cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Why Nations Fail: Managerial Decisions and Performance in Indian Cotton Textiles, 1890–1938

Between 1890 and 1938 Japan experienced rapid economic growth. India stagnated. This national divergence was reflected in the performance of both countries' leading modem industry, cotton textiles. The parallels between national and industry performance suggest the problems of the Indian textile industry may have been those of India as a whole. Weak management is widely blamed for poor performance in textiles. An analysis of managerial decisions in Bombay shows, however, that on all measurable dimensions Indian managers perfonned as well as they could. The problem instead was one factor they could not change-the effort levels of Indian workers. Jn 1890 Indian and Japanese cotton spinning mills had roughly equal capiltal and labor productivity. Thereafter, however, the cotton industries ofthe two countries diverged dramatically. Table 1 shows estimates of output per worker hour and per spindle hour in spinning in both countries from 1890 to 1938 by five year averages. Between 1890 and 1938 Japanese firms nearly quintupled output per worker hour, while output per worker hour rose little in India. Japan also achieved higher outputs per spindle hour, though here the gains over India were much more modest. The table indicates that the Japanese labor productivity advantage was 300 percent, while the Japanese advantage in terms of capital was only 50 percent. And because labor costs in India in the 1920s were at least double the costs of fixed capital, the low labor productivity of the Indian industry was a much more important problem than the lower output per spindle. The central problem of the Indian textile industry in the years 1890 to 1938 was thus the failure to improve labor productivity. In this article, concentrating in particular on the firms of Bombay, India's largest textile center, we make the following arguments about India's failures. The divergence in textile labor productivity between Japan and India was not due to differences in machinery. The equipment used in the two countries was basically similar
Relationship of lactose intolerance to milk intolerance in young children

The prevalence of lactose intolerance as revealed by the standard lactose tolerance test was compared with the occurrence of intolerance to graded amounts of milk in 69 black and 30 white children. Of the black children studied, 11% of those 4 to 5 years old, 50% of those 6 to 7 years old, and 72% of those 8 to 9 years old were found to be lactose-intolerant, yet no child was intolerant to 240 ml of milk. Symptom responses to greater amounts of milk did not suggest that the frequency of primary lactose intolerance might be a reason for limiting existing milk programs for young children. No significant differences were found between the milk intakes of black lactose-tolerant and black lactose-intolerant children, nor between milk intakes of 6- and 7-year-old black and white children in Boston. However, 8- to 9-year-old black children drank significantly less milk than 8- to 9-year-old white children did. The blood glucose response at 0, 20, and 45 min after the ingestion of 2 g lactose/kg (maximum 50 g) was unreliable as an indicator of an individual's symptomatic response to lactose.
Ice Is Ice

MIL-STD-810D, Method 521.0, "Icing/Freezing Rain," contains guidance for testing equipment exposed to freezing rain. This method was developed around a narrow set of meteorological conditions resulting in the buildup of clear glaze ice. The icing procedures described in Method 521.0 can be applied to a wide range of equipment and will help to predict equipment operations during natural freezing rain. However, the procedures do not give any indication of the operation of equipment during exposure to rime ice. The physical properties of rime and glaze ice differ significantly, as do their effects on equipment. Until MIL-STD-810D is modified to include rime icing, program managers and environmental test engineers will find no guidance or procedures in MIL-STD-810D for half of the icing (rime vs. glaze) that equipment can be exposed to in nature.
The BCS and the Less Restrictive Means Prong: Legality Might Depend on the Circuit

This article discusses the make up of the post season in college football and how it is decided what teams play in what post season game.
Farmers’ Markets as Community Events

The design and management of many urban public spaces have been criticized for failing to serve the needs of residents (Hester, 1984; Jackson, 1981). Nonuse rather than overuse of parks and plazas is the problem (Gold, 1978). Francis (1987) traces the origins of open-space research to public awareness of the social failure of these settings. Some aspects of nonuse have been dealt with through redesign. Another approach to nonuse involves expanding the range of uses through innovative programs that attract larger numbers and broader categories of users. Special events such as concerts, exhibits, and festivals create secondary territories under the control of vendors, city agencies, etc., in contrast to anonymous public areas seemingly belonging to no one. One of the most successful means for bringing large numbers of people into urban open spaces on a regular and predictable basis is the farmers’ market (FM).
Supercritical Water Oxidation of NH3 over a MnO2/CeO2 Catalyst

Catalytic oxidation of ammonia in supercritical water (SCW) was studied using a continuous-flow, packed-bed reactor at temperatures ranging from 410 to 470 °C, a nominal pressure of 27.6 MPa, and reactor residence times of less than 1 s. The kinetics and catalyst performance of MnO2/CeO2 for oxidation of ammonia in SCW was evaluated. In this reaction environment, ammonia was predominantly converted into molecular nitrogen (N2), and the rate of ammonia conversion was enhanced by MnO2/CeO2. For example, 40% of the ammonia was converted when using the MnO2/CeO2 catalyst at a temperature of 450 °C and a reactor residence time of 0.8 s. It was reported that, without a catalyst, essentially no ammonia conversion was observed below 525 °C (Helling, R. K.; Tester, J. W. Environ. Sci. Technol. 1988, 22 (11), 1319) and 10% of the ammonia was converted at a temperature of 680 °C, a pressure of 24.6 MPa, and a reactor residence time of 10 s (Webley, P. A.; Tester, J. W.; Holgate, H. R. Ind. Eng. Chem. Res. 1991, 30 (...
The Role of the Catholic Church and Other Religious Institutions in the Guatemalan Peace Process, 1980-1996

Between 1980 and 1996, the Guatemalan Catholic Church, along with other religious institutions, played a major role in that country's peace process (which ultimately ended a thirty-five year struggle be tween the government and an armed opposition). One aspect of this involvement was the formal peace negotiations (which originated with the Esquipulas II agreements in 1987), in which the Catholic Church and other religious players figured prominently. The second aspect was the Guatemalan peace movement, an effort by a wide variety of groups that began working in the early 1980s to legitimize the dien "subversive" idea of a negotiated peace—and which later played a sup porting role in the process of negotiating and implementing the peace accords signed in 1996. The latter included the gradual creation within the country of religiously based peace groups and initiatives and led to a political climate which made it possible to work for peace. This essay also examines the Guatemalan background of the Catho lic Church's involvement in the peace process and its relationship to Catholic pastoral activities. It argues that the church's intense concern with peace, while reflecting changing theological and ideological trends internationally as well as the deepening social commitment of the post Vatican II Catholic Church, in many ways originated with its reaction to the institutional and individual losses it suffered in the terrible violence
Watson's Human Caring Theory: Pertinent Transpersonal and Humanities Concepts for Educators

Abstract: Jean Watson’s Theory of Human Caring and the caring moment are based in part in theconcepts of transpersonal psychology. This paper will provide a historical background aroundtranspersonal psychology and how it relates to Watson’s human caring moment. The purpose ofexplicating these humanities-based concepts is to support nurses and nurse educators in creatinga deeper understanding of Watson’s caring-healing moment as a time-space continuum, where thenurse’s caring supports a mutually created environment for healing. The article provides usefulbackground information, as well as outlining simple steps to revising nursing curricula so that theybecome supportive of nursing students’ growth as transpersonal-caring beings. Keywords: Jean Watson; human caring theory; transpersonal; nursing; theory; philosophy;humanities; pedagogy 1. Introduction “Transpersonal refers to values of deep connectedness, of relationship, subjective meaning,and shared humanity . . . Transpersonal conveys a connection beyond the ego, capturingspiritual dimensions all humans share with a deeper self, others, nature, and theuniverse.” ([1], p. 13)Jean Watson, nursing’s living legend, began the development of the Theory of HumanCaring/Caring Science over 35 years ago; since that time, the theory has evolved, and yet theconcept of the creation of a transpersonal caring-healing moment remains as central to the coreof both understanding and enacting the theory in nursing practice. This paper explores the history oftranspersonal psychology (TP) and explicates how TP relates to Watson’s theory, the human caringmoment, and caring science. The reader is supported with a greater understanding of both thedevelopment of Watson’s theory and the process of creating and experiencing the transpersonalcaring-healing moment with patients. The reader is provided with guidelines for educators who desireto support students’ capacity for growth in enacting transpersonal human caring states. The valueof this work resides in the readers’ capacity to explore the historical and humanities-based roots ofWatson’s human caring moment; in deepening our understanding of the transpersonal roots of caringscience, nurses can strive to appropriately place the transpersonal aspects of human caring clearlywithin the realm of nurses’ work.Due to the heavy science-based curricula most nursing students experience, many nurses maystruggle with the spiritual and humanities-based background necessary to unpack human caringtheory in order to apply it at the bedside [2]. By taking a transdisciplinary exploration into thehumanities-based ﬁeld of TP, the nurse educator is afforded the opportunity to explore how TPtheory and caring consciousness support the need for the paradigm shift beyond technical-medical
A transfectant RK13 cell line permissive to classical caprine scrapie prion propagation

ABSTRACTTo assess scrapie infectivity associated with caprine-origin tissues, bioassay can be performed using kids, lambs or transgenic mice expressing caprine or ovine prion (PRNP) alleles, but the incubation periods are fairly long. Although several classical ovine scrapie prion permissive cell lines with the ability to detect brain-derived scrapie prion have been available, no classical caprine scrapie permissive cell line is currently available. Therefore, the aims of this study were to generate a rabbit kidney epithelial cell line (RK13) stably expressing caprine wild-type PRNP (cpRK13) and then to assess permissiveness of cpRK13 cells to classical caprine scrapie prion propagation. The cpRK13 and plasmid control RK13 (pcRK13) cells were incubated with brain-derived classical caprine scrapie inocula prepared from goats or ovinized transgenic mice (Tg338, express ovine VRQ allele) infected with caprine scrapie. Significant PrPSc accumulation, which is indicative of scrapie prion propagation, was detec...
Allergic Rhinosinusitis in the Pediatric Population

Allergic disease is very common in the U.S. population and even more common in children seen by otolaryngologists. Allergy causes or contributes to virtually all of the diseases in the respiratory tract that otolaryngologists, particularly otolaryngic allergists, evaluate and treat. The signs and symptoms of allergic disease in the pediatric patient are reviewed to improve the appreciation of the role of allergy in pediatric otolaryngology. Recent research developments, which are reviewed in detail in this article, underscore the importance of allergic, inflammatory response in rhinosinusitis. The key to long-term therapeutic success, particularly in pediatric rhinosinusitis, is management of the underlying allergic diathesis.
Correlations for single-phase convective heat transfer from an array of three-dimensional obstacles in a channel

Empirical correlations are developed to predict the element-averaged convective heat transfer from inline arrays of wall-mounted, three-dimensional protruding heat sources. The composite correlations are based on data from a large database of experiments that covered a wide range of flow rates (chip length-based Reynolds numbers from 600 to 70000), geometries, array spacings, and Prandtl numbers (0.7 to 25.2). The data were obtained from unpublished in-house experiments as well as from a number of studies in the literature. Air, water, and FC-77 (a perfluorinated dielectric liquid) are the coolants considered. A correlation valid for all the fluids is proposed with the Nusselt number as a function of Reynolds and Prandtl numbers, the array spacing, and the channel geometry. A separate correlation is proposed for air data only. The proposed correlations are compared with other predictive formulae in the literature.
Dementia Caregivers and Live Discharge from Hospice: What Happens When Hospice Leaves?

ABSTRACTHospice offers holistic support for individuals living with terminal illness and their caregivers. Some individuals receiving hospice services experience a slower decline in health as than expected, resulting in a ‘live discharge’ from hospice. A live discharge affects both patient and caregiver(s).The current study (N=24) explored the experiences of caregivers of adults with dementia who experienced a live discharge from hospice. Findings emphasize the comprehensive services covered under the Medicare Hospice benefit and those lost after a live discharge. Implications for social workers supporting caregivers are discussed, including the need to view the patient-caregiver unit during a live discharge.
Signature predictions of surface targets undergoing turning maneuvers in squinted SAR

This paper examines the properties of the signature morphology effects for surface targets that execute turning maneuvers during the collection interval for synthetic aperture radar (SAR) characterized by a non-zero squint angle. Such signatures of turning surface mobile targets often contain a non-zero smear component in the radar down-range direction as well as the more dominant radar cross-range defocus. That is, the residual defocus in the radar down-range direction is much smaller in magnitude than that in the radar cross-range direction. The emphasis of this investigation is an examination of the location, extent, and shape of the signature smear for turning targets for various values of the radar squint angle. The resulting simulations of the SAR signatures give excellent agreement with the theoretically predicted smear contour shapes.
Wireless Image Relay: Prioritized QoE Scheduling with Simplified Space-Time Coding Mode Selection

To address the challenge of improving Quality of Experience (QoE) of mobile users in the next generation of wireless networks, we propose an optimal multimedia relay scheme by jointly considering application multimedia content distribution and mobile devices’ antenna chain selection diversity in this paper. Benefiting from the feedback channel information and Multi-Input-Multi-Output (MIMO) diversity gain in relay systems, the multimedia content compression-truncation and antenna selection schemes would be dynamically adjusted with the feedback channel information, potentially improving the multimedia QoE and the wireless communication energy efficiency performances. In the proposed relay transmission scheme, the Quadtree fractal image compression method is used for content preparation and the Alamouti space-time coding technique is applied for diverse data transmission. Simulation results demonstrated that with the new dynamic multimedia content compression and antenna-chain selection scheme, the relayed multimedia QoE performance is significantly improved and energy resource efficiency also outperforms the traditional schemes.
Effects of TCAP on water intake in the rat

The drug, TCAP, which has been shown to enhance brain nucleoprotein production, has also been reported to enhance performance in learning tasks. Water intake of 10 rats was measured for 4 days without injection and over 4 days of daily injections of 45 mg/kg of TCAP. A transitory increase (p <.01) in water intake was found for the period after 30-min postinjection, but there was no overall increase over the 24-h period. In addition, day-to-day variability in water intake was increased (p <.05) during the drug days. Studies of the drug, using water motivation, should take this effect into account.
Sustainable Pollution Prevention Through Mass Integration

Pollution prevention is one of the key objectives of a processing facility. Notwithstanding its importance, it must be reconciled with other process objectives such as cost effectiveness, quality assurance, yield enhancement, debottlenecking, safety, and energy conservation. For many years, environmental issues of manufacturing operations have been conveniently isolated and addressed with little or no interaction with the other process objectives. The result has been a widespread adoption of pollution control, strategies that focus primarily on end-of-pipe treatment, in which chemical, biological, and physical processes are applied to terminal,streams to reduce toxicity or magnitude of environmentally undesirable compounds. This approach has enabled engineers to avoid in-plant changes and has, therefore, allowed the development of pollution-control technologies as stand-alone devices that can be used to treat the symptoms without much regard to the root causes within the core processing operations. The result has been in the form of solutions that worked but nonetheless had poor economic indicators. This situation has led to the common misconception that the solution to environmental problems of the process is an economic burden and that objectives of cost effectiveness and benign manufacturing cannot be reconciled.
Twentieth-Century Trajectories in European Economic History and the “Economic Function of the Jews”

In the war years of 1943–1944, when the destruction of European Jewry was spiraling to its dreadful end, two Jewish emigres took up their pens to write about Roscher’s old essay on the economic function of medieval Jewry. This was their war effort. For Guido Kisch and Toni Oelsner, writing about Roscher’s essay was a way to refute Nazi antisemitic propaganda. But, although they shared the same aim, their conclusions were radically different.2 Kisch celebrated Roscher’s theory on the Jewish economic function as historically valid “in every age and in every type of economy.” Oelsner condemned it as fallacious—a theory that when “deprived of [its] philo-Semitic and liberal guise” could be turned into an instrument of “the destructive Nazi ‘Jewish science.’”3 Kisch’s and Oelsner’s interpretations of Roscher’s theory reflect many of the main themes in this chapter: a reinterpretation of the Historical School in the context of WWII and the Holocaust, a focus on the origins of capitalism in medieval Europe, the role of Jewish emigres and scholars of Jewish origin in the new intellectual trajectories, and the contradictions in the state of the field lying just below the surface.
Impact of a Bilingual Pharmacy Diabetes Service in a Federally Qualified Health Center.

Background: Diabetes and its complications disproportionately affect Hispanic patients, many of whom receive care at federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) and prefer to receive care in a language other than English. There is little published data on clinical pharmacy diabetes services in this setting. Objective: This study aims to measure the impact of a Collaborative Drug Therapy Management–driven bilingual clinical pharmacy service on diabetes outcomes in an FQHC that primarily serves Hispanic patients, many of whom prefer to receive their care in Spanish. Methods: Patients were included if they had a diagnosis of diabetes and initial pharmacy visit between July 1, 2015, and March 31, 2016. Individual charts were analyzed for changes in hemoglobin A1C (A1C), changes in blood pressure (BP), number of visits, ethnicity, and primary language preference. Data for these patients were collected through September 30, 2016. Results: The median preintervention A1C was 10.5%; the median postintervention A1C ...
Controlled-Potential Simulation of Elementary Electrochemical Reactions: Proton Discharge on Metal Surfaces

The simulation of electrochemical reaction dynamics from first principles remains challenging, since over the course of an elementary step, an electron is either consumed or produced by the electrode. For example, the hydrogen evolution reaction begins with a simple proton discharge to a metal surface, but with conventional electronic structure methods, the simulated potential, which is manifested as the metal’s workfunction, varies over the course of the simulation as the electron is consumed in the new metal–hydrogen bond. Here, we present a simple approach to allow the direct control of the electrochemical potential via charging of the electrode surface. This is achieved by changing the total number of electrons in the self-consistent cycle, while enforcing charge neutrality through the introduction of a jellium counter charge dispersed in an implicit solvent region above the slab. We observe that the excess electrons localize selectively at the metal’s reactive surface and that the metal workfunction ...
Matthew Gandy. The Fabric of Space: Water, Modernity, and the Urban Imagination.

Matthew Gandy is a geographer at University College London whose work focuses on cities, how they work, and how their workings are represented in art and literature. His first book, entitled Concrete and Clay (2002), about New York, won a prize. Since its appearance, he has published dozens of articles and several edited books, and his output has earned him election to the British Academy. This latest book concerns six big cities at various points in their recent history: Paris, Berlin, Lagos, Mumbai, Los Angeles, and London.
Sociocultural status and burden of disability in aging Mexican Americans

Based on U.S. Census reports (Hispanic Americans: Census Facts. 2011. Retrieved August 1, 2011, from http://www.infoplease.com/spot/hhmcensus1.html) the United States Hispanic population has more than doubled during the past two decades, from 22.4 million in 1990 to 48.4 million in 2009 (16% of the population). Hispanics are the fasting growing ethnic group in the United States and are expected to comprise over 15% of the older United States population in 2050 (U.S. Bureau of the Census). Mexican-origin Hispanics (Mexican Americans) comprise 66% of the Hispanic population, and older Mexican Americans have higher rates of dependency, i.e., needing assistance from others, in activities of daily living than do European Americans (Hazuda, H. P., & Espino, D. V. 1997. Aging, chronic disease, and physical disability in Hispanic elderly. In K.S. Markides & M. Mirnda (Eds.) Minorities, Aging, and Health (pp. 127–148). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage; Shetterly, S. M., Baxter, J., Morgenstern, N. E., Grigsby, J., & Hamman, R. F. 1998. Higher instrumental activities of daily living disability in Hispanics compared with non-Hispanic Whites in rural Colorado: The San Luis Valley Health and Aging Study. American Journal of Epidemiology 147:1019–1027; Hamman, R. F., Mulgrew, C. L., Baxter, J., Shetterly, S. M., Swenson, C., & Morgenstern, N. E. 1999. Methods and prevalence of ADL limitations in Hispanic and non-Hispanic White subjects in rural Colorado: The San Luis Valley Health and Aging Study. Annals of Epidemiology 9:225–235). A key factor contributing to this higher rate of dependency in older Mexican Americans may be the high prevalence of diabetes, which is 1.5–2 times greater than that in older European Americans (Hazuda et al.) and has been identified as a major cause of disability and dependence (Gregg, E. W., Beckles, G. L., Williamson, D. F., Leveille, S. G., Langlois, J. A., Engelgau, M. M., and Narayan, K. M. V. 2000. Diabetes and physical disability among older U.S. adults. Diabetes Care 23:1272–1277). The generally lower socioeconomic status (SES) of older Mexican Americans relative to European Americans is also likely to play a role as there is evidence that both education and income are associated with an inverse gradient of disability in later life, at least up to age 85 (Minkler, M., Fuller-Thompson, E., & Guralnik, J. M. 2006. Gradient of disability across the socioeconomic spectrum in the United States. The New England Journal of Medicine 355:695–703). Little attention has been given to systematically examining the relative contribution of specific diseases and sociocultural status (SES and acculturation-assimilation) to disability within the context of a theoretical framework that accounts for the role of both types of factors in the development of disability.
Cancer Prevention Through Policy Interventions That Alter Childhood Disparities in Energy Balance

Dramatic increases in obesity and cancer risk are more pronounced across various socially disadvantaged populations (Dixon et al., Adv Nutr 3(1):73–82, 2012). These disparities have their beginnings in early childhood with devastating effects that track into adulthood. The purpose of this chapter is to describe the (1) prevalence of obesity disparities in youth, (2) social determinants and dimensions of obesity disparities, (3) influences on stages of obesity development, and (4) role and types of policies designed to prevent obesity disparities in young children. The need to behaviorally disrupt the intergenerational cycle of obesity that begins in early life is discussed. How socioeconomic, sociocultural, living and working conditions, and life course exposures influence this cycle is addressed. The role of evidence-based policies, and their impact across target environments where children spend time, is presented.
Smart home air filtering system: A randomized controlled trial for performance evaluation

Abstract Airborne particulate matter (PM) exposure exacerbates asthma and other respiratory and cardiovascular conditions. Using an indoor air purifier or furnace fan can reduce the PM concentration, however, these devices consume significant energy. We designed and built an air quality automation system called SmartAir that uses measurements from PM sensors to control a home׳s furnace fan. When PM is high, SmartAir turns on the furnace fan, pulling air through a filter to reduce the air pollutant concentration. When the PM is low, the fan is off to conserve energy. We describe an architecture we introduce to automatically perform a repeated measurement randomized controlled trial (RCT) to evaluate SmartAir. We argue this is an appropriate scientific method to use to evaluate a variety of IoT systems that purport to improve our living conditions but whose performance is complicated by individual differences and confounding variables. We deployed SmartAir in four homes for 350 days in which each day has a randomly chosen experimental condition. The results demonstrate that SmartAir achieves air quality approximately as good as when the fan is always on (average PM2.5 = 6.13 µg/m3 SmartAir vs. 5.71 µg/m3 On) while using 58% less energy. SmartAir also finds statistically significant lowering of PM2.5 for SmartAir vs. normal furnace fan operation. Although SmartAir increases fan on percentage, its lowering of PM2.5 can not be achieved simply by turning on the fan more often without an air quality sensor.
Abstract A26: Representation of minorities, the elderly, and women in over 1000 clinical trials

Background: Despite the importance of diversity while studying new drugs, many cancer clinical trials (CT) lack appropriate representation of specific patient populations, limiting the generalizability of the evidence obtained. Therefore, we determined the representation of ethnic minorities, the elderly, and women in cancer CT. Methods: Enrollment data from all therapeutic trials reported as completed in clinicaltrial.gov from 2003 to 2016 were analyzed. CT in rare cancers ( Results: Out of 1,012 CT, 310 (31%) reported ethnicity with a total of 55,689 enrollees. 46,431 (83%) enrollees were non-Hispanic white, 3,270 (6%) African American, 2,982 (5.3%) Asian, 1,484 (2.6%) Hispanic, and 1,332 (2.4%) were classified as other. Participation in CT varied significantly across ethnic groups; non-Hispanic whites were more likely to be enrolled in CT (EF of 1.2%) than African Americans (EF of 0.7%, p Conclusions: African Americans, Hispanics, and the elderly were less likely to be enrolled in CT. Comparing with historical data, we observed a decrease in minorities9 recruitment over the past 14 years. This change could be attributed to the increased complexity of CT and mandatory molecular testing as many minorities lack access to institutions with genetic-testing capacity. Future trials should take extra measures to recruit participants who adequately represent the U.S. cancer population. Citation Format: Narjust Duma, Jesus Vera-Aguilera, Yucai Wang, Jonas Paludo, Konstantinos Leventakos, Aaron Mansfield, Alex Adjei. Representation of minorities, the elderly, and women in over 1000 clinical trials [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Tenth AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2017 Sep 25-28; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2018;27(7 Suppl):Abstract nr A26.
Development of a financial navigation program to ease the burden of financial toxicity.

124Background: Due to the rising cost of cancer care, even well-insured patients are at risk for financial toxicity. Cancer treatment costs can be challenging for patients and families because of increasing deductibles, increasing premiums and frequent co-payments. At Cleveland Clinic Cancer Centers, our goal is to identify patients at risk for financial distress and help ease the financial stress and hardship associated with cancer care. Methods: The Financial Navigator (FN) role was created in 2016 to complete benefits investigations to determine covered services and minimize the patient’s out of pocket expenses. We are participants in the Oncology Care Model and are expected to provide and document the estimated out-of-pocket costs in the patient’s medical record. Navigators conduct telephone outreach calls with treatment patients to educate them on their benefits. The FN also assists with applications on copay assistance and free drug options. Finally, the FN will connect patients with resources for p...
The role of modularity in the supply chain context: current trends and future research directions

The aim of this editorial is to introduce the scope of the call for papers for the special issue. The submission statistics are then provided. A brief summary of the accepted papers is synthesised....
Development of a Highly Flexible, Interdisciplinary Program in Chemical Commerce and a Capstone Course in Commercial Chemistry

Higher education is faced with the challenging problem of preparing students for their careers while developing them to be well-rounded, life-long learners. Employers report they desire candidates who use a broader set of skills and have higher levels of learning and knowledge to meet the increasingly complex demands of today’s workplace. At Mercer University, the Department of Chemistry offers a traditional ACS-certified B.S. degree in Chemistry, but for some students, this course of study does not address their desire for the interdisciplinarity that is becoming more common in today’s work environment. The department has developed a program in Chemical Commerce that focuses on developing students’ foundational knowledge in several of the chemical disciplines while also providing them with a business curriculum. The program provides a high degree of flexibility for students, with B.A. and B.S. tracks and three areas of focus in business to choose from (Accounting, Business Management, and Economics). An upper-level chemistry course titled “Traditions in Commercial Chemistry” was developed for advanced Chemistry, Chemical Commerce, and Biochemistry and Molecular Biology majors and served as a capstone experience for these students. This course focused on the application of advanced chemistry and its associated principles in a variety of business sectors. With the broad skills students have acquired in the program, they have gained employment in industry and matriculated into medical, pharmacy, and business-administration programs. Though not intended to replace a full chemistry degree, this program is in high demand and is experiencing exceptional growth from students who seek components of a chemistry degree while gaining business acumen. Approaches used in developing these degrees and course are highly transferrable to other institutions and may provide more options for students interested in a wider variety of career paths.
Automated Pipeline for Photovoltaic Module Electroluminescence Image Processing and Degradation Feature Classification

An automated data analysis pipeline is developed to preprocess electroluminescence (EL) module images, and parse the images into individual cells to be used as an input for machine learning algorithms. The dataset used in the study includes EL images of three 60 cell modules from each of five commercial brands at six steps of damp heat exposure, from 500 to 3000 h. Preprocessing of the original raw EL images includes lens distortion correction, filtering, thresholding, convex hull, regression fitting, and perspective transformation to produce planar indexed module and single cell images. Parsing of PV cells from each of the preprocessed 90 EL module images gives us 5400 cell images, which are function of module brand and damp heat exposure step. From the dataset, two unique degradation categories (“cracked” and “corroded”) were observed, while cells that did not degrade were classified as “good.” For supervised machine learning modeling, cell images were sorted into these three classes yielding 3550 images. A training and testing framework with 80:20 sampling ratio was generated using stratified sampling. Three machine learning algorithms (support vector machine, Random Forest, and convolutional neural network) were trained and tuned independently on the training set and then given the test set to predict the scores for each of the three models. Five-fold cross validation was done on training set to tune hyper-parameters of the models. Model prediction scores showed that convolutional neural network outperforms support vector machine and Random Forest for supervised PV cell classification.
Recovering graph-structured activations using adaptive compressive measurements

We study the localization of a cluster of activated vertices in a graph, from adaptively designed compressive measurements. We propose a hierarchical partitioning of the graph that groups the activated vertices into few partitions, so that a top-down sensing procedure can identify these partitions, and hence the activations, using few measurements. By exploiting the cluster structure, we are able to provide localization guarantees at weaker signal-to-noise ratios than in the unstructured setting. We complement this performance guarantee with an information-theoretic lower bound, providing a necessary signal-to-noise ratio for any algorithm to successfully localize the cluster. We verify our analysis with some simulations, demonstrating the practicality of our algorithm.
Numerical Optimization to AI, and Back.

The impact of numerical optimization on modern data analysis has been quite significant. Today, these methods lie at the heart of most statistical machine learning applications in domains spanning genomics, finance and medicine. The expanding scope of these applications (and the complexity of the associated data) has continued to raise the expectations of various criteria associated with the underlying algorithms. Broadly speaking, my research work can be classified into two AI categories: Optimization in ML (Opt-ML) and Optimization in CV (Opt-CV).
Role of cutting fluids under minimum quantity lubrication: An experimental investigation of chip thickness

Abstract Machining plays an important role in the industrial process of the economy through the way it contributes around 5% of the country’s total economy. Various shapes of final products from raw material are processed by machining, which in turn leads to the formation of chips. Chip is an important aspect should be studied to know in-depth about machining conditions. Parameters to be explored by chip investigation are mainly include; specific energy, interfaces between chip and tool and work material behaviour during machining. AISI 4340 hardened steel material is used for chip investigation in present experimentation. Some of the adverse common issues with this steel machining are high temperature, extreme tool wear and sudden tool failure; which can be eliminated using sustainable machining practices such as application of Minimum Quantity Lubrication (MQL) with bio cutting fluids. This paper emphasizes upon the experimental investigations of chip thickness to reveal the various relevant parameters such as shear angle, specific energy required for machining and cutting force. Better performance of coconut oil was observed in terms of minimum chip thickness and maximum shear angle at higher cutting speed, when compared it with canola oil and soybean oil. For further investigation and study; results of bio cutting fluids are compared with synthetic oil and dry machining conditions. Entire experimentation was carried out under MQL environment except for one experimental observation in the dry state for comparison.
Riparian forest conditions along three northern Michigan rivers following Emerald Ash Borer invasion

Emerald Ash Borer (EAB; Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire (Coleoptera, Buprestidae)) has killed millions of ash (Fraxinus spp.) trees since its 2002 detection in southern Michigan and Ontario. Effects ...
Aortic Rupture as a Complication of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation.

Abstract A 78-year-old woman with an aortic pseudoaneurysm suffered cardiac arrest due to aspiration and underwent cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), but was found to then be hypotensive with a n...
Gastrointestinal organoids: a next-generation tool for modeling human development.

Gastrointestinal organoids are an exciting new tool for modeling human development, physiology, and disease in human tissue. Derived from pluripotent stem cells, gastrointestinal organoids consist ...
“I’m Supposed To Be Thick”: Managing Body Image Anxieties Among Black American Women:

Prior literature on Black women’s body image heavily relies on comparative studies to confirm Black women’s greater body satisfaction relative to white women. Collectively, these studies argue that...
Increased body mass index, age, and left atrial size are associated with altered intracardiac atrial electrograms in persistent atrial fibrillation patients.

There are limited studies evaluating whether atrial fibrillation (AF) patients with increased BMI, age, and left atrial (LA) size have altered intracardiac electrogram (EGM) morphology. We analyzed left atrial intracardiac EGMs acquired during invasive electrophysiology study in 54 patients with AF. EGM correlations were assessed among AF risk factors including age, left atrial size, and BMI. BMI correlated positively with DF (r2 = 0.17, p = 0.009) and MP (r2 = 0.16, p = 0.01) with dominant frequency (DF) and mean spectral profile (MP) greater among obese individuals. Age was negatively associated with mean amplitude (r2 = 0.42, p < 0.001) and width (r2 = 0.32, p < 0.001); age was positively correlated with MP (r2 = 0.24, p < 0.001). LA size was negatively correlated with mean amplitude (r2 = 0.18, p = 0.03) and width (r2 = 0.23, p = 0.01); LA size was positively correlated with DF (r2 = 0.22, p = 0.01) and MP (r2 = 0.23, p = 0.01). Mean amplitude and width were decreased among subjects with a severely enlarged LA; DF and MP were increased in those with severely enlarged LA. The associations with BMI and LA size remained significant in multiple regression models that included age, male gender, time since AF diagnosis, and LVEF. EGM morphology of AF patients with increased BMI, older age, and an enlarged LA possessed decreased amplitude and decreased width and increased DF and MP. These findings suggest that atrial remodeling due to increased age, LA size, and BMI is associated with differences in local atrial activation, decreased refractoriness, and more heterogeneous activation. These novel findings point out clinical risk factors for atrial fibrillation that may affect electrogram characteristics.
A Systematic Review of Neighborhood Ethnic–Racial Compositions on Cultural Developmental Processes and Experiences in Adolescence

Prior scholarship suggests that variation in neighborhood ethnic–racial compositions may be predictors of cultural developmental processes and experiences for adolescents of color. Specifically, neighborhood ethnic–racial concentration may support or inhibit ethnic–racial identity (ERI) development or content; it may amplify or mitigate exposure to discrimination stemming from racism. It is important to consider factors that may explain mixed findings given study, neighborhood, and adolescent characteristics may be sources of systematic heterogeneity. A systematic review was conducted to examine the effects of neighborhood ethnic–racial concentration on discrimination and ERI among Black, Asian American, and Latinx adolescents. The search initially retrieved 162 records; 13 met inclusion criteria and were coded for theoretical and design elements. A total 36 associations were identified (discrimination: k = 16; ERI: k = 20). For discrimination, a majority of the associations (56%) were in the promoting direction, such that higher neighborhood ethnic–racial concentrations of Blacks, Asian Americans, and Latinxs were associated with less discrimination for Black, Asian American, and Latinx adolescents, respectively. For ERI, 35% of the associations were promoting, such that higher neighborhood ethnic–racial concentrations of Blacks, Asian Americans, and Latinxs were associated with more positive ERI outcomes for the same groups. Almost all of the remaining findings for discrimination were null (38%) and all remaining findings for ERI (65%) were null. This systematic review documents how higher neighborhood ethnic–racial concentrations are potentially beneficial to within-group adolescents navigating the development of ERI and discrimination.
Characterizing mechanical properties of soft tissues using non-contact displacement measurements: how should we assess the uncertainty?

Techniques aimed at the non-invasive characterization of soft tissues according to elastic properties are rapidly evolving. Virtual touch-based elastographic methods including acoustic radiation force imaging (ARFI) and optical elastography measure the peak axial displacement (PD) and time-to-peak-displacement (TTP) of tissue in response to a localized force. These measurements have been used clinically to differentiate tissues, albeit with mixed results. However, to date, the reason has not been fully understood. In this study, we apply a novel modeling approach to explore the mechanistic link between simplistic displacement measurements and tissue viscoelasticity in the application of virtual touch-based elastographic methods to staging chronic liver disease (CLD). To our knowledge, such a study has not been reported in the literature. Specifically, a numerical screening study was first conducted to identify factors that most strongly determine PD and TTP. Response surface experimental designs were then applied to these factors to produce meta-models of expected PD and TTP probability density functions (PDFs) as functions of identified factors. Results from the screening study suggest that both PD and TTP measurements are primarily influenced by three factors: the initial Young’s modulus of the tissue, the first viscoelastic Prony series time constant, and pre-compression ap- plied during acquisition. To investigate the implications of these results, stochastic inputs for these three factors associated were used to determine a robust response surface. The identified response surface methodology can be used to determine optimal cutoff values for PD and TTP that could be used in order to stage chronic liver disease.
Beta hemolytic streptococcus induced septic pulmonary emboli complicated by lemierre's syndrome

Introduction-Septic pulmonary emboli are common in intravenous drug users. Often, they are accompanied by right-sided endocarditis. We present an uncommon case of sepsis with pulmonary emboli without endocarditis and complicated by Lemierre's syndrome. Case-A 30-year-old man presented with five days of high fevers, dyspnea, sore throat, nonproductive cough, polyarthralgia, and myalgias. He worked as a butcher, had no sick contacts or recent travel, was a nonsmoker, did not vape or use illicit drugs, and had no rash. He was febrile at 102°F, tachycardic, hypotensive, tachypneic, and hypoxic to 84% on room air. The examination was notable for bilaterally decreased breath sounds and no murmurs were heard. Investigations revealed leukocytosis, thrombocytopenia, lactic acidosis, elevated inflammatory markers (D-dimer, lactate dehydrogenase, C-reactive protein), and transaminases. Initial chest-Xray (CXR) revealed prominent interstitial markings (Fig-1A). Oxygen supplementation by high flow nasal cannula and empiric broad-spectrum antibiotics were initiated. COVID-19 testing was negative twice. Blood cultures grew group-C beta-hemolytic streptococci (GCS), and follow-up CXR (Fig-1B) and computed tomogram (CT) thorax (Fig-1C) were concerning for pulmonary septic emboli along with bilateral consolidations. Both transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiograms were negative for vegetations. The antibiotic regimen was modified according to sensitivity. Further patient interview revealed that he was handling meat with an open, deep finger wound a month ago. Due to persistent left-sided neck pain, a CT neck was performed revealing left sided internal jugular vein thrombophlebitis (Fig-1D). Hence, anaerobic antibiotic coverage was added considering Lemierre's syndrome. Further, bilateral upper extremity deep and superficial venous thrombi were detected and the patient was started on therapeutic anticoagulation. Hypercoagulability workup was concerning for antiphospholipid antibody syndrome with a positive anti-cardiolipin antibody screen. A follow-up CT thorax revealed numerous bilateral septic emboli, with some cavitating (Fig-1E). The patient improved over the next week and was slowly weaned off supplemental oxygen. He was discharged home on Coumadin and completed four weeks of antibiotics. He was doing well at his follow-up. Discussion-Invasive disease due to GCS is uncommon, with an incidence of 4%-6%. Occasionally, they have been implicated for septicemia in meat handlers and with exposure to animals. GCS bacteremia can result in multiple system involvement, presenting with symptomatology like our patient. Beta-lactam antibiotics remain an effective treatment. Lemierre's syndrome is rare, and commonly associated with pharyngitis and anaerobes, though rarely, septic emboli and streptococci have been implicated.