bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dynamic Amplification of Transit Loads due to Derailment Impact
Authors: Lobo John A. , MacNeill Robert
Published: June 2022

This work presents the results of a study on the amplification of live load in the vertical direction due to derailment of a train, i.e. derailment impact. The study was performed using numerical models based on a single span precast prestressed concrete girder bridge, with a range of typical stiffness values. Two representative transit vehicles were considered. The transit vehicles were modeled in LS-DYNA, accounting for all geometry, stiffness and damping of the car body and suspension system. The bridge was idealized as a spring-supported rigid surface, with the spring stiffness related to the computed stiffness of the full composite bridge structure. The model simulated the condition of the vehicle derailing and falling vertically through the height of rail and supporting plinth to impact the deck of the bridge. Two different drops were considered, representing the height of rail only and height of rail plus plinth structure. Derailment impact was estimated as the difference between effects of the static load applied to the rails and the dynamic force due to the derailed vehicle impacting the deck. The study also examined the effects of structure stiffness by considering two additional values of stiffness values, representing the range of stiffness expected in typical transit structures. The results showed that the peak amplification of live load due to derailment varied from 300% to 625% over the range of stiffness and vertical train drop considered. The results are based on simplified conditions and compare only peak amplification but are high enough to warrant a more detailed examination of and approach to the derailment forces currently used in North American codes to determine more accurate loads.
Agile Model-Based Systems Engineering of Passenger Train Operational Design
Authors: Barrett Josh , Wang Nan , Carricajo Clara , Dalbavie Jeanne-Marie
Published: June 2022

The Railway industry is facing a productivity issue as is often publicised with regular delays in rolling stock projects [1]. Plus, there is a growing need for innovation in remote services and management that have become the new normal during the COVID-19 pandemic. It drives a need for better Systems Engineering (SE) methods which include increased automation and dependence between systems and system performance, increasing number of disparate specialist engineering teams. [2] The aim of this paper is to develop an adaptable model which expresses the operational behavior of a train system in different railway environments, this model will be quickly and accurately configured to a specific environment to define the needs for a specific passenger service mission. Preventing late changes (cost and time-saving) by generating the right system requirements at the very early design phase through agile Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) approach is the key benefit. Another goal includes increased productivity by minimizing unnecessary manual transcription of concepts when coordinating the work of large teams. This Generic* functional model of a Rolling Stock system can be configured to define specific products for an operator or Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM).
Wear Depth Analysis for Rail-Car Wheels: Case of Addis Ababa Light Rail Transit Service
Authors: Abubeker Samrawit , Nkundineza Celestin
Published: June 2022

Railway transportation is a superior mean of all modes of transport. Specifically, it has gained a crucial role in limiting traffic congestion in heavily crowded regions and in reducing polluting carbon emissions. In this perspective, rolling contact fatigue of railway components is the most crucial subject because it has an important role in determining the operational reliability of the wheel/rail system. Because of wheel wear, wheel re-profiling is usually required for proper wheel-rail interaction. However, wheel re-profiling reduces the wheel radius and increase flange thickness. Therefore, the strain energy density in the wheel tread is expected to increase while the strain energy on the flange is expected to decrease in the re-profiled wheel. This effect would either increase or decrease the life of the wheel depending on reprofiling frequency is done. On the other hand, the maintenance costs are expected to increase as the re-profiling frequency increases. For quality service and improvement of the service life of the railway wheels, with reduction of the maintenance cost, a problem-solving research idea is formulated through comparing the expected wear depth and the current operational wear depth. Therefore, this study is focused on the influence of reprofiling on the wear depth of a railway wheel. The adopted method in this study is based on analyzing reprofiling data of worn-out non- re-profiled and re-profiled railway wheel. A case study is taken at Addis Ababa Light Rail Transit Service (AALRTS). The wheel profiles are generated through measurement before and after profiling at AALRTS. In a single pair of models of a worn-out wheel and a reprofiled one, the results show that the re-profiling process affects the wear depth. It increases by 18 mm after 75028 km while the expected wear depth is 1.43 mm for the same mileage.
A Cyber-Physical Security Framework for Rail Transportation Data Systems
Authors: Aziminejad Arash
Published: June 2022

The rail transport networks have become overwhelmingly digital, with a diverse range of data traffic flowing across systems to track, monitor, and control both electronic/electrical and mechanical subsystems. Introduction of advanced electronic platforms and communications across networks supporting mission-critical public services have significantly emphasized the challenge for detection, containment, and remediation of possible disruptions. Moreover, as the tendency for Internet-of-Things grows among field hardware and control systems, the added vulnerabilities further augment the potential for availability outages and hostile or non-premeditated disruptions to physical assets. Hence, there is a need to develop a cyber-physical perspective to analyze and assess cross-domain attack/defense scenarios and intricate physical repercussions of cyber breaches.

The presented research aims to elaborate on characteristics of a comprehensive, holistic, and integrated cyber-physical framework in the context of rail transportation, where instead of the traditional data protection and privacy concerns, the focus revolves around safety-oriented operational resilience and integrity. As a main contribution of the research, the planning challenges involved with implementation of an enterprise-wide cybersecurity vulnerability management methodology are investigated at both strategic and tactical levels. Based on lessons learned from practical real-life project scenarios, best practices recommendations are proposed to mitigate the cyber risk more efficiently and enhance safety, availability, and integrity of the protected network and physical assets.
Forecasting Track Geometry Degradation Using GPR Based Ballast Condition
Authors: Zarembski Allan M. , Palese Joseph W. , Nguyen Mike
Published: June 2022

The ability to predict track geometry degradation is of critical importance in planning of track maintenance operations. This paper presents results of an FRA sponsored study on the relationship between track geometry degradation and ballast condition as measured by Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR). The study examined six different sites on a major Class 1 freight Railroad, with a range of ballast conditions and tie types, and developed a relationship between the rate of degradation of key track geometry parameters, profile (surface), and cross-level, as a function of two GPR measured ballast parameters: Ballast Fouling Index and Fouling Depth Layer (depth of clean ballast layer). The study sites included both fouled and clean ballast conditions that were monitored for track geometry on a very frequent basis (every two to four weeks) and also experienced multiple GPR measurements during that same period. Data analytic techniques were applied to this large data set to develop a relationship between rate of geometry degradation and ballast fouling condition and depth of ballast. The results showed a statistically significant relationship between high rates of geometry degradation and poor subsurface conditions as defined by the GPR parameters. A predictive model was developed to project and forecast geometry degradation as a function of ballast conditions.
Smart Switch: The Application of Fiber Optic Continuous Strain Sensing to the Railroad Turnouts
Authors: Smith Frank J. , Ghofrani Faeze
Published: June 2022

This paper discusses the application of Fiber Optic-based Continuous Strain Sensing (FOCSS) to Switches (a.k.a. railroad turnouts) and presents the resulting benefits. The FOCSS technology allows effective rail break detection to all parts of the switch and reliable point position detection in a secure environment.
Statistical analysis of pulsed spark discharges in water: Effects of gap distance, electrode material, and voltage polarity on discharge characteristics
Authors: Dorval Audren , Geraud Korentin , Valensi Flavien , Hamdan Ahmad
Published: June 2022

Repetitive discharges in dielectric liquid are involved in many technological applications. The relatively poor reproducibility of such discharges, induced by significant modification of experimental conditions (electrode and liquid), hinders the understanding of their fundamental dynamics and optimizing processes. In this paper, we study the electrical characteristics of multiple discharges run in de-ionized water, at low frequency (3 Hz), using pin-to-plate electrode geometry, under varying conditions of gap distance (50–500 μm), electrode composition (Cu and W), and voltage polarity (amplitude of ±20 kV and pulse width of 500 ns). The voltage and current waveforms of each occurring discharge are recorded and then processed to determine the probability of discharge occurrence, breakdown voltage, discharge current, discharge delay, injected charge, and injected energy. The results show that the highest numbers of occurring discharges are achieved at shortest distance, using the Cu electrode, and negative polarity. The data points comprising the electrical characteristics waveforms (e.g., breakdown voltage) are more or less dispersed, depending on the electrode composition and voltage polarity. Moreover, in negative polarity, a reflected positive pulse of ∼5 kV is observed when discharges do not occur in the first pulse. Considering that these pulses may induce discharges, their characteristics are also provided. Finally, the voltage-current plots show appreciable dependence on discharge conditions, and the data are well fitted by linear profiles with slopes, i.e., resistances, that may reflect the ignition conditions of the discharge.
Zonated leucine sensing by Sestrin-mTORC1 in the liver controls the response to dietary leucine
Authors: Cangelosi Andrew L. , Puszynska Anna M. , Roberts Justin M. , Armani Andrea , Nguyen Thao P. , Spinelli Jessica B. , Kunchok Tenzin , Wang Brianna , Chan Sze Ham , Lewis Caroline A. , Comb William C. , Bell George W. , Helman Aharon , Sabatini David M.
Published: June 2022

The mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) kinase controls growth in response to nutrients, including the amino acid leucine. In cultured cells, mTORC1 senses leucine through the leucine-binding Sestrin proteins, but the physiological functions and distribution of Sestrin-mediated leucine sensing in mammals are unknown. We find that mice lacking Sestrin1 and Sestrin2 cannot inhibit mTORC1 upon dietary leucine deprivation and suffer a rapid loss of white adipose tissue (WAT) and muscle. The WAT loss is driven by aberrant mTORC1 activity and fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) production in the liver. Sestrin expression in the liver lobule is zonated, accounting for zone-specific regulation of mTORC1 activity and FGF21 induction by leucine. These results establish the mammalian Sestrins as physiological leucine sensors and reveal a spatial organization to nutrient sensing by the mTORC1 pathway.
Cooling the pain
Authors: Jiang Shan , Hong Guosong
Published: June 2022

A miniaturized, flexible cooling device can be used for precise analgesia
A specific circuit in the midbrain detects stress and induces restorative sleep
Authors: Yu Xiao , Zhao Guangchao , Wang Dan , Wang Sa , Li Rui , Li Ao , Wang Huan , Nollet Mathieu , Chun You Young , Zhao Tianyuan , Yustos Raquel , Li Huiming , Zhao Jianshuai , Li Jiannan , Cai Min , Vyssotski Alexei L. , Li Yulong , Dong Hailong , Franks Nicholas P. , Wisden William
Published: June 2022

In mice, social defeat stress (SDS), an ethological model for psychosocial stress, induces sleep. Such sleep could enable resilience, but how stress promotes sleep is unclear. Activity-dependent tagging revealed a subset of ventral tegmental area γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)–somatostatin (VTA

Vgat-Sst

) cells that sense stress and drive non–rapid eye movement (NREM) and REM sleep through the lateral hypothalamus and also inhibit corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) release in the paraventricular hypothalamus. Transient stress enhances the activity of VTA

Vgat-Sst

cells for several hours, allowing them to exert their sleep effects persistently. Lesioning of VTA

Vgat-Sst

cells abolished SDS-induced sleep; without it, anxiety and corticosterone concentrations remained increased after stress. Thus, a specific circuit allows animals to restore mental and body functions by sleeping, potentially providing a refined route for treating anxiety disorders.
The digital citizen
Dignity in a Digital Age
Ro Khanna
Simon & Schuster, 2022. 368 pp.
The Digital Republic
Jamie Susskind
Pegasus, 2022. 304 pp.
Authors: Neblo Michael , White Avery
Published: June 2022

Two new books advocate for technological agency
Sleeping off stress
Authors: Joëls Marian , de Kloet E. Ronald
Published: June 2022

Social defeat activates midbrain cells, promoting sleep and reducing anxiety in mice
Endocytosed HIV-1 Envelope Glycoprotein Traffics to Rab14+Late Endosomes and Lysosomes to Regulate Surface Levels in T-Cell Lines
Authors: Hoffman Huxley K. , Aguilar Rebekah S. , Clark Austin R. , Groves Nicholas S. , Pezeshkian Nairi , Bruns Merissa M. , van Engelenburg Schuyler B.
Published: June 2022

HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein (Env) evades immune neutralization through many mechanisms. One immune evasion strategy may result from the internalization of excess surface-exposed Env to prevent antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity or neutralization.
Plant-Derived Catechols Are Substrates of TonB-Dependent Transporters and Sensitize Pseudomonas aeruginosa to Siderophore-Drug Conjugates
Authors: Luscher Alexandre , Gasser Véronique , Bumann Dirk , Mislin Gaëtan L. A. , Schalk Isabelle J. , Köhler Thilo
Published: June 2022

Iron is an essential element for living organisms. Most bacteria synthesize species-specific iron chelators, called siderophores, able to capture iron from their host or the environment.
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
, an opportunistic pathogen, produces two endogenous siderophores but is able to acquire iron also via xenosiderophores, produced by other bacteria or fungi, using a set of conserved TonB transporters.
High-Quality Genome Assembly of Nannochloris desiccata 2437 and Its Associated Bacterial Community
Authors: Sanders Claire K. , Biondi Thomas C. , Eng Wyatt , Kunde Yuliya A. , Hovde Blake T. , Dale Taraka
Published: June 2022

High-quality genome sequences were generated for the nonaxenic marine microalga
Nannochloris desiccata
UTEX 2437 and eight of its associated environmental bacterial species.
N. desiccata
UTEX 2437 is diploid, and its 20.738-Mbp nuclear genome sequence is assembled in 29 contigs.
SARS-CoV-2 Seroconversion in Response to Infection and Vaccination: a Time Series Local Study in Brazil
Authors: Huergo Luciano F. , Paula Nigella M. , Gonçalves Ana C. A. , Kluge Carlos H. S. , Marins Paulo H. S. A. , Camargo Haxley S. C. , Sant’Ana Thamyres P. , Farias Lucas R. P. , Aldrighi Juliane D. , Lima Ênio S. , Jacotenski Guiomar T. , Vargas Letícia R. , Costa Gisele , Weissheimer Karin V. , Nazário Maria G. , Teixeira Kádima N. , Conzentino Marcelo S.
Published: June 2022

The investigation of antibodies raised against SARS-CoV-2 can help to determine the extent of previous SARS-CoV-2 infections and track the humoral response to vaccination. Here we describe a time series anti-nucleocapsid, anti-spike IgG serological survey in the city of Matinhos, PR, Brazil during the year of 2021.
The Self-Bleaching Process of Microcystis aeruginosa is Delayed by a Symbiotic Bacterium Pseudomonas sp. MAE1-K and Promoted by Methionine Deficiency
Authors: Jung Jaejoon , Baek Ju Hye , Lee Yunho , Jeong Sang Eun , Jeon Che Ok
Published: June 2022

Cyanobacterial blooms in freshwaters represent serious global concerns for the ecosystem and human health. In this study, we found that one of the major species in cyanobacterial blooms,
Microcystis aeruginosa
, was quickly collapsed after exponential growth by producing self-bleaching compounds and that a symbiotic bacterium,
Pseudomonas
sp.
The building blocks of community health systems: a systems framework for the design, implementation and evaluation of iCCM programs and community-based interventions
Authors: Karim Aliya , de Savigny Don , Awor Phyllis , Cobos Muñoz Daniel , Mäusezahl Daniel , Kitoto Tshefu Antoinette , Ngaima Jean Serge , Enebeli Ugo , Isiguzo Chinwoke , Nsona Humphreys , Ogbonnaya Ikechi , Ngoy Pascal , Alegbeleye Ayo
Published: June 2022

Introduction

Almost all sub-Saharan African countries have adopted some form of integrated community case management (iCCM) to reduce child mortality, a strategy targeting common childhood diseases in hard-to-reach communities. These programs are complex, maintain diverse implementation typologies and involve many components that can influence the potential success of a program or its ability to effectively perform at scale. While tools and methods exist to support the design and implementation of iCCM and measure its progress, these may not holistically consider some of its key components, which can include program structure, setting context and the interplay between community, human resources, program inputs and health system processes.

Methods

We propose a Global South-driven, systems-based framework that aims to capture these different elements and expand on the fundamental domains of iCCM program implementation. We conducted a content analysis developing a code frame based on iCCM literature, a review of policy documents and discussions with key informants. The framework development was guided by a combination of health systems conceptual frameworks and iCCM indices.

Results

The resulting framework yielded 10 thematic domains comprising 106 categories. These are complemented by a catalogue of critical questions that program designers, implementers and evaluators can ask at various stages of program development to stimulate meaningful discussion and explore the potential implications of implementation in decentralised settings.

Conclusion

The iCCM Systems Framework proposed here aims to complement existing intervention benchmarks and indicators by expanding the scope and depth of the thematic components that comprise it. Its elements can also be adapted for other complex community interventions. While not exhaustive, the framework is intended to highlight the many forces involved in iCCM to help managers better harmonise the organisation and evaluation of their programs and examine their interactions within the larger health system.
Risk profiles of frequent outpatients among public assistance recipients in Japan: a retrospective cohort study using a classification and regression trees algorithm
Authors: Nishioka Daisuke , Kino Shiho , Ueno Keiko , Kondo Naoki
Published: June 2022

Objectives

Although several individual risk factors of frequent outpatient attendance (FOA) have previously been reported, identifying a specific risk profile is needed to provide effective intervention for impoverished citizens with complex biopsychosocial needs. We aimed to identify potential risk profiles of FOA among public assistance recipients in Japan by using classification and regression trees (CART) and discussed the possibilities of applying the CART to policypractice as compared with the results of conventional regression analyses.

Design

We conducted a retrospective cohort study.

Setting

We used secondary data from the public assistance databases of six municipalities in Japan.

Participants

The study population included all adults on public assistance in April 2016, observed until March 2017. We obtained the data of 15 739 people on public assistance. During the observational period, 435 recipients (2.7%) experienced FOA.

Outcome measure

We dichotomised a cumulative incidence of FOA during the study period into a binary variable of exhibiting FOA or not. We adopted the definition of FOA by the Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare: visiting the same medical institution more than 15 days a month.

Results

The results of the CART showed that an employed subpopulation with mental disabilities exhibited the highest risk of FOA (incidence proportion: 16.7%). Meanwhile, multiple Poisson regression showed that the adjusted incidence ratio of being unemployed (vs employed) was 1.71 (95% CI 1.13 to 2.59).

Conclusions

Using the CART model, we could identify specific risk profiles that could have been overlooked when considering only the risk factors obtained from regression analysis. Public health activities can be provided effectively by focusing on risk factors and the risk profiles.
Protocol for a systematic review on routine use of antibiotics for infants less than 6 months of age with growth failure/faltering
Authors: Imdad Aamer , Chen Fanny F , François Melissa , Tanner-Smith Emily , Smith Abigail , Tsistinas Olivia J , Das Jai K , Bhutta Zulfiqar Ahmed
Published: June 2022

Introduction

Antibiotics have been used as an adjunct in treating children with severe acute malnutrition 6–59 months of age; however, the data for infants less than 6 months are scarce. The WHO recently started guideline development for preventing and treating wasting, including growth failure/faltering in infants less than 6 months. This systematic review commissioned by WHO aims to synthesise evidence from current literature on the effectiveness of antibiotics for infants less than 6 months of age with growth failure/faltering.

Methods and analysis

We will conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis for studies that assessed the effect of antibiotics in the treatment of infants with growth faltering. We will search multiple electronic databases. We will include randomised control trials and non-randomised studies with a control arm. The study population is infants less than 6 months of age with growth failure. The intervention group will be infants who received no antibiotics or antibiotics other than recommended in 2013 guidelines by WHO to treat severe acute malnutrition in children. The comparison group will be infants who received antibiotics according to the 2013 guideline by WHO. We will consider the following outcomes: mortality, clinical deterioration, antimicrobial resistance, recovery from comorbidity, adverse events, markers of intestinal inflammation, markers of systemic inflammation, hospital-acquired infections, non-response. We will use the meta-analysis to pool the studies where applicable. We will use the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation approach to reporting the overall evidence quality for an outcome.

Ethics and dissemination

This is a systematic review and will not involve contact with a human subject. The findings of this review will be published in a peer-review journal and will guide the WHO’s recommendation for the use of antibiotics in infants less than 6 months of age with growth failure.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42021277073.
Gross and applied anatomy pedagogical approaches in occupational therapy education: protocol for a scoping review
Authors: Dove Erica , Hennessy Kelly , Kirou-Mauro Athena , Aitkens Lorna , Duncan Andrea , Agur Anne , Ho Emily S
Published: June 2022

Introduction

Historically, dissection is considered the ‘gold standard’ for teaching foundational anatomy to student occupational therapists. However, many programmes no longer have access to gross anatomy laboratory resources, as it is considered too costly. To address this limitation, applied anatomy instructors have developed innovative novel approaches to teach gross and applied anatomy to student occupational therapists, including live/surface anatomy, medical imaging, and more recently, computer-aided instruction. The types of different anatomy pedagogical approaches used and their impact on learning outcomes in occupational therapy education are unclear. The purpose of this scoping review is to map the types of musculoskeletal gross and applied anatomy pedagogical approaches used in occupational therapy curricula.

Methods and analysis

Using Arksey and O’Malley’s (2005) six-stage scoping review framework, approximately 304 different search combinations will be searched across five electronic library databases (ie, MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, AMED and ERIC) from their inception to December 2021, in addition to conducting consultation exercises with relevant stakeholders. After title/abstract and full-text screening, included articles will be charted, collated and summarised.

Ethics and dissemination

This study will not involve human or animal subjects. Therefore, research ethics approval is not required. The proposed scoping review will help the research, institutional and clinical rehabilitation communities to better understand the types of musculoskeletal gross and applied anatomy pedagogical approaches used to foster, build and promote musculoskeletal foundational knowledge in occupational therapy education. This could potentially inform the future physical medicine course curricula in occupational therapy programmes. The findings of this review will be disseminated to occupational therapy instructors, occupational therapists, researchers and organisations offering occupational therapy programmes (eg, Universities).
Using nasal sprays to prevent respiratory tract infections: a qualitative study of online consumer reviews and primary care patient interviews
Authors: Williamson Sian , Dennison Laura , Greenwell Kate , Denison-Day James , Mowbray Fiona , Richards-Hall Samantha , Smith Deb , Bradbury Katherine , Ainsworth Ben , Little Paul , Geraghty Adam W A , Yardley Lucy
Published: June 2022

Objectives

Nasal sprays could be a promising approach to preventing respiratory tract infections (RTIs). This study explored lay people’s perceptions and experiences of using nasal sprays to prevent RTIs to identify barriers and facilitators to their adoption and continued use.

Design

Qualitative research. Study 1 thematically analysed online consumer reviews of an RTI prevention nasal spray. Study 2 interviewed patients about their reactions to and experiences of a digital intervention that promotes and supports nasal spray use for RTI prevention (reactively: at ‘first signs’ of infection and preventatively: following possible/probable exposure to infection). Interview transcripts were analysed using thematic analysis.

Setting

Primary care, UK.

Participants

407 online customer reviews. 13 purposively recruited primary care patients who had experienced recurrent infections and/or had risk factors for severe infections.

Results

Both studies identified various factors that might influence nasal spray use including: high motivation to avoid RTIs, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic; fatalistic views about RTIs; beliefs about alternative prevention methods; the importance of personal recommendation; perceived complexity and familiarity of nasal sprays; personal experiences of spray success or failure; tolerable and off-putting side effects; concerns about medicines; and the nose as unpleasant and unhygienic.

Conclusions

People who suffer disruptive, frequent or severe RTIs or who are vulnerable to RTIs are interested in using a nasal spray for prevention. They also have doubts and concerns and may encounter problems. Some of these may be reduced or eliminated by providing nasal spray users with information and advice that addresses these concerns or helps people overcome difficulties.
Study protocol for using a smartphone application to investigate speech biomarkers of Parkinson’s disease and other synucleinopathies: SMARTSPEECH
Authors: Kouba Tomáš , Illner Vojtěch , Rusz Jan
Published: June 2022

Introduction

Early identification of Parkinson’s disease (PD) in its prodromal stage has fundamental implications for the future development of neuroprotective therapies. However, no sufficiently accurate biomarkers of prodromal PD are currently available to facilitate early identification. The vocal assessment of patients with isolated rapid eye movement sleep behaviour disorder (iRBD) and PD appears to have intriguing potential as a diagnostic and progressive biomarker of PD and related synucleinopathies.

Methods and analysis

Speech patterns in the spontaneous speech of iRBD, early PD and control participants’ voice calls will be collected from data acquired via a developed smartphone application over a period of 2 years. A significant increase in several aspects of PD-related speech disorders is expected, and is anticipated to reflect the underlying neurodegeneration processes.

Ethics and dissemination

The study has been approved by the Ethics Committee of the General University Hospital in Prague, Czech Republic and all the participants will provide written, informed consent prior to their inclusion in the research. The application satisfies the General Data Protection Regulation law requirements of the European Union. The study findings will be published in peer-reviewed journals and presented at international scientific conferences.
Factors associated with, and variations in, COVID-19 hospital death rates in England’s first two waves: observational study
Authors: Bottle Alex , Faitna Puji , Brett Stephen , Aylin Paul
Published: June 2022

Objectives

To assess patient-level and hospital-level predictors of death and variation in death rates following admission for COVID-19 in England’s first two waves after accounting for random variation. To quantify the correlation between hospitals’ first and second wave death rates.

Design

Observational study using administrative data.

Setting

Acute non-specialist hospitals in England.

Participants

All patients admitted with a primary diagnosis of COVID-19.

Primary and secondary outcomes

In-hospital death.

Results

Hospital Episode Statistics (HES) data were extracted for all acute hospitals in England for COVID-19 admissions from March 2020 to March 2021. In wave 1 (March to July 2020), there were 74 484 admissions and 21 883 deaths (crude rate 29.4%); in wave 2 (August 2020 to March 2021), there were 165 642 admissions and 36 040 deaths (21.8%). Wave 2 patients were younger, with more hypertension and obesity but lower rates of other comorbidities. Mortality improved for all ages; in wave 2, it peaked in December 2020 at 24.2% (lower than wave 1’s peak) but halved by March 2021. In multiple multilevel modelling combining HES with hospital-level data from Situational Reports, wave 2 and wave 1 variables significantly associated with death were mostly the same. The median odds ratio for wave 1 was just 1.05 and for wave 2 was 1.07. At 99.8% control limits, 3% of hospitals were high and 7% were low funnel plot outliers in wave 1; these figures were 9% and 12% for wave 2. Four hospitals were (low) outliers in both waves. The correlation between hospitals’ adjusted mortality rates between waves was 0.45 (p<0.0001). Length of stay was similar in each wave.

Conclusions

England’s first two COVID-19 waves were similar regarding predictors and moderate interhospital variation. Despite the challenges, variation in death rates and length of stay between hospitals was modest and might be accounted for by unobserved patient factors.
Determinants of subjective well-being among migrant and local elderly in China: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Yuxi Liu , Ingviya Thammasin , Sangthong Rassamee , Wan Chonghua
Published: June 2022

Objectives

The study aimed to examine the association between individual and community levels in relation to subjective well-being (SWB) among the migrant and local elderly. It particularly focuses on the extent to which and the ways in which the residential environment of migrant and local elderly influences their SWB.

Design

A cross-sectional study.

Setting

Our study was conducted in Dongguan City, China.

Participants

Two groups of elderly (aged >60 years), including migrants and local residents, were recruited. A total of 470 migrants and 422 local residents participated in this study.

Main outcome measures

SWB was assessed by the Memorial University of Newfoundland Scale of Happiness.

Results

The community-level health facility density had a positive association with SWB (B=0.38, p<0.01), whereas the financial facility density had a negative association (B=−0.42, p<0.01). The density of health and financial facilities affected the local elderly more than the migrant elderly. Social cohesion is an aspect of the social environment of the community that influenced elders’ SWB (B=0.72, p<0.001).

Conclusions

The primary determinants of SWB for both the migrant and local elderly included individual, societal and environmental factors.
Perceptions of medical doctors living in Ethiopia about physician migration: a qualitative study
Authors: Sedeta Ephrem Tadele , Abicho Temesgen Beyene , Jobre Bilain Yilma
Published: June 2022

Objectives

Migration of physicians is one of the most pressing global health problems of our time with the greatest implications in sub-Saharan African countries. Although other studies have explored and produced important quantitative data about the impact of medical migration in the health sector of Ethiopia, the motive behind Ethiopian physician migration have been explored less thoroughly. This article explores the perceptions of a group of physicians about the complicated and continuously evolving driving forces of physician migration in Ethiopia.

Design

Qualitative study using in-depth, virtual semistructured interviews.

Participants

Using purposive sampling, 12 physicians participated.

Setting

Skype interviews with 12 participants working in Tikur Anbessa Specialised Hospital in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Results

Four themes emerged reflecting the perceptions of Ethiopian medical doctors on the driving forces of physician migration: (1) Economic push and pull factors; (2) Professional push and pull factors; (3) Social and Political push and pull factors and (4) Medical migration governance.

Conclusion

The emigration of Ethiopian physicians is made after weighing the push and pull factors. Push factors are more crucial than pull factors, and financial reasons play the leading role. Junior physician unemployment, politicisation of hospital administration, and poor medical migration governance are growing problems. Junior physician unemployment is a recent phenomenon in Ethiopia and with a potential to be a leading push factor if appropriate intervention is not taken. The findings of this study are worrying and urge for comprehensive solutions to be devised by policy-makers to deal with physician migration in Ethiopia.
Housing and health: an updated glossary
Authors: Mansour Adelle , Bentley Rebecca , Baker Emma , Li Ang , Martino Erika , Clair Amy , Daniel Lyrian , Mishra Shiva Raj , Howard Natasha J , Phibbs Peter , Jacobs David E , Beer Andrew , Blakely Tony , Howden-Chapman Philippa
Published: June 2022

Recent crises have underscored the importance that housing has in sustaining good health and, equally, its potential to harm health. Considering this and building on Howden-Chapman’s early glossary of housing and health and the WHO Housing and Health Guidelines, this paper introduces a range of housing and health-related terms, reflecting almost 20 years of development in the field. It defines key concepts currently used in research, policy and practice to describe housing in relation to health and health inequalities. Definitions are organised by three overarching aspects of housing: affordability (including housing affordability stress (HAS) and fuel poverty), suitability (including condition, accessibility and sustainable housing) and security (including precarious housing and homelessness). Each of these inter-related aspects of housing can be either protective of, or detrimental to, health. This glossary broadens our understanding of the relationship between housing and health to further promote interdisciplinarity and strengthen the nexus between these fields.
Efficacy and safety of subcutaneous clonidine for refractory symptoms in palliative medicine: a retrospective study
Authors: Howard Paul , Curtin John
Published: June 2022

Objectives

To investigate the efficacy and safety of subcutaneous clonidine for refractory symptoms in the palliative setting.

Methods

A retrospective chart review of the use of subcutaneous clonidine in a single palliative care centre. We reviewed the use of clonidine since it was introduced in our locality 2½ years ago. All clinical notes, medication administration records and infusion monitoring documentation were examined to ascertain therapeutic aim, efficacy and tolerability.

Results

Subcutaneous clonidine was administered to 113 patients. Recipients were generally frail (median Karnofsky Score 20%) and in the last weeks of life (median survival 6 days). The the most common indications were opioid poorly responsive pain (59), agitation refractory to antipsychotics and/or benzodiazepines (18) or both (35). Symptoms appeared to improve in the majority (85/113, 75%). Some (36, 32%) required no further medication changes once clonidine was commenced. Clonidine appeared well tolerated although blood pressure was not monitored in the majority, in line with our practice to discontinue such observations in those who are nursed in bed and receiving symptom-focused care.

Conclusions

Subcutaneous administration of clonidine appears to be a promising alternative option for refractory symptoms in the last weeks of life. We suggest some possible next steps for further research.
Cardiovascular disease in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a narrative review
Authors: Balbirsingh Vishanna , Mohammed Andrea S , Turner Alice M , Newnham Michael
Published: June 2022

Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are at increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and concomitant disease leads to reduced quality of life, increased hospitalisations and worse survival. Acute pulmonary exacerbations are an important contributor to COPD burden and are associated with increased cardiovascular (CV) events. Both COPD and CVD represent a significant global disease impact and understanding the relationship between the two could potentially reduce this burden. The association between CVD and COPD could be a consequence of (1) shared risk factors (environmental and/or genetic) (2) shared pathophysiological pathways (3) coassociation from a high prevalence of both diseases (4) adverse effects (including pulmonary exacerbations) of COPD contributing to CVD and (5) CVD medications potentially worsening COPD and vice versa. CV risk in COPD has traditionally been associated with increasing disease severity, but there are other relevant COPD subtype associations including radiological subtypes, those with frequent pulmonary exacerbations and novel disease clusters. While the prevalence of CVD is high in COPD populations, it may be underdiagnosed, and improved risk prediction, diagnosis and treatment optimisation could lead to improved outcomes. This state-of-the-art review will explore the incidence/prevalence, COPD subtype associations, shared pathophysiology and genetics, risk prediction, and treatment of CVD in COPD.
The reduction in porosity of permeable reactive barriers due to bio-geochemical clogging caused by acidic groundwater flow
Authors: Medawela Subhani , Indraratna Buddhima , Rowe R. Kerry
Published: June 2022

This study demonstrates the change in porosity of permeable reactive barrier (PRB) material when it reacts with acidic flow. The laboratory column test data obtained over 9 months prove that the porosity of a granular limestone assembly decreases significantly due to bio-geochemical clogging caused by a continuous flow of acidic groundwater. The variations in pH, the pressure measurements, ion concentrations, and the results from X-ray diffraction suggest that clogging at the outlet of the column is much less than at the inlet. About 57% of the total reduction in porosity of the column is attributed to chemical clogging, while the remainder is mainly due to biological clogging. In this paper, a mathematical approach is proposed to estimate the reduction of reactive surface area based on changes in the pore volume. These proposed equations suggest that at the end of experimentation, the dissolution of calcite and bio-geochemical clogging can reduce the total surface area of limestone aggregates by more than 70%. The rigorous approach presented in this paper to determine the dominant clogging component within a granular filter at a given time is vital in estimating the longevity of a PRB and for planning its maintenance.
Nucleosynthesis in multinucleon transfer reactions
Authors: Heinz S. , Devaraja H. M.
Published: June 2022

How does one populate still vacant areas on the chart of nuclides? Mainly on the neutron-rich side several thousand further isotopes are expected to exist, including most of the nuclei along the astrophysical r-process path. The standard nucleosynthesis reactions, which are fragmentation, fission and fusion, are reaching their limits. Therefore, other pathways to exotic nuclei are needed. Years ago, the idea arose to revive multinucleon transfer reactions to progress toward the neutron-rich side of heavy and superheavy nuclei. Meanwhile, this option is investigated in nuclear physics labs worldwide. Beside new studies of transfer product kinematics and cross-sections, the development of suitable separation and detection techniques for heavy transfer products is ongoing. But how promising are these new advances? So far achieved results allow us to get an impression on the potential which multinucleon transfer reactions provide for nucleosynthesis.
Embedded Edge-Connectivity Reliability Evaluation of Augmented Hypercube Interconnection Networks
Authors: Zhang Mingzu , Liu Hongxi , Li Pingping
Published: June 2022

In the contemporary world, to meet the increasing need to deal with massive data, the interconnection networks for large-scale parallel and distributed systems need to expand for stronger scalability requirements. Let [Formula: see text] be a recursive [Formula: see text]-dimensional network. Since the presence of faulty links or processors may disconnect the entire network, one hopes that every remaining processor lies in an undamaged lower-dimensional subnetwork. Under this circumstance, in 2012, Yang and Wang first proposed the conception of [Formula: see text]-embedded edge-connectivity [Formula: see text] of [Formula: see text], which is defined as the minimum number of links whose removal results in several disconnected components, and each processor is contained in an [Formula: see text]-dimensional subnetwork [Formula: see text]. The augmented cube, denoted by [Formula: see text], proposed by Choudum and Sunitha, is a momentous variant of the hypercube as an interconnection topology of parallel computing. It retains many favorable properties of the hypercube and possesses several embedded properties that the hypercube and other variations do not have. For [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], this paper determines [Formula: see text]-embedded edge-connectivity of [Formula: see text]-dimensional augmented cube, [Formula: see text], and shows exact values [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] if [Formula: see text], and [Formula: see text] otherwise. The parameters can provide more accurate measurements for the reliability and fault-tolerance of the corresponding systems.
AN EXAMINATION OF THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN CHINA’S FOREIGN DIRECT INVESTMENT AND INDUSTRIAL PERFORMANCE IN AFRICA
Authors: DARKO EUGENE MISA , KANGNING XU
Published: June 2022

This paper examined the relationship between Chinese outward foreign direct investment (FDI) and the industrial sector’s performance represented by the industrial sector’s contribution to the gross domestic product for a sample of 49 African countries between 2003 and 2019. The study also examined the moderating effects of Chinese FDI on Africa’s industrial performance. We employed panel fixed-effects and panel-corrected standard errors models to control for country heterogeneities and serial correlation in the disturbance terms, usually present in panel data and may bias the estimates. The results showed that Chinese FDI has moderating effects on industrial performance through industrial employment and natural resources. We also found a significant positive relationship between contemporaneous Chinese FDI and industrial performance, suggesting that Chinese FDI of a given year positively affects the same year’s industrial performance. The study further revealed lingering effects of Chinese FDI on industrial performance, implying the favorable impact of Chinese FDI on industrial performance in a given year may not be immediate. Policymakers are advised to improve the absorptive capacities of industrial workers and direct Chinese FDI towards transforming natural resources into industrial goods.
Homotopy analysis methods with applications to thin-film flow of a magnetohydrodynamic-modified second grade fluid
Authors: Farooq Muhammad , Ahmad Zishan , Ahmad Hijaz , Zeb Muhammad , Aouaini Fatma , Ayaz Muhammad
Published: June 2022

This study investigates thin film’s drainage and lifting of a steady, non-isothermal-modified second-grade incompressible fluid. An approximate analytical technique The homotopy analysis method (HAM) is used to solve the developed governing equations for velocity and temperature fields together with boundary conditions. The expressions for velocity profile, average velocity, temperature distribution, shear stress, and volume flow rate are provided explicitly. The flow of the thin film is found to be substantially dependent on the flow behavior index [Formula: see text], magnetic field parameter, dimensionless numbers say stock number [Formula: see text], and Brinkman number [Formula: see text]. The impact of the above-involved parameters on the fluid’s temperature and velocity is depicted numerically as well as graphically.
Bifurcation Analysis of a Reaction–Diffusion Rumor Spreading Model with Nonsmooth Control
Authors: Zhu Linhe , Zheng Wenxin , Zhang Xuebing
Published: June 2022

Rumors may cause serious harm to social productivity and life. Studying the dynamics of rumor propagation can help provide corresponding countermeasures to control communication effectively. Based on the classic [Formula: see text] infectious disease model, this paper studies a rumor spreading model with a time delay caused by communication delay between rumor communicators and nonsmooth threshold propagation function in reality. In this model, we solve non-negative equilibrium points firstly. By analyzing the characteristic equations of smooth and nonsmooth rumor systems, we establish local stability at non-negative equilibrium points and find the existence of Hopf bifurcation from two aspects of diffusion coefficient and delay, respectively. In addition, considering the discontinuity of rumor system, we separate it into two systems and get the condition of Hopf bifurcation when the system is discontinuous. We further verify the feasibility of the theoretical results by simulation results.