Full Time Research Articles

High Sensitivity Of Nanocrystalline SnO2-Y2O3 Thin Films Based UV-Detector Prepared Using Chemical Bath Deposition

Nanocrystalline Tin dioxide - Yttrium oxide (NC SnO2-Y2O3) thin film was effectively created by employing the chemical bath deposition approach on SiO2/Si substrates. X-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy [FESEM], and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy were used to analyze the structural and the surface morphology of the annealed sample at 500°C for two hours in air. When annealed at 500°C, the SnO2-Y2O3 film crystallized was accomplished with a tetragonal rutile structure. The nanocrystalline SnO2 thin film was effectively employed as a UV photodetector device (UV PDs). A UV photo detector based on nanocrystalline SnO2-Y2O3 film showed 2988% sensitivity when exposed to a 360 nm wavelength (6 mW/cm2) at an applied voltage of 3 V. In contrast, the responsivity value was 3.247 A/W. The rise and full times were determined by calculating to be 0.663 s and 0.436 s, respectively. The excellent performance of the device could be correlated with high surface-to-volume proportions including its elevated crystal performance. Given its outstanding stability and reliability, the nanocrystalline SnO2-Y2O3 thin film sensor is the optimum option for commercially photo-electronic applications.

Less than full-time training, barriers and future needs. A UK-wide online survey of doctors in training.

The the current views of less-than full-time (LTFT) training by both LTFT and full-time (FT) doctors in training, with regards to health and well-being, clinical and non-clinical opportunities, in addition to associated future workforce implications and challenges, are uncertain. We performed a cross-sectional study of UK-based doctors in training via an online questionnaire, designed and piloted by the Royal College of Physicians Edinburgh (RCPE) Trainees and Members Committee. Design was informed by prior investigation into LTFT training undertaken amongst similar populations by RCPE in 2019. The survey was distributed from May to September 2023 via email to trainees across the United Kingdom and was open to all specialties and training grades. The survey focused on lived experience of both LTFT and FT training, as well as perceived challenges for the future workforce. There were 648 responses from doctors in training across the United Kingdom, with an even spread of LTFT and FT trainees. Most responses (53%) were from trainees in medical specialties. Most LTFT trainees plan to train at this pace for more than 5 years. LTFT was commonly linked to improved work-life balance and well-being, with FT training perceived to feature high stress and burnout. Concerns around LTFT relate to administrative errors, reduced training opportunities and colleague prejudice. Trainees are concerned about LTFT leading to rota gaps and incoherent workforce planning around training numbers. With ever-increasing popularity in LTFT training, flexible and robust long-term workforce planning is necessary for the system to adapt to a new normal and improve retention of doctors in training.

ETROC1: the first full chain precision timing prototype ASIC for CMS MTD endcap timing layer upgrade

We present the design and characterization of the first full chain precision timing prototype ASIC, named ETL Readout Chip version 1 (ETROC1) for the CMS MTD endcap timing layer (ETL) upgrade. The ETL utilizes Low Gain Avalanche Diode (LGAD) sensors to detect charged particles, with the goal to achieve a time resolution of 40–50 ps per hit, and 30–40 ps per track with hits from two detector layers. The ETROC1 is composed of a 5 × 5 pixel array and peripheral circuits. The pixel array includes a 4 × 4 active pixel array with an H-tree shaped network delivering clock and charge injection signals. Each active pixel is composed of various components, including a bump pad, a charge injection circuit, a pre-amplifier, a discriminator, a digital-to-analog converter, and a time-to-digital converter. These components play essential roles as the front-end link in processing LGAD signals and measuring timing-related information. The peripheral circuits provide clock signals and readout functionalities. The size of the ETROC1 chip is 7 mm× 9 mm. ETROC1 has been fabricated in a 65 nm CMOS process, and extensively tested under stimuli of charge injection, infrared laser, and proton beam. The time resolution of bump-bonded ETROC1 + LGAD chipsets reaches 42–46 ps per hit in the beam test.

OPTIMISING SPRINT PERFORMANCE: CONCURRENT VALIDITY AND RELIABILITY OF 25HZ GNSS UNITS FOR SPEED PROFILING

Sprint performance profiling is crucial for understanding an athlete’s capabilities and identifying potential areas for improvement. While traditional gold standard systems provide valid and reliable measurements, they are often costly, laboratory-based, or impractical for field-based settings. New GNSS units (25Hz) with higher sampling rates may address some of these limitations. The purpose of the project was to evaluate the concurrent validity and inter-unit reliability of 25Hz GNSS units by examining their agreement with laser devices for velocity measurements and timing gates for interval times. Validity was assessed during a track and field training session. 30 participants performed between 3 and 6 sprints over 40m whilst being assessed simultaneously through all systems. Inter-unit reliability was assessed on a closed athletics track by placing 3 GNSS units on a motor vehicle and completing 60 accelerations from 0-60m. Low mean bias (<1%) and typical error less than <2% for all measurements demonstrate excellent agreement between GNSS and criterion devices. The units demonstrated good reliability for the 0-10m interval (ICC = 0.86), excellent reliability for all remaining 10m intervals to 60m (ICC = 0.91-0.99), full times 0-60m (ICC = 0.97) and maximal sprint velocity (ICC = 1.0). These GNSS units offer a more efficient and practical alternative to traditional measurement devices. For coaches, this technology offers a scalable method to concurrently assess the sprint performances of multiple athletes during training and competitions, enabling evidence-based decisions to guide athletic development.

A Descriptive Analysis of the Fastest Race Courses for Triathletes

Background: For Ironman® triathlon, it has been reported that most of the fnishers and the fastest women and men in Ironman® Hawaii originated from the United States of America (USA). We have, however, no knowledge ofwhere the fastest race courses in the Ironman® 70.3 triathlon took place. We aim to analyse where the Ironman® 70.3 races were held and where the fastest split and overall race times were achieved. Methods: The athletes’ sex, age group, country of origin, and split times for swimming, running, cycling, and transitioning were obtained from the official Ironman® website. To investigate the locations of the fastest Ironman® 70.3 competitions between 2004 and 2020, a full sample of 852,721 qualifying records throughout 197 different event locations was processed. These race records were aggregated by location, and each location’s split and full finish times were calculated. Data analysis was performed first for the full sample (all race records), and then for an elite sub-sample consisting of the top 100 males and top 100 females records in each location. Results: For the full sample, the fastest overall race times were achieved in Ironman® 70.3 Zell am See (Austria). For the top 100 athletes sub-sample, the Ironman® 70.3 European Championship Elsinore and Ironman® 70.3 World Championship were the fastest courses. Conclusion: These results are useful for athletes’ strategic planning and inform event organisers about the strengths of different courses, aiding in the optimisation and promotion of future Ironman® 70.3 races worldwide. Keywords: endurance, performance, half-distance Ironman®, multi-sport, running.

Learning to cope with the reality of endometriosis: A mixed-methods analysis of psychological therapy in women with endometriosis.

Despite the need and uptake of mental health support by women with endometriosis, no research to date has explored their experience of psychological therapy. We aimed to understand the factors that predict engagement in psychological therapy by Australian women with endometriosis and to qualitative explore their experience of psychological support. Mixed-methods design. A total of 200 women with self-reported endometriosis were recruited from the community. We explored; (1) the demographic and clinical predictors of engagement in psychological therapy, (2) the psychological approaches that seem most valuable to women in the management of endometriosis and (3) their experience engaging in psychological therapy for endometriosis. Nearly half of women reported to have seen a psychologist within the past year, particularly for pain. Younger age (OR, .94; 95% CI, .886-.993), depressive symptoms (OR, 1.05; 95% CI, 1.002-1.099), and working part time compared to full time (OR, 2.17, 95% CI, 1.012-4.668), increased the likelihood of engaging in psychological therapy. Template thematic analysis identified three themes; (1) endometriosis and pain have multi-faceted psychological effects, (2) psychological support is sought to adjust and live with endometriosis and (3) there are helpful and unhelpful psychological tools for women with endometriosis. Our findings support the use of psychological therapy in the management of endometriosis, and the need for psychological therapy to acknowledge the chronicity and impact of symptoms, to enlist multidisciplinary support and to consider alternative options. Further advocacy is required to educate women on the benefits of psychological therapy for endometriosis.

Influence of Workload and Organizational Culture on Employee Performance of Operational Division at Toyota (Auto 2000) Grand Depok City, Depok

This research aims to examine the influence of workload and organizational culture on employee performance of operational division. This research uses a quantitative method by distributing questionnaires to full time employees of sales and workshop divisions in Toyota (Auto 2000) Grand Depok City. The data is determined by probability sampling technique with convenience sample method as many as 56 respondents. The research sample is determined by analyzed using multiple linear regression data analysis methods with SPSS version 26 application software. The results of this study indicate that partially workload has a negative and significant effect on employee performance at Toyota (Auto 2000) Grand Depok City. Meanwhile, partially organizational culture has a positive and significant influence on employee performance. Workload and organizational culture simultaneously have a significant effect on employee performance with an Adjusted R Square value of 0.28 or 28%. In improving employee performance, companies can pay more attention to the targets that must be achieved indicators and increase the implementation of creativity & innovation also employee initiative.

Integrated assessment of the natural purification capacity of tidal flat for persistent toxic substances and heavy metals in contaminated sediments

Natural purification of pollutants is highly recognized as regulating ecosystem services; however, the purification capacity of tidal flats remains largely unknown and/or unquantified. A 60-day mesocosm transplant experiment was conducted in situ to assess the purification capacity of natural tidal flats. We adopted the advanced sediment quality triad approach, monitoring 10 endpoints, including chemical reduction, toxicity changes, and community recoveries. The results indicated that contaminated sediments rapidly recovered over time, particularly > 50% within a day, then slowly recovered up to ∼ 70% in a given period (60 days). A significant early reduction of parent pollutants was evidenced across all treatments, primarily due to active bacterial decomposition. Notably, the presence of benthic fauna and vegetated halophytes in the treatments significantly enhanced the purification of pollutants in both efficacy and efficiency. A forecast linear modeling further suggested additive effects of biota on the natural purification of tidal flats, reducing a full recovery time from 500 to 300 days. Overall, the triad approach with machine learning practices successfully demonstrated quantitative insight into the integrated assessment of natural purification.

The automatic identification and tracking of coronal flux ropes

Context. Constructing the relevant magnetic field lines from active region modelling data is crucial to understanding the underlying instability mechanisms that trigger the corresponding eruptions. Aims. We present a magnetic flux rope (FR) extraction tool for solar coronal magnetic field modelling data that builds upon a recent methodology. The newly developed method is then compared against its previous iteration. Furthermore, we apply the scheme to magnetic field simulations of active regions AR12473 (similar to our previous study) and AR11176. We compare the method to its predecessor and study the 3D movement of the newly extracted FRs up to heights of 200 and 300 Mm, respectively. Methods.The extraction method is based on the twist parameter Tw and a variety of mathematical morphology (MM) algorithms, including the opening transform and the morphological gradient. We highlight the differences between the methods by investigating the circularity of the FRs in the plane we extract from. The simulations for the active regions are carried out with a time-dependent data-driven magnetofrictional model (TMFM). We investigate the FR trajectories by tracking their apex throughout the full simulation time span. Results. Comparing the newly developed method to the previous extraction scheme, we demonstrate that this upgrade provides the user with more tools and less a priori assumptions about the FR shape, which in turn leads to a more accurate set of field lines. Despite some differences, both the newly extracted FR of AR12473 and the FR derived with the old iteration of the method show a similar general appearance, confirming that the two methods indeed extract the same structure. The methods differ the most in their emergence and formation stages, where the newly extracted FR deviates significantly from a perfectly circular cross-section (which was the basic assumption of the initial method). The propagation analysis yields that the erupting FR from AR12473 indeed shows stronger dynamics than the AR11176 FR and a significant deflection during its ascent through the domain. The modelling results are also verified with observations: AR12473 is dynamic and eruptive, while AR11176 only features an eruption outside of our simulation time window. Conclusions. We implemented a FR extraction method, incorporating mathematical morphology algorithms for 3D solar magnetic field simulations of active region FRs. This scheme was applied to AR12473 and AR11176. We find that the clearly eruptive FR of AR12473 experiences significant deflection during its rise. The AR11176 FR appears more stable, though there is still a notable deflection. This confirms that at these low coronal heights, FRs undergo significant changes in the direction of their propagation even for less dynamic cases.

Multifunctional metasurface for ultrafast all-optical efficient modulation of terahertz wave

Metasurfaces have been widely used to terahertz (THz) modulators due to their unique electromagnetic (EM) modulation properties. However, to realize ultrafast and efficient control of the active metasurfaces remains a critical challenge. Herein, we first demonstrate a multifunctional metasurface modulator based on metal square rings, which have central rotational symmetry with local asymmetry. The former captures more EM energy to achieve strong enhancement of the local EM responses, and the latter generates high quality factor (Q-factor) Fano resonance. By scaling the unit structure, the resonant frequency shifts in an ultra-wideband range of ∼0.29-10 THz, which shows a linear relation between the Q-factor and the scaling factor, and an exponential variation between the full width at half maximum (FWHM) and the scaling factor. The results provide an effective approach to predict the frequency selection characteristics of the modulators in the THz regime. More importantly, by embedding the silicon into the specific position of the metasurface, external optical control results in the unit structure is constructed from meta-atom to molecularization model, the shifting of resonant frequency and the multi-level modulation of amplitude are realized, and the maximum modulation depth (MD) reaches ∼100 %. By systematically studying the dynamics of frequency and amplitude regulation, benefiting from the ultra-short relaxation time of the photo-carriers in silicon bridge, an ultrafast full recovery time of 2000 ps is achieved. Combined with the local field characteristics, the scaled unit structure achieves efficient modulation of the resonant frequency and amplitude under optical pumping, which provides a promising approach for the development of active metasurface modulator suitable for the whole THz band. This work demonstrates the viability of optical control molecularization of specific meta-atoms is applicable to the entire THz band, which has great potential use for future state-of-the-art THz modulators.

Automated Mapping of Land Cover Type within International Heterogenous Landscapes Using Sentinel-2 Imagery with Ancillary Geospatial Data.

A near-global framework for automated training data generation and land cover classification using shallow machine learning with low-density time series imagery does not exist. This study presents a methodology to map nine-class, six-class, and five-class land cover using two dates (winter and non-winter) of a Sentinel-2 granule across seven international sites. The approach uses a series of spectral, textural, and distance decision functions combined with modified ancillary layers (such as global impervious surface and global tree cover) to create binary masks from which to generate a balanced set of training data applied to a random forest classifier. For the land cover masks, stepwise threshold adjustments were applied to reflectance, spectral index values, and Euclidean distance layers, with 62 combinations evaluated. Global (all seven scenes) and regional (arid, tropics, and temperate) adaptive thresholds were computed. An annual 95th and 5th percentile NDVI composite was used to provide temporal corrections to the decision functions, and these corrections were compared against the original model. The accuracy assessment found that the regional adaptive thresholds for both the two-date land cover and the temporally corrected land cover could accurately map land cover type within nine-class (68.4% vs. 73.1%), six-class (79.8% vs. 82.8%), and five-class (80.1% vs. 85.1%) schemes. Lastly, the five-class and six-class models were compared with a manually labeled deep learning model (Esri), where they performed with similar accuracies (five classes: Esri 80.0 ± 3.4%, region corrected 85.1 ± 2.9%). The results highlight not only performance in line with an intensive deep learning approach, but also that reasonably accurate models can be created without a full annual time series of imagery.

Heart Rate Variability as a Prognostic Tool for Gastroschisis Infants in the Neonatal Intensive Critical Unit.

Gastroschisis is the most common congenital abdominal wall defect, with an increasing incidence. It results in extrusion of abdominal contents with associated delayed intestinal motility. Abnormal heart rate characteristics (HRCs) such as decreased variability occur due to the inflammatory response to sepsis in preterm infants. This study aimed to test the hypothesis that infants with gastroschisis have decreased heart rate variability (HRV) after birth and that this physiomarker may predict outcomes. We analyzed heart rate data from and clinical variables for all infants admitted with gastroschisis from 2009 to 2020. Forty-seven infants were admitted during the study period and had available data. Complex gastroschisis infants had reduced HRV after birth. For those with sepsis and necrotizing enterocolitis, abnormal HRCs occurred early in the course of illness. Decreased HRV was associated with complex gastroschisis. Infants in this group experienced complications that prolonged time to full enteral feeding and time on total parenteral nutrition. · Infants with gastroschisis can be classified into two subcategories, simple and complex disease.. · Those with complex disease often require prolonged stays in the neonatal intensive care unit and costly hospitalizations. We hypothesized that infants with complex gastroschisis are more likely to have abnormal HRC due to intestinal inflammation.. · In this study, we identified associations between abnormal HRV, heart rate characteristicHRC, and the development of gastroschisis complications. Additionally, we described differences in clinical characteristics between infants with complex versus simple gastroschisis..

The AO327 Drift Survey Catalog and Data Release of Pulsar Detections

The AO327 drift survey for radio pulsars and transients used the Arecibo telescope from 2010 until its collapse in 2020. AO327 collected ∼3100 hr of data at 327 MHz with a time resolution of 82 μs and a frequency resolution of 24 kHz. While the main motivation for such surveys is the discovery of new pulsars and new, even unforeseen, types of radio transients, they also serendipitously collect a wealth of data on known pulsars. We present an electronic catalog of data and data products of 206 pulsars whose periodic emission was detected by AO327 and are listed in the Australia Telescope National Facility catalog of all published pulsars. The AO327 data products include dedispersed time series at full time resolution, average (“folded”) pulse profiles, Gaussian pulse profile templates, and an absolute phase reference that allows phase aligning the AO327 pulse profiles in a physically meaningful manner with profiles from data taken with other instruments. We also provide machine-readable tables with uncalibrated flux measurements at 327 MHz and pulse widths at 50% and 10% of the pulse peak determined from the fitted Gaussian profile templates. The AO327 catalog data set can be used in applications like population analysis of radio pulsars, pulse profile evolution studies in time and frequency, cone and core emission of the pulsar beam, scintillation, pulse intensity distributions, and others. It also constitutes a ready-made resource for teaching signal-processing and pulsar astronomy techniques.

Enthusiasm versus reality: A job analysis of Chinese sport scientists

The aim of this study was to survey Chinese sport scientists to develop an understanding of their demographics, job characteristics, future career intentions, and opinions. This study adapted online survey and used convenience sampling to investigate the role of sport scientists across China. Ninety-seven practitioners across 18 provinces/municipalities participated in this study. Participants were typically married (70%), male (71%), aged between 30 and 39 (52%), and held a master's degree (66%). Most participants were employed full time (90%) by sport science institutes (66%), with a wide salary range, long working hours (≈48 hours per week), and irregular working time (40%). Most participants remained at the same institute (85%) throughout their careers. The most frequent reason why sport scientists remained in their current position was “ job enjoyment” (4.04/5). The most frequently reported issue encountered by participants was “ opinion differences with sport coaches” (21%). The ability to “gain trust” and “communication” were deemed important in the role of a sport scientist. Approximately half (44%) of the participants were satisfied with their current position and employer, while others wanted promotion (34%) or to leave their role (11%). The results revealed that (1) China's sport scientists are engaged in their current job mainly due to their enthusiasm, (2) their jobs are stable but highly demanding and relatively low paid. Poor working conditions and low retention are evident across Chinese sport scientist roles. Governing bodies should make efforts to improve the work conditions to improve the sustainability of sport scientist roles in the Chinese sport industry.

Association of personal and systemic factors on intrapartum risk perception and obstetric intervention rates: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundRisk perception is fundamental to decision-making; therefore its exploration is essential to gaining a comprehensive understanding of the decision-making process for peripartum interventions. The aim of this study was to investigate associations between personal and systemic factors of the work setting and the risk perception of obstetric healthcare professionals, and in turn how this might influence decisions regarding obstetric interventions.MethodsCase vignettes were used to measure risk perception. A quantitative cross-sectional online survey was performed within an exploratory sequential mixed-methods design, and an intervention readiness score created. Associations were calculated using location and dispersion measures, t-tests and correlations in addition to multiple linear regression.ResultsRisk perception, as measured by the risk assessment score, was significantly lower (average 0.8 points) for midwives than for obstetricians (95%-CI [-0.673; -0.317], p < .001). Statistically significant correlations were found for: years of experience and annual number of births in the current workplace, but this was not clinically relevant; hours worked, with the groups of participants working ≥ 30,5 h showing a statistically significant higher risk perception than participants working 20,5–30 h (p = .005); and level of care of the current workplace, with the groups of participants working in a birth clinic (Level IV) showing a statistically significant lower risk perception than participants working in Level I hospital (highly specialised obstetric and neonatal care; p = .016). The option of midwife-led birthing care showed no correlation with risk perception. The survey identified that risk perception, occupation, years in the profession and number of hours worked (i.e. full or part time) represent significant influences on obstetric healthcare professionals’ willingness to intervene.ConclusionsThe results of the survey give rise to the hypothesis that the personal and systemic factors of professional qualification, occupation, number of hours worked and level of acuity of the workplace are related to the risk perception of obstetric healthcare professionals. In turn, risk perception itself made a significant contribution to explaining differences in willingness to intervene, suggesting that it influences obstetricians’ and midwives’ decision-making. Overall, however, the correlations were weak and should be interpreted cautiously. The significant variations in the use of interventions must be addressed in order to provide the highest quality and best possible care for childbearing women and their families. To this end, developing strategies to improve interdisciplinary relationships and collaboration is of great importance.Trial registrationGerman Clinical Trials Register DRKS00017172 (18.06.2019).

Discovery of natural catechol derivatives as covalent SARS-CoV-2 3CLpro inhibitors

The COVID-19 pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 continues to pose a threat to public health, and extensive research by scientists worldwide has also prompted the development of antiviral therapies. The 3C-like protease (3CLpro) is critical for SARS-CoV-2 replication and acts as an effective target for drug development. To date, numerous of natural products have been reported to exhibit inhibitory effects on 3CLpro, which encourages us to identify other novel inhibitors and elucidate their mechanism of action. In this study, we first screened an in-house compound library of 101 natural products using FRET assay, and found that oleuropein showed good inhibitory activity against SARS CoV-2 3CLpro with an IC50 value of 4.18 μM. Further studies revealed that the catechol core is essential for activity and can covalently bind to SARS-CoV-2 3CLpro. Among other 45 catechol derivatives, wedelolactone, capsazepine and brazilin showed better SARS-CoV-2 3CLpro inhibitory activities with IC50 values of 1.35 μM, 1.95 μM and 1.18 μM, respectively. These catechol derivatives were verified to be irreversible covalent inhibitors by time-dependent experiments, enzymatic kinetic studies, dilution and dialysis assays. It also exhibited good selectivity towards different cysteine proteases (SARS-CoV-2 PLpro, cathepsin B and cathepsin L). Subsequently, the binding affinity between brazilin and SARS-CoV-2 3CLpro was determined by SPR assay with KD value of 0.80 μM. Molecular dynamic (MD) simulations study showed the binding mode of brazilin in the target protein. In particular, brazilin displayed good anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity in A549-hACE2-TMPRSS2 cells with EC50 values of 7.85 ± 0.20 μM and 5.24 ± 0.21 μM for full time and post-infection treatments, respectively. This study provides a promising lead compound for the development of novel anti-SARS-CoV-2 drugs.

Thermal reaction of firebrand accumulation in construction materials

This paper presents research concerning the thermal firebrand reaction due to its accumulation in specimens of current construction materials commonly applied to the exterior of dwellings in southern Europe. An extensive fire experimental campaign is undertaken, in which firebrands are deposited on the plane surfaces of the material specimens and the temperature is measured on the top and bottom construction specimen surfaces. The materials chosen for this work are currently applied to either the roof, exterior walls and windows, and were recommended as either fire resistance or good behaviour for high temperatures. It will be possible to verify their firebrand reaction, more precisely, the type of ignition, the smoke, droplet production, and even their insulation capabilities. It is also tested for the efficiency of a metal mesh to prevent the entrance of firebrands into the air vents of façades and chimneys in dwellings. A thermal numerical model is also used to study the efficiency of the insulation properties of some construction materials for firebrand deposition by measuring the level of heat flux circulation during the full time analysis.

Snow water equivalent retrieval over Idaho – Part 2: Using L-band UAVSAR repeat-pass interferometry

Abstract. This study evaluates using interferometry on low-frequency synthetic aperture radar (SAR) images to monitor snow water equivalent (SWE) over seasonal and synoptic scales. We retrieved SWE changes from nine pairs of SAR images, mean 8 d temporal baseline, captured by an L-band aerial platform, NASA's Uninhabited Aerial Vehicle Synthetic Aperture Radar (UAVSAR), over central Idaho as part of the NASA SnowEx 2020 and 2021 campaigns. The retrieved SWE changes were compared against coincident in situ measurements (SNOTEL and snow pits from the SnowEx field campaign) and to 100 m gridded SnowModel modeled SWE changes. The comparison of in situ to retrieved measurements shows a strong Pearson correlation (R=0.80) and low RMSE (0.1 m, n=64) for snow depth change and similar results for SWE change (RMSE = 0.04 m, R=0.52, n=57). The comparison between retrieved SWE changes to SnowModel SWE change also showed good correlation (R=0.60, RMSD = 0.023 m, n=3.2×106) and especially high correlation for a subset of pixels with no modeled melt and low tree coverage (R=0.72, RMSD = 0.013 m, n=6.5×104). Finally, we bin the retrievals for a variety of factors and show decreasing correlation between the modeled and retrieved values for lower elevations, higher incidence angles, higher tree percentages and heights, and greater cumulative melt. This study builds on previous interferometry work by using a full winter season time series of L-band SAR images over a large spatial extent to evaluate the accuracy of SWE change retrievals against both in situ and modeled results and the controlling factors of the retrieval accuracy.

``How is Parental Burnout in Working Moms?'' Studies Based on Social Support and Parenting Self-efficacy

The many demands in the various aspects of a women’s life rquire them to undergo a dual role, being housewives and working mothers. The dual roles that the mother chooses cause excessive burnout and have an impact on childcare. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of social support and parenting self-efficacy on parental burnout in working mothers. This study used a nonexperimental quantitative approach with causal relationships. The subjects in the study were selected by accidental sampling techniques which was 112 working mothers, meeting the following criteria: (1) working in a government or private agency; (2) having a minimum working hours of 8 hours each day; (3) working full time in workplace, and (4) having a child aged 1–5 years. The measuring tools used in this study were parental burnout assessment (PBA), social support scale, and self-efficacy for parenting task index (SEPTI). Data analysis was done using multiple linear regression tests. The results showed an effect of social support and parenting self-efficacy on parental burnout (P &lt; 0.05). Social support contributed to parental burnout at 7.7% and parenting self-efficacy at 17.6%.&#x0D; Keywords: social support, parenting self-efficacy, parental burnout

Shortage of Plastic Surgeons in Lebanon: Impact of the 2019 Economic Crisis.

Lebanon's ongoing economic crisis since 2019 has seen an unprecedented migration of professional healthcare workers. This article analyzes the adequacy of registered plastic surgeons in Lebanon in 2023. A list of registered plastic surgeons was obtained from the Lebanese Order of Physicians. Registered plastic surgeons were contacted via email or phone and were asked to fill in a survey questionnaire addressing their work status. Additionally, the number of plastic surgeon graduates, between 2018 and 2022, was obtained from Lebanese medical schools. Of the 162 plastic surgeons registered with the Lebanese Order of Physicians in 2023, 158 responded to the survey (97.5%). The work settings of the active plastic surgeons fell into three categories: working in Lebanon full time, splitting work between Lebanon and abroad, and exclusively working abroad. The ratio of plastic surgeons practicing full time in Lebanon is 1.11 per 100,000 inhabitants, which is significantly below the recommended ratio of 2.01. Twenty eight percent of the plastic surgeons working in Lebanon are aged between 65 and 75 years. Meanwhile, an average of only three graduates (2018-2022) enter the workforce annually after completing training in plastic and reconstructive surgery residency. Among the various subspecialties within plastic and reconstructive surgery, aesthetic surgery was the most commonly practiced by those surveyed. There is a relative shortage of plastic surgeons in Lebanon that is compounded by a significant focus on aesthetic procedures. Implementation of strategies is needed to bridge this gap and meet the needs of the underserved people of Lebanon.