Variation In Duration Research Articles

Sleep, coparenting, and parenting among mothers and fathers prior to kindergarten transition.

The identification of family-level and modifiable factors that are influential determinants of parenting is of critical importance. The present study of mothers and fathers investigated within- and across-parent linkages between sleep duration and variability, the coparenting relationship, and parenting quality, as well as the moderating effect of coparenting in a sample of families with children making the transition to kindergarten using a family systems perspective. Mothers and fathers from 225 families participated in the late summer before their child started kindergarten. Parents wore actigraphs for a week to derive average and variability in sleep duration and reported their positive and negative perceptions of coparenting. Observations of parenting at child bedtime were used to assess mothers' and fathers' emotional availability (EA) with their children. Direct and crossover effects of sleep and coparenting, as well as their interaction effects on parenting, were examined using actor-partner interdependence models. Results indicated direct effects where greater sleep variability (but not sleep duration) and coparenting predicted lower EA, most robustly for mothers. Crossover effects were most prominent for fathers where mothers' negative coparenting and sleep predicted fathers' EA. Negative coparenting also moderated associations between sleep and parenting only for fathers. Sleep duration did not directly predict parenting for mothers or fathers, but mothers' sleep duration interacted with mothers' negative coparenting perceptions to predict fathers' EA, supporting a crossover effect. Findings highlight the need to promote parent sleep and the coparenting relationship among interventions targeting parenting. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved).

Comparison of Long-term Outcomes of Scleral-fixated IOL: Sutured vs. Suture-less Fixation

Purpose: This study compared the long-term outcomes and complications associated with sutured and suture-less scleral fixed intraocular lenses (SFIOLs), the two primary surgical techniques for scleral fixation of IOLs.Methods: A total of 90 patients were included in the study with 46 in the sutured group and 44 in the suture-less group. These patients underwent SFIOL between January 2019 and June 2023 due to IOL dislocation, aphakia, or crystalline lens dislocation. Collected data included age, gender, axial length, operative time, best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), intraocular pressure (IOP), refractive value, refractive error, ocular residual astigmatism, IOL dislocation, recurrent IOL dislocation, IOL tilt, and IOL iris capture. Changes from preoperative status to 1 year postoperatively were assessed.Results: No significant differences were found between the sutured and suture-less groups regarding preoperative BCVA, IOP, and refractive values. However, the suture-less group demonstrated significantly better BCVA at both 1 week and 1 month postoperatively compared to the sutured group (<i>p</i> = 0.010, 0.015, respectively). The refractive error in the suture-less group was also significantly lower at 1 week postoperatively (<i>p</i> = 0.020). Ocular residual astigmatism was consistently lower in the suture-less group across all postoperative intervals (<i>p</i> < 0.001). While the suture-less group showed a shorter average surgical time, there was greater variability in operative duration (<i>p</i> < 0.001, 0.024, respectively). Additionally, a longer axial length was associated with an increased incidence of IOL iris capture (<i>p</i> = 0.004).Conclusions: Suture-less SFIOL is associated with shorter operative times, although with greater variability. Patients in the suture-less group experienced faster BCVA improvement, reduced refractive error, and lower ocular residual astigmatism compared to those in the sutured group.

An Acoustic Study of Romanian Stressed Vowels with Special Reference to Mid Central [ɨ] and [ə

The present study is concerned with some aspects of the production of [ɨ] and [ə] in Romanian, i.e., their position within the vowel space, degree of acoustic variability and acoustic duration. To this end, acoustic data were collected for the Romanian stressed vowels [i e a o u ɨ ə] produced by six speakers in controlled consonantal context conditions and real and nonsense words. The formant frequency data reveal that [ɨ] and [ə] do not overlap along the F1 dimension, which may be ascribed to the need to set in contrast the two central vowels phonologically. Moreover, [ɨ] is clearly more variable in F2, and thus in vowel fronting, than schwa. Regarding segmental duration, [ɨ] is as short as high vowels and shorter than schwa, whose duration is comparable to that of mid vowels. The phonetic characteristics for stressed schwa in Romanian are in contrast with those for the same vowel in other world’s languages, in which it is highly variable and shorter than all or most peripheral vowels. This behaviour may be attributed to the existence of two central vowels, while suggesting that [ə] has a well-defined articulatory target in the Romanian language.

Parabrachial CGRP neurons modulate active defensive behavior under a naturalistic threat.

Recent studies suggest that calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) neurons in the parabrachial nucleus (PBN) represent aversive information and signal a general alarm to the forebrain. If CGRP neurons serve as a true general alarm, their activation would modulate both passive nad active defensive behaviors depending on the magnitude and context of the threat. However, most prior research has focused on the role of CGRP neurons in passive freezing responses, with limited exploration of their involvement in active defensive behaviors. To address this, we examined the role of CGRP neurons in active defensive behavior using a predator-like robot programmed to chase mice. Our electrophysiological results revealed that CGRP neurons encode the intensity of aversive stimuli through variations in firing durations and amplitudes. Optogenetic activation of CGRP neuron during robot chasing elevated flight responses in both conditioning and retention tests, presumably by amyplifying the perception of the threat as more imminent and dangerous. In contrast, animals with inactivated CGRP neurons exhibited reduced flight responses, even when the robot was programmed to appear highly threatening during conditioning. These findings expand the understanding of CGRP neurons in the PBN as a critical alarm system, capable of dynamically regulating active defensive behaviors by amplifying threat perception, ensuring adaptive responses to varying levels of danger.

Sex-specific differences in mortality and neurocardiac interactions in the Kv1.1 knockout mouse model of sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP).

Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) is a devastating complication of epilepsy with possible sex-specific risk factors, although the exact relationship between sex and SUDEP remains unclear. To investigate this, we studiedKcna1knockout (Kcna1-/-) mice, which lack voltage-gated Kv1.1 channel subunits and are widely used as a SUDEP model that mirrors key features in humans.To assess sex differences, we first performedsurvival analysis, EEG-ECG recordings, seizure threshold testing and retrospective analysis of previous intracardiac pacing data. We then applied a novel modelling approach across organs (organomics) to uncover potential sex-specific differences in brain-heart communication. Our findings revealed femaleKcna1-/-mice have significantly longer lifespans than males, suggesting lower SUDEP rates. Although no sex differences were found in seizure frequency, duration, burden, susceptibility or interictal heart rate variability, females showed a higher incidence of bradycardia during spontaneous seizuresthan males, as well asresistance to inducible ventricular tachyarrhythmias in response to programmed electrical stimulation.Two captured SUDEP events, one per sex,displayed similar patterns of ictal bradycardiain both sexes,progressing to postictal cardiorespiratory failure. Going beyond traditional seizure and cardiac metrics, organomics analysis revealed that seizures affect brain-heart communication differently between sexes. Females exhibited more effective resetting of brain-heart interactions postictally than males.This finding may contribute to the lower SUDEP risk in females and underscores the complex interplay between sex, cardiac function and brain-heart communication in determining SUDEP susceptibility. Furthermore, seizure-resetting measures could represent a promising class of biomarkers for SUDEP risk stratification. KEY POINTS: Female Kcna1-/- mice live longer than males, suggesting lower sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) rates. There are no sex differences in seizure metrics or interictal heart rate variability. Females show more bradycardia during seizures and are resistant to inducible ventricular tachyarrhythmias. Seizures affect brain-heart communication differently between the sexes. Seizures in females reset brain-heart interactions more effectively postictally, potentially lowering SUDEP risk.

Dosimetry of Continuous Random Motion in High Dose Rate Strontium-90 Plesiotherapy.

Strontium-90 plesiotherapy delivers high doses of radiation to superficial lesions (<3mm depth) with excellent sparing of deeper tissues. The sealed-source applicator tip is circular and 8-10mm in diameter. Larger treatment fields are treated with multiple overlapping fields. The applicator cannot conform to angular extensions of irregularly shaped fields, resulting in unnecessary treatment of normal tissue, and overlapping fields can overdose in some areas. With strontium-90 sources that have high activity and thus a high dose rate, small variations in duration and position of placement can be even more consequential. This prospective investigation used radiochromic film to evaluate the dosimetry of adjacent, static, overlapping fields compared with that of the same target area treated with the applicator in continuous motion intended to achieve the prescribed exposure to all points within the target. The intent was to minimize over- and underdosed areas. Three shapes of target field were used: single 2cm circle, curvilinear field, and cloverleaf. Application times were calculated to deliver the dose to the surface, and the procedure was repeated by four operators for qualitative evaluation (1Gy/100cGy to target) and four operators to generate quantitative data (5Gy/500cGy to target). We found significant differences between methods among operators, dependent on the number of fields, and in dose drop-off at the margin of the treated field. In almost every comparison, continuous motion was more homogenous (p≤.01 for standard deviation from expected dose). The continuous motion technique can be used for strontium plesiotherapy when the applicator must be held.

Dynamical effects of Mechano-Chemo-Transduction on Cardiac Alternans.

In every heartbeat, cardiac muscle cells perform excitation-Ca2+ signaling-contraction (EC) coupling to pump blood against the vascular resistance. Cardiomyocytes can sense the mechanical load and activate mechano-chemo-transduction (MCT) mechanism, which provides feedback regulation of EC coupling. MCT feedback is important for the heart to upregulate contraction in response to increased load to maintain cardiac output. MCT feedback enhances the L-type Ca2+ current, sensitizes ryanodine receptors (RyRs), and augments SERCA pump activity, thereby maintaining contraction amplitude despite increased load. However, under certain conditions, MCT feedback can also promote cardiac alternans, seen as beat-to-beat variations in action potential duration, Ca2+ transients, and contraction strength, which is a precursor to arrhythmias. While alternans can arise from instabilities in either membrane voltage or intracellular Ca2+ cycling, underlying mechanisms of MCT-induced alternans, particularly electromechanically discordant alternans where stronger beats are paradoxically associated with shorter action potentials, remain unclear. In this study, we used a mathematical model of the ventricular myocyte to investigate the effects of MCT feedback on the dynamical system that generates alternans. We systematically analyzed how MCT feedback, acting through L-type Ca2+ channels (LTCCs), RyRs, or SERCA, affects the stability of membrane voltage and Ca2+ cycling, as well as the coupling between them. Our results show that MCT feedback can generally promote both concordant and discordant alternans in action potential and Ca2+ transients, depending on the underlying instability mechanism. We found that MCT feedback through RyRs predominantly increases Ca2+ instability, while LTCC and SERCA feedback have complex effects due to the interplay between stability and coupling alterations. We also showed how to determine underlying mechanisms from experimental and clinical observations. Our modeling studies provide new insights into the complex dynamics underlying cardiac alternans and highlight the importance of MCT feedback in the development of life-threatening arrhythmias in the heart under mechanical load.

Migration strategy and constraint in migration behavior vary among shorebird species with different life histories

AbstractMigration strategy is a key behavioral characteristic guiding how migratory species time their annual cycles and use habitat. Understanding variation in migration strategy within and among species and individuals can be useful for understanding how birds navigate energetic trade‐offs and designing or modifying conservation plans meant to benefit multiple species and life histories. We compared migration strategies among three migratory shorebird species with variable life history traits and short, medium, and long migration distances, respectively: American avocets (Recurvirostra americana), black‐bellied plovers (Pluvialis squatarola), and Hudsonian godwits (Limosa haemastica). Avocets (short distance) exhibited the most within‐species variation in migration duration, proportion of migration time spent at stopovers, and stopover duration. Plovers (medium distance) and godwits (long distance) showed less variation in these metrics, but godwits showed the most variation in the number of stopovers used. There were significant differences among species in migration distance, number of stopovers used, proportion of time stopped over, departure and arrival dates, and migration duration, but not mean stopover duration. We also found that avocets spent more time stopped over relative to migration distance than plovers or godwits, indicating that avocets showed the most energy‐minimizing strategy of the three species. Our findings set the stage for future work assessing the effects of climate change and land use on characteristics associated with different migration strategies for additional migratory species.

Legacy effects of precipitation change: Theories, dynamics, and applications.

The intensification of climate-induced precipitation change poses a dual challenge to terrestrial ecosystems: immediate effects on their structure and function, coupled with legacy effects that persist beyond the cessation of precipitation change. Quantifying these legacy effects accurately can greatly assist in assessing the long-term impact of precipitation change. However, their broader understanding is just beginning. Therefore, this review endeavors to synthesize the existing knowledge concerning the legacy effects of precipitation change, elucidating their nature, characteristics, driving factors, and implications, thereby fostering further advancements in this research domain. To begin, we define that precipitation legacies are carried by the information and/or material remnants arising from previous precipitation change, with the enduring impacts of these remnants (precipitation legacy carriers) on the current ecosystem being termed the precipitation legacy effects. To comprehensively investigate the performances of precipitation legacy effects, we introduce a multi-faceted characterization framework, encompassing magnitude, direction, duration, and spatial-temporal variability. This framework is complemented by a proposed sequential analysis approach, spanning the pre-, during, and post-precipitation change phases. Next, we emphasize that the nature of precipitation legacy carriers and the pattern of precipitation change jointly determine the characteristics of precipitation legacy effect. Subsequently, we elucidate the possible carriers of precipitation legacies across species, community, and ecosystem levels, as well as the linkages among these carriers and levels, thereby introducing the underlying formation mechanism of precipitation legacy effects. Lastly, from the perspective of ecosystem stability debt, we propose potential applications of precipitation legacy effects in future climate change research. The viewpoints and methodologies outlined in this review can deepen our comprehension of precipitation legacy effects, contributing to the comprehensive assessment of precipitation impact on soil-vegetation systems and providing guidance for formulating effective strategies to address future climate change.

Meta-Analysis of Breastfeeding's Impact on Pediatric Immune Modulation and Risk Reduction of Childhood Lymphomas

Background: Breastfeeding offers nutritional and immunological benefits, enhancing immune system development in newborns. It has gained research interest for its potential to reduce childhood cancer risk, particularly lymphomas, though evidence remains limited. This meta-analysis evaluates breastfeeding’s protective role against childhood lymphomas. Objective: To assess the impact of breastfeeding duration, exclusivity, and geographical variability on childhood lymphoma risk. Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted per PRISMA guidelines. Relevant studies were retrieved from PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane Library. Inclusion criteria included breastfeeding exposure, lymphoma outcomes, and effect measures (ORs). Quality assessment and data extraction were performed using a standardized checklist. Meta-analysis employed a random-effects model. Results: The analysis included 24 studies comprising over 150,000 children. Breastfed children showed a 22% lower risk of childhood lymphomas (OR: 0.78; 95% CI: 0.72–0.85; p &lt; 0.001). Longer breastfeeding (&gt;6 months) and exclusivity provided stronger protection. Subgroup analysis indicated a more significant effect for non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (OR: 0.74) than Hodgkin’s lymphoma (OR: 0.83). Geographic variability was observed, with Asia showing the strongest protective effects. Conclusion: Exclusive breastfeeding and prolonged breastfeeding substantially reduce childhood lymphoma risk, highlighting breastfeeding as a cost-effective public health strategy for cancer prevention. Further research is needed to explore underlying biological and psychological mechanisms and regional differences. Breastfeeding promotion should remain a global priority to improve pediatric health and reduce childhood cancer burden.

The Effect of High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) on Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Levels (BNDF): A Systematic Review.

High-intensity interval training (HIIT) alternates short periods of intense exercise with recovery, effectively enhancing cardiorespiratory fitness, endurance, and strength in various populations. Concurrently, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) supports neuronal resilience and activity-dependent plasticity, which are vital for learning and memory. This study aims to systematically review changes in BDNF levels in response to HIIT, with three primary objectives: evaluating the benefits of HIIT for BDNF modulation, assessing methodological quality and the risk of bias in reviewed studies, and identifying patterns in BDNF response based on HIIT protocols and population characteristics. Comprehensive database searches were conducted in PubMed and SPORTDiscus to identify relevant studies published up to April 2024. Given the diversity in study designs and outcomes, a narrative synthesis was performed rather than a meta-analysis. Bias was evaluated using visualization tools such as RobVis, and the review was conducted by a single researcher, which may limit its comprehensiveness. Twelve studies met the inclusion criteria, with most indicating significant increases in BDNF levels post-HIIT, suggesting HIIT's potential to enhance neuroplasticity and cognitive functions. However, variations in BDNF responses were observed across different HIIT protocols and study populations. Some studies reported decreases or no change in BDNF levels, reflecting the complex regulation of BDNF influenced by factors such as exercise intensity, duration, and individual variability. HIIT shows promise as an intervention for increasing BDNF levels, with potential benefits for brain health and cognitive function. These findings underscore the need for further research to confirm the optimal conditions under which HIIT can effectively enhance neurological outcomes. Future studies should explore standardized HIIT protocols and the long-term impact of HIIT on BDNF and neuroplasticity.

Experimental Study on the Dynamic Impact Characteristics of Iron Ore Under Free-Fall Conditions

Ore processing equipment is constantly subjected to impacts from various types of ore. However, the impact force characteristics generated by ore particles of different masses have not been thoroughly studied, which has hindered the design and monitoring of such equipment. This paper presents an experimental study on the dynamic impact characteristics of iron ore particles under free–fall conditions. The research focuses on understanding the mechanical behavior of ore particles of varying sizes and weights when colliding with metallic components, particularly crushers, which are critical in the ore processing industry. A modified Split Hopkinson Pressure Bar apparatus was utilized to measure the impact forces, durations, and deformation patterns during collisions. Two types of fired iron ore pellets were collected from industrial plants and sorted into different mass ranges for testing. The pellets were dropped from a height of 1 m to impact a steel rod, and the resulting impact forces were recorded using strain gauges. Additionally, finite element simulations were conducted to validate the experimental methodology. The results revealed significant variations in impact force, duration, and deformation patterns, influenced by particle mass and impact position. The maximum recorded impact force was approximately 7500 N, indicating the high energy involved in these collisions. Impact durations ranged from 0.05 to 0.11 milliseconds, emphasizing the rapid nature of the interactions. The deformation patterns were consistent across all particles, supporting the applicability of Hertz’s contact theory.This study offers valuable insights into the dynamic impact characteristics of iron ore particles, which are essential for optimizing the design and performance of mining machinery.

Antifungal Treatment for Japanese Patients with Chronic Pulmonary Aspergillosis.

Despite the ongoing efforts to refine treatment durations and methods for patients with chronic pulmonary aspergillosis, the clinical use of antifungal agents remains unclear. This study aimed to describe the treatment practices, trajectories, and prognoses of newly diagnosed patients with chronic pulmonary aspergillosis. Data from a longitudinal database from hospitals in Japan was used. The target population included patients who started antifungal treatment following their initial diagnosis of pulmonary aspergillosis, pulmonary aspergilloma, or chronic necrotizing pulmonary aspergillosis between October 2015 and September 2017. We described patient characteristics and treatment practices. Of the 680 patients analyzed, 253 (37.2%), 231 (34.0%), 155 (22.8%), 31 (4.6%), and 10 (1.5%) patients received the initial treatment with voriconazole, itraconazole, micafungin, caspofungin, and liposomal amphotericinB, respectively. Over 50% of the patients initially treated with micafungin or caspofungin switched to azoles within a month. Of the patients treated with antifungal agents, only 46.8% continued treatment for 6months, indicating a lower retention rate. The overall mortality rate at 1year was 24.7%. The median treatment duration of initial treatment until switching was 83days (interquartile range [IQR], 159) for voriconazole and 162days (IQR, 310) for itraconazole, indicating a significant variation in treatment duration. Notably, 15.7% (76/484) of the patients underwent a treatment switch between voriconazole and itraconazole in the initial azole treatment group. Our findings highlight the challenges associated with sustaining long-term antifungal treatment.

Relationship Between Frequency Domain Indicators of Heart Rate Variability and Both Age and Duration of Illness in Patients with Headache: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background/Objectives: One of the most prevalent neurological conditions in the world, headaches impact a large number of people. Patients who experience headaches often have autonomic nervous system dysfunction, which can influence the onset and duration of headaches. Heart rate variability (HRV) serves as an indicator of the autonomic nervous system's activity and balance. In this study, we looked at the frequency domain of HRV in relation to age and headache duration in patients who had headaches. Methods: This cross-sectional research is a secondary analysis that makes use of data gathered from previously registered study projects. They were adult males and females aged 19 to 80. HRV was recorded in three channels over the course of 20 min using a 256 Hz sampling interval. HRV frequency domain was utilized to analyze the relationship between HRV and headache duration as well as between HRV and age. Results: In a smooth curve through the scatterplot using the locally estimated scatterplot smoothing line, low frequency/high frequency (LF/HF) declined beyond around 60 years of age, while the total power (TP) decreased until about 50 years of age, after which there was no discernible change. The duration of the headache did not significantly correlate with LF/HF or TP. However, TP decreased with age in the multivariate linear regression model (coefficient [95% confidence interval]: -0.003 [-0.003--0.002]). Conclusions: There may be associations between HRV indices and age, but these associations may not be linear.

ANALYSIS OF ASH CONTENT AND ACID NUMBER TEST IN WASTE COOKING OIL AFTER REFINING USING SUGAR CANE BAGASSE

Used cooking oil is a waste product containing high free fatty acids due to repeated heating, requiring purification to improve its quality. This study aimed to analyze the effectiveness of sugarcane bagasse-derived activated carbon as an adsorbent in reducing the acid value of used cooking oil. The research employed an experimental design using a completely randomized approach, with variations in adsorbent type (raw bagasse and activated bagasse charcoal) and soaking duration (1x24 hours to 4x24 hours). The results indicated that activated bagasse charcoal was more effective than raw bagasse, achieving the lowest acid value of 0.448 mg KOH/g after a 4x24-hour soaking period. The activated carbon met SNI 06-3730-1995 standards, with an average ash content of 0.7925%, and significantly reduced the acid value of used cooking oil. This study recommends the use of sugarcane bagasse-derived activated carbon as an eco-friendly solution for refining used cooking oil.

Pupillary response to blue light as a biomarker of seasonal pattern in Major Depressive Episode: A clinical study using pupillometry.

Depressive disorders are characterized by disturbances in light signal processing. More specifically, an alteration of the melanopsin response is suggested. The post-illumination pupillary response (PIPR) to blue light (post-blue PIPR) is increasingly used as a marker of the activity of intrinsically photosensitive melanopsin ganglion cells (ipRGCs). We hypothesized that individuals with Major Depressive Episode (MDE) who exhibited a higher vulnerability to season patterns showed a decreased ability to transmit light signals to the brain. We explored the correlation between the post-blue PIPR and the Global Seasonality Score (GSS) in 21 patients with MDE. The GSS was assessed using the Seasonal Pattern Assessment Questionnaire (SPAQ). The results revealed that decreased relative and absolute post-blue PIPR, suggesting a melanopsinergic hyposensitivity, were associated independently and significantly with higher seasonality in the psychological factor including a greater seasonal variation in sleep duration, mood, energy level and social activity, but were not associated with higher seasonality in the dietary factor (including weight and appetite seasonal variations) or with the severity of anxiety, depression, or sleep disturbances. Interestingly, mediation analyses highlight independent bidirectional effects of high vulnerability to season of psychological factors and decreased ipRGC sensitivity. Post-blue PIPR could be an objective marker of seasonal changes in daylight exposure in patients with MDE. Further research could explore post-blue PIPR as a state or trait biomarker for depressive disorders and the seasonal pattern, and its potential role in predicting therapeutic response to light therapy.

Systematic approach to dynamic balancing using coloured petri nets for production lines in advanced manufacturing systems

The assembly line is widely used in the manufacturing of products that involve tasks with defined and repetitive sequences. Its efficiency greatly impacts the overall manufacturing process, necessitating resource optimization. Balancing activities among workstations is a design challenge, especially in mixed-product assembly lines, due to significant variations in task durations and short-term changes in product sequencing. This paper introduces a balancing system that considers product sequencing effects on resource utilization. The system identifies specific sets of sequenced activities for each product type and operator, enhancing workstation flexibility. It employs balancing strategies utilizing a precedence diagram and a heuristic algorithm based on positional weights. Modeling and simulation are performed using Coloured Petri Nets. A case study of a truck assembly line in Brazil illustrates the main features of this approach. Simulation results demonstrate that it is possible to reduce dependent occupancy and sequencing, meet cycle time requirements, and achieve a 12.5% reduction in resource utilization while maintaining acceptable average occupancy, ultimately establishing a system beneficial for assembly line managers.

The association between glycaemic variability and sleep quality and quantity in adults with type 1 and type 2 diabetes: A systematic review.

Individuals with diabetes frequently encounter sleep disturbances, which can detrimentally impact glycaemic management. We reviewed the relationship between sleep outcomes and glycaemic variability in adults with diabetes. We systematically searched Medline, EMBASE and Cochrane Library (2002-March 2023) for studies evaluating sleep and glycaemic variability in adults with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Among the 3049 records, 27 met the inclusion criteria (type 1 diabetes studies = 22). Due to methodological heterogeneity, a qualitative analysis was conducted. Most studies measuring sleep quality (5 out 7; 71%) reported a significant association with glycaemic variability in type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Sleep duration was not significantly associated with glycaemic variability in type 1 diabetes, whereas other sleep metrics yielded inconclusive results. Hybrid closed-loop pump interventions (n = 12) demonstrated varying sleep outcomes with improved glycaemic variability. Similarly, sleep interventions (n = 3) consistently enhanced sleep but not glycaemic variability. Limitations included moderate to high risk of study bias, confounders, methodological heterogeneity and limited type 2 diabetes data. A potential association between sleep quality and glycaemic variability exists. However, associations with other sleep metrics remain elusive, with no discernible association between sleep duration and glycaemic variability in type 1 diabetes. Despite advancements in continuous glucose monitoring and ambulatory sleep monitoring, standardised sleep assessment methodologies are lacking in real-world studies. Establishing standard protocols for sleep assessment and defining optimal sleep targets are crucial for meaningful comparisons between studies. Understanding the complex interplay between sleep and glycaemic variability holds promise in improving diabetes management and sleep health.

A hybrid approach based on critical chain for project buffer consumption prediction and monitoring

PurposeThe critical chain project buffer monitor process addresses uncertainty and variability in project duration. However, classical buffer monitor methods only consider buffer consumption, while the dynamic allocation of buffer zones and the buffer consumption trend of activities are ignored. This paper presents the innovative framework for dynamic monitoring of project buffer which covers the dynamic buffer allocation, predictive analytics of buffer utilization and a new monitoring technique based on control chart graph.Design/methodology/approachFirst, a dynamically buffer allocation model is framed, and buffer zones are given to the activities considering risks. Then, a predictive model amalgamating Bayesian Optimization, Convolutional Neural Networks, and Long Short-Term Memory networks (BO-CNN-LSTM) is framed. Finally, a new buffer monitor framework is constructed that takes into account historical information about buffer usage and utilizes two thresholds derived from control chart theory.FindingsThis approach is empirically tested on a representative agricultural website project in China. The results show that, first, the dynamic buffer allocation makes better use of the project buffer, reduces buffer waste and increases the possibility of timely completion of the project. Second, the BO-CNN-LSTM model predicts better than Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) and Grey Neural Network Model (GNNM), providing project managers with new management insights and perspectives. Third, the novel monitoring procedure makes the leveraging of historical data possible in the control of the schedule deviations, allowing for more timely interventions in the course of the implementation of the project.Originality/valueA new project buffer monitoring method suitable for uncertain project environments is proposed.

Race, Ethnicity, and Sleep in US Children

Although racial and ethnic disparities are well documented in children's mean levels of sleep, particularly duration, evidence is mixed for sleep variability, an important sleep dimension of growing interest. Most research has also focused on comparisons of Black and White children, with limited attention to sleep variability disparities among other racially and ethnically minoritized groups such as Asian, Latinx, and multiracial children. To investigate racial and ethnic disparities in children's mean levels of sleep and variability of sleep across multiple dimensions and diverse racial and ethnic groups using actigraphy data. This cross-sectional study used data from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) study, a national cohort study, from 21 study sites across the US. ABCD participants were recruited at baseline (2016-2018) using a multistage, stratified, probability sampling method. The current study used a subsample with reliable actigraphy data collected at 2-year follow-up (2018-2020). Data analysis occurred from July 2023 to October 2024. Parent-reported race and ethnicity at baseline. Sociodemographic, health, and contextual covariates of sleep were also included. Actigraphy-assessed mean levels of sleep and sleep variability across multiple dimensions (duration, bedtime, risetime, efficiency, and latency) over 3 weeks. The analytic sample included 3868 children (mean [SD] age, 11.50 [0.67] years; 1913 female [49.5%]), of whom 104 (2.7%) were Asian, 347 (9.0%) were Black or African American, 801 (20.7%) were Latinx, 356 (9.2%) were multiracial, and 2260 (58.4%) were White. Asian, Black, Latinx, and multiracial children exhibited shorter sleep duration and later bedtime than White children. Importantly, compared with White children, bedtime variability was greater among Asian (β = 0.04; 95% CI, 0.01 to 0.07; P = .02), Black (β = 0.11 95% CI, 0.08 to 0.15; P < .001), Latinx (β = 0.08; 95% CI, 0.05 to 0.12; P < .001), and multiracial children (β = 0.08; 95% CI, 0.05 to 0.11; P < .001). Similarly, risetime variability was greater among Asian (β = 0.04; 95% CI, 0.01 to 0.07; P = .01), Black (β = 0.08; 95% CI, 0.04 to 0.12; P < .001), and Latinx (β = 0.06; 95% CI, 0.02 to 0.10; P < .01) children in comparison with White children. Black children exhibited the most profound disparities across mean levels (duration and bedtime) and variability of sleep (duration, bedtime, risetime, and efficiency) than other groups. Asian and multiracial children also exhibited some disparities sleep duration, efficiency, and efficiency variability, when compared with Latinx children. In this cross-sectional study of children's sleep disparities, racially and ethnically minoritized children exhibited disparities in mean levels and variability of sleep compared with their White peers. These findings suggest that policies and practices should target multiple sleep dimensions among diverse racial and ethnic groups to promote equitable pediatric sleep health.