Forty years of struggle in North Carolina: Workplace segregation and fatal occupational injury rates

OBJECTIVE

To assess workplace segregation in fatal occupational injury from 1992 to 2017 in North Carolina.

METHODS

We calculated occupational fatal injury rates within categories of occupation, industry, race, age, and sex; and estimated expected numbers of fatalities among Black and Hispanic male workers had they experienced the rates of White male workers. We also estimated the contribution of workforce segregation to disparities by estimating the expected number of fatalities among Black and Hispanic male workers had they experienced the industry and occupation patterns of White male workers. We assessed person-years of life-lost, using North Carolina life expectancy estimates.

RESULTS

Hispanic workers contributed 32% of their worker-years and experienced 58% of their fatalities in construction. Black workers were most overrepresented in the food manufacturing industry. Hispanic males experienced 2.11 (95% CI: 1.86-2.40) times the mortality rate of White males. The Black-White and Hispanic-White disparities were widest among workers aged 45 and older, and segregation into more dangerous industries and occupations played a substantial role in driving disparities. Hispanic workers who suffered occupational fatalities lost a median 47 life-years, compared to 37 among Black workers and 36 among White workers.

CONCLUSIONS

If Hispanic and Black workers experienced the workplace safety of their White counterparts, fatal injury rates would be substantially reduced. Workforce segregation reflects structural racism, which also contributes to mortality disparities. Root causes must be addressed to eliminate disparities.

Urban segregation on multilayered transport networks: a random walk approach

We present a novel method for analysing socio-spatial segregation in cities by considering constraints imposed by transportation networks. Using a multilayered network approach, we model the interaction probabilities of socio-economic groups with random walks and Lévy flights. This method allows for evaluation of new transport infrastructure's impact on segregation while quantifying each network's contribution to interaction opportunities. The proposed random walk segregation index measures the probability of individuals encountering diverse social groups based on their available means of transit via random walks. The index incorporates temporal constraints in urban mobility with a parameter, α ∈ [ 0 , 1 ) , of the probability of the random walk continuing at each time step. By applying this to a toy model and conducting a sensitivity analysis, we explore how the index changes dependent on this temporal constraint. When the parameter equals zero, the measure simplifies to an isolation index. When the parameter approaches one it represents the city's overall socio-economic distribution by mirroring the steady-state of the random walk process. Using Cuenca, Ecuador as a case study, we illustrate the method's applicability in transportation planning as a valuable tool for policymakers, addressing spatial distribution of socio-economic groups and the connectivity of existing transport networks, thus promoting equitable interactions throughout the city.

Achievement of Target Gain Larger than Unity in an Inertial Fusion Experiment

On December 5, 2022, an indirect drive fusion implosion on the National Ignition Facility (NIF) achieved a target gain G_{target} of 1.5. This is the first laboratory demonstration of exceeding "scientific breakeven" (or G_{target}>1) where 2.05 MJ of 351 nm laser light produced 3.1 MJ of total fusion yield, a result which significantly exceeds the Lawson criterion for fusion ignition as reported in a previous NIF implosion [H. Abu-Shawareb et al. (Indirect Drive ICF Collaboration), Phys. Rev. Lett. 129, 075001 (2022)PRLTAO0031-900710.1103/PhysRevLett.129.075001]. This achievement is the culmination of more than five decades of research and gives proof that laboratory fusion, based on fundamental physics principles, is possible. This Letter reports on the target, laser, design, and experimental advancements that led to this result.

The prFMNH2-binding chaperone LpdD assists UbiD decarboxylase activation

The UbiD enzyme family of prenylated flavin (prFMN)-dependent reversible decarboxylases is near ubiquitously present in microbes. For some UbiD family members, enzyme activation through prFMNH2 binding and subsequent oxidative maturation of the cofactor readily occurs, both in vivo in a heterologous host and through in vitro reconstitution. However, isolation of the active holo-enzyme has proven intractable for others, notably the canonical Escherichia coli UbiD. We show that E. coli heterologous expression of the small protein LpdD-associated with the UbiD-like gallate decarboxylase LpdC from Lactobacillus plantarum-unexpectedly leads to 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid decarboxylation whole-cell activity. This activity was shown to be linked to endogenous E. coli ubiD expression levels. The crystal structure of the purified LpdD reveals a dimeric protein with structural similarity to the eukaryotic heterodimeric proteasome assembly chaperone Pba3/4. Solution studies demonstrate that LpdD protein specifically binds to reduced prFMN species only. The addition of the LpdD-prFMNH2 complex supports reconstitution and activation of the purified E. coli apo-UbiD in vitro, leading to modest 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid decarboxylation. These observations suggest that LpdD acts as a prFMNH2-binding chaperone, enabling apo-UbiD activation through enhanced prFMNH2 incorporation and subsequent oxidative maturation. Hence, while a single highly conserved flavin prenyltransferase UbiX is found associated with UbiD enzymes, our observations suggest considerable diversity in UbiD maturation, ranging from robust autocatalytic to chaperone-mediated processes. Unlocking the full (de)carboxylation scope of the UbiD-enzyme family will thus require more than UbiX coexpression.

Forty-year trends in fatal occupational injuries in North Carolina

BACKGROUND

We describe progress in the control of deaths on-the-job due to fatal occupational injury in North Carolina over the period 1978-2017.

METHODS

Forty years of information on fatal occupational injuries in North Carolina has been assembled from medical examiners' reports and death certificates, supplemented by newspaper and police reports. Cases were defined as unintentional fatal occupational injuries among adults. Annual estimates of the population at risk were derived from US Census data, and rates were quantified using Poisson regression methods.

RESULTS

There were 4434 eligible deaths. The unintentional fatal occupational injury rate at the beginning of the study period was more than threefold the rate at the end of the study. The fatal occupational injury rate among men declined from 9.6 per 100,000 worker-years in the period 1978-1982 to 3.1 per 100,000 worker-years in the period 2013-2017. The fatal occupational injury rate among women declined from 0.3 per 100,000 worker-years in the period 1978-1981 to 0.1 per 100,000 worker-years in the period 2013-2017. Declines in rates were observed for young adults as well as older workers and were observed across all major industry categories. Average annual declines in rates were greatest in those industries and occupations that had the highest fatal injury rates at the start of the study period.

CONCLUSIONS

The substantial decline in fatal injury rates underscores the importance of injury prevention and demonstrates the ability to make meaningful reductions in unintentional fatal injury.

Space object identification and classification from hyperspectral material analysis

This paper presents a data processing pipeline designed to extract information from the hyperspectral signature of unknown space objects. The methodology proposed in this paper determines the material composition of space objects from single pixel images. Two techniques are used for material identification and classification: one based on machine learning and the other based on a least square match with a library of known spectra. From this information, a supervised machine learning algorithm is used to classify the object into one of several categories based on the detection of materials on the object. The behaviour of the material classification methods is investigated under non-ideal circumstances, to determine the effect of weathered materials, and the behaviour when the training library is missing a material that is present in the object being observed. Finally the paper will present some preliminary results on the identification and classification of space objects.

Lawson Criterion for Ignition Exceeded in an Inertial Fusion Experiment

For more than half a century, researchers around the world have been engaged in attempts to achieve fusion ignition as a proof of principle of various fusion concepts. Following the Lawson criterion, an ignited plasma is one where the fusion heating power is high enough to overcome all the physical processes that cool the fusion plasma, creating a positive thermodynamic feedback loop with rapidly increasing temperature. In inertially confined fusion, ignition is a state where the fusion plasma can begin "burn propagation" into surrounding cold fuel, enabling the possibility of high energy gain. While "scientific breakeven" (i.e., unity target gain) has not yet been achieved (here target gain is 0.72, 1.37 MJ of fusion for 1.92 MJ of laser energy), this Letter reports the first controlled fusion experiment, using laser indirect drive, on the National Ignition Facility to produce capsule gain (here 5.8) and reach ignition by nine different formulations of the Lawson criterion.

The power of feeling seen: perspectives of individuals with eating disorders on receiving validation

BACKGROUND

A common complaint of individuals suffering from mental health conditions is feeling invalidated or misunderstood by care providers. This is notable, given that non-collaborative care has been linked to poor engagement, low motivation and treatment non-adherence. This study examined how receiving validation from care providers is experienced by individuals who have an eating disorder (ED) and the impact of receiving validation on the recovery journey.

METHODS

Eighteen individuals who had an eating disorder for an average duration of 19.1 years (two identifying as male, 16 identifying as female), participated in semi-structured interviews on barriers and facilitators to self-compassion. Seven were fully recovered, and 11 were currently participating in recovery-focused residential treatment. Thematic analysis focused on the meaning and impact of receiving validation to participants.

RESULTS

Five care provider actions were identified: (i) making time and space for me, (ii) offering a compassionate perspective, (iii) understanding and recognizing my treatment needs, (iv) showing me I can do this, and (v) walking the runway. These were associated with four key experiences (feeling trust, cared for, empowered, and inspired), that participants described as supportive of their recovery.

CONCLUSIONS

This research provides insight into patient perspectives of validation and strategies care providers can use, such as compassionate reframing of difficult life experiences, matching interventions to patient readiness, and modeling vulnerability.

Identifying ecological production functions for use in ecosystem services-based environmental risk assessment of chemicals

There is increasing research interest in the application of the ecosystem services (ES) concept in the environmental risk assessment of chemicals to support formulating and operationalising regulatory environmental protection goals and making environmental risk assessment more policy- and value-relevant. This requires connecting ecosystem structure and processes to ecosystem function and henceforth to provision of ecosystem goods and services and their economic valuation. Ecological production functions (EPFs) may help to quantify these connections in a transparent manner and to predict ES provision based on function-related descriptors for service providing species, communities, ecosystems or habitats. We review scientific literature for EPFs to evaluate availability across provisioning and regulation and maintenance services (CICES v5.1 classification). We found quantitative production functions for nearly all ES, often complemented with economic valuation of physical or monetary flows. We studied the service providing units in these EPFs to evaluate the potential for extrapolation of toxicity data for test species obtained from standardised testing to ES provision. A broad taxonomic representation of service providers was established, but quantitative models directly linking standard test species to ES provision were extremely scarce. A pragmatic way to deal with this data gap would be the use of proxies for related taxa and stepwise functional extrapolation to ES provision and valuation, which we conclude possible for most ES. We suggest that EPFs may be used in defining specific protection goals (SPGs), and illustrate, using pollination as an example, the availability of information for the ecological entity and attribute dimensions of SPGs. Twenty-five pollination EPFs were compiled from the literature for biological entities ranging from 'colony' to 'habitat', with 75% referring to 'functional group'. With about equal representation of the attributes 'function', 'abundance' and 'diversity', SPGs for pollination therefore would seem best substantiated by EPFs at the level of functional group.

Discovery and Toxicological Profiling of Aminopyridines as Orally Bioavailable Selective Inhibitors of PI3-Kinase γ

Using a novel physiologically relevant in vitro human whole blood neutrophil shape change assay, an aminopyrazine series of selective PI3Kγ inhibitors was identified and prioritized for further optimization. Severe solubility limitations associated with the series leading to low oral bioavailability and poor exposures, especially at higher doses, were overcome by moving to an aminopyridine core. Compound 33, with the optimal balance of on-target activity, selectivity, and pharmacokinetic parameters, progressed into in vivo studies and demonstrated good efficacy (10 mg/kg) in a rat model of airway inflammation. Sufficient exposures were achieved at high doses to support toxicological studies, where unexpected inflammatory cell infiltrates in cardiovascular tissue prevented further compound development.

P–416 Radiotherapy inflicts long-term damage upon the uterus, causing uterine artery endothelial dysfunction and pregnancy loss in mice

Study question

Does the uterus sustain direct and long-term damage following radiotherapy, independent of ovarian damage?

Summary answer

Radiotherapy causes direct and long-term uterine damage. Ovariectomised and hormonally supplemented mice experience uterine artery endothelial dysfunction and pregnancy loss following transfer of healthy blastocysts.

What is known already

The detrimental off-target impacts of cancer therapies on the ovary are well established, with some fertility preservation techniques available to ensure patients maintain their fertility following gonadotoxic treatment. Low doses of radiotherapy kill the majority of primordial follicle oocytes in the ovary, reducing the ovarian reserve and fertile lifespan. Patients who have received radiotherapy experience higher rates of pregnancy complications including preterm birth, low birth weight, and stillbirth. However, no studies have investigated if radiation inflicts direct, fertility compromising damage to the uterus.

Study design, size, duration

Adolescent female mice were untreated or exposed to whole body y-irradiation (7Gy), then ovariectomised. Immediate damage was assessed up to 24 hours post-irradiation (n = 4/group). Four weeks following treatment, mice were hormone primed to induce endometrial receptivity (n = 7/group), artificial decidualisation (n = 7–8/group), or receive embryo transfers from healthy, unexposed donor mice to assess embryo implantation (n = 11–13/group), and mid-gestation development (n = 8–10/group).

Participants/materials, setting, methods

Four week old C57BL6/CBA (F1) female mice were used for this study. Immunofluorescence and in situ hybridisation were utilised to localise markers of immediate DNA damage and cell death following irradiation, and markers of receptivity in hormone primed uteri. Measurements of uterine artery blood flow were recorded using Doppler ultrasonography, and indices of pulsatility and resistance calculated. Uterine artery wire myography was performed to assess competency of endothelial and smooth muscle compartments following irradiation.

Main results and the role of chance

Within 24 hours of irradiation, DNA damage (yH2AX) and apoptosis (Puma/TUNEL) were elevated in uteri, compared to control. Irradiated mice that received embryo transfers from untreated donors had similar numbers of implantation sites 3-days post-transfer versus controls, however uteri were pale and atrophic suggesting impaired vascularisation. By 10-days post-transfer, implantation sites in irradiated mice were resorbing (p < 0.001), although uterine artery Doppler ultrasound measurements demonstrated no change in pulsatility or resistance indices. When the brain was shielded from irradiation to protect the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, resorption still occurred (p < 0.001), suggesting direct uterine damage is the likely cause of pregnancy loss. To investigate uterine damage in the absence of an embryo, endometrial receptivity was induced artificially. Uteri from irradiated animals were lighter compared to control (p < 0.05), however localisation of receptivity markers (E-cadherin, Mucin1, Ki67) was normal. When decidualisation was artificially induced irradiated uteri were also lighter (p < 0.01) indicating impaired decidualisation and reduced capacity to adapt to pregnancy. Wire myography performed on uterine arteries demonstrated endothelial dysfunction in irradiated mice (p < 0.0001).

Limitations, reasons for caution

Here, only a single age and dose of radiotherapy exposure are modelled. Patients of all ages can receive many doses of radiotherapy in combination with various chemotherapies. Our highly manipulable model enables any treatment variation to be modelled and the effect on the uterus and pregnancy examined.

Wider implications of the findings: Reproductive aged cancer patients need to be appropriately counselled regarding the risks to their long-term fertility following treatment. Until now, potential permanent impacts to the uterus following cancer treatment have not been considered. It is clear radiotherapy can impose long-term damage to the uterus and influence pregnancy success and fertility.

Trial registration number

NA

Accelerometer-Measured Sedentary Patterns are Associated with Incident Falls in Older Women

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE

Falls cause significant problems for older adults. Sedentary time is associated with lower physical function and could increase the risk for falls.

DESIGN

Prospective study.

SETTING

Sites across the United States.

PARTICIPANTS

Older women (N = 5,545, mean age 79 years) from the Women's Health Initiative Objective Physical Activity and Cardiovascular Health study.

MEASUREMENTS

Accelerometers worn at the hip for up to 1 week collected measures of daily sedentary time and the mean sedentary bout duration, a commonly used metric for sedentary accumulation patterns. For up to 13 months after accelerometer wear, women reported daily whether they had fallen on monthly calendars.

RESULTS

In fully adjusted models, the incident rate ratios (95% confidence interval) for quartiles 1 (lowest), 2, 3, and 4 of sedentary time respectively were 1.0 (ref.), 1.07 (0.93-1.24), 1.07 (0.91-1.25), and 1.14 (0.96-1.35; P-trend = .65) and for mean sedentary bout duration was 1.0 (ref.), 1.05 (0.92-1.21), 1.02 (0.88-1.17), and 1.17 (1.01-1.37; P-trend = .01), respectively. Women with a history of two or more falls had stronger associations between sedentary time and falls incidence compared with women with a history of no or one fall (P for interaction = .046).

CONCLUSIONS

Older women in the highest quartile of mean sedentary bout duration had a significantly increased risk of falling. Women with a history of frequent falling may be at higher risk for falling if they have high sedentary time. Interventions testing whether shortening total sedentary time and/or sedentary bouts lowers fall risk are needed to confirm these observational findings.

Embedded product authentication codes in additive manufactured parts: Imaging and image processing for improved scan ability

The layer-by-layer printing process of additive manufacturing methods provides new opportunities to embed identification codes inside parts during manufacture. These embedded codes can be used for product authentication and identification of counterfeits. The availability of reverse engineering tools has increased the risk of counterfeit part production and new authentication technologies such as the one proposed in this paper are required for many applications including aerospace components and medical implants and devices. The embedded codes are read by imaging techniques such as micro-Computed Tomography (micro-CT) scanners or radiography. The work presented in this paper is focused on developing methods that can improve the quality of the recovered micro-CT scanned code images such that they can be interpreted by standard code reader technology. Inherent low contrast and the presence of imaging artifacts are the main challenges that need to be addressed. Image processing methods are developed to address these challenges using titanium and aluminum alloy specimens containing embedded quick response (QR) codes. The proposed techniques for recovering the embedded codes are based on a combination of Mathematical Morphology and an innovative de-noising algorithm based on optimal image filtering techniques. The results show that the proposed methods are successful in making the codes scannable using readily available smartphone apps.

Compact multispectral pushframe camera for nanosatellites

In this paper we present an evolution of the single-pixel camera architecture, called "pushframe," which addresses the limitations of pushbroom cameras in space-based applications. In particular, it is well-suited to observing fast-moving scenes while retaining high spatial resolution and sensitivity. We show that the system is capable of producing color images with good fidelity and scalable resolution performance. The principle of our design broadens the choice of spectral ranges that can be captured, making it suitable for wide spectral ranges of infrared imaging.

Abstract P205: Finger Ring Provides Nocturnal Blood Pressure Dipping Status Based On Analysis Of Oscillatory Photoplethysmography

Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring is more useful for the diagnosis of various forms of hypertension including white coat and morning surge as well as other conditions that are associated with increased morbidity and mortality such as sleep apnea. Nocturnal changes in blood pressure (BP) can also aid in the diagnosis of various manifestations of blood pressure independent of hypertension known as salt sensitivity (SS) and inverse salt sensitivity (ISS) of blood pressure. SS individuals experience an increase in BP on a high salt diet while ISS individuals experience a paradoxical increase in BP on a low salt diet. SS and ISS phenotypes affect approximately 18% and 15% of normotensives, respectively, which may result in significant morbidity and mortality similar to untreated hypertension. Consuming a personally appropriate salt diet can result in a circadian drop in BP during sleep, and failure to “dip” can lead to significant cardiovascular diseases. Nocturnal dipping is usually recorded using an ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) device. Arterial pulse wave measurements using oscillatory photoplethysmography (OP) are minimally invasive when compared to an inflatable cuff, which can disturb sleep and raise blood pressure. We measured nocturnal blood pressure using a ring based photoplethysmograph (SensoGram Technologies, Plano Texas). A UVA Salt Study participant wore their device upon going to bed and then uploaded nocturnal data to the internet each morning. Systolic and diastolic BP is capable of being measured 30 times a minute for approximately 9 hours and providing over 5000 data points each night. Three representative dipping profiles for an individual yielded a dipping reduction of 24% ± 3% for systolic and 40% ± 10% for diastolic (1 - mid-sleeping lowest value/start of evening highest value). This additional data afforded by nocturnal BP measurement is anticipated to improve diagnostic opportunities in the measurement of SS and ISS phenotypes and provide the user with reassurance that nocturnal BP dipping is occurring.

Abstract P005: GRK4 Inhibitors Suppress Breast Cancer Cell Growth And Potentiate The Inhibitory Effect Of Dopaminergic D 1 Receptor Agonist SKF38393

The renal dopaminergic D 1 receptor (D 1 R) regulates sodium excretion which is terminated by phosphorylation by G protein-coupled receptor kinases 4 (GRK4). GRK4 gene variants are associated with increased GRK4 activity and reduced sodium excretion resulting in hypertension. Breast cancer incidence is higher in hypertensive women. We found that GRK4 is a potential molecule linking these two diseases. We hypothesized that GRK4 inhibitors would be beneficial to patients with hypertension and breast cancer. Three potential GRK4 inhibitors (compounds A, B, and C) were tested for their effect on the growth of breast cancer cells MDA-MB-468, MCF-7, and benign mammary epithelial cells MCF-10A controls. These cell lines had high, low, and no GRK4 expression respectively. Growth of MDA-MB-468 and MCF-7 cells was effectively inhibited by compound C with IC 50 16.8±1.9 nM (n=2). MCF-10A cells were relatively resistant to compound C with IC 50 49.3±4.0 nM (n=3) that is significantly higher than the cancer cells (p<0.001). Compound B was the least effective inhibitor in all three cell lines (IC 50 was 1.5-2.3 μM). Growth inhibition of compound A was similar in MCF-7 and MCF-10A cells but less effective in MDA-MB-468 cells indicating GRK4 inhibition may not be the only target for growth inhibition of this compound. It has been reported that D 1 R agonists inhibit growth of breast cancer cells. We hypothesized that blockade of GRK4 would increase sensitivity of breast cancer cells to the inhibitory effect of a D 1 R agonist. In MDA-MB-468 cells, SKF38393 (SKF) at 20 μM caused a 36% reduction in cell number (from 276.7±0.47E4 to 177.7±4.33E4). Compound C alone reduced cell number by 37% (172.4±0.04E4, 5 nM) and 51% (136.3±7.87E4, 10 nM) respectively. Combination treatment induced more reduction in cell number, 63% (100.4±5.54E4, 5 nM) and 84% (44.1±12.7E4, 10 nM). Similarly, Compound A also enhanced the inhibitory effect of SKF. A left-shift of the SKF dose-response curve in GKR4 knock-down MDA-MB-468 cells confirmed that inhibition of GRK4 increases sensitivity of breast cancer cells to SKF. Our preliminary results suggest that targeting GRK4 with compound C and a dopaminergic agonist could be a novel strategy for breast cancer therapy especially for the patients with hypertension.

Improving pain management for children having dental extractions under general anaesthesia

Children provided with general anaesthesia for dental extractions at East Surrey Hospital were audited to determine the percentage of children who were prescribed adequate pain management in accordance with guidance published by the Association of Paediatric Anaesthetists of Great Britain and Ireland. Three audit cycles were completed. Data were collected retrospectively through case note review. The results from the first cycle showed that only 47% of children were prescribed with a recommended analgesic regimen. Implementation of change included the development of a protocol for analgesic delivery, which was disseminated to the anaesthetic and dental teams. Full compliance with the audit standards was then demonstrated in the second and third cycles. This audit demonstrates the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration in order to provide high standards of care for children undergoing dental extractions under general anaesthesia. The protocol developed could be applied to other surgical day case procedures for children to improve the patient experience.

Fine-scale acoustic telemetry in a riverine environment: movement and habitat use of the endangered Mary River cod Maccullochella mariensis

Understanding movement and habitat requirements of endangered species is critical to conservation management. We evaluate fine-scale acoustic telemetry to study breeding-related movement and habitat use of the endangered Mary River cod Maccullochella mariensis in a riverine environment and, in relation to key environmental variables, to inform management. Movement activity varied significantly in relation to water temperature and diel period, and spatial occupancy and habitat selection varied substantially in relation to the nesting behaviour of Mary River cod. Important nesting habitat included a large hollow log mid-channel and well-shaded logs and log jams adjacent to the river bank. Extrapolating this information to the general population was inhibited by relatively small sample sizes, due in part to the restricted spatial scale of the hydrophone arrays and longitudinal movements of tagged fish beyond the acoustic range of our array. Notwithstanding this, our results demonstrate that (1) fine-scale acoustic telemetry can quantify complex biological behaviours in riverine environments; (2) Mary River cod require specific environmental stimuli and habitat to support the reproductive cycle; and (3) changing environmental conditions may influence Mary River cod behaviour, and understanding this response is necessary for sustainable management. Findings from this study can inform future applications of this methodology in riverine environments and contribute to the development of management strategies and habitat restoration activities supporting the recovery of Mary River cod populations.

Low-cost hyper-spectral imaging system using a linear variable bandpass filter for agritech applications

Hyperspectral imaging for agricultural applications provides a solution for non-destructive, large-area crop monitoring. However, current products are bulky and expensive due to complicated optics and electronics. A linear variable filter was developed for implementation into a prototype hyperspectral imaging camera that demonstrates good spectral performance between 450 and 900 nm. Equipped with a feature extraction and classification algorithm, the proposed system can be used to determine potato plant health with ∼88% accuracy. This algorithm was also capable of species identification and is demonstrated as being capable of differentiating between rocket, lettuce, and spinach. Results are promising for an entry-level, low-cost hyperspectral imaging solution for agriculture applications.

A systematic approach to map the adolescent human papillomavirus vaccine decision and identify intervention strategies to address vaccine hesitancy

OBJECTIVES

Unsubstantiated safety concerns with human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines continue to linger. This study sought to identify factors that influence the adolescent HPV vaccine decision and systematically identify intervention functions and strategies likely to be effective in reducing vaccine hesitancy.

STUDY DESIGN

This is a qualitative focus group study.

METHODS

Focus groups were conducted with female adolescents (aged 14-16 years) in Cork and Kerry. During focus groups, the trained facilitator used a semistructured, Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF)-based topic guide to prompt discussion. Transcripts were thematically analysed using the TDF and Behaviour Change Wheel. Behaviour Change Technique Taxonomy version 1 was used to suggest intervention functions and strategies for addressing HPV vaccine hesitancy.

RESULTS

A total of 50 adolescents (96% vaccinated), participated in 10 focus groups. The key themes were presented by means of the relevant TDF domains. Seven domains were selected as the most relevant: knowledge, social influences, beliefs about capabilities, optimism, beliefs about consequences, emotion and environmental context and resources. Five intervention functions were identified, education, persuasion, enablement, modelling and environmental restructuring, and linked to 11 relevant Behaviour Change Technique (BCTs). Potential intervention strategies were developed.

CONCLUSIONS

This study provided a detailed insight into behavioural factors influencing the vaccine decision-making process. It was identified that awareness and knowledge about HPV and its health sequelae was low. Lack of information is a well-recognised determinant of vaccine hesitancy. Therefore, education was recommended as a key area to address in future intervention studies.

Mortality among autoworkers manufacturing electronics in Huntsville, Alabama

BACKGROUND

Workers raised concerns over suspected excesses of mortality at automotive electronics manufacturing facilities in Huntsville, Alabama.

METHODS

A study of 4396 UAW members ever-employed at Huntsville facilities between 1972 and 1993 was conducted with mortality follow-up through 2016. Standardized Mortality Ratios (SMRs) were estimated using U.S. and Alabama reference rates.

RESULTS

Relative to U.S. rates, there was a modest excess of all-cause mortality among White female workers (SMR 1.08, 95%CI: 0.99-1.18) and among all workers hired <1977 at the original plant building (SMR 1.10, 95%CI: 0.99-1.22). There was excess nervous system disorder (SMR 1.24, 95%CI: 0.91-1.65) and brain and nervous system cancer (SMR 1.31, 95%CI: 0.67-2.28) mortality. Estimates for several causes of interest were imprecise.

CONCLUSIONS

All-cause mortality estimates were greater than anticipated based on results from other UAW cohorts. The excess of nervous system disease mortality is consistent with other studies of electronics workers exposed to lead-solder and chlorinated solvents.

Employment characteristics and cause-specific mortality at automotive electronics manufacturing plants in Huntsville, Alabama

BACKGROUND

This study was carried out in response to worker concerns over their exposure to lead solder and chlorinated solvents at automotive electronics manufacturing plants in Huntsville, Alabama.

METHODS

A study of 4396 United Autoworkers members ever-employed at the plants between 1972 and 1993 was conducted with mortality follow-up through 2016. Poisson regression was used to estimate mortality rate ratios (RR) according to employment characteristics, including calendar period of employment.

RESULTS

Pre-1977 hires exhibited elevated adjusted rates of all-cause (RR, 1.29; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.09-1.52), cardiovascular (RR, 1.38; 95% CI, 1.03-1.86), and digestive system (RR, 2.31; 95% CI, 1.04-5.10) disease mortality relative to the most recent hire group (1984-1993). Never- versus ever-employment in a skilled trade job was associated with elevated adjusted rates of all-cause, all-cancer, and cardiovascular disease mortality. Nervous system disorder mortality was greatest among 1977-1983 hires.

CONCLUSIONS

Elevated mortality among pre-1977 hires is consistent with worker concerns over greater exposure to hazards at the original plant building.

Breast cancer detection using deep convolutional neural networks and support vector machines

It is important to detect breast cancer as early as possible. In this manuscript, a new methodology for classifying breast cancer using deep learning and some segmentation techniques are introduced. A new computer aided detection (CAD) system is proposed for classifying benign and malignant mass tumors in breast mammography images. In this CAD system, two segmentation approaches are used. The first approach involves determining the region of interest (ROI) manually, while the second approach uses the technique of threshold and region based. The deep convolutional neural network (DCNN) is used for feature extraction. A well-known DCNN architecture named AlexNet is used and is fine-tuned to classify two classes instead of 1,000 classes. The last fully connected (fc) layer is connected to the support vector machine (SVM) classifier to obtain better accuracy. The results are obtained using the following publicly available datasets (1) the digital database for screening mammography (DDSM); and (2) the Curated Breast Imaging Subset of DDSM (CBIS-DDSM). Training on a large number of data gives high accuracy rate. Nevertheless, the biomedical datasets contain a relatively small number of samples due to limited patient volume. Accordingly, data augmentation is a method for increasing the size of the input data by generating new data from the original input data. There are many forms for the data augmentation; the one used here is the rotation. The accuracy of the new-trained DCNN architecture is 71.01% when cropping the ROI manually from the mammogram. The highest area under the curve (AUC) achieved was 0.88 (88%) for the samples obtained from both segmentation techniques. Moreover, when using the samples obtained from the CBIS-DDSM, the accuracy of the DCNN is increased to 73.6%. Consequently, the SVM accuracy becomes 87.2% with an AUC equaling to 0.94 (94%). This is the highest AUC value compared to previous work using the same conditions.

Potential of UV and SWIR hyperspectral imaging for determination of levels of phenolic flavour compounds in peated barley malt

In this study, ultra-violet (UV) and short-wave infra-red (SWIR) hyperspectral imaging (HSI) was used to measure the concentration of phenolic flavour compounds on malted barley that are responsible for smoky aroma of Scotch whisky. UV-HSI is a relatively unexplored technique that has the potential to detect specific absorptions of phenols. SWIR-HSI has proven to detect phenols in previous applications. Support Vector Machine Classification and Regression was applied to classify malts with ten different concentration levels of the compounds of interest, and to estimate the concentration respectively. Results reveal that UV-HSI is at its current development stage unsuitable for this task whereas SWIR-HSI is able to produce robust results with a classification accuracy of 99.8% and a squared correlation coefficient of 0.98 with a Root Mean Squared Error of 0.32 ppm for regression. The results indicate that with further testing and development, HSI may potentially be exploited in an industrial production environment.

Human factors enablers and barriers for successful airway management - an in-depth interview study

Human factors are the individual, team, environmental and organisational aspects of the anaesthetic environment that affect performance and decision-making of anaesthesia teams. This study aimed to identify which human factors were enablers and/or barriers to anaesthesia teams during airway management challenges. Sixteen interviews were conducted with experienced anaesthetists and anaesthetic nurses using an in-depth interview technique (the Critical Decision Method) to identify human factors enablers and/or barriers during successful management of a significant airway challenge. Thematic analysis identified three overarching enablers: equipment location and storage; experience and learning; teamwork and communication. Five overarching barriers were also identified: time and resource limitations; teamwork and communication; equipment location and storage; experience and learning; insufficient back-up planning; and equipment preparation. This study showed that a variety of human factors issues affect the handling of airway challenges, ranging from individual and team to organisational and environmental aspects. Recommendations for the design of airway management decision support tools that relate to equipment standardisation, decision support complexity, inclusive mutual learning and teamwork are discussed.

The Driver Behaviour Questionnaire for older drivers: Do errors, violations and lapses change over time?

The aim of the current study was to examine how self-reported aberrant driving behaviours change across a three time-points in a group of older drivers. Two hundred and twenty-seven older drivers (males = 69.6%) from the Candrive/Ozcandrive longitudinal study completed the Driving Behaviour Questionnaire (DBQ) each yearacross three time-points (i.e., Year 1, Year 2, Year 3). At the third time-point, older drivers ranged in age from 77 to 96 years (M = 81.74 years; SD = 3.44 years). A longitudinal confirmatory factor analysis showed that a modified 21-item, 3-factor (errors, lapses and violations) DBQ was invariant across the time period, suggesting that the structure of the questionnaire was stable across each time-point. Further, multiple domain latent growth analysis on the resultant factors for errors, lapses and violations showed that the frequency of errors remained similar across the three-year period, while violations and lapses showed very marginal decreases in frequency. These changes were independent of the absolute number of these behaviours; Drivers with higher violations or lapses in Year one, showed similar decreases in frequency as those who self-reported lower frequencies of the behaviours. These results suggest that the DBQ is a reliable tool to measure older drivers' self-reported aberrant driving behaviours, and that these behaviours do not show much change across time. Future research should validate the self-reported responses from the DBQ with more objective measures such as those collected through naturalistic driving study (NDS) methodology or on-road driving tasks.

Are older drivers' driving patterns during an on-road driving task representative of their real-world driving patterns?

OBJECTIVE

The current study investigated whether older drivers' driving patterns during a customized on-road driving task were representative of their real-world driving patterns.

METHODS

Two hundred and eight participants (male: 68.80%; mean age = 81.52 years, SD = 3.37 years, range = 76.00-96.00 years) completed a customized on-road driving task that commenced from their home and was conducted in their own vehicle. Participants' real-world driving patterns for the preceding 4-month period were also collected via an in-car recording device (ICRD) that was installed in each participant's vehicle.

RESULTS

During the 4-month period prior to completing the on-road driving task, participants' median real-world driving trip distance was 2.66 km (interquartile range [IQR] = 1.14-5.79 km) and their median on-road driving task trip distance was 4.41 km (IQR = 2.83-6.35 km). Most participants' on-road driving task trip distances were classified as representative of their real-world driving trip distances (95.2%, n = 198).

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that most older drivers were able to devise a driving route that was representative of their real-world driving trip distance. Future research will examine whether additional aspects of the on-road driving task (e.g., average speed, proportion of trips in different speed zones) are representative of participants' real-world driving patterns.

Nesting behaviour of the endangered Mary River turtle: monitoring and modelling to inform e-flow strategies

The Mary River turtle (Elusor macrurus) is an endemic, monotypic species with multiple impacts across its life-history, including overharvesting of eggs, nest predation and habitat degradation. Long-term recruitment failure has led to protection measures established under state, federal and international authority. Previous research has demonstrated that E. macrurus lives instream but nests on river banks, requiring specific habitat for breeding, nesting and recruitment. Ecohydrological rules represent the critical water requirements contributing to a species’ life history and can be used to develop and assess environmental flow strategies for species affected by water resource development. This study investigated the nesting behaviour of E. macrurus, including the environmental drivers that affect nest inundation. Monitoring showed that nesting by E. macrurus peaked in October and November, driven by rainfall events (>10 mm), with potential impacts from flow events (20% of nests established <2.5 m above water level at time of nesting). These ecohydrological rules were modelled against 109 years of simulated natural flow and rainfall data. The ‘potential nesting and nest inundation’ (PNNI) indicator revealed that nesting for E. macrurus was assured in a majority of years under the natural flow scenario. The results of this study will inform the development and assessment of e-flow strategies for nesting by E. macrurus in terms of current, and future water resource development, along with climate change impacts.

Accelerometer-Measured Moderate to Vigorous Physical Activity and Incidence Rates of Falls in Older Women

OBJECTIVES

To examine whether moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) measured using accelerometry is associated with incident falls and whether associations differ according to physical function or history of falls.

DESIGN

Prospective study with baseline data collection from 2012 to 2014 and 1 year of follow-up.

SETTING

Women's Health Initiative participants living in the United States.

PARTICIPANTS

Ambulatory women aged 63 to 99 (N = 5,545).

MEASUREMENTS

Minutes of MVPA per day measured using an accelerometer, functional status measured using the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), fall risk factors assessed using a questionnaire, fall injuries assessed in a telephone interview, incident falls ascertained from fall calendars.

RESULTS

Incident rate ratios (IRRs) revealed greater fall risk in women in the lowest quartile of MVPA compared to those in the highest (IRR = 1.18, 95% confidence interval = 1.01-1.38), adjusted for age, race and ethnicity, and fall risk factors. Fall rates were not significantly associated with MVPA in women with high SPPB scores (9-12) or one or fewer falls in the previous year, but in women with low SPPB scores (≤ 8) or a history of frequent falls, fall rates were higher in women with lower MVPA levels than in those with higher levels (interaction P < .03 and < .001, respectively). Falls in women with MVPA above the median were less likely to involve injuries requiring medical treatment (9.9%) than falls in women with lower MVPA levels (13.0%) (P < .001).

CONCLUSION

These findings indicate that falls are not more common or injurious in older women who engage in higher levels of MVPA. These findings support encouraging women to engage in the amounts and types of MVPA that they prefer. Older women with low physical function or frequent falls with low levels of MVPA are a high-risk group for whom vigilance about falls prevention is warranted.