Showing papers by "University of Salford published in 2021"

Epidemiological and cohort study finds no association between COVID-19 and Guillain-Barré syndrome.

Abstract: Reports of Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) have emerged during the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. This epidemiological and cohort study sought to investigate any causative association between COVID-19 infection and GBS. The epidemiology of GBS cases reported to the UK National Immunoglobulin Database was studied from 2016 to 2019 and compared to cases reported during the COVID-19 pandemic. Data were stratified by hospital trust and region, with numbers of reported cases per month. UK population data for COVID-19 infection were collated from UK public health bodies. In parallel, but separately, members of the British Peripheral Nerve Society prospectively reported incident cases of GBS during the pandemic at their hospitals to a central register. The clinical features, investigation findings and outcomes of COVID-19 (definite or probable) and non-COVID-19 associated GBS cases in this cohort were compared. The incidence of GBS treated in UK hospitals from 2016 to 2019 was 1.65-1.88 per 100 000 individuals per year. GBS incidence fell between March and May 2020 compared to the same months of 2016-19. GBS and COVID-19 incidences during the pandemic also varied between regions and did not correlate with one another (r = 0.06, 95% confidence interval: -0.56 to 0.63, P = 0.86). In the independent cohort study, 47 GBS cases were reported (COVID-19 status: 13 definite, 12 probable, 22 non-COVID-19). There were no significant differences in the pattern of weakness, time to nadir, neurophysiology, CSF findings or outcome between these groups. Intubation was more frequent in the COVID-19 affected cohort (7/13, 54% versus 5/22, 23% in COVID-19-negative) attributed to COVID-19 pulmonary involvement. Although it is not possible to entirely rule out the possibility of a link, this study finds no epidemiological or phenotypic clues of SARS-CoV-2 being causative of GBS. GBS incidence has fallen during the pandemic, which may be the influence of lockdown measures reducing transmission of GBS inducing pathogens such as Campylobacter jejuni and respiratory viruses.

T cell responses and therapies against SARS-CoV-2 infection

Abstract: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by SARS-CoV-2, a novel coronavirus strain. Some studies suggest that COVID-19 could be an immune-related disease, and failure of effective immune responses in initial stages of viral infection could contribute to systemic inflammation and tissue damage, leading to worse disease outcomes. T cells can act as a double-edge sword with both pro- and anti-roles in the progression of COVID-19. Thus, better understanding of their roles in immune responses to SARS-CoV-2 infection is crucial. T cells primarily react to the spike protein on the coronavirus to initiate antiviral immunity; however, T-cell responses can be suboptimal, impaired or excessive in severe COVID-19 patients. This review focuses on the multifaceted roles of T cells in COVID-19 pathogenesis and rationalizes their significance in eliciting appropriate antiviral immune responses in COVID-19 patients and unexposed individuals. In addition, we summarize the potential therapeutic approaches related to T cells to treat COVID-19 patients. These include adoptive T-cell therapies, vaccines activating T-cell responses, recombinant cytokines, Th1 activators and Th17 blockers, and potential utilization of immune checkpoint inhibitors alone or in combination with anti-inflammatory drugs to improve antiviral T-cell responses against SARS-CoV-2.

EULAR definition of difficult-to-treat rheumatoid arthritis

Abstract: Background Despite treatment according to the current management recommendations, a significant proportion of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) remain symptomatic These patients can be considered to have ‘difficult-to-treat RA’ However, uniform terminology and an appropriate definition are lacking Objective The Task Force in charge of the “Development of EULAR recommendations for the comprehensive management of difficult-to-treat rheumatoid arthritis” aims to create recommendations for this underserved patient group Herein, we present the definition of difficult-to-treat RA, as the first step Methods The Steering Committee drafted a definition with suggested terminology based on an international survey among rheumatologists This was discussed and amended by the Task Force, including rheumatologists, nurses, health professionals and patients, at a face-to-face meeting until sufficient agreement was reached (assessed through voting) Results The following three criteria were agreed by all Task Force members as mandatory elements of the definition of difficult-to-treat RA: (1) Treatment according to European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) recommendation and failure of ≥2 biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs)/targeted synthetic DMARDs (with different mechanisms of action) after failing conventional synthetic DMARD therapy (unless contraindicated); (2) presence of at least one of the following: at least moderate disease activity; signs and/or symptoms suggestive of active disease; inability to taper glucocorticoid treatment; rapid radiographic progression; RA symptoms that are causing a reduction in quality of life; and (3) the management of signs and/or symptoms is perceived as problematic by the rheumatologist and/or the patient Conclusions The proposed EULAR definition for difficult-to-treat RA can be used in clinical practice, clinical trials and can form a basis for future research

Mental health, quality of life, wellbeing, loneliness and use of social media in a time of social distancing during the COVID-19 outbreak. A cross-country comparative study.

Abstract: The COVID-19 outbreak raised questions about how people experience their mental health, quality of life (QoL), wellbeing and loneliness in the context of social distancing, and the use of social me...

Self-Reported Real-World Safety and Reactogenicity of COVID-19 Vaccines: A Vaccine Recipient Survey.

Abstract: An online survey was conducted to compare the safety, tolerability and reactogenicity of available COVID-19 vaccines in different recipient groups. This survey was launched in February 2021 and ran for 11 days. Recipients of a first COVID-19 vaccine dose ≥7 days prior to survey completion were eligible. The incidence and severity of vaccination side effects were assessed. The survey was completed by 2002 respondents of whom 26.6% had a prior COVID-19 infection. A prior COVID-19 infection was associated with an increased risk of any side effect (risk ratio 1.08, 95% confidence intervals (1.05–1.11)), fever (2.24 (1.86–2.70)), breathlessness (2.05 (1.28–3.29)), flu-like illness (1.78 (1.51–2.10)), fatigue (1.34 (1.20–1.49)) and local reactions (1.10 (1.06–1.15)). It was also associated with an increased risk of severe side effects leading to hospital care (1.56 (1.14–2.12)). While mRNA vaccines were associated with a higher incidence of any side effect (1.06 (1.01–1.11)) compared with viral vector-based vaccines, these were generally milder (p < 0.001), mostly local reactions. Importantly, mRNA vaccine recipients reported a considerably lower incidence of systemic reactions (RR < 0.6) including anaphylaxis, swelling, flu-like illness, breathlessness and fatigue and of side effects requiring hospital care (0.42 (0.31–0.58)). Our study confirms the findings of recent randomised controlled trials (RCTs) demonstrating that COVID-19 vaccines are generally safe with limited severe side effects. For the first time, our study links prior COVID-19 illness with an increased incidence of vaccination side effects and demonstrates that mRNA vaccines cause milder, less frequent systemic side effects but more local reactions.

The management of adult appendicitis during the COVID-19 pandemic: an interim analysis of a UK cohort study.

Abstract: Acute appendicitis (AA) is the most common general surgical emergency. Early laparoscopic appendicectomy is the gold-standard management. SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) brought concerns of increased perioperative mortality and spread of infection during aerosol generating procedures: as a consequence, conservative management was advised, and open appendicectomy recommended when surgery was unavoidable. This study describes the impact of the first weeks of the pandemic on the management of AA in the United Kingdom (UK). Patients 18 years or older, diagnosed clinically and/or radiologically with AA were eligible for inclusion in this prospective, multicentre cohort study. Data was collected from 23rd March 2020 (beginning of the UK Government lockdown) to 1st May 2020 and included: patient demographics, COVID status; initial management (operative and conservative); length of stay; and 30-day complications. Analysis was performed on the first 500 cases with 30-day follow-up. The patient cohort consisted of 500 patients from 48 sites. The median age of this cohort was 35 [26–49.75] years and 233 (47%) of patients were female. Two hundred and seventy-one (54%) patients were initially treated conservatively; with only 26 (10%) cases progressing to an operation. Operative interventions were performed laparoscopically in 44% (93/211). Median length of hospital stay was significantly reduced in the conservatively managed group (2 [IQR 1–4] days vs. 3 [2–4], p < 0.001). At 30 days, complications were significantly higher in the operative group (p < 0.001), with no deaths in any group. Of the 159 (32%) patients tested for COVID-19 on admission, only 6 (4%) were positive. COVID-19 has changed the management of acute appendicitis in the UK, with non-operative management shown to be safe and effective in the short-term. Antibiotics should be considered as the first line during the pandemic and perhaps beyond.

"Stay at Home, Protect the National Health Service, Save Lives": A cost benefit analysis of the lockdown in the United Kingdom.

Abstract: Introduction The COVID-19 pandemic has transformed lives across the world. In the UK, a public health driven policy of population "lockdown" has had enormous personal and economic impact. Methods We compare UK response and outcomes with European countries of similar income and healthcare resources. We calibrate estimates of the economic costs as different % loss in Gross Domestic Product (GDP) against possible benefits of avoiding life years lost, for different scenarios where current COVID-19 mortality and comorbidity rates were used to calculate the loss in life expectancy and adjusted for their levels of poor health and quality of life. We then apply a quality-adjusted life years (QALY) value of £30,000 (maximum under national guidelines). Results There was a rapid spread of cases and significant variation both in severity and timing of both implementation and subsequent reductions in social restrictions. There was less variation in the trajectory of mortality rates and excess deaths, which have fallen across all countries during May/June 2020. The average age at death and life expectancy loss for non-COVID-19 was 79.1 and 11.4 years, respectively, while COVID-19 were 80.4 and 10.1 years; including adjustments for life-shortening comorbidities and quality of life plausibly reduces this to around 5 QALY lost for each COVID-19 death. The lowest estimate for lockdown costs incurred was 40% higher than highest benefits from avoiding the worst mortality case scenario at full life expectancy tariff and in more realistic estimations they were over 5 times higher. Future scenarios showed in the best case a QALY value of £220k (7xNICE guideline) and in the worst-case £3.7m (125xNICE guideline) was needed to justify the continuation of lockdown. Conclusion This suggests that the costs of continuing severe restrictions are so great relative to likely benefits in lives saved that a rapid easing in restrictions is now warranted.

The evolution of mammalian brain size

Abstract: Relative brain size has long been considered a reflection of cognitive capacities and has played a fundamental role in developing core theories in the life sciences. Yet, the notion that relative brain size validly represents selection on brain size relies on the untested assumptions that brain-body allometry is restrained to a stable scaling relationship across species and that any deviation from this slope is due to selection on brain size. Using the largest fossil and extant dataset yet assembled, we find that shifts in allometric slope underpin major transitions in mammalian evolution and are often primarily characterized by marked changes in body size. Our results reveal that the largest-brained mammals achieved large relative brain sizes by highly divergent paths. These findings prompt a reevaluation of the traditional paradigm of relative brain size and open new opportunities to improve our understanding of the genetic and developmental mechanisms that influence brain size.

Platelet-rich plasma: a narrative review.

Abstract: The aim of this article was to synopsize platelet-rich plasma (PRP) use in musculoskeletal pathologies through evidence-based assessment of the preparation, classification, mechanism of action and applications of PRP, thereby answering which PRP type is best for each clinical indicationThe literature search was performed using Medline, EMBASE and Cochrane Reviews databases for papers containing the key terms "platelet-rich plasma" AND "orthopaedics" AND ("classification" OR "mechanism of action" OR "preparation" OR "clinical application") Generated papers were evaluated for pertinence in following areas: preparation, classification, mechanism of action, clinical application within orthopaedics Non-English papers were excluded Included studies were evaluated for qualitySixty studies were included in our review There are many commercial PRP preparation kits with differing component concentrations There is no consensus on optimal component concentrations Multiple PRP classifications exist but none have been validated Platelet-rich plasma acts via growth factors (GFs) released from α-granules within platelets Growth factors have been shown to be beneficial in healing Grossly elevated concentrations of GFs may have inhibitory effects on healing Multiple systematic reviews show efficacy of PRP in tendinopathies, early osteoarthritis, acute muscle injuries and in combination with rotator cuff repair and anterior cruciate ligament reconstructionThe literature suggests leukocyte-rich PRP (L-PRP) is more beneficial in tendinopathies and pure PRP (P-PRP) is more beneficial in cartilage pathology However, different PRP preparations have not been directly compared in any pathology Classification of PRP type is frequently not stated in research Standardization of PRP research parameters is needed to streamline findings and generate clear indications for PRP types to yield maximum clinical benefit Cite this article: EFORT Open Rev 2021;6:225-235 DOI: 101302/2058-52416200017

EULAR points to consider for the management of difficult-to-treat rheumatoid arthritis.

Abstract: Objective: To develop evidence-based European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR) points to consider (PtCs) for the management of difficult-to-treat rheumatoid arthritis (D2T RA). Methods: A EULAR Task Force was established comprising 34 individuals: 26 rheumatologists, patient partners and rheumatology experienced health professionals. Two systematic literature reviews addressed clinical questions around diagnostic challenges, and pharmacological and non-pharmacological therapeutic strategies in D2T RA. PtCs were formulated based on the identified evidence and expert opinion. Strength of recommendations (SoR, scale A-D: A typically consistent level 1 studies, D level 5 evidence or inconsistent studies) and level of agreement (LoA, scale 0-10: 0 completely disagree, 10 completely agree) of the PtCs were determined by the Task Force members. Results: Two overarching principles and eleven PtCs were defined concerning diagnostic confirmation of RA, evaluation of inflammatory disease activity, pharmacological and nonpharmacological interventions, treatment adherence, functional disability, pain, fatigue, goal setting and self-efficacy and the impact of comorbidities. The SoR varied from level C to D. The mean LoA with the overarching principles and PtCs was generally high (8.4-9.6). Conclusions: These points to consider for D2T RA can serve as a clinical roadmap to support healthcare professionals and patients to deliver holistic management and more personalised pharmacological and non-pharmacological therapeutic strategies. High-quality evidence was scarce. A research agenda was created to guide future research.

Cardiovascular Safety of Degarelix Versus Leuprolide in Patients With Prostate Cancer: The Primary Results of the PRONOUNCE Randomized Trial

Abstract: Background: The relative cardiovascular safety of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonists compared with GnRH agonists in men with prostate cancer and known atherosclerotic cardiovascular ...

Nonlinear nanofluid fluid flow under the consequences of Lorentz forces and Arrhenius kinetics through a permeable surface: A robust spectral approach

Abstract: Background Emerging applications in nanomaterials processing are increasingly featuring multiple physical phenomena including magnetic body forces, chemical reactions and high temperature behavior. Stimulated by developing a deeper insight of nanoscale fluid dynamics in such manufacturing systems, in the current article, we study the magnetic nanofluid dynamics along a nonlinear porous stretching sheet with Arrhenius chemical kinetics and wall transpiration. Appropriate similarity transformations are employed to simplify the governing flow problem. Methods The emerging momentum, thermal energy and nanoparticle concentration ordinary differential conservation equations are solved numerically with a hybrid technique combining Successive Linearization and Chebyshev Spectral Collocation. A parametric study of the impacts of magnetic parameter, porous media parameter, Brownian motion parameter, parameters for thermophoresis, radiation, Arrhenius function, suction/injection (transpiration) and nonlinear stretching in addition to Schmidt number on velocity, temperature and nanoparticle (concentration) distribution is conducted. A detail numerical comparison is presented with different numerical and analytical techniques as a specific case of the current investigation. Findings Increasing chemical reaction constant parameter significantly decreases nanoparticle concentration magnitudes and results in a thickening of the nanoparticle concentration boundary layer. Enhancing the values of activation energy parameter significantly increases the nanoparticle concentration magnitudes. Increasing thermophoresis parameter elevates both temperature and nanoparticle concentration. Increasing radiation parameter increases temperature and thermal boundary layer thickness. Enlarging Brownian motion parameter (smaller nanoparticles) and Schmidt number both depress the nanoparticle concentration.

Negative emotions about climate change are related to insomnia symptoms and mental health: Cross-sectional evidence from 25 countries

Abstract: Climate change threatens mental health via increasing exposure to the social and economic disruptions created by extreme weather and large-scale climatic events, as well as through the anxiety associated with recognising the existential threat posed by the climate crisis. Considering the growing levels of climate change awareness across the world, negative emotions like anxiety and worry about climate-related risks are a potentially pervasive conduit for the adverse impacts of climate change on mental health. In this study, we examined how negative climate-related emotions relate to sleep and mental health among a diverse non-representative sample of individuals recruited from 25 countries, as well as a Norwegian nationally-representative sample. Overall, we found that negative climate-related emotions are positively associated with insomnia symptoms and negatively related to self-rated mental health in most countries. Our findings suggest that climate-related psychological stressors are significantly linked with mental health in many countries and draw attention to the need for cross-disciplinary research aimed at achieving rigorous empirical assessments of the unique challenge posed to mental health by negative emotional responses to climate change.

Entropy generation of tangent hyperbolic nanofluid flow over a circular cylinder in the presence of nonlinear Boussinesq approximation: a non-similar solution

Abstract: The analysis of entropy generation has received notable attention in the study of nanofluids because the prime objective of nanofluids is to admit high heat fluxes. The entropy production can be utilized to generate the entropy in any irreversible heat transfer process which is important in thermal machines. This work presents to explore the fluid transport characteristics and entropy generation of a tangent hyperbolic nanofluid over a horizontal circular cylinder with the influence of nonlinear Boussinesq approximation. The dimensionless nonlinear partial differential equations have been solved by using an implicit finite difference Keller box scheme. The impacts of active parameters on the flow field like Weissenberg number, power-law index, magnetic field, mixed convection, Brownian motion, thermal convention, thermophoresis and radiation are illustrated with graphs and tables. The current results exposed that the nanofluid velocity enhances for enhancing the mixed convection parameter. Isotherms thickness is escalated with increasing values of radiation parameter. Total entropy generation rises for higher values of dimensionless temperature ratio parameter.

Examining the Factors Influencing the Mobile Learning Usage During COVID-19 Pandemic: An Integrated SEM-ANN Method

Abstract: The way in which the emotion of fear affects the technology adoption of students and teachers amid the COVID-19 pandemic is examined in this study. Mobile Learning (ML) has been used in the study as an educational social platform at both public and private higher-education institutes. The key hypotheses of this study are based on how COVID-19 has influenced the incorporation of mobile learning (ML) as the pandemic brings about an increase in different kinds of fear. The major kinds of fear that students and teachers/instructors are facing at this time include: fear because of complete lockdown, fear of experiencing education collapse and fear of having to give up social relationships. The proposed model was evaluated by developing a questionnaire survey which was distributed among 280 students at Zayed University, on the Abu Dhabi Campus, in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) with the purpose of collecting data from them. This study uses a new hybrid analysis approach that combines SEM and deep learning-based artificial neural networks (ANN). The importance-performance map analysis is also used in this study to determine the significance and performance of every factor. Both ANN and IPMA research showed that Attitude (ATD) are the most important predictor of intention to use mobile learning. According to the empirical findings, perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, satisfaction, attitude, perceived behavioral control, and subjective norm played a strongly significant role justified the continuous Mobile Learning usage. It was found that perceived fear and expectation confirmation were significant factors in predicting intention to use mobile learning. Our study showed that the use of mobile learning (ML) in the field of education, amid the coronavirus pandemic, offered a potential outcome for teaching and learning; however, this impact may be reduced by the fear of losing friends, a stressful family environment and fear of future results in school. Therefore, during the pandemic, it is important to examine students appropriately so as to enable them to handle the situation emotionally. The proposed model has theoretically given enough details as to what influences the intention to use ML from the viewpoint of internet service variables on an individual basis. In practice, the findings would allow higher education decision formers and experts to decide which factors should be prioritized over others and plan their policies appropriately. This study examines the competence of the deep ANN model in deciding non-linear relationships among the variables in the theoretical model, methodologically.

Surface electron-hole rich species active in the electrocatalytic water oxidation

Abstract: Iridium and ruthenium and their oxides/hydroxides are the best candidates for the oxygen evolution reaction under harsh acidic conditions owing to the low overpotentials observed for Ru- and Ir-based anodes and the high corrosion resistance of Ir-oxides. Herein, by means of cutting edge operando surface and bulk sensitive X-ray spectroscopy techniques, specifically designed electrode nanofabrication and ab initio DFT calculations, we were able to reveal the electronic structure of the active IrOx centers (i.e., oxidation state) during electrocatalytic oxidation of water in the surface and bulk of high-performance Ir-based catalysts. We found the oxygen evolution reaction is controlled by the formation of empty Ir 5d states in the surface ascribed to the formation of formally IrV species leading to the appearance of electron-deficient oxygen species bound to single iridium atoms (μ1-O and μ1-OH) that are responsible for water activation and oxidation. Oxygen bound to three iridium centers (μ3-O) remains the dominant species in the bulk but do not participate directly in the electrocatalytic reaction, suggesting bulk oxidation is limited. In addition a high coverage of a μ1-OO (peroxo) species during the OER is excluded. Moreover, we provide the first photoelectron spectroscopic evidence in bulk electrolyte that the higher surface-to-bulk ratio in thinner electrodes enhances the material usage involving the precipitation of a significant part of the electrode surface and near-surface active species.

Thermomagnetic reactive ethylene glycol-metallic nanofluid transport from a convectively heated porous surface with ohmic dissipation, heat source, thermophoresis and Brownian motion effects

Abstract: The objective of this study is to develop a mathematical model for chemically reacting magnetic nanofluid flow with thermophoretic diffusion, Brownian motion and Ohmic magnetic heating in a Darcian permeable regime. The current flow model also considers a number of different nanofluid types i.e. Cu, Ag and Au nanoparticles with base fluid ethylene glycol. Effectively a nanoscale formulation combining the Buongiorno two-component model with the Tiwari-Das model is deployed so that a nanoparticle species diffusion equation is also included as well as material properties for specific nanoparticles and base fluids. By means of similarity transformations, non-linear dimensionless ordinary differential equations are derived (from the original partial differential equations) and solved numerically by means of Runge-Kutta-Fehlberg-fourth fifth order method. The effect of emerging parameters on velocity, temperature, concentration, skin friction, Nusselt number and Sherwood number profiles is visualized graphically. Validation with earlier studies is included. The computations show that temperatures are suppressed with greater thermal Grashof and Biot numbers. Nanoparticle-concentrations are strongly diminished with increasing reactive species and Lewis number, whereas Sherwood number is elevated with stronger chemical reaction effect. The study is relevant to magnetic nanomaterials processing.

Nanotools for Sepsis Diagnosis and Treatment

Abstract: Sepsis is one of the leading causes of death worldwide with high mortality rates and a pathological complexity hindering early and accurate diagnosis. Today, laboratory culture tests are the epitome of pathogen recognition in sepsis. However, their consistency remains an issue of controversy with false negative results often observed. Clinically used blood markers, C reactive protein (CRP) and procalcitonin (PCT) are indicators of an acute-phase response and thus lack specificity, offering limited diagnostic efficacy. In addition to poor diagnosis, inefficient drug delivery and the increasing prevalence of antibiotic-resistant microorganisms constitute significant barriers in antibiotic stewardship and impede effective therapy. These challenges have prompted the exploration for alternative strategies that pursue accurate diagnosis and effective treatment. Nanomaterials are examined for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes in sepsis. The nanoparticle (NP)-enabled capture of sepsis causative agents and/or sepsis biomarkers in biofluids can revolutionize sepsis diagnosis. From the therapeutic point of view, currently existing nanoscale drug delivery systems have proven to be excellent allies in targeted therapy, while many other nanotherapeutic applications are envisioned. Herein, the most relevant applications of nanomedicine for the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of sepsis is reviewed, providing a critical assessment of their potentiality for clinical translation.

Heat transfer and entropy generation analysis of water-Fe3O4/CNT hybrid magnetic nanofluid flow in a trapezoidal wavy enclosure containing porous media with the Galerkin finite element method

Abstract: The present study addresses theoretically and computationally the performance of electrically conducting water-Fe3O4/CNT hybrid nanofluid in three-dimensional free convection and entropy generation in a wavy-walled trapezoidal enclosure. The enclosure has two layers—a hybrid nanoliquid layer and a permeable medium layer. A transverse magnetic field is acting in the upward direction. Newtonian flow is considered, and the modified Navier–Stokes equations are employed with Lorentz hydromagnetic body force, Darcian and Forchheimer drag force terms. The wavy side walls are heated while the top and vertical walls are adiabatic. An elliptic cylindrical cooled fin is positioned at the center of the cavity, and several different tilting angles of the fin are considered. The transformed, non-dimensional systems of coupled nonlinear partial differential equations with their corresponding boundary conditions are solved numerically with the Galerkin Finite Element Method (FEM) using the COMSOL Multiphysics software platform. The impact of Darcy number, Hartmann number, volume fraction, undulation number of the wavy wall and Rayleigh number (thermal buoyancy parameter) on the streamlines, isotherms and Bejan number contours are investigated. Extensive visualization of the thermal flow characteristics is included. With increasing Hartmann and Rayleigh numbers, the average Bejan number is reduced strongly whereas the average Nusselt number is only depleted significantly at very high values of Rayleigh and high Hartmann numbers. With increasing undulation number, a slight elevation in average Bejan number at intermediate Rayleigh numbers is noticed, whereas the average Nusselt number is substantially boosted, and the effect is maximized at a very high Rayleigh number where the average Nusselt number was increased by 35%. An increment in Darcy number (i.e., reduction in permeability of the porous medium layer) is observed to considerably elevate the average Nusselt number at high values of the Rayleigh number up to 20%, whereas the contrary response is computed in average Bejan number, where it showed a reduction by 10 times. The simulations apply to hybrid magnetic nanofluid fuel cells and electromagnetic nanomaterials processing in cavities.

The longitudinal relationship between loneliness, social isolation, and frailty in older adults in England: a prospective analysis

Abstract: Summary Background It is estimated that about 10% of people aged 65 and older are frail. Loneliness and social isolation are linked to increased mortality and poorer functional capacity. We assessed trends in frailty status associated with loneliness and social isolation over 14 years in a representative sample of English older adults. Methods In this longitudinal study, we used data from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA), which was designed to recruit a representative sample of adults aged 50 years and older living in private households in England. We analysed Waves 2–8 (covering June, 2004, to June, 2017). Frailty was defined using the frailty index, analysed continuously and as pre-specified categories, to categorise individuals as being non-frail (≤0·08), pre-frail (>0·08 to Findings The study sample consisted of 9171 participants at the baseline of Wave 2 (4083 male and 5088 female), with similar numbers in subsequent waves. In the fixed effect model, adjusted for marital status, age, gender, wealth, and smoking status, respondents with higher levels of loneliness had a higher frailty index score (β coefficient 0·006, 95% CI 0·006 to 0·007; p Interpretation Both loneliness and social isolation increase the risk of developing frailty. Understanding these mechanisms might offer opportunities to attenuate this risk. Funding None.

The effects of subjective norm on the intention to use social media networks : an exploratory study using PLS-SEM and machine learning approach

Abstract: Several research has been conducted on social media application's acceptance, but factors that impact educational purposes are completely ignored in this research. Therefore, the research has been conducted with the purpose of developing a conceptual model, which is derived from the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM). The subjective norm of the study is to find out social media's acceptance in education by students. To find out the exact conclusion, the research follows the questionnaire survey method in which 310 questionnaires were distributed to the students of the United Arab Emirates' well-reputed university. In this questionnaire survey, two famous approaches were used to examine the collected data that is the partial least squares-structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) and Machine Learning approach (ML). From the above-stated study, it has been observed that perceived usefulness, subjective norms, and perceived ease of use are proven to be significant measures of student's intention that motivates them to use social media networks for their educational purpose.

Clarity-2021 challenges : machine learning challenges for advancing hearing aid processing

Abstract: In recent years, rapid advances in speech technology have been made possible by machine learning challenges such as CHiME, REVERB, Blizzard, and Hurricane. In the Clarity project, the machine learning approach is applied to the problem of hearing aid processing of speech-in-noise, where current technology in enhancing the speech signal for the hearing aid wearer is often ineffective. The scenario is a (simulated) cuboid-shaped living room in which there is a single listener, a single target speaker and a single interferer, which is either a competing talker or domestic noise. All sources are static, the target is always within ±30◦ azimuth of the listener and at the same elevation, and the interferer is an omnidirectional point source at the same elevation. The target speech comes from an open source 40- speaker British English speech database collected for this purpose. This paper provides a baseline description of the round one Clarity challenges for both enhancement (CEC1) and prediction (CPC1). To the authors’ knowledge, these are the first machine learning challenges to consider the problem of hearing aid speech signal processing

Seascape ecology: identifying research priorities for an emerging ocean sustainability science

Abstract: Seascape ecology, the marine-centric counterpart to landscape ecology, is rapidly emerging as an interdisciplinary and spatially explicit ecological science with relevance to marine management, biodiversity conservation, and restoration. While important progress in this field has been made in the past decade, there has been no coherent prioritisation of key research questions to help set the future research agenda for seascape ecology. We used a 2-stage modified Delphi method to solicit applied research questions from academic experts in seascape ecology and then asked respondents to identify priority questions across 9 interrelated research themes using 2 rounds of selection. We also invited senior management/conservation practitioners to prioritise the same research questions. Analyses highlighted congruence and discrepancies in perceived priorities for applied research. Themes related to both ecological concepts and management practice, and those identified as priorities include seascape change, seascape connectivity, spatial and temporal scale, ecosystem-based management, and emerging technologies and metrics. Highest-priority questions (upper tercile) received 50% agreement between respondent groups, and lowest priorities (lower tercile) received 58% agreement. Across all 3 priority tiers, 36 of the 55 questions were within a ±10% band of agreement. We present the most important applied research questions as determined by the proportion of votes received. For each theme, we provide a synthesis of the research challenges and the potential role of seascape ecology. These priority questions and themes serve as a roadmap for advancing applied seascape ecology during, and beyond, the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021-2030).