Choice Selection Research Articles

Intraventricular Pneumocephalus Complicating Pneumothorax in a Case of Ventriculopleural Shunt: A Rare Complication and Its Management

The peritoneal cavity is widely used as the destination of choice for cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) shunts. Various alternative distal sites have been used, particularly in the presence of certain contraindications, which include the cardiac atria, for ventriculoatrial (VA) shunt, or the pleural cavity for ventriculopleural (VPL) shunt.[1] Each procedure is associated with its own set of complications and the choice of selection of the distal site of CSF drainage is often based on surgeon's preference along with patient's factors.[2] While the historical literature describes pleural effusion and pneumothorax as complications of a VPL shunt, there is paucity of data justifying the application of one technique over the other. We report a rare case of postoperative pneumothorax in a case of VPL shunt being further complicated by pneumocephalus.

Who Chooses Single Sex Schooling and Why? Evidence from Ireland

ABSTRACT A common decision parents face is the choice of school for their children. In Ireland, somewhat uniquely in an international context, this choice includes a large number of state-funded single-sex schools, to the point that this can be considered a realistic option for many parents. Focusing on secondary-level education and using the PISA 2018 dataset, we examine whether different parental attitudes help explain the selection of single-sex versus coeducational schools in Ireland. Focusing on those households that have a degree of choice in secondary school selection, we find that parents who place a greater emphasis on factors such as religious ethos and academic achievement rather than subject choice or the climate of the school tend to have children in single-sex schools. The importance of a school’s academic achievement seems to be particularly relevant for those from higher socioeconomic backgrounds.

Google Search and the creation of ignorance: The case of the climate crisis

The article examines the relationship between commercial search engines, using Google Search as an example, and various forms of ignorance related to climate change. It draws on concepts from the field of agnotology to explore how environmental ignorances, and specifically related to the climate crisis, are shaped at the intersection of the logics of Google Search, everyday life and civil society/politics. Ignorance refers to a multi-facetted understanding of the culturally contingent ways in which something may not be known. Two research questions are addressed: How are environmental ignorances, and in particular related to the climate crisis, shaped at the intersection of the logics of Google Search, everyday life and civil society/politics? In what ways can we conceptualise Google's role as configured into the creation of ignorances? The argument is made through four vignettes, each of which explores and illustrates how Google Search is configured into a different kind of socially produced ignorance: (1) Ignorance through information avoidance: climate anxiety; (2) Ignorance through selective choice: gaming search terms; (3) Ignorance by design: algorithmically embodied emissions; (4) Ignorance through query suggestions: directing people to data voids. The article shows that while Google Search and its underlying algorithmic and commercial logic pre-figure these ignorances, they are also co-created and co-maintained by content producers, users and other human and non-human actors, as Google Search has become integral of social practices and ideas about them. The conclusion draws attention to a new logic of ignorance that is emerging in conjunction with a new knowledge logic.

Negative differential resistance based on phase transformation.

The negative differential resistance (NDR) device is attracting attention because of its broad potential application in neuromorphic computing and non-volatile memory. However, only a limited range of materials show NDR and, therefore, there is less choice in material selection for NDR devices. Considering this issue, we here demonstrate a novel current controlled NDR device based on phase transformation. To the best of our knowledge, this report is the first experimental demonstration that NDR can be induced by phase transformation. We believe that the impact of this demonstration is very large, as phase transformation is the most common phenomenon in materials and consequently most materials can be reconsidered as possible candidates for NDR devices. The prototype NDR device is constructed using hydrogen absorbing metal palladium (Pd) thin-wire and the phase transformation from metal-hydride to metal is employed for the demonstration. The observed NDR property shows a strong dependence on the current sweep speed. Also, it exhibits no current polarity dependence. Therefore, the NDR device based on phase transformation is significantly different from typical NDR devices such as tunnel diodes and memristors. The prototype NDR device has been found to be very useful for evaluating the hydrogen storage properties of metals. The advantage of this analysis method is that the storage properties can be acquired just by sweeping the applied current. This demonstration offers novel directions for both the development and utilization of NDR devices.

Esthetic solutions with layered zirconia prostheses: A case series

One of the major clinical challenges in the rehabilitation of anterior teeth is achieving natural looking restorations for improper shape, size of the existing teeth, irregular gingival contour and unaesthetic shades. Increasing demand by patients for aesthetic and metal-free restorations has resulted in all-ceramic restorations such as dental zirconia that offer optimal aesthetics with desirable mechanical properties. A case series of clinical reports of layered zirconia fixed dental prostheses for anterior teeth is described. Prosthetic rehabilitation of endodontically treated and vital abutments are described and the influence of zirconia composition, design, layering technique, shade selection, occlusion and clinical challenges in each of the clinical conditions are discussed. Choice of zirconia composition, framework design and shade selection in layered zirconia prosthesis is influenced by abutments in layered zirconia prosthesis.

PNLD 2020 and the teaching book of the final years of Portuguese language: a critical analysis on the inclusion of LIBRAS

The objective of this article is to analyze enunciative elements referring to the criteria for choosing the textbook from the Call for Proposals for the Registration and Evaluation Process of Didactic Works for the PNLD 2020 National Book and Teaching Material Program (BRASIL, 2018) , in a critical perspective regarding the effective inclusion of the Deaf and Deaf in the Brazilian educational political-pedagogical context, observing what has been produced as school material to support Portuguese Language classes. The hypothesis of this analysis is that the choice of the textbook will be permeated by the discourse of diversity, the inclusive look, the respect for identities through the bias of compliance with Law 10.436 / 2002 - Libras Law - in elementary school books II, 6th to the 9th year, as well as the recognition of the “Deaf Bodies” and their places as social subjects of law, proposing critical discursive reflections on the spaces historically denied in textbooks, at school, in the classroom, even reflecting on the BNCC / 2017 - diversified part. The methodology used is presented through bibliographic analysis dialoguing with national official documents, in order to broaden new horizons in the Brazilian educational construct, pointing out other ways for new selection criteria and choice of books, in addition to hegemonic impositions. Therefore, a dialogue is proposed between Foucault (2013; 2004), Azevedo; Piris (2016), Piris; Azevedo (2018), Pennycook (2003; 1998), Bakhtin (2003, 1998, 1999), Volochinov (2017); Orlandi (2003); Strobel (2009), Grigoletto (2011) and other bibliographies referring to the conceptions of voices, speeches, bodies and power, whose final perspective is to open reflections for new discussions.

An Assessment of Board Attributes and Financial Performance of Listed Deposit Money Banks in Nigeria

Deposit Money Banks (DMBs) are the backbone of the financial system, playing a crucial role in mobilizing savings, allocating capital, and facilitating economic growth. In light of this, the study focused on the analysis of firm attributes and how they affect the financial performance of Nigeria's publicly quoted deposit money banks with a strong emphasis on analyzing how board size, board independence, board diversity, board expertise, and CEO duality affect the financial performance of the selected institutions. Return on assets (ROA), return on equity, (ROE) and Tobin's Q (TQ) were employed to evaluate financial results. The study used ex-post facto and longitudinal research designs in obtaining the data from the financial statements of the selected banks. The population of the study was nineteen (19) deposit money banks listed on the Nigerian Exchange Group profile as of 31st December 2021. The choice of selection of this sector was based on the fact that banks are the bedrock of Nigeria’s economy. The study used a purposive sampling technique due to the complete availability of data and the sample size was ten (10) firms. The data collected for this study we reanalyzed by panel estimation techniques. The results found that board size had an insignificant effect on ROA, ROE, and TQ. Whereas board independence, board diversity, board expertise, and CEO duality had a significant effect on ROA, ROE, and TQ. The study concluded that the number of board’s members did not have anything to do with the financial performance of deposit money banks in Nigeria. The study recommends that deposit money banks should adhere strictly to corporate governance codes and ensure the complete independence of their directors to enhance their financial performance.

Knowledge and Attitude of Patients Regarding the Choice of Selection of FPDs and Dental Implants

Knowledge and Attitude of Patients Regarding the Choice of Selection of FPDs and Dental Implants

Kongruentnost i aktuelnost Komenskijevih shvatanja o teoriji i praksi predškolskog i porodičnog vaspitanja

The aim of this paper is to consider the currency of Comenius's understandings of preschool and family education, and their congruence with the modern theory and practice of preschool and family education. In this context, a comparative research was conducted, utilizing the method of theoretical analysis, and the technique of content analysis. The comparative analysis implies that many of Comenius's ideas are still relevant, and congruent with contemporary theoretical and empirical knowledge about preschool and family education to a great extent. The conformity of attitudes within the pedagogical system was recorded, despite the fact that Comenius's attitudes regarding children's nature and childhood, goals, importance and content of early childhood education and family environment, as well as the role of parents in that process were presented and developed in unique historical and sociopolitical circumstances. Although the comparative analysis carried out has certain limitations (selective choice of primary and secondary sources of analysis, difficulties in establishing equivalence), this work can be a stimulus for further elaboration of Comenius' essential understandings of preschool and family education in conditions of increasingly complex crises in education and the family.

Factors Influencing Commercial Bank Selection Choices by Customers in Bhutan- An Analysis using Analytic Hierarchy Process

Factors Influencing Commercial Bank Selection Choices by Customers in Bhutan- An Analysis using Analytic Hierarchy Process

Factors influencing commercial bank selection choices by customers in Bhutan - an analysis using analytic hierarchy process

Factors influencing commercial bank selection choices by customers in Bhutan - an analysis using analytic hierarchy process

Endosomal Transport to Lysosomes and the Trans-Golgi Network in Neurons and Other Cells: Visualizing Maturational Flux.

High-level microscopy enables the comprehensive study of dynamic intracellular processes. Here we describe a toolkit of combinatorial approaches for fixed cell imaging and live cell imaging to investigate the interactions along the trans-Golgi network (TGN)-endosome-lysosome transport axis, which underlie the maturation of endosomal compartments and degradative flux. For fixed cell approaches, we specifically highlight how choices of permeabilization conditions, antibody selection, and antibody multiplexing affect interpretation of results. For live cell approaches, we emphasize the use of sensors that read out pH and degradative capacity in combination with endosomal identity for elucidating dynamic compartment changes.

Choice and application of time scale selection for Cox proportional hazards regression model in cohort studies

Cox proportional hazards regression model (Cox model) is the most commonly used multivariate approach in time-to-event data analysis. A vital issue in fitting Cox model is choosing the appropriate time scale related to the occurrence of the outcome events. However, few domestic studies have focused on selecting and applying time scales for Cox model in the analysis of cohort study data. This study briefly introduced and compared several time scales in the reports from literature; and used data from the Shanghai Women's Health Study to illustrate the impact of different time scales on data analysis results, using the association between central obesity and the risk of liver cancer as an example. On this basis, several suggestions on selecting time scales in Cox model are proposed to provide a reference for the analysis of cohort study data.

From difficult to general ‐ a new approach to the ROP neovascularization system

AbstractPurpose: to develop criteria for quantitative analysis of the treatment result of plus‐disease in ROP.Methods: 3126 RetCam images of ROP 448(896 eyes) were divided into 5 groups 1‐I stage 312(624 eyes), 2‐II stage 96(192 eyes), 3‐III stage 17(34 eyes), 4‐posterior aggressive ROP 23(46 eyes), 5‐retinal immaturity 60(120 eyes). Images of 16 patients who underwent laser coagulation due to the presence of a plus‐disease were automatically modelled on the “Key to Diagnosis I" platform. The fractal dimension (Df) and complexity of vascular system(CVS) of wide‐field images were analysed. CVS was 1 (A) for immature network, 2 (B) normal vascular system, 3 (C) neovascularization.Results: The efficiency of the module for automatic modelling of wide‐field retinal images has been proven on two RetCam bases. Statistically significant differences were obtained in the plus‐disease before and after the treatment. Df before treatment 1.426 ± 0.009, after 1.395 ± 0.01, CVS before 2.5 ± 0.16, after 2.1 ± 0.1. Any calculations and measurements (including the thickness of the retina) cannot reflect all the features of the development of the young neovascular net, so we propose a register of CVS. Along with the Df, this general indicator brings it closer to the stage of the ROP process [1].Conclusions: Df and CVS ‐ general criteria for selective choice of plus disease treatment. But the current estimation of the specified parameters is based on the configuration of the wide‐field images.Acknowledgment: to Rascheskov A. PhD and the head of “Children's Republican Clinical Hospital of Tatarstan” Zaitdinov A.

Online access to spine care: do institutions advertise themselves as multidisciplinary?

The primary aim of our study is to assess the extent to which healthcare systems advertise their spine care programs as multidisciplinary and furthermore clarify whether these institutions accurately reflect this description in their online access to spine care. The secondary aim of our study is to determine what proportion of institutions enable patients to self-schedule appointments online and select providers. Newsweek's 2021 list entitled "Best Hospitals 2021-United States" was utilized to obtain an extensive list of top-rated hospitals in the country. Institutions were considered to be advertising themselves as multidisciplinary if they used this term or similar wording (such as "care encompassing broad range of specialties", "interdisciplinary", "multidisciplinary"). Each institution's website was additionally assessed for the existence of: (I) a standard overview website or multiple individual sites for respective spine-focused divisions (i.e., orthopaedic surgery, neurosurgery, physical medicine and rehabilitation, anesthesiology); (II) online self-scheduling; (III) triage questions prior to requesting appointments; and (IV) selection choice for specific providers. In total, 334 institutions were included in analysis, with 66% utilizing multidisciplinary terminology in describing their institution on their website. However, most institutions only had a standard overview website with no separate websites for respective divisions (54%). Institutions described as multidisciplinary were more likely to have a link on a central page to each division (31% vs. 4%, P<0.001). No significant differences were found between institutions described as multidisciplinary and those not described as such when considering triage questions, online self-scheduling, and choice of provider. Though the majority of spine care centers are described as multidisciplinary, the patient experience when navigating websites online does not always meet this standard. Further progress in website design, automated triaging, and online scheduling are needed to truly achieve multidisciplinary care.

Wie belastbar sind Studien der aktuell dauerhaft aufgenommenen digitalen Gesundheitsanwendungen (DiGA)? Methodische Qualität der Studien zum Nachweis positiver Versorgungseffekte von DiGA

IntroductionSince September 2020 digital health applications (DiGA) can be prescribed by physicians and psychotherapists and are reimbursed within the German Statutory Health Insurance (SHI) system for the first time worldwide. For full reimbursement, the manufacturers have to provide evidence based on scientific studies that the DiGA can provide ‘positive health care effects’. This study aims to analyze and evaluate the methodological quality of efficacy studies of DiGA in the categories ‘Nervensystem’ and ‘Psyche’ of the DiGA register that are permanently accepted. MethodsThe methodological quality was assessed using the revised Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomized trials (RoB 2). The risk of bias was assessed for the primary endpoint of each study according to an intention-to-treat analysis. ResultsSix DiGA were assessed for their methodological quality. Randomized controlled trials were conducted for all 6 DiGA that showed a high risk of bias, which was, in particular, due to a lack of blinding of the studies. In addition, drop-outs were significantly higher in the intervention group than in the control group in most studies. For most of the DiGA no published study protocol was available in advance so an analysis of a potential selective choice of the evaluation methodology was not possible. DiscussionFor reasons of transparency, verifiability, and comprehensibility of the study results, registration in a study registry and, more importantly, the publication of study protocols should be mandatory before the start of the studies. In addition, studies should be blinded by comparing the DiGA with a ‘sham application’ to reduce the high risk of bias. Differences in the drop-out rates of the investigated studies could indicate a lack of efficacy of the treatment in the intervention group, (technical) problems in the application of the DiGA, or a lack of motivation of the participants. ConclusionThe interim results 18 months after the introduction of DiGA in the German SHI system show that the studies on the evidence of the benefits of DiGA have a high potential for bias in certain areas. However, it should be positively emphasized that the manufacturers submitted randomized controlled trials to prove the medical benefit of the DiGAs investigated.

Different Markov chains modulate visual stimuli processing in a Go-Go experiment in 2D, 3D, and augmented reality.

The introduction of Augmented Reality (AR) has attracted several developments, although the people's experience of AR has not been clearly studied or contrasted with the human experience in 2D and 3D environments. Here, the directional task was applied in 2D, 3D, and AR using simplified stimulus in video games to determine whether there is a difference in human answer reaction time prediction using context stimulus. Testing of the directional task adapted was also done. Research question: Are the main differences between 2D, 3D, and AR able to be predicted using Markov chains? Methods: A computer was fitted with a digital acquisition card in order to record, test and validate the reaction time (RT) of participants attached to the arranged RT for the theory of Markov chain probability. A Markov chain analysis was performed on the participants' data. Subsequently, the way certain factors influenced participants RT amongst the three tasks time on the accuracy of the participants was sought in the three tasks (environments) were statistically tested using ANOVA. Results: Markov chains of order 1 and 2 successfully reproduced the average reaction time by participants in 3D and AR tasks, having only 2D tasks with the variance predicted with the current state. Moreover, a clear explanation of delayed RT in every environment was done. Mood and coffee did not show significant differences in RTs on a simplified videogame. Gender differences were found in 3D, where endogenous directional goals are in 3D, but no gender differences appeared in AR where exogenous AR buttons can explain the larger RT that compensate for the gender difference. Our results suggest that unconscious preparation of selective choices is not restricted to current motor preparation. Instead, decisions in different environments and gender evolve from the dynamics of preceding cognitive activity can fit and improve neurocomputational models.

An overview of methodological considerations regarding adaptive stopping, arm dropping, and randomization in clinical trials

Background and ObjectivesAdaptive features may increase flexibility and efficiency of clinical trials, and improve participants’ chances of being allocated to better interventions. Our objective is to provide thorough guidance on key methodological considerations for adaptive clinical trials. MethodsWe provide an overview of key methodological considerations for clinical trials employing adaptive stopping, adaptive arm dropping, and response-adaptive randomization. We cover pros and cons of different decisions and provide guidance on using simulation to compare different adaptive trial designs. We focus on Bayesian multi-arm adaptive trials, although the same general considerations apply to frequentist adaptive trials. ResultsWe provide guidance on 1) interventions and possible common control, 2) outcome selection, follow-up duration and model choice, 3) timing of adaptive analyses, 4) decision rules for adaptive stopping and arm dropping, 5) randomization strategies, 6) performance metrics, their prioritization, and arm selection strategies, and 7) simulations, assessment of performance under different scenarios, and reporting. Finally, we provide an example using a newly developed R simulation engine that may be used to evaluate and compare different adaptive trial designs. ConclusionThis overview may help trialists design better and more transparent adaptive clinical trials and to adequately compare them before initiation.

Optimization and Design of a Flexible Droop Nose Leading Edge Morphing Wing Based on a Novel Black Widow Optimization (B.W.O.) Algorithm—Part II

This work presents an aerodynamic and structural optimization for a Droop Nose Leading Edge Morphing airfoil as a high lift device for the UAS-S45. The results were obtained using three optimization algorithms: coupled Particle Swarm Optimization-Pattern Search, Genetic Algorithm, and Black Widow Optimization algorithm. The lift-to-drag ratio was used as the fitness function, and the impact of the choice of optimization algorithm selection on the fitness function was evaluated. The optimization was carried out at various Mach numbers of 0.08, 0.1, and 0.15, respectively, and at the cruise and take-off flight conditions. All these optimization algorithms obtained effectively comparable lift-to-drag ratio results with differences of less than 0.03% and similar airfoil geometries and pressure distributions. In addition, an unsteady analysis of a Variable Morphing Leading Edge airfoil with a dynamic meshing scheme was carried out to study its flow behaviour at different angles of attack and the feasibility of leading-edge downward deflection as a stall control mechanism. The numerical results showed that the variable morphing leading edge reduces the flow separation areas over an airfoil and increases the stall angle of attack. Furthermore, a preliminary investigation was conducted into the design and sensitivity analysis of a morphing leading-edge structure of the UAS-S45 wing integrated with an internal actuation mechanism. The correlation and determination matrices were computed for the composite wing geometry for sensitivity analysis to obtain the parameters with the highest correlation coefficients. The parameters include the composite material qualities, thickness, ply angles, and the ply stacking sequence. These findings can be utilized to design the flexible skin optimization framework, obtain the target droop nose deflections for the morphing leading edge, and design an improved model.

Design of mini airborne emergency power supply based on super capacitor

In order to solve the problem that it is difficult to install emergency battery with limited space on some flight planes, a micro emergency power supply based on super capacitor was designed in combination with the good energy storage characteristics of super capacitor. The selection calculation of capacitor and the design process of main control module and charge and discharge module are discussed in detail. In the laboratory environment, a small airborne test system was built to carry out verification experiments. The results show that the device meets the basic requirements of the system for backup power supply, and has the advantage of taking up less space and avoiding maintenance, which provides a new choice for the backup power supply selection of the future in-flight test system.