Consecutive Training Research Articles

Characterizing and Evaluating the Structures of Combined Pediatrics and Medical Genetics and Genomics Residency Programs.

There is limited information on rationale for the current training structure within combined Pediatrics-Medical Genetics and Genomics Residency (MGG) residency programs. This study addresses the benefits and drawbacks of different training structures. Program Directors (PDs) and Associate PDs of combined Pediatrics-MGG residency programs were surveyed to evaluate perceived benefits of different structures and the relative importance of particular pediatric rotations for combined training. Programs varied in terms of how many times a typical resident transitioned between Pediatrics and MGG during training (range 4 to > 9). PDs varied in their opinions of which training structure would be most ideal for training a future Clinical Geneticist within a combined Pediatrics-MGG program. However, the majority of PDs indicated that consecutive training (completing two years of Pediatrics, followed by MGG) would support particular aims of training including continuity of patient care and research productivity. The top six out of twenty pediatric rotations that were ranked as most important in order of importance were neonatal intensive care, development and behavior pediatrics, term newborn, pediatric intensive care, neurology, and inpatient pediatric wards. Particular structures may facilitate distinct aims within training; however, there was not widespread consensus on which program structure would be best. Specific pediatric rotations were highlighted as very important, which could influence future curriculum development.

Linear Time Train Contraction Minor Labeling for Railway Line Capacity Analysis

AbstractWhen no more than one train is feasibly contained in the separation headway times of two other trains, a triangular gap problem-based method is used to compute the consumed capacity in linear time. This is a strong condition limiting its applicability, while real-world operations often feature mixed traffic of various speeds, creating more complex structures beyond the characterization of a triangular gap. In this paper, we attempt to investigate the multi-train gap scenario and provide a general solution to the railway timetable structure and capacity analysis problem. Given a timetable, we use an incidence graph, the so-called train contraction minor, for representing the consecutive train operations and show that a longest path for spanning the compressed timetable is any path in a graph induced by some topological subsequence of trains that connects the predefined vertices in the train contraction minor. By vector-valued vertex labeling of this minor, we acquire an efficient algorithm that computes the consumed capacity of the timetable. Our algorithm runs in O(mn) time, where m and n are the number of trains and stations, respectively, and is free from the limitation and outperforms the near-linear time policy iteration implementation in the max-plus system of train operations. A toy example and a real-world case study demonstrate the effectiveness and computational performance of the proposed method. The proposed method based on train contraction minor contributes to the railway operations community by promoting the efficient computation of railway line capacity into linear time.

Classification of Electromyographic Hand Gesture Signal using Deep Learning

The electromyography (EMG) signal measures the electrical activity of muscles and is often described as a function of amplitude, frequency, and phase over time. These signals are commonly employed in both clinical and biomedical applications. They are used to identify neuromuscular disorders and in other activities such as controlling robots and computers. This proposed study utilizes the CNN to analyse the hand gestures and extract valuable information from these gestures. Consecutive training and testing using images were conducted to evaluate the CNN's performance. The findings demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed methodology in discerning significant features from complex movements.

Skill progress during a dedicated societal robotic surgery training curriculum including several robotic surgery platforms.

Robot-assisted procedures are increasingly common, and several systems are available for thoraco-abdominal surgery. Specific structured training is necessary, while access to these systems is still limited. This study aimed to assess surgeons' skill progress during consecutive training days of a curriculum with exposure to different robotic systems. This prospective observational study enrolled 47 surgeons with anonymized analysis of SimNow™ simulator performance scores and dedicated questionnaires after written consent. The primary outcome was the overall score, based on economy of motion, time to complete the exercise, and penalty for errors. Course participants in 2022-2023 had chosen 2 full hands-on days on Da Vinci® consoles with either virtual reality (VR) simulation training using the SimNow (n = 21, 44.7%) or digestive surgery procedures with a live animal model (n = 26, 55.3%). In all participants, training on Da Vinci® systems included console functions and principles of docking, camera, and instrument use for console and procedural training. They additionally had access to introductory dry-lab and VR simulator exercises on the Versius, HugoTMRAS, and Dexter systems and to VR exercises on the ROBOTiS simulator. The participants (16F/31M, median age 40years, range 29-58) from various surgical specialties (general/visceral/vascular) had no (n = 35, 74.5%) or little (n = 12, 25.5%) robotic experience including bedside assistance only and 20 (42.6%) had robotic simulator experience. The demographic variables fully completed by 44/47 participants (93.6%) and choice of module had no significant impact on the primary outcome. The considerable performance improvement from days 1 to 2 was exemplified by a significantly increased economy of motion and decreased amount of excessive force. Robotic surgical training is increasingly complex with several systems on the market. Within a dedicated robotic surgery curriculum and based on integrated performance metrics, a significant improvement of skill levels was observed in a relatively short period of time.

Changes in Plasma Free Amino Acid Profile in Endurance Athletes over a 9-Month Training Cycle.

We aimed to evaluate long-term changes in proteinogenic and non-proteinogenic plasma free amino acids (PFAA). Eleven male endurance triathletes participated in a 9-month study. Blood was collected at rest, immediately after exhaustive exercise, and during 30-min recovery, in four consecutive training phases: transition, general, specific, and competition. Twenty proteinogenic and 22 non-proteinogenic PFAAs were assayed using the LC-ESI-MS/MS technique. The structured training modified the patterns of exercise-induced PFAA response, with the competition phase being the most distinct from the others. Branched-chain amino acids (p = 0.002; η2 = 0.216), phenylalanine (p = 0.015; η2 = 0.153), methionine (p = 0.002; η2 = 0.206), and lysine (p = 0.006; η2 = 0.196) declined more rapidly between rest and exhaustion in the competition phase. Glutamine (p = 0.008; η2 = 0.255), glutamate (p = 0.006; η2 = 0.265), tyrosine (p = 0.001; η2 = 0.195), cystine (p = 0.042; η2 = 0.183), and serine (p < 0.001; η2 = 0.346) levels were reduced in the competition phase. Arginine (p = 0.046; η2 = 0.138) and aspartate (p = 0.011; η2 = 0.171) levels were highest during exercise in the transition phase. During the competition phase, α-aminoadipic acid (p = 0.023; η2 = 0.145), β-aminoisobutyric acid (p = 0.007; η2 = 0.167), β-alanine (p < 0.001; η2 = 0.473), and sarcosine (p = 0.017; η2 = 0.150) levels increased, whereas phosphoethanolamine (p = 0.037; η2 = 0.189) and taurine (p = 0.008; η2 = 0.251) concentrations decreased. Overtraining indicators were not elevated. The altered PFAA profile suggests adaptations within energy metabolic pathways such as the tricarboxylic acid cycle, oxidative phosphorylation, ammonia neutralization, the purine nucleotide cycle, and buffering of intracellular H+ ions. The changes seem to reflect normal adaptations.

Heat acclimation with probiotics-based ORS supplementation alleviates heat stroke-induced multiple organ dysfunction via improving intestinal thermotolerance and modulating gut microbiota in rats.

Heat stroke (HS) is a critical condition with extremely high mortality. Heat acclimation (HA) is widely recognized as the best measure to prevent and protect against HS. Preventive administration of oral rehydration salts III (ORSIII) and probiotics have been reported to sustain intestinal function in cases of HS. This study established a rat model of HA that was treated with probiotics-based ORS (ORSP) during consecutive 21-day HA training. The results showed that HA with ORSP could attenuate HS-induced hyperthermia by regulating thermoregulatory response. We also found that HA with ORSP could significantly alleviate HS-induced multiple organ injuries. The expression levels of a series of heat-shock proteins (HSPs), including HSP90, HSP70, HSP60, and HSP40, were significantly up-regulated from the HA training. The increases in intestinal fatty acid binding protein (I-FABP) and D-Lactate typically seen during HS were decreased through HA. The representative TJ proteins including ZO-1, E-cadherin, and JAM-1 were found to be significantly down-regulated by HS, but sustained following HA. The ultrastructure of TJ was examined by TEM, which confirmed its protective effect on the intestinal barrier protection following HA. We also demonstrated that HA raised the intestinal levels of beneficial bacteria Lactobacillus and lowered those of the harmful bacteria Streptococcus through 16S rRNA gene sequencing. These findings suggest that HA with ORSP was proven to improve intestinal thermotolerance and the levels of protective gut microbiota against HS.

The movement potentiation scale and movement therapy – A study of three cases

A study of three separate female volunteers was conducted. The movement potentiation scale™ (MPS) was used as a movement evaluation and pain levels were determined using a Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain. The six core movement challenges in the MPS evaluation have a combined point value of 26. After the evaluation, every subject underwent a consecutive five-day functional movement training program, which had an emphasis on movement quality, proprioception, balance, coordination, and optimal biomechanics under suitable stimuli. Provocative daily triggers were determined, and participants were educated on movement. Post-intervention data, including the repeated MPS and VAS pain rating findings, were gathered on the day six. Every participant showed a marked improvement in their MPS score and pain. On day one, participant 1, who was awaiting surgery for ongoing severe lower back pain, had a low MPS score of 5/26. On day six, following the intervention, she reported 0/10 discomfort and a 15/26 MPS score. Participant 2 began the trial with a low MPS score of 7/26, chronic shoulder pain, and paresthesia down her left arm. On day six, she reported 0/10 discomfort, no paresthesia, and an improved 14/26 MPS score. Participant 3 had an MPS score of 8/26; the predominant complaint was urinary incontinence. On day six, she showed an improved MPS score of 18/26, with a 10-day follow-up of nil urine incontinence.

Visual training for the treatment of retinal photoreceptor inner and outer segment connection (IS/OS) fracture: A case report.

The inner segments and outer segments (IS/OS) of the retinal photoreceptors are the areas that receive light signals and are the most initial sites for generating visual impulses, and the integrity of the IS/OS has a direct impact on visual sensitivity. We performed OCT on a 6-year-old child with vision loss and found that the cause of his vision loss was a retinal IS/OS fracture, and the child underwent some treatments to improve microcirculation and nourish the retina at a higher-level hospital, but his vision never improved. Our examination of this child revealed that this child not only had decreased visual acuity, but also hypermetropia, but his near stereopsis was normal. The symptoms were similar to those of amblyopia, so we tried to use visual training as a treatment. First, 6 sessions of fine visual stimulation were given, followed by 3 sessions of accommodation training, and we followed the 4 stages of accommodation training: perception of accommodation, amplitude of accommodation, sensitivity of accommodation, and autonomic accommodation. After 9 consecutive visual training sessions, the child's visual acuity was stabilized at 0.6, and then we added eye movement training, and after the child's visual acuity was improved to 0.7, we suppressed the visual acuity of the left eye to 0.6, so as to make the visual acuity of both eyes similar, which would promote the establishment of binocular stereo vision, and then we carried out 9 more visual training sessions, and the patient's visual acuity was stabilized at 0.8 gradually. OCT review showed that the child's retinal IS/OS fracture was basically closed. In conclusion, our study found that visual training can restore visual acuity in children with monocular IS/OS fracture and also promote repair of IS/OS fracture, which increases our understanding and knowledge of the treatment of retinal IS/OS fracture, and this case may provide some lessons for the treatment of retinal IS/OS fracture in children. We hope to have more samples of retinal IS/OS fracture in the future to evaluate the efficacy of visual training for retinal IS/OS fracture.

Quantum graph wave external triggering: Energy transfer and damping.

The propagation of wave trains resulting from a local external trigger inside a network described by a metric graph is analyzed using quantum graph theory. The external trigger is a finite-time perturbation imposed at one vertex of the graph, leading to a consecutive wave train into the network, supposedly at rest before the applied external perturbation. A complete analytical solution for the induced wave train is found having a specific spectrum as well as mode's amplitudes. Furthermore the precise condition by which the external trigger can transfer a maximal energy to any specific natural mode of the quantum graph is derived. Finally, the wave damping associated with boundary-layer dissipation is computed within a multiple time-scale asymptotic analysis. Exponential damping rates are explicitly found related to their corresponding mode's eigenvalue. Each mode energy is then obtained, as well as their exponential damping rate. The relevance of these results to the physics of waves within networks are discussed.

Paradoxical Long-term Memory Augmentation following Temporal Pairing between "Limited" and "Extensive" Motor Sequence Training Experiences.

Consecutive training on two movement sequences often leads to retroactive interference-obstructing memory for the initially trained sequence but not for the second. However, in the context of hippocampal-system dependent memories, a poor learning experience, memory for which would soon decay, can be enhanced if temporally paired with a "strong," memory triggering experience. The synaptic tagging and capture hypothesis explains this paradoxical enhancement by suggesting that only strong experiences generate cellular resources necessary for synaptic remodeling. However, synapses engaged in a "weak" learning experience can capture and utilize plasticity-related resources generated for a subsequent strong learning experience. Here, we tested whether such "paradoxical" outcome would result in the context of motor (procedural) memory, if two movement sequences are unequally trained, consecutively. We show, in young adults (n = 100), that limited practice on a novel sequence of finger-to-thumb opposition movements led to different long-term outcomes, depending on whether and when (5 min, 5 hr) it was followed by extensive training on a different sequence. Five-minute pairing, only, resulted in overnight gains for the limited-trained sequence that were well-retained a week later; the overnight gains for the extensively trained sequence were compromised. Thus, consecutive training on different motor tasks can result in mnemonic interactions other than interference. We propose that the newly discovered mnemonic interaction provides the first-tier behavioral evidence in support of the possible applicability of notions stemming from the synaptic tagging and capture hypothesis in relation to human motor memory generation, specifically in relation to the practice-dependent consolidation of novel explicitly instructed movement sequences.

Evaluating the effectiveness of a novel digital evaluation technology on dental preclinical crown preparation training.

To evaluate the assessment scores of a novel digital training program versus traditional training in dental preclinical crown preparation. Crown preparations in two consecutive preclinical training sessions were retrospectively collected and assigned to three groups: traditional group (TG), scanning group (SG), and digital evaluation group (DG). Students in the TG (n=20) were taught by conventional visual grading, while students in the SG (n=25) received three-dimensional feedback from digitally scanned preparations. All the SG students continued with supplementary digital evaluation and preparations were allocated into the DG (n=25). Comparison of total scores between groups was investigated using independent samples t-test and paired samples t-test. Mann‒Whitney U-test and Wilcoxon signed-rank test were used to statistically analyze the differences in subdividing categories. The level of significance was p<0.05. Questionnaires on the digital evaluation procedure were answered by students in DG. The results showed a significant improvement (p<0.01) in the total scores of DG than those of TG and SG, while there were no statistically significant differences between TG and SG. Scores of surface finish and undercut improved significantly in DG compared to TG and SG. The reduction scores of DG were significantly higher than those of SG. Students' feedback indicated a positive perspective on the implementation of the novel digital evaluation technology. These findings suggest that digital evaluation technology is useful for preclinical crown preparation training. Attention should also be paid to studying the optimal integration of digital dentistry into traditional dental curricula and its effects on students' learning curves.

Modification of heart rate variability induced by focal muscle vibration in patients with severe acquired brain injury

ABSTRACT Background/Purpose Heart rate variability (HRV) is a biomarker of autonomic nervous system (ANS) reaction in persons with severe acquired brain injury (sABI) who undergo a rehabilitation treatment, such as focal muscle vibration (FMV). This study aims to evaluate if and how FMV can modulate HRV and to compare potential differences in FMV modulation in HRV between patients with sABI and healthy controls. Methods Ten patients with sABI and seven healthy controls have been recruited. Each individual underwent the same stimulation protocol (four consecutive trains of vibration of 5 minutes each with a 1-minute pause). HRV was analyzed through the ratio of frequency domain heart-rate variability (LF/HF). Results In the control group, after performing FMV, a significant LF/HF difference was observed in the in the second vibration session compared to the POST phase. Patients with SABI treated on the affected side showed a statistically significant LF/HF difference in the PRE compared to the first vibration session. Conclusion These preliminary results suggest that FMV may modify the cardiac ANS activity in patients with sABI.

Automated cardiac arrest detection using a photoplethysmography wristband: algorithm development and validation in patients with induced circulatory arrest in the DETECT-1 study

Unwitnessed out-of-hospital cardiac arrest is associated with low survival chances because of the delayed activation of the emergency medical system in most cases. Automated cardiac arrest detection and alarming using biosensor technology would offer a potential solution to provide early help. We developed and validated an algorithm for automated circulatory arrest detection using wrist-derived photoplethysmography from patients with induced circulatory arrests. In this prospective multicentre study in three university medical centres in the Netherlands, adult patients (aged 18 years or older) in whom short-lasting circulatory arrest was induced as part of routine practice (transcatheter aortic valve implantation, defibrillation testing, or ventricular tachycardia induction) were eligible for inclusion. Exclusion criteria were a known bilateral significant subclavian artery stenosis or medical issues interfering with the wearing of the wristband. After providing informed consent, patients were equipped with a photoplethysmography wristband during the procedure. Invasive arterial blood pressure and electrocardiography were continuously monitored as the reference standard. Development of the photoplethysmography algorithm was based on three consecutive training cohorts. For each cohort, patients were consecutively enrolled. When a total of 50 patients with at least one event of circulatory arrest were enrolled, that cohort was closed. Validation was performed on the fourth set of included patients. The primary outcome was sensitivity for the detection of circulatory arrest. Of 306 patients enrolled between March 14, 2022, and April 21, 2023, 291 patients were included in the data analysis. In the development phase (n=205), the first training set yielded a sensitivity for circulatory arrest detection of 100% (95% CI 94-100) and four false positive alarms; the second training set yielded a sensitivity of 100% (94-100), with six false positive alarms; and the third training set yielded a sensitivity of 100% (94-100), with two false positive alarms. In the validation phase (n=86), the sensitivity for circulatory arrest detection was 98% (92-100) and 11 false positive circulatory arrest alarms. The positive predictive value was 90% (95% CI 82-94). The automated detection of induced circulatory arrests using wrist-derived photoplethysmography is feasible with good sensitivity and low false positives. These promising findings warrant further development of this wearable technology to enable automated cardiac arrest detection and alarming in a home setting. Dutch Heart Foundation (Hartstichting).

Lessons learned spanning 17 years of experience with three consecutive nationwide competency based medical education training plans.

Curricula for postgraduate medical education have transformed since the introduction of competency based medical education (CBME). Postgraduate training plans offer broader training with different competencies and an outcome-based approach, in addition to the medical technical aspects of training. However, CBME also has its challenges. Over the past years, critical views have been shared on the potential drawbacks of CBME, such as assessment burden and conflicts with practicality in the workplace. Recent studies identified a need for a better understanding of how the evolving concept of CBME has been translated to curriculum design and implemented in the practice of postgraduate training. The aim of this study was to describe the development of CBME translations to curriculum design, based on three consecutive postgraduate training programs spanning 17 years. We performed a document analysis of three consecutive Dutch gynecology and obstetrics training plans that were implemented in 2005, 2013, and 2021. We used template analysis to identify changes over time. Over time, CBME-based curriculum design changed in several domains. Assessment changed from a model with a focus on summative decision to one with an emphasis on formative, low-stakes assessments aimed at supporting learning. The training plans evolved in parallel to evolving educational insights, e.g., by placing increasing emphasis on personal development. The curricula focused on a competency-based concept by introducing training modules and personalized authorization based on feedback rather than on a set duration of internships. There was increasing freedom in personalized training trajectories in the training plans, together with increasing trust towards the resident. The way CBME was translated into training plans has evolved in the course of 17 years of experience with CMBE-based education. The main areas of change were the structure of the training plans, which became increasingly open, the degree to which learning outcomes were mandatory or not, and the way these outcomes were assessed.

Body Part Pain Affects Subjective and Objective Handball Performance in Japanese Male National Athletes-Results of Short-Term Practical Monitoring of Athletes' Conditions.

This short-term survey examined the effect of body part pain on subjective and objective handball performance in Japanese male national handball athletes. Fourteen athletes participated in this study. Assessments of pain in 10 body parts and subjective performance (concentration and satisfaction with body movement) were performed using a visual analog scale from 0 to 10 over four consecutive training days. Monitoring of heart rate and body acceleration during training was also performed to quantify the objective performance. Path analysis and linear mixed modeling were employed to assess the relationship between body pain scores and subjective/objective handball performance. Over the four days of the study period, the body part in which most athletes reported pain was the dominant shoulder (6 of 14 athletes), followed by the dominant knee, the dominant elbow, the dominant ankle joint, and the non-dominant ankle joint (3 of 14 athletes). The path analysis revealed that pain in the dominant elbow negatively correlated with concentration (standardized path coefficient = -0.644, p = 0.00), which was associated with satisfaction with body movement (standardized path coefficient = 0.704, p = 0.00). No significant effect of body pain on objective performance (heart rate and body acceleration) was found among the athletes in this study. The results suggested that the elite athletes were practicing with pain. Even if pain does not physically affect athletes' objective performance, pain in the upper extremities, associated with the primary handball movement of throwing, may reduce the quality of practice by lowering athletes' subjective performance.

Abstract A088: Utilizing Machine Learning Techniques to Investigate Mammograms for Breast Cancer Detection

Abstract Purpose: The prevalence of artificial intelligence (AI) in breast cancer screening and diagnosis has substantially increased over the past 5 years. AI can be used to assist in the interpretation of mammograms and other breast imaging modalities, as well as predict patient outcomes. This study aims to quantify AI's diagnostic accuracy and its ability to detect breast cancer from a large database of mammograms. The implementation of AI in breast cancer screening holds immense potential to not only enhance the accuracy of mammogram interpretation but also improve the overall efficiency of radiologists and healthcare providers. Furthermore, we aim to contribute to the advancement of the rapidly growing field of machine learning in medicine, particularly in breast cancer care. Our hope is that by applying this technology, we can improve patient outcomes and increase accessibility to breast cancer screening and early detection. Methods: A deep neural network (DNN) model was built on Tensorflow utilizing Radiological Society of North America Screening Mammography Breast Cancer Detection dataset, consisting of normal mammograms and abnormal mammograms with tumors. The model's efficacy was assessed using Area under the curve (AUC), precision, and recall, with images randomly split into training (80%), validation (10%), and test sets (10%). Four consecutive training sessions each lasting 2 hours and 13 minutes using 8,877 images consisting of 4,621 breast cancer and 4,456 normal breast mammogram images was done. Results: The model attained an AUC of 0.926, Specificity of 95%, Sensitivity of 73% and Accuracy of 84%. Conclusion: This DNN model was created for diagnosing breast cancer from mammograms, with higher AUC than the current standard. This study highlights the potential of AI to revolutionize breast cancer screening, prevention, and diagnosis, which will ultimately improve patient outcomes and increase accessibility for patients. The use of AI in detecting breast cancer on mammograms can not only provide support to radiologists but also improve their efficacy and accuracy, reducing the burden of high volume images. Additionally, the use of AI in detection and screening can address the barriers that come with physician shortages, especially in underserved areas. Extending AI’s reach to these areas of limited access can improve early detection and screening which tends to be lacking in under-resourced areas, thus addressing the gap in health equity worldwide. While this study highlights encouraging data at the intersection of AI and medicine, we acknowledge that AI’s role in medicine is not to replace but rather enhance the expertise of radiologists. Lastly, we hope that our developed tool can alleviate the workload of radiologists and increase efficiency in high-pressure settings such as emergency departments and rural areas, ultimately leading to improved patient care. Citation Format: Parsa Riazi Esfahani, Maya M Maalouf, Akshay J Reddy, Prashant Chawla. Utilizing Machine Learning Techniques to Investigate Mammograms for Breast Cancer Detection [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference in Cancer Research: Advances in Breast Cancer Research; 2023 Oct 19-22; San Diego, California. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(3 Suppl_1):Abstract nr A088.

Associative learning of visual cues in the fruit fly parasitoid Diachasmimorpha longicaudata: temporal dynamics and potential consequences on females' fitness

AbstractDiachasmimorpha longicaudata (Ashmead) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) is a generalist larval‐prepupal parasitoid of true fruit flies (Diptera: Tephritidae). During host‐seeking, females use visual information to locate the habitat of the host (fruit of various species). Previous studies have shown that females associate the colour of the host habitat with the availability of hosts through associative learning. In this study, we aimed to understand how this process is reinforced as the number of positive experiences increases and also how stable this association is, when the positive experiences cease. Additionally, under the hypothesis that associative learning has adaptive value, we evaluated the benefits of learning in two contexts: one in which host larvae are still associated with the learned colour and one where larvae are associated with a different colour. Repeated exposure to the unconditional stimulus for 1, 3, 5, and 7 consecutive training bouts influenced the preference response, as the percentage of females that preferred the stimulus increases with the number of training sessions. This preference seems to be reversible, as we found that the memory duration declines as time since the last training bout increased. The results obtained regarding the benefits of learning showed that females that learned a particular colour associated with the host, spent more time in that colour, made more oviposition attempts, and produced more offspring compared to females that learned a colour that is no longer associated with the host. This suggests that learning should not be fixed, and females would benefit from adjusting their behaviour to host availability. Such colour would allow females to find their host more efficiently, by associating cues that lead to host finding but also modifying their response when the cues are no longer associated with a reward, which seems a reasonable strategy for parasitoids of polyphagous hosts infesting ephemeral and changing habitats, such as fruit of different species.

Assessment of credit risk management practice in Dashen Bank

Financial stress is affecting all types of businesses across industries, but it particularly affects banks because they are a major source of capital and taking risk is an essential and unavoidable part of the banking business. Indeed, taking risk is embedded with reward, and financial crises have become a serious problem for the world in recent years. These papers evaluate Dashen Bank's approach to credit risk management. This study's primary objective is to evaluate Dashen Bank's credit risk management practices and determine how they are managed. Its primary focus is on credit evaluation in Dashen Bank. The researcher used descriptive research design, distributed questionnaires to officers. In addition to this the researchers used in- depth interview with management bodies. Both primary and secondary data collection method were used, census method were used, the study findings indicate that the bank doesn’t provide enough training for employees, the offsite follow up method placed by the bank is not successful, the credit risk management of the bank is weak also the credit collection system is not effective are among the main findings. The researcher suggest that the bank should provide strong and consecutive training for the employee, better follow up mechanism should apply new procedure should put in place to assess the capacity the client who need the long term loan.

Enhancing Hybrid Eye Typing Interfaces with Word and Letter Prediction: A Comprehensive Evaluation

Eye typing interfaces enable a person to enter text into an interface using only their own eyes. But despite the inherent advantages of touchless operation and intuitive design, such eye-typing interfaces often suffer from slow typing speeds, resulting in slow words per minute (WPM) counts. In this study, we add word and letter prediction to the eye-typing interface and investigate users’ typing performance as well as their subjective experience while using the interface. In experiment 1, we compared three typing interfaces with letter prediction (LP), letter + word prediction (L + WP), and no prediction (NoP), respectively. We found that the interface with L + WP achieved the highest average text entry speed (5.48 WPM), followed by the interface with LP (3.42 WPM), and the interface with NoP (3.39 WPM). Participants were able to quickly understand the procedural design for word prediction and perceived this function as very helpful. Compared to LP and NoP, participants needed more time to familiarize themselves with L + WP in order to reach a plateau regarding text entry speed. Experiment 2 explored training effects in L + WP interfaces. Two moving speeds were implemented: slow (6.4/s same speed as in experiment 1) and fast (10/s). The study employed a mixed experimental design, incorporating moving speeds as a between-subjects factor, to evaluate its influence on typing performance throughout 10 consecutive training sessions. The results showed that the typing speed reached 6.17 WPM for the slow group and 7.35 WPM for the fast group after practice. Overall, the two experiments show that adding letter and word prediction to eye-typing interfaces increases typing speeds. We also find that more extended training is required to achieve these high typing speeds.

Neural effects of TMS trains on the human prefrontal cortex

How does a train of TMS pulses modify neural activity in humans? Despite adoption of repetitive TMS (rTMS) for the treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders, we still do not understand how rTMS changes the human brain. This limited understanding stems in part from a lack of methods for noninvasively measuring the neural effects of a single TMS train—a fundamental building block of treatment—as well as the cumulative effects of consecutive TMS trains. Gaining this understanding would provide foundational knowledge to guide the next generation of treatments. Here, to overcome this limitation, we developed methods to noninvasively measure causal and acute changes in cortical excitability and evaluated this neural response to single and sequential TMS trains. In 16 healthy adults, standard 10 Hz trains were applied to the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex in a randomized, sham-controlled, event-related design and changes were assessed based on the TMS-evoked potential (TEP), a measure of cortical excitability. We hypothesized that single TMS trains would induce changes in the local TEP amplitude and that those changes would accumulate across sequential trains, but primary analyses did not indicate evidence in support of either of these hypotheses. Exploratory analyses demonstrated non-local neural changes in sensor and source space and local neural changes in phase and source space. Together these results suggest that single and sequential TMS trains may not be sufficient to modulate local cortical excitability indexed by typical TEP amplitude metrics but may cause neural changes that can be detected outside the stimulation area or using phase or source space metrics. This work should be contextualized as methods development for the monitoring of transient noninvasive neural changes during rTMS and contributes to a growing understanding of the neural effects of rTMS.