bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PP298 Scottish Health Technologies Group (SHTG) Adaptations: Utilizing Other Agencies’ HTAs In Scotland
Authors: Anand Neil , Campbell Evan , Macgann Tracey , Kelly Joanna , Calvert Julie
Published: December 2021

Introduction

Health Technology Assessment (HTA) is an important but time-consuming process to inform decision-making. Following requests from stakeholders in Scotland to provide advice on technologies that had recently undergone HTA in other jurisdictions, SHTG recognized a gap in their ‘product menu’. Colleagues within the SHTG team devised a mechanism through which an original HTA could be adapted for Scotland, taking into account local contextual factors.

Methods

SHTG Adaptations comprise the following: i) assessment of the original HTA using the EUnetHTA HTA Adaptation Toolkit and checklist; ii) draft Adaptation using the outcome of the assessment and contextual information for Scotland; iii) consultation group of relevant Scottish clinicians is provided with the original HTA and draft SHTG Adaptation; iv) modified Delphi approach (max. three rounds of questioning) is used to ascertain the relevance of the original HTA to Scotland; v) the Adaptation is submitted to SHTG Council for endorsement.

Results

SHTG Adaptations have a timeline of 2–3 months, three have been published since this product was launched. The process has run smoothly with excellent clinical engagement from across NHS Scotland. Key learning focusses on the role of the SHTG Council (i.e. appraisal committee) in this process and in handling of expert opinion of evidence which has already been appraised by another agency.

Conclusions

The SHTG Adaptation is a new product which offers a timely assessment and utilization of an HTA from another agency.
PP299 A Framework And Analysis Assessing The Impact Of Patient-Centered Outcome Evidence In HTA Appraisals
Authors: Halsby Kate , Langford Bryony , Pagotto Anna , Tuson Harriet , Collings Shuk-Li , Goncalves-Bradley Daniela , Yasmeen Najeeda , Burton Jessica
Published: December 2021

Introduction

The importance of patient-centered outcome (PCO) evidence is increasingly recognized, but its inclusion in Health Technology Assessment (HTA) submissions remains inconsistent. We explored the impact of PCO evidence on HTA decision-making.

Methods

A framework was developed to assess the impact of PCO evidence (excluding EQ-5D) on HTA appraisals. An impact rating was determined by reviewing company, committee and Evidence Review Group (ERG) opinion. This was applied to publicly available appraisal documents (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence [NICE]: 8; Scottish Medicines Consortium [SMC]: 2) in a pilot study. The framework was then refined and applied to a larger dataset.

Results

PCO evidence had ‘substantial impact’ in 3/8 NICE and 1/2 SMC appraisals, and ‘some impact’ in those remaining. PCO evidence informed the cost-effectiveness model in 2/8 NICE and 1/2 SMC submissions, and was considered superior to EQ-5D evidence in one NICE and one SMC submission. The ERG considered PCO evidence relevant to decision-making in 5/8 NICE appraisals. PCO evidence was mentioned in guidance for 7/10 appraisals (deemed relevant in 5/10). In one assessment, committee comments were notably more favorable than ERG comments. Larger dataset analysis results provided further insights to the pilot study.

Conclusions

The framework allows a systematic approach to evaluating the impact of PCO evidence on HTA appraisals.

BL, AP, DGB and NY are employees of Symmetron Ltd, which received funding from Pfizer UK in connection with the development of this manuscript. KH, HT, SLC and JB are employees of Pfizer UK. This study was sponsored by Pfizer UK.
PP403 New Medical Technology Adoption In Asia Pacific: Focused On South Korea And Japan
Authors: Hwang Hyojung
Published: December 2021

Introduction

This study is the first to analyze and compare the distinctive market access process of new medical technologies focused on technical fee creation in South Korea and Japan. The purpose of this study is to derive implications for each country through analysis and comparison of the market access process and propose improvements of new medical technology adoption program by referring the United States’ incentive program for innovative technology.

Methods

Identification and review the published articles and health polices, and reports related to the medical procedure (medical technologies) coding and payment rule in South Korea, Japan and the United States.

Results

In Korea, for the rapid introduction of new medical technologies, a One-Stop Service program (aka parallel review process) is operated that simultaneously conducts regulatory approval and new health technology assessment (nHTA) process. In Japan, the Sakigake designation program aims to give patients better access to innovative pharmaceuticals, medical technologies, and regenerative medicines by streamlining the approval and pricing process but it doesn't provide immediate coverage after approval. Medicare Coverage for Innovative Technology (MCIT) is one of the incentive programs for innovative technology which aims to improve patient access to new medical technologies through rapid market access process in the United States. Medical technologies designated a Breakthrough Device receive immediate Medicare Coverage for 4 years by MCIT.

Conclusions

It is recommended for Korea and Japan to actively implement the accelerated patient access process and grant affordable premium prices for the innovative medical technologies. MCIT can be considered as a breakthrough for innovative medical technology adaption.
PP428 Rechargeable Versus Recharge-Free Sacral Neurostimulation: An Australian Health Economics Analysis
Authors: Joglekar Rashmi , Cordato Alexandra
Published: December 2021

Introduction

Sacral neuromodulation is a well-established therapy for urinary and fecal incontinence. Currently available sacral neurostimulators require replacement every three to five years due to battery depletion. New rechargeable sacral neurostimulators with a potential 15-year battery life now have regulatory approval in Australia. However, the initial outlay for the device is higher than for the predicate devices. Our objective was to assess the economic value of rechargeable devices, compared with recharge-free implants, and to identify the patients most likely to benefit from the introduction of this novel technology in Australia.

Methods

The Medicare database was reviewed to quantify populations likely to derive benefits from rechargeable technology. Cost minimization and budget impact analyses were conducted from a payer perspective. Cost inputs were derived from Medicare and the Private Hospital Data Bureau. Two scenarios were modeled comparing the three and five-year battery life of the recharge-free devices with 15 years for a rechargeable device. Sensitivity testing was conducted based on potential uptake and dropout rates (due to death, dementia, etc.).

Results

Rechargeable neurostimulators were found to be dominant (cost-saving) in all modeled scenarios, facilitated by a reduction in the frequency of battery replacement procedures and their associated risks for patients. Rechargeability also facilitated higher power settings for optimal symptom control, without trading off device longevity. Younger patients are expected to derive the greatest benefit from the extended battery life as data showed that 40 percent of the implantations were for patients younger than 65 years. The key uncertainty in this analysis was the limited real-world data on patient selection and preferences, which may influence uptake and dropout rates.

Conclusions

Rechargeable sacral neurostimulators deliver cost savings to the healthcare system due to their extended battery life. Fewer replacement surgeries are an important patient-relevant outcome, especially for younger populations. This finding is important because it demonstrates the economic value of rechargeability to payers and provides robust evidence supporting therapy access for privately insured patients in Australia.
PP439 Data Driven Subgroups Of Patients With Type 1 Diabetes Based On Health Technology For Insulin Delivery
Authors: Simón Francisco Javier Somolinos , Sáez Gema García , Galisteo Jose Tapia , Pérez Maria Elena Hernando
Published: December 2021

Introduction

Patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D) require the administration of insulin to maintain glycemic control. Currently, two modes of subcutaneous insulin delivery have gained wider acceptance: multiple daily injections (MDI) and continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII). Randomized controlled trials have shown that CSII is associated with a slightly lower glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) level when compared with MDI.

The case study on diabetes by the H2020 Next Generation Health Technology Assessment project aims to link evidence from randomized controlled trials to real-world data to estimate the impact of health technology on specific subgroups of patients, as a first step in building prediction models to personalize treatment strategies. This work aims to assess whether patients with T1D can be stratified according to the use of health technology for insulin delivery and associated glycemic control from real-world data.

Methods

We used a longitudinal prospective data repository of T1D patients from 83 clinics in the United States (T1D exchange). A data-driven two-step clustering analysis was done on adult individuals (n = 8,034) with more than five years of disease duration. Clusters were based on body mass index (BMI), sex, age at diagnosis, diabetes duration, HbA1c level, and insulin delivery method. The optimal number of clusters was estimated based on silhouette width.

Results

We identified the following four clusters of T1D patients characterized by differences in gender and insulin delivery method: men and women with insulin injections or pens and men and women with CSII. Individuals that used CSII had lower HbA1c levels, a higher BMI, and longer diabetes duration than those using Injections or pens.

Conclusions

This preliminary work identified subgroups of T1D patients linked to insulin delivery methods. Future research includes the study of complications associated with different clusters and additional data sources. While the data were sourced from the T1D Exchange, the analyses, content, and conclusions presented have not been reviewed or approved by the T1D Exchange.
PP447 Informing The Development And Evaluation Of An Evidence-Based Service Delivery Model For Mental Health Patients With Complex Needs
Authors: Saini Pooja , Martin Antony , McIntyre Jason C. , Sambrook Laura , Roks Hana , Burton Sam , Balmer Anna , Shetty Amrith , Nathan Rajan
Published: December 2021

Introduction

Mental health services for adults have been developed to provide community-based interventions. There is a recognized unmet need in some of the most complex patients that may not be adequately met by existing mental health services provision. Research is warranted to consider the best model of service delivery for this group of service users. The aims of this research were to examine the profile and history of service users defined as having complex needs as well as their service use and associated costs in the Cheshire and Wirral Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (CWP).

Methods

A diverse group of stakeholders were invited to provide feedback on the content and design of the proforma for data collection from the medical records of service users. The rationale of the data collection was described to ensure relevant patient-level cost information was collected to identify and quantify the relevant resources consumed, to inform the evaluation of direct medical costs, direct non-medical costs, and indirect costs for each patient. The proforma was designed to also permit comparisons of clinical and service use outcomes for evaluation of patient health and non-health outcomes associated with alternative care pathways.

Results

Stakeholder feedback comprised representatives from the CWP, patients, commissioners, the Local Authority, and housing. Relevant data for extraction from patient medical records were identified and a proforma was developed. The following items were identified for inclusion: baseline demographic data, service user data (family background, contact with the criminal justice system, social history), and clinical data (diagnosis, treatment, hospital visits, and other health service use).

Conclusions

A proforma was developed with diverse stakeholder involvement to inform data collection on the resource use and cost impact associated with alternative care pathways in the National Health Service and other sectors of the economy. Based on the proforma developed and data extracted, an exploration of patient health and non-health outcomes associated with alternative care pathways will be conducted to inform service evaluation and to promote patient centric care.
PP451 Does NICE Reimburse Oncology Treatments Meeting End-Of-Life Criteria More Often Than Treatments That Do Not?
Authors: Manchanda Prachi , Mark Karen , Rubinstein Judith
Published: December 2021

Introduction

The National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE) issued a supplementary advice in 2009 stating that treatments for patients with short life expectancies (<24 months) can exceed the cost-effectiveness threshold of GBP30,000 (EUR34,668) per additional quality-adjusted life-year (QALY), as long as the treatment is indicated for small patient populations and there is sufficient evidence that it extends life (≥ three months), compared with current National Health Service (NHS) treatments. This study investigated how often NICE reimburses treatments that meet end-of-life (EOL) criteria.

Methods

Health technology assessments (HTAs) conducted by NICE from 2009 to 2020 were reviewed for approved oncology drugs. Terminated appraisals were excluded. Data regarding EOL criteria in these submissions were then gathered. The HTA decisions were divided into the following categories: EOL criteria met; EOL criteria not met; and EOL criteria not applicable. A chi-square analysis was performed.

Results

A total of 316 reviews were assessed in the final sample, of which 71 percent (n = 223) of decisions were positive. Out of the positive decisions, 43 percent (n = 96), 25 percent (n = 55), and 32 percent (n = 72) of decisions were in the EOL criteria met, EOL criteria not met, and EOL criteria not applicable groups, respectively. The chi-square analysis showed a significant correlation between HTA decisions and EOL criteria (p = 0.0008). These results were consistent when the “EOL criteria not applicable” group was excluded (p = 0.001). When the analysis was performed between the “EOL criteria met” and “EOL criteria not met”, along with “EOL criteria not applicable” groups, it showed a possible correlation (p = 0.05).

Conclusions

This study showed that in oncology, NICE reimburses treatments that meet EOL criteria more often than treatments that attempt, but fail, to meet the EOL criteria.
Real-world monitoring progress towards the elimination of hepatitis C virus in Australia using sentinel surveillance of primary care clinics; an ecological study of hepatitis C virus antibody tests from 2009 to 2019
Authors: Wilkinson Anna Lee , Pedrana Alisa , Traeger Michael W. , Asselin Jason , El-Hayek Carol , Nguyen Long , Polkinghorne Victoria , Doyle Joseph S. , Thompson Alexander J. , Howell Jessica , Scott Nick , Dimech Wayne , Guy Rebecca , Hellard Margaret , Stoové Mark
Published: December 2021

To achieve the elimination of the hepatitis C virus (HCV), sustained and sufficient levels of HCV testing is critical. The purpose of this study was to assess trends in testing and evaluate the effectiveness of strategies to diagnose people living with HCV. Data were from 12 primary care clinics in Victoria, Australia, that provide targeted services to people who inject drugs (PWID), alongside general health care. This ecological study spanned 2009–2019 and included analyses of trends in annual numbers of HCV antibody tests among individuals with no previous positive HCV antibody test recorded and annual test yield (positive HCV antibody tests/all HCV antibody tests). Generalised linear models estimated the association between count outcomes (HCV antibody tests and positive HCV antibody tests) and time, and χ2 test assessed the trend in test yield. A total of 44 889 HCV antibody tests were conducted 2009–2019; test numbers increased 6% annually on average [95% confidence interval (CI) 4–9]. Test yield declined from 2009 (21%) to 2019 (9%) (χ2P = <0.01). In more recent years (2013–2019) annual test yield remained relatively stable. Modest increases in HCV antibody testing and stable but high test yield within clinics delivering services to PWID highlights testing strategies are resulting in people are being diagnosed however further increases in the testing of people at risk of HCV or living with HCV may be needed to reach Australia's HCV elimination goals.
External compression of left main bronchus by a large patent ductus arteriosus: a case report
Authors: Yücel Semih Murat , Demirel Berat Dilek , Çetin Eda Beykoz , Şahin İrfan Oğuz
Published: December 2021

In neonates and infants, the trachea and main bronchus may be compressed by adjacent cardiovascular structures. Compression of the main bronchi by the patent ductus arteriosus is rare and causes a variety of respiratory problems. Surgical closure of the patent ductus arteriosus that compresses the main bronchus as soon as possible is an effective treatment option. Rapid clinical recovery is expected after surgical closure of the patent ductus arteriosus. We present a case of patent ductus arteriosus which caused obstruction of the left main bronchus.
Why US Democracy Trumps Populism: Comparative Lessons Reconsidered
Authors: Weyland Kurt
Published: December 2021

Matias López and Juan Luna (2021) challenged my comparative analysis of populism’s threat to democracy, its reliance on institutional factors (coupled with conjunctural opportunities), and especially the inference about US democracy’s immunity to populist suffocation. However, their emphasis on structuralist and culturalist factors, which would suggest the vulnerability of the United States, is strikingly selective, theoretically unconvincing, and empirically problematic. López and Luna’s methodological improvement of my analysis does not alter the substantive findings or overturn my sanguine inference about US democracy’s likely resilience. Only their further modifications yield more pessimistic scenarios, but those adjustments stand on shaky theoretical and empirical ground. Indeed, the experiences of 2020–2021 corroborate my theory and its comparative lessons. The US institutional framework held firm and foiled the insistent attempts of President Trump and his most fervent followers to perpetuate the US populist in power. Consequently, US democracy continues to appear quite safe from populist strangulation.
Making reform and stability compatible with each other: elite redeployment in Meiji Japan
Authors: Yamada Makio
Published: December 2021

Nineteenth-century Japan remains a void in the literature on institutions and growth. Developmental institutions evolved in Japan after the Meiji Restoration despite the absence of political participation. Authoritarian change agents usually face a trade-off between reform and stability: they have coercive power to remove underproductive institutions, but at the risk of inviting instability, as politically influential deprivileged elites may engage in counteraction to recover what they perceive as their entitlement. Many authoritarian regimes, thus, coopt elites by allowing them access to rent, but such buying-off inevitably compromises institutional improvement. How did Meiji Japan overcome this dilemma and liberate major fiscal and administrative spaces for productive players who generate wealth and increase the size of the economic pie for society? This article presents a model that it calls ‘elite redeployment’ to answer this puzzle. In lieu of elite bargains in participatory polities in Europe, the revolutionary authoritarian regime in Japan coercively deprivileged traditional elites and redeployed those with financial or human capital among them in productive institutions. By doing so, the Japanese authoritarian change agents dismantled the incumbent institutions in an irreversible manner and swiftly built new institutions such as modern administrative, educational, financial, and commercial sectors, while maintaining stability.
Intermittent Intense Thermocline Shear Associated With Wind‐Forced Near‐Inertial Internal Waves in a Summer Stratified Temperate Shelf Sea
Authors: Yang Wei , Wei Hao , Liu Zhiyu , Li Guangxue
Published: December 2021

Thermocline shear (i.e., velocity shear in the thermocline) lies at the heart of stratified shelf sea systems, regulating the vertical mixing and transport of mass and biogeochemical constituents. Based on year‐long moored ADCP measurements in the southern Yellow Sea (YS), the baroclinic kinetic energy and thermocline shear are investigated in this study. The rotary spectra analysis of the velocity measurements and numerical simulations with the slab model demonstrate that the wind‐forced near‐inertial internal waves (NIWs) contribute most of the baroclinic kinetic energy (50%) and thermocline shear (55%) in this stratified temperate shelf sea. The NIWs are mostly in the first two modes and are frequently generated during the warm season, associated with the presence of strong stratification and disturbances from extratropical cyclones. Most interestingly, the observed thermocline shear shows intermittent enhanced near‐inertial shear in the YS for the first time. Further analysis reveals that the thermocline shear is in the form of a clockwise rotating vector with the shear maxima (hereafter the shear spike) occurring at an angle of ∼90° to the right of the wind vector. These shear spikes, which prevail in warm seasons, are further demonstrated to be related to the wind‐shear‐alignment mechanism through comparing with a theoretical shear production model. Given the prevalence of shear spikes in warm seasons, this process is believed to have important implications in inducing thermocline mixing, which may further modulate nutrients cycling and help the maintenance of primary productivity in seasonally stratified shelf seas.
The Possible Role of Turbopause on Sporadic‐E Layer Formation at Middle and Low Latitudes
Authors: Tang Qiong , Zhou Chen , Liu Huixin , Liu Yi , Zhao Jiaqi , Yu Zhibin , Zhao Zhengyu , Feng Xueshang
Published: December 2021

In this paper, we examine the mechanism of middle‐ and low‐latitude sporadic‐E (Es) layer formation. Observations of ionosondes and meteor radars at stations of different latitudes show that Es layer also formed at low‐altitude nonwindshear points, which is distinct from prototypical windshear theory. The theoretical modeling results show that metallic ions can effectively accumulate by the combined effect of the zonal and meridional winds in the mesosphere and the lower thermosphere region. Numerical simulation results also demonstrate that metallic ions can accumulate without wind shear at lower height (90–105 km) as a consequence of the MLT winds leading to the ion drifting downward. We suggest that the turbopause at 90–105 km plays an important role in forming low‐altitude Es layer in the middle‐ and low‐latitude regions.
Unexpected scaffold rearrangement product of pirenzepine found in commercial samples
Authors: Ozenil Marius , Skos Lukas , Roller Alexander , Gajic Natalie , Holzer Wolfgang , Spreitzer Helmut , Platzer-Ozenil Sonja , Vraka Chrysoula , Hacker Marcus , Wadsak Wolfgang , Pichler Verena
Published: December 2021

Pharmacovigilance aims at a better understanding of the molecular events triggered by medications to prevent adverse effects, which despite significant advances in our analytical repertoire plague the use of drugs until today. In this study, we find that clinically prescribed and commercially available pirenzepine may not be the correct compound. Pirenzepine can undergo an unexpected scaffold rearrangement from the pharmaceutical active ingredient (API) to a previously uncharacterized benzimidazole. The rearrangement occurs under highly acidic conditions, which were believed to favour the dihydrochloride formation of pirenzepine. The rearranged products of pirenzepine and the structurally related telenzepine have significantly decreased affinity for the muscarinic acetylcholine receptor, the pharmacological target of these compounds. Fortunately, in situ rearrangement after oral application is no safety issue, as we show that reaction kinetics in gastric acid prevent rearrangement. The research community should consider appropriate measures to perform reliable receiving inspections in the commercial supply of well described and frequently used chemicals, in particular if experiments yield unexpected results.
A multiethnic association analysis of hyperuricaemia with cardiovascular risk in rural and urban areas in Chinese adults
Authors: Liu Leilei , Lei Juan , Zhang Linyuan , Ma Nana , Xu Zixuan , Peng Lian , Nie Chan , Zhong Jianqin , Zhang Xiao , Hong Feng
Published: December 2021

Comprehensive research on rural–urban disparities in the association of hyperuricaemia (HUA) with cardiovascular disease (CVD) in China, especially among minority groups, is limited. We explored the HUA-CVD relationship between rural and urban areas within ethnic Chinese groups. We included Dong, Miao, and Bouyei adults in Southwest China from the China Multi-Ethnic Cohort Study. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to assess the relationship between HUA and CVD in both residences. We performed stratified analyses by sex and age. The study population included 16,618 people (37.48% Dong, 30.00% Miao, and 32.52% Bouyei) without a reduced estimated glomerular filtration rate. We identified 476 (188 Dong, 119 Miao, and 169 Bouyei) and 175 (62 Dong, 77 Miao, and 36 Bouyei) CVD cases in rural and urban areas. Compared to urban residents, an at least 49% increased CVD risk (adjusted OR 1.49, 95%CI 1.06–2.08 for the Dong ethnic group; 1.55, 1.07–2.25 for the Bouyei ethnic group) and a 1.65-fold elevated coronary heart disease risk (1.65, 1.03–2.64) related to HUA was present in rural residents. Moreover, HUA was positively associated with increased risk of CVD and coronary heart disease in rural women (2.05, 1.26–3.31; 2.11, 1.19–3.75) and rural older adults (1.83, 1.22–2.75; 2.32, 1.39–3.87) among the Bouyei ethnic group, respectively. We found rural elderly individuals with HUA among the Dong ethnic group had a 52% elevated risk of CVD (1.52, 1.05–2.21); furthermore, an at least 79% increased risk of stroke related to HUA was observed in women (2.24, 1.09–4.62) and elderly people (1.79, 1.02–3.13) in rural areas among the Dong ethnic group. But a positive association was not found among the Miao ethnic group. Screening early-onset HUA patients may be helpful for the control and prevention of CVD in rural residents, especially for women and older adults living in a rural community, among the Dong and Bouyei ethnic groups in China.
Inhibitory effect of a gel paste containing surface pre-reacted glass-ionomer (S-PRG) filler on the cariogenicity of Streptococcus mutans
Authors: Nomura Ryota , Kitamura Takahiro , Matayoshi Saaya , Ohata Jumpei , Suehiro Yuto , Iwashita Naoki , Okawa Rena , Nakano Kazuhiko
Published: December 2021

Surface pre-reacted glass-ionomer (S-PRG) filler is a bioactive functional glass that releases six different ions. Although several dental materials containing S-PRG filler have been developed, few self-care products containing S-PRG filler have been reported. We investigated the inhibitory effects of PRG gel paste containing S-PRG filler on Streptococcus mutans, a major pathogen of dental caries. PRG gel paste inhibited bacterial growth of S. mutans in a concentration-dependent manner, and all S. mutans were killed in the presence of ≥ 1% PRG gel paste. Additionally, it was difficult for S. mutans to synthesize insoluble glucan from sucrose in the presence of 0.1% PRG gel paste. A biofilm formation model was prepared in which slices of bovine enamel were infected with S. mutans after treatment with or without PRG gel paste. Biofilm formation was inhibited significantly more on the enamel treated with PRG gel paste than on enamel without PRG gel paste (P < 0.001). The inhibitory effects on bacterial growth and biofilm formation were more prominent with PRG gel paste than with S-PRG-free gel paste, suggesting that PRG gel paste may be effective as a self-care product to prevent dental caries induced by S. mutans.
Tuning the structure and magnetic properties via distinct pyridine derivatives in cobalt(ii) coordination polymers
Authors: Shao Dong , Moorthy Shruti , Yang Xiaodong , Yang Jiong , Shi Le , Singh Saurabh Kumar , Tian Zhengfang
Published: December 2021

Herein we report the tunable structures, magnetic interactions, magnetic anisotropy, and SMM behavior via selective pyridine derivatives in two Co(ii) coordination polymers.
Optimization of double isotope dilution
Authors: Quemet Alexandre , Baghdadi Sarah
Published: December 2021

A piece of code is provided to easily implement double isotope dilution to obtain the lowest uncertainty.
Charging dynamics of electrical double layers inside a cylindrical pore: predicting the effects of arbitrary pore size
Authors: Henrique Filipe , Zuk Pawel J. , Gupta Ankur
Published: December 2021

The effect of arbitrary pore size and Debye length on the charging dynamics of electrical double layers inside a cylindrical pore is computed, and its impact on capacitance, charging timescale, and transmission line circuit is highlighted.
Correction: Space-charge accumulation and band bending at conductive P3HT/PDIF-CN2 interfaces investigated by scanning-Kelvin probe microscopy
Authors: Chianese Federico , Fusco Sandra , Barra Mario , Chiarella Fabio , Carella Antonio , Cassinese Antonio
Published: December 2021

Correction for ‘Space-charge accumulation and band bending at conductive P3HT/PDIF-CN2 interfaces investigated by scanning-Kelvin probe microscopy’ by Federico Chianese et al., J. Mater. Chem. C, 2021, DOI: 10.1039/d1tc04840f.
Test–Retest Reliability of the Listening Self-Efficacy Questionnaire
Authors: Oliva Allison , Riska Kristal M. , Smith Sherri L.
Published: December 2021

Purpose:

The purpose of this study was to determine the test–retest reliability and the minimum detectable change (MDC) scores of the Listening Self-Efficacy Questionnaire (LSEQ).

Method:

A total of 77 older adults who were experienced hearing aid users were administered the LSEQ in pen–paper format on two separate occasions. They were provided the first copy of the LSEQ in the clinic to take home to complete. Those participants who completed and returned the first copy of the questionnaire were then mailed a second copy of the LSEQ to complete and return approximately 2 weeks later. The mean subscale and total scale scores from the two administrations were compared using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) to determine test–retest reliability of the measure. The MDC scores, or the minimum difference between scores to demonstrate a real change in self-efficacy levels, were also calculated for each subscale and the total scale.

Results:

The ICCs ranged from 0.786 to 0.920 for the subscale and total scale scores. The MDC scores for the subscale and total scale ranged from 14.3% to 19.1%.

Conclusions:

The results of this study indicate that the LSEQ has moderate to excellent test–retest reliability. The MDC scores demonstrate that the LSEQ has the potential to detect true changes in listening self-efficacy in older patients with hearing loss who use hearing aids. The LSEQ may aid clinicians in understanding listening self-efficacy in their patients and how their self-efficacy levels change with amplification.
Artificial Grammar Learning in Children With Developmental Language Disorder
Authors: Gillis Jasmine Urquhart , Gul Asiya , Fox Annie , Parikh Aditi , Arbel Yael
Published: December 2021

Purpose:

The purpose of the study was to evaluate implicit learning in children with developmental language disorder (DLD) by employing a visual artificial grammar learning task.

Method:

Thirteen children with DLD and 24 children with typical language development between the ages of 8 and 12 years completed a visual artificial grammar learning task. During the training phase of the task, participants were presented with strings of shapes that followed the underlying structure of a finite grammar. During the testing phase, participants were asked to judge whether new strings were grammatical or nongrammatical. Grammatical judgment of new strings served to measure generalization of the underlying grammatical structure. Endorsement based on chunk strength, or similarity to training exemplars, served to evaluate the extent to which children relied on surface features to guide their task performance.

Results:

As a group, children with typical development performed better on the artificial grammar learning task, compared with children with DLD, and accepted more grammatical strings regardless of their similarity to training exemplars. Task performance in both groups was not affected by surface features. Performance of children with DLD whose test accuracy exceeded the learning threshold of 0.5 was consistent with a generalization of the underlying grammatical structure that was unaffected by surface features.

Conclusions:

The study found group differences in learning outcomes between children with and without DLD. Consistent with previous reports, children with typical development correctly endorsed more grammatical strings than children with DLD, suggesting a better acquisition of the grammatical structure. However, there was no evidence to suggest that children in the DLD group (learners and nonlearners) relied on surface features (i.e., familiarity to training exemplars) in their grammatical judgment. These results refute our hypothesis that children in the DLD group would show judgment based on familiarity.
Molecular pyrolysis process and gas production characteristics of 3‐element mixed insulation oil under thermal fault
Authors: Feng Dawei , Chen Ge , Yan Xiaoyu , Hao Jian , Liao Ruijin
Published: December 2021

Mixed insulation oil is considered as a desired substitute for traditional mineral oil. A novel 3‐element mixed insulation oil has been developed in our previous works, whose parameters satisfy the mineral oil standard (IEC 60296:2012). In the application of transformer oil, dissolved gas analysis is an effective method for insulation fault diagnosis. Thermal fault is a common and typical fault in transformers; however, the pyrolysis process and gas production characteristics of mixed insulation oil under thermal fault remain unknown. In this study, the pyrolysis process and gas production characteristics of 3‐element mixed insulation oil have been studied through simulation and experiments, and mineral oil is equally treated for comparison. Results show that the gas production characteristics of mixed oil are closely related to its base oils, and 3‐element mixed insulation oil generates more H2 and C2H6 under thermal fault, in which the percentage of H2 in the mixed oil is always three times that in the mineral oil. More CO2 is produced in mixed oil under thermal fault because of ester bonds; C2H4 is also a main characteristic gas for mixed insulation oil under thermal fault, and its proportion increases continuously with the increase of temperature. For mineral oil, the weight loss temperature in thermo‐gravimetric (TG) curve corresponds to evaporation rather than decomposition. Natural esters have poor thermal stability according to simulation results, but they possess high flash point and weight loss temperature in the TG curve primarily because of their large average molecular weight.
Kepler-93: A testbed for detailed seismic modelling and orbital evolution of super-Earths around solar-like stars
Authors: Bétrisey J. , Pezzotti C. , Buldgen G. , Khan S. , Eggenberger P. , Salmon S. J. A. J. , Miglio A.
Published: December 2021

Context. The advent of space-based photometry missions such as CoRoT, Kepler and TESS has sparkled the rapid development of asteroseismology and its synergies with exoplanetology. In the near future, the advent of PLATO will further strengthen such multi-disciplinary studies. In that respect, testing asteroseismic modelling strategies and their importance for our understanding of planetary systems is crucial.

Aims. We carried out a detailed modelling of Kepler-93, an exoplanet host star observed by the Kepler satellite for which high-quality seismic data are available. This star is particularly interesting because it is a solar-like star very similar to the PLATO benchmark target (G spectral type, ∼6000 K, ∼1 M⊙ and ∼1 R⊙) and provides a real-life testbed for potential procedures to be used in the PLATO mission.

Methods. We used global and local minimisation techniques to carry out the seismic modelling of Kepler-93, for which we varied the physical ingredients of the given theoretical stellar models. We supplemented this step by seismic inversion techniques of the mean density. We then used these revised stellar parameters to provide new planetary parameters and to simulate the orbital evolution of the system under the effects of tides and atmospheric evaporation.

Results. We provide the following fundamental parameters for Kepler-93: ρ̄⋆ = 1.654 ± 0.004 g cm−3, M⋆ = 0.907 ± 0.023 M⊙, R⋆ = 0.918 ± 0.008 R⊙, and Age = 6.78 ± 0.32 Gyr. The uncertainties we report for this benchmark star are well within the requirements of the PLATO mission and give confidence in the ability of providing precise and accurate stellar parameters for solar-like exoplanet-host stars. For the exoplanet Kepler-93b, we find Mp = 4.01 ± 0.67 M⊕, Rp = 1.478 ± 0.014 R⊕, and a semi-major axis a = 0.0533 ± 0.0005 AU. According to our simulations of the orbital evolution of the system, it seems unlikely that Kepler-93b formed with a mass high enough (Mp, initial > 100 M⊕) to be impacted on its orbit by stellar tides.

Conclusions. For the benchmark case of a solar twin of the PLATO mission, detailed asteroseismic modelling procedures will be able to provide fundamental stellar parameters within the requirements of the PLATO mission. We also illustrate the synergies that can be achieved regarding the orbital evolution and atmospheric evaporation of exoplanets when these parameters are obtained. We also note the importance of the high-quality radial velocity follow-up, which here is a limiting factor, for providing precise planetary masses and mean densities to constrain the formation scenarii of exoplanets.
Three-dimensional dust density structure of the Orion, Cygnus X, Taurus, and Perseus star-forming regions
Authors: Dharmawardena T. E. , Bailer-Jones C. A. L. , Fouesneau M. , Foreman-Mackey D.
Published: December 2021

Interstellar dust affects many astronomical observations through absorption and reddening, yet this extinction is also a powerful tool for studying interstellar matter in galaxies. Three-dimensional (3D) reconstructions of dust extinction and density in the Milky Way have suffered from artefacts such as the fingers-of-god effect and negative densities, and have been limited by large computational costs. Here, we aim to overcome these issues with a novel algorithm that derives the 3D extinction density of dust in the Milky Way using a latent variable Gaussian process in combination with variational inference. Our model maintains non-negative density and hence monotonically non-decreasing extinction along all lines-of-sight, while performing the inference within a reasonable computational time. Using extinctions for hundreds of thousands of stars computed from optical and near-infrared photometry, together with distances based on Gaia parallaxes, we employ our algorithm to infer the structure of the Orion, Taurus, Perseus, and Cygnus X star-forming regions. A number of features that are superimposed in 2D extinction maps are clearly deblended in 3D dust extinction density maps. For example, we find a large filament on the edge of Orion that may host a number of star clusters. We also identify a coherent structure that may link the Taurus and Perseus regions, and we show that Cygnus X is located at 1300–1500 pc, in line with very-long-baseline interferometry measurements. We compute dust masses of the regions and find these to be slightly higher than previous estimates, likely a consequence of our input data recovering the highest column densities more effectively. By comparing our predicted extinctions to Planck data, we find that known relationships between density and dust processing, where high-extinction lines-of-sight have the most processed grains, hold up in resolved observations when density is included, and that they exist at smaller scales than previously suggested. This can be used to study the changes in size or composition of dust as they are processed in molecular clouds.
Helicity shedding by flux rope ejection
Authors: Kliem B. , Seehafer N.
Published: December 2021

Context.We quantitatively address the conjecture that magnetic helicity must be shed from the Sun by eruptions launching coronal mass ejections in order to limit its accumulation in each hemisphere.

Aims.By varying the ratio of guide and strapping field and the flux rope twist in a parametric simulation study of flux rope ejection from approximately marginally stable force-free equilibria, different ratios of self- and mutual helicity are set and the onset of the torus or helical kink instability is obtained.

Methods.The helicity shed is found to vary over a broad range from a minor to a major part of the initial helicity, with self helicity being largely or completely shed and mutual helicity, which makes up the larger part of the initial helicity, being shed only partly. Torus-unstable configurations with subcritical twist and without a guide field shed up to about two-thirds of the initial helicity, while a highly twisted, kink-unstable configuration sheds only about one-quarter. The parametric study also yields stable force-free flux rope equilibria up to a total flux-normalized helicity of 0.25, with a ratio of self- to total helicity of 0.32 and a ratio of flux rope to external poloidal flux of 0.94.

Results.These results numerically demonstrate the conjecture of helicity shedding by coronal mass ejections and provide a first account of its parametric dependence. Both self- and mutual helicity are shed significantly; this reduces the total initial helicity by a fraction of ∼0.4 − 0.65 for typical source region parameters.
Physical Characteristics of Edible Film from Breadfruit Peel using Xylitol as Plasticizer
Authors: Saputro Erwan Adi , Ritonga M. Heritanwira Malik , Nisa Mira Idora Lailatul , Erliyanti Nove Kartika , Yogaswara Rachmad Ramadhan
Published: December 2021

Breadfruit peel derived from peeling waste from processed products made from breadfruit. Currently, breadfruit is only used for its flesh, while the peel of breadfruit is usually discarded or used as animal feed. Breadfruit peel flour has a fiber content of 2.65% and starch of 39.56%. The starch content in this breadfruit peel starch can be used as an ingre-dient for the manufacture of environmentally friendly biodegradable plastic, namely edible film. Edible film is a thin layer used as a food wrapper. This research purposes are to iden-tify the characteristics of edible film made from breadfruit regarding their texture and color. The physical characteristics produced are that the edible film has a texture that is flexible, slippery, and easy to tear, while the more composition of the material added, the brightness level of the edible film will increase.
Bacteria contamination and Cadmium heavy metal content of blood coockle (Anadara granosaLinn) satay on street vendors in Surabaya, Indonesia
Authors: Yulistiani Ratna , Adi Saputro Erwan , Raharjo Dadik
Published: December 2021

This study aims to detect the food safety of blood coockle satay sold by street vendors in Surabaya Indonesia, in terms of bacterial contamination and Cadmium heavy metal content. This research is descriptive research with survey method. The sampling technique was carried out randomly from 15 street vendors, for further testing of bacterial contamination which included total bacteria,Coliformbacteria, and detection of heavy metal Cadmium (Cd) in blood coockle satay. The results showed that of all (15) satay samples studied have the average total microbes was 7.22 Log CFU/gr,Coliformbacterial contamination exceeded the maximum limit determined by the food regulatory agency Food and Drug Supervisory Agency of Republic Indonesia in 2009 ((> 3 MPN/gram). As many as 5 (33.33%) of the 15 samples of scallop satay containing heavy metal Cd exceeded the maximum limit determined by Food and Drug Supervisory Agency of Republic Indonesia in 2017 (> 0.1 mg/kg).
Electrical Power Consumption Monitoring on Filament 3D Printer Using Web Based
Authors: Saputro Adi Kurniawan , Rochmakhayatin Fifi Ayu , Haryanto  , Ulum Miftachul
Published: December 2021

In Indonesia, the use of 3D printers is gaining popularity in industrial processes, because the use of 3D printers in the manufacture of objects takes a relatively shorter time. However, in Indonesia, there is still very little information about the results of the 3D printer process, such as how much strength the object produced from the process, the accuracy and others. In this research, 10 experiments parameters such as current, voltage, power and energy was testing to get electrical power consumption. If time of usage parameter is added, then the results can be used to calculate how much bill you should pay to operating this equipment. The result shown that monitoring the consumption of electrical power used by 3D printer devices can be done using the PZEM-004T sensor with an accuracy level that is read by the sensor of 99.472% at reading the voltage value where the sample value obtained is 207 V AC and the voltage value that is read on the digital multi tester device is 208.1 V AC so that the difference obtained is only 1.1 V AC.
Analysis of Problem Solving on the Argumentation Ability of Students Under the Topic of Dynamic Electricity
Authors: Rosdiana Laily , Martini  , Nurul Hidayati Siti , Qosyim Ahmad , Waliyyul Mursyidah Roihanna
Published: December 2021

This study aims to determine student problem solving on students’ argumentation skills under the topic of dynamic electricity. Design in this research is descriptive-qualitative and using a case study design with 34 undergraduate students who were selected using purposive sampling technique. The data was obtained through an essay test which consisted of 3 questions using the right arguments. The results of this research show that the percentage level of argumentation categories sequentially increases in each category. For category 1 it is 6%, category 2 is 24%, category 3 is 26% and category 4 is 44%. The results of the student's argumentation show that their argumentation ability is still relatively low, which is below 50%.