One-tailed T-test Research Articles

Leveraging Human-Centered Design to Promote Community-Level Antiracism Efforts: A Pilot Study of the Innovation Change Lab

ABSTRACT The present study piloted Innovation Change Lab (ICL), a novel intervention to promote antiracism and human-centered design (HCD) in a rural community. Data included (1) a pre- and post-survey of antiracist attitudes; (2) post-workshop feedback surveys, and (3) a focus group at the end of the training. Participants (n = 14) identified their race as White (n = 7), Latine (n = 3), Multiracial (n = 1); and their genders as cisgender women (n = 12) and cisgender men (n = 2). Attitude change was analyzed using one-tailed t-tests. Qualitative analysis of open-ended survey questions and focus group data was conducted using content analysis. Participants reported that, with some exceptions, the curriculum was feasible and acceptable. They reported increasing their knowledge about antiacism concepts and critical racial consciousness. ICL showed evidence of shifting individual attitudes toward antiracism and increasing one’s confidence in taking action on social justice. Learning about microaggressions, cross-group discussions about socialization and race, and conducting empathy interviews with folks impacted by racism were the most impactful aspects of the curriculum. Challenges arose around taking action to change systems implicated in sustaining racism. Despite challenges, findings suggest HCD may offer strategies to support intra- and inter-personal change necessary to move toward antiracist action.

The Educational Benefits of Plastic Surgery Rotations for Off-Service Residents.

With increasing specialization among surgical divisions, a well-rounded education during a surgical residency is often accomplished by rotating among different subspecialties. Inclusion of specific rotations in the resident curriculum can be considered as a cost-benefit calculation balancing the value of exposure to a subspecialty versus the opportunity cost of potential learning from another rotation. We find that often these decisions are based on anecdotal feedback. Our goal is to supplement these reports with a quantifiable metric of learning achieved on the plastic surgery rotation. Our hypothesis in this prospective study was that residents would demonstrate improved performance on a post-rotation test after their 1-month rotation on plastic surgery compared to the pre-rotation test. A question bank was developed to reflect institutional curriculum objectives and clinical scenarios commonly seen on the service. The questions were developed, validated and vetted in collaboration with medical educators and attending plastic surgeons yielding 20 questions available for use. Postgraduate year 1 residents were given a 10-question test before and after their plastic surgery rotation. A one-tailed paired t-test was used to assess improvement between the pre-rotation test and the post-rotation test. A total of 378 tests were administered with 228 (60%) pre- and post-rotation tests completed meeting inclusion criteria. Average percentage of correct answers for the pre-rotation test was 29% and 88% for the post-rotation test showing a differential improvement of 58% (p < 0.001). Surgical trainee time is a limited commodity. Each clinical rotation needs proven consistent benefit for the trainees. We developed a questionnaire that documents the improvement in clinical knowledge after a one-month rotation on plastic surgery relative to before. The test results were consistent even when comparing trainees who did the rotation early versus late in the PGY-1 year. Clinical exposure reinforces and solidifies specialty learning.

Effective weight optimization strategy for precise deep learning forecasting models using EvoLearn approach

Time series analysis and prediction have attained significant attention from the research community in the past few decades. However, the prediction accuracy of the models highly depends on the models’ learning process. In order to optimize resource usage, a better learning methodology, in terms of accuracy and learning time, is needed. In this context, the current research work proposes EvoLearn, a novel method to improve and optimize the learning process of neural-based models. The presented technique integrates the genetic algorithm with back-propagation to train model weights during the learning process. The fundamental idea behind the proposed work is to select the best components from multiple models during the training process to obtain an adequate model. To demonstrate the applicability of EvoLearn, the method is tested on the state-of-the-art neural models (namely MLP, DNN, CNN, RNN, and GRU), and performances are compared. Furthermore, the presented study aims to forecast two types of time series, i.e. air pollution and energy consumption time series, using the developed framework. In addition, the considered neural models are tested on two datasets of each time series type. From the performance comparison and evaluation of EvoLearn using a one-tailed paired T-test against the conventional back-propagation-based learning approach, it was found that the proposed method significantly improves the prediction accuracy.

Social distancing between personal belongings during the COVID-19 pandemic

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has led to instructions and suggestions from governments and experts to maintain social (physical) distance between people to prevent aerosol transmission of the virus, which is now becoming the norm. Thus, we examined whether the pandemic extended the distance between personal belongings. Methods: We recruited 68 university students and instructed them to place their belongings on a long table following another participant (i.e., confederate). We measured the physical distance between the two belongings (i.e., the participant’s and the confederate’s). We collected data between June 10, 2022 and January 23, 2023. Pre-pandemic data was from Ariga (2016). Analysis was completed with one-tailed t-tests. Results: Compared with the pre-pandemic results, via one-tailed t-test, the distance between the two belongings during the pandemic was significantly longer. Our results supported the hypothesis that the psychological framework for processing people’s belongings has dramatically changed during this pandemic. Conclusion: This change may have been driven by social distancing practices or an increase in perceived vulnerability to disease. Our results provide new implications for future public spatial design, in other words, not only the distance between people, but also the distance between their belongings.

Beaton and Anson Type A Classification of the Sciatic Nerve and Piriformis Complex: Clinical Considerations for Sex and Laterality

Variations of the sciatic nerve and piriformis muscle (SN-PM) relationship must be considered when discussing orthopedic procedures within the region as they may cause increased risk of SN injuries. Thirty-one formalin-embalmed, prosected donors were evaluated using the Beaton and Anson (B&amp;A) classification system (1939). Major landmarks of the SN-PM relationship were identified, including the posterior superior iliac spine (PSIS), ischial tuberosity (IT), greater trochanter (GT), and the middle of the SN as it exits under the PM (S1). Distances measured included: PSIS-IT, PSIS-GT, IT-GT, PSIS-S1, IT-S1, GT-S1, S1-Q (distance of perpendicular line connecting S1 to PSIS-IT), and S1-R (distance of perpendicular line connecting S1 to PSIS-GT). Measurements from 49 lower extremities were evaluated using a two-tailed t-test to compare by sex and laterality; a one-tailed t-test was utilized to compare groups based on anatomical sex. Six donors displayed asymmetric B&amp;A classifications, demonstrating gross anatomical differences within a single individual; however, no measurements were significant when comparing extremities. Seven measurements were statistically significant (p &lt; 0.05) between sexes, indicating notable sex-based differences. These data highlight sex-based differences in the SN-PM relationship, as well as consistencies within measurements among extremities, which can be utilized by clinicians when treating male and female patients needing unilateral or bilateral orthopedic procedures or injections within the gluteal region.

Exploring emotion dysregulation in adolescence and its association with social immaturity, self-representation, and thought process problems.

This study aimed to explore the complex phenomenon of emotional dysregulation, particularly in adolescence, which is associated with many mental health disorders and problems. Increasing the knowledge of clinicians and researchers in this area can be helpful in guiding future treatment plans. The aim of the study was to investigate, from an exploratory perspective, which structural aspects of adolescent functioning (assessed using the Rorschach test and administered and scored according to the Comprehensive System, CS, by Exner) were associated with different dimensions of emotional dysregulation (evaluated using the Difficulties in Emotion Dysregulation Scale, DERS). Secondary data were used for the study, which included 100 adolescents, with 50 in the clinical group (patients with complex trauma histories residing in therapeutic and socio-rehabilitative communities) and 50 in the nonclinical group (recruited from a scout group and middle and high schools). The two groups were compared on terms of the mean scores obtained in the DERS scales (one-tailed t-test) and the proportions of cases that obtained pathological values for selected Rorschach CS indicators (z-test). Partial correlations were calculated between the DERS scales and the Rorschach CS variables to explore which structural dimensions of functioning were associated with different characteristics of emotional dysregulation. The results indicated that the two groups differed in their outcomes on all DERS scales, except for Awareness and Goals, and on four Rorschach CS variables (EgoIndex, a:p, Wsum6, and MOR). Some significant positive and negative correlations between the Rorschach CS variables and the DERS scales also emerged. These results suggest that the dimensions of functioning associated with emotional dysregulation are related to self-representation, relational immaturity, and thought processes character and characterize membership in a therapeutic community. The correlations described in the article warrants further consideration. Finally, the study's limitations and future research prospects are presented.

476 Enhancing Surgical Education: Assessing the Impact of Laparoscopic Simulators in Learning Surgical Anatomy and Improving Surgical Skills

Abstract Aim We assessed laparoscopic simulators' efficacy in teaching surgical anatomy and enhancing surgical skills, offering insights into their role in shaping surgical education. Method 83 medical students and foundation year doctors were surveyed before and after a hands-on laparoscopic simulator session. Using a 5-point Likert scale, perceptions of the simulator's effectiveness in teaching surgical anatomy and the importance of laparoscopic simulator training for improving surgical skills were gauged. Attendees also rated the simulators’ effectiveness in providing information and exposure to Laparoscopic surgery. Scores underwent normality assessment via the Shapiro–Wilk test; a one-tailed T-test gauged statistical significance. Qualitative data was collected for deeper insights. Results Attendees exhibited a significant increase in belief in laparoscopic simulators as an effective means to learn surgical anatomy (mean before = 4.26, after = 4.49, p = 2.41 x 10-3). Agreement increased for the necessity of laparoscopic simulator training in medical education for improving surgical skills (mean pre-event = 4.36, after = 4.55, p = 3.31 x 10-3). Conclusions A notable surge in support for integrating laparoscopic simulators in medical education emerged, indicating a promising avenue for enhancing anatomical understanding in minimally invasive contexts. The positive shift underscores the increasing recognition of laparoscopic simulators as valuable tools for teaching surgical anatomy and skills. Future research should explore the impact of laparoscopic simulation training on long-term outcomes.

Unlocking the potential: T1-weighed MRI as a powerful predictor of levodopa response in Parkinson’s disease

BackgroundThe efficacy of levodopa, the most crucial metric for Parkinson’s disease diagnosis and treatment, is traditionally gauged through the levodopa challenge test, which lacks a predictive model. This study aims to probe the predictive power of T1-weighted MRI, the most accessible modality for levodopa response.MethodsThis retrospective study used two datasets: from the Parkinson’s Progression Markers Initiative (219 records) and the external clinical dataset from Ruijin Hospital (217 records). A novel feature extraction method using MedicalNet, a pre-trained deep learning network, along with three previous approaches was applied. Three machine learning models were trained and tested on the PPMI dataset and included clinical features, imaging features, and their union set, using the area under the curve (AUC) as the metric. The most significant brain regions were visualized. The external clinical dataset was further evaluated using trained models. A paired one-tailed t-test was performed between the two sets; statistical significance was set at p < 0.001.ResultsFor 46 test set records (mean age, 62 ± 9 years, 28 men), MedicalNet-extracted features demonstrated a consistent improvement in all three machine learning models (SVM 0.83 ± 0.01 versus 0.73 ± 0.01, XgBoost 0.80 ± 0.04 versus 0.74 ± 0.02, MLP 0.80 ± 0.03 versus 0.70 ± 0.07, p < 0.001). Both feature sets were validated on the clinical dataset using SVM, where MedicalNet features alone achieved an AUC of 0.64 ± 0.03. Key responsible brain regions were visualized.ConclusionThe T1-weighed MRI features were more robust and generalizable than the clinical features in prediction; their combination provided the best results. T1-weighed MRI provided insights on specific regions responsible for levodopa response prediction.Critical relevance statementThis study demonstrated that T1w MRI features extracted by a deep learning model have the potential to predict the levodopa response of PD patients and are more robust than widely used clinical information, which might help in determining treatment strategy.Key PointsThis study investigated the predictive value of T1w features for levodopa response.MedicalNet extractor outperformed all other previously published methods with key region visualization.T1w features are more effective than clinical information in levodopa response prediction.Graphical

#2247 Influence of the diagnosis of atopic dermatitis in childhood on the course of kidney function in young adulthood: a single-center study

Abstract Background and Aims Several studies demonstrated non-osmotic sodium-storage, especially in the skin. Patients with chronic kidney disease often suffer from skin symptoms and furthermore an association of advanced CKD-stages with inflammatory skin diseases has been shown. Additionally, in inflammatory skin disease atopic dermatitis an increased salt content was found in the affected skin areas. Thus we hypothesized that atopic dermatitis might have a detrimental effect on kidney function later in life. Method The retrospective case-control study using the patient files of a general medical practice included a randomly selected sample with a 2:1 matching technique. Initially, data of 114 patients who underwent J1-screening exam for adolescents (age 12-14) and also a follow-up examination in adulthood (over the age of 18) between January 1980 and April 2022 have been examined. By the time of inclusion they had to be over 18 years old and did not suffer knowingly from a kidney disease. Over the course of the study, patients for whom no creatinine value was recorded during the following examinations were excluded. Serum creatinine levels and eGFR were compared between the two groups at two assessment times (J1 in adolescence and Follow-Up in young adulthood) and within each group using a one-tailed t-test. A point-biserial correlation analysis was then performed. Results Biometric characteristics, gender distribution and kidney function for J1 as the first measurement point and for follow-up in young adulthood as the second one for both atopic dermatitis and control group are shown in Table 1. The statistical analysis showed that the two groups did not differ significantly in terms of gender distribution at both the first (X²(89) = 0.4918, p = 0.483103) and the second measuring point (X²(73) = 0.45, p = 0.50), therefore a gender bias in the results is unlikely. Furthermore, it was shown by a one-tailed, unpaired t-test for serum creatinine levels ​​at time J1 did not differ from those in the control group (t = 0.60, p = 0.28). This applies too for the corresponding eGFR according to Schwartz-Bedside (t = -0.47, p = 0.32). At the time of follow-up, 16 patients, 8 per group, were excluded due to a lack of creatinine values ​​- in this study using a hypothesis test, no significant difference in the creatinine values ​​was found between the two groups (t = 0.91, p = 0.18), consequently also not in the comparison of eGFR after CKD-Epi (t = -1.28, p = 0.10). Only when comparing creatinine values ​​and eGFR over time within the individual groups, a significant difference for each group was found. In the atopic dermatitis group, the creatinine levels and the eGFR differed significantly in between J1 and the follow-up examination (creatinin: t = 4.29, p = 0.00015, eGFR: t = 1.83, p = 0.042). Likewise did the creatinine levels and the eGFR differ significantly over time in the control group (creatinine: t = 4.77, p &amp;lt; 0.00001 and eGFR: t = 5.72, p &amp;lt; 0.0001). In the point-biserial correlation analysis, no connection between the presence of atopic dermatitis and the level of the serum creatinine value could be confirmed (t = 0.6, df = 89, p = 0.55, 95% CI [-0.14, 0.27], r = 0.063). Conclusion In our study, the diagnosis of atopic dermatitis in childhood does not seem to be a determinant risk factor for a decline in kidney function in young adulthood.

Feasibility study of the application of magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) to measure oral posture related changes in stiffness of zygomaticus major muscle

PurposeDevelopment of a technique for measuring the mechanical properties of zygomaticus major (ZM) may aid advances in clinical treatments for correcting abnormal oral posture. The objective of this work was to demonstrate the feasibility of measuring the stiffness of ZM using an MR elastography technique that incorporates a custom local driver and a phase-gradient (PG) inversion. Methods2D MRE investigations were performed for 3 healthy subjects using a vibration frequency of 90 Hz to test the prediction that the stiffness of ZM would be greater in the mouth-open compared to the mouth-closed position. MRE wave images were acquired along the long axis of ZM and processed using a 2D spatial-temporal directional filter applied in the direction of wave propagation along the long axis of the muscle. Stiffness measurements were obtained by applying the PG technique to a 1D-profile drawn in the phase image of the first harmonic of the wave images and a one-tailed paired t-test was used to compare the ZM stiffness between the two mouth postures (p < 0.05). ResultsThe mean stiffness and standard deviation (SD) of ZM across the three participants in the mouth-closed and mouth-open postures was 6.75 kPa (SD 3.36 kPa) and 15.5 kPa (SD 5.15 kPa), respectively. Changes of ZM stiffness were significantly greater in the mouth-open than the mouth-closed posture (p = 0.038). ConclusionThe feasibility of using the PG MRE technique to measure stiffness changes in a small muscle such as ZM for different mouth postures has been demonstrated. Further investigations are required in a larger cohort of participants to investigate the sensitivity and reproducibility of the technique for potential clinical application as well as in health and beauty related studies.

Skin Wetting Attenuates the Thermal Strain of Older Adults Exposed to Very Hot and Dry Heat with Accompanying Activities of Daily Living

Heat waves cause more deaths and hospitalizations in the elderly relative to any other age group. Indoor cooling with an air conditioner is an effective strategy to prevent the deleterious health effects of heat. However, air conditioning may not be available to some due to limited access, rising energy costs, power outages, and/or industry/government-imposed rolling blackouts. Thus, there is a clear need to identify non-air conditioning dependent cooling strategies to attenuate excessive elevations in body temperature and associated physiological strain in the elderly during heat wave conditions. Purpose: We tested the hypothesis that supplemental skin wetting via water spray attenuates elevations in core temperature and the accompanying physiological strain in older adults exposed to very hot and dry heat with accompanying activities of daily living. Methods: In a randomized order, 10 older adults (4 Females/6 Males; 74 ± 5 years) were exposed to 3-hours of ambient heating, replicating peak environmental conditions during the 2018 Los Angeles heat wave (47 ºC, 15% relative humidity), with (water spray) or without (control) skin-wetting via tap temperature water (~40 g applied every 10-minutes). To simulate heat generation associated with activities of daily living, participants performed six 5-minute periods of light exercise (~3 METS; metabolic heat production: 2.93 ± 0.42 W/kg in control and 2.95 ± 0.44 W/kg in water spray) dispersed throughout the heat exposure. To maintain euhydration, participants consumed 3 mL/kg/hr of tap-temperature water. We assessed core and skin temperatures, heart rate, whole-body sweat rate, and forearm blood flow (as a surrogate of changes in skin blood flow). We compared data between control and water spray trials using one-tailed paired t-tests. Results: When compared to control, water spray reduced the increase in core temperature by 0.33 ± 0.43 °C (p=0.020), ending skin temperature by 1.83 ± 0.73 °C (p&lt;0.001), and ending heart rate by 6 ± 9 bpm (p=0.033). Whole-body sweat rate was 2.12 ± 1.08 g/min lower with water spray compared to control (p&lt;0.001). However, the increase in forearm blood flow was not different between control (154 ± 74 mL/min) and water spray (149 ± 93 mL/min) trials (p=0.400). Conclusion: These preliminary data show that supplemental skin-wetting via water spray attenuates the thermal (core and skin temperature) and associated physiological strain (heart rate and fluid-loss) of older adults exposed to extreme heat with accompanying activities of daily living. The downstream impact of this reduced thermal strain on cardiac and renal stress should be examined, as these are two of the main causes of heat-related morbidity and mortality. Supported by NIH R01AG069005 (CGC) and AHA 23POST1023065 (ZJM). This is the full abstract presented at the American Physiology Summit 2024 meeting and is only available in HTML format. There are no additional versions or additional content available for this abstract. Physiology was not involved in the peer review process.

The Influence of Implementing Problem-Based E-Modules on Students' Motivation And Learning Outcomes on Colloid Systems Chemistry Materials in Senior High School

The research aims to determine the effect of implementing problem-based e-Modules on student motivation and learning outcomes in colloid system material in class XI SMA Negeri 9 Medan. This research method is descriptive quantitative with taking samples from the population by random sampling as many as 60 students as samples (30 students in class XI-2 as experiments and 30 students in class XI-1 as controls). Data was collected through tests and questionnaires, then analyzed using SPSS 24 for Windows with a one-party t-test. The results of the analysis show that students' chemistry learning motivation increased significantly with the implementation of the e-Module, with the average score of the experimental class (71.33%) being higher than the control class (49.00%). This is supported by the results of the one-party t-test which shows a significance value of 0.001 &lt; 0.05. Apart from that, there is a significant influence on students' chemistry learning outcomes, with the experimental class post-test score (79.67) being higher than the control class (74.5) and the one-tailed t-test significance value of 0.031 &lt; 0.05 . Research also shows a positive correlation between motivation and student learning outcomes with a sig value of 0.026 &lt; 0.05, confirming that the application of problem-based e-Modules contributes to improving student chemistry learning outcomes in colloidal systems material.

YouTube as a Source of Information on Air Pollution: Significance for Community Health.

Air pollution is a pervasive global public health threat. The purpose of this study was to assess the content of 100 widely viewed English language YouTube videos on air pollution using the search term 'air pollution.' Content categories were created using comprehensive fact sheets and were coded as being present or not in each video. Cumulatively, the 100 videos sampled received 32,826,294 views and 303,692 likes, with averages of 328,263 and 3,068 respectively. The majority of videos (n = 72) were created by broadcast or internet-based news, 12 of the videos were created by professionals, 7 were created by a consumer and 9 were created by others. Three kinds of content were featured in a majority (> 50%) of the videos: "sources of pollution," "environmental impacts," and "solutions offered" and the videos covering each of these topics collectively garnered more than 26 million views and 249,000 likes. Independent one-tailed t-tests (α = 0.05) showed an association between covering sources of pollution and the number of views and likes. For both, videos featuring this content had a higher average number of views (467,391.08 vs. 80,924.03, p = .0383) and likes (4,450.78 vs. 647.03, p = .0383). Additionally, videos showing environmental impacts received more views than those that did not (547,901.49 vs. 80,585.43, p = .0373). This research can serve as a starting point to describe information being conveyed about an important global public health problem. Future research is needed to improve understanding about ways to utilize YouTube and other social media for public health education and advocacy to increase consumers' awareness and facilitate the informed decision-making process.

404 Mobile Pupillometry for Detection of Vasospasm, Delayed Cerebral Ischemia, and Neuro Exam Change in Subjects With Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

INTRODUCTION: The pupillary light reflex (PLR) parameters are quantitative biomarkers that can be used to detect neurological disease. Vasospasm complicates aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) trajectory, causing morbidity and mortality. METHODS: We prospectively collected PLR parameters from patients with aSAH admitted to a neurological intensive care unit twice daily using quantitative smartphone pupillometry recordings. PLR parameters included: Maximum pupil diameter (MAX), minimum pupil diameter (MIN), percent change in pupil diameter (CHANGE), latency in beginning of pupil constriction to light (LAT), mean constriction velocity (MCV), maximum constriction velocity (MAXCV), mean dilation velocity (MDV). One-tailed t-tests were performed to determine changes in PLR parameters between the following comparisons: (1) patients with and without radiographic vasospasm (defined by computed tomography angiography (CTA) or digital subtraction angiography (DSA)); (2) patients with and without delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI); and (3) patients with and without neurological exam change due to vasospasm. RESULTS: 42 total subjects were enrolled. For patients with (n = 13) and without (n = 29) radiographic vasospasm, significant PLR parameter differences were observed in: MAX (p = .024) and MIN (p = .0018). For patients with (n = 14) and without (n = 28) DCI, significant PLR parameter differences were observed in: CHANGE (p = .008). For patients with (n = 13) and without (n = 29) neurological exam change due to vasospasm, significant PLR parameter differences were observed in: MIN (34.7 vs 31.7, p = .014), CHANGE (20.6 vs 24.7, p = .025), and LAT (.36 vs .2, p = .0002). All other PLR parameters were not significantly different between groups for the three comparisons. CONCLUSIONS: Quantitative smartphone pupillometry may be of clinical use in the detection of radiographic vasospasm, DCI, and neuro exam changes via separate and distinct parameters from the PLR.

Automatic estimation of hallux valgus angle using deep neural network with axis-based annotation

ObjectivesWe developed the deep neural network (DNN) model to automatically measure hallux valgus angle (HVA) and intermetatarsal angle (IMA) on foot radiographs. The objective is to assess the accuracy of the model by comparing to the manual measurement of foot and ankle surgeons.Materials and methodsA DNN was developed to predict the bone axes of the first proximal phalanx and all metatarsals from the first to the fifth in foot radiographs. The dataset used for model development consisted of 1798 radiographs collected from a population-based cohort and patients at our foot and ankle clinic. The retrospective validation cohort comprised of 92 radiographs obtained from 92 consecutive patients visiting our foot and ankle clinic. The mean absolute error (MAE) between automatic measurements by the model and the median of manual measurements by three foot and ankle surgeons was compared to 3° using one-tailed t-test and was also compared to the inter-rater difference in manual measurements among the three surgeons using two-tailed paired t-test.ResultsThe MAE for HVA was 1.3° (upper limit of 95% CI 1.6°), and this was significantly smaller than the inter-rater difference of 2.0 ± 0.2° among the surgeons, demonstrating the superior accuracy of the model. In contrast, the MAE for IMA was 0.8° (upper limit of 95% CI 1.0°) that showed no significant difference from the inter-rater difference of 1.0 ± 0.1° among the surgeons.ConclusionOur model demonstrated the ability to measure the HVA and IMA with an accuracy comparable to that of specialists.

You better listen to yourself: studying metacognitive efficiency in emotion recognition by voice

PurposeMetacognition, or the ability to monitor the performance of oneself, is known for its fundamental importance for human behavior adjustments. However, studies of metacognition in social behaviors focused on emotion recognition are relatively scarce. In the current study, we aimed to examine the effectiveness of metacognition, measured by self-rated confidence in voice emotion recognition tasks within healthy individuals.MethodsWe collected 180 audio-recorded lexical sentences portraying discrete emotions: anger, happiness, sadness, fear, surprise, and neutrality expressions. Upon listening to voice stimuli, participants (N = 100; 50 females, 50 males) completed the perception task of recognition of emotion. After each trial, a confidence rating (CR) was assigned.ResultsA series of one-tailed t-tests showed that the differences in mean CRs assigned to correct and incorrect performances were significant for all emotions and neutral expression.ConclusionsOur preliminary results demonstrate efficiency in metacognition of emotion recognition by voice. Theoretically, our results support the difference between accuracy in metacognition, measured by CR, and efficiency in metacognition, as it specified the CR between correct and incorrect performance. To gain better insights into practical issues, further studies are needed to examine whether and what are the differences between accuracy and efficiency in metacognition, as part of social communication.

An artificial intelligence language model improves readability of burns first aid information

AimsThis study aimed to assess the potential of using an artificial intelligence (AI) large language model to improve the readability of burns first aid information. MethodsAn AI language model (ChatGPT-3) was used to rewrite content from the top 50 English-language webpages containing burns first aid information to be understandable by an individual with the literacy level of an 11-year-old, as recommended by the American Medical Association and Health Education England. The assessment of readability was conducted using five validated tools. ResultsIn their original form, only 4% of the patient education materials (PEMs) met the target readability level across all tools. The median grade was 6.9 (SD=1.1). One-sample one-tailed t-test revealed that this was not significantly below the target (p = .31). After AI-modification, 18% of PEMs reached the target level using all tools, with a median grade of 6 (SD=0.9), which was significantly below the target level (p < .001). Once rewritten using AI, paired t-test demonstrated that all readability scores improved significantly (p < .001). ConclusionUtilising an AI language model proved an effective and viable method for enhancing readability of burns first aid information.

(231) Low-Intensity Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy Twice Per Week for Six Weeks May Result in Transient Subjective Improvements in Erectile Function

Abstract Introduction Low-intensity extracorporeal shockwave therapy (LiESWT) has been reported to result in subjective improvements in erectile function, but the ideal patient population and treatment protocol have not yet been established. Objective We aimed to assess improvements in International Index of Erectile Function – Erectile Function domain (IIEF-EF) scores following treatment with LiESWT of 1500 shocks of 0.2mJ/mm2 per treatment, twice a week for six weeks. We hypothesized that LiESWT results in subjective improvements of erectile function. Methods Patients were prospectively enrolled in a clinical trial examining changes in erectile function following LiESWT. The study was powered to detect a change in IIEF-EF scores of 5 points. Patients received 12 bi-weekly LiESWT treatments of 0.2mJ/mm2 at 5Hz, 1500 shocks delivered per treatment using the Storz Duolith T-Top Ultra shockwave device. Patients completed IIEF-EF, Sexual Encounter Profile (SEP) questions two and three, Global Assessment Questions (GAQ), and Erection Hardness Score (EHS) questionnaires prior to initiation of treatments and following completion of treatments at 1-2 weeks, 4-6 weeks, 3 months and 6 months post-treatment. Changes in questionnaire responses were compared to baseline responses. Data were analyzed using single variant one-tailed T-tests and one-tailed Fisher’s exact test. Values are reported as means ± standard error. Results Twenty-five patients completed all five study visits. Mean pre-treatment IIEF-EF score was 14.24 ± 1.21. Mean IIEF-EF scores increased to 15.80 ± 1.46 1-2 weeks following treatment (Study Time #2), 16.12 ± 1.46 4-6 weeks following treatment (Study Time #3), 18.12 ± 1.57 3 months following treatment (Study Time #4), and 16.36 ± 1.86 6 months following treatment (Study Time #5), though results only reached significance at Study Time #4 (p=0.016) and results were not sustained. Changes in IIEF-EF scores following treatment were evaluated by baseline ED severity (normal IIEF-EF 26-30, N=1; mild IIEF-EF 22-25, N=2; mild-moderate IIEF-EF 17-21, N=7; moderate IIEF-EF 11-16, N=10; severe IIEF-EF 6-10, N=5. Patients with IIEF-EF scores 11-21 reported significant improvements in IIEF-EF scores at all time points (Figure 1). Mean pre-treatment EHS score was 2.1±0.14. There was no significant improvement in EHS score following treatment at any time point, and no differences when analyzed based on pre-treatment ED severity. Similarly, no changes in SEP or GAQ positive response rates were noted following treatment. Conclusions Our results suggest that LiESWT using 1500 shocks per treatment with energy of 0.2mJ/mm2 twice per week for 6 weeks may transiently improve subjective erectile function as measured using IIEF-EF questionnaires, particularly for patients with mild-moderate to moderately severe ED, consistent with other studies. However, improvements may not be sustained 6 months following treatment. Disclosure No.

Integrated environmental education physics project to enhance student creativity

This study aims to describe the results of research on physics education integrated with environmental issues, especially related to climate change, through literature review and its implementation in schools. The aspects observed include the feasibility, effectiveness, and student responses to the implementation of integrated physics learning with environmental education related to climate change to enhance creativity. The research method used was quantitative research with a true experimental design involving pretest and posttest control groups. The subjects of the study were science students in public secondary schools in Jombang, divided into experimental and control groups. The research data were processed using observation sheets for the feasibility of learning, prerequisite tests including tests for data normality and homogeneity, paired t-tests, two-tailed t-tests, one-tailed t-tests, n-gain tests, effect size, and student response questionnaires. Based on the research findings, it can be concluded that (1) there is a significant difference in students' creativity before and after the implementation of integrated physics learning with environmental education related to climate change, with the experimental group experiencing a higher increase compared to the control group, indicating the effectiveness of integrated physics learning with environmental education. (2) Student responses after the implementation of integrated physics learning with environmental education related to climate change were categorized as excellent. Therefore, as an initial study, it can be stated that climate change education can be implemented in the form of project performance and has an impact on student creativity.

Synergistic Protection of Retinal Ganglion Cells (RGCs) by SARM1 Inactivation with CNTF in a Rodent Model of Nonarteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy.

We evaluated whether inhibiting sterile alpha and (Toll/interleukin receptor (TIR)) motif-containing 1 (SARM1) activity protects retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) following ischemic axonopathy (rodent nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy: rNAION) by itself and combined with ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF). Genetically modified SARM1(-) rats were rNAION-induced in one eye and compared against equivalently induced wild-type animals of the same background. Optic nerve (ON) diameters were quantified using optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT). RGCs were quantified 30 d post-induction using retinal stereology for Brn3a(+) nuclei. ON sections were analyzed by TEM and immunohistochemistry. SARM1(-)(-) and WT animals were then bilaterally sequentially rNAION-induced. One eye received intravitreal vehicle injection following induction; the contralateral side received CNTF and was analyzed 30 d post-induction. Inhibiting SARM1 activity suppressed axonal collapse following ischemic axonopathy. SARM1(-) animals significantly reduced RGC loss, compared with WT animals (49.4 ± 6.8% RGC loss in SARM1(-) vs. 63.6 ± 3.2% sem RGC loss in WT; Mann-Whitney one-tailed U-test, (p = 0.049)). IVT-CNTF treatment vs. IVT-vehicle in SARM1(-) animals further reduced RGC loss by 24% at 30 d post-induction, but CNTF did not, by itself, improve long-term RGC survival in WT animals compared with vehicle (Mann-Whitney one-tailed t-test; p = 0.033). While inhibiting SARM1 activity is itself neuroprotective, combining SARM1 inhibition and CNTF treatment generated a long-term, synergistic neuroprotective effect in ischemic neuropathy. Combinatorial treatments for NAION utilizing independent neuroprotective mechanisms may thus provide a greater effect than individual treatment modalities.