bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Specificities and Commonalities of Carbapenemase-Producing Escherichia coli Isolated in France from 2012 to 2015
Authors: Patiño-Navarrete Rafael , Rosinski-Chupin Isabelle , Cabanel Nicolas , Zongo Pengdbamba Dieudonné , Héry Mélanie , Oueslati Saoussen , Girlich Delphine , Dortet Laurent , Bonnin Rémy A. , Naas Thierry , Glaser Philippe
Published: January 2022

Carbapenemase-producing
Escherichia coli
(CP-
Ec
) might be difficult to detect, as MICs can be very low. However, their absolute number and their proportion among carbapenem-resistant
Enterobacterales
have been increasing, as reported by WHO and national surveillance programs.
Portable optically stimulated luminescence age map of a paleoseismic exposure
Authors: DuRoss Christopher B. , Gold Ryan D. , Gray Harrison J. , Nicovich Sylvia R.
Published: January 2022

The quality and quantity of geochronologic data used to constrain the history of major earthquakes in a region exerts a first-order control on the accuracy of seismic hazard assessments that affect millions of people. However, evaluations of geochronological data are limited by uncertainties related to inherently complex depositional processes that may vary spatially and temporally. To improve confidence in models of earthquake timing, we use a high-density suite of radiocarbon and optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) ages with a grid of 342 portable OSL samples to explore spatiotemporal trends in geochronological data across an exemplary normal fault colluvial wedge exposure. The data reveal a two-dimensional age map of the paleoseismic exposure and demonstrate how vertical and horizontal trends in age relate to dominant sedimentary facies and soil characteristics at the site. Portable OSL data provide critical context for the interpretation of 14C and OSL ages, show that geochronologic age boundaries between pre- and post-earthquake deposits do not match stratigraphic contacts, and provide the basis for selecting alternate Bayesian models of earthquake timing. Our results demonstrate the potential to use emergent, portable OSL methods to dramatically improve paleoseismic constraints on earthquake timing.
Automated histopathological evaluation of pterygium using artificial intelligence
Authors: Kim Jong Hoon , Kim Young Jae , Lee Yeon Jeong , Hyon Joon Young , Han Sang Beom , Kim Kwang Gi
Published: January 2022

Purpose

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a new automated method for the evaluation of histopathological images of pterygium using artificial intelligence.

Methods

An in-house software for automated grading of histopathological images was developed. Histopathological images of pterygium (400 images from 40 patients) were analysed using our newly developed software. Manual grading (I–IV), labelled based on an established scoring system, served as the ground truth for training the four-grade classification models. Region of interest segmentation was performed before the classification of grades, which was achieved by the combination of expectation-maximisation andk-nearest neighbours. Fifty-five radiomic features extracted from each image were analysed with feature selection methods to examine the significant features. Five classifiers were evaluated for their ability to predict quantitative grading.

Results

Among the classifier models applied for automated grading in this study, the bagging tree showed the best performance, with a 75.9% true positive rate (TPR) and 75.8% positive predictive value (PPV) in internal validation. In external validation, the method also demonstrated reproducibility, with an 81.3% TPR and 82.0% PPV for the average of four classification grades.

Conclusions

Our newly developed automated method for quantitative grading of histopathological images of pterygium may be a reliable method for quantitative analysis of histopathological evaluation of pterygium.
Changing operating room practices: the effect on postoperative endophthalmitis rates following cataract surgery
Authors: Haripriya Aravind , Ravindran Ravilla D , Robin Alan L , Shukla Aakriti Garg , Chang David F
Published: January 2022

Purpose

To determine whether four new operating room (OR) protocols instituted because of COVID-19 reduced the cataract surgical postoperative endophthalmitis rate (POE).

Design

Retrospective, sequential, clinical registry study.

Methods

85 552 sequential patients undergoing cataract surgery at the Aravind Eye Hospitals between 1 January 2020 and 25 March 2020 (56 551 in group 1) and 3 May 2020 and 31 August 2020 (29 011 in group 2). In group 1, patients were not gowned, surgical gloves were disinfected but not changed between cases, OR floors were not cleaned between every case, and multiple patients underwent preparation and surgery in the same OR. In group 2, each patient was gowned, surgical gloves were changed between each case, OR floors and counters were cleaned between patients, and only one patient at a time underwent preparation and surgery in the OR.

Results

Group 1 was older, had slightly more females, and better preoperative vision. More eyes in group 2 underwent phacoemulsification (p=0.18). Three eyes (0.005%) in group 1 and 2 eyes (0.006%) in group 2 developed POE (p=0.77). Only one eye that underwent phacoemulsification developed POE; this was in group 1. There was no difference in posterior capsule rupture rate between the two groups.

Conclusions

Adopting a set of four temporary OR protocols that are often mandatory in the Western world did not reduce the POE rate. Along with previously published studies, these results challenge the necessity of these common practices which may be needlessly costly and wasteful, arguing for the reevaluation of empiric and potentially unnecessary guidelines that govern ophthalmic surgeries.
Rethinking pain education from the perspectives of people experiencing pain: a meta-ethnography to inform physiotherapy training
Authors: Thompson Kate , Johnson Mark I , Milligan James , Briggs Michelle
Published: January 2022

Background

Pain is a complex, global and multidimensional phenomena that impacts the lives of millions of people. Chronic pain (lasting more than 3 months) is particularly burdensome for individuals, health and social care systems. Physiotherapists have a fundamental role in supporting people who are experiencing pain. However, the appropriateness of pain education in pre-registration physiotherapy training programmes has been questioned.

Recent research reports identify the need to integrate the voice of patients to inform the development of the pre-registration curriculum. The aim of this meta-ethnography was to develop new conceptual understanding of patients' needs when accessing physiotherapy for pain management. The concepts were viewed through an educational lens to create a patient needs-based model to inform physiotherapy training.

Methods

Noblit and Hare’s seven-stage meta-ethnography was used to conduct this qualitative systematic review. Five databases (MEDLINE, CINAHL Complete, ERIC, PsycINFO and AMED) were searched with eligibility criteria: qualitative methodology, reports patient experience of physiotherapy, adult participants with musculoskeletal pain, reported in English. Databases were searched to January 2018. Emerge reporting guidelines guided the preparation of this manuscript.

Results

A total of 366 citations were screened, 43 full texts retrieved and 18 studies included in the final synthesis. Interpretive qualitative synthesis resulted in six distinct categories that represent patients’ needs when in pain. Analysing categories through an education lens resulted in three overall lines of argument to inform physiotherapy training. The categories and lines of argument are represented in a ‘needs-based’ model to inform pre-registration physiotherapy training.

Discussion

The findings provide new and novel interpretations of qualitative data in an area of research that lacks patient input. This is a valuable addition to pain education research. Findings support the work of others relative to patient centredness in physiotherapy.
Vertical integration of primary care practices with acute hospitals in England and Wales: why, how and so what? Findings from a qualitative, rapid evaluation
Authors: Sidhu Manbinder , Pollard Jack , Sussex Jon
Published: January 2022

Objectives

To understand the rationale, implementation and early impact of vertical integration between primary care medical practices and the organisations running acute hospitals in the National Health Service in England and Wales.

Design and setting

A qualitative, cross-comparative case study evaluation at two sites in England and one in Wales, consisting of interviews with stakeholders at the sites, alongside observations of strategic meetings and analysis of key documents.

Results

We interviewed 52 stakeholders across the three sites in the second half of 2019 and observed four meetings from late 2019 to early 2020 (further observation was prevented by the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic). The single most important driver of vertical integration was found to be to maintain primary care local to where patients live and thereby manage demand pressure on acute hospital services, especially emergency care. The opportunities created by maintaining local primary care providers—to develop patient services in primary care settings and better integrate them with secondary care—were exploited to differing degrees across the sites. There were notable differences between sites in operational and management arrangements, and in organisational and clinical integration. Closer organisational integration was attributed to previous good relationships between primary and secondary care locally, and to historical planning and preparation towards integrated working across the local health economy. The net impact of vertical integration on health system costs is argued by local stakeholders to be beneficial.

Conclusions

Vertical integration is a valuable option when primary care practices are at risk of closing, and may be a route to better integration of patient care. But it is not the only route and vertical integration is not attractive to all primary care physicians. A future evaluation of vertical integration is intended; of patients’ experience and of the impact on secondary care service utilisation.
Chinese patients with hereditary spastic paraplegias (HSPs): a protocol for a hospital-based cohort study
Authors: Qiu Yu-Sen , Zeng Yi-Heng , Yuan Ru-Ying , Ye Zhi-Xian , Bi Jin , Lin Xiao-Hong , Chen Yi-Jun , Wang Meng-Wen , Liu Ying , Yao Shao-Bo , Chen Yi-Kun , Jiang Jun-Yi , Lin Yi , Lin Xiang , Wang Ning , Fu Ying , Chen Wan-Jin
Published: January 2022

Introduction

Hereditary spastic paraplegias (HSPs) are uncommon but not rare neurodegenerative diseases. More than 100 pathogenic genes and loci related to spastic paraplegia symptoms have been reported. HSPs have the same core clinical features, including progressive spasticity in the lower limbs, though HSPs are heterogeneous (eg, clinical signs, MRI features, gene mutation). The age of onset varies greatly, from infant to adulthood. In addition, the slow and variable rates of disease progression in patients with HSP represent a substantial challenge for informative assessment of therapeutic efficacy. To address this, we are undertaking a prospective cohort study to investigate genetic–clinical characteristics, find surrogates for monitoring disease progress and identify clinical readouts for treatment.

Methods and analysis

In this case-control cohort study, we will enrol 200 patients with HSP and 200 healthy individuals in parallel. Participants will be continuously assessed for 3 years at 12-month intervals. Six aspects, including clinical signs, genetic spectrum, cognitive competence, MRI features, potential biochemical indicators and nerve electrophysiological factors, will be assessed in detail. This study will observe clinical manifestations and disease severity based on different molecular mechanisms, including oxidative stress, cholesterol metabolism and microtubule dynamics, all of which have been proposed as potential treatment targets or modalities. The analysis will also assess disease progression in different types of HSPs and cellular pathways with a longitudinal study using t tests and χ2 tests.

Ethics and dissemination

The study was granted ethics committee approval by the first affiliated hospital of Fujian Medical University (MRCTA, ECFAH of FMU (2019)194) in 2019. Findings will be disseminated via presentations and peer-reviewed publications. Dissemination will target different audiences, including national stakeholders, researchers from different disciplines and the general public.

Trial registration number

NCT04006418.
Persistent reduction of retinal microvascular vessel density in patients with moderate and severe COVID-19 disease
Authors: Banderas García Sandra , Aragón David , Azarfane Brahim , Trejo Fernando , Garrell-Salat Xavier , Sánchez-Montalvá Adrián , Otero-Romero Susana , Garcia-Arumi Jose , Zapata Miguel Angel
Published: January 2022

Objective

This study aims to analyse the possible recovery or worsening in retinal microvasculature after 8 months in a previously studied COVID-19 cohort.

Methods and analysis

A cross-sectional case–control study and a prospective longitudinal cohort study. Participants were the subjects of our previous study who re-enrolled for a new examination including a fundus photograph (retinography), an optical coherence tomography (OCT) scan and an OCT angiography. COVID-19 diagnosed patients were divided into three groups: group 1: mild disease, asymptomatic/paucisymptomatic subjects who received outpatient care; group 2: moderate disease and group 3: severe disease, both of which required hospital admission because of pneumonia. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS software (V.23.0). Cross-sectional intergroup differences were analysed by means of analysis of variance for normally distributed variables and the Kruskal-Wallis test for non-normally distributed ones. In reference to the prospective part of the study (intragroup differences, baseline with 8-month comparison), a paired t-test was used for normally distributed data and Wilcoxon signed ranks sum for non-normally distributed data.

Results

The fovea-centered superficial and deep vascular densities were significantly diminished in severe cases compared with mild cases (p=0.004; p=0.003, respectively, for superficial and deep) and to controls (p=0.014; p=0.010), also in moderate cases to mild group (p=0.004; p=0.003) and to controls (p=0.012; p=0.024). In the longitudinal study, no significant statistical differences were found between baseline and 8-month follow-up vessel density values.

Conclusion

We demonstrated persistent reduction in the central vascular area over time in patients with moderate and severe COVID-19.
The association between vital signs and clinical outcomes in emergency department patients of different age categories
Authors: Candel Bart GJ , Duijzer Renée , Gaakeer Menno I , ter Avest Ewoud , Sir Özcan , Lameijer Heleen , Hessels Roger , Reijnen Resi , van Zwet Erik W , de Jonge Evert , de Groot Bas
Published: January 2022

Background

Appropriate interpretation of vital signs is essential for risk stratification in the emergency department (ED) but may change with advancing age. In several guidelines, risk scores such as the Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome(SIRS) and Quick Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (qSOFA) scores, commonly used in emergency medicine practice (as well as critical care) specify a single cut-off or threshold for each of the commonly measured vital signs. Although a single cut-off may be convenient, it is unknown whether a single cut-off for vital signs truly exists and if the association between vital signs and in-hospital mortality differs per age-category.

Aims

To assess the association between initial vital signs and case-mix adjusted in-hospital mortality in different age categories.

Methods

Observational multicentre cohort study using the Netherlands Emergency Department Evaluation Database (NEED) in which consecutive ED patients ≥18 years were included between 1 January 2017 and 12 January 2020. The association between vital signs and case-mix adjusted mortality were assessed in three age categories (18-65; 66-80; >80 years) using multivariable logistic regression. Vital signs were each divided into five to six categories, for example, systolic blood pressure (SBP) categories (≤80, 81–100, 101–120, 121–140, >140 mm Hg).

Results

We included 101 416 patients of whom 2374 (2.3%) died. Adjusted ORs for mortality increased gradually with decreasing SBP and decreasing peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2). Diastolic blood pressure (DBP), mean arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rate (HR) had quasi-U-shaped associations with mortality. Mortality did not increase for temperatures anywhere in the range between 35.5°C and 42.0°C, with a single cut-off around 35.5°C below which mortality increased. Single cut-offs were also found for MAP <70 mm Hg and respiratory rate >22/min. For all vital signs, older patients had larger increases in absolute mortality compared with younger patients.

Conclusion

For SBP, DBP, SpO2and HR, no single cut-off existed. The impact of changing vital sign categories on prognosis was larger in older patients. Our results have implications for the interpretation of vital signs in existing risk stratification tools and acute care guidelines.
Gut microbiota regulate Alzheimer’s disease pathologies and cognitive disorders via PUFA-associated neuroinflammation
Authors: Chen Chun , Liao Jianming , Xia Yiyuan , Liu Xia , Jones Rheinallt , Haran John , McCormick Beth , Sampson Timothy Robert , Alam Ashfaqul , Ye Keqiang
Published: January 2022

Objective

This study is to investigate the role of gut dysbiosis in triggering inflammation in the brain and its contribution to Alzheimer’s disease (AD) pathogenesis.

Design

We analysed the gut microbiota composition of 3×Tg mice in an age-dependent manner. We generated germ-free 3×Tg mice and recolonisation of germ-free 3×Tg mice with fecal samples from both patients with AD and age-matched healthy donors.

Results

Microbial 16S rRNA sequencing revealed Bacteroides enrichment. We found a prominent reduction of cerebral amyloid-β plaques and neurofibrillary tangles pathology in germ-free 3×Tg mice as compared with specific-pathogen-free mice. And hippocampal RNAseq showed that inflammatory pathway and insulin/IGF-1 signalling in 3×Tg mice brain are aberrantly altered in the absence of gut microbiota. Poly-unsaturated fatty acid metabolites identified by metabolomic analysis, and their oxidative enzymes were selectively elevated, corresponding with microglia activation and inflammation. AD patients’ gut microbiome exacerbated AD pathologies in 3×Tg mice, associated with C/EBPβ/asparagine endopeptidase pathway activation and cognitive dysfunctions compared with healthy donors’ microbiota transplants.

Conclusions

These findings support that a complex gut microbiome is required for behavioural defects, microglia activation and AD pathologies, the gut microbiome contributes to pathologies in an AD mouse model and that dysbiosis of the human microbiome might be a risk factor for AD.
Care of the patient after valve intervention
Authors: Millar Lynne Martina , Lloyd Guy , Bhattacharyya Sanjeev
Published: January 2022

This review aims to outline the current evidence base and guidance for care of patients post-valve intervention. Careful follow-up, optimisation of medical therapy, antithrombotics, reduction of cardiovascular risk factors and patient education can help improve patient outcomes and quality of life. Those with mechanical valves should receive lifelong anticoagulation with a vitamin K antagonist but in certain circumstances may benefit from additional antiplatelet therapy. Patients with surgical bioprosthetic valves, valve repairs and transcatheter aortic valve implantation also benefit from antithrombotic therapy. Additionally, guideline-directed medical therapy for coexistent heart failure should be optimised. Cardiovascular risk factors such as hyperlipidaemia, hypertension and diabetes should be treated in the same way as those without valve intervention. Patients should also be encouraged to exercise regularly, eat healthily and maintain a healthy weight. Currently, there is not enough evidence to support routine cardiac rehabilitation in individuals post-valve surgery or intervention but this may be considered on a case-by-case basis. Women of childbearing age should be counselled regarding future pregnancy and the optimal management of their valve disease in this context. Patients should be educated regarding meticulous oral health, be encouraged to see their dentist regularly and antibiotics should be considered for high-risk dental procedures. Evidence shows that patients post-valve intervention or surgery are best treated in a dedicated valve clinic where they can undergo clinical review and surveillance echocardiography, be provided with heart valve education and have access to the multidisciplinary valve team if needed.
CD70 as an actionable immunotherapeutic target in recurrent glioblastoma and its microenvironment
Authors: Seyfrid Mathieu , Maich William Thomas , Shaikh Muhammad Vaseem , Tatari Nazanin , Upreti Deepak , Piyasena Deween , Subapanditha Minomi , Savage Neil , McKenna Dillon , Mikolajewicz Nicholas , Han Hong , Chokshi Chirayu , Kuhlmann Laura , Khoo Amanda , Salim Sabra Khalid , Archibong-Bassey Blessing , Gwynne William , Brown Kevin , Murtaza Nadeem , Bakhshinyan David , Vora Parvez , Venugopal Chitra , Moffat Jason , Kislinger Thomas , Singh Sheila
Published: January 2022

Purpose

Glioblastoma (GBM) patients suffer from a dismal prognosis, with standard of care therapy inevitably leading to therapy-resistant recurrent tumors. The presence of cancer stem cells (CSCs) drives the extensive heterogeneity seen in GBM, prompting the need for novel therapies specifically targeting this subset of tumor-driving cells. Here, we identify CD70 as a potential therapeutic target for recurrent GBM CSCs.

Experimental design

In the current study, we identified the relevance and functional influence of CD70 on primary and recurrent GBM cells, and further define its function using established stem cell assays. We use CD70 knockdown studies, subsequent RNAseq pathway analysis, andin vivoxenotransplantation to validate CD70’s role in GBM. Next, we developed and tested an anti-CD70 chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T therapy, which we validatedin vitroandin vivousing our established preclinical model of human GBM. Lastly, we explored the importance of CD70 in the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) by assessing the presence of its receptor, CD27, in immune infiltrates derived from freshly resected GBM tumor samples.

Results

CD70 expression is elevated in recurrent GBM and CD70 knockdown reduces tumorigenicityin vitroandin vivo. CD70 CAR-T therapy significantly improves prognosisin vivo. We also found CD27 to be present on the cell surface of multiple relevant GBM TIME cell populations, notably putative M1 macrophages and CD4 T cells.

Conclusion

CD70 plays a key role in recurrent GBM cell aggressiveness and maintenance. Immunotherapeutic targeting of CD70 significantly improves survival in animal models and the CD70/CD27 axis may be a viable polytherapeutic avenue to co-target both GBM and its TIME.
Trade-off of major bleeding versus myocardial infarction on mortality after percutaneous coronary intervention
Authors: Ng Andrew Kei-Yan , Ng Pauline Yeung , Ip April , Lam Lap Tin , Siu Chung-Wah
Published: January 2022

Background

The choice of antithrombotic therapy after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is heavily dependent on the relative trade-off between major bleeding (MB) and myocardial infarction (MI). However, the mortality trade-off was mostly described in Western populations and remained unknown in East Asians.

Method

This was a retrospective cohort study from 14 hospitals under the Hospital Authority of Hong Kong between 2004 and 2017. Participants were patients undergoing first-time PCI and survived for the first year. Patients were stratified by the presence of MB and MI during the first year. The primary endpoint was all-cause mortality between 1 and 5 years after PCI. The secondary endpoint was cardiovascular mortality.

Results

A total of 32 180 patients were analysed. After adjustment for baseline characteristics and using patients with neither events as reference, the risks of all-cause mortality were increased in patients with MI only (HR, 1.63; 95% CI 1.45 to 1.84; p<0.001), further increased in those with MB only (HR, 2.11, 95% CI 1.86 to 2.39; p<0.001) and highest in those with both (HR, 2.92; 95% CI 2.39 to 3.56; p<0.001). In both Cox regression and propensity score analyses, MB had a stronger impact on all-cause mortality than MI, but similar impact on cardiovascular mortality.

Conclusions

Both MB and MI within the first year after PCI were associated with increase in all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in Chinese patients, but the impact was stronger with MB.
Identifying best modelling practices for tobacco control policy simulations: a systematic review and a novel quality assessment framework
Authors: Huang Vincy , Head Anna , Hyseni Lirije , O'Flaherty Martin , Buchan Iain , Capewell Simon , Kypridemos Chris
Published: January 2022

Background

Policy simulation models (PSMs) have been used extensively to shape health policies before real-world implementation and evaluate post-implementation impact. This systematic review aimed to examine best practices, identify common pitfalls in tobacco control PSMs and propose a modelling quality assessment framework.

Methods

We searched five databases to identify eligible publications from July 2013 to August 2019. We additionally included papers from Feirmanet alfor studies before July 2013. Tobacco control PSMs that project tobacco use and tobacco-related outcomes from smoking policies were included. We extracted model inputs, structure and outputs data for models used in two or more included papers. Using our proposed quality assessment framework, we scored these models on population representativeness, policy effectiveness evidence, simulated smoking histories, included smoking-related diseases, exposure-outcome lag time, transparency, sensitivity analysis, validation and equity.

Findings

We found 146 eligible papers and 25 distinct models. Most models used population data from public or administrative registries, and all performed sensitivity analysis. However, smoking behaviour was commonly modelled into crude categories of smoking status. Eight models only presented overall changes in mortality rather than explicitly considering smoking-related diseases. Only four models reported impacts on health inequalities, and none offered the source code. Overall, the higher scored models achieved higher citation rates.

Conclusions

While fragments of good practices were widespread across the reviewed PSMs, only a few included a ‘critical mass’ of the good practices specified in our quality assessment framework. This framework might, therefore, potentially serve as a benchmark and support sharing of good modelling practices.
Legislative provisions for standardised tobacco packaging and changes in public support in 27 European countries
Authors: KC Sukriti , Filippidis Filippos T , Laverty Anthony A
Published: January 2022

Background

Global adoption of standardised packaging requirements for tobacco products is a victory for public health, but their proliferation and impacts rely partly on public support. How this is related to legislation remains underassessed. This study explored change over time in public support for standardised packaging in countries with varying degrees of legislative provisions.

Methods

We used data from 27 European countries, collected from 2017 (n=28, 300) and 2020 (n=27, 901) waves of the Eurobarometer survey, to assess self-reported support for standardised packaging regulations among both smokers and non-smokers. Countries were grouped into three categories of policy adoption (policy implemented; policy legislated; no legislation) and changes in support were assessed using multilevel Poisson regression models.

Results

In 2020, public support for standardised packaging was 71% (95% CI 68% to 74%) in countries that implemented standardised packaging legislation, 57% (55% to 60%) in countries that had legislated but not yet implemented legislation and 41% (40%to 42%) in countries with no legislation. Compared with 2017, this represented a relative change of +8% (1% to 15%), +12% (5% to 21%) and −5% (95% CI −2% to −8%), respectively, in the three country categories. Among smokers, there was no indication of change in support across the three groups. Among non-smokers, support increased in countries with existing legislation (adjusted prevalence ratio [aPR]=1.14, 95% CI 1.06 to 1.23) and decreased in countries with no legislation (aPR=0.93, 0.90 to 0.97).

Conclusions

Public support for standardised packaging regulations increased in countries implementing and legislating for these measures, particularly among non-smokers. An overall increase in support provides reassurance for policymakers defending policy action on tobacco packaging, as well as for those seeking to implement standardised packaging in their own countries.
Predicting future diameter distributions given current stand attributes
Authors: Cao Quang V.
Published: January 2022

This study discussed four methods to project a diameter distribution from age A1 to age A2. Method 1 recovers parameters of the distribution at age A2 from stand attributes at that age. Method 2 uses a stand-level model to grow the quadratic mean diameter, and then recovers the distribution parameters from that prediction. Method 3 grows the diameter distribution by assuming tree-level survival and diameter growth functions. Method 4 first converts the diameter distribution at age A1 into a list of individual trees before growing these trees to age A2. In a numerical example employing the Weibull distribution, methods 3 and 4 produced better results based on two types of error indices and the relative predictive error for each diameter class. Method 4 is a novel method that converts a diameter distribution into a list of individual trees, and in the process, successfully links together diameter-distribution, individual-tree, and whole-stand models.
The utility of drones for studying polar bear behaviour in the Canadian Arctic: opportunities and recommendations
Authors: Jagielski Patrick M. , Barnas Andrew F. , Grant Gilchrist H. , Richardson Evan S. , Love Oliver P. , Semeniuk Christina A.D.
Published: January 2022

Climate-induced sea-ice loss represents the greatest threat to polar bears (Ursus maritimus Phipps, 1774), and utilizing drones to characterize behavioural responses to sea-ice loss is valuable for forecasting polar bear persistence. In this manuscript, we review previously published literature and draw on our own experience of using multirotor aerial drones to study polar bear behaviour in the Canadian Arctic. Specifically, we suggest that drones can minimize human–bear conflicts by allowing users to observe bears from a safe vantage point; produce high-quality behavioural data that can be reviewed as many times as needed and shared with multiple stakeholders; and foster knowledge generation through co-production with northern communities. We posit that in some instances drones may be considered as an alternative tool for studying polar bear foraging behaviour, interspecific interactions, human–bear interactions, human safety and conflict mitigation, and den-site location at individual-level small spatial scales. Finally, we discuss flying techniques to ensure ethical operation around polar bears, regulatory requirements to consider, and recommend that future research focus on understanding polar bears’ behavioural and physiological responses to drones and the efficacy of drones as a deterrent tool for safety purposes.
Reviewing taxonomic bias in a megadiverse country: primary biodiversity data, cultural salience, and scientific interest of South African animals
Authors: Phaka Fortunate M. , Vanhove Maarten P.M. , du Preez Louis H. , Hugé Jean
Published: January 2022

Taxonomic bias, resulting in some taxa receiving more attention than others, has been shown to persist throughout history. Such bias in primary biodiversity data needs to be addressed because the data are vital to environmental management. This study reviews taxonomic bias in South African primary biodiversity data obtained from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF). The focus was specifically on animal classes, and regression analysis was used to assess the influence of scientific interest and cultural salience on taxonomic bias. A higher resolution analysis of the two explanatory variables’ influence on taxonomic bias is conducted using a generalised linear model on a subset of herpetofaunal families from the focal classes. Furthermore, the potential effects of cultural salience and scientific interest on a taxon’s extinction risk are investigated. The findings show that taxonomic bias in South Africa’s primary biodiversity data has similarities with global scale taxonomic bias. Among animal classes, there is strong bias towards birds while classes such as Polychaeta and Maxillopoda are under-represented. Cultural salience has a stronger influence on taxonomic bias than scientific interest. It is, however, unclear how these explanatory variables may influence the extinction risk of taxa. We recommend that taxonomic bias can be reduced if primary biodiversity data collection has a range of targets that guide (but do not limit) accumulation of species occurrence records per habitat. Within this range, a lower target of species occurrence records accommodates species that are difficult to detect. The upper target means occurrence records for any species are less urgent but nonetheless useful and thus data collection efforts can focus on species with fewer occurrence records.
Status of searches for electroweak-scale supersymmetry after LHC Run 2
Authors: Adam Wolfgang , Vivarelli Iacopo
Published: January 2022

The second period of datataking at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) has provided a large dataset of proton–proton collisions that is unprecedented in terms of its centre-of-mass energy of 13 TeV and integrated luminosity of almost 140 fb[Formula: see text]. These data constitute a formidable laboratory for the search for new particles predicted by models of supersymmetry. The analysis activity is still ongoing, but a host of results on supersymmetry had already been released by the general purpose LHC experiments ATLAS and CMS. In this paper, we provide a map into this remarkable body of research, which spans a multitude of experimental signatures and phenomenological scenarios. In the absence of conclusive evidence for the production of supersymmetric particles we discuss the constraints obtained in the context of various models. We finish with a short outlook on the new opportunities for the next runs that will be provided by the upgrade of detectors and accelerator.
A low power-integrated temperature sensor interface circuit
Authors: Ren Mingyuan , Yang Huijing , Zhang Beining , Zheng Guoxu
Published: January 2022

This paper constructs and simulates the interface circuit of a temperature sensor based on SMIC 0.18 [Formula: see text]m CMOS. The simulation results show that when the power supply voltage is 1.8 V, the chopper op-amp gain is 89.44 dB, the low-frequency noise is 71.83 nV/Hz,[Formula: see text] and the temperature coefficient of the core temperature sensitive circuit is 1.7808 mV/[Formula: see text]C. The sampling rate of 10-bit SAR ADC was 10 kS/s, effective bit was 9.0119, SNR was 59.3256 dB, SFDR was 68.7091 dB, and THD was −62.5859 dB. The measurement range of temperature sensor interface circuit is −50[Formula: see text]C[Formula: see text]C, the relative temperature measurement error is ±0.47[Formula: see text]C, the resolution is 0.2[Formula: see text]C/LSB, and the overall average power consumption is 434.9 [Formula: see text]W.
Theoretical investigation of Fe–Rh binary nanoalloys: Chemical ordering and magnetic behavior
Authors: Yıldırım Hüseyin
Published: January 2022

Gupta and Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations were performed to investigate of structural and magnetic behaviors of 19 atom FenRh[Formula: see text] ([Formula: see text]–19) nanoalloys. A double icosahedron structure was considered for FenRh[Formula: see text] ([Formula: see text]–19) nanoalloys. Significantly, the effects of Fe atom addition on the chemical ordering, stability and total magnetic moments of the nanoalloys were investigated. Local optimization results at the Gupta level show that the Fe atoms are located in the center of the double icosahedron structure and finally in the equatorial region on the surface. The mixing energy analysis obtained that Fe[Formula: see text]Rh7 and Fe4Rh[Formula: see text] nanoalloys are the most stable compositions at Gupta and DFT levels, respectively. It was found that FenRh[Formula: see text] ([Formula: see text]–19) nanoalloys are energetically suitable for mixing at both Gupta and DFT levels. Also, the bond order parameter result is compatible with the mixing energy analysis result. The total magnetic moments of the FenRh[Formula: see text] ([Formula: see text]–19) nanoalloys increase with the addition of the Fe atom, which is a ferromagnetic metal.
New results from testing relativistic gravity with radio pulsars
Authors: Kramer Michael
Published: January 2022

We experience a golden era in testing and exploring relativistic gravity. Whether it is results from gravitational-wave detectors, satellite or lab experiments, radio astronomy plays an important complementary role. Here, one can mention the cosmic microwave background, black hole imaging and, obviously, binary pulsars. This talk will concentrate on the latter and new results from studies of strongly self-gravitating bodies with unrivalled precision. This presentation compares the results to other methods, discusses implications for other areas of relativistic astrophysics and will give an outlook of what we can expect from new instruments in the near future.
Solving interval-valued transportation problem using a new ranking function for octagonal fuzzy numbers
Authors: Bisht Monika , Dangwal Rajesh
Published: January 2022

In this paper, we introduce a new method to solve Interval-Valued Transportation Problem (IVTP) to deal with those problems of transportation wherein the information available is imprecise. First, a newly proposed fuzzification method is used to convert the IVTP to octagonal fuzzy transportation problem and then with the help of ranking function proposed in this paper, the fuzzy transportation problem is converted into crisp transportation problem. Lastly, Initial Basic Feasible Solution (IBFS) of this problem is obtained using Vogel’s Approximation Method and the solution is improved using Modified Distribution (MODI) method. A numerical example with interval data is solved using the proposed algorithm to make comparison of the solution with some other methods. Also, a numerical example with parameters in the form of octagonal fuzzy numbers is illustrated to compare the effectiveness of the proposed ranking technique. The proposed fuzzification and ranking technique can be used in the other fields of decision making dealing with the data in the same form as considered in this paper.
Preliminary investigation of emerging suburban landsliding in Gisborne, New Zealand
Authors: Cook Matthew E. , Brook Martin S. , Tunnicliffe Jon , Cave Murry , Gulick Noah P.
Published: January 2022

Recently uplifted, soft Pleistocene sediments in northern New Zealand are particularly vulnerable to landsliding because they are often underlain by less permeable, clay-rich Neogene mudstone–siltstone rocks. Typically, instability is rainfall-induced, often owing to a high-intensity rainfall event from extra-tropical cyclones, following wetter months when antecedent soil moisture has increased. Using remote sensing, field surveys and laboratory testing, we report on some emerging slope instability hazards in the eastern suburbs of the coastal city of Gisborne, on the North Island. Retrogressive failure of the main landslide (at Wallis Road) is continuing and has already led to the abandonment of one dwelling, and an adjacent landslide (at Titirangi Drive) appears to be in an incipient phase of failure. The Wallis Road landslide has been particularly active from mid-2017, with slumping of the headscarp area changing to a constrained mudflow downslope, which then descends a cliff before terminating on the beach. In contrast, the incipient Titirangi Drive landslide at present displays much more subtle effects of deformation. Although activity at both landslides appears to be linked to rainfall-induced increases in soil moisture, this is due to the effects of prolonged periods of rainfall rather than the passage of high-intensity cyclonic storms.
An Introduction to the Federated Learning Standard
Authors: Zhang Ticao , Mao Shiwen
Published: January 2022

With the growing concern on data privacy and security, it is undesirable to collect data from all users to perform machine learning tasks. Federated learning, a decentralized learning framework, was proposed to construct a shared prediction model while keeping owners' data on their own devices. This paper presents an introduction to the emerging federated learning standard and discusses its various aspects, including i) an overview of federated learning, ii) types of federated learning, iii) major concerns and the performance evaluation criteria of federated learning, and iv) associated regulatory requirements. The purpose of this paper is to provide an understanding of the standard and facilitate its usage in model building across organizations while meeting privacy and security concerns.
Efficient Wideband Spectrum Sensing Using Mems Acoustic Resonators
Authors: Guan Junfeng , Zhang Jitian , Lu Ruochen , Seo Hyungjoo , Zhou Jin , Gong Songbin , Hassanieh Haitham
Published: January 2022

The ever-increasing demand for wireless applications has resulted in an unprecedented radio frequency (RF) spectrum shortage. Ironically, at the same time, actual utilization of the spectrum is sparse in practice [1]. To exploit previously underutilized frequency bands to accommodate new unlicensed applications and achieve highly efficient usage of the spectrum, the Federal Communications Committee (FCC) has repurposed many frequency bands for dynamic spectrum sharing. This includes the 6 GHz band to be shared between Wi-Fi 6 and the incumbent users [2] as well as the 3.5 GHz Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS) band [3].
Effectiveness of Visual‐Tactile Examination and DIAGNOdent Pen in Detecting Early Enamel Caries and Its Remineralisation: An In Vitro Study
Authors: Rashid Mohammed Fadhil , Karobari Mohmed Isaqali , Halim Mohamad Syahrizal , Noorani Tahir Yusuf
Published: January 2022

Background. The caries preventive effect of Colgate Duraphat® and GC Tooth Mousse Plus® has been widely studied, but the remineralisation potential of initial occlusal caries using these two remineralisation materials remains unclear. Aim. This study is aimed at evaluating and comparing the remineralisation of early enamel caries on the occlusal surface of permanent posterior teeth using ICDAS II caries scoring system and DIAGNOdent Pen (DDPen) after remineralisation with Colgate Duraphat® and GC Tooth Mousse Plus®. Materials and Methods. Extracted posterior teeth (N = 120) with incipient occlusal caries were included in this study. The occlusal surface of each tooth was scored using DDPen and ICDAS II scoring before remineralisation. Then, remineralisation of the teeth of the experimental group was carried out using either CPP‐ACP‐F or fluoride varnish. After the remineralisation procedures, the occlusal surface of each tooth was again scored using DDPen and ICDAS II scoring. The teeth were then fixed in dental stone blocks and sectioned longitudinally for histological examination using a stereomicroscope. Statistical analysis was performed to calculate the sensitivity and specificity of DDPen and ICDAS II to detect remineralisation and compare with the gold standard histological examination. Results. According to ICDAS‐II scores, a significant difference was noted in GC Tooth Mousse Plus® and Duraphat® study samples, whereas the difference between the pre‐and post‐remineralisation of the control group was not significant. According to the DDPen score criteria, a statistically significant difference was noted among all study groups; however, a greater significance level was noted in the GC Tooth Mousse Plus® and Duraphat® study samples compared with the control group. The Spearman’s rank correlation of ICDAS‐II and DDPen with Downer’s histological score (gold standard) revealed a higher association of DDPen score (.738) as compared to ICDAS‐II scores (.430). Conclusion. The study concluded that both ICDAS II and DDPen could detect remineralisation of early enamel occlusal caries. DDPen was more sensitive than ICDAS‐II to detect remineralisation compared with the Downers histological scores.
The Influence of Football Training Based on Big Data on Physical Function and Football Skills
Authors: Hu Changjun , Sun Yang
Published: January 2022

In order to actively respond to the government’s call to scientifically create campus football culture, combine the characteristics of football sports, and improve people’s understanding of the mental and intellectual functions of football, this article focuses on the impact of football training on physical function and football technology. Based on the understanding of related theories, the experiment on the impact of football training on physical function and football technology was carried out. The experimental results showed that the weight, height, and BMI increased significantly during the period of football training (P<0.05). The independent sample T test showed that there were no significant differences in height, weight, and BMI between the two groups before and after training; the standing long jump performance of the control group after training showed an upward trend, but the significance level was not statistically significant. Three months later, the time for the experimental team to complete the eight-character dribble test in football training was reduced from 20.51 seconds to 15.57 seconds. The independent sample T test found that there was no significant difference in the physical fitness of the two groups before training and the changes in football skills of the subjects before and after training. Then, the clustering algorithm in the big data was used to analyze the data of the experimental group. The standing long jump has the highest performance; the second category belongs to the third level, and the third category belongs to the second level.