bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sensitivity of present and future detectors across the black-hole binary gravitational wave spectrum
Authors: Kaiser A R , McWilliams S T
Published: December 2020

Black-holes are known to span at least 9 orders of magnitude in mass: from the stellar-mass objects observed by the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory Scientific Collaboration and Virgo Collaboration, to supermassive black-holes like the one observed by the Event Horizon Telescope at the heart of M87. Regardless of the mass scale, all of these objects are expected to form binaries and eventually emit observable gravitational radiation, with more massive objects emitting at ever lower gravitational-wave frequencies. We present the tool, gwent, for modeling the sensitivities of current and future generations of gravitational wave detectors across the entire gravitational-wave spectrum of coalescing black-hole binaries (BHBs). We provide methods to generate sensitivity curves for pulsar timing arrays (PTAs) using a novel realistic PTA sensitivity curve generator (Hazboun, Romano and Smith 2019 Phys. Rev. D
100 104028), space-based interferometers using adaptive models that can represent a wide range of proposed detector designs (Amaro-Seoane et al 2017 arXiv:1702.00786), and ground-based interferometers using realistic noise models that can reproduce current (Abbott et al 2016 Phys. Rev. Lett.
116 061102), second, and third generation designs (Hild et al 2011 Class. Quantum Grav.
28 094013), as well as novel variations of the essential design parameters. To model the signal from BHBs at any mass scale, we use phenomenological waveforms capable of modeling the inspiral, merger, and ringdown for sources with varying mass ratios and spins (Khan et al 2016 Phys. Rev. D
93 044007; Husa et al 2016 Phys. Rev. D
93 044006). Using this adaptable framework, we produce signal-to-noise ratios (SNR) for the combination of any modeled parameter, associated with either the detector or the source. By allowing variation across each detector and source parameter, we can pinpoint the most important factors to determining the optimal performance for particular instrument designs. The adaptability of our detector and signal models can easily be extended to new detector designs and other models of gravitational wave signals.
Numerical study of polymer-ablation arc with polyacrylic acid + H2O mixture
Authors: Shibayama M , Tanaka Y , Nakano Y , Ishijima T
Published: December 2020

As described in this paper, we proposed the adoption of polyacrylic acid (PAA) with H2O, which becomes PAA + H2O mixture gel, as an ablation medium for arc quenching in a low-voltage DC circuit breaker. It is well known that H2O is a highly arc-quenching medium, but it has been difficult to use H2O in liquid phase directly as an arc-quenching medium. The arc performance of PAA + H2O mixture gel was studied using numerical and experimental approaches. Numerical thermofluid simulation was conducted to obtain the arc temperature and gas flow distribution at different H2O mixing ratios in PAA + H2O gel. To consider ablation of PAA + H2O gel, a method of alternately arranging PAA and H2O in the ablation wall was also proposed. Calculation results demonstrate that increasing the H2O mixing ratio in PAA + H2O mixture gel makes the arc narrower in the temperature and electrical conductivity distributions. The experimentally obtained results also indicate that arcs confined in PAA + H2O mixture gel with higher H2O mixture become narrower than those in PAA or other materials. Moreover, arcs confined by PAA + H2O mixture gel with higher H2O mixing ratio enhance the arc resistance rapidly. The results suggest that PAA + H2O mixture gel can have higher arc-quenching performance than pure polymers.
Design of a suspended high-stability fluxgate sensor
Authors: Wang Xiaomei , Teng Yuntian , Fan Xiaoyong , Wang Chen , Wu Qiong , Ma Jiemei
Published: December 2020

To achieve long-term geomagnetic vector field measurements, high resolution, low noise, reliability, and great stability are required, relative to the recording instrument. In this paper, we report the design and production of a high-performance magnetometer based on the fluxgate effect. To avoid drift due to the tilt of the observation pillar, which is often the main cause of baseline drift, and leveling error due to the installation process, the developed sensor was fixed to a suspended platform for automatic horizontal leveling. A special gimbaled construction was used, which allowed automatic leveling of the vertical position of the z-axis within tilts of ±6° of arc. The performance of the proposed sensor was tested in a zero-magnetic-field device, and the results showed that the accuracy of the scale factor was 0.01%, the standard deviation of the residuals was 0.1723, and the noise was ⩽0.08 nT (Peak-Peak). At the time of this research, the developed instrument had been in continuous operation for >6 months in the Jinghai geomagnetic observatory. The monthly residual standard deviation maximum values of the D, H, and Z components were 0.68 nT, 0.58 nT, and 0.44 nT respectively, which were smaller than the requirements of the China Geomagnetic Network. Therefore, the observational data and the baseline values indicated that the prototype was stable and reliable. Additionally, owing to its integrated design, the prototype was easy to carry and set up, so it was very suitable for short-term earthquake tracking and the intensive monitoring of magnetic anomaly areas.
Topological nanophotonics and artificial neural networks
Authors: Pilozzi Laura , Farrelly Francis A , Marcucci Giulia , Conti Claudio
Published: December 2020

We propose the use of artificial neural networks to design and characterize photonic topological insulators. As a hallmark, the band structures of these systems show the key feature of the emergence of edge states, with energies lying within the energy gap of the bulk materials and localized at the boundary between regions of distinct topological invariants. We consider different structures such as one-dimensional photonic crystals,

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-symmetric chains and cylindrical systems and show how, through a machine learning application, one can identify the parameters of a complex topological insulator to obtain protected edge states at target frequencies. We show how artificial neural networks can be used to solve the long-standing quest for a solution to inverse problems solution and apply this to the cutting edge topic of topological nanophotonics.
SnO2 nanofibers prepared by wet spinning using an ordered porous alumina spinneret
Authors: Yanagishita Takashi , Takai Hideaki , Kondo Toshiaki , Masuda Hideki
Published: December 2020

SnO2 nanofibers with uniform diameters were obtained by wet spinning using ordered anodic porous alumina as a spinneret, followed by heat treatment. Ordered alumina through-hole membrane is a suitable spinneret material for nanofiber spinning owing to its nanohole array structure with uniform-sizes holes. A polymer solution containing a Sn salt was used as a precursor solution for the wet spinning. Polymer nanofibers containing the Sn salt were continuously formed as the precursor passed through the alumina holes into a coagulating solution. Monodisperse nanofiber structures were successfully maintained, even after heat treatment at 600 °C. This process enabled the preparation of monodisperse SnO2 nanofibers with diameters below 100 nm, as well as the precise control of fiber diameter by changing the hole size of the porous alumina spinneret. The obtained SnO2 nanofibers will be useful in various functional devices.
The friction parameter regulation of magnetorheological elastomers by the initial arrangement and evolution of microscopic ferromagnetic particles
Authors: Feng Shenyao , Yang Ping-an , Li Rui , Wang Xiaojie , Huang Xin , Shou Mengjie
Published: December 2020

The mechanism of magnetorheological elastomers (MREs) friction regulation under the magnetic field is of great significance to improve the adaptability of smart devices to changing contact conditions. Therefore, an integrated evolution model of the microstructure is proposed to investigate the adjustment of the magneto-mechanical coupling properties of MREs on the interface friction. The model clarifies that the ferromagnetic particles volume fraction, matrix modulus, and magnetic field intensity respectively change the initial arrangement and evolution process of particles to achieve the adjustment of stiffness and surface morphology, and finally achieve friction regulation. As the volume fraction increases, the reduction of friction force shows a trend of first increasing and then decreasing, and the reduction reaches the maximum when the volume fraction is about 10%.
A fractional-order CNN hyperchaotic system for image encryption algorithm
Authors: Wang Yanzhang , Yang Feifei
Published: December 2020

This paper proposes a fractional-order cellular neural network (CNN) chaotic system for image encryption algorithm to explore the application of fractional-order CNN hyperchaotic system in chaotic secure communication. Firstly, a fractional-order CNN hyperchaotic system is defined based on CNN hyperchaotic system. The numerical solutions of the fractional-order CNN hyperchaotic system are calculated by Adomian decomposition algorithm. The dynamic characteristics of the of the fractional-order CNN hyperchaotic system are analyzed. Then to verify the image encryption application of the fractional-order CNN hyperchaotic system, we designed an image encryption scheme through fractional-order CNN hyperchaotic sequence, the principle of symmetry of main diagonal of matrix and XOR operation. Finally, the results illustrate that the fractional-order CNN hyperchaotic sequence has good randomness, which show that the fractional-order CNN hyperchaotic system more suitable for chaotic secure communication applications. The security performances of the algorithm show that the designed algorithm can effectively encrypt and decrypt image, and has better security performance.
Relativistic gravitational collapse by thermal mass
Authors: Roupas Zacharias
Published: December 2020

Gravity and thermal energy are universal phenomena which compete over the stabilization of astrophysical systems. The former induces an inward pressure driving collapse and the latter a stabilizing outward pressure generated by random motion and energy dispersion. Since a contracting self-gravitating system is heated up one may wonder why is gravitational collapse not halted in all cases at a sufficient high temperature establishing either a gravo-thermal equilibrium or explosion. Here, based on the equivalence between mass and energy, we show that there always exists a temperature threshold beyond which the gravitation of thermal energy overcomes its stabilizing pressure and the system collapses under the weight of its own heat.
Polygon-facilitated generation of colloidal gold nanoparticles by multi-MHz ultrashort-pulse laser trains: key optical factors
Authors: Kudryashov Sergey , Danilov Pavel , Schneider Lutz , Schille Joerg , Loeschner Udo , Nastulyavichus Alena , Smirnov Nikita , Kuchmizhak Alexander , Vitrik Oleg
Published: December 2020

Generation of colloidal gold nanoparticles was for the first time studied at ultra-high, multi-MHz repetition rates of 10 ps, 1030 nm laser pulses, ablating 70 nm gold film in water at the constant average power of 270 W and focusing conditions. Ultrafast (550 m s−1) laser scanning of gold films was facilitated by a polygon reflector, provided single-shot per spot through ablation of the films. According to our hypothetical model, the rate-dependent exposure of the films at the constant average power resulted in four-fold increase of the optical density of the colloidal solutions in the interband-transition spectral range (about 400 nm) due to the increasing number of incident pulses over the fixed area of 1 cm × 1 cm square, despite the decreasing ablation rate at lower, inversely-proportional fluences and dynamic overlap of plume-induced bubbles.
CMIP5/6 models project little change in the statistical characteristics of sudden stratospheric warmings in the 21st century
Authors: Rao Jian , Garfinkel Chaim I
Published: December 2020

Using state-of-the-art models from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phases 5 and 6 (CMIP5/6), future changes of sudden stratospheric warming (SSW) events under a moderate emission scenario (RCP45/SSP245) and a strong emissions scenario (RCP85/SSP585) are evaluated with respect to the historical simulations. Changes in four characteristics of SSWs are examined in 54 models: the SSW frequency, the seasonal distribution, stratosphere–troposphere coupling, and the persistency of the distorted or displaced polar vortex. The composite results show that none of these four aspects will change robustly. An insignificant (though positive) change in the SSW frequency from historical simulations to RCP45/SSP245 and then to RCP85/SSP585 is consistently projected by CMIP5 and CMIP6 multimodel ensembles in most wintertime months (December–March). This increase in the SSW frequency is most pronounced in mid- (late-) winter in CMIP6 (CMIP5). No shift in the seasonality of SSWs is simulated especially in the CMIP6 future scenarios. Both the reanalysis and CMIP5/6 historical simulations exhibit strong stratosphere–troposphere coupling during SSWs, and the coupling strength is nearly unchanged in the future scenario simulations. The near surface responds immediately after the onset of SSWs in both historical and future scenarios experiments, denoted by the deep downward propagation of zonal-mean easterly anomalies from the stratosphere to the troposphere. On average, the composite circumpolar easterly winds persist for 8 d in the reanalysis and CMIP5/6 historical experiments, which are projected to remain unchanged in both the moderate and strong emissions scenarios, implying the lifecycle of SSWs will not change.
Improving the understanding between climate variability and observed extremes of global NO2 over the past 15 years
Authors: Deng Weizhi , Cohen Jason Blake , Wang Shuo , Lin Chuyong
Published: December 2020

This work addresses the relationship between major dynamical forcings and variability in NO2 column measurements. The dominating impact in Northern Southeast Asia is due to El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO); in Indonesia, Northern Australia and South America is due to Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD); and in Southern China Land and Sea, Populated Northern China, Siberia, Northern and Arctic Eurasia, Central and Southern Africa, and Western US and Canada is due to North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO). That NO2 pollution in Indonesia is modulated by IOD contradicts previous work claiming that the emissions in Indonesia are a function of El Niño impacting upon Aerosol Optical Depth and Fire Radiative Power. Simultaneous impacts of concurrent and lagged forcings are derived using multi-linear regression, demonstrating ENSO impacts future NO2 variability, enhancing NO2 emissions 7–88 weeks in the future, while IOD and NAO in some cases increase the emissions from or the duration of the future burning season as measured by NO2. This impact will also extend to co-emitted aerosols and heat, which may impact the climate. In all cases, lagged forcings exhibit more impact than concurrent forcings, hinting at non-linearity coupling with soil moisture, water table, and other dynamical effects. The regression model formed demonstrates that dynamical forcings are responsible for over 45% of the NO2 emissions variability in most non-urban areas and over 30% in urban China and sub-arctic regions. These results demonstrate the significance of climate forcing on short-lived air pollutants.
A system for contact free energy expenditure assessment under free-living conditions: monitoring metabolism for weight loss using carbon dioxide emission
Authors: Sprowls Mark , Victor Shaun , Serhan Michael , Destaillats Hugo , Wheatley-Guy Courtney , Johnson Bruce , Kulick Doina , Forzani Erica
Published: December 2020

Weight disorders are strikingly prevalent globally and can contribute to a wide array of potentially fatal diseases spanning from type II diabetes to coronary heart disease. These disorders have a common cause: poor calorie balance. Since energy expenditure (EE) (kcal d−1) constitutes one half of the calorie balance equation (the other half being food intake), its measurement could be of great value to those suffering from weight disorders. A technique for contact free assessment of EE is presented, which only relies on CO2 concentration monitoring within a sealed office space, and assessment of carbon dioxide production rate (VCO2). Twenty healthy subjects were tested in a cross-sectional study to evaluate the performance of the aforementioned technique in measuring both resting EE (REE) and exercise EE using the proposed system (the ‘SmartPad’) and a U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) cleared gold standard reference instrument for EE measurement. For VCO2 and EE measurements, the method showed a correlation slope of 1.00 and 1.03 with regression coefficients of 0.99 and 0.99, respectively, and Bland–Altman plots with a mean bias = −0.232% with respect to the reference instrument. Furthermore, two subjects were also tested as part of a proof-of-concept longitudinal study where EE patterns were simultaneously tracked with body weight, sleep, stress, and step counts using a smartwatch over the course of a month, to determine correlation between the aforementioned parameters and EE. Analysis revealed moderately high correlation coefficients (Pearson’s r) for stress (r
average = 0.609) and body weight (r
average = 0.597) for the two subjects. The new SmartPad method was demonstrated to be a promising technique for EE measurement under free-living conditions.
Controlled growth of SnSe/MoS2 vertical p–n heterojunction for optoelectronic applications
Authors: Wang Xingwang , Zheng Biyuan , Yi Jiali , Liu Huawei , Sun Xingxia , Zhu Chenguang , Liu Ying , Fang Lizhen , Li Dong , Pan Anlian
Published: December 2020

Two-dimensional (2D) heterostructures have been widely studied in recent years and are envisioned to play a key role in future integrated electronics and optoelectronics. The thus-involved van der Waals integration technique provides a feasible way to integrate different 2D materials even with diverse crystal structures into heterostructures, providing a promising platform to explore new artificial materials with new properties. Here, for the first time, we have successfully realized the combination of orthogonal selenide (SnSe) with hexagonal MoS2 into p–n heterojunctions though a two-step chemical vapor deposition method. High resolution transmission electron microscopy characterization shows that multilayer SnSe nanosheet is vertically stacked on MoS2 nanosheet with high crystallinity. The precise spatial modulation of SnSe/MoS2 heterostructures is verified by Raman diagrams. At the same time, the electrical and optoelectronic properties are probed though designing SnSe/MoS2 p–n junction devices. Typical current rectification behaviors are obviously observed in dark condition. While under light illumination, obvious photovoltaic behavior is observed. Maximum short-circuit current (I
sc) and photon-electron conversion efﬁciency (η) are measured to be 67 nA and 1.8%, respectively. The results also indicate that the heterostructure can be employed for reliable ultra-sensitive photodetection, where maximum photoresponsivity is measured to be 384 A W−1. The direct vapor growth of 2D p–n junctions with different lattice symmetries may expand the platform for the realization of new 2D electronic and optoelectronic devices.
Liquid metal architectures for soft and wearable energy harvesting devices
Authors: Zadan Mason , Chiew Cerwyn , Majidi Carmel , Malakooti Mohammad H
Published: December 2020

Future advanced wearable energy harvesters need to have high power densities, functionality under large deformations, scalability, and robust resistance against mechanical damages (i.e. fatigue, delamination, and fracture). To achieve this, ultra-flexible, high dielectric, and thermally conductive materials along with deformable and robust electrodes are needed. Here, we review recent progress in synthesis and integration of liquid metal (LM) material architectures as the building blocks of emerging wearable energy harvesting devices. After a brief introduction to room temperature LM alloys, LM’s various applications in a variety of soft and stretchable power harvesting devices including thermoelectric, triboelectric, dielectric elastomer, and piezoelectric generators are summarized. The unique opportunities and challenges introduced by LM material architectures in this field are also discussed.
Injectable biomaterials as minimal invasive strategy towards soft tissue regeneration—an overview
Authors: Van Damme Lana , Blondeel Phillip , Van Vlierberghe Sandra
Published: December 2020

Soft tissue engineering has been gaining increasing interest as an approach to overcome the limitations posed by current clinical procedures such as invasiveness of the surgery, post-operative complications and volume loss. Soft tissue damage occurs either due to congenital malformation, trauma/disease or surgical resection. Through the use of autologous cells, such as mesenchymal stem cells, combined with a biomaterial acting as a support, biological substitutes can be developed. A promising pathway in terms of delivery of these engineered constructs is the use of an injectable system, able to provide a minimally invasive approach. Advances have been made in the development of biocompatible biomaterials able to induce soft tissue regeneration. The present review provides an overview of fillers used in the clinic as well as a non-exhaustive overview of all injectable systems reported for soft tissue engineering. A particular focus is placed on the benefits and drawbacks of the biomaterials and the underlying polymerisation strategy. Furthermore, focus is placed on the mechanical properties of the systems.
Nanophotonic biosensors for point-of-care COVID-19 diagnostics and coronavirus surveillance
Authors: Ruiz-Vega Gisela , Soler Maria , Lechuga Laura M
Published: December 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic has revealed the need of novel diagnostic technologies for rapid and accurate virus detection. In the European CONVAT project, a point-of-care nanophotonic biosensor is being developed for the direct, fast and specific identification of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 from both human patient samples and animal reservoirs. The technology will provide a quantitative detection of the viral load and it can be implemented in decentralized settings to improve the early diagnosis and clinical management of patients as well as coronavirus environmental monitoring to prevent future outbreaks.
Hearing Impairment in Municipal Refuse and Glass Recycling Collection Operatives
Authors: Wynn Philip A , Preston Rachel
Published: December 2020

Several international regulatory bodies and researchers have identified employees in the municipal refuse and recycling industry as potentially at risk of noise induced hearing loss. Whilst materials recycling facilities have been subject to research regarding the health effects of hazardous exposures, the roadside recycling collection aspects of the industry has been identified as requiring further investigation. The requirement for characterization of such risk has been increased in the European Union by legislation that has led to increased rates of municipal recycling in the waste disposal industry. In particular, the introduction of glass recycling collection rounds over recent years, alongside long-established refuse collection activities, has given rise to possible further increased levels of industrial noise exposure, beyond that of refuse collection alone. This cross-sectional study describes hearing threshold categorization in 201 male full-time refuse collection workers, most of whom had many years of employment in municipal refuse collection, and all of whom, in the 3–4 years preceding the study, had commenced a work pattern of alternating weeks of municipal glass recycling collection and refuse collection. During this period there was no compulsory use of personal hearing protective equipment. No excess of hearing loss was found in this group, irrespective of years in refuse collection duties or when compared with those studied with additional responsibilities as a driver of refuse wagons (a task not considered to lead to excessive noise exposure). Further research into hearing loss in such employees is merited, given the short time period of exposure to noise from glass collection, but the possible benefit of undertaking detailed full shift personal noise exposure in this group is proposed.
Anthem: a user customised tool for fast and accurate prediction of binding between peptides and HLA class I molecules
Authors: Mei Shutao , Li Fuyi , Xiang Dongxu , Ayala Rochelle , Faridi Pouya , Webb Geoffrey I , Illing Patricia T , Rossjohn Jamie , Akutsu Tatsuya , Croft Nathan P , Purcell Anthony W , Song Jiangning
Published: December 2020

Neopeptide-based immunotherapy has been recognised as a promising approach for the treatment of cancers. For neopeptides to be recognised by CD8+ T cells and induce an immune response, their binding to human leukocyte antigen class I (HLA-I) molecules is a necessary first step. Most epitope prediction tools thus rely on the prediction of such binding. With the use of mass spectrometry, the scale of naturally presented HLA ligands that could be used to develop such predictors has been expanded. However, there are rarely efforts that focus on the integration of these experimental data with computational algorithms to efficiently develop up-to-date predictors. Here, we present Anthem for accurate HLA-I binding prediction. In particular, we have developed a user-friendly framework to support the development of customisable HLA-I binding prediction models to meet challenges associated with the rapidly increasing availability of large amounts of immunopeptidomic data. Our extensive evaluation, using both independent and experimental datasets shows that Anthem achieves an overall similar or higher area under curve value compared with other contemporary tools. It is anticipated that Anthem will provide a unique opportunity for the non-expert user to analyse and interpret their own in-house or publicly deposited datasets.
Mesophication of Oak Landscapes: Evidence, Knowledge Gaps, and Future Research
Authors: Alexander Heather D , Siegert Courtney , Brewer J Stephen , Kreye Jesse , Lashley Marcus A , McDaniel Jennifer K , Paulson Alison K , Renninger Heidi J , Varner J Morgan
Published: December 2020

Pyrophytic oak landscapes across the central and eastern United States are losing dominance as shade-tolerant, fire-sensitive, or opportunistic tree species encroach into these ecosystems in the absence of periodic, low-intensity surface fires. Mesophication, a hypothesized process initiated by intentional fire exclusion by which these encroaching species progressively create conditions favorable for their own persistence at the expense of pyrophytic species, is commonly cited as causing this structural and compositional transition. However, many questions remain regarding mesophication and its role in declining oak dominance. In the present article, we review support and key knowledge gaps for the mesophication hypothesis. We then pose avenues for future research that consider which tree species and tree traits create self-perpetuating conditions and under what conditions tree-level processes might affect forest flammability at broader scales. Our goal is to promote research that can better inform restoration and conservation of oak ecosystems experiencing structural and compositional shifts across the region.
A Thematic Analysis of Mental Health Student Perceptions of Working With Older Persons With Serious Mental Illness
Authors: Santos Stephanie , Zechner Michelle
Published: December 2020

Older people with serious mental illness (SMI) are a rapidly growing population that is expected to double in the US by 2030 (Pratt, Mueser, Bartels, & Wolfe, 2013). Negative attitudes towards older adults and people with SMI are reported for medical, nursing, and mental health students, but little research has examined mental health student attitudes about older adults living with SMI (Nochajski, et al., 2009; Smith & Cashwell, 2010). Education can improve attitudes towards vulnerable populations (Frailing & Slate, 2016). This retrospective qualitative study aimed to identify mental health profession student’s perceptions of working with older adults with SMI throughout a fifteen-week, online, mental health course, that educated students on the unique needs of older adults with SMI, available community services and resources, barriers to adequate services, and the effects of ageism. Undergraduate (n=13) and graduate (n=3) forum responses were gathered at three time points (Week 1, Week 5, and Week 15) to examine their attitudes about working with older adults with SMI. De-identified responses were aggregated. Conventional content analysis was used to identify themes. Two researchers manually coded aggregated information, and met to reach consensus regarding underlying themes. Content analysis suggested the following themes: negative feelings towards older adults, personal experiences with older adults, generational differences, cultural views of aging, attitudes about aging, and generational differences. Suggestions for future work with mental health students to reduce stigma and encourage them to work with older adults with SMI will be presented.
Hands and Health at Home: An Innovative Intergenerational Program for Meals on Wheels Clients
Authors: Gatward Meghan , Logue Rachel , Vanderlaan Courtney , Brown Susan
Published: December 2020

Homebound older adults represent an understudied population who are at greater risk of losing hand strength and manipulation skills that, in turn, can lead to increased disability and cognitive declines (Dayanidhi and Valero-Cuevas, 2014). The Hands and Health at Home program was developed through a partnership with the University of Michigan’s School of Kinesiology and Michigan Medicine’s Ann Arbor Meals on Wheels program to demonstrate the feasibility of an intergenerational approach to address unmet needs of Meals on Wheels recipients. Undergraduate movement science student trainers were paired with a client who they visited twice weekly for 5 weeks. Students received training, including mock training scenarios, from an interprofessional team with backgrounds in social work, nursing, and neurorehabilitation. Home training protocols were developed using commercially available games and occupational therapy tools with the aim of improving hand function and facilitating socialization. Pre- and post-assessments included hand strength and dexterity, and client-reported measures of physical function and self-efficacy. Feedback from clients and students was overwhelmingly positive with several students indicating that the experience had stimulated interest in pursuing gerontology careers. Changes in quantitative assessments were variable across clients although pinch strength increased significantly in the non-dominant hand (p<0.02) and was predictive of measures of self-efficacy (r=.78, p<0.02). To our knowledge, this pilot program is the first of its kind and demonstrates the value of an intergenerational approach aimed at improving quality of life in Meals on Wheels clients, and may be of benefit for other underserved older members of the community.
Navigating Conflicting Rights Among Residents, Visitors, and Families in Long-Term Care Facilities
Authors: Perone Angela
Published: December 2020

Background: An abundance of long-term care regulations creates a bevy of rights for nursing facility residents, staff, and families. Front-line workers and managers have significant discretion and responsibilities for interpreting these rights. Building on street-level-bureaucracy theory (Lipsky, 2010), which focuses on how front-line workers implement policy, this study examines how staff at various levels (direct care, mid-level professional, top management) resolve conflicting rights. Methods: This study employs a novel advanced multi-method qualitative design with semi-structured staff interviews (n=90), content analysis of long-term care facility policies (n=75), and participant observation of two facilities for a multi-layered comparative case study. Findings: Data analysis revealed variations in staff responses to conflicting rights regarding autonomy and safety (e.g. fall prevention, dementia, coronavirus) and discrimination (i.e. sexual/racial harassment). While harassment was rampant, direct care workers responded more deferentially to residents and often justified harassment as part of a customer service job in one’s home. Staff at all levels relied on teams to develop creative problem-solving approaches, but team composition and discretion varied significantly between facilities and staff levels. While staff included few social workers, staff heavily relied on them to adjudicate conflicting rights. Implications: Conflicting rights impact resident care and relationships among residents, staff, and families. This research provides policymakers and practitioners with new data about how staff resolve conflicting rights, which can facilitate stronger policies to support an overburdened and underpaid long-term care workforce. This research also expands street-level-bureaucracy theory to include managers and reveals how various team approaches can produce diverse solutions.
The Impact of Leadership Styles on Quality and Financial Performance in High Medicaid Nursing Homes
Authors: Lord Justin , Davlyatov Ganisher , Ghiasi Akbar , Weech-Maldonado Robert
Published: December 2020

This study examines the association between leadership styles on resident quality and financial performance in under resourced nursing homes (70% or higher Medicaid census). The Bonoma/Slevin leadership model was used to classify managers into four categories, autocrat, consultative autocrat, consensus manager, and shareholder manager. Survey data from 391 nursing home directors (response rate of 37%) from 2017- 2018, were merged with secondary data from LTCFocus, Area Health Resource File, Medicare Cost Reports, and Nursing Home Compare. Two models were ran to examine the effect of leadership styles on the dependent variable(s) nursing home STAR data (quality) and operating margin (financial performance). The independent variables were composite scores for leadership styles, with autocrat as the reference group. Control variables included organizational (ownership, chain affiliation, size, occupancy, payer mix, staffing, and race/ethnicity), and county factors (Medicare Advantage penetration, per capita income, poverty, education, unemployment, and competition). Multivariate regression was used to model the relationship between leadership styles and nursing home quality and financial performance. The consultative autocrat was associated with lower quality (p < 0.05), while the consensus manager was associated with lower profit margin (p < 0.05), as compared to autocratic leadership. The consultative autocrat, who solicits information from the staff yet still makes all significant decisions, is associated in lower quality; however, a consensus manager, who delegates their authority to the group, is associated with lower financial performance. Under-resourced nursing homes who face dual pressures need to recognize trade-offs of different decision making styles for quality and financial performance.
Exploring the Effects of Arts Intervention Groups on Well-Being Among Older Adults
Authors: Ihara Emily , McNeil Kathryn , Lopez-Piper Adriana , Eber Maxine , Tompkins Catherine , Matto Holly , Dhokai Niyati , Ambegaonkar Jatin
Published: December 2020

Engaging in the arts reportedly improves well-being, but research is limited on the specific effects for community-dwelling older adults. The purpose of this randomized controlled trial was to examine how taking part in different arts interventions (dance & music), affects older adults’ overall well-being compared to a social conversation control group. Sixty-four participants (mean = 71 years old) participated twice weekly in a 10-week intervention that included ballroom dancing (n=23), ukulele playing (n=17), and social conversation (n=24). At the conclusion, three focus groups were held to assess participants’ experiences and subjective evaluation of the interventions’ impact. Twenty-two out of the sixty-four participants (dance= 8, ukulele = 6, social conversation = 8) took part in focus groups. Transcripts of the recorded focus groups were independently coded and compared. Common themes were agreed-upon by two researchers. Focus groups revealed positive outcomes for participants in all three groups. Several themes emerged across the intervention groups compared to the control group, including participants feeling challenged as they crossed their comfort zones, reporting increased confidence, enhanced social connections, and a sense of accomplishment when learning new skills. Community-dwelling older adults reported improved health-related outcomes after taking part in arts and social conversation sessions. Implementation of community-engaged arts intervention programs for older adults in the future may examine motivators which attract participants, foster positive social connections during sessions, and use participant-empowering pedagogical adaptations to retain participants. These factors can increase the efficacy of arts-engaged programs and help improve well-being in older adults.
A Longitudinal Study of the Impact of Loneliness on Personal Mastery Among Older Adults in Singapore
Authors: Takagi Emiko , Saito Yasuhiko , Chan Angelique W M
Published: December 2020

This study uses longitudinal data to examine the association between older adults’ sense of mastery and loneliness. We examined the data of a nationally representative sample of adults 60 years and older in Singapore (Wave1, n=4,990) from the Panel of Health and Aging among Older Singaporeans Survey. The initial participants were followed up in 2011 (Wave2, n=3,103) and in 2015 (Wave3, n=1,572). At each wave, emotional loneliness was assessed using the UCLA three-item loneliness scale and sense of mastery was measured with the five items from the Pearlin Mastery Scale. We conducted cross-lagged regression analyses where loneliness and personal mastery scores in each wave were treated as endogenous variables along with covariates including demographic characteristics, health conditions, and the overall strength of social network measured by Lubben Social Network Scale. The results showed that loneliness in wave 1 and wave 2 respectively predicted a lower level of personal sense of mastery in subsequent waves. However, the other direction, the influence of personal mastery in wave 1 and wave 2 on loneliness at subsequent waves, was not significant. Furthermore, the analysis showed that older adults’ relatively strong social network was related to a lower level of loneliness and a higher sense of mastery at Wave 3. The finding suggests that loneliness plays a critical role in influencing older adults’ personal sense of mastery and that the strength of social network is an important mediator of loneliness and personal sense of mastery amongst older adults and a potential area for intervention.
Loneliness and Purpose in Life Are Important Predictors for Future Care Planning
Authors: Mak Wingyun , Sörensen Silvia
Published: December 2020

Experiencing purpose and social connection in later life is associated with better quality of life, better cognition, less morbidity, and lower risk of mortality. People who experience less purpose in life are more likely to report loneliness (Neville et al., 2018), and those with vision impairment are at greater risk for loneliness than the general population (Brunes et al., 2019). Planning for future care may be one way to enhance late life outcomes, but it is unclear how loneliness and purpose in life are related to planning behaviors in older people with vision loss. Using a sample of 200 older adults who were diagnosed with macular degeneration, this study explored the association of loneliness and purpose in life on future care planning variables after controlling for basic health and demographic variables. Hierarchical regressions showed that 1) people who are lonelier (β=.26, p<.05) but report greater purpose in life (β=.19, p<.05) are more aware of future care needs (ΔR2= .14, p<.001); 2) people who are lonelier (β=-.16, p<.05) but report greater purpose in life (β=-.46, p<.001) are less avoidant of planning (ΔR2= .14, p<.001); and 3) people who report greater purpose in life are more likely to gather information (β=.24, p<.05; ΔR2= .04, p<.05) and establish concrete plans related to planning for future care (β=.25, p<.05; ΔR2= .06, p<.001). These results suggest that having purpose in later life may boost planning behaviors, while those who are lonely may need help translating their awareness of future care needs into planning behaviors.
More Exercise Is Linked to Less Loneliness in Adult Day Health Attendees
Authors: Mak Wingyun
Published: December 2020

There is a growing evidence that more physical activity is linked to less loneliness (Cigna, 2018; Pels & Kleinert; 2016). It is less clear whether this relationship persists in older adults who are attending adult day health services and often have multiple comorbidities. In this study, we examined whether spending more time exercising would significantly predict whether adult day health attendees reported loneliness. We used UAS-NY data from a sample of 221 adult day health attendees from 2019 to early 2020 who scored five or greater on the Nursing Facility Level of Care Index, which is a score derived from assessments of cognition, communication and vision, mood and behavior, functional status, continence, and nutritional status. A logistic regression showed that after controlling for demographic variables, cognition, health, and quality of family relationships, participants were less likely to report loneliness if they had been attending adult day health services for at least six months or more (B=.86, p<.05), spent less time alone (B=-.45, p<.05), and exercised more (B=.47, p<.05; χ2(3)=15.6, p=.001). These results suggest that in addition to participating in adult day services and spending more time with others, exercising may have an impact on the experience of loneliness.
The Association Between Hearing Loss and Completion of Advance Care Planning Among Older Adults
Authors: Han Junghee , Park Junghyun
Published: December 2020

Background: Ensuring access to quality end-of-life (EOL) care for all older adults is emerging public health concern. Hearing loss (HL) is the third most common chronic disease affecting older adults and a major impediment to access healthcare services. However, little is known about the impact of HL on advance care planning for older adults. Method: A sample of 1,862 older adults (≥65 years) was drawn from the National Health and Aging Trends Study (NHATS). HL was determined by self-report and advance care planning was measured by asking if an individual completed living wills or the Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care (DPAHC). Covariates included age, gender, race, marital status, education, religion, nativity, depression, region, facility status, regular doctor availability, Medicaid, hospitalization, cognition, perceived health status and a presence of chronic disease. Results: Descriptive statistics revealed that nearly 67% of older adults with HL completed the DPAHC, and the majority of them (71%) also had living wills. Multivariable logistic regression analyses showed that HL was significantly associated with completion of DPAHC and living wills, after controlling for a list of covariates (OR=0.50, p<0.05). Conclusions: The findings show HL is a significant predictor of completion of any type of advance directives. Facilitating effective communication in advance care planning for older adults with HL is needed. Healthcare provider should make health information accessible to them to get quality EOL care.
Conscious and Non-Conscious Processes Regulate Minority Older Adults’ Sedentary Behavior
Authors: Maher Jaclyn , Hevel Derek , Sappenfield Kourtney , Scheer Heidi , Zecca Christine , Kennedy-Malone Laurie
Published: December 2020

Accumulating evidence suggests that sedentary behavior (SB), or time spent sitting, is regulated by both conscious (e.g., intentions) and non-conscious (e.g., habits) motivational processes. Much of the work investigating these processes has employed summary-based measures of typical motivation and behavior. This study employed ecological momentary assessment (EMA) methods and accelerometry to determine the extent to which conscious and non-conscious processes regulate minority older adults’ momentary decisions to engage in SB. Over the course of the 8-day study, minority older adults (N=91; age range: 60-89 years, 96% Black/African American) answered 6 EMA questionnaires/day on a mobile phone and wore an ActivPAL activity monitor to measure SB. EMA questionnaires assessed momentary intentions to limit SB over the next two hours. SB habit strength was self-reported at an introductory session. Results from a multilevel linear regression model indicated that on occasions when individuals had stronger intentions than usual to limit SB, they subsequently engaged in less SB (b=-3.72, p<0.01). Individuals who had stronger SB habits, tended to engage in more SB (b=3.00, p<0.01). An additional multilevel model revealed that habits did not significantly moderate the association between momentary intentions and subsequent SB (b=-1.06, p=0.09). In conclusion, minority older adults’ momentary SB appears to be directly influenced by both conscious and non-conscious motivational processes, though the interactive effects are unclear. Interventions to reduce minority older adults’ SB should include content to increase intentions to limit SB (e.g., information on instrumental and affective consequences) and disrupt habitual SB (e.g., action planning).
Factors Affecting Subjective Well-Being Among Older Adults in India
Authors: Banerjee Kasturi , Baker Tamara
Published: December 2020

India has a rapidly expanding aging population whose unique mental health needs remain largely unexplored. Existent preliminary data however, show a significant association between life satisfaction and depressive symptoms within this population. Yet, little is known regarding the specific social and behavioral factors that may influence this relationship. Using data from the Longitudinal Aging Study in India (LASI) Pilot survey, the current study aimed to examine demographic and psychosocial factors associated with life satisfaction and subjective well-being among older adults 45+ years of age in the Indian states of Punjab, Rajasthan, Kerala and Karnataka. Results from the multivariate analyses indicated that age, household resources, neighborhood safety, religion, literacy status and participation in social activities are significantly associated with life satisfaction. Belonging to a southern state (β=.156; p<0.001), being financial provider status (β=-.073; p<0.001) and not being a care provider (β=.105; p<0.01) were significant predictors of greater life satisfaction. These findings are consistent with previous exploration of state level disparities regarding accessible resources and quality of life, and similarly the need to better understand the role of financial difficulties and care-giving burden among this population. These findings suggest the need to use qualitative assessment that explores the role additional factors such as social engagement and perceived neighborhood support have on this population’s subjective well-being; thereby shaping public policy, focus resources, and form the foundation of intervention programs.