conditions is not well understood yet. To complement model-based prognostics, data-driven methods have been increasingly used to predict the remaining useful life (RUL) of bearings. As opposed to other machine learning methods, ensemble learning methods can achieve higher prediction accuracy by combining multiple learning algorithms of different types. The rationale behind ensemble learning is that higher performance can be achieved by combining base learners that overestimate and underestimate the RUL of bearings. However, building an effective ensemble remains a challenge. To address this issue, the impact of diversity in base learners and extracted features in different degradation stages on the performance of ensemble learning is investigated. The degradation process of bearings is classified into three stages, including normal wear, smooth wear, and severe wear, based on the root-mean-square (RMS) of vibration signals. To evaluate the impact of diversity on prediction performance, vibration data collected from rolling element bearings was used to train predictive models. Experimental results have shown that the performance of the proposed ensemble learning method is significantly improved by selecting diverse features and base learners in different degradation stages.
Multi-Objective Engineering Design Via Computer Model Calibration
Authors: Ehrett Carl , Brown D. Andrew , Chodora Evan , Kitchens Christopher , Atamturktur Sez
Published: August 2020

Computer model calibration typically operates by fine-tuning parameter values in a computer model so that the model output faithfully predicts reality. By using performance targets in place of observed data, we show that calibration techniques can be repurposed for solving multi-objective design problems. Our approach allows us to consider all relevant sources of uncertainty as an integral part of the design process. We demonstrate our proposed approach through both simulation and fine-tuning material design settings to meet performance targets for a wind turbine blade.
Building Block Synthesis of Self-Supported Three-Dimensional Compliant Elements for Metallic Additive Manufacturing
Authors: Danun Aschraf N. , Palma Philip D. , Klahn Christoph , Meboldt Mirko
Published: August 2020

Compliant mechanisms gain motion through the elastic deformation of the monolithic flexible elements. The geometric design freedom of metallic additive manufacturing enables the fabrication of complex and three-dimensional (3D) compliant elements within mechanisms previously too complicated to produce. However, the design of metallic additive manufactured mechanisms faces various challenges of manufacturing restrictions, such as avoiding critical overhanging geometries and minimizing the amount of support structure, which has been reported in a few cases. This paper presents a synthesis approach for translational compliant elements, involving building blocks based on leaf-type springs and covering building orientations between 0 deg and 90 deg. In particular, this range is approached by the synthesis of self-supported 3D building blocks with orientations of 0 deg, 45 deg and 90 deg. The compliant elements are built based on linear and circular plane curves and compared numerically according to their mechanical performance to create preferable building blocks. The applicability of the presented procedure and the manufacturability of the compliant mechanisms are proven by printing individual 3D building blocks and their serial aggregation with laser-based powder bed fusion. Consequently, several prototypes are demonstrated, including a bistable switch mechanism and a large displaceable rotational spring joint. In addition, a small-scale highly maneuverable segment of a surgical instrument with a grasping mechanism at the distal end is proposed.
Design and Modeling of Soft Continuum Manipulators Using Parallel Asymmetric Combination of Fiber-Reinforced Elastomers
Authors: Uppalapati Naveen Kumar , Krishnan Girish
Published: August 2020

Soft continuum arms (SCAs) have a large workspace, dexterity, and adaptability, but at the cost of complex design construction highlighted by concatenating several serial segments. In this paper, we propose a new design architecture for SCAs composed of a parallel combination of pneumatic actuators. The BR2 SCA featured in this work is asymmetric as it combines one soft bending (B) actuator and two soft rotating (R2) actuators as opposed to state of art symmetric architectures that adopt bending segments. Spatial deformation is obtained by combining the bending and rotating feature of the individual actuators. This paper also formulates an approximate forward analysis method based on Kirchhoff rod equations to predict the spatial deformation under external loads with an accuracy less than 9% of the SCAs length. In addition, the model also takes into account the “coupling effect” inherent to the asymmetric parallel combination, where actuating rotating actuator attenuates the bending performance and vice versa. Consequently, this work also refines the design of the SCA that minimizes the coupling effect. A detailed performance study of the refined BR2 manipulator on a swiveling base demonstrates larger workspace and higher dexterity when compared with state of art single section SCAs. The performance of the design is validated through different tasks like obstacle avoidance, pick and place task, and whole arm grasping. These performance attributes surpass any other single segment soft module and is a potential building block for constructing customized SCAs.
Design and Posture Control of a Wheel-Legged Robot With Actively Passively Transformable Suspension System
Authors: Ni Liwei , Ma Fangwu , Ge Linhe , Wu Liang
Published: August 2020

This paper presents a novel solution for the posture control and ride comfort between the proposed wheel-legged robot (four wheel-legged robot (FWLR)) and the unstructured terrain by means of an actively passively transformable suspension system. Unlike most traditional robots, each leg of FWLR is independent of each other with a spring-damping system (passive system) is connected in series with an actuator (active system), so the posture control and ride comfort in complex terrain can be realized by the combination between active and passive systems. To verify the performance of posture control in complex terrain, a prototype and complex terrain are established first, then a posture control model, algorithm, and controller considering the suspension system are proposed and verified by the comparison between co-simulation and experiment, the results showed that the pitch angle and roll angles in complex terrain can be controlled. To show the impact of the actively passively transformable suspension system on ride comfort (vibration isolation performance), different dynamic models with different degree-of–freedom (DOF) are established, the co-simulation results showed that the passive system and active posture control system can also effectively improve the ride comfort of FWLR in complex terrain. The research results of this paper have important reference significance and practical value for enriching and developing the mechanism design and theoretical research of wheel-legged robot and promoting the engineering application of all-terrain robot.
A Methodology for Measuring Turbocharger Adiabatic Maps in a Gas-Stand and Its Usage for Calibrating Control Oriented and One-Dimensional Models at Early ICE Design Stages
Authors: Serrano José Ramón , Arnau Francisco José , García-Cuevas Luis Miguel , Gómez-Vilanova Alejandro , Guilain Stephane , Batard Samuel
Published: August 2020

In this work, a methodology is proposed to standardize turbochargers testing based on measuring the maps twice: in close to adiabatic and in diathermal conditions. Along the paper, it is discussed with special detail the impact of the procedure followed to achieve said quasi-adiabatic conditions in both the energy balance of the turbocharger and the testing complexity. As a conclusion, the paper proposes a methodology which combines quasi-adiabatic tests (cold and hot gas flow) with diathermal tests (hot gas flow) in order to extract from a turbocharger gas-stand all information needed by engine designers interested in controlling or one-dimensional-modeling the internal combustion engine (ICE). The methodology is completed with a guide for calibrating said control-oriented turbocharger models in order to separate aerodynamic efficiency (adiabatic) from heat transfer (HT) losses and from friction losses in the analysis of the turbocharger performance. The outsourced calibration of the turbocharger model allows avoiding uncertainties in the global ICE model calibration, what is very interesting for turbochargers benchmarking at early ICE-turbo matching stages or for global system analysis at early control design stages.
Detection of Neutrons Emitted From Reactor Primary Circuit Water by Discontinuing Flow Method
Authors: Viererbl L. , Kolros A. , Vinš M. , Klupák V.
Published: August 2020

On-line activity measurement of fission products in a primary circuit water is often used for a fuel failure detection in research and power nuclear reactors. When gamma spectrometry is used for the activity measurement, high signal from 16N radionuclide and other activation products make the detection of fission products difficult. The detection of delayed neutrons emitted from several fission products is also used; however, if the detector is placed near the outlet coolant pipe, the signal from the delayed neutrons cannot be distinguished from the neutrons emitted due to 17N decay and deuterium photofission, with exception of a reactor scram condition. In this paper, a method of discontinuing the flow of primary circuit water is described. This method is based on the water flowing through a bypass on the outlet pipe to the sampling container and the flow is periodically temporarily interrupted, e.g., using 200 s + 200 s cycles. Neutrons located in the vicinity of the sampling container are continuously detected with a measuring sampling time of less than 2 s. The signal part, corresponding to the delayed neutrons, is evaluated by the signal decay analyzing during the flow interruption. The main sources of delayed neutrons suitable for this method are 137I, 87Br, and 88Br radionuclides with half-lives of 24.5 s, 55.7 s, and 16.5 s, respectively. The method was theoretically analyzed and experimentally verified in the LVR-15 research reactor.