Acceptance Rate Research Articles

Rationale and Design for the BLOCK-SAH Study (Pterygopalatine Fossa Block as an Opioid-Sparing Treatment for Acute Headache in Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage): A Phase II, Multicenter, Randomized, Double-Blinded, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial with a Sequential Parallel Comparison Design.

Acute post-subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) headaches are common and severe. Management strategies for post-SAH headaches are limited, with heavy reliance on opioids, and pain control is overall poor. Pterygopalatine fossa (PPF) nerve blocks have shown promising results in treatment of acute headache, including our preliminary and published experience with PPF-blocks for refractory post-SAH headache during hospitalization. The BLOCK-SAH trial was designed to assess the efficacy and safety of bilateral PPF-blocks in awake patients with severe headaches from aneurysmal SAH who require opioids for pain control and are able to verbalize pain scores. BLOCK-SAH is a phase II, multicenter, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial using the sequential parallel comparison design (SPCD), followed by an open-label phase. Across 12 sites in the United States, 195 eligible study participants will be randomized into three groups to receive bilateral active or placebo PPF-injections for 2 consecutive days with periprocedural monitoring of intracranial arterial mean flow velocities with transcranial Doppler, according to SPCD (group 1: active block followed by placebo; group 2: placebo followed by active block; group 3: placebo followed by placebo). PPF-injections will be delivered under ultrasound guidance and will comprise 5-mL injectates of 20mg of ropivacaine plus 4mg of dexamethasone (active PPF-block) or saline solution (placebo PPF-injection). The trial has a primary efficacy end point (oral morphine equivalent/day use within 24h after each PPF-injection), a primary safety end point (incidence of radiographic vasospasm at 48h from first PPF-injection), and a primary tolerability end point (rate of acceptance of second PPF-injection following the first PPF-injection). BLOCK-SAH will inform the design of a phase III trial to establish the efficacy of PPF-block, accounting for different headache phenotypes.

Developing and valuation for Techniques Fingerprint Recognition System

الأنماط المميزة التي يلاحظها على أطراف الأصابع الإنسان هي نتيجة لمزيج من حواف وعمق الموجودة على سطح الجلد. تحقق هذه الأنماط تطورها الكامل خلال فترة الحمل وتبقى مستقرة طوال عمر الفرد. تشير بصمات الأصابع إلى الانطباعات التي تشكلها الأنماط الفريدة الموجودة على أطراف الأصابع. يمكن للكدمات الناتجة عن الإصابات العرضية، مثل الجروح والحروق، أن تؤثر بشكل مؤقت على رؤية بصمات الأصابع. ومع ذلك، بعد شفاء الآفة بالكامل، سيتم استعادة الأنماط الأصلية. يعد التعرف على بصمات الأصابع مجالًا ديناميكيًا للغاية ويتم بحثه على نطاق واسع في مجال القياسات الحيوية. تشير المقالة إلى الشكل المختصر للتقنية الحسابية المستخدمة للتأكد من التوافق بين بصمتين بشريتين متميزتين. في هذه المشكلة الصعبة المتعلقة بالتعرف على الأنماط، من الضروري تقليل معدلين للخطأ: معدل القبول الزائف (FAR) ومعدل الرفض الزائف (FRR). معدلات الخطأ هذه تتنافس مع بعضها البعض. لقد سهّل تطوير القدرات الحاسوبية إنشاء أنظمة التحقق من بصمات الأصابع (AFIS)، مما أدى إلى زيادة كبيرة في النشاط البحثي، خاصتا في العشرين عامًا الماضية. تهدف هذه المقالة إلى تقديم مراجعة شاملة للمشكلة المحيطة بالتعرف على بصمات الأصابع، بما في ذلك تحليل التصميم الأساسي وصعوبات التنفيذ، إلى جانب تقييم التطورات المستقبلية المحتملة.

Individual supported work placements (ReISE) for improving sustained return to work in unemployed people with persistent pain: an internal pilot study of a cohort randomised controlled approach

BackgroundPersistent pain is a frequent cause of sick leave and work disability in Norway. A return-to-work intervention featuring supported work placements, developed in the UK, demonstrated feasibility, and a return-to-work rate of 20% within 6 months was observed in the sample. We sought to adapt the intervention for delivery in Norway and to confirm feasibility prior to a full-scale trial.MethodsIn this internal pilot, we used a pragmatic cohort randomised controlled approach with national recruitment in Norway. We recruited people who were unemployed (for at least 1 month), having persistent pain (for at least 3 months), aged between 18 and 64, and wanting to return to work. We initially recruited people to an observational cohort study of the impact of being unemployed with persistent pain. After baseline measurement, we randomly sub-sampled participants to whom we offered the intervention, which featured individual case management and support, work-familiarisation sessions, and the offer of a 6-week part-time unpaid work placement. We assessed recruitment rates (aiming to recruit 66, and sub-sample 17 within 6 months); optimal recruitment pathways; intervention acceptance rates; the feasibility of data collection; using video links for work-familiarisation sessions and remote case manager support.ResultsThe pilot ran from June to November 2022. Of 168 people expressing interest, 94 consented. Recruitment posts on Facebook yielded the most ‘expressions of interest’ (66%, n = 111). After screening for eligibility, we included 55 participants. Of these, 19 were randomised to be offered the intervention. Of these, less than half (n = 8) consented to intervention participation. Remote case manager and work-familiarisation sessions appeared feasible. Following a delay in identifying placements, three participants received offers of work placements, with one starting and completing during the pilot period. Data collection methods were feasible, and no adverse events were reported.ConclusionsRecruitment and logistical processes, such as remote management by video link, are feasible. However, delivery of the intervention is challenging. In particular, sourcing placements and the time required for identifying appropriate placements was more challenging than anticipated. A full-scale trial is feasible but will require improvements to the placement identification processes.Trial registrationISRCTN85437524 (Referring to the ReISE trial, of which this internal pilot was a part), Registered 31 of May 2022 https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN85437524Trial fundingNorwegian Research Council.

Digital transformation in financial industry: antecedents of fintech adoption, financial literacy and quality of life

Purpose This paper aims to investigate the variables that could contribute to facilitating or hindering FinTech adoption in Jordan and how that will affect human well-being (quality of life [QoL]). Design/methodology/approach A conceptual framework was formulated through the integration of “the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology” (UTAUT), “task-technology fit” (TTF) model and two additional factors, namely, “financial literacy” (FL) and “quality of life” (QoL). A cross-sectional online survey was used to obtain data from 378 FinTech users employing a quantitative method. AMOS 26.0 was utilized to analyse the data based on “structural equation modelling” (SEM). Findings The analysis of the structural path found that UTAUT constructs including “performance expectancy (PE), effort expectancy (EE), facilitating conditions (FC), social influence (SI)”, and TTF were significant determinants of FinTech adoption. Only technology characteristics (TECH) was a significant predictor of TTF. Also, the analysis of empirical data revealed a significant mediating impact of FinTech adoption on the association between FL and QoL, underlining the important role of digital FL in digitalizing societies. Likewise, FL affected the QoL directly. Practical implications This research will be beneficial for “FinTech service providers” (FSPs) and policymakers to offer thorough insights regarding the current relatively low acceptance rates of FinTech, contributing to strategies’ formulation that could promote FinTech usage by Jordanian customers, where FinTech is still considered an innovative technology. In addition, FL needs to integrate digital literacy to utilize state-of-the-art technologies for more effective financial management. This is with being able to make decisions facilitating the management of life outcomes which could result in better QoL. Originality/value To the best of the author’s knowledge, this research is the first research paper that integrates the UTAUT and TTF models and also adds two additional constructs, namely, FL and QoL, to investigate the FinTech in the Jordanian setting. This study could contribute to the literature on IT adoption by considering FinTech usage and incorporation into individuals’ life in Jordan.

Key Guidelines for Responding to Reviewers.

The process of preparing a scientific manuscript is intricate, encompassing several critical stages, including pre-writing, research development, drafting, peer review, editing, publication, dissemination, and access. Among these, the peer review process (PRP) stands out as a pivotal component requiring seamless collaboration among editors, reviewers, and authors. Reviewers play a crucial role in assessing the manuscript's quality and providing constructive feedback, which authors must adeptly navigate to enhance their work and meet journal standards. This process can often appear daunting and time-consuming, as authors are required to address numerous comments and requested changes. Authors are encouraged to perceive reviewers as consultants rather than adversaries, viewing their critiques as opportunities for improvement rather than personal attacks. Opinion article. To equip authors with practical strategies for engaging effectively in the PRP and improving their publication acceptance rates. Key guidelines include thoroughly understanding and prioritizing feedback, maintaining professionalism, and systematically addressing each comment. In cases of significant disagreement or misunderstanding, authors have the option to refer the issue to the editor. Crafting a well-organized and scientific "response to reviews" along with the revised manuscript can substantially increase the likelihood of acceptance. Best practices for writing an effective response to reviews include expressing gratitude, addressing major revisions first, seeking opinions from co-authors and colleagues, and adhering strictly to journal guidelines. Emphasizing the importance of planning responses, highlighting changes in the revised manuscript, and conducting a final review ensures all corrections are properly documented. By following these guidelines, authors can enhance their manuscripts' quality, foster positive relationships with reviewers, and ultimately contribute to scholarly advancement.

Assessing the Awareness of Psychotropic Medications Among the Saudi Population: Benefits, Risks, and Prevalence.

Background Mental health treatment, particularly through psychotropic medications, is becoming increasingly prominent worldwide. In Saudi Arabia, the acceptance and understanding of these treatments are shaped by unique cultural and social factors. Despite some awareness, there remains a need for deeper insights into the public's perceptions and knowledge of psychotropic medications. This study aims to examine the awareness levels of psychotropic medications among the Saudi population, their perceived benefits and risks, the prevalence of their use, and any demographic differences in these perceptions. Methods Employing a quantitative, cross-sectional design, this study collected data via an online questionnaire from Saudi residents aged 18 and above. The questionnaire, validated by experts, covered demographic details, awareness and knowledge of psychotropic medications, and personal or vicarious experiences with these medications. Data analysis was performed using SPSS (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA), applying descriptive and inferential statistics to provide a comprehensive view of the current landscape. The study was conducted over four weeks, from May 1, 2024, to May 31, 2024. Results The study indicated a demographic skew towards younger individuals, with a significant predominance of female respondents (70.86%, n=1024). A notable 63.52% (n=922) of participants reported being aware of psychotropic medications. Regarding knowledge, 37.83% (n=549) of respondents were somewhat knowledgeable about the benefits, while 37.57% (n=545) were somewhat knowledgeable about the risks. The prevalence of use was reported by 41.92% (n=608) of respondents, mainly through acquaintances rather than personal use. Younger, predominantly female, and well-educated individuals demonstrated higher levels of awareness and acceptance of psychotropic medications. Significant variations in perceptions were observed based on age, gender, and educational level. Respondents aged 18-24 years (52.52%, n=762) were significantly more likely to be aware of psychotropic medications (p < 0.01), and female respondents showed a higher acceptance rate (p < 0.05). Educational level also played a crucial role, with college-educated individuals (63.38%, n=919) displaying greater acceptance and awareness compared to those with only a high school education (28.24%, n=409) (p < 0.01). The general opinion on the effectiveness and adequacy of public information about psychotropic medications was mixed, with 52.93% (n=768) acknowledging their benefits while 31.92% (n=463) expressed concerns about side effects, indicating a need for improved public education. Conclusion The study emphasizes the importance of enhancing public education and awareness initiatives to improve knowledge and acceptance of psychotropic medications in Saudi Arabia. This could lead to better mental health outcomes and broader acceptance of these treatment options.

MADDPG-Based Deployment Algorithm for 5G Network Slicing

One of the core features of 5G networks is the ability to support multiple services on the same infrastructure, with network slicing being a key technology. However, existing network slicing architectures have limitations in efficiently handling slice requests with different requirements, particularly when addressing high-reliability and high-demand services, where many issues remain unresolved. For example, predicting whether actual physical resources can meet network slice request demands and achieving flexible, on-demand resource allocation for different types of slice requests are significant challenges. To address the need for more flexible and efficient service demands, this paper proposes a 5G network slicing deployment algorithm based on the Multi-Agent Deep Deterministic Policy Gradient (MADDPG). Firstly, a new 5G network slicing deployment system framework is established, which measures resources for three typical 5G network slicing scenarios (eMBB, mMTC, uRLLC) and processes different types of slice requests by predicting slice request traffic. Secondly, by adopting the multi-agent approach of MADDPG, the algorithm enhances cooperation between multiple service requests, decentralizes action selection for requests, and schedules resources separately for the three types of slice requests, thereby optimizing resource allocation. Finally, simulation results demonstrate that the proposed algorithm significantly outperforms existing algorithms in terms of resource efficiency and slice request acceptance rate, showcasing the advantages of multi-agent approaches in slice request handling.

The challenge of colorectal cancer (CRC) screening in low and middle-income countries (LMIC): Acceptance, knowledge, and preferences in Brazil.

153 Background: Presenting an increasing incidence and high mortality rates, CRC is a challenge that many LMIC face and struggle to establish an effective screening strategy. Brazil is one of the few Latin American countries and LMIC that have a population-based CRC screening program, targeting ages 50-74 and performing a fecal occult blood test (FT) every 2 years and colonoscopy/sigmoidoscopy as a confirmatory test. Methods: We conducted a survey in patients visiting the primary care unit in the months of January and March 2024 in three distinct settings (Rural, Suburban, and Urban) aiming to estimate acceptance, knowledge, and preferences regarding FT and colonoscopy. Patients aged 50-74 were invited to join this study, excluding those with a history of CRC, and we used the integrated digital charting platform to set demographic variables. At the end of the survey, participants were invited to undergo CRC screening. Those who refuse to screen would select the main reason. Results: A total of 1,031 individuals responded the survey, which 52% were females and the median age was 62 years. A total of 763 (74%) accepted to undergo CRC screening with an overall preference for FT (72%) compared to colonoscopy (53,5%). FT acceptance remained somewhat constant in both gender subgroups (70-75%), and a lower colonoscopy acceptance in the male subgroup (46%). In the subdivided geographic setting groups, the rural population (12%) had the lowest knowledge score and the lowest overall acceptance rate (65%), ranking “No symptoms” as the main reason for not screening. The suburban and urban subgroups showed an equivalent overall acceptance rate (74-75%), ranking “Busy schedule” and “Healthy lifestyle” as the main reasons for not screening. Conclusions: Data suggests that an effective CRC screening depends on multiple factors. While literature sustains the weight of cost and long waiting times, this study contributes adding a new, more granular perspective. Efforts in patient education, and clarification of misconceptions and anxieties could prove to be an important step in the right direction. A closer contact between patient and healthcare provider could make the difference between screening or not. A leave of absence or mailed FT might be of great benefit for those with a busy schedule, while interaction with CRC survivors seems to drastically increase colonoscopy acceptance, an important intervention that should be encouraged and widespread. Although this study has its limitations due to sample size and geographic characteristics, it lays down a new layer in understanding the individuals and planning actions to prevent the advance of CRC in LMIC.

Effectiveness of spaced education pedagogy in enhancing Nurses' knowledge on emotional resilience-A quasi-experimental trial.

Building resilience among nurses has been postulated as one of the key strategies to support nurses and retain them in the profession. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness, of spaced education pedagogy in enhancing Nurses' knowledge on emotional resilience. Secondary objectives include evaluation of the usability and acceptability of delivery of the training via a mobile application in one's own mobile device. A quasi-experimental study with single group pre-test and post-test trial was conducted. Full-time registered nurses working in an acute care hospital were invited to participate from June 2021 to June 2022. The group used the mobile application daily for 1 month. Pre-test measurement includes socio-demographic data and baseline resilience level before the intervention. Post-test measurement includes resilience level, usability and acceptability of mobile-assisted cognitive-behavioral therapy measured upon completion of the training. The mobile application enabled the delivery of resilience educational content in small quantities through a repeating manner, with a concurrent evaluation of learner's understanding. When compared to their baseline (mean = 24.38, SD = 5.50), participants reported significant increase in the Connor-Davison Resilience Scale score (mean = 26.33, SD = 5.57) (t = -4.40, p < 0.001). Upon 1 month usage of the mobile application, a higher percentage of the participants reported intermediate to high level of resilience (57.4%), as compared to prior usage (54.7%). Respondents reported knowledge of most useful strategies for their daily lives including: (i) managing negative emotions (54.1%); (ii) psychoeducation about mental health and the risks of burnout (44.7%); (iii) achieving work and life balance (43.5%); and (iv) depiction of workplace scenarios to demonstrate what can be and cannot be controlled during times of change (43.5%). Participants reported usability of the mobile application with a mean SUS score 70.5 (SD = 13.0), which was considered "acceptable." Overall, 82.3% of the participants found the mobile application appealing, 64.7% reported they were likely to use the mobile application in the future and 72.9% would recommend it to other nurses. The mobile application provided nurses with the availability and convenience to access resilience building learning content integrated with the spaced education pedagogy. The use of mobile-assisted cognitive behavioral training can aid in increasing nurses' resilience level. Nurses provided acceptable usability ratings and satisfactory acceptance of receiving training via the mobile application, showing promising opportunities in the improvement of overall well-being.

Chimeric Versus Multiple Simultaneous Free Flaps for Head and Neck Reconstruction.

To describe our experience with chimeric flaps and to assess the surgical outcomes and postoperative complications associated with chimeric flaps compared to multiple flaps. Patients undergoing chimeric and multiple simultaneous free tissue transfer between June 2016 and October 2023 were retrospectively reviewed. The primary outcome of interest was the complication rate. Major complications required takeback to the operating room, hospital readmission, or transfer to the intensive care unit. Minor complications were managed conservatively. Secondary outcomes included operative time, length of hospitalization, and flap survival. Academic tertiary care center. Our analysis included 113 patients (chimeric n = 38, multiple n = 75). We found no significant difference in operative times or minor complications. Chimeric flaps were associated with a shorter length of hospitalization. The major complication rate was higher for chimeric flaps (42.1% vs 22.7%, P = .03), but each cohort only had 1 instance of total flap loss. The complexity of large head and neck defects poses a reconstructive challenge for microvascular surgeons. Our findings suggest that chimeric and multiple flaps both produce acceptable complication rates when used appropriately. Differences in complication rates may reflect differences in utilization. The chimeric flap remains a valuable option for those with prior radiation or radical resection, but it remains unclear the degree to which they lessen the inherent risk of postoperative complications within this population. Each technique must be weighed in context of the patient's reconstructive profile and the institution's surgical capabilities to optimize long-term outcomes.

The early learning curve of the bipolar enucleation of the prostate: a multicenter cohort study

ObjectivesTo evaluate the early learning curve of BipolEP (Bipolar Enucleation of the Prostate).Subjects/patients and methodsWe conducted a retrospective, multicenter analysis of surgical and functional outcomes of patients treated with BipolEp for BPO (benign prostatic obstruction). We evaluated the first 20 cases of BipolEp performed by four different surgeons in three different countries. The following baseline parameters were obtained: age, IPSS, indwelling catheter, transrectal measured prostate volume, post void residual volume (PVR) and uroflowmetry. The learning curve was analysed based on perioperative parameters and the influence of perioperative parameters was correlated with the sequence of BipolEp cases.Results84 BipolEp operations performed by 4 different surgeons in their early learning curve were studied. Mean prostate volume was 75 ml, 39% of cases had an indwelling catheter and the average operating time was 101 min. Three out of four surgeons performed at least 50% of successful operations according to Trifecta (complete enucleation and morcellation < 90 min., no conversion to TUR-P). Conversion rate to TURP was 11.9% in total which however was driven by a single surgeon with an almost 50% conversion rate. Mean enucleated prostate was 33.3 gr (18-54.5). Intraoperative complications and reported stress incontinence ranged from 0 to 38.1%. At six-weeks review, the IPPS improved by 12.5 (8–16) points and Qmax by 208% (109.8-266.7). Uroflowmetry outcomes correlated with the sequence of cases with a linear improvement during 20 consecutive cases (p = 0.018) in all centres. Major complications (Clavien Dindo ≥ 3) were rare (4.8%) and comparable between the groups.ConclusionSurgeons starting to learn BipolEp can expect to be able to achieve a linear improvement in Uroflow at the six-week postoperative evaluation after 20 consecutive cases. BipolEp can be successfully performed during the early learning curve with an acceptable rate of conversion to standard TUR-P.

Self-Rated Competence of Ugandan Healthcare Workers to Obtain Informed Consent for Autopsy.

We examined the self-rated competence of Ugandan healthcare workers (HCWs) in obtaining informed consent for autopsies, considering the challenges of low autopsy acceptance rates globally. In September and October 2023, we conducted a nationwide cross-sectional study of HCWs, who provided informed consent to participate and completed an online, self-administered questionnaire. Participants' self-rated competence in obtaining informed consent for autopsy was assessed through Likert scale questions. Knowledge and practices were also assessed. All scores were converted to percentages, with scores ≥80% indicating higher competence. We enrolled 216 HCWs (including 145 [67.1%] doctors), with a mean age of 31.6 ± 7.2 years. Overall, 55.6% (n = 120) had ever assisted in obtaining consent for autopsy, 43.6% (n = 100) had ever obtained consent for autopsy themselves, and 13.4% (n = 29) had ever attended training on obtaining consent for autopsy. The mean competency score was 59.8 ± 17.0% (perfect score, 100%), with 29 (13.4%) participants demonstrating high competence. Healthcare workers with adequate knowledge had higher competence scores (odds ratio [OR]: 15.0, 95% CI: 6.17-36.58, P <0.001). Compared with nurses/midwives, doctors had 73% lower odds of having a high competence score (adjusted OR: 0.27, 95% CI: 0.08-0.94, P = 0.040). Fewer than one in five Ugandan HCWs demonstrated high self-rated competence or possessed adequate knowledge regarding informed consent for autopsies, and only a few had received specialized training on how to obtain consent for an autopsy. Therefore, there is a pressing need for enhanced training and increased awareness among Ugandan HCWs in obtaining informed consent for autopsies.

Harmonic Oscillator Staging Coordinates for Efficient Path Integral Simulations of Quantum Oscillators and Crystals.

Imaginary-time path integral (PI) is a rigorous quantum mechanical tool to compute static properties at finite temperatures. However, the stiff nature of the internal PI modes poses a sampling challenge. This is commonly tackled using staging coordinates, in which the free particle (FP) contribution of the PI action is diagonalized. We introduce novel and simple staging coordinates that diagonalize the entire action of the harmonic oscillator (HO) model, rendering it efficiently applicable to (exclusively) systems with harmonic character, such as quantum oscillators and crystals. The method is not applicable to fluids or systems with imaginary modes. Unlike FP staging, the HO staging provides a unique treatment of the centroid mode. We provide implementation schemes for PIMC and PIMD simulations in NVT ensemble. Sampling efficiency is assessed in terms of the precision and accuracy of estimating the energy and heat capacity of a one-dimensional HO and an asymmetric anharmonic oscillator (AO). In PIMC, the HO coordinates propose collective moves that perfectly sample the HO contribution, then (for AO) the residual anharmonic term is sampled using standard Metropolis method. This results in a high acceptance rate and, hence, high precision, in comparison to the FP staging. In PIMD, the HO coordinates naturally prescribe definitions for the fictitious masses, yielding equal frequencies of all modes when applied to the HO model. This allows for a substantially larger time step sizes relative to standard staging, without affecting accuracy or integrator stability. For completeness, we also present results using normal mode (NM) coordinates, based on both HO and FP models. While staging and NM coordinates show similar performance (for FP or HO), staging is computationally preferable due to its cheaper scaling with the number of beads. The simplicity and the enhanced sampling gained by the HO coordinates open avenues for efficient estimation of nuclear quantum effects in more complex systems with harmonic character, such as real molecular bonds and quantum crystals.

Comparative Evaluation of the Short-Term Outcome of Different Endovascular Aortic Arch Procedures.

Objectives: There are several endovascular treatment options to treat aortic arch and thoracic aortic pathologies with custom-made or surgeon-modified aortic stent grafts. This study seeks to assess endovascular treatment methods for aortic arch and thoracic aortic pathologies with no acceptable proximal landing zone for standard thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR), comparing different treatment methods and evaluating technical success, intraoperative parameters and short-term outcomes. Methods: All patients undergoing elective or emergency endovascular treatment of aortic arch and thoracic aortic pathologies, with no acceptable landing zone for standard TEVAR, between 1 January 2010 and 31 March 2024, at the University Hospital Düsseldorf, Germany were included. An acceptable landing zone was defined as a minimum of 2 cm for sufficient sealing. All patients were not suitable for open surgery. Patients were categorized by an endovascular treatment method for a comprehensive comparison of pre-, intra- and postoperative variables. IBM SPSS29 was used for data analysis. Results: The patient cohort comprised 21 patients, predominantly males (81%), with an average age of 70.9 ± 9 years with no acceptable proximal landing zone for standard TEVAR procedure. The most treated aortic pathologies were penetrating aortic ulcers and chronic post-dissection aneurysms. Patients were sub-grouped according to the applied procedure as follows: five patients with chimney thoracic endovascular aortic repair (chTEVAR), seven patients with in situ fenestrated thoracic endovascular aortic repair (isfTEVAR), six patients with custom-made fenestrated thoracic endovascular aortic repair (cmfTEVAR) and three patients with custom-made branched thoracic endovascular aortic repair (cmbTEVAR). Emergency procedures involved two patients. There were significant differences in the total procedure and fluoroscopy time, as well as in contrast agent usage among the treatment groups. cmfTEVAR had the shortest total procedure time, while chTEVAR exhibited the highest contrast agent usage. The overall mortality rate among all procedures was 9.5% (two patients) and 4.7% for elective procedures, respectively. Deaths were associated with either retrograde type A dissection or stent graft infection. Both patients were treated with chTEVAR. There was one minor and one major stroke; these patients were treated with isfTEVAR. No endoleak occurred during any procedure. The reintervention rate for chTEVAR was 20% and 0% for all other procedures during the in-hospital stay. The patients who were treated with cmfTEVAR had no complications, the shortest operating and fluoroscopy time, and less contrast agent was needed in comparison with other treatment methods. Conclusions: Complex endovascular procedures of the aortic arch with custom-made or surgeon-modified aortic stent grafts offer a safe solution, with acceptable complication rates for patients who are not suitable for open aortic arch repair. In terms of procedure-related parameters and complication rates, a custom-made fenestrated TEVAR is potentially advantageous compared to the other endovascular techniques.

Long-term effects of repeated exposure to Subject Island constructions: evidence for syntactic adaptation

Repeated exposure to Subject Island violations can lead to increased acceptability ratings and faster reading times (Chaves &amp;amp; Dery, 2014, 2019; Clausen, 2011; Francom, 2009; Hiramatsu, 2000; Lu et al. 2021; Lu et al., 2022). However, it remains unclear what the nature of this effect and the driving mechanism is. The present paper describes a longitudinal investigation to test whether the effect of repeated exposure to Subject Island constructions is short-lived or whether it can spread over three weeks’ time, as measured by offline measures (Likert acceptability ratings) and online measures (self-paced reading). Using more observations and more sensitive methodologies, our work builds and improves on the only previous longitudinal study on such islands, Snyder (2022). We uncover evidence suggestive of gradual and strategic (by-construction and by-region) adaptation to Subject Island violations, indicated by faster response times, as well as higher acceptability ratings following repeated exposure, most consistent with a syntactic adaptation effect over and above task adaptation.

Fairness, tika and political science in Aotearoa New Zealand: Some “inconvenient evidence”

This article is a rejoinder to Annie Te One and Maria Bargh’s article, published in the previous edition of The Australian Journal of Indigenous Education, exploring whether the political science discipline in Aotearoa New Zealand is keeping pace with change with respect to Māori politics content in university political science programs, the number of Māori employed in the political science profession and the content of New Zealand's Political Science journal. While acknowledging the importance of their case, an assessment of the empirical evidence and further analysis of the data and the methods used by Te One and Bargh refutes their allegations in relation to all three issues. As one of the co-editors of Political Science, I note that, from 2012 to 2022, the acceptance rate of articles on Māori politics was 91.7% and that of Māori authors submitting on a Māori topic was 100%. Recognition and change are underway.

Continuous Temperature Telemonitoring of Patients with COVID-19 and Other Infectious Diseases Treated in Hospital-at-Home: Viture® System Validation.

Body temperature must be monitored in patients receiving Hospital-at-Home (HaH) care for COVID-19 and other infectious diseases. Continuous temperature telemonitoring (CTT) detects fever and patient deterioration early, facilitating decision-making. We performed a validation clinical study assessing the safety, comfort, and impact on healthcare practice of Viture®, a CTT system, compared with a standard digital axillary thermometer in 208 patients with COVID-19 and other infectious diseases treated in HaH at the Navarra University Hospital (HUN). Overall, 3258 pairs of measurements showed a clinical bias of -0.02 °C with limits of agreement of -0.96/+0.92 °C, a 95% acceptance rate, and a mean absolute deviation of 0.36 (SD 0.30) °C. Viture® detected 3 times more febrile episodes and revealed fever in 50% more patients compared with spot measurements. Febrile episodes were detected 7.23 h (mean) earlier and modified the diagnostic and/or therapeutic approach in 43.2% of patients. Viture® was validated for use in a clinical setting and was more effective in detecting febrile episodes than conventional methods.

Are Deaf College Students More Sensitive to Unfair Information? Evidence from an ERP Study.

To better understand the individual differences in fairness, we used event-related potentials (ERPs) to explore the fairness characteristics of deaf college students through the ultimatum game task. Behaviorally, the significant main effect of the proposal type was found, which meant both deaf and hearing college students showed a lower acceptance rate for the more unfair proposal. Interestingly, we found a significant interaction between group and proposal type in the early stage (N1). Moreover, in the deaf college group, N1 (induced by moderately and very unfair proposals) was significantly larger than that of fair proposals. However, we found that deaf college students had smaller amplitudes on P2 and P3 than hearing college students. These results suggested that deaf college students might pursue more equity strongly so they are more sensitive to unfair information in the early stage. In a word, we should provide more fair allocations for deaf college students in our harmonious society.

Monetary Policy Transmission in Canada – A High Frequency Identification Approach

Abstract I study the effects of monetary policy shocks in Canada on economic and financial variables. With a narrow window around a policy announcement, I create a new set of intraday level, high-frequency monetary policy surprises using the three-month Canadian Bankers’ acceptance rate futures. I use this measure to identify monetary policy shocks as an external instrument in a monthly VAR. Following a 25 basis point contractionary policy shock, I find that the decline in output is more powerful and peaks earlier than previous empirical works show, with a peak decline of 0.5 % points after 18 months. Price level declines are similarly more powerful and earlier, reaching a decline of 0.3 % points after 24 months. In addition, increases in the credit and mortgage spreads indicate the presence of a domestic credit channel of monetary policy transmission for Canada. Finally, I show that the surprise measure is robust to information effects.

Effects of a Pharmacist-Designed Clinical Decision Support System on Antimicrobial Stewardship.

Clinical decision support systems (CDSSs) are computer applications, which can be applied to give guidance to practitioners in antimicrobial stewardship (AS) activities; however, further information is needed for their optimal use. Our objective was to analyze the implementation of a CDSS program in a second-level hospital, describing alerts, recommendations, and the effects on consumption and clinical outcomes. In October 2020, a pharmacist-driven CDSS designed for AS was implemented in a second-level hospital. The program provides a list of alerts related to antimicrobial treatment and microbiology, which were automatized for revision by the AS professionals. To analyze the implementation of the CDSS, a pre-post-intervention, retrospective study was designed. AS-triggered alerts and recommendations (total number and rate of acceptance) were compiled. The effect of the CDSS was measured using antimicrobial consumption, duration of antimicrobial treatments, in-hospital mortality, and length of stay (LOS) for patients admitted for infectious causes. The AS team revised a total of 7,543 alerts and 772 patients had at least one recommendation, with an acceptance rate of 79.3%. Antimicrobial consumption decreased from 691.1 to 656.8 defined daily doses (DDD)/1,000 beds-month (p = 0.04) and the duration of antimicrobial treatment from 3.6 to 3.3 days (p < 0.01). In-hospital mortality decreased from 6.6 to 6.2% (p = 0.46) and mean LOS from 7.2 to 6.2 days (p < 0.01). The implementation of a CDSS resulted in a significant reduction of antimicrobial DDD, duration of antimicrobial treatments, and hospital LOS. There was no significant difference in mortality.