Preparatory Steps Research Articles

Projections and the Potential Societal Impact of the Future of Neurotechnologies.

Traditionally, recording from and stimulating the brain with high spatial and temporal resolution required invasive means. However, recently, the technical capabilities of less invasive and non-invasive neuro-interfacing technology have been dramatically improving, and laboratories and funders aim to further improve these capabilities. These technologies can facilitate functions such as multi-person communication, mood regulation and memory recall. We consider a potential future where the less invasive technology is in high demand. Will this demand match that the current-day demand for a smartphone? Here, we draw upon existing research to project which particular neuroethics issues may arise in this potential future and what preparatory steps may be taken to address these issues.

Planning an International Dark-Sky Place in Aenos National Park, the first steps

This work describes the preparatory steps for the planning of a light pollution protected area in the form of an International Dark-Sky Park in Aenos National Park at the island of Kefalonia that refer to lighting and light pollution. In more detail, we identified and measured luminance, illuminance and spectrum of public lighting at the island of Kefalonia in areas that are adjacent to the National Park and may influence its operation as a Dark Sky Park. This procedure also includes identifying the luminaire types and light sources, judging their suitability, identifying malpractices and proposing changes. In general, many malpractices were identified both in old lighting installations as well as recent LED retrofits or new installations with more common ones being rich sources in blue light and use of non-cut off luminaires. Light pollution measurements were performed that prove that Aenos National Park has dark enough skies to meet requirements.

Graduate Medical Education Enhancement and the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021.

Graduate Medical Education Enhancement and the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021.

Designing a critical care solution using in-person and telemedicine approaches in the US-Mexico border area during COVID-19

BackgroundUC San Diego Health System (UCSDHS) is the largest academic medical center and integrated care network in US-Mexico border area of California contiguous to the Northern Baja region of Mexico. The COVID-19 pandemic compelled several UCSDHS and local communities to create awareness around best methods to promote regional health in this economically, socially, and politically important border area. PurposeTo improve understanding of optimal strategies to execute critical care collaborative programs between academic and community health centers facing public health emergencies during the COVID-19 pandemic, based on the experience of UCSDHS and several community hospitals (one US, two Mexican) in the US-Mexico border region. MethodsAfter taking several preparatory steps, we developed a two-phase program that included 1) in-person activities to perform needs assessments, hands-on training and education, and morale building and 2) creation of a telemedicine-based (Tele-ICU) service for direct patient management and/or educational coaching experiences.Findings.A clinical and educational program between academic and community border hospitals was feasible, effective, and well received. ConclusionWe offer several policy-oriented recommendations steps for academic and community healthcare programs to build educational, collaborative partnerships to address COVID-19 and other cross-cultural, international public health emergencies.

Experiences from Exporting Major Proof Assistant Libraries

The interoperability of proof assistants and the integration of their libraries is a highly valued but elusive goal in the field of theorem proving. As a preparatory step, in previous work, we translated the libraries of multiple proof assistants, specifically the ones of Coq, HOL Light, IMPS, Isabelle, Mizar, and PVS into a universal format: OMDoc/MMT. Each translation presented great theoretical, technical, and social challenges, some universal and some system-specific, some solvable and some still open. In this paper, we survey these challenges and compare and evaluate the solutions we chose. We believe similar library translations will be an essential part of any future system interoperability solution, and our experiences will prove valuable to others undertaking such efforts.

Ground reaction forces during sprint hurdles

ABSTRACT This study aimed to demonstrate ground reaction forces (GRFs) during sprint hurdles and to clarify determinants of faster sprint hurdlers. Eleven male hurdlers performed 60-m sprint hurdle trials, clearing five hurdles, during which step-to-step spatiotemporal and GRF variables were measured. The preparatory step showed smaller braking and effective vertical impulses compared with the other steps, possibly lowering the centre of mass (CM). The greater braking and smaller propulsive impulses, which result in negative net anteroposterior impulse, were characteristics of the hurdle step. This deceleration may be due to producing a large elevation of CM for clearing the hurdle through large vertical GRF production. Compared with the other steps, the second greatest braking mean force and relatively small propulsive impulse, and large propulsive impulse through long propulsive time were shown at the landing and recovery steps, respectively. The results showed better sprint hurdle performance could be achieved by minimizing braking impulse through suppressing braking time, and increasing propulsive impulse through maximizing propulsive mean force at the hurdle step; suppressing braking and propulsive times at the landing step; minimizing propulsive time, increasing effective vertical mean force, and maximizing anteroposterior net mean force through increasing propulsive mean force at the recovery step.

Pilot RCT of the Attempted Suicide Short Intervention Program (ASSIP) adapted for rapid delivery during hospitalization to adult suicide attempt patients with substance use problems

ObjectiveThe Attempted Suicide Short Intervention Program (ASSIP) was adapted for hospital delivery and to address substance use problems as well as evaluated for feasibility, acceptability, and therapist fidelity in a series of preparatory steps (n = 28) and in a pilot randomized controlled trial, RCT (n = 34). MethodIn the RCT, patients with suicide attempts and substance use problem(s) with sufficient lengths of stay to deliver three ASSIP therapy sessions in hospital were randomized to adapted ASSIP or treatment as usual control. A blinded assessor identified suicide reattempts over 6-month follow-up with the Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS) and a comprehensive multi-source method. Treatment process measures and the Scale for Suicidal Ideation (SSI) were also administered. ResultsMedian hospital stay was 13 days. ASSIP subjects reported high satisfaction with the treatment and high therapeutic alliance. Study therapists showed high fidelity to the modified ASSIP intervention. Repetition of suicide attempt was common in both study groups including a combined 9 (26%) subjects with reattempt based on C-SSRS and 13 (38%) subjects with reattempt based on multiple sources. ConclusionsAdult suicide attempt patients with substance use problems who require lengthy hospitalizations are at exceptionally high risk and may require additional strategies to lower risk.

An accuracy benchmark of the MIRACLS apparatus: Conventional, single-passage collinear laser spectroscopy inside a MR-ToF device

Collinear laser spectroscopy (CLS) has been performed in a multi-reflection time-of-flight (MR-ToF) device operated in single-pass mode, i.e., without confining the ions in the ion trap. While our Multi Ion Reflection Apparatus for Collinear Laser Spectroscopy (MIRACLS) aims to increase the CLS sensitivity by storing ions in the MR-ToF device, the present work characterises conventional single-passage CLS as a preparatory step for the upcoming comparison with MIRACLS’ multi-pass mode. To this end, the isotope shift in the 3s2S1/2→3p2P3/2 transition (D2 line) between ions of the magnesium isotopes 24Mg and 26Mg has been measured under varying experimental conditions. Our result agrees with the precise literature value. Associated studies of systematic uncertainties demonstrate a measurement accuracy of better than 20 MHz in this new apparatus. This value will serve as the reference for analogous studies to be performed in the MIRACLS approach in which ions are trapped in the MR-ToF device for thousands of revolutions and probed by the spectroscopy laser during each passage.

Joint DNA-based disaster victim identification

We address computational and statistical aspects of DNA-based identification of victims in the aftermath of disasters. Current methods and software for such identification typically consider each victim individually, leading to suboptimal power of identification and potential inconsistencies in the statistical summary of the evidence. We resolve these problems by performing joint identification of all victims, using the complete genetic data set. Individual identification probabilities, conditional on all available information, are derived from the joint solution in the form of posterior pairing probabilities. A closed formula is obtained for the a priori number of possible joint solutions to a given DVI problem. This number increases quickly with the number of victims and missing persons, posing computational challenges for brute force approaches. We address this complexity with a preparatory sequential step aiming to reduce the search space. The examples show that realistic cases are handled efficiently. User-friendly implementations of all methods are provided in the R package dvir, freely available on all platforms.

Bioremediation of Chromium by Microorganisms and Its Mechanisms Related to Functional Groups

Heavy metals generated mainly through many anthropogenic processes, and some natural processes have been a great environmental challenge and continued to be the concern of many researchers and environmental scientists. This is mainly due to their highest toxicity even at a minimum concentration as they are nonbiodegradable and can persist in the aquatic and terrestrial environments for long periods. Chromium ions, especially hexavalent ions (Cr(VI)) generated through the different industrial process such as tanneries, metallurgical, petroleum, refractory, oil well drilling, electroplating, mining, textile, pulp and paper industries, are among toxic heavy metal ions, which pose toxic effects to human, plants, microorganisms, and aquatic lives. This review work is aimed at biosorption of hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) through microbial biomass, mainly bacteria, fungi, and microalgae, factors influencing the biosorption of chromium by microorganisms and the mechanism involved in the remediation process and the functional groups participated in the uptake of toxic Cr(VI) from contaminated environments by biosorbents. The biosorption process is relatively more advantageous over conventional remediation technique as it is rapid, economical, requires minimal preparatory steps, efficient, needs no toxic chemicals, and allows regeneration of biosorbent at the end of the process. Also, the presence of multiple functional groups in microbial cell surfaces and more active binding sites allow easy uptake and binding of a greater number of toxic heavy metal ions from polluted samples. This could be useful in creating new insights into the development and advancement of future technologies for future research on the bioremediation of toxic heavy metals at the industrial scale.

Analysis of Formulation and Implementation Preparation: Waste to Energy Plant Development Policy in Surakarta City

The problem of waste as an urgent problem in Surakarta became the beginning of the idea the Waste to Energy of PLTSa Development in Putri Cempo Landfill. This study aims to describe the process of policy formulation and analyze the implementation preparation of PLTSa development policy in Surakarta. This descriptive qualitative study was obtained from interviews with 8 informants and analyze data from results of interviews, documentation, and observations according aspects of policy formulation process and policy implementation preparation. The findings show that the policy formulation process has through several formulation steps of the Draft Regional Regulation Formulation arranged by the executive and still in the draft has planned to be approved in 2020. Changes of central regulation on tipping fee and concerns about potential state losses had hampered the draft. Eventually, the draft has planned to be finished in 2020 and become regional regulation in 2021 but could not be continued because of the budget was refocusing for Covid-19 handling. Nevertheless, the political will of Surakarta about this matter is very serious. This is realized by taking preparatory steps to implement the policy in parallel with the policy formulation process. In the process of preparing for implementation, the Surakarta City Government has made preparations on organizational activities and interpretations. In organizational activities, designation of the implementor has been carried out institutionally and personally, establishment of implementation management with leading sector and collegial pattern, and the scheduling which is now in the construction phase. While the organizational activity being prepared is making SOP, this is somewhat hampered due to limited resources. In the interpretation activity, Surakarta City Government has not yet fully made official communication and socialization preparations to the residents considering that the implementation is unclear, so that it is still passive to residents around the PLTSa construction.

Mathematical modelling of electrodic heat source in a diffusion controlled electrochemical cell

One of the prerequisites in unraveling the distribution of temperature across an electrode surface, is the mathematical representation of the heat source in an electrochemical cell, which is primarily contributed by the electrode. In general, ohmic heat loss in a cell can be represented as I2Ro, where I is the current passed and Ro denotes the overall resistance of cell including electrode resistance (Re) and electrolyte resistance (Rs). Determination of Ro gets complicated by the electrode resistance, which often is intricately linked to the configuration, composition, surface preparation and finally, preparatory steps in its fabrication. This paper essentially deals with determination of electrode heat source by an indirect estimation mathematically using fundamental principles of heat transfer.

An empirical method to account for climatic adaptation in plant phenology models.

Phenological shifts in plant species are one of the most conspicuous signs of climate change impact on the biosphere. Modeling phenological variations of plant species over broad regions is challenging because of the varied climatic requirements of geographic populations due to local adaptation. In this study, we developed an empirical method to calibrate phenological models of temperate trees using latitude as a predictor to account for local adaptation of populations to a N-S temperature gradient. Fourteen widely distributed tree species in the eastern U.S.A. were investigated using data from the USA-National Phenology Network. We implemented the method in a basic thermal time bud break model to introduce the algorithm of the method and test its effectiveness. For each species, dates of breaking leaf buds were first predicted using a traditional non-spatial model and then with a spatial model that has the critical thermal forcing requirements calibrated for different populations at varied latitudes. As anticipated, non-spatial model predictions that assumed a uniform forcing requirement across latitudes showed consistent and systematic biases at both higher (overestimation-predictions being later) and lower (underestimation-predictions being earlier) latitudes. Spatial models that have been calibrated using our method removed the geographic biases and yielded latitudinal gradients that more closely matched those of the observations. The spatial models also reduced the overall prediction errors from an average root mean square error (RMSE) of 32.2 days to 20.4 days for the training dataset and an average root mean square error for prediction (RMSEP) of 32.2 days to 19.9 days for the testing dataset. This paper is focused on introducing the new calibration method as a preparatory step toward developing operational models that may potentially predict large-scale and range-wide phenological responses of various plant species to climatic changes with improved local accuracy.

Starting a pediatric contrast ultrasound service: made simple!

The addition of contrast US to an existing pediatric US service requires several preparatory steps. This overview provides a guide to simplify the process. Initially, it is important to communicate to all stakeholders the justifications for pediatric contrast US, including (1) its comparable or better diagnostic results relative to other modalities; (2) its reduction in procedural sedation or anesthesia by avoiding MRI or CT; (3) its reduction or elimination of radiation exposure by not having to perform fluoroscopy or CT; (4) the higher safety profile of US contrast agents (UCA) compared to other contrast agents; (5) the improved exam comfort and ease inherent to US, leading to better patient and family experience, including bedside US exams for children who cannot be transported; (6) the need for another diagnostic option in light of increasing demand by parents and providers; and (7) its status as an approved and reimbursable exam. It is necessary to have an UCA incorporated into the pharmacy formulary noting that only SonoVue/Lumason is currently approved for pediatric use. In the United States this UCA is approved for intravenous administration for cardiac and liver imaging and for vesicoureteric reflux detection with intravesical application. In Europe and China it is only approved for the intravesical use in children. All other applications are off-label. The US scanner needs to be equipped with contrast-specific software. The UCA has to be prepared just before the exam and it is important to strictly follow the steps as outlined in the packaging inserts in order to prevent premature destruction of the microbubbles. The initial training in contrast US is best focused on the frontline staff actually performing the US studies; these might be sonographers, pediatric or interventional radiologists, or trainees. It is important from the outset to educate the referring physicians about contrast US. It is helpful to participate in existing contrast US courses, particularly those with hands-on components.

Mechanism-Guided Development of Transition-Metal-Catalyzed C-N Bond-Forming Reactions Using Dioxazolones as the Versatile Amidating Source.

Catalytic reactions that construct carbon-nitrogen bonds are one of central themes in both synthetic and medicinal chemistry since the obtainable nitrogen-containing motifs are commonly encountered in natural products and have also seen a growing prominence as key structural features in marketed drugs and preclinical candidates. Pd-catalyzed cross-couplings, such as Buchwald-Hartwig amination, are at the forefront of such synthetic methods in practical settings. However, they require prefunctionalized substrates such as (hetero)aryl halides that must be prepared independently, often by multiple operations. One emerging way to circumvent these preparatory steps and directly convert ubiquitous C-H bonds into valuable C-N bonds is catalytic C-H amination, which allows synthetic chemists to devise shorter and more efficient retrosynthetic schemes. The past two decades have witnessed considerable progress in expanding the repertoire of this strategy, especially by identifying effective amino group precursors. In this context, dioxazolones have experienced a dramatic resurgence in recent years as a versatile nitrogen source in combination with transition-metal catalyst systems that facilitate decarboxylation to access key metal-acylnitrenoid intermediates. In addition to their high robustness and easy accessibility from abundant carboxylic acids, the unique reactivity of the transient intermediates in the amido group transfer has led to a fruitful journey for mild and efficient C-H amidation reactions.This Account summarizes our recent contributions to the development of C-N bond-forming reactions using dioxazolones as effective nitrenoid precursors, which are categorized into two subsets according to their mechanistic differences: inner- versus outer-sphere pathways. The first section describes how we could unveil the synthetic potential of dioxazolones in the realm of the inner-sphere C-H amidation, where we demonstrated that dioxazolones serve not only as manageable alternatives to acyl azides but also as highly efficient reagents to significantly reduce the catalyst loading and temperature. Taking advantage of the mild conditions in combination with group 9 Cp*M complexes (M = Rh, Ir, Co) or isoelectronic Ru species, we have dramatically expanded the accessible synthetic scope. Mechanistic investigations revealed that the putative metal-nitrenoid species is involved as a key intermediate during catalysis, which leads to facile C-N bond formation. On the basis of the mechanistic underpinning, we have succeeded in developing novel catalytic platforms that harness the intermediacy of metal-nitrenoids to explore C-H insertion chemistry via an outer-sphere pathway. Indeed, the tailored catalysts were capable of suppressing the competitive Curtius-type decomposition, thus granting access to versatile lactam products. We have further repurposed the catalytic systems upon modification of chelating ligands and also the identity of the transition metal to achieve three goals: (i) addressing selectivity issues to control the regio-, chemo-, and enantioselectivities, (ii) developing sustainable catalysis by first-low metals, and (iii) navigating chemical space for (di)functionalization of alkenes/alkynes. Together with our own research efforts, highlighted herein are some important relevant advances by other groups. We finally conclude with a brief overview with an eye toward further developments.

Preface

The 2020 International Symposium on Geographic Information, Energy and Environmental Sustainable Development(GIEES2020) was held during December 26 to 27, 2020, which was organized and sponsored by the Shanghai Xiaoyu Culture Communication Co., Ltd, providing a platform for sharing experiences and original research contributions on all topics in various fields and serving its members and the profession with leading-edge conferences and career resources.Normally, there will be a written record of all activity created, so at the end, everyone who attended can get an email digest of what just occurred. Our director of convention services will provide detailed logistical information regarding authors' presentation. But because of the COVID-19, we have to take preparatory steps that are required to tackle with an outbreak that may spread at the conference and authors are required to attend the "Virtual" conference online.List of Sponsors, Lists of Committees, Program Committee Chairs, Technological Committees are availabel in this pdf.

Experimental Study of Absorbent Hygiene Product Devolatilization in a Bubbling Fluidized Bed

This paper aims to investigate the usage of waste from Absorbent Hygienic Products (AHP) as a fuel for gasification or pyrolysis, two attractive routes to obtain valuable products and dispose of this kind of waste. The study experimentally investigated the devolatilization of coarsely shredded materials from diapers, in a laboratory-scale bubbling fluidized bed made of sand, as a representative preparatory step of the above-mentioned thermochemical conversions. Two versions of shredded materials were considered: as-manufactured diapers (AHPam, as a reference), and the cellulosic fraction of sterilized used diapers (AHPus). Results were presented, obtained from physical-chemical characterization of AHPam and AHPus (TGA, CHNS/O, proximate and ultimate analyses, XRF, ICP-AES, SEM-EDS), as well as from their devolatilizations at 500–600–700–800 °C under two different atmospheres (air plus nitrogen, or pure nitrogen as a reference). Generally, temperature influenced syngas composition the most, with better performances under pure nitrogen. At 700–800 °C under pure nitrogen, the highest syngas quality and yield were obtained. For AHPam and AHPus, respectively: (i) H2 equaled 29.5 vol% and 23.7 vol%, while hydrocarbons equaled 14.8 vol% and 7.4 vol% on dry, dilution-free basis; (ii) 53.7 Nl and 46.0 Nl of syngas were produced, per 100 g of fuel. Overall, AHP emerged as an interesting fuel for thermochemical conversions.

Is point-of-care testing feasible and safe in care homes in England? An exploratory usability and accuracy evaluation of a point-of-care polymerase chain reaction test for SARS-CoV-2.

IntroductionReliable rapid testing for COVID-19 is needed in care homes to reduce the risk of outbreaks and enable timely care. This study aimed to examine the usability and test performance of a point of care polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test for detection of SARS-CoV-2 (POCKITTM Central) in care homes.MethodsPOCKITTM Central was evaluated in a purposeful sample of four UK care homes. Test agreement with laboratory real-time PCR and usability and used errors were assessed.ResultsNo significant usability-related hazards emerged, and the sources of error identified were found to be amendable with minor changes in training or test workflow. POCKITTM Central has acceptable sensitivity and specificity based on RT-PCR as the reference standard, especially for symptomatic cases.Asymptomatic specimens showed 83.3% (95% confidence interval (CI): 35.9–99.6%) positive agreement and 98.7% negative agreement (95% CI: 96.2–99.7%), with overall prevalence and bias-adjusted kappa (PABAK) of 0.965 (95% CI: 0.932– 0.999). Symptomatic specimens showed 100% (95% CI: 2.5–100%) positive agreement and 100% negative agreement (95% CI: 85.8–100%), with overall PABAK of 1.Recommendations are provided to mitigate the frequency of occurrence of the residual use errors observed. Integration pathways were discussed to identify opportunities and limitations of adopting POCKIT™ Central for screening and diagnostic testing purposes.ConclusionsPoint-of-care PCR testing in care homes can be considered with appropriate preparatory steps and safeguards. Further diagnostic accuracy evaluations and in-service evaluation studies should be conducted, if the test is to be implemented more widely, to build greater certainty on this initial exploratory analysis.

Improvement of Solvent Exchange for Supercritical Dried Aerogels

The solvent exchange as one of the most important steps during the manufacturing process of organic aerogels was investigated. This step is crucial as a preparatory step for the supercritical drying, since the pore solvent must be soluble in supercritical carbon dioxide to enable solvent extraction. The development and subsequent optimization of a suitable system with a peristaltic pump for automatic solvent exchange proved to be a suitable approach. In addition, the influence of zeolites on the acceleration of the process was found to be beneficial. To investigate the process, the water content in acetone was determined at different times using Karl Fischer titration. The shrinkage, densities, as well as the surface areas of the aerogels were analyzed. Based on these, the influence of various process parameters on the final structure of the obtained aerogels was investigated and evaluated. Modeling on diffusion in porous materials completes this study.

Inherent Parallelism and Speedup Estimation of Sequential Programs

Although several automated Parallel Conversion solutions are available, very few have attempted, to provide proper estimates of the available Inherent Parallelism and expected Parallel Speedup. CALIPER which is the outcome of this research work is a parallel performance estimation technology that can fill this void. High level language structures such as Functions, Loops, Conditions, etc which ease program development, can be a hindrance for effective performance analysis. We refer to these program structures as the Program Shape. As a preparatory step, CALIPER attempts to remove these shape related hindrances, an activity we refer to as Program Shape Flattening. Programs are also characterized by dependences that exist between different instructions and impose an upper limit on the parallel conversion gains. For parallel estimation, we first group instructions that share dependences, and add them to a class we refer to as Dependence Class or Parallel Class. While instructions belonging to a class run sequentially, the classes themselves run in parallel. Parallel runtime, is now the runtime of the class that runs the longest. We report performance estimates of parallel conversion as two metrics. The inherent parallelism in the program is reported, as Maximum Available Parallelism (MAP) and the speedup after conversion as Speedup After Parallelization (SAP).