Digital Form Research Articles

Risk of atrial fibrillation recurrence after new-onset transient episode during ST-elevation myocardial infarction

Abstract Background Atrial fibrillation (AF) often complicates ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and is associated with major in-hospital complications and increased mortality. The data on AF recurrence after new-onset transient STEMI-associated AF is scarce, and electrocardiographic (ECG) predictors of AF recurrence are unknown. Purpose Our aim was to assess the risk of AF recurrence and to find out the predictors of AF recurrence after transient STEMI-associated AF. Methods STEMI patients admitted during 2007-2010 for primary percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) were followed up until 2018. All ECGs ever recorded before, during or after STEMI (n=58907) were exported from regional database in digital format and processed using Glasgow algorithm. Clinical characteristics and mortality status were retrieved from the Swedish national registries. Information regarding AF was obtained from the national registries and the regional ECG database. STEMI-associated AF was defined as first-ever AF episode occurring between symptom onset and hospital discharge. Patients with pre-existing AF, AF after acute coronary artery bypass surgery and patients discharged with ongoing AF were excluded from analysis. P-wave indexes were assessed from the latest sinus rhythm ECG before discharge. The primary endpoint was the first documented AF episode after discharge. The secondary endpoints were total mortality and ischemic stroke. Cox regression analysis was adjusted for relevant clinical covariates. Results 1) 1956 patients who were discharged alive on sinus rhythm were included in the analysis (age 65±12, 70% males), 127(6.5%) of them had transient STEMI-associated AF. 2) Patients with STEMI-associated AF were more likely to develop AF during follow-up (n=74 [58.3%]) than patients without AF before or during STEMI (No AF) (n=56 [3.1%], HR=4.80 95%CI 3.93-5.97) (Figure 1). 3) None of the clinical and demographic characteristics was associated with AF recurrence. P-wave duration, P-terminal force in V1 and P-voltage in lead I were associated with AF recurrence, however only reduced P-wave voltage in lead I <93 µV (75th percentile) (HR=2.29 95% CI 1.21-4.35, p=0.011) remained independently associated with AF recurrence in adjusted analysis (Figure 2). 4) During follow-up, 134 patients had an ischemic stroke and 522 died. STEMI-associated AF was associated with higher long-term mortality risk comparing to No AF (HR=1.18 95%CI 1.02-1.36). The risk of stroke was not associated with STEMI-associated AF (HR=1.08 95%CI 0.79-1.49). In patients with STEMI-associated AF, occurrence of stroke did not differ between patients with and without AF recurrence (5[7%] vs 8 [15%] respectively, p=0.147). Conclusion STEMI-associated transient AF is associated with a 4.8-fold increased risk of AF after discharge, reaching 28% by 1 year after discharge. ECG-based P-wave indexes reflecting atrial remodeling can be used for the prediction of AF recurrence after discharge.

Associations between biomarkers and P-wave indices in patients with heart failure

Abstract Background Atrial structural abnormalities linked to the risk of atrial fibrillation (AF), as indicated by P-wave indices on surface ECG, are associated with the fibrotic transformation of the atrial myocardium. To what extent incident AF can be predicted by ECG characteristics in patients with advanced atrial structural remodeling, such as patients with heart failure (HF), is less well studied. Purpose To evaluate the association between P-wave indices and biomarkers implicated in cardiac fibrosis, and incident AF in patients with HF. Methods Patients with new-onset or worsening of HF were prospectively recruited in a observational study (n=501) and followed-up for 5 years. Blood samples were collected for analysis using proximity extension assay that included a subset of biomarkers that were associated with fibrosis development (TIMP-2, MMP-2, MMP-3, MMP-9, ST-2, GDF-15, Gal-3). All ECGs ever recorded in the hospital catchment area were exported in digital format and processed using Glasgow algorithm for calculation of the P-wave indices (P-wave duration [PWD], P-wave terminal force in V1 [PTFV1] and P-wave axis [Paxis]) and rhythm identification. AF diagnosis was ascertained by manual ECG review. Only patients who did not have AF reported or ECG documented at enrolment were included in the analysis. Of those subjects, 121 patients also had biomarkers of fibrosis analyzed. Cox-regression analyses were used to assess biomarkers’ and p-wave indices’ associations with incident AF. Results After exclusion of patients with prevalent AF (n=317), 184 patients comprised the study group (mean age of 71 years, 33.2% women, 121 patients with biomarker data available). During follow-up, incident AF was observed in 39 patients. At enrolment, PWD>120 ms was observed in 38.7%, abnormal PTFV1>40 mm*ms in 24.5% and Paxis<0° in 5.4%. Among the seven biomarkers assessed, five demonstrated significant associations with incident AF in adjusted analyses: TIMP4 (HR 1.78; 95%CI 1.03-3.05; p=0.037); MMP2 (HR 1.97; 95%CI 1.03-3.80; p=0.042), MMP3 (HR 1.39; 95%CI 1.03-1.88; p=0.031); ST2 (HR 1.91; 95%CI 1.29-2.83; p=0.001) and GDF-15 (HR 2.56; 95%CI 1.50-4.35; p=0.001) (Figure 1). However, none of the tested P-wave variables (P-wave duration, P-wave terminal force, and P-wave axis) were associated to incident AF. Conclusions In this prospective long-term follow-up study of patients admitted for acute HF, biomarkers with proven associations to fibrosis were strongly associated with incident AF. P-wave indices used for prediction of AF in epidemiological cohorts appear to have limited value in patients with HF who have high prevalence of ECG atrial abnormalities at baseline.

Impressos periódicos e escrita da história

The printed periodicals attract the attention of a highly diversified array of scholars, owing to the myriad possibilities they offer as sources of information and/or subjects of research. The aim of this article is to discuss the challenges posed by the utilization of this type of source for historical writing in the current context, characterized by the availability of vast quantities of titles in digital format. The discussion begins with the systematization of a set of procedures and methods already well-established concerning the use of such sources, followed by an exploration of the potential impacts of digital newspaper archives on historiographical practice. The shifts in terms of conception and execution of research invite critical reflection on the new analytical possibilities brought about by the transition from analog to digital.

Valuing the Creator: The Impact of Author Compensation Cues on Perceived Price Fairness and Purchase Intentions

This study examines consumer perceptions of revenue distribution among authors, publishers, and retailers for physical and digital book formats, along with perceived price fairness and purchase intentions. Study1 reveals that consumers attribute higher revenue to authors and less to publishers for digital books (compared to physical ones). Higher attribution is associated with perceived outcome price fairness for digital books. However, physical books still command a higher willingness to pay and willingness to buy. Study 2 demonstrates that explicit cues about high author compensation significantly increase purchase likelihood and WTP for digital books but do not significantly affect perceived price fairness. Consumers with higher authorial remuneration concerns and those who perceive higher value in digital books are more influenced by these cues. These findings suggest that transparent communication about author compensation could effectively enhance purchase intentions for digital books, especially among digital reading enthusiasts.

AUTOMATED TECHNOLOGY OF MEASUREMENT OF PHYSIOLOGICAL PARAMETERS OF FARM ANIMALS

Abstract. The development and application of automated technologies in the agricultural sector have significantly transformed the management and monitoring of farm animals. This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of existing technical systems for measuring the physiological parameters of farm animals, particularly focusing on cows. The primary goal of these technologies is to enhance the accuracy and efficiency of health monitoring and to optimize livestock management through continuous data collection and analysis. Key technological solutions include the use of wireless data transmission systems, radio monitoring devices, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). These technologies enable real-time tracking of animal health parameters such as body temperature, heart rate, movement patterns, and other critical indicators. The use of various sensors, including ear, neck, and intra-body sensors, plays a crucial role in collecting primary physiological data. These sensors are integrated into a broader system that includes radio modules with built-in controllers for converting raw data into digital formats, enabling wireless transmission to central systems for processing and storage. The radio monitoring of animals allows for the continuous tracking of physiological and behavioral parameters across large areas, providing crucial insights into their well-being. It is particularly beneficial in detecting early signs of disease or health issues, ensuring timely intervention, and preventing potential economic losses for farmers. The integration of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) further expands the capabilities of monitoring systems, enabling the visual assessment of animals' behavior and movement across vast pastures. Equipped with video cameras and data relays, UAVs collect video footage that is transmitted to a central processing unit for real-time analysis and storage. The combined use of radio monitoring and UAV technology forms a comprehensive framework for livestock management, allowing farmers to make data-driven decisions, optimize resource allocation, and improve overall herd health and productivity. By leveraging these automated systems, it becomes possible to reduce the dependency on manual labor, minimize human error, and ensure that animals are closely monitored without the need for constant physical presence. This represents a significant advancement in modern animal farming, aligning with global trends toward smart farming and precision agriculture. In conclusion, the integration of automated physiological monitoring technologies in farm animal management presents an innovative solution for enhancing animal welfare, improving farm efficiency, and reducing operational costs. These systems hold considerable potential for further advancements in the field of animal health monitoring, ultimately contributing to more sustainable and productive farming practices.

Examining The Impact of Digital Story-Based Learning on English Four Skills for Young Learners

Currently, using technology is meaningful and brings lots of changes to our lives as human beings. Especially in the education process, technology has supported the education progress of teachers and students. Combining and applying technology in teaching-learning processes, especially in education technology, has an essential effect on the teaching process. Introduce technology and its part to the students expected to help them improve their ability and support their development. Technology in education, including the digital form, brings the students a new way of fun learning. This study explores the impact of using digital stories in English four skills learning for young learners. The research was obtained by doing a literature review of the impact of digital stories on young learners. A current research study indicates the effects of digital stories on the development of the four English skills of young learners. The current research findings show that digital stories impact students' writing skills, including grammar and ideas or content of written stories.

Organic Chemistry and the Challenge of Representations: Student Difficulties with Different Representation Forms When Switching from Paper–Pencil to Digital Format

Organic Chemistry and the Challenge of Representations: Student Difficulties with Different Representation Forms When Switching from Paper–Pencil to Digital Format

SensorHUB – a Novel, Open-source Software Stack for Enhanced Accessibility and Secure Interoperability in IoT Project Management

Abstract. The Internet of Things (IoT) seeks to achieve seamless device connectivity and data sharing, thereby enhancing automation, efficiency, and insights in various fields of application. By delivering real-time data, IoT is essential for systems that aim to model and map the physical world to digital formats, such as digital twins or metaverses. In the recent years, there has been a surge in high-quality commercial IoT products available to various sectors. However, these solutions often come with high costs and proprietary interfaces, which hinder seamless interoperability. For users seeking cost-effective and flexible solutions, open-source software and international standards present viable alternatives. Nonetheless, despite technological progress, the adoption of open and standardized IoT software solutions is still predominantly seen among technology-affine groups or within research and development initiatives. We propose the sensorHUB, a novel IoT stack, which builds upon the Open Geospatial Consortium’s (OGC) data standard SensorThings API and enhances existing solutions towards more accessible, production-oriented solutions for diverse application domains and user groups. Key features include the provision of a new, state-of-the-art graphical user interface for managing data flows and the access to related software modules, and a secure and flexible user and access management.

A new list of Iliadic wounds, deaths and acts of aggression

This paper presents a new, digital, and interactive list of wounds, deaths, and other acts of aggression in the Iliad. After an introduction, it discusses the state of the art in quantitative approaches to the subject. The following section presents the methodology for compiling the data, briefly establishing the criteria for the distribution of instances in each category. In the discussion, I compare the results with previous similar projects and mention a few examples of the potentiality of the new list – to be published online, not included in the paper –, showing the advantages of the digital format.

Serious Games for Education and Training in the Humanitarian Sector: State of the Art

Serious games and game-based learning have seen slow and stymied adoption in the humanitarian sector, despite their general efficacy as training tools. We looked at over 120 games released between 1990 and 2023 that dealt with topics relevant to the humanitarian sector such as disaster risk management, conflict mitigation, human rights and sustainability, and applied the following filters - serious games, games for education and training, and non-commercial games - to obtain a list of 89 serious games that were designed for awareness, education or training in the humanitarian sector. We then noted their accessibility and investigated the following information for each - year of release, developer, format, platforms, context, purpose, target audience, NGOs involved and related research papers - to understand the trends, challenges and future potential of games as a research and pedagogical tool in this field. Of particular interest to us was the subset of 31 training games aimed at professionals, policy makers and stakeholders. We noted concerning trends regarding the accessibility and longevity of games in this field, and tracked recurrent issues facing the development and dissemination of these games, such as the need for a trained facilitator, the difficulty of adapting the content to new settings, a lack of scientific frameworks to guide their design and a lack of long-term impact metrics. However qualitative surveys conducted by the game designers and some third-party researchers indicate that these games remain a valuable addition to traditional forms of education and training and help enliven a difficult topic through experiential learning. We thus propose that involving professional game designers, embracing digital formats, and investing in archiving and long-term impact studies will greatly benefit the development and accessibility of games for humanitarian education and training.

The Role of the Education Office in Increasing Public Interest in Public Schools

The focus of this research is to analyze using literature studies on the strategies and policies of the Education Office in increasing public interest in entering public schools so that it is expected to have a positive impact so that the Education Office in the regions, especially areas that experience a decrease in the number of students and are constrained to increase students in the process of accepting new students. The method used in this study is the literature study method. The literature study method, also known as literature study, is a technique for collecting data and information by examining written sources such as scientific journals, reference books, encyclopedias, and other reliable sources either in written form or in digital formats that are relevant and related to the object being researched. Increasing public interest in attending public schools is a challenge that the Education Office must face as a government agency responsible for the implementation of education in the regions. Through a comprehensive strategy, including improving the quality of education, increasing access and equity in education, as well as improving the image and reputation of public schools, the Education Office can play a strategic role in encouraging community participation to take advantage of public education services. This effort will impact the quality of education and the development of superior and competitive human resources in the future. The Education Office's policy of increasing public interest in attending public schools is an important and strategic effort. Through various comprehensive policies, such as improving the quality of public schools, expanding access and capacity, as well as socialization and providing incentives, the Education Office can realize the goal of equitable distribution and improvement of the quality of education at all levels of society.

Practice of the systematization and centralization of archive fund materials of the PJSC ALROSA geological exploration complex

Effective usage of information accumulated over decades of geological exploration requires a tool that allows cataloging, describing, and providing access to both paper and electronic versions of the materials. Despite gradual digitalization of all the major geological exploration processes, there still remains large volume of the materials from previous years on paper media (technical reports, projects, etc.). They continue to be systematically digitized, while new reporting materials are generated in digital form. In addition, thematic scientific articles and publications are annually published. How to combine all the materials and to ensure quick and convenient access to them? There exist various ways to achieve this goal. The Vilyuisk Geological Exploration Expedition (VGRE) of PJSC ALROSA has taken the path of developing a dedicated information system «EFB GRK» designed to store and get access to the information on geological reports, scientific works, articles, etc. Each type of the documents is provided by its own attribute information; several types of the documents are grouped into thematic sections. The system allows one to obtain information on the availability of the projecting and reporting documentation in the archive funds with ability to order and receive and to trace the movement of such documentation.

SUBSTANTIATION OF METHODOLOGICAL RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE USE OF INFORMATION AND MEASURING SYSTEM BUILT ON THE LATEST HARDWARE DEVELOPMENTS DURING THE TESTING OF AME

The constant process of development of both hardware and software perfection inevitably leads to the improvement (creation) of existing (new) advanced information and measurement systems. At the same time, there is a need to develop methodological recommendations for the use of advanced information gathering and processing systems built on the basis of the latest hardware systems and complexes and software products for conducting heterogeneous tests. At the same time, there is a need to develop methodological recommendations for the use of a promising IMS for collecting and processing information built on the basis of the latest hardware systems and complexes and software products for conducting heterogeneous tests. Modern systems used for testing AME are measuring complexes that include modules for connecting sensors, modules for converting analogue sensor signals into digital form, modules for storing the received information in digital form and modules for communication with external computerised devices. Depending on the tasks of the test or experiment, the IMS can be supplemented (simplified) by the need to use certain measuring complexes and systems to measure parameters and obtain reliable information. The ideas, principles and algorithms that currently constitute the methodology of information processing have already made it possible to make a significant breakthrough in information processing technology. Processing methods and principles of their implementation for each field have their own specific features, which are primarily determined by the specific type of information carrier, encoding methods and ways of presenting the results of information processing. As a result, information processing arrangements for different areas often appear to be outwardly dissimilar. However, this external dissimilarity hides the same methodology and principles of building processing systems, which is crucial. The authors of the article study the capabilities of the latest hardware systems and complexes which should be included in advanced IMS and substantiate new methodological approaches, in accordance with regulatory and legal documents, to the use of such IMS during testing of AME.

Exploring Academic Well-Being Of College Students In The Digital Age: Evaluating YouTube's Impact As An Educational Resource

Social media has strongly influenced various aspects of our everyday walks of life. During the pandemic, Online education tools and techniques have taken over from the traditional face-to-face teaching-learning method of chalk and board. As a good digitalized teaching medium, YouTube has now emerged to satisfy Generation Z's needs. With its ground-breaking approach to audio-visual learning, YouTube has simplified and revolutionized teaching and learning. YouTube has shown to be a successful educational tool since it links academics, educators, and research investigators across the globe and provides intriguing, enlightening, and entertaining content. This has given education a new dynamic perspective by fostering innovation and creativity. Hence, the objective of the current study is to investigate the various factors that influence the use of YouTube as a learning tool, which also influences the academic well-being of college students in the digital era. Structural Equation Modeling was applied to evaluate the influence of key constructs like Information Quality, Information Usefulness, and Information adoption on the Academic well-being of the students in digital format. The study confirms the significant effect of YouTube as a learning tool on the academic well-being of Undergraduate students of Arts, Science and Humanities disciplines.

Study protocol for a single-arm pilot trial investigating the feasibility of a multimodal digital technology for managing metabolic syndrome in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Individuals diagnosed with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) are exposed to an increased risk of metabolic syndrome (MetS), which negatively affects their health outcomes and quality of life. Lifestyle interventions have shown promise in managing MetS. This study outlines the protocol for a web-based multimodal self-care program, Digital Metabolic Rehabilitation, for managing MetS in patients with COPD. The Digital Metabolic Rehabilitation is a single-arm pilot trial that integrates the Canadian Health Advanced by Nutrition and Graded Exercise (CHANGE) Program and a web-based wellness platform. The web-based wellness platform employed in this study is My Viva Plan (MVP)®, which integrates a holistic, multicomponent approach to promote wellness. The intervention will primarily focus on lifestyle changes for patients with COPD. Over 6 months, participants will use the web-based wellness platform and engage in weekly online support group sessions. Fifty patients diagnosed with stage I-II COPD and MetS will participate. Blood tests, anthropometrics, body composition, physical function, muscle strength, physical activity, energy metabolism, quality of life and mental health will be assessed at baseline, 3, and 6 months. The Digital Metabolic Rehabilitation program aims to explore whether a multimodal integrative intervention delivered through a web-based wellness platform can be implemented by patients with COPD with MetS. By combining the expertise of the CHANGE Program with the digital delivery format, the intervention seeks to enhance self-monitoring and foster better self-management practices. The protocol outlines a novel and potentially impactful intervention for managing MetS in patients with COPD.

Designing usability/user experience heuristics to evaluate e-assessments administered to children

The application of electronic assessments (e-assessments) has increased, particularly among elementary-school-aged children. Paper-based assessments are frequently converted into digital formats for efficiency gains, with little thought given to their user experience (UX) and usability. Individual differences, particularly among young children, can inhibit test-takers from completing the assessment tasks that are not designed to match their needs and abilities. Consequently, studies have raised concerns about the generalizability and fairness of e-assessments. Whereas heuristic evaluation is a standard method for evaluating and enhancing the efficacy of a product with respect to a set of guidelines, more information is needed about its added value when designing e-assessments for children. This paper synthesizes heuristics on the basis of the literature and expert judgments to accommodate children's abilities for interacting with e-assessment platforms. We present a final set of 10 heuristics, validated and refined by applying a heuristic evaluation workshop and collecting 24 expert surveys. The results indicate that the derived heuristics can help evaluate the UX and usability-related aspects of e-assessments with 6- to 12-year-old children. Moreover, the present paper proposes recommendations for a framework for developing usability/UX heuristics that can be used to help researchers develop domain-specific heuristics in the future.

Mobilizing International Australian Collections Locally for Global Benefit

From the earliest days of Australian colonization and exploration, botanical collections have been sent to herbaria overseas for western scientific study. Where there is a duplicate set, collections have been repatriated back to Australia with time, but many specimens remain housed overseas. These specimens document the floral diversity of Australian ecoregions that have now been altered, and of species that have not yet been described and may now have been lost to our ecosystems. Many such collections have type specimens, and others have historical exploration and botanical significance, many of which are not readily available for taxonomic and cultural research. One such collection, the Cambridge University Herbarium (CGE), is the fourth largest herbarium in the United Kingdom (Gardiner 2018) and contains more than 13,700 specimens of Australian origin. A collaborative project between the Western Australian Herbarium (PERTH) and CGE, supported by The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust, Australia, has enabled Australian collections to be located, updated, digitized, mobilized, and shared—decolonization and repatriation in digital form. With only five weeks to undertake collection-based activities at CGE, the effort focused on the Australian vascular plant collections. These were systematically located and retrieved from the CGE world collections of flowering plants and ferns (conveniently geographically arranged), and the John Lindley and Charles Fox Bunbury collections, which were only partially incorporated into the world collecitons. Curation was limited to significant repairs and incorporation of loose specimens into the collections. Annotated type specimens were placed within separate folders for easy future identification and curation. Barcodes were adhered to each sheet, and basic metadata was gathered prior to imaging (taxonomic name on the sheet, storage location, type status). Sheets were imaged using two Nikon D850 45.7MP digital single-lens reflex cameras in a lightboxes; image files were converted to 16-bit TIFF for archival storage, full-sized JPGs, and 1MB JPGs for online delivery. With approximately half of the specimens transcribed in September, 2024, preliminary findings include the following: The majority of the Australian collections in CGE are from Western Australia, Tasmania, New South Wales, and South Australia with significantly fewer collections from other Australian states and territories. The majority of specimens were collected in the 1800s and early 1900s, with dominant collectors being James Drummond (collecting in Western Australia), Ronald Gunn (collecting in Tasmania), William Philip Hiern, John Lhotsky, Joseph Jackson Lister, Sir Thomas Livingstone Mitchell, Georgiana Molloy, Fredrick Stimpson Salisbury, and William John Swainson. Prominent individual personal herbarium collections represented included those of Charles Morgan Lemann (1806–1852), John Lindley (1799–1865), John Stevens Henslow (1796–1861) and Charles Edward Moss (1870–1930). Most specimens have little locality information (e.g, "New Holland", "Van Diemen's Land", "Swan River"). More than 475 type specimens have been identified. More than 145 vascular plant families, 875 genera, and ca. 4500 (many non-current) species are housed within the collections (representing approximately 15% of Australian vascular plants). The majority of the Australian collections in CGE are from Western Australia, Tasmania, New South Wales, and South Australia with significantly fewer collections from other Australian states and territories. The majority of specimens were collected in the 1800s and early 1900s, with dominant collectors being James Drummond (collecting in Western Australia), Ronald Gunn (collecting in Tasmania), William Philip Hiern, John Lhotsky, Joseph Jackson Lister, Sir Thomas Livingstone Mitchell, Georgiana Molloy, Fredrick Stimpson Salisbury, and William John Swainson. Prominent individual personal herbarium collections represented included those of Charles Morgan Lemann (1806–1852), John Lindley (1799–1865), John Stevens Henslow (1796–1861) and Charles Edward Moss (1870–1930). Most specimens have little locality information (e.g, "New Holland", "Van Diemen's Land", "Swan River"). More than 475 type specimens have been identified. More than 145 vascular plant families, 875 genera, and ca. 4500 (many non-current) species are housed within the collections (representing approximately 15% of Australian vascular plants). Full transcription of label data (collector, collection date, collection number, locality information, and other collection information) and taxonomic curation is ongoing. Data and high resolution images will be made available soon to the scientific community, historians, and the public for data curation and annotation through the Atlas of Living Australia and other digital platforms. Access to these specimens will be invaluable for botanical research in this age of accelerated biodiversity loss, and as travel to, or shipping of, physical specimens is increasingly fraught and costly.

Association Between Pandemic-Related Instructional Delivery Modifications and Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) First Attempt Pass Rates

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic represents a sentinel event for healthcare and healthcare education alike. Mandatory shutdowns of educational institutions, combined with increased demand for skilled healthcare personnel, highlighted pre-existing challenges surrounding how to maintain a stable workforce. To ensure continuity of educational opportunities, many emergency medical services (EMS) educational institutions were forced to modify existing learning method to digital learning formats. This emergent transition unearthed concerns regarding the impacts alternative learning methods would have on entry-level EMS providers' learning outcomes and overall competency levels. The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of alternative instructional methods used for EMT education during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: The study is a retrospective review of prospectively collected data for EMT candidates from a single community college-based EMT program who completed a first attempt of the National Registry EMS Certification examination for EMT candidates from course sections ending between January 1, 2019, and December 31, 2020. Historical pre-COVID first attempt exam outcomes were compared to the first attempt outcomes of two alternative instructional methods –Emergency Remote (ER) and COVID Distance Learning Hybrid (DL). Results: The outcomes of 237 EMT students were evaluated. Remote and COVID Hybrid DL models compared to the traditional pre-COVID learning format. There was no significant difference in first attempt pass rates between students who participated in traditional learning, the Emergency Remote model (1.53 odds ratio), or the Distance Learning model (2.98 odds ratio). Conclusions: This study suggests that virtual learning is at least as effective as traditional formats in preparing students for the NREMT examination. Additional research is warranted regarding best practices for applying virtual learning modalities in EMS education.

Ringing mountain ranges: Teleseismic signature of the interaction of high-frequency wavefields with near-source topography at the Degelen nuclear test site

Summary Over the last decade there has been an international effort to find methods to recover and digitize recordings from historical earthquakes and explosions that occurred during the 1950’s through to the 1980’s. Making these recordings accessible in digital format offers opportunities to study what signatures are encoded in the data, and to apply state-of-the-art techniques and methods to historical data. In this study we employ unsupervised machine learning to cluster historical teleseismic waveforms from nuclear explosions conducted at the former USSR Degelen test site, in Kazakhstan, recorded at seismic arrays in the UK (EKA), Canada (YKA), Australia (WRA) and India (GBA). In particular, we use two unsupervised algorithms to cluster waveforms using shape-based clustering: kernel k-means and k-Shape. The algorithms clearly split waveforms into distinct clusters that are spatially related, even when waveform differences are subtle, and we show with local and teleseismic numerical simulations that the clusters are related to the topography. The topography at the Degelen test site has characteristic wavelengths of 2-4 km and local simulations highlight that the seismic wavefield is trapped in reverberating mountain peaks. The location of the explosion is crucial in determining which section of the mountain range reverberates, influencing the outgoing wavefield. Teleseismic waveform simulations confirm that it is this superposition of energy leaving the reverberating peaks that results in the observed teleseismic waveform differences we observe.

Some anthropological characteristics of ancient (according to fine art sources) and modern Greeks

Introduction. Greek sculpture and vase painting, despite the comprehensive study of specialists in many fields of science, can represent a source of information for historical and biological anthropology. The vase painting and sculpture of the ancient Greeks has been studied in the context of ethnic and biological continuity with the modern Greek population. Materials and methods. A total of 1020 vases (2379 people) and 174 reliefs (300 people) were studied. Two characteristics were studied – the development of tertiary hair growth (beard growth) and the nature of the head hair of ancient and modern Greeks. The material was collected from online sources and relevant literature, and processed according to anthropological methods. The composite portrait according to F. Galton method in digital format has been used to visualize morphological variability. Results and discussion. Modern Greeks (the middle total type of the population) are characterized by straight or lightly wavy head hair (middle score 1.41) and most often above middle or heavy beard growth (middle score 3.38). The proportion of straight and wavy hair in all vase painting samples is approximately the same, with wavy hair significantly predominant. The middle scores for hair nature and beard growth based on relief funeral images of ancient Greeks in our samples turned out to be significantly higher than for modern Greeks and amounted to: for nature of the hair – 2,62 points for classical time and 2,81 points for late classical and hellenistic times, for beard growth – 4,38 points and 4,30 points, respectively. Conclusion. Despite the change in artistic forms of conveying morphological features during the transition from archaic to classical times, in Greek vase painting and sculpture the representation of the heavy beard growth and the wavy nature of head hair was preserved, which, according to the authors, may be a real reflection of the typical morphological characteristics of the group.