| 1. |
- Thomas, HS, et al.
(author)
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- 2019
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swepub:Mat__t
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| 2. |
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| 3. |
- Lozano, Rafael, et al.
(author)
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Measuring progress from 1990 to 2017 and projecting attainment to 2030 of the health-related Sustainable Development Goals for 195 countries and territories: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2017
- 2018
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In: The Lancet. - : Elsevier. - 1474-547X .- 0140-6736. ; 392:10159, s. 2091-2138
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Efforts to establish the 2015 baseline and monitor early implementation of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) highlight both great potential for and threats to improving health by 2030. To fully deliver on the SDG aim of “leaving no one behind”, it is increasingly important to examine the health-related SDGs beyond national-level estimates. As part of the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study 2017 (GBD 2017), we measured progress on 41 of 52 health-related SDG indicators and estimated the health-related SDG index for 195 countries and territories for the period 1990–2017, projected indicators to 2030, and analysed global attainment. Methods: We measured progress on 41 health-related SDG indicators from 1990 to 2017, an increase of four indicators since GBD 2016 (new indicators were health worker density, sexual violence by non-intimate partners, population census status, and prevalence of physical and sexual violence [reported separately]). We also improved the measurement of several previously reported indicators. We constructed national-level estimates and, for a subset of health-related SDGs, examined indicator-level differences by sex and Socio-demographic Index (SDI) quintile. We also did subnational assessments of performance for selected countries. To construct the health-related SDG index, we transformed the value for each indicator on a scale of 0–100, with 0 as the 2·5th percentile and 100 as the 97·5th percentile of 1000 draws calculated from 1990 to 2030, and took the geometric mean of the scaled indicators by target. To generate projections through 2030, we used a forecasting framework that drew estimates from the broader GBD study and used weighted averages of indicator-specific and country-specific annualised rates of change from 1990 to 2017 to inform future estimates. We assessed attainment of indicators with defined targets in two ways: first, using mean values projected for 2030, and then using the probability of attainment in 2030 calculated from 1000 draws. We also did a global attainment analysis of the feasibility of attaining SDG targets on the basis of past trends. Using 2015 global averages of indicators with defined SDG targets, we calculated the global annualised rates of change required from 2015 to 2030 to meet these targets, and then identified in what percentiles the required global annualised rates of change fell in the distribution of country-level rates of change from 1990 to 2015. We took the mean of these global percentile values across indicators and applied the past rate of change at this mean global percentile to all health-related SDG indicators, irrespective of target definition, to estimate the equivalent 2030 global average value and percentage change from 2015 to 2030 for each indicator. Findings: The global median health-related SDG index in 2017 was 59·4 (IQR 35·4–67·3), ranging from a low of 11·6 (95% uncertainty interval 9·6–14·0) to a high of 84·9 (83·1–86·7). SDG index values in countries assessed at the subnational level varied substantially, particularly in China and India, although scores in Japan and the UK were more homogeneous. Indicators also varied by SDI quintile and sex, with males having worse outcomes than females for non-communicable disease (NCD) mortality, alcohol use, and smoking, among others. Most countries were projected to have a higher health-related SDG index in 2030 than in 2017, while country-level probabilities of attainment by 2030 varied widely by indicator. Under-5 mortality, neonatal mortality, maternal mortality ratio, and malaria indicators had the most countries with at least 95% probability of target attainment. Other indicators, including NCD mortality and suicide mortality, had no countries projected to meet corresponding SDG targets on the basis of projected mean values for 2030 but showed some probability of attainment by 2030. For some indicators, including child malnutrition, several infectious diseases, and most violence measures, the annualised rates of change required to meet SDG targets far exceeded the pace of progress achieved by any country in the recent past. We found that applying the mean global annualised rate of change to indicators without defined targets would equate to about 19% and 22% reductions in global smoking and alcohol consumption, respectively; a 47% decline in adolescent birth rates; and a more than 85% increase in health worker density per 1000 population by 2030. Interpretation: The GBD study offers a unique, robust platform for monitoring the health-related SDGs across demographic and geographic dimensions. Our findings underscore the importance of increased collection and analysis of disaggregated data and highlight where more deliberate design or targeting of interventions could accelerate progress in attaining the SDGs. Current projections show that many health-related SDG indicators, NCDs, NCD-related risks, and violence-related indicators will require a concerted shift away from what might have driven past gains—curative interventions in the case of NCDs—towards multisectoral, prevention-oriented policy action and investments to achieve SDG aims. Notably, several targets, if they are to be met by 2030, demand a pace of progress that no country has achieved in the recent past. The future is fundamentally uncertain, and no model can fully predict what breakthroughs or events might alter the course of the SDGs. What is clear is that our actions—or inaction—today will ultimately dictate how close the world, collectively, can get to leaving no one behind by 2030.
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| 4. |
- Murray, Christopher J. L., et al.
(author)
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Population and fertility by age and sex for 195 countries and territories, 1950–2017: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2017
- 2018
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In: The Lancet. - 1474-547X .- 0140-6736. ; 392:10159, s. 1995-2051
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Population estimates underpin demographic and epidemiological research and are used to track progress on numerous international indicators of health and development. To date, internationally available estimates of population and fertility, although useful, have not been produced with transparent and replicable methods and do not use standardised estimates of mortality. We present single-calendar year and single-year of age estimates of fertility and population by sex with standardised and replicable methods. Methods: We estimated population in 195 locations by single year of age and single calendar year from 1950 to 2017 with standardised and replicable methods. We based the estimates on the demographic balancing equation, with inputs of fertility, mortality, population, and migration data. Fertility data came from 7817 location-years of vital registration data, 429 surveys reporting complete birth histories, and 977 surveys and censuses reporting summary birth histories. We estimated age-specific fertility rates (ASFRs; the annual number of livebirths to women of a specified age group per 1000 women in that age group) by use of spatiotemporal Gaussian process regression and used the ASFRs to estimate total fertility rates (TFRs; the average number of children a woman would bear if she survived through the end of the reproductive age span [age 10–54 years] and experienced at each age a particular set of ASFRs observed in the year of interest). Because of sparse data, fertility at ages 10–14 years and 50–54 years was estimated from data on fertility in women aged 15–19 years and 45–49 years, through use of linear regression. Age-specific mortality data came from the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD) 2017 estimates. Data on population came from 1257 censuses and 761 population registry location-years and were adjusted for underenumeration and age misreporting with standard demographic methods. Migration was estimated with the GBD Bayesian demographic balancing model, after incorporating information about refugee migration into the model prior. Final population estimates used the cohort-component method of population projection, with inputs of fertility, mortality, and migration data. Population uncertainty was estimated by use of out-of-sample predictive validity testing. With these data, we estimated the trends in population by age and sex and in fertility by age between 1950 and 2017 in 195 countries and territories. Findings: From 1950 to 2017, TFRs decreased by 49·4% (95% uncertainty interval [UI] 46·4–52·0). The TFR decreased from 4·7 livebirths (4·5–4·9) to 2·4 livebirths (2·2–2·5), and the ASFR of mothers aged 10–19 years decreased from 37 livebirths (34–40) to 22 livebirths (19–24) per 1000 women. Despite reductions in the TFR, the global population has been increasing by an average of 83·8 million people per year since 1985. The global population increased by 197·2% (193·3–200·8) since 1950, from 2·6 billion (2·5–2·6) to 7·6 billion (7·4–7·9) people in 2017; much of this increase was in the proportion of the global population in south Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. The global annual rate of population growth increased between 1950 and 1964, when it peaked at 2·0%; this rate then remained nearly constant until 1970 and then decreased to 1·1% in 2017. Population growth rates in the southeast Asia, east Asia, and Oceania GBD super-region decreased from 2·5% in 1963 to 0·7% in 2017, whereas in sub-Saharan Africa, population growth rates were almost at the highest reported levels ever in 2017, when they were at 2·7%. The global average age increased from 26·6 years in 1950 to 32·1 years in 2017, and the proportion of the population that is of working age (age 15–64 years) increased from 59·9% to 65·3%. At the national level, the TFR decreased in all countries and territories between 1950 and 2017; in 2017, TFRs ranged from a low of 1·0 livebirths (95% UI 0·9–1·2) in Cyprus to a high of 7·1 livebirths (6·8–7·4) in Niger. The TFR under age 25 years (TFU25; number of livebirths expected by age 25 years for a hypothetical woman who survived the age group and was exposed to current ASFRs) in 2017 ranged from 0·08 livebirths (0·07–0·09) in South Korea to 2·4 livebirths (2·2–2·6) in Niger, and the TFR over age 30 years (TFO30; number of livebirths expected for a hypothetical woman ageing from 30 to 54 years who survived the age group and was exposed to current ASFRs) ranged from a low of 0·3 livebirths (0·3–0·4) in Puerto Rico to a high of 3·1 livebirths (3·0–3·2) in Niger. TFO30 was higher than TFU25 in 145 countries and territories in 2017. 33 countries had a negative population growth rate from 2010 to 2017, most of which were located in central, eastern, and western Europe, whereas population growth rates of more than 2·0% were seen in 33 of 46 countries in sub-Saharan Africa. In 2017, less than 65% of the national population was of working age in 12 of 34 high-income countries, and less than 50% of the national population was of working age in Mali, Chad, and Niger. Interpretation: Population trends create demographic dividends and headwinds (ie, economic benefits and detriments) that affect national economies and determine national planning needs. Although TFRs are decreasing, the global population continues to grow as mortality declines, with diverse patterns at the national level and across age groups. To our knowledge, this is the first study to provide transparent and replicable estimates of population and fertility, which can be used to inform decision making and to monitor progress. Funding: Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
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| 5. |
- Stanaway, Jeffrey D., et al.
(author)
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Global, regional, and national comparative risk assessment of 84 behavioural, environmental and occupational, and metabolic risks or clusters of risks for 195 countries and territories, 1990-2017: A systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2017
- 2018
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In: The Lancet. - 1474-547X .- 0140-6736. ; 392:10159, s. 1923-1994
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background The Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD) 2017 comparative risk assessment (CRA) is a comprehensive approach to risk factor quantification that offers a useful tool for synthesising evidence on risks and risk-outcome associations. With each annual GBD study, we update the GBD CRA to incorporate improved methods, new risks and risk-outcome pairs, and new data on risk exposure levels and risk- outcome associations. Methods We used the CRA framework developed for previous iterations of GBD to estimate levels and trends in exposure, attributable deaths, and attributable disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs), by age group, sex, year, and location for 84 behavioural, environmental and occupational, and metabolic risks or groups of risks from 1990 to 2017. This study included 476 risk-outcome pairs that met the GBD study criteria for convincing or probable evidence of causation. We extracted relative risk and exposure estimates from 46 749 randomised controlled trials, cohort studies, household surveys, census data, satellite data, and other sources. We used statistical models to pool data, adjust for bias, and incorporate covariates. Using the counterfactual scenario of theoretical minimum risk exposure level (TMREL), we estimated the portion of deaths and DALYs that could be attributed to a given risk. We explored the relationship between development and risk exposure by modelling the relationship between the Socio-demographic Index (SDI) and risk-weighted exposure prevalence and estimated expected levels of exposure and risk-attributable burden by SDI. Finally, we explored temporal changes in risk-attributable DALYs by decomposing those changes into six main component drivers of change as follows: (1) population growth; (2) changes in population age structures; (3) changes in exposure to environmental and occupational risks; (4) changes in exposure to behavioural risks; (5) changes in exposure to metabolic risks; and (6) changes due to all other factors, approximated as the risk-deleted death and DALY rates, where the risk-deleted rate is the rate that would be observed had we reduced the exposure levels to the TMREL for all risk factors included in GBD 2017.
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| 6. |
- Weinstein, John N., et al.
(author)
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The cancer genome atlas pan-cancer analysis project
- 2013
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In: Nature Genetics. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1546-1718 .- 1061-4036. ; 45:10, s. 1113-1120
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Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) Research Network has profiled and analyzed large numbers of human tumors to discover molecular aberrations at the DNA, RNA, protein and epigenetic levels. The resulting rich data provide a major opportunity to develop an integrated picture of commonalities, differences and emergent themes across tumor lineages. The Pan-Cancer initiative compares the first 12 tumor types profiled by TCGA. Analysis of the molecular aberrations and their functional roles across tumor types will teach us how to extend therapies effective in one cancer type to others with a similar genomic profile. © 2013 Nature America, Inc. All rights reserved.
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| 7. |
- Feigin, Valery L., et al.
(author)
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Global, regional, and national burden of neurological disorders, 1990–2016 : a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2016
- 2019
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In: Lancet Neurology. - : Elsevier. - 1474-4422 .- 1474-4465. ; 18:5, s. 459-480
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Neurological disorders are increasingly recognised as major causes of death and disability worldwide. The aim of this analysis from the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD) 2016 is to provide the most comprehensive and up-to-date estimates of the global, regional, and national burden from neurological disorders.Methods: We estimated prevalence, incidence, deaths, and disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs; the sum of years of life lost [YLLs] and years lived with disability [YLDs]) by age and sex for 15 neurological disorder categories (tetanus, meningitis, encephalitis, stroke, brain and other CNS cancers, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, Alzheimer's disease and other dementias, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, motor neuron diseases, idiopathic epilepsy, migraine, tension-type headache, and a residual category for other less common neurological disorders) in 195 countries from 1990 to 2016. DisMod-MR 2.1, a Bayesian meta-regression tool, was the main method of estimation of prevalence and incidence, and the Cause of Death Ensemble model (CODEm) was used for mortality estimation. We quantified the contribution of 84 risks and combinations of risk to the disease estimates for the 15 neurological disorder categories using the GBD comparative risk assessment approach.Findings: Globally, in 2016, neurological disorders were the leading cause of DALYs (276 million [95% UI 247–308]) and second leading cause of deaths (9·0 million [8·8–9·4]). The absolute number of deaths and DALYs from all neurological disorders combined increased (deaths by 39% [34–44] and DALYs by 15% [9–21]) whereas their age-standardised rates decreased (deaths by 28% [26–30] and DALYs by 27% [24–31]) between 1990 and 2016. The only neurological disorders that had a decrease in rates and absolute numbers of deaths and DALYs were tetanus, meningitis, and encephalitis. The four largest contributors of neurological DALYs were stroke (42·2% [38·6–46·1]), migraine (16·3% [11·7–20·8]), Alzheimer's and other dementias (10·4% [9·0–12·1]), and meningitis (7·9% [6·6–10·4]). For the combined neurological disorders, age-standardised DALY rates were significantly higher in males than in females (male-to-female ratio 1·12 [1·05–1·20]), but migraine, multiple sclerosis, and tension-type headache were more common and caused more burden in females, with male-to-female ratios of less than 0·7. The 84 risks quantified in GBD explain less than 10% of neurological disorder DALY burdens, except stroke, for which 88·8% (86·5–90·9) of DALYs are attributable to risk factors, and to a lesser extent Alzheimer's disease and other dementias (22·3% [11·8–35·1] of DALYs are risk attributable) and idiopathic epilepsy (14·1% [10·8–17·5] of DALYs are risk attributable).Interpretation: Globally, the burden of neurological disorders, as measured by the absolute number of DALYs, continues to increase. As populations are growing and ageing, and the prevalence of major disabling neurological disorders steeply increases with age, governments will face increasing demand for treatment, rehabilitation, and support services for neurological disorders. The scarcity of established modifiable risks for most of the neurological burden demonstrates that new knowledge is required to develop effective prevention and treatment strategies.Funding: Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
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| 8. |
- Ademuyiwa, Adesoji O., et al.
(author)
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Determinants of morbidity and mortality following emergency abdominal surgery in children in low-income and middle-income countries
- 2016
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In: BMJ Global Health. - : BMJ Publishing Group Ltd. - 2059-7908. ; 1:4
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Child health is a key priority on the global health agenda, yet the provision of essential and emergency surgery in children is patchy in resource-poor regions. This study was aimed to determine the mortality risk for emergency abdominal paediatric surgery in low-income countries globally.Methods: Multicentre, international, prospective, cohort study. Self-selected surgical units performing emergency abdominal surgery submitted prespecified data for consecutive children aged <16 years during a 2-week period between July and December 2014. The United Nation's Human Development Index (HDI) was used to stratify countries. The main outcome measure was 30-day postoperative mortality, analysed by multilevel logistic regression.Results: This study included 1409 patients from 253 centres in 43 countries; 282 children were under 2 years of age. Among them, 265 (18.8%) were from low-HDI, 450 (31.9%) from middle-HDI and 694 (49.3%) from high-HDI countries. The most common operations performed were appendectomy, small bowel resection, pyloromyotomy and correction of intussusception. After adjustment for patient and hospital risk factors, child mortality at 30 days was significantly higher in low-HDI (adjusted OR 7.14 (95% CI 2.52 to 20.23), p<0.001) and middle-HDI (4.42 (1.44 to 13.56), p=0.009) countries compared with high-HDI countries, translating to 40 excess deaths per 1000 procedures performed.Conclusions: Adjusted mortality in children following emergency abdominal surgery may be as high as 7 times greater in low-HDI and middle-HDI countries compared with high-HDI countries. Effective provision of emergency essential surgery should be a key priority for global child health agendas.
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| 9. |
- Griswold, Max G., et al.
(author)
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Alcohol use and burden for 195 countries and territories, 1990-2016 : a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2016
- 2018
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In: The Lancet. - : Elsevier. - 0140-6736 .- 1474-547X. ; 392:10152, s. 1015-1035
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Alcohol use is a leading risk factor for death and disability, but its overall association with health remains complex given the possible protective effects of moderate alcohol consumption on some conditions. With our comprehensive approach to health accounting within the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study 2016, we generated improved estimates of alcohol use and alcohol-attributable deaths and disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) for 195 locations from 1990 to 2016, for both sexes and for 5-year age groups between the ages of 15 years and 95 years and older.Methods: Using 694 data sources of individual and population-level alcohol consumption, along with 592 prospective and retrospective studies on the risk of alcohol use, we produced estimates of the prevalence of current drinking, abstention, the distribution of alcohol consumption among current drinkers in standard drinks daily (defined as 10 g of pure ethyl alcohol), and alcohol-attributable deaths and DALYs. We made several methodological improvements compared with previous estimates: first, we adjusted alcohol sales estimates to take into account tourist and unrecorded consumption; second, we did a new meta-analysis of relative risks for 23 health outcomes associated with alcohol use; and third, we developed a new method to quantify the level of alcohol consumption that minimises the overall risk to individual health.Findings: Globally, alcohol use was the seventh leading risk factor for both deaths and DALYs in 2016, accounting for 2.2% (95% uncertainty interval [UI] 1.5-3.0) of age-standardised female deaths and 6.8% (5.8-8.0) of age-standardised male deaths. Among the population aged 15-49 years, alcohol use was the leading risk factor globally in 2016, with 3.8% (95% UI 3.2-4-3) of female deaths and 12.2% (10.8-13-6) of male deaths attributable to alcohol use. For the population aged 15-49 years, female attributable DALYs were 2.3% (95% UI 2.0-2.6) and male attributable DALYs were 8.9% (7.8-9.9). The three leading causes of attributable deaths in this age group were tuberculosis (1.4% [95% UI 1. 0-1. 7] of total deaths), road injuries (1.2% [0.7-1.9]), and self-harm (1.1% [0.6-1.5]). For populations aged 50 years and older, cancers accounted for a large proportion of total alcohol-attributable deaths in 2016, constituting 27.1% (95% UI 21.2-33.3) of total alcohol-attributable female deaths and 18.9% (15.3-22.6) of male deaths. The level of alcohol consumption that minimised harm across health outcomes was zero (95% UI 0.0-0.8) standard drinks per week.Interpretation: Alcohol use is a leading risk factor for global disease burden and causes substantial health loss. We found that the risk of all-cause mortality, and of cancers specifically, rises with increasing levels of consumption, and the level of consumption that minimises health loss is zero. These results suggest that alcohol control policies might need to be revised worldwide, refocusing on efforts to lower overall population-level consumption.
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| 10. |
- Beal, Jacob, et al.
(author)
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Robust estimation of bacterial cell count from optical density
- 2020
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In: Communications Biology. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 2399-3642. ; 3:1
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Optical density (OD) is widely used to estimate the density of cells in liquid culture, but cannot be compared between instruments without a standardized calibration protocol and is challenging to relate to actual cell count. We address this with an interlaboratory study comparing three simple, low-cost, and highly accessible OD calibration protocols across 244 laboratories, applied to eight strains of constitutive GFP-expressing E. coli. Based on our results, we recommend calibrating OD to estimated cell count using serial dilution of silica microspheres, which produces highly precise calibration (95.5% of residuals <1.2-fold), is easily assessed for quality control, also assesses instrument effective linear range, and can be combined with fluorescence calibration to obtain units of Molecules of Equivalent Fluorescein (MEFL) per cell, allowing direct comparison and data fusion with flow cytometry measurements: in our study, fluorescence per cell measurements showed only a 1.07-fold mean difference between plate reader and flow cytometry data.
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| 11. |
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The Seventeenth Data Release of the Sloan Digital Sky Surveys : Complete Release of MaNGA, MaStar, and APOGEE-2 Data
- 2022
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In: Astrophysical Journal Supplement Series. - : Institute of Physics (IOP). - 0067-0049 .- 1538-4365. ; 259:2
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- This paper documents the seventeenth data release (DR17) from the Sloan Digital Sky Surveys; the fifth and final release from the fourth phase (SDSS-IV). DR17 contains the complete release of the Mapping Nearby Galaxies at Apache Point Observatory (MaNGA) survey, which reached its goal of surveying over 10,000 nearby galaxies. The complete release of the MaNGA Stellar Library accompanies this data, providing observations of almost 30,000 stars through the MaNGA instrument during bright time. DR17 also contains the complete release of the Apache Point Observatory Galactic Evolution Experiment 2 survey that publicly releases infrared spectra of over 650,000 stars. The main sample from the Extended Baryon Oscillation Spectroscopic Survey (eBOSS), as well as the subsurvey Time Domain Spectroscopic Survey data were fully released in DR16. New single-fiber optical spectroscopy released in DR17 is from the SPectroscipic IDentification of ERosita Survey subsurvey and the eBOSS-RM program. Along with the primary data sets, DR17 includes 25 new or updated value-added catalogs. This paper concludes the release of SDSS-IV survey data. SDSS continues into its fifth phase with observations already underway for the Milky Way Mapper, Local Volume Mapper, and Black Hole Mapper surveys.
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| 12. |
- Habibi, M., et al.
(author)
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Microstructure, fractal geometry and corrosion properties of CrN thin films : The effect of shot number and angular position
- 2022
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In: Materials Today Communications. - : Elsevier Ltd. - 2352-4928. ; 32
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The effect of different plasma focus shots and angular positions (0° and 30°) on the properties of chromium nitride (CrN) coatings, deposited by a plasma focus (PF) device on stainless steel substrates, have been systematically investigated in this paper. The structural and morphological properties of CrN thin films were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Moreover, the corrosion behavior of the CrN thin films was investigated using the ‘c’ method. The XRD patterns demonstrated the growth of the polycrystalline structure composed of CrN/Cr2N nanograins and the enhanced crystallinity of the CrN coatings upon increasing the shot numbers. In addition, AFM results showed enhanced multifractal properties of the sample prepared at 0° angular position and a reducing trend in these properties for the layers prepared at 30° angular position. Moreover, they exhibited sharp hillock-like features on the surface, corresponding to the columnar growth of the CrN coatings, which further protruded as the number of shots increased. The results of the corrosion test showed that the resistance of stainless-steel substrate was improved by depositing the CrN coatings due to the formation of a passive and protective layer on its surface. Notably, ceramic CrN film, prepared through 10 shots at 30° angular position, showed the best corrosion resistance. Our strategy is advantageous for designing and manufacturing novel devices and instruments based on CrN corrosion resistant coating.
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| 13. |
- Arman, S.Y., et al.
(author)
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Evaluation of nanostructured S-doped TiO2 thin films and their photoelectrochemical application as photoanode for corrosion protection of 304 stainless steel
- 2014
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In: Surface & Coatings Technology. - : Elsevier BV. - 0257-8972 .- 1879-3347. ; 251, s. 162-169
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Undoped and S-doped TiO2 thin films were prepared on titanium substrate through a sol–gel method. The photoelectrochemical behavior of S-doped TiO2 thin film (as photoanode) was studied. The effect of Sulfur doping on structural, optical and morphological properties of TiO2 was studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), FT-IR, UV–ViS and FE-SEM. Superiority of the S-doped TiO2 film was shown through taking advantage of linear sweep voltametry measurement, open-circuit potential of 304 stainless steel as well as potetiodynamic polarization technique. Results showed that S-doped TiO2 thin film is an efficient photoanode with long term stability (several hours).
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| 14. |
- Ullah, S. M. Arman, et al.
(author)
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Mobile robot navigation via olfaction
- 2012
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In: Adaptive Mobile Robotics. - 9789814415941 ; , s. 97-104
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Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Mobile robot navigation via olfaction has been receiving considerable interest over recent years to assist in the development of advanced cognitive robots which are able to operate in natural environments. With the related advances in electronic noses, it is now possible to detect and recognize and locate a range of different odours for a variety of applications. This paper involves designing and building a chemical sensing mobile robot that is able to navigate using these latest olfactory sensors. A smart robot equipped with olfactory sensors is designed for performing various search tasks in chemical fields; these search tasks include locating point sources, following chemical trails and plume following and investigating how the search efficiencies can be enhanced.
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| 15. |
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| 16. |
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| 17. |
- Arman, M. M., et al.
(author)
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Synchrotron radiation X-ray absorption fine structure and magnetization improvement of A-site Ce3+ doped LaFeO3
- 2020
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In: Journal of Magnetism and Magnetic Materials. - : Elsevier BV. - 0304-8853. ; 513
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Synchrotron radiation (SR) is an interesting tool for probing the properties of the matter in various domains such as nanotechnology, energy materials, catalysis and the cultural heritage. Herein, we synthesized nanomultiferroic samples La1−xCexFeO3 (0.00 ≤ x ≤ 0.15) using auto combustion method and glycine as a fuel. The magnetic behavior was studied and interrelated with the results of synchrotron radiation X-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) spectroscopy for better understanding the compositional-dependent fine local structures of A-site (Ce3+) doped LaFeO3 nanomultiferroic. The crystallinity and phase formation of the samples of perovskite structure were confirmed by XRD technique. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) revealed the formation of homogenous porous morphology in the prepared nanomultiferroic. The collected XAFS signals at Fe K- edge (7112 eV) and La L3- edge (5483 eV) are analyzed, fitted, and refined in both the XANES and EXAFS regions. All obtained results are correlated in order to help in the interpretation of the magnetic character of nanocrystallite La1−xCexFeO3 (0.00 ≤ x ≤ 0.15). It was observed that there is a magnetization improvement in Ce3+ doped LaFeO3 samples where the molar magnetic susceptibility (χM) increased upon Ce3+ doping. The characteristics of the improved magnetic nanomultiferroic hand in hand with its distinguished morphology recommend it in multifunctional applications such as catalysts and/or γ-radiation dosimetry purposes.
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| 18. |
- Arman, M, et al.
(author)
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Women's Lived Experiences of Chronic Pain: Faces of Gendered Suffering
- 2020
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In: Qualitative health research. - : SAGE Publications. - 1049-7323 .- 1552-7557. ; 30:5, s. 772-782
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Women are overrepresented in pain rehabilitation. They seem to be more exposed to comorbidity between mental illness and diseases of the musculoskeletal system than men, implying that besides biopsychosocial factors, gender relations and cultural context should be considered. The aim of the study is to understand the lived experience of women with chronic pain from a caring science and gender perspective. Gadamerian philosophical hermeneutics has been used to analyze interviews from 21 women living with chronic pain in Sweden. The hermeneutical process revealed intertwined experiences of overperformance, loneliness, pain, and exhaustion. Women’s experience of an overwhelming life situation and the significance of mutual dependency seem to be central to health and suffering in women with chronic pain. We suggest, contemporary health care to acknowledge women’s health and suffering in relation to their life situation and prevailing gender roles.
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| 19. |
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| 20. |
- Çelik, Onur, et al.
(author)
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Consumer purchasing behavior and its organizational evaluation toward solar water heating system
- 2023
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In: Energy Reports. - : Elsevier. - 2352-4847. ; 10, s. 1589-1601
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Renewable energy sources are fundamental to a country’s economic growth. Solar energy is one of these resources that has a favorable effect on economic growth. Turkey’s solar energy industry is still in its early stages. Due to its location and degree of sunshine each year, the country has a great solar potential. Despite the huge potential, solar energy awareness and utilization are not widespread in all parts of Turkey. In order to identify the factors that affect consumers’ decisions to utilize water heating systems, which is a sort of solar energy system, the purpose of this research is to examine these systems. In this study, all factors influencing consumers’ decisions to acquire solar water heating systems were evaluated holistically for the first time. A questionnaire was used in the study, which is a quantitative research technique. The study identifies the variables that influence consumers’ attitudes toward solar collector purchases and assesses the consequences from an organizational point of view. The study’s results act as a guide for decision-makers.
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| 21. |
- Dhaidan, Nabeel S., et al.
(author)
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Enhancing the thermal performance of an agricultural solar greenhouse by geothermal energy using an earth-air heat exchanger system: A review
- 2024
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In: Geothermics. - : Elsevier. - 0375-6505 .- 1879-3576. ; 123
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- In recent years, yearly climatic changes, continuous temperature increases, and the impact of global environmental change have seriously affected agricultural production. The solar greenhouse (SG) system is designed to maintain suitable temperatures and humidity levels for cultivating plants. For this purpose, an earth-to-air heat exchanger (EAHE) can be coupled with the SG to provide the necessary heating and cooling required to maintain suitable conditions for vegetation. This review presents a comprehensive literature survey on SG-EAHE systems. The thermal characteristics of heating and cooling modes are presented for SG-EAHE systems. Reports indicate that integrating EAHE with the SG can meet the heating and cooling needs of the SG while significantly reducing water consumption. The design parameters of EAHE, such as configuration, pipe diameter, pipe length, and buried depth, can affect the performance of SG-EAHE systems. Additionally, integrating photovoltaic (PV) and photovoltaic/thermal (PVT) systems with SG-EAHE systems was discussed. Moreover, the challenges and prospective aspects of SG-EAHE systems were identified.
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| 22. |
- Ferstl, P., et al.
(author)
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Adsorption and Activation of CO on Co3O4(111) Thin Films
- 2015
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In: Journal of Physical Chemistry C. - : American Chemical Society (ACS). - 1932-7447 .- 1932-7455. ; 119:29, s. 16688-16699
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- To explore the catalytic properties of cobalt oxide at the atomic level, we have studied the interaction of CO and O-2 with well-ordered Co3O4(111) thin films using scanning tunneling microscopy (STM), high-resolution X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (HR-XPS), infrared reflection absorption spectroscopy (IRAS), and temperature-programmed desorption spectroscopy (TPD) under ultrahigh vacuum (UHV) conditions. At low coverage and temperature, CO binds to surface Co2+ ions on the (111) facets. At larger exposure, a compressed phase is formed in which additional CO is located at sites in between the Co2+ ions. In addition, a bridging carbonate species forms that is associated with defects such as step edges of Co3O4(111) terraces or the side facets of the (111) oriented grains. Preadsorbed oxygen neither affects CO adsorption at low coverage nor the formation of the surface carbonate, but it blocks formation of the high coverage CO phase. Desorption of the molecularly bound CO occurs up to 180 K, whereas the surface carbonate decomposes in a broad temperature range up to 400 K under the release of CO and, to a lesser extent, of CO2. Upon strong loss of crystalline oxygen, the Co3O4 grains eventually switch to the CoO rocksalt structure.
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| 23. |
- Gebhardt, A, et al.
(author)
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Health and suffering are associated with social support: a cross-sectional study of women and mothers with exhaustion and pain
- 2021
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In: BMC women's health. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1472-6874. ; 21:1, s. 259-
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BackgroundDespite women are generally overrepresented in behavioral, mental, and musculoskeletal disorders, motherhood as a central part of women’s life is poorly understood in relation to exhaustion and long-lasting pain. Mothers’ health impairments imply suffering both for herself and her family. A profound understanding of health is needed taking mothers’ subjective health experience, their suffering and life situation into account to give women, their families and society better prerequisites to alleviate exhaustion and long-lasting pain. The aim of the study was to describe health and suffering of women and mothers undergoing rehabilitation for long-lasting pain and exhaustion and its correlation with perceived social support.MethodsThe study had a cross-sectional design with an exploratory approach. A main sample consisted of 166 women undergoing rehabilitation for exhaustion and long-lasting pain and a reference sample included 129 women working and studying within health care professions. Both samples included women with and without children. Women’s subjective health and suffering was assessed from a caring science perspective using the recently developed and validated Health and Suffering Scale. Two additional scales measuring exhaustion and social support were distributed among the two samples. Descriptive statistics and multiple linear regression models, including health and suffering and perceived social support, were analyzed.ResultsMothers undergoing rehabilitation for pain and exhaustion reported significantly poorer health and more suffering compared to healthy mothers, but similar health and suffering when compared with childless women in rehabilitation. Health and suffering were correlated with perceived social support among both healthy and exhausted mothers. In both samples, the correlation between health and suffering and social support was stronger among mothers than among women without children.ConclusionsWomen and mothers living with exhaustion and long-lasting pain show signs of unbearable suffering and perceived insufficient social support. Social support from various sources particularly helps mothers to create meaning in life and make their suffering bearable. Hence, health care must address the fact that mothers are dependent on their immediate social environment and that this dependency interacts with their health and suffering on an existential level.
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| 24. |
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| 25. |
- Grayeli, A., et al.
(author)
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Structural, morphological, and optical bandgap properties of ZnS thin films : a case study on thickness dependence
- 2024
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In: Optical and quantum electronics. - : Springer. - 0306-8919 .- 1572-817X. ; 56:7
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Thin films of zinc sulfide (ZnS) with varying thicknesses have been successfully fabricated using radio frequency magnetron sputtering on glass substrates at a temperature of 300 K. Structural analysis via X-ray diffraction and selected area electron diffraction confirmed the presence of nanocrystalline cubic ZnS phases in the films. The crystallite size, determined from X-ray diffraction lines, ranged between 42 and 55 nm. We also explored the morphological attributes of these surfaces and observed significant changes in both grain shape and size. Our atomic force microscopy analyses revealed that the thinner film displayed a topography marked by thinner, elongated rough peaks. As the film thickness increased, these rough peaks gradually transformed into wider, flatter features. Additionally, the films exhibited distinct percolation properties, which were undeniably tied to the alterations in the shape and size of the ZnS grains on their surfaces. Thinner samples demonstrated more pronounced surface percolation (FS > 0.5) compared to thicker samples, which displayed reduced surface percolation. Furthermore, we noted that the 250 nm film predominantly showcased strongly multifractal 3D spatial patterns in contrast to the other films. Spectroscopic measurements in the UV–visible-near infrared region revealed high transparency across the 350–850 nm spectra, with a noticeable blue shift in the absorption edge. Calculations yielded direct allowed band gaps within the range of 3.69–3.85 eV. These results indicate that the optical properties of films can be tailored by their structural and morphological characteristics, thereby offering valuable guidance for their appropriate applications.
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| 26. |
- Kebria, Mohammad Reza Shirzad, et al.
(author)
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Hyper-branched dendritic structure modified PVDF electrospun membranes for air gap membrane distillation
- 2020
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In: Desalination. - : ELSEVIER. - 0011-9164 .- 1873-4464. ; 479, s. 1-10
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Dendrimers are a new class of polymeric materials owning unique properties such as hydrophobicity. In this study, hydrophobic hyper-branched dendritic (HB-Den) structures were synthesized via a polycondensation reaction between hydroxyl groups of boehmite and carboxylic groups of nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA) and was used to improve the hydrophobicity of electrospun nanofibrous membranes (ENMs). Effects of the different contents of HB-Den structures on membrane morphology, elemental properties, surface hydrophobicity, desalination performance and antifouling properties were assessed by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), water contact angle measurements and air gap membrane distillation (AGMD) experiments. Digital microscopy images showed monodisperse dendrimers with a tree-like structure. The water contact angle and liquid entry pressure (LEP) increased from around 129.3 degrees and 101 +/- 3.1 kPa for a neat PVDF membrane to 138.3 degrees and 121 +/- 2.2 kPa upon loading with 0.075 wt% HB-Den structures. FTIR analysis of the HB-Den containing ENMs confirmed the presence of carboxylic groups of NTA on the membrane surface. After desalination experiments, the 0.075 wt% HB-Den ENM showed a stable flux of 10.7 kg/m(2) h and 99.9% NaCl rejection over 15 h filtration of a 3.5 g/l NaCI solution. The anti-fouling properties of the ENMs were also enhanced by incorporation of the dendritic structures. The 0.075 wt% HB-Den ENM showed flux recovery of about 94% after 20 h desalination experiment using real seawater as a feed solution.
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| 27. |
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| 28. |
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| 29. |
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| 30. |
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| 31. |
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| 32. |
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| 33. |
- Rashid, Farhan Lafta, et al.
(author)
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Recent advances and developments of the application of hybrid nanofluids in parabolic solar collector energy systems and guidelines for future prospects
- 2024
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In: Journal of Engineering Research. - : Elsevier. - 2307-1877.
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- This study addresses challenges in enhancing the thermal efficiency of parabolic solar collector energy systems using hybrid nanofluids, focusing on issues like nanoparticle clumping and decreased effectiveness. The objective is to optimize design parameters for improved energy absorption and efficiency by evaluating the thermal performance of hybrid nanofluids through theoretical and experimental analyses, aiming to enhance the overall efficiency of solar collector systems. The thermal performance of solar collector systems was evaluated by conducting numerical simulations and experimental analyses to investigate the effects of various nanoparticle compositions and concentrations. The findings suggest that hybrid nanofluids, specifically Au-Cu/EO and Cu-Al2O3, demonstrate enhanced heat transfer properties in comparison to conventional fluids, resulting in efficiency enhancements ranging from 22.44% to 35.01%. Compared to water, Al2O3/water (0.04%), and MWCNT/water (0.04%), the solar collector's thermal efficiency improves by 197.1%, 69.2%, and 6.1%, respectively. Furthermore, the research emphasizes the potential advantages of integrating precise nanoparticle concentrations to improve thermal efficiency while reducing the adverse effects of friction factors. The results emphasize the significance of tackling primary obstacles such as the clumping together of nanoparticles, heightened energy demands for pumping, and elevated expenses in the manufacture of hybrid nanofluids. The study enhances the advancement of cost-effective and efficient solar collector systems by identifying limits and suggesting alternative solutions. The research highlights the necessity for additional investigation into innovative combinations of nanomaterials, fine-tuning of fluid characteristics, and thorough evaluations of long-term stability in order to forward the practical use of hybrid nanofluids in solar energy systems.
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| 34. |
- Sadeghi, Mohammad, 1962-, et al.
(author)
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Comparing half-metallic, MOKE, and thermoelectric behavior of the CrTiZ (Z = As, P) half-Heuslers : a DFT study
- 2021
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In: Materials Research Express. - : IOP PUBLISHING LTD. - 2053-1591. ; 8:4
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Structural, half-metallic, magneto-optic, and thermoelectric properties of CrTiZ (Z = As, P) half-Heusleres compounds are investigated based on density functional theory. These compounds have mechanical stability in the ferromagnetic state with a high bulk modulus. They are often half-metallic with a large and integer magnetic moment and are very attractive in spintronics, magneto-optics applications. The magnetic moments of CrTiAs and CrTiP were 2.9865 mu (B) and 3.00 mu (B), respectively, which were attributed to their ferromagnetic phase. Additionally, the positive sign of the phonon branches indicates the dynamic stability of these compounds. Applying both GGA and mBJ approximations, CrTiAs and CrTiP compounds exhibited a half-metallic nature by 100% spin polarization. The Kerr angle obtained from magneto-optic results demonstrated a high-intense peak for these compounds in the visible edge with a negative sign. Eventually, a figure of merit with a value above the room temperature was found for both compounds in which the holes are charge carriers.
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| 35. |
- Spinelli, L., et al.
(author)
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Determination of reference values for optical properties of liquid phantoms based on Intralipid and India ink
- 2014
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In: Biomedical Optics Express. - : Optical Society of America. - 2156-7085. ; 5:7, s. 2037-2053
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- A multi-center study has been set up to accurately characterize the optical properties of diffusive liquid phantoms based on Intralipid and India ink at near-infrared (NIR) wavelengths. Nine research laboratories from six countries adopting different measurement techniques, instrumental set-ups, and data analysis methods determined at their best the optical properties and relative uncertainties of diffusive dilutions prepared with common samples of the two compounds. By exploiting a suitable statistical model, comprehensive reference values at three NIR wavelengths for the intrinsic absorption coefficient of India ink and the intrinsic reduced scattering coefficient of Intralipid-20% were determined with an uncertainty of about 2% or better, depending on the wavelength considered, and 1%, respectively. Even if in this study we focused on particular batches of India ink and Intralipid, the reference values determined here represent a solid and useful starting point for preparing diffusive liquid phantoms with accurately defined optical properties. Furthermore, due to the ready availability, low cost, long-term stability and batch-to-batch reproducibility of these compounds, they provide a unique fundamental tool for the calibration and performance assessment of diffuse optical spectroscopy instrumentation intended to be used in laboratory or clinical environment. Finally, the collaborative work presented here demonstrates that the accuracy level attained in this work for optical properties of diffusive phantoms is reliable.
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| 36. |
- Ueda, K., et al.
(author)
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Adsorption and Reaction of CO and NO on Ir(111) under Near Ambient Pressure Conditions
- 2016
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In: Topics in Catalysis. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1022-5528 .- 1572-9028. ; 59:5-7, s. 487-496
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The adsorption and reaction of CO and NO on Ir(111) have been studied by near-ambient pressure X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (NAP-XPS) together with low-energy electron diffraction, scanning tunneling microscopy, and mass spectroscopy (MS). Under both ultrahigh vacuum (UHV) and NAP conditions CO molecules occupy on-top sites of the Ir(111) surface at room temperature (RT) by forming two-dimensional clusters. Exposure to NO under UHV conditions at RT induces partially dissociative adsorption, while NAP NO exposure leads to a Ir(111) surface that is covered by molecular NO. We conducted in-operando NAP-XPS/MS observation of the NO + 13CO reaction under a NAP condition as a function of temperature. Below 210 °C adsorption of NO is inhibited by CO, while above 210 °C the CO inhibition is released due to partial desorption of CO and dissociative adsorption of NO starts to occur leading to associative formation of N2. Under the most active condition studied here the Ir surface is covered by a dense co-adsorption layer consisting of on-top CO, atomic N and O, which suggests that this reaction is not a NO-dissociation-limited process but a N2/CO2 formation-limited process.
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| 37. |
- Vallejo-Vaz, Antonio J., et al.
(author)
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Overview of the current status of familial hypercholesterolaemia care in over 60 countries - The EAS Familial Hypercholesterolaemia Studies Collaboration (FHSC)
- 2018
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In: Atherosclerosis. - : ELSEVIER IRELAND LTD. - 0021-9150 .- 1879-1484. ; 277, s. 234-255
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background and aims: Management of familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH) may vary across different settings due to factors related to population characteristics, practice, resources and/or policies. We conducted a survey among the worldwide network of EAS FHSC Lead Investigators to provide an overview of FH status in different countries. Methods: Lead Investigators from countries formally involved in the EAS FHSC by mid-May 2018 were invited to provide a brief report on FH status in their countries, including available information, programmes, initiatives, and management. Results: 63 countries provided reports. Data on FH prevalence are lacking in most countries. Where available, data tend to align with recent estimates, suggesting a higher frequency than that traditionally considered. Low rates of FH detection are reported across all regions. National registries and education programmes to improve FH awareness/knowledge are a recognised priority, but funding is often lacking. In most countries, diagnosis primarily relies on the Dutch Lipid Clinics Network criteria. Although available in many countries, genetic testing is not widely implemented (frequent cost issues). There are only a few national official government programmes for FH. Under-treatment is an issue. FH therapy is not universally reimbursed. PCSK9-inhibitors are available in similar to 2/3 countries. Lipoprotein-apheresis is offered in similar to 60% countries, although access is limited. Conclusions: FH is a recognised public health concern. Management varies widely across countries, with overall suboptimal identification and under-treatment. Efforts and initiatives to improve FH knowledge and management are underway, including development of national registries, but support, particularly from health authorities, and better funding are greatly needed.
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| 38. |
- Walton, Alex S., et al.
(author)
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Interface Controlled Oxidation States in Layered Cobalt Oxide Nanoislands on Gold
- 2015
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In: ACS Nano. - : American Chemical Society (ACS). - 1936-086X .- 1936-0851. ; 9:3, s. 2445-2453
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Layered cobalt oxides have been shown to be highly active catalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER; half of the catalytic "water splitting" reaction), particularly when promoted with gold. However, the surface chemistry of cobalt oxides and in particular the nature of the synergistic effect of gold contact are only understood on a rudimentary level, which at present prevents further exploration. We have synthesized a model system of flat, layered cobalt oxide nanoislands supported on a single crystal gold (111) substrate. By using a combination of atom-resolved scanning tunneling microscopy, X-ray photoelectron and absorption spectroscopies and density functional theory calculations, we provide a detailed analysis of the relationship between the atomic-scale structure of the nanoislands, Co oxidation states and substrate induced charge transfer effects in response to the synthesis oxygen pressure. We reveal that conversion from CO2+ to Co3+ can occur by a facile incorporation of oxygen at the interface between the nanoisland and gold, changing the islands from a Co-O bilayer to an O-Co-O trilayer. The O-Co-O trilayer islands have the structure of a single layer of beta-CoOOH, proposed to be the active phase for the OER, making this system a valuable model in understanding of the active sites for OER. The Co oxides adopt related island morphologies without significant structural reorganization, and our results directly demonstrate that nanosized Co oxide islands have a much higher structural flexibility than could be predicted from bulk properties. Furthermore, it is clear that the gold/nanoparticle interface has a profound effect on the structure of the nanoislands, suggesting a possible promotion mechanism.
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