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The article discusses methods for assessing the condition of contacts and contact connections using thermal imaging and thermal indicator control. The analysis of the criteria used to identify emergency defects of contacts and contact connections based on the results of thermal control during the operation of electrical installations was performed. Based on the research results, an assessment of the conditions for the development of fire-hazardous defects of contacts and contact connections during the operation of electrical installations was carried out. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, we systematically analyze the relationship between the surface microstructural evolution and rolling contact fatigue (RCF) damage behavior of the ER9 wheel tread. In the unfatigued zone (Zone A), where the shear stress was low, a thin plastic deformation layer with low hardness formed. The ferrite grains exhibited obvious plastic flow; however, these grains were not refined, and the cementite showed no significant fragmentation or dissolution. Additionally, the dislocation density remained low on the wheel surface in Zone A. Conversely, in the fatigue zone (Zone B), where the shear stress was high, a thicker plastic deformation layer with increased hardness developed. The ferrite grains in this zone were notably refined, and a substantial amount of lamellar cementite fragmented and dissolved, leading to a high dislocation density on the wheel surface. The severe plastic deformation in Zone B facilitated the formation of fatigue wear cracks on the wheel, which initiated the RCF crack in Zone B. Furthermore, the interface between pearlite and proeutectoid ferrite grains in the wheel accelerated the RCF crack propagation, ultimately leading to RCF failure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives Contacts of persons serving prison terms with their family, relatives and friends allow the fulfillment of specific needs, constituting one of the most important penitentiary activities. These contacts carried out on a daily basis during the Covid 19 pandemic were limited and, in fact, impossible for some time. Material and methods The aim of the study was to diagnose prisoners in terms of their contacts with family and other close people (forms, frequency, assessment) during the Covid-19 pandemic. The purpose of the study formulated in this way obliged us to implement the project in a normative paradigm (Rubacha, 2011, p. 311). The research was conducted using the diagnostic survey method (Babbie, 2001, p. 268) using a questionnaire. Results The research presented in the article is part of a research program relating to post-penitentiary assistance and social readaptation of people serving prison sentences. Conclusions Before the pandemic began, three out of four inmates used telephone contacts and approximately 2/3 of them used visits. Nearly half of the inmates pointed to the letters, and every fourth - to the Skype messenger. Let us add that before the pandemic, 11% of respondents did not use any forms of contact, 30% - used one of them (usually visits or telephone contact). 43% of all respondents used both telephone contacts and visits. The "other" answers included: "I didn't use it", "I wasn't imprisoned",

Purpose: With growing knowledge about ovarian cancer over the last decades, diagnosis, evaluation and treatment of ovarian cancer patients have become highly specialized, and an individually adapted approach should be made in each woman by interdisciplinary cooperation. The present study aims to show the variety and extent of medical specialties involved at our institution according to the European Society of Gynecologic Oncology (ESGO) Quality indicators (QI). Methods: A woman, diagnosed with high-grade ovarian cancer, International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) class IVb was selected for a single case observational study. The observation period (total = 22d) comprised preoperative diagnostic procedures, including imaging, the in-patient stay for cytoreductive surgery, and the postoperative course and case discussion at our interdisciplinary tumor board. Data were obtained by self-reporting and by patient file review. Results: Patient tracking demonstrated an interdisciplinary cooperation of 12 medical specialties [62 physicians (63% male, 37% female)], 8 different types of nursing staff [n = 59 (22% male, 78% female)], and 9 different types of perioperative/administrative staff (n = 23; male 17,4%, female n = 19, 82,6%). Contact with the patient was direct (n = 199; 76%) or without face-to-face interaction (n = 63; 24%). Conclusion: The present study demonstrates the high diversity of physicians and the affiliated medical staff, as well as interdisciplinary intersections within teams of a specialized hospital. Matching the ESGO QIs, this report underlines the requirement of an adequate infrastructure for the complex management of advanced ovarian cancer patients. Future prospective studies are warranted to evaluate the specific procedures and actions to optimize the interprofessional and interdisciplinary workflows. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To assess the various patterns of the inter-proximal contact areas of the permanent dentition using the available cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images. Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study was performed on existing CBCT images from a University hospital and teaching department. Three thousand two hundred and fifty inter-proximal contacts were assessed from 125 existing CBCT scans of patients (age range: 14 years 3 months–29 years 9 months) who had matched the eligibility criteria. The types of inter-proximal contacts of the permanent dentition were scored at occlusal, middle, and cervical thirds, according to the OXIS inter-proximal contacts classification. Chi-square test was used to assess the contacts and gender/arches. Results: The most prevalent contact was type I for the posterior teeth contacts, and types S1 and S2 for the anterior teeth contacts. Statistical significance was not observed between the contacts on the left and right sides (P > 0.05), while statistical significance was observed between the inter-proximal contacts of the maxilla and mandible (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The CBCT-based three-dimensional assessment of the inter-proximal contact areas of the permanent dentition is representative of the OXIS classification. The occlusal level contact was predominantly representative of the overall type of the contact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rugby Union is a skill-based contact team sport that demands high levels of both physical capacity and tactical skill. Understanding match demands can help to improve training design and subsequently game performance. In this review, a summary of the literature was conducted to review the current practices and methodologies for quantifying match demands in rugby union. A brief literature search was conducted using two major academic databases, Google Scholar and PubMed, to identify relevant research articles for inclusion in this review. A total of 37 Papers were included based on their relevance to the topic, publication type, date of publication, and research design. Accurate quantification of match demands in rugby union is a complex task that currently requires practitioners to consider different types of technology, sampling duration, positional differences, and type of play to determine locomotive and contact workloads. Practitioners should consider using a range of GPS metrics, including distance in multiple speed zones, accelerations, decelerations, and metabolic measures to develop a comprehensive understanding of the locomotive demands that occur throughout the match. Due to its prevalence and importance to the game, practitioners should include a method of quantifying contacts when evaluating overall match workload, such as video coding. Absolute metric values are useful for quantifying total workload, whilst relative values can be used to understand and replicate match intensity. To assess and replicate the peak demands that occur organically throughout the match, practitioners should consider using the average and worst-case scenario match demands during ball-in-play periods. When evaluating match demands and designing training, player position and type of play should be considered to prepare players appropriately for these unique aspects of the game. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article titled "Baltic region as a place of contacts: Introducing a special issue" explores the rich history, cultural dynamics, and socioeconomic interactions within the Baltic region. It highlights the diverse backgrounds and influences that have shaped the region's identity through trade, migration, and cultural exchange. The article acknowledges that the concept of the Baltic region is based on outsiders' projections, but argues that there is a common conceptualization of the region. The special issue includes articles on topics such as public opinion in the Baltic states, Latvian-Lithuanian rapprochement, representations of Russia in textbooks, language reforms, emigration and transnational ties, heritage language maintenance, translation of Ukrainian poetry, linguistic diversity in Tallinn, and the revitalization of industrial heritage in Tallinn. The authors aim to provide new reflections on various aspects of the Baltic region's culture, history, languages, and societies. [Extracted from the article]

This paper describes agent-based models of epidemics dynamics, willingly simplified with the goal not to predict the evolution of the epidemics, but to explain the underlying mechanisms in an interactive way. They allow to compare screening prioritization strategies, and vaccination priority strategies, on a virtual population. The models are implemented in Netlogo in two simulators, published online at https://nausikaa.net/index.php/simulating-epidemics/ to let people experiment. This paper reports on model design, implementation, and experimentations. We have compared screening strategies to assess the epidemics versus control it by quarantining infectious people; and we have compared vaccinating older people with more risk factors, versus younger people with more social contacts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Contacts of persons serving prison terms with their family, relatives and friends allow the fulfillment of specific needs, constituting one of the most important penitentiary activities. These contacts carried out on a daily basis during the Covid 19 pandemic were limited and, in fact, impossible for some time. Family contacts allow you to maintain bonds, thus reducing the symptoms of isolation. They are an important factor indicating success in the process of social rehabilitation and readaptation. The aim of the article is to present the results of the study and analyzes carried out for the needs of the Local Council for Social Readaptation and Assistance to Convicts in Katowice. The authors were members of the research team as part of research on: Knowledge of convicts in the field of post-penitentiary assistance and their contacts during the Covid-19 pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluated a digital intervention program with aging Holocaust survivors. Participants received a tablet device and were coupled with a volunteer who assisted them to use the tablet. The study aimed to assess which characteristics of the Holocaust survivors are linked with more frequent use of digital communication at the end of the program. Information was collected by telephone interviews with 91 survivors before and 54 after participating in the program. We combined this data with digital usage data from the tablets. Regression models examined the characteristics of Holocaust survivors that were related to higher frequency of using digital communication technologies during the intervention. The Holocaust survivors expressed high satisfaction with the program. They increased their frequency of using digital communication technologies—text correspondence and video chats with friends and family. Regressions showed that Holocaust survivors who reported increased digital communication were characterized at the start of the intervention by having fewer post-traumatic stress symptoms, higher levels of flourishing (reflecting a more meaningful life and higher well-being), being lonelier, and were also more satisfied with the program at follow-up. The pilot program benefited the aging Holocaust survivors. Further programs should be developed to increase the digital communication of vulnerable older populations, such as trauma survivors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bilinear elastic behaviour allows structural designs to respond in either a stiff or compliant manner depending on the load. Here a cylindrical sinusoidal lattice structure is described that stiffens beyond a certain load. When subjected to axial compression, the lattice can undergo a topological transformation by forming contact connections. This topology change involves a transition from rectangular-like unit cells to kagome-like unit cells, associated with an approximately fourfold increase in stiffness. The lattice exhibits negative Poisson's ratio with a step-change from ≈−0.66 to ≈−0.23 prior to and during contact formation, respectively. After contact formation, it displays a nonlinear Poisson's ratio behaviour. The mechanics underpinning these behaviours are analysed using a combination of experiments and numerical modelling. A comparison with similar planar lattices reveals the effect of the global topology of the lattice (e.g. planar, cylindrical) on the unit cell-level topology morphing. The proposed topology-morphing cylindrical sinusoidal lattice introduces new design possibilities in the application-rich context of tubular structures with nonlinear mechanical properties.

Purpose:To assess the effect of a rugby-specific high-intensity interval-training (HIITRugby) protocol on the repeated high-intensity-effort ability of young elite rugby union players and to verify the influence of 2 preconditioning sequences composed either of physical contacts (ie, tackles) or of additional runs on the magnitude of improvement. Method: Fourteen players (19 [1] y; 183.5 [8.6] cm; 95.6 [15.6] kg) underwent an HIITRugby protocol, consisting of 7 supervised training sessions over 4 weeks, each session including 3 or 4 sets of 1 to 2 minutes with 1-minute recovery. Prior to HIITRugby training, players underwent a preconditioning contact sequence or a preconditioning running sequence, to assess their influence on subsequent interval-training sessions. Results: The overall group showed a moderate improvement in total sprint time, sprints ≥90% of the best, and 20-m sprint (−3.91% [2.68%], P =.0002; 74.6% [123.7%], P =.012; −3.22% [3.13%], P =.003, respectively) and a large improvement in percentage decrement (−23.1% [20.5%], P =.005) following the 4-week training block. Relative improvements were similar between groups in total sprint time, 20-m sprint, and perceived difficulty, but the preconditioning running-sequence group exhibited a larger magnitude of gains in percentage decrement (−28.6% [20.2%] vs −17.6% [20.7%]; effect size = −1.01 vs −0.73). Conclusion: An HIITRugby training block was effective to improve repeated high-intensity-effort ability. A preconditioning contact sequence prior to HIITRugby can reduce subsequent long-interval running activity, which may attenuate the improvement of repeated high-intensity-effort indices related to the aerobic system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Bihać and Cazina basins, classified as Neogene formations, are situated within the external Dinarides, originating during the late stages of Dinarides' evolution. To scrutinize the developmental trajectory of these basins, gravitational data proves instrumental. Employing diverse mathematical transformation techniques on gravity data unveils the gravitational influence of the low-density Neogene basins, facilitating the detection of structures potentially linked to their genesis. Contacts delineated through these transformations predominantly exhibit a northwest-southeast extension, characteristic of the Dinaric region. Additionally, distinctive lineaments, diverging in orientation, were noted in the central survey area, stretching southwest-northeast. These features likely played a role in segregating the depocenter, thereby fostering the bifurcation of the basins, instead of a singular formation.

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of gathering restrictions in slowing the spread of communicable disease. Many restrictions on activities were applied without identifying how effective the restrictions might be in curtailing disease spread. We present a model that estimates the probability of contacting an infected individual as a function of prevalence and self-reported or hypothesized activities. The model incorporates an age adjustment factor to account for differences between the age demographics of infected versus activity participants. The age adjustment factor was important to include when the difference in prevalence between age groups was sufficiently large, and prevalence and activity group sizes were moderate. We applied our contact probability model to two scenarios to demonstrate how the model may inform the development of public health measures. Our model presents a method for estimating contact probability that could be adopted by jurisdictions considering facility closures or group size limits, or for individuals evaluating their own behaviours in future outbreaks or pandemics.

Electrical properties of pseudo‐vertical Schottky barrier diodes (pVSBDs) prepared on (113)–oriented boron‐doped diamond (BDD) layers using ruthenium (Ru) for both the ohmic and Schottky contacts are investigated. First, Ru ohmic contacts are evaporated on homoepitaxial BDD layers with different resistivity, and their specific contact resistance is measured using circular transfer length method structures after annealing at various temperatures up to 750 °C. Then, pVSBD structures are fabricated on the boron‐doped bilayer consisting of a lower, heavily boron‐doped layer ensuring an ohmic contact and an upper, lightly doped layer providing a rectifying Schottky contact. After necessary mesa etching, both contacts are formed by the Ru evaporation. The results show that Ru forms a stable ohmic contact with very low contact resistance (10−5–10−6 Ω cm2) when deposited on BDD layers with metallic conductivity. It also provides an acceptable Schottky contact on low‐doped (113) homoepitaxial BDD. Both contacts, which are made simultaneously, realize pVSBDs with low on‐state resistance and low forward voltage drop. However, the lower barrier of the ruthenium contacts results in higher leakage. Ru pVSBDs thus show a lower rectification ratio, higher leakage, and a worse ideality factor compared to analogical pVSBDs using molybdenum contacts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to evaluate the activity within the primary health care (PHC) in Greenland by identifying the patterns of all registered contacts made by patients in 2021, and to compare the most frequently used types of contacts and diagnostic codes in Nuuk to the rest of Greenland. The study was designed as a cross-sectional register study using data from the national electronic medical records (EMR) and diagnostic codes from the ICPC-2-system. In 2021, 83.7% (46,522) of the Greenlandic population were in contact with the PHC, resulting in 335,494 registered contacts. The majority of the contacts with PHC was made by females (61.3%). On average, females were in contact with PHC 8.4 times per patient per year, while males were in contact with PHC 5.9 times per patient per year. The most frequently used diagnostic group was "General and unspecified", followed by "Musculoskeletal" and "Skin". The results are in line with studies from other northern countries and indicate an easily accessible PHC system, with a predominance of female contacts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Halide perovskites are promising candidates for resistive memories (memristors) due to their mixed electronic/ionic conductivity and the real activation mechanism is currently under debate. In order to unveil the role of the metal contact and its connection with the activation process, four model systems are screened on halide perovskite memristors: Nearly inert metals (Au and Pt), low reactivity contacts (Cu), highly reactive contact (Ag and Al), and pre‐oxidized metal in the form of AgI. It is revealed that the threshold voltage for activation of the memory effect is highly connected with the electrochemical activity of the metals. Redox/capacitive peaks are observed for reactive metals at positive potentials and charged ions are formed that can follow the electrical field. Activation proceeds by formation of conductive filaments, either by the direct migration of the charged metals or by an increase in the concentration of halide vacancies generated by this electrochemical reaction. Importantly, the use of pre‐oxidized Ag+ ions leads to very low threshold voltages of ≈0.2 V indicating that an additional electrochemical reaction is not needed in this system to activate the memristor. Overall, the effect of the metal contact is clarified, and it is revealed that AgI is a very promising interfacial layer for low‐energy applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study describes a comprehensive methodology to evaluate X-Ray micro-computed tomography data from sand samples and to characterize their 3D microstructural properties. Fine and medium-grained sands are analyzed in their natural and bio-cemented states. While the two materials exhibit similar peak and residual strengths in their untreated state, they yield distinctly different strength improvements in their bio-cemented state, despite similar cementation contents. To understand the underlying mechanisms that govern this behavior, a recently developed approach is presented to gain new insights into the specimen's micro-architecture. Results capture a series of properties such as the volume distribution of pore bodies, pore throats, particles, interparticle contacts, precipitation bonds, and distribution of tortuous paths. It is found that the intrinsic, i.e., pre-cementation microstructural properties, are crucial in determining the spatial distribution of post-cementation bonds. Furthermore, the volume of bonds at interparticle contacts and in throats governs the overall contact area, directly reflecting interparticle stress transmission. Contact area increases by 180% for the medium-grained sand compared to 120% for the fine-grained. Overall, the methodology introduced in this study forms a new basis for understanding biocementation and can contribute to a more robust formulation of simulation models incorporating pore and contact mechanics in porous media. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Contacts and joints in structures, mechanisms, and dynamic systems often exhibit high localized interface shear at their edges, leading to edge microslip and fretting wear and fatigue. This introduces complexity, nonlinearity, and multiscale friction phenomena. This paper presents a novel approach to address this issue by introducing geometrical changes near contact edges. Two-dimensional contact models are developed and analyzed using asymptotic, closed-form, and numerical methods to study the effect of edge changes on pressure and shear traction. The results show that geometric changes near contact edges can effectively reduce contact edge shear, thereby inhibiting edge microslip and the resulting fretting wear and fatigue in contacts that occur under dynamic conditions. This approach has implications for reduced complexity in contacts and joints for improved capability in modeling, analysis, and measurement characterization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACTThe aim of this study was to evaluate the activity within the primary health care (PHC) in Greenland by identifying the patterns of all registered contacts made by patients in 2021, and to compare the most frequently used types of contacts and diagnostic codes in Nuuk to the rest of Greenland. The study was designed as a cross-sectional register study using data from the national electronic medical records (EMR) and diagnostic codes from the ICPC-2-system. In 2021, 83.7% (46,522) of the Greenlandic population were in contact with the PHC, resulting in 335,494 registered contacts. The majority of the contacts with PHC was made by females (61.3%). On average, females were in contact with PHC 8.4 times per patient per year, while males were in contact with PHC 5.9 times per patient per year. The most frequently used diagnostic group was “General and unspecified”, followed by “Musculoskeletal” and “Skin”. The results are in line with studies from other northern countries and indicate an easily accessible PHC system, with a predominance of female contacts.

When a brazed plate heat exchanger is used as an evaporator, the working mass in the channel may undergo solidification, thereby hindering the refrigeration cycle. In this study the liquid solidification process and its optimization in a brazed plate heat exchanger are investigated numerically for different inlet velocities; moreover, different levels of corrugation are considered. The results indicate that solidification first occurs around the contacts, followed by the area behind the contacts. It is also shown that dead flow zones exist in the sharp areas and such areas are prone to liquid solidification. After optimization, the solidification area attains its smallest value when a corrugation spacing λ = 4.2 mm is considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

E-beam voltage contrast inspection is a very common method for in-line detection of many key defect types for rapid yield learning during technology development. Generally, the wafer surface is charged positive, but sometimes charging the wafer surface negative makes more sense. This paper reviews four advantages that negative charging may provide. Switching from positive to negative charging is typically achieved using landing energy and/or extraction voltage. A third control knob is introduced and demonstrated using three common inspection layers, contact chemical mechanical polish (CMP), 3D NAND wordline shorts and 3D NAND wordline opens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Tuberculosis preventive treatment (TPT) among close contacts of Tuberculosis (TB) cases is a globally accepted strategy. India targeted elimination of TB by 2025 and started implementing TPT among all household contacts. This intervention needs evaluation in different areas and population groups for effective outcome. Objectives: We aimed to assess the extent of TPT coverage and adherence; ascertain the reasons for non-initiation and non-adherence; and to determine the socio-demographic and programmatic correlates of coverage. Methodology: We conducted a descriptive cross-sectional study during September-November 2023 in a block of Murshidabad district, West Bengal. A sample of 301 eligible household contacts (HHC) of ‘index cases’ (microbiologically-confirmed drug-sensitive pulmonary TB) registered in TB unit of the block during October’22 to March’23 were the study subjects. For child contacts (

Soft actuators with good flexibility, high stability, and excellent controllability have attracted extensive attention. However, dual‐modal smart self‐perception actuator with contact and noncontact actuating mode remains a challenge. Notably, soft actuators with in situ self‐sensing monitoring capabilities have gained increasing attention in smart flexible devices. This work reports a smart actuator composed of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)/magnetorheological elastomer (MRE)/Ag/ polyimide (PI) (PMAP), which can not only well respond to bending stimuli but also be actuated by electromagnetic dual‐modal actuation. Benefiting from the nanowire–nanoflake coupling structure of conductive Ag layer, the PMAP film exhibits excellent electrical sensing and electro‐heat generation behavior. The ΔR/R0 of PMAP film increases from 5.1% to 24.7% during the bending test. Moreover, the PMAP film realizes contact electrothermal actuation due to the mismatch of thermal expansion coefficient between PDMS matrix and PI tape. Under applying a 16 s of 2 V electrothermal actuation, the bending angle of PMAP film can increase from 31.1° to 219.3°. Moreover, MRE matrix endows the PMAP film with noncontact magnetic deformation characteristic. This multifunctional smart flexible device integrated with in situ sensing perception and contact and noncontact dual‐modal actuation performances possess high potential in electronic devices and robots. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a resistance switching device that exhibits analogue potentiation and depression of conductance under the same voltage polarity. This contrasts with previously studied devices that potentiate and depress under opposite polarities. We refer to this mode of operation as the subthreshold regime due to it occurring at voltage or current biases that are insufficient to produce discrete or non-volatile switching. This behaviour has the potential to reduce the complexity of neuronal and synaptic circuitry in neuromorphic computing by removing the need for voltage pulses of both positive and negative polarities. The characteristically long timescales may also help replicate bio-realistic timings. In this article, we detail how to induce this unique behaviour, how to tune its properties to a desired response, and finally, we demonstrate one potential application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the semiconductor bulk properties reaching target values for highly efficient solar cells, efforts are applied to reduce losses at solar cell interfaces and contacts. Advances in understanding back contacts in thin‐film polycrystalline CdTe solar cells, a leading thin‐film PV technology, are reported. By using X‐Ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Kelvin probe spectroscopy, time‐ and energy‐resolved photoluminescence, defects at the back contact are analyzed. Densities of recombination centers and charged defects that induce near‐back‐contact band bending, both resulting in recombination losses, were estimated. Electro‐optical and surface analysis results are integrated into a device model, simulating the performance of CdSeTe/CdTe solar cells with 902 mV open circuit voltage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Group singing and playing of wind instruments increase COVID-19 transmission risk. After a pause during the initial period of the COVID-19 pandemic, The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square organization (hereinafter, Choir) resumed musical events in September 2021 with prevention protocols, including required vaccination and pre-event rapid antigen testing. We investigated potential SARS-CoV-2 transmission at Choir events during September 21–November 7, 2021. We interviewed COVID-19–positive members (hereinafter, case-members) and identified members exposed when a case-member attended a Choir event during his or her infectious period. We compared whole genome sequencing results to assess the genetic relatedness of available SARS-CoV-2 specimens obtained from case-members. We identified 30 case-members through pre-event testing (n = 10), self-reported positive test results (n = 18), and a review of Utah's disease surveillance system (n = 2). All 30 case-members reported symptoms; 21 (70%) were women and 23 (77%) received a positive test result by nucleic acid amplification test. No hospitalizations or deaths were reported. We identified 176 test-eligible exposed members from 14 instances of case-members attending events during their infectious periods. All were tested at least once 2 to 14 days after exposure: 74 (42%) by rapid antigen test only (all negative) and 102 (58%) by nucleic acid amplification test (4 positive, 97 negative, and 1 equivocal). Among viral sequences available from 15 case-members, the smallest single-nucleotide polymorphism distance between 2 sequences was 2, and the next-smallest distance was 10. The lack of disease detected in most exposed members suggests that minimal, if any, transmission occurred at Choir events. When community COVID-19 incidence is high, prevention protocols might help limit SARS-CoV-2 transmission during group musical activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The study compares reliability indicators of thermoelectric generator modules using the nonmonotonic-diffusion law of failure time distribution. The authors use the law to propose for the first time an analytical expression of the failure time distribution of an individual thermoelement, which fundamentally differs from the traditional simple exponential law with a constant failure intensity. The law is used to calculate the mean time between failures (MTBF), the 95% resource and equivalent failure rate of thermoelectric generator modules with series-parallel and parallel-series connection of thermocouples. Considered are the variants of schemes with different number of elements in rows and different number of rows for serial-parallel circuit and with different number of sequential groups and elements in a group for parallel-serial circuit. Coefficients of increase of the average failure time, 95% resource and coefficients of decrease of the equivalent failure intensity for a purely series connection of thermocouples are determined for the considered thermocouple schemes. It is established that these indicators can be improved by more than three orders of magnitude.

In the end of the last quarter of the III millennium BC populations producing the Chirkovskaya (Fatyanovo-like) pottery combining the late Volosovo and Fatyanovo-Balanovo features migrated from the Upper and Middle Volga to the middle and northern taiga zone of Eastern Europe. On the southern and south-eastern coasts of Lake Onega migrating groups contacted with the aboriginal populations producing the Asbestos-tempered pottery of the Palayguba type. Contacts of the local and incoming groups, according to the results of the study, were restricted only to marriage and can be traced by the changes in the ceramic production. Differences in the spread of decoration motives, characteristic for local varieties of the Chirkovskaya pottery allow the author to suggest two main directions of the influence of migrating groups onto the aboriginal culture with the Palayguba ceramics. The frst vector of contacts starts in the Middle Volga region, continues to the Sukhona River basin and, through Lacha and Vozhe lakes, proceeds to the south-eastern coast of Onega Lake. The southern vector which is connected to the Upper Volga region, proceeds from the Beloye lake basin to the southern coast of Onega Lake.

A variety of loads are placed upon an athlete in team sports (e.g., training, match, or competitions). However, the volume of the training load plays an important role in match success. Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare the differences in biomarker dynamics during the match and during training, and to evaluate if such training represents a good stimulus for an athlete to adapt to match stress. Ten male handball players (average age of 24.1 ± 3.17 years, body height of 1.88 ± 0.64 m, and body mass of 94.6 ± 9.6 kg) took part in this study. Their saliva cortisol, testosterone, and alpha-amylase were sampled during the match and training (sessions of 90 min duration, respectively). The results showed that cortisol had higher values after the match (0.65 µg/dL) than after training (0.32 µg/dL) (p = 0.05; ES = 0.39). Testosterone concentrations had a steeper increase during a match (65%) than after training (37%). Alpha-amylase levels did not differ significantly between the match and training (p = 0.77; ES = −0.06). Overall, the results showed that the environment of a match was more stressful for the athletes; therefore, a match provoked a stronger endocrine response in the studied markers. Therefore, we concluded that a match seemed to be a stronger trigger for all of the measured biomarker responses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Households are an important location for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) transmission, especially during periods when travel and work was restricted to essential services. We aimed to assess the association of close-range contact patterns with SARS-CoV-2 transmission. Methods: We deployed proximity sensors for two weeks to measure face-to-face interactions between household members after SARS-CoV-2 was identified in the household, in South Africa, 2020–2021. We calculated the duration, frequency, and average duration of close-range proximity events with SARS-CoV-2 index cases. We assessed the association of contact parameters with SARS-CoV-2 transmission using mixed effects logistic regression accounting for index and household member characteristics. Results: We included 340 individuals (88 SARS-CoV-2 index cases and 252 household members). On multivariable analysis, factors associated with SARS-CoV-2 acquisition were index cases with minimum Ct value 35, and female contacts (aOR 2.5 95% CI 1.3–5.0). No contact parameters were associated with acquisition (aOR 1.0–1.1) for any of the duration, frequency, cumulative time in contact, or average duration parameters. Conclusions: We did not find an association between close-range proximity events and SARS-CoV-2 household transmission. Our findings may be due to study limitations, that droplet-mediated transmission during close-proximity contacts plays a smaller role than airborne transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in the household, or due to high contact rates in households. Funding: Wellcome Trust (Grant number 221003/Z/20/Z) in collaboration with the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office, United Kingdom.

Chronic wasting disease (CWD) is a fatal, prion disease of cervids that was first detected in Alberta in 2005. Transmission of CWD by direct contact with infected individuals plays a major role in the early phases of an outbreak. Mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) comprise 85% of CWD-infected animals in the province, and we investigated the seasonal effects of grouping patterns and landscape heterogeneity on direct, pair-wise contacts (distance of 3 m) within and between sex-specific (same or mixed sex) groups of mule deer in east-central Alberta. We determined seasonal contacts of mule deer based on proximity loggers that alter GPS schedules to record contact locations. We modeled the relative risk of contact between sex-specific dyads both within and between social groups based on landscape characteristics at the location of contact. We then assessed the support for 5 hypotheses that linked locations of seasonal contacts to occurrence of CWD on the landscape. Disease occurrence on the landscape was derived by comparing locations of CWD-infected and CWD-uninfected deer collected as part of the Alberta’s CWD hunter-harvest surveillance program. We found that contacts in winter occurred in areas where deer use was concentrated, whereas in summer, contact locations were less constrained in space where patterns of landscape characteristics at contact locations varied between sex-specific dyads. Contact probabilities of within and between-group male dyads in winter and between-group female dyads in summer were the best predictors of CWD risk in east-central Alberta. Our results relate habitat specific, social behaviors between conspecific mule deer to potential routes of CWD transmission and contribute to CWD research that guides management strategies for an emergent wildlife disease.

Contacts and joints in structures, mechanisms, and dynamic systems often exhibit high localized interface shear at their edges, leading to edge microslip and fretting wear and fatigue. This introduces complexity, nonlinearity, and multiscale friction phenomena. This paper presents a novel approach to address this issue by introducing geometrical changes near contact edges. Two-dimensional contact models are developed and analyzed using asymptotic, closed-form, and numerical methods to study the effect of edge changes on pressure and shear traction. The results show that geometric changes near contact edges can effectively reduce contact edge shear, thereby inhibiting edge microslip and the resulting fretting wear and fatigue in contacts that occur under dynamic conditions. This approach has implications for reduced complexity in contacts and joints for improved capability in modeling, analysis, and measurement characterization.

Volumetric self-priming pumps with deformable impeller blades are very common devices in the food industry, especially in the presence of viscous liquids that tend to foam or contain suspended solids, but also when working under vacuum with good suction capacity is needed. These pumps are characterized by a circular chamber with an eccentric, in which the impeller rotates: due to the continuous deformation of flexible blades, the liquid is moved up to the discharge. The exact evaluation, moment by moment, of the hyperelastic behaviour of the impeller represents a quite complex task, involving several miscellaneous phenomena. In this study a simplified quasistatic analysis by finite element discretization is proposed, able to evaluate with reasonable approximation the stress/strain state of the impeller blades during their rotation. Aspects such as material hyperelasticity, large displacements, large deformations, non-linearity in contacts, frictional and inertial forces were considered.

Over the past three years a new family of high efficiency n-type crystalline silicon cells featuring passivated partial rear contacts (PRC) has emerged. These cells take advantage of the unique contact properties obtained by introducing thin metal compound interlayers, such as TiO x and LiFx, between the metallic electrode and the silicon absorber. This paper explores the concept and potential advantages of the n-type passivated PRC cell. In particular, the recent fabrication of a cell at 23.1%, featuring a less-than 1% TiOx/LiFx /Al passivated PRC, demonstrates the compatibility of this concept with high efficiency designs.

Background. The article presents the results of development of the electric connector providing protection of the electric circuits against the static electricity and the induced currents. Application of mining charges with embedded electric blasting caps and electric spark igniters implies precautions against the static electricity and the induced currents such as a worker grounding, release of the worker from the static electricity by touching the earthed conducting element before starting the work, which are not consistently performed because of notorious human factor. Probable mishandling, especially at a moment of joining the connector, may initiate the pyrotechnic element, resulting in the tragic consequences. To eliminate the human factor in such application the engineering problem is solved on shunting the electric circuit to body in detached state and de-shunting it when joining. Available connectors of similar function are very large and they are restricted in application because of bounded number of electrical circuits with earthed contacts they form in detached state. Expected engineering result of developed electric conductor is to make safe the use of the electric connectors in small-scale engineering systems of tight integration, critical to both the static electricity and the induced currents. Materials and methods. Developed electric connector guaranties the reliable auto-shunting of all electrical circuits coming through the electric connector to body in unconnected state barring from occurrence of static electricity and currents induced by external magnetic fields. The circuits stay shunted when unconnected to keep safety. At joining the connector the electrical circuit shunting is tripped automatically, assuring the reliable connection. Automatic on/off shunting eliminates possible human mistakes when joining/detaching the connector for safety of the whole item. The plug of developed connector mates with commercially available sockets that widen its application area. Results and conclusions. The connector assures reliable functioning of the in small-scale engineering systems of tight integration, critical to both the static electricity and the induced currents, which may include, for example, pyrotechnic initiation elements – electrical blasting caps and electric spark igniters. Patent for invention is taken out for the connector.

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