bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Characterization of Deformation and Wear Mechanisms During Indentation Scratching on Pure Zinc
Authors: Gokhale Aditya , Jain Jayant , Prasad Rajesh , Huang E-Wen , Lee Soo Yeol 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
Scratch testing using nanoindentation helps to characterize material’s wear resistance and the accompanying material removal, and deformation mechanism. The effect of load and repeated scratching on pure zinc was investigated in this study. Surface examination post scratching revealed the formation of long chips at lower loads, which can be attributed to ductile-like behavior. Ploughing dominated at higher loads, while micro-cutting was active at lower loads. The material removal factor (fab) is an indicator of the prevailing wear mechanism. A good correlation appeared between the observed wear mechanism and the calculated fab, wherein interplay of ploughing and micro-cutting was observed. The decrease in wear rate as the number of passes increased and the decreasing value of fab are indicative of the strain hardening behavior during repeated scratching. The presence of intergranular fracture slip and twinning on the deformed surface is indicative of the material’s response to induced stress.
Steady-State Wear Behavior of Multi-Scale Hybrid Composite—AA6061/Al2O3 (µm)/Si3N4 (nm)/Graphite—EN31 Steel Tribo System
Authors: Hariharasakthisudhan P. , Sathickbasha K. , Surya Rajan B. , Jeyanthram V. 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
Hybrid metal matrix composites play a key role in the selection of advanced materials for automotive and aircraft structures in order to ensure the superior tribological properties. This research work highlighted the significance of Si3N4 nanoparticles and premixing of reinforcement with metal powder in steady-state wear behavior of AA6061/Al2O3/Si3N4/Gr hybrid nanocomposites. The dry sliding wear test using Pin-on-Disc apparatus was conducted by following ASTM G99 standard. This research work also reported the influence of normal load on wear loss and coefficient of friction for the sliding distances up to 12 km. Si3N4 nanoparticles significantly influenced the wear resistance of the hybrid nanocomposites by forming a well compacted tribo layer and the layer was retained at longer sliding distances. The composite with single ceramic reinforcement Al2O3, premixed with metal powder, showed abrasive wear. The composites with single ceramic reinforcement Al2O3, without premixing, showed delamination and third body wear during wear process.
One-Dimensional Modeling of Mechanical and Friction Losses Distribution in a Four-Stroke Internal Combustion Engine
Authors: Tormos Bernardo , Martín Jaime , Blanco-Cavero Diego , Jiménez-Reyes Antonio J. 
Published: September 2019

AbstractAs the road transport accounts between 15%–18% of worldwide CO2 emissions, the automotive sector has a deep commitment to mitigate global warming. Consequently, stricter regulations have been adopted by the European Union and worldwide to reduce that big impact. Approximately, 10% of the energy generated by fuel combustion in the engine is destined to the auxiliaries components activation and the movement of mechanical elements with relative motion between themselves. A reduction on that figure or alternatively a mechanical efficiency improvement can be directly translated on target alignment. The aim of this work is developing a model to predict the mechanical and friction losses and its distribution in a four-stroke direct injection-diesel engine and simulating different strategies, which increment the engine efficiency. A 1D model has been developed and fitted in gt-suite based on the experimental results of a 1.6-L diesel engine. Additionally, a description of the tribological performance has been realized in different parts of the engine where friction is present. Finally, the engine friction maps have been broken down in order to quantify the friction losses produced in the piston ring assembly, crankshaft bearings, and valvetrain.
Dynamic Characteristics of Plastic Plates With Bolted Joints
Authors: Saito Akira , Suzuki Hideyoshi 
Published: September 2019

AbstractThis paper discusses the dynamic characteristics of plastic plates with bolted joints. The effects of tightening torque on the modal properties of the plates are investigated. Experimental and numerical modal analyses have been conducted on the plates made of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), that are clamped by bolted joints. First, the effect of tightening torque on the vibration mode of the plates is investigated by experimental modal analyses. Modal testing has been conducted for various tightening torque values, and the relationships between the modal parameters and the tightening torques are discussed. Second, the effects of tightening torque on the vibration mode are studied by using analytical models for the bolted joints based on the finite element method (FEM). Based on the comparisons between the experimental and the numerical results, a modeling strategy for the boundary conditions between the plates is introduced and its validity is discussed. From both experimental and numerical studies, it is shown that the natural frequencies of the structures with bolted joints tend to converge to specific values as tightening torque increases. Moreover, it is also shown that when modeling the bolted plates by FEM, the inter-plate motion should be constrained by a boundary condition to properly suppress the out-of-phase motion of the plates.
The impact of decision aids in patients with colorectal cancer: a systematic review
Authors: Goldwag Jenaya , Marsicovetere Priscilla , Scalia Peter , Johnson Heather A , Durand Marie-Anne , Elwyn Glyn , Ivatury Srinivas J 
Published: September 2019

ObjectivesOur aim was to conduct a systematic review of the literature to determine the impact of patient decision aids (PDA) on patients facing treatment decisions for colorectal cancer.DesignSystematic review.Data sourcesSources included Embase, Medline, Web of Science, CINAHL and the Cochrane Library from inception to June, 20, 2019.Eligibility criteriaWe included randomised controlled trials (RCTs), cohort studies, mixed methods and case series in which a PDA for colorectal cancer treatment was used. Qualitative studies were excluded from our review.Data extraction and synthesisFollowing execution of the search strategy by a medical librarian, two blinded independent reviewers identified articles for inclusion. Two blinded reviewers were also responsible for data extraction, risk of bias and study quality assessments. Any conflict in article inclusion or extraction was resolved by discussion.ResultsOut of 3773 articles identified, three met our inclusion criteria: one RCT, one before-and-after study and one mixed-method study. In these studies, the use of a PDA for colorectal cancer treatment was associated with increased patient knowledge, satisfaction and preparation for making a decision. On quality assessment, two of three studies were judged to be of low quality.ConclusionA paucity of evidence exists on the effect of PDA for colorectal cancer treatment with existing evidence being largely of low quality. Further investigation is required to determine the effect of decision aids for colorectal cancer treatment as well as reasons for the lack of PDA development and implementation in this area.Prospero registration numberCRD42018095153.
A randomised, controlled, observer-masked trial of corneal cross-linking for progressive keratoconus in children: the KERALINK protocol
Authors: Chowdhury Kashfia , Dore Caroline , Burr Jennifer M , Bunce Catey , Raynor Mathew , Edwards Matthew , Larkin Daniel F P 
Published: September 2019

IntroductionThe KERALINK trial tests the hypothesis that corneal cross-linking (CXL) treatment reduces the progression of keratoconus in comparison to standard care in patients under 17 years old. KERALINK is a randomised controlled, observer-masked, multicentre trial in progressive keratoconus comparing epithelium-off CXL with standard care, including spectacles or contact lenses as necessary for best-corrected acuity.Methods and analysisA total of 30 participants will be randomised per group. Eligible participants aged 10–16 years with progressive keratoconus in one or both eyes will be recruited. Following randomisation, participants will be followed up 3-monthly for 18 months. The effect on progression will be determined by K2on corneal topography. The primary outcome measure is between-group difference in K2at 18 months adjusted for K2at baseline examination. Secondary outcomes are the effect of CXL on (1) keratoconus progression, (2) time to keratoconus progression, (3) visual acuity, (4) refraction, (5) apical corneal thickness and (6) adverse events. Patient-reported effects will be explored by questionnaires.Ethics and disseminationResearch Ethics Committee Approval was obtained on 30 June 2016 (ref: 14/LO/1937). Current protocol: V.5.0 (08/11/2017). Study findings will be published in peer-reviewed journals.Trial registration numberEuropean Union clinial trials register (EudraCT) 2016-001460-11
Study protocol for a single-blind randomised controlled trial to evaluate the clinical effects of an Integrated Qigong exercise intervention on freezing of gait in Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Li Zhenlan , Zhuang Jie , Jiang Yan , Xiao Guiping , Jie Kuncheng , Wang Tian , Yin Wenhan , Zhang Yu , Wang Zhen 
Published: September 2019

IntroductionQigong exercise offers a potentially safe, low-cost and effective mind–body rehabilitative intervention for mitigating the problem of gait interruption among patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD) who have frequent freezing of gait (FOG) episodes. However, its clinical effects have not been established. This paper describes the trial protocol of evaluating the clinical efficacy of a newly developed Integrated Qigong in improving gait among patients with PD who have FOG.Methods and analysisA single-blind randomised controlled trial is designed to compare Integrated Qigong and balance training with an attention control. Participants will be patients with mild to moderate PD who experience FOG and are recruited from local communities in Shanghai, China. Participants will be randomly allocated to one of the three groups: Integrated Qigong group, a balance exercise intervention group, or control group. The total number of participants will be 126, and masked assessments will be made at baseline, 12 weeks (end of intervention) and 12-week follow-up. Both Integrated Qigong group and balance training group will receive a group-based exercise intervention that meets three times per week, 60 min in duration, for 12 weeks. The control group will receive a 60 min weekly group session and monthly health education. The primary outcomes are gait parameters (stride length, gait velocity, stride time variability) and occurrence of FOG. The secondary outcomes are postural instability, walking disability, falling, fear of falling and quality of life.Ethics and disseminationThis study has been approved by the Ethics Committee of Shanghai University of Sport and registered at China Clinical Trial Registry. Participants will sign informed consent prior to the participation of the trial. The findings of the study will be published in peer-reviewed academic journals and disseminated to PD support groups, medical community and media.Trial registration numberChiCTR1800016570.
Changes in quality of life 5 years after sleeve gastrectomy: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Flølo Tone Nygaard , Tell Grethe S , Kolotkin Ronette L , Aasprang Anny , Norekvål Tone Merete , Våge Villy , Hufthammer Karl Ove , Andersen John Roger 
Published: September 2019

ObjectivesSleeve gastrectomy (SG) is the most frequently performed bariatric surgery procedure worldwide, but reports on long-term quality of life (QOL) outcomes are scarce. We investigated 5-year trajectories in QOL and their associations with weight loss after SG.DesignA prospective cohort study.SettingThe study was conducted in a single Norwegian bariatric surgery centre.ParticipantsOut of 150 operated patients, 127 were included. Mean age was 41 years, 68% were women and the follow-up rate at 1 year was 85% and 64% at 1 and 5 years, respectively.Outcome measuresData were collected preoperatively, and 1 and 5 years after surgery assessing three different levels of QOL. The main exposure was weight loss after SG, assessed as per cent excess body mass index (kg/m2) loss (%EBMIL). The Obesity-Related Problem (OP) scale was used to measure obesity-specific health-related QOL (HRQOL). Physical (PCS) and mental (MCS) composite summary scores of the Short Form 36 Health Survey were used to capture generic HRQOL and Cantril Ladder was used to assess overall QOL.ResultsAll HRQOL/overall QOL measures significantly improved at 1 year, followed by modest decline from 1 to 5 years after surgery. Greater %EBMIL 5 years after surgery was significantly associated with improvements in OP and PCS scores, but not with MCS and Cantril Ladder scores. Although significant (p<0.001) and clinically relevant improvements in HRQOL/overall QOL outcomes were observed at 5 years, scores were still below the general population norms.ConclusionMost patients undergoing SG experience substantial weight loss accompanied by statistically significant and clinically relevant long-term improvements in HRQOL/overall QOL. However, an important minority of patients still report low HRQOL/overall QOL 5 years after SG. Further research should aim to identify other factors that contribute to impaired QOL after bariatric surgery, even in the presence of successful weight control.
Organisational and financial consequences of the early discharge of patients treated for acute bacterial skin and skin structure infection and osteomyelitis in infectious disease departments in Greece, Italy and Spain: a scenario analysis
Authors: Restelli Umberto , Bonfanti Marzia , Croce Davide , Grau Santiago , Metallidis Symeon , Moreno Guillén Santiago , Pacelli Valeria , Rizzardini Giuliano , Soro Marco , Vozikis Athanasios , Gray Alastair 
Published: September 2019

ObjectiveThe aim of the analysis is to assess the organisational and economic consequences of adopting an early discharge strategy for the treatment of acute bacterial skin and skin structure infection (ABSSSI) and osteomyelitis within infectious disease departments.SettingInfectious disease departments in Greece, Italy and Spain.ParticipantsNo patients were involved in the analysis performed.InterventionsAn analytic framework was developed to consider two alternative scenarios: standard hospitalisation care or an early discharge strategy for patients hospitalised due to ABSSSI and osteomyelitis, from the perspective of the National Health Services of Greece, Italy and Spain. The variables considered were: the number of annual hospitalisations eligible for early discharge, the antibiotic treatments considered (ie, oral antibiotics and intravenous long-acting antibiotics), diagnosis-related group (DRG) reimbursements, number of days of hospitalisation, incidence and costs of hospital-acquired infections, additional follow-up visits and intravenous administrations. Data were based on published literature and expert opinions.Primary and secondary outcome measuresNumber of days of hospitalisation avoided and direct medical costs avoided.ResultsThe total number of days of hospitalisation avoided on a yearly basis would be between 2216 and 5595 in Greece (−8/−21 hospital beds), between 15 848 and 38 444 in Italy (−57/−135 hospital beds) and between 7529 and 23 520 in Spain (−27/−85 hospital beds). From an economic perspective, the impact of the early discharge scenario is a reduction between €45 036 and €149 552 in Greece, a reduction between €182 132 and €437 990 in Italy and a reduction between €292 284 and €884 035 in Spain.ConclusionsThe early discharge strategy presented would have a positive organisational impact on National Health Services, leading to potential savings in beds, and to a reduction of hospital-acquired infections and costs.
Inpatient management of acute decompensated heart failure
Authors: Raj Leah , Maidman Samuel David , Adhyaru Bhavin B 
Published: September 2019

AbstractAcute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) is the leading cause of hospital admissions in patients older than 65 years. These hospitalisations are highly risky and are associated with poor outcomes, including rehospitalisation and death. The management of ADHF is drastically different from that of chronic heart failure as inpatient treatment consists primarily of haemodynamic stabilisation, symptom relief and prevention of short-term morbidity and mortality. In this review, we will discuss the strategies put forth in the most recent American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association and Heart Failure Society of America guidelines for ADHF as well as the evidence behind these recommendations.
Letter of interest for a neutrino beam from Protvino to KM3NeT/ORCA
Authors: Akindinov A. V. , Anassontzis E. G. , Anton G. , Ardid M. , Aublin J. , Baret B. , Bertin V. , Bourret S. , Bozza C. , Bruchner M. , Bruijn R. , Brunner J. , Chabab M. , Chau N. , Chepurnov A. S. , Colomer Molla M. , Coyle P. , Creusot A. , de Wasseige G. , Domi A. , Donzaud C. , Eberl T. , Enzenhöfer A. , Faifman M. , Filipović M. D. , Fusco L. , Garkusha V. I. , Gal T. , Gozzini S. R. , Graf K. , Grégoire T. , Grella G. , Hallmann S. , Heijboer A. , Hernández-Rey J. J. , Hofestädt J. , Ivanov S. V. , James C. W. , de Jong M. , de Jong P. , Kalaczyński P. , Kakorin I. D. , Katz U. F. , Khan Chowdhury N. R. , Kirsanov M. M. , Kouchner A. , Kulikovskiy V. , Kuzmin K. S. , Le Breton R. , Lebedev O. P. , Lincetto M. , Litvinovich E. , Lopez-Coto D. , Markou C. , Maximov A. V. , Melis K. W. , Muller R. , Naumov V. A. , Navas S. , Nauta L. , Nielsen C. , Novoskoltsev F. N. , Ó Fearraigh B. , Organokov M. , Papalashvili G. , Perrin-Terrin M. , Poirè C. , Pradier T. , Quinn L. , Samtleben D. F. E. , Sanguineti M. , Seneca J. , Shanidze R. , Shirokov E. V. , Sinopoulou A. , Sinyukov R. Yu. , Skorokhvatov M. D. , Sokalski I. , Sokolov A. A. , Spisso B. , Stellacci S. M. , Strandberg B. , Taiuti M. , Thakore T. , Tzamariudaki E. , Van Elewyck V. , de Wolf E. , Zaborov D. , Zaitsev A. M. , Zornoza J. D. , Zúñiga J. 
Published: September 2019

AbstractThe Protvino accelerator facility located in the Moscow region, Russia, is in a good position to offer a rich experimental research program in the field of neutrino physics. Of particular interest is the possibility to direct a neutrino beam from Protvino towards the KM3NeT/ORCA detector, which is currently under construction in the Mediterranean Sea 40 km offshore Toulon, France. This proposal is known as P2O. Thanks to its baseline of 2595 km, this experiment would yield an unparalleled sensitivity to matter effects in the Earth, allowing for the determination of the neutrino mass ordering with a high level of certainty after only a few years of running at a modest beam intensity of$$\approx ~90~\hbox {kW}$$≈90kW. With a prolonged exposure ($$\approx 1500\hbox { kW}\,\,\hbox {year}$$≈1500kWyear), a$$2\sigma $$2σsensitivity to the leptonic CP-violating Dirac phase can be achieved. A second stage of the experiment, comprising a further intensity upgrade of the accelerator complex and a densified version of the ORCA detector (Super-ORCA), would allow for up to a$$6\sigma $$6σsensitivity to CP violation and a$$10^\circ {-}17^\circ $$10∘-17∘resolution on the CP phase after 10 years of running with a 450 kW beam, competitive with other planned experiments. The initial composition and energy spectrum of the neutrino beam would need to be monitored by a near detector, to be constructed several hundred meters downstream from the proton beam target. The same neutrino beam and near detector set-up would also allow for neutrino-nucleus cross section measurements to be performed. A short-baseline sterile neutrino search experiment would also be possible.
Mutual Influence-aware Runtime Learning of Self-adaptation Behavior
Authors: Rudolph Stefan , Tomforde Sven , Hähner Jörg 
Published: September 2019

Self-adaptation has been proposed as a mechanism to counter complexity in control problems of technical systems. A major driver behind self-adaptation is the idea to transfer traditional design-time decisions to runtime and into the responsibility of systems themselves. To deal with unforeseen events and conditions, systems need creativity—typically realized by means of machine learning capabilities. Such learning mechanisms are based on different sources of knowledge. Feedback from the environment used for reinforcement purposes is probably the most prominent one within the self-adapting and self-organizing (SASO) systems community. However, the impact of other (sub-)systems on the success of the individual system’s learning performance has mostly been neglected in this context.
In this article, we propose a novel methodology to identify effects of actions performed by other systems in a shared environment on the utility achievement of an autonomous system. Consider smart cameras (SC) as illustrating example: For goals such as 3D reconstruction of objects, the most promising configuration of one SC in terms of pan/tilt/zoom parameters depends largely on the configuration of other SCs in the vicinity. Since such mutual influences cannot be pre-defined for dynamic systems, they have to be learned at runtime. Furthermore, they have to be taken into consideration when self-improving their own configuration decisions based on a feedback loop concept, e.g., known from the SASO domain or the Autonomic and Organic Computing initiatives.
We define a methodology to detect such influences at runtime, present an approach to consider this information in a reinforcement learning technique, and analyze the behavior in artificial as well as real-world SASO system settings.