Critical Elements Research Articles

Secure equitable subdivision number of graphs

A dominating set S of a graph G(V, E) is called a secure dominating set, if for each vertex x belongs to V(G) \ S there exists at least one vertex y in S such that y belongs to the neighbourhood of x and a vertex y can be replaced by a vertex x without losing domination property. A secure dominating set S is a secure equitable dominating set if for each x in V(G) \ S and the vertex y in S, which replaces x, we have |deg(x)-deg(y)| is less than or equal to 1. In this paper, we initiate the study of a new domination parameter, the secure equitable subdivision number of graphs. Also, we introduce the definitions of the secure equitable subdivision critical graphs and the secure equitable subdivision stable graphs. Further, we study the construction of a secure equitable subdivision critical graph.

Component factors and degree sum conditions in graphs

For a set A of connected graphs, an A -factor is a spanning subgraph of a graph, whose connected components are isomorphic to graphs from the set A . An A -factor is also referred as a component factor. A graph G is called an (A, m)-factor deleted graph if for every E0 ⊆ E(G) with |E0| = m,G−E0 admits an A -factor. A graph G is called an (A, l)-factor critical graph if for every V0 ⊆V(G) with |V0| = l,G−V0 admits an A -factor. Let m,l and k be three positive integers with k ≥ 2, and write F = {P2,C3,P5,T (3)} and H = {K1,1,K1,2,...,K1,k,T (2k+1)}, where T (3) and T (2k+1) are two special families of trees. Inspired by finding a sufficient condition to check for the existence of path-factors with some special restraints, we focus on the sufficient conditions based on a graphic parameter called degree sum: σk(G)=min_{X\subseteq V(G)}{[[EQUATION]]dG(x): X is an independent set of k vertices}. In this article, we verify that (i) an (l+2)-connected graph G of order n is an (\mathcal{F},l)-factor critical graph if σ3(G)\geq\frac{6n+9l}{5}; (ii) a (2m+1)-connected graph G of order n is an (\mathcal{F},m)-factor deleted graph if σm+2(G)\geq\frac{6}{5}n; (iii) an (l+2)-connected graph G of order n is an (\mathcal{H},l)-factor critical graph if σ2k+1(G)\geq\frac{6n+(6k+3)l}{2k+3}; (iv) a (2m+1)-connected graph G of order n is an (\mathcal{H},m)-factor deleted graph if σm+2(G)\geq\frac{6n}{2k+3}.

Climate change extreme events and exposure of local communities to water scarcity: a case study of QwaQwa in South Africa

ABSTRACT The exposure of local communities to multiple climate change-related events is on the rise across the globe. Despite extensive disaster research on climate change, exposure and vulnerability, few studies have focused on the exposure of local communities to multiple climate change-related events. For over a decade QwaQwa, in South Africa, has experienced persistent water crises which have been attributed to climate change and socio-economic drivers. However, there is a lack of understanding of the risk drivers to provide a solid basis for disaster risk reduction and resilience-building. This paper; therefore, aims to conduct analyses of hazards and exposure as part of risk analysis of climate change-related events; notably drought, flooding, wildfires, and water scarcity in QwaQwa. Quantitative and qualitative data sources included key informant interviews, household surveys, and field observations. The study employed the indicator method to analyse both the hazard and exposure. Qualitative data were anlysed using thematic analysis. On a five-point scale, the findings showed high indices of multiple hazards (3.6) and exposure (3.2). Analysis results were validated at a stakeholders’ workshop. The study recommends efficiency in implementing risk-sensitive land use plans, improving early warning systems, and the use of unmanned aerial vehicles to mitigate disaster risks.

Examining Soft and Hard Attributes of Health Care Service Quality and Their Impacts on Patient Satisfaction and Loyalty.

Many studies have confirmed the influences of various service quality dimensions on patient satisfaction and loyalty, but no existing theoretical model accounts for variation in how different types of patients evaluate service quality's soft and hard attributes. This research gap may cause problems for administrators needing to decide how to distribute resources appropriately across multiple departments. Therefore, this study establishes a theoretical model of the differences between inpatients' and outpatients' evaluations of hard and soft qualities and compares such evaluations' influences on patient satisfaction and loyalty. Also, to supplement statistical analysis and respond to scholars' calls for more mixed-methods studies of health care quality, this research incorporates analysis of online reviews to provide a holistic, close to real-time picture of patients' service experience perceptions. This study's survey sample comprised 292 inpatients and 137 outpatients from a Taiwanese hospital. We used partial least squares structural equation modeling to test the hypothetical model and importance-performance map analysis to identify factors that were significant to the service process but performed poorly. Finally, we used a text-mining technique to scrape 536 reviews posted on Google Maps, and Leximancer Portal to perform automated content and sentiment analyses on those data, as a means of mapping the critical concepts and themes that influenced patient experiences. This study's analyses support the ideas that both hard and soft qualities are critical dimensions of service quality, and that each has different influences on inpatients' and outpatients' satisfaction and loyalty. Specifically, the sampled inpatients strongly valued the hard qualities of the hospital but were not satisfied with it. On the other hand, soft qualities attracted outpatients' attention and influenced their satisfaction and loyalty. In addition, content analysis revealed that soft qualities were the main reason patients left comments, whether positive or negative. Waiting time emerged as another critical element in triggering patients' unfavorable reviews. Patient population type, whether inpatient or outpatient, has been found to impact perceptions of service quality within health care institutions. As such, health care administrators should be cognizant of this phenomenon and make informed and tailored decisions when addressing quality within their respective services. Emphasis on the development of both interpersonal and professional skills among health care personnel may prove beneficial in enhancing the patient experience and ultimately fostering positive online reviews.

Minimum number of arcs in k-critical digraphs with order at most 2k − 1

The dichromatic number χ→(D) of a digraph D is the least integer k for which D has a coloring with k colors such that there is no monochromatic directed cycle in D. A digraph D is called k-critical if each proper subdigraph D′ of D satisfies χ→(D′)<χ→(D)=k. For integers k and n, let ext→(k,n) denote the minimum number of arcs possible in a k-critical digraph of order n. It is easy to show that ext→(2,n)=n for all n≥2, and ext→(3,n)≥2n for all possible n, where equality holds if and only if n is odd and n≥3. As a main result we prove that if n,k and p are integers with n=k+p and 2≤p≤k−1, then ext→(k,n)=2((n2)−(p2+1)), and we give an exact characterization of k-critical digraphs for which equality holds. This generalizes a result about critical graphs obtained in 1963 by Tibor Gallai.

Fostering social cohesion in ethnolinguistic communities through mother tongue-based initiatives in Nepal

In Nepal and other regions, fostering social cohesion within ethnolinguistic communities is recognized as a vital factor for fostering social prosperity. This research paper presents an integrated framework developed through an extensive literature survey, incorporating the perspectives of ethnolinguistics and social cohesion. The study examines social cohesion using mixed methods, exploring its domains and correlation with linguistic theories. Special attention is given to the role of social prosperity and how this study impacts attitudinal and behavioral aspects of social cohesion. The study’s findings underscore the significance of interconnected social relations, a sense of connectedness, and shared common goods as essential elements for fostering practical social harmony. Notably, the research emphasizes the critical role of mother tongue-based educational activities in empowering ethnolinguistic communities, catalyzing sociocultural transformation, and promoting identity. It is revealed that these initiatives contribute to poverty reduction and foster gender equality and social inclusion. Moreover, the research advocates language-based interventions as a pivotal strategy for enhancing social cohesion. By recognizing language as a critical element that binds communities, this study aims to create a more fruitful investigation and provide practical, scientific, and managerial contributions in fostering social cohesion within ethnolinguistic contexts.

Solution to a Problem of Grünbaum on the Edge Density of 4-Critical Planar Graphs

Solution to a Problem of Grünbaum on the Edge Density of 4-Critical Planar Graphs

All Ramsey critical graphs for large cycles vs a complete graph of order six

A new area of Graph theory emerged in the last few decades is the calculation of Star critical Ramsey numbers related to different classes of graphs. Formally, we will say that Kn → (G,H) if given any coloring of Kn there is a copy of G in the first color, red, or a copy of H in the second color, blue. The Ramsey number r(G,H) is defined as the smallest positive integer n such that Kn → (G,H). A closely related concept of Ramsey number is the Star critical Ramsey number r∗(G,H) defined as the largest value of k such that Kr(G,H)−1 ⊔ K1,k → (G,H). A two-coloring of Kr(G,H)−1 such that Kr(G,H)−1 ̸→ (G,H) is called a Ramsey critical coloring. A Ramsey critical r(G,H) graph is a graph induced by the first color of a Ramsey critical coloring. Lower bounds for Star critical Ramsey numbers are usually found with the aid on Ramsey critical graphs. The particular problem we handle in this paper, on Star critical Ramsey numbers, is based on a conjecture posed in 1973 by Bondy and Erdos relating to Ramsey numbers for large cycles versus complete graphs. Based on certain lemmas we present with proof, furthermore we show that there exist exactly sixty eight non-isomorphic Ramsey critical r(Cn,K6) graphs, when n ≥ 15

Mineralogical and Geochemical Features of Coals and Clay Layers of the Karaganda Coal Basin

A comprehensive assessment of the critical elements contained in coal is essential for understanding the geological processes that affect the enrichment of these elements, which can then be used to fully utilize coal in an economically and environmentally friendly manner. In order to understand the geology of an area and the impact of demolition rock on the formation and enrichment of trace elements, as well as rare earth elements (REE) in coals, we have presented a range of recent geochemical and mineralogical data from the k7 coal seam in the Karaganda Formation of the Karaganda Coal Basin. The study revealed that the geochemical characteristics of coal-bearing deposits in the Karaganda Basin reflect the features of its geological evolution. Despite high tectonic activity and volcanic activity in the Paleozoic era, the specific composition of the rocks on the slopes and bases of coal-bearing valleys has determined the low potential for rare metals in the basin. It has been found that the coal in the Karaganda Basin is, in general, similar in terms of concentrations of most trace elements to the average for world coal. The main area of provenance of the trace elements was established using discriminant diagrams. It was established that the main source of the trace elements, including REEs in the basin coals, was the Tekturmas accretionary complex that represented the main upland (anticlinorium) during the coals’ formation. SEM studies identified micro-mineral forms that indicated the presence of trace elements of Zr, Ti, Se, and Fe in the samples of stratum k7.

Structural Design for EMI Shielding: From Underlying Mechanisms to Common Pitfalls.

Modern human civilization deeply relies on the rapid advancement of cutting-edge electronic systems that have revolutionized communication, education, aviation, and entertainment. However, the electromagnetic interference (EMI) generated by digital systems poses a significant threat to the society, potentially leading to a future crisis. While numerous efforts are made to develop nanotechnological shielding systems to mitigate the detrimental effects of EMI, there is limited focus on creating absorption-dominant shielding solutions. Achieving absorption-dominant EMI shields requires careful structural design engineering, starting from the smallest components and considering the most effective electromagnetic wave attenuating factors. This review offers a comprehensive overview of shielding structures, emphasizing the critical elements of absorption-dominant shielding design, shielding mechanisms, limitations of both traditional and nanotechnological EMI shields, and common misconceptions about the foundational principles of EMI shielding science. This systematic review serves as a scientific guide for designing shielding structures that prioritize absorption, highlighting an often-overlooked aspect of shielding science.

Consumer preferences of fast-food items in Mymensingh, Bangladesh

The goal of the current study was to ascertain Bangladeshi consumers' preferences for fast food items. Data from 80 respondents who were eating fast food in the Mymensingh region were gathered using a purposeful random sample; men made up 52.50 percent of the respondents. The study employed multiple linear regression analysis to determine the primary determinants influencing eating habits among customers. Additionally, descriptive statistics were utilized to determine the demographic characteristics such as age, education, income level etc. of the consumers. Furthermore, the utilization of Likert scale analysis assists in identifying the more favoured reasons why consumers go for fast food. The findings showed that most respondents were government employees with advanced degrees. Nearly 8.75 percent of customers spent more than Tk 2000 (18.22 $) on fast food every month. According to Likert scale research, 47.5% of consumers thought fast food was unhealthy. Consumers in the research region felt generally dissatisfied with fast food, as evidenced by their affirmative responses to seven out of the seventeen questions on the meal. In the Mymensingh District, explanatory factors such education, monthly family income, students, advertisements, and social pressure had the most impacts on the amount of fast food consumed. This research also looked at the critical elements at fast food restaurants and the relationship between customer satisfaction and restaurant service. The results of this study contribute significant knowledge to the literature on the food service sector and offer vital insights for the fast-food business in Bangladesh, indicating areas for development and customer preferences. It will offer insights for businesses to tailor their marketing strategies and menu offerings to align with consumer preferences and health concerns as well as highlights areas for improvement in fast-food establishments to enhance customer satisfaction and loyalty because of fast food consumption is becoming more and more appealing these days.

Developing and testing a reflection method for implementation of the informal care guideline in community nursing: Design-based research.

To develop a reflection method for community nurses and certified nursing assistants to support the implementation of the Dutch Informal Care guideline in daily care. Design-based research. A design group and four test groups of community nurses and nursing assistants were formed to develop a reflection method that aligns with the needs and preferences of its end-users. The design and test group meetings were video recorded. The video data were iteratively discussed and analysed thematically to adapt and refine the method and to identify its key features. A final reflection method was developed. Five main themes were identified from the analysis: the group, reflective triggers, knowledge about the guidelines, the coach and preconditions. The themes are linked to nine key features representing the building blocks of the reflection method. The key features are group size, participants with different (educational) backgrounds, pairs of participants, expressing thoughts, video feedback, reflection game, making the connection with the guideline, coaching as a process facilitator and meeting organizational and contextual conditions for implementation. An evidence- and practice-based reflection method for community nurses and certified nursing assistants is developed to support the implementation. By involving community nurses and certified nursing assistants, the method closely matches their needs and preferences. Critical elements of the reflection method are a game element, video feedback and working in pairs in a group of participants from different (educational) backgrounds. Guidance is needed to make the transfer from theory to practice. A reflection method for community nurses and certified nursing assistants was developed to enhance care work according to guideline recommendations, aiming to improve the care provided by informal caregivers. The COREQ guideline was used. This reflection method was developed in close collaboration with all stakeholders during the entire study.

The Importance of Fetal Station in the First Stage of Labor.

This study aimed to examine the relationship of fetal station in the first stage of labor to labor curves and cesarean delivery rates among women presenting in spontaneous labor. Labor curves for patients with nonanomalous singletons who presented in spontaneous labor to our hospital's Obstetric Triage Unit with intact membranes from January 1, 2012, to August 31, 2016, were reviewed. Cervical exams and time of exam were obtained for each patient from presentation to triage until delivery. Station for each presentation and cervical dilation was estimated using a random effects model and the slope of cervical station change was calculated to estimate the change in dilation by hour. Perinatal outcomes, including cesarean delivery rates, were examined according to fetal station at initial presentation. Factors known to affect labor curves-epidural analgesia, infant birth weight, maternal habitus, and parity-were also examined. There were 8,123 patients presented in spontaneous labor with intact membranes. For patients presenting at 6-cm dilation, the rate of change of labor was significantly different when identified to have a station greater than 0 (+1 and more caudad) when compared with those with -1 and more cephalad station (both p < 0.001). This relationship persisted when analyzed according to epidural analgesia, birth weight, maternal habitus, and parity. The frequency of cesarean delivery was significantly higher for women presenting in spontaneous labor with negative fetal station (p < 0.05). When stratified across all dilation (3-9 cm), this trend remained significant (p < 0.001). In the first stage of labor, advanced fetal station was significantly associated with differing rates of labor progression, and positive fetal station was significantly less likely to result in cesarean delivery. Physical examination, including station, remains a critical element in labor management. · Fetal station is important in labor management.. · Fetal station at initial exam is related to time to delivery.. · Positive fetal station at initial exam is less likely to result in cesarean delivery..

Entrepreneurship Practice through Wholesale and Retail Outlets and Pharmaceutical Practice among Companies in Lagos State, Nigeria

The research examined entrepreneurship and pharmaceutical practices among companies in Lagos State, Nigeria with a focus on wholesale and retail outlets. The choice of Lagos is precipitated on the fact that it commanded large percentage of commercial activities in Nigeria and the study showed the role of entrepreneurship in improving the logistics of the wholesale and retail pharmaceutical companies in Lagos State, Nigeria. The study employed the quantitative research method. This was to evaluate the link between logistics entrepreneurship and pharmaceutical performance. The findings showed that entrepreneurship improves the logistics of retail and wholesale pharmaceutical practice in Lagos State, Nigeria. The findings also confirmed that entrepreneurship is important on the performance of pharmaceutical companies in Lagos State, Nigeria. There was great evidence that entrepreneurship orientation is needed in the pharmaceutical sector. The research concluded that introduction of entrepreneurship logistics through wholesale and retail outlets would enhance the overall performance of pharmaceutical companies in Lagos State, Nigeria. It therefore recommended that Pharmaceutical retail and wholesale companies should pay a good attention to their logistics management by employing the critical elements of entrepreneurship which include creation, organization, administration and distribution, under a conducive regulatory environment and also special route system should be created in major Nigerian cities especially Lagos, reserved only for medical and pharmaceutical conveyances.

Addressing the Escalating Threat of Cybercrime in African Nations: Strategies for Legislation, Governance, and Capacity Building

This overall assessment considers the intricate terrain of cyber-threats in African countries in depth, showing how varied it is, what its economic consequences are, and why the appropriate countermeasures are needed. Cybercrime is a comprehensive threat that includes different types of activities, including hacking and phishing, right up to damaging intellectual property. The ripple effect goes far beyond immediate financials losses and is caused by service failures and reputational damage. The rising trends of cybercrime in Africa necessitate the urgency to fight it because, of its prevalence, with the annual losses running into billions. The article looks at the growth of cybercrime in Africa, especially the fact that cybercriminals are revolving into cybercriminal activities. As we’ve witnessed an internet population of over a billion people in the continent, the vulnerabilities become more widespread as there are insufficient cyber security laws and regulations in place. Mobile phone propagation aggravates weak security infrastructure that today are scaring Africa with a total cost of up to $4 billion yearly. Businesses and governments may fail to engage in cyber security which will increase their vulnerability since the commitment to the cyber security measures will be delayed, and timely and tactical response is needed. Legislation is a critical element in tackling cyber-attacks and this is a challenge many African countries face when it comes to enacting all-encompassing laws. The rules of Budapest Convention are used to create a guiding framework, which is aimed at supporting the harmonization with the international standards for the efficient cooperation. A coordinated effort culturally, as well as internationally, becomes evident to protect Africa’s digital future by lessening the economic and social implications of cyber threats. Keywords: Cybercrime, cybercrime strategies, internet security, cyber legislation, cyber governance, cyber capacity building and cyber threats.

Deciphering the molecular and functional basis of TMexCD1: the plasmid-encoded efflux pump of resistance-nodulation-division superfamily.

Horizontal gene transfer has been demonstrated to be an important driver for the emergency of multidrug-resistant pathogens. Recently, a transferable gene cluster tmexCD1-toprJ1 of the resistance-nodulation-division (RND) superfamily was identified in the plasmids of animal-derived Klebsiella pneumoniae strains, with a higher efflux capacity for various drugs than the Escherichia coli AcrAB-TolC homolog system. In this study, we focused on the differences in the inner membrane pump of these two systems and identified some key residues that contribute to the robust efflux activity of the TMexCD1 system. With the aid of homologous modeling and molecular docking, eight residues from the proximal binding pocket (PBP) and nine from the distal binding pocket (DBP) were selected and subjected to site-directed mutagenesis. Several of them, such as S134, I139, D181, and A290, were shown to be important for substrate binding in the DBP region, and all residues in PBP and DBP showed certain substrate preferences. Apart from the conservative switch loop (L613-623TMexD1) previously identified in the E. coli AcrB (EcAcrB), a relatively unconservative loop (L665-675TMexD1) at the bottom of PBP was proposed as a critical element for the robust activity of TMexD1, due to variations at sites E669, G670, N673, and S674 compared to EcAcrAB, and the significantly altered efflux activity due to their mutations. The conservation and flexibility of these key factors can contribute to the evolution of the RND efflux pumps and thus serve as potential targets for developing inhibitors to block the widespread of the TMexCD1 system.

Dermal stiffness governs the topography of the epidermis and the underlying basement membrane in young and old human skin.

The epidermis is a stratified epithelium that forms the outer layer of the skin. It is composed primarily of keratinocytes and is constantly renewed by the proliferation of stem cells and their progeny that undergo terminal differentiation as they leave the basal layer and migrate to the skin surface. Basal keratinocytes rest on a basement membrane composed of an extracellular matrix that controls their fate via integrin-mediated focal adhesions and hemidesmosomes which are critical elements of the epidermal barrier and promote its regenerative capabilities. The distribution of basal cells with optimal activity provides the basement membrane with its characteristic undulating shape; this configuration disappears with age, leading to epidermal weakness. In this study, we present an in-depth imaging analysis of basal keratinocyte anchorage in samples of human skin from participants across the age spectrum. Our findings reveal that skin aging is associated with the depletion of hemidesmosomes that provide crucial support for stem cell maintenance; their depletion correlates with the loss of the characteristic basement membrane structure. Atomic force microscopy studies of skin and invitro experiments revealed that the increase in tissue stiffness observed with aging triggers mechanical signals that alter the basement membrane structure and reduce the extent of basal keratinocyte anchorage, forcing them to differentiate. Genomic analysis revealed that epidermal aging was associated with mechanical induction of the transcription factor Krüppel-like factor 4. The altered mechanical properties of tissue being a new hallmark of aging, our work opens new avenues for the development of skin rejuvenation strategies.

Green hydrogen production from photovoltaic power station as a road map to climate change mitigation

Abstract The increasing recognition of hydrogen as a critical element in the global net-zero transition and its clear role in decarbonizing challenging sectors coincide with the growing urgency to address climate change. Africa's favourable renewable-energy capacity, ranging from 28% to 36% for solar, has been reported by the global solar irradiance index. However, the majority of hydrogen production today relies on fossil fuels (96%), with only a small fraction (4%) being produced through water electrolysis. Even though there have been many studies on climate change mitigation with a focus on Africa, a green hydrogen production from a photovoltaic power station approach has not been reported. Also, literature with a focus on Nigeria is lacking. This study focuses on the African green hydrogen production industry, utilizing Nigeria as a case study to explore the feasibility of generating clean hydrogen vectors from a percentage of photovoltaic power output in various regions of the country through stand-alone solar grid electrification projects. Analyses of the usage and effectiveness of the produced hydrogen fuel in each region are carried out, with the highest region having an annual output of 12 247 278 kg of green hydrogen and 8 573 094 kg of ammonia and the lowest region having an output of 511 245 kg of green hydrogen and 357 871 kg of ammonia, and the expected production from the proposed usage of 50% of the power generation output of the installed 1.6-MWp and 80-kWp solar power minigrids in the regions is calculated. The analyses were repeated for the other considered regions in the country. The results showcased the enormous advantages of the electrolytic production of hydrogen and how the greener economy project can play a major role in mitigating climate change effects and overreliance on fossil fuels as the driver of the economy in many African countries.

Enhancing Diagnostic Accuracy in Orthodontics: Calibration and Validation of a New Tool for Dental Arch Measurements—Pilot Study

(1) Background: In the pursuit of enhancing diagnostic precision and treatment planning in orthodontics, accurate measurements in dental study casts of the different parameters of the dental arch stands as a critical element. Measurements such as dental arch perimetry, arch length or intermolar distance play a key role in achieving optimal results in orthodontics. Therefore, the aim of this study is to develop, calibrate and verify a new tool for determining dental arch measurements and to compare these measurements, carried out with the newly fabricated instrument, to two other conventional measurements used in orthodontics. (2) Methods: The study used 40 dental study casts for measuring the three mentioned arch parameters. The measurements were conducted following three methods: with the new instrument, with the help of a digital caliper and with the conventional method using a graduated ruler and metal wire. The difference between the values obtained by measuring with the new instrument and the other two methods was noted out in order to calculate the margin of error. Descriptive statistics, including mean, minimum, maximum, and standard deviation, were computed for all replicates, while normality was assessed using the Kolmogorov–Smirnov and Shapiro–Wilk tests; mean differences were examined using the Friedman test and the Wilcoxon signed-rank test, with statistical significance set at p-values &lt; 0.05. Results: In the case of the arch perimeter measurement, the difference from the conventional measurement was −0.045 mm ± 0.006 and from the digital measurement was 0.025 ± 0.013. The measurement of the anterior arch length results shows that the difference from the conventional measurement was −0.0002 ± 0.014 and from the digital measurement 0.02 ± 0.0006. For the measurement of the intermolar distance of the upper permanent molars, the difference from the conventional measurement was −0.02 ± 0.01 and from the digital measurement −0.02 ± 0.001. The greatest differences were observed in the measurements of the parameter “Arch perimeter”, obtaining an average value of −0.045 ± 0.006 mm between the measurement with the new instrument and that with the conventional method using graduated rulers, as opposed to a value of 0.025 ± 0.013 for the difference from the digital measurement. Conclusions: the values obtained using the proposed instrument closely align with those obtained through traditional measuring methods like the graduated ruler and metal wire, demonstrating comparable results. Additionally, the measurements closely match those achieved through digital measurement using electronic calipers, showcasing the instrument’s accuracy in comparison to established techniques.

Interventions to support fellowship application success among predoctoral physician-scientists.

A critical element of physician-scientist training is the development and practice of core competencies that promote success in research careers. The ability to develop compelling training and research proposals is one such foundational skill. The NIH Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award (NRSA) individual fellowship for dual-degree students (F30, F31, or F31-Diversity) creates an ideal opportunity to provide formal instruction in grant-writing skills to physician-scientists early in training. In the guided process of preparing a predoctoral fellowship application, students learn to formulate clear short- and long-term research and training goals; construct a comprehensive, well-reasoned, and rigorous proposal; become familiar with funding agency priorities; and gain strategic insights into the peer review system. Beyond building scientific writing skills, the application process for an NRSA F30 or F31 is an opportunity for trainees to strengthen mentor-mentee relationships, identify learning opportunities key to their scientific development, and build effective research and mentoring teams. These skills also apply to developing future postdoctoral mentored K applications or faculty research program grants. Here, we outline key features of the structured proposal development training developed for students in the Yale MD-PhD Program and review outcomes associated with its implementation.