Validity of Telemetric-Derived Measures of Heart Rate Variability: A Systematic Review

Heart rate variability (HRV) is a widely accepted indirect measure of autonomic function with widespread application across many settings. Although traditionally measured from the ‘gold standard’ criterion electrocardiography (ECG), the development of wireless telemetric heart rate monitors (HRMs) extends the scope of the HRV measurement. However, the validity of telemetric-derived data against the criterion ECG data is unclear. Thus, the purpose of this study was twofold: (a) to systematically review the validity of telemetric HRM devices to detect inter-beat intervals and aberrant beats; and (b) to determine the accuracy of HRV parameters computed from HRM-derived inter-beat interval time series data against criterion ECG-derived data in healthy adults aged 19 to 62 yrs. A systematic review of research evidence was conducted. Four electronic databases were accessed to obtain relevant articles (PubMed, EMBASE, MEDLINE and SPORTDiscus. Articles published in English between 1996 and 2016 were eligible for inclusion. Outcome measures included temporal and power spectral indices (Task Force of the European Society of Cardiology and the North American Society of Pacing and Electrophysiology (1996). The review confirmed that modern HRMs (Polar® V800™ and Polar® RS800CX™) accurately detected inter-beat interval time-series data. The HRV parameters computed from the HRM-derived time series data were interchangeable with the ECG-derived data. The accuracy of the automatic in-built manufacturer error detection and the HRV algorithms were not established. Notwithstanding acknowledged limitations (a single reviewer, language bias, and the restricted selection of HRV parameters), we conclude that the modern Polar® HRMs offer a valid useful alternative to the ECG for the acquisition of inter-beat interval time series data, and the HRV parameters computed from Polar® HRM-derived inter-beat interval time series data accurately reflect ECG-derived HRV metrics, when inter-beat interval data are processed and analyzed using identical protocols, validated algorithms and software, particularly under controlled and stable conditions

Comparison of whole house heat loss test methods under controlled conditions in six distinct retrofit scenarios

The accurate assessment of buildings to assess their performance across a range of parameters is an essential part of understanding both new and retrofit buildings. The growing understanding of the performance gap in terms of its assessment and characterisation relies on effective methods of analysis. Here, we evaluate an experimental whole house method, known as QUB. As with many whole building approaches the method establishes heat loss through transmission and ventilation losses. This study compares QUB against an alternative, established, whole house test known as coheating. It was applied in a whole house test facility under controlled conditions. The test property, a solid wall pre-1919 UK archetype, was retrofit using a set of commercially available products and then the retrofit was removed in stages. At each of these stages a QUB test, which commonly takes one night, and coheating test, which can take few weeks, were applied. The objective of the study was to provide a comparison between the new method and more established method in terms of accuracy. The two methods showed close agreement in terms of results, suggesting that the quicker test has great potential as a more practical and economic test. There were higher levels of uncertainty with the QUB method due to shorter measurement periods. The lack of full boundary conditions within the test facility should be considered a limitation in applying the findings directly to the field. However, this study indicates the potential for QUB in validating performance, warranting further investigation

The credibility challenge for global fluvial flood risk analysis

Quantifying flood hazard is an essential component of resilience planning, emergency response, and mitigation, including insurance. Traditionally undertaken at catchment and national scales, recently, efforts have intensified to estimate flood risk globally to better allow consistent and equitable decision making. Global flood hazard models are now a practical reality, thanks to improvements in numerical algorithms, global datasets, computing power, and coupled modelling frameworks. Outputs of these models are vital for consistent quantification of global flood risk and in projecting the impacts of climate change. However, the urgency of these tasks means that outputs are being used as soon as they are made available and before such methods have been adequately tested. To address this, we compare multi-probability flood hazard maps for Africa from six global models and show wide variation in their flood hazard, economic loss and exposed population estimates, which has serious implications for model credibility. While there is around 30-40% agreement in flood extent, our results show that even at continental scales, there are significant differences in hazard magnitude and spatial pattern between models, notably in deltas, arid/semi-arid zones and wetlands. This study is an important step towards a better understanding of modelling global flood hazard, which is urgently required for both current risk and climate change projections

Technical Evaluation of SMETER Technologies Project Phase 2 Data: Temperature, Relative Humidity, Dwelling Information, and Local Weather, 2019-2020

The dataset comprises gas and electricity consumption, indoor air temperature, and indoor relative humidity measured in 15 different dwellings, local weather data, a dwelling survey, and an occupant survey recorded during Phase 2 of the TEST Project. Refer to the README for data file structure. Heat transfer coefficients (HTC) measured by co-heating test, and fan pressurisation results have been omitted from this dataset to allow for blind prediction of HTC.This dataset was created for the Technical Evaluation of SMETER Technologies (TEST) Project (Phase 2). It was funded by the Department for Business Energy and Industrial Strategy via the Smart Meter Enabled Thermal Efficiency Ratings (SMETER) Innovation Competition: Phase 2.</p

Relationship between Social Justice and National Life Satisfaction in EU Countries, 2008-2016

Dataset combining EU Social Justice Index data with data on Life Satisfaction, Gross Domestic Product, Generosity, Social Support, Positive Affect and Negative affect, collected from the World Happiness Report. All the data were collected over 5 points in time: 2008, 2011, 2014, 2015, and 2016

Dynamic coupling of fast channel gating with slow ATP-turnover underpins protein transport through the Sec-translocon

The Sec-translocon is a highly conserved membrane complex for polypeptide transport across, or into, lipid bilayers. In bacteria, the core protein-channel complex SecYEG resides in the inner-membrane, through which secretion is powered by the cytosolic ATPase SecA. Here, we present a single-molecule FRET dataset which shows that the SecYEG-channel fluctuates between open and closed states much faster than ATP turnover, while the nucleotide status of SecA modulates the rates of opening and closure

“For me, it is for longevity and making sure I am fit and around for my children”: exploring motivations and barriers for weight management among minoritised communities in Medway, England

Abstract Background Migration-related changes in dietary patterns and other structural and individual factors affect weight-related health practices of individuals migrating from low-and-middle-income to high-income countries. Thus, individuals of ethnically diverse backgrounds may be disproportionately affected by poorer health outcomes, including weight-related health issues. Understanding how this community could be supported to adopt weight-related healthy practices such as optimum dietary and exercise behaviour is an important issue for public health research. Against this backdrop, we explored structural and individual factors that facilitate and constrain the uptake of weight management services among members of minority ethnic communities in Medway, England. Methods Data were collected from audio-recorded interviews with 12 adult community members from minoritised ethnic communities using a semi-structured interview guide. Participants were recruited through a purposive and convenient sampling technique. Generated data were transcribed, coded into NVivo and analysed using the reflexive thematic analytical technique. Results Results showed that social support and health benefits of weight management were the main motivating factors for weight management among the study participants. Conversely, systemic barriers, family commitment and caring responsibilities, changes in dietary patterns post-migration and cultural norms were major factors constraining participants from adopting weight management behaviours. Conclusion The results of this study indicate that structural and person-level factors serve as both facilitators and barriers to weight management among ethnically diverse communities in Medway, England. While our study is exploratory and opens doors for more studies among the population, we conclude that these minoritised communities could benefit from more equitable, tailored weight management programmes to support them in adopting weight-related practices

“For me, it is for longevity and making sure I am fit and around for my children”: exploring motivations and barriers for weight management among minoritised communities in Medway, England

Abstract Background Migration-related changes in dietary patterns and other structural and individual factors affect weight-related health practices of individuals migrating from low-and-middle-income to high-income countries. Thus, individuals of ethnically diverse backgrounds may be disproportionately affected by poorer health outcomes, including weight-related health issues. Understanding how this community could be supported to adopt weight-related healthy practices such as optimum dietary and exercise behaviour is an important issue for public health research. Against this backdrop, we explored structural and individual factors that facilitate and constrain the uptake of weight management services among members of minority ethnic communities in Medway, England. Methods Data were collected from audio-recorded interviews with 12 adult community members from minoritised ethnic communities using a semi-structured interview guide. Participants were recruited through a purposive and convenient sampling technique. Generated data were transcribed, coded into NVivo and analysed using the reflexive thematic analytical technique. Results Results showed that social support and health benefits of weight management were the main motivating factors for weight management among the study participants. Conversely, systemic barriers, family commitment and caring responsibilities, changes in dietary patterns post-migration and cultural norms were major factors constraining participants from adopting weight management behaviours. Conclusion The results of this study indicate that structural and person-level factors serve as both facilitators and barriers to weight management among ethnically diverse communities in Medway, England. While our study is exploratory and opens doors for more studies among the population, we conclude that these minoritised communities could benefit from more equitable, tailored weight management programmes to support them in adopting weight-related practices

Flower density values of common British plant species [AgriLand]

This dataset consists of flower density values of common British plant species. The data were collected during field surveys taking place from February to October in 2011 and 2012. The majority of field sites were located in the south of England. The data were collected under a project named 'Agriland' ( Linking agriculture and land use change to pollinator populations) based at the University of Bristol, as part of the UK Insect Pollinators Initiative. The Insect Pollinators Initiative (IPI) was funded by Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC), Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), the Scottish Government and the Wellcome Trust, under the auspices of the Living With Environmental Change (LWEC) partnership

Nectar sugar values of common British plant species [AgriLand]

This dataset consists of nectar sugar values of common British plant species. The data were collected during field surveys taking place from February to October in 2011 and 2012. The majority of field sites were located in the south of England. The data were collected under a project named 'Agriland' ( Linking agriculture and land use change to pollinator populations) based at the University of Bristol, as part of the UK Insect Pollinators Initiative. The Insect Pollinators Initiative (IPI) was funded by Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC), Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), the Scottish Government and the Wellcome Trust, under the auspices of the Living With Environmental Change (LWEC) partnership