bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fully convolutional multi‐scale dense networks for monocular depth estimation
Authors: Liu Jiwei , Zhang Yunzhou , Cui Jiahua , Feng Yonghui , Pang Linzhuo
Published: April 2019

Monocular depth estimation is of vital importance in understanding the 3D geometry of a scene. However, inferring the underlying depth is ill‐posed and inherently ambiguous. In this study, two improvements to existing approaches are proposed. One is about a clean improved network architecture, for which the authors extend Densely Connected Convolutional Network (DenseNet) to work as end‐to‐end fully convolutional multi‐scale dense networks. The dense upsampling blocks are integrated to improve the output resolution and selected skip connection is incorporated to connect the downsampling and the upsampling paths efficiently. The other is about edge‐preserving loss functions, encompassing the reverse Huber loss, depth gradient loss and feature edge loss, which is particularly suited for estimation of fine details and clear boundaries of objects. Experiments on the NYU‐Depth‐v2 dataset and KITTI dataset show that the proposed model is competitive to the state‐of‐the‐art methods, achieving 0.506 and 4.977 performance in terms of root mean squared error respectively.
Large Dimension and Low-Cost Fe-SMA Rods
Authors: Ozcan Hande , Ma Ji , Schaffer Jeremy E. , Karaman Ibrahim
Published: April 2019

The effects on sample size on abnormal grain growth in inexpensive FeMnAlNi shape memory alloy (SMAs) wires and rod were investigated. It was shown that repeated heat treatments between single phase (bcc) and two phase (bcc + fcc) region resulted in abnormal grains with bamboo structure both in small sized wires and large diameter rods. Microstructural features were investigated using electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) and it was found that 0.5 mm wires possess strong [011] texture whereas, large diameter rods have random texture after grain growth heat treatments.
Predicting the Performance of Highway Embankment Slopes
Authors: Jafari Navid H. , Puppala Anand , Boluk Burak , Cadigan Jack A. , Chakraborty Sayantan , Bheemasetti Tejo , Pleasant Jordan E.
Published: April 2019

Resilience of transportation infrastructure, such as highway embankments, is critical to avoiding commuter delays and costly repairs. The majority of highway embankments in Louisiana and Texas are in marginal condition because the high-plasticity clays that are used during construction will moisten with time to significantly lower strengths. The ring shear tests demonstrate that the Gamez and Stark [1] empirical correlations are applicable to Texas and Louisiana soils. The soil water retention curves at each site were fitted to the Van Genuchten model [2]. For example, the air entry values vary from 0.013 to 0.053 kPa-1 in Louisiana and from 0.008 to 0.01 kPa-1 in Texas. The implications of this wide range of air entry values is that the matric suction pressure required to saturate and desaturate controls the pore-water pressure build-up during a rainfall event.
Rheological and Molecular Characterization of Rubberized Asphalt Emulsion
Authors: Rahman Nafiur , Sarkar Tanvir , Elseifi Mostafa
Published: April 2019

An experimental study was conducted to evaluate the rheological and molecular characterization of rubberized asphalt emulsion. One rubberized asphalt emulsion and an asphalt rubber (CRS-2TR and AC20-TR) and two conventional emulsions (CRS-2 and CRS-2P) were evaluated. The emulsions were characterized by conducting rheological and physical testing. The influence of adding crumb rubber on the binder chemical composition was investigated in the laboratory using Fourier Transform Infrared Analysis (FTIR) on the original, Rolling-Thin Film Oven (RTFO) and Pressure Aging Vessel (PAV)-aged binder residues. Results showed that CRS-2TR and AC20-TR had lower carbonyl and sulfoxide indices indicating better resistance to aging compared to conventional asphalt emulsions. Results of High-Pressure Gel Permeation Chromatography (HP-GPC) on the original, RTFO and PAV-aged binder residues showed that CRS-2TR and AC20-TR had similar High-Molecular Weight (HMW) content compared to that of conventional asphalt emulsions indicating similar susceptibility to brittleness with age.
Harvesting Energy from Pavement – Electromagnetic Approach
Authors: Gholikhani Mohammadreza , Amid Tahami Seyed , Dessouky Samer
Published: April 2019

Roadway pavements have a great potential to be a renewable energy source. Because they are continuously subjected to solar radiation and kinetic energy from passing vehicles. In this study, a prototype was developed to harvest passing vehicle kinetic energy by using electromagnetic technology. The prototype was fabricated by mechanical components including top plate, racks, pinions, one-way clutches, shafts, compression springs and generator. The prototype uses deflection generated by passing vehicles and converts it to rotations in shaft that triggers an embedded generator. A performance of the prototype in generating electrical power was evaluated with laboratory tests by using UTM and simulating traffic conditions. The output powers were measured by different magnitudes of the loads, times of loading and times of unloading. The experimental results show promising in generating power by the proposed prototype with a maximum average power of 3.21 mWatt.
Real-time Analysis of City Scale Transportation Networks in New Orleans Metropolitan Area using an Agent Based Model Approach
Authors: McElwee Millard , Zhao Bingyu , Soga Kenichi
Published: April 2019

The primary focus of this research is to develop and implement an agent-based model (ABM) to analyze the New Orleans Metropolitan transportation network near real-time. ABMs have grown in popularity because of their ability to analyze multifaceted community scale resilience with hundreds of thousands of links and millions of agents. Road closures and reduction in capacities are examples of influences on the weights or removal of edges which can affect the travel time, speed, and route of agents in the transportation model. Recent advances in high-performance computing (HPC) have made modeling networks on the city scale much less computationally intensive. We introduce an open-source ABM which utilizes parallel distributed computing to enable faster convergence to large scale problems. We simulate 50,000 agents on the entire southeastern Louisiana road network and part of Mississippi as well. This demonstrates the capability to simulate both city and regional scale transportation networks near real time.
Reducing Damage Due to Chemical Reactions in Concrete Exposed to Sodium Chloride: Quantification of a Deleterious Chemical Phase Change Formation
Authors: Althoey Fadi , Farnam Yaghoob
Published: April 2019

It has been shown that sodium chloride can react with the tricalcium aluminate (C3A) and its hydrates, leading to a formation of a deleterious chemical phase change during thermal cycling. It is believed that this chemical phase change is implicated in the premature deterioration of concrete pavements in the cold regions. This work examines the potential formation of the deleterious chemical phase change in several cementitious pastes made using different types of portland cement and supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs). The amount of the chemical phase change was quantified using a low-temperature differential scanning calorimetry. The results indicated that the formation of the chemical phase change can be reduced by using cements with low C3A content. The addition of SCMs showed different effects on the chemical phase change formation. Slag and Class F fly ash could reduce the amount of the chemical phase change due to only the dilution effect whereas silica fume could significantly reduce the amount of the chemical phase change due to the dilution effect as well as pozzolanic reactions. Adversely, the addition of Class C fly ash showed a negative effect through increasing the formation of the chemical phase change.
Use of Rice Husk Ash (RHA) as a Supplementary Cementitious Material in Producing Normal Concrete
Authors: islam Kazi , Hossain Zahid
Published: April 2019

With the continuous increase of scarcity of the natural construction material sources and environmental awareness, utilization of wastes/by-products in the construction industry has become an attractive field of study. Several industrial by-products produced from different manufacturing processes have been considered for various usages in the construction field. This paper briefly describes the potential use of Rice Husk Ash (RHA) as Supplementary Cementitious Materials (SCM). Here, three different grades of RHA (600-RHA, 150-RHA, and 44-RHA) in two different percentages (10 % and 20 %) of replacement of Type I Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) were investigated. Laboratory tests on the fresh concrete mix as well as the mechanical properties of the hardened concrete were performed. It was observed that coarser RHA-modified concrete (600-RHA and 150-RHA) showed reduced strength properties while finer RHA (44-RHA) exhibited improved concrete properties. Moreover, the incorporation of RHA in concrete was found to be effective in mitigating alkaline expansion.
Medikamentös induzierte Schlafendoskopien bei Kindern mit
OSA: Standards fehlen
Authors: Wiater Alfred
Published: April 2019

Tejan J et al. Comparative Assessment of Drug-Induced Sleep Endoscopy Scoring
Systems in Pediatric Sleep Apnea. Laryngoscope 2019; doi: 10.1002/lary.27829

Eine Vielzahl von medikamenteninduzierten Schlafendoskopie-Scoring-Systemen
(DISE) werden zur Beurteilung von Problemzonen im oberen Atemweg bei Kindern
und Erwachsenen eingesetzt. Ein allgemein anerkanntes DISE-Scoring-System
für Kinder wurde jedoch bisher nicht entwickelt. Texanische Ärzte bewerteten
den Nutzen von DISE-Scoring-Systemen zur Beurteilung der obstruktiven
Schlafapnoe (OSA) bei pädiatrischen Patienten.
Hochintensives Intervalltraining in der Sporttherapie von übergewichtigen und adipösen Jugendlichen – ein Überblicksartikel
Authors: Engel Florian A. , Oestreich Jannik , Donath Lars , Kunz Philipp , Sperlich Billy
Published: April 2019

Hintergrund Hochintensives Intervalltraining (HIIT) wurde als zeiteffiziente Alternative zum traditionellen niedrigintensiven Ausdauertraining in der Bewegungstherapie von chronischen Erkrankungen identifiziert.

Ziel Analyse der Effekte von Trainingsinterventionen mit HIIT auf für Übergewicht relevante Parameter bei Jugendlichen.

Methoden Eine computerbasierte Literaturrecherche in der elektronischen Datenbank PubMed wurde 2017 durchgeführt. Kontrolliert-randomisierte „peer-reviewed“ Originalarbeiten, welche die Auswirkungen von HIIT Trainingsintervention auf die für Übergewicht relevanten Parameter (z. B. Körpergewicht, Körperzusammensetzung, kardiometabolische Risikofaktoren) bei übergewichtigen und adipösen Jugendlichen (11–18 Jahre) analysierten, wurden berücksichtigt.

Ergebnisse 12 Studien (567 Teilnehmer / innen, Alter: 14,8 ± 1,3 Jahre) wurden analysiert. Die Mehrzahl der Studien erzielte mittels HIIT eine signifikante und praktisch relevante Reduzierung von Körpermasse, Körperfettgehalt, Body Mass Index, eine Verbesserung der kardiorespiratorischen Fitness sowie eine Reduktion von spezifischen Risikofaktoren wie Homeostasis model assessement für Insulinresistenz (HOMA-IR), Cholesterin oder Blutdruck. Der Vergleich der durchschnittlichen zeitlichen Dauer einer Trainingseinheit ergibt eine unwesentlich kürzere Dauer von HIIT (35,7 ± 5,1 min) gegenüber den Trainingseinheiten in den Kontrollgruppen (37,5 ± 8,1 min).

Schlussfolgerungen Das Review macht deutlich, dass übergewichtige Jugendliche durch Trainingsinterventionen mit HIIT die Risikofaktoren für kardiovaskuläre und metabolische Erkrankungen signifikant reduzieren können. Die Integration von HIIT in die sportbasierte Behandlung von übergewichtigen Jugendlichen scheint eine effektive Methode zu sein, um gesundheitswirksame Anpassungen zu erzielen.
Report of Two Novel Mutations in Indian Patients with Rothmund–Thomson Syndrome
Authors: Yadav Sakshi , Thakur Seema , Kohlhase Juergen , Bhari Neetu , Kabra Madhulika , Gupta Neerja
Published: April 2019

Rothmund–Thomson syndrome (RTS) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder caused by mutations in RECQL4 and has characteristic clinical features. We report two unrelated phenotypically diverse patients (cases 1 and 2) with RTS having novel variants in RECQL4 gene. Case-1 was evaluated for poor growth and recurrent fractures and skin lesions. Case-2 presented at 4 months with failure to thrive and radial ray defect and developed poikilodermatous skin lesions after infancy. Both cases were confirmed to have homozygous pathogenic variants in RECQL4. Both patients have normal intellect and are on supportive therapy. The presence of characteristic poikiloderma lesions with specific distribution and skeletal anomalies in a patient with proportionate short stature is a clue toward the diagnosis of RTS.
Prevalence, Risk Factors and Outcome of Postoperative Tibial Tuberosity Fractures in Dogs Undergoing Triple Tibial Osteotomy Surgery
Authors: de la Puerta Benito , Rossanese Matteo , Emmerson Terry
Published: April 2019

Objective The aim of this study was to report the prevalence and to identify the risk factors associated with postoperative tibial tuberosity fracture following a triple tibial osteotomy. This article also evaluates the outcome of these patients treated conservatively.

Materials and Methods Medical records of 100 dogs (113 limbs) that underwent triple tibial osteotomy procedure were evaluated. Information obtained included signalment, preoperative, immediate postoperative and 6-week postoperative radiographic findings, intraoperative and postoperative complications. Long-term outcome was assessed using an owner questionnaire.

Results Postoperative tibial tuberosity fracture was identified in 25/113 stifles. The only variable associated with the presence or absence of postoperative tibial tuberosity fracture within 6 weeks of surgery was postoperative cortical hinge width (CHW) or an indexed value of CHW to tibial width (TW). Using either a cut-off value of CHW of ≥ 5.5 mm or a cut-off value of CHW/TW of ≥ 0.21, only 1/27 stifle in our study developed tibial tuberosity fracture. Long-term owner evaluation of outcome was considered excellent or good in 65/70 stifles.

Conclusion A narrow CHW at the distal cortical attachment of the tibial crest had a strong association with the development of postoperative tibial tuberosity fracture. No other patient or surgical variables were associated with tibial tuberosity fracture. Patients that developed tibial tuberosity fracture and were conservatively managed did not have a worse clinical outcome than patients that did not develop tibial tuberosity fracture.
Spatial Subchondral Bone Density Reflecting Joint Loading of the Talus in Different Canidae
Authors: Dingemanse Walter , Gielen Ingrid , van Bree Henri , Müller-Gerbl Magdalena , Krstić Nikola , Mitrović Marko , Ćirović Duško , Lazarević Macanović Mirjana
Published: April 2019

Objective Subchondral bone density distribution can be used to study joint biomechanics non-invasively. Differences in joint loading between related species can aid in the understanding of joint loading and the development of certain types of orthopaedic pathology. This study was conducted to evaluate density distribution in the subchondral bone of the talus of different Canidae species, as a parameter reflecting the long-term joint loading in the tarsocrural joint.

Materials and Methods The tarsal joints of cadaveric dogs of different breeds were included, that is, German Shepherd (n = 5), Bouvier des Flandres (n = 3) and Labrador Retriever (n = 6).

Additionally, golden jackals (n = 5) (Canis aureus) and wolves (n = 5) (Canis lupus) were included. Consecutive computed tomography slices were made and the subchondral bone density distribution was evaluated using computer tomographic osteoabsorptiometry. Different breeds and species were visually compared.

Results Differences were found in the subchondral bone density distribution of the talus between breeds and between species (Canis familiaris, Canis lupus and Canis aureus).

Discussion and Conclusion Based on the density distribution, there are differences in loading conditions of the tarsocrural joint in different species of Canidae. The joint loading distribution is very similar between dogs of the same breed and within the same species. Although between-breed differences can be explained by conformational differences, the between-species differences remain subject to further research.
Design and investigation of dopingless dual-gate tunneling transistor based on line tunneling
Authors: Li Wei , Liu Hongxia , Wang Shulong , Chen Shupeng , Han Tao , Yang Kun
Published: April 2019

The dopingless tunneling FET (DLTFET) has attracted more and more attention due to the reduction of process complexity comparing to traditional TFET with heavy doping source and drain regions. But the on-state current of conventional DLTFET is lower because its on-state current is only determined by point tunneling (PT) between source and channel. In this work, a new dual-gate DLTFET based on line tunneling (LT) is designed and studied by Sentaurus TCAD simulation tool. The on-state current and subthreshold swing (SS) of DLTFET are greatly improved by skillfully designing back gate engineering and bias. Applying this novel design, the line tunneling is created from channel bottom to channel top, which dramatically enhances tunneling area and tunneling current. So the on-state current of LT_DLTFET consists of point tunneling between source and channel as well as line tunneling in channel region. Comparing to the traditional PT_DLTFET based on Ge, the simulation results reveal that the on-state current of LT_DLTFET based on Ge is increased to 14.8μA/μm from 6.5μA/μm at Vg=1V and Vd=0.5V, and the average SS and minimum SS are decreased to 22.9mV/dec and 6.5mV/dec from 33.9 mV/dec and 9.5mV/dec, respectively. The LT_DLTFET is also proper to both Si and III-V materials. This design greatly promotes the application potential of DLTFET.
Widespread soil bacterium that oxidizes atmospheric methane
Authors: Tveit Alexander T. , Hestnes Anne Grethe , Robinson Serina L. , Schintlmeister Arno , Dedysh Svetlana N. , Jehmlich Nico , von Bergen Martin , Herbold Craig , Wagner Michael , Richter Andreas , Svenning Mette M.
Published: April 2019

The global atmospheric level of methane (CH
4
), the second most important greenhouse gas, is currently increasing by ∼10 million tons per year. Microbial oxidation in unsaturated soils is the only known biological process that removes CH
4
from the atmosphere, but so far, bacteria that can grow on atmospheric CH
4
have eluded all cultivation efforts. In this study, we have isolated a pure culture of a bacterium, strain MG08 that grows on air at atmospheric concentrations of CH
4
[1.86 parts per million volume (p.p.m.v.)]. This organism, named
Methylocapsa gorgona
, is globally distributed in soils and closely related to uncultured members of the upland soil cluster α. CH
4
oxidation experiments and
13
C-single cell isotope analyses demonstrated that it oxidizes atmospheric CH
4
aerobically and assimilates carbon from both CH
4
and CO
2
. Its estimated specific affinity for CH
4
(a
0
s
) is the highest for any cultivated methanotroph. However, growth on ambient air was also confirmed for
Methylocapsa acidiphila
and
Methylocapsa aurea
, close relatives with a lower specific affinity for CH
4
, suggesting that the ability to utilize atmospheric CH
4
for growth is more widespread than previously believed. The closed genome of
M. gorgona
MG08 encodes a single particulate methane monooxygenase, the serine cycle for assimilation of carbon from CH
4
and CO
2
, and CO
2
fixation via the recently postulated reductive glycine pathway. It also fixes dinitrogen and expresses the genes for a high-affinity hydrogenase and carbon monoxide dehydrogenase, suggesting that atmospheric CH
4
oxidizers harvest additional energy from oxidation of the atmospheric trace gases carbon monoxide (0.2 p.p.m.v.) and hydrogen (0.5 p.p.m.v.).
The timing of scaffolding characteristics in mathematics learning
Authors: Widjajanti K , Nusantara T , As’ari A R , Irawati S
Published: April 2019

The concept of scaffolding in the learning process refers to teacher support of all students in the classroom in solving the problem. The heterogeneity of the students’ academic ability in the classroom affects the teacher’s consideration in providing scaffolding to mathematics learning. Scaffolding is given when the student needs support. This qualitative research aims to describe the timing of scaffolding characteristics in mathematics learning based on the academic ability of students. This case study approach presents the investigation of the timing of scaffolding implementation based on students’ academic ability in learning integrals. Subjects in this study weretwo experienced teachers of 12th graders from two schools in Malang, Indonesia. Their students consisted of different levels of academic ability students; low, moderate, and high. The results showed that there were three characteristics of the timing of scaffolding based on the academic ability students; immediate scaffolding for low-ability students, partly delayed scaffolding for moderate-ability students, and fully delayed scaffolding for high-ability students. This study complements the existing scaffolding characteristics.
Ettawah Crossed Bred production on Hibiscus rosa-sinensis leaves supplementation in daily ration
Authors: Hidayati A , Fitriani A , Dwi Choiria R
Published: April 2019

This research had run during dry seasons in the farm of farmer in Tulungagung District, East Java Province of Indonesia for 3 months. This study was carried out for measurements for average daily gain (ADG), dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM) and Crude Protein (CP) consumptions and digestibility, also feed convertion ratio (FCR) on the effect of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis(H r-s) leaves supplementation in daily ration for Ettawah Crossed Bred Goats (ECBG). The experiment method was used in this study and 12 (twelve) heads of ECBG in average of weight 17.33 ± 0.33 kg and 8 months age as the object of research. The ECBGs were divided into 3 groups of treatment supplementation level in main ration. Individual cages were used in this research. The Level of H r-s leaves as supplement were 0% (P0); 2% (P1) and 4% (P2) based on total DM ration. Data of nutirent consumption were collected dail, data of nutrient digestibility were collected during 1 week in the and of research used in vivo technique. The results, Level of supplementation of H r-s leaves giving significantly different (P≤0.05) on ADG.The highest ADG in P2 which was the highest level of supplementation of H rosa-sinensis leaves. That was strongly indicate that leaf of H r-s in the daily ration especially in 4% level giving impact to metabolism especially in absorption and support to animals for growing fast. From the resulr of FCR, ration for ECBG have to evaluation for ration formulate using Hibiscus rosa sinensis leaves as supplement or substitute in ration especially for having ADG better and decrease FCR value.
Large-area printed organic electronic ion pumps
Authors: Cherian Dennis , Armgarth Astrid , Beni Valerio , Linderhed Ulrika , Tybrandt Klas , Nilsson David , Simon Daniel T , Berggren Magnus
Published: April 2019

Biological systems use a large variety of ions and molecules of different sizes for signaling. Precise electronic regulation of biological systems therefore requires an interface which translates the electronic signals into chemically specific biological signals. One technology for this purpose that has been developed during the last decade is the organic electronic ion pump (OEIP). To date, OEIPs have been fabricated by micropatterning and labor-intensive manual techniques, hindering the potential application areas of this promising technology. Here we show, for the first time, fully screen-printed OEIPs. We demonstrate a large-area printed design with manufacturing yield >90%. Screen-printed cation- and anion-exchange membranes are both demonstrated with promising ion selectivity and performance, with transport verified for both small ions (Na+, K+, Cl–) and biologically-relevant molecules (the cationic neurotransmitter acetylcholine, and the anionic anti-inflammatory salicylic acid). These advances open the ‘iontronics’ toolbox to the world of printed electronics, paving the way for a broader arena for applications.
Climate change in Lamjung District, Nepal: meteorological evidence, community perceptions, and responses
Authors: Joshi Anuska , Farquhar Samantha , Assareh Nosha , Dahlet Lol , Landahl Erik
Published: April 2019

Climate change is a global threat which has particularly strong impacts on countries whose economies are highly dependent on agriculture and still developing--like Nepal. As these impacts increase, there is a need to understand how those most vulnerable are experiencing and reacting to climate change. As such, this study aims to understand the effects of climate change via changes in atmospheric conditions in Bansar Village Development Committee, a rural community located in Lamjung District, and document community-led adaptation strategies. Household surveys and focused group discussions were conducted in conjunction with long-term meteorological data. Results show the temperature has increased significantly in the study area. Additionally, precipitation has increased in the pre-monsoon, monsoon, and post-monsoon season while it has decreased in winter leading to droughts. The probability of erratic rainfall occurrence and severe weather such as hailstorms has also increased. Lastly, invasive species have been reported and observed. The combination of these impacts has led to increased crop failure and consequently decreased agricultural production thus threatening the livelihoods of this agricultural based community. However, Bansar residents are actively working to adapt to and mitigate the effects of climate change. Their responses include changing farming methods and installing new water infrastructure.
Deposition of graphene and related nanomaterials by dynamic spray-gun method: a new route to implement nanomaterials in real applications
Authors: Bondavalli Paolo , Pribat Didier , Legagneux Pierre , Martin Marie-Blandine , Hamidouche Louiza , Qassym Lilia , Feugnet Gilles , Trompeta Aikaterini-Flora , Charitidis Constantinos A
Published: April 2019

The dynamic spray-gun deposition method was developed in 2006 to fabricate field effect transistors based on random arrays of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) field effect transistors for gas sensing applications. Thanks to this deposition method, we were able to fabricate hundreds of operational devices in a reproducible way that were integrated in electronic chips. Following this first implementation, we decided to widen the application of the deposition technique to the field of Energy and specifically to the fabrication of supercapacitors. In this context, we demonstrated in 2012 the fabrication of nanostructured electrodes for supercapacitors, using mixtures of graphene/graphite and CNTs increasing the device capacitance and the power delivered of a factor 2.5 compared to CNT based electrochemical-double-layer-capacitors. Indeed, with high quality graphene we could reach a value of around 100 W Kg−1. This value is extremely promising also considering that it has been obtained with an industrially suitable technique. This dynamic spray-gun deposition has been also exploited for the fabrication of resistance based random access memories, making use of thin layers of graphene oxide and of oxidized carbon nanofibers. In the first case, 5000 cycles of ‘write’ and ‘read’ phases were demonstrated. These results pave the way for the fabrication of very low cost memories that can be embedded in smart-cards, patches for health monitoring (e.g. diabetes), ID cards, RFID tags and more generally smart packaging. Finally we are also working on the utilization of this technique for the fabrication of layers for electro-magnetic interference shielding application. Thanks to a new machine with four nozzles, developed within the frame of the Graphene Flagship project, we are able to deposit four different nanomaterials at the same time or alternatively on a large surface (30 cm × 30 cm) creating specific nano-structuration and therefore ad hoc architectures allowing the smart absorption of specific frequencies (e.g. X-band). All these applications demonstrate the extreme versatility of this technique that constitutes a real breakthrough for exploiting the nanomaterials characteristics in real devices, using an industrial suitable fabrication method that can be implemented using roll-to-roll technique.
Assessment of Heat Stress Exposure among Construction Workers in the Hot Desert Climate of Saudi Arabia
Authors: Al-Bouwarthan Mohammed , Quinn Margaret M , Kriebel David , Wegman David H
Published: April 2019

Objectives

Excessive heat exposure poses significant risks to workers in hot climates. This study assessed the intensity and duration of heat stress exposure among workers performing residential construction in southeastern Saudi Arabia (SA) during the summer, June–September 2016. Objectives were to: identify work factors related to heat stress exposure; measure environmental heat exposure at the construction sites; assess the heat stress risk among workers using the wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT) index; and determine if temperature-humidity indices can be appropriate alternatives to WBGT for managing heat stress risk at the construction sites.

Methods

Worksite walkthrough surveys and environmental monitoring were performed, indoors and outdoors, at 10 construction sites in Al-Ahsa Province. A heat stress exposure assessment was conducted according to the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH®) guidelines, which uses the WBGT index. WBGT measurements from two instruments were compared. Alternative heat stress indices were compared to the WBGT: the heat index (HI) and humidex (HD) index.

Results

Construction workers were exposed to excessive heat stress, indoors and outdoors over a large part of the work day. Complying with a midday outdoor work ban (12–3 p.m.) was not effective in reducing heat stress risk. The highest intensity of exposure was outdoors from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.; a period identified with the highest hourly mean WBGT values (31–33°C) and the least allowable working time according to ACGIH® guidelines. Comparison of the alternative indices showed that the HI is more reliable than the HD as a surrogate for the WBGT index in the climate studied.

Conclusion

The extreme heat exposure represents a serious risk. The severity of heat stress and its impact are projected to increase due to climate change, emphasizing the need for immediate improvement of the current required protective measures and the development of occupational heat stress exposure guidelines in SA.
The Effects of Graded Levels of Calorie Restriction: XIV. Global Metabolomics Screen Reveals Brown Adipose Tissue Changes in Amino Acids, Catecholamines, and Antioxidants After Short-Term Restriction in C57BL/6 Mice
Authors: Green Cara L , Mitchell Sharon E , Derous Davina , Wang Yingchun , Chen Luonan , Han Jing-Dong J , Promislow Daniel E L , Lusseau David , Douglas Alex , Speakman John R
Published: April 2019

Animals undergoing calorie restriction (CR) often lower their body temperature to conserve energy. Brown adipose tissue (BAT) is stimulated through norepinephrine when rapid heat production is needed, as it is highly metabolically active due to the uncoupling of the electron transport chain from ATP synthesis. To better understand how BAT metabolism changes with CR, we used metabolomics to identify 883 metabolites that were significantly differentially expressed in the BAT of C57BL/6 mice, fed graded CR (10%, 20%, 30%, and 40% CR relative to their individual baseline intake), compared with mice fed ad libitum (AL) for 12 hours a day. Pathway analysis revealed that graded CR had an impact on the TCA cycle and fatty acid degradation. In addition, an increase in nucleic acids and catecholamine pathways was seen with graded CR in the BAT metabolome. We saw increases in antioxidants with CR, suggesting a beneficial effect of mitochondrial uncoupling. Importantly, the instigator of BAT activation, norepinephrine, was increased with CR, whereas its precursors l-tyrosine and dopamine were decreased, indicating a shift of metabolites through the activation pathway. Several of these key changes were correlated with food anticipatory activity and body temperature, indicating BAT activation may be driven by responses to hunger.
Mental Health Before and After Retirement—Assessing the Relevance of Psychosocial Working Conditions: The Whitehall II Prospective Study of British Civil Servants
Authors: Fleischmann Maria , Xue Baowen , Head Jenny
Published: April 2019

Objectives

Retirement could be a stressor or a relief. We stratify according to previous psychosocial working conditions to identify short-term and long-term changes in mental health.

Method

Using data from the Whitehall II study on British civil servants who retired during follow-up (n = 4,751), we observe mental health (General Health Questionnaire [GHQ] score) on average 8.2 times per participant, spanning up 37 years. We differentiate short-term (0–3 years) and long-term (4+ years) changes in mental health according to retirement and investigate whether trajectories differ by psychosocial job demands, work social support, decision authority, and skill discretion.

Results

Each year, mental health slightly improved before retirement (−0.070; 95% CI [−0.080, −0.059]; higher values on the GHQ score are indicative of worse mental health), and retirees experienced a steep short-term improvement in mental health after retirement (−0.253; 95% CI [−0.302, −0.205]), but no further significant long-term changes (0.017; 95% CI [−0.001, 0.035]). Changes in mental health were more explicit when retiring from poorer working conditions; this is higher psychosocial job demands, lower decision authority, or lower work social support.

Discussion

Retirement was generally beneficial for health. The association between retirement and mental health was dependent on the context individuals retire from.
Risk of Psychological Distress Among Community-Dwelling Older Adults Experiencing Spousal Loss in Ghana
Authors: Gyasi Razak M , Phillips David R
Published: April 2019

Background

Spousal loss, common in older age, has been linked to negative mental health outcomes and well-being, yet the mechanisms linking spousal loss and mental health are still unclear.

Objective

To investigate whether physical activity, social support, and gender modify the psychological distress effects of marital loss among community-dwelling older persons in Ghana.

Methods

Data from a 2016/2017 Ageing, Health, Psychological Well-being, and Health-seeking Behavior Study (N = 1,200) were examined. OLS regression models examined associations between spousal loss and psychological distress outcomes and interaction terms.

Results

Spousal loss (widowhood and divorce/separation) was associated with psychological distress (measured by the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale [KPDS-10]) for the full sample (β = .798, p < .001), women (β = .831, p < .001) and for men (β = .533, p < .05). After adjusting for potential confounders, the associations between spousal loss and psychological distress persisted for the full sample (β = .727, p < .001) and females only (β = .730, p < .001). In particular, when experiencing spousal loss, those with meaningful social support (β = −.856, p < .005) and engaged in physical activity (β = −.258, p < .001) were less likely to be psychologically distressed.

Conclusions

Spousal loss precipitates an independent risk of psychological distress in older age particularly among women, but social support and physical activity engagements moderate the relationship. These findings support the premise that providing opportunities to improve social support and regular physical activity may buffer the effects of psychological distress among older persons experiencing spousal loss. Providing support for older adults in times of divorce and widowhood, and working towards changes in social attitudes towards divorce are important considerations.
Multilayered artificial neural network for performance prediction of an adiabatic solar liquid desiccant dehumidifier
Authors: Oyieke Andrew Y A , Inambao Freddie L
Published: April 2019

In this study, a multi-layered artificial neural network (ANN) algorithm was developed and trained to predict the performance of a solar powered liquid desiccant air conditioning (LDAC) system particularly the adiabatic packed tower dehumidifier using Lithium Bromide (LiBr) desiccant. A reinforced technique of supervised learning based on error correction principle rule coupled with perceptron convergence theorem was applied to create the algorithm. The parameters such as temperature, flow rates and humidity ratio of both air and desiccant fluid were fed as inputs to the ANN algorithm and their respective outputs used to determine dehumidifier effectiveness and moisture removal rate (MRR). The ANN model when subjected to validity tests using vapour pressure of LiBr desiccant solution at specific random temperatures and concentrations, gave astounding outcomes with precise estimation to R2 values of 0.9999 for all desiccant concentration levels. Due to the variation in solar radiation, the MRR and effectiveness fluctuated with the change in desiccant and air temperatures, giving maximum differences of 0.2 g/s and 1.8% respectively between the predicted and measured values depicting a perfect match. With respect to humidity ratio, MRR was accurately predicted by ANN algorithm with maximum difference of 3.4969% while the mean variation was −0.5957%. With respect to air temperature, the dehumidifier effectiveness was perfectly predicted by the ANN algorithm to an average accuracy of 0.53% and extreme positive deviation of 4.14%. The MRR was replicated to a mean variation of 0.013% and highest point difference of 0.08%. In all the above cases, the mean and maximum differences between the ANN model and experimental values were far below the allowable limit of ± 5%, hence the algorithm was deemed to be successful and could find use in air conditioning scenarios. The ANN algorithm’s capability and flexibility test of processing unforeseen inputs was accurate with negligible deviations and prospects of predicting the desiccant’s vapour pressure, dehumidifier effectiveness and MRR within all ranges of temperature and concentration which then eliminates the need for use of charts.
Music Therapy as a Psychospiritual Ministry of Intercession During Imminent Death
Authors: Potvin Noah , Flynn Cathleen
Published: April 2019

Imminent death is a critical stage in end-of-life care requiring a shared attention to the preparatory needs of both patient and caregiver(s). For many patients and caregivers who identify as Christian, the Holy Spirit can be an integral resource capable of facilitating a healthy death experience. Music therapy, as a resource-oriented practice, has the potential to be a ministry facilitating access to the Holy Spirit for patients and caregivers to use for unique purposes. Drawing from both music therapy and theological concepts and identifying their intersections, this paper frames an ethical and effective model of music therapy as ministry as shaped through three unique stakeholder roles: music therapist as minister of intercessory prayer; patient as vertically transcendental worshiper; and caregiver(s) as horizontally transcendental worshiper. These roles are implicitly and simultaneously assumed, fulfilling the functions necessary for a holistic, comprehensive plan of care to be enacted during a time-limited stage of urgent need such as imminent death. Theoretical postulations related to each stakeholder role are posited and discussed in context of clinical practice. Future examinations of music therapy as ministry through other faith lenses have the potential to yield additional psychospiritual functions of music therapy at the end of life, including identifying additional resources music therapy can address with Christian patients in end-of-life care settings.
Superior performance and high service stability for GeTe-based thermoelectric compounds
Authors: Xing Tong , Song Qingfeng , Qiu Pengfei , Zhang Qihao , Xia Xugui , Liao Jincheng , Liu Ruiheng , Huang Hui , Yang Jiong , Bai Shengqiang , Ren Dudi , Shi Xun , Chen Lidong
Published: April 2019

GeTe-based compounds have been intensively studied recently due to their superior thermoelectric performance, but their real applications are still limited so far due to the drastic volume variation that occurs during the rhombohedral–cubic phase transition, which may break the material or the material/electrode interface during service. Here, superior performance and high service stability for GeTe-based thermoelectric compounds are achieved by co-doping Mg and Sb into GeTe. The linear coefficient of thermal expansion before phase transition is greatly improved to match that after phase transition, yielding smooth volume variation around the phase transition temperature. Likewise, co-doping (Mg, Sb) in GeTe successfully tunes the carrier concentration to the optimal range and effectively suppresses the lattice thermal conductivity. A peak zT of 1.84 at 800 K and an average zT of 1.2 in 300–800 K have been achieved in Ge0.85Mg0.05Sb0.1Te. Finally, a Ni/Ti/Ge0.85Mg0.05Sb0.1Te thermoelectric uni-leg is fabricated and tested, showing quite good service stability even after 450 thermal cycles between 473 K and 800 K. This study will accelerate the application of GeTe-based compounds for power generation in the mid-temperature range.
A Conservative Disposition and Constitutional Change
Authors: Gee Graham , Webber Grégoire
Published: April 2019

What is a conservative disposition? And can it supply any insights into the UK’s changing constitution? We offer answers to these questions by identifying core elements of a conservative disposition and exploring how it offers contingent guidance to public lawyers striving to make sense of a changing constitution. Our goal is to show why a conservative disposition remains relevant to public lawyers, in large measure because, rather than despite, the constitution is changing. We examine the disposition’s relationship with change and review how a conservative disposition offers open-ended guidance on when to pursue change, how to pursue it, how much of it to pursue at any point in time and what reasons should motivate it. After evaluating arguments against the relevance of a conservative disposition to constitutional thought, we relate conservative arguments to two important proposals for constitutional reform: the withdrawal of the UK from the European Convention on Human Rights and a written constitution.
Idiopathic intracranial hypertension
Authors: Boyter Elizabeth
Published: April 2019

Idiopathic intracranial hypertension is a rare disorder of elevated intracranial pressure with normal cerebrospinal fluid composition and without intracranial pathology. This condition primarily affects obese women of childbearing age and frequently causes headaches, vision loss, diplopia, tinnitus, and nausea. The incidence of idiopathic intracranial hypertension is rising along with obesity rates. Primary care and ED clinicians must recognize the signs and symptoms of idiopathic intracranial hypertension and intervene promptly to control symptoms and to preserve vision. This article reviews the clinical presentation and management of patients with idiopathic intracranial hypertension.
Prediction of Success in External Cephalic Version for Breech Presentation at Term
Authors: Isakov Ofer , Reicher Lee , Lavie Anat , Yogev Yariv , Maslovitz Sharon
Published: April 2019

OBJECTIVE:

To design a clinically based predictive model for the likelihood of successful external cephalic version (ECV).

METHODS:

This single-center retrospective study was conducted from February 2016 to July 2018 and included all candidates for ECV between 36 and 41 weeks of gestation. Variables with a potential effect on ECV success were collected. These variables include: body mass index, amniotic fluid index, gestational age, parity, location of placenta, fetal trunk posture, time in breech presentation before the procedure and the ultrasonographically measured size of the amniotic fluid preceding the fetal presenting part (fore-bag). Variables' association with ECV success was evaluated using a multivariate logistic regression and a decision tree predicting ECV outcome was developed using 75% of the patients and validated on the remaining 25%.

RESULTS:

Overall, 250 pregnant women were identified and opted for a trial of ECV by a single operator, with a success rate of 64.8%. Body mass index, size of fore-bag, and parity were independent determinants of the version success, whereas other variables had no statistically significant effect on the success rate. Our decision tree model divided the cohort into five subgroups according to various combinations of the three variables. When evaluated on the internal validation set, the C-Index of the tree was 0.933 (0.863–1) and the prediction accuracy was 91.9% (86.5%–97.3%).

CONCLUSION:

A prediction model composed of three easily measurable variables enables accurate prediction of successful ECV at term. Fore-bag was identified as the most important discriminator. Our model holds in internal validation and it can be used to support patient counseling and decision making for ECV but should be externally validated.
Acute Management of Ischemic Stroke During Pregnancy
Authors: Pacheco Luis D. , Hankins Gary D. V. , Saad Antonio F. , Saade George R.
Published: April 2019

Acute stroke in pregnancy can be devastating. Although neurologists will at some point be involved in the management, most of these patients are likely to first be evaluated by an obstetric care provider. It is, therefore, important for obstetric care providers to have an understanding of the presentation and management of stroke, particularly in the initial period when the window of opportunity for therapy is critical. Once suspected, a head computed tomography (CT) without contrast media should be performed without delay to rule out a hemorrhagic component. Patients presenting within 4.5 hours of symptom onset and with an initial normal head CT scan are candidates for alteplase (tissue plasminogen activator [tPA]). Blood pressure (BP) control is paramount when administering tPA. During pregnancy, we recommend maintaining a BP between 140–160/90–110 mm Hg during tPA treatment. Pregnancy should not be a contraindication for mechanical thrombectomy in carefully selected patients. The use of therapeutic anticoagulation during the acute management of ischemic stroke is not indicated owing to an increased risk of hemorrhagic transformation. Supportive therapy should include aggressive treatment of fever, avoidance of hypotonic maintenance fluids, and maintenance of normal serum sodium levels. Serum glucose levels should be kept between 140 and 180 mg/dL. Antiplatelet agents are indicated for secondary prevention. The management of cerebral venous sinus thrombosis, carotid and vertebral dissections, and reversible cerebral vasoconstrictive disease should overall follow same guidelines as for nonpregnant individuals.
What Is New in Contraception?
Authors: Resnik Jamie L.
Published: April 2019

This month we focus on current research in contraception. Dr. Resnik discusses five recent publications, which are concluded with a “bottom-line” that is the take-home message. A complete reference for each can be found on Box 1 on this page along with direct links to abstracts.