Calibration and validation of the mini-fiber EC image analysis instrument mean fiber diameter through direct or primary measurements

The Minifiber EC (MFEC) is a portable instrument for measuring the diameter of animal fibers. Its accuracy and precision have been estimated but by comparing its measurements with those of laboratory devices that had been calibrated on other devices in turn, not on a direct or primary measure of diameter. This work attempts to test direct measurements by gravimetry, Vernier mini caliper, microscope and the classic microprojector, using a non-deformable, high resistance synthetic fiber (Kevlar) for direct measurement. The MFEC instrument is calibrated with each mean fiber diameter obtained in direct measurements and its results are compared. The conclusions drawn are that it is possible to calibrate the MFEC instrument with direct measurements on Kevlar and measurement accuracy or tolerance of 0.28 microns is obtained. This indicates a very low biased mean fiber diameter measurement by MFEC.

A randomized double-blind controlled study on the efficacy and safety of Sangdantongluo granule in the treatment of post-stroke spasticity

BackgroundStroke is the first leading cause of mortality and disability worldwide, and post-stroke spasticity (PSS) is the common complication of stroke. Sangdantongluo Granule, a modern patent Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), is widely used in clinical practice to treat PSS. Whereas, there is limited evidence of effectiveness for Sangdantongluo Granule to treat PSS. This study will evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of Sangdantongluo granule in the treatment of PSS. MethodsThis multicenter, randomized, double-blind and placebo-controlled study will recruit 132 participants in China who develops PSS 15 days to 90 days after stroke. Participants will be randomly assigned in an equal ratio to receive either Sangdantongluo granule or placebo for 2 months twice a day orally. The primary measure is the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS), Secondary outcome measures include Compopsite Spasticity Scale (CSS), Simplified Fugl-Meyer Motor Scale (S-FM), National Institute of Health stroke scale (NIHSS), Modified Rankin Scale (mRS), Modified Barther Index (MBI), and Surface electromyography. Adverse events will be supervised throughout the trial. DiscussionThe results of this study will present whether Sangdantongluo granule is clinical effective and safe for managing PSS.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov ChiCTR2100044544. Registered on 23 March 2021.

Scalable, effective, and rapid decontamination of SARS-CoV-2 contaminated N95 respirators using germicidal ultraviolet C (UVC) irradiation device

Particulate respirators such as N95s are an essential component of personal protective equipment (PPE) for front-line workers. This study describes a rapid and effective UVC irradiation system that would facilitate the safe re-use of N95 respirators and provides supporting information for deploying UVC for decontamination of SARS-CoV-2 during the COVID-19 pandemic. To assess the inactivation potential of the proposed UVC germicidal device as a function of time by using 3 M 8211-N95 particulate respirators inoculated with SARS-CoV-2. A germicidal UVC device to deliver tailored UVC dose was developed and test coupons (2.5 cm2) of the 3 M-N95 respirator were inoculated with 106 plaque-forming units (PFU) of SARS-CoV-2 and were UV irradiated. Different exposure times were tested (0–164 s) by fixing the distance between the lamp and the test coupon to 15.2 cm while providing an exposure of at least 5.43 mWcm−2. Primary measure of outcome was titration of infectious virus recovered from virus-inoculated respirator test coupons after UVC exposure. Other measures included the method validation of the irradiation protocol, using lentiviruses (biosafety level-2 agent) and establishment of the germicidal UVC exposure protocol. An average of 4.38 × 103 PFU ml−1 (SD 772.68) was recovered from untreated test coupons while 4.44 × 102 PFU ml−1 (SD 203.67), 4.00 × 102 PFU ml−1 (SD 115.47), 1.56 × 102 PFU ml−1 (SD 76.98) and 4.44 × 101 PFU ml−1 (SD 76.98) was recovered in exposures 2, 6, 18 and 54 s per side respectively. The germicidal device output and positioning was monitored and a minimum output of 5.43 mW cm−2 was maintained. Infectious SARS-CoV-2 was not detected by plaque assays (minimal level of detection is 67 PFU ml−1) on N95 respirator test coupons when irradiated for 120 s per side or longer suggesting 3.5 log reduction in 240 s of irradiation, 1.3 J cm−2. A scalable germicidal UVC device to deliver tailored UVC dose for rapid decontamination of SARS-CoV-2 was developed. UVC germicidal irradiation of N95 test coupons inoculated with SARS-CoV-2 for 120 s per side resulted in 3.5 log reduction of virus. These data support the reuse of N95 particle-filtrate apparatus upon irradiation with UVC and supports use of UVC-based decontamination of SARS-CoV-2 during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Improving Comfort and Health: Green Retrofit Designs for Sunken Courtyards during the Summer Period in a Subtropical Climate

The sunken courtyard has long been used in underground spaces and provides an important outdoor environment. It introduces natural elements to create a pleasant space for human activities. However, this study measured a typical sunken courtyard and found potential problems of excessive solar radiation and accumulated air pollutants in summer when at an acceptable outdoor temperature for human activities. To improve the comfort and health of a sunken courtyard, this research proposes some green retrofit designs. Firstly, compared with green wall, water and a tree, sunshade is a primary measure to improve thermal comfort. Combining sunshade, a green wall and water reduces the temperature by up to 5.6 °C in the activity zone during the hottest hour. Secondly, blocking/guiding wind walls can effectively improve the wind environment in a sunken courtyard, but only when the wind direction is close to the prevailing wind. A blocking wind wall was better at affecting velocity and uniformity, while the guiding wind wall was more efficient at discharging air pollutants. This study initially discusses the climate-adaptive design of underground spaces in terms of green, thermal comfort and natural ventilation. Designers should generally integrate above/underground and indoor/outdoor spaces using natural and artificial resources to improve comfort and health in underground spaces.

Tinnitus Activities Treatment with Total and Partial Masking

Background There are many counseling and sound therapy approaches to treat tinnitus. Counseling approaches range from providing information using directive or collaborative approaches. Sound therapies include strategies that use background sounds to totally or partially mask tinnitus to reduce the prominence of or decrease the loudness or annoyance of the tinnitus. Purpose We evaluated the effectiveness of tinnitus activities treatment (TAT) in two groups, those without hearing aids (HA) and those who were provided with HA. In both groups, comparisons were made among those receiving (1) counseling only, (2) counseling and partial masking, and (3) counseling and total masking. Research Design Participants were provided with HA or not, based on their choice, and then randomly assigned to one of the three groups. The Tinnitus Handicap Questionnaire (THQ) was used as the primary measure. Results For those without HA, significant benefits were obtained for 8 out of 22 participants in the counseling group, 8 of 13 in the total masking group, and 8 of 24 in the partial mask group. The average decrease in the THQ was 15% for the counseling group, 25% for the total mask, and 14% for the partial masking group. For those with HA; significant benefits were obtained for 5 of 16 in the counseling group, 3 of 14 in the total mask group, and 6 of 13 in the partial mask group. The average decrease in the THQ score was 12% for counseling, 13% for total masking, and 16% for partial masking. No significant differences among groups were observed. Conclusion Individual differences were large. Many benefited from their treatment, but some did not. We believe this was likely influenced by their expectations.

819Muscle strengthening activities among Australian adults

Focus of Presentation Australian studies examining muscle-strengthening activity (MSA) are limited and most are focused on resistance/weight training. This study uses the nationally representative Sport Australia AusPlay survey of physical activity participation and classifies activities that use major muscle groups as MSAs, adapting the methodology used in UK health studies. Using this classification, estimates are then made on how many Australian adults are doing MSAs on at least two days a week as per the Australian Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviour Guidelines. Findings There is some uncertainty about which activities can be considered MSAs. However, evidence suggests that many activities, besides resistance/weight training, can strengthen muscles. Three definitions were used to classify physical activities reported by AusPlay respondents as either Resistance Training Only, Definitely MSAs, or Definitely and/or Potentially MSAs. These were applied to AusPlay 2017–18 data to estimate the proportion of adults who met the MSA guideline. For the primary measure of Definitely MSAs, estimates were higher than those from previous Australian studies. Consistent with previous Australian studies, a higher proportion of men than women, and younger adults than older adults, met the MSA guideline across all activity classifications. Conclusions/Implications Survey estimates of MSA participation depend on which activities are included as MSAs. More rigorous studies are needed to clearly categorise which activities can be considered as MSAs. Key messages A clearer understanding of what constitutes MSAs will improve estimates of how many Australian adults are meeting the MSA guidelines.

Video virality and persuasive power: it’s time and marriage equality

This master’s research project will analyze the rhetorical persuasive appeals found in a YouTube video released by Australian community advocacy group Get Up!, in support of marriage equality in Australia. The video, entitled It’s Time, was released in November 2011 and has since been viewed nearly 8 million times. This paper will identify what persuasive appeals are present in the video that may have contributed to its virality. This paper will also analyze the public YouTube comments to identify what persuasive appeals are evident in comments to either support or oppose the video’s cause, and comments will serve as a measure of the video’s success in driving support for marriage equality. Ultimately this paper aims to understand what makes a successful viral cause-related video, and if the video in question was successful in encouraging active participation in the cause amongst those who commented on the video. Active participation of users will be determined through the primary measure of the video’s success – comments.

Video virality and persuasive power: it’s time and marriage equality

This master’s research project will analyze the rhetorical persuasive appeals found in a YouTube video released by Australian community advocacy group Get Up!, in support of marriage equality in Australia. The video, entitled It’s Time, was released in November 2011 and has since been viewed nearly 8 million times. This paper will identify what persuasive appeals are present in the video that may have contributed to its virality. This paper will also analyze the public YouTube comments to identify what persuasive appeals are evident in comments to either support or oppose the video’s cause, and comments will serve as a measure of the video’s success in driving support for marriage equality. Ultimately this paper aims to understand what makes a successful viral cause-related video, and if the video in question was successful in encouraging active participation in the cause amongst those who commented on the video. Active participation of users will be determined through the primary measure of the video’s success – comments.