Office Hours Research Articles

RESEARCH AND DETERMINATION OF BASIC PARAMETERS OF VIBROSHOCK MODE OF PRODUCTION OF FUNDAMENTAL BLOCKS

The construction of vibrofluidizer shaping of fundamental blocks is offered in shock-oscillation office hours with formwork and removal of the finished product after completion of process of his compression. The regularities of the movement of vibro-impact units, taking into account the influence of the dynamic parameters of the mixture with a product height of 0.6 m, were revealed, and analytical dependen-cies were obtained to ensure the stabilization of the dynamic parameters of the vibrating machine, which works in the resonance mode with purposeful consideration of the internal oscillatory properties of the vibrat-ing system. The calculation and mathematical model of setting is certain. Worked out equations of motion and the areas of stability are investigational. An algorithm and method of calculation of basic parameters of the shock-oscillation setting is developed. The main provisions for the creation of vibro-impact machines for the formation of foundation blocks have been formulated. Numerical values of the dynamic parameters of the working body and the environment were obtained, which can be used in the design of similar vibro-impact systems.

Video Consultations in Primary Care Outside Office Hours

Background Out-of-hours primary care (OOH-PC) is facing increasing demands and workload with many negative consequences, including longer waiting time and increased risk of treatment delay and safety incidents. During the COVID-19 pandemic, video consultation (VC) was introduced as an alternative to face-to-face contact. We hypothesize that VC contributes to sustainable OOH-PC by changing patient flows, decreasing workload, and reducing waiting time. Objective This study aims to evaluate the use of video in telephone triage in OOH-PC by studying user rate, the effect on contact patterns, and patient characteristics related to receiving a VC. Methods We conducted a register-based study of VC use in OOH-PC, including all Danish residents contacting OOH-PC in the regions of Central Denmark, Southern Denmark, Northern Denmark, and Zealand. The study population will be followed from birth, immigration, or March 1, 2020 (whichever came last), until death, emigration, or December 31, 2021 (whichever comes first). We will use national registers, linking data with the unique personal identification number. We plan to conduct descriptive analyses, calculating the proportion of VC of all teletriage consultations per month during the study period. We plan to use regression models to measure the association between VC and triage outcome and the association between VC and patient characteristics, calculating risk ratios and 95% CIs. Both crude and mutual adjusted risk ratios for patient characteristics will be presented. Results Data analyses started in May 2022. Conclusions A preliminary conclusion will be presented at the conference. Conflicts of Interest None declared.

Covid-19 as a Black Swan. University Education Adaptation to Online Learning in the Second Wave of the Coronavirus Pandemic from the Perspective of Students and Academics

In 2020 and 2021, modern society faced a historically unprecedented situation in the field of education. Education systems worldwide underwent a massive transformation from conventional forms of face-to-face learning to distance learning alternatives. This forced transformation of teaching, triggered by the global COVID-19 pandemic, has been a major test of resilience and adaptability for universities and other academic institutions. This emergency situation, and the way it was handled, was the subject of empirical study by the University of Finance and Administration in the form of a questionnaire-based survey focused concurrently on students and academics during the 2020/2021 academic year, during what has been referred to as the second wave of the coronavirus pandemic. We observed the attitudes of students and academics, then broke these down to greater levels of detail through mutual confrontation in the areas of evaluating the quality of online education, the decreasing or increasing levels of interest in courses, the level of communication skills of educators, or their availability during online office hours. We also explored the key question of the role and significance of the absence of physical interactions that characterizes distance learning. The empirical data point to ambivalence in the perceptions of online learning in both populations studied. While, on the one hand, there are clear collective expressions of confidence in the communication skills of educators, partly in the overall quality of the online instruction they provide and partly in their willingness to continue to enhance it in subsequent semesters, on the other hand, the expectations of students were not fully met in certain subjects, which was marked by a palpable decline in interest. One criterion that was critical for the emotional acceptance of online learning is the absence of physical interaction and presence in the school environment. It would therefore appear that the ideal model for future education is a combination of full-time and distance learning that would combine their respective benefits, while eliminating their perceived shortcomings.

Emergency medical services utilisation among febrile children attending emergency departments across Europe: an observational multicentre study

Children constitute 6–10% of all patients attending the emergency department (ED) by emergency medical services (EMS). However, discordant EMS use in children occurs in 37–61% with fever as an important risk factor. We aimed to describe EMS utilisation among febrile children attending European EDs. This study is part of an observational multicentre study assessing management and outcome in febrile children up to 18 years (MOFICHE) attending twelve EDs in eight European countries. Discordant EMS use was defined as the absence of markers of urgency including intermediate/high triage urgency, advanced diagnostics, treatment, and admission in children transferred by EMS. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed for the association between (1) EMS use and markers of urgency, and (2) patient characteristics and discordant EMS use after adjusting all analyses for the covariates age, gender, visiting hours, presenting symptoms, and ED setting. A total of 5464 (15%, range 0.1–42%) children attended the ED by EMS. Markers of urgency were more frequently present in the EMS group compared with the non-EMS group. Discordant EMS use occurred in 1601 children (29%, range 1–59%). Age and gender were not associated with discordant EMS use, whereas neurological symptoms were associated with less discordant EMS use (aOR 0.2, 95%CI 0.1–0.2), and attendance out of office hours was associated with more discordant EMS use (aOR 1.6, 95%CI 1.4–1.9). Settings with higher percentage of self-referrals to the ED had more discordant EMS use (p < 0.05). Conclusion: There is large practice variation in EMS use in febrile children attending European EDs. Markers of urgency were more frequently present in children in the EMS group. However, discordant EMS use occurred in 29%. Further research is needed on non-medical factors influencing discordant EMS use in febrile children across Europe, so that pre-emptive strategies can be implemented.What is Known:•Children constitute around 6–10% of all patients attending the emergency department by emergency medical services.•Discordant EMS use occurs in 37–61% of all children, with fever as most common presenting symptom for discordant EMS use in children.What is New:•There is large practice variation in EMS use among febrile children across Europe with discordance EMS use occurring in 29% (range 1–59%), which was associated with attendance during out of office hours and with settings with higher percentage of self-referrals to the ED.•Future research is needed focusing on non-medical factors (socioeconomic status, parental preferences and past experience, healthcare systems, referral pathways, out of hours services provision) that influence discordant EMS use in febrile children across Europe.

Aanbevelingen voor de behandeling van urgente aandoeningen in de eerste lijn: acuut cardiogeen longoedeem, acuut coronair syndroom en hypoglykemie met verminderd bewustzijn

Recommendations for the treatment of emergencies in primary care: acute cardiogenic pulmonary oedema, acute coronary syndrome and acute hypoglycaemia with reduced consciousness General practitioners are frequently confronted with urgent medical situations both during and outside office hours, requiring a quick and accurate response. This article presents a summary of the recommendations for the treatment of emergencies (part 2), specifically addressing the management of acute cardiogenic pulmonary oedema, acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and acute hypoglycaemia with reduced consciousness. These recommendations are an update of the 2008 guidelines of Domus Medica and were developed by the national Working Group for the Development of Guidelines in Primary Care (WOREL) according to internationally recognized methods for guideline development. The focus of the recommendations is the pharmacological management by the general practitioner. If necessary, diagnostics are briefly discussed. The aim is to inform general practitioners about the recommended content of the emergency kit, as well as the recommended dosages and administration routes for the most common indications. For the 3 topics discussed, an emergency intervention is generally indicated. In the meantime, the general practitioner can already administer medication. For acute cardiogenic pulmonary oedema, the use of intravenous diuretics and oxygen is necessary. Opiates are not routinely administered. Nitrates can be considered when blood pressure is elevated. For the treatment of ACS, acetylsalicylic acid should be administered. Oxygen is recommended only if there are signs of respiratory distress or hypoxemia. Morphine is indicated if analgesia is required. In cases of acute hypoglycaemia with decreased consciousness, intravenous glucose is the first choice. Referral is not always necessary when the patient recovers consciousness after adequate management. This decision should be based on clinical judgment. Via https://www.ebp-guidelines.be/home the English guideline is available.

Aanbevelingen voor de behandeling van urgente aandoeningen in de eerste lijn: convulsies, anafylaxie en agitatie in urgente situaties

Recommendations for the treatment of emergencies in primary care: seizures, anaphylaxis and agitation General practitioners are frequently confronted with urgent medical situations both during and outside office hours, requiring a quick and accurate response. This article presents a summary of the recommendations for the treatment of emergencies (part 1), specifically addressing the management of seizures, anaphylaxis and agitation. These recommendations are an update of the 2008 guidelines of Domus Medica and were developed by the national Working Group for the Development of Guidelines in Primary Care (WOREL) according to internationally recognized methods for guideline development. The focus of the recommendations is the pharmacological management by the general practitioner. If necessary, diagnostics are briefly discussed. The aim is to inform general practitioners about the recommended content of the emergency kit, as well as the recommended dosages and administration routes for the most common indications. For the treatment of prolonged seizures, benzodiazepines should be administered, with intramuscular midazolam as first choice. In the case of anaphylaxis, immediate intramuscular administration of adrenaline and, if available, high-flow oxygen is recommended. If the response is inadequate, short-acting β2-agonists should be administered via inhalation. For agitation likely due to psychosis, an oral antipsychotic or benzodiazepine should be considered. If there are no suspicions or signs of a psychosis, only benzodiazepines are recommended. Oral administration is preferred when the patient presents with agitation, unless in case of severe agitation with a risk to oneself or others. Then, intramuscular administration is preferred. Via https://www.ebp-guidelines.be/home the full guideline in English can be consulted.

Readiness of Medical Students for Self-Directed Learning under Competency based Medical Education – A Cross-sectional Study

Abstract Introduction: National Medical Commission (NMC) has introduced Competency-Based Medical Education (CBME) for undergraduates (UG) of medical stream in India. Self-directed Learning (SDL) has become a vital part of CBME curriculum, such that NMC mentions some SDL hours can go beyond office hours if required. Therefore, assessing SDL becomes important among the UG medical students (MBBS). Objectives: To assess the readiness towards SDL method among the medical students under CBME curriculum and to find out the factors associated with their readiness towards SDL method. Subjects and Methods: It was a cross-sectional study conducted among the MBBS students under CBME curriculum studying at PESIMSR, Kuppam. All the 300 students were included with 241 participating in the study. Abridged Fisher’s 29 item SDL readiness scale was used. Data were compiled and analyzed using the SPSS (version 23.0; SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). Results: Among 241 students, the SDL readiness was found be below average, average and above average in 2%, 66% and 32% respectively. The above average category of SDL readiness was higher (36.07%) among the 1st CBME batch of students than compared to the 2nd batch (27.7%). SDL was found to be statistically significantly associated (P &lt; 0.05) with age, mode of admission, parents’ involvement in the learning process, stress in life and self-confidence of the students. Conclusion: The readiness to undergo SDL varies from student to student. Therefore, understanding their readiness is necessary to sensitize them regarding SDL method. By this, the students can achieve the SDL-based competencies in a better way.

Data 4 Climate Action Edinburgh

Data 4 Climate Action Edinburgh is a group of volunteers, donating our time and skills with data to support climate action and biodiversity in and around Edinburgh. The formation of the group was the idea of Pauline Ward, inspired on hearing discussions about the how climate action groups could be supported, and how they could help each other, through regional networks. Discussions with the Edinburgh Voluntary Organisations Council and the Scottish Secretariat for Climate Action Networks identified a role for D4CAE as part of such a network in Edinburgh. The Scottish Government has been working on a programme of support for such regional networks, the first being North East Scotland Climate Action Network. Specifically, there appeared to be great potential in facilitating the making of connections between local climate groups and prospective volunteers from among the staff and students of the University of Edinburgh. With practical support and dialogue with the University of Edinburgh Sustainability team and Community Engagement team, D4CAE carried out a survey of members of the public at the Edinburgh Climate Festival 2022. Underneath the University gazebo, individuals volunteered to help and talked with us about what areas of work would be most worthwhile in their view. The participants indicated their choices by placing chips into paper cups labelled with the options ‘mapping’, ‘sharing’ etc. The top result was ‘storytelling with data’. Volunteers asked us to create a mailing list so they could keep in touch and help. Climate activists told us they wanted help with presenting data about their activities for inclusion in funding bids, and mapping. We now have a facebook page, website and a github repository. We use free tools from Google for email and file sharing (Drive, Sheets, Docs). We hold a monthly online drop-in on Zoom. We’re working on building links into the university, and working with data. Biggest challenges – Many of our contacts who want to help are doing so in a professional capacity, and therefore mostly available during office hours, while the volunteer effort happens outside of working hours. Meanwhile, making the local groups aware of our offer is an area we need to work on, in partnership with the climate action network which is evolving and taking shape. Looking ahead – hoping to organise a datathon event near or at the university in the near future. Delivering skills – we’re in the business of sharing skills, and building our own skills with data along the way. We have fielded requests for help with non-climate data, both from professional life science researchers looking for help with data visualisation, and others through the community engagement network. The experience suggests there may be potential for a platform and other work to build more links for voluntary organisations to find help with specialised skills among the staff and students of the university.

Factors Affecting the Decision to Use E-Banking Services: A Case Study of Individual Customers during the Covid-19 Pandemic in Vietnam

E-banking applies transactions anytime, anywhere, and 24/7 is also a great benefit. E-banking can overcome the time and space inconvenience of traditional banking. With e-banking, customers can do financial transactions on weekends or late at night without having to set up office hours like when dealing at the counter. Therefore, the study aims to discover the main factors affecting the decision to use E-banking services of individual customers at commercial banks in Vietnam and give managerial recommendations for enhancing E-banking services of commercial banks during the post Covid-19 pandemic in Vietnam. The article method applied structural equation modeling (SEM) using SPSS 20.0, Amos software. Besides, the authors surveyed data collected from 700 individual customers who have registered to use E-banking services analyzed to provide evidence. The study's main findings explore six key factors affecting the decision to use E-banking services. Six factors included perceived usefulness, ease of use, trust, social influence, innovation, and communication. They had a statistically significant relationship between attitude and decision to accept E-banking services. The study value helps commercial banks constantly invest in E-banking services by applying digital technology, high technology, information, telecommunications, and technical infrastructure into products to enhance customer satisfaction.

A Selective Review of Rehabilitation Services and Disabilities Studies Syllabi

Background:This investigation examined what information is typically included in an undergraduate rehabilitation syllabus and how this information is presented in written form to students.Method:Syllabi (n= 117) from six undergraduate programs, each of which reflected a different program emphasis, were reviewed in terms of their framework (traditional, instructor-centered, student-centered, and enhanced) as well as categorical information contained in their narratives.Findings:An analysis of stylistic features indicate that undergraduate faculty tend to produce syllabi that are instructor-centered and support a pedagogical rather than an andragogical way of learning. The “typical” undergraduate course is a 3-credit offering with an enrollment of about 30 students that meets once or twice per week and is more likely taught by an adjunct faculty (nontenure track) member. While most faculty post information regarding instructor contact information, course description, learning objectives, grading system, and support services, greater variation was noted regarding posting office hours, expected student behavior (e.g., attendance, missing class, and participation), class policies (e.g., late/missing assignments and extra credit), and a description of teaching methods.Conclusion:Given the importance of how syllabi serve as an outline of course content and class policies, it is recommended that rehabilitation educators develop syllabi that are more student-centered and support adult learners.

Feasibility and acceptability of bubble continuous positive airway pressure oxygen therapy for the treatment of childhood severe pneumonia and hypoxaemia in Bangladeshi children

Effective management of hypoxaemia is key to reducing pneumonia deaths in children. In an intensive care setting within a tertiary hospital in Bangladesh, bubble continuous positive airway pressure (bCPAP) oxygen therapy was beneficial in reducing deaths in this population. To inform a future trial, we investigated the feasibility of introducing bCPAP in this population in non-tertiary/district hospitals in Bangladesh. We conducted a qualitative assessment using a descriptive phenomenological approach to understand the structural and functional capacity of the non-tertiary hospitals (Institute of Child and Mother Health and Kushtia General Hospital) for the clinical use of bCPAP. We conducted interviews and focus group discussions (23 nurses, seven physicians, 14 parents). We retrospectively (12 months) and prospectively (three months) measured the prevalence of severe pneumonia and hypoxaemia in children attending the two study sites. For the feasibility phase, we enrolled 20 patients with severe pneumonia (age two to 24 months) to receive bCPAP, putting in place safeguards to identify risk. Retrospectively, while 747 of 3012 (24.8%) children had a diagnosis of severe pneumonia, no pulse oxygen saturation information was available. Of 3008 children prospectively assessed with pulse oximetry when attending the two sites, 81 (3.7%) had severe pneumonia and hypoxaemia. The main structural challenges to implementation were the inadequate number of pulse oximeters, lack of power generator backup, high patient load with an inadequate number of hospital staff, and inadequate and non-functioning oxygen flow meters. Functional challenges were the rapid turnover of trained clinicians in the hospitals, limited post-admission routine care for in-patients by hospital clinicians due to their extreme workload (particularly after official hours). The study implemented a minimum of four hourly clinical reviews and provided oxygen concentrators (with backup oxygen cylinders), and automatic power generator backup. Twenty children with a mean age of 6.7 (standard deviation (SD) = 5.0)) months with severe pneumonia and hypoxaemia (median (md) SpO2 = 87% in room air, interquartile range (IQR) = 85-88)) with cough (100%) and severe respiratory difficulties (100%) received bCPAP oxygen therapy for a median of 16 hours (IQR = 6-16). There were no treatment failures or deaths. Implementation of low-cost bCPAP oxygen therapy is feasible in non-tertiary/district hospitals when additional training and resources are allocated.

Implementasi Safety Culture Petugas Aviation security (AVSEC) PT Angkasa Pura 1 terhadap Keamanan dan Keselamatan Bandar Udara Adi Soemarmo Boyolali Jawa Tengah

&#x0D; Air transportation has a very important role as a means of connecting quickly and effectively. In the city of Boyolali there is the Adi Soemarmo international airport which has a fairly busy flight activity. The main factor that must be considered in the aviation industry is creating aviation security and safety which has been regulated in Government Regulation No. 3 of 2001. For the sake of creating this, efforts must be made, one of which is by implementing a safety culture. One unit that has an important role is Aviation Security (AVSEC) officers at Adi Soemarmo Boyolali Airport. In this study the authors used qualitative research methods using primary data and secondary data. For data collection techniques, namely by conducting interviews with Aviation Security (AVSEC) officers, observing directly (observation) during the official hours of Aviation Security (AVSEC) officers and carrying out documentation. The results of this study indicate that Aviation Security (AVSEC) personnel in carrying out their roles and responsibilities have implemented a Safety Culture which consists of six characters namely commitment, truth, information, alertness, adaptation and attitude in accordance with Standard Operational Procedures set by the company. Thus, Aviation Security personnel are able to create flight security and safety in accordance with Government Regulation No. 3 of 2001.&#x0D; Keywords: Aviation Security (AVSEC), Safety Culture

Correlation of varying heights with cervical spondylosis.

Objective: To find correlation of varying heights with cervical spondylosis. Study Design: Case Control study. Setting: Department of Orthopedic and Radiology, Patel Hospital, Karachi. Period: June, 2019 to Dec, 2019. Material &amp; Methods: The personal, economical, and demographic features of the 88 cases and 88 controls were compared with the prevalence of cervical spondylosis. All subject’s heights were divided into four categories—short, average, tall and very tall and were correlated with cervical spondylosis as well as the various other characteristics stated above. The weight and height were calculated using the stadiometer and body weight and health scale Z-10, and lateral radiographs were taken using an Agfa Fuji Computerized radiography system. Results and Conclusion: The results showed that the average height individuals had more disease and were obese and it was also in direct relation with the increased working hours. The average height individuals i.e. height of (150-169cm) were prone for the disease and need to adopt measures to reduce the chances of the disease and choose healthy lifestyle for maintenance of healthy BMI range and consideration of good ergonomic tactics at office and moderate working hours.

Transitional care strategies at emergency department for elderly patients: A multicentre study in Singapore.

Transitional care strategies (TCS) initiated for elderly patients prior to emergency department (ED) discharge are important for ensuring effective transition to other care settings. Such strategies have been shown to reduce avoidable acute admissions. This first nationwide study is targeted at public acute hospital EDs in Singapore, and aims to characterise TCS for ED-discharged elderly patients and understand the experiences of healthcare staff in the delivery of TCS. Seven key informants (KIs), one per ED, completed an online structured questionnaire and semi-structured video conference interview from 8 May to 31 August 2021. The KIs were ED specialists and an ED-trained senior staff nurse who were knowledgeable in geriatric emergency care and had contributed to at least one elder-related TCS. Field notes were compiled, transcribed, anonymised and analysed using thematic analysis. All 7 EDs have TCS as "usual care" available during office hours, at no extra cost to patients. Common components of TCS include screening, evaluation with comprehensive geriatric assessment, health education and follow-up telecare. TCS implementation was facilitated by organisational support in terms of established protocols and communication platforms, training and collaboration of a multidisciplinary team, and caregiver involvement. Obstacles faced include fragmented communication between personnel, limited resources, and poor buy-in from stakeholders. Understanding the heterogeneous characteristics of ED-TCS at various hospitals will aid the development of service typology and identify service opportunities. Provider experiences grouped into themes help to inform future strategies for TCS implementation. More research is needed to evaluate patient outcomes and cost-effectiveness of TCS.

Discharge against medical advice in Special Care Newborn Unit in Chattogram, Bangladesh: Prevalence, causes and predictors.

Discharge against medical advice (DAMA) is an unexpected event for patients and healthcare personnel. The study aimed to assess the prevalence of DAMA in neonates along with characteristics of neonates who got DAMA and, causes and predictors of DAMA. This case-control study was carried out in Special Care Newborn Unit (SCANU) at Chittagong Medical College Hospital from July 2017 to December 2017. Clinical and demographic characteristics of neonates with DAMA were compared with that of discharged neonates. The causes of DAMA were identified by a semi-structured questionnaire. Predictors of DAMA were determined using a logistic regression model with a 95% confidence interval. A total of 6167 neonates were admitted and 1588 got DAMA. Most of the DAMA neonates were male (61.3%), term (74.7%), outborn (69.8%), delivered vaginally (65.7%), and had standard weight at admission (54.3%). A significant relationship (p < 0.001) was found between the variables of residence, place of delivery, mode of delivery, gestational age, weight at admission, and day and time of outcome with the type of discharge. False perceptions of wellbeing (28.7%), inadequate facilities for mothers (14.5%), and financial problems (14.1%) were the prevalent causes behind DAMA. Predictors of DAMA were preterm gestation (AOR 1.3, 95% CI 1.07-1.7, p = 0.013), vaginal delivery (AOR 1.56, 95% CI 1.31-1.86, p < 0.001), timing of outcome after office hours (AOR 477.15, 95% CI 236-964.6, p < 0.001), and weekends (AOR 2.55, 95% CI 2.06-3.17, p < 0.001). Neonates suffering from sepsis (AOR 1.4, 95% CI 1.1-1.7, p< 0.001), Respiratory Distress Syndrome (AOR 3.1, 95% CI 1.9-5.2, p< 0.001), prematurity without other complications (AOR 2.1, 95% CI 1.45-3.1, p < 0.001) or who were referred from north-western districts (AOR 1.48, 95% CI 1.13-1.95, p = 0.004) had higher odds for DAMA. Identification of predictors and reasons behind DAMA may provide opportunities to improve the hospital environment and service related issues so that such vulnerable neonates can complete their treatment. We should ensure better communication with parents, provide provision for mothers' corner, especially for outborn neonates, maintain a standard ratio of neonates and healthcare providers, and adopt specific DAMA policy by the hospital authority.

Risk factors for elective and emergency oxygenator exchanges during veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.

Despite systemic anticoagulation and antithrombotic surface coating, oxygenator dysfunction remains one of most common technical complications of Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). Several parameters have been associated with an oxygenator exchange, but no guidelines for when to perform an exchange are published. An exchange, especially an emergency exchange, has a risk of complications. Therefore, a delicate balance between oxygenator dysfunction and the exchange of the oxygenator exists. This study aimed to identify risk factors and predictors for elective and emergency oxygenator exchanges. This observational cohort study included all adult patients supported with veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (V-V ECMO). We compared patients' characteristics and laboratory values of patients with and without an oxygenator exchange and between an elective and emergency exchange, defined as an exchange outside office hours. Risk factors for an oxygenator exchange were identified with cox regression analyses, and risk factors for an emergency exchange were identified with logistic regression analyses. We included forty-five patients in the analyses. There were twenty-nine oxygenator exchanges in nineteen patients (42%). More than a third of the exchanges were emergency exchanges. Higher partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO2), transmembrane pressure difference (ΔP), and hemoglobin (Hb) were associated with an oxygenator exchange. Lower lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) was the only risk factor for an emergency exchange. Oxygenator exchange is frequent during V-V ECMO support. PaCO2, ΔP and Hb were associated with an oxygenator exchange and lower LDH with the risk of an emergency exchange.

NAATP seeks two new hires

The National Association of Addiction Treatment Programs (NAATP) is expanding and hiring for two positions: business development manager and communications manager. The business development manager will “[m]anage the acquisition of new members, grow membership, enhance sales management system, professionally represent the organization, and analyze industry trends.” The salary range is $68,000 to $78,000. For more details, go to https://www.naatp.org/business‐development‐manager. The communications manager will “[a]dvance the association's communication approach through development of materials and partnerships utilizing communication tools to maximize reach, media coverage, and educational engagement.” The salary range is $60,000 to $70,000. For details, go to https://www.naatp.org/communication‐manager. Both positions are remote, full‐time with benefits. Application deadline for both is March 21. Both positions require the following: “NAATP employs remote workers who must maintain a home office conducive to optimal work performance and free of distractions. Some projects may require staff to travel. All staff are required to work and be available during office hours depending on time zone location.

APSified OCT-angiography analysis: Macula vessel density in healthy eyes during office hours.

Optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A) can visualize retinal capillary microcirculation non-invasively. In order to investigate potential factors influencing OCT-A diagnostics, the aim of the present study was to determine circadian changes in macular vessel density (VD) in healthy adults during office hours, considering axial length (AL) and subfoveal choroidal thickness (CT). In the prospective study 30 eyes of 30 healthy subjects (mean age 28.7 ± 11.8, range 19-60 years) were recruited who underwent repeated measurements of AL, subfoveal CT and three-layer macula VD (superficial vascular plexus (SVP), intermediate capillary plexus (ICP) and deep capillary plexus (DCP)) on a single day at three predetermined timepoints (9 AM, 3 PM, and 9 PM). For better intra- and interindividual scan comparability, the new Anatomic Positioning System function (APS, part of Glaucoma Module Premium Edition [GMPE], Heidelberg Engineering, Germany) allowing analysis of identical retinal areas, was used for quantitative OCT-A analysis. Overall mean macula VD was unchanged during office hours in SVP, ICP and DCP, respectively (p>0.05). In addition, AL and CT showed no statistically significant changes over time (p>0.05). Rather, a large interindividual variance of VD with different peak time was observed. Contrary to the overall data, sectorial VD changed in dependency of office hours in all layers with an increase of VD in SVP between 9 AM and 9 PM (p = 0.003), in ICP between 3 PM and 9 PM (p = 0.000), in DCP between 9 AM and 9 PM (p = 0.048), and 3 PM and 9 PM (p = 0.000), respectively. Overall mean macula VD, subfoveal CT and AL tended not to show statistically significant changes over time in this cohort, whereas a regional analysis of VD did. Therefore, a circadian influence on capillary microcirculation should be kept in mind. Moreover, the results highlight the importance of a more detailed analysis of VD in different sectors and different vascular layers. In addition, the pattern of diurnal variation could vary inter-individually, thus a patient-specific fluctuation pattern would need to be considered when evaluating these parameters in clinical practice.

Investigation of University Students’ Opinions on the Power Exercised by Teachers in EFL Classes: The Case of Türkiye

The aim of this study is to examine the students’ opinions on the power exercised by their teachers in the EFL classes in Türkiye. The participants of the study, which was designed as a survey method, consisted of 243 university students. To collect the data, the “Teacher Power Use Scale” was developed. The scale was developed in three stages. The results obtained supported a five-factor structure consisting of 36 items. The factors were named as “expert power”, “reward power”, “referent power”, “coercive power” and “legitimate power”, respectively. Descriptive statistics were computed to display the students’ overall responses to the Teacher Power Use Scale. T-test was conducted to determine whether there were any significant differences in gender variable. One-way ANOVA was conducted to investigate whether there were any differences in the opinions of students on the teacher power exercises in terms of attending office hours, and accessibility of EFL teachers variables. It was obtained that teachers exercised expert power, referent power at high level while they exercised reward power, coercive power and legitimate power at moderate level. There was a significant difference in the coercive power dimension in terms of students’ opinions on the power exercises in the classroom in favor of male students. Attending office hour was not a significant variable in terms of students’ opinions on the power exercised by their teachers. Finally, the scores obtained from the scale differed significantly in the dimensions of the scale except for the coercive power and legitimate power according to the accessibility level of EFL teachers.

Getting More Out of Midterm Assessments

An important reason for providing midterm assessments is to give students early feedback on their progress. Ideally, students will carefully analyze their performance and use the feedback provided to adjust their study strategies or approaches to engaging with the course materials. In our experience, however, only a small fraction of students seek advice from instructors or advisors after an unsatisfactory performance. Research has shown that many students have negative perceptions of office hours, and some students find them inconvenient or have misconceptions about the purpose of office hours. In addition, it is difficult for instructors to provide detailed and individualized advice to a large number of students in a weekly office hour. To address this challenge, we automatically provide additional grades that inform students on their performance in four basic question categories that are related to levels in Bloom’s taxonomy. We also provide a table with specific recommendations for how to improve in each of these categories. These recommendations are based on experience: from conversations with students, we have learned that unsatisfying performance can often be traced back to a lack of effective exam preparation. Many students study by reading solutions to in-class activities or homework rather than reworking problems. We also noticed that struggling students often fail at a fundamental level: they tend to read definitions superficially as symbols instead of interpreting them and exploring their meaning.