bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Industry ties and evidence in public comments on the FDA framework for modifications to artificial intelligence/machine learning-based medical devices: a cross sectional study
Authors: Smith James Andrew , Abhari Roxanna E , Hussain Zain , Heneghan Carl , Collins Gary S , Carr Andrew J
Published: October 2020

Objectives

To determine the extent and disclosure of financial ties to industry and use of scientific evidence in comments on a US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulatory framework for modifications to artificial intelligence/machine learning (AI/ML)-based software as a medical device (SaMD).

Design

Cross-sectional study.

Setting

We searched all publicly available comments on the FDA ‘Proposed Regulatory Framework for Modifications to Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning (AI/ML)-Based Software as a Medical Device (SaMD)—Discussion Paper and Request for Feedback’ from 2 April 2019 to 8 August 2019.

Main outcome measures

The proportion of articles submitted by parties with financial ties to industry, disclosing those ties, citing scientific articles, citing systematic reviews and meta-analyses, and using a systematic process to identify relevant literature.

Results

We analysed 125 comments submitted on the proposed framework. 79 (63%) comments came from parties with financial ties; for 36 (29%) comments, it was not clear and the absence of financial ties could only be confirmed for 10 (8%) comments. No financial ties were disclosed in any of the comments that were not from industry submitters. The vast majority of submitted comments (86%) did not cite any scientific literature, just 4% cited a systematic review or meta-analysis and no comments indicated that a systematic process was used to identify relevant literature.

Conclusions

Financial ties to industry were common and undisclosed, and scientific evidence, including systematic reviews and meta-analyses, were rarely cited. To ensure regulatory frameworks best serve patient interests, the FDA should mandate disclosure of potential conflicts of interest (including financial ties) in comments, encourage the use of scientific evidence, and encourage engagement from non-conflicted parties.
Associations between hormonal contraception use, sociodemographic factors and mental health: a nationwide, register-based, matched case–control study
Authors: Toffol Elena , But Anna , Heikinheimo Oskari , Latvala Antti , Partonen Timo , Haukka Jari
Published: October 2020

Objectives

Sociodemographic and mental health characteristics are associated with contraceptive choices. We aimed to describe the sociodemographic, reproductive and mental health characteristics of all fertile-aged women in Finland who used hormonal contraception (HC) in 2017.

Design

A nationwide, register-based study.

Setting

All women living in Finland in 2017; data from the Care Register of Health Care, Medical Birth Register, Population Register Centre, Prescription Centre, Register of Induced Abortions.

Participants

All women aged 15–49 with one redeemed HC prescription in 2017 (n=294 356), and a same-sized, age-matched and residence-matched, control group of non-users.

Outcomes

Rates of HC use; associations between HC use and mental disorders, sociodemographic and reproductive characteristics.

Results

25.8% of women aged 15–49 years used HC. Women with the lowest socioeconomic levels had lower odds of using HC than women with upper-level statuses (OR, 95% CI students: 0.97, 0.94 to 0.99; entitled to pension: 0.66, 0.63 to 0.69; other: 0.87, 0.85 to 0.89; unknown: 0.90, 0.85 to 0.90). Women with the highest education (secondary: 1.46, 1.43 to 1.48; tertiary: 1.64, 1.58 to 1.70; academic: 1.60, 1.56 to 1.63) and income (second quarter: 1.57, 1.54 to 1.60; third quarter: 1.85, 1.82 to 1.89; fourth quarter: 2.01, 1.97 to 2.06), and unmarried women had higher odds of using HC than women with the lowest education and income levels, and married (0.61, 0.60 to 0.62), divorced (0.86, 0.84 to 0.88), widowed (0.73, 0.65 to 0.83) or other marital status women (0.26, 0.22 to 0.30).

Parous women (0.70, 0.69 to 0.71), those with previous induced abortion(s) (0.91, 0.89 to 0.92) or recent eating (0.68, 0.62 to 0.75) or personality (0.89, 0.79 to 0.97) disorders had lower odds of HC use. Absolute risk differences between women with and without mental disorders ranged from 3.1% (anxiety disorders) to 10.1% (eating disorders).

Conclusions

A quarter of the fertile-aged women use HC in Finland. Sociodemographic disparities persist in relation to HC use, although of small effect size. HC use is less common among women suffering from severe to moderate psychiatric disorders, especially eating disorders.
Progression/remission of COVID-19: data-driven recommendations for repeating SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid amplification tests
Authors: Williams Nathan , Idriss Reed , Dodge Jessica , Barasch Samuel
Published: October 2020

Aims

This short study was performed to better understand the time frame associated with changes in SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid testing and provide recommendations for repeat testing. Recommendations are useful as little guidance is available for repeat testing in patients being followed expectantly for changes in disease.

Methods

A review of laboratory data of tests for SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid was performed selecting patients who had changing results. Time between changes in test results was determined to provide guidance for repeat testing.

Results

The Interquartile Range (IQR) of data for patients who had a negative to positive change in laboratory testing (progression) was 6–16 days (median=9 days). The IQR of data for patients who had a positive to negative change in test results (remission) was 9–21 days (median=14 days).

Conclusion

Because sampling of the nares or nasopharynx can be variable, repeat testing should be performed swiftly when symptomatic patients are negative. The data in this short study vary widely, so authors recommend repeat testing during a period of time associated with the IQR or median (see results above).
Excess mortality in England and Wales during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Kontopantelis Evangelos , Mamas Mamas A , Deanfield John , Asaria Miqdad , Doran Tim
Published: October 2020

Background

Deaths during the COVID-19 pandemic result directly from infection and exacerbation of other diseases and indirectly from deferment of care for other conditions, and are socially and geographically patterned. We quantified excess mortality in regions of England and Wales during the pandemic, for all causes and for non-COVID-19-associated deaths.

Methods

Weekly mortality data for 1 January 2010 to 1 May 2020 for England and Wales were obtained from the Office of National Statistics. Mean-dispersion negative binomial regressions were used to model death counts based on pre-pandemic trends and exponentiated linear predictions were subtracted from: (i) all-cause deaths and (ii) all-cause deaths minus COVID-19 related deaths for the pandemic period (week starting 7 March, to week ending 8 May).

Findings

Between 7 March and 8 May 2020, there were 47 243 (95% CI: 46 671 to 47 815) excess deaths in England and Wales, of which 9948 (95% CI: 9376 to 10 520) were not associated with COVID-19. Overall excess mortality rates varied from 49 per 100 000 (95% CI: 49 to 50) in the South West to 102 per 100 000 (95% CI: 102 to 103) in London. Non-COVID-19 associated excess mortality rates ranged from −1 per 100 000 (95% CI: −1 to 0) in Wales (ie, mortality rates were no higher than expected) to 26 per 100 000 (95% CI: 25 to 26) in the West Midlands.

Interpretation

The COVID-19 pandemic has had markedly different impacts on the regions of England and Wales, both for deaths directly attributable to COVID-19 infection and for deaths resulting from the national public health response.
Characterising variability and predictors of infant mortality in urban settings: findings from 286 Latin American cities
Authors: Ortigoza Ana F , Tapia Granados José A , Miranda J Jaime , Alazraqui Marcio , Higuera Diana , Villamonte Georgina , Friche Amélia Augusta de Lima , Barrientos Gutierrez Tonatiuh , Diez Roux Ana V
Published: October 2020

Background

Urbanisation in Latin America (LA) is heterogeneous and could have varying implications for infant mortality (IM). Identifying city factors related to IM can help design policies that promote infant health in cities.

Methods

We quantified variability in infant mortality rates (IMR) across cities and examined associations between urban characteristics and IMR in a cross-sectional design. We estimated IMR for the period 2014–2016 using vital registration for 286 cities above 100 000 people in eight countries. Using national censuses, we calculated population size, growth and three socioeconomic scores reflecting living conditions, service provision and population educational attainment. We included mass transit availability of bus rapid transit and subway. Using Poisson multilevel regression, we estimated the per cent difference in IMR for a one SD (1SD) difference in city-level predictors.

Results

Of the 286 cities, 130 had <250 000 inhabitants and 5 had >5 million. Overall IMR was 11.2 deaths/1000 live births. 57% of the total IMR variability across cities was within countries. Higher population growth, better living conditions, better service provision and mass transit availability were associated with 6.0% (95% CI −8.3 to 3.7%), 14.1% (95% CI −18.6 to −9.2), 11.4% (95% CI −16.1 to −6.4) and 6.6% (95% CI −9.2 to −3.9) lower IMR, respectively. Greater population size was associated with higher IMR. No association was observed for population-level educational attainment in the overall sample.

Conclusion

Improving living conditions, service provision and public transportation in cities may have a positive impact on reducing IMR in LA cities.
Doctors during the COVID-19 pandemic: what are their duties and what is owed to them?
Authors: Johnson Stephanie B , Butcher Frances
Published: October 2020

Doctors form an essential part of an effective response to the COVID-19 pandemic. We argue they have a duty to participate in pandemic response due to their special skills, but these skills vary between different doctors, and their duties are constrained by other competing rights. We conclude that while doctors should be encouraged to meet the demand for medical aid in the pandemic, those who make the sacrifices and increased efforts are owed reciprocal obligations in return. When reciprocal obligations are not met, doctors are further justified in opting out of specific tasks, as long as this is proportionate to the unmet obligation.
Sleep duration and health in adults: an overview of systematic reviews
Authors: Chaput Jean-Philippe , Dutil Caroline , Featherstone Ryan , Ross Robert , Giangregorio Lora , Saunders Travis J. , Janssen Ian , Poitras Veronica J. , Kho Michelle E. , Ross-White Amanda , Carrier Julie
Published: October 2020

The objective of this overview of systematic reviews was to examine the associations between sleep duration and health outcomes in adults. Four electronic databases were searched in December 2018 for systematic reviews published in the previous 10 years. Included reviews met the a priori determined population (community-dwelling adults aged 18 years and older), intervention/exposure/comparator (various levels of sleep duration), and outcome criteria (14 outcomes examined). To avoid overlap in primary studies, we used a priority list to choose a single review per outcome; reviews that examined the effect of age and those that looked at dose–response were prioritized. A total of 36 systematic reviews were eligible and 11 were included. Reviews included comprised 4 437 101 unique participants from 30 countries. Sleep duration was assessed subjectively in 96% of studies and 78% of studies in the reviews were prospective cohort studies. The dose–response curves showed that the sleep duration that was most favourably associated with health was 7–8 h per day. Modification of the effect by age was not apparent. The quality of the evidence ranged from low to high across health outcomes. In conclusion, the available evidence suggests that a sleep duration of 7–8 h per day is the one most favourably associated with health among adults and older adults. (PROSPERO registration no.: CRD42019119529.)

Novelty This is the first overview of reviews that examines the influence of sleep duration on a wide range of health outcomes in adults. Seven to 8 h of sleep per day was most favourably associated with health. Effect modification by age was not evident.
Resistance training and health in adults: an overview of systematic reviews
Authors: El-Kotob Rasha , Ponzano Matteo , Chaput Jean-Philippe , Janssen Ian , Kho Michelle E. , Poitras Veronica J. , Ross Robert , Ross-White Amanda , Saunders Travis J. , Giangregorio Lora M.
Published: October 2020

The objective of this overview of systematic reviews was to determine the benefits and harms of resistance training (RT) on health outcomes in adults aged 18 years or older, compared with not participating in RT. Four electronic databases were searched in February 2019 for systematic reviews published in the past 10 years. Eligibility criteria were determined a priori for population (community dwelling adults), intervention (exclusively RT), comparator (no RT or different doses of RT), and health outcomes (critical: mortality, physical functioning, health-related quality of life, and adverse events; important: cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes mellitus, mental health, brain health, cognitive function, cancer, fall-related injuries or falls, and bone health). We selected 1 review per outcome and we used the GRADE process to assess the strength of evidence. We screened 2089 records and 375 full-text articles independently, in duplicate. Eleven systematic reviews were included, representing 364 primary studies and 382 627 unique participants. RT was associated with a reduction in all-cause mortality and cardiovascular disease incidence, and an improvement in physical functioning. Effects on health-related quality of life or cognitive function were less certain. Adverse events were not consistently monitored or reported in RT studies, but serious adverse events were not common. Systematic reviews for the remaining important health outcomes could not be identified. Overall, RT training improved health outcomes in adults and the benefits outweighed the harms. (PROSPERO registration no.: CRD42019121641.)

Novelty This overview was required to inform whether there was new evidence to support changes to the recommended guidelines for resistance training.
Sedentary behaviour and health in adults: an overview of systematic reviews
Authors: Saunders Travis J. , McIsaac Travis , Douillette Kevin , Gaulton Nick , Hunter Stephen , Rhodes Ryan E. , Prince Stephanie A. , Carson Valerie , Chaput Jean-Philippe , Chastin Sebastien , Giangregorio Lora , Janssen Ian , Katzmarzyk Peter T. , Kho Michelle E. , Poitras Veronica J. , Powell Kenneth E. , Ross Robert , Ross-White Amanda , Tremblay Mark S. , Healy Genevieve N.
Published: October 2020

The purpose of this overview of systematic reviews was to determine the relationship between different types and patterns of sedentary behaviour and selected health outcomes in adults and older adults. Five electronic databases were last searched in May, 2019, with a 10-year search limit. Included reviews met the a priori population (community-dwelling adults aged 18 years and older), intervention/exposure/comparator (various types and/or patterns of sedentary behaviour), and outcomes criteria. Eighteen systematic reviews were included in the evidence synthesis. High levels of sedentary behaviour are unfavourably associated with cognitive function, depression, function and disability, physical activity levels, and physical health-related quality of life in adults. Reducing or breaking up sedentary behaviour may benefit body composition and markers of cardiometabolic risk. Total sedentary behaviour and TV viewing were most consistently associated with unfavourable health outcomes, while computer and Internet use may be favourably associated with cognitive function for older adults. The quality of evidence within individual reviews (as assessed by review authors) varied from low to high, while the certainty of evidence was low to very low. These findings have important public health implications, suggesting that adults should avoid high levels of sedentary behaviour and break-up periods of prolonged sitting. (PROSPERO registration nos.: CRD42019123121 and CRD42019127157.)

Novelty High levels of sedentary behaviour are unfavourably associated with important health outcomes in adults. Reducing or breaking up sedentary behaviour may benefit body composition and markers of cardiometabolic risk. Computer and Internet use may be favourably associated with cognitive function in older adults.
Balance and functional training and health in adults: an overview of systematic reviews
Authors: McLaughlin Emily Claire , El-Kotob Rasha , Chaput Jean-Philippe , Janssen Ian , Kho Michelle E. , Poitras Veronica J. , Ross Robert , Ross-White Amanda , Saunders Travis J. , Sherrington Catherine , Giangregorio Lora M.
Published: October 2020

This overview of systematic reviews examined the effect of balance and functional strength training on health outcomes in adults aged 18 years or older, to inform the Canadian 24-hour Movement Guidelines. Four electronic databases were searched for systematic reviews published between January 2009 and May 2019. Eligibility criteria were determined a priori for population (community-dwelling adults), intervention (balance and functional training), comparator (no intervention or different types/doses), and outcomes (critical: falls and fall-related injuries; adverse events; important: physical functioning and disability; health-related quality of life; physical activity; and sedentary behaviour). Two reviewers independently screened studies for eligibility and performed AMSTAR 2 assessment. One review was selected per outcome. Of 3288 records and 355 full-text articles, 5 systematic reviews were included, encompassing data from 15 890 participants in 23 countries. In adults 65 years and older, balance and functional training and Tai Chi reduced the rate of falls and the number of people who fell, and improved aspects of physical functioning and physical activity. The effect on health-related quality of life and falls requiring hospitalization was uncertain. While inconsistently monitored, only 1 serious adverse event was reported. No evidence was available in adults under age 65 years. Included systematic reviews and primary evidence reported by review authors ranged in quality. Overall, participation in balance and functional training reduced falls and improved health outcomes in adults 65 years of age and older. PROSPERO registration no.: CRD42019134865.

Novelty This overview informs updated guidelines for balance training in adults. Balance and functional training reduced falls and improved health outcomes.
Optimal messaging of the Canadian 24-Hour Movement Guidelines for Adults aged 18–64 years and Adults aged 65 years and older
Authors: Faught Emma , Walters Alexandra J. , Latimer-Cheung Amy E. , Faulkner Guy , Jones Rebecca , Duggan Mary , Chulak-Bozzer Tala , Lane Kirstin N. , Brouwers Melissa C. , Tomasone Jennifer R.
Published: October 2020

The Canadian 24-Hour Movement Guidelines for Adults aged 18–64 years and Adults aged 65 years and older (“Guidelines”) integrate recommendations for physical activity, sedentary, and sleep behaviours. Given the novelty of these integrated Guidelines, it was important to consider messaging strategies that would be most effective in reaching Canadian adults. The purpose of this study was to examine optimal messaging of the Guidelines as it pertains to communication channels and messages. Representative samples of Guideline end-users (N = 1017) and stakeholders (N = 877) each completed a cross-sectional survey. Descriptive statistics were calculated along with tests of statistical significance. Inductive content analysis was used to code stakeholders’ comments (i.e., suggestions, concerns) on a draft version of the Guidelines. Most end-users had recently referred to online medical resources; family, friends, and co-workers; and physicians as communication channels for information regarding the movement behaviours. End-users and stakeholders felt that generic messages would foster self-efficacy to meet the Guidelines. Stakeholders highlighted a variety of considerations to ensure the Guidelines are inclusive towards diverse groups within the Canadian population. Findings will inform Guideline messaging.

Novelty Most end-users referred to online medical resources; family, friends, and co-workers; and physicians as communication channels. End-users and stakeholders indicated that generic messages would foster self-efficacy to meet the Guidelines. Stakeholders expressed concerns about the inclusivity of the Guidelines for diverse socioeconomic groups.
A puzzle in $$\varvec{\bar{B}_{(s)}^0 \rightarrow D_{(s)}^{(*)+} \lbrace \pi ^-, K^-\rbrace }$$ decays and extraction of the $$\varvec{f_s/f_d}$$ fragmentation fraction
Authors: Bordone Marzia , Gubernari Nico , Huber Tobias , Jung Martin , van Dyk Danny
Published: October 2020

We provide updated predictions for the hadronic decays $$\bar{B}_s^0\rightarrow D_s^{(*)+} \pi ^-$$

B

¯

s
0

→

D
s

(

∗
)
+

π
-

and $$\bar{B}^0\rightarrow D^{(*)+} K^-$$

B

¯

0

→

D

(

∗
)
+

K
-

. They are based on $${\mathcal {O}}(\alpha _s^2)$$

O
(

α
s
2

)

results for the QCD factorization amplitudes at leading power and on recent results for the $$\bar{B}_{(s)} \rightarrow D_{(s)}^{(*)}$$

B

¯

(
s
)

→

D

(
s
)

(

∗
)

form factors up to order $$\mathcal{O}(\Lambda _\mathrm{QCD}^2/m_c^2)$$

O
(

Λ

QCD

2

/

m
c
2

)

in the heavy-quark expansion. We give quantitative estimates of the matrix elements entering the hadronic decay amplitudes at order $$\mathcal{O}(\Lambda _\mathrm{QCD}/m_b)$$

O
(

Λ
QCD

/

m
b

)

for the first time. Our results are very precise, and uncover a substantial discrepancy between the theory predictions and the experimental measurements. We explore two possibilities for this discrepancy: non-factorizable contributions larger than predicted by the QCD factorization power counting, and contributions beyond the Standard Model. We determine the $$f_s/f_d$$

f
s

/

f
d

fragmentation fraction for the CDF, D0 and LHCb experiments for both scenarios.
Universal bounds on the size of a black hole
Authors: Yang Run-Qiu , Lü H.
Published: October 2020

For static black holes in Einstein gravity, if matter fields satisfy a few general conditions, we conjecture that three characteristic parameters about the spatial size of black holes, namely the outermost photon sphere area $$A_{\mathrm {ph,out}}$$

A

ph
,
out

, the corresponding shadow area $$A_{\mathrm {sh,out}}$$

A

sh
,
out

and the horizon area $$A_{{\mathcal {H}}}$$

A
H

satisfy a series of universal inequalities $$9A_{{\mathcal {H}}}/4\le A_{\mathrm {ph,out}}\le A_{\mathrm {sh,out}}/3\le 36\pi M^2$$

9

A
H

/
4
≤

A

ph
,
out

≤

A

sh
,
out

/
3
≤
36
π

M
2

, where M is the ADM mass. We present a complete proof in the spherically symmetric case and some pieces of evidence to support it in general static cases. We also discuss the properties of the photon spheres in general static spacetimes and show that, similar to horizon, photon spheres are also conformal invariant structures of the spacetimes.
Quasi-normal modes of near-extremal black holes in generalized spherically symmetric spacetime and strong cosmic censorship conjecture
Authors: Burikham Piyabut , Ponglertsakul Supakchai , Wuthicharn Taum
Published: October 2020

A number of near-extremal conditions are utilized to simplify the equation of motion of the neutral scalar perturbations in generalized spherically symmetric black hole background into a differential equation with the Pöschl–Teller potential. An analytic formula for quasinormal frequencies is obtained. The analytic formula is then used to investigate strong cosmic censorship conjectures (SCC) of the generalized black hole spacetime for the smooth initial data. The Christodoulou version of the SCC is found to be violated for certain regions of the black hole parameter space including the black holes in general relativity while the $$C^{1}$$

C
1

version of the SCC is always valid.
Optical solutions of Biswas–Arshed equation in optical fibers
Authors: Xu Wan-Rong , Guo Li-Feng , Wang Chun-Yan
Published: October 2020

This paper studies the Biswas–Arshed model that compensates for the group velocity dispersion (GVD) by the dispersion of time and space. When the GVD and non-linearity are very small, the propagation patterns of the model are given by the complete discriminant system for polynomial method. Based on the results, under the specific parameters, we analyze the soliton transmission dynamic.
A Proactive Approach to Test Case Selection — An Efficient Implementation of Adaptive Random Testing
Authors: Omari Michael , Chen Jinfu , French-Baidoo Robert , Sun Yunting
Published: October 2020

Fixed Sized Candidate Set (FSCS) is the first of a series of methods proposed to enhance the effectiveness of random testing (RT) referred to as Adaptive Random Testing methods or ARTs. Since its inception, test case generation overheads have been a major drawback to the success of ART. In FSCS, the bulk of this cost is embedded in distance computations between a set of randomly generated candidate test cases and previously executed but unsuccessful test cases. Consequently, FSCS is caught in a logical trap of probing the distances between every candidate and all executed test cases before the best candidate is determined. Using data mining, however, we discovered that about 50% of all valid test cases are encountered much earlier in the distance computations process but without any benefit of a hindsight, FSCS is unable to validate them; a wild goose chase. This paper then uses this information to propose a new strategy that predictively and proactively selects valid candidates anywhere during the distance computation process without vetting every candidate. Theoretical analysis, simulations and experimental studies conducted led to a similar conclusion: 25% of the distance computations are wasteful and can be discarded without any repercussion on effectiveness.
ARITHMETIC PRODUCT OF SELF-SIMILAR SETS WITH TWO BRANCHES
Authors: WANG QIN , ZHANG KAI
Published: October 2020

For self-similar set [Formula: see text] [Formula: see text] we study the arithmetic product of [Formula: see text] and obtain that when [Formula: see text] then [Formula: see text] To deal with the arithmetic product of self-similar sets with different ratios, we introduce a technique named comparable rectangle.
On uniform definability of types over finite sets for NIP formulas
Authors: Eshel Shlomo , Kaplan Itay
Published: October 2020

Combining two results from machine learning theory we prove that a formula is NIP if and only if it satisfies uniform definability of types over finite sets (UDTFS). This settles a conjecture of Laskowski.
Preparation of BiOI Photocatalysts with Controllable Wettability and Their Enhanced Catalytic Degradation of 17α-ethinylestradiol
Authors: Zhang Sifeng , Wang Lulu , Zheng Ziguang , Hei Yunrui , Zhou Luting , Wu Shenglan , Li Lingxin , Long Yanju , Luo Lijun , Jiang Fengzhi
Published: October 2020

In this study, BiOI was successfully synthesized using a hydrothermal method and then modified using hexamethyldisiloxane (HMDS) and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), respectively, to achieve a controllable water contact angle (WCA) for these materials. The physical and chemical properties of the modified BiOI were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) method, UV–Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and water contact angle (WCA) techniques. Compared with the unmodified BiOI, HMDS- and PDMS-modified BiOI had higher photocatalytic activities for 17[Formula: see text]-ethinylestradiol (EE2) under visible light irradiation for 28 min after reacting in dark for 30 min. When BiOI was modified using HMDS and PDMS, the WCA increased. When the WCA of HMDS- and PDMS-modified BiOI was controlled in the range of 25.3–32.7[Formula: see text] and 38.1–78.5[Formula: see text], respectively, better photocatalytic performances were achieved. When the WCA of modified BiOI was 29.7[Formula: see text] (1.00[Formula: see text]mL HMDS) and 47.8[Formula: see text] (0.20[Formula: see text]mL PDMS), the best photocatalytic performances were achieved with EE2 removal rate of 98.85% and 98.72%, respectively, however, the removal rate of the unmodified BiOI was 85.01%. The reaction rate constants of BiOI (1.00[Formula: see text]mL HMDS) and BiOI (0.20[Formula: see text]mL PDMS) were 2.33 and 2.15 times higher than the unmodified BiOI, respectively. The improved catalytic performances of modified BiOI could be attributed to the synergistic effect of the controlled wettability of BiOI and functional groups on the surface of photocatalysts.
Photocatalytic Activity of Phosphorus and Nitrogen Co-Doped Carbon Quantum Dots/TiO2 Nanosheets
Authors: Liu Kailai , Kong Fanmin , Zhu Chaoqun , Jiang Guodong
Published: October 2020

Double element co-doped carbon quantum dots (CQDs) have unique electron properties and broad prospects in photocatalysis. In this paper, the phosphorus and nitrogen co-doped CQDs (PNCQDs) were loaded on TiO2 nanosheets by in-situ synthesis method. Physical structure and chemical composition of samples were analyzed by XRD, FT-IR, XPS, SEM and TEM. UV–Vis spectra show the donor–acceptor coupling between PNCQDs and TiO2 and enhanced strong UV light absorption. Photoluminescence spectra indicate that PNCQDs effectively promote charge separation, which is different from nitrogen doped CQDs. The sample 1-PNCT with the optimal phosphorus doping amount has the highest kinetic constant for photodegradation of Methylene Blue (MB), which is 3.4 times pure TiO2. A possible Z-scheme photodegradation mechanism is proposed according to the active species scavenge experiment results in which PNCQDs can not only accept but also localize photogenerated electrons to dopant sites due to the quantum wells created by P and N doping energy barriers.
Gold Nanomaterial Hybrid on PEGylated Metal Oxide Interdigitated Mini-electrode Surface to Diagnose Prostate Cancer
Authors: Gu Deqiang , Zhang Quansuo , Guo Jingyang , Ma Tao , Li Hongmei , Ji Juan , Gopinath Subash C. B. , Lakshmipriya Thangavel , Li Song , Shen Dan
Published: October 2020

Prostate cancer is a leading health burden, the third most common cancer in a man. High accuracy detection and screening methods with a suitable biomarker can significantly reduce the risk of mortality. Prostate specific antigen (PSA) is the efficient and acceptable biomarker due to its level of increment in the biological fluid with the prostate cancer patient. This research was focused to establish a sensitive method of PSA detection by using gold nanoparticle (GNP) conjugated PSA specific aptamer on interdigitated mini-electrode. GNP allowed to capture higher number of aptamers on the surface and enhanced the interaction of PSA. This good detection method can determine PSA at 45[Formula: see text]aM with the sensitivity of 30[Formula: see text]aM. A linear range was noticed from 60 until 2000 aM on the regression curve at [Formula: see text]; [Formula: see text]. Moreover, spiking PSA in human serum enhances the current response with increasing PSA concentrations. This method of determination helps to quantify the PSA level and diagnose the prostate cancer at different stages.
Estimating the impact of antiretroviral therapy on HIV-TB co-infection: Optimal strategy prediction
Authors: Tanvi  , Aggarwal Rajiv
Published: October 2020

In this paper, a nonlinear population model for HIV-TB co-infection has been proposed. The model is incorporated with the effect of early and late initiation of HIV treatment in co-infectives already on TB treatment, on the occurrence of Immune Reconstitution Inflammatory syndrome (IRIS). A 15-dimensional (15D) mathematical model has been developed in this study. We begin with considering constant treatment rates and thereafter, proceed to time-dependent treatment rates for co-infectives as control parameters. The basic reproduction number, a threshold quantity, corresponding to each HIV and TB sub-model has been computed in case of constant controls. With constant values of control parameters, mathematical analysis shows the existence and local stability of the disease-free equilibrium point and the endemic equilibrium point for the model. Together with time-dependent parameters, an optimal control problem is introduced and solved using Pontryagin’s maximum principle with an objective to minimize the number of infectives and disease induced deaths along with the cost of treatment. Numerical simulations are performed to examine the effect of reproduction numbers on control profiles and to identify, the ideal combination of treatment strategies which provides minimum burden on a society. Numerical results imply that if both HIV and TB are endemic in the population, then in order to bring in minimum burden from the co-infection, optimal control efforts must be enforced rather than constant treatment rate.
Finite element implementation of coupled hydro-mechanical modeling of transversely isotropic porous media in DEAL.II
Authors: Dang Hong-Lam , Do Duc-Phi
Published: October 2020

In geotechnical engineering, modeling geo-structures is challenging, particularly in cases where the interaction between the structures and soil or rock is complex. Most well-known commercial modeling software is based on homogenous and isotropic materials. However, soil and rock are often modeled in heterogeneous and anisotropic media because of the inherent anisotropy of sedimentary rock masses and their stratified structure. In recent decades, coupled hydro-mechanical (HM) interactions in isotropic porous media have been studied; however, the behavior of transversely isotropic porous media is rarely considered. In addition, it is difficult for commercial software such as Plaxis and Flac3D to express complex rock formation where the anisotropy of the material and the associated cracks and fractures could be assembled into a single model. In this study, a finite element implementation using Differential Equation Analysis Library (DEAL.II), an open-source library of finite element codes, was developed to model the fully coupled HM behavior of transversely isotropic porous media. The proposed implementation can be applied to both isotropic and transversely isotropic porous media based on Biot’s theory. The developed code can be used to model poroelastic media with (1) equations of linear elasticity for the solid matrix and (2) diffusion equations for fluid flow based on mass and linear-momentum conservation laws. We verified the performance and accuracy of the code through two examples, i.e., Mandel’s problem with a compared analytical solution and a tunnel excavation process with the Flac3D software. On the basis of these numerical applications, we present the code to model the behavior of various geo-structures such as tunnels and pile–soil interactions with anisotropic materials.
PACMHCI V4 CSCW2 Oct 2020 Editorial
Authors: Kim Juho , Lindley Siân , Schoenebeck Sarita
Published: October 2020

We are delighted to welcome you to this issue of the Proceedings of the ACM on Human-Computer Interaction, which contains scholarship from the Computer-Supported Cooperative Work and Social Computing (CSCW) community. This is the second issue that represents the new quarterly submission model. This issue has 91 papers accepted from the January 2020 round (16 previously accepted papers from the January 2020 round were published in a prior issue and another 19 accepted this round will be published in a later issue). This represents an overall 40.6% acceptance rate from the 310 submissions in January 2020. This issue represents the contributions of external reviewers, Associate Chairs, and the dedicated Editors, who were essential to carrying through the review process, especially during a global pandemic. As Papers Chairs, we are delighted to continue shaping and disseminating CSCW's tradition of high-quality scholarship.
Can you Turn it Off?
Authors: Toch Eran , Chassidim Hadas , Hatuka Tali
Published: October 2020

Contemporary mobile devices continuously interrupt people with notifications in various and changing physical environments. As different places can have different social setting, understanding how disturbing an interruption might be to people around the user is not a straightforward task. To understand how users perceive disturbance in their social environment, we analyze the results of a 3-week user study with 50 participants using the experience sampling method and log analysis. We show that perceptions of disturbance are strongly related to the social norms surrounding the place, such as whether the place is considered private or public, even when controlling for the number of people around the user. Furthermore, users' perceptions of disturbance are also related to the activity carried out on the phone, and the subjective perceptions of isolation from other people in the space. We conclude the paper by discussing how our findings can be used to design new mobile devices that are aware of the social norms and their users' environmental context.
Hate begets Hate
Authors: Mathew Binny , Illendula Anurag , Saha Punyajoy , Sarkar Soumya , Goyal Pawan , Mukherjee Animesh
Published: October 2020

With the ongoing debate on 'freedom of speech' vs. 'hate speech,' there is an urgent need to carefully understand the consequences of the inevitable culmination of the two, i.e., 'freedom of hate speech' over time. An ideal scenario to understand this would be to observe the effects of hate speech in an (almost) unrestricted environment. Hence, we perform the first temporal analysis of hate speech on Gab.com, a social media site with very loose moderation policy. We first generate temporal snapshots of Gab from millions of posts and users. Using these temporal snapshots, we compute an activity vector based on DeGroot model to identify hateful users. The amount of hate speech in Gab is steadily increasing and the new users are becoming hateful at an increased and faster rate. Further, our analysis analysis reveals that the hate users are occupying the prominent positions in the Gab network. Also, the language used by the community as a whole seem to correlate more with that of the hateful users as compared to the non-hateful ones. We discuss how, many crucial design questions in CSCW open up from our work.
Investigating Differences in Crowdsourced News Credibility Assessment
Authors: Bhuiyan Md Momen , Zhang Amy X. , Sehat Connie Moon , Mitra Tanushree
Published: October 2020

Misinformation about critical issues such as climate change and vaccine safety is oftentimes amplified on online social and search platforms. The crowdsourcing of content credibility assessment by laypeople has been proposed as one strategy to combat misinformation by attempting to replicate the assessments of experts at scale. In this work, we investigate news credibility assessments by crowds versus experts to understand when and how ratings between them differ. We gather a dataset of over 4,000 credibility assessments taken from 2 crowd groups---journalism students and Upwork workers---as well as 2 expert groups---journalists and scientists---on a varied set of 50 news articles related to climate science, a topic with widespread disconnect between public opinion and expert consensus. Examining the ratings, we find differences in performance due to the makeup of the crowd, such as rater demographics and political leaning, as well as the scope of the tasks that the crowd is assigned to rate, such as the genre of the article and partisanship of the publication. Finally, we find differences between expert assessments due to differing expert criteria that journalism versus science experts use---differences that may contribute to crowd discrepancies, but that also suggest a way to reduce the gap by designing crowd tasks tailored to specific expert criteria. From these findings, we outline future research directions to better design crowd processes that are tailored to specific crowds and types of content.
From Virtual Strangers to IRL Friends
Authors: Sheng Jeff T. , Kairam Sanjay R.
Published: October 2020

Accounts of the social experience within livestreaming channels vary widely, from the frenetic "crowdroar" offered in some channels to the close-knit, "participatory communities" within others. What kinds of livestreaming communities enable the types of meaningful conversation and connection that support relationship development, and how? In this paper, we explore how personal relationships develop within Twitch, a popular livestreaming service. Interviews with 21 pairs who met initially within Twitch channels illustrate how interactions originating in Twitch's text-based, pseudonymous chat environment can evolve into close relationships, marked by substantial trust and support. Consistent with Walther's hyperpersonal model, these environments facilitate self-disclosure and conversation by reducing physical cues and emphasizing common ground, while frequent, low-stakes interaction allow relationships to deepen over time. Our findings also highlight boundaries of the hyperpersonal model. As group size increases, participants leverage affordances for elevated visibility to spark interactions; as relationships deepen, they incorporate complementary media channels to increase intimacy. Often, relationships become so deep through purely computer-mediated channels that face-to-face meetings become yet another step in a continuum of relationship development. Findings from a survey of 1,367 members of Twitch communities demonstrate how the suitability of these spaces as venues for relational interaction decreases as communities increase in size. Together, these findings illustrate vividly how hyperpersonal interaction functions in the context of real online communities. We consider implications for the design and management of online communities, including their potential for supporting "strong bridges," relationships which combine the benefits of strong ties and network bridges.
Wikipedia Edit-a-thons as Sites of Public Pedagogy
Authors: March Laura , Dasgupta Sayamindu
Published: October 2020

Wikipedia edit-a-thon events provide a targeted approach toward incorporating new knowledge into the online encyclopedia while also offering pathways toward new editor participation. Through the analysis of interviews with 13 edit-a-thon facilitators, however, we find motivations for running edit-a-thons extend far beyond adding content and editors. In this paper, we uncover how a range of personal and institutional values inspire these event facilitators toward fulfilling broader goals including fostering information literacy and establishing community relationships outside of Wikipedia. Along with reporting motivations, values, and goals, we also describe strategies facilitators adopt in their practice. Next, we discuss challenges faced by facilitators as they organize edit-a-thons. We situate our findings within two complementary theoretical lenses-information ecologies and public pedagogy to guide our interpretation. Finally, we suggest new ways in which edit-a-thons, as well as similar peer production events and communities, can be understood, studied, and evaluated.
CrowdCog
Authors: Hettiachchi Danula , van Berkel Niels , Kostakos Vassilis , Goncalves Jorge
Published: October 2020

While crowd workers typically complete a variety of tasks in crowdsourcing platforms, there is no widely accepted method to successfully match workers to different types of tasks. Researchers have considered using worker demographics, behavioural traces, and prior task completion records to optimise task assignment. However, optimum task assignment remains a challenging research problem due to limitations of proposed approaches, which in turn can have a significant impact on the future of crowdsourcing. We present 'CrowdCog', an online dynamic system that performs both task assignment and task recommendations, by relying on fast-paced online cognitive tests to estimate worker performance across a variety of tasks. Our work extends prior work that highlights the effect of workers' cognitive ability on crowdsourcing task performance. Our study, deployed on Amazon Mechanical Turk, involved 574 workers and 983 HITs that span across four typical crowd tasks (Classification, Counting, Transcription, and Sentiment Analysis). Our results show that both our assignment method and recommendation method result in a significant performance increase (5% to 20%) as compared to a generic or random task assignment. Our findings pave the way for the use of quick cognitive tests to provide robust recommendations and assignments to crowd workers.
Chatbot-based Emotion Management for Distributed Teams
Authors: Benke Ivo , Knierim Michael Thomas , Maedche Alexander
Published: October 2020

Fueled by the pervasion of tools like Slack or Microsoft Teams, the usage of text-based communication in distributed teams has grown massively in organizations. This brings distributed teams many advantages, however, a critical shortcoming in these setups is the decreased ability of perceiving, understanding and regulating emotions. This is problematic because better team members? abilities of emotion management positively impact team-level outcomes like team cohesion and team performance, while poor abilities diminish communication flow and well-being. Leveraging chatbot technology in distributed teams has been recognized as a promising approach to reintroduce and improve upon these abilities. In this article we present three chatbot designs for emotion management for distributed teams. In order to develop these designs, we conducted three participatory design workshops which resulted in 153 sketches. Subsequently, we evaluated the designs following an exploratory evaluation with 27 participants. Results show general stimulating effects on emotion awareness and communication efficiency. Further, they report emotion regulation and increased compromise facilitation through social and interactive design features, but also perceived threats like loss of control. With some design features adversely impacting emotion management, we highlight design implications and discuss chatbot design recommendations for enhancing emotion management in teams.
From Lost to Found
Authors: Chen Chunyang , Feng Sidong , Liu Zhengyang , Xing Zhenchang , Zhao Shengdong
Published: October 2020

Design sharing sites provide UI designers with a platform to share their works and also an opportunity to get inspiration from others' designs. To facilitate management and search of millions of UI design images, many design sharing sites adopt collaborative tagging systems by distributing the work of categorization to the community. However, designers often do not know how to properly tag one design image with compact textual description, resulting in unclear, incomplete, and inconsistent tags for uploaded examples which impede retrieval, according to our empirical study and interview with four professional designers. Based on a deep neural network, we introduce a novel approach for encoding both the visual and textual information to recover the missing tags for existing UI examples so that they can be more easily found by text queries. We achieve 82.72% accuracy in the tag prediction. Through a simulation test of 5 queries, our system on average returns hundreds more results than the default Dribbble search, leading to better relatedness, diversity and satisfaction.