Relative Values Research Articles

The reproductive biology of Ellochelon vaigiensis from the Vietnamese Mekong Delta.

The Squaretail mullet, Ellochelon vaigiensis, is a commercial fish species distributed throughout the Indo-Pacific region. This species tolerates wide variations in salinity, having been reported from both freshwater and marine habitats. Although economically significant, there is little information on its reproduction, especially in the Vietnamese Mekong Delta (VMD), where it is heavily extracted. Our study elucidates the breeding pattern, seasonality, first length at maturity, as well as potential and relative fecundity of this species. Fish specimens were collected by trawl nets from November 2020 to October 2021 at four estuarine sites within the VMD. We found this species to be a synchronous spawner, with peaks in reproductive activity from June to September. In the populations we surveyed, there was significant dominance of males (1.26:1.00) based on 942 fish samples (526 males and 416 females). The length at 50% maturity for females was significantly higher than for males at all sites and ranged from 10.6 to 19.3 cm. The diameter of the eggs examined for this species exhibited slight variation, from 0.43 to 0.54 mm. The potential fecundity ranged from 246,254 ± 35,878 to 411,970 ± 54,370 eggs, corresponding to female length and weight of 26.7-32.6 cm and 102.97-234.19 g, respectively. Relative fecundity values were highest at Thanh Phu, Ben Tre (6388 ± 605 eggs), and Dong Hai, Bac Lieu (6461 ± 637 eggs), followed by Tran De, Soc Trang (4729 ± 408), and were found to be lowest at Duyen Hai, Tra Vinh (3117 ± 223 eggs). Information on reproductive behavior in this species has far-reaching impacts on sustainable extractions, stock conservation, and aquaculture.

Development of terpenoid repellents against Aedes albopictus: a combined study of biological activity evaluation and computational modelling

ABSTRACT To explore novel terpenoid repellents, 22 candidate terpenoid derivatives were synthesized and tested for their electroantennogram (EAG) responses and repellent activities against Aedes albopictus. The results from the EAG experiments revealed that 5-(2-hydroxypropan-2-yl)-2-methylcyclohex-2-en-1-yl formate (compound 1) induced distinct EAG responses in female Aedes albopictus. At concentrations of 0.1, 1, 10, 100, and 1000 mg/L, the EAG response values for compound 1 were 179.59, 183.99, 190.38, 193.80, and 196.66 mV, demonstrating comparable or superior effectiveness to DEET. Repellent activity analysis indicated significant repellent activity for compound 1, closest to the positive control DEET. The in silico assessment of the ADMET profile of compound 1 indicates that it successfully passed the ADMET evaluation. Molecular docking studies exhibited favourable binding of compound 1 to the active site of the odorant binding protein (OBP) of Aedes albopictus, involving hydrophobic forces and hydrogen bond interactions with residues in the OBP pocket. The QSAR model highlighted the influential role of hydrogen-bonding receptors, positively charged surface area of weighted atoms, polarity parameters of molecules, and maximum nuclear-nuclear repulsion force of carbon-carbon bonds on the relative EAG response values of the tested compounds. This study holds substantial significance for the advancement of new terpenoid repellents.

Ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography method development for the quantification of Molnupiravir and its process‐related impurities using Box‐Behnken experimental design

AbstractMolnupiravir, a promising antiviral agent, has gained significant attention for its potential in treating viral infections, particularly in the context of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. This study aimed to develop and validate an ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) method for the quantification of Molnupiravir and its associated impurities (Imp‐I, Imp‐II, Imp‐III, and Imp‐IV). The method involved a systematic investigation of critical method parameters and their optimization using Quality by Design principles. The percentage of organic modifiers, column temperature, and flow rate were systematically optimized using the Box‐Behnken design. The developed method was assessed for specificity, system suitability, accuracy, precision, linearity, and detection limits. The results demonstrate strong specificity, with the analysis remaining accurate even in the presence of impurities. The developed method exhibits excellent precision, with repeatability and intermediate precision showing relative standard deviation values ranging from 0.78% to 1.14% for impurities and 0.82% to 1.91% for Molnupiravir. Furthermore, the method displays exceptional linearity, covering a wide range of concentrations. The linear regression analysis yields high coefficients of determination (r2, 9993–0.9997), confirming the linearity. The developed UHPLC method is well‐suited for the accurate and reliable analysis of Molnupiravir and its impurities, making it a valuable tool for quality control and pharmaceutical research applications.

Connecting an Offshore Dry Air Stratospheric Intrusion with the Outbreak of Soberanes Fire 2016

Abstract This study investigates the connection between the arrival of dry stratospheric air and the Soberanes Fire (2016). The Hybrid Single-Particle Lagrangian Integrated Trajectory model (HYSPLIT) and Goddard Earth Observing System Forward Processing model (GEOS-FP) are used for back-trajectories and offshore deep stratospheric intrusion in conjunction with the ignition and outbreak of the fire. The back-trajectory analysis indicates that most air reaching the vertical column was critically dry, exhibiting relative humidity values below 10%. As the fire ignited, dry air arrived from due west at heights of 1–3 km about 24 h prior. During the overnight fire growth, dry air arrived from the northwest to north-northwest at heights of 3.5–5.5 km 48–72 h prior. The synoptic and GEOS-FP analyses demonstrate offshore mid-to-low stratospheric intrusion. On 21 July 2016, an enclosed upper-level low approached the California–Oregon border along the northwesterly subtropical jet stream hours before the fire outbreak. The GEOS-FP results of potential vorticity, specific humidity, and ozone along the back-trajectories to the west and northwest of the fire suggest a stratospheric intrusion event into the mid-to-low troposphere at the back-trajectory start points, and vertical velocity indicates sinking motion. The specific humidity analyzed at the arrival time shows the transport of the abnormally dry air to the Soberanes Fire. Results suggest a connection between dry stratospheric air transported to the Soberanes Fire at ignition and overnight accelerated growth, supported by a dark bank in satellite water vapor imagery. The prediction of low-level transport of dry stratospheric air to the coastal communities could help to predict the occurrence of wildfire outbreaks, or periods of accelerated fire growth.

A Relative Value Unit–Based Model for Targeted Nipple–Areola Complex Neurotization in Gender-Affirming Mastectomy

Background: For transmasculine individuals, double-incision mastectomy with free nipple grafts is the most common procedure for gender-affirming chest masculinization. However, patients report decreased sensation postoperatively. Direct coaptation of intercostal nerves to the nipple–areolar complex (NAC) is an experimental technique that may preserve postoperative sensation, yet whether reimbursements and billing codes incentivize hospital systems and surgeons to offer this procedure lacks clarity. Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional analysis of fiscal year 2023 Medicare physician fee schedule values was performed for neurotization procedures employing Current Procedural Terminology codes specified by prior studies for neurotization of the NAC. Additionally, operative times for gender-affirming mastectomy at a single center were examined to compare efficiency between procedures with and without neurotization included. Results: A total of 29 encounters were included in the study, with 11 (37.9%) receiving neurotization. The mean operating time was 100.3 minutes (95% CI, 89.2–111.5) without neurotization and 154.2 minutes (95% CI, 139.9–168.4) with neurotization. In 2023, the average work relative value units (wRVUs) for neurotization procedures was 13.38. Efficiency for gender-affirming mastectomy was 0.23 wRVUs per minute without neurotization and 0.24 wRVUs per minute with neurotization, yielding a difference of 0.01 wRVUs per minute. Conclusions: Neurotization of the NAC during double-incision mastectomy with free nipple grafts is an experimental technique that may improve patient sensation after surgery. Current reimbursement policy appropriately values the additional operative time associated with neurotization relative to gender-affirming mastectomy alone.

The Evaluation of Payment for Obstetric and Gynecology Services: From ACOG.

To perform an environmental scan of the current status of reimbursement for obstetric and gynecology services and identify problematic issues and opportunities for change. The areas that were evaluated include the American Medical Association (AMA) relative value unit assignment process, payer rates (where available), and trends in employment and salary determination for obstetrician-gynecologists (ob-gyns). This report was developed by members of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists' (ACOG) Committee on Health Economics and Coding using public-facing payment data from the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule and state Medicaid programs, as well as published research and commentary on payment for physicians, maternal health, and gynecologic surgery. Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention were used to describe typical patient characteristics, and practice survey reports from the AMA were analyzed. Finally, an anonymous online survey was distributed to 27,854 members of ACOG in March 2022, with a response rate of 10.8% (3,018 members) and a CI of ±1.7%. The evaluation found that payment for ob-gyns is heavily influenced by the values and rates set by third-party payers, a patient case-mix that includes a higher-than-average number of patients with Medicaid insurance, and the increase of employed physicians reliant on salary contracts that include productivity requirements and bonuses. The Committee identified action items, including payment reform for obstetric services; advocating for gynecologic surgery time as a priority for hospital administration; developing resources to assist employed physicians with payment, practice, and business management; developing a business and coding curriculum for students and early-career physicians; and continued advocacy with private and public policymakers who influence physician payment.

Analisa Mesin Pengering Makanan Food Dehidrator Menggunakan Sensor Thermostat Berbasis Hybrid

The process of drying food is done in the traditional way, by drying it in the hot sun, but the traditional drying method makes the food unhygienic. Several factors can influence the drying results of food ingredients, including temperature and drying time. Using optimal drying temperatures and times can reduce the level of damage caused by the drying process. This research aims to obtain an analysis of a food dehydrator drying machine using a hybrid-based thermostat sensor that can optimally condition the temperature and time factors in the drying process, the hyfood dehydrator machine system uses a dehumidification method, there is a heat recovery mechanism that recycles heat to open new air, thus saving 60-70% of fresh air preheating energy consumption. Hot air moving in the room dries the material. It is known that the test result data was analyzed by calculating the accuracy values, down to the relative distance values. The results of the comparison process are used as validation of the output values ​​produced by the temperature measuring instrument. The measurement results of the Digital Thermostat Sensor are in accordance with the datasheet and have a high level of accuracy. So the Digital Thermostat Sensor measuring instrument can be used as a measurement tool. With an internal fan, thermostat, and time settings on this device, you only need to set the right heat according to the type of food you want to dry. The shelves in the cupboard consist of drying trays that can maximize the drying process

МНЕНИЕ ПАЦИЕНТОВ О ДОСТУПНОСТИ, КАЧЕСТВЕ И РЕЗУЛЬТАТИВНОСТИ МЕДИЦИНСКОЙ ПОМОЩИ

Relevance. He current healthcare strategy of Russia, among other significant priorities, highlights the achievement of high indicators of accessibility, quality and effectiveness of medical care. One of the tools for assessing the level of achievement of these indicators, including in dynamics, is the study of patients' opinions. Many authors note the importance of taking into account the opinion of patients about the care provided for the development and adoption of management decisions. However, there is a lack of scientific data on patients' opinions on the availability, quality and effectiveness of medical care, taking into account the different profile of services and the type of health care facilities. Objective. To study the opinion of patients about the accessibility, quality and effectiveness of medical care. Materials and methods. A multicenter sociological study was carried out in medical organizations of the Ivanovo, Yaroslavl and Moscow regions. The research method is a sociological survey. Respondents were offered the questionnaire "Patients' Opinion on the Availability, Quality and Effectiveness of Medical Care", which included 15 closed-ended questions. A sample population formed by random selection. Statistical processing of the material provided for the formation of a database in spreadsheets, the calculation of relative values and the reliability of their difference according to the student’s criterion. An analytical method was used to compare the data and formulate conclusions. Results. The sociological survey showed a "depression" of patients' opinions about health care, which is manifested in the high frequency of negative assessments of accessibility (23, 5 per 100 respondents), quality (19,5 per 100 respondents) and effectiveness of medical care (14,5 per 100 respondents) in general. There are differences in the assessment of patients by the profile of services and types of institutions, which makes it necessary to form a set of measures to correct deviations and conduct regular patient surveys on the principle of monitoring in order to assess their effectiveness. The frequency of patients' positive opinions on the availability of medical care was higher in the pediatric profile of services (60,2 per 100 respondents), preventive services (63,8 per 100 respondents), inpatient services (67,0 per 100 respondents), in the Moscow region (49,7 per 100 respondents). Conclusion. The theoretical significance of the data for assessing patients' opinions about the accessibility, quality and effectiveness of medical care is associated with the possibility of identifying and structuring existing problems in health care. This makes it possible to identify problems and contradictions that are clearly invisible and related to the emotional perception of care by patients, as well as to identify opportunities and directions for improving medical care.

Promising Themes for Electronic Cigarette Prevention Campaigns for Youth and Young Adults.

Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) are the most widely used tobacco product by youth and young adults in the United States. Effective prevention campaigns require the identification of appropriate content focus for message construction. A sample of 2622 youth and young adults ages 15-24 were recruited through social media advertisements and completed an online survey. Respondents reported current e-cigarette use or intention to use if not currently using. They also indicated agreement or disagreement with 75 e-cigarette-related beliefs representing 16 themes. The relative promise of each theme/belief for campaign messaging was investigated by examining its association with the behavior/intention outcomes and the opportunity for positive change in its distribution (room to move). All themes showed significant associations with the behavior (ORs = 2.49-19.04) and intention (ORs = 2.21-6.11) outcomes. Room to move for themes ranged from 32.9% to 96.3% in behavior analysis and 15.6-93.9% in intention analysis. A normed relative promise index (M = 50, SD = 17) showed flavors (72), comparison to cigarettes (69), and relaxation and mental health (68) as the top ranked themes. Subgroup analyses by demographics revealed few differences. Results on the belief level were largely consistent with those on the theme level. Data from this study provide timely evidence for the relative value of various themes/beliefs as potential targets for message development in e-cigarette prevention campaigns. The final selection of target themes/beliefs requires consideration of openness to persuasion, which may be informed by additional testing. Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) are the most widely used tobacco products among youth and young adults in the United States. This study adds new evidence on the relative promise of a wide range of e-cigarette beliefs and belief clusters (themes) as potential targets for message development in educational campaigns. This evidence is important to consider in future campaign efforts directed at the youth and young adult populations in the United States.

Circularly Polarized Luminescence of Thiophene-Bridged Macrocyclic pseudo-meta [2.2]Paracyclophanes.

Chiral organic molecules possessing high quantum yields, circular dichroism, and circularly polarized luminescence values have great potential as optically active materials for future applications. Recently, the identification of a promising class of inherently chiral compounds was reported, namely macrocyclic 1,3-butadiyne-linked pseudo-meta[2.2]paracyclophanes, displaying high circular dichroism and related gabs values albeit modest quantum yields. Increasing the quantum yields in an attempt to get bright circularly polarized light emitters, the high-yielding heterocyclization of those 1,3-butadiyne bridges resulting in macrocyclic 2,5-thienyls-linked pseudo-meta [2.2]paracyclophanes is herein described. The chiroptical properties of both, the previously reported 1,3-butadiyne, and the novel 2,5-thienyl bridged macrocycles of various sizes, are experimentally recorded, and theoretically described using density-functional theory.

Match-Play Running Performance in Professional Male Soccer Players: The Role of Anaerobic Speed Reserve

ABSTRACT Purpose: This study aimed to compare match-play running performance between players with a high (HASR) and low (LASR) anaerobic speed reserve (ASR) profile in professional soccer players. Method: Thirty-six male players from the same club (age: 23.3 ± 5.4 years) took part in this study. Match data were collected from 43 home matches of the first and second division of the Brazilian National Championship over two consecutive seasons. Players had their maximal sprinting (MSS) and aerobic speeds (MAS) determined during field test-based assessments. ASR was defined as MSS minus MAS. Total distance (TD), sprinting distance, number of accelerations and decelerations, absolute peak (PMS(abs)) and mean match sprint speed (MMSS(abs)) and its relative values expressed as a percentage of MSS (PMS(rel) and MMSS(rel)), distance covered > 100% MAS(abs) and > 50% MSS(abs) were compared between the groups and halves. Results: HASR presented greater sprint demand (d > 0.80), PMS(abs) (d = 1.57), and MMSS(abs) (d = 0.99) than the LASR group. The opposite was observed for PMS(rel) and MMSS(rel). The TD and amount of high-intensity accelerations and decelerations were moderately (0.77<d < 0.90) and largely (1.21<d < 1.63) reduced between halves for HASR and LASR, respectively. LASR players also had their distance >MAS(abs) and > 50% MSS(abs) decreased between halves (d = 0.72 and 0.77), while the HASR did not (d < 0.10). Conclusion: Our findings indicated that players with larger ASR had greater sprint demand, with a lower relative running intensity, and covered longer distances above MAS. The amplitude of ASR also affected the player’s running ability between halves.

Exploration of Raw Pigmented-Fleshed Sweet Potatoes Volatile Organic Compounds and the Precursors.

Sweet potato provides rich nutrients and bioactive substances for the human diet. In this study, the volatile organic compounds of five pigmented-fleshed sweet potato cultivars were determined, the characteristic aroma compounds were screened, and a correlation analysis was carried out with the aroma precursors. In total, 66 volatile organic compounds were identified. Terpenoids and aldehydes were the main volatile compounds, accounting for 59% and 17%, respectively. Fifteen compounds, including seven aldehydes, six terpenes, one furan, and phenol, were identified as key aromatic compounds for sweet potato using relative odor activity values (ROAVs) and contributed to flower, sweet, and fat flavors. The OR sample exhibited a significant presence of trans-β-Ionone, while the Y sample showed high levels of benzaldehyde. Starch, soluble sugars, 20 amino acids, and 25 fatty acids were detected as volatile compounds precursors. Among them, total starch (57.2%), phenylalanine (126.82 ± 0.02 g/g), and fatty acids (6.45 μg/mg) were all most abundant in Y, and LY contained the most soluble sugar (14.65%). The results of the correlation analysis revealed the significant correlations were identified between seven carotenoids and trans-β-Ionone, soluble sugar and nerol, two fatty acids and hexanal, phenylalanine and 10 fatty acids with benzaldehyde, respectively. In general, terpenoids and aldehydes were identified as the main key aromatic compounds in sweet potatoes, and carotenoids had more influence on the aroma of OR than other cultivars. Soluble sugars, amino acids, and fatty acids probably serve as important precursors for some key aroma compounds in sweet potatoes. These findings provide valuable insights for the formation of sweet potato aroma.

Early Prognostic Instrumental and Laboratory Biomarkers in Post-MI.

Post-myocardial infarction (MI) changes have been frequently reported in the literature and are associated with determining the prognosis. The aim of this study is to find a prognosis marker for the favorability of determination of the medium-term outcomes in patients with acute MI. MI patients' prognosis is poorly understood and requires further elaboration. A single center, cross-sectional cohort study involved 211 patients' medical history with acute MI, for the period 2014-2019, had been evaluated retrospectively for 76 parameters. The data was collected from the Republic Rehabilitation Mordovian Hospital. The described measurement units were used in the local laboratories to describe the values. The descriptive values were expressed in the mean average and standard deviation. For statistical analysis, descriptive statistics, t-test independent by groups and dependent by numerical variables for repeated analysis for the same patients, multinomial logistic regression, Pearson's correlation coefficient, ROC analysis, and for clarification purposes, diagrams and bar figures were used. For performing the statistical analysis, the SPSS program, version 28 was used. Descriptive statistics showed a proportion of men to females 7:3. The mean age of the MI patients was 61.50 years (Std. Dev. ± 10.68), and the mean height of the sample was 171.00 cm (Std. Dev. ± 7.20). The mean body weight of the sample is 83.62 kg (Std. Dev. ± 12.35), and the body mass index (BMI) is 29.02 kg/m2 (Std. Dev. ± 5.07). The total hospitalization days are 14.79 (Std. Dev. ± 3.41). The mean heart rate (HR) beat per minute (bpm) was 79.03 (Std. Dev. ± 15.63), and the mean blood pressure was 138.53/84.09 mmHg (Std. Dev. ± 28.66/12.79). On the complete blood count (CBC), the mean level of the hemoglobin (Hb) 136.33 g/l (Std. Dev. ± 15.29), the mean level of the leukocytes (WBC) 8.76 /μl (Std. Dev. ± 2.77), the mean level of the red blood cells (RBC) 4.55 /μl (Std. Dev. ± 0.52), the mean level of the relative value of the lymphocytes 24.46 % (Std. Dev. ± 9.015), and the mean level of the thrombocytes 207.87 /μl (Std. Dev. ± 64.035). The mean erythrocytes segmentation rate (ESR) is 18.99 mm/hr (Std. Dev. ± 12.16). The regression analysis demonstrated that the dependent variable, complication, in particular, pericarditis, and the independent factor, concomitant disease, in particular, chronic heart failure, has a significant regression coefficient of 29.101 at p <0.05. Furthermore, the dependent variable, complication, in particular, pneumonitis, and the independent factor, concomitant disease, particularly, arrhythmia, have a significant regression coefficient of 21.937 at p <0.05. An elevated level of CPK-MB/LDH/Troponin I is linked to the development of arrhythmia. Patients with other medical conditions experience high diastolic blood pressure and an enlargement of the right ventricle. The early complication observed after MI is the formation of a left ventricular aneurysm. Complications arise due to low levels of potassium and calcium. Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) contributes to the End-Diastolic Size (EDS) of the Left Ventricle (LV), Troponin I, and creatine phosphokinase-MB (CPK-MB). Advanced CKD patients have a hypertrophic left ventricle and persistently elevated post-myocardial Infarction (MI) cardiac biomarkers (CPKMB/ LDH/Troponin I) due to impaired kidney detoxification. Therefore, prolonged elevation of MI biomarkers can be an indicative of severe MI or kidney function impairment due to the chronic mild elevation in the MI biomarkers. Pericarditis development is related to the pre-existence of chronic heart failure. Moreover, pneumonitis development is related to the pre-existence of arrhythmia. Others: Hypertensive patients do not exhibit a significant increase in calcium levels, indicating that it is not a reliable biomarker in this patient population. Additionally, gender plays a crucial role in the development of ischemic heart disease, including myocardial infarction.

A cascaded flowshop joint scheduling problem with makespan minimization: A mathematical model and shifting iterated greedy algorithm

This paper studies a cascaded flowshop joint scheduling problem that has critical applications in the electronic information equipment manufacturing industry but has received limited attention in the scheduling field. The cascaded flowshop joint scheduling problem encompasses both a distributed permutation flowshop scheduling problem and a hybrid flowshop scheduling problem. This paper investigates the efficient scheduling of a set of jobs in two heterogeneous flowshops to minimize the makespan. We present a mixed integer linear programming mathematical model and a shifting iterated greedy algorithm, which constantly changes its search space to explore different solution spaces. Based on the specific characteristics of the problem, a hybrid scheduling approach that combines forward and backward scheduling, a step-by-step destruction and reconstruction operator, and three adaptive reconstructive methods that combine coarse-tuning and fine-tuning are proposed to explore the near-optimal solution. Through comprehensive computational comparison and statistical analysis, the results demonstrate that the proposed shifting iterated greedy algorithm performs significantly better in relative deviation index values at the same CPU running time.

Detection of NH3 gas using CrVO4 nanoparticles

Nanostructured chromium orthovanadate with an average particle size of 65 nm was prepared by the co-precipitation technique for the chemiresistive sensor. The morphology and particle size distribution of CrVO4 nanoparticles were examined by SEM and TEM. According to XRD, most of the prepared CrVO4 material (crystallites) has a monoclinic structure belonging to the space group C2/m. XPS and UV-Vis absorbance measurements provided additional information on the main phase and the surface. The material has shown reasonable selectivity towards the NH3 gas. The as-prepared CrVO4 nanostructures exhibit a maximum relative response of 32% to 50 ppm NH3. The identical dynamic response profiles during the sequential injections of 50 ppm NH3 evinced the repeatability of the sensor. The limit of detection (LOD) value of the sensor was estimated ca 0.7 ppm using relative response values towards a wide range of NH3 concentrations from 10 ppm to 100 ppm. The sensing mechanism was expressed in terms of the surface band bending phenomenon caused by the adsorption and desorption of the ammonia. The best sensor performance was achieved at 330 °C, where the effects of humidity and moisture can be neglected. The results confirmed that the CrVO4 nanomaterial has the potential to fabricate an affordable, easy-to-make, and reliable gas sensor for NH3 gas.

Resident dictation of operative notes: a reimbursement comparison and mixed-methods analysis

PurposeSurgical documentation is crucial to ensure quality patient care and accurate coding and billing. Operative dictation also serves as a valuable educational opportunity for surgical trainees. However, resident dictations may not fully capture procedural details and complexities, resulting in missed revenue opportunities. On July 1, 2021, our university-based surgery department implemented a policy requiring attendings to dictate all operative reports. The purpose of this mixed-method study was to investigate the financial impact of this policy and explore differences in resident and attending dictations.MethodsCore general surgery operations performed by the Department of Surgery between July 1, 2020 and June 30, 2022 were identified from billing data. The surgeon, current procedural terminology (CPT) and modifier codes, and relative value units (RVUs) for each case were acquired. Surgeons not present for the entire study period or cases requiring multiple surgeons were excluded. Descriptive statistics and Kolmogorov–Smirnov (KS) non-parametric tests compared pre- and post-policy RVU distributions on overall charges and 18 key general surgery operations. Targeted thematic analysis was performed on operative reports pre- and post-policy to explore resident and attending differences.ResultsA total of 42 attendings performed 16,233 cases, billing 28,560 CPT codes (50.3% pre- vs. 49.7% post-policy). There was a small but statistically significant increase in RVU distribution post-policy, mean 20.2 pre- vs. 20.3 RVUs post-, $4372 pre- vs. $4418 per case post-, KS = 0.02 (p = 0.009). Specifically, higher RVU distributions were seen among attending-dictated cases for melanoma (p = 0.009), minimally invasive ventral hernia repair (VHR, p = 0.008), parathyroidectomy (p < 0.001), anorectal incision and drainage (p = 0.003) and anorectal exam under anesthesia (p = 0.029). Higher RVU distributions were noted among resident-dictated, attending-edited cases for partial colectomy (p = 0.043), and open VHR (p = 0.004). No differences were noted among the remaining operations (p > 0.05). Three major themes were noted from focused sampling of 112 operative reports: billable items, clinical/surgical reasoning, and technical details. Differences in billable items and clinical and surgical reasoning were the most influential on modifying clinical implications of operative notes. Themes and differences were consistent regardless of surgeon or specialty.ConclusionAdopting an attending-only operative dictation policy yielded a small increase in billable RVUs, predominantly from select operations. Gaps in coding-directed language and depth of clinical reasoning were noted in resident dictations. These findings reveal an educational opportunity that concomitantly optimizes patient care, resident education, and procedural revenue.

Statistical modeling of cargo securing on selected military trucks and road surfaces

The development of new technologies (e.g., three-axial accelerometers) and their implementation to the armed forces made it possible to rather easily obtain data on transportation with regard to cargo securing. It is, however, crucial to evaluate the data, and identify the factors important for the selection of an appropriate cargo securing system. Particular attention should be paid to the transportation on low-quality roads, or possibly in the terrain as it can be expected that the cargo (as well as the vehicle and the driver) is subjected to greater shocks. Data obtained from the military transport experiment have been processed using advanced statistical methods (a contaminated probability distribution, methods of statistical comparison, and an analysis of variance). The transportation data from the use of two military trucks on three different road surfaces has been compared. The results show, in which axes there are statistically significant differences in terms of the frequency of exceeding normatively determined acceleration coefficient values in relation to the road surface type and the vehicle type. Further results are based on the modeling of acceleration coefficients using a contaminated log-normal distribution, where the distribution of acceleration coefficient values is contaminated by outliers resulting from sudden changes in the transport conditions.

Bis(N-xylyl-imino)phenyl “NCN” iridium pincer complexes. Thermodynamics of ligand binding and C[sbnd]C bond cleavage

Iridium dibromide complexes of the phenyldiimine ligand 2,6-bis(1-((2,6-dimethylphenyl)imino)ethyl)phenyl, trans-(XyPhDI)IrBr2L, have been synthesized, and relative Ir-L BDFEs have been experimentally determined for a wide range of corresponding adducts of ligands L. An estimate of the absolute enthalpy of Ir-L binding has been obtained from dynamic NMR measurements. The results of DFT calculations are in very good agreement with the relative and absolute experimental values. Computational studies were extended to the formation of adducts of (XyPhDI)IrH2 and (XyPhDI)IrI, as well as other (pincer)IrI fragments, (Phebox)IrI and (PCP)IrI, to enable a comparison of electronic and steric effects with these archetypal pincer ligands. Attempts to reduce (XyPhDI)IrBr2(MeCN) to a hydride or an IrI complex yielded a dinuclear CN-bridged complex with a methyl ligand on the cyanide-C-bound Ir center (characterized by scXRD), indicating that C-CN bond cleavage took place at that Ir center. DFT calculations indicate that the C-CN bond cleavage occurs at one Ir center with strong assistance by coordination of the CN nitrogen to the other Ir center.

Spatio-temporal composition of aquatic birds community in Juluapan Lagoon, Colima, Mexican Central Pacific

Introduction: Aquatic birds (AB) are usually associated with wetlands, which provide refuge, food, and/or nesting sites for resident and migratory species. Despite their ecological importance, there is little knowledge on AB in some tropical environments, such as those found on the Colima coast. Objective: To investigate the spatial and temporal composition of the AB community in Juluapan Lagoon, Colima, Central Mexican Pacific. Methods: Monthly counts were conducted between June 2017 and May 2018 during low-tide conditions to record habitat use by AB. Species richness and bird counts were obtained to compare sampling areas; mean richness and number of individuals were compared between seasons. Results: We detected 53 species and 5 750 individuals. The highest species richness and relative abundance values were obtained in winter at the lagoon area farthest from the connection with the marine system, where anthropogenic activity is lower. Diversity was greater in zones 2 and 3 in spring, summer, and fall. Muddy flats were the most used environment, and the most frequent activity was resting. Nesting activity was only recorded in the middle of the lagoon at the mangrove during spring. Shorebirds and waders were the most dominant groups in the bird community of the Juluapan lagoon. Conclusions: This coastal wetland is a site of great biological importance for aquatic birds; thus, conservation measures should be implemented, and there should be a continuous study of the effects of anthropogenic pressure.

Case study of Er- and Dy-doped boron-aluminosilicate glasses on radiation shielding performance in the energy range 0.015–10 MeV with MCNP6.2

The use of radiation-shielding materials has significantly increased with the advancement of new technologies. The present work aims to demonstrate that the nuclear shielding properties of boron-aluminosilicate glasses can be enhanced by doping with rare earth elements (REEs) such as erbium (Er) and dysprosium (Dy). Testing was performed by mixing different ratios of dopants into the glass system. This procedure was implemented on 13Al2O3–21B2O3-35.4SiO2-(30.6-X) Er2O3-X(Dy2O3) glass, where X = 0, 15.3, 22.1, and 30.6. MCNP6.2, SRIM, PSD, ROOT software, and XCOM databases were used as tools. MCNP6.2 software and XCOM databases were used to calculate, simulate, and validate the mass attenuation cross-sections for 15 selected gamma energies ranging from 0.01 MeV to 10 MeV. On the other hand, SRIM was used to obtain information about the mass stopping power (MSP) and stopping distance, the so-called projected range (PR), for charged particles of H+1 and He+2. Likewise, the PSD was only used to obtain a fast neutron removal cross-section (FNRCS) per density value for each element. This is referred to as the macroscopic neutron cross-section for fast neutron removal in the literature. Finally, the data analysis framework ROOT was used for calculations and graphical representations. To validate this study, the radiation-shielding properties of the material were compared with the globally accepted mass attenuation coefficient database of XCOM using MCNP6.2 simulation results. The proximity between these two is promising. The accuracy of the study was determined by examining the relative error values. The results indicate a strong correlation between the database and theoretical data. Radiation shielding properties such as mass and linear attenuation coefficients (MAC and LAC), half and tenth value layers (HVL and TVL), mean free path (MFP), effective atomic number (Zeff), effective electron density (Neff), effective conductivity (Ceff), and fast neutron removal cross-sections (FNRCS) against gamma rays suggested that the lowest X ratio indicated the highest protection. However, the MSP and PR values for the charged particles at most energies indicate the lowest protection with the lowest X ratio in the glass mixture. Finally, the glass shield with the lowest X ratio provided the highest neutron protection, similar to gamma rays. In summary, dysprosium and erbium doping in boron-aluminosilicate glasses can be tailored to specify different requirements for gamma-ray and particle attenuation, as well as neutron absorption. This study aims to fill a gap in the literature by providing a basis for future research on shielding materials based on doped boron-aluminosilicate glasses using high-atomic-number particles, such as REEs, as a radiation protection medium.