It’s possible that I shall make an ass of myself. But in that case one can always get out of it with a little dialectic. I have, of course, so worded my proposition as to be right either way (K.Marx, Letter to F.Engels on the Indian Mutiny)
Tuesday, August 31, 2021
Phillips to study moral justification to foster human-machine trust
Elizabeth K. Phillips, Assistant Professor, Psychology, and her collaborators are set to begin a project in which they will investigate the rehabilitating role of justifications in human-autonomous agent interactions.
All human communities, groups, and teams have norms that influence and regulate behavior, so autonomous agents that join these communities must know and follow the norms of their community. But even if we succeed in giving autonomous agents such norm competence, we are faced with a significant challenge: Norms can conflict with each other. Often, the only way to resolve conflicts between norms is by deciding to uphold one norm—the more important one—and to violatethe other, less important norm. This means that whenever an agent (human or machine) resolves a norm conflict, it must commit a norm violation.
When an agent must violate a norm in order to resolve a norm conflict, a justification explains why the agent acted in this way and why anybody who shares the community's norms should act in this way. Justifications clarify that the violation of one norm was socially and morally justified because it upheld the other, more important norm.
Via a series of experiments, the researchers will demonstrate that, after resolving a norm conflict and committing a norm violation, an autonomous agent that justifies its actions-similar to a human who does so-will reduce the moral disapproval and repair the loss of trust that normally result from norm violations.
As for the importance of the project, Phillips said, "For autonomous agents like robots to act as members of well-functioning human communities, they will need to know, be responsive to, and prioritize the norms of those communities. This work seeks to create norm-aware agents that can be resilient to instances in which the agent will inevitably need to violate one norm to uphold a more important one---prioritizing safety over efficiency for instance---by giving agents the ability to justify their decision-making to human counterparts."
Phillips is set to receive $300,517 from the U.S. Department of the Air Force for this project. Funding will begin in September 2021 and will end in late August 2024.
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About George Mason University
George Mason University is Virginia's largest public research university. Located near Washington, D.C., Mason enrolls 38,000 students from 130 countries and all 50 states. Mason has grown rapidly over the last half-century and is recognized for its innovation and entrepreneurship, remarkable diversity and commitment to accessibility. Learn more at http://www.gmu.edu.
'Charging room' system powers lights, phones, laptops without wires
In a move that could one day free the world's countertops from their snarl of charging cords, researchers at the University of Michigan and University of Tokyo have developed a system to safely deliver electricity over the air, potentially turning entire buildings into wireless charging zones.
Detailed in a new study published in Nature Electronics, the technology can deliver 50 watts of power using magnetic fields.
Study author Alanson Sample, U-M professor of computer science and engineering, says that in addition to untethering phones and laptops, the technology could also power implanted medical devices and open new possibilities for mobile robotics in homes and manufacturing facilities. The team is also working on implementing the system in spaces that are smaller than room-size, for example a toolbox that charges tools placed inside it.
"This really ups the power of the ubiquitous computing world—you could put a computer in anything without ever having to worry about charging or plugging in," Sample said. "There are a lot of clinical applications as well; today's heart implants, for example, require a wire that runs from the pump through the body to an external power supply. This could eliminate that, reducing the risk of infection and improving patients' quality of life."
The team, led by researchers at the University of Tokyo, demonstrated the technology in a purpose-built aluminum test room measuring approximately 10 feet by 10 feet. They wirelessly powered lamps, fans and cell phones that could draw current from anywhere in the room regardless of the placement of people and furniture.
The system is a major improvement over previous attempts at wireless charging systems, which used potentially harmful microwave radiation or required devices to be placed on dedicated charging pads, the researchers say. Instead, it uses a conductive surface on room walls and a conductive pole to generate magnetic fields.
Devices harness the magnetic field with wire coils, which can be integrated into electronics like cell phones. The researchers say the system could easily be scaled up to larger structures like factories or warehouses while still meeting existing safety guidelines for exposure to electromagnetic fields.
"Something like this would be easiest to implement in new construction, but I think retrofits will be possible as well," said Takuya Sasatani, a researcher at the University of Tokyo and the corresponding author on the study. "Some commercial buildings, for example, already have metal support poles, and it should be possible to spray a conductive surface onto walls, perhaps similar to how textured ceilings are done."
A key to making the system work, Sample said, was building a resonant structure that could deliver a room-size magnetic field while confining harmful electric fields, which can heat biological tissues.
The team's solution used devices called lumped capacitors. Placed in wall cavities, they generate a magnetic field that resonates through the room, while trapping electric fields inside the capacitors themselves. This overcomes a limitation of previous wireless power systems, which are limited to either delivering large amounts of power over a few millimeters or very small amounts of power over long distances.
A second hurdle was how to generate a magnetic field that reaches every corner of the room—magnetic fields tend to travel in circular patterns, creating dead spots in a square room. In addition, receivers need to align with the field in a specific way to draw power.
"Drawing power over the air with a coil is a lot like catching butterflies with a net," Sample said. "The trick is to have as many butterflies as possible swirling around the room in as many directions as possible. That way, you'll catch butterflies no matter where your net is or which way it's pointed."
To make that happen, the system generates two separate, 3D magnetic fields. One travels in a circle around the room's central pole, while the other swirls in the corners, travelling between adjacent walls. This approach eliminates dead spots, enabling devices to draw power from anywhere in the space.
Tests with anatomical dummies showed that the system could deliver at least 50 watts of power to any location in the room without exceeding FCC guidelines for electromagnetic energy exposure. Sample said it's likely, however, that it will be possible to deliver higher levels of power with further refinement of the system.
The researchers note that implementation of the system in commercial or residential settings is likely years away. They're currently working to test the system in a building on U-M's campus. They'll implement it as both a retrofit and new construction in a series of rooms that use standard construction techniques, with a completion date set for this fall.
The team also includes Yoshihiro Kawahara, professor of electrical engineering and information systems at the University of Tokyo. The research was supported by the Japan Science and Technology Agency and the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science.
IMAGE: ORNL HAS LICENSED ITS HIGH-POWERED WIRELESS VEHICLE CHARGING TECHNOLOGY TO HEVO, INCLUDING THE LAB’S UNIQUE, COMPACT POLYPHASE ELECTROMAGNETIC COILS THAT PROVIDE THE HIGHEST SURFACE POWER DENSITY AVAILABLE.view more
CREDIT: CARLOS JONES, OAK RIDGE NATIONAL LABORATORY/U.S. DEPT. OF ENERGY
The U.S. Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory has licensed its wireless charging technology for electric vehicles to Brooklyn-based HEVO. The system provides the world’s highest power levels in the smallest package and could one day enable electric vehicles to be charged as they are driven at highway speeds.
HEVO intends to work with ORNL to continue development of this critical technology to increase power levels and efficiency of existing charging techniques.
“Highly efficient wireless charging is a breakthrough technology that can alleviate EV range anxiety and facilitate the U.S. effort to decarbonize the transportation sector,” said Xin Sun, associate laboratory director for energy science and technology at ORNL. “We are excited to see another one of our technologies move into the private sector where it can create new green jobs and support the nation’s clean energy goals.”
The license covers ORNL’s unique polyphase electromagnetic coil that delivers the highest surface power density available, 1.5 megawatts (1,500 kilowatts) per square meter — eight to 10 times higher than currently available technology. This surface power density supports higher power levels in a thinner, lighter coil, resolving the issue of adding range-sapping weight to electric vehicles.
The license also includes ORNL’s Oak Ridge Converter, which eliminates one of the power conversion stages needed for wireless power transfer, resulting in more compact and less costly stationary infrastructure.
The ORNL technology enables very fast hands-free charging and even in-motion charging so vehicles could be reenergized as they’re driven at interstate speeds over specially equipped roadways.
Under the license, HEVO will work with ORNL to further develop the technology, including making it ready for commercial manufacturing.
In a recent announcement supporting deployment to the marketplace, Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm unveiled a DOE Technology Commercialization Fund award in which HEVO and ORNL will co-develop and demonstrate a 300-kW wireless charging system based on the ORNL converter and associated power electronics.
“EV charging must be simple, seamless and safe in order to accelerate mass adoption and prepare for an autonomous future,” said Jeremy McCool, HEVO founder and CEO. “Our collaboration with ORNL utilizes HEVO’s strength in designing, developing and commercializing wireless charging technology and software as the first and only company in the world that is compliant with both SAE and UL safety and performance standards.”
“Together, we are developing the fastest and most universal wireless charging platform in the world,” McCool added. “From only one device mounted on the vehicle, a driver will now have the advantage of wirelessly charging at all levels up to 300-kilowatts, powering their home through a vehicle-to-grid interface, and even charging while driving at highway speeds with grid-to-battery efficiency of 90-96.5%. All of this functionality is built into a vehicle-side package the size of a medium pizza box and the ready-made capability to charge electric vehicles without a human behind the steering wheel.”
DOE has set a goal to develop hands-free, automated wireless electric vehicle charging that is at least as fast as conventional refueling as it seeks to decarbonize the nation’s transportation sector. High-power charging also encourages buy-in by consumers concerned about driving range and the availability of charging infrastructure. In wireless charging, EV batteries are energized when vehicles are parked over a charging pad or driven over specially outfitted roadways while power is transferred across an air gap between magnetic coils embedded in the ground and installed on the car.
CAPTION
ORNL has licensed its high-powered wireless vehicle charging technology to HEVO, including the Oak Ridge Converter, which reduces the size and increases the efficiency of grid-to-vehicle power transfer infrastructure.
CREDIT
Carlos Jones, Oak Ridge National Laboratory/U.S. Dept. of Energy
Resolving range, infrastructure challenges
Enabling very high power levels is essential for practical charging.
Most of today’s commercially available light-duty EVs have battery packs rated anywhere from 30 kWh to 60 kWh, and most of the higher end, longer range electric vehicles come with 100 kWh battery packs. Reaching a 15-20 minute charge time for a 100-kWh battery pack requires a 300-kW charging system. Targeting an even faster 5-10-minute charge time means power must be scaled up to half a megawatt or more. Heavy-duty vehicles like electric semitrucks would require battery packs with several hundred kWh energy storage capacity, which would require megawatt-level charging, ORNL researchers noted.
“Opening up new parts of the transportation sector to electrification is a key benefit of this technology,” said Burak Ozpineci, section head for Vehicle and Mobility Systems Research at ORNL. “It’s not just about charging your vehicle really fast. It’s also about being able to convert to electricity long-haul trucks, which burn a significant portion of the vehicle fuel used in this country.”
The dynamic charging system being developed at ORNL likewise supports electrification of heavy-duty trucks. “Right now, those big trucks would require massive battery packs that add significant weight and cost to the vehicle,” said Veda Galigekere, who leads ORNL’s Electric Drives Research Group. “But with dynamic wireless charging on interstates, for instance, you can reduce the onboard battery capacity needed while alleviating range anxiety.”
The Oak Ridge Converter will be part of the TCF project and is included in the HEVO licensing agreement. It directly converts 60-hertz AC power from the grid to high-frequency AC without taking an intermediary conversion to DC power. The converter design reduces the weight, volume and size of stationary, grid-side infrastructure by as much as 50%.
“That means you could park another vehicle in the space saved in a city garage, for instance, and we would need less construction to embed charging pads under roadways or parking spots,” noted Omer Onar, leader of the ORNL Vehicle Power Electronics Research Group. ORNL also actively works on shielding technologies to ensure system safety and reduce interference with other vehicle components.
“With ORNL’s advancements, wireless charging is becoming more feasible, practical, and safe,” Onar said.
“The world of automotive is going to change faster in this decade than it has in the past century, and we need a step change in EV charging to unlock the full potential of this burgeoning multi-trillion-dollar industry,” said McCool. “We believe this is the leapfrog technology that will change people’s way of living and doing business across the globe. HEVO is excited to be at the forefront of this movement.”
The ORNL research and development team also includes Erdem Asa, Gui-Jia Su and Mostak Mohammad. The work was supported by the DOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy’s Vehicle Technologies Office and the ORNL Laboratory-Directed Research and Development program. Researchers used capabilities of the Grid Research Integration and Deployment Center and the DOE-designated National Transportation Research Center user facility at ORNL.
UT-Battelle manages ORNL for Department of Energy’s Office of Science, the single largest supporter of basic research in the physical sciences in the United States. The Office of Science is working to address some of the most pressing challenges of our time. For more information, please visit energy.gov/science.
Turning thermal energy into electricity could help soldiers
IMAGE: ARMY-FUNDED RESEARCH AT THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN DEMONSTRATES A NEW APPROACH TO TURNING THERMAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICITY THAT COULD PROVIDE COMPACT AND EFFICIENT POWER FOR SOLDIERS ON FUTURE BATTLEFIELDS.view more
CREDIT: UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN
RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. -- With the addition of sensors and enhanced communication tools, providing lightweight, portable power has become even more challenging. Army-funded research demonstrated a new approach to turning thermal energy into electricity that could provide compact and efficient power for Soldiers on future battlefields.
Hot objects radiate light in the form of photons into their surroundings. The emitted photons can be captured by a photovoltaic cell and converted to useful electric energy. This approach to energy conversion is called far-field thermophotovoltaics, or FF-TPVs, and has been under development for many years; however, it suffers from low power density and therefore requires high operating temperatures of the emitter.
The research, conducted at the University of Michigan and published in Nature Communications, demonstrates a new approach, where the separation between the emitter and the photovoltaic cell is reduced to the nanoscale, enabling much greater power output than what is possible with FF-TPVs for the same emitter temperature.
This approach, which enables capture of energy that is otherwise trapped in the near-field of the emitter is called near-field thermophotovoltaics or NF-TPV and uses custom-built photovoltaic cells and emitter designs ideal for near-field operating conditions.
This technique exhibited a power density almost an order of magnitude higher than that for the best-reported near-field-TPV systems, while also operating at six-times higher efficiency, paving the way for future near-field-TPV applications, according to Dr. Edgar Meyhofer, professor of mechanical engineering, University of Michigan.
“The Army uses large amounts of power during deployments and battlefield operations and must be carried by the Soldier or a weight constrained system,” said Dr. Mike Waits, U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command’s Army Research Laboratory. "If successful, in the future near-field-TPVs could serve as more compact and higher efficiency power sources for Soldiers as these devices can function at lower operating temperatures than conventional TPVs.”
The efficiency of a TPV device is characterized by how much of the total energy transfer between the emitter and the photovoltaic cell is used to excite the electron-hole pairs in the photovoltaic cell. While increasing the temperature of the emitter increases the number of photons above the band-gap of the cell, the number of sub band-gap photons that can heat up the photovoltaic cell need to be minimized.
“This was achieved by fabricating thin-film TPV cells with ultra-flat surfaces, and with a metal back reflector,” said Dr. Stephen Forrest, professor of electrical and computer engineering, University of Michigan. “The photons above the band-gap of the cell are efficiently absorbed in the micron-thick semiconductor, while those below the band-gap are reflected back to the silicon emitter and recycled.”
The team grew thin-film indium gallium arsenide photovoltaic cells on thick semiconductor substrates, and then peeled off the very thin semiconductor active region of the cell and transferred it to a silicon substrate.
All these innovations in device design and experimental approach resulted in a novel near-field TPV system.
“The team has achieved a record ~5 kW/m2 power output, which is an order of magnitude larger than systems previously reported in the literature,” said Dr. Pramod Reddy, professor of mechanical engineering, University of Michigan.
Researchers also performed state-of-the-art theoretical calculations to estimate the performance of the photovoltaic cell at each temperature and gap size and showed good agreement between the experiments and computational predictions.
“This current demonstration meets theoretical predictions of radiative heat transfer at the nanoscale, and directly shows the potential for developing future near-field TPV devices for Army applications in power and energy, communication and sensors,” said Dr. Pani Varanasi, program manager, DEVCOM ARL that funded this work.
As the Army’s national research laboratory, ARL is operationalizing science to achieve transformational overmatch. Through collaboration across the command’s core technical competencies, DEVCOM leads in the discovery, development and delivery of the technology-based capabilities required to make Soldiers more successful at winning the nation’s wars and come home safely. DEVCOM Army Research Laboratory is an element of the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command. DEVCOM is a major subordinate command of the Army Futures Command.
VIDEO: FRUCTOSE, FREQUENTLY ADDED TO SWEET FOODS AND BEVERAGES IS A MAJOR CAUSE OF METABOLIC DISORDERS. A CMJ REVIEW NOW EXPLAINS THE PROCESS OF FRUCTOSE METABOLISM IN DETAIL, PROVIDING INSIGHTS ON HOW FRUCTOSE-INDUCED DISEASES CAN BE TACKLEDview more
CREDIT: CHINESE MEDICAL JOURNAL
In today’s fast-paced world, the dependence on the widely available “fast” foods and beverages has risen. These foods are typically low in fiber and essential nutrients, and often consist of high amounts of added sugar. This shift in dietary trends, accompanied by a sedentary lifestyle, has been attributed to the rise in various metabolic disorders like diabetes, fatty liver disease, and heart disease. The concerning thing about sugar is that the more you eat it, the more you crave it—leading to a vicious cycle of excessive sugar consumption and poor health.
So what exactly is this added sugar and why is it so bad for us? To understand this, let us first understand the basics. Refined sugar (or “sucrose”) is structurally composed of two simple forms of sugars called “glucose” and “fructose.” Although these simple sugars are structurally similar to each other, they are metabolized via different pathways in the body. And while excessive fructose intake (even within “normal” ranges, to some extent) has been shown to be harmful for us, the underlying mechanisms behind fructose metabolism and their potential role in metabolic disorders have not been fully understood so far.
Researchers from China, thus, sought to understand the fate of dietary fructose in the body and pathways regulating its metabolism, in a comprehensive review published in Chinese Medical Journal. Explaining the clinical implications of their study, Prof. Weiping J. Zhang, corresponding author of the study, says, “Our review provides a comprehensive update on the progress on molecular and cellular aspects of fructose metabolism and their role in the development of metabolic diseases. These findings can aid the development of new diagnostic, preventative, and therapeutic strategies for metabolic diseases.”
The researchers begin by explaining that most of the fructose that we ingest is absorbed by cells lining the intestine. Protein transporters called GLUT5 and GLUT2, expressed by intestinal cells, facilitate this absorption, with GLUT5 showing the highest affinity to fructose. Interestingly, these receptors are regulated in response to fructose levels, and thus, GLUT5 deficiency can result in fructose malabsorption and intestinal dysfunction. In fact, studies in mice have shown that deletion of GLUT5 can cause intestinal problems like gas and fluid accumulation. This is why, GLUT5 is a potential drug candidate for certain fructose-induced diseases.
Now when fructose enters circulation, its levels in the blood (albeit much lower than glucose) are kept at bay by the kidney and liver, both crucial metabolic hubs in our body. In these organs, fructose is redirected for glucose production, via a process called “gluconeogenesis.” However, this reaction requires the breakdown of a molecule called “ATP” (the main source of energy in cells). Thus, an excessive intake of fructose can lead to ATP depletion in cells, which activates another pathway involved in uric acid metabolism—leading to an accumulation of uric acid in the blood and joints and increasing the risk of developing “gout” (a condition causing severe joint pain). The researchers further explain that fructose consumption can also trigger an increase in cholesterol levels and abdominal fat, increasing the risk of heart disorders.
Next, the study talks about gene-level changes that regulate fructose metabolism. A protein called “ChREBP” is a crucial regulator of genes involved in the absorption, transport, and degradation of sugars. Animal studies in ChREBP-deficient mice now suggest that ChREBP is essential for fructose absorption and clearance. The molecular mechanisms regulating ChREBP activation in response to fructose stimulation, however, remain less understood. Prof. Zhang explains, “Obtaining a better understanding of the biochemical regulatory mechanism of ChREBP pathway can definitely provide new clues into the regulation of fructose metabolism and its metabolic effects. Future advances in this field will benefit our efforts to achieve better cardiometabolic health and inform clinical recommendations on the dietary intake of sugar.”
Overall, these findings shed light on how an increase in fructose consumption can lead to an imbalance in various metabolic pathways in our body and subsequently cause various diseases.
Indeed, what we eat plays a huge role in our overall health!
CAPTION
New review explains how overconsumption of fructose, a common additive in sweetened foods and beverages, can contribute to diseases
CREDIT
Chinese Medical Journal
Reference
Title of original paper: Fructose and metabolic diseases: too much to be good
BINGHAMTON, N.Y. -- Healthy dietary patterns are associated with higher frequency of exercise and mental wellbeing in young adults, according to new research led by faculty at Binghamton University, State University of New York.
“Young adults are known to be at a higher risk for mental distress,” said Lina Begdache, assistant professor of health and wellness studies at Binghamton University. “The impact of diet on mood has been highlighted in previous studies. However, most studies depicting the role of nutrients on mood were performed on a wide-range of ages, and generalized the results to both sexes.”
The researchers invited adults aged 18–29 years to complete a food-mood questionnaire. The anonymous questionnaire was distributed to several institutional listservs and via several social media platforms targeting young adults. A multi-level analysis, including machine learning techniques, was used to assess these relationships. The results suggest that, for young men and women, healthy dietary patterns are associated with higher frequency of exercise and mental wellbeing, and vice-versa. However, this study also investigated the impact of food groups and exercise within a dietary pattern on mental wellbeing.
“The study fills several gaps in the literature, namely that exercise significantly mediates the effect of food groups to promote mental wellbeing,” said Begdache. “Another interesting hypothesis generated from our results is that despite following a healthy diet and lifestyle, if triggers of mental distress (such as caffeine) exceed certain thresholds, mood is negatively impacted. Additionally, the results provide compelling evidence that mental health is modulated not only by a dietary pattern but by the weight (concentration) of food groups and exercise frequency, which needs further investigation.” Another interesting observation is that exercise may be mediating the effect of food. For instance, exercise within a healthy dietary pattern maximizes the beneficial effect of healthy food and minimizes the impact of triggers.
Begdache said that it would be good to use the information gained from this research to tailor dietary intake based on sex to optimize mental wellbeing. Diet and mood recording may be helpful to pinpoint the potential triggers or preventers of mental distress.
Going forward, the researchers are studying the impact of stress and comparing some dietary factors between athletes and non-athletes to study the impact of exercise.
Also contributing to this research were Helen Najjar from the Dept. of Biomedical Engineering at Binghamton University; former Binghamton University undergraduate student Dylan F. Witt; Hamed Kianmehr from the University of Florida; and Nasim S. Sabounchi from the CUNY Graduate School of Public Health & Health Policy.
ITHACA, N.Y. – Cow manure – a longtime agricultural waste headache for dairy farmers – soon may ignite a new sustainable fertilizing trend.
Judiciously decomposing organic matter from 700 degrees Fahrenheit to 1,200 degrees F, without oxygen – a process known as pyrolysis, very different from incineration – and retaining nutrients from dairy lagoons can transform manure into a manageable, ecologically friendly biochar fertilizer, according to new research published in Scientific Reports.
That would allow dairy producers to stop storing excreta in on-farm lagoons or spreading it only in nearby fields.
“Manure is usually a liquid problem and it has increasingly been an issue of disposal,” said Johannes Lehmann, professor in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Cornell University. “Using pyrolysis of solid manure and retention of nutrients from the liquid onto the biochar, we can create a fertilizer from waste. That’s a marketable commodity.”
Commercial fertilizer made of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium is created using carbon inputs like natural gas, sulfur, coal and rock deposits. If agriculture can recycle nitrogen, Lehmann said, farming can reduce the carbon input that comes from fossil fuel.
“Once we make a dry fertilizer out of what was once a liquid problem, it is no longer an issue of disposal,” said Lehmann, a Cornell Atkinson Center for Sustainability faculty fellow. “It’s safe because the solids are pyrolyzed. There are no pathogens, no hormones or antibiotics residues or any other material that could contaminate soil or water.”
Nitrogen management is a major challenge throughout the farming world. In New York state, for example, dairy manure waste production averages 12.8 million metric tons annually, which can easily fertilize the state’s 43,000 acres of corn. If a farmer grows 200 acres of corn, that producer spends about $28,000 annually for commercial fertilizer, while a dairy farmer with 550 cows spends about $25,000 annually on manure storage, according to the paper.
"Coupling the local excess of manure nutrients with regional fertilizer needs could help farmers save money and alleviate environmental issues," said doctoral student Leilah Krounbi, the paper’s lead author.
“You’re reducing the volume of the solid waste product that has 90% water and reducing it to zero water,” Lehmann said. “If we retain nutrients from the liquid as we have shown in this study, you’re going from these huge lagoons that are noticeably emitting odor and climate gases such as methane and reducing that footprint by an order of magnitude. That’s a huge saving all around.”
Cornell University has dedicated television and audio studios available for media interviews supporting full HD, ISDN and web-based platforms.
IMAGE: KIMBERLEY GEISSLER IS AN ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR OF HEALTH POLICY AND MANAGEMENT AT THE UMASS AMHERST SCHOOL OF PUBLIC HEALTH AND HEALTH SCIENCES.view more
CREDIT: UMASS AMHERST
Fewer than 5% of well-child visits for privately insured young children included a recommended dental fluoride varnish application, despite mandatory insurance coverage for this service, according to a University of Massachusetts Amherst study.
Fluoride varnish helps reduce tooth decay, which affects nearly 25% of 2- to 5-year-olds and more than half of 6- to 8-year-olds in the U.S., according to earlier studies.
The new research, published Aug. 30 in JAMA Network Open, was the first to assess delivery of this evidence-based service recommended by the U.S. Preventive Task Force and the American Academy of Pediatrics for privately insured children. Previous research showed that fewer than 8% of 1- to 5-year-olds covered by Medicaid receive fluoride varnish in medical settings.
While Medicaid in most states has paid for fluoride varnish applications for at least a decade, private insurance coverage was mandated in 2015 under the Affordable Care Act with no cost-share for families, explains lead author Kimberley Geissler, associate professor of health policy and management in the UMass Amherst School of Public Health and Health Sciences.
“Most kids are not getting fluoride varnish applications in the medical office,” Geissler says. “I wasn’t surprised due to the low rates we’ve seen in Medicaid-covered children, but I was disappointed that it wasn’t higher. Medical providers are not required to do this; it’s like a mammogram. It’s recommended and it’s good and they should do it, and the questions we were looking at were: do they do it and how often?”
Co-author and pediatrician Dr. Sarah Goff, associate professor of health policy and management at UMass Amherst, saysknowing that very low rates of fluoride varnish application are found in both Medicaid and commercially insured populations is important because it suggests that broader, system-level barriers exist. “As a health services researcher and primary care pediatrician, I am excited about our next steps of learning what sorts of things are presenting barriers to applying fluoride varnish and developing strategies for overcoming these barriers so all eligible children receive this important preventive intervention,” Goff says.
The JAMA study is part of a larger project in Massachusetts that will delve into more complex questions, such as whymedical providers aren’t applying fluoride varnish during well-child visits. The preventive treatment is especially critical in light of the statistic that fewer than one in three children under age 5 have an annual dentist visit, where this service also could be provided.
The research team, including senior author Ashley Kranz of the RAND Corporation, examined data from 2016-2018 for privately insured young children in Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire and Rhode Island.
The sample included 328,661 well-child visits in the four states. Fluoride varnish application was more common among visits for younger children. A 2-year-old was nearly 8 percentage points more likely to receive fluoride varnish than a 5-year-old, an analysis of the data showed.
Fluoride varnish applications were most common in Rhode Island, with a regression-adjusted probability of 8.7%. New Hampshire had the lowest rate, with a regression-adjusted probability of 2.2%.
Geissler points to one “hopeful takeaway” from the study: the regression-adjusted probability of fluoride varnish application increased from 3.6% in 2016 to 5.8% in 2018. “That’s still really low,” she says, “but it did go up over time.”
The study concludes, “Although increases over time were encouraging, very low rates of fluoride varnish in medical settings suggest substantial expansion of this service in medical settings is critical for improving children’s oral health and overall well-being.”
Dental Fluoride Varnish Application During Medical Visits Among Children Who Are Privately Insured
ARTICLE PUBLICATION DATE
30-Aug-2021
COI STATEMENT
Dr Geissler reported receiving grants from the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial (NIDCR) Research during the conduct of the study. Dr Whaley reported receiving grants from the National Institute on Aging K01 AG061274 and grants from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation during the conduct of the study. Dr Kranz reported receiving grants from NIDCR during the conduct of the study. No other disclosures were reported. The funders had no role in the design and conduct of the study; collection, management, analysis, and interpretation of the data; preparation, review, or approval of the manuscript; and decision to submit the manuscript for publication.
