Performance and Early Results from the Earth Surface Mineral Dust Source Investigation (EMIT) Imaging Spectroscopy Mission

The Earth Surface Mineral Dust Source Investigation (EMIT) acquires new observations of the Earth from a state-of-the-art, optically fast F/1.8 visible to short wavelength infrared imaging spectrometer with high signal-to-noise ratio and excellent spectroscopic uniformity. EMIT was launched to the International Space Station from Cape Canaveral, Florida, on July 14, 2022 local time. The EMIT instrument is the latest in a series of more than 30 imaging spectrometers and testbeds developed at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, beginning with the Airborne Imaging Spectrometer that first flew in 1982. EMIT's science objectives use the spectral signatures of minerals observed across the Earth's arid and semi-arid lands containing dust sources to update the soil composition of advanced Earth System Models (ESMs) to better understand and reduce uncertainties in mineral dust aerosol radiative forcing at the local, regional, and global scale, now and in the future. EMIT has begun to collect and deliver high-quality mineral composition determinations for the arid land regions of our planet. Over 1 billion high-quality mineral determinations are expected over the course of the one-year nominal science mission. Currently, detailed knowledge of the composition of the Earth's mineral dust source regions is uncertain and traced to less than 5,000 surface sample mineralogical analyses. The development of the EMIT imaging spectrometer instrumentation was completed successfully, despite the severe impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. The EMIT Science Data System is complete and running with the full set of algorithms required. These tested algorithms are open source and will be made available to the broader community. These include calibration to measured radiance, atmospheric correction to surface reflectance, mineral composition determination, aggregation to ESM resolution, and ESM runs to address the science objectives. In this paper, the instrument characteristics, ground calibration, in-orbit performance, and early science results are reported. © 2023 IEEE.

Compelling Impacts of Natural Polymer-Centered Drug Delivery Systems as Prophylactic and Therapeutic Approaches in Various Pulmonary Disorders/Lung Diseases

Pulmonary disorders are common illness that affects people of all ages world­wide. Common pulmonary disorders include pulmonary hypertension, CF (cystic fibrosis), asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder, emphysema, chronic bronchitis, lung cancer, and COVID-19. Treatments of these disorders vary but can be broadly categorized into pharmacological (medicinal), non-pharmacological, rehabilitation, and surgical techniques. Often, a combina­tion of these approaches is used, both for symptomatic relief and treatment. Regarding these prophylactic and therapeutic approaches, advances are rapidly being made, and scientists are currently investigating modern and unique theranostic methods. However, there is a lacuna in drug delivery, pharmacokinetic aspects, and drug-induced adverse effects. One particular area for improvement that needs to be immediately addressed is the drug delivery system to significantly improve healthcare associated with pulmonary disorders. Natural polymer-based drug delivery systems are widely adopted for their ease of production, lack of biotoxicity, and strong bioaffinity. Of the natural polymer­based drug delivery systems, chitosan, sodium alginates, albumin, hydroxyapa­tite, and hyaluronic acid are the most common natural polymers. Each of these natural polymers has its preferred use, either due to tissue-specific delivery or medical property packaging. The current scientific article discusses the common pulmonary disorders, their pathophysiology, and the current therapeutic approaches. Additionally, we discuss the major natural polymer drug delivery systems, including their properties and common uses. © The Author (s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2023.

Impact of COVID-19 on Engineering Students in the Middle Phases of the Pandemic: Academic Motivation, Valued College Experiences, and Stress

When COVID-19 struck, engineering schools responded to unique issues, including interrupted capstone projects, cooperative education, and study abroad. Students became a focus. This led to a funded study to investigate the pandemic's impact on engineering students' academic motivation, educational valuation, learning, and perceived stress, which were connected through a conceptual model. Approximately seven months after the onset, a large sample of undergraduate engineering students at a public U.S. university (n = 1,140) responded to a survey (41.6% response), followed by focus groups. Jones' MUSIC Model of Academic Motivation and the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) were key components of the conceptual model. Seventy-eight percent (78%) said their motivation was less versus before remote instruction. Two dimensions of the MUSIC Model were only at the middle point of the measurement scale - interest and empowerment. Students scored higher on the PSS-10 (M = 22.2) seven months into the pandemic compared to other groups beforehand. Medium negative correlations were found between the MUSIC dimensions and the PSS-10 score, suggesting decreased motivation accompanied by increased stress. Remote coursework was the most-frequent de -motivator, and the valued college experience cited most was Campus-based instruction. The most-frequent stressor was Academic. In all focus groups, low or decreased motivation was mentioned. This research informs Higher Education about undergraduates' motivation and stress, in particular during COVID-19 and contributes to use of the MUSIC Model and PSS-10 with engineering students. Awareness of motivation and stress experienced during COVID is crucial for responding to future crises.

Differential Impact of a Multicomponent Goals-of-Care Program in Patients with Hematologic and Solid Malignancies.

We recently reported that an interdisciplinary multicomponent goals-of-care (myGOC) program was associated with an improvement in goals-of-care (GOC) documentation and hospital outcomes; however, it is unclear if the benefit was uniform between patients with hematologic malignancies and solid tumors. In this retrospective cohort study, we compared the change in hospital outcomes and GOC documentation before and after myGOC program implementation between patients with hematologic malignancies and solid tumors. We examined the change in outcomes in consecutive medical inpatients before (May 2019-December 2019) and after (May 2020-December 2020) implementation of the myGOC program. The primary outcome was intensive care unit (ICU) mortality. Secondary outcomes included GOC documentation. In total, 5036 (43.4%) patients with hematologic malignancies and 6563 (56.6%) with solid tumors were included. Patients with hematologic malignancies had no significant change in ICU mortality between 2019 and 2020 (26.4% vs. 28.3%), while patients with solid tumors had a significant reduction (32.6% vs. 18.8%) with a significant between-group difference (OR 2.29, 95% CI 1.35, 3.88; p = 0.004). GOC documentation improved significantly in both groups, with greater changes observed in the hematologic group. Despite greater GOC documentation in the hematologic group, ICU mortality only improved in patients with solid tumors.

Impact of an Interdisciplinary Goals-of-Care Program Among Medical Inpatients at a Comprehensive Cancer Center During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Propensity Score Analysis.

PURPOSE: Many hospitals have established goals-of-care programs in response to the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic; however, few have reported their outcomes. We examined the impact of a multicomponent interdisciplinary goals-of-care program on intensive care unit (ICU) mortality and hospital outcomes for medical inpatients with cancer. METHODS: This single-center study with a quasi-experimental design included consecutive adult patients with cancer admitted to medical units at the MD Anderson Cancer Center, TX, during the 8-month preimplementation (May 1, 2019-December 31, 2019) and postimplementation period (May 1, 2020-December 31, 2020). The primary outcome was ICU mortality. Secondary outcomes included ICU length of stay, hospital mortality, and proportion/timing of care plan documentation. Propensity score weighting was used to adjust for differences in potential covariates, including age, sex, cancer diagnosis, race/ethnicity, and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score. RESULTS: This study involved 12,941 hospitalized patients with cancer (pre n = 6,977; post n = 5,964) including 1,365 ICU admissions (pre n = 727; post n = 638). After multicomponent goals-of-care program initiation, we observed a significant reduction in ICU mortality (28.2% v 21.9%; change -6.3%, 95% CI, -9.6 to -3.1; P = .0001). We also observed significant decreases in length of ICU stay (mean change -1.4 days, 95% CI, -2.0 to -0.7; P < .0001) and in-hospital mortality (7% v 6.1%, mean change -0.9%, 95% CI, -1.5 to -0.3; P = .004). The proportion of hospitalized patients with an in-hospital do-not-resuscitate order increased significantly from 14.7% to 19.6% after implementation (odds ratio, 1.4; 95% CI, 1.3 to 1.5; P < .0001), and do-not-resuscitate order was established earlier (mean difference -3.0 days, 95% CI, -3.9 to -2.1; P < .0001). CONCLUSION: This study showed improvement in hospital outcomes and care plan documentation after implementation of a system-wide, multicomponent goals-of-care intervention.

Comprehensive, longitudinal wastewater surveillance for SARS-CoV-2 across a university campus, demonstrates low levels of SARS-CoV-2 activity relative to the surrounding community

Background. Universities are interactive communities where frequent contacts between individuals occur, increasing the risk of outbreaks of COVID-19. We embarked upon a real-time wastewater (WW) monitoring program across the University of Calgary (UofC) campus measuring WW SARS-CoV-2 burden relative to levels of disease in the broader surrounding community. Figure 1 The colour scheme shows 6 sewer sub-catchments at the University of Calgary. Auto samplers were deployed at 4 sampling nodes within sub-catchments CR and YA (both residence halls), and UCE and UCS (catchments that include several campus buildings). Figure 2 Log10-transformed abundance (i.e., copies per mL) of nucleocapsid gene (i.e., N1) for SARS-CoV-2 for each sampling location during October 2021 - April 2022. Locations denoted by the same letters (A, B, or C) show no statistical difference (p > 0.05) according to the Wilcoxon rank-sum test. The WWTP sample corresponds to a catchment area covering most of Calgary including the university campus, for which sampling locations CR, UCE, UCS, and UCW are defined in Fig. 1. Methods. From October 2021 - April 2022, WW was collected thrice weekly across UofC campus through 4 individual sewer sampling nodes (Fig. 1) using autosamplers (C.E.C. Analytics, CA). Results from these 4 nodes were compared with community monitoring at Calgary's largest WW treatment plant (WWTP), which received WW from surrounding neighborhoods, and also from UofC. Nucleic acid was extracted from WW for RTqPCR quantification of the N1 nucleocapside gene from SARS-CoV-2 genomic RNA. Qualitative (positive samples defined if cycle threshold < 40) and quantitative statistical analyses were performed using R. Results. Levels of SARS-CoV-2 in WW were significantly lower at all campus monitoring sites relative to the WWTP (Wilcoxon rank-sum test p < 0.05;Fig. 2). The proportion of WW samples that were positive for SARS-CoV-2 was significantly higher for WWTP than at least two campus locations (p < 0.05 for Crowsnest Hall and UCE - University way and campus drive) according to Fischer's exact 2-sided test. The proportion of WW samples with positive WW signals were still higher for WWTP than the other two locations, but statistically not significant (p = 0.216). Among campus locations, the buildings in UCE catchment showed much lower N1 signals than other catchments, likely owing to buildings in this catchment primarily being administration and classroom environments, with lower human-to-human contact and less defecation compared to the other 3 catchments, which include residence hall, a dining area, and/or laboratory spaces. Conclusion. Our results show that SARS-CoV-2 RNA shedding in WW at the U of C is significantly lower than the city-wide signal associated with surrounding neighborhoods. Furthermore, we demonstrate that WW testing at well-defined nodes is a sampling strategy for potentially locating specific places where high transmission of infectious disease occurs.

Surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VOC) in hospital wastewater (WW) and its correlation with hospitalized cases of COVID-19 and the occurrence of outbreaks

Background. WW surveillance enables real time monitoring of SARS-CoV-2 burden in defined sewer catchment areas. Here, we assessed the occurrence of total, Delta and Omicron SARS-CoV-2 RNA in sewage from three tertiary-care hospitals in Calgary, Canada. Methods. Nucleic acid was extracted from hospital (H) WW using the 4S-silica column method. H-1 and H-2 were assessed via a single autosampler whereas H-3 required three separate monitoring devices (a-c). SARS-CoV-2 RNA was quantified using two RT-qPCR approaches targeting the nucleocapsid gene;N1 and N200 assays, and the R203K/G204R and R203M mutations. Assays were positive if Cq< 40. Cross-correlation function analyses (CCF) was performed to determine the timelagged relationships betweenWWsignal and clinical cases. SARS-CoV-2 RNA abundance was compared to total hospitalized cases, nosocomial-acquired cases, and outbreaks. Statistical analyses were conducted using R. Results. Ninety-six percent (188/196) of WW samples collected between Aug/ 21-Jan/22 were positive for SARS-CoV-2. Omicron rapidly supplanted Delta by mid-December and this correlated with lack of Delta-associated H-transmissions during a period of frequent outbreaks. The CCF analysis showed a positive autocorrelation between the RNA concentration and total cases, where the most dominant cross correlations occurred between -3 and 0 lags (weeks) (Cross-correlation values: 0.75, 0.579, 0.608, 0.528 and 0.746 for H-1, H-2, H-3a, H-3b and H-3c;respectively). VOC-specific assessments showed this positive association only to hold true for Omicron across all hospitals (cross-correlation occurred at lags -2 and 0, CFF value range between 0.648 -0.984). We observed a significant difference in median copies/ ml SARS-CoV-2 N-1 between outbreak-free periods vs outbreaks for H-1 (46 [IQR: 11-150] vs 742 [IQR: 162-1176], P< 0.0001), H-2 (24 [IQR: 6-167] vs 214 [IQR: 57-560], P=0.009) and H-3c (2.32 [IQR: 0-19] vs 129 [IQR: 14-274], P=0.001). Conclusion. WWsurveillance is a powerful tool for early detection andmonitoring of circulating SARS-CoV-2VOCs.Total SARS-CoV-2 andVOC-specificWWsignal correlated with hospitalized prevalent cases of COVID-19 and outbreak occurrence.

Covid-19 Monitoring Using Wastewater-Based Epidemiology: The Promise and Peril of Seeking Useable Data in a Pandemic

We evaluated sampling design in wastewater-based epidemiology to monitor SARS-CoV-2 RNA signal, with a focus on sampling site selection. Sampling in wastewater collection systems ranged from locations that were highly granular (i.e., individual buildings) to large wastewater treatment plants with city-scale catchments. Potential data uses and major considerations for each sampling method are discussed. Our study demonstrates sampling at varying degrees of granularity to be viable tools for pandemic response, with both sampling location and data applicability varying significantly based on location type sampled. Wastewater treatment plant data allows for population level trending that provides an early warning sign of increased disease burden community wide. Sampling at individual buildings can facilitate a direct public health response through follow-up patient testing and/or providing early warning to allow an employer to respond to an outbreak at a warehouse or work camp. Sampling within the wastewater collection system presents a novel epidemiologic tool that could allow for early warning of neighbourhood outbreaks to inform local pandemic response(s) and enable case-finding. © 2023, Canadian Society for Civil Engineering.

A Retrospective Analysis of Non-Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer (NMIBC) Follow-Up Using Flexible Cystoscopy and the Role of the Charlson Co-Morbidity Index (CCI) in Improving Follow Up

Aim 1. A retrospective analysis of NMIBC follow-up using flexible cystoscopy during COVID-19. 2. Charlson Co-Morbidity Index (CCI) as a method of improving follow up. Method Online patient records were reviewed for 153 patients who attended Ayr University Hospital between 01/02/2020 and 01/05/ 2020 for check cystoscopy. We recorded the patients risk category and the number of months lapsed since their previous scope. Follow up schedules were compared with current NICE guidelines. CCI for each patient was calculated. Results The majority of the patients sampled had follow up adherent to NICE guidelines. Deviations were secondary to ‘allocation to an incorrect follow up schedule’, ‘late follow up’ and ‘non-compliance’. Incorrect allocation was due to both human error and clinical judgement. Clinical judgement included frail patients thought not to benefit from their current intensive schedule and patients with areas of suspicion warranting an earlier check. CCI scores ranged from 2–11. 25% of had a Charlson score of >6 - this predicts a 0% 10-year survival. Conclusions We hypothesise that patients with a CCI > 6 should be considered for less intensive follow up. Their co-morbid status makes them likely unsuitable for intervention if reoccurrence was identified.We are pleased with our current adherence to NICE guidelines. We recognise areas for improvement and have raised these at local meetings. We hope that the CCI can be used to ensure we practice realistic medicine and act in the best of the patient when deciding to follow up.

Enhanced Student Engagement through Teamwork, Gamification, and Diversity & Inclusion Best Practices in an Electromagnetics Course

In this Innovative Practice Full Paper we present an approach where we coupled several proven pedagogical practices to enhance student engagement during the time of remote/hybrid instruction due to the COVID-19 pandemic. One of these approaches was team-based learning throughout the entire semester which aided in student motivation. A second practice implemented was game-based learning to drive student engagement and excitement. This game-based learning approach used a semester-long scoring system which allowed students to compete for bonus points both on an individual and team basis. This enabled students to practice their teaming skills. Lastly, there was a major focus on diversity & inclusion in addition to teamwork in the course. Students were arranged into teams in an optimized manner by the CATME software. The optimization constraints were chosen using best practices for diversity in race & ethnicity, gender, skill levels, and leadership philosophy, while also considering students with similar schedules for availability purposes. The course also contained instructional modules on effective teamwork as well as contributions in the field of electrical engineering by underrepresented minorities. This paper details the innovative coupling of these practices and how they fit into the course's overall plan. Classroom activity and student perceptions associated with these practices were assessed via structured classroom observation using the COPUS protocol and collection of survey/focus group data, respectively. Assessment results are discussed, along with challenges encountered in this electromagnetics course in the hybrid/remote learning environment.

Design and testing of the safety of the SARUS-CPR hood for novice resuscitators.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Bystanders should be protected against aerosols, droplets, saliva, blood and vomitus during resuscitation after cardiac arrest The SARUS (safer - airway - resuscitation) CPR airway hood™ is a clear plastic cover and integrated mask that envelopes the head and torso. Our objectives were to test leakage using saline aerosol generation tests, then assess the performance of the hood during mock cardio-pulmonary resuscitation on a manikin. METHODS: A checklist was validated by comparing the performance of 10 novices against 10 experts during mock resuscitation. Thereafter, 15 novices were tested with and without the hood, in a randomised cross-over study, one week apart. RESULTS: Laboratory analysis showed a > 99% reduction of saline particles detected 5 cm, 75 cm and 165 cm above volunteers wearing the hood. On manikins, experts scored better compared to novices, 8.5 (0.7) vs 7.6 (1.2), difference (95%CI) 0.9 (0.4-1.3), P = 0.0004. Novice performance was equivalent using the hood and standard equipment, 7.3 (1.4) vs 7.3 (1.1) respectively, difference (90%CI) 0.0 (-0.3 - 0.3), P = 0.90. CONCLUSION: Aerosol transmission reduced in the breathing zone. Simulated resuscitation by novices was equivalent with and without the hood.

Facilitating Transformational Change in Applied Degrees in Engineering: A BRAVE New World

This chapter introduces an innovative and transformational model of applied engineering education, the BRAVE Model of Educational Transformation. Incorporating five distinct concepts, Belonging, Relationships, Authenticity, Variety and Employability, the model is introduced and discussed in detail. Set within a prestigious Russell Group University, WMG is one of the largest Applied Engineering Faculties within the UK;it is home to five distinct Research Directorates, fourteen applied graduate programmes and five work-based undergraduate programmes. Written during a time of unprecedented social crisis, in terms of the global Covid-19 Pandemic, this chapter outlines how transformational change has been brought about within WMG (formerly Warwick Manufacturing Group) through the development and application of the BRAVE Model. Students’ perspectives are provided through the use of a short survey examining their views of some aspects of each strand of the model. The impact of using the model as a basis for transformational change on colleagues’ approaches to education is also discussed. © 2022, The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd.

Supportive Classroom Assessment for Remote Instruction

During the summer 2020, when remote instruction became the norm for universities due to COVID-19, expectations were set at our school of engineering for interactivity and activity within synchronous sessions and for using technology for engaging asynchronous learning opportunities. Instructors were asked to participate in voluntary assessment of their instructional techniques, and this “supportive” assessment was intended to enable growth in remote teaching as well as demonstrate excellence in the School’s instruction. Preliminary results demonstrated what is possible with voluntary assessment with a “support” focus – namely instructor willingness to participate and encouragement in the use of desirable teaching practices. © 2020