Designing boarding limit strategy by considering stop-level fairness amid the COVID-19 outbreak

Bus operators have to make trade-offs between transporting more passengers and maintaining social distancing to reduce ridership congregation amid Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak. The traditional bus boarding mode could easily lead passengers fully occupy the bus available capacity at one stop, and it would prevent subsequent passengers from boarding. It is crucial to establish a new operating mode and strategy to ensure all passengers have opportunities to ride and to collaboratively optimise the bus timetable. In this paper, the boarding limit strategy that considers the fairness of passenger boarding probability is proposed to address the inequitable problem with minimise the passenger travel time and the number of stranded passengers. The coupling relationship between bus dwell time and passenger flow is used to collaboratively optimise the bus timetable. Case studies are conducted to illustrate the performance of the boarding limit strategy in improving passenger boarding equity. © 2023 Hong Kong Society for Transportation Studies Limited.

Determining the best practices for remote experiential rotations

Introduction: During the COVID-19 pandemic, clinical sites have closed their doors to student placements, leading to the implementation of remote rotations. The purpose was to determine best practices for distance preceptorship from the student's perspective. Method(s): A survey was sent to the pharmacy students at the Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy who have completed at least one remote rotation. Result(s): Forty-eight out of 121 students (39%) completed the survey. It was found that 83% of the students were motivated during the start of their rotations, while 48% remained motivated throughout. Students who remained motivated had clear expectations set from the beginning, felt comfortable communicating issues regarding their assigned work with their preceptor, had similar rapport with remote preceptors as with in-person preceptors, had a preceptor who is always available for questions, and had a work environment free of distractions. Discussion(s):There are numerous best practices students and preceptors can utilise during a remote rotation to help students remain motivated. Preceptors and students should work together so that students remain motivated throughout their rotation. Setting expectations, having good communication, getting to know their preceptor, and having a work environment free of distractions are key factors for conducting a remote rotation. Copyright © 2020 FIP.

Passenger Flow Prediction Method for Rail Transit Stations Based on Empirical Mode Decomposition and K-nearest Neighbors

A passenger flow time series forecasting method based on empirical mode decomposition (EMD) and K-nearest neighbor nonparametric regression (KNN) was proposed. Based on the principle of EMD and KNN algorithm, the EMD-KNN combined algorithm flow was constructed on the basis of improving KNN prediction method. According to the characteristics that the time series trend of passenger flow has changed obviously due to the influence of COVID-19 epidemic situation in the example stations. BP structural breakpoint detection method was used to identify three structural breakpoints, and the time series segment with the closest passenger flow change trend to the forecast day was selected for empirical mode decomposition. The decomposed sequences were reorganized into high-frequency, low-frequency and trend sequences, and then the K-nearest neighbor algorithm considering weight was used to predict, and the final prediction results were obtained by superposition, and compared with the prediction results of single KNN algorithm and ARIMA model. The results show that the prediction accuracy of EMD-KNN combination algorithm is higher than that of single KNN algorithm and ARIMA model, and it can effectively capture the changing trend of passenger flow. © 2022, Editorial Department of Journal of Wuhan University of Technology. All right reserved.

Air quality improvement assessment and exposure risk of Shandong Province in China during 2014 to 2020.

As one of the most polluted provinces in China, air pollution events occur frequently in Shandong. Based on the hourly (or daily) concentrations of six air pollutants (PM2.5, PM10, O3, NO2, SO2 and CO), the situations of air quality improvement in three kinds of cities (key cities, coastal cities and general cities) are assessed comprehensively during 2014-2020. Contrary to the daily maximum 8-h average ozone (MDA8 O3), the annual average concentrations of other pollutants show the downward trends during 2014-2020. Therein, the improvement rates of annual average concentrations of air pollutants in key cities are highest. By 2020, the day proportions of O3 as the primary pollutant are up to 38% in three kinds of cities. Besides, due to the impact of COVID-19, the monthly average concentrations of PM2.5, PM10, NO2, SO2 and CO in February 2020 decrease by 32.1-49.5% year-on-year. There are still about 50% of population exposed to high-risk regions (R i > 2), which are mainly concentrated in main urban areas and industrial areas. Thus, the adjustment of industrial structure and energy composition in the context of carbon peak and carbon neutrality should be implemented in the future. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13762-022-04651-5.

Low Serum Albumin at Admission Is Associated with Mortality among Inpatients with Cirrhosis: A Multi-National Experience

Background: MELD and Child-Pugh scores have traditionally been used as prognostic indicators in patients with cirrhosis. Albumin infusions in outpatients have been associated with improved outcomes, but not in transplant waitlisted patients or inpatients. This aim of this study was to assess whether low serum albumin (sAlb) on admission alone is a poor prognostic indicator among cirrhotic inpatients from a new multi-national cohort. Method(s): The CLEARED study is a global study that enrolled consecutive non-electively admitted inpatients without organ transplant or COVID-19 from 6 continents. Admission demographics, medical history, laboratory data, inpatient course, death/hospice transfer and mortality at 30 days post-discharge were recorded. Patients were divided into 3 groups: sAlb <28gm/L(A), sAlb >=28 but <35gm/L (B), and sAlb>=35gm/L (C) were compared. Multi-variable logistic regression was performed using inpatient mortality and overall 30-day mortality as outcomes. Result(s): 2429 patients were enrolled from 21 countries worldwide. The distribution was A:49%, B:39%, C:12%. Gp A patients were significantly younger (54yrs vs. 57yrs vs 58yrs p<0.0001) but with similar gender distribution, and higher MELD-Na score of 25 vs. 20 vs. 17 (p<0.0001). Gp A patients were more likely to have alcohol as etiology of cirrhosis (49% vs. 45% vs 38%, p=0.004), and were more likely to have either infection (27% vs. 18% vs. 13%, p<0.0001), HE (39% vs. 33% vs. 23%, p=0.005) or fluid related issues as a reason for admission (p<0.0001). More patients in Gp A received albumin infusion during their hospital stay (120gm vs. 100gm vs. 100gm p=0.0004), mostly for the indications of AKI (47% vs. 49% vs. 47%, p=0.79) and performance of large volume paracentesis (44% vs. 42% vs. 41%, p=0.80), followed by bacterial peritonitis indication (22% vs. 17% vs. 11%, p=0.01). Group A patients had longer hospital stays (9 days vs. 8 days vs. 7 days (p<0.001), but similar ICU transfer (23% vs. 22% vs. 20%, p=0.55). group A patients were more likely to die while inpatients (19% vs. 11% vs. 5%, p<0.0001), or by 30 days post-discharge (29% vs. 20% vs. 9%, p<0.0001). Table shows the admission variables associated with a poor outcome. Conclusion(s): Hypoalbuminemia is extremely common among admitted cirrhotic patients, with sAlb of <28gm/L occurring in almost half. Together with MELD-Na score and infection at admission, a low sAlb is associated with a poor outcome in these patients. Future studies will need to validate these findings and to assess whether albumin infusions will improve the outcome of these patients. (Figure Presented).

Differences in Mortality Rates in Inpatients with Cirrhosis Depends on the Low, Middle or High Income Country Location: Multi-National Cleared Consortium Experience

Background: Although cirrhosis is a major cause of mortality worldwide, there could be disparities in outcomes. This needs a global consortium to study disparities in inpatient cirrhosis care Aim: Define the impact of location in prediction of outcomes in inpts with cirrhosis. Method(s): CLEARED prospectively enrolled non-electively admitted cirrhosis pts without COVID from all continents. To ensure equity, we allowed only 50 pts/site. Admission details, cirrhosis history, inpatient & 30-day course were recorded. World bank classification of low/low middle income (LMI), upper middle (UMI) & High income (HI) were used. Cirrhosis details, inpatient & 30-day outcomes were compared between groups. Multi-variable regression was performed using inpatient & 30-day mortality as outcomes. Result(s): 2758 pts from 21 countries from all continents, including Africa & Australia, were included.727 were L/LMI, 1050 UMI & 981 pts were from HICs. More men & younger pts were in LMI. Cirrhosis details: More pts in HI gp had 6M hospitalizations & infections, HE & ascites while prior variceal bleeding was higher in LMI . Prior HCC & transplant listings were lower in LMI but similar in UMI/HI. Alcohol & NASH was highest in HI. Viral hepatitis & cryptogenic were highest in UMI.Admissions: Admission MELD was highest in LMI. LMI pts were admitted more for GI Bleed, HE, & DILI, while anasarca & HBV flares were higher in UMI. Higher SBP (36% vs 24% vs 21% p<0.0001) & lowest skin/soft-tissue infections were in LMI (5% vs 5% vs 10% p=0.008);rest were similar. Nosocomial infections, driven by UTI were highest in LMI & HI pts (15% vs 14% vs 11% UMI, p=0.03). Admission diuretics, PPIs, Lactulose & statins were highest & antivirals lower in HI. SBP prophylaxis & rifaximin were highest in LMI pts. Outcome(s): More LMI pts needed ICU & had more organ failures (Fig B). Discharge MELD was highest in LMI. In-hospital mortality was highest & transplant lowest in LMI. This extended to 30-day mortality & transplant in LMI patients vs HI pts.Regression: In-hospital mortality was linked with age, infections, MELD & being in a LMI/UMI vs HIC while being on a transplant list, diabetes, & SBP prophylaxis were protective (Fig C). 30-day mortality predicted by age, ascites, HCC, discharge MELD, organ failures, LMI/UMI vs HIC but rifaximin was protective(Fig D). In-hospital transplant was higher with high MELD, admission rifaximin & listed pts &lower in LMI (OR 0.26) & UMI (OR 0.22) & age. 30-day transplant was higher in those with hyponatremia, ascites & HRS, on the list & on rifaximin and lower in LMI (OR 0.24) & UMI (OR 0.59) vs HI. Conclusion(s): In a global study of inpatients with cirrhosis, there were major differences in outcomes. Not being in a high-income country significantly increased the risk of inpatient and 30-day mortality independent of demographics, medications, in-hospital course, and cirrhosis severity likely due to disparities in access to transplant, which should be accounted for in global models. (Figure Presented).

Network Pharmacology, Molecular Docking and Molecular Dynamics Simulation Studies of the Molecular Targets and Mechanisms of ChuanKeZhi in the Treatment of COVID-19

Objectives: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has had a global impact and is spreading quickly. ChuanKeZhi injection (CKZI) is widely used in asthma patients. In this paper, we aimed to explore active compounds of CKZ and determine potential mechanisms against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) through network pharmacology, molecular docking and dynamic simulation studies. Materials and Methods: We used the Systematic Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCMSP) to screen active compounds and potential target proteins of CKZ. COVID-19 target genes were screened via the American National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) gene database and human gene database (GeenCards). The protein interaction network was constructed by the Protein Interaction Network Database (Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes/Proteins (STRING)) platform. GO enrichment analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis were performed by the Metascape database. The main active compounds of CKZ were docked with angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), spike protein S1, and SARS-CoV-2-3CL pro and also docked with hub targets. We performed molecular dynamics (MD) simulation studies for validation. Results: We finally obtained 207 CKZ potential targets and 4681 potential COVID-19 targets. Key targets included mainly AKT1, TNF, IL6, VEGFA, IL1B, TP53, JUN, CASP3, etc. There were 217 Gene Ontology (GO) items in the GO enrichment analysis (p < 0.05). The main KEGG pathways included the advanced glycation end products (AGE)- receptor for AGE (RAGE) signalling pathway in diabetic complications, rheumatoid arthritis, chemical carcinogenesis-receptor activation, alcoholic liver disease, etc. Molecular docking and dynamics simulation studies both exhibited great binding capacity. Conclusions: Network pharmacology, molecular docking and dynamics simulation studies were used to identify the potential and key targets, pharmacological functions, and therapeutic mechanisms of CKZI in the treatment of COVID-19. CKZI may be an effective and safe drug in COVID-19 treatment. However, further work is needed for validation.

Effect of garlic essential oil in 97 patients hospitalized with covid-19: A multi-center experience

To observe the synergistic effect of garlic essential oil in patients with novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19), in addition to the routine treatment, we used garlic essential oil in COVID-19 patients with mild to moderate symptoms and compared their results to those of patients who did not receive the essential oil. We conducted a quasi-experimental study with COVID-19 patients from 3 hospitals. In the experimental group, 97 patients received garlic essential oil combined with conventional treatment. In the control group, 100 patients received only the conventional treatment for COVID-19. The effectiveness and safety of the garlic essential oil were assessed. Compared to the control group, the group receiving garlic essential oil showed a shorter duration of symptoms, shorter time to negative nucleic acid testing (NAT) results and shorter time to improvement on the computed tomography (CT). In the same period, the experimental group showed an increase in the rate of the disappearance of symptoms and the improvement rates of NAT and CT. Due to its effectiveness and safety in patients with COVID-19, garlic essential oil is recommended as a preventive measure or a supportive therapy during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Association of Knowledge with COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy Under Emergency: A Nationally Study in China

Identifying and understanding the hesitancy degree of public COVID-19 vaccine in emergency may be helpful to the dissemination of vaccine-related public health information. Through a survey among the adult population of Chinese mainland (N = 1080) after the COVID-19 vaccine was approved for mass vaccination, it is found that although more than 80% of the public (87.8%) have a low hesitancy attitude towards COVID-19 vaccine, a considerable number of people still have a medium hesitancy and a high hesitancy attitude towards COVID-19 vaccine (the middle hesitancy rate is 9.8% and the high hesitancy rate is 2.4%). By multiple logistic regression, the subjective and objective knowledge levels of medium-high hesitancy group and low hesitancy group in COVID-19 vaccine were compared. The results showed that there were significant differences in subjective and objective knowledge levels between medium-high hesitancy group and low-hesitancy group in COVID-19 vaccine. Compared with those with low hesitancy, those with medium and high hesitancy have lower subjective knowledge level and objective knowledge level. The influence of subjective knowledge level on public vaccine hesitancy is significantly greater than that of objective knowledge. In addition, through multiple linear regression, the study found that the information channel had a significant impact on the public's subjective and objective knowledge. Receiving vaccine information from television, web pages, health professionals, health departments can promote subjective knowledge and objective knowledge, while receiving vaccine information from family and friends reduces subjective knowledge and objective knowledge. Considering the geographical location of the population in this study, the research results in this paper cannot be extended to the public in other countries. However, the method used in this paper is helpful for researchers to understand the hesitancy degree of COVID-19 vaccines in other places and its relationship with the public knowledge level of COVID-19 vaccines. © 2022, The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.

Blockchain-Enabled Federated Learning for UAV Edge Computing Network: Issues and Solutions

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) extend the traditional ground-based Internet of Things (IoT) into the air. UAV mobile edge computing (MEC) architectures have been proposed by integrating UAVs into MEC networks during the current novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) era. UAV mobile edge computing (MEC) shares personal data with external parties (such as edge servers) during intelligent medical analytics. However, this technique raises privacy concerns about patients' health data. More recently, the concept of federal learning (FL) has been set up to protect mobile user data privacy. Compared to traditional machine learning, federated learning requires a decentralized distribution system to enhance trust for UAVs. Blockchain technology provides a secure and reliable solution for FL settings between multiple untrusted parties with anonymous, immutable, and distributed features. Therefore, blockchain-enabled FL provides both theories and techniques to improve the performance of intelligent UAV edge computing networks from various perspectives. This survey begins by discussing the current state of research on blockchain and FL. Then, compare the leading technologies and limitations. Second, we will discuss how to integrate blockchain and FL into UAV edge computing networks and the associated challenges and solutions. Finally, we discuss the fundamental research challenges and future directions.

Studies on the development and performance of low temperature cationic antibacterial hygroscopic and fast drying polyester fabric

As the functional textiles market expands rapidly, people's requirements and focus on functional textiles have shifted to multi-functional, cost-effective, and high standards. Meanwhile, the continuously rampant COVID-19 epidemic has greatly increased the demands for antibacterial and antiviral functional textiles. As the most widely produced and sold artificial fibre, traditional PET fabric has some disadvantages: easy to gather static electricity, poor moisture-penetrability, and poor colourability. This study aims to develop a low temperature cationic dyeable environmentally-friendly PET fabric with bacteriostatic and fast-drying functions, and to increase the product added value, thereby meeting the ever-growing consumption needs. A multi-functional polyester fibre with antibacterial, hydroscopic and fast-drying functions is developed using modified low-temperature cationic dyeable cross-sectional polyester filament yarn and antibacterialpolyester filament yarn. A series of low-temperature cationic dyeable fabrics with hydroscopic, quick-drying and antibacterial properties were prepared by cross orthogonal method. The cross-sectional polyester fibre as a profiled sectional product has multiple grooves longitudinally, greatly increasing its specific surface. The fibres and filament yarns have excellent breathability, moisture permeability, and dyeability. Adding antibacterial masterbatch to PET antibacterial polyester during spinning can achieve reliable antibacterial performance of the fibre layer, which has advantages of good laundering durability, easy production and excellent antibacterial property. In this study, cross-section polyester filament yarn is used as the warp yarn of the fabric. The weft yarn adopts alternative weft knitting between cross-sectional polyester filament yarn andantibacterial polyester filament yarn, with the weft knitting ratio of 1:0, 1:4, 1:3, 1:2, 1:1, 2:1, 3:1 and 4:1, respectively. The warp density is 650 ends/10 cm, and the weft density is 450 picks/10 cm. The satin weave structure is selected in the experiment for better hand feeling and appearance of the fabric, and to meet the requirements of product hydroscopic and antibacterial application. Its hydroscopic and fast-drying properties are evaluated by measuring its wicking height, dripping diffusion rate, water absorption and evaporation rate, moisture permeability etc. The oscillation method is used to determine the fabric antibacterial properties against Escherichia Coli and Staphylococcus Aureus. TOPSIS integrated algorithm is used to analyze the optimal process. The results show that the interwoven fabric has excellent bacteriostatic performance, and the antibacterial rate of all samples exceeds 70%. At the same time, the fabric has excellent moisture absorption and fast drying performance;the dripping diffusion time is less than 5 seconds, the average water absorption rate exceeds 150% and the average evaporation rate is more than 90% in 20 minutes. Besides, it is found that the higher weft yarn ration of the cross-sectional hydroscopic and fast-drying polyester, the better hydroscopic fast-drying performance of the fabric. The interwoven fabric obtained through TOPSIS algorithm method with cross-sectional polyester/antibacterial polyester proportion of 1:4 has the optimal comprehensive performance. Experimental results show that this process can effectively solve polyester fabric disadvantages of poor moisture-penetrability, tendeny to gather static electricity, and poor colourability and add excellent bacteriostatic performance. The alternative weft knitting between hydroscopic fast-drying polyester and antibacterial polyester, and TOPSIS comprehensive analysis method can help effectively develop multi-functional fabrics. Besides, adding other functional fibre or yarns on this basis is conductive to achieving other functions like ultraviolet protection, deodorization, skin care, etc. The research results of this study can provide a reference for the design of functional textiles. © 2022 China Silk Association. All ights reserved.

Antibody responses to SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in patients with acute leukaemia and highrisk MDS on active anti-cancer therapies

Patients with haematological malignancies, such as acute leukaemia (AL) and high-risk MDS (HRMDS), have significantly increased mortality and morbidity from COVID-19 but vaccine efficacy in these patients remains to be fully established. To date, seroconversion rates following SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in patients with AL and HR-MDS have been reported in small numbers within large retrospective studies, with most not receiving active treatment We characterised the serological responses of patients with AL and HR-MDS who are receiving anti-cancer therapy and were vaccinated within the UK vaccination and programme, receiving two doses of either BNT162b2 or ChAdOx1nCoV-19. Fifty-five patients (35 AML [64%], 14 ALL [25%], 6 HRMDS [11%]), underwent serological testing for anti-S antibody levels after receiving 2 SARS-CoV-2 vaccine doses (71% BNT162b2, 16% ChAdOx1nCoV-19, 13%unknown), between December 2020 and July 2021, Table 1. Serological testing was performed per clinical practice using the Roche Elecsys anti-SARS-CoV-2 S enzyme immunoassay (seropositive results being 0.8 U/ml and upper limit >2500 U/ml). The median age was 53 (range 18-76) and 53 patients (96%) were receiving SACT. Serological testing for anti-N antibodies performed on 48 patients (87%) identified 11 (20%) seropositive patients, indicative of previous natural infection. Fifty (91%) were seropositive for anti-S antibodies after two doses (median 43 days [range 4-133] post dose), of these, 33 (60%) were tested following dose 1 (median 36 days [range 24-86]). 76% were seropositive after dose 1, with median antibody titres 7.88 U/ml (IQR 0.7-2.37). This rose to 91% following dose 2, with median 333 U/ml (IQR 27.5-1821). Higher rates of seropositivity are observed in AML/HR-MDS patients (95%) compared to ALL (79%). Patients with AML/HR-MDS also showed a significant increased seropositivity (95%) and titres following dose 2 (median 352 U/ml [IQR 89.95-2116], p = 0.0003), compared to patients with ALL who showed no increase (median 8.395 [IQR 2.335-669.3]). To precisely define seroconversion rates, we excluded patients with anti-N antibodies (indicative of previous SARSCoV-2 infection). SARS-CoV-2 naïve patients with AML/ HR-MDS had higher seroconversion rates and median anti-S antibody titres compared to ALL (median 291 U/ml [IQR 87.03-1771] vs. 5.06 U/ml [1.69-175.6], p = 0.005) and also showed significant increases in titres between post dose 1 and 2 dose titres, not seen in ALL. Patients with previous SARS-CoV-2 infection (anti-N positive) had higher antibody titres, following vaccination in AML/MDS (median 2500 U/ ml [IQR 141-2500]) compared to ALL (median 1541 U/ml [IQR 574.5-2500]), although not statistically significant. There was no significant difference in anti-S antibody response to vaccination in patients treated with intensive or non-intensive AML therapy but significantly reduced anti-S antibody titres were present in patients who received venetoclax-based regimens compared to other therapies ( n = 20, median 158.5 U/ml [IQR 34.85-873] vs. n = 19 median 796 U/ml [IQR 132-2500] p = 0.04). Patients with AML and HR-MDS on SACT are able to generate robust serological responses to SARS-CoV-2 infection but this is not the case for all patients following vaccination. Understanding impact of disease subtypes and therapy on vaccine response is pertinent, as decisions on modifying or delaying treatment in the context of either SARS-CoV-2 infection or vaccination require a clear evidence base. (Table Presented).

Autoantibodies and Severity of COVID-19 in Lung Transplant Recipients

Purpose COVID-19 in lung transplant recipients (LTR) results in case-fatality rate of 10-46%. Disease severity is variable and it is unclear why certain groups of patients develop severe disease. Recent report suggests that 10% of patients with life threatening COVID-19 have auto-antibodies (AAbs) against type 1 interferons (IFN-1) but very few describe their impact in LTR. We therefore sought to identify AAbs in LTR with COVID-19 by using a customized proteomic microarray (CPM) bearing 120 antigens. Methods We retrieved samples collected for routine care within 3 months prior to and after diagnosis of COVID-19 of 13 LTR. IgA and IgG AAbs were analyzed using CPM. Predefined antibody score (ab-score) was used for downstream analysis. COVID severity was defined as per center for disease control guidelines. Changes in ab-scores from pre- to post-COVID were assessed via Wilcoxon signed-rank tests;association between continuous variables and AAbs using Spearman's correlation. Linear mixed-effects models were used to analyze the association between changes in AAbs pre- to post-COVID and COVID severity. Results Among 13 LTR COVID severity was moderate (n=6), severe (n=4) and critical (n=3). Levels of 76 IgA antibodies and 9 IgG antibodies increased between pre and post covid samples (FDR adjusted p<0.05). In exploratory analysis, antibody response over time for one IgA antibody (IgA Nucleosome) and four IgG AAbs correlated with higher COVID severity (unadjusted p<0.05). IFN lambda is an antiviral cytokine and AAbs to it correlated with COVID severity (p=0.031). Such AAbs are shown to block the ability to block SARS-CoV-2 in vitro. No significant differences were observed in antibody response in the groups who were alive (n=9) versus deceased (n=4) and three inflammatory markers, ferritin, D dimer and absolute lymphocyte count. Conclusion Change in antibody response of five AAbs correlated with COVID severity in a small group of LTR. The results of this study are considered exploratory and need further validation.

Epidemiology of COVID-19 Breakthrough Infections in Dallas County, Texas, 2021

Background. From March 2020 through May 2021, Dallas County reported a total of 304,056 cases of COVID-19, including 4,073 deaths. During the month of December 2020, a post-holiday surge of cases led to peak daily average case rates of over 50 cases per 100,000. COVID-19 cases and deaths have since declined substantially following the rollout of COVID-19 vaccine delivery. As of June 8, 2021, about 1,831,588 Dallas County residents have received at least one COVID-19 vaccine dose and 910,067 are fully vaccinated. Recent county integration of immunization and case databases enabled identification and analysis of COVID-19 breakthrough infections. Methods. A COVID-19 breakthrough infection was defined as a positive test (PCR or antigen) collected from an individual ≥ 14 days after receiving the full series of an FDA-authorized COVID-19 vaccine. Nationally, 10,262 vaccine breakthrough infections had been reported from 46 US states and territories, through April 2021. Vaccine breakthrough cases were reviewed and medical records ed to collect demographic information, clinical characteristics, and medical conditions. Data analysis was performed using R, version 4.0.2 (2020). Results. Of the 700 vaccine breakthrough cases reported in Dallas County residents as of June 8, 2021, 304 (43%) were male and 396 (57%) female, with an average age of 53 years. The majority of the vaccine breakthrough cases were White (42%);25% were Hispanic/Latino;and 20% were Black. Almost all breakthrough cases were confirmed with PCR testing, with 451 (64%) cases receiving the Pfizer vaccine. Of breakthrough cases, 49% were symptomatic;52% (358) had underlying conditions including: tobacco use, obesity, or immunocompromised state;68 (10%) were hospitalized;and 11 (1.6%) died. Whole genome sequencing was performed on 51 cases, with 14 (27.5%) variants identified, including: eight B.1.1.7, two B.1.429 and one P.1 variants. Conclusion. Despite the high levels of vaccine efficacy documented in US vaccine trials, COVID-19 breakthrough infections, though currently uncommon, do occur and are important to investigate. Ongoing close public health surveillance of variants is needed to discern changes in patterns of vaccine efficacy and characteristics of populations at greatest risk of severe disease from COVID-19.

Clinical Features and Outcomes of Patients with COVID-19 After Discharge: A Retrospective, Multi-center Study

BACKGROUND: The follow-up data of discharged patients with coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) have not yet been fully analyzed and reported. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical features, test results, and outcomes of COVID-19 patients after discharge. METHODS: 149 COVID-19 patients with follow-up data after discharge were included. Post-hospitalization data related to clinical features and outcomes were obtained by following the patients up to 6 weeks. RESULTS: The COVID-19 patients were followed for a median of 28.0 days (range of 22 days to 42 days) after discharge from hospital. At the end of follow-up, four patients (2.7%) still had cough. The proportions of leukopenia and lymphopenia were 7.4% and 4.7%, respectively. The proportions of ALT, AST, and Cr abnormalities were 26.2%, 6.0%, and 0%, respectively. Abnormal chest CT was detected in 94 (63.1%) patients, including 14 (9.4%) unilateral pneumonia and 80 (53.7%) bilateral pneumonia. However, the proportion of chest CT abnormality significantly decreased compared to that at the time of admission. CONCLUSIONS: One month after discharge, few patients with COVID-19 had clinical symptoms;however, a substantial proportion of COVID-19 patients harbored abnormal laboratory and radiological examinations. Moderately long-term medical follow-up would justifiably benefit COVID-19 patients after discharge.

Development of Innovative, Adaptable Video Learning Modules for the Civil Engineering Classroom

As engineering and technology continue to evolve, so should the use of such innovations in engineering pedagogy. Standard course learning modules have not often utilized technology to assist in learning of engineering principles and concepts;that is, until the COVID-19 pandemic required teachers and students to use technology more frequently in a virtual teaching/learning environment. Therefore, it is even more critical now that engineering pedagogy be adapted to incorporate technology in the classroom to enhance student learning of complex engineering concepts. In this study, a team of Civil Engineering professors has set out to incorporate technology into their classrooms to help students gain a stronger understanding of the fundamental building blocks of Civil Engineering. A series of comprehensive educational video and simulation-based learning modules were created for the Civil Engineering subdisciplines of environmental, geotechnical, transportation, and structural engineering. The development and implementation of such technology-based learning modules offer new opportunities to teach students the complex concepts of Civil Engineering through visual means. The efficacy of the learning modules were evaluated through student assessment surveys for: (1) the appropriateness of the module in aiding the introduction of course content, (2) the effectiveness of the module in enhancing student understanding of course content, and (3) the overall perception of students of the module. Implementation of the modules into the classroom has shown that students responded positively to the modules, referencing the modules as both engaging and comprehensive in aiding their understanding of course content. © American Society for Engineering Education, 2021

Evaluating participant and coordinator satisfaction with telephone assessments

BACKGROUND: In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Alzheimer's Disease Research Center (ADRC) at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai began conducting evaluations for the National Alzheimer's Coordinating Center Uniform Data Set (NACC UDS) by telephone in March 2020. The ADRC designed a survey to evaluate participant and research coordinator satisfaction with telephone evaluations. METHOD: Following UDS evaluations, participants rated their satisfaction on 5 items: voice quality on telephone, respect for privacy, degree of comfort using the telephone, and confidence that the information collected was accurate. Coordinators were asked to gauge their satisfaction on similar items. To calculate satisfaction scores, responses were assigned values: "Very" = 3, "Fairly" = 2, and "Not at all" = 1. Maximum satisfaction score was 15 for participants and 18 for coordinators. RESULT: Data was available for 130 participants evaluated by telephone between March 2020 and January 2021. Of these, 68.5% were female, 53.7% were white, with an average age of 76.4 and 16 years of education. 74% of participants had a Global Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR) score of 0;22% CDR 0.5;4% CDR 1. Participants with CDR >1 were evaluated by caregiver interviews without testing, and those with CDR=1 were offered testing at the discretion of their family and examiners. Average total satisfaction rating was 14.2/15 for participants and 16.8/18 for coordinators. 98% of participants felt their privacy was "very" respected (mean 2.98/3). When looking at global CDR scores, 89.6% of participants with CDR=0 and 88.2% with CDR ≥0.5 were "very" confident in the accuracy of the information collected. In contrast, coordinators were "very" confident in the accuracy of their evaluation 84.4% of the time when participants had a CDR=0 and 67.7% of the time when participants had a CDR ≥0.5. CONCLUSION: Overall satisfaction with telephone evaluations was high, but participant and coordinator confidence in the accuracy of assessments varied, with coordinator satisfaction lower for more cognitively impaired participants. Future work will analyze satisfaction with ongoing remote assessments and evaluate the impact of additional demographic and diagnostic variables. © 2021 the Alzheimer's Association.

RECENT JUDICIAL DECISIONS OF INTEREST TO ENERGY LAWYERS

Last year's submission canvassed judicial decisions that were released prior to, and post-implementation of COVID-19 restrictions. The advent of COVID-19 caused unprecedented economic and social disruption and no industry or social institution was immune to its effect. Alberta was already attempting to manage one of the highest unemployment rates among the provinces when the COVID-19 pandemic exacted its multi-faceted toll. One aspect was a serious decline in the demand for oil, which further impacted oil prices, and the very manner in which energy industry participants would operate in the near and longer terms. The judiciary, and the broader legal system, suffered no less an impact, and extraordinary measures were taken to maintain the rule of law and preserve meaningful access to justice. Not withstanding the extraordinary circumstances all have endured since March 2020, many reported decisions of significance to energy industry participants have been released by Canadian courts over the past year. This article summarizes a selection of key decisions covering developments in the Canadian law of contract, energy, environment, insolvency, Aboriginal, employment and labour, minority shareholder's rights, as well as developments in civil litigation procedure. In each topic area the identified cases are reviewed with respect to their facts, a summary of the decision, and a brief commentary as to the implications or general significance of the case.