bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rehabilitation and reintegration programming adjunct to female genital fistula surgery: a scoping review protocol
Authors: El Ayadi Alison M , Painter Caitlyn E , Delamou Alexandre , Barr-Walker Jill , Obore Susan , Byamugisha Josaphat , Korn Abner , Barageine Justus K
Published: October 2019

Introduction

Female genital fistula is a debilitating traumatic injury, largely birth-associated, globally affecting up to 2 million women, mostly in sub-Saharan Africa. Fistula has significant physical, psychological and economic consequences. Women often face challenges in reintegrating and resuming prior roles despite successful surgery. Synthesising the evidence on services adjunct to fistula surgery and their outcomes is important for developing the evidence base for best practices and identifying research priorities. This scoping review seeks to examine the range of rehabilitation and reintegration services provided as adjunct to genital fistula surgery, map the existing programming and outcomes, and identify areas for additional research.

Methods and analysis

Our scoping review is informed by existing methodological frameworks and will be conducted in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses-ScR guidelines. The search strategy will be applied to nine biomedical, public health and social science databases. The initial search was completed on 27 September 2018. Grey literature will be identified through targeted Google searches and from organisational websites identified as relevant by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Campaign to End Fistula. We will iteratively build our search strategy through term harvesting and review, and search reference lists of reports and articles to identify additional studies. Two reviewers will independently screen titles and abstracts, followed by full-text screening of all potentially relevant articles and standardised data extraction. Articles eligible for inclusion will discuss research or programmatic efforts around service provision in adjunct to surgery among females with genital fistula. Data will be presented in summary tables accompanied by narrative description.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethics approval is not required for a scoping review. Our results can be used to inform policy, serve as support for funding and development of reintegration programmes and highlight areas for subsequent research. Results will be disseminated at relevant conferences and published in a peer-reviewed journal.
Academic versus non-academic neurosurgeons in China: a national cross-sectional study on workload, burnout and engagement
Authors: Yu Jinli , Gao Jiming , Chen Junyan , Sun Yirui
Published: October 2019

Objectives

Chinese neurosurgery has made great progress during the past decades; yet, little is known about the working status of neurosurgeons. This study aimed to evaluate the difference between academic and non-academic neurosurgeons, focusing on their professional burnout, job satisfaction and work engagement.

Design

Cross-sectional nationwide survey.

Study setting

The survey was conducted in China between 2017 and 2018.

Participants

A total number of 823 academic neurosurgeons and 379 non-academic neurosurgeons participated in this study.

Outcome measures

Professional burnout, job satisfaction and work engagement were assessed using the Maslach Burnout Inventory, the Job Descriptive Index and the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale, respectively.

Results

The majority of respondents were male (92.93%), less than 45 years old (85.27%) and married (79.53%). Chinese neurosurgeons worked 63.91±11.04 hours per week, and approximately 45% experienced burnout. Compared with non-academic respondents, academic neurosurgeons had longer working hours (p<0.01), higher income (p<0.01) and were less willing to get married (p<0.01). In addition, they showed a lower degree of burnout (p<0.01), a higher level of job satisfaction (p<0.01) and were more enthusiastic at work (p=0.015). Multivariate regression analyses indicated that divorced (OR 7.02, 95% CI 2.37 to 15.08) and workplace violence (OR 1.52, 95% CI 1.18 to 2.24) were associated with burnout for both academic and non-academic respondents. Long working hours (≥71 hours per week) and low annual income (<1 00 000 RMB) were risk factors for burnout among academic neurosurgeons. For non-academic neurosurgical surgeons (age 36–45 years), working as attending doctors, serving in public hospitals and having the first house-living child were all closely related to the incidence of burnout.

Conclusion

Chinese neurosurgeons are under significant stress particularly for the non-academic neurosurgeons. Offering better opportunities for training, promotion, higher income and safer working environments could be solutions to relieve burnout and improve career satisfaction and engagement.

Trial registration number

ChiCTR1800014762. This article is not linked to a clinical trial.
Protocol for establishing a child and adolescent twin register for mental health research and capacity building in Sri Lanka and other low and middle-income countries in South Asia
Authors: Jayaweera Kaushalya , Craig Jeffrey M , Zavos Helena M S , Abeysinghe Nihal , De Alwis Sunil , Andras Alina , Dissanayake Lasith , Dziedzic Krysia , Fernando Buddhika , Glozier Nick , Hewamalage Asiri , Ives Jonathan , Jordan Kelvin P , Kodituwakku Godwin , Mallen Christian , Rahman Omar , Zafar Shamsa , Saxena Alka , Rijsdijk Fruhling , Saffery Richard , Simonoff Emily , Yusuf Rita , Sumathipala Athula
Published: October 2019

Introduction

Worldwide, 10%–20% of children and adolescents experience mental health conditions. However, most such disorders remain undiagnosed until adolescence or adulthood. Little is known about the factors that influence mental health in children and adolescents, especially in low and middle-income countries (LMIC), where environmental threats, such as poverty and war, may affect optimal neurodevelopment. Cohort studies provide important information on risks and resilience across the life course by enabling tracking of the effects of early life environment on health during childhood and beyond. Large birth cohort studies, including twin cohorts that can be aetiologically informative, have been conducted within high-income countries but are not generalisable to LMIC. There are limited longitudinal birth cohort studies in LMIC.

Methods

We sought to enhance the volume of impactful research in Sri Lanka by establishing a Centre of Excellence for cohort studies. The aim is to establish a register of infant, child and adolescent twins, including mothers pregnant with twins, starting in the districts of Colombo (Western Province) and Vavuniya (Northern Province). We will gain consent from twins or parents for future research projects. This register will provide the platform to investigate the aetiology of mental illness and the impact of challenges to early brain development on future mental health. Using this register, we will be able to conduct research that will (1) expand existing research capacity on child and adolescent mental health and twin methods; (2) further consolidate existing partnerships and (3) establish new collaborations. The initiative is underpinned by three pillars: high-quality research, ethics, and patient and public involvement and engagement (PPIE).

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval for this study was obtained from the Ethics Review Committee of Sri Lanka Medical Association and Keele University’s Ethical Review Panel. In addition to journal publications, a range of PPIE activities have been conducted.
Multiple chronic conditions at a major urban health system: a retrospective cross-sectional analysis of frequencies, costs and comorbidity patterns
Authors: Majumdar Usnish B , Hunt Christophe , Doupe Patrick , Baum Aaron J , Heller David J , Levine Erica L , Kumar Rashi , Futterman Robert , Hajat Cother , Kishore Sandeep P
Published: October 2019

Objective

To (1) examine the burden of multiple chronic conditions (MCC) in an urban health system, and (2) propose a methodology to identify subpopulations of interest based on diagnosis groups and costs.

Design

Retrospective cross-sectional study.

Setting

Mount Sinai Health System, set in all five boroughs of New York City, USA.

Participants

192 085 adult (18+) plan members of capitated Medicaid contracts between the Healthfirst managed care organisation and the Mount Sinai Health System in the years 2012 to 2014.

Methods

We classified adults as having 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5+ chronic conditions from a list of 69 chronic conditions. After summarising the demographics, geography and prevalence of MCC within this population, we then described groups of patients (segments) using a novel methodology: we combinatorially defined 18 768 potential segments of patients by a pair of chronic conditions, a sex and an age group, and then ranked segments by (1) frequency, (2) cost and (3) ratios of observed to expected frequencies of co-occurring chronic conditions. We then compiled pairs of conditions that occur more frequently together than otherwise expected.

Results

61.5% of the study population suffers from two or more chronic conditions. The most frequent dyad was hypertension and hyperlipidaemia (19%) and the most frequent triad was diabetes, hypertension and hyperlipidaemia (10%). Women aged 50 to 65 with hypertension and hyperlipidaemia were the leading cost segment in the study population. Costs and prevalence of MCC increase with number of conditions and age. The disease dyads associated with the largest observed/expected ratios were pulmonary disease and myocardial infarction. Inter-borough range MCC prevalence was 16%.

Conclusions

In this low-income, urban population, MCC is more prevalent (61%) than nationally (42%), motivating further research and intervention in this population. By identifying potential target populations in an interpretable manner, this segmenting methodology has utility for health services analysts.
Exploring the role of hospitals and office-based physicians in timely provision of statins following acute myocardial infarction: a secondary analysis of a nationwide cohort using cross-classified multilevel models
Authors: Schang Laura , Koller Daniela , Franke Sebastian , Sundmacher L
Published: October 2019

Objectives

To examine the role of hospitals and office-based physicians in empirical networks that deliver care to the same population with regard to the timely provision of appropriate care after hospital discharge.

Design

Secondary data analysis of a nationwide cohort using cross-classified multilevel models.

Setting

Transition from hospital to ambulatory care.

Participants

All patients discharged for acute myocardial infarction (AMI) from Germany’s largest statutory health insurance fund group in 2011.

Main outcome measure

Patients’ odds of receiving a statin prescription within 30 days after hospital discharge.

Results

We found significant variation in 30-day statin prescribing between hospitals (median OR (MOR) 1.40; 95% credible interval (CrI) 1.36 to 1.45), hospital-physician pairs caring for the same patients (MOR 1.32; 95% CrI 1.26 to 1.38) and to a lesser extent between physicians (MOR 1.14; 95% CrI 1.11 to 1.19). About 67% of the variance between hospital-physician pairs and about 45% of the variance between hospitals was explained by hospital characteristics including a rural location, teaching status and the number of beds, the number of patients shared between a hospital and an office-based physician as well as 16 patient characteristics, including multimorbidity and dementia. We found no impact of physician characteristics.

Conclusions

Timely prescription of appropriatesecondary prevention pharmacotherapy after AMI is subject to considerable practice variation which is not consistent with clinical guidelines. Hospitals contribute more to the observed variation than physicians, and most of the variation lies at the patient level. To ensure care continuity for patients, it is important to strengthen hospital capacity for discharge management and coordination between hospitals and office-based physicians.
Partially randomised patient preference trials as an alternative design to randomised controlled trials: systematic review and meta-analyses
Authors: Wasmann Karin A , Wijsman Pieta , van Dieren Susan , Bemelman Willem , Buskens Christianne
Published: October 2019

Objective

Randomised controlled trials (RCT) are the gold standard to provide unbiased data. However, when patients have a treatment preference, randomisation may influence participation and outcomes (eg, external and internal validity). The aim of this study was to assess the influence of patients’ preference in RCTs by analysing partially randomised patient preference trials (RPPT); an RCT and preference cohort combined.

Design

Systematic review and meta-analyses.

Data sources

MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO and the Cochrane Library.

Eligibility criteria for selecting studies

RPPTs published between January 2005 and October 2018 reporting on allocation of patients to randomised and preference cohorts were included.

Data extraction and synthesis

Two independent reviewers extracted data. The main outcomes were the difference in external validity (participation and baseline characteristics) and internal validity (lost to follow-up, crossover and the primary outcome) between the randomised and the preference cohort within each RPPT, compared in a meta-regression using a Wald test. Risk of bias was not assessed, as no quality assessment for RPPTs has yet been developed.

Results

In total, 117 of 3734 identified articles met screening criteria and 44 were eligible (24 873 patients). The participation rate in RPPTs was >95% in 14 trials (range: 48%–100%) and the randomisation refusal rate was >50% in 26 trials (range: 19%–99%). Higher education, female, older age, race and prior experience with one treatment arm were characteristics of patients declining randomisation. The lost to follow-up and cross-over rate were significantly higher in the randomised cohort compared with the preference cohort. Following the meta-analysis, the reported primary outcomes were comparable between both cohorts of the RPPTs, mean difference 0.093 (95% CI −0.178 to 0.364, p=0.502).

Conclusions

Patients’ preference led to a substantial proportion of a specific patient group refusing randomisation, while it did not influence the primary outcome within an RPPT. Therefore, RPPTs could increase external validity without compromising the internal validity compared with RCTs.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42019094438.
Impact of non-menthol flavours in e-cigarettes on perceptions and use: an updated systematic review
Authors: Meernik Clare , Baker Hannah M , Kowitt Sarah D , Ranney Leah M , Goldstein Adam O
Published: October 2019

Objectives

Given the exponential increase in the use of e-cigarettes among younger age groups and in the growth in research on e-cigarette flavours, we conducted a systematic review examining the impact of non-menthol flavoured e-cigarettes on e-cigarette perceptions and use among youth and adults.

Design

PubMed, Embase, PyscINFO and CINAHL were systematically searched for studies published and indexed through March 2018.

Eligibility criteria

Quantitative observational and experimental studies that assessed the effect of non-menthol flavours in e-cigarettes on perceptions and use behaviours were included. Specific outcome measures assessed are appeal, reasons for use, risk perceptions, susceptibility, intention to try, initiation, preference, current use, quit intentions and cessation.

Data extraction and synthesis

Three authors independently extracted data related to the impact of flavours in tobacco products. Data from a previous review were then combined with those from the updated review for final analysis. Results were then grouped and analysed by outcome measure.

Results

The review included 51 articles for synthesis, including 17 published up to 2016 and an additional 34 published between 2016 and 2018. Results indicate that non-menthol flavours in e-cigarettes decrease harm perceptions (five studies) and increase willingness to try and initiation of e-cigarettes (six studies). Among adults, e-cigarette flavours increase product appeal (seven studies) and are a primary reason many adults use the product (five studies). The role of flavoured e-cigarettes on smoking cessation remains unclear (six studies).

Conclusion

This review provides summary data on the role of non-menthol flavours in e-cigarette perceptions and use. Consistent evidence shows that flavours attract both youth and adults to use e-cigarettes. Given the clear findings that such flavours increase product appeal, willingness to try and initiation among youth, banning non-menthol flavours in e-cigarettes may reduce youth e-cigarette use. Longitudinal research is needed to examine any role flavours may play in quit behaviours among adults.
Multimorbidity of chronic non-communicable diseases and its models of care in low- and middle-income countries: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Eyowas Fantu Abebe , Schneider Marguerite , Yirdaw Biksegn Asrat , Getahun Fentie Ambaw
Published: October 2019

Introduction

Multimorbidity is the coexistence of two or more chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in a given individual. Multimorbidity is increasing in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) and challenging health systems. Individuals with multimorbidity are facing the risk of premature mortality, lower quality of life and greater use of healthcare services. However, despite the huge challenge multimorbidity brings in LMICs, gaps remain in mapping and synthesising the available knowledge on the issue. The focus of this scoping review will be to synthesise the extent, range and nature of studies on the epidemiology and models of multimorbidity care in LMICs.

Methods

PubMed (MEDLINE) will be the main database to be searched. For articles that are not indexed in the PubMed, Scopus, PsycINFO and Cochrane databases will be searched. Grey literature databases will also be explored. There will be no restrictions on study setting or year of publication. Articles will be searched using key terms, including comorbidity, co-morbidity, multimorbidity, multiple chronic conditions and model of care. Relevant articles will be screened by two independent reviewers and data will be charted accordingly. The result of this scoping review will be presented using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) checklist and reporting guideline.

Ethics and dissemination

This scoping review does not require ethical approval. Findings will be published in peer-reviewed journal and presented at scientific conferences.
Comparative effectiveness of surgery in traumatic acute subdural and intracerebral haematoma: study protocol for a prospective observational study within CENTER-TBI and Net-QuRe
Authors: Van Essen Thomas A. , Volovici Victor , Cnossen Maryse C. , Kolias Angelos , Ceyisakar Iris , Nieboer Daan , Peppel Lianne D. , Heijenbrok-Kal Majanka , Ribbers Gerard , Menon David , Hutchinson Peter , Depreitere Bart , de Ruiter Godard C. W. , Lingsma Hester F. , Steyerberg Ewout W. , Maas Andrew I , Peul Wilco C.
Published: October 2019

Introduction

Controversy exists about the optimal treatment for patients with a traumatic acute subdural haematoma (ASDH) and an intracerebral haematoma/contusion (t-ICH). Treatment varies largely between different regions. The effect of this practice variation on patient outcome is unknown. Here, we present the protocol for a prospective multicentre observational study aimed at comparing the effectiveness of different treatment strategies in patients with ASDH and/or t-ICH. Specifically, the aims are to compare (1) an acute surgical approach to an expectant approach and (2) craniotomy to decompressive craniectomy when evacuating the haematoma.

Methods and analysis

Patients presenting to the emergency room with an ASDH and/or an t-ICH are eligible for inclusion. Standardised prospective data on patient and injury characteristics, treatment and outcome will be collected on 1000 ASDH and 750 t-ICH patients in 60–70 centres within two multicentre prospective observational cohort studies: the Collaborative European NeuroTrauma Effectiveness Research in Traumatic Brain Injury (CENTER-TBI) and Neurotraumatology Quality Registry (Net-QuRe). The interventions of interest are acute surgery, defined as surgery directly after the first CT at presentation versus late or no surgery and craniotomy versus decompressive craniectomy. The primary outcome measure is the Glasgow Outcome Score-Extended at 6 months. Secondary outcome measures include in-hospital mortality, quality of life and neuropsychological tests. In the primary analysis, the effect of treatment preference (eg, proportion of patients in which the intervention under study is preferred) per hospital will be analysed with random effects ordinal regression models, adjusted for casemix and stratified by study. Such a hospital-level approach reduces confounding by the indication. Sensitivity analyses will include propensity score matching, with treatment defined on patient level. This study is designed to determine the best acute management strategy for ASDH and t-ICH by exploiting the existing between-hospital variability in surgical management.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethics approval was obtained in all participating countries. Results of surgical management of ASDH and t-ICH/contusion will separately be submitted for publication in a peer-reviewed journal.

Trial registration number

NCT02210221and NL 5761.
Update in the treatment of intracranial atherosclerotic disease
Authors: Barnard Zachary R , Alexander Michael J
Published: October 2019

This review highlights the recent evolution of the imaging, medical management, surgical options and endovascular therapies for symptomatic intracranial atherosclerotic disease (ICAD). Recent imaging developments including optical coherence tomography and other modalities to assess the intracranial arteries for symptomatic ICAD are reviewed, not only to diagnose ICAD but to determine if ICAD plaques have any high-risk features for treatment. Potential future developments in the treatment of ICAD are discussed, including the development of trackable drug-coated balloons for the cerebral circulation to treat primary or restenotic arteries, new iterations of self-expanding intracranial stents with easier delivery systems, and the re-examination of indirect surgical bypass techniques for revascularisation. In addition to these important technological developments, however, is the evolving evidence regarding the best treatment window for these techniques and additional factors in medical management which can improve patient outcomes in this devastating pathology.
Prevalence of and environmental factors associated with aerosolised Aspergillus spores at a zoological park
Authors: Martony Molly , Nollens Hendrik , Tucker Melinda , Henry Linda , Schmitt Todd , Hernandez Jorge
Published: October 2019

Aspergillus is a significant pathogen in zoological species, although information on environmental variables influencing fungal prevalence in zoological settings are lacking. The objective of the study was to estimate the prevalence of and to identify environmental factors associated with aerosolised Aspergillus spores at a zoological park to advance the understanding of fungal exposure as a first step towards improved mitigation strategies for susceptible animals. Twenty‐one locations were sampled for presence of Aspergillus species using the SAS Super 180 Microbial Air Sampler, while twenty‐two environmental factors were evaluated every two weeks at SeaWorld of California during two 12‐month periods. In each period, the frequency of investigated environmental factors was compared between samples classified as positive or negative for Aspergillus species using logistic regression. Prevalence of Aspergillus was higher (P<0.05) during the second 12‐month period (110/525 or 21 per cent), compared with the first period (62/483 or 13 per cent). In both periods, positive Aspergillus samples were associated with indoor sites without high‐efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filtration systems and other infection control measures (adjusted OR=4.33 and 5.19, P<0.01) or outdoor sites (adjusted OR=2.50 and3.79, P≤0.05), compared to indoor sites with HEPA filtration systems and other infection control measures, after controlling for season. Burden of airborne Aspergillus can be higher in indoor sites without HEPA filtration systems than in outdoor sites. The use of HEPA filtration systems and other infection control measures can mitigate the burden of Aspergillus. Risk‐based surveillance systems that target indoor areas without HEPA filtration systems can be an efficient approach for early detection of high burden of Aspergillus at zoological parks.
Measurement of tear production and establishment of reference values in guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus) using a modified Schirmer tear test
Authors: Nogradi Anna Linda , Szentgáli Zsolt , Battay Márton , Cope Iain , Gál János , Németh Tibor
Published: October 2019

Background

Past studies have shown that 5‐mm Schirmer tear tests (STTs) are difficult to interpret in guinea pigs. Modified 2.5‐mm STT strips are more adequate for measuring the small volume of tear production in these animals. The aim of this study was to establish reference values for the modified 2.5‐mm STT strips.

Methods

Modified STT measurements were performed in random order in both eyes of 50 guinea pig patients. The wetting of the strip was noted at 30 seconds and at 1 minute.

Results

The mean±sd STT values for both eyes were 7.58±3.19 mm at 30 seconds and 10.42±3.92 mm at 60 seconds. The median was 8 mm at 30 seconds and 10 mm at 60 seconds for both eyes. Animals under one year of age had lower STT values. STT values at 30 and 60 seconds can both be used. Both eyes should be measured when possible.

Conclusion

The authors recommend values above 8 mm at 30 seconds and 10 mm at 60 seconds to be considered normal when using a 2.5‐mm STT strip. There are ambiguous areas at 5–8 mm and 6–10 mm. If in these ranges the results should be combined with clinical signs and judgement.
Hepatic alterations during the development and progression of cancer cachexia
Authors: Rosa-Caldwell Megan E. , Brown Jacob L. , Lee David E. , Wiggs Michael P. , Perry Jr. Richard A. , Haynie Wesley S. , Caldwell Aaron R. , Washington Tyrone A. , Lo Wen-Juo , Greene Nicholas P.
Published: October 2019

Cancer-associated bodyweight loss (cachexia) is a hallmark of many cancers and is associated with decreased quality of life and increased mortality. Hepatic function can dramatically influence whole-body energy expenditure and may therefore significantly influence whole-body health during cancer progression. The purpose of this study was to examine alterations in markers of hepatic metabolism and physiology during cachexia progression. Male C57BL/6J mice were injected with 1 × 106Lewis Lung Carcinoma cells dissolved in 100 μL PBS and cancer was allowed to develop for 1, 2, 3, or 4 weeks. Control animals were injected with an equal volume of phosphate-buffered saline. Livers were analyzed for measures of metabolism, collagen deposition, protein turnover, and mitochondrial quality. Animals at 4 weeks had ∼30% larger livers compared with all other groups. Cancer progression was associated with altered regulators of fat metabolism. Additionally, longer duration of cancer development was associated with ∼3-fold increased regulators of collagen deposition as well as phenotypic collagen content, suggesting increased liver fibrosis. Mitochondrial quality control regulators appeared to be altered before any phenotypic alterations to collagen deposition. While induction of Akt was noted, downstream markers of protein synthesis were not altered. In conclusions, cancer cachexia progression is associated with hepatic pathologies, specifically liver fibrosis. Alterations to mitochondrial quality control mechanisms appear to precede this fibrotic phenotype, potentially suggesting mitochondrial mechanisms for the development of hepatic pathologies during the development and progression of cancer cachexia.

Novelty Cachexia progression results in liver collagen deposition and fibrosis. Alterations in mitochondrial quality control may precede liver pathologies during cachexia.
Advancing Canadian Wastewater Assets (ACWA) bridges laboratory-scale testing of wastewater technologies and effects on receiving environments
Authors: Jackson Leland J.
Published: October 2019

Laboratory assessments of organism responses to wastewater are inexpensive, easily replicated, and offer control and precision, yet are often so reduced in temporal and spatial scale that results are difficult to apply to receiving environments. Whole-system experiments are expensive, lack true replication, and can be logistically challenging, yet offer the best insight as to how ecosystems will respond to effluent inputs. Advancing Canadian Wastewater Assets (ACWA), which includes a wastewater treatment plant, analytical labs, and research streams, provides unique infrastructure to test new wastewater treatment technologies, demonstrate technology benefits by direct analytical chemistry, and determine receiving environment effects. The ability to measure temperature, conservative ions, and dissolved oxygen in 12 replicated, naturalized streams allows physical modelling and biological monitoring consistent with larger, natural rivers. Assessments of receiving environment data could guide policy development for safe discharge of emerging contaminants and develop strategies to reduce development and persistence of antimicrobial resistance.
On the separation of time scales close to a glass transition: results from quench studies of the next-nearest-neighbour Ising model
Authors: De’Bell K.
Published: October 2019

Simulated quench studies of the next-nearest-neighbour (nnn) Ising model demonstrate the separation of time scales corresponding to the order parameter of the ground states and to the orientational order parameter as the value of the nnn interaction parameter approaches the critical value at which the glass transition occurs. Simply defined characteristic times, corresponding to both short-time processes (fast dynamics) and long-time processes (slow dynamics), are used to illustrate this separation and to elucidate the nature of the glass transition for this model. In particular, it is shown that the orientational order parameter remains nonzero at low temperature even at the critical value of the nnn interaction parameter (i.e., for K = Kc). Implications for the study of nonequilibrium effects in systems with striped ground states are discussed.
Theoretical treatment of bio-convective Maxwell nanofluid over an exponentially stretching sheet
Authors: Khan Muhammad Naveed , Nadeem Sohail
Published: October 2019

The heat and mass transfer of unsteady two-dimensional flow of a bio-convective non-Newtonian Maxwell nanofluid past an exponentially stretching sheet is presented. A viscous dissipation and external magnetic field along multiple slip conditions and chemical reactions are incorporated. The governing partial differential equations are reduced to the system of ordinary differential equations by applying suitable transformations. Using the bvp4c -shooting technique, we were able to solve the boundary value problem. The influence of the obtained parameters are deliberated graphically on the velocity, concentration, temperature, and microorganism profile. The tabulated values of skin friction, Nusselt number, mass flux rate, and microorganism rate along various parameters are computed and examined. The findings show that the value of the skin friction, Nusselt number, Sherwood number, and microorganism number decline due to enhancement in the time relaxation parameter.
GROWTH MAXIMIZING FISCAL RULE TARGETS IN INDIA
Authors: PRADHAN KRISHANU
Published: October 2019

The objective of this paper is to obtain the growth optimizing public debt to GDP ratio ([Formula: see text]*), based on estimated output elasticity ([Formula: see text]) of public sector capital under the golden rule of budgetary deficit. After conducting unit root tests and cointegration analysis, value of [Formula: see text] which is estimated under OLS, CLS and FMOLS, hovers around 0.281–0.29. Hence, the computed value of [Formula: see text]* stands around 65–67% of GDP; modestly lower than the current value (73% in 2016). Since large revenue deficit has been persisting, effective value of [Formula: see text]* would be even lower. Fiscal tightening, especially reducing revenue deficit and offloading the persistently loss making PSUs would be important for macroeconomic stability and accelerating economic growth.
Remarks on the Abraham–Minkowski problem, in relation to recent radiation pressure experiments
Authors: Brevik Iver
Published: October 2019

The classic electromagnetic energy–momentum problem in matter (usually called the Abraham–Minkowski problem) has attracted increased interest, as is natural in relation to the several impressive radiation pressure experiments that have appeared recently. Our intention with the present note is to focus attention on some of these results, and also to give a warning against premature interpretations of the observations. One sees often in the literature that the observable deflections of dielectric surfaces are interpreted so as to mean that the so-called Abraham term is a chief ingredient. Usually this is not so, however. Most of the experimental results are actually explainable by the surface forces at the dielectric surfaces, eventually augmented by Lorentz forces in the interior, and do not involve the Abraham momentum as such. For concreteness we focus mainly on a simplified version of the experiment of Kundu et al. (2017), but extend the analysis somewhat by including time-dependent resonance phenomena. In a short appendix we discuss also the connection with the Casimir effect.
Effect of modification of copper electrode on the space charge accumulation in LDPE
Authors: Li Yuan , Yan Shiyu , Chen Leran , Xing Zhaoliang , Hao Chuncheng
Published: October 2019

In this paper, titanium and tungsten films were coated on copper sheets, respectively, by plasma chemical vapor deposition (PCVD). The copper sheets before and after coating were, respectively, injected as charge into the low-density polyethylene (LDPE), the space charge accumulation in LDPE was tested by the thermally stimulated current (TSC), and the trap level of the dielectric was calculated by the TSC curve. The results show that the work function improves after the modification of the electrode material, the space charge accumulation in LDPE decreases, and the trap level of the polymer reduces. Because of the oxygen vacancies, the titanium coating electrode has significant suppression on the charge injection in LDPE under 30 kV/mm and the tungsten shows excellent inhibition under 70 kV/mm.
CAMO: Self-Excited and Hidden Chaotic Flows
Authors: Rajagopal Karthikeyan , Nazarimehr Fahimeh , Karthikeyan Anitha , Srinivasan Ashokkumar , Jafari Sajad
Published: October 2019

In this paper, we announce a novel 4D chaotic system which belongs to the self-excited attractor and hidden attractor family depending on the parameter values. Lyapunov exponents, bifurcation diagram and bicoherence plot of the CAMO (Camouflage) chaotic system are investigated. Also, fractional-order model of the proposed CAMO system (FOCAMO) is derived and analyzed. FOCAMO chaotic system is then implemented in Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) using Adomian decomposition method. Also, power efficiency analysis for various fractional-orders is investigated. The paper helps build a better understanding of chaotic systems with self-excited or hidden attractors.
Pattern Dynamics in a Predator–Prey Model with Schooling Behavior and Cross-Diffusion
Authors: Wang Wen , Liu Shutang , Liu Zhibin , Wang Da
Published: October 2019

In this paper, a diffusive predator–prey model is considered in which the predator and prey populations both exhibit schooling behavior. The system’s spatial dynamics are captured via a suitable threshold parameter, and a sequence of spatiotemporal patterns such as hexagons, stripes and a mixture of the two are observed. Specifically, the linear stability analysis is applied to obtain the conditions for Hopf bifurcation and Turing instability. Then, employing the multiple-scale analysis, the amplitude equations near the critical point of Turing bifurcation are derived, through which the selection and stability of pattern formations are investigated. The theoretical results are verified by numerical simulations.
Stability and Bifurcation Control in a Fractional Predator–Prey Model via Extended Delay Feedback
Authors: Huang Chengdai , Li Huan , Li Tongxing , Chen Shijun
Published: October 2019

This paper explores the bifurcation control of a fractional predator–prey system with an active extended delayed feedback controller. Delay-induced bifurcations criteria for such an uncontrolled system are firstly derived by selecting time delay as a bifurcation parameter. Then, an extended delayed feedback controller is cleverly devised to control Hopf bifurcation for the proposed system. It means that the bifurcation dynamics can be efficaciously controlled for a given system with the adjustment of the fractional order, feedback gain and extended feedback delay provided that the remnant parameters are fixed. The obtained results significantly extend the preceding studies concerning bifurcation control of delayed fractional-order systems. To verify the correctness of the established theory, some numerical results are presented.
Bifurcation Analysis of a Diffusive Predator–Prey Model with Monod–Haldane Functional Response
Authors: Song Qiannan , Yang Ruizhi , Zhang Chunrui , Tang Leiyu
Published: October 2019

In this paper, we consider a diffusive predator–prey model with Monod–Haldane functional response. We study the Turing instability and Hopf bifurcation of the coexisting equilibriums. We investigate the Turing–Hopf bifurcation through some key bifurcation parameters. In addition, we obtain a normal form for the Turing–Hopf bifurcation. Finally, we show numerical simulations to illustrate the theoretical results. For parameters around the critical value of the Turing–Hopf bifurcation, we demonstrate that the predator–prey model exhibits complex spatiotemporal dynamics, including spatially homogeneous periodic solutions, spatially inhomogeneous periodic solutions, and spatially inhomogeneous steady-state solutions.
Dynamics of the Morse Oscillator: Analytical Expressions for Trajectories, Action-Angle Variables, and Chaotic Dynamics
Authors: Krajňák Vladimír , Wiggins Stephen
Published: October 2019

We consider the one degree-of-freedom Hamiltonian system defined by the Morse potential energy function (the “Morse oscillator”). We use the geometry of the level sets to construct explicit expressions for the trajectories as a function of time, their period for the bounded trajectories, and action-angle variables. We use these trajectories to prove sufficient conditions for chaotic dynamics, in the sense of Smale horseshoes, for the time-periodically perturbed Morse oscillator using a Melnikov type approach.
ANTI CORROSION ACTIVITY OF ETHYLENE TETRA PHOSPHONIC ACID–Cu2+ SYSTEM ON CARBON STEEL IN H2SO4SOLUTION
Authors: KAMELI D. , ALIOUANE N. , HAMMACHE-MAKHLOUFI H. , MAKHLOUFI L.
Published: October 2019

The anti-corrosion activity of a newly synthesized ethylene tetra phosphonic acid (ETPA), namely {Ethylenebis [(2-hydroxy-5,1,3-phenylene) bismethylene]} tetraphosphonic acid, against the corrosion of carbon steel in 0.5-M H2SO4medium and its synergistic effect with Cu[Formula: see text] ions were studied using potentiodynamic polarizations and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Potentiodynamic polarization studies indicate that ETPA acts as a mixed-type inhibitor and inhibition efficiency increases with increasing ETPA concentration. The adsorption of ETPA at the surface of carbon steel follows Langmuir adsorption isotherm. EIS results demonstrated the adsorption of ETPA onto the carbon steel surface, leading to the formation of ETPA overlaying film. Addition of [Formula: see text] M Cu[Formula: see text], at low ETPA concentration ([Formula: see text] M), results in significant increase in inhibition efficiency (88%), superior to that obtained at high ETPA concentration (81% at [Formula: see text] M). SEM and EDAX analyses confirmed the existence of a uniform protective film on the electrode surface attributed to ETPA–Cu[Formula: see text] complex formation.
Nonlinear Dynamics of Temperature-Dependent FG-GRC Laminated Beams Resting on Visco-Pasternak Foundations
Authors: Fan Yin , Xiang Y. , Shen Hui-Shen
Published: October 2019

This paper studies the nonlinear dynamic responses of graphene-reinforced composite (GRC) beams in a thermal environment. It is assumed that a laminated beam rests on a Pasternak foundation with viscosity and consists of GRC layers with various volume fractions of graphene reinforcement to construct a functionally graded (FG) pattern along the transverse direction of the beam. An extended Halpin–Tsai model which is calibrated against the results from molecular dynamics (MD) simulations is used to evaluate the material properties of GRC layers. The mechanical model of the beam is on the establishment of a third-order shear deformation beam theory and includes the von-Kármán nonlinearity effect. The model also considers the foundation support and the temperature variation. The two-step perturbation technique is first applied to solve the beam motion equations and to derive the nonlinear dynamic load–deflection equation of the beam. Then a Runge–Kutta numerical method is applied and the solutions for this nonlinear equation are obtained. The influence of FG patterns, visco-elastic foundation, ambient temperature and applied load on transient response behaviors of simply supported FG-GRC laminated beams is revealed and examined in detail.
The 17–27 GHz Dual Horn Receiver on the NASA 70 m Canberra Antenna
Authors: Kuiper T. B. H. , Franco M. , Smith S. , Baines G. , Greenhill L. J. , Horiuchi S. , Olin T. , Price D. C. , Shaff D. , Teitelbaum L. P. , Weinreb S. , White L. , Zaw I.
Published: October 2019

A dual beam, dual polarization, low noise receiver has been installed at a Cassegrain focus of the NASA 70[Formula: see text]m antenna near Canberra, Australia. It operates in five pairs of 1[Formula: see text]GHz bands from 17 to 27[Formula: see text]GHz simultaneously. The receiver temperature measured at the feed is 21–22[Formula: see text]K at 22[Formula: see text]GHz and, during dry winter night-time conditions, zenith system temperatures as low as 35[Formula: see text]K have been observed in the 21–22[Formula: see text]GHz band. The native polarization is linear but can be converted to circular prior to down-conversion. The downconverters have complex mixers, followed by quadrature hybrids which can be bypassed or used to convert the quadrature phase channels into an upper and lower sideband, each 1000[Formula: see text]MHz wide. For spectroscopy, four ROACH1 signal processors each currently providing 32[Formula: see text]K channel spectra across four 1000[Formula: see text]MHz bands, for 0.4[Formula: see text]km/s velocity resolution at 22[Formula: see text]GHz. Using both beam- and position-switching, the receiver achieved a noise level of 5[Formula: see text]mK r.m.s. in an hour of integration and 31[Formula: see text]kHz resolution. The NASA 70[Formula: see text]m antennas have a 45 arcsec beamwidth at 22[Formula: see text]GHz and an aperture efficiency of 35.5% giving a sensitivity of 0.49[Formula: see text]K/Jy.
Whisper
Authors: Brachmann Martina , Landsiedel Olaf , Göhringer Diana , Santini Silvia
Published: October 2019

This article presents Whisper, a fast and reliable protocol to flood small amounts of data into a multi-hop network. Whisper makes use of synchronous transmissions, a technique first introduced by the Glossy flooding protocol. In contrast to Glossy, Whisper does not let the radio switch from receive to transmit mode between messages. Instead, it makes nodes continuously transmit identical copies of the message and eliminates the gaps between subsequent transmissions. To this end, Whisper embeds the message to be flooded into a
signaling packet
that is composed of multiple
packlets
—where a packlet is a portion of the message payload that mimics the structure of an actual packet. A node must intercept only one of the packlets to detect that there is an ongoing transmission and that it should start forwarding the message. This allows Whisper to speed up the propagation of the flood and, thus, to reduce the overall radio-on time of the nodes. Our evaluation on the FlockLab testbed shows that Whisper achieves comparable reliability but 2× lower radio-on time than Glossy. We further show that by embedding Whisper in an existing data collection application, we can more than double the lifetime of the network.
New Opportunities for Integrated Formal Methods
Authors: Gleirscher Mario , Foster Simon , Woodcock Jim
Published: October 2019

Formal methods have provided approaches for investigating software engineering fundamentals and also have high potential to improve current practices in dependability assurance. In this article, we summarise known strengths and weaknesses of formal methods. From the perspective of the assurance of robots and autonomous systems (RAS), we highlight new opportunities for integrated formal methods and identify threats to the adoption of such methods. Based on these opportunities and threats, we develop an agenda for fundamental and empirical research on integrated formal methods and for successful transfer of validated research to RAS assurance. Furthermore, we outline our expectations on useful outcomes of such an agenda.
Secreted Wnt6 mediates diabetes-associated centrosome amplification via its receptor FZD4
Authors: He Qin Ju , Wang Pu , Liu Qin Qin , Wu Qi Gui , Li Yuan Fei , Wang Jie , Lee Shao Chin
Published: October 2019

We recently published that type 2 diabetes promotes cell centrosome amplification via upregulation of Rho-associated protein kinase 1 (ROCK1) and 14-3-3 protein-σ (14-3-3σ). This study further investigates the molecular mechanisms underlying diabetes-associated centrosome amplification. We found that treatment of cells with high glucose, insulin, and palmitic acid levels increased the intracellular and extracellular protein levels of Wingless-type MMTV integration site family member 6 (Wnt6) as well as the cellular level of β-catenin. The treatment also activated β-catenin and promoted its nuclear translocation. Treatment of cells with siRNA species for Wnt6, Frizzled-4 (FZD4), or β-catenin as well as introduction of antibodies against Wnt6 or FZD4 to the cell culture medium could all attenuate the treatment-triggered centrosome amplification. Moreover, we showed that secreted Wnt6-FZD4-β-catenin was the signaling pathway that was upstream of ROCK1 and 14-3-3σ. We found that advanced glycation end products (AGEs) were also able to increase the cellular and extracellular levels of Wnt6, the cellular protein level of β-catenin, and centrosome amplification. Treatment of the cells with siRNA species for Wnt6 or FZD4 as well as introduction of antibodies against Wnt6 or FZD4 to the cell culture could all inhibit the AGEs-elicited centrosome amplification. In colon tissues from a diabetic mouse model, the protein levels of Wnt6 and 14-3-3σ were increased. In conclusion, our results showed that the pathophysiological factors in type 2 diabetes, including AGEs, were able to induce centrosome amplification. It is suggested that secreted Wnt6 binds to FZD4 to activate the canonical Wnt6 signaling pathway, which is upstream of ROCK1 and 14-3-3σ, and that this is the cell signaling pathway underlying diabetes-associated centrosome amplification.