Extraction of coffee solubles from roast and ground coffee is a highly complex process, depending on a large number of brewing parameters. We consider a recent, experimentally validated, model of ...coffee extraction, describing extraction from a coffee bed using a double porosity model, which includes dissolution and transport of coffee. It was shown that this model can accurately describe coffee extraction in two situations: extraction from a dilute suspension of coffee grains and extraction from a packed coffee bed. Despite being based on some simplifying assumptions, this model can only be solved numerically. In this paper we consider asymptotic solutions of the model describing extraction from a packed coffee bed. Such solutions can explicitly relate coffee concentration to the process parameters. For an individual coffee grain, extraction is controlled by a rapid dissolution of coffee from the surface of the grain, in conjunction with a slower diffusion of coffee through the intragranular pore network to the grain surface. Extraction of coffee from the bed also depends on the speed of advection of coffee from the bed. We utilize the small parameter resulting from the ratio of the advection timescale to the grain diffusion timescale to construct asymptotic solutions using the method of matched asymptotic expansions. The asymptotic solutions are compared to numerical solutions and data from coffee extraction experiments. The asymptotic solutions depend on a small number of dimensionless parameters and so are useful to quickly fit extraction curves and investigate the influence of various process parameters on the extraction.
Hospital-based medical records are abstracted to create International Classification of Disease (ICD) coded discharge health data in many countries. The 'main condition' is not defined in a ...consistent manner internationally. Some countries employ a 'reason for admission' rule as the basis for the main condition, while other countries employ a 'resource use' rule. A few countries have recently transitioned from one of these approaches to the other. The definition of 'main condition' in such ICD data matters when it is used to define a disease cohort to assign diagnosis-related groups and to perform risk adjustment. We propose a method of harmonizing the international definition to enable researchers and international organizations using ICD-coded health data to aggregate or compare hospital care and outcomes across countries in a consistent manner. Inter-observer reliability of alternative harmonization approaches should be evaluated before finalizing the definition and adopting it worldwide.
The objective of this study was to address the impact of heterogeneity of infectious period and contagiousness on Salmonella transmission dynamics in dairy cattle populations. We developed three ...deterministic SIR-type models with two basic infected stages (clinically and subclinically infected). In addition, model 2 included long-term shedders, which were defined as individuals with low contagiousness but long infectious period, and model 3 included super-shedders (individuals with high contagiousness and long infectious period). The simulated dynamics, basic reproduction number (R0) and critical vaccination threshold were studied. Clinically infected individuals were the main force of infection transmission for models 1 and 2. Long-term shedders had a small impact on the transmission of the infection and on the estimated vaccination thresholds. The presence of super-shedders increases R0 and decreases the effectiveness of population-wise strategies to reduce infection, making necessary the application of strategies that target this specific group.
Abstract
Introduction
Multimorbidity occurs in adults of all ages, but the number and complexity of comorbid conditions commonly increases with advancing age. Therefore cardiovascular disease (CVD) ...in older adults typically occurs in a context of multimorbidity. Current clinical practice and research mainly target single disease-specific care that does not embrace the complexities imposed by concurrent conditions. A national chronic disease programme focused on multimorbid patients was developed, with funding based on process rather than outcome measures. The conditions included were chronic coronary syndromes, heart failure, atrial fibrillation, transient ischaemic attacks, stroke, diabetes, COPD and asthma. This report focuses on the initial results of this programme.
Methods
The programme commenced in March 2020 and analysis occurred based on patients returned by January 2022. The programme involved general practice teams providing a maximum of two visits to eligible patients every 12 months. The visit structure was supported by adaptation of the electronic health record returns depending on the conditions involved. The programme was introduced on a phased basis so that only those over 65 years were included in this analysis. Among all programme participants who had three visits, data on risk factors such as smoking, alcohol, physical activity, weight, blood pressure (BP), and lipid control were collected. HbA1c was also collected in those with diabetes.
Results
186,210 people were enrolled in the programme by January 2022. 13% of patients who were current smokers ceased smoking between first and third programme visits. In those who had inadequate physical activity levels at their first visit, almost 30% had achieved adequate physical activity levels by their third visit. Of those who had increased, high risk or harmful alcohol consumption patterns at visit one, 8.3% had become non-drinkers and 58.7% had normal drinking patterns by visit three. There was a population drop of a mean of 1mmHg in BP during the programme. Of those with elevated BP at visit one, 43.4% had a BP <140/90 mmHg at visit three. The mean LDL cholesterol of the cohort was 2.2 mmol/L. In those with diabetes and ischaemic heart disease, 49% had an LDL cholesterol <1.8mmol/l. By visit three, 23% of those with an LDL cholesterol initially above target subsequently had an LDL level <1.8 mmol/L. The mean HbA1c in people with diabetes was 53.5 mmol/mol. 40% of those with a HbA1c >64mmol/mol reduced this level between first and third visits. 81% of patients had received influenza vaccination. 75% of patients had received a pneumococcal vaccine.
Conclusion
Despite the COVID 19 pandemic a general practice based multimorbidity focused chronic disease management programme had significant impact on cardiovascular risk factors.
Following the events of 11 September 2001, the ensuing spectre of bioterrorism and considerable efforts planning for the unthinkable (1), this Eurosurveillance issue reminds us of the continuing ...threat to public health from well-recognised pathogens, sometimes mistakenly judged to be controlled. Recently the incidence of salmonellosis has decreased substantially across the European Union, the number of cases reported to Enternet (2) declining from 100 267 in the peak year of 1997 to 73 006 in 2001 (I.S.T. Fisher - personal communication). However, recent events and the following articles illustrate continued challenges in salmonella control.
Multi-principal element alloys (MPEAs), inclusive of high entropy alloys (HEAs), continue to attract significant research attention owing to their potentially desirable properties. Although MPEAs ...remain under extensive research, traditional (i.e. empirical) alloy production and testing is both costly and time-consuming, partly due to the inefficiency of the early discovery process which involves experiments on a large number of alloy compositions. It is intuitive to apply machine learning in the discovery of this novel class of materials, of which only a small number of potential alloys has been probed to date. In this work, a proof-of-concept is proposed, combining generative adversarial networks (GANs) with discriminative neural networks (NNs), to accelerate the exploration of novel MPEAs. By applying the GAN model herein, it was possible to directly generate novel compositions for MPEAs, and to predict their phases. To verify the predictability of the model, alloys designed by the model are presented and a candidate produced; as validation. This suggests that the model herein offers an approach that can significantly enhance the capacity and efficiency of development of novel MPEAs.
The purpose of this paper was to identify which parameters influence the micromotion at the head–neck taper interface of modular hip prostheses. Finite element analysis was performed where 3D models ...of the head–neck taper interface were subjected to an assembly force, 3300N of compression, and 100N of tension. The micromotion increased as the head size, assembly force, and taper size increased. The micromotion also increased when a mixed alloy material combination (CoCr head and Ti6Al4V neck) was used instead of all CoCr alloy prosthesis and when the center of the femoral head was in a more superior position relative to the center of the neck taper.
•Finite element analysis was performed at the head–neck taper interface.•An increase in head size, assembly force, and taper size increases micromotion.•Heads and stems made out of CoCr have less micromotion than mixed alloy prostheses.•More micromotion may occur by placing the center of the head in a superior position.•Out of axis loading delivers more micromotion than axial loading.
In response to a dramatic change in the epidemiology of Salmonella Enteritidis in England and Wales thought to be associated with raw shell eggs, the Health Protection Agency initiated public health ...investigations to establish the incidence of Salmonella contamination and origin of eggs used by catering premises implicated in outbreaks of Salm. Enteritidis. Between October 2002 and November 2004, 16 971 eggs were sampled and Salmonella were recovered from 3·4%. Salmonella was isolated from 5·5% and 6·3% of Spanish and eggs of unknown origin, respectively, used in catering premises linked to outbreaks, a level significantly higher than that (1·1%) found in nonLion Quality UK eggs sampled. The small sample of UK Lion Quality eggs tested (reflecting their lack of use in premises visited) did not contain Salmonella. Several phage types of Salm. Enteritidis other than phage type 4 (PT 4) were identified with nonUK eggs. Eggs from Spain were implicated as a major source of infection. Eggs were contaminated more frequently with Salmonella when shells were dirty and/or cracked, and stored at above 8°C. The use of Spanish eggs by the catering sector has been identified as a consistent significant factor in many of the outbreaks caused by Salm. Enteritidis nonPT4 in England and Wales during 2002-2004. Advice to caterers and hospitals that raw shell eggs should not be used in food that will either not be cooked or only lightly cooked should be reinforced.
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