bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Is the quality of skin cancer screening in Germany related to the specialization of the physician who performs it?: Results of a nationwide survey among participants of skin cancer screening
Authors: Görig Tatiana , Schneider Sven , Breitbart Eckhard W. , Diehl Katharina
Published: March 2021

Background

Skin cancer screening (SCS) is an important measure for secondary prevention of skin cancer, which is the most common cancer type worldwide. This study aimed to describe patient‐reported quality of SCS in Germany according to the specialization of the performing physician and different patient characteristics.

Methods

Data from 1260 participants 35‐65 years of age (54.4% female) who underwent SCS and participated in National Cancer Aid Monitoring in 2019 were evaluated using chi‐squared tests.

Results

Waiting times for SCS from a dermatologist were significantly longer than those for other physicians (31.1 versus [vs.] 15.7 days; P < .001). Each body area examined during the standardized inspection was examined significantly more frequently by dermatologists than by other physicians (eg, upper body, 96.6% vs. 91.7%; P < .001). Dermatologists more often offered consultation for skin cancer prevention (74.0% vs. 67.6%; P = .026) and provided written information (47.8% vs. 34.8%; P < .001). Patients with statutory insurance had to pay more frequently for additional services during SCS from a dermatologist than from other physicians (24.7% vs. 17.1%, P = .012).

Conclusion

Results of this study revealed differences in the provision of preventive information and the quality of visual examination during SCS between dermatologists and other physicians. These results highlight the need for quality assurance measures.
Inequality in 3‐D: Income, Consumption, and Wealth
Authors: Fisher Jonathan D. , Johnson David S. , Smeeding Timothy M. , Thompson Jeffrey P.
Published: March 2021

We do not need to and should not have to choose amongst income, consumption, or wealth as the superior measure of well‐being. All three individually and jointly determine well‐being. We are the first to study inequality in three conjoint dimensions for the same households, using income, consumption, and wealth from the 1989–2016 Surveys of Consumer Finances (SCF). The paper focuses on two questions. What does inequality in two and three dimensions look like? Has inequality in multiple dimensions increased by less, by more, or by about the same as inequality in any one dimension? We find an increase in inequality in two dimensions and in three dimensions, with a faster increase in multi‐dimensional inequality than in one‐dimensional inequality. Viewing inequality through one dimension greatly understates the level and the growth in inequality in two and three dimensions. The U.S. is becoming more economically unequal than is generally understood.
A Transported Livengood–Wu Integral Model for Knock Prediction in Computational Fluid Dynamics Simulation
Authors: Yue Zongyu , Xu Chao , Som Sibendu , Sluder C. Scott , Edwards K. Dean , Whitesides Russell A. , McNenly Matthew J.
Published: March 2021

This work describes the development of a transported Livengood–Wu (L–W) integral model for computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation to predict autoignition and engine knock tendency. The currently employed L–W integral model considers both single-stage and two-stage ignition processes, thus can be generally applied to different fuels such as paraffin, olefin, aromatics, and alcohol. The model implementation is first validated in simulations of homogeneous charge compression ignition (HCCI) combustion for three different fuels, showing good accuracy in prediction of autoignition timing for fuels with either single-stage or two-stage ignition characteristics. Then, the L–W integral model is coupled with G-equation model to indicate end-gas autoignition and knock tendency in CFD simulations of a direct-injection spark-ignition engine. This modeling approach is about 10 times more efficient than the ones that based on detailed chemistry calculation and pressure oscillation analysis. Two fuels with same Research Octane Number (RON) but different octane sensitivity are studied, namely, Co-Optima alkylate and Co-Optima E30. Feed-forward neural network model in conjunction with multivariable minimization technique is used to generate fuel surrogates with targets of matched RON, octane sensitivity, and ethanol content. The CFD model is validated against experimental data in terms of pressure traces and heat release rate for both fuels under a wide range of operating conditions. The knock tendency—indicated by the fuel energy contained in the autoignited region—of the two fuels at different load conditions correlates well with the experimental results and the fuel octane sensitivity, implying the current knock modeling approach can capture the octane sensitivity effect and can be applied to further investigation on composition of octane sensitivity.
Boundary Crossing and Bridge Building
Authors: Lawson Hal A.
Published: March 2021

Twentieth-Century Physical Education gave rise to Kinesiology. Today’s Kinesiology structures and influences Physical Education. Boundary crossing and bridge building facilitate analysis of their relations and have import for investigations of career pathways and outcomes. Decisions regarding boundaries and bridges will impact the futures of Kinesiology, Physical Education, and their relations in diverse, turbulent higher education environments.
A tumor microenvironment–induced absorption red-shifted polymer nanoparticle for simultaneously activated photoacoustic imaging and photothermal therapy
Authors: Wang Shulong , Zhang Liangliang , Zhao Jingjin , He Min , Huang Yong , Zhao Shulin
Published: March 2021

The tumor microenvironment–activated Fe-Cu@PANI nanoprobe is used for photoacoustic imaging and photothermal therapy.
Quantum key distribution with entangled photons generated on demand by a quantum dot
Authors: Basso Basset Francesco , Valeri Mauro , Roccia Emanuele , Muredda Valerio , Poderini Davide , Neuwirth Julia , Spagnolo Nicolò , Rota Michele B. , Carvacho Gonzalo , Sciarrino Fabio , Trotta Rinaldo
Published: March 2021

Quantum key distribution is demonstrated over an urban open-air link using entangled light from a semiconductor nanostructure.
All-optical reversible single-photon isolation at room temperature
Authors: Dong Ming-Xin , Xia Ke-Yu , Zhang Wei-Hang , Yu Yi-Chen , Ye Ying-Hao , Li En-Ze , Zeng Lei , Ding Dong-Sheng , Shi Bao-Sen , Guo Guang-Can , Nori Franco
Published: March 2021

Magnetic-free optical nonreciprocity has been experimentally demonstrated for a genuine single photon at room temperature.
Single-component, self-assembling, protein nanoparticles presenting the receptor binding domain and stabilized spike as SARS-CoV-2 vaccine candidates
Authors: He Linling , Lin Xiaohe , Wang Ying , Abraham Ciril , Sou Cindy , Ngo Timothy , Zhang Yi , Wilson Ian A. , Zhu Jiang
Published: March 2021

SARS-CoV-2 receptor binding domain and S2GΔHR2 spike elicited potent immune responses when displayed on protein nanoparticles.
Endothelial cyclooxygenase-1 paradoxically drives local vasoconstriction and atherogenesis despite underpinning prostacyclin generation
Authors: Mitchell Jane A. , Shala Fisnik , Pires Maria Elisa Lopes , Loy Rachel Y. , Ravendren Andrew , Benson Joshua , Urquhart Paula , Nicolaou Anna , Herschman Harvey R. , Kirkby Nicholas S.
Published: March 2021

A paradoxical role for vascular COX-1 products in vasoconstriction and atherogenesis highlights it as a novel therapeutic target.
Antimicrobial Resistance Conferred by OXA-48 β-Lactamases: Towards a Detailed Mechanistic Understanding
Authors: Hirvonen Viivi H. A. , Spencer James , van der Kamp Marc W.
Published: March 2021

OXA-48-type β-lactamases are now routinely encountered in bacterial infections caused by carbapenem-resistant
Enterobacterales
. These enzymes are of high and growing clinical significance due to the importance of carbapenems in treatment of health care-associated infections by Gram-negative bacteria, the wide and increasing dissemination of OXA-48 enzymes on plasmids, and the challenges posed by their detection.
Hyperlocal Variation in Soil Iron and the Rhizosphere Bacterial Community Determines Dollar Spot Development in Amenity Turfgrass
Authors: Chou Ming-Yi , Shrestha Smita , Rioux Renee , Koch Paul
Published: March 2021

Dollar spot is the most economically important disease of amenity turfgrass, and more fungicides are applied targeting dollar spot than any other turfgrass disease. Dollar spot symptoms are small (3 to 5 cm), circular patches that develop in a highly variable manner within plot scale even under seemingly uniform conditions.
Host Serine Proteases TMPRSS2 and TMPRSS11D Mediate Proteolytic Activation and Trypsin-Independent Infection in Group A Rotaviruses
Authors: Sasaki Michihito , Itakura Yukari , Kishimoto Mai , Tabata Koshiro , Uemura Kentaro , Ito Naoto , Sugiyama Makoto , Wastika Christida E. , Orba Yasuko , Sawa Hirofumi
Published: March 2021

Proteolytic cleavage of the viral VP4 protein is essential for virion maturation and infectivity in group A rotaviruses (RVAs). In cell culture, RVAs are propagated in culture medium supplemented with the exogenous protease trypsin, which cleaves VP4 and induces the maturation of progeny RVA virions.
Evaluation of HIV-1 Latency Reversal and Antibody-Dependent Viral Clearance by Quantification of Singly Spliced HIV-1
vpu
/
env
mRNA
Authors: Gao Hongbo , Ozantürk Ayşe N. , Wang Qiankun , Harlan Gray H. , Schmitz Aaron J. , Presti Rachel M. , Deng Kai , Shan Liang
Published: March 2021

HIV-1 persists in individuals on antiretroviral therapy (ART) due to the long-lived cellular reservoirs that contain dormant viruses. Recent discoveries of HIV-1-specific broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNabs) targeting HIV-1 Env protein rekindled the interest in antibody-mediated elimination of latent HIV-1.
National Health Service interventions in England to improve care to Armed Forces veterans
Authors: Bacon Andrew , Martin E , Swarbrick R , Treadgold A
Published: March 2021

Armed Forces veterans (AFVs) are first and foremost citizens of the UK and are therefore—like all UK residents—entitled to universal healthcare, free at the point of need. This means that AFVs have nearly all their healthcare needs met by the NHS, which provides access to a full range of generic services. However, since 2013 there has been an Armed Forces team that can also support veterans. This review is an assessment of the work of this group over the last eight years. The health needs of AFVs have been investigated and are not significantly different from those of their demographically matched peers. However, due to their demographics, selection at recruitment and their roles, AFVs compared with the general population are more likely to be male, white and old and have fewer pre-existing or hereditary conditions. However, they do suffer from higher rates of musculoskeletal injury, different patterns of mental health illness and have historically been higher users—and abusers—of alcohol and tobacco. In addition to supporting mainstream services used by AFVs, the NHS in England commissions a bespoke range-specific ‘Priority’ NHS services such as those for mental health or for rehabilitation of veterans using prostheses. New interventions are continuing to be developed to improve AFVs’ healthcare and are aligned to the NHS Long Term Plan and the restoration and recovery plans after the COVID-19 pandemic.
Patient-reported outcome measures for acne: a mixed-methods validation study (acne PROMs)
Authors: Hornsey Samantha , Stuart Beth , Muller Ingrid , Layton Alison M , Morrison Leanne , King Jamie , Thomas Karen , Little Paul , Santer Miriam
Published: March 2021

Objectives

To examine the acceptability and validity of two patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) for adult acne, comparing them to the validated Acne-specific Quality of Life (Acne-QoL) measure.

Design

Mixed-methods validation study.

Setting

Participants were recruited by (1) mail-out through primary care if they had ever consulted for acne and received a prescription for acne treatment within the last 6 months, (2) opportunistically in secondary care and (3) poster advertisement in community venues.

Participants

221 (204 quantitative and 17 qualitative) participants with acne, aged 18–50 years.

Outcome measures

Quantitative sub-study participants completed Acne-QoL, Skindex-16 and Comprehensive Acne Quality of Life Scale (CompAQ) at baseline, 24 hours and 6 weeks. Qualitative sub-study participants took part in cognitive think-aloud interviews, while completing the same measures. Transcribed audio recordings were analysed using inductive thematic analysis.

Results

Quantitative analyses suggested high internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha 0.74–0.96) and reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient values 0.88–0.97) for both questionnaires. Both scales showed floor effects on some subdomains. Skindex-16 and CompAQ showed good evidence of construct validity when compared with Acne-QoL with Spearman’s correlation coefficients 0.54–0.81, and good repeatability over 24 hours.

Qualitative data uncovered wide-ranging views regarding usability and acceptability. Interviewees held strong but differing views about layout, question/response wording, redundant/similar questions and guidance notes. Similarly, interviewees differed in perceptions of acceptability of the different scales, particularly on relatability of questions and emotive reactions to scales.

Conclusions

All PROMs performed well in statistical analyses. No PROM showed superior usability and acceptability in the qualitative study. Any PROM should be acceptable for further research in adult acne but researchers should consider the different domains and whether they will measure only facial or facial and trunk acne before making a selection. A new PROM or further evaluation of novel PROMs may be beneficial.
Arm Based on LEg blood pressures (ABLE-BP): can systolic leg blood pressure measurements predict systolic brachial blood pressure? Protocol for an individual participant data meta-analysis from the INTERPRESS-IPD Collaboration
Authors: McDonagh Sinead T J , Sheppard James P , Warren Fiona C , Boddy Kate , Farmer Leon , Shore Helen , Williams Phil , Lewis Philip S , Baumber Rachel , Fordham Jayne , Martin Una , Aboyans Victor , Clark Christopher E
Published: March 2021

Introduction

Blood pressure (BP) is normally measured on the upper arm, and guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of high BP are based on such measurements. Leg BP measurement can be an alternative when brachial BP measurement is impractical, due to injury or disability. Limited data exist to guide interpretation of leg BP values for hypertension management; study-level systematic review findings suggest that systolic BP (SBP) is 17 mm Hg higher in the leg than the arm. However, uncertainty remains about the applicability of this figure in clinical practice due to substantial heterogeneity.

Aims

To examine the relationship between arm and leg SBP, develop and validate a multivariable model predicting arm SBP from leg SBP and investigate the prognostic association between leg SBP and cardiovascular disease and mortality.

Methods and analysis

Individual participant data (IPD) meta-analyses using arm and leg SBP measurements for 33 710 individuals from 14 studies within the Inter-arm blood pressure difference IPD (INTERPRESS-IPD) Collaboration. We will explore cross-sectional relationships between arm and leg SBP using hierarchical linear regression with participants nested by study, in multivariable models. Prognostic models will be derived for all-cause and cardiovascular mortality and cardiovascular events.

Ethics and dissemination

Data originate from studies with prior ethical approval and consent, and data sharing agreements are in place—no further approvals are required to undertake the secondary analyses proposed in this protocol. Findings will be published in peer-reviewed journal articles and presented at conferences. A comprehensive dissemination strategy is in place, integrated with patient and public involvement.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42015031227.
Structured supervised exercise training or motivational counselling during pregnancy on physical activity level and health of mother and offspring: FitMum study protocol
Authors: Roland Caroline Borup , Knudsen Signe de Place , Alomairah Saud Abdulaziz , Andersen Anne Dsane , Bendix Jane , Clausen Tine D , Molsted Stig , Jensen Andreas Kryger , Teilmann Grete , Jespersen Astrid Pernille , Larsen Jakob Eg , Hall Gerrit van , Andersen Emil , Barrès Romain , Mortensen Ole Hartvig , Maindal Helle Terkildsen , Tarnow Lise , Løkkegaard Ellen Christine Leth , Stallknecht Bente
Published: March 2021

Introduction

A physically active lifestyle during pregnancy improves maternal and offspring health but can be difficult to follow. In Denmark, less than 40% of pregnant women meet physical activity (PA) recommendations. The FitMum study aims to explore strategies to increase PA during pregnancy among women with low PA and assess the health effects of PA. This paper presents the FitMum protocol, which evaluates the effects of structured supervised exercise training or motivational counselling supported by health technology during pregnancy on PA level and health of mother and offspring.

Methods and analysis

A single-site three-arm randomised controlled trial that aims to recruit 220 healthy, pregnant women with gestational age (GA) no later than week 15 and whose PA level does not exceed one hour/week. Participants are randomised to one of three groups: structured supervised exercise training consisting of three weekly exercise sessions, motivational counselling supported by health technology or a control group receiving standard care. The interventions take place from randomisation until delivery. The primary outcome is min/week of moderate-to-vigorous intensity PA (MVPA) as determined by a commercial activity tracker, collected from randomisation until GA of 28 weeks and 0-6 days, and the secondary outcome is gestational weight gain (GWG). Additional outcomes are complementary measures of PA; clinical and psychological health parameters in participant, partner and offspring; analyses of blood, placenta and breastmilk samples; process evaluation of interventions; and personal understandings of PA.

Ethics and dissemination

The study is approved by the Danish National Committee on Health Research Ethics (# H-18011067) and the Danish Data Protection Agency (# P-2019-512). Findings will be disseminated via peer-reviewed publications, at conferences, and to health professionals via science theatre performances.

Trial registration number

NCT03679130.

Protocol version

This paper was written per the study protocol version 8 dated 28 August 2019.
Prevalence of dysmenorrhoea, associated risk factors and its relationship with academic performance among graduating female university students in Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Tadese Mesfin , Kassa Andargachew , Muluneh Abebaw Abeje , Altaye Girma
Published: March 2021

Objectives

The study aimed to provide an association between dysmenorrhoea and academic performance among university students in Ethiopia. Further, the study attempts to determine the prevalence and associated risk factors of dysmenorrhoea.

Design and method

Institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted from 1 April to 28 April 2019. A semistructured and pretested self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data. Binary logistic regression analysis and one-way analysis of variance were performed to model dysmenorrhoea and academic performance, respectively.

Setting and participants

Ethiopia (2019: n=647 female university students).

Outcomes

The primary outcome is dysmenorrhoea, which has been defined as painful menses that prevents normal activity and requires medication. The self-reported cumulative grade point average of students was used as a proxy measure of academic performance, which is the secondary outcome.

Results

The prevalence of dysmenorrhoea was 317 (51.5%). The educational status of father (adjusted OR (AOR) (95% CI) 2.64 (1.04 to 6.66)), chocolate consumption (AOR (95% CI) 3.39 (95% 1.28 to 8.93)), daily breakfast intake (<5 days/week) (AOR (95% CI) 0.63 (0.42 to 0.95)), irregular menstrual cycle AOR (95% CI) 2.34 (1.55 to 3.54)) and positive family history of dysmenorrhoea AOR (95% CI) 3.29 (2.25 to 4.81)) had statistically significant association with dysmenorrhoea. There was no statistically significant difference in academic performance among students with and without dysmenorrhoea (F (3611)=1.276, p=0.28)).

Conclusions

Dysmenorrhoea was a common health problem among graduating University students. However, it has no statistically significant impact on academic performance. Reproductive health officers should educate and undermine the negative academic consequences of dysmenorrhoea to reduce the physical and psychological stress that happens to females and their families.
Stressors and coping strategies of migrant workers diagnosed with COVID-19 in Singapore: a qualitative study
Authors: Yee Kaisin , Peh Hui Peng , Tan Yee Pin , Teo Irene , Tan Emily U Tong , Paul Justin , Rangabashyam Mahalakshmi , Ramalingam Mothi Babu , Chow Weien , Tan Hiang Khoon
Published: March 2021

Introduction

The health, psychological and socioeconomic vulnerabilities of low-wage migrant workers have been magnified in the COVID-19 pandemic, especially in high-income receiving countries such as Singapore. We aimed to understand migrant worker concerns and coping strategies during the COVID-19 pandemic to address these during the crisis and inform on comprehensive support needed after the crisis.

Methods

In-depth semi-structured interviews were carried out with migrant workers diagnosed with COVID-19. The participants were recruited from a COVID-19 mass quarantine facility in Singapore through a purposive sampling approach. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and thematic analysis performed to derive themes in their collective experience during the crisis.

Results

Three theme categories were derived from 27 interviews: migrant worker concerns during COVID-19, coping during COVID-19 and priorities after COVID-19. Major stressors in the crisis included the inability to continue providing for their families when work is disrupted, their susceptibility to infection in crowded dormitories, the shock of receiving the COVID-19 diagnosis while asymptomatic, as well as the isolating conditions of the quarantine environment. The workers coped by keeping in contact with their families, accessing healthcare, keeping updated with the news and continuing to practise their faith and religion. They looked forward to a return to normalcy after the crisis with keeping healthy and having access to healthcare as new priorities.

Conclusion

We identified coping strategies employed by the workers in quarantine, many of which were made possible through the considered design of care and service delivery in mass quarantine facilities in Singapore. These can be adopted in the set-up of other mass quarantine facilities around the world to support the health and mental well-being of those quarantined. Our findings highlight the importance of targeted policy intervention for migrant workers, in areas such as housing and working environments, equitable access to healthcare, and social protection during and after this crisis.
Determining the burden of missed opportunities for vaccination among children admitted in healthcare facilities in India: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Albaugh Nicholas , Mathew Joseph , Choudhary Richa , Sitaraman Sadasivan , Tomar Anjali , Bajwa Ishumeet Kaur , Dhaliwal Baldeep , Shet Anita
Published: March 2021

Objectives

Children accessing healthcare systems represent a vulnerable population with risk factors for poor health outcomes, including vaccine-preventable diseases. We aimed to quantify missed vaccination opportunities among hospitalised children in India, and identify vaccination barriers perceived by caregivers and healthcare providers.

Design

Cross-sectional study.

Setting

Two public-sector tertiary-care hospitals in northern India, during November 2018 and March 2019.

Participants

We tracked 263 hospitalised children aged 1–59 months through hospital discharge, to assess vaccination status, and document catch-up vaccinations given during the hospital stay. We interviewed caregivers and healthcare providers to assess their perceptions on vaccination.

Outcomes

Proportion of hospitalised children considered under-vaccinated for their age; proportion of missed opportunities for vaccination among under-vaccinated children who were eligible for vaccination; and vaccine coverage by antigen.

Results

We found that 65.4% (172/263) of hospitalised children were under-vaccinated for their age when they presented to the hospital. Among under-vaccinated children, 61.0% were less than 4 months old, and 55.6% reported prior contact with a health facility for a sick visit. The proportion of under-vaccinated children in hospitals were higher compared with the general population as indicated by regional vaccination coverage data. Among under-vaccinated children who were tracked till discharge, 98.1% (158/161) remained incompletely vaccinated at discharge and were considered ‘missed opportunities for vaccination’. Perceived vaccination contraindications that are not part of established contraindications included in national and international guidelines was the most common reason for healthcare providers not to vaccinate children during hospital stay. Among caregivers of under-vaccinated children, 90.1% reported being comfortable having their children vaccinated while they were sick, if recommended by the healthcare provider.

Conclusion

This pilot study confirmed that hospitalised sick children had substantial missed vaccination opportunities. Addressing these opportunities through concerted actions involving caregivers, healthcare providers and healthcare systems can improve overall vaccination coverage.
Evaluating evaluation frameworks: a scoping review of frameworks for assessing health apps
Authors: Lagan Sarah , Sandler Lev , Torous John
Published: March 2021

Objectives

Despite an estimated 300 000 mobile health apps on the market, there remains no consensus around helping patients and clinicians select safe and effective apps. In 2018, our team drew on existing evaluation frameworks to identify salient categories and create a new framework endorsed by the American Psychiatric Association (APA). We have since created a more expanded and operational framework Mhealth Index and Navigation Database (MIND) that aligns with the APA categories but includes objective and auditable questions (105). We sought to survey the existing space, conducting a review of all mobile health app evaluation frameworks published since 2018, and demonstrate the comprehensiveness of this new model by comparing it to existing and emerging frameworks.

Design

We conducted a scoping review of mobile health app evaluation frameworks.

Data sources

References were identified through searches of PubMed, EMBASE and PsychINFO with publication date between January 2018 and October 2020.

Eligibility criteria

Papers were selected for inclusion if they meet the predetermined eligibility criteria—presenting an evaluation framework for mobile health apps with patient, clinician or end user-facing questions.

Data extraction and synthesis

Two reviewers screened the literature separately and applied the inclusion criteria. The data extracted from the papers included: author and dates of publication, source affiliation, country of origin, name of framework, study design, description of framework, intended audience/user and framework scoring system. We then compiled a collection of more than 1701 questions across 79 frameworks. We compared and grouped these questions using the MIND framework as a reference. We sought to identify the most common domains of evaluation while assessing the comprehensiveness and flexibility—as well as any potential gaps—of MIND.

Results

New app evaluation frameworks continue to emerge and expand. Since our 2019 review of the app evaluation framework space, more frameworks include questions around privacy (43) and clinical foundation (57), reflecting an increased focus on issues of app security and evidence base. The majority of mapped frameworks overlapped with at least half of the MIND categories. The results of this search have informed a database (apps.digitalpsych.org) that users can access today.

Conclusion

As the number of app evaluation frameworks continues to rise, it is becoming difficult for users to select both an appropriate evaluation tool and to find an appropriate health app. This review provides a comparison of what different app evaluation frameworks are offering, where the field is converging and new priorities for improving clinical guidance.
Rapid point-of-care testing for COVID-19: quality of supportive information for lateral flow serology assays
Authors: Kierkegaard Patrick , McLister Anna , Buckle Peter
Published: March 2021

Objective

There is a lack of evidence addressing several important human factors questions pertaining to the quality of supportive information provided by commercial manufacturers that can affect the adoption and use of lateral flow serology assays in practice. We aimed to: (1) identify and assess the quality of information that commercial manufacturers provided for their point-of-care tests (POCTs) and (2) examine the implications of these findings on real-world settings.

Design

We used a content analysis methodology in two stages to systematically, code and analyse textual data from documents of commercial manufacturers. A deductive approach was applied using a coding guide based on the validated Point-of-Care Key Evidence Tool (POCKET) multidimensional checklist. An inductive approach was used to identify new patterns or themes generated from our textual analysis.

Setting

Publicly available supportive information documents by commercial manufacturers for lateral flow serology, were identified and gathered from online searches.

Participants

Supportive information documents retrieved from online searches over 3 months (March 2020 to June 2020).

Results

A total of 79 POCTs were identified that met the study inclusion criteria. Using the POCKET coding guide, we found that the quality of information varied significantly between the manufacturers and was often lacking in detail. Our inductive approach further examined these topics and found that several statements were vague and that significant variations in the level of details existed between manufacturers.

Conclusions

This study revealed significant concerns surrounding the supportive information reported by manufacturers for lateral flow serology assays. Information transparency was poor and human factor issues were not properly addressed to mitigate the risk of improper device use, although it should be noted that the results of our study are limited by the data that manufactures were prepared to disclose. Overall, commercial manufacturers should improve the quality and value of information presented in their supporting documentation.
Costa, cancer and coronavirus: contractualism as a guide to the ethics of lockdown
Authors: John Stephen David , Curran Emma J
Published: March 2021

Lockdown measures in response to the COVID-19 pandemic involve placing huge burdens on some members of society for the sake of benefiting other members of society. How should we decide when these policies are permissible? Many writers propose we should address this question using cost-benefit analysis (CBA), a broadly consequentialist approach. We argue for an alternative non-consequentialist approach, grounded in contractualist moral theorising. The first section sets up key issues in the ethics of lockdown, and sketches the apparent appeal of addressing these problems in a CBA frame. The second section argues that CBA fundamentally distorts the normative landscape in two ways: first, in principle, it allows very many morally trivial preferences—say, for a coffee—might outweigh morally weighty life-and-death concerns; second, it is insensitive to the core moral distinction between victims and vectors of disease. The third section sketches our non-consequentialist alternative, grounded in Thomas Scanlon’s contractualist moral theory. On this account, the ethics of self-defence implies a strong default presumption in favour of a highly restrictive, universal lockdown policy: we then ask whether there are alternatives to such a policy which are justifiable to all affected parties, paying particular attention to the complaints of those most burdened by policy. In the fourth section, we defend our contractualist approach against the charge that it is impractical or counterintuitive, noting that actual CBAs face similar, or worse, challenges.
Evaluating livetrapping and camera-based indices of small-mammal density
Authors: Parsons Mitchell A. , Orloff Alishia E. , Prugh Laura R.
Published: March 2021

Density estimates are integral to wildlife management, but they can be costly to obtain. Indices of density may provide efficient alternatives, but calibration is needed to ensure the indices accurately reflect density. We evaluated several indices of small-mammal density using livetrapping and motion-activated cameras in the Cascade Mountains of Washington (USA). We used linear regression to compare spatially explicit capture–recapture density estimates of mice (genus Peromyscus Gloger, 1841), voles (genera Microtus Schrank, 1798 and Myodes Pallas, 1811), and chipmunks (genus Neotamias A.H. Howell, 1929) with four indices. Two indices were based on livetrapping (minimum number alive (MNA) and number of captures per 100 trap-nights) and two indices were based on photos from motion-activated cameras (proportion of cameras detecting a species and number of independent detections). We evaluated how the accuracy of trap-based indices increased with trapping effort using subsets of the full dataset (n = 7 capture occasions per site). Most indices provided reliable indicators of small-mammal density, and livetrapping indices (R2 = 0.64–0.98) outperformed camera-based indices (R2 = 0.24–0.86). All indices performed better for more abundant species. The effort required to estimate each index varied and indices that required more effort performed better. These findings should help managers, conservation practitioners, and researchers select small-mammal monitoring methods that best fit their needs.
Strong interaction coupling-constant sum rules with broken SU(3) symmetry for heavy baryons B(Qqq′)
Authors: Medina-Carrillo B. , Sánchez-Colón G.
Published: March 2021

Baryons [Formula: see text] for heavy quarks [Formula: see text], and light quarks [Formula: see text], are considered. Strong interaction coupling-constant sum rules with first-order breaking of SU(3) flavor symmetry are determined for reactions [Formula: see text] where [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] is a light meson. Specific applications to couplings of [Formula: see text] charmed and bottom baryons are presented. Also, SU(3) Clebsch–Gordan coefficients for the product of representations [Formula: see text] are explicitly determined.
Distributed Velocity-Free Attitude Coordination Control with Torque Constraint
Authors: Gao Zhi , Zhu Zhihao , Guo Yu
Published: March 2021

Considering attitude-only measurements, physical limitations of actuator and state-independent observer time, a distributed velocity-free attitude coordination control problem for multiple formation spacecraft with torque saturation is studied in this work. Initially, aiming at speeding up the convergence rate and realizing the maximum value of the convergence time without requiring prior knowledge of the initial system state values, a fixed-time observer is constructed to estimate the desired time-varying states in fixed time. Then, a filter system is developed for the spacecraft with attitude-only measurements. With the application of the fixed-time observers and the filter systems, a distributed velocity-free attitude coordination controller with torque constraint is designed to grantee that the leader with desired state trajectory can be tracked coordinately by the formation spacecraft. Finally, the performance of the proposed controller is demonstrated by simulation results.
Adaptation of a Deep Liquid-Containing Tank into an Effective Structural Vibration Control Device by a Submerged Cylindrical Pendulum Appendage
Authors: Konar Tanmoy , Ghosh Aparna Dey
Published: March 2021

Due to a high proportion of impulsive liquid mass and low inherent damping, liquid-containing deep tanks, such as conventional overhead water tanks, are generally not considered for design as tuned liquid dampers (TLDs) for passive vibration control of structures under lateral excitation. This paper presents a novel concept to convert deep tanks into effective vibration control systems through the incorporation of a submerged cylindrical pendulum appendage (CPA). The CPA is placed in the impulsive liquid zone of the tank and its oscillating frequency is tuned to the dominant frequency of the primary structure. When laterally excited, the primary structure transfers vibrational energy to the CPA, thereby setting it into oscillation. The motion of the CPA is opposed by the drag exerted by the surrounding liquid on it, which leads to dissipation of the vibrational energy. This particular design utilizes impulsive liquid mass in the energy dissipation mechanism, while allowing fluctuation in the liquid level in the upper region of the tank, thereby fulfilling the functional requirements of the tank. In this paper, the mathematical model and working principle of the deep tank with CPA (DT-CPA) damper are developed. The equations of motion of a two degree-of-freedom (2-DOF) structure-damper system are derived. The design of the DT-CPA damper is illustrated considering an example structure and the performance of the damper is examined by subjecting the structure-damper system to pre-recorded seismic base excitations. The sensitivity of the performance of the proposed damper to tuning ratio is further studied. Results indicate that the DT-CPA damper is effective in controlling structural vibrations and its performance is comparable to that of a conventional tuned mass damper (TMD) and even slightly superior to that of a conventional TLD system of the shallow tank configuration. The proposed concept thus holds potential for the utilization of deep tanks as energy dissipation devices with minimal interference to their usual functionality.
Reminiscent Net: Conditional GAN-based Old Image De-Creasing
Authors: Ramwala Ojas A. , Dhakecha Smeet A. , Paunwala Chirag N. , Paunwala Mita C.
Published: March 2021

Documents are an essential source of valuable information and knowledge, and photographs are a great way of reminiscing old memories and past events. However, it becomes difficult to preserve the quality of such ancient documents and old photographs for an extremely long time, as these images usually get damaged or creased due to various extrinsic effects. Utilizing image editing software like Photoshop to manually reconstruct such old photographs and documents is a strenuous and an enduring process. This paper attempts to leverage the generative modeling capabilities of Conditional Generative Adversarial Networks by utilizing specialized architectures for the Generator and the Discriminator. The proposed Reminiscent Net has a U-Net-based Generator with numerous feature maps for complete information transfer with the incorporation of location and contextual details, and the absence of dense layers allows utilization of diverse sized images. Implementation of the PatchGAN-based Discriminator that penalizes the image at the scale of patches has been proposed. NADAM optimizer has been implemented to enable faster and better convergence of the loss function. The proposed method produces visually appealing de-creased images, and experiments indicate that the architecture performs better than various novel approaches, both qualitatively and quantitatively.
Alternating (AC) Loop Current Attacks Against the KLJN Secure Key Exchange Scheme
Authors: Melhem Mutaz Y. , Chamon Christiana , Ferdous Shahriar , Kish Laszlo B.
Published: March 2021

Recently, several passive and active attack methods have been proposed against the Kirchhoff–Law–Johnson–Noise (KLJN) secure key exchange scheme by utilizing direct (DC) loop currents. The DC current attacks are relatively easy, but their practical importance is low. On the other hand, parasitic alternating (AC) currents are virtually omnipresent in wire-based systems. Such situations exist due to AC ground loops and electromagnetic interference (EMI). However, utilizing AC currents for attacks is a harder problem. Here, we introduce and demonstrate AC current attacks in various frequency ranges. The attacks exploit a parasitic/periodic AC voltage-source at either Alice’s or Bob’s end. In the low-frequency case, the procedure is the generalized form of the former DC ground-loop-based attack. In the high-frequency case, the power density spectrum of the wire voltage is utilized. The attack is demonstrated in both the low and the high-frequency situations. Defense protocols against the attack are also discussed.
Linear canonical curvelet transform and the associated Heisenberg-type inequalities
Authors: Khan Arshad Ahmad , Ravikumar K.
Published: March 2021

In this paper, we have introduced a novel integral transform namely linear canonical curvelet transform (LCCT). Firstly, we established basic properties of LCCT including admissibility condition, Moyals principle, inversion formula and range theorem. Toward the culmination of the paper, we formulate a couple of Heisenberg-type inequalities associated with LCCT.
THE ASSOCIATION OF SFAS 166/167 AND COST OF EQUITY CAPITAL: EVIDENCE FROM BANKS
Authors: ZHAO QIUHONG , FORGIONE DANA A.
Published: March 2021

We examine whether SFAS 166/167, which ended exclusion of qualifying special purpose entities (QSPEs) from consolidation, impacted the cost of equity capital for a sample of banks. This exclusion previously allowed banks to avoid consolidating many, risky asset securitization transactions. These transactions were prevalent during and after the global financial crisis (GFC). We compare changes in the cost of equity capital for a sample of banks that consolidated SPEs after implementation of SFAS 166/167, to a control group of banks that reported no material impact of SFAS 166/167. We find the cost of equity capital increased significantly more for the banks consolidating previously unconsolidated SPE’s, than for the banks that were relatively unaffected by the rule change. In particular, we find that banks with greater reductions to their reported Tier-1 capital ratios as a result of consolidation are associated with significantly greater cost of equity capital in the post-SFAS166/167 period.
Properties of Indian stock market: Evidence using strap option strategy
Authors: Bangur P. , Singh M. Kumar , Singh P. Kumar , Bangur R.
Published: March 2021

This study aims to measure the volatility behavior and movement property of the Nifty Index through the strap option strategies by using the trigonometric ratio of options (tan [Formula: see text]). These strategies have been analyzed on the data from 2007 to 2020 on a monthly basis. Long and short strap strategies have been used in this analysis. In both strap option strategies, the angle [Formula: see text] lies more in the bearish volatility quadrant and the range-bound movement quadrant, which indicates that any trader on the Nifty can consistently apply the short strap option for profit generation trading in Nifty.
The geological collection from the Scottish National Antarctic Expedition (1902–04) in the Museo de La Plata, Argentina
Authors: Carrasquero Silvia Irene
Published: March 2021

In December 1903, William Speirs Bruce, leader of the Scottish National Antarctic Expedition, arrived in Buenos Aires and contacted Francisco Moreno, director of the Museo de La Plata to request his assistance. Bruce asked Moreno to be an intermediary with the Argentine government and to facilitate Bruce's wish for Argentina to take over the meteorological station that the Scottish expedition had established on Laurie Island (South Orkney Islands). Moreno was please to provide the necessary assistance and was instrumental in Bruce achieving his ambition. As a gesture of appreciation, before leaving Buenos Aires Bruce presented a small collection of Laurie Island rock specimens to Moreno as a donation to the Museo de La Plata. This donation initiated the museum's Antarctic collection.
Method—Practices and Pitfalls in Voltage Breakdown Analysis of Electrochemical Energy-Conversion Systems
Authors: Gerhardt Michael R. , Pant Lalit M. , Bui Justin C. , Crothers Andrew R. , Ehlinger Victoria M. , Fornaciari Julie C. , Liu Jiangjin , Weber Adam Z.
Published: March 2021

Many electrochemical energy-conversion systems are evaluated by polarization curves, which report the cell voltage across a range of current densities and are a global measure of operation and state of health. Mathematical models can be used to deconstruct the measured overall voltage and identify and quantify the voltage-loss sources, such as kinetic, ohmic, and mass-transport effects. These results elucidate the best pathways for improved performance. In this work, we discuss several voltage-breakdown methods and provide examples across different low-temperature, membrane-based electrochemical systems including electrolyzers, fuel cells, and related electrochemical energy-conversion devices. We present best practices to guide experimentalists and theorists in polarization-curve breakdown analysis.
Investigation and Optimisation of Operating Conditions for Low-Temperature CO2Reduction to CO in a Forward-Bias Bipolar-Membrane Electrolyser
Authors: Pribyl-Kranewitter Bernhard , Beard Alexandra , Schuler Tobias , Diklić Nataša , Schmidt Thomas J.
Published: March 2021

The most recent investigations of operating conditions in a forward-bias bipolar-membrane zero-gap electrolyser using a silver cathode catalyst for the reduction of CO2to CO at low temperatures and near-ambient pressures are reported. First, the CO2electrolyser performance was investigated as a function of cathode feed humidification and composition. The highest CO partial current density was 127 mA cm−2, which was obtained at an iR-corrected cell voltage of 2.9 V, a cathode feed humidification of 50%RH, CO2feed concentration of 90% and a CO Faradaic efficiency of 93%. The cells were tested continuously for 12 h at 3 V and 8 h at 3.4 V cell voltage to investigate system stability. While Faradaic efficiencies were maintained during the measurements at 3.0 V, a shift in selectivity was observed at 3.4 V, while a deterioration in current densities occurred in both cases. Using a specially designed electrochemical cell with an integrated reversible hydrogen reference electrode, it was found that the cathode catalyst is the main responsible for the observed loss in performance. It was furthermore determined via post-mortem SEM and EDX investigations that cathode deterioration is caused by catalyst agglomeration and surface poisoning.