bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Performance assessment of nanoparticulate lime to accelerate the downward movement of calcium in acid soil
Authors: Abd El‐Halim A. A. , Omae Hide
Published: May 2019

Calcium in conventional lime (CL) moves downward extremely slowly into the soil in the short term. To monitor the effects of using nanoparticulate lime (NL) in low affordable doses and in large doses on accelerating the downward movement of Ca in a simulated plough layer profile (0–25 cm), we ran a column leaching experiment with an acid soil with NL applied into the top 5 cm. The experiment evaluated a reference treatment (0 NL), three low doses of NL (8, 40 and 80 kg ha−1 = 0.02×, 0.1×, and 0.2× the NL needed to raise soil pH to 6.0 in the top 5 cm: NLRpH‐6), and two large doses (400 and 800 kg ha−1 = 1× and 2× NLRpH‐6). Over the short term (70 days), NL accelerated the downward movement of Ca, likely by mass flow of nanoparticles down soil micro‐ and macropores. Applying NL to the top 5 cm at 40 and 80 kg ha−1 was effective at increasing the downward movement of Ca and the neutralization of soil acidity (in terms of pH) to 20 cm depth, as well as rectifying Al toxicity (in terms of exchangeable Al) to ≤ the critical limit to 10 cm. NL at 80 kg ha−1 was most economically justified in terms of rectifying Al toxicity throughout the profile. Therefore, NL may introduce new and alternative application strategy that allowing lower rates of lime to be used and thereby offset economic constraints posed by high application rates.
Health economic implications of testing blood donors in South Africa for HTLV 1 & 2 infection
Authors: Vermeulen Marion , van den Berg Karin , Sykes Wendy , Reddy Ravi , Ingram Charlotte , Poole Colwyn , Custer Brian
Published: May 2019

Background and Objectives

Currently, HTLV screening is not performed in South Africa (SA). This report describes an economic assessment (budget impact and cost‐effectiveness) of implementing different HTLV screening strategies.

Methods

A modified version of the Alliance of Blood Operators risk‐based decision‐making framework was used to assess the risk and consequences of HTLV in the blood supply in SA. We developed a deterministic model of the cost and consequences of four screening strategies: none, universal, all donors once and first time donors only assuming a transfusion‐transmission (TT) efficiency of 10% and a manifestation of clinical disease of 6%.

Results

Unscreened blood results in 3·55 symptomatic TT‐HTLV cases and a total healthcare cost of Rand (R)3 446 950 (US Dollars (USD)229 800) annually. Universal screening would cost R24 000 000 (USD1 600 000) per annum and prevent 3·54 (99·8%) symptomatic TT‐HTLV cases in the first year and 0·55 (98·4%) symptomatic TT‐HTLV cases in the second year at a cost per TT‐HTLV prevented of R6 780 000 (USD450 000) in year one and R43 254 000 (USD2 890 000) in year two. Screening all donors once would cost R16,200,000 (USD1 080 000) or R4 600 000 (USD306 000) per symptomatic TT‐HTLV infection prevented in year one. Total costs decrease to R5 100 000 (USD340 000) in year 2 but the cost per TT‐HTLV prevented increases to R10 700 000 (USD713 333).

Conclusion

This analysis contributed to the decision not to implement HTLV screening as the healthcare budget and particularly the budget for blood transfusion in SA is insufficient to provide appropriate treatment. Arguably, available resources can be more efficiently utilized in other healthcare programs.
Reviewer Acknowledgements
Authors: Howard Nina
Published: May 2019

International Journal of English and Cultural Studies (IJECS) would like to acknowledge the following reviewers for their assistance with peer review of manuscripts for this issue. Many authors, regardless of whether IJECS publishes their work, appreciate the helpful feedback provided by the reviewers. Their comments and suggestions were of great help to the authors in improving the quality of their papers. Each of the reviewers listed below returned at least one review for this issue.Reviewers for Volume 2, Number 1 Abdelhamid M. Ahmed, Helwan University, EgyptAli Dabbagh, Gonbad Kavous University, IranAlvaro Recio, University of Salamanca, SpainAna Costa Lopes, Higher School of Education of Viseu, Viseu Polytechnic Institute, PortugalChia-Cheng Lee, Portland State University, USAElena Orduna, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, SpainEllie Boyadzhieva, South-West University, Blagoevgrad, BulgariaEmmanuel Chibuzor Okereke, National Examinations Council, Enugu State Office, NigeriaFarzaneh Shakki, Islamic Azad University, IranGillian Steinberg, SAR High School, USAJerald Sagaya Nathan, St. Joseph’s College , IndiaJonah Uyieh, University of Lagos, NigeriaJoseph Hokororo Isamail, Institute of Judicial Administration Lushoto, TanzaniaKeeley Megan Buehler Hunter, Southern New Hampshire University, SwitzerlandLeo H. Aberion, NIVERSITY OF SAN JOSE-RECOLETOS, PHILIPPINESMałgorzata Podolak, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University in Lublin, PolandMariam Nemsadze, Akaki Tsereteli State University, GeorgiaMohammed Nasser, Wasit University, IraqNeil Mc.Caw, University of Winchester, UKNicolau Nkiawete Manuel , Agostinho Neto University, AngolaRaven Maragh, Gonzaga University, USAShashi Naidu, Ball State University, United StatesSilvia Pellicer-Ortín, University of Zaragoza,  SpainStevanus Ngenget, Catholic University of De La Salle Manado, IndonesiaTorbjörn Lodén, Stockholm University, SwedenVasfiye Geckin, Bogazici University, TurkeyVesselina Anastasova Laskova, University of Udine, Italy Nina HowardEditorial AssistantInternational Journal of English and Cultural StudiesRedfame Publishing9450 SW Gemini Dr. #99416Beaverton, OR 97006-6018, USAWebsite: http://ijecs.redfame.com
Acute suicidal ideations responsive to hydromorphone
Authors: Rotchford James Kimber
Published: May 2019

A 72-year-old woman with suicidal ideations for the first time was seen for a follow-up medical visit. Patient diagnosed with bipolar disorder II, chronic complex pain and other complex medical issues. Patient was on long-standing chronic opioid agonist therapy. Patient was prescribed oral hydromorphone to supplement her chronic opioid regimen. Within 24 hours, the patient reported no further suicidal ideations and there were no reported complications. The case provides impetus for further study as to what interventions work best for patients who present with acute suicidal ideations. The case acknowledges cultural issues and implicit biases that can influence medical care and perceptions thereof. Implicit biases may be particularly apparent as they relate to mental health concerns and the use of substances that are susceptible to abuse. The most important clinical lesson reminder may be the importance of adequate documentation and discussion be provided when one prescribes an opioid in a novel way in a special clinical context.
Gut microbiome identifies risk for colorectal polyps
Authors: Dadkhah Ezzat , Sikaroodi Masoumeh , Korman Louis , Hardi Robert , Baybick Jeffrey , Hanzel David , Kuehn Gregory , Kuehn Thomas , Gillevet Patrick M
Published: May 2019

Objective

To characterise the gut microbiome in subjects with and without polyps and evaluate the potential of the microbiome as a non-invasive biomarker to screen for risk of colorectal cancer (CRC).

Design

Presurgery rectal swab, home collected stool, and sigmoid biopsy samples were obtained from 231 subjects undergoing screening or surveillance colonoscopy. 16S rRNA analysis was performed on 552 samples (231 rectal swab, 183 stool, 138 biopsy) and operational taxonomic units (OTU) were identified using UPARSE. Non-parametric statistical methods were used to identify OTUs that were significantly different between subjects with and without polyps. These informative OTUs were then used to build classifiers to predict the presence of polyps using advanced machine learning models.

Results

We obtained clinical data on 218 subjects (87 females, 131 males) of which 193 were White, 21 African-American, and 4 Asian-American. Colonoscopy detected polyps in 56% of subjects. Modelling of the non-invasive home stool samples resulted in a classification accuracy >75% for Naïve Bayes and Neural Network models using informative OTUs. A naïve holdout analysis performed on home stool samples resulted in an average false negative rate of 11.5% for the Naïve Bayes and Neural Network models, which was reduced to 5% when the two models were combined.

Conclusion

Gut microbiome analysis combined with advanced machine learning represents a promising approach to screen patients for the presence of polyps, with the potential to optimise the use of colonoscopy, reduce morbidity and mortality associated with CRC, and reduce associated healthcare costs.
Validation of intracardiac shunt using thoracic bioimpedance and inert gas rebreathing in adults before and after percutaneous closure of atrial septal defect in a cardiology research unit: study protocol
Authors: Filaire Laura , Chalard Aurelie , Perrault Hélène , Trésorier Romain , Lusson Jean-René , Pereira Bruno , Costes Frederic , Dauphin Claire , Richard Ruddy
Published: May 2019

Introduction

Intrathoracic shunt quantification is a major factor for appropriate clinical management of heart and pulmonary diseases. Intracardiac shunts quantified by pulmonary to systemic output ratio (Qp/Qs) are generally assessed by Doppler echocardiography, MRI or catheterisation. Recently, some authors have suggested the concomitant use of thoracic bioimpedance (TB) and inert gas rebreathing (IGR) techniques for shunt quantification. The purpose of this study is to validate the use of this approach under conditions where shunt fraction is directly quantified such as in patients with isolated atrial septal defect (ASD).

Methods and analysis

This trial is a prospective, observational single-centre, non-blinded study of adults seen for percutaneous closure of ASD. Qp/Qs ratio will be directly measured by Doppler echocardiography and direct Fick. IGR and TB will be used simultaneously to measure the cardiac output before and after closure: the ratio of outputs measured by IGR and TB reflecting the shunt fraction. The primary outcome will be the comparison of shunt values measured by TB-IGR and Doppler echocardiography.

Ethics and dissemination

The study has been approved by an independent Research Ethics Committee (2017-A03149-44 Fr) and registered as an official clinical trial. The results will be published in a peer-reviewed journal.

Trial registration number

NCT03437148; Pre-results.
Pedagogical strategies in teaching invasive prenatal procedures: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Nourallah Bekdache Gharid , Mylopoulos Maria , Kulasegaram Kulamkan Mahan , Windrim Rory
Published: May 2019

Introduction

Invasive prenatal procedures (IPP) are core competencies in a Maternal–Fetal Medicine (MFM) fellowship training programme yet no standardised competency-based curriculum exists. This scoping review aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the existing educational strategies for amniocentesis, chorionic villus sampling, fetal blood sampling and intrauterine blood transfusion. The objective is also to describe current gaps in the literature regarding evidence-based standards for training and assessment in IPP. Finally, we hope to encourage medical educators who are seeking to develop curricula based on competence by design to foster adaptive expertise through incorporating contextual variations in their teaching thus helping future MFM specialists to handle challenges and respond creatively to changing clinical circumstances and environmental variations.

Methods and analysis

Using the five-stage framework of Arksey and O’Malley’s scoping review methodology as a guide, we will perform a systematic search in the Medline, Embase and Cochrane library databases to identify relevant studies on the educational strategies for IPP. We will include relevant English articles published after 1978. For a comprehensive search, we will explore websites and key journals, and hand-searched reference lists of key studies. Key studies are articles deemed relevant according to the specific inclusion and exclusion criteria. We will chart and sort data using a descriptive and thematic analysis approach.

Ethics and dissemination

This review will be the first to examine all forms of pedagogical strategies used in training invasive fetal procedures. As an analysis of pre-existing available data in the literature, this scoping review does not require ethical approval. We anticipate that results will identify research gaps as well as novel ideas for education strategies and assessment. Findings from this study will be disseminated through publication in a peer-reviewed journal, medical education and clinical conferences, and in knowledge translation settings, aiming to improve clinical practice and quality of care.
Who is responsible for keeping children healthy? A qualitative exploration of the views of children aged 8–10 years old
Authors: Goldthorpe Joanna , Epton Tracy , Keyworth Chris , Calam Rachel , Armitage Christopher
Published: May 2019

Objective

The issue of who is responsible for children’s physical health is complex, with implications for targeting and developing strategies for health promotion and interventions to improve health. While there is evidence to suggest that children are able to construct notions of responsibility in relation to other areas of their lives, very little research has explored children’s views of responsibility for their own health. The aim of this study was to explore children’s views about who they feel is responsible for keeping them healthy.

Design

Focus groups were used to gather qualitative data using a semistructured topic guide. Interpretative phenomenological analysis was used in an iterative, double hermeneutic approach to analyse the data.

Setting

Focus groups took place in two UK primary schools in deprived inner city areas.

Participants

20 children aged 8–10 years took part in one of two focus groups (10 children in each group).

Results

Three overarching themes were identified: (1) individual and collective responsibility, (2) marketing and conflict with taking responsibility, and (3) what people and organisations can do to help children to take responsibility. Children feel that they, parents, families, school staff, medical professionals, food producers, retail outlets, supermarkets, advertisers and the government are all responsible for their health and should thus demonstrate responsibility through their behaviours around children’s health.

Conclusions and implications

Children’s views were consistent with constructs of responsibility as both a moral obligation and a set of behaviours, and with wider sociopolitical philosophies of individual and collective responsibility. These findings further support a focus on integrated, system-wide approaches to children’s health.
Impact of cardiac resynchronisation therapy on burden of hospitalisations and survival: a retrospective observational study in the Northern Region of New Zealand
Authors: Looi Khang-Li , Lever Nigel , Gavin Andrew , Doughty Robert
Published: May 2019

Objective

Cardiac resynchronisation therapy (CRT) devices have been shown to improve heart failure (HF) symptoms, survival and improve quality of life (QoL). We evaluated the overall impact of CRT on recurrent hospitalisations and survival in real-world patients with HF.

Design

Retrospective observational study.

Setting

Northern region of New Zealand.

Participants

Patients with HF who underwent CRT device implantation in between 2008 and 2014 were followed up for 1 year.

Interventions

CRT.

Primary and secondary outcomes measured

Survival, all-cause hospitalisations, length of stay, from which days alive and out of hospital (DAOH) were calculated.

Results

177patients were included, of whom eight died (4.5%) within 1 year of follow-up. Pre-CRT implantation, 83% of all patients had been hospitalised for a total 248 hospitalisation events. Following CRT, 47 patients (27%) were readmitted to hospital within 1 year (total of 98 admissions; p<0.01 compared with pre-device implant). Length of hospital stay was significantly shorter than in the year prior to CRT implantation at a median of 4 (IQR 2–6) vs 7 (IQR 3.5–10.5) days (p=0.03). An increase in the median number of DAOH was observed from 362 (IQR 355–364) to 365 (IQR 364–365) (p<0.01) after CRT implant. The improvement in DAOH was seen regardless of gender and type of CRT devices. Greater DAOH was also seen in those with non-ischaemic cardiomyopathy and Caucasians.

Conclusion

After CRT implant, patients with HF have greater DAOH with reduction of total hospitalisation and fewer hospital days. These results support CRT devices use as a treatment option for appropriate HF patients. DAOH represents an easily measured, patient-centred endpoint that may reflect effectiveness of interventions in future CRT studies.
Prevalence, clinical relevance and predictive factors of medication discrepancies revealed by medication reconciliation at hospital admission: prospective study in a Swiss internal medicine ward
Authors: Giannini Olivier , Rizza Nicole , Pironi Michela , Parlato Saida , Waldispühl Suter Brigitte , Borella Paola , Pagnamenta Alberto , Fishman Liat , Ceschi Alessandro
Published: May 2019

Objective

Medication reconciliation (MedRec) is a relevant safety procedure in medication management at transitions of care. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of MedRec, including abest possible medication history(BPMH) compared with a standard medication history in patients admitted to an internal medicine ward.

Design

Prospective interventional study. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics followed by univariate and multivariate Poisson regression models and a zero-inflated Poisson regression model.

Setting

Internal medicine ward in a secondary care hospital in Southern Switzerland.

Participants

The first 100 consecutive patients admitted in an internal medicine ward.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Medication discrepancies between the medication list obtained by the physician and that obtained by a pharmacist according to a systematic approach (BPMH) were collected, quantified and assessed by an expert panel that assigned a severity score. The same procedure was applied to discrepancies regarding allergies. Predicting factors for medication discrepancies were identified.

Results

The median of medications per patient was 8 after standard medication history and 11 after BPMH. Total admission discrepancies were 524 (5.24 discrepancies per patient) with at least 1 discrepancy per patient. For 47 patients, at least one discrepancy was classified as clinically relevant. Discrepancies were classified as significant and serious in 19% and 2% of cases, respectively. Furthermore, 67% of the discrepancies were detected during the interview conducted by the pharmacist with the patients and/or their caregivers. The number of drugs used and the autonomous management of home therapy were associated with an increased number of clinically relevant discrepancies in a multivariable Poisson regression model.

Conclusion

Even in an advanced healthcare system, a standardised MedRec process including a BPMH represents an important strategy that may contribute to avoid a notable number of clinically relevant discrepancies and potential adverse drug events.
Evidence-based intervention to reduce avoidable hospital admissions in care home residents (the Better Health in Residents in Care Homes (BHiRCH) study): protocol for a pilot cluster randomised trial
Authors: Sampson Elizabeth L , Feast Alexandra , Blighe Alan , Froggatt Katherine , Hunter Rachael , Marston Louise , McCormack Brendan , Nurock Shirley , Panca Monica , Powell Catherine , Rait Greta , Robinson Louise , Woodward-Carlton Barbara , Young John , Downs Murna
Published: May 2019

Introduction

Acute hospital admission is distressing for care home residents. Ambulatory care sensitive conditions, such as respiratory and urinary tract infections, are conditions that can cause unplanned hospital admission but may have been avoidable with timely detection and intervention in the community. The Better Health in Residents in Care Homes (BHiRCH) programme has feasibility tested and will pilot a multicomponent intervention to reduce these avoidable hospital admissions. The BHiRCH intervention comprises an early warning tool for noting changes in resident health, a care pathway (clinical guidance and decision support system) and a structured method for communicating with primary care, adapted for use in the care home. We use practice development champions to support implementation and embed changes in care.

Methods and analysis

Cluster randomised pilot trial to test study procedures and indicate whether a further definitive trial is warranted. Fourteen care homes with nursing (nursing homes) will be randomly allocated to intervention (delivered at nursing home level) or control groups. Two nurses from each home become Practice Development Champions trained to implement the intervention, supported by a practice development support group. Data will be collected for 3 months preintervention, monthly during the 12-month intervention and 1 month after. Individual-level data includes resident, care partner and staff demographics, resident functional status, service use and quality of life (for health economic analysis) and the extent to which staff perceive the organisation supports person centred care. System-level data includes primary and secondary health services contacts (ie, general practitioner and hospital admissions). Process evaluation assesses intervention acceptability, feasibility, fidelity, ease of implementation in practice and study procedures (ie, consent and recruitment rates).

Ethics and dissemination

Approved by Research Ethics Committee and the UK Health Research Authority. Findings will be disseminated via academic and policy conferences, peer-reviewed publications and social media (eg, Twitter).

Trial registration number

ISRCTN74109734; Pre-results.
Treatment as prevention for hepatitis C virus in Pakistan: mathematical modelling projections
Authors: Ayoub Houssein H , Abu-Raddad Laith J
Published: May 2019

Objective

Direct-acting antivirals have opened an opportunity for controlling hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in Pakistan, where 10% of the global infection burden is found. We aimed to evaluate the implications of five treatment programme scenarios for HCV treatment as prevention (HCV-TasP) in Pakistan.

Design

An age-structured mathematical model was used to evaluate programme impact using epidemiological and programme indicators.

Setting

Total Pakistan population.

Participants

Total Pakistan HCV-infected population.

Interventions

HCV treatment programme scenarios from 2018 up to 2030.

Results

By 2030 across the five HCV-TasP scenarios, 0.6–7.3 million treatments were administered, treatment coverage reached between 3.7% and 98.7%, prevalence of chronic infection reached 2.4%–0.03%, incidence reduction ranged between 41% and 99%, program-attributed reduction in incidence rate ranged between 7.2% and 98.5% and number of averted infections ranged between 126 221 and 750 547. Annual incidence rate reduction in the first decade of the programme was around 6%–18%. Number of treatments needed to prevent one new infection ranged between 4.7–9.8, at a drug cost of about US$900. Cost of the programme by 2030, in the most ambitious elimination scenario, reached US$708 million. Stipulated WHO target for 2030 cannot be accomplished without scaling up treatment to 490 000 per year, and maintaining it for a decade.

Conclusion

HCV-TasP is a highly impactful and potent approach to control Pakistan’s HCV epidemic and achieve elimination by 2030.
Scanning the horizon: a systematic literature review of methodologies
Authors: Hines Philip , Hiu Yu Li , Guy Richard H , Brand Angela , Papaluca-Amati Marisa
Published: May 2019

Objectives

Society is confronted with the rapid emergence of innovation in science and technology. To manage this, horizon scanning is being adopted globally to identify, assess and prioritise innovations and trends at an early stage of their development. This enables decision-makers to be better informed and to prepare for change. The aim of this paper is to systematically identify and evaluate horizon scanning methodologies employed in the healthcare and biomedical fields.

Methods

A systematic literature review was performed using PubMed and Embase and was supplemented with grey literature searches (2008–2018). The principal methodologies used in horizon scanning were extracted.

Results

Approximately 100 articles were summarised in a literature map. The search revealed many examples of horizon scanning across disciplines. Challenges, such as the need to refine prioritisation criteria, manage uncertainty inherent in the findings and improve the dissemination of identified issues, have been highlighted.

Conclusion

Horizon scanning, when performed appropriately, is a flexible and potentially reliable tool, with a wide variety of methods. Horizon scanning can inform and influence decision-making, through identifying opportunities and challenges, from an organisational to an international level. Further research to identify the most effective methodologies available would add depth to this landscape and enable the evolution of best practice to most efficiently anticipate novel developments and innovations.
Abscisic acid and ethylene biosynthesis-related genes are associated with anthocyanin accumulation in purple ornamental cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. acephala)
Authors: Jin Si-Won , Rahim Md Abdur , Jung Hee-Jeong , Afrin Khandker Shazia , Kim Hoy-Taek , Park Jong-In , Kang Jong-Goo , Nou Ill-Sup
Published: May 2019

Purple ornamental cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. acephala) is a popular decorative plant, cultivated for its colorful leaf rosettes that persist in cool weather. It is characterized by green outer leaves and purple inner leaves, whose purple pigmentation is due to the accumulation of anthocyanin pigments. Phytohormones play important roles in anthocyanin biosynthesis in other species. Here, we identified 14 and 19 candidate genes putatively involved in abscisic acid (ABA) and ethylene (ET) biosynthesis, respectively, in B. oleracea. We determined the expression patterns of these candidate genes by reverse-transcription quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR). Among candidate ABA biosynthesis-related genes, the expressions of BoNCED2.1, BoNCED2.2, BoNCED6, BoNCED9.1, and BoAAO3.2 were significantly higher in purple compared to green leaves. Likewise, most of the ET biosynthetic genes (BoACS6, BoACS9.1, BoACS11, BoACO1.1, BoACO1.2, BoACO3.1, BoACO4, and BoACO5) had significantly higher expression in purple compared to green leaves. Among these genes, BoNCED2.1, BoNCED2.2, BoACS11, and BoACO4 showed particularly strong associations with total anthocyanin content of the purple inner leaves. Our results suggest that ABA and ET might promote the intense purple pigmentation of the inner leaves of purple ornamental cabbage.
Influence of sonic vibrator mass on the modal frequency of the drill string
Authors: Xiao Jing , Bu Changgen , Hu Yuanbiao , He Shengyu
Published: May 2019

The sonic drill mainly utilizes a sonic vibrator to initiate standing wave resonance of the drill string to achieve high-speed drilling. However, the explicit function relation between the lumped mass and modal frequency could not be revealed. Precisely controlling the sonic vibrator frequency to maintain the standing wave resonance of the drill string is difficult. In this study, the one-dimensional wave theory is employed to establish the longitudinal vibration differential equations of the sonic drill string with vibrator mass. The modal frequency equation of the sonic drill string with an inertial boundary is obtained via the method of separation of variables. The explicit expression of the modal frequency with respect to the vibrator mass and system structure parameters is calculated by mathematical analysis. Moreover, the influence of the large vibrator mass on the dynamic characteristics of the drill string is revealed during drilling of a shallow hole. This can precisely track the vibration control frequency of the sonic drill during shallow hole drilling, while maintaining the standing wave resonance of the drill string coupled with the sonic vibrator. Thus the efficiency of sonic drilling is improved.
Horospherical convex hypersurfaces contracting of the hyperbolic space by functions of the mean curvature
Authors: Guo Shunzi
Published: May 2019

This paper concerns the evolution of a closed hypersurface of the hyperbolic space, convex by horospheres, in direction of its inner unit normal vector, where the speed equals a smooth function depending only on the mean curvature, and satisfies some further restrictions, without requiring homogeneity. It is shown that the flow exists on a finite maximal interval, convexity by horospheres is preserved and the hypersurfaces shrink down to a single point as the final time is approached. This generalizes the previous result [S. Guo, Convex hypersurfaces evolving by functions of the mean curvature, preprint (2016), arXiv:1610.08214 ] for convex hypersurfaces in the Euclidean space by the author to the setting in the hyperbolic space for the same class of flows.
Gap theorems for compact almost Ricci-harmonic solitons
Authors: Abolarinwa Abimbola
Published: May 2019

Almost Ricci-harmonic solitons are generalization of Ricci-harmonic solitons, almost Ricci solitons and harmonic-Einstein metrics. The main focus of this paper is to establish necessary and sufficient conditions for a gradient shrinking almost Ricci-harmonic soliton on a compact domain to be almost harmonic-Einstein.
Thermal quantum correlations in a two-dimensional spin star model
Authors: Haddadi Saeed , Pourkarimi Mohammad Reza , Akhound Ahmad , Ghominejad Mehrdad
Published: May 2019

In this paper, we study the thermal evolution of three types of quantum correlations under the homogeneous and inhomogeneous spin star Hamiltonian. It is shown that quantum discord (QD) is more stable than the other measures in the thermal regime, but concurrence is more efficient when the Hamiltonian parameters are employed. However, all quantum correlations can reach their maximum, if the inhomogeneous parameter raises. Quantum correlations can be enhanced by a weak external magnetic field and strong coupling parameter. But they vanish in the case of a strong magnetic field, weak coupling parameter, and high temperatures.
AlxGa1−xN GROWTH BY Si/N TREATMENT OF SAPPHIRE SUBSTRATE: COMPARISON WITH OTHERS GROWTH TECHNIQUES
Authors: HALIDOU I. , TOURÉ A. , EL JANI B.
Published: May 2019

AlxGa[Formula: see text]N films were grown on Si/N-treated sapphire substrate by atmospheric pressure metalorganic vapor phase epitaxy (AP-MOVPE) in a home-made vertical reactor. This process can be considered as randomly in situ epitaxial lateral overgrowth (ELO) technology. The growth firstly begins by three-dimensional (3D) mode and is completed in two-dimensional (2D) growth mode as shown by real time in situ laser [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]nm[Formula: see text] reflectometry measurements and confirmed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images. Secondary ion mass spectroscopy (SIMS) measurements evidence Al composition pulling effect in the AlxGa[Formula: see text]N layer. The Si/N treatment technique is compared to conventional AlxGa[Formula: see text]N growth techniques. The results of high-resolution X-ray diffraction (HRXRD), photoluminescence (PL) measurements and SEM images agree well on the fact that the Si/N treatment produces AlxGa[Formula: see text]N layers with comparable qualities of AlxGa[Formula: see text]N layers grown on high temperature GaN template but with much higher qualities than AlxGa[Formula: see text]N layers grown on low temperature AlN nucleation layer. Moreover, the Si/N treatment technique permits the growth of high quality AlxGa[Formula: see text]N layers with appreciable thicknesses with respect to the others techniques.
IMPROVED NITRIDING CAPABILITY OF NONALLOYED STEELS ASSISTED WITH ACTIVE SCREEN PLASMA TREATMENT
Authors: NAEEM M. , RAZA H. A. , SHAFIQ M. , SHABBIR FARHAT , IQBAL JAVED , DÍAZ-GUILLÉN J. C. , LOPEZ-BADILLO C. M.
Published: May 2019

The nonalloyed steels are very cost-effective, but their usefulness in numerous applications is imbedded due to low mechanical strength. The strength of several steels can be improved by nitriding; however, nonalloyed steels are not suitable. They can be nitrided by introducing special nitriding alloys (like chromium, aluminum, etc.) during manufacturing or some interlayer deposition, but it is quite expensive. The aim of this study is to improve nitriding capability of nonalloyed steels without any additional treatment. This is done by using alloyed stainless steel active screen in active screen plasma treatment, which provides an adequate amount of chromium to form stable and hard nitrides. The processed samples are characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope, energy dispersive spectroscopy, pin-on-disc wear tester, hardness tester and potentiodynamic polarization test.
XVSM Micro-Room Process Modeler
Authors: Kühn Eva , Craß Stefan , Binder Johann , Šešum-Čavić Vesna
Published: May 2019

Most of nowadays modeling tools for creating business processes in enterprises can be used by IT experts to semi-automatically create corresponding software artifacts of the given process. Unfortunately, these tools comprise a lot of complexity, and therefore, they are not usable by ordinary end users. In this paper, we propose a modeling tool for ad-hoc business processes with a comprehensible and simple user interface that is usable by end users to model their daily life workflows. Afterwards, a fully executable application can be created from the model automatically. Also, we introduce a notion of the so-called “micro-room concept”, which is used as a basis for the abstraction of the modeling tool. The created micro-room framework allows designing peer-to-peer applications based on configurable, shared data rooms. The evaluation and comparison analysis of the modeling tool itself and the underlying micro-room concept have been done by means of usability studies. The preliminary results show that the micro-room concept uses a more comprehensible abstraction compared to other modeling languages. It is well suited for modeling simple collaborative tasks whereas other approaches are better in case of very complex processes. Further, the developed modeling tool is more intuitive than the competing ones due to the simplifications allowed by using the micro-room concept.
Building Smart Knowledge Mapping Conceptual Model
Authors: Sensuse Dana Indra , Hakim Shidiq Al
Published: May 2019

Transformation in patterns of human interaction has shifted significantly in the use of the Internet, as these trends are rapidly evolving with the advent of online means for social interaction, such as social media, social networking, messaging, and so on. The transformation happens to give us challenges and opportunities to improve the quality of knowledge management undertaken by an organization. The most critical problem that in knowledge management issue is how to identify the state, ownership, and connectedness of critical knowledge in an organization visually. The studies to overcome these problems already done with a knowledge map approach, but in practice to do knowledge mapping is still done partially, either by the manual or automatic approach. Accordingly, this study aims to identify the critical components in building integrated knowledge maps from various electronic information sources that developed in the current Internet era. Through a literary study in an article that examines the map model of knowledge and by analysing smart terminology in several contexts from several kinds of literature. This study proposes a model of smart knowledge mapping conceptual model to be an initial model in developing a knowledge map that integrates various critical components.
Digital Representation in an Electoral Campaign Influenced by Mainland China: The 2017 Hong Kong Chief Executive Election
Authors: CHAN FUNG , SUN BIYANG
Published: May 2019

Widely known by the public, the Chief Executive of Hong Kong is selected not by universal suffrage but by a 1,200-member Election Committee (EC). While candidates Carrie Lam, John Tsang, and Kwok-hing Woo all ran in the Chief Executive Election of 2017, only Lam received the blessing of authorities in the Mainland. Though Tsang had led the polls throughout the entire campaign and was popular on several social media platforms, a majority of EC members still cast their vote for Lam as Chief Executive. This was the first time that EC members voted against popular opinion in the Chief Executive Election. This paper analyzes the limited power of social media under elections that are under the influence of Mainland China. It also examines the problem of legitimacy in such electoral settings and the way in which authorities in the Mainland have influenced electoral outcomes through defects in the institutional systems of Hong Kong. The 2017 Chief Executive Election affirmed the tightened control of Mainland authorities over the affairs of Hong Kong.
Uniformly counting primes with a given primitive root and in an arithmetic progression
Authors: Zoeteman M.
Published: May 2019

We study the number of primes with a given primitive root and in an arithmetic progression under the assumption of a suitable form of the generalized Riemann Hypothesis. Previous work of Lenstra, Moree and Stevenhagen has given asymptotics without an explicit error term, we provide an explicit error term by combining their work with the method of Hooley regarding Artin’s primitive root conjecture. We give an application to a Diophantine problem involving primes with a given primitive root.
One-Step Synthesis and High Electrochemical Performance of Porous Fe3O4/Carbon Nanocomposites as Anodes for Lithium-Ion Batteries
Authors: Xu Jianglin , Zhu Yaping , Sun Yan , Xie Anjian
Published: May 2019

In this report, the porous Fe3O4/C nanocomposites were successfully synthesized by using ferrocene as raw material and dilute nitric acid as solvent via extremely convenient and low-cost one-step calcining method. The formation of porous structure resulted from the aggregation and assembly of numerous nanoparticles. The experimental results show that the crystallinities, morphologies and electrochemical performance of samples were affected by the calcining temperature and carbon content. As an anode for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), the Fe3O4/C nanocomposites obtained at calcination temperature of 500∘C (Fe3O4/C-a500) exhibited remarkable initial specific discharge capacity of 1418[Formula: see text]mA[Formula: see text]h g[Formula: see text] and a reversible capacity retention of 721[Formula: see text]mA[Formula: see text]h[Formula: see text]g[Formula: see text] after 100 cycles at the current density of 100[Formula: see text]mA[Formula: see text]g[Formula: see text]. The excellent properties can be attributed to the high theoretical capacity of Fe3O4, the high conductivity of carbon and especially the porous structure, which offered more sites for the storage and insertion of Li ions. Even at the current density of 1000[Formula: see text]mA[Formula: see text]h[Formula: see text]g[Formula: see text], the reversible capacity of Fe3O4/C-a500 can be up to 291[Formula: see text]mA[Formula: see text]h[Formula: see text]g[Formula: see text], indicating the prepared typical nanocomposite presented excellent electrochemical performances and lithium storage capacity, which may be a promising candidate as the anode material for LIBs.
Comparison of a Thermoacoustic Refrigerator Stack Performance: Mylar Spiral, Celcor Substrates and 3D Printed Stacks
Authors: Zolpakar N. A. , Mohd-Ghazali N.
Published: May 2019

Although the thermoacoustic refrigeration (TAR) system has been recognized as a potential alternative environmentally cooling system, the low coefficient of performance (COP) has yet to make it marketable. One major factor contributing towards the low COP is the fabrication method applied to the stack component which is the most important component in the TAR. In this paper, comparison of the performance of a (i) 3D printed stack, (ii) a hand fabricated Mylar stack and (iii) an off-the-shelf Celcor substrates stack has been done; these being based on optimized design parameters using Multi-Objective Genetic Algorithm (MOGA). The performance is determined from the temperature attained at the cold end of the stack and the temperature difference across the stack. Experimental results showed that the 3D printed stack has the best performance by achieving a temperature, [Formula: see text]C at the cold end and a temperature difference of [Formula: see text]C across the stack, about 60% of the designed temperature difference even though the fabricated 3D printed stack deviated from the optimal design due to fabrication constraint as compared to that of the Mylar stack which was closer to the optimal design. This 3D printing of the stack promises a big potential in the improvement of the TAR performance because of the consistency achievable with the precise dimensions of the stack.
Electrical properties of structures based on varistor ceramics and polymer nanocomposites with carbon filler
Authors: Tonkoshkur A. S. , Ivanchenko A. V.
Published: May 2019

The characteristics of a two-layer structure on the basis of the layers of varistor ceramics and polymeric PPTC nanocomposite being in thermal contact for the purpose of using it as a limiter of constant voltage and long-term varying electrical overvoltages are analyzed. A theoretical model of such a structure has been developed, and its main electrical characteristics are simulated. It is shown that the provision of the required output voltage limitation is performed by selecting the classification voltage of the varistor layer. The maximum current of the varistor layer required for heating the structure is determined by the intensity of heat transfer to the environment. It has established a satisfactory agreement between the theoretical and experimental electrical characteristics for the structure based on the layers used in commercial varistors and PPTC fuses.
Theoretical investigation of the electronic and thermoelectric behavior of CoV2O4 alloy
Authors: Al-Elaimi Mahmoud , Hamioud Farida , Ameereh G. I. , Mubarak A. A.
Published: May 2019

Density functional theory (DFT) within Wien2k code is utilized to compute the mechanical, thermal, electronic, magnetic and thermoelectric properties of the cubic spinel CoV2O4. The ground state lattice constant of CoV2O4 alloy agrees with previous literature. The calculated elastic constants of CoV2O4 predict that the present alloy is anisotropic, elastically stable and brittle. Beneficial acoustical applications are expected for the present alloy due to its high calculated Debye temperature and average sound velocities values. The longitudinal and transverse sound velocities modes of vibrations are found maximum along [110] directions compared to [100] and [111] directions. The calculated DOS and band structure show that CoV2O4 is electronically stable. The present alloy possesses a total magnetic moment of 12.0 [Formula: see text] and is classified as a half-metallic ferromagnet. CoV2O4 shows [Formula: see text]-type behavior and favors holes as charge carriers. The present alloy owns beneficial thermoelectric properties and can be used in thermoelectric applications.
Severe Vaginal Bleeding in a Case of Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Machiele Ryan , Renbarger Taylor , Guidry Bret
Published: May 2019

Renal Cell Carcinoma (RCC) accounts for approximately 2-3% of all adult cancers and carries the highest mortality of the genitourinary cancers. Metastatic disease is seen in approximately 16% of cases and when present represents an advanced status. Metastasis of RCC to the vagina has rarely been cited in literature and when present can mimic primary vaginal cancer in clinical presentation and symptoms. Biopsy is performed to delineate the etiology and, in the presence of clear cells and certain immunohistochemistry markers, RCC needs to be included in the differential diagnosis. Treatment protocols are limited due to the rarity of the condition, with retrospective and comparative studies alongside cervical cancer treatment protocols serving as the basis. Herein, we describe a unique case of profuse vaginal bleeding secondary to vaginal metastases of RCC and discuss the relevant aspects of diagnosis and treatment.
Value of the Ratio of Monocytes to Lymphocytes for Monitoring Tuberculosis Therapy
Authors: Wang Wei , Wang Li-fei , Liu Yan-yan , Yang Fang , Zhu Lei , Zhang Xian-hui
Published: May 2019

Objective. The objective of this study was to evaluate the change of the ratio of monocytes to lymphocytes in patients with active tuberculosis, such as to provide reference for clinical diagnosis and treatment.Methods. All data were collected from the clinical database of The Fifth People’s Hospital of Taiyuan, China. A total of 151 patients who had newly diagnosed active tuberculosis with tuberculosis therapy in hospital and 129 healthy controls were selected.Results. Median ratio of monocytes to lymphocytes was 0.45 (IQR: 0.28–0.67) in patients before treatment and 0.32 (IQR: 0.25–0.46) on discharge (P<0.001).Conclusions. Ratio of monocytes to lymphocytes may be applied in diagnosis and the chemotherapeutic efficacy of active tuberculosis.
Traffic Sensing Methodology Combining Influence Line Theory and Computer Vision Techniques for Girder Bridges
Authors: Jian Xudong , Xia Ye , Lozano-Galant Jose A. , Sun Limin
Published: May 2019

Collecting the information of traffic load, especially heavy trucks, is crucial for bridge statistical analysis, safety evaluation, and maintenance strategies. This paper presents a traffic sensing methodology that combines a deep learning based computer vision technique with the influence line theory. Theoretical background and derivations are introduced from both aspects of structural analysis and computer vision techniques. In addition, to evaluate the effectiveness and accuracy of the proposed traffic sensing method through field tests, a systematic analysis is performed on a continuous box-girder bridge. The obtained results show that the proposed method can automatically identify the vehicle load and speed with promising efficiency and accuracy and most importantly cost-effectiveness. All these features make the proposed methodology a desirable bridge weigh-in-motion system, especially for bridges already equipped with structural health monitoring system.
Blasting Impact Simulation Test and Fragmentation Distribution Characteristics in an Open‐Pit Mine
Authors: Ding Xiaohua , Lu Xiang , Zhou Wei , Shi Xuyang , Luan Boyu , Li Ming
Published: May 2019

Based on the split Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB) test system, dynamic impact tests of coal specimens under different impact pressures were carried out to study the relationship between the impact load and the size of crushed lump coal. Based on the theory of stress wave attenuation, the relationship between the blasting impact load in a single‐hole blasting area of a coal seam and the load applied in an impact failure test of a coal specimen in the laboratory was established. According to the characteristics of the fragmentation distribution of the coal specimens destroyed under a laboratory impact load and the requirement of the minimum cost control of coal blasting in an open‐pit coal mine, the fragmentation size range was divided into three groups: large‐diameter, medium‐diameter, and powder particles. Based on this range, the variation rule of the mass percentage of coal fragments with impact pressure was obtained. Established on the evaluation principle of the blasting effect in an open‐pit coal mine, a good impact fragmentation effect was obtained. The good pressure range is 0.30 MPa ≤ P < 0.90 MPa.