bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lumbar Radiofrequency Ablation Interfering With S1 Dorsal Root Ganglion Stimulation Systems: Experience From Two Cases
Authors: Chapman Kenneth B. , Schirripa Frank , Yousef Tariq , Deygoo Jeffrey , van Helmond Noud
Published: April 2020

Background

Dorsal root ganglion stimulation (DRG‐S) has emerged as a treatment for complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) of the lower extremities, and recent small studies are demonstrating its potential efficacy in pain syndromes that are traditionally considered nociceptive in nature, such as axial low back pain. While improvements in neuromodulation technology have been substantial over the past decade, with DRG‐S systems patients occasionally require additional interventional pain treatments for treatment of pain from other sources. Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of medial branch nerves innervating the facet joints is an accepted therapy for pain arising from the facet joints.

Methods

We describe 2 cases from the same practice where we observed similar phenomena while performing a 2‐needle monopolar lumbar RFA in patients with a DRG‐S system implanted with leads positioned bilaterally at the S1 DRGs.

Results

Initiation of RFA resulted in motor activation and discomfort in an S1 distribution in the legs in both individual cases.

Conclusions

RFA can interfere with implanted DRG‐S systems, resulting in overstimulation with motor recruitment. Specific anatomical considerations and device settings that may prevent interference are discussed.
Green hay application and diverse seeding approaches to restore grazed lowland meadows: progress after 4 years and effects of a flood risk gradient
Authors: Wagner Markus , Hulmes Lucy , Hulmes Sarah , Nowakowski Marek , Redhead John W. , Pywell Richard F.
Published: April 2020

The two most common approaches to target species introduction in European meadow restoration are green‐hay transfer from species‐rich donor sites and the use of diverse seed mixtures reflecting the chosen target community. The potential of both approaches to restore species‐rich grassland has been variously reviewed, but very few studies have experimentally compared them at one and the same site. Moreover, studies involving one or both approaches have rarely taken into account environmental gradients at a site, and measured the impacts of such gradients on restoration outcomes. Such gradients do, for example, exist during grassland restoration on former arable land in river floodplains, where gradients in the occurrence of flooding, and in associated edaphic characteristics such as nutrient availability, might affect restoration outcomes. Using a randomized complete block experimental design, based on five different indicators of restoration progress, we compared the usefulness of green‐hay application and diverse seeding to restore species‐rich grazed meadows of the MG5 grassland type according to the British National Vegetation Classification, and also investigated how restoration outcomes differed after 4 years between areas within experimental plots characterized by high flood risk and areas characterized by low flood risk. Overall, both restoration approaches yielded similar results over the course of the experiment, whereas high flood risk and associated edaphic factors such as high availability of phosphorus negatively affected restoration progress particularly in terms of floristic similarity to restoration targets. These results highlight the need to take into account environmental gradients during meadow restoration.
A deeper meaning for shallow‐level phylogenomic studies: nested anchored hybrid enrichment offers great promise for resolving the tiger moth tree of life (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae)
Authors: Dowdy Nicolas J. , Keating Shannon , Lemmon Alan R. , Lemmon Emily M. , Conner William E. , Scott Chialvo Clare H. , Weller Susan J. , Simmons Rebecca B. , Sisson Melissa S. , Zaspel Jennifer M.
Published: April 2020

Anchored hybrid enrichment (AHE) has emerged as a powerful tool for uncovering the evolutionary relationships within many taxonomic groups. AHE probe sets have been developed for a variety of insect groups, though none have yet been shown to be capable of simultaneously resolving deep and very shallow (e.g., intraspecific) divergences. In this study, we present NOC1, a new AHE probe set (730 loci) for Lepidoptera specialized for tiger moths and assess its ability to deliver phylogenetic utility at all taxonomic levels. We test the NOC1 probe set with 142 individuals from 116 species sampled from all the major lineages of Arctiinae (Erebidae), one of the most diverse groups of noctuoids (>11 000 species) for which no well‐resolved, strongly supported phylogenetic hypothesis exists. Compared to previous methods, we generally recover much higher branch support (BS), resulting in the most well‐supported, well‐resolved phylogeny of Arctiinae to date. At the most shallow‐levels, NOC1 confidently resolves species‐level and intraspecific relationships and potentially uncovers cryptic species diversity within the genus Hypoprepia. We also implement a ‘sensitivity analysis’ to explore different loci combinations and site sampling strategies to determine whether a reduced probe set can yield results similar to those of the full probe set. At both deep and shallow levels, only 50–175 of the 730 loci included in the complete NOC1 probe set were necessary to resolve most relationships with high confidence, though only when the more rapidly evolving sites within each locus are included. This demonstrates that AHE probe sets can be tailored to target fewer loci without a significant reduction in BS, allowing future studies to incorporate more taxa at a lower per‐sample sequencing cost. NOC1 shows great promise for resolving long‐standing taxonomic issues and evolutionary questions within arctiine lineages, one of the most speciose clades within Lepidoptera.
Response and outcome following radiation therapy of macroscopic canine plasma cell tumours
Authors: Elliott James , Looper Jayme , Keyerleber Michele , Turek Michelle , Blackwood Laura , Henry Joshua , Gieger Tracy
Published: April 2020

Thirty dogs with macroscopic plasma cell tumours (PCTs) were treated with radiation therapy (RT). Twelve patients were treated with palliative‐intent prescriptions (range, 4‐10 Gy/fraction (median, 7 Gy/fraction) for a total dose of 20 to 35 Gy (median total dose 30 Gy). Eighteen patients received definitive‐intent prescriptions (range, 3.0‐4.2 Gy/fraction (median, 3 Gy/fraction) for a total dose of 42 to 54 Gy (median total dose 48 Gy). Involved sites included the oral cavity, skin, multiple myeloma (MM)‐associated lytic bone lesions, bone (solitary osseous plasmacytoma; SOP), nasal cavity, larynx, retrobulbar space, lymph node and rectum. Ninety‐five percent of evaluable dogs had a complete (CR; 16/22) or partial response (PR; 5/22). Patients with MM experienced significant analgesia. The median progression‐free survival (PFS) was 611 days (range: 36‐2001 days). Events in the non‐MM cases included in‐field progression (5/26, 19%) and disseminated disease (5/26, 19%). The median survival time (MST) for all dogs was 697 days (range: 71‐2075 days), and when only non‐MM cases were considered, MST was 771 days (range: 71‐2075 days). Fourteen patients were alive without disease progression or had died of unrelated causes. Achievement of a PR was associated with an inferior PFS and MST as compared with CR. Palliative‐intent RT was associated with inferior MST as compared with definitive‐intent RT. RT is a useful therapeutic modality for PCTs and tumour responses are often complete and durable, with protracted survivals. The optimal radiation dose and schedule are yet to be defined.
Development of a PHMB hydrogel‐modified wound scaffold dressing with antibacterial activity
Authors: Jin Jian , Chen Zheng‐Li , Xiang Yang , Tang Tao , Zhou Hao , Hong Xu‐Dong , Fan Hao , Zhang Xu‐Dong , Luo Peng‐Fei , Ma Bing , Wang Guang‐yi , Xia Zhao‐Fan
Published: April 2020

Current wound scaffold dressing constructs can facilitate wound healing but do not exhibit antibacterial activity, resulting in high infection rates. We aimed to endow wound scaffold dressing with anti‐infective ability by polyhexamethylenebiguanide (PHMB). We prepared PHMB hydrogel at varying concentrations (0.25%, 0.5%, 1%, 2%) and assessed release and cytotoxicity. PHMB hydrogel was added to the wound scaffold dressing to generate a PHMB hydrogel‐modified wound scaffold dressing. Wound healing and infection prevention were evaluated using a full‐thickness skin defect model in rats. In vitro, the hydrogel PHMB release time positively correlated with PHMB concentration, with 1% allowing sufficiently long release time to encompass the high‐incidence period (3‐5 days) of infection following wound scaffold dressing implantation. Implantation of 1% PHMB hydrogel into the skin did not cause adverse responses. in vitro cytotoxicity assays showed the PHMB hydrogel‐modified wound scaffold dressing did not significantly affect proliferation of fibroblasts or vascular endothelial cells, 99.90% vs 99.84% for fibroblasts and 100.21% vs 99.28% for vascular endothelial cells at 21 days. Transplantation of PHMB hydrogel‐modified wound scaffold dressing/unmodified wound scaffold dressing on the non‐infected wounds of rats yielded no significant difference in relative vascularization rate, 47.40 vs 50.87 per view at 21 days, whereas bacterial content of the wound tissue in the PHMB hydrogel‐modified wound scaffold dressing group was significantly lower than the unmodified wound scaffold dressing group, (1.80 ± 0.35) × 103 vs (9.34 ± 0.45) × 103 at 14 days. Prevalence of persistent wound infection in the rats receiving PHMB hydrogel‐modified wound scaffold dressing transplantation onto infected wounds was significantly lower than the unmodified wound scaffold dressing group, 30% vs 100%. PHMB hydrogel‐modified wound scaffold dressing exhibited suitable antibacterial ability, and its biological activity did not significantly differ from that of the unmodified wound scaffold dressing, thereby allowing it to effectively prevent infection following wound scaffold dressing implantation.
Flabelliferin removal by sodium salts and sodium hydroxide: Pretreatment in Borassus flabellifer mesocarp
Authors: Mohd Hassan Rodiah , Bakar Jamilah , Abdul Rahman Russly , Syed Muhamad Syarifah Kharidah
Published: April 2020

The mesocarp of Borassus flabellifer has been proven to be a good potential as a food ingredient; however, the presence of bitterness in it is a deterrent to its acceptable application. Therefore, this study was aimed to determine the effectiveness of sodium hydroxide, sodium chloride, and sodium bicarbonate at 1% to 3% concentrations in reducing the bitter component, flabelliferin, in the mesocarp of B. flabellifer and how the pretreatment could affect the reduction of flabelliferin and phenolics contents. Eleven compounds were identified in the mesocarp by high-performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionisation mass spectrometry (HPLC-ESI-MS/MS), which consisted of seven types of phenolics, two types of antocyanidins, and two types of steroidal saponins. The highest reduction at 46.2% of flabelliferin was obtained by 3% sodium hydroxide treatment. However, the removal of the bitter component was also concurrently resulted in a decrease of the total phenolic contents (0.16 mg GAE/g) of the sample. Mild treatment such as enzymatic treatment should be employed as the alternative method to preserve the antioxidant content in the mesocarp of B. flabellifer in order to promote its application in the food industry as a potential food ingredient.
Stability of lactic acid bacteria and physico-chemical properties of pasteurized cow’s and goat’s milk
Authors: Syed Malik Nurfarhana , Lani Mohd Nizam , Tufail Ahmad Fauziah
Published: April 2020

This study was done to determine the effect of pasteurization on the stability of lactic acid bacteria and its enzyme, and also its relation with physico-chemical properties in raw and pasteurized cow’s and goat’s milk. Most of the physico-chemical properties (pH, protein, ash and fat) were highest in pasteurized goat’s milk. The total viable count for plate count of the bacterial concentration was higher in both pasteurized cow’s and goat’s milk which were 2.48 log CFU/ml. This was followed by raw cow’s milk (1.59 log CFU/ml) and raw goat’s milk (0.65 log CFU/ml). There was no yeast and mould detected in both raw and pasteurized cow’s and goat’s milk, respectively. Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) was found significantly higher in raw milk compared to pasteurized milk and higher macronutrients (proximate composition) could be considered as one of the factors for the survival of LAB. Interestingly, based on API ZYM assay kit result, there were nine different enzymes were detected in all samples which were leucine arylamidase, valine arylamidase, cystine arylamidase, trypsin, α-chymotrypsin, naphthol-AS-BI-phosphohydrolase, α-glucosidase, β-glucosidase and acid phosphatise. This result revealed that different types of lactic acid bacteria were detected in treated and non-treated milk samples produced by different animals.
Free convection boundary layer flow on a solid sphere in a nanofluid with viscous dissipation
Authors: Mohamed Muhammad Khairul Anuar , Noar Nor Aida Zuraimi Md , Salleh Mohd Zuki , Ishak Anuar
Published: April 2020

Present study considers the mathematical model of free convection boundary layer flow and heat transfer in a nanofluid over a solid sphere with viscous dissipation effect. The transformed partial differential equations are solved numerically using the Keller-box method. The numerical values for the reduced Nusselt number, reduced Sherwood number and the reduced local skin friction coefficient are obtained, as well as concentration profiles, temperature profiles and velocity profiles are illustrated graphically. Effects of the pertinent parameters, which are the Prandtl number, buoyancy ratio parameter, Brownian motion parameter, thermophoresis parameter, Lewis number and Eckert number are analyzed and discussed. It is found that the increase of Brownian motion parameter promoted the reduce of concentration boundary layer thickness while thermophoresis parameter did oppositely. It is worth mentioning that the results reported here are important for the researchers working in this area which can be used as a reference and comparison purposes in the future.
Effect of graphene oxide (GO) and polyvinylpyrollidone (PVP) additives on the hydrophilicity of composite polyethersulfone (PES) membrane
Authors: Junaidi Nurul Fattin Diana , Othman Nur Hidayati , Shahruddin Munawar Zaman , Alias Nur Hashimah , Lau Woe Jye , Ismail Ahmad Fauzi
Published: April 2020

Membrane based separation system is considered as a promising technology to purify water, owing to its simplicity and efficiency in operation. However, the application is limited by membrane fouling, which can lead to the declination of water flux and premature failure of membrane. The fouling can be controlled through membrane surface modification by blending hydrophilic materials during the casting solution preparation. Polyethersulfone (PES) membrane is naturally hydrophobic due to lack of oxygen functional group, which limits its application in the filtration of water. Therefore, modification of PES-based membranes is required. In this work, modification of the PES membrane was carried out by incorporating carbon-based nanomaterials (graphene oxide (GO)) and a well-known organic polymer (polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP)). The effect of each additive toward the hydrophilicity of composite PES membrane was then investigated. GO was synthesized using modified Hummers method due to its simpler and shorter process. Each additive was added during the casting solution preparation and the amount added was varied from 0.5 to 1.0 wt%. The resultant composite PES membranes were characterized using XRD, FTIR and TGA prior to hydrophilicity and pure water flux (PWF) measurement. It was observed that the additives (PVP and GO) have significantly affected the membranes hydrophilicity, resulting in lower contact angle and higher pure water flux. The highest value of PWF (230 L/m2.h) with lowest contact angle (42 °) were observed for PES-1.0GOPVP membrane due to high amount of GO and PVP. Improved PWF performance of composite PES-1.0GOPVP membrane was attributed to the better dispersibility of the PVP and GO and increased surface hydrophilicity of the modified composite membranes. This study indicated that PVP and GO are effective modifiers to enhance the performance of PES membrane
Characteristic properties of ceramic membrane derived from fly ash with different loadings and sintering temperature
Authors: Zulkifli Siti Nur Afiqah , Mustafa Azeman , Othman Mohd Hafiz Dzarfan , Hubadillah Siti Khadijah
Published: April 2020

Nowadays, ceramic membrane developed from wastes has gained attention, especially towards water separation applications. With abundant and high silica content of fly ash, low cost ceramic membrane was successfully prepared via phase inversion and sintering technique. Prior to both phase inversion and sintering process, ceramic suspension was prepared at different loadings, ranging from 40wt% to 50 wt% fly ash and subsequently sintered at temperature ranging from 1150°C to 1350°C. By varying fly ash content and sintering temperature, the morphology, mechanical strength and phase transformation characteristics of the prepared membrane were affected. The characterisation of prepared membrane were investigated by using scanning electron microscopy, three-point bending test, and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The mechanical strength of the membrane increased with increasing fly ash loading (up to 45 %), however too much fly ash loading resulted in decrease of its mechanical strength probably due the presence of unburnt at higher fly ash contents. This unburnt carbon contributed to the vacant space during sintering process and had the tendency to increase formation of pores, simultaneously reduced its mechanical strength. In addition, the SEM results also illustrated a cross-sectional image of the membrane which had become more elastic with increasing fly ash loading and denser as sintering temperature gradually increased. In addition, increasing the fly ash loading likely discouraged the formation of desired finger-like structure. The XRD results however showed continuous presence of mullite with the increasing sintering temperature which contributed higher mechanical strength. The preliminary performance tests indicated that the optimum conditions to produce hollow fibre ceramic membrane from fly ash were at 45 wt % fly ash loading sintered at 1350°C and has a pure water flux of 131 L/m2h.
Influence of alkaline addition on the composition and yield on the hydrothermal treatment of rice straw
Authors: Sato Abas , Widjaja Arief , Asror Khozin , Emilia Ayu Rahma
Published: April 2020

Agricultural waste is abundantly available in Indonesia, including rice straw. The largest components of rice straw are cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin, making this material good enough as raw material for production of biogas, bioethanol, and other renewable fuels. The bonds in the cellulose and lignin in rice straw are strong and difficult to degrade which consequently will block the microorganisms to degrade them. In this study, a hydrothermal treatment was performed with the addition of NaOH. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of alkaline hydrothermal treatment on rice straw delignification, cellulose and hemicellulose solubility, the formation of reducing and furfural sugars, as well as the degrees of cellulose crystallinity. The variables used were NaOH concentration of 3%, 5%, and 7% (w/w total solid) and temperature were 100 ℃, 120 ℃, and 140 ℃. Treatment was performed using an autoclave with water and rice straw ratio of 8:1 with heating time for 2 hours. The results of this study showed that hydrothermal and NaOH treatment can increase rice straw organic degradation as indicated by increasing delignification of rice straw and increased levels of watersoluble sugars. The higher the temperature and the NaOH concentration, the more lignin and soluble hemicellulose content. Meanwhile, the reducing sugar increases with increasing temperature and NaOH concentration. Thermal decomposition rate has also occurred at lower temperature. It was found that the highest organic rice straw degradation occurs at higher temperature and NaOH concentration.
Fabrication of low-cost ceramic hollow fiber membranes from aluminium dross waste for water purification
Authors: Abd Aziz Mohd Haiqal , Othman Mohd Hafiz Dzarfan , Ismail Ahmad Fauzi , Rahman Mukhlis Abdul , Jaafar Juhana , Hubadillah Siti Khadijah , Cheng Tai Zhong
Published: April 2020

In this study, alumina-spinel composite hollow fibre membranes were fabricated from abundantly available aluminium dross waste, which can be commonly obtained from aluminium-producing factory. The hollow fibre membranes were successfully fabricated by using a combine phase inversion method and sintering technique. The effects of sintering temperatures on morphology, mechanical strength, and permeability of the hollow fibre membranes were systematically investigated. X-ray fluorescence (XRF) was used to analyze the composition of the aluminium dross waste, while x-ray diffraction analysis (XRD) were further studied to characterize the major crystalline phase of the sintered hollow fibre membranes. An increase in sintering temperatures resulted in densification of hollow fibre membrane, consequently induced the flux reduction. The presence of spinel in microstructural of hollow fibre assisted in decreasing the sintering temperature. As comparison to pure alumina membrane counterparts, this alternative ceramic hollow fibre membrane exhibited a comparable mechanical strength of 78.3-155.1 MPa with lower sintering temperatures ranging from 1350 ˚C to 1400 ˚C at ceramic loading of 40%.
Effect of catalyst metal species for the synthesis of graphene using chemical vapor deposition method: A review
Authors: -Rahim Mukri Mohd ‘Azizir , Mohd Yusop Mohd Zamri , Elias Mohd Syafiq , Othman Mohd Hafiz Dzarfan , Ismail Ahmad Fauzi
Published: April 2020

Enormous characteristics exhibited by two-dimensional carbon-based nanomaterial, graphene attract current researchers in integrating this advanced material into the development of next-generation electronic, optoelectronic, photonic, and photovoltaic devices. The ultimate aim was to synthesis a single layer of graphene with large-size domain with less defect formation. The solid state of the graphene promises ultra-high performance in the devices due to ultra-high electron mobility. Within a decade, previous researchers have narrowed down their studies by applying different types of metal species as catalyst substrate in chemical vapor deposition method. The crucial part was to determine the characteristics of carbon precipitation and diffusion onto the metal surfaces. Each metal-based catalyst and its alloy revealed different behavior according to its carbon solubility and intrinsic properties. Until now, copper, nickel, and its alloy combination provide tremendous finding in the synthetization of graphene. Currently, researchers are still exploring the ideal parameters related to feeding gases, growth temperatures, and working pressures which are essential to each catalyst metals characteristic such as copper, nickel, and its alloy.
Design and characterization of a 10 nm finfet
Authors: Yeap Kim Ho , Yi Lee Jun , Yeo Wei Long , Nisar Humaira , Loh Siu Hong
Published: April 2020

This paper presents the design, characterization, and analysis of a 10 nm silicon negative channel FinFET. To validate the design, we have simulated the output characteristics and transfer characteristics of the transistor. Both of which comply with the standard characteristics of an operational MOSFET. Owing to its efficacy in suppressing short channel effects, the leakage current of the tri-gate transistor is found to be low; whereas, the drive current is sufficiently high. We have also presented the design specifications of the transistor.
Production process development of Nipa bowl from Nipa palm (Nypa fruticans Wurmb.) waste by using solar dryer cabinet for sustainability of Palian river basin community
Authors: Podkumnerd Noppadon , Wunsri Supranee , Khairin Sujint
Published: April 2020

The objective of this research was to develop the process for the production of Nipa bowls from Nipa palm (Nypa fruticans Wurmb.) waste by using solar energy. Two types of solar dryer were investigated, (1) solar dryer cabinet (SDC) and (2) solar dryer cabinet coupled with heater (SDCH) and were compared to the traditional sun dryer (SD) method. The results demonstrated that the use of SDCH could reduce the humidity of the Nipa leaves to 15.23 ± 0.78% within 2 hours. This result was statistically significant at 95% confident compared to those results obtained from SDC (49.91 ± 0.78%) and SD (38.66 ± 0.21%). The dried leaves obtained from the three drying methods were tested for bacterial contamination. For SD, the maximum bacteria contamination was 95,000 ± 40,414 cfu/piece which was higher than SDC (480 ± 173 cfu/piece) and SDCH (463 ± 112 cfu/piece) methods. The SDC and SDCH techniques were implemented at Palian river basin community (Ban Na Yod Tong Nipa Palm Leaf Handicraft) in Wang Won Sub-District, Kantang District,Trang Province, Thailand. These techniques could enhance the drying process of Nipa leaves and thus increase the production of Nipa bowls 3.5 times reducing Nipa waste up to 1.83 tons. The villagers could produce approximately 183,000 bowls/year generating an income of more than 55,800 USD for 60 families.
Demand Side Management: Optimal Demand Response in Distribution Networks With Several Energy Retail Companies
Authors: de Oca Sebastián Montes , Monzón Pablo , Belzarena Pablo
Published: April 2020

In this work, a social welfare maximization problem is solved to determine the optimal scheduling of end-user controllable loads, smart appliances, and energy storage. The framework considers multiple retail energy suppliers as well as the AC power flow constraints of the distribution system. The demand side management program is focus on residential and commercial end-users. We have formulated a day-ahead residential bidding/buyback scheme modeled as an optimal power flow problem. This demand side program schedules end-user’s controllable loads or smart appliances and takes advantage of the flexibility of an energy storage system. The demand side management scheme minimizes retail company’s operating costs in the wholesale market, and it also considers distribution network constraints, assuring the appropriate quality of service. We have used a dual decomposition method to decouple some constraints while maximizing social welfare. We have also introduced a demand response call event with the main objective to take into consideration the system operational constraints. Through the coordination via local marginal prices, we have obtained a decentralized and distributed bidding/buyback scheme proposing a demand side management program that preserves the integrity of the private information of the different participants.
Industry Review of Distributed Production in Discrete Manufacturing
Authors: Helu Moneer , Sobel William , Nelaturi Saigopal , Waddell Russell , Hibbard Scott
Published: April 2020

Distributed production paradigms have grown in discrete manufacturing as discrete products are increasingly made by global, distributed networks. Challenges faced by discrete manufacturing, such as increased globalization, market volatility, workforce shortages, and mass personalization have necessitated scalable solutions that improve the agility of production systems. These challenges have driven the need for better collaboration and coordination in production via improved integration of production systems across the product life cycle. This paper describes key industry use cases to motivate the research and development needed for distributed production in discrete manufacturing. The technological challenges that have hindered distributed production in discrete manufacturing are presented as a state-of-the-art review of the standards and technologies that have been developed to overcome these challenges. Based on this review, future research directions are described to address the needs of industry and achieve the goals of distributed production in discrete manufacturing.
Pressure drop: Securitising and de-securitising safeguarding
Authors: McKendrick David , Finch Jo
Published: April 2020

INTRODUCTION: This article explores how securitisation theory is mobilised in contemporary social work discourse, policy and practice. We draw on recent child protection research to support our claim that a new practice issue, described previously as securitised safeguarding, has emerged.APPROACH: We demonstrate its emergence using securitisation theory as a conceptual mode of analysis to describe how a securitised safeguarding response depicts particular families as an existential threat which, in turn, prompts a response characterised by forms of muscular liberalism.CONCLUSIONS: We argue that this emerging practice issue requires critical consideration and suggest it will have a significant impact on social work – one that is unlikely to be beneficial for the profession and, more importantly, families being worked with. By describing a process of de-securitisation, we offer an alternative and more nuanced approach that perceives families holistically, and mobilises a welfare safeguarding model. This more closely resembles traditional social work values of emancipation, liberation and empowerment within social work practice.
The Routledge handbook of critical social work
Authors: Lowe Simon
Published: April 2020

Book review
In a “Scientist Spotlight” Intervention, Diverse Student Identities Matter
Authors: Yonas Azariah , Sleeth Margaret , Cotner Sehoya
Published: April 2020

We report on a brief, simple, online course intervention designed to reduce identity gaps and help students see their “possible selves” in working scientists. Students (
n
= 238) in a large-enrollment, introductory biology course for nonmajors were assigned nine podcasts, distributed throughout the semester. These podcasts each featured a scientist telling a “true, personal story about science,” and we intentionally selected podcasts featuring scientists from diverse backgrounds. We hypothesized that this intervention would serve to broaden student perceptions of science and scientists, and we used a mixed-methods approach to analyze (a) survey data and (b) short written responses about how these podcasts impacted students’ views of the people who do science. Student survey responses confirm that students overwhelmingly found the podcasts valuable, engaging, and relatable, and student impressions varied as a function of student identity (gender, religiosity, sexual orientation, etc.). Further, these podcasts changed student perceptions of the sort of people who do science. This work builds on earlier findings and expands the current work to include a look at how students from a range of different identities—hidden and visible—respond to a simple intervention designed to counter stereotypes about scientists.
Pricing Strategies of Food Retailers
Authors: Hamilton Stephen F. , Liaukonyte Jura , Richards Timothy J.
Published: April 2020

Studies examining pricing outcomes in the food retail industry are complicated both by the multiproduct nature of transactions and by the presence of highly concentrated food processing and retailing industries that mediate between relatively competitive farm product markets and the consumer market. In this review, we examine theoretical and empirical evidence for retail pricing and the vertical relationships that have emerged among retailers, food manufacturers, and farmers. We first focus our analysis on consumer behavior in multiproduct retail markets, including consumer search, habit formation, and reference pricing, and then discuss retail market outcomes for price discrimination, price fairness, and price obfuscation. We then turn to relationships between retailers and food manufacturers through bargaining outcomes, market foreclosure, and slotting allowances, and discuss the resulting implications for retail-price pass-through.
An Efficient Electrochemical-Thermal Tanks-in-Series Model for Lithium-ion Batteries
Authors: Subramaniam Akshay , Kolluri Suryanarayana , Santhanagopalan Shriram , Subramanian Venkat R.
Published: April 2020

This article extends the Tanks-in-Series methodology (J. Electrochem. Soc., 167, 013534 (2020)) to generate an electrochemical-thermal model for Li-ion batteries. Energy balances based on porous electrode theory, including flux and generation terms, are volume-averaged for each region in a cathode-separator-anode representation, including current collectors. The original Tank model is thus augmented by a volume-averaged energy balance in each region, containing source terms and interfacial heat fluxes that are approximated accordingly. Cell-level quantities and temperature predictions are evaluated against a pseudo 2-dimensional (p2D) model. Acceptable voltage errors are achieved for relatively aggressive conditions of discharge and external heat transfer. Predictions of electrochemical variables are examined, and implications of the approximations discussed. The simplified methodology is then extended to a multi-cell stack configuration and evaluated for a range of parameters pertaining to discharge rate, number of cells, and ambient heat transfer. For the given parameters, ~10 mV errors are achieved up to 4C discharge rate and Biot numbers of ~0.7. The Tanks-in-Series approach leads to a substantial reduction in equation system size, with attendant savings in computation time. This suggests potential in applications such as optimal charging, cell-balancing and estimation, and aids efforts to incorporate electrochemical models in advanced Battery Management Systems.
Contemporary Insights Into the Genetics of Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy: Toward a New Era in Clinical Testing?
Authors: Mazzarotto Francesco , Olivotto Iacopo , Boschi Beatrice , Girolami Francesca , Poggesi Corrado , Barton Paul J. R. , Walsh Roddy
Published: April 2020

Genetic testing for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (
HCM
) is an established clinical technique, supported by 30 years of research into its genetic etiology. Although pathogenic variants are often detected in patients and used to identify at‐risk relatives, the effectiveness of genetic testing has been hampered by ambiguous genetic associations (yielding uncertain and potentially false‐positive results), difficulties in classifying variants, and uncertainty about genotype‐negative patients. Recent case‐control studies on rare variation, improved data sharing, and meta‐analysis of case cohorts contributed to new insights into the genetic basis of
HCM
. In particular, although research into new genes and mechanisms remains essential, reassessment of Mendelian genetic associations in
HCM
argues that current clinical genetic testing should be limited to a small number of validated disease genes that yield informative and interpretable results. Accurate and consistent variant interpretation has benefited from new standardized variant interpretation guidelines and innovative approaches to improve classification. Most cases lacking a pathogenic variant are now believed to indicate non‐Mendelian
HCM
, with more benign prognosis and minimal risk to relatives. Here, we discuss recent advances in the genetics of
HCM
and their application to clinical genetic testing together with practical issues regarding implementation. Although this review focuses on
HCM
, many of the issues discussed are also relevant to other inherited cardiac diseases.
Psychological distress and coping styles in teachers: A preliminary study
Authors: Stapleton Peta , Garby Sarah , Sabot Debbie
Published: April 2020

Teaching professionals report higher levels of work-related stress and symptoms of psychological health problems than the general population. This study examined psychological distress, coping styles and wellbeing in 166 Australian teachers (aged 22–65 years; M =  37.74 years, SD =  10.84 years). Participants completed an online survey comprising demographic items and four empirical measures (The Satisfaction with Life Scale, Subjective Happiness Scale, The Brief COPE Inventory and The Patient Health Questionnaire). Work, workload and finances were identified as leading sources of stress. Moreover, above-average clinical symptoms of anxiety, depression and physical concerns were reported, and 17% of respondents met criteria for probable alcohol dependence. Results suggested that maladaptive coping strategies employed by teachers may contribute to their risk of increased psychological distress, and decreased life satisfaction and happiness. These findings indicate the need for work-based programmes to enhance teachers’ coping strategies in an effort to reduce psychological distress and improve overall wellbeing in teaching professionals.
Investigation of ultrasonic vibration on thrust force, surface integrity, and geometrical tolerances during drilling of natural filler reinforced composites
Authors: Pashmforoush Farzad , Farshbaf Zinati Reza , Maleki Davoud
Published: April 2020

Growing global environmental threats have attracted researchers and engineers toward design and manufacture of green materials. In this regard, natural filler reinforced composites are environmentally friendly, cost-effective materials with a lot of advantages over conventional carbon/glass fiber reinforced composites. Hence, in this study, the drilling performance of walnut shell powder reinforced composite material was experimentally investigated. For this purpose, the composite specimens were first fabricated by injection molding process, followed by further drilling tests, which were performed with and without ultrasonic vibration. The effect of drilling parameters and ultrasonic vibration was investigated on surface roughness, thrust force and geometrical tolerances (circularity and cylindricity), as the process performance parameters. The obtained results demonstrated that by increase of the spindle rotational speed and decrease of feed rate, the thrust force, surface roughness and geometrical tolerances were reduced. Also, it was seen that ultrasonic vibration could effectively enhance the performance parameters, which was attributed to the intermittent cutting process and impact action of ultrasonic vibration, leading to reduced friction, improved material removal, reduced cutting forces, and better surface quality.
A novel passive filtration system for splash-lubricated gearboxes: Part 1
Authors: Yang Chi , Abanteriba Sylvester , Becker Andrew
Published: April 2020

Splash-lubricated gearboxes are widely used in many industries. Contaminant removal systems are rarely employed in splash-lubricated gearboxes, such as some gearboxes are used in helicopters and mining machines. The maintenance of lubrication systems in those machines relies on periodic onsite inspection and lubricant change. However, wear debris generated during operation will suspend in lubricant and cause damage to contacting surfaces of gearbox’s components. In this first part of a two-part paper, a novel light-weight passive filtration system that utilises gravitational sedimentation and shape memory alloys is presented for unfiltered splash-lubricated gearboxes. A predictive model is developed for the estimation of flake-like wear particles’ settling behavior in the lubricant. Experiments based on a simplified test rig are also conducted to validate the theoretical results. This mathematical model can also be used to elucidate the impact of sedimentation time of wear particles on the cleanliness of the lubricant after the installation of passive filtration system.
Modal analysis of central impression cylinder based on fluid–solid coupling method
Authors: Hou HP , Rui TT , Deng R , Xu ZF , Liu SH
Published: April 2020

As a key component of satellite flexographic printing equipment, the vibration characteristics of the central impression cylinder have an important effect on the product quality. In order to improve dynamic characteristic of the central impression cylinder, the modal analysis on the central impression cylinder is carried out in combination with finite element software in this paper. Then, the modal properties are systematically compared between the central impression cylinder with circulating cooling water and without. The results show that the natural frequency of the central impression cylinder is greatly reduced based on the fluid–solid coupling method. Simultaneously, the natural frequencies and mode shapes of the central impression cylinder based on the finite element analysis are verified by an experimental test. The simulation results are in good agreement with the experimental results, indicating the effectiveness of the finite element model and experimental method used in this study.
Mapping young children’s conceptualisations of the images they encounter in their familiar environments
Authors: J Gowers Sophia
Published: April 2020

This article examines young children’s conceptualisation of the images they encounter within the familiar environments of the home and community settings, focusing on case study data from two, 4-year-old children. The data discussed are taken from a study involving a group of children aged 4–5 years. A participatory mapping approach was adopted, enabling children to be positioned as both message creators, through the production of their multimodal map texts, and message receivers as they sought to make meaning with the image-based texts they encountered within their environments. The use of a mapping activity supported identification of the children’s knowledge of different texts which may not so easily be put into words. The study revealed that, for children, the context and location of images are important, with the presence of images and artefacts enabling familiarity with a place. Furthermore, movement was identified as an intrinsic part of their multimodal engagements. Adopting a social semiotics theoretical framework, this study aims to explore the ways in which young children conceptualise images in their environment. This paper emphasises the need to take account of the embodied, spatial and multimodal nature of making practices, given the importance placed on these by young children themselves.
Recognition of illuminated coloured markers that designate primary and secondary mine escapeways
Authors: Sammarco JJ , Demich B , Macdonald BD , Rubinstein EN , Martell M
Published: April 2020

It is critical for the safety of miners to be able to escape, unaided, during a mine emergency. Self-escape is challenging in the presence of smoke that can occur during a mine emergency. To assist self-escape, coloured markers in underground mines designate the primary/secondary escapeways, but no universal colour code exists. Ten participants were tested to recognize the colour and designation (primary/secondary) of fluorescent yellow–green (FYG), yellow (Y), white (W) and green (G) escapeway markers in both a clear and smoked-filled environment. The overall misidentification rate for all colours was 1.9% and 18.1%, respectively, in clear and smoke conditions. FYG had the highest misidentification percentage for both conditions. For the marker designation tests, participants were most accurate in clear conditions (100.0%) for the FYG + W, Y + G, G + W and W + FYG combinations, and least accurate (89.6%) for the Y + FYG combination, while for smoke conditions participants were most accurate for the G + Y combination (95.8%). The overall effect of colour combination was significant, indicating that the colour combination for primary/secondary recognition is a significant factor where the G + Y combination was best. It can be inferred from these data that the colour combination is an important factor in participants’ ability to recognize primary/secondary escapeway markers in smoke conditions.
Numerical simulation analysis of the influence of ultra-fine glass fiber production process on product homogeneity
Authors: Zou Chi , Qian Xiaoming , Ruiliang Yang , Liu Yongsheng
Published: April 2020

Glass fiber felt is produced by flame blowing process, in which primary glass filament splits into glass fiber through the gas jet into the diffusion duct. In the diffusion duct, the velocity difference at axial direction creates a fiber recirculating zone at some position downstream in the duct while affecting the homogeneity of the product. In order to understand the impact of diffusion duct design to the felt forming, numerical simulations with experiment-based boundary conditions were performed to investigate the movement of fiber suspension flow. In the numerical analysis, the fiber slender-body theory is introduced. A visualization method is developed to characterize the uniformity of glass fiber, through charge coupled device camera imaging demonstrating the intensity of glass fiber in the surface of the product. The proposed methodology enabled new design of the diffusion duct, which eliminated the recirculating zone in the duct, resulting in more uniform products.
Novel 2019 coronavirus: Genome structure, clinical trials, and outstanding questions
Authors: Jogalekar Manasi P , Veerabathini Anurag , Gangadaran Prakash
Published: April 2020

Novel 2019 coronavirus has created havoc across the globe since its emergence in December 2019 in Wuhan, China, and fast spreading potential. While we were able to identify the causative agent within a few days of the disease outbreak, several questions still remain unanswered. In this review, we discuss the extent of virus spread, current statistics, SARS-CoV-2 genome organization, comparison between the novel coronavirus and causative agents involved in previous outbreaks, ongoing clinical trials and myths associated with the virus. Lastly, we provide insights into the future perspectives which could prove useful for the scientific community as they work on finding the cure against the disease.

Impact statement

Early availability of the sequence, the genetic material of SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19), has prompted efforts towards identifying a safe and effective vaccine in the current public health emergency. To that end, understanding the pathophysiology of disease is crucial for scientists around the world. Since conventional vaccine development and manufacturing may take several years, it is important to think about alternative strategies that we could use to mitigate imminent catastrophe. We hope that this article will open up new avenues and provide insights that could potentially save hundreds of lives affected by COVID-19.