bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Automatic monitoring system for the elderly based on internet of things
Authors: Chyan Phie
Published: February 2021

The population group aged 60 years and over based on the age category from the Indonesian Ministry of Health is included in the elderly category and based on population projection data for 2020 the number reaches 27.08 million people or around 9.9% of the total Indonesian population. As a vulnerable age group, the elderly has several characteristics, namely physical abilities that have begun to decline and even some have disabilities which can prevent them from being able to take action when something is harmful to them physically. This study focuses on building an automatic monitoring system for the elderly in a closed environment. The system will monitor in a non-stop and real-time way using a variety of hardware equipped with sensors and artificial intelligence algorithms implemented in the system software so that the system can track the subject’s position, learn the subject’s behavior and then be able to detect abnormal behavior, for example in the elderly. the subject falls down, wobbles, shows an expression of panic or pain. The final result of this research is an automatic monitoring system which consists of the integration of various hardware and software which are interconnected in a computer network for monitoring and protection of the elderly.
An automated length measurement system for tilapia fish based on image processing technique
Authors: Damanhuri Nor Salwa , Zamri Mohammad Faiz Mohammad , Othman Nor Azlan , Shamsuddin Sarah Addyani , Meng Belinda Chong Chiew , Abbas Mohd Hussaini , Ahmad Anita
Published: February 2021

In aquaculture industry, measurement of fish length plays an important role in monitoring and determining fish growth, gender, age and reproduction. Currently, fish rearing industries are using measuring wooden board or acrylic plastic with the scale attached to the board itself. However, this method is causing a stress on the fish when measuring their length alive. Furthermore, manual measurement of fish length one by one using measurement board is time-consuming. Hence, this research presents an automated system that is able to measure fish length specifically tilapia fish by using image processing technique and Graphical User Interface (GUI). This automated GUI system is developed for end user and it is able to measure the length of tilapia automatically and accurately. The system is designed by using image processing tool, which consists of image segmentation and feature extraction to get the fish-shaped region. Based on the results, the GUI system is able to measure automatically and accurately the fish length based on the fish image. This developed system resulting with a 8.50% mean relative error and 91.50% accuracy of the tilapia fish length measurement for a 20 cm distance between the digital camera and the tilapia fish. These results show that the proposed system is capable to produce faster results and yield accurate length measurement of the tilapia fish. Thus, with this automated system, it is potentially assisting in fish reproduction and growth for aquaculture industry especially for tilapia industry.
Avoided emissions resulting from grid-tied solar photovoltaic generation in the Philippines: an energy-based analysis
Authors: Enano Nelson Jr , Barroca Renyl , Montecastro Doris
Published: February 2021

One of the motivations of deploying renewable energy is its promise to reduce emissions. The accounting of emissions, however, becomes challenging and complex in the case of grid-tied PV system as it also derives energy from the centralized grid where the energy comes from a mix of resource. The amount of avoided emissions is highly variable. The study focused on the determination of avoided emissions resulting from grid-tied solar photovoltaic (PV) generation of Ateneo de Davao University Jacinto Campus in the Philippines. The results show that the small size of PV systems impacts only the marginal generating plant which is normally a hydro, diesel or natural gas-fired generator and largely depends on which grid the consumer is located. It shows that the energy generation of the PV acts like a peak shaving mechanism that reduces the system load. The solar PV of the university was simulated and the avoided emissions (CO2, SO2, NOx, PM10, PM2.5, NH3, VOCs, and Hg) were quantified through energy-based approach.
Evaluating windowing based continuous ST with deep learning for detection and classifying PQDs
Authors: Daud K , Mansor MBM , Soh ZH Che , Samat AA Abd , Shafie MA , Ismail AP , Abdullah MH
Published: February 2021

This paper discusses the performance of evaluating a windowing based continuous S-Transform (ST) with deep learning classifier for the detection and classifying of interrupt and transient disturbances. The primary purpose is to analyze the detection and classification of voltage interrupt and transient using ST as a signal processing technique. The detection technique is divided into half-cycle and one-cycle windowing techniques (WT with both cycles used for the purpose of comparison. The disturbances signal was create using MATLAB programming language and set in the form of m-file. ST was used to extract the significant feature in a form of scattering data from the disturbances signal. Then, the scattering data was used to build the detection interface inside the disturbances signal. The scattering data is an input for neural network (NN) to classify the percentage accuracy of the disturbances signal. This analysis presents the suitable windowing technique that can provide smooth detection and suitable characteristics to produce high accuracy percentages in the classification of power quality disturbances (PQDs).
Fridge load management system with AI and IOT alert
Authors: Soh Zainal Hisham Che , Ag Ku Izzul Hamzi Ag Jaafar , Sulaiman Siti Noraini , Abdullah Syahrul Afzal Che , Ibrahim Mohammad Nizam , Aslina Abu Bakar
Published: February 2021

The technological development nowadays has allowed the use of smart appliances and machines almost anywhere. The refrigerator is considered one of the most significant appliances that is being used in almost every place for the purpose of storing foods, drinks, and medicines at cold temperatures, and in a sealed place to avoid it from being exposed. Therefore, a system is introduced which can manage fridge load with AI and IoT alert. Using object detection, the system is able to detect types of drinks which are cans and bottles. The dataset images of cans and bottles is trained using two models, Faster R-CNN and SSD mobilenet. The system will count the number of drinks detected by the camera, which the data obtained is sent to IoT cloud which is Ubidots. The Ubidots dashboard will show the number of drinks detected and the stock availability. In the same time, if the number of drinks detected is zero, it will send a notification via the Telegram to alert the user that the drinks are out of stock. Using this system is better since it only need to use a camera as the medium to detect products instead of using many sensors which cause wiring hassle.
Experimental study of flame propagation and stability of (ILPG)
Authors: Saleh Mustafa Abdullah , Alwan Fouad Saleh
Published: February 2021

The Study of the premixed and vertical flow makes a special significance in industrial burners design and application of industrial stoves. It included a laboratory study of the flame propagation and stability of liquid petroleum gas (LPG) for a vertical burner of different diameters and a study of the effect of isolating the flame from the external environment by an inert gas which is nitrogen gas. It also included a new experimental and numerical simulation to understand the effect of using inert Nitrogen gas (Nitrogen jacket) on properties of flame propagation in Vertical burner. Accordingly, the test device was modified. The necessary measuring devices were added. It was equipped with an internal nitrogen gas isolation system to determine the properties of the previously mixed vertical flame stability. The experimental combustion tests have been done by using (LPG) under Laboratory conditions (Tu = 298 K, Pu =1 atm), with high range of air to fuel mixing ratio. The percentage of the maximum value for premixed flame burning velocity between (without N2 and with N2) for burner diameters (9,13,16 mm) were (3.4%,6.02%,2.99%) respectively
New quantum circuit architecture for classifying big data
Authors: Solikhun  , Efendi Syahril , Zarlis Muhammad , Sihombing Poltak
Published: February 2021

This research is motivated by the incomplete use of quantum in existing learning algorithms, so that the proposed learning algorithm is not optimal. Research (Fahri & Neven, 2018) shows that the proposed method of architectural form still uses classical architecture but inputs, weights and targets already use a quantum approach. Based on the results of previous studies, it shows that quantum computing is better than classical computation. Many researchers use quantum computing in the proposed learning algorithm. The model proposed is a quantum circuit architecture with the quantum perceptron method consisting of a quantum bit gate that uses a quantum computational approach as the architecture of the quantum perceptron learning algorithm. Then the authors conduct training and testing of the proposed quantum circuit architecture to test the quantum circuit model that the author proposes. The result of this research is a quantum circuit model with the quantum perceptron method which can be used to solve the learning optimization problem by using a quantum circuit architecture with 5 measurement measurements to show error training and testing = 0, with 9 measurements showing an error training of 1.13%, error testing 2.06%.
Design and development of biomass gasifier reactor to produce syngas
Authors: Arief Suardi N C , Antono Vendy , Prayudi  , Nurhasanah Roswati
Published: February 2021

Gasification process is strongly influenced by the gasifier reactor to produce syngas. This study aims to design and make an updraft type of gasifier reactor without blower so that it does not require electric power in its operation, but use power from engine suction. This gasifier design is suitable for small scale power plants which are not connected to the main electricity network (off-grid system) in rural and remote areas. Materials used in manufacturing the gasifier reactor are consist of type 304 3 mm stainless steel, 3 mm diameter of stainless steel pipe, 3 mm iron plate, and fire cement. The experiment and test results show that the highest efficient and the most optimal biomass in the gasification process is coconut shell charcoal, because coconut shell charcoal has a dense structure and at the time of the experiment, coconut shell charcoal was filled 15 cm below the gas outlet pipe hole. From the economic value of the gasifier reactor that has been produced, the lowest cost result is diesel with EFB charcoal, because in this experiment EFB is the biomass that is not purchased. The additional use of empty bunches of charcoal is able to save 50% diesel usage
Study of minimum requirements of confinement in concrete columns confined with WRG in moment resisting frames
Authors: Kusuma Benny
Published: February 2021

The national concrete standard SNI 2847:2013 which refers to the ACI 318M-11 has not accommodated the influences of the axial load and deformation parameters as performance requirement, where both parameters are very critical to affect the required confining steel of concrete columns. This study presents the test results of reinforced concrete columns confined with WRG which were designed according to ACI standards. The test results were analyzed using several codes such as SNI 2847:2013, ACI 318M-14, CSA A23.3-04, and NZS 3101-06 standards. Furthermore, the minimum confinement equation is proposed for the design of columns confined with WRG, then it is also compared with selected confinement provisions. The study results showed that the equation for confining reinforcement adopted in the SNI 2847:2013 or ACI 318-11 is very conservative compared to other codes when applied to low axial load levels (≤ 0.25 Agf’c), but relatively less conservative or unsafe if the axial load level is greater than 0.3. From result of evaluation show that CSA A23.3-04 provide most conservative result for confinement design. The additional confinement design equations at ACI 318M-14 has been improve confinement design of ACI Code. Compared with SNI requirements, which do not depend on the level of axial load on the column, the equations proposed here would allow reduced confining reinforcement for columns with higher axial load. Overall, the proposed equation presents the best correlation to actual drift capacity of columns, and in addition it can be used for columns reinforced with WRG-transverse reinforcement having a yield strength higher than 500 MPa. The study also provides the recommendation for further refinement of SNI 2847 in the future related to the requirement of WRG confinement in concrete columns of Special Moment Frames in highly seismic regions.
An analysis of population using Multiple Linear Regression Analysis
Authors: Perdana Adityo Cakra , Rachman Rais , Palinggi Monika Datu Mirring
Published: February 2021

Makassar is one of the metropolitan cities located in South Sulawesi Province, the rapid progress of Makassar city makes Makassar as the destination of Eastern Indonesia as a center of education, health, job search and so on. Of course, this led to the emergence of new activity centers or new settlements that led to the rise of travel, resulting in a decrease in the level of road services. The purpose of this study is to analyze the trip generation of residents in the Puri Yuhana Permai housing and Bukit Khatulistiwa housing estates by using variables of the number of family members, the number of family members working, the number of families attending school/college, income, motorcycle ownership and private car ownership. Use the multiple linear regression method SPSS 25.0. The results of the research on each housing estate show that the variables that have a significant effect on the rise of the population journey on the housing of Puri Yuhana Permai and Bukit Khatulistiwa are the number of working (X5) and the number of who attend school (X6). This can be seen in the model of multiple linear regression equations namely Y = 0.202 + 0.570 X5 + 0.501X6 for Puri Yuhana Permai housing. Y = 0.182 + 0.378 X5 + 0.249X6 for Bukit Khatulistiwa housing
Time series modeling by using exponential smoothing technique for river flow discharge forecasting (case study: Cabenge, Walanae, and Cenranae rivers system)
Authors: Lukman Melly , Tanan Benyamin
Published: February 2021

The exponential smoothing technique is a time series modelling technique that can be used for forecasting. This technique is very important for use in hydrology to determine trends and predict future river flow conditions. In this study, 4 Exponential Smoothing Techniques were analyzed, namely Single Exponential Smoothing, Double Exponential Smoothing, Double Exponential Smoothing (Winters), and ARIMA to predict the flow of the Cabenge river on SWS Walanae - Cenranae. From the results of the study of the four Exponential Smoothing Techniques, Triple Exponential Smoothing (Winters) Of the 4 ES Techniques analyzed in this study, Triple Exponential Smoothing (TES) provides a more accurate forecasting value than Single Exponential Smoothing (SES), Exponential Smoothing Dual Smoothing (DES), and the Autoregressive Difference Moving Average (ARIMA). Triple Exponential Smoothing (TES) has smaller error values for MAPE, MAD, and MSD than SES and DES, and the comparison of forecasting discharge with measured discharge values shows a KN value of 93%. To predict the flow of the Cabenge river in SWS Walanae - Cenranae it is recommended to use the Triple Exponential Smoothing (Winters) Technique.
Electric bicycles with solar panels
Authors: Patoding Hestikah Eirene , Palebangan Reynold , Silolongan Maryanto D.
Published: February 2021

Solar energy is energy in the form of rays and heat from the sun. This energy can be harnessed by using a series of technologies such as solar panels. Solar panels are devices that consist of solar cells that convert light into electrical energy. The use of solar panels for battery charging on electric bicycles is the topic of this research. The process of developing an electric bicycle with solar power consists of several stages, starting from the preparation of the bicycle, the development design, the manufacture of the solar panel frame and holder, to the assembly and testing process. The result of this research is an electric bicycle uses a 24V, 12Ah battery with a charging time of 9 hours 33 minutes, using a 250 Watt DC motor. The maximum speed of an electric bicycle with solar panels is as expected, which is 20 km/hour with a distance of 16 km and a load of 89 kg. Mileage and travel time are affected by the weight of the rider.
Effect of variations in the composition of additives on the performance of petung bamboo charcoal briquettes
Authors: Suluh Sallolo , Bontong Yafet , Baan Anastasia , Labiran Roni , Patintingan Mersilina L. , Silka
Published: February 2021

The use of petung bamboo as a raw material for making charcoal briquettes will reduce dependence on fossil fuel energy which is already depleting. The abundant condition of petung bamboo waste in Toraja comes from the rest of the party activities of tuka signs and solo signs that are useful for making houses / loud places for relatives and guests to sit. This research was conducted by making charcoal briquettes from petung bamboo waste by varying the composition of the sago adhesive and clay as an alternative energy source. The purpose of this research is to determine the optimal thermal efficiency. The method to be used is an experimental method using petung bamboo waste as an alternative fuel on the stove with a water boiling process. The results showed that B2 briquettes (a mixture of 175 grams of petung bamboo charcoal and 25 grams of clay reinforcement) were the most superior in terms of boiling 21 liters of water and produced a thermal efficiency of 70.39%.
The miRNA: a small but powerful RNA for COVID-19
Authors: Zhang Song , Amahong Kuerbannisha , Sun Xiuna , Lian Xichen , Liu Jin , Sun Huaicheng , Lou Yan , Zhu Feng , Qiu Yunqing
Published: February 2021

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a severe and rapidly evolving epidemic. Now, although a few drugs and vaccines have been proved for its treatment and prevention, little systematic comments are made to explain its susceptibility to humans. A few scattered studies used bioinformatics methods to explore the role of microRNA (miRNA) in COVID-19 infection. Combining these timely reports and previous studies about virus and miRNA, we comb through the available clues and seemingly make the perspective reasonable that the COVID-19 cleverly exploits the interplay between the small miRNA and other biomolecules to avoid being effectively recognized and attacked from host immune protection as well to deactivate functional genes that are crucial for immune system. In detail, SARS-CoV-2 can be regarded as a sponge to adsorb host immune-related miRNA, which forces host fall into dysfunction status of immune system. Besides, SARS-CoV-2 encodes its own miRNAs, which can enter host cell and are not perceived by the host’s immune system, subsequently targeting host function genes to cause illnesses. Therefore, this article presents a reasonable viewpoint that the miRNA-based interplays between the host and SARS-CoV-2 may be the primary cause that SARS-CoV-2 accesses and attacks the host cells.
RNA-SeQC 2: efficient RNA-seq quality control and quantification for large cohorts
Authors: Graubert Aaron , Aguet François , Ravi Arvind , Ardlie Kristin G , Getz Gad
Published: February 2021

Post-sequencing quality control is a crucial component of RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) data generation and analysis, as sample quality can be affected by sample storage, extraction and sequencing protocols. RNA-seq is increasingly applied to cohorts ranging from hundreds to tens of thousands of samples in size, but existing tools do not readily scale to these sizes, and were not designed for a wide range of sample types and qualities. Here, we describe RNA-SeQC 2, an efficient reimplementation of RNA-SeQC (DeLuca et al., 2012) that adds multiple metrics designed to characterize sample quality across a wide range of RNA-seq protocols.

Availability and implementation

The command-line tool, documentation and C++ source code are available at the GitHub repository https://github.com/getzlab/rnaseqc. Code and data for reproducing the figures in this paper are available at https://github.com/getzlab/rnaseqc2-paper.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Development and Validation of Stability-indicating RP-HPLC Method for Estimation of Pranlukast Hydrate in its Laboratory Mixture
Authors: Kalyankar Gajanan G , Desai Prakruti N , Prajapati Pintu B , Lodha Sandesh R , Joshi Shrikant V , Bodiwala Kunjan B , Mishra Ashish A , Shah Shailesh A
Published: February 2021

Pranlukast hydrate is an anti-asthmatic drug and used in the treatment of acute asthma. Stability-indicating RP-HPLC method for pranlukast hydrate has been developed and validated. The reverse phase high performance liquid chromatographic method was developed using Shimadzu Column: Kromosil 100 C18 (150 mm × 4.6 mm × 5 μm) and mobile phase Acetonitrile: 0.1% Glacial acetic acid (85: 15% v/v). Eluent was monitored with UV-detector at 262 nm with a flow rate of 0.5 mL/min, temperature maintained at 30°C. Stress testing was carried out in acidic, alkaline, oxidative, photolytic and dry heat degradation conditions. The method was validated as per the International Conference for Harmonization guidelines and includes specificity, accuracy, precision, linearity and limit of quantitation and detection parameters. A relative standard deviation <2% indicates the developed method was precise. The accuracy of the method was represented by recovery studies ranging between 99.41 and 99.72%. In acid, alkaline, oxidative stress conditions, pranlukast hydrate degrades significantly and in photolytic, dry heat, hydrolytic conditions remain stable. This proposed method is suitable for the analysis of pranlukast hydrate in its laboratory mixture.
Assessment of ICESat-2 for the recovery of ocean topography
Authors: Yu Yao , Sandwell David T , Gille Sarah T , Villas Bôas Ana Beatriz
Published: February 2021

The Ice, Cloud and land Elevation Satellite 2 (ICESat-2) laser altimetry mission, launched in September 2018, uses six parallel lidar tracks with very fine along-track resolution (15 m) to measure the topography of ice, land and ocean surfaces. Here we assess the ability of ICESat-2 ocean data to recover oceanographic signals ranging from surface gravity waves to the marine geoid. We focus on a region in the tropical Pacific and study photon height data in both the wavenumber and space domain. Results show that an ICESat-2 single track can recover the marine geoid at wavelengths >20 km which is similar to the best radar altimeter data. The wavelength and propagation direction of surface gravity waves are sometimes well resolved by using a combination of the strong and weak beams, which are separated by 90 m. We find higher than expected power in the 3–20 km wavelength band where geoid and ocean signals should be small. This artificial power is caused by the projection of 2-D surface waves with ∼300 m wavelengths into longer wavelengths (5–10 km) because of the 1-D sampling along the narrow ICESat-2 profile. Thus ICESat-2 will not provide major improvements to the geoid recovery in most of the ocean.
A proposed framework for reporting mass mortality (wreck) events of seabirds
Authors: Glencross Jacqueline S , Lavers Jennifer L , Woehler Eric J
Published: February 2021

There is an absence of quantitative criteria and definitions for unusual or anomalous mortality events involving birds, often referred to as “wrecks”. These events most commonly involve seabirds, although terrestrial bird wrecks have also been documented. Typically, the peer-reviewed literature investigating wreck events lacks the details necessary to further our understanding of the circumstances and potential causes of these events. This study reviewed the peer-reviewed literature for wrecks involving Ardenna seabirds (shearwaters), and included grey literature and data collected by citizen science (community) groups. Our results showed a significant time-lag between wreck events and when the data was published in the peer-reviewed literature, which did not occur in the grey literature. Both the grey and peer-reviewed literature were often skewed towards reporting larger wreck events, with only the citizen science dataset capturing smaller wrecks. We outline a proposed framework for reporting mortality events, including the use of quantitative categories to document the numbers of birds involved and taxon-specific thresholds. In doing so, we aim to establish a framework to aid in the quantitative reporting and analyses of future seabird wrecks.
Pragmatic comparative effectiveness study of multimodal fascia iliaca nerve block and continuous lumbar epidural-based protocols for periacetabular osteotomy
Authors: Albertz Megan , Whitlock Patrick , Yang Fang , Ding Lili , Uchtman Molly , Mecoli Marc , Olbrecht Vanessa , Moore David , McCarthy James , Chidambaran Vidya
Published: February 2021

Perioperative pain management protocols have a significant impact on early surgical outcomes and recovery. We hypothesized that multimodal protocol including fascia iliaca compartment nerve block (MM-FICNB) would decrease the length of hospital stay (LOS) by facilitating earlier mobilization, without compromising analgesia, compared to a traditional lumbar epidural-based protocol (EP). Demographics/comorbidities, surgical/block characteristics and perioperative pain/mobilization data were collected from a prospectively recruited MM-FICNB group (N = 16) and a retrospective EP cohort (N = 16) who underwent PAO using similar surgical techniques, physical therapy/discharge criteria. Association of MM-FICNB group with LOS (primary outcome), postoperative pain, postoperative opioid requirements in morphine equivalent rates (MER) (mcg/kg/h) and time to complete physical therapy were tested using multivariable and survival regression. Patient and surgical characteristics were similar between groups. Median time for FICNB performance was significantly less than epidural (6 versus 15 min; P < 0.001). LOS was significantly decreased in the MM-FICNB group (2.88 ± 0.72 days) compared to the EP group (4.38 ± 1.02 days); P < 0.001. MM-FICNB group had significantly lower MER on POD1 (P = 0.006) and POD2 (P < 0.001), with similar pain scores on all POD. MM-FICNB group was associated with decreased LOS and earlier mobilization (P < 0.001) by covariate-adjusted multivariate regression. Cox proportional hazard regression model showed MM-FICNB subjects had 63 (95% CI 7–571, P < 0.001) times the chance of completing physical therapy goals, compared to EP. Compared to EP, MM-FICNB protocol allowed earlier mobilization and decreased post-surgical hospitalization by 1.5 days, without compromising analgesia, with important implications for value-based healthcare and cost-effectiveness.
A rare case of pulmonary embolus after arthroscopic meniscus surgery
Authors: Hu Janie , Cox MaKayla , Yang Alexander
Published: February 2021

Although there is consensus that thromboprophylaxis is necessary for major orthopedic surgeries such a joint replacement, there is no widespread consensus on the need for thromboprophylaxis for minor arthroscopic surgery. Here, we present a case of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) after a common arthroscopic meniscectomy in a healthy 20-year-old female collegiate athlete. The patient had no risk factors except for prior use of combined oral contraceptive pills (COCPs). Twenty hours after an uncomplicated right knee meniscectomy, patient presented to ED with right calf pain and cramping, and DVT was confirmed using ultrasound. One week later, patient presented again to ED with dyspnea and chest pain. PE was diagnosed on CT angiography. Despite the rarity of thromboembolic complications in minor arthroscopy surgery, the broadened use of thromboprophylaxis in patients with even few risk factors could prevent thromboembolic complications from occurring.
Using the Socio-ecological Model to Explore Facilitators and Deterrents of Tobacco Use Among Airmen in Technical Training
Authors: Porter Kathleen J , Krukowski Rebecca A , Bonilla Gloribel , McKenna Lisa , Talcott Gerald W , Little Melissa A
Published: February 2021

Introduction

Military personnel have some of the highest rates of tobacco use in the USA. Within the Air Force, a common point of Airmen’s (re-)initiation of tobacco use is during technical training once the tobacco ban has been lifted. Unfortunately, little is known about what factors facilitate and deter tobacco use during technical training. The socio-ecological model, which emphasizes multiple levels of influence on behavior (e.g., personal, intrapersonal, and environmental), provides a strong and comprehensive basis for which to explore factors that may impact tobacco use during technical training.

Materials and Methods

Twenty-two focus groups were conducted among Airmen (n = 10), Military Training Leaders (MTLs, n = 7), and Technical Training Instructors (TTIs, n = 5). Semi-structured focus group protocols were developed based on the socio-ecological model and included questions intended to elicit factors that facilitated and deterred tobacco use during technical training. Focus groups were transcribed and then coded using a hybrid deductive-inductive process.

Results

At the personal level, five factors were identified that influenced tobacco use: choice, fit with lifestyle, associations with the tobacco experience, association with military job outcomes, and association with health outcomes. Three interpersonal level factors were identified: peer influence, leadership influence, and normative beliefs. There were two influential environmental level factors: pricing and promotion and access to tobacco. Except for normative beliefs, all personal, interpersonal, and environmental-level factors were discussed as having aspects that could either facilitate or deter tobacco use. Normative beliefs, an interpersonal-level factor, were only discussed as a facilitator of tobacco use.

Conclusions

Taken together, study findings can be used to enhance the effectiveness of tobacco prevention and cessation programs for Air Force Technical Trainees. Specific strategies to support the reduction of tobacco use among Airmen are presented.
Stellar-mass black holes in young massive and open stellar clusters – V. comparisons with LIGO-Virgo merger rate densities
Authors: Banerjee Sambaran
Published: February 2021

I study the contribution of young massive star clusters (YMCs) and open star clusters (OCs) to the present day, intrinsic merger rate density of dynamically assembled binary black holes (BBHs). The BBH merger event rate is estimated based on a set of state-of-the-art evolutionary models of star clusters, as presented in Banerjee (2021). The merger-event rates are obtained by constructing a cluster population of the Universe, out of the models, taking into account mass distribution of clusters and cosmic star formation and enrichment histories, as per observations. The model BBH merger rate density ranges from a pessimistic to a reference value of 0.5−37.9 yr−1 Gpc−3, for a LIGO-Virgo-like detector horizon. The reference rate well accommodates the BBH merger rate densities estimated from GWTC-1 and GWTC-2 merger-event catalogues. The computed models also yield differential BBH merger rate densities that agree reasonably with those from GWTC-1 and, as well, with the much more constrained ones from GWTC-2. These results suggest that dynamical interactions in YMCs and OCs can, in principle, alone explain the BBH merger rate density and its dependence on the merging-binary properties, as inferred from to-date gravitational-wave (GW) events. The cosmic merger rate density evolution also agrees with GWTC-2. The models predict a rate of ≈5 yr−1 Gpc−3 for eccentric LIGO-Virgo mergers from YMCs and OCs. The improving constraints on BBH merger rate density with mounting GW events will help constraining scenarios of star cluster formation across cosmic time and as well the relative contributions of the various compact binary merger channels.
Neuroform Atlas Stent for Treatment of Middle Cerebral Artery Aneurysms: 1-Year Outcomes From Neuroform Atlas Stent Pivotal Trial
Authors: Hanel Ricardo A , Yoon Nam , Sauvageau Eric , Aghaebrahim Amin , Lin Eugene , Jadhav Ashutosh P , Jovin Tudor G , Khaldi Ahmad , Gupta Rishi G , Johnson Andrew , Frei Donald , Loy David , Malek Adel , Toth Gabor , Siddiqui Adnan , Reavey-Cantwell John , Thomas Ajith , Hetts Steven W , Jankowitz Brian T , Zaidat Osama O
Published: February 2021

BACKGROUND

Heterogeneous effect of endovascular aneurysm therapy has been observed across different anatomic locations. There is a paucity of data for stent-assisted coiling of middle cerebral artery (MCA) aneurysms.

OBJECTIVE

To present the results of the MCA aneurysm group from the Neuroform Atlas (Stryker Neurovascular) investigational device exemption (IDE) trial.

METHODS

The Atlas IDE trial is a prospective, multicenter, single-arm, open-label study of wide-neck aneurysms (neck ≥ 4 mm or dome-to-neck ratio < 2) in the anterior circulation treated with the Neuroform Atlas Stent and approved coils. Follow-up was obtained immediately postprocedure and 2, 6, and 12 mo postoperatively. We herein describe safety and efficacy outcomes, and functional independence of the subjects with aneurysms from all segments of MCA.

RESULTS

A total of 35 patients were included (27 MCA bifurcation, 5 M1, 3 M2). The mean aneurysm size was 6.0 ± 1.8 mm, and the mean neck was 4.4 ± 1.2 mm. Technical procedural success was achieved in all patients. A total of 26 patients had follow-up digital subtraction angiography available at 12 mo, with 80.8% (21/26) having complete aneurysm occlusion. Twelve-month safety data were collected for 91.4% (32/35), 8.5% (3/35) had primary safety endpoint, all 3 major ischemic strokes. Mortality occurred in 2 patients beyond 30 d unrelated to procedure (1 gallbladder cancer and 1 fentanyl intoxication). At 1 yr, modified Rankin Score was 0 to 2 in 84.4% (27/32), 3 in 9.4%, and 3 patients were missing. Approximately 5.7% (2/35) of patients were retreated at 12 mo.

CONCLUSION

Stent-assisted coiling with the Neuroform Atlas Stent is a viable alternative to clipping for selected MCA aneurysms. Complete aneurysm occlusion rates have improved compared to historical data. Proper case selection can lead to acceptable endovascular results.
eLearning in Physical Therapy: Lessons Learned From Transitioning a Professional Education Program to Full eLearning During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Ng Leo , Seow Kuang Cheng , MacDonald Laetitia , Correia Christina , Reubenson Alan , Gardner Peter , Spence Angela L , Bunzli Samantha , De Oliveira Beatriz Ito Ramos
Published: February 2021

Objective

The objectives of this cross-sectional qualitative study were to explore the perspectives of students enrolled in one physical therapist undergraduate education program in Australia about their experience with transitioning to full eLearning and student recommendations to improve the learning experience during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

Seven focus groups with 28 undergraduate physical therapist students were conducted following the transitioning to full eLearning as a result of strict physical distancing measures. Focus group questions explored the students’ experiences of the transition from face-to-face to full eLearning approach and the students’ recommendations for improving future eLearning experiences. Data were analyzed using inductive thematic analysis.

Results

The 3 themes identified were: (1) students presenting heightened negative feelings such as anxiety, stress, and reduced motivation to study; (2) students continuing to value the face-to-face learning, as it provided social support and facilitated feedback from peers and tutors; (3) student recommendations for eLearning included having online lectures and supplementary videos but face-to-face practical classes and developing healthy learning habits such as scheduled times for studying, exercise, and other activities that regulate stress.

Conclusions

The transition to a full eLearning approach in an undergraduate physical therapist education program during the COVID-19 pandemic revealed that students had heightened negative emotions due to the pandemic. Students valued face-to-face practical classes to learn and receive social support from peers and tutors. Student recommendations to future eLearning suggested changes to curriculum development geared toward a greater blended approach to learning. Blended learning may include using online lectures instead of face-to-face lectures and online resources to supplement student learning of practical skills.

Impact

As higher education moves toward a more blended approach, lessons learned from this study can help educators design future physical therapist education programs. The findings can also assist programs in delivering a full eLearning approach as the COVID-19 pandemic continues.
Learning From the Law. A Review of 21 Years of Litigation of Nerve Injury Following Central Neuraxial Blockage in Obstetrics
Authors: McCombe K. , Bogod D.G.
Published: February 2021

(Anaesthesia. 2020;75:541–548)

Medicolegal claims from neurological injury following central neuraxial blockade (CNB) are the second most common claims against obstetric anesthesiologists. Data is presented on 55 cases from a personal claims database maintained by one of the authors of the cases in which he served as an expert witness between 1994 and 2015. The lessons learned from having served as an expert witness, fall into 3 broad themes: Consent, Nerve Injury, and Recognition and Management of Nerve Injury.
39-Week Nulliparous Inductions Are Not Elective
Authors: Ghartey J. , Macones G.A.
Published: February 2021

(Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2020;222:519–520)

The ARRIVE trial, whose findings were published in 2018, randomly assigned over 6000 women to either “elective” labor induction at 39 weeks (n=3062), or to expectant management (n=3044). The primary outcome, a composite of adverse perinatal outcomes, showed no difference between the 2 groups. In fact, women undergoing induction of labor were significantly less likely to experience hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, or to require cesarean delivery. However, despite these and similar findings in other studies, labor induction for low-risk women has not been widely adopted.
Termination of Pregnancy as a Means to Reduce Maternal Mortality in Pregnant Women With Medical Comorbidities
Authors: Aziz M.M. , Calfee A. , Albright C. , Gladstein N. , Houser M.V.
Published: February 2021

(Obstet Gynecol. 2019;134:1105–1108)

Recently, maternal-fetal medicine (MFM) specialists have been asked to advocate for safer abortion access. This is particularly true in the case of pregnant women with potentially life-threatening comorbidities. As the maternal mortality rate in the United States rises and maternal mortality review committees are increasingly developed, there has not been attention given to the option of pregnancy termination to reduce mortality.
Associations Between Maternal Antenatal Corticosteroid Treatment and Mental and Behavioral Disorders in Children
Authors: Räikkönen K. , Gissler M. , Kajantie E.
Published: February 2021

(JAMA. 2020;323:1924–1933)

Before 34 weeks gestation, antenatal corticosteroids are often administered when there is a risk of delivery within 7 days, accelerating fetal lung maturation and reducing the risk of adverse outcomes including respiratory distress syndrome, intraventricular hemorrhage, and death. In 2016, updated guidelines recommended corticosteroids for pregnancies before 36 weeks and 6 days gestation at risk for delivery within 7 days. There are notable gaps in the knowledge of long-term outcome of this treatment in children. This study examined the association between antenatal corticosteroid exposure and risk of mental and behavioral disorders in children, including children born at term.
Work-related Post-traumatic Stress Symptoms in Obstetricians and Gynaecologists: Findings From INDIGO, a Mixed-methods Study With a Cross-sectional Survey and In-depth Interviews
Authors: Slade P. , Balling K. , Sheen K. , Goodfellow L. , Rymer J. , Spiby H. , Weeks A.
Published: February 2021

(BJOG. 2020;127:600–608)

The impact of adverse mental health has been recognized as a major contributing factor in decreasing an individual’s productivity and career satisfaction across both working class and professional individuals. Physicians are not exempt from this phenomenon and, in fact, are often at high risk of experiencing work-related posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) due to the not uncommon situation of exposure to trauma as a consequence of death or serious injury in their patients. To date, there has only been one study specific to obstetricians looking at the prevalence of PTSD that came out of the Netherlands. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence and predictors of PTSD in physicians as well as the impact such has on both professional and personal functions.
Maternal Mortality From Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the United States
Authors: Metz T.D. , Collier C. , Hollier L.M.
Published: February 2021

(Obstet Gynecol. 2020;136:313–316)

As maternal deaths from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) are reported, there should be careful thought to how these deaths should be reviewed and interpreted with the goal of preventing future deaths.
Anesthesiologists’ and Intensive Care Providers’ Exposure to Coronavirus Disease 2019 Infection in a New York City Academic Center: A Prospective Cohort Study Assessing Symptoms and Coronavirus Disease 2019 Antibody Testing
Authors: Morcuende M. , Guglielminotti J. , Landau R.
Published: February 2021

(Anesth Analg. 2020;131:669–676)

One of the major challenges in the fight against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is minimizing the possible transmission of the disease to front-line health care providers (HCPs). This is particularly concerning for anesthesiologists and other intensive care providers who are involved in aerosol-generating procedures, such as tracheal intubation. Yet, little is known about the transmission of COVID-19, whether through airborne exposure or droplet/contact exposure. The aim of this study was to investigate the incidence of COVID-19 symptoms and presence of antibodies among HCPs due to work-related exposure.
Postdural Puncture Headache in the Obstetric Population: A New Approach
Authors: Xavier J. , Pinho S. , Silva J. , Nunes C.S. , Cabido H. , Fortuna R. , Araújo R. , Lemos P. , Machado H.
Published: February 2021

(Reg Anesth Pain Med. 2020;45:373–376)

Compared with the general population, obstetric patients are at a higher risk of postdural puncture headache (PDPH), a headache caused by low cerebrospinal fluid pressure occurring within 5 days of a confirmed or presumed dural puncture. PDPH, among other things, can delay discharge and affect care of the newborn. One emerging method of treating cerebrospinal fluid is peripheral nerve blocks (PNB), including sphenopalatine ganglion block, greater occipital nerve block, and trigger point infiltration. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of this approach, to identify factors associated with the need for epidural blood patch (EBP) and to describe the effect of treatment on discharge delay related to PDPH.
Prone Positioning for Pregnant Women With Hypoxemia Due to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
Authors: Tolcher M.C. , McKinney J.R. , Eppes C.S. , Muigai D. , Shamshirsaz A. , Guntupalli K.K. , Nates J.L.
Published: February 2021

(Obstet Gynecol. 2020;136:259–261)

In pregnant patients undergoing ventilation, the goal is to achieve relative hypocapnia while also protecting the lungs by maintaining a safe tidal volume and plateau pressures. Mild hypercapnia (partial pressure of carbon dioxide 50 to 60 mm Hg) may be acceptable if needed to protect the lungs. When using strategies with high-positive end-expiratory pressure require continuous monitoring of mother and fetus.
Spinal Anesthesia and COVID-19 Transmission to Anesthetists, Comment on Br J Anaesth. 2020;124:670–675
Authors: Smiley R.
Published: February 2021

(Br J Anaesth. 2020;125:e247–e248)

The report by Zhong and colleagues in Wuhan, China reported a similar experience of spinal anesthesia in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) to the experience of clinicians in New York. The report, however, also raises some questions.
Fetal Bradycardia in Response to Maternal Hypothermia
Authors: Spires B.P. , Towers C.V.
Published: February 2021

(Obstet Gynecol. 2020;135:1454–1456)

There are many causes of fetal bradycardia, defined as baseline fetal heart rate (FHR) of <110 bpm sustained for 10 minutes or longer. Since maternal fever and hyperthermia can cause fetal tachycardia, it may be true that hypothermia can cause fetal bradycardia. This report details 5 cases of fetal bradycardia in response to maternal hypothermia.
French Ambulatory Cesarean: Mother and Newborn Safety
Authors: Dimassi K. , Ami O. , Fauck D. , Simon B. , Velemir L. , Triki A.
Published: February 2021

(Int J Gynecol Obstet. 2020;148:198–204)

Cesarean delivery involves a longer length of hospital stay, higher rates of morbidity, and greater costs and need for care compared with vaginal delivery. Misgav Ladach cesarean (MLC) is a widely used cesarean procedure, though it may impede future fertility. French Ambulatory Cesarean Section (FAUCS) appears to shorten recovery time. This study aimed to assess the results of FAUCS for maternal and neonatal safety in a unit that introduced FAUCS in January 2018.
Nonobstetric Abdominal Surgery During Pregnancy and Birth Outcomes: A Danish Registry-based Cohort Study
Authors: Rasmussen A.S. , Christiansen C.F. , Ulrichsen S.P. , Uldbjerg N. , Nørgaard M.
Published: February 2021

(Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand. 2020;99:469–476)

When considering nonobstetric abdominal surgery during pregnancy, a balance must be found between the need for the procedure and maternal and fetal safety. A number of previous studies have helped define the risk of adverse birth outcomes in this setting. This study aims to add to the existing body of literature by examining the association between nonobstetric abdominal surgery and small-for-gestational-age (SGA) neonatal status, preterm birth, and miscarriage outcomes.
Global Interim Guidance on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) During Pregnancy and Puerperium From FIGO and Allied Partners: Information for Health Care Professionals
Authors: Poon L.C. , Yang H. , Kapur A. , Melamed N. , Dao B. , Divakar H. , McIntyre H.D. , Kihara A.B. , Ayres-de-Campos D. , Ferrazzi E.M. , Di Renzo G.C. , Hod M.
Published: February 2021

(Int J Gynecol Obstet. 2020;149:273–286)

The International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) recently issued guidelines for the management of all pregnant patients during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, including patients with COVID-19 infection and patients with exposure to the virus. These guidelines should be used along with local guidelines and guidelines from other appropriate organizations.
Fetoscopic Tracheal Occlusion for Severe Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia: The State of the Evidence
Authors: Thom E.A.
Published: February 2021

(Obstet Gynecol. 2020;135:509–510)

Congenital diaphragmatic hernia affects 1 in 3000 neonates in the United States. In this condition, the fetal diaphragm is not completely formed and abdominal organs move upward, restricting lung development. This can result in death or long-term complications if not treated before birth.