Good Congruence Research Articles

Learning curve and proficiency assessment for gynecological brachytherapy amongst radiation oncology trainees in India: Results from a prospective study.

The quality of cervical cancer intracavitary brachytherapy (ICBT) depends on the training and experience of the radiation oncologist (RO). The present study was performed to establish primary learning curve for ICBT. Forty-three skill parameters were identified for performing ICBT and were included for Brachytherapy Proficiency Assessment and Scoring System (Brachy-PASS) questionnaire. Brachy-PASS score was first compared with blinded objective scoring of implant quality for 10 trainees by two ROs. Twenty eight consecutive trainees were scored with Brachy-PASS by two RO's. The impact of number of procedures and training years was ascertained using Mann Whitney-U test. Minimum number of intracavitary procedures to attain proficiency (score≥ 75%) were ascertained and learning curve plot of proficiency and procedures was generated. Between January, 2022 to September, 2023 38 trainees were evaluated (20: post graduate year (PGY) 1-3, and 18: PGY 4-5) after due consent for skill evaluation. Good congruence was reported of objective scoring and Brachy-PASS (83.4% vs 88%). Ten trainees had performed <15 ICBT, and 28 had performed ≥15 ICBT procedures. Overall 30/38 trainees (78.9%) achieved a Brachy-PASS score of ≥129 (75%). The average score for trainees with <15 procedures was 126.6 (73.6%) vs 148.8 (86.5%) in trainees who performed ≥15 procedures. PGY 4-5 trainees had higher score (153.8 (89.4%) vs 134 (77.9%)). Learning curve threshold of 15 ICBT was identified to attain 75% score (129/172) with no plateauing of learning curve even with ≥30 procedures. Competency is established for independently performing intracavitary brachytherapy at 15 procedures and further increase in competency scores continues with increasing procedures.

Hierarchical modelling of epibenthic communities on the Scotian Shelf and Gulf of Maine (Atlantic Canada) in support of conservation planning

Identification of ecologically significant units at different spatial scales is essential for management of biodiversity attributes. This case study illustrates a coupled methodological approach to delineate benthic habitats and associated assemblages at different spatial scales. Two complementary analyses were employed based on the occurrences of 99 epibenthic invertebrate species in Atlantic Canada, sampled during depth-stratified random trawl sets. To identify epibenthic assemblage types, isometric feature mapping and partitioning around medoids (ISOPAM) was used in combination with a joint species distribution model (JSDM), which also produced continuous distribution surfaces across the spatial domain. ISOPAM identified nine significantly spatially coherent assemblages (biotopes) at spatial scales of hundreds of meters to hundreds of kilometers, with associated diagnostic species. Those assemblages were closely matched by eight regions of common profile using the JSDM, indicating strong environmental influences on their distributions. These smaller-scale assemblages were grouped into three biophysical units. The results from the JSDM were validated with independent data showing good congruence. This indicates that the spatial units ascribed to identified assemblages are robust and suitable for marine spatial planning and monitoring.

Highly miniaturized dual-band bandpass filter with wide bandwidth and large center frequency ratio

The design of a miniaturized dual-band bandpass filter featuring a broad bandwidth and a high center frequency ratio is demonstrated in this article. A novel symmetrically loaded shunt coupled line with dual stepped impedance stubs has been investigated for the first time and it is utilized to realize a dual-band bandpass filter with seven transmission zeros. The transmission zeros frequencies of the filter response have been theoretically verified using even-odd mode analysis. For experimental validation purposes, a dual-band filter with a center frequency ratio of 4.06 covering 5G applications is implemented using Rogers RT/duroid 5870 substrate and tested. The tested filter has wide 3 dB fractional bandwidths of 53.8% and 17.9% in the first and second passbands, respectively, and has a compact topology of 0.20 × 0.09 λg 2. The full-wave simulated and tested magnitude and group delay responses of the proposed filter are in good congruence.

Test-retest reliability and normative data for “Seven-iTT”, a test for the assessment of taste and oral trigeminal function

BackgroundAssessment of taste and somatosensory perception in clinical practice lacks fast tests that are validated and reliable. Recently, a 12-item identification test for taste and oral trigeminal perception, and its shorter version, the Seven-iTT, was developed. The objectives of this study were to evaluate its test-retest reliability and establish normative data. New methodTwo-hundred participants (120 women, 80 men) with a good sense of taste performed a whole-mouth identification test using 12 filter-paper strips impregnated with low and high concentrations of sweet, sour, salty, bitter, astringency, and spiciness. Fifty of them repeated the task, with a median interval of 122 days from the first visit. Test-retest reliability was determined using Spearman correlation and the Bland–Altman plot method. ResultsThere was a significant correlation in identification score between the first and the second session for both versions of the test (r ≥ 0.28; p ≤ 0.048). The Bland–Altman plot reflected a good congruence between the results of the two sessions. Additionally, frequencies of correct identification were consistent between sessions, with women outperforming men (p = 0.005). Hypogeusia was established at Seven-iTT score of 3 of less. Comparison with existing methodsThe identification test combines taste and somatosensory perception, thus creating a more detailed diagnosis tool. Scores were correlated with self-rated taste perception. ConclusionThe present results confirmed the applicability of Seven-iTT for a reliable, fast evaluation of taste and somatosensory perception in the general population, that can be extended to clinical practice.

Enhanced Energy Transfer Performance in an Inclined Magneto-Convective Sutterby Ternary Hybrid Nanoflow: Application for Nano Diesel

This study investigates sodium alginate-based nano-lubricants with added copper and aluminum oxides. The thermal performance of nano (Al2O3), hybrid (Al2O3 + CuO) and ternary (Al2O3 + CuO + TiO2) nanofluids is studied and compared in this article. Due to the significant impact of higher stream rates, the ternary nanofluid is crucial in domains such as petroleum engineering. A Sutterby nanoflow model past a stretching sheet embedded in permeable media is considered. In this fluid, the effects of thermal radiation, hotness source/sink, inclined magneto-convection under Stefan blowing, and chemical reaction are assumed. The highest-order nonlinear partial differential equation is handled by utilizing the similarity function, producing a new set of ordinary differential equations. The derived equations are then quantitatively analyzed using the bvp4c approach in MATLAB.Graphical representations of several features for specific non-dimensional variables, including heat transfer, Sherwood, drag coefficient, velocity, temperature, and concentration, are presented. An increase in the thermal curve is observed due to the heat source/sink parameter; however, the Nusselt number exhibits the opposite pattern. The participation of Nb and the thermophoresis force led to greater thermal radiation. For Sc and Kr, the mass transfer ratio of the ternary nanofluid is lower. The results show very good congruence when compared to the literature. Our results also prove that the ternary hybrid nanofluid transfers more heat from the system than the hybrid or nanofluid. With an increase in Stefan blowing, the rate of energy and mass transfer rises, while the local skin friction coefficients show a tendency in the opposite direction.

Validierung eines Fragebogeninstrumentes zur Erfassung des Erlebens von Natur: Die Experience of Nature Scale

Zusammenfassung Hintergrund: In den letzten Jahren ist insbesondere die Natur als Ressource in das Interesse der gesundheitspsychologischen Forschung gerückt. In Ergänzung zum etablierten Konzept der Naturzuwendung als Haltung wurde ein For­schungsinstrument zum Naturerleben entwickelt, welches das subjektive, teilweise intentionale Erleben von Natur unter unterschiedlichen Aspekten beleuchtet. Dazu gehören insbesondere Natur als Erlebensraum, um sich von der Alltagsbelastung distanzieren zu können, um Auszeiten durch Ruhe und Stille finden zu können, um emotionale Ausgeglichenheit zu erlangen, Natur als Ort der Faszination und des Staunens, Naturerleben als Basis für einen verantwortlichen Umgang mit der Natur. Das Manuskript zeigt die Ergebnisse der Validierung des neu entwickelten Fragebogeninstrumentes zum Naturerleben. Methoden: Eine anonyme Online-Querschnittsstudie unter 441 Teilnehmenden wurde mit standardisierten Fragebogeninstrumenten zur Validie­rung der Experience of Nature Scale (ENS) mittels explorativer Faktoren- (Hauptkomponentenanalyse mit Varimax-Rotation) und Reliabilitätsanalysen (Cronbachs α) durchgeführt. Ergebnisse: Die explorative Faktorenanalyse der Naturerlebens-Skala mit 11 Items ergab drei Hauptfaktoren mit guter interner Kongruenz, die 71% der Varianz erklären: (1) Alltagsdistanzierung/Entspannung (Cronbachs α = 0,87), (2) Faszination Natur/Staunen (Cronbachs α = 0,82) und (3) Verantwortungsempfinden für Natur (Cronbachs α = 0,85). Diese Faktoren korrelierten stark mit der Naturverbundenheit (NR-6) und moderat bis stark mit Ehrfurcht/Dankbarkeit (GrAw-7) im Sinne der Konvergenzvalidität, aber nur marginal bis schwach mit psychologischem Wohlbefinden (WHO-5). Schlussfolgerungen: Die ENS zur Erfassung des affektiven Erlebens von Natur hat gute psychometrische Qua­litätsindizes und kann in künftigen Studien zur Bedeutung dieses Erlebens von Natur zum Beispiel als Prädiktor- oder Prozessvariable eingesetzt werden.

Design and Experimental Analysis of an Operational Amplifier Circuit-Based Mechatronic Semiactive Inerter

A novel mechatronic semi-active inerter (MSAI) by using an operational amplifier (OPA) circuit-based adjustable capacitor (OPA-CC) is proposed in this study to address the realization challenge of fast-responding semi-active inerters. The fast-responding ability, inertance-directly controlled capability, and sensor-less regulation characteristic are distinctive advantages of the proposed MSAI. To implement a pure controlled capacitor and a pure capacitive motor load (the internal resistance of the motor is canceled), two different types of OPA circuits are designed. Tuned inerter damper (TID) and tuned viscous mass damper (TVMD), as two typical MSAI-based configurations, are established and tested. It is found that the proposed MSAI can modify the inertance quickly (in the microsecond time scale) and reliably, and good congruence between theoretical and experimental results is obtained.

Taming vibrational resonance by transient high frequency

We investigate the phenomenon of vibrational resonance (VR) in a model of two-fluid plasma driven by biharmonic forcing. We introduce a transient high-frequency (HF) signal by implementing the control parameter τ that clips the HF in rationale with the time period of the system. We found that one can efficiently tame the emergence and characteristics of VR with the introduction of τ. We study a coupled 1D lattice and a 2D array of the model to decipher the influence of τ on VR. We derive the analytical response curve of the uncoupled model at τ=1/2 and find good congruence with the numerical results. When τ>0 reduces the influence of the HF signal, we found that the diminution of τ curtails the occurrence of VR. The study finds potential applications in the fields of engineering, physics, and biology where resonance due to vibration has to be damped.

Daylight performance of the Modified Double Light Pipe (MDLP) through yearly experimental tests on a scale model of the system

This work focuses on the Modified Double Light Pipe (MDLP), a daylighting system designed to improve the performance of the Double Light Pipe (DLP).The paper shows the results of a yearly experimental activity carried out on a 1:2 scale model of the device. The dynamic metrics DA, cDA, and U0 have been calculated on a seasonal and yearly basis, and the internal illuminance trend has been determined in four representative days: winter and summer solstices, and spring and autumn equinoxes.The system is effective in delivering daylight in underground areas of buildings both on sunny and cloudy days. Particularly, under overcast sky, a good congruence between internal and external illuminances happens, and linear regression equations allow us to determine the internal illuminance as a function of the external one. Under clear sky with sun, this correlation is less precise at the corners of the room, due to the presence of direct solar radiation, while remaining accurate in the central area. The daylight autonomy is significant for target values of 50 and 100 lx, particularly in spring and summer. DA100 ranges between 0.58 and 0.83 in spring and between 0.66 and 0.83 in summer. The uniformity of daylight distribution on the horizontal work plane can be considered acceptable quite in all climatic conditions, particularly in spring and summer with U0 higher than 0.7 in 81 % (spring) and 85 % (summer) of cases. Altogether, the results can be considered satisfactory.

An online clinical model and risk stratification system to predict progression-free survival for advanced non-small-cell lung cancer patients treated with PD-(L)1 inhibitor

BackgroundOur study aimed to build a risk stratification system predicting the progression-free survival (PFS) to classify patients into diverse prognostic subgroups for advanced non-small-cell lung cancer patients treated with PD-(L)1 inhibitor. Methods404 patients from our center were enrolled in this study and 70% patients (n = 282) were randomly assigned into the training cohort and other 30% patients (n = 122) into the validation cohort. A testing cohort contained 81 patients from other centers were used to assess the generalizability of model. Cox regression analyses were used to identify the most significant clinical parameters. The model's performance was assessed by using concordance index (C-index), calibration curves, Decision Curve Analyses (DCAs), net reclassification improvement (NRI), integrated discrimination improvement (IDI) analyses, and survival curve. ResultsFive clinical parameters were identified as the most significant predictors by using cox regression. We then integrated them into a Nomogram to Evaluate the relative PFS of ICIs Treatment (NEPIT). The C-index of NEPIT in the training cohort, the validation cohort and testing cohort was 0.789 (95%CI: 0.750–0.828), 0.745 (95%CI: 0.706–0.784), and 0.766 (95%CI: 0.744–0.788), respectively. The calibration curves presented a good congruence between the predictions and actual observations. The Decision Curve Analyses (DCAs) reflected positive net benefits can be obtained for NEPIT. The results from NRI and IDI analyses showed that the NEPIT could improve predictive power of TPS. In addition, the further constructed risk stratification system could effectively categorize patients into different risk subgroups. ConclusionThe tools developed in this study would have value in guiding the optimal patient selection for precision care.

Dual-Band and Wideband Bandpass Filters Using Coupled Lines and Tri-Stepped Impedance Stubs.

In this paper, two bandpass filters-one with a dual-band response and the other with a wideband response-were designed, implemented, and experimented with. The filters are based on the novel combination of series coupled lines and tri-stepped impedance stubs. However, coupled lines along with tri-stepped impedance open stubs (TSIOSs) give a third-order dual passband response. The advantage of dual-band filters using coupled lines and TSIOSs is that they have wide passbands that are close together and separated by a single transmission zero. In contrast, the inclusion of tri-stepped impedance short-circuited stubs (TSISSs) instead of TSIOSs provides a fifth-order wide passband response. The advantage of wideband bandpass filters using coupled lines and TSISSs is that they have a very good selectivity factor. Theoretical analysis was carried out to validate both filter configurations. The tested bandpass filter using coupled lines and TSIOS units had two close wide passbands operating at 0.92 and 1.52 GHz center frequencies, respectively. The dual-band bandpass filter was implemented to operate in GSM and GPS applications. The first passband had a 3 dB fractional bandwidth (FBW) of 38.04%, while the second passband had a 3 dB FBW of 22.36%. The experimental result of the wideband bandpass filter (with coupled lines and TSISS units) had a center frequency of 1.51 GHz with a 3 dB fractional bandwidth of 62.91% and a selectivity factor of 0.90. A good congruence was demonstrated between the full-wave simulated and tested results for both filters.

Dominant modes of precipitation over Africa, and their associated atmospheric circulations from observations

AbstractThis study uses the empirical orthogonal function (EOF) analysis to identify and describe continental‐scale seasonal (MAM, JJA, SON and DJF) precipitation modes over Africa based on observation (Global Precipitation Climatology Centre; GPCC) and reanalysis (ERA5) data from 1982 to 2014. Using composite analysis, we attempt to identify the atmospheric circulations (wind and relative humidity) associated with each precipitation mode. Precipitation from ERA5 has a good agreement with that of GPCC, as observed in the good spatial congruence in the EOF analysis and precipitation composites. The EOF results for each season show that the loading patterns of Mode 1 (variance &gt;20% for all seasons) match the long‐term mean precipitation distribution. Atmospheric conditions across the continent are primarily driven by the four main high‐pressure systems (Azores, St. Helena, Arabian and Mascarene High) that influence moisture distribution and subsequently modulate the seasonal rain belt distribution. Modes 2 (variance &gt;11% for all seasons) and 3 (variance &gt;10% for all seasons) are deviations of the leading mode associated with smaller‐scale atmospheric systems. However, large‐scale factors still dominate the overall precipitation pattern by modulating the seasonal energy transfer between the hemispheres. The results provide a comprehensive understanding of the continental‐wide African seasonal precipitation modes and the associated atmospheric circulation from observations. The findings can be used as a reference for future work using model data for historical and projection studies.

Spectroscopic, X-ray, mechanistic and DFT studies on formation of novel benzoimidazole-4-ones from cyclohexenyl carbothioamides

Spectroscopic studies of cyclohexenyl carbothioamides 2, obtained from condensation of 1,3-cyclohexandione with aryl isothiocyanates, predicted the proton transfer behaviour in solid, solution and gaseous phases. DFT studies in gaseous and solution phase shows good congruence with the experimental findings. Condensation of cyclohexenyl carbothioamide 2a with hydrazine hydrate unexpectedly embellished novel 2-(4-chlorophenyl)amino)-2,5,6,7-tetrahydro-4H-benzo[d]imidazol-4-one 4a and 2-(bis((4-chlorophenyl)amino)methylene)cyclohexane-1,3-dione 3a instead of the presumable 2H and 1H-indazole derivatives 5a and 6a, respectively. The proposed mechanism of formation of unconventional products 3a and 4a supported by experimental results is described. Spectroscopic investigations such as FT-IR, Mass and NMR (1H, 13C, DEPT-135, HSQC, COSY, NOESY) along with X-ray crystallographic results established the structure of two derived novel products 3a and 4a. The interesting feature of this study is NN bond cleavage of strained transit diazetidine ring and formation of CN bond leading to generation of novel benzoimidazol-4-one derivative 4a. Hirshfeld surface analysis of entitled compounds is reported.

A treatise about reliability in dating events of evolutionary history of brown trout Salmo cf. trutta (Actinopterygii) at Western Balkans: Impassable barriers, isolation of populations and assistance of geological timeframe

A pool of data already existing about D-loop, i.e., the Control Region (CR) haplotypes of the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) of brown trout, Salmo trutta Linnaeus, 1758, tentative Adriatic trout Salmo farioides Karaman, 1938, and tentative Macedonian trout, Salmo macedonicus (Karaman, 1924), and their reconstructed phylogeography makes a good starting point for resolving their evolutionary history. That includes the dating of particular events in it. The events have hitherto been dated using the method of a molecular clock. Various calibrations were applied for the mutation rate, owing to the incongruence between the time of divergence that various authors notified and general knowledge about events in geological history and the periods in which they occurred in the Mediterranean region. Since geological history events were mandatory for setting the scene for the evolutionary history of brown trout, the incongruence between them has questioned the molecular clock calibration’s validity. From results about both the phylogeography and phylogenetic relations between native haplotypes (both partial and whole CR sequences) and the population genetics that characterized particular populations, we calculated the time of divergence between haplotypes in the regions of the western part of the Balkans: Iron Gate broader area in eastern Serbia, continental Montenegro and south-eastern Serbia. The distinct status of adjacent populations was verified by frequencies of microsatellites’ alleles and the STRUCTURE analysis that examined the significance of differences between them. In particular, we examined the populations that were clearly separated either by physical barriers, such as a waterfall in eastern Serbia (e.g., the upper and lower River Rečka supplemented by nearby rivers Vratna and Zamna), or by underground drops in Montenegro (e.g., upper and lower River Zeta, and rivers Nožica and lower River Mrtvica as isolated counterparts). We used the so far most common substitution rate of 1% in a million years’ (MY) period. The divergence times we obtained were compared to the events known for the region from available geological history data. There was a fairly good congruence between the dating obtained by the molecular clock method and that by geological history where the advanced, i.e., modern haplotypes, were concerned. In contrast, the congruence was worse for dating of divergence when more ancient haplotypes were in question, being much better if the mutational rate would be decreased to lower rates. That supported results both from the Rate Correlation Test about the independence of evolutionary rates in different lineages of brown trout, and from the Molecular Clock Test, which revealed that the evolutionary rate throughout the phylogenetic tree is not equal. That implies a difference in the speed of evolution in them, which was likely slower and faster, in the ancient, pre-Pleistocene haplotypes and the advanced, Pleistocene ones, respectively. The setting of the variable, or non-linear (i.e., logarithmic) speed of evolving seems helpful, since the early cladogenesis with the dominance of mutations was most likely combined afterwards with the acting of other evolutionary mechanisms, especially of genetic drift in populations that passed through the bottleneck episodes of the abrupt decrease in population size during the unfavourable periods of their evolutionary history.

Low-volume plasma sampling for determination of dextromethorphan and dextrorphan in rat plasma: LC-MS/MS method and its application in pharmacokinetic study.

Dextromethorphan (DM) and its metabolite dextrorphan (DX) continue to draw the attention of researchers owing to their diverse pharmacodynamics. Thus, there are possibilities for repurposing DM. Most of the pharmacodynamics of DM needs further validation in different preclinical models. Also, it is necessary to correlate the pharmacodynamics with relevant pharmacokinetics data. Multiple bioanalytical techniques developed for this purpose primarily use a high sample processing volume. Since sample volume is a limiting factor for many preclinical models, an effort was taken to develop an alternative method suitable for handling low sample processing volumes. An efficient solid-phase extraction technique, robust liquid chromatographic (LC) separation and highly sensitive tandem mass spectrometric detection (MS/MS) showed suitability for use of a 30 μl sample processing volume. This led to the development of a highly specific, selective, accurate and precise-bio-analytical method for simultaneous quantification of DM and DX in rat plasma. The validated method was linear in the range of 0.196-403.356 ng/ml for DM and 0.102-209.017ng/ml for DX. The application of the method was demonstrated through the estimation of pharmacokinetic parameters that showed good congruence with earlier studies.

Epidemiological Investigation of Hospital Transmission of Corynebacterium striatum Infection by Core Genome Multilocus Sequence Typing Approach.

Corynebacterium striatum has recently received increasing attention due to its multiple antimicrobial resistances and its role as an invasive infection/outbreak agent. Recently, whole-genome sequencing (WGS)-based core genome multilocus sequence typing (cgMLST) has been used in epidemiological studies of specific human pathogens. However, this method has not been reported in studies of C. striatum. In this work, we aim to propose a cgMLST scheme for C. striatum. All publicly available C. striatum genomes, 30 C. striatum strains isolated from the same hospital, and 1 epidemiologically unrelated outgroup C. striatum strain were used to establish a cgMLST scheme targeting 1,795 genes (hereinafter referred to as 1,795-cgMLST). The genotyping results of cgMLST showed good congruence with core genome-based single-nucleotide polymorphism typing in terms of tree topology. In addition, the cgMLST provided a greater discrimination than the MLST method based on 6 housekeeping genes (gyrA, gyrB, hsp65, rpoB, secA1, and sodA). We established a clonal group (CG) threshold based on 104 allelic differences; a total of 56 CGs were identified from among 263 C. striatum strains. We also defined an outbreak threshold based on seven allelic differences that is capable of identifying closely related isolates that could give clues on hospital transmission. According to the results of analysis of drug-resistant genes and virulence genes, we identified CG4, CG5, CG26, CG28, and CG55 as potentially hypervirulent and multidrug-resistant CGs of C. striatum. This study provides valuable genomic epidemiological data on the diversity, resistance, and virulence profiles of this potentially pathogenic microorganism. IMPORTANCE Recently, WGS of many human and animal pathogens has been successfully used to investigate microbial outbreaks. The cgMLST schema are powerful genotyping tools that can be used to investigate potential epidemics and provide classification of the strains precise and reliable. In this study, we proposed the development of a cgMLST typing scheme for C. striatum, and then we evaluated this scheme for its applicability to hospital transmission investigations. This report describes the first cgMLST schema for C. striatum. The analysis of hospital transmission of C. striatum based on cgMLST methods has important clinical epidemiological significance for improving nosocomial infection monitoring of C. striatum and in-depth understanding of its nosocomial transmission routes.

Understanding the effect of meat electrical conductivity on Pulsed Electric Field (PEF) process parameters and the ability of PEF to enhance the quality and shorten sous vide processing for beef short ribs

The aim of this research was to investigate how the electrical conductivity of short ribs affected Pulsed Electric Field (PEF) process parameters and the ability of PEF to enhance their quality and reduce sous vide (SV) processing time. Short ribs with different range of electrical conductivity (3–6, 6–9, and 9–12 mS/cm) values were treated using input voltage of 10 kV, pulse width of 20 µs, pulse frequency of 50 Hz and pulse number, of either 1600 (low intensity PEF/LPEF) or 5200 (high intensity PEF/HPEF), followed by SV processing at 60 °C for either 24 or 36 h. The quality parameters assessed were cooking loss (%), Texture Profile Analysis (TPA) parameters, and Commission Internationale d’Eclairage (CIE) L*a*b* colour parameters. There was a variation in electrical conductivity of short ribs according to the position of the bone in the short rib, which demonstrated good congruence with the distribution of fat and connective tissue. SV processing with or without PEF pre-treatment did not have a significant effect (p > 0.05) on cooking loss or CIE L*a*b* colour parameters. Short ribs with a medium conductivity (6–9 mS/cm) had a significantly lower hardness after high intensity PEF followed by SV for 24 h, whilst short ribs with an average conductivity of 3–6 and 9–12 mS/cm required longer SV time (up to 36 h) and had a significantly lower hardness compared to non PEF pre-treated samples. TPA values of short ribs treated with the same PEF intensity and SV processing parameters were comparable regardless of the short ribs initial electrical conductivity, which indicates that PEF treatment could ameliorate the biological electrochemical variability inherent to short ribs and PEF could be the potential tool to decrease their SV processing time and enhance their tenderness.

Revision of Quedius sensu stricto (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae)

We here present the first integrative revision of the subgenus Quedius Stephens, 1829 sensu stricto where taxonomic decisions are based on morphology, genomic phylogeny (published elsewhere) and single locus DNA evidence. The subgenus is restricted to the Holarctic region and includes some of the largest, most robust members of the genus Quedius. For species delimitation, a total of 200 COI barcodes covering nearly all species within the subgenus were evaluated through phylogenetic, cluster and network analysis. Taxonomic, distributional and bionomic data, all hitherto published and new are synthesized and an identification key is constructed for all species. All 20 species of Quedius s. str. are divided into five species groups based on genomic phylogeny, morphology, distributional patterns and practical considerations. Overall, there was good congruence among various lines of evidence. As exceptions, high COI barcode variability was found within the wingless and patchily distributed Q. unicolor Kiesenwetter, 1847 and Q. sundukovi Smetana, 2003 (3 and 5 BOLD BINs, respectively) from the Q. molochinus-group without corresponding morphological or geographic patterns. On the contrary, in the Q. pallipes-group very little divergence in the COI barcode was found between clearly morphologically separated species. From the taxonomically challenging Nearctic Quedius molochinoides-group, Quedius altanai Hansen &amp; Brunke sp. nov. is described as new species from the central and southern Rockies, rendering Q. lanei Hatch, 1957 to be restricted to the eastern foothills of the Cascades, Sierra Nevada and Blue Mountains. In the case of Q. subunicolor and Q. altaicus, continuous morphological and COI variation firmly established the earlier suspected synonymy Quedius subunicolor Korge, 1961 = Quedius altaicus Korge, 1962 syn. nov. Other new synonyms established here are: Quedius pallipes Lucas, 1849 = Quedius simplicifrons Fairmaire, 1861 syn. nov. = Quedius levasseuri Coiffait, 1964 syn. nov.; Quedius hispanicus Bernhauer, 1898 stat. reinstituted = Quedius cobosi Coiffait, 1964 syn. nov.; Quedius fuliginosus (Gravenhorst, 1802) = Quedius latus Hochhuth, 1851 syn. nov. = Quedius viduus Sawada, 1965, syn. nov. Quedius gracilis Stephens, 1832 syn. rev. is moved from synonymy with Q. fuliginosus and placed into synonymy with Q. curtipennis Bernhauer, 1908, the younger being the valid name due to prevailing usage in accordance with the ICZN Article 23.9; Quedius hammianus Sharp, 1911 syn. revid., Q. secundus Last, 1952 syn. revid., and Q. rufulus Blümml, 1898 syn. revid., are moved from synonymy with Q. simplicifrons and placed into synonymy with Q. hispanicus Bernhauer, 1898; Quedius sardous Gridelli, 1924 syn. revid., and Q. leonhardi Bernhauer, 1914 syn. revid., are moved from synonymy with Q. molochinus (Gravenhorst, 1806) to synonymy with Q. pallipes. Human mediated dispersals, most likely through the historical transport of ship ballast, are noted as regular phenomenon for some members of the subgenus. Quedius fuliginosus, Q. curtipennis and Q. molochinus, introduced from the Palearctic to the Nearctic, are the most noticeable examples.

Short-Term Health Outcomes of a Structured Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program Implemented Within Rural Canadian Sites Compared With an Established Urban Site: A Pre-Post Intervention Observational Study

ObjectivesTo evaluate congruence in program delivery and short-term health outcomes of a structured pulmonary rehabilitation (S-PR) program implemented at 11 Canadian rural pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) sites compared with an urban reference site. DesignMulti-center, pre- and post-intervention, comparative, observational study. SettingEleven rural Canadian PR sites and 1 urban reference PR site. ParticipantsAdults with chronic respiratory diseases (CRDs) referred to PR. InterventionClinicians at the reference site worked with local clinicians to implement the S-PR program in rural sites. A PR survey evaluated site congruence with the S-PR components, with congruence defined as delivering program components ≥80% in alignment with the S-PR program. Participants were enrolled in 16 sessions of group education and supervised exercise, offered twice or thrice a week. Health outcomes were tracked using a quality assurance database. Outcome MeasuresMain outcomes were congruence in program delivery and changes in the 6-minute walk (6MW) distance and COPD Assessment Test (CAT). ResultsA total of 555 participants (rural n=204 and reference n=351) were included in the analyses. There was congruence in exercise and group education; however, individual education varied. Following the S-PR program, 6MW distance increased, with greater changes observed at rural sites (51±67 m at rural sites vs 30±46 m at the reference site). CAT score was reduced by -2.6±5.4 points with no difference between reference and rural sites. Changes in 6MW distance and CAT scores were similar for participants at sites that were congruent vs noncongruent with the individual education component, and similar for patients with COPD, asthma, bronchiectasis, and interstitial lung disease. ConclusionThe S-PR program components can be implemented with good congruence in Canadian rural settings, resulting in similar short-term health outcomes as in an established urban site and across CRDs.

Relationship between Students’ Perception of a Rubric for Oral Presentations and Their Academic Characteristics

The use of rubrics in the evaluation of oral presentations has been associated with several benefits for students. However, it is unknown whether students with better academic marks and greater self-regulation find the use of rubrics more useful or not. This paper aims to assess the relationship between how students perceive the use of a rubric and their academic characteristics, and to analyze the congruence between the professor’s and students’ evaluations when using the rubric. Eighty-five students studying for a Degree in Sport Sciences participated in this study. A rubric for oral presentations was used to assess the students’ performance. The students then filled out a questionnaire about their perception of the validity of the rubric, an assessment of academic performance, and a self-regulation questionnaire. Inverse correlations were observed between the academic record and two items of the rubric validity perception (r &lt; −0.24). Direct correlations were also found between learning oriented self-regulation and four items of the rubric validity perception (r &gt; 0.22). There was very good congruence between the professor’s and students’ marks when using the rubric (ICC = 0.78). The results suggest that the rubric used is a good instrument to ensure fair and consistent evaluations, despite possible differences between evaluators.