Preference Ratings Research Articles

More repeated exposures, lower preference ratings: exploring the factors impacting on visual aesthetic fatigue

More repeated exposures, lower preference ratings: exploring the factors impacting on visual aesthetic fatigue

Young Black and White adults prefer in-person to telehealth for primary care visits and group health promotion programs.

Telehealth utilization has increased since the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, reducing barriers to healthcare and, potentially, reducing participation in group health-promotion interventions. However, preferences for telehealth versus in-person formats have not been established. To examine preferences for telehealth and in-person format for primary care and group health-promotion interventions among Black and White women and men aged 20-39. We hypothesized that respondents would report a higher preference for telehealth than in-person appointments. This cross-sectional survey study recruited participants to answer questions about access to technology and preferences for telehealth and in-person formats of primary care and group health promotion. Respondents (n = 404) included similar proportions of White women (24.3%, 26.4 ± 4.3 years), Black women (25.0%, 29.0 ± 6.1 years), White men (25.9%, 32.8 ± 4.5 years), and Black men (24.8%, 30.6 ± 5.2 years). About 98.5% reported having a smartphone, and 80.4% had access to a computer with a camera. Preference ratings were higher for in-person visits, compared to telehealth visits, for both primary care (M = 3.86 ± 1.13 vs. M = 2.87 ± 1.18) and group health promotion (M = 3.72 ± 1.12 vs. M = 3.04 ± 1.20) F's(1,400) > 59.0, P's < .001. Most young adults have access to technology, supporting the feasibility of telehealth interventions. However, telehealth preference ratings were lower than in-person appointments. Preferences for delivery formats should be considered when designing behavioral interventions to promote health and prevent disease.

Impact of cable lock distribution on firearm securement after emergent mental health evaluation: a randomized controlled trial.

Suicide-related presentations to pediatric emergency departments (PED) have increased in recent years. PED providers have the opportunity to reduce suicide risk by counseling on restricting access to lethal means. Supplementing lethal means counseling (LMC) with safety device distribution is effective in improving home safety practices. Data on PED-based LMC in high-risk patient populations is limited. The objective of this study was to determine if caregivers of children presenting to PED for mental health evaluation were more likely to secure all household firearms if given cable-style gun locks in addition to LMC. In this randomized controlled trial, caregivers completed a survey regarding storage practices of firearms and medication in the home. Participants were randomized to receive LMC (control) or LMC plus 2 cable-style gun locks (intervention). Follow-up survey was distributed 1 month after encounter. Primary outcome was proportion of households reporting all household firearms secured at follow-up. Secondary outcomes included: removal of lethal means from the home, purchase of additional safety devices, use of PED-provided locks (intervention only), and acceptability of PED-based LMC. Two hundred participants were enrolled and randomized. Comparable portions of study groups completed follow-up surveys. Control and intervention arms had similar proportions of households reporting all firearms secured at baseline (89.9% vs. 82.2%, p = 0.209) and follow-up (97.1% vs. 98.5%, p = 0.96), respectively. Other safety behaviors such as removal of firearms (17.6% vs. 11.8%, p = 0.732), removal of medication (19.1% vs. 13.2%, p = 0.361), and purchase of additional safety devices (66.2% vs. 61.8%, p = 0.721) were also alike between the two groups. Both groups held favorable views of PED-based counseling. Within the intervention group, 70% reported use of provided locks. Preference for a different style of securement device was the most cited reason among those not using PED-provided locks. PED-based LMC is a favorably-viewed, effective tool for improving home safety practices in families of high-risk children. Provision of cable-style gun locks did not improve rate of firearm securement compared LMC alone-likely due to high baseline rates of firearm securement and preference for different style of lock among non-utilizers. ID: NCT05568901 . gov. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ . Retrospectively registered October 6, 2022. First participant enrollment: June 28, 2021.

A randomized controlled trial on the nomenclature of scientific computing

ABSTRACT Background and Context Data science and statistics are used across a broad spectrum of professions, experience levels and programming languages. The popular scientific computing languages, such as Matlab, Python and R, were organized without using empirical methods to show evidence for or against their design choices, resulting in them feeling eclectic or esoteric in their design. Objective To meaningfully organize scientific computing based on evidence gathered through user feedback, build a statistical package based on the findings and provide a replication packet to run similar studies on people with different backgrounds. Method A randomized controlled trial using a weighted, ranked choice survey (n = 118) with between-subjects design having two independent variables: Language Group (Matlab, Python and R) and Method Name options. Our dependent variable was a normalized preference rating. Findings There was a very small interaction between Language Group and Method Name. Language Group did not have a statistically significant effect, but Method Name did (F(4, 27037) = 2211.23, p < .001)( η p 2 = .247). Finally, many names in Matlab, Python and R were ranked so poorly that they were not statistically significantly different from a random word in 63.0%, 62.2% and 30.4% of concepts respectively. Implications We found organized and structured names were ranked by a large margin, suggesting statistical programming today likely needs considerable improvement. Finally, we outline a statistical package built using these principles, provide comparison scripts and describe some of the challenges from going from simple surveys to in-practice libraries.

Diversity and ethnobotanical study of homegarden plants in Goba district, Oromia region, Ethiopia

Homegardens are one of the most diverse agroforestry systems and make a vital contribution to meeting various household needs, especially for smallholder farmers in developing countries. The aim of this study was to record the diversity and use of homegarden plant species in the Goba District. The households were randomly selected from five kebeles, with the number selected proportionate to the size of each kebele using the probability proportional to size (PPS) calculation. Seventy-one homegarden owners were chosen for the detailed study and data collection. Of the fifteen kebeles in the Goba District, five kebeles were chosen at random. Observations, semi-structured interviews, preference rating, direct matrix rankings, and paired comparisons were the methods used to gather ethno-botanical data. Descriptive statistical approaches, including density, frequency, relative frequency, relative density, and the Shannon and Wiener indices for species diversity were used to analyze the data. A total of 67 plant species belonging to 31 families were identified. Of the 67 plant species, 36 (or 54%) were herbs, 15 (or 22%) were tree species, 22% shrubs, and 2% were climbers. Twenty-eight (20.8%) species collected from homegardens had food and forage value, 17 (25.3%) had fence value, 12 (18%) had shade value, and 23 (34.3%) had medicinal value; moreover, 90% of the homes had home gardens, indicating that farmers value gardening plants that helps improve household food security and revenue generation. The involvement of the local population and government institutions in providing awareness through instruction or training on the sustainable use and management of plant resources is vital to conserve homegarden plants.

In Situ Videography Quantifies Temporal and Spatial Variation in Prey Consumption and Energy Intake by Stream‐Dwelling Bull Trout (Salvelinus confluentus)

ABSTRACTIn stream ecosystems, invertebrates are a principal source of prey for many fishes, but their abundance as a food source depends on the predator's ability to exploit them in time and space. Although salmonid fishes are commonly thought of as daytime drift‐feeding predators of invertebrates in streams, they exhibit great flexibility in foraging behaviour and may also consume prey from the benthos and at night. Char species, (Salvelinus sp.), in particular, may be better adapted to forage under low light conditions due to greater scotopic sensitivity than other salmonids. In this study, we used in situ or in place videography to quantify the foraging behaviour of bull trout (Salvelinus confluentus) and determine when and where they capture prey. We found that bull trout were primarily daytime predators of invertebrates drifting in the water column, and that they rarely captured prey from the benthos or foraged at night. We did observe size‐related differences and seasonal declines in foraging rate from summer to fall months. A modelled estimate of energy intake indicates that daytime drift‐feeding by small size classes of bull trout was above that needed for a maximum daily ration under a range of assumptions about prey size and prey retention rates. Energy intake rates for larger fish were more dependent on assumptions of preferred prey size and prey retention rates. Our data indicate that daytime measures of invertebrate drift abundance and size are the most inclusive measure of food abundance for stream‐dwelling bull trout.

Jaguar at the Edge: movement patterns in human-altered landscapes

Human-caused habitat loss and fragmentation have significantly impacted the natural environments of large carnivores, altering their movement patterns and increasing risks such as hunting and road collisions. This study aims to understand the movement of jaguars (Panthera onca) through forests, agriculture of varying patch sizes, their distances to these structures, and roads and drainages. By analyzing movement speed, revisits, time spent inside these structures, and the timing of the last visit, data from 54 GPS-tagged jaguars in South America reveal a pronounced tendency to revisit the edges of these landscape variables. Additionally, jaguars showed a stronger affinity for natural areas, spending more time in large forest patches and reducing their speed in natural drainages. Areas with extensive agriculture had fewer revisits, and jaguars moved faster near roads. These results demonstrate the level of tolerance and the dangers this species faces in a landscape with anthropogenic aspects. This comprehensive assessment of movement patterns and landscape use provides valuable insights into how landscape structure influences habitat preference and mobility rates, which is crucial for future jaguar conservation and management strategies.

Utilization patterns and preferences of telemedicine services in the post-Covid-19 era in Israel

Abstract Background While telemedicine can streamline healthcare delivery, suboptimal use may compromise care quality and access. Given the increased adoption of these services during and after the Covid-19 pandemic, understanding best practices through examination of utilization patterns and patient preferences is crucial. This study estimated utilization rates, patient preferences and perceptions of response received for different physician-encounter channels for common clinical and administrative scenarios. Methods Cross-sectional telephone survey in Hebrew or Arabic of 519 Israelis who contacted a doctor in the past year for clinical or administrative needs. Data collected during April-June 2023, focused on chosen contact channel, reasons for choice, perceived response adequacy, and hypothetical future preferences. Findings 78% of encounters with family physician for clinical need were in-person, with lower rates for phone (16%) or messaging (6%); in-person dominated with encounters with specialists (94%). Conversely, for administrative needs, more used phone (15%) or messaging (48%), though 37% still preferred in-person encounter. Video usage was negligible (&amp;lt;1%). Main reasons for in-person choice were perceived need for physical exam, habit, or negative perception of remote service quality. Convenience/exam-free needs drove phone/messaging use. While most patients were satisfied with their chosen channels, phone consultations had lower future preference rates. Conclusions Matching channel to need is crucial. Physical exams require in-person visits, though they are not always required and many stick with in-person out of habit; remote options like messaging can streamline administrative tasks. Patient education could address habits and help familiarize patients with new options. Optimizing phone visits and promoting video options could enhance adoption due to their benefits. Key messages • In-person visits are preferred for clinical needs, while messaging/phone are underutilized for administrative tasks, highlighting missed opportunities for convenient telemedicine options. • Addressing patient habits and perceptions around remote healthcare channels is crucial for optimizing telemedicine adoption and streamlining care delivery.

Intervention effects of Naoxintong capsules on psychological and cardiac status in depressed rats after heart failure

Abstract Background Depression is a common clinical phenomenon in the patients with heart failure (HF). In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), diseases in the brain and heart are thought to be correlated and interact. Naoxintong capsules (NXT) has been used for treating cardio-cerebrovascular diseases, while its therapeutic effect on depression after HF remains unclear. Objective The aim of the study is to evaluate the intervention effect of NXT on depression after HF. Methods Sprague-Dawley rats were assigned into the following 5 groups: sham, model, NXT (250, 1000 mg/kg), and valsartan (8 mg/kg). Coronary artery occlusion was performed to induce HF and subsequent depression in rats. The cardiac function was evaluated by echocardiography, hematoxylin-eosin staining, and Masson trichrome staining. The sucrose preference test and Morris water maze test were carried out to assess the depressive behaviors in rats. The ultrastructure of hippocampal CA1 neurons was observed and the levels of corticotropin-releasing hormone in the hypothalamus, brain-derived neurotrophic factor in the cortex, and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) in the plasma were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The levels of dopamine, 5-hydroxytryptamine, norepinephrine, and γ-aminobutyric acid in the hippocampus were measured by UPLC-QQQ-MS. Results NXT reduced myocardial injury and pathological changes in the cardiac tissue and increased the left ventricular ejection fraction, left ventricular fractional shortening, and cardiac output. NXT increased the sugar preference rate and number of crossings and shortened the escape latency. Furthermore, the NXT treatment restored the levels of corticotropin-releasing hormone, adrenocorticotropic hormone, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, dopamine, and γ-aminobutyric acid to the baseline values. Conclusions NXT not only demonstrates cardioprotective effect but also attenuates depression in the rats after HF. It may exert the antidepressant effect by inhibiting the hyperactivity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and recovering the levels of neurotrophic factors and neurotransmitters.

Differences Between Intravenous and Subcutaneous Modes of Administration in Oncology from the Patient, Healthcare Provider, and Healthcare System Perspectives: A Systematic Review.

While patients with cancer have traditionally received oncology treatments through intravenous (IV) administration, some therapies are becoming available via alternative modes of administration, such as subcutaneous (SC). This study aimed to evaluate IV versus SC therapy administration from the perspectives of the patient, healthcare provider (HCP), and healthcare system. A systematic review was conducted, searching MEDLINE and Embase databases from 2000 to 2022. This was supplemented with grey literature searches of additional sources such as conference proceedings. Observational studies and clinical trials were included if they assessed adult patients with any cancer type who were treated with pharmacologic therapies administered via IV or SC and included patient- or HCP-reported outcomes or healthcare system perspectives on the mode of administration. Records identified by the literature search were screened by two independent reviewers. Included studies were data extracted by a single reviewer and validated by a second reviewer and synthesized using a narrative approach. After screening, 33 unique studies were included in the systematic review. Patients and HCPs reported substantially more favorable preference rates for SC over IV treatment. Additionally, from the patient perspective there were reductions in treatment time and economic burden for SC compared with IV therapy. From the HCP's perspective, treatment time was consistently reduced by SC compared with IV treatment administration. Although information on the impact of SC and IV treatments for oncology on healthcare systems was limited, the use of SC formulations showed consistent cost savings (direct costs) and time savings from this perspective considering various uptake scenarios compared with IV administration. Compared with IV administration, SC oncology treatment is a preferred option by patients and HCPs, increasing optionality and reducing treatment time while simultaneously increasing capacity and reducing the financial burden on healthcare systems.

Determining the thermal comfort of naturally ventilated state colleges located in Madhya Pradesh, India

ABSTRACT Through the establishment of optimal thermal conditions, educational institutions can develop an environment favourable to learning, concentration, and academic achievements. Additionally, comfortable temperatures can contribute to the overall well-being and satisfaction of both students and teachers, fostering a positive educational experience. In this study, we aimed to determine the impacts of environmental factors on students’ thermal comfort in three state colleges of Madhya Pradesh. A total of 784 students participated in a questionnaire study conducted during May (Summer season), August (Monsoon season), October (Autumn season), and December (Winter season) of 2023 to assess occupants’ degree of clothing, temperature preference, and metabolic rates. Indoor and outdoor temperatures, relative humidity, and air velocity were measured using an anemometer. Throughout the study period, the thermal comfort range was determined to be between 21.5°C and 28.5°C, with 25°C as the neutral temperature. It has been noted that the clothing pattern varies during the year (0.47-0.85 Clo). Additionally, implementation of the adaptation strategies, such as switching on and off fans or opening windows, helped lessen discomfort in the classroom. The findings indicate that, in contrast to the other seasons, the summers brought exceptionally high levels of heat discomfort to the occupants.

Variables Associated With Favorable Obstetrical Outcomes in Early Pregnancy Bleeding in the Emergency Department.

Background Vaginal bleeding in early pregnancy is a frequent emergency department presentation and is associated with various obstetrical outcomes. Despite this, there has been limited research on the variables that predict less-than-preferred obstetrical outcomes in these cases. This study aims to identify predictors of preferred obstetrical outcomes for women presenting to the emergency department with early pregnancy bleeding. Methods We conducted a retrospective review of health records from an emergency department at a Canadian tertiary care center. Pregnant females presenting with vaginal bleeding before 20 weeks gestation were included. Variables analyzed included maternal age, gravidity, parity, hemoglobin levels, Rh status, cramping, socioeconomic status, and ultrasound findings. The primary outcome was a preferred outcome, defined as a full-term live birth (≥37 weeks). Less-preferred outcomes included miscarriage, preterm birth, and stillbirth. Point-of-care ultrasound and radiology ultrasound findings were also evaluated. Results A total of 422 patients were screened, and 180 were included in the analysis. Overall, 75 (41.7%) patients had a preferred outcome, while 105 (58.3%) had a less-preferred outcome. The strongest predictor of a preferred outcome was the presence of a live intrauterine pregnancy with fetal heartbeat onultrasound, with a preferred outcome rate of 74.5% (56/76) (95% CI 59.8-88.7; p < 0.01) on point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS), and 100% (65/65); p = 0.04 for radiology-performed ultrasound. In contrast, 80.8% (21/26) of patients with findings other than a live intrauterine pregnancy onPOCUS, and 100% (88/88) on radiology-performed ultrasound had a less-preferred outcome. Cramping with bleeding was associated with a higher rate of less-than-preferred outcomes (62.1%, 77/124; 95% CI 54.2-71.1; p = 0.07). Socioeconomic status was not a significant predictor, with similar outcomes above and below the poverty line. Anemia was associated with a 100% non-live birth rate, although only 5 patients were anemic. Conclusion Identification of a live intrauterine pregnancy onultrasound is a strong predictor of a preferred outcome in early pregnancy bleeding. POCUS has the advantage of being immediately available, whereas radiology-performed ultrasound may be more definitive as a predictor. Cramping and anemia may also be associated with less-preferred outcomes, though further research is needed to confirm these findings. These predictors may help guide clinical decision-making and improve counseling for patients presenting to the emergency department with early pregnancy bleeding.

7089 The Effects of Asprosin on Reproductive Parameters in the Rats

Abstract Disclosure: H. Kelestimur: None. Z. Oz: None. M. Ozdede: None. &amp;. Serhatlioglu: None. E. Kacar: None. B. Yilmaz: None. Purpose: Asprosin, a novel glucogenic adipokine produced by the fibrillin 1 (FBN1) gene, is integral to the body's energy regulation processes. Generated and released by white adipose tissue during fasting, asprosin affects the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis, impacting reproduction. While its effects on metabolic parameters are well established, the understanding of its impact on reproductive health and functionality is still emerging. This study investigates the effects of exogenous asprosin administration on the reproductive capabilities of male and female rats. Materials and Methods: Forty-eight Sprague-Dawley rats, 21 days old and weighing 35±2 grams, were divided into control and asprosin-treated groups (n = 12 per group, for both genders). This approach allowed direct comparison between treated and untreated groups. From postnatal day 21, treatment groups received daily intraperitoneal injections of asprosin (500 ng/kg) for ten weeks (male) and eight weeks (female), while control groups received only saline (1 ml/kg). The study examined various reproductive parameters, including those related to pubertal maturation and sexual behavior, and conducted hormonal analyses on blood samples collected at the experiment's conclusion. Results: Asprosin administration did not alter puberty onset or weight in either gender. However, asprosin-treated rats showed significantly earlier sperm formation in males and earlier estrus in females compared to controls. In male sexual behavior, asprosin reduced intromission latency and increased ejaculation frequency. While interaction with females remained unchanged, asprosin notably increased time near males and male preference ratio. The rate of male investigation preference and the activity index (frequency of passing through the test device's center) also significantly increased in the asprosin-treated group. Conclusion: These findings suggest that asprosin may stimulate the reproductive system in both male and female rats. They highlight the potential role of asprosin in reproductive biology and underscore the need for further research to fully understand the mechanisms by which asprosin influences reproduction. Such studies could significantly advance our knowledge in endocrine regulation. Acknowledgement: This study was supported by TUBITAK (Project No: 220S744). Presentation: 6/1/2024

Do patients’ preferences and expectations match clinical guidelines? A survey of individuals seeking private primary care for a musculoskeletal disorder

BackgroundPhysiotherapists often inconsistently adhere to clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) when managing musculoskeletal disorders (MSKDs), potentially due to discrepancies between patient-valued interventions and guideline recommendations. Since patients’ expectations are important predictors of outcome, this disparity between CPGs recommendations and patient preferences could be problematic for the effective care of MSKDs. ObjectivesTo assess patients’ expectations and preferences for the interventions used in their MSKD management and to establish correspondence rates between patients' preferences and recommendations from CPGs. DesignSurvey. MethodThis cross-sectional descriptive study included a survey on sociodemographics, preferences, and expectations towards interventions for their MSKD, acceptable cost of care, number of treatment sessions required, and their involvement in their MSKD management. ResultsOne hundred and fifty participants (94 women and 56 men; mean age: 51 ± 17) responded to the survey. Eighty percent of respondents expected their involvement in their MSKD management to be equal to or superior than that of the physiotherapist. Sixty-nine percent of respondents expected to receive exercises, and 67% expected to receive education. Based on preference ratings, 95% of respondents chose recommended interventions, 57% chose interventions with uncertain levels of recommendation, and 48% chose interventions not recommended by CPGs. ConclusionLess than 70% of participants expected to receive education and exercises, the two most frequently recommended interventions by CPGs. On the other hand, the majority of respondents indicated that their involvement should be equal to or superior than that of the physiotherapist. This aligns with CPGs, which advocate for active and self-management strategies.

Phacoemulsification practices: A comprehensive analysis of the surgical landscape in Sweden 2021-2022.

This cross-sectional survey study aimed to explore the phacoemulsification techniques among Swedish cataract surgeons, and investigate the association between technique preferences and surgical outcomes, particularly posterior capsular rupture (PCR). A survey questionnaire was responded by 170 cataract surgeons and data from 192 494 cases, linked to the surgeons, were analysed from the Swedish National Cataract Registry (SNCR) for 2021-2022. Surgeons' demographic characteristics, surgical techniques and complications were assessed. Associations between surgical technique preferences and outcomes were analysed with binary logistic regression. The chopping technique (stop and chop or direct chop) was favoured by 64.6% of surgeons, followed by divide and conquer (32.4%), and tilt and tumble (7.6%). Surgeons' annual caseloads varied widely (range 11-2687). No significant correlation was found between technique preference and PCR rates, which was consistently 0.5%-0.6% in all groups, except for a trend suggesting reduced risk with tilt and tumble. Mentoring activity (35.0%) and public surgical setting (40.3%) was highest in the direct chop group. Notably, 75% of the surgeries were performed by surgeons with more than 10 years' experience. Confounding factors, such as high-volume surgeons having a low frequency of complications, have been accounted for in a logistic regression. This study provides insights into cataract surgery practices in Sweden and suggests that surgeons can choose their preferred approach without significantly affecting complication rates. This research also underscores the need for continued exploration of surgical practices and their impact on patient outcomes, particularly in the case of the tilt and tumble technique, which is less commonly employed.

On process stability and sustainability of controlled-Electro Chemical Discharge Machining (ECDM)

ABSTRACT To mitigate the transmission losses, glass vias have the potential to replace silicon vias in wireless transmission systems. In the wake of limitations of the existing methods, ECDM is an evolving process for glass micro drilling. However, the process control of ECDM is compromised due to variation in electrolytic conditions in terms of concentration and temperature. As a result, poor stability and sustainability hampers the commercial viability of the ECDM process. Therefore, present communication attempted to enhance the stability and sustainability of the ECDM with a novel approach and termed as controlled-ECDM. Subsequently, the process stability (real time based) of the controlled-ECDM has been compared with basic-ECDM using the user’s preference rating and I-MR chart. The results indicated a 20.65% gain in overall stability by controlled-ECDM. Additionally, the assessment of electrolyte emissions and performance on the radar graph indicated an improvement in the sustainability of the process.

Clinicians’ perspectives, inducements, preferences, and clinical experiences regarding the use of electronic apex locator and apex locator integrated engine-driven instrumentation: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundThis study aimed to investigate the perspectives, preferences, and clinical experiences regarding using electronic apex locator and apex locator integrated instrumentation of dentists and endodontists.MethodsA web-based questionnaire consisting of 3 parts and 23 closed-ended questions to achieve the objective of the study was carried out in ethical conditions between August and October 2023. The first part of survey included demographic information, while the second part was about evaluating electronic apex locator usage. In the last part, only participants’ use of apex locator-integrated instrumentation was evaluated. Data were analyzed at a significance level of p < 0.05.ResultsA total of 297 clinicians, including 59 endodontists and 34 endodontic residents/Ph.D. students participated in the questionnaire. Endodontists and endodontic residents/Ph.D. students perform statistically significantly more root canal treatments per week on average (p = 0.001). For the working length determination method (multiple option question), 78.5% of participants use an electronic apex locator and 39.7% apex locator-integrated engines. However, the preference rate for electronic apex determination technique was generally 95.6%, with the full rate confirmation of endodontists and endodontic residents/Ph.D. students (100%). A total of 21 endodontists out of 59 prefer apex locator integrated engine-driven instrumentation. Although many of these specialized clinicians use this technique, they stated that they measure electronic working length passively for confirmation of the working length before (90.5%) and after the preparation (66.7%).ConclusionsDentists, as well as endodontists, are skeptical about apex locator-integrated engine-driven instrumentation. Using this technique as a supporter rather than a primary way for preparation within safe limits may give safer results in terms of treatment outcomes.

Insights into Probiotic Prescription among Gastroenterologists and Other Healthcare Professionals: Evidence from an Italian Survey.

Background: Probiotics, which are live microorganisms that provide health benefits, have been extensively studied for their various clinical applications. However, despite their potential, high-quality data supporting their use in several gastrointestinal diseases are often lacking, and prescription behaviors can widely differ. This study aimed to assess different behaviors in probiotics knowledge and prescriptions among Italian gastroenterologists and healthcare professionals (HPs). Methods: A web-based electronic survey was distributed to all participants at the National Meeting of the Italian Young Gastroenterologist and Endoscopist Association (AGGEI) held in 2023. The survey investigated probiotic prescription practices for several gastrointestinal conditions, such as acute diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, and diverticular disease. Results: Among 200 participants, 142 completed the survey, of whom 59 were gastroenterologists and 83 were HPs (surgeons, nutrition biologists, and other physicians). Significant differences were observed in the prescription of probiotics for the treatment of acute diarrhea and H. pylori. Both groups prescribed probiotics in monthly cycles for patients with IBS, although the majority prescribed multistrain formulations. Gastroenterologists were more likely to prescribe cyclic courses for IBS, while HPs tended to continue therapy by changing the probiotic strain in case of inefficacy. For ulcerative colitis, gastroenterologists prescribed probiotics more but for shorter durations. In Crohn's disease, gastroenterologists prescribed probiotics less and were less likely to prescribe multistrain formulations. Regarding SUDD, gastroenterologists tended to prescribe probiotics less frequently, although without a significant difference, with similar rates of preference for multistrain formulations. Conclusions: This survey highlights heterogeneous behaviors in probiotic prescription between gastroenterologists and HPs, with gastroenterologists more aligned with guidelines and available scientific evidence. Hence, enhancing probiotic education among healthcare professionals and gastroenterologists is crucial. Further studies are needed to better understand probiotics' role in gastrointestinal disorders through large-scale randomized controlled trials.

(Invited) The Electrochemical-Mechanical Coupled Interface Contacts during Lithium Plating and Stripping

The current density during battery operation is often assumed uniform across the entire electrode surface. This may be valid for conformal solid/liquid interfaces; however, solid/solid interfaces generally have imperfect contacts. By introducing the contact area ratio, γ, to the electrochemical model, it can be demonstrated clearly that the effective current density scales linearly with the 1/γ and the overpotential scales exponentially with contact area loss, 1-γ.The calculation of surface contact area must consider the multi-length-scale nature of surface roughness. Assuming surface roughness is self-affine, Bo Persson’s multiscale contact mechanics model for elastic materials can be used for the cathode/solid electrolyte interface to predict the necessary pressure to maintain the original contact area. [1]However, the most challenging process is Li-stripping, as the vacancy generated by each Li atom removed from the interfaces can accumulate and generate voids, reducing the contact area. However, under an applied stack pressure, the self-affine property will reach a steady state interface contact ratio (γo.) in different length scales. Thus, we proposed a coupled atomistic-and-continuum model, which will capture Li striping and vacancy hopping and accumulation near the Li/SE interface with Density Functional Theory (DFT) informed Kinetic Monte Carlo (KMC) simulations and predict the macroscopic contact area evolution according to the macroscopic creep law with finite element simulations (FEM). The creep rate will be mapped to preferred forward hopping rates for all the Li atoms at the atomic scale. Solving these models iteratively leads to a steady contact area ratio (γo.). Generally, lithiophilic interface requires less stack pressure to maintain a flat surface while a higher stack pressure is needed at lithiophobic interfaces to accelerate Li vacancy diffusion into the bulk and maintain a flat surface. This critical stack pressure needs to be high enough to alter the Li forward-and-backward hopping barriers at the interface. This predictive multiscale simulation scheme was able to combine multiple chemical-mechanical effects during Li stripping morphology evolution. [2,3] [1] Hong-Kang Tian and Yue Qi, Electrochem. Soc. 2017, 164, E3512[2] T. Yang and Y. Qi, Chem. Mat. 2021, 33, 2814-2823[3] Feng, C.T. Yang, and Y. Qi, J. Electrochem. Soc. 2022, 169, 090526

Effect of Adding Jackfruit Dami (Artocarpus heterophyllus) on the Sensory and Chemical Characteristics of Red Dragon Fruit (Hylocereus polyrhizus) Fruit Leather

This research explores how the use of jackfruit mesocarp waste can improve the sensory and chemical aspects of red dragon fruit skin, considering the high pectin and fiber content in jackfruit dami, despite its lack of taste and color. Red dragon fruit is added to compensate for this deficiency. The research used a Completely Randomized Block Design with five comparisons of red dragon fruit and jackfruit dami: 100% : 0%, 75% : 25%, 50% : 50%, 2% : 75%, and 0% : 100%, each tested in five repetitions. The analysis carried out included testing data homogeneity with the Bartlett test, followed by the Tuckey range test, analysis of variance, and the Honest Significant Difference Test (HSD) at a significance level of 5%. This study concluded that the proportion of jackfruit dami significantly influences the sensory (texture, color, aroma, taste, and overall liking) and chemical properties (moisture content, ash content, acidity, vitamin C, and reducing sugars) of the fruit skin. The optimal composition found was a 50:50 mixture of dami jackfruit and red dragon fruit, which produced the desired sensory characteristics (a texture value of 3.87 indicated very elastic, a color value of 3.55 indicated a red color, an aroma value of 3.24 indicated favorable, taste value of 3.11, and overall preference rating of 3.60) and good chemical properties (moisture content 14.09%, ash content 0.88%, pH 4.26, vitamin C content 1.11 mg/g, and reducing sugar content 23.73%).