Normal Practice Research Articles

Impact Assessment and Yield Gap Analysis of Composite Fish Culture Technology in North East Region with Special Reference to Arunachal Pradesh, India

The North Eastern States (NES) are the easternmost region of India among them Arunachal Pradesh is a largest hill state and shares its international boundaries with Bhutan in the west, China in the north and Myanmar in the east with a wide range of climates and altitudes. Fish farming is playing a vital role from economic, nutritional and employment point of view in the state, in spite of increase in the production, the current level of fish production is not sufficient to fulfil the requirement, very much far-away to meet out the present consumption demand. Therefore, to identify the yield gap and adoption gap of improved production practice of composite fish culture technology the present study was conducted in the West Kameng district of Arunachal Pradesh. It has been observed that the yields obtained by the farmers are well below those obtained in Govt. Farms and OFT/FLD trials. Carp cultivation practices of 171 farmers were examined on the basis of multistage random sampling. The sample was collected from all the administrative circle of the district West Kameng of Arunachal Pradesh NER India. The average production obtained by the respondents were found only 1.09 t/ha annually, but the range was 2.0 to 2.4-2.8 t/ha in the trials of Govt. farms and OFT/FLDs. The difference of 1.31t/h constituted yield gap under normal practices, these differences were observed due to critical fish farming input availability lacuna on time, the extent to which the farmers adopted the recommended practices, and other socio-economic factors. The study thus clearly showed that the gap is due to the deficiency in adopting the technology along with timely un-availability of quality fish seed and feed which may be bridged only by promotion of the region specific tailored suitable technology of fish farming along with assurance for availability of critical inputs on time.

Interactive multiobjective evolutionary optimization model for dam management support

Dam management optimization is a complex multiobjective problem, whose current solutions struggle to spread in normal practice. Here, an interactive evolutionary multiobjective optimization method is proposed, which involves stakeholders by using multi-criteria decision analysis to embed a parsimonious elicitation of their preferences and expertise in the optimization process. Specifically: (i) one or more decision-makers are asked to rank a set of representative dam management strategies in order of preference; (ii) the ranking is used to build a preference model; and (iii) the preference model is used in an evolutionary multiobjective optimization algorithm to converge to the part of the Pareto front most preferred by the decision-makers. The inclusion of a user-friendly interaction in the optimization methodology makes the process more understandable for stakeholders and policy-makers, and it allows to address some of the key obstacles to the practical implementation of multiobjective dam management optimization, even when a large number of objectives is considered. The proposed methodology is applied to a case study (Lake Pozzillo, Sicily, Italy) with five objectives, where flood control is in contrast with irrigation water demand and hydropower production. Five simple and easy to implement optimal strategies are obtained by interacting with five decision-makers. The results are compared to the management practice currently used, indicating that the proposed approach can satisfy water demands while greatly improving flood attenuation.

Virtual connection and real community: the qualitative experience of participating in a videoconferencing-based psychotherapy group for postpartum depression and anxiety

BackgroundGroup psychotherapy, an effective treatment for common postpartum mental disorders (e.g. depression, anxiety), has increasingly been delivered virtually since the pandemic. This study aims to understand experiential aspects of participating in videoconferencing-based group psychotherapy in the postpartum period.MethodsOur urban academic ambulatory hospital has delivered group psychotherapy for women (cis and trans) and non-binary individuals of female sex with postpartum depressive and anxiety symptomatology via videoconferencing since 2020. One therapist-facilitator conducts weekly 60-min group therapy sessions with 5-6 participants for eight weeks. Group participants were invited to complete a semi-structured qualitative interview on their experience. Using an interpretive description approach, we conducted reflexive thematic analysis to code anonymized transcripts and construct themes. Facilitator interviews were used for triangulation and additional context.ResultsOf 134 patients in video psychotherapy groups over 11 months, 14 completed an interview, as did all group facilitators (n = 3). Overall, participants felt the experience with videoconferencing group therapy was beneficial for their mental health. Three themes were constructed: (1) “Moving Towards a New Normal”: The group helped participants normalize feelings and experiences around transition to parenthood, and accessing health care virtually was now considered to be normal practice, although some wanted an element of choice. (2) “Virtual Connection, Real Community”: Connections were made virtually, yet participants felt a real sense of community. Facilitators played an important role fostering an environment in which participants could create lasting bonds. Participants noted challenges with feeling comfortable virtually and provided pragmatic and structural suggestions for enhancing the creation of community. (3) “Trade-offs to Virtual Engagement”: Participants made positive and negative trade-offs (e.g. no informal interactions, travel, isolation at home, childcare challenges) to maximize their experience and were able to be more authentic in their self-presentation to the group.ConclusionsPeople with postpartum depression and anxiety who participated in videoconferencing-based group psychotherapy appreciated the sense of community within their groups to normalize their experience transitioning to parenthood. Participants had to make trade-offs to access virtual groups, but felt the experience was worthwhile and helped improve their mental health. Findings will help inform continued delivery of virtual group mental health services.

Molecular surveillance of A. baumannii in intensive care units: exploration of transmission chains

Abstract Background Multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (MDR-Ab) is one of the main causes of healthcare associated infections (HAIs). During the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic there was an increase in MDR-Ab infections, especially in intensive care units (ICUs). This study aimed to assess the potential spread or emergence of specific clusters of MDR-Ab across four different ICUs at the Umberto I teaching hospital of Rome. Methods From January 2020 to January 2022 microbiological surveillance was conducted in four ICUs: two dedicated to COVID-19 patients (ICU-1C, ICU-2C) and two to non-COVID-19 patients (ICU-1R, ICU-2R). The genetic relatedness between A. baumannii isolates was assessed using pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). Illumina whole genome sequencing was conducted on 26 representative isolates. Results In total, 178 A. baumannii isolates were obtained from 129 COVID-19 patients and 49 non-COVID-19 patients. The isolates were classified into 17 PFGE pulsotypes, being two major (A, B) and five intermediate (C, D, E, H, Q). Clone A was present in all ICUs, while Clone B was present only in ICU-1C and ICU-2R. Overall, 117 isolates belonged to clone A and exhibited a MDR phenotype; all of them were placed within the international clonal lineage II. All isolates showed carbapenems resistance primarily attributed to the presence of the blaOXA-23 gene, while aminoglycosides resistance observed in almost all isolates was attributed to the presence of the armA gene. Small outbreaks involving intermediate pulsotypes were detected between ICU-1R and ICU-2R, ICU-1C and ICU-2R, ICU-1C and ICU-2C, ICU-1C and ICU-1R. Conclusions The observed outbreaks could be attributed to a decline in attention to normal care practices for the prevention of HAIs during the COVID-19 pandemic, favouring the spread of MDR-Ab. Therefore, it is recommended the strengthen of control measures and the implementation of long-term strategies targeting MDR microorganisms in the ICUs. Key messages • Acinetobacter baumannii was frequently found infecting patients across four different ICUs at the Umberto I teaching hospital of Rome. • Acinetobacter baumanni outbreaks and multidrug resistance were observed. Therefore, the implementation of long-term strategies targeting MDR microorganisms in the ICUs is highly recommended.

Performance of different rice genotypes cultivated under submergence and normal growing conditions

Abstract Submergence negatively affects the plant growth and yield of rice genotypes, which in turn results in huge financial loss. Thus, identification of submergence tolerance rice genotypes is needed for sustainable rice cultivation in flood-prone areas. Keeping this in view, a two-year (2019 and 2020) field study was undertaken at Rice Research Farm of Bihar Agricultural College, Bihar Agricultural University, Sabour, Bhagalpur to investigate and compare the yield responses of rice genotypes under submergence and normal growing conditions. Twenty-five days old seedlings of 25 rice genotypes were transplanted in a randomized complete block design in two replicates, which were allowed to grow under normal practice for the next 25 days. Thereafter, the 50-day old plants were completely submerged with turbid water of 1.5 m height for the next 18 days. After de-submergence, all the recommended agronomic practices were adopted during the rest of the crop period. Under submergence, higher grain yield was recorded under all the genotypes during 2020 as compared to 2019 mainly due to higher temperature and lesser rainfall during 2020. Under submergence conditions, Jalmagna, Nona Bokra and Swarna Sub 1 were the best performers having produced average yields of 3,167, 2,786 and 2,741 kg/ha, respectively. Whereas under normal growing practice, Swarna Sub 1, Jalmagna and Sudha were the first three best performing genotypes producing average yields of 5,063, 4,565 and 4,456 kg/ha, respectively. Therefore, Jalmagna should be preferred for cultivation in the flood-prone regions of the state, however in non-flooded areas; Swarna Sub 1 may be cultivated.

Peri-parturient ewe mortality in commercial, southern Australian, non-Merino ewe flocks: establishing the frequency and investigating causes.

The level and cause of ewe mortality over the peri-parturient period is poorly understood in Australia. The purpose of this study was to determine the frequency of peri-parturient ewe mortality and investigate the causes of death in commercial, non-Merino ewes over the peri-parturient period. An observational study involving 50 commercial, non-Merino farms across southern Australia during two lambing seasons was conducted. The study population was the breeding flock of ewes on each farm. Ewes were monitored by farmers from the time they were first placed in their lambing paddocks before lambing, up until lamb marking (the lambing period). The project required no change to normal practice. Veterinarians conducted postmortem (PM) examinations at three time points on each farm over the lambing period. A standard PM protocol was followed by all participating veterinarians. The mean peri-parturient mortality over the lambing period was 2.5% in Year 1 and 2.0% in Year 2, with no significant difference between years. Factors that increased the risk of peri-parturient ewe mortality included ewe age (>5 years old) and litter size (triplet-bearing ewes). The most common causes of ewe death according to farmers was dystocia and unknown causes. The three most common diagnoses on veterinary PM examination were dystocia, septicaemia and trauma. This study reveals the relative importance of each cause of ewe mortality over the peri-parturient period. Risk reduction could include identification and management of older ewes (aged above 5 years or older) and ewes carrying twins or triplets.

The Effect of YouTube on Speaking and Listening Skills of Students

In an English as Foreign Language context like Saudi Arabia, university business students face a difficult challenge to speak in English and to understand what is spoken. The students don’t have the opportunity in their daily life to listen to native speakers in or outside the classroom, but they are expected to listen to the text book audios in the classes spoken by the native speakers of English. Therefore, the difficulty rises in Listening and Speaking Skills Course as the students are not exposed to the British accent. In order to solve this problem, the researcher used YouTube videos spoken by the native speakers in the experimental group, and the control group just had the normal practice of listening to only the textbook audios. The researcher adopted quasi-experimental design with pretest and posttest in both control and experimental groups and analyzed the performance of the students using SPSS and Excel. The study proved that the results of experimental group improved significantly in their listening comprehension skills and performed better in their presentations than the control group. In the English as Foreign Language contexts, where business students fail to have exposure to the native accent of English, YouTube videos can make a great contribution in improving their listening and speaking skills.

Manifesting learning in the workplace: an activity theoretical study of professional learning in preschool using active learning classrooms

PurposeThe purpose of this study is the development of a methodology that draws on activity theory (AT) to assess educators’ and leaders’ professional learning in a pre-school setting.Design/methodology/approachThe paper reports on a case study of professional development in an active learning classroom (ALC) where 20 professionals participated in a one-day writing workshop. AT was used to analyse the writing workshop as well as data from reflective writing, video recordings, interviews and surveys.FindingsThe paper shows that professional development is significantly influenced by a range of mediating technologies used in educational spaces such as the ALC. The mediated practice breaks normal work practice in the pre-school activity system and division of labour roles, and hierarchical positions and professional relationships. Such a break is considered to facilitate a manifestation of professional learning. However, it also poses a risk for organisational disruptions emphasising the need for diagnostic understanding when an ALC should be used for capturing workplace learning.Practical implicationsStructured writing workshops – taking place in ALCs – provide a suitable forum that breaks with routines, accelerates collective reflections and articulation of negotiated meaning and produces a common ground across hierarchical roles supporting collective professional development in the activity system.Originality/valueUnlike previous research focusing on student perspectives, this study views these spaces as settings for professionals to recognise and solve developmental problems. It suggests that structured writing workshops in ALCs can accelerate collective reflection and support collective professional development across hierarchical roles.

Validation of Interactive E-Worksheet Based on a Scientific Approach Assisted by Solar System Scope

The use of e-worksheets is important in 21st-century learning. The purpose of this study is to assess the validity of an interactive e-worksheet based on a scientific approach with the help of Solar System Scope designed for junior high school students and focusing on solar system materials. This is crucially important because a number of challenges students face in grasping the understanding of the abstract scientific concepts, such as the solar system, which is difficult to be understood through normal teaching practices. The way this is being undertaken is through construct validity in which product evaluations are obtained from validators by researchers' developed instruments. This instrument was created using the e-worksheet feasibility indicator as the foundation. The indicators were evaluated and then grouped into five categories. The findings of the study show that the e-worksheet made is very valid. The presentation component has an average validity percentage of 94.42%, the linguistic aspect has an average validity percentage of 90%, the content element has a validity percentage of 93.75%, and the design aspect of e-worksheet also has a validity percentage of 91.67%. This shows that e-worksheet has extraordinary quality in terms of presentation, language, content, and design. The findings of this study can be used to improve the efficiency of the process of acquiring the concept of the solar system in the framework of 21st-century education.

Assessing Cohabitation from the Perspective of Living Law, the Criminal Code the National Criminal Code

Cohabitation living together as husband and wife without being officially married is a social phenomenon that is increasingly common in Indonesia. This phenomenon raises various pros and cons, especially from a legal and moral perspective. The aim of this research is to analyze the perspective of living law, the Criminal Code and the national Criminal Code. This research uses normative juridical research methods. The data collection technique used in this research is literature study. The data analysis technique used in this research is qualitative data analysis. The research results show that from a living law perspective in several areas, cohabitation is considered a normal practice and does not need to be punished. On the other hand, cohabitation is also seen as an act that violates norms and customs in several other regions. Meanwhile, from the perspective of the old Criminal Code, living together was not strictly regulated, but there were several articles that could be linked to behavior that was considered to violate moral norms. Meanwhile, the National Criminal Code brings several important changes, one of which is more detailed living arrangements. This reflects a stricter legal approach to cohabitation, potentially providing criminal sanctions for behavior that was not previously explicitly regulated.

Spatial and interindustry interactions in labour productivity convergence: An Industrial Journey via Galician Shires, 2010–2018

Regions and industries are not isolated islands; so, when evaluating productivity growth, regional and sectoral growth paths should not be expected to generate independently. Moreover, accounting for spatial interactions via econometric models has become normal practice; but modelling interindustry dependencies has not. Thus, we expand labour productivity econometric convergence models by introducing interindustry spillovers in addition to spillovers that are spatial in nature. To illustrate our findings, we present an empirical application predicated upon Galicia (extreme northwest Spain), a region posing major challenges to such modelling. Our results point to the relevance of interindustry spillovers in explaining productivity growth. Furthermore, the approach allows us to better interpret covariates that explain the different growth paths across regions and industries, thus enabling more reliable policy recommendations. We find that interindustry dependencies transmit productivity shocks across regions. In addition, our results suggest that spatial and interindustry dependencies should be considered when formulating (sub)regional economic development policies. Finally, our approach corrects possible misspecification problems that arise from data scarcity. This makes it a viable alternative for multiregional econometric tests in which some sectoral detail is needed. It is particularly useful for sets of regions where data needed to populate such models is scarce.

Towards normalizing good practice across the whole modeling cycle: its instrumentation and future research topics

Choices made in modeling matter and demand more explication since they determine how much we can trust modeling insights and predictions within their social, political and ethical contexts. Good Modeling Practice (GMP) is a key research area for strengthening and maturing the modeling field and community, through identifying, formulating and sharing knowledge about the craft of modeling. This craft represents the knowledge that modelers learn in practice about how they get things done, and how they adapt their practices to new situations. This Joint Special Issue is motivated by the importance of sharing good modeling practices from a whole modeling lifecycle viewpoint. We attempt to add conceptual clarity to this research area by defining the plethora of concepts and decision points used to characterize the choices to be made throughout the modeling process, and by synthesizing some of the existing efforts on GMP. We characterize a broad list of articles in the literature on GMP and identify a list of essential topics demanding more attention. This list is only a preliminary one as we anticipate that a more comprehensive list of knowledge gaps will be unearthed from the submissions to the Joint Special Issue collection on GMP, of which this is an introduction. We also propose a vision for GMP and suggest instrumental ways that good practice can become not just well-known but normal practice. This instrumentation focuses on journal standards, collective commitment and culture especially by research community societies, early career awards for advancing GMP, and legal requirements or accreditation. A vital instrument in all this is the design and development of a modeling curriculum that distills core requisite knowledge about modeling, as well as proven-to-work routines and practices that can be scaled up in different contexts.

Contextual barriers to implementing pandemic HRM in Indian manufacturing SMEs: A comprehensive analysis

BACKGROUND: Existing literature lacks in-depth analyses and identification of barriers to implementing HR practices that affect employee health and well-being, especially during and after the pandemic. Moreover, existing studies primarily focus on large organizations with generic HR contexts. Therefore, this research contributes by evaluating the contextual relationship between barriers to implementing pandemic Human Resource Management (HRM) practices in Indian manufacturing SMEs. OBJECTIVE: The post-pandemic landscape has necessitated a reevaluation of Human Resource (HR) practices, particularly in terms of employee health and well-being while balancing organizational performance goals. This study seeks to identify and evaluate the significant barriers hindering the implementation of re-designed HR policies, focusing on Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) in the manufacturing sector in developing countries during and after the pandemic transition. METHODS: The study initially identified ten barriers through a thorough literature review, which was then validated by experts. Subsequently, the interrelationships among these barriers were explored, and their structural hierarchy was established using the Total Interpretive Structural Modelling (TISM) approach. Additionally, a MICMAC (Matriced Impact Croises Multiplication Applique) analysis was performed to assess the driving-dependence power of each barrier. RESULTS: “Manager’s resistance to change” and “employee’s resistance to change” were found to be highly dependent on the other identified barriers. Among these, “lack of skilled managers at affordable costs” and “implementation expenses of new normal HRM practices” emerged as the most critical barriers, with the potential to impact all other barriers in the implementation of re-designed policies. CONCLUSIONS: The study helps owners of manufacturing SMEs and managers to understand the significant barriers to implementing HR policies, particularly in frequent pandemic situations for enhancing employees’ health and well-being while ensuring organizational performance. The planned framework might make it easier for practitioners and decision-makers to comprehend how the various implementation barriers relate to one another. The study’s focus on Indian manufacturing SMEs limits the generalizability of findings to other contexts. Reliance on expert opinions introduces bias, and further validation through empirical research is needed.

The effect of Lemna perpusilla Torr. (Araceae) as fodder in the growth of Osphronemus goramy Lacépède, 1801

Production of gourami as consumption fish is rather lengthy, as it attains commercial size in 1—2 years, longer than other commercial fish. Therefore, fish production is hampered by higher fodder costs. It is a normal practice in gourami rearing, that farmers supplement commercial fodder with naturally available fodder, especially from material such as taro leaves. However, some materials may contain less nutrients, compared to others. It is why we propose the use of Lemna perpusilla, a widely distributed water aroid as gourami fodder supplement. We measured the growth of gourami fries, which are length (cm) and weight (g) and found that fishes with L. perpussila pellet attain higher length and weight compared to those using commercial pellet. This research may be beneficial for freshwater weed management as well as fish production with low capital, i.e. village production.

Nutritional Composition of Post-Catastrophic Foods.

In addition to current challenges in food production arising from climate change, soil salinization, drought, flooding, and human-caused disruption, abrupt sunlight reduction scenarios (ASRS), e.g., a nuclear winter, supervolcano eruption, or large asteroid or comet strike, are catastrophes that would severely disrupt the global food supply and decimate normal agricultural practices. In such global catastrophes, teragrams of particulate matter, such as aerosols of soot, dust, and sulfates, would be injected into the stratosphere and block sunlight for multiple years. The reduction of incident sunlight would cause a decrease in temperature and precipitation and major shifts to climate patterns leading to devastating reductions in agricultural production of traditional food crops. To survive a catastrophic ASRS or endure current and future disasters and famines, humans might need to rely on post-catastrophic foods, or those that could be foraged, grown, or produced under the new climate conditions to supplement reduced availability of traditional foods. These foods have sometimes been referred to as emergency, alternate, or resilient foods in the literature. While there is a growing body of work that summarizes potential post-catastrophic foods and their nutritional profiles based on existing data in the literature, this article documents a list of protocols to experimentally determine fundamental nutritional properties of post-catastrophic foods that can be used to assess the relative contributions of those foods to a balanced human diet that meets established nutritional requirements while avoiding toxic levels of nutrients. © 2024 The Author(s). Current Protocols published by Wiley Periodicals LLC. Basic Protocol 1: Total digestible glucans Basic Protocol 2: Apparent protein digestibility Basic Protocol 3: Vitamins B1, B3, B9, C, and D2 by HPLC Basic Protocol 4: Total antioxidant activity (DPPH-scavenging activity) Basic Protocol 5: Total phenolic compounds (Folin-Ciocalteu reagent method) Basic Protocol 6: Mineral content by ICP-OES.

Sailing Too Close to the Wind? How Harnessing Patient Voice Can Identify Drift towards Boundaries of Acceptable Performance.

This opinion paper investigates how healthcare organizations identify and act upon different types of risk signals. These signals may generally be acknowledged, but we also often see with hindsight that they might not be because they have become a part of normal practice. Here, we detail how risk signals from patients and families should be acknowledged as system-level safety critical information and as a way of understanding and changing safety culture in healthcare. We discuss how healthcare organizations could work more proactively with patient experience data in identifying risks and improving system safety.

Knowledge and Practice of Safe Delivery among Community Health Practitioners in Bayelsa Central Senatorial District, Nigeria

Community health practitioners play a vital role in providing primary healthcare services, including antenatal/postnatal care and delivery. The research aim to identify safe normal delivery knowledge and practice among healthcare workers in primary healthcare clinics that plays significant role in the quality of care provided to pregnant women in their respective communities. Methods: A descriptive study design and a cluster sampling technique with the aid of questionnaires was used to select 210 community health practitioners from, Bayelsa Central Senatorial district. Results: From this study shows that 51.43% of respondents were within 25-34 years age bracket, 46.19% were married, 72.38% of respondents were CHEW’s, 53.81% were government employed and 92.38% were Christians while 1.90% and 5.71% were Islam and African traditional religion. An average knowledge of 94.76% community health practitioners on safe delivery was identified with a practice rate of 90.95% as well as 75.24% that has taken delivery successfully. Conclusion: Community health workers are known to be skilled birth attendants as well as positioned geographically and socially to deliver some aspects of MNH care. Hence we recommend that there should be an increased training and retraining of community health practitioners across Bayelsa state as this will help to protect life of women and their unborn /newborn babies.

Normothermic Regional Perfusion in Controlled Donation After the Circulatory Determination of Death: Understanding Where the Benefit Lies.

Controlled donation after the circulatory determination of death (cDCDD) has emerged as a strategy to increase the availability of organs for clinical use. Traditionally, organs from cDCDD donors have been subject to standard rapid recovery (SRR) with poor posttransplant outcomes of abdominal organs, particularly the liver, and limited organ utilization. Normothermic regional perfusion (NRP), based on the use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation devices, consists of the in situ perfusion of organs that will be subject to transplantation with oxygenated blood under normothermic conditions after the declaration of death and before organ recovery. NRP is a potential solution to address the limitations of traditional recovery methods. It has become normal practice in several European countries and has been recently introduced in the United States. The increased use of NRP in cDCDD has occurred as a result of a growing body of evidence on its association with improved posttransplant outcomes and organ utilization compared with SRR. However, the expansion of NRP is precluded by obstacles of an organizational, legal, and ethical nature. This article details the technique of both abdominal and thoracoabdominal NRP. Based on the available evidence, it describes its benefits in terms of posttransplant outcomes of abdominal and thoracic organs and organ utilization. It addresses cost-effectiveness aspects of NRP, as well as logistical and ethical obstacles that limit the implementation of this innovative preservation strategy.

Sex-based differences in hematological values after normalization to body mass or fat-free mass in adults matched for aerobic fitness.

Blood properties influence aerobic exercise performance. While vascular volumes and hemoglobin mass (Hbmass) are elevated in trained individuals, evidence of sex differences in vascular volumes is equivocal due to inadequate matching of aerobic fitness between males and females. This cross-sectional study aimed to compare hematological values normalized to body mass (BM) and fat-free mass (FFM) between males (n=45) and females (n=34) matched for aerobic fitness (V̇O2max) normalized to FFM (mL∙kg FFM-1∙min- 1). Data included body composition measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), V̇O2max from an incremental test, and hematological values derived from a CO rebreathe test. Fat mass was unrelated to blood volume (BV; R2=0.02, P=0.26) and Hbmass (R2=0.03, P=0.16), while FFM was the strongest predictor of both (R2=0.75 and R2=0.83, respectively, P<0.001). Females exhibited higher FFM-normalized BV (+4%, P<0.05) and plasma volume (PV) (+14%, P<0.001) and lower red blood cell volume (RBCV) (-8%, P<0.001) and Hbmass (-8%, P<0.001) compared to males. Positive correlations between aerobic fitness and relative Hbmass and BV were observed in both sexes when normalized to BM and FFM (0.48<r<0.71; P<0.003). Stepwise multiple regression models, including FFM, V̇O2max, height, and [Hb], provided accurate predictions of Hbmass (R2=0.91) and BV (R2=0.85). Overall, sex differences persist in relative Hbmass, BV, PV, and RBCV after matching of aerobic fitness, though relative BV and PV were greater in females. These findings suggest sex-specific strategies in oxygen delivery and/or extraction, and they underscore the importance of carefully selecting normalization practices when assessing sex-based differences in hematological variables.

P-215 Prospective validation of the EMBRYOAID software for AI-based evaluation of embryos on the 5th day after fertilization during the in vitro procedure - multi-centre study

Abstract Study question Is AI-based evaluation of embryos as effective in achieving pregnancy as the standard assessment performed by an experienced embryologist? Summary answer AI-based assessment of blastocysts may result in comparable pregnancy rates as the standard assessment performed by an experienced embryologist. What is known already Standard clinical practice in the IVF procedure includes morphological assessment of blastocysts based on visual evaluation following Gardner scale. However, this subjective grading process is susceptible to variability dependent on the professionals’ experience and knowledge, leading to potential inconsistencies in selecting embryos for transfer. Recently, there has been a suggestion that artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms could enhance the predictability of treatment outcomes and many AI-based software applications have been introduced to the procedure in many IVF centers. Nevertheless, there are very few prospective evaluations of the real-life implementation of the novel technologies. Study design, size, duration It is an ongoing, randomized, prospective, multicenter, international study performed in four investigation centers since November 2023. The duration of the study is scheduled for one year. Participants/materials, setting, methods The first stage of the evaluation comprises a randomized selection of a patient meeting the inclusion criteria to one of the groups: test or control group. The next step includes a selection of the embryo for implantation. For the control group, the experienced embryologist performs the standard selection of embryos as per normal clinical practice following the Gardner scale. For the study group, the embryologist selects the embryo for transfer indicated by the EMBRYOAID application. Main results and the role of chance Currently, there have been 149 patients recruited in the study and 160 cycles with 638 embryos have been entered in the EMBRYOAID software for AI-based evaluation. Test group of 80 patients comprises 87 cycles with 346 embryos. Preliminary results of the prospective study conducted in real-life settings show encouraging outcomes in relation to the idea that AI-supported embryo evaluation may be as effective in regards to obtaining pregnancy as a standard clinical assessment performed by experienced professionals. Nevertheless, the sample size is not yet sufficient to achieve statistical significance. Therefore, further data gathering will be conducted and the study hypothesis will be furthermore examined. Limitations, reasons for caution The sample size is still insufficient to reach statistical significance and the study shows the preliminary results which will be further verified on a larger patient group. Wider implications of the findings Results of a prospective, randomized trial conducted in several international clinics may enhance the trend to introduce more objective, bias-free AI-based tools into the embryology labs. Trial registration number EMBRYO National Center for Research and Development nr POIR.01.01.01-00-1631/20-00; ERC Consolidator Grant TUgbOAT no 772346