Duration Of Phase Research Articles

Comparison of Countermovement Jump Strategy With and Without An Arm Swing

The countermovement jump (CMJ) is commonly used to assess both acute neuromuscular performance as well as adaptions to periods of training. Two methodologies are typically employed when performing the CMJ assessment. The first allows for the use of an arm swing (AS) to add a level of sport-specificity to the testing. The second restricts the movement of the arms (NAS) to allow for an assessment of the musculature of only the lower body. Thus, the purpose of this investigation was to examine differences in jump strategy between the two methodologies. Twenty-five female Division I collegiate athletes (volleyball = 13, beach volleyball = 12) participated in this investigation. Participants performed two CMJ in both the AS and NAS conditions. A paired samples t-test was used to evaluate differences in jump performance and jump strategy variables. During the braking phase of the CMJ statistical higher force values (p < 0.01) were seen in the NAS condition while longer phase durations were present in the AS condition (p < 0.001). No difference was seen in braking net impulse. During the propulsive phase statistically greater duration was seen in the AS condition (p < 0.001) leading to a greater propulsive net impulse (p < 0.001). The AS condition also displayed greater jump heights, countermovement depth and time to take off durations (p < 0.001) with no differences in reactive strength index modified. When performing CMJ assessments practitioners should consider which methodology they use carefully as the NAS assessment used a more force driven strategy while the AS used a time driven strategy.

An immuno-epidemiological model with non-exponentially distributed disease stage on complex networks

Most of epidemic models assume that duration of the disease phase is distributed exponentially for the simplification of model formulation and analysis. Actually, the exponentially distributed assumption on the description of disease stages is hard to accurately approximate the interplay of drug concentration and viral load within host. In this article, we formulate an immuno-epidemiological epidemic model on complex networks, which is composed of ordinary differential equations and integral equations. The linkage of within- and between-host is connected by setting that the death caused by the disease is an increasing function in viral load within host. Mathematical analysis of the model includes the existence of the solution to the epidemiological model on complex networks, the existence and stability of equilibrium, which are completely determined by the basic reproduction number of the between-host system. Numerical analysis are shown that the non-exponentially distributions and the topology of networks have significant roles in the prediction of epidemic patterns.

STUDY OF THE POTENTIAL ANALGESIC PROPERTIES OF CARBON DIOXIDE FOR THE TREATMENT OF PAIN SYNDROME IN CASE OF OSTEOARTHRITIS

Pain syndrome is a serious global problem that causes and complicates a number of diseases, the main symptom of which is joint pain. One of them is osteoarthritis (OA). Traditional methods of treating OA often have limited efficacy and can cause side effects, so it is important to study new approaches, such as carboxytherapy (use of carbon dioxide). Objective. To investigate the analgesic effect of carbon dioxide (CO2) and its combined use with other agents. Methods. The efficacy of carbon dioxide injections used alone and in combination with other drugs was studied in a formalin model of inflammation in rats. Results. The latent periods of phases I and II increased significantly in the experimental groups, especially in groups V, VI and VII (p < 0.001), indicating a delay in pain reactions. The duration of pain phase I was significantly shorter in the groups receiving CO2 compared to the control group (p < 0.001). The shortest duration was observed in group V, where it decreased by 1.77 minutes. The duration of pain phase II was also significantly shorter in groups V, VI, and VII treated with CO2 compared to group II (p < 0.001). The difference ranged from 7.49 to 12.54 minutes. The number of pain reactions after phase I decreased by 13.25– 16.1 points in the groups receiving CO2 compared to the control group. The data obtained indicate that CO2 significantly increases the duration of latent periods of pain (by 55–65 %), reduces the duration of its phases (by 40–50 %) and reduces the intensity of pain reactions (by 40–50 %) in rats compared to control pathology. The most pronounced effect was observed with the combined use of CO2 with sodium diclofenac or chondroitin sulfate. Conclusions. The results of the study expand the understanding of the analgesic effect of CO2 on the formalin model of inflammation. The use of CO2 significantly reduced the duration of both phases of the pain reaction and reduced the number of painful manifestations, which confirms the prospects of its use as an additional, and in some cases the main means of reducing pain and inflammation.

Biomethane Potential of Beef Cattle Slaughterhouse Waste and the Impact of Co-Digestion with Cattle Feces and Swine Slurry

Slaughterhouse waste (SW) poses significant environmental challenges due to its complex composition, but anaerobic digestion offers a way to recover valuable biogas from SW. This study investigated the anaerobic co-digestion of beef cattle slaughterhouse waste (BCSW) with either cattle feces (CF) or swine slurry (SS). The biomethane potential, maximum methane yield (Mmax), lag phase duration, and effective digestion time (Teff) for the individual substrates and the combinations were analyzed. BCSW alone exhibited Mmax of 578.5 Nml CH4/g VSadded with a lag phase of 11 days, while CF and SS alone exhibited Mmax of 397.2 and 289.8 Nml CH4/g VSadded, respectively. Co-digestion of BCSW and SS resulted in Mmax increase of 48–75.5%, with negligible effects on Teff compared to solitary SS digestion. Similarly, co-digestion of BCSW and CF increased Mmax by 6.2–40.4%, with no significant impact on Teff compared to solitary CF digestion. However, both co-digestions led to a reduction in Mmax (12.1–27%) when compared to BCSW digestion alone. Co-digestion with SS shortened the lag phase duration by 2.8–7.8 days and accelerated Teff by 5.8–8.3 days due to SS’s high concentrations of essential micronutrients like cobalt and nickel which aid digestion. This study concluded that co-digestion of BCSW with SS is an effective strategy for enhancing methane production and digestion efficiency, offering a viable approach for proper disposal of BCSW while improving biogas output.

Influence of COPD on the Diaphragm and Muscles of the Lower Limbs

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is associated with numerous comorbidities, including muscle involvement which consists of changes in the structure and function of peripheral and respiratory muscles. Ultrasound can provide a non-invasive assessment of muscle damage. Ultrasound assessment of the quadriceps contractility index (Qci) is feasible, rapid, simple, and reliable. Numerous studies have demonstrated that Qci is linked to the severity of COPD, clinical symptoms, and respiratory muscle activity. Furthermore, ultrasound makes it possible to observe the dynamics of the diaphragm by measuring its amplitude, its contraction speed, and the duration of each contraction phase. Ultrasound examination of muscle damage in COPD could constitute a promising new tool to assess the severity of the disease.

The interplay of temperature and circadian periodicity in winter activity of non-cavernous hibernator, Nyctalusnoctula

Winter activity of hibernating mammals is likely to be influenced by climate change. Our study focuses on Nyctalus noctula, a non-cavernous hibernator using artificial roosts in a recently colonized winter region. Using continuous acoustic monitoring and temperature measurements inside and outside the roosts, we found that bats exhibit a circadian cycle (active at night, resting during the day) even during hibernation season. Activity duration and intensity changed in response to ambient temperature, photoperiod, and hibernation progression. Warm ambient temperatures led to increased nighttime activity, extending the duration of the active phase. As photoperiod increased, the rest phase lengthened, while the overall magnitude of activity decreased from the beginning to the end of the hibernation period. Below 0 °C vocal activity was nearly zero indicating a minimal probability of bat activity during both day and night. The species recent success in extending its hibernation range northward may be attributed to its flexible adjustment to prevailing environmental conditions. Nevertheless, it remains uncertain whether engaging in daily activity at temperatures above 0 °C confers any advantages at northern latitudes to prevent premature energy depletion. The persistence of circadian activity during winter could be a relic behavior, adapted from historical patterns of wintering in insect-rich and warm southern latitudes.

Interventions to Support Resident and Fellow Well-Being During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Scoping Review.

Background The COVID-19 pandemic led to rapid and wide-scale changes in graduate medical education and impacted the well-being of frontline physicians, including residents and fellows. While institutions and programs implemented initiatives to support the unique needs of trainees during the pandemic, there remains a gap in the literature in examining the approaches used, the domains of well-being addressed, and the effectiveness of these efforts. Objective To review the literature on interventions designed to promote resident and fellow well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods The authors conducted a scoping review of the literature published between January 1, 2020, and November 30, 2023, in PubMed, Scopus, Embase, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and ERIC to identify interventions to promote the well-being of trainees during the COVID-19 pandemic. Results Eighteen articles met inclusion criteria, mainly studies conducted in the United States (14 of 18, 77.8%). Most interventions targeted psychological well-being (16 of 18, 88.9%), with only a few studies that included interventions in the physical or social domains. Interventions entailed redeployment, schedule modifications, communication strategies, and expanded mental health support. Most interventions were limited to a few weeks' duration in the first surge phase of the pandemic. Only 11 studies (61%) reported outcome measures, and only 2 (11%) used instruments with validity evidence. Most studies did not report sufficient data to evaluate study quality. Conclusions While longer-term outcome data were often lacking, studies described a range of interventions to support resident well-being. Future research should focus on the effectiveness of well-being interventions and include cohorts from more diverse clinical settings.

Value of Sulfotransferase Enzyme Assay in Predicting Minoxidil Response in Patients with Androgenetic Alopecia

Abstract Background Androgenetic Alopecia (AGA) is the most common type of progressive nonscarring hair loss in men and women. AGA features a progressive miniaturization of the hair follicle leading to transformation of terminal hair to vellus hair. These results from an alteration of hair cycle dynamic in which anagen phase duration gradually decreases and that of the telogen phase increases. Objective To compare Minoxidil result among patients with low versus high sulfotransferase activity in order to evaluate the validity of sulfotransferase enzyme testing before minoxidil use. Patients and Methods This was a prospective observational study that was conducted at Dermatology outpatient clinic, Ain Shams University Hospital on 60 male patients presenting with androgenetic alopecia grade II, III, IV. Results Vellus hair count/cm2 increased from baseline (17.4±9.2) to Month-4 (20.1±9.6), the differences (2.7±5.6) were statistically significant (p < 0.001). Terminal hair count/cm2 increased from baseline (6.1±3.3) to Month-4 (9.5±6.3), the differences (3.4±5.3) were statistically significant (p < 0.001). Terminal hair percent increased from baseline (25.7±3.6) to Month-4 (29.8±8.2), the differences (4.1±8.8) were statistically significant (p < 0.001). Total hair count/cm2 increased from baseline (23.5±12.4) to Month-4 (29.6±15.3), the differences (6.1±10.2) were statistically significant (p < 0.001). Mean hair width increased from baseline (0.04±0.02) to Month-4 (0.06±0.03), the differences (0.02±0.03) were statistically significant (p < 0.001). Less than half of the study cases showed increasing response (46.7%). Baseline Sulfotransferase enzyme was higher in responder cases (0.78±0.37) than in non-responder cases (0.31±0.16), the differences were statistically significant (<0.001). Conclusion The clinical response to 5% minoxidil commonly seen after 3-6 months and approximately 40% of patients will experience hair growth. considering the long time of treatment needed to produce a response by minoxidil in AGA, Sulfotransferase enzyme assay has a significant impact on minoxidil response in hair follicles and can be used as a diagnostic test perior the use of minoxidil to exclude the nonresponders.

Hydrotherapy During Labor and Birth in Water: A Review of Current Researches

Hydrotherapy is one of the most nonpharmacological methods for pain management in labor, where water at different temperatures is used to treat diseases and reduce pain. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists states that hydrotherapy can be used in the first stage of labor, but there is insufficient evidence on the outcomes of water birth. When the effects of hydrotherapy were examined according to the stages of labor, it was determined that it had an effect on pain, anxiety, comfort level, sympathovagal balance, parenting behavior and active phase duration in the first stage of labor. In the second stage of labor; epidural and opioid use, maternal pain, episiotomy use, intact perineum, shoulder dystocia and duration of labor. In the postpartum period, it has been reported to have an effect on the incidence of postpartum hemorrhage, birth satisfaction and women's sense of autonomy, shorten the duration of hospitalization and increase the rate of breastfeeding. When the effects of water birth on the newborn are examined, it is determined that it has an effect on body temperature, arterial and venous pH, while it has no effect on Apgar. Although there are various studies on water birth in the literature, more studies are needed to obtain evidence-based results. The aim of this review is to examine the current research results of hydrotherapy applied in the first stage of labor and the second stage of labor in water (water birth) in the last 5 years.

ВЛИЯНИЕ АДАПТИВНОГО УПРАВЛЕНИЯ СВЕТОФОРНЫМИ ОБЪЕКТАМИ НА ХАРАКТЕРИСТИКИ ДОРОЖНОГО ДВИЖЕНИЯ СМЕЖНЫХ ПЕРЕКРЕСТКОВ

The article is devoted to the study of the impact of adaptive algorithms for controlling traffic lights at one intersection on changes in traffic at adjacent intersections. The main purpose of the study is to identify the advantages and disadvantages of implementing such algorithms to assess the impact on adjacent intersections. Three algorithms have been proposed for the study: queue skipping, phase duration redistribution, and waiting time estimation. The study included traffic modeling, data collection on waiting times, queue lengths, and an assessment of changes in traffic flows. Data was collected using smart cameras, which allowed us to identify how changing traffic light work plans at one intersection affects the dynamics of traffic at neighboring intersections. Possible changes in traffic at adjacent intersections are proved, in particular, an increase in the number of waiting vehicles and the average waiting time at adjacent intersections, which indicates the negative impact of adaptive algorithms on adjacent intersections.

Sustainable Exploitation of Wine Lees as Yeast Extract Supplement for Application in Food Industry and Its Effect on the Growth and Fermentative Ability of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum and Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Wine lees, the residue left behind after racking or bottling of wine, are predominantly composed of dead yeast cells, ethanol, phenolic compounds, and tartrates. Yeast extract (i.e., commercial yeast extract), a highly nutritious powder derived from commercially cultivated yeast biomass, is commonly used in nutrient media as a nitrogen source. In the context of by-product valorization, wine lees could potentially be used to produce a substitute for commercial yeast extract (CYE). In our study we investigated the growth and fermentative ability of two major winemaking microorganisms, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum and Saccharomyces cerevisiae, in culture media containing a wine lees yeast extract (WLYE) and a CYE. The effects of yeast extract type, concentration, and initial cell concentration (y0) on key kinetic parameters—maximum specific growth rate (μmax), lag phase duration (λ), and maximum cell concentration (ymax)—were evaluated. For L. plantarum, the results showed that using a WLYE led to similar kinetic parameters to those obtained with a CYE, with λ being unaffected by y0 in samples containing a WLYE. For S. cerevisiae, simultaneous addition of both yeast extracts led to increased μmax values (up to 0.136 h−1) compared to individually added yeast extracts, although this negatively affected λ and ymax. Current research on wine lees is mainly focused on using them as a substrate to produce valuable metabolites through fermentation, overlooking the potential industrial applications of the nutrient-rich autolysate. The findings of this study appear promising for the holistic valorization of wine lees, contributing towards the concepts of sustainability and circular economy.

Pearl millet phenology assessment: An integration of field, a review, and in silico approach

AbstractPearl millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R.Br.] is an essential subsistence cereal for food security in dryland farming systems of the semiarid tropics (e.g., in sub‐Saharan Africa) and has improved tolerance to drought, heat, and salinity stress compared to other domesticated cereals. Assessing the variation on phenology is critical toward devising effective adaptative management strategies for crop adaptation to current and future climate change. In this context, pearl millet presents a vast genetic diversity, exhibiting sensitivity to temperature and photoperiod. Hence, this study aims to describe the genotypic variability in the phenological responses of pearl millet to temperature and photoperiod, particularly affecting leaf number with implications on the overall total time to flowering. The dataset encompassed 21 publications from seven countries, with experiments conducted from 1965 to 2023, including three field studies from the United States. Broad variability has been reported for phyllochron values ranging from 45 to 111°Cd leaf−1, with a mean value of 67°Cd leaf−1. Thermal time to panicle initiation ranged from 340 to 594°C, but no response to photoperiod duration was found due to the nature of dataset. Maximum number of leaves per shoot ranged from 11 to 25, showing response (1.55–2.15 leaf h−1) to photoperiod due to variations in thermal time to flowering (from 875 to 1346°Cd). Thermal time to flowering increased ca. 323°Cd h−1 under day durations longer than 13.3 h, below which basic vegetative phase duration was close to 1033°Cd. Based on the Agricultural Production Systems sIMulator simulations, different combinations of the above responses (in silico cultivars) generated a great range of times to flowering (44–120 days) for locations in Senegal, Brazil, India, and United States. The findings of this study can help breeders to explore the phenological genetic variability of pearl millet and provide inputs for crop growth models to evaluate future in silico scenarios.

Macroinvertebrate, algal and diatom assemblages respond differently to both drying and wetting transitions in non‐perennial streams

Abstract Biological assemblages in streams are influenced by hydrological dynamics, particularly in non‐perennial systems. Although there has been increasing attention on how drying impacts stream organisms, few studies have investigated how specific characteristics of drying and subsequent wetting transitions influence biotic responses via resistance and resilience traits. Here, we characterized how hydrologic metrics, including those quantifying drying and wetting transitions as well as dry and wet phases, alter diversity and composition of three aquatic assemblages in non‐perennial streams in southern California: benthic macroinvertebrates, soft‐bodied algae and diatoms. We found that flow duration prior to sampling was correlated with variation in macroinvertebrate and soft‐bodied algal assemblage composition. The composition and richness of diatom assemblages, however, were predominantly influenced by the drying start date prior to sampling. Contrary to other studies, the duration of the dry phase prior to sampling did not influence the composition or richness of any assemblage. Although our study was conducted within a region in which each assemblage experienced comparable environmental conditions, we found no single hydrologic metric that influenced all assemblages in the same way. The hot‐summer Mediterranean climate of southern California likely acts as a strong environmental filter, with taxa in this region relying on resistance and resilience adaptations to survive and recolonize non‐perennial streams following wetting. The different responses of algal and diatom assemblages to hydrologic metrics suggest greater resilience to drying and wetting events, particularly for primary producers. As drying and wetting patterns continue to change, understanding biodiversity responses to hydrologic metrics could inform management actions that enhance the ecological resilience of communities in non‐perennial streams. In particular, the creation and enhancement of flow regimes in which natural timing and duration of dry and wet phases sustain refuges that support community persistence in a changing environment.

Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Obstetric Lubricant Gel in Labor in Nulliparous and Primiparous Women: A Randomized Controlled Study

Aim: Our hypothesis was that lubricating gels used at the beginning of the active phase of labor could reduce the incidence of episiotomies and shorten the duration of labor. This study aims to investigate and confirm this theory with a randomized controlled trial. Material and Methods: A prospective randomized controlled trial was conducted at obstetrics and gynecology department of a university hospital between January 2017 and April 2017. The study included 102 nulliparous and 93 primiparous singleton pregnancies. 50 primiparous women and 47 nulliparous patients were randomly assigned to the obstetric gel group. Obstetric gel was applied to participants in the study groups at the beginning of the active phase of labor. Outcomes were episiotomy rates and duration of labor. Results: Episiotomy rates were significantly lower in nulliparous obstetric gel group (36.1% and 63.6%, p=0.005). The duration of the active phase of the first and second stage of labor was significantly lower in the obstetrical gel groups compared to the control groups in both parities (150 ± 86 and 203. 5 ± 134, p=0.021, 28.8 ± 18.2 and 62.6 ± 53.8, p

A Comparison of Paddle Forces between Whitewater and Flatwater Training in C1 Canoe Slalom.

Becoming an elite canoe slalom athlete requires thousands of hours of training, spread over many years. It is difficult to assess the correct balance between flatwater and whitewater training because differences in the paddle forces on these terrains are not known. The aim of this study was to describe paddle forces during canoe slalom training on flatwater and whitewater courses for the C1 canoe category. Paddle forces for twenty C1 canoe slalom athletes were quantified during all-out figure-of-eight tests on a flatwater course and during race simulations on a whitewater course. Paddle forces were measured using strain gauges embedded in the paddle shaft and quantified by their force, impulse, and stroke durations. The mean force during the pull phase of the paddle strokes was not significantly different between the flatwater and whitewater courses; however, the longer pull phase durations led to a greater pull phase impulse when paddling on the whitewater course. This study indicates that training for all-out runs on a whitewater course is more demanding for canoe slalom athletes than performing all-out trials on a flatwater figure-of-eight course. This evidence may help to develop effective training plans that are essential to reach the highest levels of the sport.

Assessment of Combining Ability and Gene Action in F1 Generation for Quantitative and Qualitative Traits of Pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L). Millsp.

To estimate combining ability and nature of gene action, twenty four pigeonpea crosses were developed from ten parents in Line × Tester fashion during Kharif 2022-23 and were evaluated in Randomized Block Design with three replications during Kharif 2023-24. The estimates of σ2gca were lower than the corresponding σ2sca for all the twelve characters studied indicating the predominance of non-additive gene action. Among the parents, the line GJP 1915 was found to be good general combiner for seed yield per plant and its yield contributing characters like plant height, number of primary branches per plant and pod length. The tester GJP 1820 was also good general combiner for seed yield per plant and its component traits like plant height, number of primary branches per plant, number of secondary branches per plant, number of pods per plant and 100-seed weight. The cross BDN 2013-41 × UPAS 120 had registered the highest sca effect for seed yield per plant. The sca effect in this cross combination was also accompanied by significant and desirable standard heterosis and high per se performance for days to maturity, reproductive phase duration, number of secondary branches per plant, number of pods per plant and number of seeds per pod and significant and desirable heterobeltiosis for days to maturity, reproductive phase duration, number of primary branches per plant, number of pods per plant and 100-seed weight. The cross GJP 1915 × BLACKTUR had registered significant and positive sca effect for seed yield per plant which was also accompanied by highest per se performance for pod length. These cross combinations can be potentially utilized in future breeding programmes for exploitation of hybrid vigour.

Operation of spinal sensorimotor circuits controlling phase durations during tied-belt and split-belt locomotion after a lateral thoracic hemisection.

Locomotion is controlled by spinal circuits that interact with supraspinal drives and sensory feedback from the limbs. These sensorimotor interactions are disrupted following spinal cord injury. The thoracic lateral hemisection represents an experimental model of an incomplete spinal cord injury, where connections between the brain and spinal cord are abolished on one side of the cord. To investigate the effects of such an injury on the operation of the spinal locomotor network, we used our computational model of cat locomotion recently published in eLife (Rybak et al., 2024) to investigate and predict changes in cycle and phase durations following a thoracic lateral hemisection during treadmill locomotion in tied-belt (equal left-right speeds) and split-belt (unequal left-right speeds) conditions. In our simulations, the "hemisection" was always applied to the right side. Based on our model, we hypothesized that following hemisection, the contralesional ("intact", left) side of the spinal network is mostly controlled by supraspinal drives, whereas the ipsilesional ("hemisected", right) side is mostly controlled by somatosensory feedback. We then compared the simulated results with those obtained during experiments in adult cats before and after a mid-thoracic lateral hemisection on the right side in the same locomotor conditions. Our experimental results confirmed many effects of hemisection on cat locomotion predicted by our simulations. We show that having the ipsilesional hindlimb step on the slow belt, but not the fast belt, during split-belt locomotion substantially reduces the effects of lateral hemisection. The model provides explanations for changes in temporal characteristics of hindlimb locomotion following hemisection based on altered interactions between spinal circuits, supraspinal drives, and somatosensory feedback.

Phase Dependence of Surface Charge Measurement on Epoxy Insulator in C4F7N/CO2 under AC Voltage.

The application of binary gas mixtures consisting of heptafluorobutyronitrile (C4F7N) and carbon dioxide (CO2) in AC GIS is currently attracting much attention. Therefore, the evaluation of the gas-solid interface charge distribution characteristics of epoxy resin is indispensable. Additionally, the phase-dependency of the charging behavior remains not fully understood. We simulated coaxial electrode structure in GIS and investigated the surface charge distribution on a down-scaled epoxy insulator. The influence of the truncated phase angle and duration of AC voltage on charge behavior were analyzed, and the charge transport mechanism under AC voltage was theoretically analyzed. The results showed that there was a noticeable negative charge speckle with the presence of the metal particle and the accumulated negative charge on the insulator surface far exceeded that of the positive charge. The maximum surface charge density and the amount of surface charge accumulated first increased and then decreased over time. It was found that the phase angle has a negligible influence on the surface charge distribution at the cut-off moment.

WP6.14 - Automated analysis of operative video in surgical training: Scoping review

Abstract Aims There is an increasing availability of operative video for use in surgical training. Emerging technologies can now assess video footage and automatically generate metrics that could be harnessed to improve the assessment of operative performance. This scoping review explores the current application of automated video analytics in surgical training. Methods PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and the Cochrane database were searched to identify studies which applied automated video analytics to trainee-performed operations. Search terms included ‘trainee’, ‘video analytics’ and ‘education’. Two reviewers independently screened and extracted data on the methods of analysis, metrics generated and application to training. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses extension for Scoping Review (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines were followed. Results Thirteen studies were identified. Computer vision tracking was the most common method of video analysis. Metrics were generated for processes (e.g. movement of instruments) and outcomes (e.g. intraoperative phase duration). Two studies generated metrics to assess critical safety elements (e.g. critical view of safety in laparoscopic cholecystectomy). Automated metrics were able to differentiate between different skill levels (e.g. consultant vs. trainee) and correlated with traditional methods of assessment. There was a lack of longitudinal application to training and only one qualitative study reported the experience of trainees using automated video analytics. Conclusion Automated video analytics is an emerging field which provides an objective assessment of operative performance. Gathering evidence to demonstrate the impact of long-term use on training outcomes is a priority for future research.

Random Telegraphic Signals with Fractal-like Probability Transition Rates

Many physical processes feature random telegraph signals, e.g., a time signal c(t) that randomly switches between two values over time. The present study focuses on the class of telegraphic processes for which the transition rates are formulated by using fractal-like expressions. By considering various restrictive hypotheses regarding the statistics of the waiting times, the present analysis provides the corresponding expressions of the unconditional and conditional probabilities, the mean waiting times, the mean phase duration, the autocorrelation function and the associated integral time scale, the spectral density, and the mean switching frequency. To assess the relevance of the various hypotheses, synthetically generated signals were constructed and used as references to evaluate the predictive quality of the theoretically derived expressions. The best predictions were obtained by considering that the waiting times probability density functions were Dirac peaks centered on the corresponding mean values.