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Introduction: Management of transvenous leads in patients with congenital heart disease (CHD) can be complicated by venous obstructions and residual shunts. We present our experience performing concurrent lead extraction and dilation/stenting of venous pathways, including patients with complete venous obstruction. Methods: All cases of concurrent lead extraction and recanalization of vena cavae/baffles between 2017 and 2021 at Boston Children's Hospital were retrospectively included and reviewed for safety and efficacy. Results: Eight patients, 4 female, median 38.5 years of age (range 16.7−49 years) and 81.6 kg weight (range 41.3−97.8 kg) at time of procedure were included. All patients had CHD, a majority (n = 7) having transposition of the great arteries palliated via atrial switch. All leads were removed in their entirety, with most patients having two leads extracted (n = 7). Median lead dwell time was 13.8 years (range 3.6−35.3 years). Three patients had complete obstructions, three required stenting of their innominate veins and three required recanalization of their femoral vessels. Median procedure time was 9.8 h (range 5.4−12.8 h). Complications included blood transfusion (n = 2), arrhythmia (n = 3), pleural effusion (n = 1), and pressure ulcer (n = 1). There were no cardiac perforations, venous tears, or deaths. Conclusion: Lead extraction along with dilation and stenting of venous anomalies, though long in duration, proved effective with minimal complications. This combined procedure can safely and effectively resolve complete obstructions secondary to transvenous leads. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Discussions about coping, resilience, and mental health accompanied the COVID-19 shutdowns and gradual return to academic and workspaces across the US through 2021. As physical and spiritual practices, yoga and meditation have been shown to help people through adversity and create resilience. Academic librarians were surveyed about yoga and meditation programs throughout the pandemic. The survey found that while yoga and meditation programs in academic libraries are on the rise, many cancelled their sessions because of the pandemic. Additionally, more can be done to make these sessions accessible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This industrial research focuses on the implementation and development of a productive process for an automotive structural component (Shock tower) manufactured by a high-pressure die casting (HPDC) process made of aluminum alloy AuralTM-5. This aluminum alloy has been considered in diverse automotive and aerospace components that do not require heat treatment due to its mechanical properties as cast material (F temper). On the other hand, AuralTM-5 has been designed for processing as HPDC because it is an alloy with good fluidity, making it ideal for large castings with thin-wall thicknesses, like safety structural components such as rails, supports, rocker panels, suspension crossmembers, and shock towers. The mechanical properties that were evaluated for the evaluated components were yield strength, ultimate tensile strength, and elongation. Eight samples were taken from different areas of each produced shock tower for evaluating and verifying the homogeneity of each casting. The samples were evaluated from the first hours after they were manufactured by casting until eight weeks after being produced. This was performed to understand the behavior of the alloy during its natural aging process. Two groups of samples were obtained. One set of components was heat-treated by a water quench process after the castings' extraction and the other set of components was not quenched. Results demonstrated that both sets of components, quenched and not quenched, achieved the expected values for the AuralTM-5 of yield strength ≥ 110 MPa, ultimate tensile strength ≥ 240 MPa, and elongation ≥ 8%. Additionally, this is very important for industry since by not treating the structural components by quenching, there are savings in terms of infrastructure and energy consumption, together with benefits in the environmental aspect by avoiding CO2 emissions and being sustainable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article provides information about the twelfth edition of Les Récréâtrales, a theatre festival in Burkina Faso, with the theme "faire visage," which emphasizes facing the challenges of organizing an arts event in an economically marginalized country like Burkina Faso. The country has faced political instability and insecurity due to the threat of violent separatist jihadist forces, leading to a significant population displacement.

A mid-level data fusion coupled with multivariate analysis approach is applied to dual-platform mass spectrometry data sets using Rapid Evaporative Ionization Mass Spectrometry and Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry to determine the correct classification of salmon origin and production methods. Salmon (n = 522) from five different regions and two production methods are used in the study. The method achieves a cross-validation classification accuracy of 100% and all test samples (n = 17) have their origins correctly determined, which is not possible with single-platform methods. Eighteen robust lipid markers and nine elemental markers are found, which provide robust evidence of the provenance of the salmon. Thus, we demonstrate that our mid-level data fusion - multivariate analysis strategy greatly improves the ability to correctly identify the geographical origin and production method of salmon, and this innovative approach can be applied to many other food authenticity applications. Using two different mass spectrometric platforms, authors demonstrate how metabolomic data fusion and multivariate analysis can be used to accurately identify the geographic origin and production method of salmon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Patients with pulmonary vein stenosis (PVS) often require frequent transcatheter pulmonary vein (PV) interventions for management of restenosis. Predictors of serious adverse events (AEs) and need for high-level cardiorespiratory support (mechanical ventilation, vasoactive support, and/or extracorporeal membrane oxygenation) 48 h after transcatheter PV interventions have not been reported. This is a single-center retrospective cohort analysis of patients with PVS who underwent transcatheter PV interventions from 3/1/2014 to 12/31/2021. Univariate and multivariable analyses were performed using generalized estimating equations to account for within-patient correlation. 240 patients underwent 841 catheterizations involving PV interventions (median 2 catheterizations per patient [1,3]). At least one serious AE was reported in 100 (12%) cases, the most common of which were pulmonary hemorrhage (n = 20) and arrhythmia (n = 17). There were 14 severe/catastrophic AEs (1.7% of cases) including three strokes and one patient death. On multivariable analysis, age less than 6 months, low systemic arterial saturation (< 95% in patients with biventricular [BiV] physiology, < 78% in single ventricle [SV] physiology), and severely elevated mean PA pressure (≥ 45 mmHg in BiV, ≥ 17 mmHg in SV) were associated with SAEs. Age less than 1 year, hospitalization prior to catheterization, and moderate–severe RV dysfunction were associated with high-level support after catheterization. Serious AEs during transcatheter PV interventions in patients with PVS are common, although major events such as stroke or death are uncommon. Younger patients and those with abnormal hemodynamics are more likely to experience serious AEs and require high-level cardiorespiratory support after catheterization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Data on the frequency and outcome of surgical interventions as a result of adverse events (AE) encountered in the pediatric and congenital cardiac catheterization laboratory are limited. This study analyzes the outcomes of specific types of AE that are most likely to require immediate surgical intervention. Data from the C3PO registry were analyzed to identify specific types of significant vascular/cardiac trauma or technical adverse events (stent/device/coil embolization/migration). The relationship between these AE and an "adverse outcome" (defined as either surgery, ECMO, or death) were analyzed. Between 01/2014 and 12/2017, 25,731 cases were entered into the C3PO registry. Vascular or cardiac trauma were observed in 92 cases (0.36% cases in C3PO), and technical adverse events were observed in 176 cases (0.68% cases in C3PO). The two highest procedure type risk categories (PREDIC3T) accounted for 61% of the cases in the cardiac/vascular trauma cohort, and 34% in the technical AE cohort. For vascular/cardiac trauma, 24 (26%) had an adverse outcome, with ECMO in 8 (9%), surgery in 19 (20%), and death in 9 (10%). For technical AE 25 (14%) had an adverse outcome, with ECMO in 3 (2%), surgery in 23 (13%), and death in 3 (2%). Survival after cardiac surgery secondary to an AE was 68% for cardiac/vascular trauma, and 96% for technical adverse events. RF perforation of the pulmonary valve was the procedure most likely to result in cardiac/vascular trauma (10%), with 57% of those having an adverse outcome. Atrial septal interventions accounted for 29% of all adverse outcomes in the cardiac/vascular trauma cohort. Non-elective or emergent cases were associated with a significantly higher incidence of an adverse outcome for both, cardiac/vascular trauma (OR 7.1) and technical adverse events (OR 2.7). Surgery within the last 30 days was associated with a significantly higher incidence of an adverse outcome for cardiac/vascular trauma only (OR 4.2). Significant cardiac/vascular trauma or stent/device/coil embolization/migration are rare, but high consequence AE. With appropriate surgical and ECMO backup, a high survival can be achieved. The potential need for and impact of immediate surgical backup seems to be higher for cardiac/vascular trauma (in particular after specific case types), than for device/coil migration/embolization, and as such case specific backup arrangements are required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

External dose rates were measured 1 m away from 230 Lu-177 patients to characterise the variability in normalised dose rates as a function of administered activity, body mass index (BMI) and sex. The largest dose rate observed was 0.07 mSv/h associated with an administered activity of 7.2 GBq. Substantial variability was found in the distribution of the normalised dose rate associated that had an average of 0.0037 mSv/h per GBq and a 95% confidence interval of 0.0024–0.0058 mSv/h per GBq. Based on this study, estimating the patient dose rate based on the Lu-177 gamma exposure factor overestimates the dose rate by a factor of 2. A statistically significant inverse relationship was found between the patient dose rate and patient BMI and an empirically derived equation relating these two quantities was reported. On average, male patient dose rates were 3.5% lower than female dose rates, which may be attributed to the larger average BMI of the male patient group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, radiologic imaging has undergone tremendous technological advances and is now a pillar of diagnostic and treatment algorithms in clinical medicine. The increased complexity and volume of medical imaging has led clinicians to become ever more reliant on radiologists to both identify and interpret patient studies. A radiologist's report provides key insights into a patient's immediate state of health, information that is vital when choosing the most appropriate next steps in management. As errors in imaging interpretation or miscommunication of results can greatly impair patient care, identifying common error sources is vital to minimizing their occurrence. Although mistakes in medical imaging are practically inevitable, changes to the delivery of imaging reporting and the addition of artificial intelligence algorithms to analyze clinicians' communication skills can minimize the impact of these errors, keep up with the continuously evolving landscape of medical imaging, and ultimately close the communication gap. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present interlaboratory comparison study involved nine laboratories located throughout the world that tested for 24 regulated and non-regulated mycotoxins by applying their in-house LC-MS/MS multi-toxin method to 10 individual lots of 4 matrix commodities, including complex chicken and swine feed, soy and corn gluten. In total, more than 6000 data points were collected and analyzed statistically by calculating a consensus value in combination with a target standard deviation following a modified Horwitz equation. The performance of each participant was evaluated by a z-score assessment with a satisfying range of ±2, leading to an overall success rate of 70% for all tested compounds. Equal performance for both regulated and emerging mycotoxins indicates that participating routine laboratories have successfully expanded their analytical portfolio in view of potentially new regulations. In addition, the study design proved to be fit for the purpose of providing future certified reference materials, which surpass current analyte matrix combinations and exceed the typical scope of the regulatory framework. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Epidemiologic studies of radiation-exposed populations form the basis for human safety standards. They also help shape public health policy and evidence-based health practices by identifying and quantifying health risks of exposure in defined populations. For more than a century, epidemiologists have studied the consequences of radiation exposures, yet the health effects of low levels delivered at a low-dose rate remain equivocal. The Million Person Study (MPS) of U.S. Radiation Workers and Veterans was designed to examine health effects following chronic exposures in contrast with brief exposures as experienced by the Japanese atomic bomb survivors. Radiation associations for rare cancers, intakes of radionuclides, and differences between men and women are being evaluated, as well as noncancers such as cardiovascular disease and conditions such as dementia and cognitive function. The first international symposium, held November 6, 2020, provided a broad overview of the MPS. Representatives from four U.S. government agencies addressed the importance of this research for their respective missions: U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD), and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). The major components of the MPS were discussed and recent findings summarized. The importance of radiation dosimetry, an essential feature of each MPS investigation, was emphasized. The seven components of the MPS are DOE workers, nuclear weapons test participants, nuclear power plant workers, industrial radiographers, medical radiation workers, nuclear submariners, other U.S. Navy personnel, and radium dial painters. The MPS cohorts include tens of thousands of workers with elevated intakes of alpha particle emitters for which organ-specific doses are determined. Findings to date for chronic radiation exposure suggest that leukemia risk is lower than after acute exposure; lung cancer risk is much lower and there is little difference in risks between men and women; an increase in ischemic heart disease is yet to be seen; esophageal cancer is frequently elevated but not myelodysplastic syndrome; and Parkinson's disease may be associated with radiation exposure. The MPS has provided provocative insights into the possible range of health effects following low-level chronic radiation exposure. When the 34 MPS cohorts are completed and combined, a powerful evaluation of radiation-effects will be possible. This final article in the MPS special issue summarizes the findings to date and the possibilities for the future. A National Center for Radiation Epidemiology and Biology is envisioned. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements (NCRP) is coordinating an expansive epidemiologic effort entitled the Million Person Study of Low-Dose Radiation Health Effects (MPS). Medical workers constitute the largest occupational radiation-exposed group whose doses are typically received gradually over time. A unique opportunity exists to establish an Institutional Review Board/Privacy Board (IRB/PB) approved, retrospective feasibility sub-cohort of diseased Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK) medical radiation workers to reconstruct occupational/work history, estimate organ-specific radiation absorbed doses, and review existing publicly available records for mortality from cancer (including leukemia) and other diseases. Special emphasis will be placed on dose reconstruction approaches as a means to provide valid organ dose estimates that are as accurate and precise as possible based on the available data, and to allow proper evaluation of accompanying uncertainties. Such a study that includes validated dose measurements and information on radiation exposure conditions would significantly reduce dose uncertainties and provided greatly improved information on chronic low-dose risks. The feasibility sub-cohort will include deceased radiation workers from MSK who worked during the nearly seventy-year timeframe from 1946 through 2010 and were provided individual personal radiation dosimetry monitors. A feasibility assessment focused on obtaining records for about 25–30,000 workers, with over 124,000 annual doses, including personnel/work histories, specific dosimetry data, and appropriate information for epidemiologic mortality tracing will be conducted. MSK radiation dosimetry measurements have followed stringent protocols complying with strict worker protection standards in order to provide accurate dose information for radiation workers that include detailed records of work practices (including specific task exposure conditions, radiation type, energy, geometry, personal protective equipment usage, badge position, and missed doses), as well as recorded measurements. These dose measurements have been ascertained through a variety of techniques that have evolved over the years, from film badges to thermoluminescent dosimetry technology to optically stimulated luminescent methodologies. It is expected that individual total doses for the sub-cohort will have a broad range from <10 mSv to > =1000 mSv. MSK has pioneered the use of novel radiation diagnostic and therapeutic approaches over time (including initial work with x-rays, radium, and radon), with workplace safety in mind, resulting in a variety of radiation worker exposure scenarios. The results of this feasibility sub-cohort of deceased radiation workers, and associated lessons learned may potentially be applied to an expanded multicenter study of about 170,000 medical radiation worker component of the MPS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Sixty-eight laboratory-confirmed cases of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) (12 in Alberta [AB], 56 in Saskatchewan [SK]) were linked to a gathering at a hospital in Alberta on June 1-4, 2020, and a wake/funeral in a First Nations community in northern Saskatchewan on June 9-11, 2020.Objective: The objectives were to provide a comprehensive description of the epidemiology of the outbreak and describe the chains of transmission to inform the hypothesis that there were multiple introductions of COVID-19 at the wake/funeral.Methods: Case investigation and contact tracing was conducted by local public health in AB and SK. The Public Health Agency of Canada conducted a centralized case analysis. An epidemic curve and a Gantt chart for period of communicability were created to support or refute whether there had been multiple introductions of COVID-19 at the wake/funeral.Results: Illness onset dates ranged from May 31 to July 1, 2020. Ages ranged from 2 to 80 years (median age=43 years). Five cases were hospitalized; there were no deaths. The available case exposure information supports the hypothesis that there had been multiple introductions of COVID-19 at the wake/funeral. Public health authorities in AB and SK declared the outbreak over on July 20, 2020; based on two incubation periods (i.e. 28 days) following the illness onset of the last primary case.Conclusion: During multijurisdictional outbreaks, data sharing, coordination across health authorities and centralized analysis is essential to understanding the events that lead to the outbreak and possible hypotheses around chains of transmission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Sixty-eight laboratory-confirmed cases of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) (12 in Alberta [AB], 56 in Saskatchewan [SK]) were linked to a gathering at a hospital in Alberta on June 1–4, 2020, and a wake/funeral in a First Nations community in northern Saskatchewan on June 9–11, 2020. Objective: The objectives were to provide a comprehensive description of the epidemiology of the outbreak and describe the chains of transmission to inform the hypothesis that there were multiple introductions of COVID-19 at the wake/funeral. Methods: Case investigation and contact tracing was conducted by local public health in AB and SK. The Public Health Agency of Canada conducted a centralized case analysis. An epidemic curve and a Gantt chart for period of communicability were created to support or refute whether there had been multiple introductions of COVID-19 at the wake/funeral. Results: Illness onset dates ranged from May 31 to July 1, 2020. Ages ranged from 2 to 80 years (median age=43 years). Five cases were hospitalized; there were no deaths. The available case exposure information supports the hypothesis that there had been multiple introductions of COVID-19 at the wake/funeral. Public health authorities in AB and SK declared the outbreak over on July 20, 2020; based on two incubation periods (i.e. 28 days) following the illness onset of the last primary case. Conclusion: During multijurisdictional outbreaks, data sharing, coordination across health authorities and centralized analysis is essential to understanding the events that lead to the outbreak and possible hypotheses around chains of transmission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of the regular introduction of new technologies into interventional cardiac catheterization procedures, in this case new atrial septal defect (ASD) closure devices, while conducting a multi-center collaborative initiative to reduce radiation usage during all procedures. Data were collected prospectively by 8 C3PO institutions between January 1, 2014 and December 31, 2017 for ASD device closure procedures in the cardiac catheterization lab during a quality improvement (QI) initiative aimed at reducing patient radiation exposure. Radiation exposure was measured in dose area product per body weight (µGy*m2/kg). Use of proposed practice change strategies at the beginning and end of the QI intervention period was assessed. Radiation exposure was summarized by institution and by initial type of device used for closure. This study included 602 ASD device closures. Without changes in patient characteristics, total fluoroscopy duration, or number of digital acquisitions, median radiation exposure decreased from 37 DAP/kg to 14 DAP/kg from 2014 to 2017. While all individual centers decreased overall median DAP/kg, the use of novel devices for ASD closure correlated with a temporary period of worsening institutional radiation exposure and increased fluoroscopy time. The introduction of new ASD closure devices resulted in increased radiation exposure during a QI project designed to reduce radiation exposure. Therefore, outcome assessment must be contextualized in QI projects, hospital evaluation, and public reporting, to acknowledge the expected variation during innovation and introduction of novel therapies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study used desorption electrospray ionisation mass spectrometry (DESI-MS) to analyse and detect and classify biomarkers in five different animal and plant sources of milk for the first time. A range of differences in terms of features was observed in the spectra of cow milk, goat milk, camel milk, soya milk, and oat milk. Chemometric modelling was then used to classify the mass spectra data, enabling unique or significant markers for each milk source to be identified. The classification of different milk sources was achieved with a cross-validation percentage rate of 100% through linear discriminate analysis (LDA) with high sensitivity to adulteration (0.1–5% v/v). The DESI-MS results from the milk samples analysed show the methodology to have high classification accuracy, and in the absence of complex sample clean-up which is often associated with authenticity testing, to be a rapid and efficient approach for milk fraud control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pesticides are a safety issue globally and cause serious concerns for the environment, wildlife and human health. The handheld detection of four pesticide residues widely used in Basmati rice production using surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) is reported. Different SERS substrates were synthesised and their plasmonic and Raman scattering properties evaluated. Using this approach, detection limits for pesticide residues were achieved within the range of 5 ppb-75 ppb, in solvent. Various extraction techniques were assessed to recover pesticide residues from spiked Basmati rice. Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged and Safe (QuEChERs) acetate extraction was applied and characteristic spectral data for each pesticide was obtained from the spiked matrix and analysed using handheld-SERS. This approach allowed detection limits within the matrix conditions to be markedly improved, due to the rapid aggregation of nanogold caused by the extraction medium. Thus, detection limits for three out of four pesticides were detectable below the Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) of 10 ppb in Basmati rice. Furthermore, the multiplexing performance of handheld-SERS was assessed in solvent and matrix conditions. This study highlights the great potential of handheld-SERS for the rapid on-site detection of pesticide residues in rice and other commodities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Spring 2020, Indigenous communities in northwest Saskatchewan, Canada, experienced the first significant outbreak of COVID-19. Through the collective efforts of public health measures by local, provincial, federal, and community partners, COVID-19 impacts were mitigated, and the severity of the outbreak in northwest Saskatchewan was limited. This article outlines the epidemio-logical profile of COVID-19 in the area during this period and the concomitant narrative of the public health control measures. The narrative connects specific culturally grounded approaches that were taken by community leaders and public health officials to moderate the pandemic's impacts and contain the outbreak. Among the lessons learned from these multi-jurisdictional efforts were the need to customize interventions to individual community characteristics and the benefits of continuous consultation and communication with community leadership. These findings suggest that long-term monetary investment in the strengths, assets, and capacity of communities can contribute toward sustainable solutions for existing structural inequities that have been amplified by the pandemic. The collaboration that resulted from local, provincial, and federal partnerships informed other pandemic response measures for subsequent outbreaks that have affected the region during the evolution of the COVID-19 pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The short- and long-term stability of multi-component mixtures and intermediate mixtures of analytical standards of veterinary drugs, which can potentially occur in food and feed chains, was examined by an isochronous measurement approach. Short-term stability testing of calibrants included storage for 1, 2, 4, and 7 days at --20 (as a baseline) 4, and 23 °C (with and without exposure to sunlight), respectively. Long-term stability testing conditions of intermediate mixes were --20 °, 4 °C, 23 °C (with and without exposure to sunlight), and control temperature at --80 °C while the testing period was 2, 4, 8, and 12 weeks, respectively. Results indicated that calibration standards should ideally be stored at 4 °C for only 1-2 days, without the presence of acid. Neutral storage conditions were acceptable even at room temperature. Storage of intermediate mixtures containing ß-lactams and cephalosporins for longer than 1 month under 4 °C and room temperature resulted in a loss of almost 90%. When it comes to the intermediate mixtures with penicillin V and G, acceptable storage conditions were 2 weeks at --20 °C, without the presence of acid. Other classes of veterinary drugs were less critical as considers long-term stability. Overall, storage conditions at --20 °C were considered optimal for long-term storage of intermediate mixes of veterinary drug standards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Using a radiomics framework to quantitatively analyze tumor shape and texture features in three dimensions, we tested its ability to objectively and robustly distinguish between benign and malignant renal masses. We assessed the relative contributions of shape and texture metrics separately and together in the prediction model.Materials and Methods: Computed tomography (CT) images of 735 patients with 539 malignant and 196 benign masses were segmented in this retrospective study. Thirty-three shape and 760 texture metrics were calculated per tumor. Tumor classification models using shape, texture, and both metrics were built using random forest and AdaBoost with tenfold cross-validation. Sensitivity analyses on five sub-cohorts with respect to the acquisition phase were conducted. Additional sensitivity analyses after multiple imputation were also conducted. Model performance was assessed using AUC.Results: Random forest classifier showed shape metrics featuring within the top 10% performing metrics regardless of phase, attaining the highest variable importance in the corticomedullary phase. Convex hull perimeter ratio is a consistently high-performing shape feature. Shape metrics alone achieved an AUC ranging 0.64-0.68 across multiple classifiers, compared with 0.67-0.75 and 0.68-0.75 achieved by texture-only and combined models, respectively.Conclusion: Shape metrics alone attain high prediction performance and high variable importance in the combined model, while being independent of the acquisition phase (unlike texture). Shape analysis therefore should not be overlooked in its potential to distinguish benign from malignant tumors, and future radiomics platforms powered by machine learning should harness both shape and texture metrics.Key Points: • Current radiomics research is heavily weighted towards texture analysis, but quantitative shape metrics should not be ignored in their potential to distinguish benign from malignant renal tumors. • Shape metrics alone can attain high prediction performance and demonstrate high variable importance in the combined shape and texture radiomics model. • Any future radiomics platform powered by machine learning should harness both shape and texture metrics, especially since tumor shape (unlike texture) is independent of the acquisition phase and more robust from the imaging variations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Arkansas is a rural state of 3 million people. It is ranked fifth for poverty nationally. The first case of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Arkansas occurred on 11 March 2020. Since then, approximately 8% of all Arkansans have tested positive. Given the resource limitations of Arkansas, COVID-19 convalescent plasma (CCP) was explored as a potentially lifesaving, therapeutic option. Therefore, the Arkansas Initiative for Convalescent Plasma was developed to ensure that every Arkansan has access to this therapy.Study Design and Method: This brief report describes the statewide collaborative response from hospitals, blood collectors, and the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) to ensure that CCP was available in a resource-limited state.Results: Early contact tracing by ADH identified individuals who had come into contact with "patient zero" in early March. Within the first week, 32 patients tested positive for COVID-19. The first set of CCP collections occurred on 9 April 2020. Donors had to be triaged carefully in the initial period, as many had recently resolved their symptoms. From our first collections, with appropriate resource and inventory management, we collected sufficient CCP to provide the requested number of units for every patient treated with CCP in Arkansas.Conclusions: The Arkansas Initiative, a statewide effort to ensure CCP for every patient in a resource-limited state, required careful coordination among key players. Collaboration and resource management was crucial to meet the demand of CCP products and potentially save lives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, we suggest an alternate approach to interpreting the US Constitution, using founding-era translations. We demonstrate how both symmetries and asymmetries in structure and vocabulary of the languages involved can help in deciding nowadays' problems of constitutional interpretation. We select seven controversial passages of the US constitution to illustrate our approach: Art. I, § 8, cl. 3 ("to regulate commerce"); Art. II, § 1, cl. 5 ("natural born citizen"); Art. II, § 2, cl. 3 ("recess"); Art. I, § 6, cl. 1/Art. I, § 8, cl. 10/Art. IV, § 2 ("felony"); and Art. IV, § 2, cl. 1 ("privileges and immunities"). Since these passages have recently been debated by constitutional scholars, reassessing them using our method can establish the additional value of our approach to constitutional practice. We presume that our approach is not limited to interpreting the US constitution, but suggest that constitutional hermeneutics in general could profit from adding a translation approach to the toolkit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The occurrence of nanoplastic particles (NPs) in the environment has raised concerns about the ecotoxicological risk to aquatic ecosystems. The purpose of this study was to examine the bioavailability and toxicity of 50- and 100-nm transparent polystyrene NPs to the cnidarian Hydra attenuata. The hydras were exposed to increasing concentrations of 50- and 100-nm NPs (1.25, 2.5, 5, 10, 20, 40, and 80 mg/L) for 96 h at 20 °C followed by a 24-h depuration step. Hydras were analyzed for morphological changes, bioaccumulation of NPs using a novel assay for polystyrene NPs, oxidative stress (lipid peroxidation), polar lipids, lipid-like liquid crystals (LCs), and viscosity changes in the post-mitochondrial fraction. The results revealed that the organisms accumulated detectable amounts of NP in a concentration-dependent manner for both the 50- and 100-nm NP that persisted after 24 h in clean media. Changes in morphology were observed with a 50% effect concentration of 3.6 and 18 mg/L for the 50- and 100-nm-diameter NPs respectively. However, based on the particle concentration, the 100 nm proved to be 1.7 times more toxic than the 50-nm NPs. Exposure to NPs led to decreased biomass, lipid peroxidation (LPO), increased polar lipid levels, viscosity, and formation of LCs at the intracellular level. In the more toxic NP (100 nm), NPs in tissues were correlated with LCs, polar lipids, and LPO levels. It appears that the formation of organized LCs and polar lipids of NPs in cells was involved with NP toxicity and could represent a yet unidentified, detoxifying/bioactivation mechanism against colloidal plastics in cells. In conclusion, NPs are bioavailable to hydra and lead to LPO and lipid mobilization in hydra. The capacity of increasing lipid mobilization and LCs could determine the size-dependence toxicity of NPs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background:Chronic disease in older adults is estimated to account for 84% of annual health care spending in the United States, with many preventable costs expected to rise as the population continues to age. Introduction:Telehealth Intervention Programs for Seniors (TIPS) is a community-embedded program targeting low-income older adults, providing weekly assessment of vital signs and subjective wellness, and wrap-around aging services. Materials and Methods:TIPS recruited 765 volunteers over 55 years, who were Medicaid and/or Medicare eligible. Data were collected from 2014 to 2016 [median enrollment 343 days (105–435)] using 12 TIPS sites. This observational study evaluated the efficacy of TIPS by measuring within-subject changes in self-reported hospital visits and <30-day readmissions, before and during TIPS participation. Data of 617 participants (median age 74.3; interquartile range 16) were analyzed. Results:Self-reported hospital visits were reduced by 28.9% (p = 0.0013). Medicare participants benefited the most, with a 50% (p < 0.0001) reduction in hospital visits, and a 75.5% (p = 0.017) reduction in <30-day readmissions. Multivariate analysis revealed that participants (1) Medicaid-registered (odds ratio [OR] = 2.72, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.392–1.611), (2) reporting feeling unwell (OR = 1.33, 95% CI 0.118–0.459), and (3) living alone (OR = 2.34, 95% CI 0.115–1.592) were significantly more likely than other participants to experience a hospital visit. Discussion:TIPS demonstrates that community-embedded health services can reduce rates of hospital visits in older adults. Conclusion:The success of TIPS highlights the potential of successfully deployed remote patient-monitoring initiatives in reducing the utilization of costly health services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

What is popular theater and what do popular theater artists do? Scholarship on popular theater in Africa has highlighted how, despite artists' frequent use of the label, the form proves difficult to describe in any definitive way, even as it interacts with and draws from several coexisting, and sometimes competing, approaches to theatrical performance. Based on oral histories and research on the popular theater movement in Senegal, as well as four years of interaction, participant observation and collaboration with the popular theater troupe Kàddu Yaraax, this essay considers the historical context in which the popular theater movement emerged in this country and offers a case study of popular theater practice, underlining the artistry that goes into the performance and framing of popular theater events. Addressing popular theater as a craft operating within and dialoguing with a specific cultural heritage, this essay explores the popular theater movement's use of an articulated, dynamic view of culture in response to a shifting landscape of collaborators and sponsors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Organ absorbed doses and effective doses can be used to compare radiation exposure among medical imaging procedures, compare alternative imaging options, and guide dose optimization efforts. Individual dose estimates are important for relatively radiosensitive patient populations such as children and for radiosensitive organs such as the eye lens. Software-based dose calculation methods conveniently calculate organ dose using patient-adjusted and examination-specific inputs. Methods: Organ absorbed doses and effective doses were calculated for 429 pediatric 18F-FDG PET-CT patients. Patient-adjusted and scan-specific information was extracted from the electronic medical record and scanner dose-monitoring software. The VirtualDose and OLINDA/EXM (version 2.0) programs, respectively, were used to calculate the CT and the radiopharmaceutical organ absorbed doses and effective doses. Patients were grouped according to age at the time of the scan as follows: less than 1 year old, 1 to 5 years old, 6 to 10 years old, 11 to 15 years old, and 16 to 17 years old. Results: The mean (+/− standard deviation, range) total PET plus CT effective dose was 14.5 (1.9, 11.2–22.3) mSv. The mean (+/− standard deviation, range) PET effective dose was 8.1 (1.2, 5.7–16.5) mSv. The mean (+/− standard deviation, range) CT effective dose was 6.4 (1.8, 2.9–14.7) mSv. The five organs with highest PET dose were: Urinary bladder, heart, liver, lungs, and brain. The five organs with highest CT dose were: Thymus, thyroid, kidneys, eye lens, and gonads. Conclusions: Organ and effective dose for both the CT and PET components can be estimated with actual patient and scan data using commercial software. Doses calculated using software generally agree with those calculated using dose conversion factors, although some organ doses were found to be appreciably different. Software-based dose calculation methods allow patient-adjusted dose factors. The effort to gather the needed patient data is justified by the resulting value of the characterization of patient-adjusted dosimetry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The release of nanoplastics (NP) from the weathering of microplastics is a major concern for the environment. Methods for the detection of NP in biological tissues are urgently needed because of their ability to penetrate not only in tissues but also in cells. A simple fluorescence-based methodology for the detection of polystyrene NP in biological tissues is proposed using the solvatochromic properties of Nile red. Although NPs alone increased somewhat Nile red fluorescence, a characteristic hypsochromic shift in the emission spectra was found when the dye and NP were incubated with subcellular tissue fraction. To explain this, the probe and NPs (50 and 100 nm) were prepared in the presence of increasing concentrations of two detergents (Tween-20, Triton X-100) as a proxy to phospholipids. The data revealed that both detergents readily increased fluorescence values when added to the NP and Nile red. The addition of NPs in tissue extracts blue-shifted further the emission spectra to 623 nm from the normal Nile red-lipid peak at 660 nm. The fluorescence intensity was proportional to the NP concentration. A methodology is thus proposed for the detection of NPs in laboratory-exposed organisms based on the solvatochromic properties of Nile red. The methodology was used to detect the presence of NP and changes in polar lipid contents in Hydra attenuata exposed to polystyrene NP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The library literature addressing the role of bias in collection development emphasizes a philosophical approach. It is based on the notion that bias can be controlled by the conscious act of believing in certain values and adhering to a code of ethics. It largely ignores the psychological research on bias, which suggests that bias is a more complex and subtle phenomenon. Bias is not always conscious and cannot always be consciously controlled. Countering bias requires an understanding of both its conscious and unconscious influences on selectors and the selection process. This article examines the psychological research that has been conducted on bias and shows how it applies to selectors and the selection process in collection development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The potential value of digital repositories is dependent on the cooperation of scholars to deposit their work. Although many researchers have been resistant to submitting their work, the literature on digital repositories contains very little research on the psychology of resistance. This article looks at the psychological literature on resistance and explores what its implications might be for reducing the resistance of scholars to submitting their work to digital repositories. Psychologists have devised many potentially useful strategies for reducing resistance that might be used to address the problem; this article examines these strategies and how they might be applied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The study aimed to compare the effectiveness of a class-based (CB) and home-based (HB) exercise program for older adults with chronic health conditions. Methods: 172 sedentary older adults with overweight or obesity, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, or osteoarthritis were enrolled in a randomized controlled trial with a 3-month follow-up. Results: A significant increase was seen in the CB group in the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE) scores and SF-12 Physical and Mental Health scores. In both groups, significant increases were seen in 6-minute walk distance, Physical Performance Test (PPT), and Functional Fitness Test (FFT), and significant reductions were seen in systolic and diastolic blood pressure but not body mass index or waist circumference. Except for a greater increment in the FFT in the CB group, the degree of improvement was not significantly different between the 2 groups. Conclusion: After a 3-month intervention, both the CB and HB program produced comparable significant improvements in outcome measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Positive psychology is an important new trend in the field of psychology that may have significant implications for academic libraries. Like the field of psychology, academic librarianship has traditionally focused a substantial amount of attention on problems within the field and on how to solve them. Positive psychology offers a viable alternative by focusing on the strengths and potential of librarians rather than weaknesses. Taking a positive approach to librarianship and fostering a positive culture within academic libraries may result in a variety of benefits to the organization including improved attendance, productivity, and retention of staff. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Data sources: Cochrane Oral Health's Trials Register, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials in the Cochrane Library, MEDLINE Ovid, Embase Ovid. Study selection: Randomised controlled trials and quasi-randomised controlled trials were included. Population: Participants aged ≥ 10 with a permanent tooth possessing a completely formed apex and without resorption; Intervention: Root canal treatment (RoCT) carried out in a single visit; Comparison: RoCT carried out over multiple visits; Outcome: Primary outcome was treatment success (retention of tooth or radiographic evidence of healing), with secondary outcomes investigating post-operative symptoms (pain, swelling, sinus tract formation). Data extraction and synthesis: Standard Cochrane methods to assess internal validity were used. The Robins 1 tool (for quasi randomised controlled trials) or risk of bias (RoB) 1 tool (for randomised controlled trials) were used to assess RoB whereby a judgement was assigned as 'low', 'high' or 'unclear'. GRADE (GRADEpro GDT software) was used to assess certainty of evidence for each outcome. The certainty of evidence was defined as high, moderate, low or very low, having no downgrade, downgrade of one level, downgrade of two levels and downgrade of three or more levels, respectively. Of the various subgroups investigated to determine their relevance, only pretreatment conditions (vital teeth versus necrotic teeth) and endodontic technique (manual versus mechanical instrumentation) were available for subgroup analysis. The Cochrane's test for heterogeneity and I2 test were used to assess the variation in treatment effects. A random-effects model was used to combine risk ratio (RR) for dichotomous data and mean difference (MD) for continuous data. Sensitivity analysis was performed for each outcome, excluding studies at overall high or unclear RoB. Results: Forty-seven studies were included in the meta-analysis and internal validity assessment, with 5693 teeth analysed. Ten studies were found to have a low RoB, 17 with a high RoB and 20 with an unclear RoB. No evidence was identified suggesting a difference between treatment carried out in a single visit compared to a multiple visits approach for the primary outcome measure, but there was very low certainty about the findings (RR 0.46, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.09 to 2.50; I 2 = 0%; 2 studies, 402 teeth). No evidence was identified suggesting a difference between treatment carried out in a single visit compared to multiple visits with regards to radiological failure (RR 0.93, 95% CI: 0.81 to 1.07; I 2 = 0%; 13 studies, 1505 teeth; moderate-certainty evidence), participants reporting pain up to 72 h post obturation (RR 0.97, 95% CI: 0.81 to 1.16; I 2 = 70%; 12 studies, 1329 teeth; low-certainty evidence), pain for 72 h post obturation (MD 0.26, 95% CI: −4.76 to 5.29; I 2 = 98%; 12 studies, 1258 teeth; low-certainty evidence) or pain at 1 week post obturation (RR 1.05, 95% CI: 0.67 to 1.67; I2 = 61%; 9 studies, 1139 teeth; very low-certainty evidence). Similarly, no evidence was identified to prove that there was a difference between treatment carried out in a single visit compared to multiple visits with regards to swelling or flare-up (RR 0.56 95% CI: 0.16–1.92; I 2 = 0%; 6 studies; 605 teeth; very low-certainty evidence), analgesic use (RR 1.25 95% CI: 0.75–2.09; I 2 = 36%; 6 studies, 540 teeth; very low-certainty evidence) and sinus tract or fistula presence (RR 1.00, 95% CI: 0.24–4.28; I 2 = 0%; 5 studies, 650 teeth; very low-certainty evidence). Interestingly, however, there was evidence to show that more participants reported pain after 1 week following RoCT completed in a single visit, compared to those in multiple visit groups (RR 1.55, 95% CI: 1.14–2.09; I 2 = 18%; 5 studies, 638 teeth; moderate-certainty evidence). Subgroup analysis showed there was an increase in post-treatment pain after 1 week for RoCT carried out in a single visit on vital teeth (RR 2.16, 95% CI: 1.39–3.36; I 2 = 0%; 2 studies, 316 teeth), and with the use of mechanical instrumentation (RR 1.80, 95% CI: 1.10–2.92; I 2 = 56%; 2 studies, 278 teeth). Conclusions: The current evidence shows that RoCT carried out in a single visit is no more effective than RoCT carried out over multiple visits; after 12 months, there is no difference in pain or complications with either approach. However, single visit RoCT has been shown to have increased post-operative pain after 1 week compared to RoCT completed over multiple visits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Explores the lattice cluster theory by applying it to an incompressible binary system. Spurious phase separation and an associated critical point in the miscible region predicted by the theory; Distinct critical points for phase separation in the immiscible region predicted by higher than second-order versions.

To stratify diverse procedure types into categories with similar radiation exposure in cardiac catheterization for congenital heart disease. Radiation exposures for a comprehensive list of specific procedure types and stratification of outcomes based on radiation risk are not currently available. Data between January 2014 and December 2015 were collected on all cases performed at sites participating in C3PO-QI (Congenital Cardiac Catheterization Outcomes Project-Quality Improvement Initiative) and 9 centers were included. Using expert consensus, 40 unique procedure types were defined by diagnostic characteristics or the intervention(s) performed, and dose area product (DAP) per kilogram of body weight (µGy × m2/kg) was summarized. Using empiric and consensus methods, three radiation risk categories were created. A total of 11,735 cases were included for analysis. Thirteen (n = 7918) procedure types with median DAP/kg < 100 were categorized in the low radiation exposure category (median DAP/kg 39). The medium exposure category (n = 1807) consisted of 16 procedure types with median DAP/kg values ranging 100 to < 200 (overall median DAP/kg 131). Finally, the high radiation exposure category (n = 1073) consisted of 11 procedure types with median DAP/kg ≥ 200 (overall median DAP/kg of 231). The radiation exposure risk categories created in this multi-center dataset are a critical step towards the development of a robust risk adjustment methodology for radiation exposure in catheterization for congenital heart disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

the article focuses on increasing popularity of meditation in western culture and books that have been written about meditation, both popular and scholarly. It mentions some of the popular books on meditation including "Handbook of Mindfulness: Theory, Research, and Practice," by Kirk Warren Brown and others, "Wherever You Go, There You Are: Mindfulness Meditation in Everyday Life" by Jon Kabat-Zinn and "How to Meditate: A Practical Guide to Making Friends with Your Mind."

The workload for shielding purposes of modern linear accelerators (linacs) consists of primary and scatter radiation which depends on the dose delivered to isocenter (cGy) and leakage radiation which depends on the monitor units (MUs). In this study, we report on the workload for 10 treatment vaults in terms of dose to isocenter (cGy), monitor units delivered (MUs), number of treatment sessions (Txs), as well as, use factors (U) and modulation factors (CI) for different treatment techniques. The survey was performed for the years between 2006 and 2015 and included 16 treatment machines which represent different generations of Varian linear accelerators (6EX, 600C, 2100C, 2100EX, and TrueBeam) operating at different electron and x-ray energies (6, 9, 12, 16 and 20 MeV electrons and, 6 and 15 MV x-rays). An institutional review board (IRB) approval was acquired to perform this study. Data regarding patient workload, dose to isocenter, number of monitor units delivered, beam energies, gantry angles, and treatment techniques were exported from an ARIA treatment management system (Varian Medical Systems, Palo Alto, Ca.) into Excel spreadsheets and data analysis was performed in Matlab. The average (± std-dev) number of treatment sessions, dose to isocenter, and number of monitor units delivered per week per machine in 2006 was 119 ± 39 Txs, (300 ± 116)×102 cGys, and (78 ± 28)×103 MUs respectively. In contrast, the workload in 2015 was 112 ± 40 Txs, (337 ± 124) × 102 cGys, and (111 ± 46) × 103 MUs. 60% of the workload (cGy) was delivered using 6 MV and 30% using 15 MV while the remaining 10% was delivered using electron beams. The modulation factors (MU/cGy) for IMRT and VMAT were 5.0 (± 3.4) and 4.6 (± 1.6) respectively. Use factors using 90° gantry angle intervals were equally distributed (~0.25) but varied considerably among different treatment techniques. The workload, in terms of dose to isocenter (cGy) and subsequently monitor units (MUs), has been steadily increasing over the past decade. This increase can be attributed to increased use of high dose hypo-fractionated regimens (SBRT, SRS) and the increase in use of IMRT and VMAT, which require higher MUs per cGy as compared to more conventional treatment (3DCRT). Meanwhile, the patient workload in terms of treatment sessions per week remained relatively constant. The findings of this report show that variables used for shielding purposes still fall within the recommendation of NCRP Report 151. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Computed Tomography (CT) contributes up to 50% of the medical exposure to the United States population. Children are considered to be at higher risk of developing radiation-induced tumors due to the young age of exposure and increased tissue radiosensitivity. Organ dose estimation is essential for pediatric and adult patient cancer risk assessment. The objective of this study is to validate the VirtualDose software in comparison to currently available software and methods for pediatric and adult CT organ dose estimation. Methods: Five age groups of pediatric patients and adult patients were simulated by three organ dose estimators. Head, chest, abdomen-pelvis, and chest-abdomen-pelvis CT scans were simulated, and doses to organs both inside and outside the scan range were compared. For adults, VirtualDose was compared against ImPACT and CT-Expo. For pediatric patients, VirtualDose was compared to CT-Expo and compared to size-based methods from literature. Pediatric to adult effective dose ratios were also calculated with VirtualDose, and were compared with the ranges of effective dose ratios provided in ImPACT. Results: In-field organs see less than 60% difference in dose between dose estimators. For organs outside scan range or distributed organs, a five times' difference can occur. VirtualDose agrees with the size-based methods within 20% difference for the organs investigated. Between VirtualDose and ImPACT, the pediatric to adult ratios for effective dose are compared, and less than 21% difference is observed for chest scan while more than 40% difference is observed for head-neck scan and abdomen-pelvis scan. For pediatric patients, 2 cm scan range change can lead to a five times dose difference in partially scanned organs. Conclusions: VirtualDose is validated against CT-Expo and ImPACT with relatively small discrepancies in dose for organs inside scan range, while large discrepancies in dose are observed for organs outside scan range. Patient-specific organ dose estimation is possible using the size-based methods, and VirtualDose agrees with size-based method for the organs investigated. Careful range selection for CT protocols is necessary for organ dose optimization for pediatric and adult patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose This paper aims to examine how media play a role in community responses to disaster. The authors explore how communication technology may allow new relationships between community groups and emergency agencies. The authors examine the context within which warnings and risk communication are interpreted by media services. The authors observe how, in an emergency context, the thinking about media may change from that of a linear framework of information provision to one of shared resources.Design/methodology/approach The authors focus on Second Life, a shared, online space which uses 3D graphic images to simulate a virtual environment. Second Life is posited as a media tool with clear advantages for the training of emergency services professionals and citizens in the community. The authors observe emergency training scenarios and advantages for training for critical thinking and decision-making.Findings The authors observe then how virtual worlds such as Second Life provide an online forum in which participants can interact, communicate and simulate action in a complex 3D graphic environment. Second Life may be a useful medium for simulating and testing geo-physical and social manoeuvres using the modeling tools. This may allow for collaborative decision-making in simulations which can prepare or rehearse people for emergency conditions. It may be useful in an emergency with information streamed and coordinated at a single online site. A shared network like Second Life may be shared by many people co-synchronously or a-synchronously, despite their geographic distance. Second Life applications may also be useful in the aftermath of emergencies for design and rebuilding, for analytical and educational purposes.Research limitations/implications It is clear that social networks like Second Life provide a valuable tool with which to learn about and share data and information about bushfires, community emergencies and safety precautions in a social setting. It can also provide, at the local level, a forum for community information and discussion, as well as for counselling and reconstruction in the aftermath.Practical implications The authors suggest that the range and flexibility of tools and their excellent geographic visualization and social networking functions may in future allow for learning and decision-making among diverse and disparate groups who can come together in virtual space. It is especially useful in remote communities as a means of uniting people who are otherwise isolated by distance or trapped in emergency situations. Second Life is useful for sharing information, organizational and local knowledge about disaster and mitigation management. This media-rich platform is valuable to a community that is increasingly adept with shared, 3D graphic computer interfaces.Social implications Applications like Second Life may provide a space where users can access a range of tools as a means of informing, educating, empowering and warning participants in emergency scenarios, both real and simulated. They are more than virtual spaces; they are also social spaces. A platform like Second Life may provide a virtual solution for such communication challenges especially where communities are too remote, too dispersed or even too many in number to be easily accessible in the field.Originality/value This paper contains new and significant information about emerging communication systems and platforms that may be of use to those researching and planning around disaster management, mitigation and resilience. It addresses the use of new techniques which are the result of innovation in technology, software design and network design. It applies a discussion of these techniques to several hypothetical and real-life scenarios to explore the potential for virtual tools as a way of providing enriched information, mapping and communication tools across a range of disaster response scenarios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]