bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Risk Based Allocation of Safety Integrity Levels for Machinery Control Systems and the International Standard IEC 62061
Authors: Worsell Nicola , Wilday Jill , Chambers Colin
Published: November 2021

This paper outlines the draft international standard IEC 62061 – Safety of machinery – Functional safety – Electrical, electronic and programmable electronic control systems [1]; this is intended to be a machinery sector implementation of the basic safety publication IEC 61508 – Functional safety of electrical/electronic/ programmable electronic safety-related systems [2]. A fundamental concept of IEC 61508 is the definition of safety performance criteria for safety functions implemented by safety-related electrical, electronic and programmable electronic systems in terms of safety integrity levels (SILs). This paper, therefore, goes on to describe a methodology, currently under development, for the risk based selection of SILs that it is proposed should be incorporated into an informative annex of IEC 62061.
The Impact of Safety Mitigation to Reliability of Co-Generation Units
Authors: Balkey Joseph P.
Published: November 2021

Companies may be considering improving their power reliability by installing one or more new co-generating unit(s) in addition to buying power. However, they may be unaware that the safety devices that protect the unit(s) may also inadvertently shutdown the unit(s). This paper first describes how a co-generation unit operates and some of its safety features. One of the safety features is to shutdown the unit when a temperature is inadvertently high. However, the number of instruments used to measure a temperature greatly impacts both safety and reliability. This paper graphically shows the simultaneous impact of four types of voting to both safety and reliability and discusses the purpose of each one. Knowing the purpose of each type of voting can lead to selecting a co-generation unit that matches a users needs. This paper also shows how the values in the graph are calculated.
Protein Crystal Growth in Space, Past and Future
Authors: DeLucas Lawrence J. , Crysel William , Bray Terry , Long Marianna M. , Moore Karen M. , Weise Lance
Published: November 2021

The Center for Biophysical Sciences and Engineering (CBSE) at the University of Alabama at Birmingham has performed protein crystal growth experiments on more than 37 U.S. space shuttle missions. Results from these experiments have clearly demonstrated that the microgravity environment is beneficial in that a number of proteins crystallized were larger and of higher quality than their earth-grown counterparts. Improvement in crystal quality is judged by analysis of ultimate diffraction resolution, individual peak mosaicity, and electron density maps. There are now a number of protein crystals that exhibited resolution improvements of 0.5Å to 1.5Å. Mosaicity studies revealed dramatic decreases in peak widths for the microgravity-grown crystals. These microgravity results plus data from a variety of other investigators have stimulated various space agencies to support fundamental studies in macromolecular crystal growth processes. The CBSE has devoted substantial effort toward the development of dynamically-controlled crystal growth systems which allow scientists to optimize crystallization parameters on Earth or in space. These systems enable monitoring and control of the approach to nucleation and post-nucleation growth phases, thereby dramatically improving the crystal size and x-ray diffraction characteristics.

The CBSE is currently designing a complete crystallographic laboratory for the International Space Station including: a crystal growth rack, which will support a variety of crystallization hardware systems; an x-ray diffraction rack for crystal characterization or a complete x-ray data set collection; and robotically-controlled crystal harvesting/cryopreservation systems that can be operated with minimal crew time via telerobotic and/or robotic procedures. Key elements of the x-ray system include unique x-ray focusing technology combined with a lightweight, low power source. The x-ray detection system is based on commercial CCD-based technology. This paper will describe the x-ray facility envisioned for the International Space Station.
Nucelar Technology, a National Treasure
Authors: Hurt Nathan H.
Published: November 2021

Nuclear technology has been a national treasure. It grew up with American research and industrial preeminence starting with being at the center of the Manhattan Project, followed by the Cold War and then the Atoms for Peace programs for the 1950’s and 1960’s.
Fossil Energy Technologies for Tomorrow: The Role of Effective Government Partnerships for Sustainable Progress
Authors: Baldwin Arthur L.
Published: November 2021

The National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) is the Department of Energy’s (DOE) only government-owned and -operated national laboratory. With homesites in Morgantown, West Virginia, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and Tulsa, Oklahoma, NETL has been addressing global, national, regional, and local energy and environmental issues for the past 50 years. NETL’s core functions are to: shape, fund, and manage contracted research, development, demonstration, and deployment programs; conduct on-site science and technology research, and; conduct analyses to support policy development and best management and business practices.

In support of the President’s recently released National Energy Policy, NETL’s work is concentrated in five major program areas: (1) Energy and Environmental Policy Support — Providing the scientific bases for sound policy decisions on key energy and environmental issues that relate to the global use of fossil energy. (2) Electric Power Using Coal — Developing the sound, scientific bases for clean, efficient power generation using coal, from mining to light switch. (3) Strategic Center for Natural Gas — Integrating and coordinating all Federal natural gas research, development, analysis, and policy development, from exploration through utilization. (4) Fuels — Addressing the integrated supply and delivery of clean fossil (petroleum, natural gas, and coal) derived fuels for transportation and other end-use sectors. (5) Environmental Quality/Nuclear Security — Supporting development and deployment of environmental technologies that reduce the cost and risk of cleaning up DOE’s nuclear weapons complex.

Currently, NETL has over 1,100 research projects in all 50 states and more than 20 countries. NETL conducts this work through a broad range of partnerships with private industry, universities and colleges, not-for-profit laboratories, other DOE national laboratories, other government organizations at the federal, state, and local levels, and various international partners. Through these partnerships, NETL has fostered and will continue to foster the development and deployment of scientific and engineering technologies and know-how that offer sustainable solutions to domestic and international energy and environmental problems.

See Proceedings Appendix B.
Atomic scale friction properties of confined water layers
Authors: Go Tae Won , Lee Dooho , Choi Woosuk , Park Jeong Young
Published: November 2021

The atomic scale friction properties of water layers are a highly important subject for understanding the lubricating mechanism of ice. Recently, two-dimensional (2D) materials gave rise to an excellent platform for investigating the tribological properties of water, since water layers can be easily intercalated between 2D layers and hydrophilic substrates. In this Review, we highlight recent research on the friction properties of the confined water between hydrophilic (mica and silica) substrates and 2D materials. Recent friction force microscopy work has revealed the nanotribological properties of water intercalated between 2D materials (e.g., graphene and MoS2), and a hydrophilic substrate increases the friction force. Moreover, the friction on both graphene and MoS2 increased as the number of stacking water layers increased. On the other hand, the magnitude of friction increase went down as the number of covering 2D layers above the intercalated water layer increased; the friction is eventually indistinguishable from the multilayer stack excluded water adsorption. The isotope effect of frictional enhancement has been addressed, and it was shown that the intercalation of deuterium oxide (D2O) leads to the decrease of friction at H2O intercalated graphene on mica due to the lower vibrational frequency of D2O adsorbate, which is associated with the low rate of frictional energy dissipation at the interface. Water exfoliated by 2D layers prepared with mechanical exfoliation and chemical vapor deposition exhibits similar frictional enhancement, indicating the universal tendency of friction by intercalated water between 2D atomic layers and hydrophilic surfaces.
Parent-Reported Motivators and Barriers to Participation in a Community-Based Intervention Designed for Children With Motor Skill Difficulties: A Qualitative Program Evaluation
Authors: Brown Kyrah K. , Smith Jerrise , Bailey Tamaya N. , Ortiz Gennel , Gu Xiangli , Tamplain Priscila
Published: November 2021

Introduction:Parents play a critical role in their child’s participation in community-based intervention programs. Yet, their perspectives remain largely overlooked in the literature. This qualitative program evaluation used social cognitive theory to understand parents’ motivators and barriers to participation in a community-based intervention program designed for children with motor skill difficulties.Method:Parents (n = 15) of children with motor skill difficulties enrolled in a community-based intervention program participated in semistructured interviews.Results:Thematic analysis revealed six motivators (child needs, satisfaction, perceived impact, affordability, design, and program culture) and three perceived barriers (parent knowledge, access, and accommodations).Discussion:Parents’ motivators and barriers reflected a combination of personal and environmental factors consistent with social cognitive theory. This study revealed novel insight into program-related environmental motivators and barriers. Program leaders should consider ongoing evaluation and application of parental perspectives to optimize family participation and retention in community-based interventions.
The Relationship Between Preoperative Physical Activity With American Society of Anesthesiologists Score and Postoperative Length of Stay in Patients Undergoing Radical Prostatectomy
Authors: Papadopoulos Efthymios , Brahmbhatt Priya , Alibhai Shabbir M.H. , Tomlinson George A. , Matthew Andrew G. , Nesbitt Michael , Jones Jennifer M. , Randall Ian , Sellers Daniel , Finelli Antonio , Fleshner Neil , Santa Mina Daniel
Published: November 2021

Background: The relationship between preoperative physical activity (PA) and hospital length of stay (LOS) following radical prostatectomy (RP) is poorly understood. In addition, the relationship between PA and the American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status score (ASA PS), an established prognosticator of surgical risk, has not been studied. The authors assessed the relationship between leisure-time PA (LTPA), ASA PS, and LOS in individuals undergoing RP. Methods: This retrospective cohort study was conducted using data from an institutional database. Ordinal logistic regression was used to assess the relationship between preoperative LTPA and physical status as indicated by the ASA PS. Binary logistic regression was used to assess the relationship between preoperative LTPA and LOS. Results: A sample of 1064 participants were included in the analyses. The participants in the highest preoperative LTPA quartile had 45% reduced odds (P = .015) of a worse ASA PS classification compared with participants in the lowest quartile. The participants engaging in vigorous LTPA preoperatively had 35% lower odds (P = .014) of a >2-day LOS following RP compared with participants who were not engaging in preoperative vigorous LTPA. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that total and vigorous preoperative LTPA is associated with improved preoperative American Society of Anesthesiologists scores and LOS following RP, respectively.
Genome-wide association studies identify the role of caspase-9 in kidney disease
Authors: Doke Tomohito , Huang Shizheng , Qiu Chengxiang , Sheng Xin , Seasock Matthew , Liu Hongbo , Ma Ziyuan , Palmer Matthew , Susztak Katalin
Published: November 2021

Integrated omics analysis (GWAS, eQTL, snATAC, and mouse genetic models) identified caspase-9 as a kidney disease risk gene.
Continuous rise of the tropopause in the Northern Hemisphere over 1980–2020
Authors: Meng Lingyun , Liu Jane , Tarasick David W. , Randel William J. , Steiner Andrea K. , Wilhelmsen Hallgeir , Wang Lei , Haimberger Leopold
Published: November 2021

Continued rise of the tropopause after 2000 in the Northern Hemisphere is mainly due to tropospheric warming.
Social isolation–related depression accelerates ethanol intake via microglia-derived neuroinflammation
Authors: Lee Jin-Seok , Lee Sung-Bae , Kim Dong-Woon , Shin Nara , Jeong Seon-Ju , Yang Chae-Ha , Son Chang-Gue
Published: November 2021

Social isolation stress–derived depressive behavior and ethanol intake act as a vicious cycle.
Strain-programmable fiber-based artificial muscle
Authors: Kanik Mehmet , Orguc Sirma , Varnavides Georgios , Kim Jinwoo , Benavides Thomas , Gonzalez Dani , Akintilo Timothy , Tasan C. Cem , Chandrakasan Anantha P. , Fink Yoel , Anikeeva Polina
Published: November 2021

Getting the most out of muscles

Materials that convert electrical, chemical, or thermal energy into a shape change can be used to form artificial muscles. Such materials include bimetallic strips or host-guest materials or coiled fibers or yarns (see the Perspective by Tawfick and Tang). Kanik
et al.
developed a polymer bimorph structure from an elastomer and a semicrystalline polymer where the difference in thermal expansion enabled thermally actuated artificial muscles. Iterative cold stretching of clad fibers could be used to tailor the dimensions and mechanical response, making it simple to produce hundreds of meters of coiled fibers. Mu
et al.
describe carbon nanotube yarns in which the volume-changing material is placed as a sheath outside the twisted or coiled fiber. This configuration can double the work capacity of tensile muscles. Yuan
et al.
produced polymer fiber torsional actuators with the ability to store energy that could be recovered on heating. Twisting mechanical deformation was applied to the fibers above the glass transition temperature and then stored via rapid quenching.

Science
, this issue p.
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, p.
150
, p.
155
; see also p.
125
Posterior parietal cortex plays a causal role in perceptual and categorical decisions
Authors: Zhou Yang , Freedman David J.
Published: November 2021

Perceptual decision-making in primates

Past investigations of the posterior parietal cortex (PPC) in perceptual decisions tested only its contribution to motor aspects of decisions. However, Zhou and Freedman tested the primate PPC's role in both sensory and motor aspects of decisions. Inactivation of the lateral intraparietal area strongly impaired sensory processing aspects of decision-making, more so than motor aspects. Lateral intraparietal area neurons targeted for inactivation were highly correlated with the monkeys' trial-by-trial decisions about stimuli in the neurons' receptive fields. Thus, the posterior parietal cortex is indeed involved in decision-making but plays a more sensory role than predicted.

Science
, this issue p.
180
Supplemental Material: Hadean zircon formed due to hydrated ultramafic protocrust melting
Authors: Borisova Anastassia Y. , al. et
Published: November 2021

Analytical and micro-analytical methods, a description of the modeling methods, and a data set of experimental run conditions and experimental results (Tables S1–S5).
Supplemental Material: Linking exhumation, paleo-relief, and rift formation to magmatic processes in the western Snake River Plain, Idaho, using apatite (U-Th)/He thermochronology
Authors: Wetzel Kelsey F. , Stanley Jessica R.
Published: November 2021

Table S1: Calculations of footwall exhumation and basin extension magnitudes in the western Snake River Plain. Figure S1: Figure illustrating regions of high-elevation, low-relief topography in the southern Idaho batholith.
Risk factors for microcystic macular oedema in glaucoma
Authors: Mahmoudinezhad Golnoush , Salazar Diana , Morales Esteban , Tran Peter , Lee Janet , Hubschman Jean-Pierre , Nouri-Mahdavi Kouros , Caprioli Joseph
Published: November 2021

Background/aims

To identify clinical characteristics and factors associated with microcystic macular edema (MME) in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG).

Methods

We included 315 POAG eyes between 2010 and 2019 with good-quality macular volume scans that had reliable visual fields (VF) available within 6 months in this observational retrospective cohort study. Eyes with retinal pathologies except for epiretinal membrane (ERM) were excluded. The inner nuclear layer was qualitatively assessed for the presence of MME. Global mean deviation (MD) and Visual Field Index (VFI) decay rates, superior and inferior MD rates and pointwise total deviation rates of change were estimated with linear regression. Logistic regression was performed to identify baseline factors associated with the presence of MME and to determine whether MME is associated with progressive VF loss.

Results

25 out of 315 eyes (7.9%) demonstrated MME. The average (±SD) age and MD in eyes with and without MME was 57.2 (±8.7) versus 62.0 (±9.9) years (p=0.02) and −9.8 (±5.7) versus −4.9 (±5.3) dB (p<0.001), respectively. Worse global MD at baseline (p=0.001) and younger age (p=0.02) were associated with presence of MME. ERM was not associated with the presence of MME (p=0.84) in this cohort. MME was not associated with MD and VFI decay rates (p>0.49).

Conclusions

More severe glaucoma and younger age were associated with MME. MME was not associated with faster global VF decay in this cohort. MME may confound monitoring of glaucoma with full macular thickness.
Perceived barriers and enablers to the provision of diabetic retinopathy screening for young adults: a cross-sectional survey of healthcare professionals working in the UK National Diabetic Eye Screening Programme
Authors: Prothero Louise , Lorencatto Fabianna , Cartwright Martin , Burr Jennifer M , Gardner Philip , Anderson John , Presseau Justin , Ivers Noah , Grimshaw Jeremy M , Lawrenson John G
Published: November 2021

Introduction

Diabetic retinopathy screening (DRS) attendance in young adults is consistently below recommended levels. The aim of this study was to conduct a survey of screening providers in the UK Diabetic Eye Screening Programme (DESP) to identify perceived barriers and enablers to DRS attendance in young adults and elicit views on the effectiveness of strategies to improve screening uptake in this population.

Research design and methods

Members of the British Association of Retinal Screening (n=580) were invited to complete an anonymous online survey in July 2020 assessing agreement with 37 belief statements, informed by the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) of behavior change, describing potential barrier/enablers to delivering DRS for young adults and further survey items exploring effectiveness of strategies to improve uptake of DRS.

Results

In total, 140 (24%) responses were received mostly from screener/graders (67.1%). There was a high level of agreement that the DESP had a role in improving attendance in young adults (96.4%) and that more could be done to improve attendance (90.0%). The most commonly reported barriers related to TDF domainsSocial influencesandEnvironmental context and resourcesincluding lack of integration of DRS with other processes of diabetes care, which limited the ability to discuss diabetes self-management. Other barriers included access to screening services and difficulties with scheduling appointments. Less than half (46.4%) of respondents reported having a dedicated strategy to improve screening uptake in young adults. Strategies perceived to be effective included: screening within the community; prompts/reminders and integrating eye screening with other diabetes services.

Conclusions

Screening providers were concerned about screening uptake in young adults, although many programs lacked a dedicated strategy to improve attendance. Problems associated with a lack of integration between DRS with other diabetes care processes were identified as a major barrier to providing holistic care to young adults and supporting diabetes self-management.
Joint international consensus statement on crowdsourcing challenge contests in health and medicine: results of a modified Delphi process
Authors: Han Larry , Tang Weiming , Ritchwood Tiarney , Day Suzanne , Wei Shufang , Bao Huanyu , John Randall , Kpokiri Eneyi , Mathanga Don , Awor Phyllis , Juban Noel , Castro-Arroyave Diana , Ambil Vibhu , Xiong Yuan , Oppong Emmanuela , Tucker Joseph
Published: November 2021

Objectives

To develop a consensus statement to provide advice on designing, implementing and evaluating crowdsourcing challenge contests in public health and medical contexts.

Design

Modified Delphi using three rounds of survey questionnaires and one consensus workshop.

Setting

Uganda for face-to-face consensus activities, global for online survey questionnaires.

Participants

A multidisciplinary expert panel was convened at a consensus-development conference in Uganda and included 21 researchers with experience leading challenge contests, five public health sector workers, and nine Ugandan end users. An online survey was sent to 140 corresponding authors of previously published articles that had used crowdsourcing methods.

Results

A subgroup of expert panel members developed the initial statement and survey. We received responses from 120 (85.7%) survey participants, which were presented at an in-person workshop of all 21 panel members. Panelists discussed each of the sections, revised the statement, and participated in a second round of the survey questionnaire. Based on this second survey round, we held detailed discussions of each subsection with workshop participants and further revised the consensus statement. We then conducted the third round of the questionnaire among the 21 expert panelists and used the results to finalize the statement. This iterative process resulted in 23 final statement items, all with greater than 80% consensus. Statement items are organised into the seven stages of a challenge contest, including the following: considering the appropriateness, organising a community steering committee, promoting the contest, assessing contributions, recognising contributors, sharing ideas and evaluating the contest (COPARSE).

Conclusions

There is high agreement among crowdsourcing experts and stakeholders on the design and implementation of crowdsourcing challenge contests. The COPARSE consensus statement can be used to organise crowdsourcing challenge contests, improve the rigour and reproducibility of crowdsourcing research and enable large-scale collaboration.
Care needs of dying patients and their family caregivers in hospice and palliative care in mainland China: a meta-synthesis of qualitative and quantitative studies
Authors: Zhu Shuqin , Zhu Hanfei , Zhang Xintong , Liu Kouying , Chen Zumei , Yang Xiaowen , Sun Changxian , Xie Weiping , Xu Qin , Li Weiying , Pang Dong , Cui Yan , Wang Hong
Published: November 2021

Objective

To investigate the care needs of dying patients and their family caregivers in hospice and palliative care in mainland China.

Methods

A search for English and Chinese quantitative and qualitative studies was performed using the following English databases: PubMed (Medline), CINAHL and PsycINFO, as well as Chinese databases: SinoMed and CNKI. The records were independently screened by two reviewers and critiqued using Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal tools. All quantitative data were transformed into qualitative data, which were converted into textual descriptions. Due to the diversity of included studies, a three-step analysis was performed: narrative summary, thematic analysis and presentation of integrated results in a narrative form. The qualitative findings were pooled using the meta-aggregation approach.

Results

The literature search identified 2964 papers after removing duplicates, from which 18 were included (9 quantitative and 9 qualitative studies). All studies were conducted in mainland China. Quantitative studies involved cross-sectional surveys, and qualitative studies involved interviews for data collection. Two synthesised results of patients’ needs were identified, including needs to be comfortable and experience a good death. Another two synthesised results of family caregivers’ needs included needs to care for and improve the quality of life of patients, and to care for themselves well.

Conclusion

This study identified that patients and family caregivers have an increasing demand for professional care at the end of life. Professionals, especially nurses, should enact a patients’ demand-centred practice to overcome the challenges of organisation, education, emotion and communication to provide high-quality end-of-life care.
Safety and immunogenicity of inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccines in healthy individuals: protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Li Mao , Yang Xuhong , Jiang Lianyan , Yang Dongdong
Published: November 2021

Introduction

COVID-19 has spread with high morbidity and mortality worldwide. Many inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccines are being tested at various clinical trial stages for the control and prevention of COVID-19. We aim to comprehensively and objectively evaluate the safety and immunogenicity of inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccines in healthy individuals through a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials (RCTs).

Methods and analysis

We will search electronic databases of PubMed, the Cochrane Library, Web of Science and EMBASE for RCTs from inception to 31 December 2021. We will also search conference abstracts, reference lists, and grey literature of all available records. Two reviewers will independently screen and extract information from the literature. Bias and the quality of included studies will be evaluated with the risk-bias assessment tool provided by the Cochrane Collaboration. Statistical analysis will be performed using Cochrane’s Review Manager (RevMan), V.5.3.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethics approval and patient informed consent are not required because we will be including published literature only. The findings of this research will be disseminated in a peer-reviewed journal and likely through other scientific events such as conferences, seminars and symposia.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42021266285.
Efficient capture of high-quality real-world data on treatments for glaucoma: the Fight Glaucoma Blindness! Registry
Authors: Lawlor Mitchell , Nguyen Vuong , Brooks Anne , Clement Colin , Craig Jamie E , Danesh-Meyer Helen , Goldberg Ivan , Graham Stuart L , Grigg John R , Howes Frank , Lim Ridia , Skalicky Simon E , White Andrew J , Gillies Mark
Published: November 2021

Objective

To describe the development and implementation of a web-based high-quality data collection tool to track the outcomes of glaucoma treatments in routine practice.

Methods and analysis

This is a prospective observational registry study. An international steering committee undertook an iterative structured process to define a minimum, patient-centred data set designed to track outcomes of glaucoma treatment. The outcomes were coded into a web-based programme allowing easy access for rapid data entry. Clinicians receive personal reports enabling instant audit of their outcomes. Analyses of aggregated anonymised data on real-world outcomes are analysed and periodically reported with the goal of improving patient care.

Results

The minimum data set developed by the international steering committee includes the following: a baseline visit captures 13 mandatory fields in order to accurately phenotype each patient’s subtype of glaucoma and to allow comparison between services, and a follow-up visit includes only four mandatory fields to allow completion within 30 s.

Currently, there are 157 surgeons in 158 ophthalmology practices across Australia and New Zealand who are registered. These surgeons are tracking 5570 eyes of 3001 patients and have recorded 67 074 visits. The median number of eyes per surgeon is 22 eyes with a range of 1–575. The most common glaucoma procedure, excluding cataract surgery, is iStent inject, with 2316 cases.

Conclusion

This software tool effectively facilitates data collection on safety and efficacy outcomes of treatments for different subgroups of glaucoma within a real-world setting. It provides a template to evaluate new treatments as they are introduced into practice.
Cohen's d and Physicians’ Opinion on Effect Size: A Questionnaire on Anemia Treatment
Authors: Gülkesen Kemal Hakan , Bora Feyza , Ilhanli Nevruz , Avsar Esin , Zayim Nese
Published: November 2021

A well-known effect size (ES) indicator is Cohen's d. Cohen defined d measures of small, medium, and large ES as 0.2, 0.5, and 0.8, respectively. This approach has been criticized because practical and clinical importance depends on the context of research. The aim of the study was to examine physicians’ perception of ES using iron deficiency anemia treatment as an example and observing the effects of pretreatment level and duration of treatment on the magnitude of ES. We prepared a questionnaire describing four different clinical studies: (1) 1 month of treatment of anemia in a group of patients with a mean hemoglobin (Hb) of 10 g/dL; (2) 3 months of treatment at an Hb level of 10 g/dL; (3) 1 month of treatment at an Hb level of 8 g/dL; and (4) 3 months of treatment at an Hb level of 8 g/dL. In each scenario, respondents were required to evaluate six various levels of Hb improvement as being very small, small, medium, large, or very large effect: 0.1 g/dL, 0.3 g/dL, 0.7 g/dL, 1.1 g/dL, 1.7 g/dL, and 2.8 g/dL. The responses of 35 physicians were evaluated. For 10 mg/dL, the Cohen's d for small, medium, and large ES was 0.5, 0.8, and 1.2 respectively, for 1 month of treatment. In terms of 3 months of treatment, the Cohen's d was 0.8, 1.2, and 2, respectively. Two separate pretreatment Hb levels (8 g/dL and 10 g/dL) demonstrated a minor difference. Determination of ES during the planning phase of studies requires thorough evaluation of specific clinical cases. Our results are divergent from the classic Cohen's d values. Additionally, duration of treatment affects ES perception.
Accessing needed sexual health services during the COVID-19 pandemic in British Columbia, Canada: a survey of sexual health service clients
Authors: Gilbert Mark , Chang Hsiu-Ju , Ablona Aidan , Salway Travis , Ogilvie Gina Suzanne , Wong Jason , Haag Devon , Pedersen Heather Nicole , Bannar-Martin Sophie , Campeau Laurence , Ford Geoffrey , Worthington Catherine , Grace Daniel , Grennan Troy
Published: November 2021

Objectives

We assessed COVID-19 pandemic impacts on accessing needed sexual health services, and acceptability of alternative service delivery models, among sexual health service clients in British Columbia (BC), Canada.

Methods

We administered an online survey on 21 July–4 August 2020 to clients using a provincial STI clinic or internet-based testing service, GetCheckedOnline, in the year prior to March 2020. We used logistic regression to identify factors associated with having unmet sexual health needs (ie, not accessing needed services) during March–July 2020 and the likelihood of using various alternative service models, if available.

Results

Of 1198 survey respondents, 706 (59%) reported needing any sexual health service since March 2020; of these 706, 365 (52%) did not access needed services and 458 (66%) had avoided or delayed accessing services. GetCheckedOnline users (univariate OR (uOR)=0.62; 95% CI 0.43 to 0.88) or clients with more urgent needs (eg, treatment for new STI, uOR 0.40 (95% CI 0.21 to 0.7)) had lower odds of unmet sexual health needs. The most common factors reported for avoiding or delaying access were public messaging against seeking non-urgent healthcare (234/662, 35%), concern about getting COVID-19 while at (214/662, 32%) or travelling to (147/662, 22%) a clinic or lab and closure of usual place of accessing services (178/662, 27%). All factors were positively associated with having unmet sexual health needs, with public messaging showing the strongest effect (adjusted OR=4.27 (95% CI 2.88 to 6.42)). Likelihood of using alternative sexual health service models was high overall, with the most appealing options being home self-collection kits (634/706, 90%), receiving test kits or antibiotics at home (592/700, 85%) and express testing (565/706, 80%).

Conclusions

Of BC sexual health service clients needing services during March–July 2020, many had unmet needs. Offering alternative service delivery methods may help to improve access during and beyond the COVID-19 pandemic.
Neurological outcomes after traumatic cardiopulmonary arrest: a systematic review
Authors: Shi Daniel , McLaren Christie , Evans Chris
Published: November 2021

Background

Despite appropriate care, most patients do not survive traumatic cardiac arrest, and many survivors suffer from permanent neurological disability. The prevalence of non-dismal neurological outcomes remains unclear.

Objectives

The aim of the current review is to summarize and assess the quality of reporting of the neurological outcomes in traumatic cardiac arrest survivors.

Data sources

A systematic review of Embase, Medline, PubMed, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), and ProQuest databases was performed from inception of the database to July 2020.

Study eligibility criteria

Observational cohort studies that reported neurological outcomes of patients surviving traumatic cardiac arrest were included.

Participants and interventions

Patients who were resuscitated following traumatic cardiac arrest.

Study appraisal and synthesis methods

The quality of the included studies was assessed using ROBINS-I (Risk of Bias in Non-Randomized Studies - of Interventions) for observational studies.

Results

From 4295 retrieved studies, 40 were included (n=23 644 patients). The survival rate was 9.2% (n=2168 patients). Neurological status was primarily assessed at discharge. Overall, 45.8% of the survivors had good or moderate neurological recovery, 29.0% had severe neurological disability or suffered a vegetative state, and 25.2% had missing neurological outcomes. Seventeen studies qualitatively described neurological outcomes based on patient disposition and 23 studies used standardized outcome scales. 28 studies had a serious risk of bias and 12 had moderate risk of bias.

Limitations

The existing literature is characterized by inadequate outcome reporting and a high risk of bias, which limit our ability to prognosticate in this patient population.

Conclusions or implications of key findings

Good and moderate neurological recoveries are frequently reported in patients who survive traumatic cardiac arrest. Prospective studies focused on quality of survivorship in traumatic arrest are urgently needed.

Level of evidence

Systematic review, level IV.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42020198482.
The Biology of Canadian Weeds. 159.Capsella bursa-pastoris(L.) Medik.
Authors: Ahmed Hafsa T. , Francis Ardath , Clements David R. , Dyck Elyse , Ross Natalie , Upadhyaya Mahesh K. , Hall Linda M. , Martin Sara L.
Published: November 2021

Capsella bursa-pastoris (L.) Medik, shepherd’s purse, is a cosmopolitan summer or winter annual weed species distributed throughout temperate and subtropical regions of the world and is considered one of the most common plants on earth. It is an opportunistic annual that colonizes newly disturbed, open or dry environments and is ubiquitous in cultivated lands in Canada. In annual crops in western Canada, C. bursa-pastoris has been among the 20 most abundant weeds since the first weed surveys in 1970. It is most easily distinguished by its small white four-petalled flowers and its heart-shaped seed-pods, but exhibits considerable variation in leaf shape and flowering time. It has been used for food and medicine by numerous cultures. Its golden-brown seeds are produced in large numbers predominantly through self-pollination and can form a substantial seed bank, with reported values ranging to several hundred thousand seeds m−2. While seeds usually disperse near the mother plant, long-distance dispersal by attaching to vehicles, people and other vectors may be facilitated by its mucilaginous coat. Capsella bursa-pastoris does not produce fertile hybrids with other species of economic or ecological significance. It is generally well controlled by soil-applied and foliar (post-emergence) herbicides although its presence in agricultural fields may result in substantial yield loss, as documented in cole crops in North America and grain crops in Europe. The species can host a wide range of insect, nematode, fungal, viral, and bacterial pests that may damage crop species.
Numerical simulation of an electroosmotic micromixer with variable modules
Authors: Feng Qiaoyu , Chen Xueye
Published: November 2021

We designed a new type of [Formula: see text]-type electroosmotic micromixer with variable modules (EMVMs). By applying 7V alternating current (AC) voltage to the EMVM, the mixing efficiency at different Reynolds number (Re) is discussed by changing the rotation angles of modules at different positions in different directions. We found that the mixing efficiency of the EMVM can reach 99% when the first block is rotated along the xz-axis. Then, we change the torsion angle of the same variable module and find that the mixing efficiency can reach 99.3% when the torsion is [Formula: see text]. Finally, we change the voltage value and find that the mixing efficiency of the EMVM increases with the increase of voltage values.
Generalization of the Gross–Pitaevskii equation for multi-particle cases
Authors: Bogoliubov Nicolai , Rasulova Mukhayo , Akramov Tohir
Published: November 2021

A new method is proposed to obtain Gross–Pitaevskii equation by the chain of Bogoliubov–Born–Green–Kirkwood–Yvon (BBGKY) quantum kinetic equations. In that sense, we investigate the dynamics of a quantum system including infinite number of identical particles which interact via a (special) pair potential on the form of Dirac delta-function.
First-principles study on the electronic and magnetic properties of ThMnAsN and ThMnPN
Authors: Gu Hongli , Yao Yu , Li Qingfang , Wan X. G. , Zhou Jian
Published: November 2021

The ZrCuSiAs materials have many interesting physical properties and have been extensively studied in recent decades. Recently, two Mn-based ZrCuSiAs-type pnictides, i.e. ThMnAsN and ThMnPN, have been synthesized in the experiment, which shows the anti-ferromagnetic properties. Motived by the experiment, we here perform a comprehensive investigation on their elastic, electronic, and magnetic properties by the density functional theory and Monte Carlo simulations. Our calculations show that ThMnAsN and ThMnPN are both antiferromagnetic semiconductors. The magnetic ground state of both materials is the [Formula: see text]-type anti-ferromagnetism and their bandgaps are about 0.47 eV and 0.61 eV for ThMnAsN and ThMnPN, respectively. The Monte Carlo simulated Néel temperatures of ThMnAsN and ThMnPN are 57 K and 55 K, respectively. These results are well consistent with the experimental results. Our work not only reveals the physical essence of the two newly synthesized materials but also could help to the understanding of the magnetic behaviors of other ZrCuSiAs-type compounds.
Isomorphisms and derivations of partial flag incidence algebras
Authors: Khrypchenko Mykola
Published: November 2021

Let [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] be finite posets and [Formula: see text] a commutative unital ring. In the case where [Formula: see text] is indecomposable, we prove that the [Formula: see text]-linear isomorphisms between partial flag incidence algebras [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] are exactly those induced by poset isomorphisms between [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. We also show that the [Formula: see text]-linear derivations of [Formula: see text] are trivial.
Combined Artificial Neural Network/Fuzzy Modelling to Optimize the Prototype of Concentrating Solar Tower Using Analytic Hierarchy Process Technique
Authors: Farran Azzam A. , Abusorrah Abdullah M. , Abu-Hamdeh Nidal H.
Published: November 2021

The object of this paper is to simulate and optimize small scale concentrating solar power tower (CSP) built and operationalized at King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, through analytic hierarchy process (AHP) technique. The aim is to facilitate cost effective integration of solar power coupled with energy generation technologies subjected to challenging climatic conditions; and also to present the effects of changing in parameters such as receiver, heliostats, storage tanks or power generation subsystem on the cost and system performance. This study adopts the AHP technique to obtain the most appropriate receiver shape out of three possible shapes; spherical, cubic, and cylindrical. The used criteria in this in this optimization are reliability, manufacturing in the vicinity, manufacturing cost, service and maintain cost, lower operation risks, and high performance. Based on the results of AHP analysis, square shape is selected. A finite element analysis via ANSYS is performed to compute the through analytic division of temperature in the receiver. The highest temperature from the simulation is 503°C. The thermal power, dispensed by the molten is 12.52 kW during the heat exchanger. However, 13 kW is the design thermal power; while about 3.7% is the percentage error in the thermal power. The findings of this research will provide the needed knowledge and scientific background to assist the authorities concerned in the energy sector in establishing a commercial-scale plant. At the end, Artificial Neural Network algorithms/Fuzzy system is modeled to optimize the process.
An Outsourced Decryption ABE Model using ECC in Internet of Things
Authors: Kumar Dilip , Kumar Manoj , Gupta Gaurav
Published: November 2021

Internet of Things (IoT) is a modern technology that is applicable almost everywhere nowadays. Everything is connected to the Internet in the modern digital era. IoT is a collection of things that are interconnected to share information. Devices connected to IoT networks have some limitations in performing heavy computational tasks because of the availability of less computational and battery power. Attribute Based Encryption (ABE) is a modern public-key cryptographic technique that provides privacy with access control. The bilinear map is an expensive operation that is used in most of the ABE schemes. Elliptic Curve Cryptography (ECC) is an alternative for bilinear pairing to reduce the computation of encryption and decryption in ABE schemes.

The process of encryption and decryption of ABE is a heavy computational task for resource-constrained devices. In this paper, an outsourcing-based decryption of ABE using ECC is proposed to reduce the decryption overhead of devices that have limited computational resources. Our scheme divides the computation of the decryption of ABE into two stages: first, the partial decryption of ciphertext in the cloud server, and second, the final decryption of partially decrypted ciphertext by the data user to retrieve the original message. This scheme is secure against the malicious cloud server by adding a blinding factor into the secret to be shared. The blinding factor is shared with intended users through attribute authority. The experimental results demonstrate that our scheme can reduce the decryption complexity and save the computational time of devices, compared to the existing schemes. Thus the proposed scheme is applicable for lightweight devices used in IoT.
Towards Balancing VR Immersion and Bystander Awareness
Authors: Kudo Yoshiki , Tang Anthony , Fujita Kazuyuki , Endo Isamu , Takashima Kazuki , Kitamura Yoshifumi
Published: November 2021

Head-mounted displays (HMDs) increase immersion into virtual worlds. The problem is that this limits headset users' awareness of bystanders: headset users cannot attend to bystanders' presence and activities. We call this the HMD boundary. We explore how to make the HMD boundary permeable by comparing different ways of providing informal awareness cues to the headset user about bystanders. We adapted and implemented three visualization techniques (Avatar View, Radar and Presence++) that share bystanders' location and orientation with headset users. We conducted a hybrid user and simulation study with three different types of VR content (high, medium, low interactivity) with twenty participants to compare how these visualization techniques allow people to maintain an awareness of bystanders, and how they affect immersion (compared to a baseline condition). Our study reveals that a see-through avatar representation of bystanders was effective, but led to slightly reduced immersion in the VR content. Based on our findings, we discuss how future awareness visualization techniques can be designed to mitigate the reduction of immersion for the headset user.
Dynamic Decals
Authors: Niyazov Aziz , Mellado Nicolas , Barthe Loic , Serrano Marcos
Published: November 2021

Pervasive interfaces can present relevant information anywhere in our environment, and they are thus challenged by the non rectilinearity of the display surface (e.g. circular table) and by the presence of objects that can partially occlude the interface (e.g. a book or cup on the table). To tackle this problem, we propose a novel solution based on two core contributions: the decomposition of the interface into deformable graphical units, called Dynamic Decals, and the control of their position and behaviour by a constraint-based approach. Our approach dynamically deforms the interface when needed while minimizing the impact on its visibility and layout properties. To do so, we extend previous work on implicit deformations to propose and experimentally validate functions defining different decal shapes and new deformers modeling decal deformations when they collide. Then, we interactively optimize the decal placements according to the interface geometry and their interrelations. Relations are modeled as constraints and the interface evolution results from an easy and efficient to solve minimization problem. Our approach is validated by a user study showing that, compared to two baselines, Dynamic decals is an aesthetically pleasant interface that preserves visibility, layout and aesthetic properties.
Forming the Dog Internet
Authors: Hirskyj-Douglas Ilyena , Piitulainen Roosa , Lucero Andrés
Published: November 2021

Over the past decade, many systems have been developed for humans to remotely connect to their pets at home. Yet little attention has been paid to how animals can control such systems and what the implications are of animals using internet systems. This paper explores the creation of a video call device to allow a dog to remotely call their human, giving the animal control and agency over technology in their home. After building and prototyping a novel interaction method over several weeks and iterations, we test our system with a dog and a human. Analysing our experience and data, we reflect on power relations, how to quantify an animal's user experience and what interactive internet systems look like with animal users. This paper builds upon Human-Computer Interaction methods for unconventional users, uncovering key questions that advance the creation of animal-to-human interfaces and animal internet devices.