bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interference and Diffraction in Modern Technology: A New Approach for an Introductory Physics Laboratory Experiment
Authors: Rabosky Kristin , Inglefield Colin , Spirito Kiley
Published: November 2020

A classic undergraduate introductory experiment is to measure the diffraction and interference pattern from single and double slits to determine slit width and separation. Studies show that Course-based Undergraduate Research Experiences (CUREs) can make science more inclusive when offered at the undergraduate level. Additionally, CUREs help students to understand the scientific research process. We have redesigned our diffraction and interference lab to incorporate these best-teaching practices to enhance the students’ learning experience.
Using the smartphone as oscillation balance
Authors: Kaps A. , Stallmach F.
Published: November 2020

The dynamics of a spring pendulum is an important topic in introductory experimental physics courses at universities and advanced science courses in secondary school education. Different types of pendulum setups with smartphones were proposed to investigate, e.g., the gravitational acceleration, to measure spring constants, or to illustrate and verify the principles of periodic motions and their characterization via oscillation periods. In most of these experiments the smartphone with its internal acceleration sensor or the magnetometer is used as the measurement device.
Digital scrolling and moiré pattern animations
Authors: Lincoln James
Published: November 2020

I have discovered a new way to animate images on mobile phones. I have long been interested in how some moiré patterns seem to appear and disappear when zebra-striped images are scrolled in a web browser or on a smartphone screen. Such effects depend on the speed of the scroll and the contrast, angle, and spacing of the stripes. By experimenting, I have been able to exploit this effect to create images that move from side to side or vibrate and shimmer frame to frame. Taking inspiration from barrier-grid (slit) animations, I have created hummingbirds, rolling rocking horses, and bouncing balls. The physics of the moiré patterns, and the creativity of the physicist, assist in the successful execution of this challenging new artform.
Sound detection by Atlantic cod: An overview
Authors: Hawkins Anthony D. , Popper Arthur N.
Published: November 2020

The Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) is among the commercially most important fish species in the world. Since sound plays such an important role in the lives of Atlantic cod and its related species, understanding of their bioacoustics is of great importance. Moreover, since cod are amenable to studies of hearing, especially in open bodies of water, they have the potential to become a “model species” for investigations of fish hearing. To serve as the basis for future studies, and to bring together what is now known about cod hearing, this paper reviews the literature to date. While there is some discussion of other species in the paper, the focus is upon what is already known about cod hearing, and what now needs to be known. An additional focus is on what knowledge of cod hearing tells about hearing in fishes in general.
Time-domain room acoustic simulations with extended-reacting porous absorbers using the discontinuous Galerkin method
Authors: Pind Finnur , Jeong Cheol-Ho , Engsig-Karup Allan P. , Hesthaven Jan S. , Strømann-Andersen Jakob
Published: November 2020

This paper presents an equivalent fluid model (EFM) formulation in a three-dimensional time-domain discontinuous Galerkin finite element method framework for room acoustic simulations. Using the EFM allows for the modeling of the extended-reaction (ER) behavior of porous sound absorbers. The EFM is formulated in the numerical framework by using the method of auxiliary differential equations to account for the frequency dependent dissipation of the porous material. The formulation is validated analytically and an excellent agreement with the theory is found. Experimental validation for a single reflection case is also conducted, and it is shown that using the EFM improves the simulation accuracy when modeling a porous material backed by an air cavity as compared to using the local-reaction (LR) approximation. Last, a comparative study of different rooms with different porous absorbers is presented, using different boundary modeling techniques, namely, a LR approximation, a field-incidence (FI) approximation, or modeling the full ER behavior with the EFM. It is shown that using a LR or FI approximation leads to large and perceptually noticeable errors in simulated room acoustic parameters. The average T20 reverberation time error is 4.3 times the just-noticeable-difference (JND) threshold when using LR and 2.9 JND when using FI.
Effect of masks on speech intelligibility in auralized classrooms
Authors: Bottalico Pasquale , Murgia Silvia , Puglisi Giuseppina Emma , Astolfi Arianna , Kirk Karen Iler
Published: November 2020

This study explored the effects of wearing face masks on classroom communication. The effects of three different types of face masks (fabric, surgical, and N95 masks) on speech intelligibility (SI) presented to college students in auralized classrooms were evaluated. To simulate realistic classroom conditions, speech stimuli were presented in the presence of speech-shaped noise with a signal-to-noise ratio of +3 dB under two different reverberation times (0.4 s and 3.1 s). The use of fabric masks yielded a significantly greater reduction in SI compared to the other masks. Therefore, surgical masks or N95 masks are recommended in teaching environments.
How loud is the underwater noise from operating offshore wind turbines?
Authors: Tougaard Jakob , Hermannsen Line , Madsen Peter T.
Published: November 2020

Offshore wind turbines are increasingly abundant sources of underwater low frequency noise. This increase raises concern for the cumulative contribution of wind farms to the underwater soundscape and possible impact on marine ecosystems. Here, available measurements of underwater noise from different wind turbines during operation are reviewed to show that source levels are at least 10–20 dB lower than ship noise in the same frequency range. The most important factor explaining the measured sound pressure levels from wind turbines is distance to the turbines with smaller effects of wind speed and turbine size. A simple multi-turbine model demonstrates that cumulative noise levels could be elevated up to a few kilometres from a wind farm under very low ambient noise conditions. In contrast, the noise is well below ambient levels unless it is very close to the individual turbines in locations with high ambient noise from shipping or high wind speeds. The rapid increase in the number and size of offshore wind farms means that the cumulative contribution from the many turbines may be considerable and should be included in assessments for maritime spatial planning purposes as well and environmental impact assessments of individual projects.
Directing acoustic energy by flasher-based origami inspired arrays
Authors: Srinivas Vivek , Harne Ryan L.
Published: November 2020

Acoustic arrays with fixed spatial positions of transducers are used for wave guiding capabilities in the far field. Recent developments in the field of reconfigurable structures reveal that origami inspired foldable arrays may enhance the near and far field wave guiding functionality by virtue of physical shape change. This research explores reconfigurable acoustic arrays based on the deployable flasher tessellation frame using acoustic transducers at mountain crease nodes. Leveraging an experimentally validated model of the flasher acoustic array, this research reveals that arrays with transducers distributed about a spiral arm exhibit higher-order interference that results in broadside directive beam patterns at lower frequencies than radial arm distributions. The class of flasher arrays also exhibits a switching behavior from broadside directive to omnidirectional by virtue of distinct repositioning of the acoustic transducers in the folding process. The discoveries from this research motivate the use of flasher arrays for potential implementation in underwater applications.
Effectiveness and Reliability of Foot Orthoses on Impact Loading and Lower Limb Kinematics When Running at Preferred and Nonpreferred Speeds
Authors: Wang Yi , Lam Wing K. , Wong Charis K. , Park Lok Y. , Tan Mohammad F. , Leung Aaron K.L.
Published: November 2020

This study examined the effect of foot orthoses used on ground reaction forces, ankle, and knee kinematics when running at preferred and nonpreferred speeds. Sixteen runners ran on instrumented treadmills at various speeds (90%, 100%, and 110% of preferred speed) when wearing arch-support and flat-control orthoses. Two-way repeated analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed on the mean and coefficient of variation of all variables. Results indicated that arch-support orthoses experienced larger maximum loading rates than flat-control orthoses (P = .017, 95% CI, 2.22 to 19.53). Slower speed was related to smaller loading rates (preferred:P = .002, 95% CI, −17.02 to −4.20; faster:P = .003, 95% CI, −29.78 to −6.17), shorter stride length (preferred:P < .001, 95% CI, −0.204 to −0.090; faster:P < .001, 95% CI, −0.382 to −0.237), and longer contact time (preferred:P < .001, 95% CI, 0.006–0.021; faster: 95% CI, 0.012–0.042). In arch-support condition, preferred speed induced higher stride length coefficient of variation (P = .046, 95% CI, 0.035–1.117) than faster speed, while displaying no differences in flat-control condition. These findings suggest that the use of arch-support orthoses would influence impact loading, but not spatial-temporal and joint kinematics in recreational runners.
Should College Athletes Be Allowed to Be Paid? A Public Opinion Analysis
Authors: Knoester Chris , Ridpath B. David
Published: November 2020

Traditionally, public opinions have largely opposed further compensation for U.S. college athletes, beyond the costs of going to school. This study uses new data from the National Sports and Society Survey (N = 3,993) to assess recent public opinions about allowing college athletes to be paid more than it costs them to go to school. The authors found that a majority of U.S. adults now support, rather than oppose, allowing college athletes to be paid. Also, the authors found that White adults are especially unlikely, and Black adults are especially likely, to support allowing payment. Furthermore, recognition of racial/ethnic discrimination is positively, and indicators of traditionalism are negatively, associated with support for allowing college athletes to be paid.
Severe Corrosion of Carbon Steel in Oil Field Produced Water Can Be Linked to Methanogenic Archaea Containing a Special Type of [NiFe] Hydrogenase
Authors: Lahme Sven , Mand Jaspreet , Longwell John , Smith Ramsey , Enning Dennis
Published: November 2020

Microorganisms can deteriorate built environments, which is particularly problematic in the case of pipelines transporting hydrocarbons to industrial end users. MIC is notoriously difficult to detect and monitor and, as a consequence, is a particularly difficult corrosion mechanism to manage.
Epidemiology, Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, and Management of Cerebral Toxoplasmosis
Authors: Elsheikha Hany M. , Marra Christina M. , Zhu Xing-Quan
Published: November 2020

Toxoplasma gondiiis known to infect a considerable number of mammalian and avian species and a substantial proportion of the world’s human population. The parasite has an impressive ability to disseminate within the host’s body and employs various tactics to overcome the highly regulatory blood-brain barrier and reside in the brain. In healthy individuals,T. gondiiinfection is largely tolerated without any obvious ill effects. However, primary infection in immunosuppressed patients can result in acute cerebral or systemic disease, and reactivation of latent tissue cysts can lead to a deadly outcome.
Serum-Based Diagnosis of Pediatric Tuberculosis by Assay of Mycobacterium tuberculosis Factors: a Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: He Yifan , Lyon Christopher J. , Nguyen Duc T. , Liu Chang , Sha Wei , Graviss Edward A. , Hu Tony Y.
Published: November 2020

Diagnosis of pediatric tuberculosis (TB) is often complicated by its nonspecific symptoms, paucibacillary nature, and the need for invasive specimen collection techniques. However, a recently reported assay that detects
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
virulence factors in serum can diagnose various TB manifestations, including paucibacillary TB cases, in adults with good sensitivity and specificity.
Sequence Analysis of a Jumbo Bacteriophage,
Xoo-sp14,
That Infects Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae
Authors: Nazir Amina , Dong Zhaoxia , Liu Jin , Zhang Xianglilan , Tahir Rana Adnan , Ashraf Neelma , Qing Hong , Peng Donghai , Tong Yigang
Published: November 2020

A jumbo bacteriophage,
Xoo-sp14
, infecting
Xanthomonas oryzae
pv. oryzae was isolated from rice fields in China. Here, we report the complete genome sequence of this phage, revealing that it had a linear double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) molecule 232,104 bp in length, with a G+C content of 58%. It has 251 annotated protein-coding sequences.
Genomic and Resistance Epidemiology of Gram-Negative Bacteria in Africa: a Systematic Review and Phylogenomic Analyses from a One Health Perspective
Authors: Osei Sekyere John , Reta Melese Abate
Published: November 2020

Antibiotic resistance (AR) is one of the major public health threats and challenges to effective containment and treatment of infectious bacterial diseases worldwide. Here, we used different methods to map out the geographical hot spots, sources, and evolutionary epidemiology of AR.
Escherichia coli
,
Klebsiella pneumoniae
,
Salmonella enterica
,
Acinetobacter baumannii
,
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
,
Enterobacter
spp.,
Neisseria meningitis/gonorrhoeae
,
Vibrio cholerae
,
Campylobacter jejuni
, etc., were common pathogens shuttling AR genes in Africa. Transmission of the same clones/strains across countries and between animals, humans, plants, and the environment was observed. We recommend
Enterobacter
spp. or
K. pneumoniae
as better sentinel species for AR surveillance.
Needs assessment for a decision support tool in oral cancer requiring major resection and reconstruction: a mixed-methods study protocol
Authors: Forner David , Hong Paul , Corsten Martin , Rac Valeria E , Martino Rosemary , Shuman Andrew G , Chepeha Douglas B , Sawka Anna M , de Almeida John R , Irish Jonathan C , Brown Dale H , Taylor S Mark , Gullane Patrick J , Trites Jonathan R , Gilbert Ralph , Rigby Matthew H , Ringash Jolie , Goldstein David
Published: November 2020

Introduction

Advanced oral cancer and its ensuing treatment engenders significant morbidity and mortality. Patients are often elderly with significant comorbidities. Toxicities associated with surgical resection can be devastating and they are often highlighted by patients as impactful. Given the potential for suboptimal oncological and functional outcomes in this vulnerable patient population, promotion and performance of shared decision making (SDM) is crucial.

Decision aids (DAs) are useful instruments for facilitating the SDM process by presenting patients with up-to-date evidence regarding risks, benefits and the possible postoperative course. Importantly, DAs also help elicit and clarify patient values and preferences. The use of DAs in cancer treatment has been shown to reduce decisional conflict and increase SDM. No DAs for oral cavity cancer have yet been developed.

This study endeavours to answer the question: Is there a patient or surgeon driven need for development and implementation of a DA for adult patients considering major surgery for oral cancer?

Methods and analysis

This study is the first step in a multiphase investigation of SDM during major head and neck surgery. It is a multi-institutional convergent parallel mixed-methods needs assessment study. Patients and surgeon dyads will be recruited to complete questionnaires related to their perception of the SDM process (nine-item Shared Decision-Making Questionnaire, SDM-Q-9 and SDM-Q-Doc) and to take part in semistructured interviews. Patients will also complete questionnaires examining decisional self-efficacy (Ottawa Decision Self-Efficacy Scale) and decisional conflict (Decisional Conflict Scale). Questionnaires will be completed at time of recruitment and will be used to assess the current level of SDM, self-efficacy and conflict in this setting. Thematic analysis will be used to analyse transcripts of interviews. Quantitative and qualitative components of the study will be integrated through triangulation, with matrix developed to promote visualisation of the data.

Ethics and Dissemination

This study has been approved by the research ethics boards of the Nova Scotia Health Authority (Halifax, Nova Scotia) and the University Health Network (Toronto, Ontario). Dissemination to clinicians will be through traditional approaches and creation of a head and neck cancer SDM website. Dissemination to patients will include a section within the website, patient advocacy groups and postings within clinical environments.
Childbirth, morbidity, sickness absence and disability pension: a population-based longitudinal cohort study in Sweden
Authors: Wang Mo , László Krisztina D. , Svedberg Pia , Nylén Lotta , Alexanderson Kristina
Published: November 2020

Objective

To investigate associations of morbidity with subsequent sickness absence (SA) and disability pension (DP) among initially nulliparous women with no, one or several childbirths during follow-up.

Design

Longitudinal register-based cohort study.

Setting

Sweden.

Participants

Nulliparous women, aged 18 to 39 years and living in Sweden on 31 December 2004 and the three preceding years (n=492 504).

Outcome measures

Annual mean DP and SA days (in SA spells >14 days) in the 3 years before and after inclusion date in 2005.

Methods

Women were categorised into three groups: no childbirth in 2005 nor during the follow-up, first childbirth in 2005 but not during follow-up, and having first childbirth in 2005 and at least one more during follow-up. Microdata were obtained for 3 years before and 3 years after inclusion regarding SA, DP, mortality and morbidity (ie, hospitalisation and specialised outpatient healthcare, also excluding healthcare for pregnancy, childbirth and puerperium). HRs and 95% CIs for SA and DP in year 2 and 3 after childbirth were estimated by Cox regression; excluding those on DP at inclusion.

Results

After controlling for study participants’ prior morbidity and sociodemographic characteristics, women with one childbirth had a lower risk of SA and DP than those who remained nulliparous, while women with more than one childbirth had the lowest DP risk. Morbidity after inclusion that was not related to pregnancy, childbirth or the puerperium was associated with a higher risk of future SA and DP, regardless of childbirth group. Furthermore, morbidity both before and after childbirth showed a strong association with SA and DP (HR range: 2.54 to 13.12).

Conclusion

We found a strong positive association between morbidity and both SA and DP among women, regardless of childbirth status. Those who gave birth had lower future SA and DP risk than those who did not.
Psychological adaptation and recovery in youth with sarcoma: a qualitative study with practical implications for clinical care and research
Authors: Kosir Urska , Bowes Lucy , Taylor Rachel M , Gerrand Craig , Windsor Rachael , Onasanya Maria , Martins Ana
Published: November 2020

Objectives

This study explored factors that play a role in psychological adaptation and recovery of young people with sarcoma.

Design

Qualitative study.

Setting

National Health Service hospitals in the UK.

Methods

Using purposive sampling, participants were recruited for semistructured interviews over the telephone or face to face in order to answer questions about how cancer impacted various domains of their life. Data were analysed using a framework approach.

Results

Thirty participants, aged 15–39 years with primary sarcoma diagnosis provided in-depth accounts of their experience. Emerging themes from the interviews were grouped into two overarching themes that relate to one’s adaptation to illness: individual level and environmental level. The qualitative nature of our study sheds light on meaningful connections between various factors and their role in one’s psychological adaptation to sarcoma. We devised a visual matrix to illustrate how risk and protective factors in adaptation vary between and within individuals.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates that young people with sarcoma report an array of both positive and negative factors related to their illness experience. The route to recovery is a multifactorial process and a one-size-fits-all approach to psychosocial care proves inadequate. We propose that moving beyond the latent constructs of resilience and psychopathology towards a dynamic model of psychological adaptation and recovery in this population can result in optimisation of care. We offer some recommendations for professionals working with young people with sarcoma in clinic and research.
Systematic review of international Delphi surveys for core outcome set development: representation of international patients
Authors: Lee Alice , Davies Anna , Young Amber E
Published: November 2020

Objectives

A core outcome set (COS) describes a minimum set of outcomes to be reported by all clinical trials of one healthcare condition. Delphi surveys are frequently used to achieve consensus on core outcomes. International input is important to achieve global COS uptake. We aimed to investigate participant representation in international Delphi surveys, with reference to the inclusion of patients and participants from low and middle income countries as stakeholders (LMICs).

Design

Systematic review.

Data sources

EMBASE, Medline, Web of Science, COMET database and hand-searching.

Eligibility criteria

Protocols and studies describing Delphi surveys used to develop an international COS for trial reporting, published between 1 January 2017 and 6 June 2019.

Data extraction and synthesis

Delphi participants were grouped as patients or healthcare professionals (HCPs). Participants were considered international if their country of origin was different to that of the first or senior author. Data extraction included participant numbers, country of origin, country income group and whether Delphi surveys were translated. We analysed the impact these factors had on outcome prioritisation.

Results

Of 90 included studies, 69% (n=62) were completed and 31% (n=28) were protocols. Studies recruited more HCPs than patients (median 60 (IQR 30–113) vs 30 (IQR 14–66) participants, respectively). A higher percentage of HCPs was international compared with patients (57% (IQR 37–78) vs 20% (IQR 0–68)). Only 31% (n=28) studies recruited participants from LMICs. Regarding recruitment from LMICs, patients were under-represented (16% studies; n=8) compared with HCPs (22%; n=28). Few (7%; n=6) studies translated Delphi surveys. Only 3% studies (n=3) analysed Delphi responses by geographical location; all found differences in outcome prioritisation.

Conclusions

There is a disproportionately lower inclusion of international patients, compared with HCPs, in COS-development Delphi surveys, particularly within LMICs. Future international Delphi surveys should consider exploring for geographical and income-based differences in outcome prioritisation.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42019138519.
Brief mindfulness-based intervention of ‘STOP (Stop, Take a Breath, Observe, Proceed) touching your face’: a study protocol of a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Liao Yanhui , Wang Ling , Luo Tao , Wu Shiyou , Wu Zhenzhen , Chen Jianhua , Pan Chen , Wang Yunfei , Liu Yueheng , Luo Qinghua , Guo Xin , Xie Liqin , Zhou Jun , Chen Wei , Tang Jinsong
Published: November 2020

Introduction

Face-touching behaviour often happens frequently and automatically, and poses potential risk for spreading infectious disease. Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) have shown its efficacy in the treatment of behaviour disorders. This study aims to evaluate an online mindfulness-based brief intervention skill named ‘STOP (Stop, Take a Breath, Observe, Proceed) touching your face’ in reducing face-touching behaviour.

Methods and analysis

This will be an online-based, randomised, controlled, trial. We will recruit 1000 participants, and will randomise and allocate participants 1:1 to the ‘STOP touching your face’ (both 750-word text and 5 min audio description by online) intervention group (n=500) and the wait-list control group (n=500). All participants will be asked to monitor and record their face-touching behaviour during a 60 min period before and after the intervention. Primary outcome will be the efficacy of short-term mindfulness-based ‘STOP touching your face’ intervention for reducing the frequency of face-touching. The secondary outcomes will be percentage of participants touching their faces; the correlation between the psychological traits of mindfulness and face-touching behaviour; and the differences of face-touching behaviour between left-handers and right-handers. Analysis of covariance, regression analysis, χ2 test, t-test, Pearson’s correlations will be applied in data analysis. We will recruit 1000 participants from April to July 2020 or until the recruitment process is complete. The follow-up will be completed in July 2020. We expect all trial results to be available by the end of July 2020.

Ethics and dissemination

The study protocol has been approved by the Ethics Committee of Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, an affiliate of Zhejiang University, Medical College (No. 20200401-32). Study results will be disseminated via social media and peer-reviewed publications.

Trial registration number

NCT04330352.
Comparing efficacy and safety in catheter ablation strategies for atrial fibrillation: protocol of a network meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials
Authors: Charitakis Emmanouil , Karlsson Lars O , Rizas Kostantinos , Almroth Henrik , Hassel Jönsson Anders , Schweiler Jonas , Sideris Skevos , Tsartsalis Dimitrios , Dragioti Elena , Chaimani Anna
Published: November 2020

Introduction

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained arrhythmia. Catheter ablation (CA) of AF is an increasingly offered therapeutic approach, primary to relieve AF-related symptoms. Despite the development of new ablation approaches, there is no consensus regarding the most efficient ablation strategy. The objective of this network meta-analysis (NMA) is to compare the efficacy and safety of all different CA approaches for the treatment of patients with paroxysmal (PAF) and non-PAF (non-PAF).

Methods and analysis

We will perform a systematic search to identify randomised controlled trials of different CA approaches for the treatment of PAF and non-PAF, through the final search date of 1 March 2020. Information sources will include major bibliographic databases (MEDLINE, Web of Science and CENTRAL) and clinical trial registries. Our primary outcomes will be the efficacy (recurrence-free survival) and safety of different CA approaches for the treatment of AF. Secondary outcomes will be all-cause mortality and procedural time. An NMA will be performed to determine the relative effects of different catheter ablation approaches (such as pulmonary vein isolation alone or in combination with ablation lines, ablation of complex fractionated atrial electrograms, etc). In PAF, a separate analysis will be performed including different energy sources (such as radiofrequency, cryogenic and laser energy). Risk of bias assessment and sensitivity analyses will be conducted to assess the robustness of the findings to potential bias.

Ethics and dissemination

No ethical approval will be needed because data are collected from previous studies. The results will be presented through peer-review journals and conference presentation.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42020169494.
Protocol for a prospective, longitudinal cohort of people with COVID-19 and their household members to study factors associated with disease severity: the Predi-COVID study
Authors: Fagherazzi Guy , Fischer Aurélie , Betsou Fay , Vaillant Michel , Ernens Isabelle , Masi Silvana , Mossong Joel , Staub Therese , Brault Dominique , Bahlawane Christelle , Rashid Mohammed Ally , Ollert Markus , Gantenbein Manon , Huiart Laetitia
Published: November 2020

Introduction

A few major clinical factors such as sex, obesity or comorbidities have already been associated with COVID-19 severity, but there is a need to identify new epidemiological, clinical, digital and biological characteristics associated with severity and perform deep phenotyping of patients according to severity. The objectives of the Predi-COVID study are (1) to identify new determinants of COVID-19 severity and (2) to conduct deep phenotyping of patients by stratifying them according to risk of complications, as well as risk factors for infection among household members of Predi-COVID participants (the Predi-COVID-H ancillary study).

Methods and analysis

Predi-COVID is a prospective, hybrid cohort study composed of laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 cases in Luxembourg who will be followed up remotely for 1 year to monitor their health status and symptoms. Predi-COVID-H is an ancillary cohort study on household members of index cases included in Predi-COVID to monitor symptoms and household clusters in this high-risk population. A subcohort of up to 200 Predi-COVID and 300 Predi-COVID-H participants with biological samples will be included. Severity of infection will be evaluated by occurrence and duration of hospitalisation, admission and duration of stay in intensive care units or equivalent structures, provision of and duration of supplemental oxygen and ventilation therapy, transfer to another hospital, as well as the impact of infection on daily activities following hospital discharge.

Ethics and dissemination

The study has been approved by the National Research Ethics Committee of Luxembourg (study number 202003/07) in April 2020. An informed consent is signed by study participants. Scientific articles will be submitted to international peer-reviewed journals, along with press releases for lay audience for major results.

Trial registration number

NCT04380987.
Retrospective cohort study of admission timing and mortality following COVID-19 infection in England
Authors: Alaa Ahmed , Qian Zhaozhi , Rashbass Jem , Benger Jonathan , van der Schaar Mihaela
Published: November 2020

Objectives

We investigated whether the timing of hospital admission is associated with the risk of mortality for patients with COVID-19 in England, and the factors associated with a longer interval between symptom onset and hospital admission.

Design

Retrospective observational cohort study of data collected by the COVID-19 Hospitalisation in England Surveillance System (CHESS). Data were analysed using multivariate regression analysis.

Setting

Acute hospital trusts in England that submit data to CHESS routinely.

Participants

Of 14 150 patients included in CHESS until 13 May 2020, 401 lacked a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19 and 7666 lacked a recorded date of symptom onset. This left 6083 individuals, of whom 15 were excluded because the time between symptom onset and hospital admission exceeded 3 months. The study cohort therefore comprised 6068 unique individuals.

Main outcome measures

All-cause mortality during the study period.

Results

Timing of hospital admission was an independent predictor of mortality following adjustment for age, sex, comorbidities, ethnicity and obesity. Each additional day between symptom onset and hospital admission was associated with a 1% increase in mortality risk (HR 1.01; p<0.005). Healthcare workers were most likely to have an increased interval between symptom onset and hospital admission, as were people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) backgrounds, and patients with obesity.

Conclusion

The timing of hospital admission is associated with mortality in patients with COVID-19. Healthcare workers and individuals from a BAME background are at greater risk of later admission, which may contribute to reports of poorer outcomes in these groups. Strategies to identify and admit patients with high-risk and those showing signs of deterioration in a timely way may reduce the consequent mortality from COVID-19, and should be explored.
Diversity in health professional education scholarship: a document analysis of international author representation in leading journals
Authors: Buffone Brittany , Djuana Ilena , Yang Katherine , Wilby Kyle J , El Hajj Maguy S , Wilbur Kerry
Published: November 2020

Objectives

The global distribution of health professionals and associated training programmes is wide but prior study has demonstrated reported scholarship of teaching and learning arises from predominantly Western perspectives.

Design

We conducted a document analysis to examine authorship of recent publications to explore current international representation.

Data sources

The table of contents of seven high-impact English-language health professional education journals between 2008 and 2018 was extracted from Embase.

Eligibility criteria

The journals were selected according to highest aggregate ranking across specific scientific impact indices and stating health professional education in scope; only original research and review articles from these publications were included for analysis.

Data extraction and synthesis

The table of contents was extracted and eligible publications screened by independent reviewers who further characterised the geographic affiliations of the publishing research teams and study settings (if applicable).

Results

A total 12 018 titles were screened and 7793 (64.8%) articles included. Most were collaborations (7048, 90.4%) conducted by authors from single geographic regions (5851, 86%). Single-region teams were most often formed from countries in North America (56%), Northern Europe (14%) or Western Europe (10%). Overall lead authorship from Asian, African or South American regions was less than 15%, 5% and 1%, respectively. Geographic representation varied somewhat by journal, but not across time.

Conclusions

Diversity in health professional education scholarship, as marked by nation of authors’ professional affiliations, remains low. Under-representation of published research outside Global North regions limits dissemination of novel ideas resulting in unidirectional flow of experiences and a concentrated worldview of teaching and learning.
Gender-based approach on the social impact and mental health in Spain during COVID-19 lockdown: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Jacques-Aviñó Constanza , López-Jiménez Tomàs , Medina-Perucha Laura , de Bont Jeroen , Gonçalves Alessandra Queiroga , Duarte-Salles Talita , Berenguera Anna
Published: November 2020

Objective

Lockdown has impacts on people’s living conditions and mental health. The study aims to assess the relations between social impact and mental health among adults living in Spain during COVID-19 lockdown measures, taking a gender-based approach into account.

Design, setting and participants

We conducted a cross-sectional study among adults living in Spain during the lockdown of COVID-19 with an online survey from 8 April to 28 May 2020. The main variable was mental health measured by Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale for anxiety and the Patient Health Questionnaire for depression. Sex-stratified multivariate ordinal logistic regression models were constructed to assess the association between social impact variables, anxiety and depression.

Results

A total of 7053 people completed this survey. A total of 31.2% of women and 17.7% of men reported anxiety. Depression levels were reported in 28.5% of women and 16.7% of men. A higher proportion of anxiety and depression levels was found in the younger population (18–35 years), especially in women. Poorer mental health was mainly related to fear of COVID-19 infection, with higher anxiety levels especially in women (adjusted ordinal OR (aOR): 4.23, 95% CI 3.68 to 4.87) and worsened economy with higher levels of depression in women (aOR: 1.51, 95% CI 1.24 to 1.84), and perceived inadequate housing to cope with lockdown was especially associated with anxiety in men (aOR: 2.53, 95% CI 1.93 to 3.44).

Conclusion

The social impact of the lockdown is related to gender, age and socioeconomic conditions. Women and young people had worse mental health outcomes during lockdown. It is urgent to establish strategies for public health emergencies that include mental health and its determinants, taking a gender-based approach into account, in order to reduce health inequities.
Bleeding and thrombotic risk in pregnant women with Fontan physiology
Authors: Girnius Andrea , Zentner Dominica , Valente Anne Marie , Pieper Petronella G , Economy Katherine E , Ladouceur Magalie , Roos-Hesselink Jolien W , Warshak Carri , Partington Sara L , Gao Zhiqian , Ollberding Nicholas , Faust Michelle , Girnius Saulius , Kaemmerer Harald , Nagdyman Nicole , Cohen Scott , Canobbio Mary , Akagi Teiji , Grewal Jasmine , Bradley Elisa , Buber Yonathan , Palumbo Joseph , Walker Niki , Aboulhosn Jamil , Oechslin Erwin , Baumgartner Helmut , Kurdi Wesam , Book Wendy M , Mulder Barbara J M , Veldtman Gruschen R
Published: November 2020

Background/objectives

Pregnancy may potentiate the inherent hypercoagulability of the Fontan circulation, thereby amplifying adverse events. This study sought to evaluate thrombosis and bleeding risk in pregnant women with a Fontan.

Methods

We performed a retrospective observational cohort study across 13 international centres and recorded data on thrombotic and bleeding events, antithrombotic therapies and pre-pregnancy thrombotic risk factors.

Results

We analysed 84 women with Fontan physiology undergoing 108 pregnancies, average gestation 33±5 weeks. The most common antithrombotic therapy in pregnancy was aspirin (ASA, 47 pregnancies (43.5%)). Heparin (unfractionated (UFH) or low molecular weight (LMWH)) was prescribed in 32 pregnancies (30%) and vitamin K antagonist (VKA) in 10 pregnancies (9%). Three pregnancies were complicated by thrombotic events (2.8%). Thirty-eight pregnancies (35%) were complicated by bleeding, of which 5 (13%) were severe. Most bleeds were obstetric, occurring antepartum (45%) and postpartum (42%). The use of therapeutic heparin (OR 15.6, 95% CI 1.88 to 129, p=0.006), VKA (OR 11.7, 95% CI 1.06 to 130, p=0.032) or any combination of anticoagulation medication (OR 13.0, 95% CI 1.13 to 150, p=0.032) were significantly associated with bleeding events, while ASA (OR 5.41, 95% CI 0.73 to 40.4, p=0.067) and prophylactic heparin were not (OR 4.68, 95% CI 0.488 to 44.9, p=0.096).

Conclusions

Current antithrombotic strategies appear effective at attenuating thrombotic risk in pregnant women with a Fontan. However, this comes with high (>30%) bleeding risk, of which 13% are life threatening. Achieving haemostatic balance is challenging in pregnant women with a Fontan, necessitating individualised risk-adjusted counselling and therapeutic approaches that are monitored during the course of pregnancy.
The effects of acute dopamine reuptake inhibition on cognitive function during passive hyperthermia
Authors: Wallace Phillip J. , Schultz Martins Ricardo , Scott Jake S. , Steele Scott W. , Greenway Mathew J. , Cheung Stephen S.
Published: November 2020

Dopamine activity can modulate physical performance in the heat, but less is known about its effects on cognition during thermal stress. Twelves males completed a randomized, double-blinded protocol consisting of oral ingestion of 20 mg of methylphenidate (MPH) or placebo (lactose pill) during passive heating using a water-perfused suit (water temperature ∼49 °C). To identify the impact of peripheral versus central thermal strain, a cognitive test battery was completed at 4 different thermal states: baseline (BASE; 37.2 ± 0.6 °C core, 32.9 ± 0.7 °C skin), neutral core-hot skin (NC-HS; 37.2 ± 0.3 °C, 37.4 ± 0.3 °C), hyperthermic core-hot skin (HC-HS; 38.7 ± 0.4 °C, 38.7 ± 0.2 °C), and hyperthermic core-cooled skin (HC-CS; 38.5 ± 0.4 °C, 35.1 ± 0.8 °C). The cognitive test battery consisted of the 2-back task (i.e., working memory), set-shifting (i.e., executive function), Groton Maze Learning Task (i.e., executive function) and detection task (i.e., psychomotor processing). MPH led to significantly higher heart rates (∼5–15 b·min−1) at BASE, NC-HS, and HC-HS (all p < 0.05). There were no significant differences in the number of errors made on each task (all p < 0.05). Participants were significantly faster (p < 0.05) on the set-shifting task in the HC-HS timepoint, irrespective of drug condition (p > 0.05). In summary, we demonstrated that 20 mg of MPH did not significantly alter cognitive function during either normothermia or moderate hyperthermia.

Novelty: Twenty milligrams of MPH did not significantly alter cognitive function during passive heat stress. MPH led to significant higher heart rates (∼5–15 b·min−1) in thermoneutral and during passive heat stress. Future studies are needed to determine the mechanisms of why MPH improves physical but not cognitive performance during heat stress.
Statistics and prediction of vehicle–bridge collisions in Quebec
Authors: Berton E. , Bouaanani N. , Lamarche C.-P. , Roy N.
Published: November 2020

Vehicle–bridge collisions (VBCs) can compromise the safety of road users and cause major economic losses. This paper proposes and applies a methodology to investigate such events in Quebec. Relevant data have been collected from various sources and merged to provide a comprehensive database of VBCs that occurred in Quebec between 2000 and 2016. The developed database was used to carry out statistical analyses highlighting the main factors characterizing VBCs, such as vehicle’s body type, bridge dimensions, prescribed speed limit, road configuration, road surface condition and lighting. The compiled database was georeferenced in an upgradable map that can be used efficiently to visualize the distribution and evolution of VBCs over a given region of Quebec. A VBC regression model was also developed based on k-fold cross-validation. The proposed model can be updated regularly as new VBCs are reported and then used to identify bridges most likely to be affected by VBCs or prioritize actions to reduce the potential consequences.
Design of Class 4 hollow structural section compression members
Authors: Thomas Justin H. , Tousignant Kyle
Published: November 2020

This paper presents a study on the CSA S16:19, AISC 360-16, and EN 1993-1-1 approaches to determine the nominal capacity (Cn) of Class 4 hollow structural section compression members. Class 3 limits and effective width (be) equations are compared, and the effect of member slenderness (KL/r), width-(or diameter-)to-thickness ratio, and height-to-width (or aspect) ratio on the relative Cnpredictions are evaluated. For Class 4 rectangular hollow sections, CSA S16:19 is shown to under-predict Cnby up to 34% relative to AISC 360-16. A more economical, yet still safe, method to calculate be(and hence, Cn) is proposed. For Class 4 circular hollow sections, a new method to calculate Cnutilizing the “effective area method” is proposed. This new method removes the need for having an “effective yield stress method” in CSA S16 Clause 13.3.4.
The chicken model organism for epigenomic research
Authors: Beacon Tasnim H. , Davie James R.
Published: November 2020

The chicken model organism has advanced the areas of developmental biology, virology, immunology, oncology, epigenetic regulation of gene expression, conservation biology, and genomics of domestication. Further, the chicken model organism has aided in our understanding of human disease. Through the recent advances in high-throughput sequencing and bioinformatic tools, researchers have successfully identified sequences in the chicken genome that have human orthologs, improving mammalian genome annotation. In this review, we highlight the importance of chicken as an animal model in basic and pre-clinical research. We will present the importance of chicken in poultry epigenetics and in genomic studies that trace back to their ancestor, the last link between human and chicken in the tree of life. There are still many genes of unknown function in the chicken genome yet to be characterized. By taking advantage of recent sequencing technologies, it is possible to gain further insight into the chicken epigenome.
The Automatic Detection of Seizure Based on Tensor Distance And Bayesian Linear Discriminant Analysis
Authors: Ma Delu , Yuan Shasha , Shang Junliang , Liu Jinxing , Dai Lingyun , Kong Xiangzhen , Xu Fangzhou
Published: November 2020

Electroencephalogram (EEG) plays an important role in recording brain activity to diagnose epilepsy. However, it is not only laborious, but also not very cost effective for medical experts to manually identify the features on EEG. Therefore, automatic seizure detection in accordance with the EEG recordings is significant for the diagnosis and treatment of epilepsy. Here, a new method for detecting seizures using tensor distance (TD) is proposed. First, the time–frequency characteristics of EEG signals are obtained by wavelet transformation, and the tensor representation of EEG signals is then obtained. Tucker decomposition is used to obtain the principal components of the EEG tensor. After, the distances between different categories of EEG tensors are calculated as the EEG features. Finally, the TD features are classified through the Bayesian Linear Discriminant Analysis (Bayesian LDA) classifier. The performance of this method is measured by the sensitivity, specificity, and recognition accuracy. Results indicate 95.12% sensitivity, 97.60% specificity, 97.60% recognition accuracy, and a false detection rate of 0.76 per hour in the invasive EEG dataset, which included 566.57[Formula: see text]h of EEG recording data from 21 patients. Taken together, the results show that TD has a good detection effect for seizure classification and that this method has high computational speed and great potential for real-time diagnosis.
AN APPROXIMATION TO DETERMINE CORROSION AND MECHANICAL BEHAVIOR OF TI-BASED ALLOYS
Authors: YILMAZ YESIM , DEMIROREN HULYA
Published: November 2020

Titanium and its alloys used in biomaterial applications are preferrably the cause of high-corrosion resistance properties in addition to having good mechanical properties. Commercially pure Ti (CP-Ti) (Grade 2), Ti6Al4V (Grade 5) and Ti6Al4V-ELI (Grade 23) samples are used as biomaterials exposed to 750∘C and 1060∘C for 1[Formula: see text]h. The samples were cooled in air after heat treatment at 750∘C, the other samples were cooled in water after heat treatment at 1060∘C. The free-heat treatment samples are as producted. Microstructures of heat-treated samples and non-made samples by comparison were evaluated before and after corrosion process microstructures and tensile strengths. Test solution is 0.5[Formula: see text]mol H2SO[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]mol HCl mixture. The corrosion resistance of the titanium samples was evaluated. Microstructure images were monitorized on optical and SEM microscopes.

In this paper, the effect of heat treatment was determined on the microstructure, mechanical properties and corrosion resistances of the material. As a result, heat treatment is useful on corrosion resistance of alloyed samples.