Time Characteristics Research Articles

Mutations in the dwarf3 gene confer height stability in sorghum.

Dwarfism is a useful trait in many crop plants because it contributes to improved lodging resistance and harvest index. The mutant allele dw3-ref (dwarf3-reference) of sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] is characterized by an 882bp tandem duplication in the fifth exon of the gene that is unstable and reverts to wild-type at a frequency greater than 0.001 in many genetic backgrounds. The goal of this research was to identify stable alleles of dw3 (dwarf3) that could be backcrossed into elite parent lines to improve height stability of the crop. To discover new alleles of dw3, a panel consisting mostly of sorghum conversion lines (SC-lines) was screened by polymerase chain reaction for the 882bp tandem duplication in the fifth exon of dw3-ref. Sanger sequencing was used to characterize the DNA sequence of this fragment in genotypes that did not contain the 882bp tandem duplication. Sequence analysis identified three indel mutations, including an 82bp deletion, a 6bp duplication, and a 15bp deletion in this region of the gene. Field trials of the donor genotypes with these new alleles indicated no wild-type revertants of dw3-sd3 (dwarf3-stable dwarf), dw3-sd4, and dw3-sd5. These alleles were backcrossed into Tx430. Field trials of backcross progeny (BC2F4) with the dw3-sd3, dw3-sd4, and dw3-sd5 alleles indicated no revertants. The plant height and flowering time characteristics of the backcross progeny were similar or slightly shorter and earlier than the recurrent parent. These findings demonstrate that dw3-sd3, dw3-sd4, and dw3-sd5 alleles will be useful in breeding for the stable dwarf trait.

Near-natural streams: Spatial factors are key in shaping multiple facets of zooplankton α and β diversity

In near-natural basins, zooplankton are key hubs for maintaining aquatic food webs and organic matter cycles. However, the spatial patterns and drivers of zooplankton in streams are poorly understood. This study registered 165 species of zooplankton from 147 sampling sites (Protozoa, Rotifers, Cladocera and Copepods), integrating multiple dimensions (i.e., taxonomic, functional, and phylogenetic) and components (i.e., total, turnover, and nestedness) of α and β diversity. This study aims to reveal spatial patterns, mechanisms, correlations, and relative contribution of abiotic factors (i.e., local environment, geo-climatic, land use, and spatial factors) through spatial interpolation (ordinary kriging), mantel test, and variance partitioning analysis (VPA). The study found that α diversity is concentrated in the north, while β diversity is more in the west, which may be affected by typical habitat, hydrological dynamics and underlying mechanisms. Taxonomic and phylogenetic β diversity is dominated by turnover, and metacommunity heterogeneity is the result of substitution of species and phylogeny along environmental spatial gradients. Taxonomic and phylogenetic β diversity were strongly correlated (r from 0.91 to 0.95), mainly explained by historical/spatial isolation processes, community composition, generation time, and reproductive characteristics, and this correlation provides surrogate information for freshwater conservation priorities. In addition, spatial factors affect functional and phylogenetic α diversity (26%, 28%), and environmental filtering and spatial processes combine to drive taxonomic α diversity (10%) and phylogenetic β diversity (11%). Studies suggest that spatial factors are key to controlling the community structure of zooplankton assemblages in near-natural streams, and that the relative role of local environments may depend on the dispersal capacity of species. In terms of diversity conservation, sites with high variation in uniqueness should be protected (i) with a focus on the western part of the thousand islands lake catchment and (ii) increasing effective dispersal between communities to facilitate genetic and food chain transmission.

Bayesian inference for the onset time and epidemiological characteristics of emerging infectious diseases.

Emerging infectious diseases pose a significant threat to global public health. Timely detection and response are crucial in mitigating the spread of such epidemics. Inferring the onset time and epidemiological characteristics is vital for accelerating early interventions, but accurately predicting these parameters in the early stages remains challenging. We introduce a Bayesian inference method to fit epidemic models to time series data based on state-space modeling, employing a stochastic Susceptible-Exposed-Infectious-Removed (SEIR) model for transmission dynamics analysis. Our approach uses the particle Markov chain Monte Carlo (PMCMC) method to estimate key epidemiological parameters, including the onset time, the transmission rate, and the recovery rate. The PMCMC algorithm integrates the advantageous aspects of both MCMC and particle filtering methodologies to yield a computationally feasible and effective means of approximating the likelihood function, especially when it is computationally intractable. To validate the proposed method, we conduct case studies on COVID-19 outbreaks in Wuhan, Shanghai and Nanjing, China, respectively. Using early-stage case reports, the PMCMC algorithm accurately predicted the onset time, key epidemiological parameters, and the basic reproduction number. These findings are consistent with empirical studies and the literature. This study presents a robust Bayesian inference method for the timely investigation of emerging infectious diseases. By accurately estimating the onset time and essential epidemiological parameters, our approach is versatile and efficient, extending its utility beyond COVID-19.

Testing the disintegration and texture-related palatability predictions for orodispersible tablets using an instrumental tool coupled with multivariate analysis: Focus on process variables and analysis settings

Orodispersible tablets (ODTs) represent a growing category of dosage forms intended to increase the treatment acceptability for special groups of patients. ODTs are designed to rapidly disintegrate in the oral cavity and to be administered without water. In addition, ODTs are easy to manufacture using standard excipients and pharmaceutical equipment.This study adds to previously published research that developed an instrumental tool to predict oral disintegration and texture-related palatability of ODTs with different formulations. The current study aimed to challenge the predictive capacity of the models under variable process conditions. The studied process parameters with potential impact on the pharmaceutical properties, texture profiles, and palatability were the compression pressure, punch shape and diameter. Subsequently, for all the placebo and drug-loaded ODTs, the in vivo disintegration time and texture-related palatability were determined with healthy volunteers.Previously developed regression models were applied to predict the formulation's disintegration time and texture-related palatability characteristics of ODTs obtained under different experimental conditions. The influence of process variables on the predictive performance of the models was estimated by calculating the residuals as the difference between the predicted and observed values for the investigated response. Increasing the speed of the analyser`s probe from 0.01 mm/s to 0.02 mm/s led to an improved differentiation of the texture profiles. The in vivo disintegration time and texture-related palatability scores were only influenced by the mechanical resistance and the tablet shape. Lower score was observed for the larger diameter tablets (10 mm). Overall, the prediction of the disintegration time at 0.02 mm/s was more accurate, except for stronger tablets. The best prediction of texture-related palatability was achieved for the 10 mm tablets, tested at 0.01 mm/s speed.The same model achieved good predictions of the oral disintegration time for all API-loaded formulations, which confirmed the ability of the texture analysis to capture process-related variability. Drug loading decreased the predictive capacity of the texture-related palatability because of the taste effect.

Enhancing security in brain–computer interface applications with deep learning: Electroencephalogram-based user identification

Electroencephalogram (EEG) signals have gained widespread use in medical applications, and the utilization of EEG signals as a biometric feature for user identification systems in brain–computer interface systems has recently garnered significant attention. This paper presents a deep learning framework that uses a deep residual neural network (ResNet) for the identification of distinct individuals based on their EEG signals. The proposed framework utilizes continuous wavelet transform to convert one-dimensional EEG signals into two-dimensional spatial images. By incorporating both the frequency and time characteristics of the EEG signals, this model effectively considers and analyses the intricate details present in the data, leading to improved performance. The ResNet model considers the interdependencies between different time instances of the EEG signals. These unique features, collectively, provide sufficient discriminative information to accurately identify individuals. The proposed method achieved an exceptional classification accuracy of 99.73% and an equal error rate of 0.0041 for 64 channels within 109 individuals. The results illustrate the superiority of the proposed method over existing approaches.

Two-dimensional identification of time-varying batch nonlinear processes with input dead-zone nonlinearity

ABSTRACT In the time dimension, the batch process with input dead-zone nonlinearity often has the characteristics of short operation time and time-varying process parameters. A two-dimensional recursive least squares (2D-RLS) identification method for time-varying nonlinear systems with input dead zone is proposed. By mining system dynamic information from the time direction of the same batch and different batch directions, the identification parameters are updated. The proposed two-dimensional identification strategy converts the time-varying parameter estimation problem of time dimension into the equivalent time-invariant parameter estimation problem of batch dimension. Sufficient production data in batch dimension ensure that the proposed identification algorithm can eliminate the influence of random measurement noise. The identification strategy with unequal length of batch data is also given. The convergence of the proposed algorithm is analysed. Finally, numerical simulation and experimental tests are used to verify the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed algorithm.

Unaccompanied Migrant Children in US Government Custody: 2014–2023

Between October 1, 2014, and March 1, 2023, the US Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) took custody of 568,890 unaccompanied migrant children. Drawing on a unique dataset that ORR produced in response to Freedom of Information Act requests and litigation, we provide the first comprehensive, long-term demographic study of the population of unaccompanied migrant children while in ORR custody. Our analysis reveals the children's differential treatment and experiences across time and demographic characteristics. We contextualize ORR's treatment of the children in its custody by identifying legal standards governing their care. We also examine how specific instances of legal, political, and social change in the United States correlate with fluctuations in the origin-based demographics of unaccompanied migrant children seeking refuge in the United States. Results highlight the differential treatment and intense uncertainty that unaccompanied migrant children face in the United States based on their age, gender, country and region of origin, ORR program placements, and discharge types.

4D printing of lattice structures to test their behavior by repetitive shape processing cycles

This study thoroughly investigated the shape memory effects of 4D printed lattice structures influenced by repetitive shape processing cycles and materials variability. The structures were fabricated by an amorphous and semicrystalline type shape memory material (SMP) and subjected to time-temperature-based thermomechanical memory cycles. Shape programming and recovery characteristics for 4D printing were done inside an environmental chamber at a loading rate of 2 mm. min−1. The shape memory effects driven by SMP’s viscoelastic behavior and performance factors were studied by stress-free strain recovery experiments upon the interaction of thermal stimuli. The stress-free strain recovery analysis expressed, that the influence of repetitive cycles was exceptional and significant for both materials. Extensive investigation on shape memory reactive strain components (i.e., programming strain, residual strain, and thermal strain) reflected, with the increasing number of cycles, the shape recovery ratios of the first to fourth cycles increased from 82 → 100% of amorphous and 79 → 95% of semicrystalline SMP and then tend to stable thereafter. Contrarily, the shape fixity ratios of semicrystalline structures have shown a decreased tendency during the consecutive cycles from 100 → 80%. The successful execution of data-oriented shape processing cycles enhanced the potential of SMP-based lattice structures for their monotonous applications as intelligent devices. The time and temperature-dependent shape memory characteristics of repetitive cycles presented in this study are advantageous to model the viscoelastic behavior of such artful structures.

Precision forecasting of grinding wheel Wear: A TransBiGRU model for advanced industrial predictive maintenance

In intelligent manufacturing, accurate prediction of grinding wheel wear is essential to reduce maintenance costs and improve production efficiency. To achieve accurate forecasts, this paper introduces a grinding wheel wear prediction model, TransBiGRU, incorporating a Transformer encoder, Bidirectional Gated Recurrent Unit (BiGRU), positional encoding layer, and position-wise feedforward layer. The model extracts features by analyzing current signal characteristics in basic statistical, time, and frequency domains during the machining process. Training is conducted through K-fold cross-validation to ensure model stability. The experimental results indicate that the model achieved good performance with Mean Absolute Error (MAE), Root Mean Square Error (RMSE), and Coefficient of Determination (R2) evaluation metrics, obtaining values of 2.0898, 3.262, and 0.9338, respectively. Systematically reducing modules validates the importance of each module in enhancing predictive capabilities. This research achieves the practical application of low-cost current sensors in optimizing maintenance plans and reducing downtime in predicting grinding wheel wear.

Bedtime Regularity and Sleep Sufficiency in Children With Tourette Syndrome

BackgroundDespite research demonstrating sleep disturbance in children with Tourette syndrome (TS), few studies have examined bedtime regularity and sleep sufficiency, two important sleep health dimensions. Therefore, this study examined bedtime regularity and sleep sufficiency in children with TS relative to matched healthy control subjects, and its associated demographic, clinical, and behavioral factors. MethodsParticipants were 384 parents or caregivers of children aged three to 17 years, including 192 with current TS and 192 matched healthy control subjects drawn from the 2020-2021 cycle of the National Survey of Children's Health. Parents completed questions assessing demographic (i.e., age, race, sex), clinical (i.e., attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder [ADHD], autism spectrum disorder, anxiety, depression, tic severity, behavioral or conduct problems, ADHD medication, health condition-related impairment), and behavioral (i.e., screen time) characteristics. Mann-Whitney U test and chi-square test of independence were performed to compare groups on bedtime regularity and sleep sufficiency, respectively. Ordinal regression and binary logistic regression without and with backward elimination were performed to evaluate indicators of bedtime regularity and sleep sufficiency, respectively, in children with TS. ResultsChildren with current TS had significantly poorer bedtime regularity, but not sleep sufficiency, relative to matched healthy control subjects. In children with TS, anxiety and two or more hours of daily screen time were associated with higher likelihood of poor bedtime regularity. Autism was associated with lower likelihood of insufficient sleep, and depression was associated with increased likelihood of insufficient sleep. ConclusionsFindings put forth screen time, anxiety, and depression as intervention targets to optimize sleep health in children with TS.

HSPiP and QbD oriented optimized green nanoemulsion to treat chloramphenicol contaminated water

Nanoemulsion is an isotropic and kinetically stable system used for multiple purposes. Exhaustive flow of chloramphenicol (CAMP) in the water systems raised global thereat to aquatic and human lives. Innate cohesive energy of the material is the basis of predictive HSPiP program. We aimed to prepare biocompatible nanoemulsion employing eugenol oil, lecithin, tween 80, and propylene glycol) for the contaminated water treatment. Furthermore, experimental design oriented robust nanoemulsion (OCEN1) investigated the impact of composition, CTime (exposure time), and nanoemulsion characteristics on percent removal efficiency (%RE). Thermodynamic stability study was conducted at different temperatures. Finally, the presence of CAMP in the treated water was negated by ICP-OES (inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy). HSP (Hansen solubility parameters) and experimental solubility data were the basis of excipient selection. A blend of tween-80 and lecithin served as surfactant mixture (Smix) to stabilize nanoemulsion. OCEN1 was associated with high desirability (D = 0.93), low size (43 nm), low PDI (0.19), high %RE (90.72 % over period of 17 min of exposure time), optimal viscosity (1.12 cP), and high zeta potential (−25 mV). Experimental design identified significant impact of composition, exposure time (CTime), and nanoemulsion characteristics on %RE as prime factors to consider before wastewater treatment plant installation. Thus, the approach is simple, rapid, ecofriendly, and scalable to treat CAMP contaminated water with high selectivity and efficiency.

Dark matter detection with liquid argon

Liquid argon has very desirable timing characteristics for the detection of interactions of Weakly Interacting Massive Particles (WIMPs) as Dark Matter candidates. Nuclear recoil interactions emit light with time constants of the order of nanoseconds, whereas gammas and betas have time constants of the order of microseconds, enabling discrimination of such backgrounds by factors greater than 108. The global community using liquid argon for the detection of WIMPs includes a series of experiments ranging from Dark-Side-50, ArDM, DEAP-3600, DarkSide-20k and in the future ARGO and a detector studying low-mass WIMPs. Characteristics and status of this series of detectors are presented.

Age-related effects of neuromuscular fatigue and acute recovery responses on maximal and rapid torque measures of the leg extensors and flexors.

To examine the effects of neuromuscular fatigue and recovery on maximal and rapid torque characteristics in young and old men for the leg extensors and flexors. Twenty-one young (age = 24.8years) and 19 old (72.1years) men performed maximal voluntary contractions (MVCs) before and at 0, 7, 15, and 30min following an intermittent submaximal fatigue task. Outcome measures included endurance time, maximal (peak torque; PT) and rapid (absolute and normalized rate of torque development; RTD and nRTD) torque characteristics. The old men had greater endurance times than the young men. Differential recovery patterns were observed for PT, and early and late RTD phases between the leg extensor and flexor musclegroups such that the early rapid torque variables and the flexors demonstrated slower recovery compared to later rapid torque variables and the extensors. The normalized RTD variables were reduced less after the fatigue task and differential muscle and age effects were observed where the flexors were reduced more at the early phase (nRTD1/6) compared to the extensors, however, for the later phase (nRTD2/3) the young men exhibited a greater reduction compared to the old men. Dissimilar fatigue recovery patterns across different phases of RTD, lower limb muscles, and age groups may have important fatigue-related performance and injury risk implications across the adult lifespan.

Interaction of sound-audition traits between eared insects and arthropodophagous bats: using a DNA approach to assess diet

Abstract Arthropod–bat interactions are often considered as a base model for studying factors underlying predator–prey coevolutionary processes. Bats developed ultrasonic echolocation to hunt, and in response some arthropods developed defense mechanisms such as ultrasonic hearing, allowing them to elude bat predators. The present study analyzes the feeding patterns of bats, focusing on sonic-auditory sensory mechanisms in predator–prey interactions. Next-generation DNA sequence data from fecal samples were used to analyze the diet of 17 bat species from Mexico. Arthropod prey taxa were classified according to their auditory traits, and echolocation data were recompiled from literature review. We: (i) classified arthropod families according to their hearing ability; (ii) estimated arthropod taxon richness and proportion in the diet of each bat species; and (iii) used multidimensional scaling, principal component analysis, and regression to analyze prey consumption patterns in relation to their auditory traits and in relation to echolocation characteristics of bats. Finally, we analyzed the relationship between foraging time and auditory characteristics of prey. Families with hearing organs correspond to the orders Lepidoptera and Orthoptera. We registered 20 families of Lepidoptera and 5 of Orthoptera—7 and 3 with hearing organs, respectively. Of these orders, families lacking ears were recorded in the diet of a few bat species. Our results support the allotonic frequency hypothesis predicting a difference in emission frequency intervals between predator and prey. However, we found that the consumption of earless moths is less frequent and is related to diurnal and twilight activity—hence, their consumption is limited to bat species foraging early. Results indicate bats feed on arthropod prey successfully despite the ultrasonic hearing ability of the prey. These results may be due to counteradaptations that allow maintenance of an asymmetric “arms race” between bats and eared insects that favors the predator.

Determinants of hand pulse wave velocity and hand pulse transit time in healthy adults

Arterial pulse wave velocity (PWV) is recognized as a convenient method to assess peripheral vascular stiffness. This study explored the clinical characteristics of hand PWV (hPWV) and hand pulse transit time (hPTT) in healthy adults (sixty males = 42.4 ± 13.9 yrs; sixty-four females = 42.8 ± 13.9 yrs) voluntarily participated in this study. The arterial pulse waveform and the anatomical distance from the radial styloid process to the tip of the middle finger of both hands were recorded in the sitting position. The hPWV was calculated as the traversed distance divided by hPTT between those two points. Male subjects showed significantly greater hPWV, systolic blood pressure, and pulse pressure than age-matched female subjects, while the hPTT was not significantly different between genders. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that gender is a common determinant of hPWV and hPTT, and that age and heart rate (HR) were negatively correlated with hPWV and hPTT, respectively. We conclude that male subjects have greater hPWV than female subjects. Ageing is associated with decreased hPWV, while increased HR is associated with a smaller hPTT. The hPWV and hPTT might be used as non-invasive indices to characterise the ageing and arterial stiffness of peripheral blood vessels.

Research of closed loop characteristics of single and double chamber structure for fuel metering mechanism

There are two forms of engine fuel metering devices which are single and double chamber structures using electro-hydraulic servo valves as electro-hydraulic conversion devices to realize accurate fuel flow measurements and constant pressure differential valve is used to maintain the constant pressure difference of the metering valve. The main purpose of this article is to analyze the time domain and frequency domain characteristics of constant pressure differential valve assembly and compare the closed-loop characteristics of two metering mechanisms. Firstly, the mathematical model of constant pressure differential valve assembly (including the fuel pump and constant pressure differential valve) is established and its time and frequency domain characteristics are analyzed. The conclusion that the constant pressure differential of the metering valve can meet the practical requirements is obtained. Secondly, the mathematical models of single and double-chamber fuel metering mechanisms are established considering the specific working conditions. Finally, the characteristics of two kinds of metering mechanisms are compared and analyzed under the same control method in the time and frequency domain. The extension overshoot with a maximum value of 3.564% of the single chamber control metering valve mechanism is smaller than that of the double chamber control metering valve mechanism with a maximum extension overshoot of 6.04%. The negative overshoot with a maximum value of 1.391% of the single chamber control metering valve mechanism is bigger than the double chamber control metering valve mechanism with a maximum negative overshoot value of 1.17%. In terms of steady-state error, the steady-state error of a single chamber control metering valve mechanism with a maximum value of 0.194 mm and minimum value of 1.25e-6 mm is smaller than that maximum value of 0.302 mm and minimum value of 1.95e-6 mm of double chamber control metering valve mechanism under the same controller parameters. The bandwidth of the extension motion of the single and double chamber control metering valve is greater than that of the retraction motion. Under the same proportional control parameter, the bandwidth of the double chamber control metering valve extension motion system is greater than that of the single chamber extension motion system.

Academic versus Community Retinal Surgery for Primary Retinal Detachment: Characteristics, Duration, and Value Analysis of Teaching Modifier

To compare operative time and case characteristics of primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) repairs between academic and community vitreoretinal surgeons. A retrospective, observational clinical study. Patients who underwent primary RRD repair surgeries at Massachusetts Eye and Ear between 2019 and2021. A random sample of 20 vitreoretinal surgeons distributed evenly among the academic or community setting was selected. Fifteen consecutive cases of primary RRD repair surgeries were included from each surgeon. A cost analysis was performed for the teaching modifier for the physician fee and for hospital costs. Length of surgery. Of 300 primary RRD repairs, fellows were present in 75%, which comprised all academic surgeon cases and 50% of community surgeon cases, P < 0.001. Mean operation length was shorter for community surgeon cases without fellows (55.0 ± 24.1) than either academic (73.0 ± 30.8) or community surgeon cases with fellows (75.7 ± 32.5) (P < 0.001). There was a higher percentage of macula-off RRDs in academic versus community surgeon cases (52.7% vs. 38.0%, P= 0.002) and higher rates of combined scleral buckle (SB)/pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) repairs (14% vs. 3%, P < 0.001). When excluding combined SB/PPV cases, there was no difference in operative time between academic and community surgeon cases. Among RRDs repaired by PPV only, there was a 31.4% (16.6 minutes) greater procedure duration in cases with fellows compared with cases without fellows (P < 0.001). Covariates associated with greater surgery time: addition of an SB (β= 32.6), membrane peel (β= 18.5), presence of a fellow (β= 14.5), proliferative vitreoretinopathy (β= 12.8), and greater number of retinal breaks (β= 2.4). The teaching modifier adds 16% extra reimbursement ($184.16) to the physician fee, which is 50.9% of what is necessary to cover the percentage increase in surgeon time (31.4%). Using a time-driven activity-based costing for hospital costs, the extra 16.6 minutes leads to an additional $1038.00, which is 5.6 times more than the reimbursement for the modifier. Retinal detachment repair cases performed by academic surgeons are more likely to be macula-off and include the addition of an SB, which drive longer operative times. Medicare's reimbursement of the assistant modifier in a teaching facility significantly undercompensates the time-driven activity-based costing of trainee participation. Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found in the Footnotes and Disclosures at the end of this article.

Evolution of work conditions for employees driving for work in France based on data from the 2003, 2010 and 2017 SUMER surveys (Surveillance Médicale des expositions aux risques Professionnels)

Introduction: The occupational road-accident risk on public roads and the work conditions for professional driving is still an important issue in occupational health despite lower road-accident rates. This study presents the evolution over time of the work-related constraints for these employees based on the Sumer surveys carried out in 2003, 2010 and 2017. Method: Data from the 2010 and 2017 surveys were restricted to match the scope of the 2003 survey in order to enable prevalence data to be compared in equivalent populations. The main variable of interest was “driving (car, truck, bus, and other vehicles) on public thoroughfares” for work (during the last week of work: yes/no). Work time characteristics, work rhythm, autonomy and scope for initiative, collective work group, standards and evaluations variables were completed by the occupational health physicians. A self-administered questionnaire was also provided to employees and contained the Job Content Questionnaire, which assesses decision latitude, social support and psychological demands, the reward scale of Siegrist questionnaire, the hostile behaviour with inspired questions for Leymann, sick leave and work accidents during the past 12 months and job satisfaction. Finally, prevention in the workplace was also completed by the occupational health physicians. Results: About 25% of employees in France were exposed to work-related driving in 2017, which was stable in comparison with 2003 and 2010. However, the population was older and there were more females, more often from the clerical staff/middle manager category and working in companies with fewer than 10 employees. Employees exposed to work-related driving were also more frequently exposed to sustained work schedules and physical constraints, but less exposed to psychosocial risks. Conclusions: The percentage of employees exposed to occupational road accident risk, i.e., exposure to work-related driving, remained stable at about 25% in 2017 compared with previous surveys. These employees were also more frequently exposed to sustained work schedules and physical constraints, but less exposed to psychosocial risks. Practical Applications: Prevention campaigns on work-related road accident risk should be provided to all employees in all companies since all jobs can be concerned.

Quantifying the effects of training in lung transplantation: Lessons from NASA

IntroductionSequential lung transplantation is a complex procedure. The traditional training model continues to centre around operative experience with progressively increasing delegation of stages of the procedure. However, little evidence exists on the effects this has on surgical trainers. The NASA-TLX is a subjective, multi-dimensional assessment tool that rates perceived workload. We sought to employ this as a means of assessing the impact that training in lung transplantation has on trainers. MethodsWe prospectively collected the NASA-TLX data for 60 patients undergoing bilateral sequential lung transplantation. In 30 cases the operation was performed entirely by the senior surgeon (SS) who implanted both lungs. In 30 operations the senior surgeon implanted the right lung (SSR) and supervised a trainee implanting the left lung (TL). ResultsThe overall weighted rating was significantly lower for the surgeon undertaking the case themselves rather than training (p <0.001). Cases were comparable in terms of case type, donor ischaemic time and peri-operative characteristics. Mental and temporal demand were greater throughout training cases (p<0.001, p<0.05). There was less effect on frustration, physical demand and effort. Perceived performance showed no significant difference between the groups. ConclusionThe NASA task load index can be used to inform the effects of training lung transplantation on trainers. Training leads to greater mental and temporal demands with less effect on other factors. Crucially, there was no significant difference in perceived performance. As the specialty continues to be confronted with diverse challenges, this study should give confidence to those training the transplant surgeons of the future, as well as providing them with a mechanism to reflect on their own training performance. ACGME CompetenciesInterpersonal and communication skillsPractice-based learning and improvement

Enrichment of olive oil with sage (Salvia officinalis) leaf essential oil extracted by ultrasound pretreatment followed by hydrodistillation to increase its shelf life

Olive oil (OO) is a valuable food product, compared with other seed oils, for its health benefits, sensory attributes and higher economic value. The demand for natural antioxidants has recently grown due to the potential toxicity and carcinogenicity of synthetic antioxidants that are utilized in food industry. This study aimed to investigate the oxidative stability of OO enriched with sage (Salvia officinalis) essential oil (EO). The sage EO was extracted from the leaves by ultrasound (US) as a pretreatment followed by hyrodistillation (HD). The effects of US power level (60 and 90 W) and time (10, 20 and 30 mins) on the EO yield, total extraction time and quality characteristics were studied. Compared to the HD extraction, the US pretreatments before HD shortened the total extraction time to ≤ 54 mins, with the same extraction yield, instead of 240 mins with HD. Various EO samples extracted by these US pretreatments followed by HD (US+HD) were analyzed for their chemical compositions by GC–MS and compared with that of EO obtained by HD. Compositional analysis revealed that the most prominent oxygenated monoterpenes of EO samples were camphor, α-thujone, 1,8-cineole, β-thujone, bornyl acetate and endo-borneol. The EO extracted by US pretreatment at 60 W for 10 mins followed by HD for 34 mins was characterized by the highest quality index [(α- + βthujone)/camphor ratio] and higher levels of antioxidant constituents (α-pinene and camphene). The sage EO obtained by this technique was selected to enrich OO at 200, 400 and 600 mg/Kg of OO. Quality criteria of the OO such as acidity, peroxide value, conjugated dienes and trienes besides chlorophyll and carotenoid contents and fatty acids composition were measured. Results revealed that the addition of sage EO at 200 mg/Kg of OO increased the oxidative stability of OO measured by Rancimat by 36% instead of 21% by using the synthetic antioxidant butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) at the same level. Moreover, the sensory attributes of the enriched OO were maintained. From this study, it can be concluded that sage EO can be used to increase the shelf life of OO.