bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The importance of expert selection when identifying threatened ecosystems
Authors: Travers Samantha K. , Dorrough Josh , Shannon Ian , Val James , Scott Mitchell L. , Moutou Claudine J. , Oliver Ian
Published: July 2023

Identifying threatened ecosystem types is fundamental to conservation and management decision‐making. When identification relies on expert judgment, decisions are vulnerable to inconsistent outcomes and can lack transparency. We elicited judgements of the occurrence of a widespread, critically endangered Australian ecosystem from a diverse pool of 83 experts. We asked 4 questions. First, how many experts are required to reliably conclude that the ecosystem is present? Second, how many experts are required to build a reliable model for predicting ecosystem presence? Third, given expert selection can narrow the range opinions, if enough experts are selected, do selection strategies affect model predictions? Finally, does a diverse selection of experts provide better model predictions? We used power and sample size calculations with a finite population of 200 experts to calculate the number of experts required to reliably assess ecosystem presence in a theoretical scenario. We then used boosted regression trees to model expert elicitation of 122 plots based on real‐world data. For a reliable consensus (90% probability of correctly identifying presence and absence) in a relatively certain scenario (85% probability of occurrence), at least 17 experts were required. More experts were required when occurrence was less certain, and fewer were needed if permissible error rates were relaxed. In comparison, only ∼20 experts were required for a reliable model that could predict for a range of scenarios. Expert selection strategies changed modeled outcomes, often overpredicting presence and underestimating uncertainty. However, smaller but diverse pools of experts produced outcomes similar to a model built from all contributing experts. Combining elicited judgements from a diverse pool of experts in a model‐based decision support tool provided an efficient aggregation of a broad range of expertise. Such models can improve the transparency and consistency of conservation and management decision‐making, especially when ecosystems are defined based on complex criteria.
Construction and evaluation of a risk prediction model for pulmonary infection‐associated acute kidney injury in intensive care units
Authors: Cao Xinyi , Liang Yongzhi , Feng Honglin , Chen Li , Liu Shengming
Published: July 2023

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is one of the common complications of pulmonary infections. However, nomograms predicting the risk of early‐onset AKI in patients with pulmonary infections have not been comprehensively researched. In this study, 3278 patients with pulmonary infection were extracted from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care III (MIMIC‐III) database. These patients were randomly divided into training and validation cohorts, with the training cohort used for model building and the validation cohort used for validation. Independent risk factors for patients with pulmonary infection were determined using the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) method and forward stepwise logistic regression, which revealed that 11 independent risk factors for AKI in patients with pulmonary infections were congestive heart failure (CHF), hypertension, diabetes, transcutaneous oxygen saturation (SpO2), 24‐h urine output, white blood cells (WBC), serum creatinine (Scr), prothrombin time (PT), potential of hydrogen (PH), vasopressor use, and mechanical ventilation (MV) use. The nomogram was then constructed and validated. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) values of the nomogram were 0.770 (95% CI = 0.789–0.807) in the training cohort and 0.724 (95% CI = 0.754–0.784) in the validation cohort. High AUC values indicated the good discriminative ability of the nomogram, while the calibration curves and Hosmer–Lemeshow test results indicated that the nomogram was well‐calibrated. Improvements in net reclassification index (NRI) and integrated discrimination improvement (IDI) values indicate that our nomogram was superior to the Simplified Acute Physiology Score (SAPS) II scoring system, and the decision–curve analysis (DCA) curves indicate that the nomogram has good clinical application. We established a risk‐prediction model for AKI in patients with pulmonary infection, which has good discriminative power and is superior to the SAPS II scoring system. This model can provide clinical reference information for patients with this type of disease in the intensive care unit.
Conductivity and water level modulate developmental plasticity and explain distribution patterns in a diverse neotropical Odonata assemblage
Authors: Aristizábal‐Botero Ángela , Snoeks Joren M. , Realpe Emilio , Vanschoenwinkel Bram
Published: July 2023

Developmental plasticity can help organisms to survive in temporally variable environments. However, it is not well understood how variation in life history plasticity helps species coexist in heterogeneous environments. Here, we investigate the extent to which life‐history plasticity explains species distributions in a diverse assemblage of odonates in a tropical freshwater rock pool system characterized by substantial variation in pond permanence. Some dragonflies and damselflies (Odonata) can accelerate their development to leave the water before their habitat dries. However, how they sense habitat drying is poorly understood.

Here, we experimentally tested the extent to which elevated concentrations of salts in water or reductions in water level can be used as cues for developmental acceleration in a neotropical Odonata assemblage from granite rock pools.

Libellulidae dragonflies were found along the permanence gradient and accelerated their growth in response to elevated dissolved salts (measured as conductivity). Anax amazili (Aeshnidae) was also found in all environments and did the same in response to lower water levels. In turn, larvae of the damselfly Telebasis simulata (Coenagrionidae) were restricted to deeper long‐lived pools and did not respond to the tested cues.

Differentiation in life‐history strategies can contribute to niche differentiation in this diverse predator assemblage. Developmental plasticity triggered by different cues helps odonates avoid mortality and exploit short‐lived habitats. The global acceleration of freshwater salinisation due to human activities might disrupt the delicate links between low levels of dissolved salts and life‐history responses and represent a significant threat to these ecosystems and their biodiversity.
The impact of SETBP1 mutations in neurological diseases and cancer
Authors: Kohyanagi Naoki , Ohama Takashi
Published: July 2023

SE translocation (SET) is a cancer‐promoting factor whose expression is upregulated in many cancers. High SET expression positively correlates with a poor cancer prognosis. SETBP1 (SET‐binding protein 1/SEB/MRD29), identified as SET‐binding protein, is the causative gene of Schinzel–Giedion syndrome, which is characterized by severe intellectual disability and a distorted facial appearance. Mutations in these genetic regions are also observed in some blood cancers, such as myelodysplastic syndromes, and are associated with a poor prognosis. However, the physiological role of SETBP1 and the molecular mechanisms by which the mutations lead to disease progression have not yet been fully elucidated. In this review, we will describe the current epidemiological data on SETBP1 mutations and shed light on the current knowledge about the SET‐dependent and ‐independent functions of SETBP1.
Path dependence and jumping tracks: Investigating institutional continuity and change across the Tasmanian convict and pauper systems
Authors: Watkins Emma
Published: July 2023

This article uses a historical case study to significantly advance theoretical debates on path dependence in institutional change and continuity. In particular, it argues that the heuristic of ‘jumping tracks’ can be productively developed to explain how institutional arrangements can shift into different policy arenas. The historical criminological case study examines welfare provision and penalties in colonial Australia. Substantively, the case study provides historical support to current claims that the boundaries between crime, poverty and welfare are fluid. Just as the shadow of the contemporary carceral state is enlarging non‐criminal pathways to punishment, it will be shown that in 19th‐century Tasmania the shadow of the penal colony acted to control paupers. When the Tasmanian penal system began to be dismantled, the institutional arrangements that had developed within it jumped tracks to the pauper system. Fundamentally, the key theoretical proposition is that path dependence can work across institutions by jumping tracks.
Is psychology of money a gendered affair? A scoping review and research agenda
Authors: Sesini Giulia , Manzi Claudia , Lozza Edoardo
Published: July 2023

The study of gender differences in the financial domain is gaining increasing attention as evidenced by the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Previous research has highlighted the existence of a gender divide in many economic issues; however, there is still a lack of comprehensive understanding of the psychological aspects of money management. This systematic scoping review aims to fill this gap by outlining gender differences in money attitudes and money management practices, adopting the Scientific Procedures and Rationales for Systematic Literature Reviews protocol as methodological guideline. An extensive analytical strategy was employed on Scopus, Web of Science, PsycINFO, and EconLit to identify 100 empirical papers on the topic, published between 1972 and 2021. The analysis revealed clear differences in how men and women approach to money from a symbolic and attitudinal perspective, whereas evidence of money management practices is more complex and sometimes conflicting. Men and women hold different conceptions of money, with men often looking at it as a symbol of success and power and women holding more ambivalent attitudes toward money as both a source of anxiety and a means to ensure security and prove their love. As far as for financial behaviors studies indicate that both genders have similar approaches to savings and expenses monitoring, while financial investments are primarily pursued by men. Future directions and suggestions for private and public institutions are discussed, highlighting research advancements and implications for gender empowerment programs and customized communications.
A cross‐sectional study of discipline‐based self‐perceived digital literacy competencies of nursing students
Authors: Martzoukou Konstantina , Luders Errol Sadullah , Mair Jane , Kostagiolas Petros , Johnson Neil , Work Fiona , Fulton Crystal
Published: July 2023

Aims

This study offers an empirical exploration of self‐assessed digital competencies of students, most of whom studied in nursing courses, using a discipline‐based self‐assessment survey tool. A range of digital competencies were explored: information and communication technology proficiency and productivity, information literacy, digital creation, digital research, digital communication, digital learning and development, digital innovation, digital identity management and digital well‐being.

Design

A cross‐sectional empirical study.

Methods

Quantitative data were collected from November to December 2021 via a questionnaire survey administered to students. Quantitative results were reported through descriptive statistical analysis. Mann–Whitney (U‐test) and Kruskal–Wallis non‐parametric statistical tests were used to identify statistically significant differences based on age demographics and pre‐ or post‐registration course. Thematic analysis was utilized for survey open‐ended questions data.

Results

Students reported low competencies in the following digital literacy dimensions, all of which were imperative for their studies and for their future professional careers: information literacy, digital research, digital innovation. Significant statistical subgroup differences were found between age demographics and pre/post‐registration within most of the digital competence dimensions. The survey open‐ended comments revealed that students encountered challenges around digital skills they had mostly developed via everyday life experiences and trial‐and‐error approaches.

Conclusion

Increasing awareness of existing digital gaps and offering tailored digital skills enhancement can empower students as future‐proof evidence‐based practitioners in an evolving digital healthcare landscape.

Implications for the Profession and/or Patient Care

Highlights the importance of embedding digital literacy within nursing study programmes, as preparation for comprehensive patient healthcare.

Impact

Offers insights into digital competencies gaps of nursing students.

Proposes targeted educational digital skills training interventions.

Stresses the value of academic staff supporting nursing students to develop digital skills in important areas of professional practice.

Reporting Method

JBI critical appraisal checklist.

No patient or public contribution.
Self‐Reported Anxiety and Perception of Safety Following School Lockdown Drills among Adolescent Youth*
Authors: Riggs Alexandra , Bergmann Kelly R. , Zagel Alicia L.
Published: July 2023

BACKGROUND

Lockdown drills are mandated within many educational settings in the US; they may contribute to adverse mental health and there is little to suggest their effectiveness. We describe factors associated with post‐drill anxiety and perceived effectiveness of drills.

METHODS

We surveyed youth‐caregiver dyads presenting to the pediatric emergency department. Nonparametric tests compared factors across groups of child anxiety and caregiver perceived effectiveness of drills. Kappa statistics (κ) measured child‐caregiver agreement on post‐drill anxiety and depression symptoms.

RESULTS

108 child‐caregiver dyads were included. Post‐lockdown drill anxiety was reported by 27% of children; those reporting anxiety were more likely to have histories of bullying or skipping school for safety (p = 0.0004). Of caregivers, 47% believed drills effectively prevent firearm injury. There was a significant disparity between child and caregiver report of post‐drill mental health symptomatology (κ anxiety = 0.19; κ depression = 0.30).

Implications for School Health, Policy, Practice, and Equity: Understanding factors contributing to anxiety surrounding lockdown drills and perception of drill effectiveness may aid policy decisions and resource allocation.

CONCLUSIONS

Lockdown drills may increase mental health symptoms in children, while caregivers may not recognize this occurrence. Studies to identify risk factors of acute and chronic post‐lockdown drill anxiety will help determine how to better serve youth.
When adaptation is slowed down: Genomic analysis of evolutionary stasis in thermal tolerance during biological invasion in a novel climate
Authors: Bock Dan G. , Baeckens Simon , Kolbe Jason J. , Losos Jonathan B.
Published: July 2023

Research conducted during the past two decades has demonstrated that biological invasions are excellent models of rapid evolution. Even so, characteristics of invasive populations such as a short time for recombination to assemble optimal combinations of alleles may occasionally limit adaptation to new environments. Here, we investigated such genetic constraints to adaptation in the invasive brown anole (Anolis sagrei)—a tropical ectotherm that was introduced to the southeastern United States, a region with a much colder climate than in its native Caribbean range. We examined thermal physiology for 30 invasive populations and tested for a climatic cline in cold tolerance. Also, we used genomics to identify mechanisms that may limit adaptation. We found no support for a climatic cline, indicating that thermal tolerance did not shift adaptively. Concomitantly, population genomic results were consistent with the occurrence of recombination cold spots that comprise more than half of the genome and maintain long‐range associations among alleles in invasive populations. These genomic regions overlap with both candidate thermal tolerance loci that we identified using a standard genome‐wide association test. Moreover, we found that recombination cold spots do not have a large contribution to population differentiation in the invasive range, contrary to observations in the native range. We suggest that limited recombination is constraining the contribution of large swaths of the genome to adaptation in invasive brown anoles. Our study provides an example of evolutionary stasis during invasion and highlights the possibility that reduced recombination occasionally slows down adaptation in invasive populations.
Onychomycosis in immunocompromised population: Phenotypic and molecular identification
Authors: Borba Orion Sant’Anna Motter , Ogawa Marilia Marufuji , Kirsztajn Gianna Mastroianni , Tomimori Jane
Published: July 2023

Onychomycosis is common among immunosuppressed individuals. Renal transplant recipients (RTR) and lupus nephritis (LN) patients are submitted to corticosteroid and other immunosuppressive therapy; and diabetes mellitus (DM) patients are intrinsically immunocompromised.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to characterise and identify fungal infections on the nails (feet and hands) in immunocompromised patients.

Methods

The clinical material, nail scales (foot and/or hand), was collected from 47 RTR, 66 LN, 67 DM, and 78 immunocompetent individuals (control group). Phenotypic and molecular analyses were performed.

Results

A total of 258 patients were examined. There was a female predominance, except in the RTR. The average age was 52 years old. Lateral distal subungual onychomycosis (OSDL) (75.2%), mainly affecting the hallux nail, was frequent. The predominance of dermatophyte on toenails and Candida species on fingernails was statistically significant. A higher frequency of fingernail involvement in LN and DM, and for LN, the difference was significant (p = .0456). Infections by Candida spp. were more frequent in DM. Using molecular methods, 87.2% of diagnoses were confirmed, identifying fungal agents at the species level. Dermatophytes, Trichophyton rubrum and Trichophyton interdigitale and the species of Candida, C. parapsilosis and C. albicans, were the most frequent fungal agents.

Conclusions

Molecular techniques (sequencing of ITS regions of rDNA) offer greater accuracy, although there is no difference, regarding the detection. Clinical presentation and fungal species may differ somewhat from the general population. Immunosuppression did not increase fungal detection positivity.
Expression quantitative trait loci mapping identified PtrXB38 as a key hub gene in adventitious root development in Populus
Authors: Yao Tao , Zhang Jin , Yates Timothy B. , Shrestha Him K. , Engle Nancy L. , Ployet Raphael , John Cai , Feng Kai , Bewg William Patrick , Chen Margot S. S. , Lu Haiwei , Harding Scott A. , Qiao Zhenzhen , Jawdy Sara S. , Shu Mengjun , Yuan Wenya , Mozaffari Khadijeh , Harman‐Ware Anne E. , Happs Renee M. , York Larry M. , Binder Brad M. , Yoshinaga Yuko , Daum Christopher , Tschaplinski Timothy J. , Abraham Paul E. , Tsai Chung‐Jui , Barry Kerrie , Lipzen Anna , Schmutz Jeremy , Tuskan Gerald A. , Chen Jin‐Gui , Muchero Wellington
Published: July 2023

Plant establishment requires the formation and development of an extensive root system with architecture modulated by complex genetic networks.

Here, we report the identification of the PtrXB38 gene as an expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) hotspot, mapped using 390 leaf and 444 xylem Populus trichocarpa transcriptomes. Among predicted targets of this trans‐eQTL were genes involved in plant hormone responses and root development.

Overexpression of PtrXB38 in Populus led to significant increases in callusing and formation of both stem‐born roots and base‐born adventitious roots. Omics studies revealed that genes and proteins controlling auxin transport and signaling were involved in PtrXB38‐mediated adventitious root formation. Protein–protein interaction assays indicated that PtrXB38 interacts with components of endosomal sorting complexes required for transport machinery, implying that PtrXB38‐regulated root development may be mediated by regulating endocytosis pathway.

Taken together, this work identified a crucial root development regulator and sheds light on the discovery of other plant developmental regulators through combining eQTL mapping and omics approaches.
Amphibian larvae benefit from a warm environment under simultaneous threat from chytridiomycosis and ranavirosis
Authors: Herczeg Dávid , Holly Dóra , Kásler Andrea , Bókony Veronika , Papp Tibor , Takács‐Vágó Hunor , Ujszegi János , Hettyey Attila
Published: July 2023

Rising temperatures can facilitate epizootic outbreaks, but disease outbreaks may be suppressed if temperatures increase beyond the optimum of the pathogens while still within the temperature range that allows for effective immune function in hosts. The two most devastating pathogens of wild amphibians, Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) and ranaviruses (Rv), co‐occur in large areas, yet little is known about the consequences of their co‐infection and how these consequences depend on temperature. Here we tested how exposure to Bd and subsequent exposure to Rv, followed by treatment at elevated temperatures (28 and 30°C versus 22°C) affected Bd and Rv prevalence, infection intensities, and resulting mortalities in larval agile frogs and common toads. We found multiple pieces of evidence that the presence of one pathogen influenced the prevalence and/or infection intensity of the other pathogen in both species, depending on temperature and initial Rv concentration. Generally, the 30°C treatment lowered the prevalence and infection intensity of both pathogens and, in agile frogs, this was mirrored by higher survival. These results suggest that if temperatures naturally increase or are artificially elevated beyond what is ideal for both Bd and Rv, amphibians may be able to control infections and survive even the simultaneous presence of their most dangerous pathogenic enemies.
Nursing harm reduction education and care for people who use drugs or who engage in sex work
Authors: Watts Theresa , Bane Claire , Brandley Jared , Schmidt Emily , Tucker Marilyn
Published: July 2023

Harm reduction is an evidence‐based approach that could promote health equity through the implementation of pragmatic strategies for people who use drugs or who engage in sex work. The purposes of this study were to describe whether nurses received harm reduction education in their nursing programs, whether nurses are practicing harm reduction, and strategies for integrating harm reduction within nursing curriculum. An online survey was delivered to nurses and an interview with a nurse harm reductionist was conducted. Among the 30 survey participants, only 17% (n = 5) stated they were taught about harm reduction in their nursing programs. On average, survey participants practiced harm reduction less than "half of the time" by meeting people where they are in their drug use or sex work. The nurse harm reductionist described how harm reduction should be taught as a skillset for evidence‐based nursing practice. By incorporating harm reduction principles into nursing education and nursing practice, nurses can provide competent care for people who use drugs or who engage in sex work.
Sequential versus concurrent final phase product development: Approval uncertainty, time‐sensitive consumers, asymmetric competition, and government subsidy
Authors: Limon Yasemin , Tang Christopher S. , Tanrısever Fehmi
Published: July 2023

Should a firm begin its production even before its new product is approved? In a competitive market with time‐sensitive consumers, a firm may choose to adopt the “concurrent process” by conducting the approval process and the production process in parallel so that the product will become available for sale once approved. However, to avoid incurring upfront (production related) investments that are nonrecoverable should the product fail to receive approval, a firm may opt for the “sequential process” so that the production process will only begin after approval. But such a sequential process can delay product launch, making the firm less competitive. These trade‐offs between the concurrent and sequential development processes and the recent Covid‐19 vaccine development motivate us to examine the process choice in the presence of three salient factors: (a) uncertain product approval, (b) time‐sensitive consumers, and (c) asymmetric firm competition—firms have different ex ante approval probabilities. Our equilibrium analysis reveals that it is possible for the laggard firm (the firm with lower ex ante approval probability) to aggressively adopt the concurrent process whereas the leading firm (the firm with higher ex ante approval probability) adopts the sequential process. First, as the approval requirement tightens, both firms have a lower chance of receiving approval, and the laggard firm is more likely to adopt the sequential process than the leading firm. Second, as consumers become more time sensitive, the leading firm is more eager to adopt the concurrent process than the laggard firm. Finally, when the firm asymmetry is large, competition does not always soften and both firms may compete directly by adopting the sequential process. We also examine the case when consumers are “forward‐looking” instead of “myopic.” We find that forward‐looking behavior increases competition and motivates both firms to adopt the concurrent process. Finally, we consider the case when the government offers subsidies to defray the nonrecoverable investments to increase the chance of having an approved product available sooner. Interestingly, we find such a subsidy can backfire resulting in lower consumer welfare and lower profit for the firms especially when consumers are time insensitive.
Implementing deep‐learning techniques for accurate fruit disease identification
Authors: Sujatha R. , Mahalakshmi K. , Chatterjee Jyotir Moy
Published: July 2023

To overcome the problems of manual identification of fruit disease, this work proposes a deep‐learning model to analyse fruit images to detect diseases in the fruit. We are proposing here a convolutional neural network (CNN)‐based model for fruit disease classification. By including many layers, the proposed CNN model extracts numerous features from the fruit, deals with the large data set and finally evaluates it. With the MobileNetv2 model, the disease prediction accuracy for papaya, guava and citrus was 99.4%, 98.8% and 95.8% and the recall values were 99.4%, 98.8% and 93.8%, respectively. With VGG16, the disease prediction accuracy for papaya, guava and citrus was 97.7%, 99.6% and 94.2% and the recall values were 96.5%, 99.6% and 89.2%, respectively. Finally, with DenseNet121, the disease prediction accuracy for papaya, guava and citrus was 99.4%, 97.6% and 99.2%, and the recall values were 98.8%, 97.6% and 99.2%, respectively.
Do health beliefs about COVID‐19 predict morbidity? A longitudinal study
Authors: Delporte Margaux , De Witte Dries , Demarest Stefaan , Verbeke Geert , Molenberghs Geert , Hoorens Vera
Published: July 2023

In a highly powered (N ≈ 5000), six‐months longitudinal study (December 2020‐May 2021), we tested the assumption that beliefs concerning COVID‐19 and the precautions against it predicted morbidity. Six months after having filled out a survey measuring beliefs about the disease and the precautions against it, participants reported if they were or had been ill with COVID‐19. A lower likelihood of being or having been ill with COVID‐19 was predicted by personal optimism concerning infection, perceived personal control over infection, perceived effectiveness of precautions, and self‐reported personal or better‐than‐average adherence to the precautions. A higher likelihood of being or having been ill with COVID‐19 was predicted by perceived personal control over a good outcome of an infection, egocentric impact perception concerning the impact of the disease, perceived difficulty of adherence to the precautions, and both personal and egocentric impact perception concerning the impact of the precautions. Comparative optimism did not predict morbidity, nor did personal optimism concerning severe disease or a good outcome, perceived personal control over severe disease, and moralization of the precautions. We discuss implications for public health communication.
Prediction of Liquid Holdup in Horizontal Gas Wells Based on Dimensionless Number Selection
Authors: Wu Ning , Luo Chengcheng , Liu Yonghui , Li Nan , Xie Chuan , Cao Guangqiang , Ye Changqing , Wang Haoyu
Published: July 2023

Pressure gradient prediction is crucial in gas well analysis. The experiment is the most effective method of understanding the flow characteristics in horizontal gas wells. The greatest difference between experimental and high-pressure conditions is gas density, which could cause the established multiphase correlations unreliable when they are applied to high-pressure gas wells. Similarity numbers are widely employed in predicting flow behavior. Nevertheless, few studies focused on this area. In addition, gas wells are characterized as high gas–liquid ratio; the majority empirical correlations were developed for oil wells, which have more consideration in low gas–liquid ratio, influencing the precision of gas well models. An experimental examination of gas–liquid flow has been carried out in this study. First, the experimental test matrix was designed to meet each flow pattern. Next, the effect of gas velocity, liquid velocity, pipe diameter, water-cut, and inclined angle on liquid holdup was explored. Subsequently, the similarity numbers suggested have been investigated and assessed for pressure scaling up. Finally, a comprehensive model was established, which was developed to forecast pressure gradient in gas wells. Field data were supplied to assess the new correlation. The results demonstrated that the Duns–Ros and the modified Duns–Ros dimensionless numbers were improper for pressure scaling up, whereas the Hewitt–Robert Number performs best. Based on the field data, the new correlation with Hewitt–Robert Number was superior to extensively employed pressure drop correlations, showing that it can deal with predicting pressure gradient in gas wells.
Numerical Investigation on Near-Bottom Operation of an Extra-Large Freight Submarine
Authors: Ma Yucong , Yin Guang , Janocha Marek Jan , Xing Yihan , Ong Muk Chen
Published: July 2023

This work investigates the hydrodynamic performance of a subsea shuttle, an extra-large freight submarine, during near-seabed operation. The three-dimensional Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes method combined with the k − ω shear stress transport model is used to predict the pressure, skin friction, drag, and lift forces acting on the subsea shuttle. The present numerical model is verified and validated against the experimental and numerical data from the SUBOFF-1 project, a standard submarine model developed by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency. Two operational scenarios are considered in this study: (1) the subsea shuttle traveling near the seabed with a forward speed; (2) the subsea shuttle hovering close to the seabed and subject to an incoming current flow. A representative seabed boundary layer profile is considered in the analyses. A fully developed boundary layer profile is generated using 1D simulations and implemented as the inlet boundary condition in the 3D simulations. The effects of the gap ratio between the subsea shuttle and the seabed, and the inflow speed of the boundary layer flow on the hydrodynamic properties of the subsea shuttle are evaluated and discussed in detail.
Towards Tolerance Specifications for the Elastic Buckling Design of Axially Loaded Cylinders
Authors: Groh Rainer M. J. , Croll James
Published: July 2023

The quest for safe lower bounds to the elastic buckling of axially loaded circular cylindrical shells has exercised researchers for the past 100 years. Recent work bringing together the capabilities of nonlinear numerical simulation, interpreted within the context of extended linear classical theory, has come close to achieving this goal of defining safe lower bounds. This paper briefly summarizes some of the important predictions emerging from previous work and presents new simulation results that confirm these earlier predictions. In particular, we show that for a specified maximum amplitude of the most sensitive, eigenmode-based geometric imperfections, normalized with respect to the shell thickness, lower bounds to the buckling loads remain constant beyond a well-defined value of the Batdorf parameter. Furthermore, we demonstrate how this convenient means of presenting the imperfection-sensitive buckling loads can be reinterpreted to develop practical design curves which provide safe, but not overly conservative, design loads for monocoque cylinders with a given maximum permitted tolerance of geometric imperfection. Hence, once the allowable manufacturing tolerance is specified during design or is measured post-manufacturing, the greatest expected knockdown factor for a shell of any geometry is defined. With the recent research interest in localized imperfections, we also attempt to reconcile their relation to the more classical, periodic, and eigenmode-based imperfections. Overall, this paper provides analytical and computational arguments that motivate a shift in focus in defect-tolerant design of thin-walled cylinders—away from the knockdown experienced for a specific geometric imperfection and towards the worst possible knockdown expected for a specified manufacturing tolerance.
Enhancing Robot Calibration Through Reliable High-Order Hermite Polynomials Model and SSA-BP Optimization
Authors: Zhang Yujie , Fang Qi , Xie Yu , Zhang Weijie , Yu Runxiang
Published: July 2023

Various sources of error can lead to the position accuracy of the robot being orders of magnitude worse than its repeatability. For the accuracy of drilling in the aviation field, high-precision assembly, and other areas depending on the industrial robot’s absolute positioning accuracy, it is essential to improve the accuracy of absolute positioning through calibration. In this paper, an error model of the robot considering both constant and high-order joint-dependent kinematic errors is established, and the model is modified by the Hermite polynomial, thereby mitigating the occurrence of the Runge phenomenon. To identify high-order joint-dependent kinematic errors, a robot calibration method based on the back-propagation neural network (BP) optimized by the sparrow search algorithm (SSA-BP) is proposed, which optimizes the uncertainty of weights and thresholds in the BP algorithm. Experiments on an EFORT ECR5 robot were implemented to validate the efficiency of the proposed method. The positioning error is reduced from 3.1704 mm to 0.2798 mm, and the error decrease rate reaches 42.92% (compared with BP calibration) and 21.09% (compared with particle swarm optimization back-propagation calibration). With the new calibration method using SSA-BP, robot positioning errors can be effectively compensated for, and the robot positioning accuracy can be improved significantly.
Effect of the growth orientation on the physical properties of Sr2CoNbO6 thin films
Authors: Kumar Ajay , Meena Ramcharan , Miryala M. , Ueno K. , Dhaka Rajendra S.
Published: July 2023

We study the effect of the growth orientation on the structural, electronic, and hence transport properties of Sr2CoNbO6 thin films grown on the orthorhombic NGO(100) and cubic MgO(100) substrates. The x-ray diffraction patterns show the growth of the thin film along the a axis resulting in the asymmetric (b≠c) in-plane compressive strain in the case of NGO(100), whereas along the c axis with tensile strain in the case of MgO(100) substrate. The temperature dependent resistivity measurements indicate the lower electronic conductivity for the film grown on the NGO(100) substrate, which is found to be correlated with the higher degree of the oxygen deficiencies and, hence, a larger concentration of the insulating Co2+ in this sample. Further, the x-ray photoemission spectroscopy measurements show that Sr and Nb are present in the 2+ and 4+ valence state, whereas Co exists in the 2+, 3+, and 4+ states, a fraction of which was found to vary with the growth orientation. Moreover, the analysis of leakage current using the sum exponent model indicates the presence of two different relaxation mechanisms in these samples.
Complete genome sequences of nine
Burkholderia pseudomallei
strains
Authors: Nishida Takashi , Hiramatsu Yukihiro , Shinzawa Naoaki , Horino Atsuko , Mori Shigetarou , Horiguchi Yasuhiko
Published: July 2023

We report the complete genome sequences of nine
Burkholderia pseudomallei
strains preserved in research facilities in Japan; GTC3P0019, GTC3P0050, GTC3P0054, GTC3P0254T (type strain), Kanagawa, Tokushima, KM376, KM390, and KM391. The genomic information of these strains may provide references for comparative studies of
B. pseudomallei
pathogenicity.
Bayesian sequential approach to monitor COVID-19 variants through test positivity rate from wastewater
Authors: Montesinos-López J. Cricelio , Daza-Torres Maria L. , García Yury E. , Herrera César , Bess C. Winston , Bischel Heather N. , Nuño Miriam
Published: July 2023

Deployment of clinical testing on a massive scale was an essential control measure for curtailing the burden of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infections and the magnitude of the COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) pandemic during its waves. As the pandemic progressed, new preventive and surveillance mechanisms emerged. Implementation of vaccine programs, wastewater (WW) surveillance, and at-home COVID-19 antigen tests reduced the demand for mass SARS-CoV-2 testing. Unfortunately, reductions in testing and test reporting rates also reduced the availability of public health data to support decision-making. This paper proposes a sequential Bayesian approach to estimate the COVID-19 test positivity rate (TPR) using SARS-CoV-2 RNA concentrations measured in WW through an adaptive scheme incorporating changes in virus dynamics. The proposed modeling framework was applied to WW surveillance data from two WW treatment plants in California; the City of Davis and the University of California, Davis campus. TPR estimates are used to compute thresholds for WW data using the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention thresholds for low (<5% TPR), moderate (5%–8% TPR), substantial (8%–10% TPR), and high (>10% TPR) transmission. The effective reproductive number estimates are calculated using TPR estimates from the WW data. This approach provides insights into the dynamics of the virus evolution and an analytical framework that combines different data sources to continue monitoring COVID-19 trends. These results can provide public health guidance to reduce the burden of future outbreaks as new variants continue to emerge.

IMPORTANCE

We propose a statistical model to correlate WW with TPR to monitor COVID-19 trends and to help overcome the limitations of relying only on clinical case detection. We pose an adaptive scheme to model the nonautonomous nature of the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic. The TPR is modeled through a Bayesian sequential approach with a beta regression model using SARS-CoV-2 RNA concentrations measured in WW as a covariable. The resulting model allows us to compute TPR based on WW measurements and incorporates changes in viral transmission dynamics through an adaptive scheme.
Tunnelled external versus implanted port central venous catheters in paediatric oncology: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Neville Jonathan J , Aye Hinn Moe , Hall Nigel J
Published: July 2023

Objective

To evaluate and compare the complications associated with tunnelled external and implanted port (PORT) central venous catheters (CVCs) in children with cancer.

Design

A systematic review in accordance with PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocols) guidelines was performed (pre-registered on PROSPERO: CRD42022300869). MEDLINE, Web of Science and the Cochrane Library databases were searched.

Patients

Patients ≤18 years of age with haematological or solid malignancies.

Interventions

Studies comparing tunnelled external and PORT CVCs.

Main outcomes measures

Infection, mechanical failure, thrombosis, bleeding, acceptability, quality of life (QoL), cost, premature removal, and days from insertion to removal for any reason.

Results

Twenty-three observational studies met the inclusion criteria, representing 6644 devices and 6032 patients. Tunnelled external CVCs were associated with an increased risk for systemic infection (OR 2.10, 95% CI 1.59 to 2.77, p<0.001, 16 studies, 3425 devices). There was no significant difference in the risk of localised infection (OR 1.15, 95% CI 0.66 to 2.01, p=0.62, 5 studies, 979 devices). Tunnelled external CVCs were also associated with a significantly increased risk of mechanical complications (OR 2.47, 95% CI 1.21 to 5.05, p=0.01, 11 studies, 2187 devices) and premature device removal (OR 3.24, 95% CI 1.28 to 8.22, p=0.01, 6 studies, 1514 devices).

Conclusion

This study shows that PORTs associate with a reduced risk of infectious and mechanical complications, and a lower overall risk of removal, compared with tunnelled external CVCs in children with cancer. Further work is required to confirm these findings in a prospective randomised trial and to compare cost implications and acceptability to patients and caregivers.
Exploring physician gender bias in the initiation of prescribing cascades for older men and women: a qualitative clinical vignette study protocol
Authors: Borhani Parya , Rochon Paula A , Carrieri Barbara , Dalton Kieran , Lawson Andrea , Li Joyce , Mason Robin , McCarthy Lisa M , Paoletti Luca , Santini Sara , Sivayoganathan Kawsika , Sternberg Shelley , Zwas Donna R , Savage Rachel D
Published: July 2023

Introduction

A prescribing cascade occurs when a drug is prescribed to manage the often unrecognised side effect of another drug; these cascades are of particular concern for older adults who are at heightened risk for drug-related harm. It is unknown whether, and to what extent, gender bias influences physician decision-making in the context of prescribing cascades. The aim of this transnational study is to explore the potential impact of physician implicit gender biases on prescribing decisions that may lead to the initiation of prescribing cascades in older men and women in two countries, namely: Canada and Italy.

Methods and analysis

Male and female primary care physicians at each site will be randomised 1:1 to a case vignette that features either a male or female older patient who presents with concerns consistent with the side effect of a medication they are taking. During individual interviews, while masked to the true purpose of the study, participants will read the vignette and use the think-aloud method to describe their ongoing thought processes as they consider the patient’s concerns and determine a course of action. Interviews will be recorded, transcribed verbatim and thematic analysis will be conducted to highlight differences in decisions in the interviews/transcripts, using a common analytical framework across the sites.

Ethics and dissemination

This study has received ethics approval at each study site. Verbal informed consent will be received from participants prior to data collection and all data will be deidentified and stored on password-protected servers. Results of this study will be disseminated through peer-reviewed journal articles and presented at relevant national and international conferences.
Impact of increased reimbursement for ambulance transportation on hospital acceptance in Japan: a difference-in-difference study
Authors: Sato Nobuhiro , Takaku Reo , Chiba Takuyo , Higashi Hidenori , Shiga Takashi
Published: July 2023

Objective

Emergency medical services (EMS) often face difficulties in finding accepting hospitals in Japan. The universal medical insurance system in Japan increased the reimbursement for ambulance transportation acceptance at night, and on Sundays and holidays from 1 April 2016. This study investigated the effect of the reimbursement increase on the number of EMS calls, and transportation time from arrival at the scene to arrival at the hospital.

Design

A difference-in-difference study. The treatment group consisted of people who called an ambulance at night while the control group consisted of people who called an ambulance during the daytime.

Setting

The national ambulance records of the Fire and Disaster Management Agency in Japan from 1 April 2015 to 31 December 2016.

Participants

7 625 463 ambulance dispatches were eligible for inclusion.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

The changes in EMS calls, transportation time and the number of ambulance transports per 1000 population in one month in a comparison of daytime and night-time transport.

Results

The treatment effect (night-time vs daytime) on the number of EMS calls was −0.013 (95% CI, −0.023 to −0.004), which was significant. The transportation time decreased slightly by 0.080 min (95% CI, −0.157 to −0.004). No impact was observed on the number of ambulance transports per 1000 population per month (0.00; 95% CI, −0.008 to 0.002).

Conclusion

An increase in reimbursement for ambulance transportation acceptance was associated with a decrease in the number of EMS calls. Further strategies for decreasing the number of EMS calls are needed to avoid delays in the treatment of emergency patients with critical illness.
Examining training and attitudes to basic life support in multi-ethnic communities residing in New South Wales, Australia: A mixed-methods investigation
Authors: Munot Sonali , Rugel Emily J , Bray Janet , Redfern Julie , Yang Guoyan , Ngo Linh , Bauman Adrian , Dang Quan Minh , Rock Zoe , Marschner Simone , Coggins Andrew , Semsarian Christopher , Middleton Paul M , Jennings Garry , Angell Blake , Kumar Saurabh , Kovoor Pramesh , Chow Clara K
Published: July 2023

Background

Bystander response, including cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), is critical to out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) survival. Nearly 30% of Australian residents were born overseas, and little is known about their preparedness to perform CPR. In this mixed-methods study, we examined rates of training and willingness and barriers to performing CPR among immigrants in Australia.

Methods

First, we surveyed residents in New South Wales, Australia, using purposeful sampling to enrich immigrant populations. Multivariate logistic regression was used to examine the association between place of birth and willingness to perform CPR. Next, we conducted focus-group discussions with members of the region’s largest migrant groups to explore barriers and relevant societal or cultural factors.

Results

Of the 1267 survey participants (average age 49.6 years, 52% female), 60% were born outside Australia, most in Asia and 73% had lived in Australia for more than 10 years. Higher rates of previous CPR training were reported among Australian-born participants compared with South Asian-born and East Asian-born (77%, 35%, 48%, respectively,p<0.001). In adjusted models, the odds of willingness to perform CPR on a stranger were significantly lower among migrants than Australian-born (adjusted OR: 0.64; 95% CI 0.49 to 0.83); however, this association was mediated by history of training. Themes emerging from the focus-group discussions included concerns about causing harm, fear of liability, and birthplace-specific social and cultural barriers.

Conclusions

Targeted awareness and training interventions, which address common and culture-specific barriers to response and improved access to training, may improve confidence and willingness to respond to OHCA in multi-ethnic communities.