Test Methods Research Articles

Prenatal diagnosis of trisomy 21: Influence of pediatric counseling of pregnant women and contact with families who have an affected child

The widespread use of non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) has turned prenatal diagnostics for chromosomal abnormalities from the exception to the rule. A common finding is the suspicion of trisomy 21 in the fetus, which should result in the offer of multidisciplinary counseling. The significance of this for decision-making by the pregnant woman has not yet been investigated.Fully anonymized data on pediatric counseling for 251 pregnant women with unclear NIPT findings, suspected or confirmed fetal trisomy 21 were evaluated retrospectively. All consultations on the subject of trisomy 21 in this cohort were conducted by the same experienced pediatrician, who only ended the consultation when the women seeking advice had no more questions and always offered to put them in direct contact with families that include a child affected by trisomy 21. Contact with such families and the outcome of the pregnancy were recorded in each case. Data were analyzed using methods of descriptive statistics and appropriate statistical tests. In particular, the timing of the pediatric consultation, its duration, and contact with families who have an affected child appeared to be relevant to the pregnant women's decision to continue or terminate the pregnancy.If fetal trisomy 21 is suspected, prompt and detailed pediatric counseling and contact with affected individuals are crucial.

Detection of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus type 2 in air emissions from grow-finish barns.

Diagnosis of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) infections can be accomplished using various sample types and testing methods. The objective of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of using air emission samples to detect the onset of PRRSV type 2 infections in growing pigs. Air emissions and oral fluid samples were collected from three grow-finish barns, stocked with PRRSV-negative pigsevery 2 weeksfor 14-20 weeks. All samples were assayed for PRRSV using RT-PCR. In all barns, PRRSV was initially detected in both air emissions and oral fluid samples at the same sampling event. Compared with oral fluids, air emissions collected subsequently yielded higher cycle threshold values and showed a lower likelihood of being RT-PCR positive. Sampling was limited to three grow-finish barns. Air emission samples from pig barns are a biosecure and non-invasive sample type that is comparable to oral fluids fordetection of the onset of PRRSV infection.

Research of mesoporous silica loaded lignin to enhance the anti-corrosion and anti-weathering performance of epoxy surface.

A new type of filler was added to epoxy resin to prepare a composite coating with excellent corrosion and weathering resistance. The simple synthesis process and nonpolluting raw materials of this filler contribute to the development of green chemistry. Specifically, lignin was encapsulated in mesoporous silica, the synergistic effect between the two resulted in the formation of lignin/mesoporous silica composite particles (MSN-L) with excellent ultraviolet (UV) resistance. Moreover, MSN-L was incorporated into the epoxy coating to form an excellent barrier against the penetration of corrosive media. The coating was characterized using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), contact angle analysis (WCA), confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) and other testing methods. The results show that the epoxy coating doped with 2 wt% MSN-L exhibits good corrosion resistance and excellent surface stability before and after the accelerated aging experiments. The impedance value of the coating was 106 Ω•cm2 and the corrosion current was 10-4 mA/cm2. After UV aging, the surface roughness was 71.3 % lower and the degree of reduction in the water contact angle was reduced by 61.2 % compared to the blank coating. This corrosion and weather-resistant coating significantly extends the service life of outdoor coatings and provides effective protection for metals used outdoors.

Surveillance for Chlamydia trachomatis variants escaping detection with the Aptima Combo 2 assay in Canada from 2019 to 2021.

Molecular tests are commonly used for the detection of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like Chlamydia trachomatis. Mutations impacting C. trachomatis molecular target detection on the Hologic Panther AC2 assay have been reported in several countries, raising concerns about potential false negative results. This study showed C. trachomatis target detection failures in specimens submitted for C. trachomatis testing in Canadian laboratories from 2019 to 2021. A reformulated version of the AC2 molecular test is now available that can identify C. trachomatis strains harboring target site mutations that were impacted by the previous test formulation. While target site mutations were rare in Canada, revealing their presence is important to ensure accurate molecular detection of C. trachomatis with existing testing methods. This study supports ongoing genetic monitoring of C. trachomatis molecular test target sites, as well as the use of the reformulated test to avoid false negative results and subsequent transmissions.

Review on the application of biomass-based aerogels in the field of thermal insulation.

The continuous progression of industrialisation and the burgeoning global population have precipitated the non-renewable energy crisis and exacerbated environmental problems, thereby stimulating a huge demand for production of environmentally friendly materials. Typically, biomass-based aerogels (BAs) derived from cellulose, chitosan (CS), lignin, and alginate have been gradually captivating the attention of researchers owing to their high specific surface area, substantial porosity, low density, porous architecture, and biodegradability. In this review, we demonstrate the sustainability of BAs by contrasting the overall advantages or disadvantages of BAs with those of synthetic alternatives in terms of cost, insulation performance, and planetary boundaries. In addition, the aerogels based on biomass in recent years are summarized, including thermal insulation mechanisms, the raw materials, test methods, preparation approaches (focusing on the use of crosslinking and drying methods in the preparation process), as well as the wide-ranging applications. Furthermore, we offer the incisive insights into the challenges and prospective opportunities for BAs. The up-to-date summary and discussion will be beneficial to the development of functional BAs, which can improve resource utilization efficiency, thereby catalyzing the advancement of green technology.

Evaluation of antimicrobial susceptibility testing methods for Burkholderia cepacia complex isolates from people with and without cystic fibrosis.

The Burkholderia cepacia complex (BCC) is a group of Gram-negative bacteria that cause opportunistic infections, most notably in people with cystic fibrosis (CF), and have been associated with outbreaks caused by contaminated medical products. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) is often used to guide treatment for BCC infections, perhaps most importantly in people with CF who are being considered for lung transplant. However, recent studies have highlighted problems with AST methods. Here, we address limitations from previous studies to further evaluate BCC AST methods. We assessed the performance of reference broth microdilution (BMD), disk diffusion (DD) using Mueller-Hinton agar (MHA) from three manufacturers, agar dilution (AD), and gradient diffusion (ETEST) for ceftazidime (CAZ), levofloxacin (LVX), meropenem (MEM), minocycline (MIN), and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX) on a set of 205 BCC isolates. The isolate set included 100 isolates from people with CF and 105 isolates from people without CF from a variety of sources, which enabled us to systematically evaluate whether specimen source impacts AST performance. For all BCC isolates, BMD reproducibility was 93%, 98%, 99%, 98%, and 96% for CAZ, LVX, MEM, MIN, and TMP-SMX, respectively. Using BMD as the comparator method, we show that DD, AD, and ETEST perform poorly, with neither MHA manufacturer nor specimen source significantly impacting method performance. Based on our data, we recommend that routine AST should not be performed for BCC isolates. If a provider requests AST, clinical microbiology laboratories should perform Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute reference methodology for BMD (stored frozen) and report MIC only.IMPORTANCEAntimicrobial susceptibility testing for the Burkholderia cepacia complex (BCC) is often used to determine eligibility for lung transplant in people with cystic fibrosis. However, problems with method performance have been reported. Here, we systematically evaluate the performance of reference broth microdilution, disk diffusion, agar dilution, and gradient diffusion (ETEST) for BCC organisms isolated from people with and without cystic fibrosis. We show that broth microdilution reproducibility is acceptable for levofloxacin, meropenem, minocycline, and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, while ceftazidime was just below the acceptability cut-off. Regardless of specimen source, the results from disk diffusion, agar dilution, and ETEST do not correlate with broth microdilution. Based on these findings, we recommend that antimicrobial susceptibility testing should not be routinely performed for BCC, and if requested by the provider, only broth microdilution following Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute guidelines should be used. Providers should be aware of the significant limitations of antimicrobial susceptibility testing methods for BCC.

Comparative Study of ASTM C1202 and IBRACON/NT Build 492 Testing Methods for Assessing Chloride Ion Penetration in Concretes Using Different Types of Cement

Comparative Study of ASTM C1202 and IBRACON/NT Build 492 Testing Methods for Assessing Chloride Ion Penetration in Concretes Using Different Types of Cement

Utilizing Serious Games as an Interactive Platform for Programming Learning in Informatics Students

Programming is a critical skill for informatics students, enabling them to design systems, develop software, and analyze user requirements. However, many students face significant challenges in understanding programming concepts and syntax, particularly during the initial stages of learning. These difficulties often stem from limited proficiency in reading, debugging, and writing code, coupled with low motivation and engagement in the learning process. To address these challenges, it is essential to adopt engaging and enjoyable instructional approaches. Serious games have proven to be an effective instructional method, enhancing students' motivation and engagement through game-based elements. This study introduces DolananCoding, a serious game developed as an interactive platform for teaching structured programming courses. DolananCoding incorporates two key features: live coding and a leaderboard, both designed to boost students' motivation and engagement in programming learning. The platform was rigorously evaluated through two testing methods: system testing and user testing. System testing validated the fulfillment of functional requirements, including modules, materials, and experience points, all of which met the expected standards. User testing assessed the platform's user satisfaction through a questionnaire administered to 76 students, yielding an average satisfaction score of 4.3 out of 5.0. These results indicate a positive reception among students, demonstrating the platform's readiness for integration into programming learning.

Improved Defect Sizing in Adhesive Joints Through Feature-Based Data Fusion

The current study focuses on the examination of adhesive-bonded materials, comprising different type of flaws like brass inclusions and delamination, through the application of ultrasound and X-ray non-destructive testing (NDT) techniques. The findings from both ultrasound and X-ray inspection were used to extract unique features, contributing to a more comprehensive understanding of the distinct characteristics demonstrated by each method. Several distinct features like absolute time of flight difference, peak-to-peak amplitude, variation coefficient in time and frequency domain, mean value of amplitude in frequency domain, and absolute energy were extracted from ultrasound testing results. Similarly, features like maximum amplitude, features from accelerated segment test, dilation, watershed segmentation, wiener deconvolution, and morphological gradient extracted from X-ray data underwent fusion. Different fusion techniques were applied to combine these features into a unified data set. A quantitative evaluation was performed for the individual features and their corresponding fused features from the ultrasound and X-ray results. A systematic analysis was conducted to quantify the improvement in defect sizing within the individual features and fused features from both the X-ray and ultrasonic investigations. The minimum absolute error of 0.02 mm was achieved with average fusion of absolute energy at 2nd interface and X-ray dilate features. This research not only delves into the diverse capabilities of ultrasonic and X-ray NDT methods in identifying flaws but also emphasizes the synergistic advantages arising from the integration of their distinct features. The qualitative study of defect estimation using the proposed fusion methods demonstrate that the distinctive fusion approaches significantly highlight the complimentary benefits of ultrasound and X-ray non-destructive testing methods, resulting in a quantifiable improvement in probability of defect detection.

Accuracy of real-time PCR for the detection of paratuberculosis in actual samples: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Paratuberculosis, an infectious and chronic ailment that affects ruminants, causes significant annual economic losses to the livestock industry. Early diagnosis and prompt culling are the primary measures for controlling this disease, highlighting the need for accurate and rapid diagnostic methods. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the efficacy of quantitative PCR (qPCR) in the diagnosis of paratuberculosis. We searched for and selected articles from databases including PubMed, Web of Science, Elsevier ScienceDirect, Wiley-Blackwell, Springerlink, AGRICOLA, and CAB Abstracts, with VETQUADAS (VQ) employed to assess the quality of the literature. Meta-analysis and heterogeneity investigation were conducted using the "Meta4diag" package in "R" software, Meta-Disc 2.0, and Meta-Disc, while the Deeks' test was utilized to detect publication bias. The studies included in the systematic review displayed a moderate level of heterogeneity (I² = 48.6 %) with no significant publication bias (p = 0.998). The pooled sensitivity was determined to be 0.92 [95 % confidence interval [CI], 0.85-0.96], and the specificity was 0.85 [95 % CI, 0.77-0.91], with a summary receiver operating characteristic area under the curve (SROCAUC) of 0.95 [95 % CI, 0.91-0.98]. These findings indicate that the qPCR method has high diagnostic value for identifying paratuberculosis in animals. Subgroup analysis revealed satisfactory stability in these studies; however, the current single-target qPCR detection strategy still has limitations, as it fails to simultaneously ensure both sensitivity and specificity. Future developments should focus on multi-target detection strategies to provide more reliable qPCR testing methods for controlling paratuberculosis.

Study on vortex-induced vibration response of large-scale two-lay steel trusses bridge under large wind angle of attack

With the advancement of urbanization, two-lay trusses bridges are widely used because of their good traffic capacity and structural performance. However, the aerodynamic behavior of this beam type is still in the exploratory stage. The local microclimate characteristics at the bridge site in mountainous cities are obvious, and it is easy to form a large wind angle of attack, which has a significant impact on the vortex-induced vibration (VIV) performance of the bridge. Therefore, this study takes a long-span two-lay steel trusses bridge in a mountainous city as the engineering background, and uses wind tunnel test and numerical calculation methods to study the changes of the static three-component force coefficient and VIV response of the main beam in the construction and completion state under the action of high wind angle of attack. The results show that the three-component force coefficient curves under different wind speeds are close to each other, and the Reynolds number effect is not obvious. The vibration test shows that the vertical bending VIV first occurs at +3° and +5°, and then two torsional VIV with different amplitudes occur. Both vertical bending and torsional VIV are simple harmonic vibrations with a single frequency, and the vertical bending VIV frequency is locked at 2.227 Hz, and the torsional VIV frequency is locked at 4.289 Hz, which are close to the natural frequency of the test model. Compared with +3°, the maximum amplitude of vertical bending VIV under +5° increases by 30.0 %, while the maximum amplitude of torsional VIV under high and low wind speed increases by 16.6 % and 12.7 % respectively, and the locking range is longer. It can be seen that the wind angle of attack has a significant effect on the VIV response of the main beam in the completion state. Especially, the trusses beam at a large angle is more sensitive to VIV, and it is more prone to large-scale and large-amplitude VIV. The research results can provide a theoretical basis for the aerodynamic shape optimization and provide a reference for the design of related bridges.

Clinical significance of fecal Syndecan-2 gene methylation combined with blood tumor abnormal protein detection in the diagnosis of colorectal cancer and precancerous lesions.

To investigate the clinical significance of fecal Syndecan-2 (SDC2) gene methylation combined with blood tumor abnormal protein (TAP) detection for the diagnosis of colorectal cancer (CRC) and its precancerous lesions. A retrospective study was conducted to collect patients diagnosed with CRC or colorectal adenoma (Ade) from March 2020 to March 2023, and healthy people (Nor) without any gastrointestinal diseases during the same period as the control group. All participants underwent the fecal SDC2 gene methylation test, blood TAP test and fecal occult blood test (FOBT). The differences in the positivity rates of each index were compared, receiver operator characteristic curves were plotted and the area under the curve (AUC) was calculated to evaluate the diagnostic effects of different testing methods on CRC and its precancerous lesions. A total of 146 individuals were included in the study, including 69 CRC patients, 47 patients with Ade and 30 healthy individuals. The results showed that, SDC2, TAP and the combined assay had high comprehensive diagnostic efficacy for the diagnosis of CRC, but there was no significant difference between the three methods in terms of AUC, sensitivity, and specificity. However, for Ade, the combined detection was statistically significant, with a high AUC (0.905), high sensitivity (95.7%), and high specificity (86.7%). Fecal SDC2 gene methylation combined with blood TAP detection is an effective noninvasive screening and diagnostic method to enhance the early detection and treatment of CRC precancerous lesions, such as Ade, thereby reducing the incidence and mortality of CRC.

Detection of Prunus Necrotic Ringspot Virus (PNRSV) and Apple Mosaic Virus (ApMV) in Rose (Rosa spp.) Plants in Konya Province

This research was conducted to determine the presence of Prunus necrotic ringspot virus (PNRSV) and Apple mosaic virus (ApMV) that can cause infection in rose (Rosa spp.) plants grown in Konya province. For this purpose, field and laboratory studies were carried out in areas where roses are mostly grown for landscaping purposes, and infection rates were calculated with the data obtained. The hypothesis of the study is that roses in Konya province may be infected with PNRSV and ApMV and the presence of these viruses can be determined. In line with this hypothesis, various rose growing areas in Konya province were selected as the research area. During the field studies in 2023, guided sampling was carried out and 94 leaf, branch and flower samples were collected from different rose varieties. The collected samples were tested for determining of PNRSV and ApMV infections by Double Antibody Sandwich (DAS) ELISA method, which is one of the serological testing methods in the laboratory. As a result of the tests, it was revealed that the single infections of PNRSV and ApMV were present in 12 and 11 samples of rose plants in Konya province. The total infection rate of both viruses in the province was calculated as 24.47%. Also, PNRSV+ApMV mixed infections were detected in 2 samples. In this study, the infections of PNRSV and ApMV on roses in Konya province were determined for the first time by serological methods. These results will serve as an important source of information for rose producers and agricultural engineers in the region and will allow the development of strategies to control the spread of viruses and minimize infections.

Precision of Fungal Resistance Test Method for Cereal Husk-Reinforced Composite Construction Profiles Considering Mycelium Removal Techniques.

Many test methods used in the assessment of construction products are characterised by poor precision, which is reflected in the discrepancies of results obtained by different laboratories. The test procedure for fungal resistance of natural particle-reinforced composite construction profiles has not been fully specified, which may lead to such discrepancies and erroneous utility assessment. In this study, the precision of the method and the influence of the mycelium removal on the fungal resistance were assessed based on the flexural strength and modulus of elasticity test results obtained for millet- and oat husk-reinforced PVC composites exposed to Coniophora puteana. The study revealed low precision of the test method, the coefficient of variation, in which, based on the standard deviation of interlaboratory reproducibility for one of the tested composites, was even higher than 20%. Additionally, it was found that the method of mycelium removal can significantly (at the level of 16% difference between flexural strength results) affect the resistance test results. This indicates the need to modify the test method and clearly specify the recommended method of cleaning samples after exposure to fungi.

Water pervious concrete pavement blocks: durable structures for an integrated water policy

Water pervious pavement blocks are a durable and ecological solution to prevent water run off, to minimize the risk of flooding and to increase the efficiency of water purification. The application of water pervious pavement blocks on a permeable base and/or sub base allows buffering of the rainwater in the structure and infiltration or retarded outflow to the ground or infiltration system. This paper presents the results of a research project, conducted at the BRRC during 4 years. The efficiency of water buffering and infiltration in relation to the choice of material is investigated in the laboratory, on a test parking lot and on site. To allow a good choice of the materials and the application site and to control the efficiency on site, different test methods are optimized. Results for different types of concrete pavement blocks (pervious blocks, blocks with enlarged joints or drainage holes), different types of base layer (hydraulic bounded or unbounded materials) and different types of sand layer and jointing materials are looked at. Finally this paper focuses on several applications in Belgium, where measurements have shown a good behavior of the structure and a good durability of the permeability. Data from newly constructed projects, as well as projects in use for more than eight years are presented.

Weave structures of polyester fabric affect the tensile strength and microplastic fiber emission during the laundry process

This study utilized grab and strip testing methods to examine the relationship between three weave structures—plain, twill, and satin—and their tensile strengths in both warp and weft directions. In addition, microplastic fiber (MPF) emissions from these three weave structures were quantified at different states of the laundry process using filtration and microscopy. The grab and strip tests revealed that twill- and satin-woven fabrics exhibited higher tensile strengths in the warp direction compared to the weft orientation. In contrast, the plain weave structure showed similar tensile strengths in both warp and weft directions. During laundry in the washing machine, MPF emissions in the first drainage were the highest regardless of the weave structure. Moreover, the satin weave pattern released the most MPFs among the three common weave structures at 5054 particles/L. This weave pattern also had the weakest tensile strength of 3.1 N/cm2 in the weft direction of the three weave structures evaluated. The results demonstrated a strong inverse correlation between higher tensile strengths in the weaker direction (warp or weft) and MPF emissions. Among the weave structures investigated, the twill pattern had the lowest MPF emission, followed by plain weave, with the satin-woven fabric emitting the highest levels.

The impact of FDA-cleared molecular solutions for BK polyomavirus quantitation.

Accurate detection and monitoring of BK polyomavirus (BKV) infection is of critical importance in the post-transplant period, guiding treatment decisions that balance the anti-rejection effects of immune suppression with host-protective effects of immune defense. Historically, test methods for BKV have been independently developed by laboratories to address this unmet need. However, these assays can suffer from inconsistencies in analytical variability, which in turn have hindered the establishment of commutable and clinically actionable viral load thresholds for clinical management. As a result, the interpretation of viral load quantitation has not been standardized across transplant centers for the purpose of monitoring patients at highest risk for infection-related complications. In this review, we describe challenges that have historically limited widespread adoption of BKV quantitative testing. We then detail how developments in the field, including optimized amplicon selection, the introduction of an international standard, and the availability of Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-cleared methods, have played a role in harmonization of quantitative BKV measurements in the clinical management of transplant recipients.

View Quality Assessments: A Pilot Study of Field Methods

ABSTRACT This paper describes findings from a workshop during which participants evaluated a series of window views. An explorative approach was applied to identify issues and testing methods useful in daylight research. The participants visited nine rooms with views of varied content, complexity, and viewing distance under the overcast sky. Participants used surveys with quantitative and qualitative questions, hand drawings, illuminance measurements, and photography to appraise the view quality. Subsequently, daylight simulations and neurocognitive tests have been carried out in two rooms with “bad” and “good” views. Multi-directional views were valued more than narrow or single-directional views. The cognitive testing showed numerical differences in several measures and a significant correlation between the difference scores for sadness and the difference scores for Trail Making Test-B across two rooms. The study identified that buildings of historical value, a presence of greenery, colored building facades, or a presence of people (content) contribute to a positive assessment of the view but are not included in the assessment criteria.

Designing a macroprudential capital buffer for climate-related risks: an application to transition risk

ABSTRACT This paper investigates macroprudential capital buffers to mitigate systemic transition risks and increase the resilience of the banking sector. Leveraging granular data and state-of-the-art stress testing methods, it quantifies potential bank losses attributed to transition risks. Focusing on short-term transition scenarios, the paper documents a significant variance among banks in their risk exposure, with the most exposed institutions being those characterized by lower excess capital. We introduce a methodological framework for tailoring bank-specific buffer requirements to cover these losses, offering macroprudential authorities a practical method for calibrating climate-related macroprudential capital buffers, complementing microprudential policies. While the focus of this application is on transition risks, the framework can be extended to capture all climate risks in general. The study demonstrates the potential of macroprudential capital buffers to mitigate potential climate-related losses and contributes to the understanding of the appropriate prudential policy response to these challenges.

Combining theory and usability testing to inform optimization and implementation of an online primary care depression management tool

BackgroundThe ‘Ottawa Depression Algorithm’ is an evidence-based online tool developed to support primary care professionals care for adults with depression. Uptake of such tools require provider behaviour change. Identifying issues which may impact use of an innovation in routine practice (i.e. barriers to and enablers of behaviour change) informs the selection of implementation strategies that can be deployed with the tool to support use. However, established theory-informed barriers/enablers assessment methods may be less well suited to identifying issues with tool usability. User testing methods can help to determine whether the tool itself is optimally designed. We aimed to integrate these two methodological approaches to i) identify issues impacting the usability of algorithm; and ii) identify barriers to and enablers of algorithm use in routine practice.MethodsWe conducted semi-structured interviews with primary care professionals in Ottawa, Canada. To evaluate usability, participants used a written patient scenario to work through the algorithm while verbalizing their thoughts (‘Think Aloud’). Participants were then asked about factors influencing algorithm use in routine practice (informed by the Theoretical Domains Framework). We used the codebook approach to thematic analysis to assign statements to pre-specified codes and develop themes pertaining to usability and routine use.ResultsWe interviewed 20 professionals from seven practices. Usability issues were summarised within five themes: Optimizing content and flow to align with issues faced in practice, Enhancing the most useful algorithm components, Interactivity of the algorithm and embedded tools, Clarity of presence, purpose, or function of components, and Navigational challenges and functionality of links. Barriers to and enablers of routine use were summarised within five themes: Getting to know the algorithm, Alignment with roles and pathways of influence, Integration with current ways of working, Contexts for use, and Anticipated benefits and concerns about patient communication.ConclusionsWhilst the Ottawa Depression Algorithm was viewed as a useful tool, specific usability issues and barriers to use were identified. Supplementing a theory-based barriers/enablers assessment with usability testing provided enhanced insights to inform optimization and implementation of this clinical tool. We have provided a methods guide for others who may wish to apply this approach.