bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Associations of direct and indirect selection for pregermination anaerobic stress tolerance in soybean (Glycine max)
Authors: Rajendran Ambika , Lal Sanjay Kumar , Raju Dhandapani , Ramlal Ayyagari
Published: August 2022

A set of diverse soybean genotypes were evaluated to identify contrasting phenotypes for understanding the genetics of waterlogging and response to the selection of primary and discernable traits for pregermination anaerobic stress tolerance. Agro‐morphological characterization of genotypes was also carried out. Screening and tolerance to waterlogging were based on the ability of genotypes to germinate in excessive stress duration in days. The existence of significant variability in genotypes of soybean suggested the use of systematic selection for improving pregermination anaerobic stress tolerance. The study revealed that waterlogging tolerance was governed by testa colour of genotypes. Our results indicated a significant (P < 0.05) correlation with seed weight, flower, hypocotyl and testa colour under pregermination anaerobic stress. In conclusion, the study points out that testa integrity and delay in germination are required to be used as one of the criteria for indirect selection in breeding for pregermination waterlogging tolerance.
Diiodinated Mono‐ and Dipyridylvinyl BODIPY Dyes: Photophysicochemical Properties, in vitro Antibacterial Studies, Molecular Docking and Theoretical Calculations
Authors: Sen Pinar , Sindelo Azole , Nnaji Nnaemeka , Mack John , Nyokong Tebello
Published: August 2022

In this study, novel mono‐ and dipyridylvinyl boron dipyrromethene dyes are prepared to compare their photodynamic antimicrobial chemotherapy (PACT) activities against Staphylococcus aureus to the corresponding core dyes. Pyridylvinyl substitution at the 3‐ or 3,5‐positions of a meso‐4‐bromophenylBODIPY core dye via a Knoevenagel reaction with an aromatic 2‐bromopyridinecarboxaldehyde shifts the major BODIPY spectral band to longer wavelength. The extended π‐conjugation red shifts the main spectral band into the 602–618 nm region in CHCl3, THF, ethanol and DMSO after monopyridylvinyl substitution and to 685–704 nm after dipyridylvinyl substitution. An enhancement of the population of the T1 state through the incorporation of iodine atoms at the 2,6‐positions results in moderately high singlet oxygen quantum yields in DMSO. The π‐extended dyes were found to have significantly lower PACT activities than the diiodinated core dye.
Social equity and LGBTQ populations in African public administration: A macro‐ and micro‐approach
Authors: Meyer Seth J.
Published: August 2022

How do public administrators understand social equity toward lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) individuals and communities? To better understand social equity, this study uses data on the views of public and nonprofit administrators in 33 countries in Africa on LGB people. Based on these responses, we gain a better understanding of homophobia in public administrators. Furthermore, this data helps public administrators to explore how social equity might look differently to public and nonprofit administrators in different countries. Building on this foundation, this study proposes understanding social equity from both a Micro (individual) and a Macro (cultural)‐perspective. Bringing in this micro‐ and macro‐perspective can help public administrators and researchers to discuss how individuals and organizations identify “vulnerable” populations and appropriate ways to support vulnerable groups.
Global, regional and national burden of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease over a 30‐year period: Estimates from the 1990 to 2019 Global Burden of Disease Study
Authors: Li Hao‐Yang , Gao Teng‐Yu , Fang Wei , Xian‐Yu Chen‐Yang , Deng Nian‐Jia , Zhang Chao , Niu Yu‐Ming
Published: August 2022

Background and objective

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the most prevalent chronic respiratory disease. This study investigated the global, regional and country burden of COPD based on gender, age and socio‐demographic indices (SDIs) in the last 30‐year period from 1990 to 2019.

Methods

The COPD data, including incidence, mortality and disability‐adjusted life years (DALYs), were obtained from the 2019 Global Burden of Disease Study. If age‐standardized incidence rate (ASIR) or death rate (ASDR) remains almost constant or decreases, the number of cases will still increase as the global population increases substantially. Estimated annual percentage change (EAPC) was calculated to assess incidence, mortality and DALY trends.

Results

The incidence of COPD increased by 85.89% from 8,722,966 cases in 1990 to 16,214,828 cases in 2019, and the ASIR decreased from 216.48/100,000 persons in 1990 (95%UI, 204.56–227.33) to 200.49 per 100,000 persons (95%UI, 188.63–212.57) in 2019. The ASIR increased (EAPC = 0.05, 95%CI, 0.01–0.10) in the low SDI region, was stable in the high SDI region, and fell in the other three SDI regions. Men had a higher ASIR than women over the past 30 years, and there were differences in the incidence rates for different age groups. Male mortality and DALYs were higher than female mortality. ASDR decreased by 2.13% (95%CI, −2.23% to −2.02%) per year and the annual age‐standardized DALY rate decreased by 1.97% (95%CI, −2.05% to −1.89%).

Conclusions

The ASIR, ASDR and age‐standardized DALY rate of COPD declined overall in the last 30 years, and were highest in the low‐middle SDI region.
Minimum income in the Western Balkans: From socialism to the European Pillar of Social Rights
Authors: Žarković Jelena , Mustafa Artan , Arandarenko Mihail
Published: August 2022

In this article, we examine the evolution of minimum income programmes in the Western Balkans (comprising Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia). During socialism, Yugoslavia developed a rudimentary minimum income protection programme, while Albania did not have one. As countries moved towards a market economy, socialism's legacy remained relevant, but especially since 2000, governments have taken more direct responsibility for the minimum income schemes—typically under the influence of the World Bank. The attention was paid to strict targeting accuracy rather than to adequacy or sufficient coverage of the lowest deciles. In essence, neither socialist nor neoliberal policymakers ever recognised anything but the poverty relief function of the minimum income. Both ideologies were hostile, or at best indifferent, to increasing the adequacy and generosity of minimum income programmes, perceiving them as impediments and distractions that slowed socialist and neoliberal transformations. Despite some reform initiatives supported by the World Bank and, more recently, the European Union, the generosity and adequacy of minimum income programmes remain low, and coverage keeps declining. There have been very few efforts to develop inclusion function of the minimum income, while the activation aspect has achieved very little, sometimes degrading into punitive programmes of unpaid community work. In this dismal picture, the European Pillar of Social Rights action framework could serve as a guide for a long overdue third phase in the Western Balkans' minimum income policy evolution.
Preparation of SiC-Coated Silicon Nanofiber/Graphite Composites as Anode Material for Li-Ion Batteries by the Chemical Vapor Deposition Method
Authors: Liu Mingqi , Liu Bei , Zhang Rui , Xie Zhiyong , Huang Peng , Zhang Jiali
Published: August 2022

Si material has huge lithium storage capacity, but its huge volume changes during charging and discharging making it difficult to use. However, by using nano-sizing Si material and building a coating structure can effectively reduce the capacity reduction caused by the expansion of the Si material. In our experiment, dichlorodimethylsilane was used as the silicon source and carbon source for the deposition of silicon nanofibers and SiC-coated on a spherical graphite substrate, and then the SiC cladding was deposited without changing the temperature and silicon source, and only the C to H ratio in the atmosphere was controlled to build the cladding layer. In our experiment, silicon nanofibers were deposited on graphite surfaces using dichlorodimethylsilane as the silicon source, followed by SiC cladding on the surface of the Si/G composites using dichlorodimethylsilane as the silicon source and carbon source. The end product was controlled by controlling only the C to H ratio in the atmosphere at the same temperature. The preparation of SiC@Si/G composites with silicon nanofibers and cladding structures by a single CVD process and single raw materials. The material has a silicon nanofiber structure and SiC coating structure. The presence of silicon is effective in providing very high capacity and the presence of the SiC layer is effective in improving the capacity retention of the composite material for increasing the Coulomb efficiency of the material. At a current density of 100 mA h g−1, the material has a reversible capacity of 647.3 mA h g−1 at the first cycle. After 100 cycles, it has a 76.2% retention rate. The electrodes can be extremely stable after cycling without significant swelling.
Matrix Matters: Assessment of Commutability among BK Virus Assays and Standards
Authors: Hayden R. T. , Su Y. , Boonyaratanakornkit J. , Cook L. , Gu Z. , Jerome K. R. , Pinsky B. A. , Sam S. S. , Tan S. K. , Zhu H. , Tang L. , Caliendo A. M.
Published: August 2022

Quantitative testing of BK virus (BKPyV) nucleic acid has become the standard of care in transplant patients. While the relationship between interassay harmonization and commutability has been well characterized for other transplant-related viruses, it has been less well studied for BKPyV, particularly regarding differences in commutability between matrices.
SARS-CoV-2 Spike-Binding Antibody Longevity and Protection from Reinfection with Antigenically Similar SARS-CoV-2 Variants
Authors: Kubale John , Gleason Charles , Carreño Juan Manuel , Srivastava Komal , Singh Gagandeep ,   PARIS Study Team, Gordon Aubree , Krammer Florian , Simon Viviana , Alshammary Hala , Amoako Angela A. , Andre Dalles , Awawda Mahmoud H. , Beach Katherine F. , Bielak Dominika A. , Bermúdez-González Maria C. , Cai Gianna Y. , Chernet Rachel L. , Cognigni Christian , Ferreri Emily D. , Floda Daniel L. , Hamburger Joshua , Kawabata Hisaaki , Kleiner Giulio , Lyttle Neko , Mendez Wanni A. , Mulder Lubbertus C. F. , Nabeel Ismail , Oostenink Annika , Raskin Ariel , Rooker Aria , Russo Kayla , Salimbangon Ashley Beathrese T. , Saksena Miti , Sominsky Levy A. , Stadlbauer Daniel , Tcheou Johnston , Wajnberg Ania
Published: August 2022

SARS-CoV-2 is the cause of one of the largest noninfluenza pandemics of this century. This exceptional public health crisis highlights the urgent need for better understanding of the correlates of protection from infection and severe COVID-19.
Near-Complete Genome Sequence of a SARS-CoV-2 Variant B.1.1.7 Virus Strain Isolated in Kazakhstan
Authors: Usserbayev Bekbolat , Zakarya Kunsulu , Kutumbetov Lespek , Orynbaуev Mukhit , Sultankulova Kulyaisan , Abduraimov Yergali , Myrzakhmetova Balzhan , Zhugunissov Kuandyk , Kerimbayev Aslan , Melisbek Aibarys , Shirinbekov Meiіrzhan , Khaidarov Saken , Zhunushov Asankadyr , Burashev Yerbol
Published: August 2022

This research describes the genome sequence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) obtained from a patient with symptoms of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) who was infected in the Republic of Kazakhstan. Strain SARS-CoV-2/human/KAZ/Britain/2021 consists of 29,815 nucleotides and belongs to lineage B.1.1.7, according to the Pangolin COVID-19 database.
Paleoclimates inform on a weakening and amplitude-reduced East Asian winter monsoon in the warming future
Authors: Kang Shugang , Wang Xulong , Du Jinhua , Song Yougui
Published: August 2022

The East Asian winter monsoon (EAWM) has significant impacts on the weather and climate, and subsequently on the economy and society, in East Asia during boreal winters, and its projection into the future is scientifically and practically significant. However, projections relying on geological EAWM reconstructions, which can compensate for instrumental record limitations, are still lacking and urgently needed. It is more promising to conduct prediction under the background of not only instrumental but also geological changes in the EAWM. We used grain-size records from four high-resolution, chronologically well-defined loess sections on the Chinese Loess Plateau to represent past EAWM intensity and its amplitudes. Our results show that the EAWM is weaker and has lower amplitudes during warm periods than during cold stages at various time scales. Moreover, instrumental records reveal that the EAWM shows a weak level and reduced interannual amplitudes after the mid-1980s under the context of global warming. We propose that the EAWM will experience long-term weakening and reduced (e.g., interannual) amplitudes under 21st century global-warming scenarios.
Did transit through the galactic spiral arms seed crust production on the early Earth?
Authors: Kirkland C.L , Sutton P.J. , Erickson T. , Johnson T.E. , Hartnady M.I.H. , Smithies H. , Prause M.
Published: August 2022

Although there is evidence for periodic geological perturbations driven by regular or semi-regular extra-terrestrial bombardment, the production of Earth's continental crust is generally regarded as a function of planetary differentiation driven by internal processes. We report time series analysis of the Hf isotopic composition of zircon grains from the North Atlantic and Pilbara cratons, the archetypes of Archean plate tectonic and non-plate tectonic settings, respectively. An ~170–200 m.y. frequency is recognized in both cratons that matches the transit of the solar system through the galactic spiral arms, where the density of stars is high. An increase in stellar density is consistent with an enhanced rate of Earth bombardment by comets, the larger of which would have initiated crustal nuclei production via impact-driven decompression melting of the mantle. Hence, the production and preservation of continental crust on the early Earth may have been fundamentally influenced by exogenous processes. A test of this model using oxygen isotopes in zircon from the Pilbara craton reveals correlations between crust with anomalously light isotopic signatures and exit from the Perseus spiral arm and entry into the Norma spiral arm, the latter of which matches the known age of terrestrial spherule beds. Our data support bolide impact, which promoted the growth of crustal nuclei, on solar system transit into and out of the galactic spiral arms.
Electron Paramagnetic Resonance: Study of the Regulatory Mechanisms of Light Phases of Photosynthesis in Plants
Authors: Ruuge E. K. , Tikhonov A. N.
Published: August 2022

The electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) method is widely used in the biophysics of photosynthesis, because it serves as an effective tool for exploring the processes of electron and proton transport in various photosynthetic systems. This study on the regulation of electron transport in chloroplasts was performed with the direct participation of the authors using the EPR method. The possibilities of the EPR method to study the kinetics of electron transport in chloroplasts of higher plantsin situ(leaves of higher plants) at room temperature were shown, and the EPR spectra of chloroplasts at cryogenic temperatures were considered. The latter is of particular importance for substantiating the “kinetic” method of pH measurement inside thylakoids, which was used.
Progressive motor quadriparesis with wasting: a diagnostic conundrum
Authors: Panda Samhita , Vegda Monalisa
Published: August 2022

The case of a man in his early 30s, presenting with slowly progressive, asymmetrical onset, pure motor quadriparesis over 9 months with bulbar involvement, absence of upper motor neuron features and significant weight loss, is reported. In view of presentation with diffuse lower motor neuron involvement of short duration, the diagnostic possibilities are discussed. Apart from motor neuron disease, its mimics including muscle and neuromuscular junction disorders were also considered and evaluated for. Carefully assessed clinical and electrophysiological markers which finally clinched the diagnosis of the rare disorder Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome are elaborated. In the present context, recognition of the oddities on clinical and laboratory evaluation is of paramount importance to rule in causes of pure motor quadriparesis.
Examining the mental health adversity among healthcare providers during the two waves of the COVID-19 pandemic: results from a cross-sectional, survey-based study
Authors: Dezso Flóra , Birkás Béla , Vizin Gabriella , Váncsa Szilárd , Szőcs Henrietta , Erőss Attila , Lex Dániel , Gede Noémi , Molnar Zsolt , Hegyi Péter , Csathó Árpád
Published: August 2022

Objectives

The current global health crisis of the COVID-19 pandemic has drastically affected the whole population, but healthcare workers are particularly exposed to high levels of physical and mental stress. This enormous burden requires both the continuous monitoring of their health conditions and research into various protective factors.

Design

Cross-sectional surveys.

Setting and participants

Self-administered questionnaires were constructed assessing COVID-19-related worries of health workers in Hungary. The surveys were conducted during two consecutive waves of the COVID-19 pandemic (N-first wave=376, N-second wave=406), between 17 July 2020 and 31 December 2020.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

COVID-19-related worry, well-being and distress levels of healthcare workers. We also tested whether psychological resilience mediates the association of worry with well-being and distress. Multiple linear regression analyses were performed.

Results

The results indicated that healthcare workers had high levels of worry and distress in both pandemic waves. When comparing the two waves, enhanced levels of worry (Wald’s χ2=4.36, p=0.04) and distress (Wald’s χ2=25.18, p<0.001), as well as compromised well-being (Wald’s χ2=58.64, p<0.001), were found in the second wave. However, not all types of worries worsened to the same extent across the waves drawing attention to some specific COVID-19-sensitive concerns. Finally, the protective role of psychological resilience was shown by a mediator analysis suggesting the importance of increasing resilience as a key factor in maintaining the mental health of healthcare workers in the burden of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Conclusions

Our results render the need for regular psychological surveillance in healthcare workers.

Registration

Hungarian Scientific and Research Ethics Committee of the Medical Research Council (IV/5079-2/2020/EKU).
COVID-19 vaccination effectiveness rates by week and sources of bias: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Ostropolets Anna , Hripcsak George
Published: August 2022

Objective

To examine COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness over six 7-day intervals after the first dose and assess underlying bias in observational data.

Design and setting

Retrospective cohort study using Columbia University Irving Medical Center data linked to state and city immunisation registries.

Outcomes and measures

We used large-scale propensity score matching with up to 54 987 covariates, fitted Cox proportional hazards models and constructed Kaplan-Meier plots for two main outcomes (COVID-19 infection and COVID-19-associated hospitalisation). We conducted manual chart review of cases in week 1 in both groups along with a set of secondary analyses for other index date, outcome and population choices.

Results

The study included 179 666 patients. We observed increasing effectiveness after the first dose of mRNA vaccines with week 6 effectiveness approximating 84% (95% CI 72% to 91%) for COVID-19 infection and 86% (95% CI 69% to 95%) for COVID-19-associated hospitalisation. When analysing unexpectedly high effectiveness in week 1, chart review revealed that vaccinated patients are less likely to seek care after vaccination and are more likely to be diagnosed with COVID-19 during the encounters for other conditions. Secondary analyses highlighted potential outcome misclassification for International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, Clinical Modification diagnosis, the influence of excluding patients with prior COVID-19 infection and anchoring in the unexposed group. Long-term vaccine effectiveness in fully vaccinated patients matched the results of the randomised trials.

Conclusions

For vaccine effectiveness studies, observational data need to be scrutinised to ensure compared groups exhibit similar health-seeking behaviour and are equally likely to be captured in the data. While we found that studies may be capable of accurately estimating long-term effectiveness despite bias in early weeks, the early week results should be reported in every study so that we may gain a better understanding of the biases. Given the difference in temporal trends of vaccine exposure and patients’ baseline characteristics, indirect comparison of vaccines may produce biased results.
Safety of surgical Treatment In severe primary Pontine haemorrhage Evacuation (STIPE): study protocol for a multi-centre, randomised, controlled, open-label trial
Authors: He Qiang , Wang Jiajing , Ma Lu , Li Hao , Tao Chuanyuan , You Chao
Published: August 2022

Introduction

Primary pontine haemorrhage (PPH) is the most devastating subtype of intracerebral haemorrhage and is associated with poor prognosis, especially for the severe patients. Although medical treatment (MT) is widely accepted, a large number of studies have shown surgical haematoma evacuation (HE) might dramatically reduce mortality and improve prognosis outcome in severe PPH (sPPH). However, evidence to clarify the safety of HE remains insufficient.

Methods and analysis

The Safety of surgical Treatment In severe primary Pontine haemorrhage Evacuation study is a multi-centre, randomised, controlled, open-label trial, conducted from January 2022 to November 2024 in 20 tertiary hospitals in China. A total of 64 patients with sPPH will be randomly assigned to MT or HE group. Eligible patients will receive the corresponding treatment according to the result of randomisation. The primary outcomes are related to the safety of surgery including rate of symptomatic rebleeding at 3 days and rate of mortality and intracranial infection at 30 days. The secondary outcomes are the neurological function indexes following up at 30 days, 90 days, 180 days and 365 days.

Ethics and dissemination

The clinical trial has been approved by the Biomedical Research Ethics Committee of West China Hospital of Sichuan University (unique identifiers: No. 2020-894). All results of the trial will be published in international peer-reviewed scientific journals and will be disseminated through scientific conferences. Academic dissertation will be published in a peer-reviewed journal.

Trial registration numbers

NCT04647162, ChiCTR2000039679.
Approaches to improving symptom appraisal: a systematic literature review
Authors: Xiang Ling , Yoon Sungwon , Low Andrea H L , Leung Ying Ying , Fong Warren , Lau Tang Ching , Koh Dow Rhoon , Thumboo Julian
Published: August 2022

Objectives

Poor symptom appraisal (detection, interpretation and response to symptoms) plays a major role in prolonged prediagnosis interval in various health conditions. Theories and models have been proposed to study the symptom appraisal process but how they could be employed to improve symptom appraisal remains unclear. We therefore aimed to review approaches to improving symptom appraisal in the literature and to develop a theoretical framework that could guide the development of approaches to improving symptom appraisal among individuals in the general population.

Design

Systematic review.

Data sources

Medline, Web of Science, PsycINFO, Embase, CINAHL and Scopus were searched from inception to 30 March 2021.

Eligibility criteria

We included original articles in English in which approaches to improve the detection, interpretation or response to symptoms for symptomatic individuals were described. We excluded articles in which approaches were developed to improve symptom appraisal among healthcare professionals.

Data extraction and synthesis

A predefined data extraction form was used to extract the development, characteristics and evaluation of approaches to improving symptom appraisal. This formed the basis for the narrative synthesis.

Results

Of 19 046 publications identified from the literature search, 112 were selected for full-text review and 29 approaches comprising provision of knowledge of symptoms/signs and additional components (eg, symptom self-examination and comparison) for symptom appraisal were included in the synthesis. Less than half (41.4%) of these approaches were developed based on theories/models. Interestingly, despite the variety of theories/models adopted in developing these approaches, the components of these approaches were similar.

Conclusion

Symptom appraisal is an essential process in a patient’s journey that can be targeted to facilitate early diagnosis but is largely unstudied. Building on the literature, we proposed a theoretical framework and approaches to improving symptom appraisal. This could facilitate early identification of a variety of health conditions in the general population.

Trial registration number

CRD42021279500.
Improving patient understanding on discharge from the short stay unit: an integrated human factors and quality improvement approach
Authors: Cook Jenna Lauren Elizabeth , Fioratou Evie , Davey Peter , Urquhart Lynn
Published: August 2022

This intervention used a systems approach to improve patient understanding on discharge from the adult acute medicine short stay unit (SSU). Patient understanding was assessed across five domains: diagnosis, medication changes, follow-up care, return instructions and knowing who their consultant was. The aim of this approach was that at least 90% of patients achieved near-complete understanding (score >4) on questionnaire across all five discharge domains by the end of April 2021. Pre-intervention most patients received verbal instructions and only a minority received written information. Through staff interviews, we identified the electronic discharge document (EDD) as a practical source of written information. However, testing with patients showed that the format required substantial redesign to be written in patient-friendly language, using signposting, spacing information out and avoiding jargon. The effect of this intervention was assessed with a structured telephone questionnaire, which included both a patient self-rated score and a comparative understanding score to assess true patient understanding of the revised EDD. Pre-intervention 29 discharged patients were interviewed across 10 days and post-intervention 10 patients were interviewed in 7 days. Patients consistently over-rated their understanding of discharge information. Only one patient achieved the aim of comparative understanding >4 across all domains post-intervention. Understanding improved across all but one of the domains, the exception being medication changes. An important unanticipated consequence was that interviews identified inconsistencies in EDD information and gaps in patient understanding, which required escalation to the SSU team. In summary, this intervention improved patient understanding across four of the five domains. However, further work is required on process reliability for the redesigned EDD and on improving understanding of medication changes. Furthermore, the interviews revealed clinically important inconsistencies in EDD information and gaps in patient understanding.
Abstracts from international emergency medicine journals
Authors: Production EMJ
Published: August 2022

Editor’s note: EMJ has partnered with the journals of multiple international emergency medicine societies to share from each a highlighted research study, as selected by their editors. This edition will feature an abstract from each publication.
EP12 Emergency services provision of take home naloxone to people at risk of opiate overdose: perspectives of potential recipients – a qualitative study
Authors: Hughes Jane , Sampson Fiona C , Long Jaqui , Buykx Penny , Snooks Helen
Published: August 2022

Introduction

UK clinical guidelines recommend that provision of Take Home Naloxone (THN) to heroin and other opiate users can reduce mortality and morbidity in this population. Emergency departments (ED) and ambulance staff could provide ideal opportunities for THN distribution, due to regular encounters with patients experiencing opioid overdose. As part of a wider feasibility study for emergency service provision of THN, we explored user perspectives on feasibility and acceptability of THN, based on previous knowledge and experience of overdose.

Methods

We conducted qualitative, semi-structured interviews with a sample (n=26) of people who use opiates attending drug treatment outpatient clinic or third sector drug organisation in three UK cities. We analysed data using thematic analysis.

Results

Respondents had significant experience of overdose (experienced personally or witnessed) and high awareness and understanding of overdose management, including personal experience of THN use. Respondents identified some barriers to THN provision at the time of overdose, e.g. reluctance to engage with health professionals at the time of opioid withdrawal but overall were highly supportive of increased access to THN. Service users perceived THN as an acceptable and easy to use intervention, valuing provision of THN via ambulance or ED staff in addition to community provision. THN training and provision gave respondents a sense of self-agency and empowerment and an opportunity to potentially save the lives of others. Respondents wanted more opportunities for friends and family to also undergo training and receive the THN kits.

Conclusion

People who access services for their opioid use support increased provision of THN from a wider variety of providers including ED and ambulance staff but also extending to other community support services. Extending THN provision to peers and family of people at risk of overdose could also offer additional opportunities to improve outcomes from opioid overdose events.
PP20 Self-identification of psychological wellbeing: a mental health continuum for EMS employees
Authors: Johnston Sasha , Mildenhall Jo , Wylam Jaimee
Published: August 2022

Background

Across Emergency Medical Service (EMS) organisations the high prevalence of poor employee mental health, elevated risk of employee suicide and cultural stigma, bring to the fore the need for tools that enable EMS staff to self-identify, articulate, and disclose their mental wellbeing status.

Methods

The aim of this project was to develop a visual aid, tailored to the EMS sector, to enable ambulance employees to self-identify their own mental wellbeing status. A literature review of available English-language, adult population articles relating to mental health continua in the ambulance context was conducted in July 2021. Electronic databases Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Embase, Epistemenikos, Medline, Prospero, PsycINFO, Scopus and Google Scholar were searched from 2002. Existing mental health continua utilised by EMS organisations were examined and alongside the identified database articles, an expert working group created through stakeholder mapping, debated findings and developed an ambulance specific continuum.

Results

A descriptive narrative of the included studies was produced. Several factors for supporting wellbeing, such as regular eating and sleeping patterns, are not achievable for irregular EMS shift work and would likely create a barrier to participation. Factors such as concise, inclusive, de-stigmatising and appropriate language and taking a holistic view towards employee mental wellbeing were identified as important. A visual four-point continuum of wellbeing consisting of Thriving, surviving, struggling and ‘in crisis’, anchored by five holistic elements of emotional, psychosocial, social, physical wellbeing and addiction was developed. Elements such sleep hygiene moderated by shift work were included. Four suggested supportive techniques are provided to align with the four continuum self-identification points.

Conclusions

Evidence suggests that a visual continuum can promote a shared understanding of fluctuating mental health and reduces stigma. Although it is recommended that this tool is disseminated and adopted by EMS, given the lack of validation and evaluation for visual mental health continua identified in the literature, evaluation of adoption, acceptability and effectiveness should be prioritised.
PP24 Emergent themes of interviews with NHS staff involved in creating and implementing a Wales-wide framework for improving EDs
Authors: Jones Katie , Rance Jaynie
Published: August 2022

Background

In 2018 a Wales-wide improvement project was launched to design an emergency department quality and delivery framework (EDQDF). The project aimed to combine top-down and bottom-up working to describe and implementwhat good looks like for emergency departments. The collaborative design of the EDQDF took place between 2018 and 2020; the project’s currently in its implementation phase. This evaluation asks about the barriers and enablers pertaining to implementation of the EDQDF, which was designed using the CAREMORE methodology, found to be a promising tool for collaborative improvement projects for health services (Nelson et al 2018).

Methods

We interviewed 8 participants involved with the EDQDF (nurses n3; consultant paramedic n1; policy-maker n1; project managers n2; senior level manager n1). We thematized the data according to preconceived concepts and to identify emerging themes.

Results

Strong emergent themes include: challenges of combining top-down/bottom-up working; interdependencies on other parts of the system as a barrier to implementation; staff pressures; the positive perception of a developing network for ED-staff.

Covid-19 significantly shifted the focus of the project to reconsider ‘access’ for patients, especially remote access to advice, ED appointments, or teletriage and streaming to alternative services. Some participants perceived this positively, others negatively.

When considering ‘patient access’, participants often referred to technological advancement as an answer to problems such as overcrowding, and regularly invoked the language of consumerism. Participants demonstrated a conflict between a desire for the slick operational models used by fast-food chains (participants often mentioned chains like Starbucks and domino’s pizza, for instance), and a recognition of the differences between the delivery of care and a consumer product.

Conclusion

The primary barrier to implementation is considered to be the interdependent nature of the health system; ED pressures were perceived as symptomatic of failures elsewhere in the health and social care system.
PP38 Impact of working through COVID-19 on ambulance staff resilience and intention to leave the NHS: a mixed methods study
Authors: Coster Joanne , O’Hara Rachel , Glendinning Richard , Nolan Peter , Roy Deborah , Weyman Andrew
Published: August 2022

Background

The Covid-19 pandemic has imposed unprecedented demands on NHS staff and resources, during which time ambulance staff have been working at consistently high levels of operational pressure. This study explores the impact of prevailing conditions on NHS staff experiences, future employment intentions and key factors in decisions to remain in the NHS or leave.

Methods

The study was undertaken in two ambulance trusts using an online survey (n=500) and qualitative interviews (n=20) between April 2021 – December 2021. Two rounds of survey data collection captured information at different time points in the pandemic. Interview participants were sampled purposively to include frontline staff, line managers and senior managers. Survey analysis was undertaken in SPSS and interviews were analysed thematically.

Results

The majority of survey respondents were frontline staff: Paramedics (44%); Emergency Medical Technicians (25%) and call-handlers (10%). Mean length of service was 13 years. Compared with prior to the pandemic, staff perceived things were worse in terms of staffing levels (80%), stress (77%), workloads (76%), morale (73%) and their mental health (66%). Key concerns related to abnormally high levels of staff absence, the impact of work on mental and physical health, inadequate time to do the job and making mistakes because of workloads. Almost one-in-five respondents had applied for a non-NHS job in the last six months, including 25% paramedics, and 27% wished to be working elsewhere in 5 years time. The interviews provided complementary detail on experiences and employment intentions, with key issues relating to staffing pressures, work demands and conditions, and burnout.

Conclusion

The Covid-19 pandemic has had and continues to have a detrimental effect on workload, morale and both mental and physical health, with implications for staff retention and NHS care delivery. Insights provided by this study are intended to inform approaches to staff retention.
PP44 Effect of COVID-19 on the operational realities of the non-urban Canadian paramedic
Authors: Chris Smith J , Burr Wesley S
Published: August 2022

Introduction

COVID-19 has had significant impacts on the provision of pre-hospital care. Media and academic reports have heavily covered the impacts of Covid-19 on society and health care but have primarily focused on the densely packed urban environments which were hardest hit. This study examines the impact of COVID-19 on pre-hospital care outside of major urban centers.

Methods

The electronic patient care records (ePCR) of 3 Ontario paramedic services were compared for 365 days starting March 13 (start of lockdown for Ontario in 2020) for Historic (2018-2019), PreCOVID (2019-2020) and COVID (2020-2021) periods. Demographics were examined using t-Tests and proportion (Goodness of Fit) tests. Call counts in temporal categories were analysed using Chi-Squared tests of goodness of fit, while changes in the distribution of call time intervals were examined using a LR test for equivalence. Ethics for the study was approved by the Trent University Ethics Review Board.

Results

89,126 ePCRs were examined (Historic: 30,070; PreCOVID: 30,576; COVID: 28,480). Small but statistically significant differences between COVID and PreCOVID were found in the gender and primary problem of patients (p < 0.01) as well as in all temporal fields (p < 0.03), except day-of-the-week (p = 0.87). In time interval comparison, time-on-scene and time-to-patient-contact were significantly increased in the COVID-19 era while time-to-offload (in the ER) was much shorter. Response times were found to be marginally slower, while transport-time-to-ED was found to be significantly faster during COVID.

PreCOVID versus Historic comparisons found no significant difference, except in age and CTAS, which had significant differences in both the COVID vs PreCOVID and PreCOVID vs Historic periods (p < 0.001 for both).

Conclusion

COVID-19 has had many impacts on prehospital care. However, the practical significance of COVID on rural pre-hospital care may not be as large as that reported in higher density area.
A theoretical study of the reactivity of pyrazaboles with nitrogen nucleophiles (amines and pyrazoles): the ring-opening mechanism
Authors: Alkorta Ibon , Elguero José
Published: August 2022

A theoretical study of the reactivity of pyrazaboles with amines and pyrazoles has been carried out at DFT level in gas phase, toluene and water media. The reaction with amines yields two molecules of pyrazolylboranes, while the reaction with pyrazoles allows to understand the interchange of such molecules in the pyrazaboles. The reaction of three pyrazaboles with two amines [NH3and NMe3] and pyrazole itself has been considered. The SN2 and SN1 mechanisms have been analyzed. The SN2 reaction is more favorable than the SN1 in the absence or presence of amines.
Reverse Engineering Protection Using Obfuscation Through Electromagnetic Interference
Authors: Stark William , Chen Shuai , Wang Lei
Published: August 2022

This paper discusses commonly used reverse engineering methods to illegally recreate printed circuit board (PCB) designs. A solution using transformative electronics is presented to prevent the discussed reverse engineering methods by obfuscating the design. The transformative electronics solution is employed in a specific application that results in a reverse engineered board to be incorrectly recreated, where the signals would be distorted due to added electromagnetic interference (EMI). The non-conductive vias that are part of the obfuscation would allow the inclusion of EMI generators that would not affect the circuit in an original design but would prevent copied designs from working correctly. A machine learning algorithm is being designed to optimize the placement of the EMI sources in an original PCB.
Quantum Dot Gate (QDG) FETs to Fabricate n-MOS Inverters Exhibiting 3-State Logic
Authors: Mays Roman , Khan Bilal , Gudlavalleti Raja , Almalki Abdulmajeed , Salas Ashley , Maramo Justin , Perez Erik , Adamson Zachary , Liu Kaiyuan , Owczarczyk Matthew , Abdelgulil Ali , Jain Faquir
Published: August 2022

This paper presents the experimental characteristics of 3-state n-MOS inverters utilizing Quantum Dot Gate (QDG) FETs. By employing FETs that have quantum dots in the gate region, particularly Si-SiOx cladded quantum dots and Ge-GeOx cladded quantum dots, intermediate states were observed in both variations of the device, both of which using the same architecture and mask set.
QDG-SRAM Simulation Using Physics-Based Models of QDG-FET and QDG-Inverter
Authors: Mays Roman , Khan Bilal , Gudlavalleti Raja , Papadimitrakopoulos Fotios , Heller Evan , Jain F.
Published: August 2022

This paper investigates the underlying physics of a SRAM device utilizing three-state Quantum Dot Gate (QDG) FETs by building up the physics from the general QDG-FET, its relation to the QDG-Inverter, and ultimately, the QDG-SRAM. The resulting equations from the exploration of the device physics were utilized to create a simulation within SIMULINK. From the simulation, it was found that in addition to being able to store the “1” and “0” states that are customary for an SRAM device, there is also the ability to store an intermediate state and a pseudo-state as a result of the intermediate state, allowing for the possibility of a 2-bit SRAM device in the same spatial constraints of a conventional SRAM unit cell. Additionally, the experimental results of the QDG-SRAM half-cell and the implications of utilizing a 4 state device to create either a 4 state SRAM cell or a 6 state SRAM cell with two pseudo-states are also discussed.
Quantum Dot Channel FETs Harnessing Mini-Energy Band Transitions in GeOx-Ge and Si QDSL for Multi-Bit Computing
Authors: Jain F. , Gudlavalleti R. , Mays R. , Saman B. , Chan P-Y. , Chandy J. , Lingalugari M. , Heller E.
Published: August 2022

This paper presents multi-state quantum dot channel (QDC) FETs incorporating cladded quantum dots forming a novel superlattice (QDSL) as the transport channel. Harnessing QDSL mini-energy band transitions as well as the encoding of spatial location of carriers in the upper or lower quantum dot channels is utilized to obtain 8- and 16-logic states. Potentially, 32-logic states can be achieved by additionally incorporating QDSL between tunnel oxide and gate. This maybe an interim alternative to sub-milliKelvin Si/SiGe qubits.
Mid to Long Wave Infrared Photodetectors Using Intra-Mini-Energy Band Transitions in GeOx Cladded Ge Quantum Dot Superlattice (QDSL) FETs
Authors: Jain F. , Mays R. , Gudlavalleti R. , Chandy J. , Heller E.
Published: August 2022

This paper presents a photogate MOS-FET device, which would function as an infrared photodetector in the 0.3-0.4 eV range involving intra-mini-energy band transitions in the GeOx-cladded Ge quantum dot channel. Energy band density of states (DOS), mini-energy band separations for indirect as well direct bands are computed.
Photon production rate calculation from quark-gluon plasma using MEQM in heavy-ion collision
Authors: Sethy P. K. , Kumar Yogesh , Singh S. Somorendro , Jain Poonam
Published: August 2022

It is widely accepted that a huge and intense magnetic field is created along with the exotic state of matter in heavy-ion collision. The photon yield from quark-gluon plasma created in a magnetic environment is studied using a thermal quasi-particle mass. The quarks acquire this mass depending on the temperature and nonzero value of quark chemical potential which gets modified as magnetized effective quark mass (MEQM) in the presence of magnetic field. The total photon rate is shown for one loop process incorporating MEQM. It is found that the emission rate to lowest order increases strongly with increasing of the quark chemical potential and temperature. The enhanced yield in photon is also compared with the recently reported theoretical results.
RESULTS ON BUILDING FRACTIONAL MATRIX DIFFERENTIAL EQUATION SYSTEMS USING A CLASS OF BLOCK MATRICES
Authors: ELRAWY AMR , ABDALLA MOHAMED , ALSHEHRI MARYAM , BOULAARAS SALAH , SALEEM MOHAMED
Published: August 2022

In this paper, some important objectives have been achieved, which are as follows: First, we present a method of the inverse for a class of non-singular block matrices and some associated properties. Also, the accuracy of a new method is verified with some illustrated examples by applying the MATLAB lines. Second, applying a class of block matrices, we give the exact solution for fractional matrix differential equation systems using the Laplace fractional transformation method. Finally, illustrative examples and individual cases are also presented and discussed to demonstrate our new approach.
Personalized Federated Learning on Non-IID Data via Group-based Meta-learning
Authors: Yang Lei , Huang Jiaming , Lin Wanyu , Cao Jiannong
Published: August 2022

Personalized federated learning (PFL) has emerged as a paradigm to provide a personalized model that can fit the local data distribution of each client. One natural choice for PFL is to leverage the fast adaptation capability of meta-learning, where it first obtains a single global model, and each client achieves a personalized model by fine-tuning the global one with its local data. However, existing meta-learning-based approaches implicitly assume that the data distribution among different clients is similar, which may not be applicable due to the property of data heterogeneity in federated learning. In this work, we propose a Group-based Federated Meta-Learning framework, called
G-FML
, which adaptively divides the clients into groups based on the similarity of their data distribution, and the personalized models are obtained with meta-learning within each group. In particular, we develop a simple yet effective grouping mechanism to adaptively partition the clients into multiple groups. Our mechanism ensures that each group is formed by the clients with similar data distribution such that the group-wise meta-model can achieve “personalization” at large. By doing so, our framework can be generalized to a highly heterogeneous environment. We evaluate the effectiveness of our proposed
G-FML
framework on three heterogeneous benchmarking datasets. The experimental results show that our framework improves the model accuracy by up to 13.15% relative to the state-of-the-art federated meta-learning.