bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tahap Keberkesanan Gamifikasi Global Halal Game (GHG) Dalam Kalangan Peserta Program Halal Eksekutif Profesional (Effectiveness Level of Gamification Global Halal Game (GHG) Among Professional Halal Training Programme Participants)
Authors: Jaffar Mohammad Najib , Ab Rahman Azman , Zakaria Mohamad Anwar , Mohd Faisal Yeap Mursyid Junaidi , Abd Shakor Muhammad Faiz
Published: October 2020

Gamification is a part of teaching aids based on flexible education relevant to the current 21st Century Learning. This study aimed at assessing the effectiveness of the Global Halal Game (GHG) in education. The use of quantitative method involved the distribution of questionnaires to 43 respondents who participated in the Professional Halal Training Programme – Certificate of Professional Halal Executive (PHEP) 2018. In general, this study found that the effectiveness level of GHG in education was good. The result of the study can also become a benchmark for the development of gamification-based innovation product, which can improve and enhance other innovation products in fields that are less emphasised. This can benefit the Muslim community, in particular, and the public, in general.
A single, clinically relevant dose of the GABAB agonist baclofen impairs visuomotor learning
Authors: Johnstone Ainslie , Grigoras Ioana , Petitet Pierre , Capitão Liliana P. , Stagg Charlotte J.
Published: October 2020

Key points

Baclofen is a GABAB agonist prescribed as a treatment for spasticity in stroke, brain injury and multiple sclerosis patients, who are often undergoing concurrent motor rehabilitation.

Decreasing GABAergic inhibition is a key feature of motor learning and so there is a possibility that GABA agonist drugs, such as baclofen, could impair these processes, potentially impacting rehabilitation.

Here, we examined the effect of 10 mg of baclofen, in 20 young healthy individuals, and found that the drug impaired retention of visuomotor learning with no significant effect on motor sequence learning.

Overall baclofen did not alter transcranial magnetic stimulation‐measured GABAB inhibition, although the change in GABAB inhibition correlated with aspects of visuomotor learning retention.

Further work is needed to investigate whether taking baclofen impacts motor rehabilitation in patients.

The GABAB agonist baclofen is taken daily as a treatment for spasticity by millions of stroke, brain injury and multiple sclerosis patients, many of whom are also undergoing motor rehabilitation. However, decreases in GABA are suggested to be a key feature of human motor learning, which raises questions about whether drugs increasing GABAergic activity may impair motor learning and rehabilitation. In this double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study, we investigated whether a single 10 mg dose of the GABAB agonist baclofen impaired motor sequence learning and visuomotor learning in 20 young healthy participants of both sexes. Participants trained on visuomotor and sequence learning tasks using their right hand. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) measures of corticospinal excitability, GABAA (short‐interval intracortical inhibition, 2.5 ms) and GABAB (long‐interval intracortical inhibition, 150 ms) receptor activation were recorded from left M1. Behaviourally, baclofen caused a significant reduction of visuomotor aftereffect (F1,137.8 = 6.133, P = 0.014) and retention (F1,130.7 = 4.138, P = 0.044), with no significant changes to sequence learning. There were no overall changes to TMS measured GABAergic inhibition with this low dose of baclofen. This result confirms the causal importance of GABAB inhibition in mediating visuomotor learning and suggests that chronic baclofen use could negatively impact aspects of motor rehabilitation.
Downsizing the Electric Motors of Energy-Efficient Self-Contained Electro-Hydraulic Systems by Using Hybrid Technologies
Authors: Padovani Damiano , Ketelsen Søren , Schmidt Lasse
Published: October 2020

The ongoing tendency toward the electrification of hydraulic systems, mainly in the form of self-contained solutions, poses design challenges in high-power applications. An electric motor drives positive-displacement machines used to control the motion of the hydraulic actuator (nonhybrid systems encompassing one or two pumps exist in the technical literature). All the power managed by the actuator passes through the electric motor, which leads to often oversized arrangements. These detrimental characteristics are especially pronounced when the power level increases approximately above 35–40 kW. Therefore, this research paper presents and studies a self-contained, electro-hydraulic, hybrid architecture intended to downsize the electric motor while maintaining the high-power output of the nonhybrid counterpart. After introducing the sizing process for the energy storage device and developing a suitable control strategy for the hybrid subsystem, the proposed concept is validated via high-fidelity dynamic models. The rated power of the electric prime mover can be cut by 70% in the considered application (a mid-size, knuckle-boom crane with an installed power of about 46 kW) without altering the performance in terms of motion control. The additional mass (about 310 kg) of the hybrid system is not expected to affect the load-carrying capacity significantly. As a result, the hybridization of self-sufficient systems is technically feasible for high-power applications. Drawbacks related to the system cost-effectiveness might, however, be experienced. An application-driven cost analysis should be conducted before implementing such a solution.
A New Friction Factor Calculation Model and Design Approach of Flow Channels Based on Additive Manufacturing
Authors: Zhou Lei , Zhu Yi , Yang Huayong
Published: October 2020

Selective laser melting (SLM) or laser powder bed fusion (LPBF), is one type of metal additive manufacturing (AM) technology which is efficient in producing lightweight hydraulic components. However, the fabricating quality is poor when flow channels are built horizontally on the substrate due to residual stress on the large overhang region. Large surface roughness and dimensional error occurs which greatly affect friction factor but not studied. In this work, fluid channels with various diameters were built using SLM. The surface roughness and profile were characterized. Friction factor was then measured using a customed test rig. Results indicate that SLM fabricated fluid passages have high and uneven roughness and dimensional accuracy is poor. A new friction factor model was developed which can be used to calculate pressure loss in a SLM fabricated fluid channels.
Modeling and Control of a Novel Electro-Hydrostatic Actuator With a Three-Ports Hydraulic Pump
Authors: Zhou Fengqi , Xiao Wenjian , Ouyang Xiaoping , Zhang Pengfei , Xu Lilin , Yang Huayong
Published: October 2020

The electro-hydrostatic actuator (EHA) is a kind of power-by-wire (PBW) actuator that converts the electrical power into localized hydraulic power for flight control. In order to solve the problem of flow mismatching in the asymmetric cylinder, this paper presents a novel EHA which applies a three-ports fixed displacement pump to work with the asymmetric cylinder. The working principle of the novel EHA is introduced, and its nonlinear mathematical model is built. The sliding-mode control is proposed to control the position loop of the EHA. The controller structure of EHA is built including the position control using sliding-mode control, the speed control using PI, and the current control using PI. The model of mechanical parts including the permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM), controller and hydraulic parts are built in the SIMULINK. Simulation results show that the sliding-mode control improves the dynamic response and control accuracy compared with the traditional classic PID.
Modeling, Analysis, and Function Extension of the McKibben Hydraulic Artificial Muscles
Authors: Chen Siqing , Xu He
Published: October 2020

Compared with rigid robots, flexible robots have soft and extensible bodies enforcing their abilities to absorb shock and vibration, hence reducing the impact of probable collisions. Due to their high adaptability and minimally invasive features, soft robots are used in various fields. The McKibben hydraulic artificial muscles are the most popular soft actuator because of the controllability of hydraulic actuator and high force to weight ratio. When its deformation reaches a certain level, the actuators can be stopped automatically without any other braking mechanism. The research of McKibben hydraulic artificial muscles is beneficial to the theoretical analysis of soft actuators in the mechanical system. The design of soft actuators with different deformations promotes the development of soft robots. In this paper, a static modeling of the McKibben hydraulic artificial muscles is established, and its correctness is verified by theoretical analysis and experiment. In this model, the deformation mechanism of the artificial muscle and the law of output force is put forward. The relationship between muscle pressure, load, deformation, and muscle design parameters is presented through the mechanical analysis of the braid, elastic tube, and sealed-end. The law of the muscle deformation with high pressure is predicted. The reason for the muscle’s tiny elongation with extremely high pressure is found through the analysis of the relationship between the angle of the braid, the length of single braided thread, and the pressure. With the increase of pressure, the angle of the braid tends to a fixed value. As the stress of braided thread increases, so does its length. The length changes obviously when the stress is extremely enormous. The angle of the braid and the length of the braided thread control the deformation of artificial muscles, resulting in a slight lengthening with extreme high pressure. Under normal pressure, the length of the braided wire is negligible, so that the entire muscle becomes shorter. According to the modeling and theoretical analysis, a new McKibben hydraulic artificial muscle that can elongate under normal rising pressure is designed. This artificial muscle can grow longer with pressure increases, eventually reaching its maximum length. During this time, its diameter barely changes. Its access pressure is higher than that of conventional elongated artificial muscles. Through experiments, the relationship between the muscle deformation, pressure, and load still conform to this theoretical model. This model can be used for the control of soft actuators and the design of new soft robots. This extensional McKibben hydraulic artificial muscles and the conventional McKibben hydraulic artificial muscles can be used in the bilateral control of soft robots.
Implementation of Bubble Dynamic Effects by Coupling the Gilmore Equation With Fluid Dynamic Equations Using the Method of Characteristics
Authors: Guse Fabian , Pasquini Enrico , Schmitz Katharina
Published: October 2020

In fluid power systems, performance as well as system dynamics are strongly influenced by the presence of bubbles — especially for low system pressures. While the static effect of dissolved air (especially the volume fraction of dissolved air) on the bulk modulus has been extensively investigated in the past, in hydraulics, the dynamic effects due to bubble dynamics have been neglected entirely.

Thereby, the dynamic characteristics of the bubbles influence the compressibility of the disperse fluid and, as a consequence, the speed of sound in the mixture and the hydraulic system as a whole. In order to account for the bubble behavior in hydraulic simulation models, the present paper investigates a method for coupling bubble dynamics equations, such as the Gilmore or the Rayleigh-Plesset equation, with the fluid dynamic equations and their subsequent solution using the method of characteristics. Regarding the modeling, special attention is put on the distributed bubble nuclei sizes, since bubbles of the exact same size are unnatural and cannot be observed in reality. Since a dilute mixture — i.e. a small void fraction — is assumed, bubble-bubble interaction is neglected in this study. To account for the polydispersity, a discretized lognormal distribution for equilibrium bubble sizes is considered. In order to evaluate the discretization interval needed, case studies of different numbers of bubble size classes are presented and their results evaluated. Thereby, the question about the least required numbers of homogeneous bubble clusters shall be answered, as to reduce the computational effort that is needed. Using the method described in this paper, the profound effect of the bubble dynamics and the bubble size distribution on the fluid system dynamics is elaborated.
Fluid Property Effects on Power Consumption in a Hydraulic System at Low Temperatures
Authors: Michael Paul , Dai Cecilia , Rodriguez Kimberly
Published: October 2020

Hydraulic systems that are operated outdoors during winter can be exposed to extreme low temperatures. Low temperature thickening of the hydraulic fluid can increase power consumption, cause pump cavitation, and stall system actuation. In this study, the response time and power consumption of a hydraulic vehicle restraint system that is used outdoors year-round was evaluated at low temperatures. This safety device incorporated proximity switches that triggered a machine “fault” when the time delay between the locked and unlocked positions exceeded 8 seconds. Straight- and multi-grade ISO VG 32 and 46 fluids were compared in the device. The multi-grade oils were able to function at a lower temperature without faulting. The effect of system operating conditions and fluid properties on pump input power was evaluated. The input power was determined from measurements of pump rotational frequency and torque. Pump torque increased as the oil temperature decreased. As a result, low-temperature operating conditions resulted in a higher system power requirements. An empirical model was developed to investigate the effects of turbulent and laminar flow conditions on the hydraulic system power requirements. A comparison of model standard errors revealed that viscosity-dependent laminar losses had a greater impact on system performance than density-dependent turbulent losses. Since the viscosity coefficients of the fluids were very high at the test temperature, it was theorized that pressure drop in the hydraulic lines was affecting system response. Hydraulic system simulations were conducted via Automation Studio. Cylinder retraction velocities were evaluated with larger ID cap- and rod-side hoses. Increasing the cap-side hose diameter enhanced the low temperature performance of the system. Changes to the rod-side hose had minimal effect. These results provide new insights for system design and the formulation of hydraulic fluids used in extreme low temperature operations.
Experimental Validation of Leakage Detection in a Fluid Power Pitch System Using a State Augmented EKF-Approach
Authors: Asmussen Magnus F. , Pedersen Henrik C. , Liniger Jesper
Published: October 2020

The pitch system is a crucial part of today’s wind turbines and is used for power regulation when operating above rated wind speed. According to studies the pitch system is responsible for up to 20% of the total downtime of a wind turbine. As an attempt of increasing the reliability and availability attention has come to fault detection and condition monitoring of such systems. This paper presents a State Augmented Extended Kalman Filter, SAEKF, for detecting both internal and external rod leakage. Furthermore, an external load torque is included in the filter to improve the performance in the presence of external load. The SAEKF is tested experimentally for different levels of both internal and external rod leakage under working conditions similar to the ones experienced for a pitch system located in a wind turbine. The working conditions include unkown fast varying external loads. The experiments show that the SAEKF is capable of detecting internal and external leakage down to 0.10 l/min and 0.34 l/min, respectively. The internal leakage is detected with a estimation error of maximum 0.04 l/min while the external leakage estimation error is going up to 0.43 l/min for high levels of external leakage.
Condition Monitoring Strategy for Pump-Driven Hydraulic Axes
Authors: Schraft Jacques Philippe , Becher Dirk , Weber Jürgen
Published: October 2020

Electrohydrostatic Actuation Systems (EAS) are characterized by an Electrohydrostatic Pump Unit (EPU) that directly drives a hydraulic actuator. This motion concept combines both advantages of traditional electro-mechanical actuation and electro-hydraulic actuation like high energy efficiency, environmental cleanliness, low noise emission, high force output, and no backslash. In modern IoT/I4.0 environments, the utilization of digital data plays a more and more important role such as histories of sensor data, of working cycles, or of the machine health status. In the example of an EAS, a way is shown to monitor the health status of the integrated hydrostatic machine along with the hydraulic part of such an EAS. The approach described in this paper uses the already existing sensors in an EAS, so no additional hardware is necessary. Based on a model describing the volumetric behaviour of the hydrostatic machine a volumetric health index is developed by introducing a re-normalized efficiency. The proposed methodology is independent on the overall working cycle and is therefore applicable to already running systems or systems with varying working cycle. The calculated Health Index offers the opportunity to monitor the hydrostatic machine as the key element of such an EAS in real time and in a non-invasive and continuous way.
Online Parameter Estimation of Hydraulic System Based on Stochastic Gradient Descent
Authors: Yamada Takashi , Howard Matthew
Published: October 2020

In this paper, offline and online parameter estimation methods for hydraulic systems based on stochastic gradient descent are presented. In contrast to conventional approaches, the proposed methods can estimate any parameter in mathematical models based on multi-step prediction error. These advantages are achieved by calculating the gradient of the multi-step error against the estimated parameters using Lagrange multipliers and the calculus of variations, and by forming differentiable models of hydraulic systems. In experiments on a physical hydraulic system, the proposed methods with three different gradient decent methods (normal gradient descent, Nesterov’s Accelerated Gradient (NAG), and Adam) are compared with conventional least squares. In the offline experiment, the proposed method with NAG achieves estimation error about 95% lower than that of least squares. In online estimation, the proposed method with NAG produces predictive models with about 20% lower error than that of the offline method. These results suggest the proposed method is a practical alternative to more conventional parameter estimation methods.
Hopsan: An Open-Source Tool for Rapid Modelling and Simulation of Fluid and Mechatronic Systems
Authors: Braun Robert , Nordin Peter , Ericson Liselott , Larsson L. Viktor , Krus Petter , Pettersson Maria
Published: October 2020

Hopsan is an open-source simulation package developed as a collaboration project between industry and academia. The simulation methodology is based on transmission line modelling, which provides several benefits such as linear model scalability, numerical robustness and parallel simulation. All sub-models are pre-compiled, so that no compilation is required prior to starting a simulation. Default component libraries are available for hydraulic, mechanic, pneumatic, electric and signal domains. Custom components can be written in C++ or generated from Modelica and Mathematica. Support for simulation-based optimization is provided using population-based, evolutionary or direct-search algorithms. Recent research has largely focused on co-simulation with other simulation tools. This is achieved either by using the Functional Mock-up Interface standard, or by tool-to-tool communications. This paper provides a description of the program and its features, the current status of the project, and an overview of recent and ongoing use cases from industry and academia.
Parameter Identification of Hydraulic Systems Using Modified Coyote Optimization Algorithm
Authors: Mohammadi Asl Reza , Handroos Heikki
Published: October 2020

Parameter identification is one of most interesting fields for researchers in control engineering field. Different methods have been investigated in recent years. Methods can be divided into two main categories: mathematical based methods and artificial intelligence approaches. Mathematical approaches also known as traditional method which uses different formula to have an estimation of some missed parameters in practical systems, and on the other hand artificial intelligence methods uses different approaches for this purpose. This paper presents a new parameter identification method. A new modified evolutionary algorithm, which can be sorted as a approach of artificial intelligence, is presented and applied to a servo-hydraulic system as a parameter identification method. Coyote Optimization algorithm is chosen for this purpose. The presented modified algorithm is changed in a way that in each iteration, uses details from previous steps and have a better performance in comparison with the basic algorithm. The proposed algorithm tries to update each candidate based on its previous condition which has been missed in basic algorithm. The proposed intelligent method is used as parameter identification method and applied to servo-hydraulic system. The results for simulation are given. Results show the efficiency of the presented method. Based on results, it can be drawn that the proposed method can be supposed as reliable method for nonlinear systems.
Adaptive Integral Non-Singular Terminal Sliding Mode Control of a Servo-Hydraulic System
Authors: Shabbouei Hagh Yashar , Mohammadi Asl Reza , Handroos Heikki
Published: October 2020

This paper proposes an adaptive integral non-singular terminal sliding mode control in combination with a neural network (INTSMC-NN) for nonlinear servo-hydraulic actuator systems. The proposed controller has the advantages of the conventional non-singular terminal sliding mode control; it can tolerate external disturbances, evades the singularity problem of the conventional terminal sliding mode control, and also guarantees finite time convergence of states. The main problem and drawback of the sliding mode-based control is the chattering phenomenon which is caused by the switching part of the controller. This phenomenon can cause severe impacts on mechanical components of the hydraulic system. In order to overcome to this issue, and moderate the control signal, the discontinuous part of the controller is replaced by a neural network. The stability of the controller is investigated through Lyapunov stability criteria. To study the performance of the proposed INTSMC in combination with neural network a third-order nonlinear servo-hydraulic actuator is considered. Simulation results first, indicates the capability of the proposed method in eliminating the chattering from the control signal and also making the system states to track the desired trajectory with high accuracy. Second, the performance of the proposed integral NTSMC is studied and compared to the conventional NTSMC.
Physical pendulum model: Fractional differential equation and memory effects
Authors: N. Gonçalves L. , Fernandes J. , Ferraz A. , G. Silva A. , Sebastião P. J.
Published: October 2020

A detailed analysis of pendular motion is presented. Inertial effects, self-oscillation, and memory, together with non-constant moment of inertia, hysteresis, and negative damping are shown to be required for the comprehensive description of the free pendulum oscillatory regime. The effects of very high initial amplitudes, friction in the roller bearing axle, drag, and pendulum geometry are also analyzed and discussed. A model consisting of a fractional differential equation fits and explains high resolution and long-time experimental data gathered from standard action-camera videos.
Learning-assistant-supported active-learning in a large classroom
Authors: Margoniner Vera , Bürki Jérôme , Block Matthew
Published: October 2020

We present results and lessons learned from a Learning Assistant (LA) program combined with flipped classroom delivery and team learning in our calculus-based, introductory physics (mechanics) courses at California State University, Sacramento. A primarily undergraduate institution, our university serves a largely underprivileged student population, with one half of students coming from low-income households and one third being first-generation college students. We describe our setup in detail and analyze data from 13 classes, four instructors, and 43 learning assistants. We find that (1) learning gains for LA supported classes are on average twice as large as our traditionally taught classes; (2) learning gains are dependent on pre-test scores; and (3) they are also dependent on participation rates. We also analyze student and LA responses to end of semester surveys. Two-thirds of the students self-report that their study skills have improved from taking the LA-supported class, and their comments on course structure are overall positive. Over 90% of the LAs have very positive views of the program, and it is especially rewarding to see that 73% of the LAs who had not previously considered teaching as a career became more interested after participating in the program.
Fluorescence lifetime measurements with simple correction for instrument temporal response in the advanced undergraduate laboratory
Authors: Gonzalez Eduardo , Park Seong J. , Laman David M.
Published: October 2020

Observation of time-dependent luminescence from excited states with a wide range of lifetimes allows students to explore the connection between selection rules and transition rates. It is fairly simple to measure microsecond and longer lifetimes with equipment common to undergraduate programs, because the instrument response time of even modest bandwidth systems is insignificant on microsecond and longer time scales. The measurement of nanosecond lifetimes, however, is more challenging, because the instrument response time is comparable to the lifetimes being measured. In this case, the instrument temporal response must be deconvolved from the observed luminescence signals in order to extract the actual excited state lifetime. We describe a method for measuring nanosecond fluorescence lifetimes in the advanced undergraduate laboratory that uses real-time analog luminescence signals instead of traditional photon counting techniques. The detection electronics of this method are fairly simple, consisting of an oscilloscope monitoring the time-dependent output of an inexpensive silicon photomultiplier. We introduce a simple and transparent method for students to characterize the instrument response and deconvolve it from the observed luminescence signals, yielding measured nanosecond fluorescence lifetimes in good agreement with the corresponding literature values obtained by time-correlated single photon counting. The limitations of silicon photomultipliers for this method of measuring nanosecond lifetimes are discussed in detail. Application of this treatment to decay processes that are not single exponential is also discussed.
First antibody surveys draw fire for quality, bias
Authors: Vogel Gretchen
Published: October 2020

Some study authors use serology data to call for easing lockdowns, but critics push back.
Survivors' burden
Authors: Servick Kelly
Published: October 2020

What awaits the sickest COVID-19 patients after they leave the hospital?
The trouble with turning to nature
Natural
Alan Levinovitz
Beacon Press, 2020. 264 pp.
Authors: Camporesi Silvia
Published: October 2020

Our obsession with “natural” products and practices is a proxy for other values
Lost in transition
Authors: Newland Kathleen
Published: October 2020

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been the greatest disruption to the movement of people since World War II. Many who had plans—and permission—to move permanently from one country to another have seen their transition put on hold. Worldwide, the flows of tourists, business and professional travelers, and students are all affected. But those most vulnerable to the virus and virus-related policies are low-paid migrant workers who have lost their jobs, and refugees or displaced people. Their lives were precarious even before the pandemic spread.
A memristor-based hybrid analog-digital computing platform for mobile robotics
Authors: Chen Buyun , Yang Hao , Song Boxiang , Meng Deming , Yan Xiaodong , Li Yuanrui , Wang Yunxiang , Hu Pan , Ou Tse-Hsien , Barnell Mark , Wu Qing , Wang Han , Wu Wei
Published: October 2020

A memristor-based hybrid analog-digital computing platform enables more energy-efficient and responsive mobile robotics.
Toward allele-specific targeting therapy and pharmacodynamic marker for spinocerebellar ataxia type 3
Authors: Prudencio Mercedes , Garcia-Moreno Hector , Jansen-West Karen R. , AL-Shaikh Rana Hanna , Gendron Tania F. , Heckman Michael G. , Spiegel Matthew R. , Carlomagno Yari , Daughrity Lillian M. , Song Yuping , Dunmore Judith A. , Byron Natalie , Oskarsson Björn , Nicholson Katharine A. , Staff Nathan P. , Gorcenco Sorina , Puschmann Andreas , Lemos João , Januário Cristina , LeDoux Mark S. , Friedman Joseph H. , Polke James , Labrum Robin , Shakkottai Vikram , McLoughlin Hayley S. , Paulson Henry L. , Konno Takuya , Onodera Osamu , Ikeuchi Takeshi , Tada Mari , Kakita Akiyoshi , Fryer John D. , Karremo Christin , Gomes Inês , Caviness John N. , Pittelkow Mark R. , Aasly Jan , Pfeiffer Ronald F. , Veerappan Venka , Eggenberger Eric R. , Freeman William D. , Huang Josephine F. , Uitti Ryan J. , Wierenga Klaas J. , Marin Collazo Iris V. , Tipton Philip W. , van Gerpen Jay A. , van Blitterswijk Marka , Bu Guojun , Wszolek Zbigniew K. , Giunti Paola , Petrucelli Leonard
Published: October 2020

PolyQ ATXN3 is a pharmacodynamic marker for SCA3, and a SNP associated with the expanded allele may serve to specifically target mutant
ATXN3
.
Students 4 Best Evidence as a digital Problem-Based Learning method to improve Evidence-Based Practice competencies in undergraduate physiotherapy students: an observational study
Authors: Arienti Chiara , Lazzarini Stefano Giuseppe , Pollet Joel , Negrini Stefano
Published: October 2020

Background

Evidence-based practice (EBP) is an essential element in the delivery of high-quality care and healthcare professionals make clinical decisions based on the best available research. Experts and international organisations have emphasised the need for healthcare professionals to possess adequate competencies for EBP. An EBP learning laboratory has been established at an Italian university to educate medical and other health professional students in the use of evidence in clinical practice and research. Students 4 Best Evidence (S4BE) is an online community of students from around the world, from school age to university, who are interested in learning more about EBP. As well as featuring a library of learning resources, the site also provides a platform for students to write their own blogs.

Objectives

The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of an EBP laboratory, using S4BE as an educational tool, to teach EBP competencies to undergraduate physiotherapy students.

Design

We ran an observational pretest and post-test study.

Participants and setting

The sample included 121 students completing a bachelor’s degree in Physiotherapy at an Italian University.

Intervention

The intervention consisted of using the S4BE platform as the digital Problem-Based Learning (DPBL) method to teach EBP competencies.

Main outcome measures

Results

The students showed a significant improvement in all domains (p<0.001), except in the sympathy domain, where the percentage score decreased from 71% to 60%. The best improvements were reached in terminology (54% to 65%) and in practice (41% to 55%) domains.

Conclusion

This study proposed an effective educational protocol, based on a DPBL approach, using S4BE as a digital technology tool. Further research is needed to test the effectiveness of this educational protocol compared with traditional learning methods for physiotherapy students.

Trial registration number

NCT03707119
.
Optimising the process for conducting scoping reviews
Authors: Pawliuk Colleen , Brown Helen L , Widger Kim , Dewan Tammie , Hermansen Anne-Mette , Grégoire Marie-Claude , Steele Rose , Siden Harold (Hal)
Published: October 2020

Knowledge synthesis constitutes a key part of evidence-based medicine and a scoping review is a type of knowledge synthesis that maps the breadth of literature on a topic. Conducting a scoping review is resource intensive and, as a result, it can be challenging to maintain best practices throughout the process. Much of the current guidance describes a scoping review framework or broad ways to conduct a scoping review. However, little detailed guidance exists on how to complete each stage to optimise the process. We present five recommendations based on our experience when conducting a particularly challenging scoping review: (1) engage the expertise of a librarian throughout the process, (2) conduct a truly systematic search, (3) facilitate communication and collaboration, (4) explore new tools or repurpose old ones, and (5) test every stage of the process. These recommendations add to the literature by providing specific and detailed advice on each stage of a scoping review. Our intent is for these recommendations to aid other teams that are undertaking knowledge synthesis projects.
Postmarketing studies: can they provide a safety net for COVID-19 vaccines in the UK?
Authors: Dhanda Sandeep , Osborne Vicki , Lynn Elizabeth , Shakir Saad
Published: October 2020

In the current era of the COVID-19 pandemic, the world has never been more interested in the process of vaccine development. While researchers across the globe race to find an effective yet safe vaccine to protect populations from the newly emergent SARS-CoV-2 virus, more than one-third of the world has been subjected to either full or partial lockdown measures. With communities having felt the burden of prolonged isolation, finding a safe and efficacious vaccine will yield direct beneficial effects on protecting against COVID-19 morbidity and mortality and help relieve the psychological and economic load on communities living with COVID-19. There is hope that with the extraordinary efforts of scientists a vaccine will become available. However, given the global public health crisis, development of a COVID-19 vaccine will need to be fast tracked through the usual prelicensing development stages and introduced with limited clinical trial data compared with those vaccines that are developed conventionally over more than a decade. In this scenario, surveillance of the vaccine in the real world becomes even more paramount. This responsibility falls to observational researchers who can provide an essential safety net by continuing to monitor the effectiveness and safety of a COVID-19 vaccine after licensing. Postauthorisation observational studies for safety and effectiveness are complementary to prelaunch clinical trials and not a replacement. In this paper, we highlight the importance of postmarketing studies for future newly licensed COVID-19 vaccines and the key epidemiological considerations.
Integration of strength training into UK Defence Rehabilitation practice: current trends and future challenges
Authors: Ladlow Peter , Conway D , Hayhurst D , Suffield C , Cassidy RP , Coppack RJ
Published: October 2020

The use of strength and conditioning (S&C) in musculoskeletal rehabilitation has gained wide acceptance among the rehabilitation community. However, there is an absence of evidence demonstrating how to best integrate the principles of S&C into rehabilitation practice. This article discusses four broad themes: (1) an overview of the UK Defence Rehabilitation care pathway, (2) the historical and current approaches to physical training to support operational readiness of the British Armed Forces, (3) the current and future challenges of integrating S&C into Defence Rehabilitation practice and (4) research priorities relating to the use of S&C in Defence Rehabilitation. We detail the importance of strength/power-based physical attributes within our military population. We recommend that consideration be given to the benefits of an alternative education/coaching-based model to be used during the current 3-week residential care pathway, which aims to ensure effective implementation of therapeutic S&C over a longer period of care.
Neurological rehabilitation following heat illness in the UK Armed Forces
Authors: Wilkins Daniel , O'Sullivan O , Sayer J , Penny L , Roiz de Sa D , Ellis H , Dharm-Datta S
Published: October 2020

Heat illness remains a significant threat to health in the UK Armed Forces despite recent improvements in the prevention of cases. A small number of heat illness survivors develop long-term neurological sequelae. Here we briefly review the background literature and present our experience of treating UK Armed Forces patients with neurological consequences of heat illness. In our cohort of patients, we observed significant improvements in subjective symptoms and objective assessments following a period of neurological rehabilitation at the Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre. We conclude with recommendations for further research and for the incorporation of screening for neurological disability following heat illness into service policy.
Reproductive patterns, pregnancy outcomes and parental leave practices of women physicians in Ontario, Canada: the Dr Mom Cohort Study protocol
Authors: Cusimano Maria C , Baxter Nancy N , Sutradhar Rinku , Ray Joel G , Garg Amit X , McArthur Eric , Vigod Simone , Simpson Andrea N
Published: October 2020

Introduction

Surveys and qualitative studies suggest that women physicians may delay childbearing, be at increased risk of adverse peripartum complications when they do become pregnant, and face discrimination and lower earnings as a result of parenthood. Observational studies enrolling large, representative samples of women physicians are needed to accurately evaluate their reproductive patterns, pregnancy outcomes, parental leave practices and earnings. This protocol provides a detailed research plan for such studies.

Methods and analysis

The Dr Mom Cohort Study encompasses a series of retrospective observational studies of women physicians in Ontario, Canada. All practising physicians in Ontario are registered with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). By linking a dataset of physicians from the CPSO to existing provincial administrative databases, which hold health data and physician billing records, we will be able to retrospectively assess the healthcare utilisation, work practices and pregnancy outcomes of women physicians at the population level. Specific outcomes of interest include: (1) rates and timing of pregnancy; (2) pregnancy-related care and complications; and (3) duration of parental leave and subsequent earnings, each of which will be evaluated with regression methods appropriate to the form of the outcome. We estimate that, at minimum, 5000 women physicians will be eligible for inclusion.

Ethics and dissemination

This protocol has been approved by the Research Ethics Board at St. Michael’s Hospital in Toronto, Ontario, Canada (#18–248). We will disseminate findings through several peer-reviewed publications, presentations at national and international meetings, and engagement of physicians, residency programmes, department heads and medical societies.
Experience of fatigue and associated factors among adult people living with HIV attending ART clinic: a hospital-based cross-sectional study in Ethiopia
Authors: Baye Moges , Fisseha Berihu , Bayisa Mulugeta , Abebe Solomon Mekonnen , Janakiraman Balamurugan
Published: October 2020

Objective

This study aimed to determine the prevalence of fatigue and the factors associated among adult people living with HIV attending antiretroviral therapy clinic in Gondar town, Ethiopia.

Design

Cross-sectional.

Setting

Governmental health facility that provides HIV care in Gondar town.

Outcome measure

Fatigue is defined by nine items version Fatigue Severity Scale.

Participants

Adult (aged 18 and above) people living with HIV in Gondar town (n=392).

Result

A total of 408 HIV seropositive adults were approached for consent, among which 392 participants consented to participate in this study, with a response rate of 96.1%. The mean age of the participants was 40.5±8.5 years. The prevalence of HIV-related fatigue was 53.3% and about 66% of women living with HIV experienced fatigue. The factors associated with fatigue experience were; female gender (adjusted OR (AOR): 2.61, 95% CI 1.01 to 5.3), being married (AOR: 0.18, 95% CI 0.10 to 0.9), low income (AOR: 7.1, 95% CI 4.6 to 22.15), unemployed (AOR: 2.79, 95% CI 1.19 to 9.84), parity (AOR: 4.87, 95% CI 2.18 to 17.9), being anaemic (AOR: 12.45, 95% CI 5.6 to 41.01), depression (AOR: 4.51, 95% CI 1.91 to 11.20), mild weight loss (AOR: 4.2 95% CI 2.56 to 13.9) and moderate weight loss (AOR: 5.1, 95% CI 1.85 to 16.12), respectively.

Conclusion

The findings of this study revealed that experiencing fatigue is quite common among adult people living with HIV. It is important for the healthcare professionals and people living with HIV to understand; the possible causes of fatigue, remedies and ways to reclaim energy. The predisposing factors and complications that cause fatigue should be aggressively diagnosed and treated by the clinicians. Further qualitative studies exploring the reasons for experiencing HIV-related fatigue might help designing interventions.
Longus capitis and rectus capitis ventralis minor rupture in a horse following general anaesthesia for a laryngeal tie‐forward procedure
Authors: Thomas Imogen , Dixon Jonathon J , Fraser Barny
Published: October 2020

The authors present a case of a racehorse with acute respiratory distress, bilateral epistaxis and laryngeal swelling following a laryngeal tie‐forward procedure. An emergency tracheostomy was performed following brief endoscopic examination identifying significant pharyngeal collapse and a minimally patent airway. No cranial nerve deficits or obvious neurological abnormalities were present. Lateral radiographs ruled out a fracture and provided a preliminary diagnosis of hyperextension injury. CT 24 hours later showed marked soft tissue swelling consistent with haemorrhage associated with the ventral straight muscles, causing median septum disruption. No fractures were identified. Endoscopy four days postoperatively confirmed the haemorrhage was external to the guttural pouches consistent with ventral straight muscle rupture. The horse was treated conservatively with five weeks of box rest. The tracheostomy tube was removed 19 days postoperatively. The horse was then discharged and gradually returned to exercise, winning a race nine months later.
Effects of simulated warming on bacterial diversity and abundance in tropical soils from East Malaysia using open top chambers
Authors: Chua Chuen Yang , Wong Clemente Michael Vui Ling
Published: October 2020

The effects of global warming are increasingly evident, where global surface temperatures and atmospheric concentration of carbon dioxide have increased in past decades. Given the role of terrestrial bacteria in various ecological functions, it is important to understand how terrestrial bacteria would respond towards higher environmental temperatures. This study aims to determine soil bacterial diversity in the tropics and their response towards in situ warming using an open-top chamber (OTC). OTCs were set up in areas exposed to sunlight throughout the year in the tropical region in Malaysia. Soil samples were collected every 3 months to monitor changes in bacterial diversity using V3–V4 16S rDNA amplicon sequencing inside the OTCs (treatment plots) and outside the OTCs (control plots). After 12 months of simulated warming, an average increase of 0.81 to 1.15 °C was recorded in treatment plots. Significant changes in the relative abundance of bacterial phyla such as Bacteroidetes and Chloroflexi were reported. Increases in the relative abundance of Actinobacteria were also observed in treatment plots after 12 months. Substantial changes were observed at the genus level, where most bacterial genera decreased in relative abundance after 12 months. This study demonstrated that warming can alter soil bacteria in tropical soils from Kota Kinabalu.
Epigenetic regulation of ACE2, the receptor of the SARS-CoV-2 virus1
Authors: Beacon Tasnim H. , Delcuve Geneviève P. , Davie James R.
Published: October 2020

The angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) is the receptor for the three coronaviruses HCoV-NL63, SARS-CoV, and SARS-CoV-2. ACE2 is involved in the regulation of the renin-angiotensin system and blood pressure. ACE2 is also involved in the regulation of several signaling pathways, including integrin signaling. ACE2 expression is regulated transcriptionally and post-transcriptionally. The expression of the gene is regulated by two promoters, with usage varying among tissues. ACE2 expression is greatest in the small intestine, kidney, and heart and detectable in a variety of tissues and cell types. Herein we review the chemical and mechanical signal transduction pathways regulating the expression of the ACE2 gene and the epigenetic/chromatin features of the expressed gene.
Split Attention Pointer Network for Source Code Language Modeling
Authors: Zhou Zhimin , Chen Zhongwen
Published: October 2020

There is a growing interest in leveraging Deep Learning (DL) for automating Software Engineering tasks such as program completion. In this paper, we leverage Recurrent Neural Networks (RNNs) for Abstract Syntax Tree (AST)-based code completion. Our approach converts source code into AST nodes and a language model predicts the type and value attributes of next tokens. Our work demonstrates that the attention augmented RNN-based language models are able to understand local context and copy from recent past tokens which have never appeared in the training data set. We observed a drop of performances of both type and value predictions when using a traditional pointer network architecture for out-of-vocabulary (OoV) copying and context understanding, which we call multi-task conflict. To address this challenge, we have devised a new structure of self-attention called Split Attention, where two separate dot-product layers are applied to different parts of the history cache. Based on this structure, we propose a new network called Split Attention Pointer Network (SAPN), which is efficient and flexible in both learning local context and copying OoV tokens from history. The empirical results suggest that our model is superior in syntax-aware generation and OoV token prediction by demonstrating attention behavior similar to human programmers. The results also indicate that our model out performs previous state-of-the-art approaches by more than 6% on widely recognized program completion benchmarks.