Tracking Program Research Articles

Data Sharing within the Scope of The Monitoring Terrorist Finance Tracking Programme: SWIFT Network Security and Use of Personal Data

Tüm dünyanın dijitalleşmesi ve küreselleşmesi ile beraber, bankacılık sektörü de bu gelişmelerden doğrudan etkilenen sektörlerden biri olmuştur. Dijitalleşme, teknolojik araçların bankacılık sektörünün vazgeçilmez bir parçası haline gelmesini sağlarken, küreselleşmeyse uluslararası ticaretin ve işbirliklerinin gelişmesini sağlamıştır. Bu gelişmelerin başında uluslararası para transferlerinde bir veri mesajlaşma ağı olan SWIFT sistemi gelmektedir. 1973’te, yani kuruluşu itibariyle birkaç bankanın kendi aralarında veri mesajlaşmasını sağlayan, şirket işlevli bir kooperatif olan SWIFT, zamanla bu alanda doğan ihtiyaçtan dolayı çalışma alanını genişletmiş, günümüzde uluslararası para transferleri işlemlerinin vazgeçilmez bir parçası haline gelmiştir. SWIFT şirketinin yaptığı uluslararası mesajlaşma işlemleri, günümüzde SWIFT ağında işlem yapılması olarak ifade edilmektedir. 2021’de 10.000 ‘den fazla kullanıcının her gün 42 milyondan fazla işleminin başarıyla yapılmasını sağlayan SWIFT ağı, büyük bir veri akışını yönetmektedir. 
 
 2006 yılında The New York Times’ın ortaya çıkardığı bilgilere göre SWIFT ağından, Amerika Birleşik Devletleri Hazine Bakanlığı’nın isteği üzerine, 11 Eylül sonrası terörün finansmanı üzerinden bir iz bulmak adına Belçikalı şirketten mahkeme celpleri aracılığıyla veri talebinde bulunulmuştur. ABD’den yapılan açıklamalara göre, bu verilerin sağlanması terör olaylarının finansmanıyla ilgili birçok problemin çözümünü sağlamıştır. Avrupa Birliği ülkeleriyse bu gelişmeyi terör finansmanına müdahale edilmesinin haricinde, kişisel verilerin gizliliğini tehlikeye atan bir durum olarak görmüş ve yapılan ihlalleri göz önünde bulundurarak endişelerini açıkça dile getirmiştir. 2010’da Terörizmin Finansmanını Takip Programı (TFTP), ABD ve AB arasında imzalanan antlaşma ile resmiyet kazanmış, anlaşmayla veriler sadece terör finansmanı ile ilgili konularda birçok güvenlik önlemiyle beraber paylaşılmaya müsait hale getirilmiştir. Günümüzde halen AB-ABD arasında kişisel veriler üzerine tartışılmalar sürmekte, taraf oldukları Terörizm Finansmanını Takip Programı kapsamında iş birliğine devam edilmektedir. Çalışmada TFTP kapsamında SWIFT verilerinin akışı incelenmiş, kişisel verilerin korunmasıyla ilgili dile getirilen endişeler aktarılmıştır. Ayrıca ülkelerin çıkar odaklı davranışlar sergilemesi halinde TFTP kapsamında elde edilen SWIFT verilerinin istismar edilebileceği ihtimali üzerinde durulmuştur. Kara para aklamanın önüne geçmek adına yapılan çalışmaların da, TFTP kapsamında yorumlanabileceğine ve buradan da bir istismar hali doğabileceğine de değinilmiştir. Bu istismar ihtimallerine karşı bazı çözüm önerilerinde de bulunularak çalışma sonlandırılmıştır.

Getting "Back on Track" After a Cardiac Event: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial of a Web-Based Self-management Program.

BackgroundAfter a cardiac event, a large majority of patients with cardiac conditions do not achieve recommended behavior change targets for secondary prevention. Mental health issues can also impact the ability to engage in health behavior change. There is a need for innovative, flexible, and theory-driven eHealth programs, which include evidence-based strategies to assist patients with cardiac conditions with their recovery, especially in behavioral and emotional self-management.ObjectiveThe aim of this study is to determine the short- and longer-term behavioral and emotional well-being outcomes of the Back on Track web-based self-management program. In addition, this study will test whether there is enhanced benefit of providing one-on-one telephone support from a trained lifestyle counselor, over and above benefit obtained through completing the web-based program alone.MethodsPeople who have experienced a cardiac event in the previous 12 months and have access to the internet will be eligible for this study (N=120). Participants will be randomly assigned to one of the two study conditions: either “self-directed” completion of the Back on Track program (without assistance) or “supported” completion of the Back on Track program (additional 2 telephone sessions with a lifestyle counselor). All participants will have access to the web-based Back on Track program for 2 months. Telephone sessions with the supported arm participants will occur at approximately 2 and 6 weeks post enrollment. Measures will be assessed at baseline, and then 2 and 6 months later. Outcome measures assessed at all 3 timepoints include dietary intake, physical activity and sitting time, smoking status, anxiety and depression, stage of change, and self-efficacy in relation to behavioral and emotional self-management, quality of life, and self-rated health and well-being. A demographic questionnaire will be included at baseline only and program acceptability at 2 months only.ResultsRecruitment began in May 2020 and concluded in August 2021. Data collection for the 6-month follow-up will be completed by February 2022, and data analysis and publication of results will be completed by June 2022. A total of 122 participants were enrolled in this study.ConclusionsThe Back on Track trial will enable us to quantify the behavioral and emotional improvements obtained and maintained for patients with cardiac conditions and, in particular, to compare two modes of delivery: (1) fully self-directed delivery and (2) supported by a lifestyle counselor. We anticipate that the web-based Back on Track program will assist patients in their recovery and self-management after an acute event, and represents an effective, flexible, and easily accessible adjunct to center-based rehabilitation programs.Trial RegistrationAustralian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12620000102976; http://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=378920&isReview=trueInternational Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)DERR1-10.2196/34534

Re-examining COVID-19 Self-Reported Symptom Tracking Programs in the United States: Updated Framework Synthesis.

BackgroundEarly in the pandemic, in 2020, Koehlmoos et al completed a framework synthesis of currently available self-reported symptom tracking programs for COVID-19. This framework described relevant programs, partners and affiliates, funding, responses, platform, and intended audience, among other considerations.ObjectiveThis study seeks to update the existing framework with the aim of identifying developments in the landscape and highlighting how programs have adapted to changes in pandemic response.MethodsOur team developed a framework to collate information on current COVID-19 self-reported symptom tracking programs using the “best-fit” framework synthesis approach. All programs from the previous study were included to document changes. New programs were discovered using a Google search for target keywords. The time frame for the search for programs ranged from March 1, 2021, to May 6, 2021.ResultsWe screened 33 programs, of which 8 were included in our final framework synthesis. We identified multiple common data elements, including demographic information such as race, age, gender, and affiliation (all were associated with universities, medical schools, or schools of public health). Dissimilarities included questions regarding vaccination status, vaccine hesitancy, adherence to social distancing, COVID-19 testing, and mental health.ConclusionsAt this time, the future of self-reported symptom tracking for COVID-19 is unclear. Some sources have speculated that COVID-19 may become a yearly occurrence much like the flu, and if so, the data that these programs generate is still valuable. However, it is unclear whether the public will maintain the same level of interest in reporting their symptoms on a regular basis if the prevalence of COVID-19 becomes more common.

Risk analysis of restrictive factors for fast-track hip arthroplasty - a retrospective study of 1138 patients.

Fast track programs have been introduced to reduce perioperative complication rates and to quickly reintegrate the patient into everyday life. The aim of this retrospective case-control study was to identify patient characteristics and patient-independent factors that influence fast track programs in hip arthroplasty. A total of 1138 patients were examined. A hospital stay of more than seven days was used to define the case group. In addition to the causes for the longer hospitalisation, age, sex, BMI, chronic nicotine and alcohol abuse, ASA score, surgical duration, anaemia and blood transfusion as well as concomitant diseases were assessed. The statistical analysis included two-sample t-test, chi-square test and logistic regression analyses. An 95% confidence interval was calculated (p<0.05). 16.9% of patients could not leave the hospital on the seventh day. The main causes were delayed wound healing (69.4%), increased CRP (43.0%>100 mg/l), and internal complications (19.7%). At a mean of 69.2 ± 10.7 years, the age of the case group was significantly higher than that of the control group, which had a mean of 63.3 ± 10.3 years (p<0.001). Cardiac comorbidities (p<0.001), BMI (p=0.023), and alcohol consumption (p<0.001) increased the risk for longer hospitalisation. Significant patient-independent factors were duration of the surgery (p<0.001) and transfusion (p<0.001). Successful application of fast-track hip arthroplasty is possible for every patient. However, longer hospi- talisation and delayed discharge must be taken into account for patients with advanced age, cardiac comorbidities, alcohol consumption, and high BMI.

Radial versus femoral access for left main percutaneous coronary intervention: An analysis from the Veterans Affairs Clinical, Reporting, and Tracking Program.

We aimed to compare clinical characteristics and procedural outcomes of left main percutaneous interventions (LM-PCI) by transradial (TRA) versus transfemoral (TFA) approach in the VA healthcare system. TRA for percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is steadily increasing. However, the frequency and efficacy of TRA for LM-PCI remain less studied. All LM-PCIs performed in the VA healthcare system were identified for fiscal year 2008 through 2018. Patients' baseline characteristics and procedure-related variables were compared by access site. Both short- and long-term clinical outcomes were analyzed using propensity score matching. A total of 4004 LM-PCI were performed in the VA via either radial or femoral access from 2008 to 2018. Among these, 596 (14.9%) LM PCIs were performed via TRA. Use of TRA for LM-PCI increased from 2.2% to 31.5% over the study period. Propensity matched outcome analysis, comparing TRA versus TFA, showed a similar procedural success (98.4% for TRA vs. 97.8% for TFA; RR: 1.01 [0.98, 1.03]) and 1-year major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) (25.9% for TRA vs. 26.8% TFA; RR: 0.96 [0.74, 1.25]). There were no statistically significant differences among secondary outcomes analyses including major bleeding. Use of TRA for LM-PCI has been steadily increasing in the VA healthcare system. These findings demonstrate similar procedural success and 1-year MACE across access strategies, suggesting an opportunity to continue increasing TRA use for LM-PCI.

Perchlorate occurrence, sub-basin contribution and risk hotspots for drinking water sources in China based on industrial agglomeration method

Perchlorate is a persistent inorganic contaminant which has attracted wide attention because of its harmful effects on physical health. Despite the potential adverse effects to humans via drinking water, related research at the national scale in China are scarce. In this study, the occurrence of perchlorate in major river basins in China was investigated from 2009 to 2020. Generally, except for the Yangtze River Basin, perchlorate concentrations in the surface water of other river basins were low, ranging from < 0.01 to 8.53 μg/L. The results of a specialized field sampling and tracking program in the Yangtze River Basin in 2019 showed that the Xiangjiang River basin is the greatest contributor of perchlorate in the Yangtze River Basin, accounting for 58.63% of the total perchlorate input. Furthermore, based on correlation analysis between production enterprise information and measured concentrations in sampled sites, fireworks and explosives production industries were identified as the major sources of perchlorate contamination in surface water. The risk map showed that the central-southern part of China and the central part of Xinjiang province were risk hotspots for perchlorate contamination. The results gave insights into how to conduct more precise risk assessment and policy intervention towards prevention of perchlorate contamination.

Clinical Characteristics and Outcomes Among Patients Undergoing High-Risk Percutaneous Coronary Interventions by Single or Multiple Operators: Insights From the Veterans Affairs Clinical Assessment, Reporting, and Tracking Program.

BackgroundHigh‐risk percutaneous coronary intervention (HR‐PCI) is increasingly common among contemporary patients with coronary artery disease. Experts have advocated for a collaborative 2‐operator approach to support intraprocedural decision‐making for these complex interventions. The impact of a second operator on patient and procedural outcomes is unknown.Methods and ResultsPatients who underwent HR‐PCI from 2015 to 2018 within the Veterans Affairs Healthcare System were identified. Propensity‐matched cohorts were generated to compare the outcomes following HR‐PCI performed by a single or multiple (≥2) operators. The primary end point was the 12‐month rate of major adverse cardiovascular events. We identified 6672 patients who underwent HR‐PCI during the study period; 6211 (93%) were treated by a single operator, and 461 (7%) were treated by multiple operators, with a nonsignificant trend toward increased multioperator procedures over time. A higher proportion of patients treated by multiple operators underwent left main (10% versus 7%, P=0.045) or chronic total occlusion intervention (11% versus 5%, P<0.001). Lead interventionalists participating in multioperator procedures practiced at centers with higher annual HR‐PCI volumes (124±71.3 versus 111±69.2; standardized mean difference, 0.197; P<0.001) but otherwise performed a similar number of HR‐PCI procedures per year (34.4±35.3 versus 34.7±30.7; standardized mean difference, 0.388; P=0.841) compared with their peers performing single‐operator interventions. In a propensity‐matched cohort, there was no significant difference in major adverse cardiovascular events (32% versus 30%, P=0.444) between patients who underwent single‐operator versus multioperator HR‐PCI. Adjusted analyses accounting for site‐level variance showed no significant differences in outcomes.ConclusionsPatients who underwent multioperator HR‐PCI had similar outcomes compared with single‐operator procedures. Further studies are needed to determine if the addition of a second operator offers clinical benefits to a subset of HR‐PCI patients undergoing left main or chronic total occlusion intervention.

Impact of Operator Volumes and Experience on Outcomes After Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: Insights From the Veterans Affairs Clinical Assessment, Reporting and Tracking (CART) Program

BackgroundRecent analyses of the volume-outcome relationship for percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) have suggested a less robust association than previously reported. It is unknown if novel factors such as lifetime operator experience influence this relationship. ObjectivesTo assess the relationship between annual volumes and outcomes for PCI and determine whether lifetime operator experience modulates the association. MethodsAnnual PCI volumes for facilities and operators within the Veterans Affairs Healthcare System and their relationship with 30-day mortality following PCI were described. The influence of operator lifetime experience on the volume-outcome relationship was assessed. Hierarchical logistic regression was used to adjust for patient and procedural factors. Results57,608 PCIs performed from 2013 to 2018 by 382 operators and 63 institutions were analyzed. Operator annualized PCI volume averaged 47.6 (standard deviation [SD] 49.1) and site annualized volume averaged 189.2 (SD 105.2). Median operator experience was 9.0 years (interquartile range [IQR] 4.0–15.0). There was no independent relationship between operator annual volume, institutional volume, or operator lifetime experience with 30-day mortality (p > 0.10). However, the interaction between operator volume and lifetime experience was associated with a marginal decrease in mortality (odds ratio [OR] 0.9998, 95% CI 0.9996–0.9999). ConclusionsThere were no significant associations between facility or operator-level procedural volume and 30-day mortality following PCI in a nationally integrated healthcare system. There was a marginal association between the interaction of operator lifetime experience, operator annual volume, and 30-day mortality that is unlikely to be clinically relevant, though does suggest an opportunity to explore novel factors that may influence the volume-outcome relationship.

Maternity Care Tracks at US Family Medicine Residency Programs.

The number of family physicians providing maternity care continues to decline, jeopardizing access to needed care for underserved populations. Accreditation changes in 2014 provided an opportunity to create family medicine residency maternity care tracks, providing comprehensive maternity care training only for interested residents. We examined the relationship between maternity care tracks and residents' educational experiences and postgraduate practice. We included questions on maternity care tracks in an omnibus survey of family medicine residency program directors (PDs). We divided respondent programs into three categories: "Track," "No Track Needed," and "No Track." We compared these program types by their characteristics, number of resident deliveries, and number of graduates practicing maternity care. The survey response rate was 40%. Of the responding PDs, 79 (32%) represented Track programs, 55 (22%) No Track Needed programs, and 94 (38%) No Track programs. Residents in a track attended more deliveries than those not in a track (at Track programs) and those at No Track Needed and No Track programs. No Track Needed programs reported the highest proportion of graduates accepting positions providing inpatient maternity care in 2019 (21%), followed by Track programs (17%) and No Track programs (5%; P&lt;.001). Where universal robust maternity care education is not feasible, maternity care tracks are an excellent alternative to provide maternity care training and produce graduates who will practice maternity care. Programs that cannot offer adequate experience to achieve competence in inpatient maternity care may consider instituting a maternity care track.

Integrative Hematology Oncology Fellowship Program: A National Survey Based Analysis of Need

Introduction:Integrative hematology oncology (IHO), the combination of complementary medicine in conjunction with conventional cancer treatments, is emerging as an important supportive care modality. Formal education programs, such as IHO fellowship programs, are not currently available. We conducted a national survey to gauge interest and investigate barriers to the development of IHO training programs in the US.Methods:An 18-question survey was sent to hematology/oncology, radiation oncology, and palliative care program directors, physicians, and fellows, and internal medicine residents planning to enter into any of the above fellowship programs. Recruitment was national with use of public email list servs and social media. Program directors and fellowship programs were identified through the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME). Participant informed consent was completed online and, Qualtrics survey links were shared weekly via email in two 4-week sessions.Results:Participants (n=208) included physicians from: Hematology/Oncology 65.9% (n=137), Radiation Oncology 8.6%(n=18) and Palliative Care 25.4% (n=53). Hematology oncology respondents included physicians 47.4% (n=65), fellows 33.6% (n=46), and residents planning to enter into a hematology oncology fellowship 3.6% (n=5). Program directors (n=69) from each specialty included: 15.3% (n=21) from hematology/oncology, 61.1% (n=11) from radiation oncology, and 69.8% (n=37) from palliative care. Interestingly, palliative care had the highest response rate in this category. Survey respondents were mostly aged 31-40 y (38.4%), 41-50 y (23.8%), or 51-60 y (21.5%). Participant genders were male (45.7%), female (50.9%), or prefer not to identify (3.5%). There was diverse regional participation across the United States. Overall participant responses revealed significant interest for an IHO training program, despite little (36.0%) to no (49.4%) previous training in integrative medicine (Table 1).Curriculum topics of primary interest were physician/provider wellness, stress reduction techniques, off-label use of medication, exercise/physical activity, nutrition, and lifestyle counseling. The preferred education delivery was didactic lectures and clinical practice exposure. Barriers to implementation included lack of good curriculum and inadequate budget/time/faculty experience to implement the program. Need for IHO training was based on perceived benefit to patients in 39 participants (73.6%), and patient request for services in 37 participants (68.8%).Conclusion:In this national survey of 208 physicians, the majority (64%) expressed interest in IHO education programs. Barriers included lack of curriculum, expertise, budget, and time. Education preference for fellowship track and certificate programs were similar, suggesting interest of both available options. Most participants (87%) felt fellows should participate in IHO research. In conclusion, IHO training is perceived as valuable and desirable. Thus, the development and dissemination of IHO training programs is needed. [Display omitted] DisclosuresGowin: Incyte: Speakers Bureau.

Assessing the Physiologic Relevance of Red Blood Cell Deformability in Iron Deficiency Anemia

Background: Iron deficiency anemia (IDA), which affects individuals of all ages worldwide, is an often overlooked and undertreated component of chronic disease, despite data correlating its association with adverse outcomes in patients with cardiovascular disease (von Haehling, Nat Rev Cardiol, 2015). While red blood cells (RBCs) in IDA are known to be smaller and contain less hemoglobin than healthy RBCs, how RBC deformability is altered in IDA remains poorly understood; some ektacytometry studies have observed impaired deformability in iron deficient RBCs (idRBCs), while others described either unchanged or increased deformability (Brandão, Clin Hemorheol Microcirc, 2009). Here we ask: can single cell biophysical techniques definitively determine whether idRBCs are less deformable than healthy RBCs and how heterogenous that phenomena may be? Recent investigations into IDA's role in cardiovascular disease have generally focused on the myocardium and coronary vasculature, yet much regarding other physiologic implications remains unknown, including whether idRBCs cause microvascular obstruction or vasculopathy. To address such questions, we leveraged a suite of microvascular models we developed.Methods: We first coupled our microfluidic capillary model with μEXACT, our customized automated particle tracking program for hematologic cell-based assays, to collect high-throughput velocity tracking of single RBCs from a healthy control and 2 IDA patients (anemic for age, ferritin <10 ng/mL) to create a single cell deformability index (sDI) for each RBC (Fig 1). Next, whole blood samples collected in EDTA tubes from the control and IDA patients were perfused into both straight 100μm wide channels (mimicking large venules) and branching 30μm wide microfluidic devices (mimicking smaller venules) at a constant shear rate for 30 minutes to observe if any occlusions or obvious alterations in flow were observed (Fig 2). Finally, using the straight 100μm channel microfluidic devices, human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were cultured throughout each microchannel and RBCs from a healthy control and 3 IDA patients were perfused in parallel microchannels for 4 hours. The endothelialized models were then fixed, permeabilized, and immunostained with antibodies against VCAM-1 and E-selectin, known markers of endothelial inflammation. Mean fluorescence intensity was measured to quantify endothelial inflammation (Fig 3).Results: sDI distribution histograms were obtained for healthy and IDA patient RBCs. The mean sDIs for IDA patient RBCs were decreased in comparison to the healthy RBCs. Additionally, both IDA patient's RBCs lacked a subpopulation of highly deformable RBCs, likely reticulocytes, seen in the healthy RBCs (Fig 1C). There was no evidence of microchannel occlusion for the healthy control or IDA patient whole blood samples in either the straight 100μm microchannels or branching 30μm microfluidic devices (Fig 2D). Finally, in our endothelialized microfluidic model, endothelium exposed to IDA patient RBCs exhibited increased VCAM-1 and E-selectin expression over endothelium exposed to healthy RBCs (Fig 3B).Conclusions: By utilizing an array of microfluidic models we can develop a more comprehensive understanding of the role idRBCs play systemically on microvasculature. Our combined microfluidic and image analysis system demonstrated decreased deformability in idRBCs and can offer detection of subpopulation differences that cannot be fully characterized with bulk techniques such as ektacytometry. So far, our data demonstrates that while no microvascular occlusion occurs, idRBCs contribute to endothelial inflammation. Additionally, the observation that physical interactions between endothelial cells and idRBCs are sufficient to cause endothelial inflammation warrants further investigation, as generally idRBCs had not been viewed as pro-inflammatory. Ongoing studies will couple unique sDI distribution curves with the degree of endothelial inflammation, as well as elucidate how these changes are associated with the degree of IDA or clinical events such as the initiation of iron supplementation. Utilizing atomic force microscopy to better understand how the idRBC membrane impacts deformability and developing biophysical computer simulations to determine if increased idRBC-endothelium interactions are observed in silico are also planned. [Display omitted] DisclosuresLam: Sanguina, Inc.: Current holder of individual stocks in a privately-held company.

Sistem Monitoring Instrument Air Compressor (IAC) berbasis SCADA dengan Komunikasi Modbus RTU RS-485

PLTU Pacitan adalah salah satu pembangkit listrik di Jawa Timur yang memiliki kapasitas 2 x 315 MW yang dibangun pemerintah pada Fast Track Program 1. Instrument Air Compressor (IAC) adalah salah satu peralatan bantu di PLTU Pacitan yang berfungsi sebagai suplai udara ke sistem pneumatik seluruh plant. Namun, peralatan ini tidak bisa dimonitor oleh operator Central Control Room (CCR) dengan maksimal. Parameter yang dapat dikontrol sangat terbatas. Hal ini dikarenakan terbatasnya jumlah terminal Field Bus Module (FBM) yang tersedia. Rumusan masalah adalah bagaimana cara membuat modul komunikasi untuk menampilkan parameter Instrument Air Compressor System ke display HMI operator CCR secara real time. Tujuan dari perancangan alat ini adalah membuat modul komunikasi yang aman dan handal untuk menampilkan semua parameter Instrument Air Compressor yang ada dilokal tampil di display komputer CCR. Metode yang digunakan adalah pengontrolan dan pemantauan parameter ditransmisikan dari lapangan ke CCR menggunakan komunikasi serial protokol modbus RS485. Untuk meningkatkan pengelolaaan peralatan tidak hanya dikontrol dan dimonitor tetapi juga menampilkan fault alarm untuk mengingatkan operator bahwa peralatan mengalami ketidaknormalan. Perancangan prototype mengunakan komputer sebagai HMI dan arduino nano sebagai mikrokontroller. Manfaat dari perancangan modul komunikasi ini adalah mengganti peran FBM yang jumlah terminal input dan output yang terbatas dan memiliki harga yang mahal serta meningkatkan kehandalan Instrument Air Compressor System.

Temperature and phase transitions of laser-ignited single iron particle

The combustion behavior of single laser-ignited iron particles is investigated. Transient particle radiant intensities at 850 nm and 950 nm are measured by post-processing recorded high-speed camera images using an in-house developed particle tracking program. Then, the time-resolved particle temperature is obtained based on two-color pyrometry. A plateau-like stage shortly after the ignition is repeatedly observed, and identified as iron particle melting by the measured temperature and the estimated melting time. Besides, an abrupt brightness jump near the end of combustion is observed for most burning particles, while a small portion of the particles (< 10%) show a second plateau-like stage instead. The particle temperature right after the brightness jump (1880±70 K) is almost identical to that during the second plateau-like stage. This temperature corresponds to two phase-change temperatures in the Fe-O phase diagram: i) L2 <=> Fe3O4 (s) at 1869 K (congruent melting) and ii) L2 <=> Fe3O4 (s) + O2 (g) at 1855 K (eutectic reaction), where L2 represents a liquid iron oxide. Based on this, the presence of the brightness jump (spear point) is explained by a sudden solidification of supercooled iron oxide droplets with an atomic O/Fe ratio larger than or close to 4/3. Particles’ near-peak temperatures are also measured based on time-integrated spectra. The results indicate that the near-peak temperature increases first fast and then slowly with an increase of oxygen concentration. At higher oxygen concentrations, smaller particles have a slightly lower temperature. The effect of particle size on the near-peak temperature is negligible at lower oxygen concentrations due to weaker radiation. The morphology of combusted particles is examined by micrography. Some burned particles appear as hollow thin-shell spheres at all adopted oxygen concentrations. Additionally, nano oxides are found at 13–51% oxygen concentrations. Less traces of nano oxides were observed at reduced oxygen concentrations. The nano-oxide formation mechanisms are analyzed based on thermochemical equilibrium calculations.

The "Big Five" of Invasiveness - the Usefulness of Drains, Probes and Catheters in Colorectal Surgery

The perioperative management of colorectal resections is often dominated by traditional procedures and a strong focus on safety. Evidence-based measures such as those established in Fast Track or ERAS programs, are rarely applied in a standardised manner. As part of elective colorectal surgery, many patients therefore continue to routinely receive central venous access, peridural catheters, urinary catheters, drains and/or gastric tubes ("Big Five" of invasiveness). This article presents the currently available evidence on these measures in colorectal surgery. In addition, results relating to the "Big Five" from the author's own centre are presented. This review shows that the "Big Five" of invasiveness are clinically unnecessary or supported by evidence. In addition, they often impair the patient's function.

An Evaluation of the Implementation of the Senior High School Sports Track Program in Public Secondary Schools in National Capital Region: Implication For Enhancement

An Evaluation of the Implementation of the Senior High School Sports Track Program in Public Secondary Schools in National Capital Region: Implication For Enhancement

An economic evaluation of the Whole Genome Sequencing source tracking program in the U.S.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) created the GenomeTrakr Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) Network in 2013, as a tool to improve food safety. This study presents an analysis of Whole Genome source tracking implementation on potential food contamination and related illnesses through theoretical, empirical, and cost benefit analyses. We conduct empirical tests using data from FDA regulated food commodity outbreaks garnering FDA response from 1999 through 2019 and examine the effect of the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) Pathogen detection program of source tracking WGS isolates collected in the U.S. on outbreak illnesses for three pilot pathogens (E. coli, Listeria, and Salmonella). Empirical results are consistent with the theoretical model and suggest that each additional 1,000 WGS isolates added to the public NCBI database is associated with a reduction of approximately 6 illnesses per WGS pathogen, per year. Empirical results are connected to existing literature for a Monte Carlo analysis to estimate benefits and costs. By 2019, annual health benefits are estimated at nearly $500 million, compared to an approximately $22 million investment by public health agencies. Even under conservative assumptions, the program likely broke even in its second year of implementation and could produce increasing public health benefits as the GenomeTrakr network matures.

Underrepresented in medicine in graduate medical education: Historical trends, bias, and recruitment practices

Health inequities disproportionately impact children of color in the United States. Research demonstrates that a diverse physician workforce that reflects the demographic profile of the United States population has been associated with better health outcomes and physicians of color are more likely to work in communities that are medically underserved. Therefore, a key driver to reducing health inequities is recruiting a physician workforce that reflects the racial/ethnic composition of the population. Although efforts on increasing UIM applicants and matriculants into medical school and more recently, graduate medical education (GME) programs have shown some small successes, there has still not been significant change in decades. This narrative review examined the historical trends and current landscape of recruitment in GME to better understand the barriers and facilitators that continue to exist and identify successful interventions that might serve as a model to support recruitment of UIM applicants. There is evidence for racial disparities and bias in traditional residency selection metrics (USMLE, Clerkship Evaluations, MSPE, AOA status, etc.) and a need for more holistic recruitment strategies. Along with implementing new holistic recruitment practices, there is a need for ongoing research and collaboration to study inclusive and equitable learning environments and assessments that will eliminate racial disparities in educational outcomes. Additionally, there must be better longitudinal data utilization and transparency across Electronic Residency Application Services (ERAS) and National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) for accountability and tracking of interventions.

Developing an air pollution exposure surveillance system in England; a new national vulnerability indicator

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Air pollution is a serious public health issue and stakeholders (in particular local authorities (LA)) require more detailed information to protect those at risk. Public Health England was tasked to develop enhanced surveillance for air pollution, as part of the Environmental Public Health Tracking programme, and this may include surveillance of hazards (such as air pollution), exposures (concentrations of PM2.5 and NO2) and susceptibility (pre-existing demographic, social and health conditions). AIMS: 1) To scope and develop feasibility of air pollution exposure surveillance for stakeholders in England, 2) To design, pilot and trial potential new indicators to represent human vulnerabilities to air pollution, to help identify areas with populations who are sensitive, i.e. by age or socio-economic status (SES). METHODS: Following extensive consultation with stakeholders, vulnerability indicator development was conducted in two stages: 1) choice of exposure data and susceptibility indicator, and 2) linkage of the exposure and susceptibility indicators to produce population vulnerability that can be provided in a useful output format, e.g. map, rating index or indicator. We interviewed pilot LA’s to gain feedback on local application. RESULTS:We focused on susceptibility to ambient air pollution: age, SES and location, and related these to air pollution (PM2.5 and NO2) concentrations. We combined the exposure data and susceptibility to derive the vulnerabilities indicator plotted in a GIS. LA’s interpreted the maps for their areas and fed back how the indicator supported local decision-making processes. CONCLUSIONS:An air pollution exposure surveillance system is piloted for England. LAs welcomed the novel public health application and new datasets. The indicator shows where exposure needs to be tackled to reduce health effects including morbidity associated with exposure to outdoor air pollution. Next, the indicator needs to track the impact of interventions where changes in air pollution occur. KEYWORDS: Air pollution, Environmental disparities, Policy and Practice, methodological study design, exposures, multi-pollutants.

Clostridioides difficile Single Cell Swimming Strategy: A Novel Motility Pattern Regulated by Viscoelastic Properties of the Environment.

Flagellar motility is important for the pathogenesis of many intestinal pathogens, allowing bacteria to move to their preferred ecological niche. Clostridioides difficile is currently the major cause for bacterial health care-associated intestinal infections in the western world. Most clinical strains produce peritrichous flagella and are motile in soft-agar. However, little knowledge exists on the C. difficile swimming behaviour and its regulation at the level of individual cells. We report here on the swimming strategy of C. difficile at the single cell level and its dependency on environmental parameters. A comprehensive analysis of motility parameters from several thousand bacteria was achieved with the aid of a recently developed bacterial tracking programme. C. difficile motility was found to be strongly dependent on the matrix elasticity of the medium. Long run phases of all four motile C. difficile clades were only observed in the presence of high molecular weight molecules such as polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and mucin, which suggests an adaptation of the motility apparatus to the mucin-rich intestinal environment. Increasing mucin or PVP concentrations lead to longer and straighter runs with increased travelled distance per run and fewer turnarounds that result in a higher net displacement of the bacteria. The observed C. difficile swimming pattern under these conditions is characterised by bidirectional, alternating back and forth run phases, interrupted by a short stop without an apparent reorientation or tumbling phase. This motility type was not described before for peritrichous bacteria and is more similar to some previously described polar monotrichous bacteria.

Current Stimulation of the Midbrain Nucleus in Pigeons for Avian Flight Control.

A number of research attempts to understand and modulate sensory and motor skills that are beyond the capability of humans have been underway. They have mainly been expounded in rodent models, where numerous reports of controlling movement to reach target locations by brain stimulation have been achieved. However, in the case of birds, although basic research on movement control has been conducted, the brain nuclei that are triggering these movements have yet to be established. In order to fully control flight navigation in birds, the basic central nervous system involved in flight behavior should be understood comprehensively, and functional maps of the birds’ brains to study the possibility of flight control need to be clarified. Here, we established a stable stereotactic surgery to implant multi-wire electrode arrays and electrically stimulated several nuclei of the pigeon’s brain. A multi-channel electrode array and a wireless stimulation system were implanted in thirteen pigeons. The pigeons’ flight trajectories on electrical stimulation of the cerebral nuclei were monitored and analyzed by a 3D motion tracking program to evaluate the behavioral change, and the exact stimulation site in the brain was confirmed by the postmortem histological examination. Among them, five pigeons were able to induce right and left body turns by stimulating the nuclei of the tractus occipito-mesencephalicus (OM), nucleus taeniae (TN), or nucleus rotundus (RT); the nuclei of tractus septo-mesencephalicus (TSM) or archistriatum ventrale (AV) were stimulated to induce flight aviation for flapping and take-off with five pigeons.