Shift Changes Research Articles

Particle size distribution shift and diurnal concentration changes of environmental DNA caused by fish spawning behaviour

Particle size distribution shift and diurnal concentration changes of environmental DNA caused by fish spawning behaviour

Pain in Prison: A Risk Factor Analysis of 57 Prisoners' Deaths by Suicide in Illinois, United States.

United States prisons have elevated rates of suicide deaths compared to the general population. Thus, this manuscript aims to identify suicide risk factors, using data collected in Illinois (IL) state prisons between 2013-2021. First, we present comprehensive demographic, psychological, and prison-related descriptive statistics regarding 57 suicide decedents. Next, we compared this subset to IL state population-level prison reports to identify suicide-specific risk factors. Suicide decedents were predominately male, White, serving their first sentence, had a psychiatric diagnosis, and had no work assignment. Lethal attempts frequently occurred during evening off-hours, on Wednesdays, and were preceded by "mental health decompensation" and significant life transitions. Suicide-specific risk factors included identifying as White or Asian, having an offense type of habitual criminal or sex offender, being divorced, and not having children. We close with readily implementable suggestions to reduce suicides in prisons such as increasing off-hours and shift change staffing and social support interventions.

Fluorescent Sensing for the Detection and Quantification of Sulfur-Containing Gases.

Sulfur-containing gases, such as H2S and SO2, play significant roles in a multitude of biological processes affecting human life and health. Precise and efficient detection of these gases is therefore crucial for advancing one's understanding of their biological roles and developing effective diagnostic strategies. Fluorescent sensing offers a highly sensitive and versatile approach for detecting these gases. This Review examines the recent advances in the fluorescent detection of H2S and SO2, highlighting the key mechanisms involved in fluorescence signal transduction, including changes in intensity and wavelength shifts. The diverse array of probe molecules employed for this purpose, including those utilizing mechanisms such as nucleophilic reactions, Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET), and sulfur affinity interactions are explored. In additional to organic sensors, the focus of the Review is particularly directed toward quantum dot (QD) systems, emphasizing their tunable optical properties that hold immense potential for fluorescence sensing. Beyond the traditional III-V QDs, we delve into the emerging fluorescence sensors based on halide perovskite QDs, upconversion nanocrystals, and other novel materials. These advanced QD systems hold promise for the development of highly sensitive and cost-effective gas detectors, paving the way for significant advances in biomedical and environmental monitoring. This Review provides a comprehensive overview of the current state-of-the-art in QD-based fluorescence sensing of sulfur-containing gases and provides a multifaceted discussion comparing organic fluorescent sensors with QD sensors, highlighting the key challenges and opportunities for the integration of fluorescence sensing as it evolves. The Review aims to facilitate further research and development of innovative sensing platforms to enable more accurate and sensitive detection of these important gases.

Plastic Injection Molding Process Analysis: Data Integration and Modeling for Improved Production Efficiency

This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of the plastic injection molding process through the integration of data acquisition technologies and classification models. In collaboration with a company specializing in plastic injection, data were extracted directly from the machine during a specific period at the beginning of a shift change. These data were subjected to exploratory analysis to identify correlations between important variables, such as injection time, cycle time, and mold pressures. Additionally, classification models, including Random Forest and Logistic Regression, were constructed to predict and classify the process state based on these variables. The model results demonstrated high predictive performance, with 99.5% accuracy for Random Forest and 97% for Logistic Regression. These results provide a strong foundation for the early identification of potential problems and informed decision making to improve the efficiency of the plastic injection molding process. This study contributes to the advancement of the integration of intelligent technologies in industrial process optimization, aligned with the principles of Industry 4.0.

Facile synthesis and fabrication of Mg2SnO4/carbon black as a sustainable electrode for determination of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug-flutamide

The accumulation of hazardous pharmaceutical wastes in aquatic organisms, particularly nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug molecules, has severe toxicological consequences for both aquatic life and humans. To protect the environment, it is essential to develop a highly efficient device with dual-purpose capabilities for drug detection while minimizing catalyst expenditure. In this work, we explored a simple and effective design for fabricating a magnesium stannate combined with carbon black (Mg2SnO4/CB) nanocomposite as a cost-effective, sustainable electrode material for the electrochemical detection of flutamide (Flu). The Mg2SnO4/CB nanocomposite was synthesized through a simple hydrothermal process followed by sonication. Various analytical methods were used to determine its physico-chemical characteristics. The electrochemical efficiency of Mg2SnO4/CB/GCE was evaluated by detecting Flu, showing a remarkable linear range from 0.6 to 198.4 µM with a sensitivity of 3.91 μA μM−1 cm−2. In addition, the constructed sensor demonstrated excellent selectivity, high repeatability, outstanding reproducibility, and long-lasting stability. The anti-interference experiments yielded a definite current response without any change in peak shifts. Consequently, Mg2SnO4/CB/GCE demonstrated superior performance in determining Flu in human urine and river water samples.

Stability of antibiotics for use in the testing of immediate drug allergy reactions

BackgroundLimited information is available regarding the physicochemical stability of penicillins-based preparations for skin testing purposes and no information is currently available for other classes of antibiotics. ObjectiveTo perform chemical and physical stability studies on 16 parenteral antibiotics for skin testing purposes, with an overall aim to provide practical recommendations to clinicians on suitable components, storage, and optimal shelf-life of such preparations. MethodsChemical stability was assessed via validated stability-indicating high performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection assays, while absence of precipitations or haziness, significant pH shift and colour change were used to determine physical stability. ResultsOther than amoxicillin/clavulanic acid, all of the parenteral antibiotics were found to have adequate physicochemical stability between 2 to 7 days. Amoxicillin in Water for Injection BP retained >90% stability, while amoxicillin/clavulanic acid dropped to <80%. Ampicillin remained >90% stable for 2 days, and benzylpenicillin, flucloxacillin, and piperacillin/tazobactam were stable for ≥2 days at ∼95%. Cephalosporins were stable for 2 days, except ceftazidime, which increased to >110%. Aztreonam, ciprofloxacin, and vancomycin retained >95% stability for 7 days, while meropenem was stable for 2 days. Sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim lost 15% but stabilized at ∼85% for 7 days. No precipitation occurred, but amoxicillin/clavulanic acid changed colour by day 7. pH decreases of ≤1.0 unit were observed in penicillins, while cefepime dropped below acceptable pH limits by day 7. Absorbance shifts >100 units were seen in several antibiotics by day 7. ConclusionsThis study has generated practical stability information for clinicians, allowing 15 parenteral antibiotics from 7 different classes to be aseptically prepared in advance for use in the testing of drug allergy reactions.

Caring in crisis: Addressing patient safety, burnout, and long hours in healthcare.

Madam, The World Health Organization defines patient safety as preventing errors and adverse effects to patients associated with health care and “to do no harm to patients”. Specifically, in low and middle-income countries (LMICs), about 134 million adverse events occur each year due to unsafe care in hospitals, resulting in 2.6 million deaths annually. [1] Along with other determining factors, professional well-being, long hours, and burnout syndromes also influence patient care. [2] Burnout is a condition directly linked to workplace environment, stemming from occupational stress and extended working hours. Garcia, C.L. et al., through meta-analysis, found a relationship between the development of burnout and patient safety actions, with a probability of superiority of 66.4%. High levels of burnout and worsening patient safety are related to external factors such as high workload, long working hours, lack of a secure environment, and interpersonal relationships. [3] These findings raise concerns, particularly in a country like Pakistan, where the extent of understaffing and high workload can be inferred from the following statistics: The doctor-to-population ratio in Pakistan was 1:1000 in 2018 [4]. In contrast, the doctor-to-population ratio in Malaysia was 2.2:1000 in 2018 [5]. As a result of this shortage, the current workforce in Pakistan is negatively affected. In a study by Kasi PM et al. on postgraduate trainees in Pakistan, individuals under stress were more likely to report longer working hours. This increased workload made them prone to medical errors, which ultimately undermines the patient safety culture. A study conducted at a tertiary care hospital in Pakistan using the Hospital Survey on Patient Safety Culture (HSOPSC) compared the benchmarks from hospitals in the USA and discovered that high staff workload is a significant concern among staff [6] In Pakistan, where healthcare resources are limited, fostering a culture of effective work-hour management and breaks is essential for creating a healthier and safer environment for health professionals and patients. Ensuring adequate staffing levels to distribute the workload and prevent overburdening is essential. Providing designated areas for relaxation, offering mental health resources and mindfulness programmes like yoga or meditation can help doctors to cope with stress. Furthermore, promoting a culture of multidisciplinary teamwork, a mentorship program, and effective handover protocols during shift changes can ensure continuity of care. Medical institutes should invest in technology that can streamline administrative tasks and reduce paperwork burden. ---Continue

Activatable Multiplexed 19F NMR Probes for Dynamic Monitoring of Biomarkers Associated with Cellular Senescence.

Simultaneous detection of multiple biomarkers is crucial to achieve specific and dynamic analysis of cellular senescence, given its intrinsic high heterogeneity. Current approaches for senescence detection largely rely on fluorescence imaging, but fluorescent probes inevitably suffer from issues including autofluorescence and spectral overlap when being applied for the simultaneous detection of multiple biomarkers. Herein, we report an alternative strategy and design activatable multiplexed senoprobes based on 19F NMR for dynamic monitoring of cellular senescence. Differing from previous approaches, our strategy has two unique advantages. First, this strategy utilizes the changes in the 19F chemical shift as the signal output, which features by its fingerprint and quantifiable characters, thereby significantly enhancing the detection throughput toward biomarkers with minimized spectral overlapping. Second, the background signal is minimized, benefiting from the extremely low abundance of F in biological samples, and the detection accuracy can thus be improved. As a proof of concept, two activatable 19F NMR molecular probes are synthesized that specially respond to two key senescence-associated biomarkers (β-gal and ROS) and have been successfully demonstrated for dynamical and quantitative assessment of the changes of these biomarkers in different cellular models of senescence, without causing obvious cytotoxicity. Owing to the flexible molecular design, this work may offer a useful platform to create diversified 19F NMR senoprobes for deep understanding of cellular senescence across a wide range of aging-related diseases.

Determination of the pKa Value of a Brønsted Acid by 19F NMR Spectroscopy.

Brønsted acids, such as phosphoric acids derived from chiral 1,1'-bi-2-naphthol (BINOL), are important catalysts in the formation of carbon-carbon and carbon-heteroatom bonds, for example. The catalytic activity of these Brønsted acids is strongly linked to their acidity, and as such, the evaluation of compounds to determine pKa values provides insight into their catalytic activity. Herein, a 19F{1H} NMR methodology is detailed to determine the pKa of a fluorinated binaphthyl-derived phosphinic acid, rac-1, in acetonitrile and in the presence of a fluorinated sulfonamide reference compound (2-4). The approach was tested initially using 2 and 3, with the ΔpKa (0.08) in strong agreement with previously reported values (6.6 for 2 and 6.68/6.73 for 3). Sigmoidal curves of normalised chemical shift change (Δδ) against equivalents of the base phosphazene P1-tBu added overlapped for 2 and 3, but in the case of rac-1 and either 2, 3 or 4, there was significant separation. A variety of different approaches for determining the ΔpKa were compared. Values of pKa determined when the normalised Δδ was 90% were optimal for 2 and 3, whereas a normalised Δδ of 75% was optimal for 4, resulting in the pKa of rac-1 being determined to be 8.47-8.71.

Pandemic-induced healthcare shifts: an observational analysis of maternal and neonatal outcomes in adolescent pregnancies.

The COVID-19 pandemic caused widespread changes in healthcare delivery, particularly affecting vulnerable populations such as pregnant adolescents. These patients faced additional challenges, including developmental and gestational changes, stress from isolation, and altered healthcare access, which may have impacted the incidence and prevalence of maternal and neonatal complications. This study aims to compare maternal and neonatal outcomes in adolescent pregnancies before and during the pandemic, focusing on how shifts in healthcare delivery influenced these outcomes. A retrospective cohort study was conducted, including 340 adolescent pregnant patients who received prenatal care at a tertiary care institution. Patients were divided into two groups: pre-pandemic (n = 209) and pandemic (n = 131). Maternal data, including pre-BMI and gestational weight gain (GWG), were collected to evaluate maternal and neonatal outcomes. Statistical analysis was performed using chi-square tests, Fisher's exact tests, and odds ratio (OR) calculations. The pandemic group showed a statistically significant increase in cesarean deliveries (p = 0.002; OR = 1.99) and cervicovaginitis, particularly caused by Ureaplasma spp. Conversely, the pre-pandemic group had higher rates of psychoactive substance use, maternal urinary tract infections, and neonatal transient tachypnea. In the pandemic group, overweight pre-gestational BMI and cervicovaginitis were more prevalent in patients with adequate GWG, while inadequate GWG was associated with an increased risk of urinary tract infection (UTI). A significant association between pre-gestational overweight/obesity and excessive GWG was also observed (p < 0.05). The COVID-19 pandemic altered both healthcare delivery and maternal and neonatal outcomes in adolescent pregnancies. Changes in healthcare access, isolation, and shifts in medical management during the pandemic resulted in higher cesarean rates and infection rates among pregnant adolescents. These findings underscore the need for adaptable, resilient healthcare systems capable of maintaining comprehensive care even in the face of global crises. Further studies are needed to explore long-term effects on adolescent maternal and neonatal health.

Novel nonlinear wave transitions and interactions for (2+1)-dimensional generalized fifth-order KdV equation

The (2 + 1)-dimensional generalized fifth-order KdV (2GKdV) equation is revisited via combined physical and mathematical methods. By using the Hirota perturbation expansion technique and via setting the nonzero background wave on the multiple soliton solution of the 2GKdV equation, breather waves are constructed, for which some transformed wave conditions are considered that yield abundant novel nonlinear waves including X/Y-Shaped (XS/YS), asymmetric M-Shaped (MS), W-Shaped (WS), Space-Curved (SC) and Oscillation M-Shaped (OMS) solitons. Furthermore, distinct nonlinear wave molecules and interactional structures involving the asymmetric MS, WS, XS/YS, SC solitons, and breathers, lumps are constructed after considering the corresponding existence conditions. The dynamical properties of the nonlinear molecular waves and interactional structures are revealed via analyzing the trajectory equations along with the change of the phase shifts.

1H NMR Chemical Shift Changes as a Result of Introduction of Carbonyl-Containing Protecting Groups Observed in Bornol and Isoborneol

Complete assignments of the 1H NMR chemical shifts for monoterpenes, borneol, and isoborneol, and their derivatives in which the secondary hydroxy group is protected with an acetyl group or a benzoyl group, have been made in CDCl3 and C6D6. Upon the protection of the hydroxy group with the carbonyl functional groups, or acetyl or benzoyl groups, many protons constituting the bicyclic ring exhibited downfield and upfield shifts in the chemical shift values, aiding in the unambiguous assignments of protons and carbons.

Toward understanding the hydrologic, ecologic and community flooding implications of coastal restoration strategies: Sediment diversions

Evaluating the real-world impacts of proposed restoration strategies is a complex process. Typically, restoration is pursued to achieve a number of primary and secondary objectives as most coastal and deltaic areas support a variety of functions and activities with substantial social and economic values. In this analysis, we demonstrate the importance of considering the broad implications of planning and implementing restoration projects. We use a recently developed simplified and computationally efficient biophysical numerical model. The Mid-Barataria Sediment Diversion, a restoration project approximately 60 km down the Mississippi River from New Orleans, Louisiana, USA, offers an opportunity to quantify the benefits and potential impacts of large-scale restoration. Operation plans of the diversion are employed in this analysis to reveal the delicate balance between its potential benefits and possible adverse effects. Evaluation metrics include net land change and landscape evolution, change in salinity and subsequent shift in the distribution of marsh types, long-term change in the hydroperiod and marsh inundation, and change in the flood risk for unique local coastal communities and culture. We also consider subaqueous basin infilling, spatial sediment deposition, and creation of shallow water areas that might be of ecological value. These metrics are evaluated collectively under a set of future scenarios capturing long-term impacts of sea level rise and subsidence. This analysis provides evidence in favor of using a multi-metric approach to holistically evaluate restoration during the planning and design phases, as well as to guide the process of adaptively managing restoration projects post construction.

Colorimetric detection of pyrophosphate using gold nanorods and Fe3+ based on anti-etching mechanism

Pyrophosphate (PPi), as a derivative of inorganic phosphate, has important applications in the fields of food and environment, it also plays an important role in biological metabolism and serves as a biomarker for clinical diagnosis of certain diseases. Thus, the development of a simple and convenient method to quantify PPi is of great significance for environmental protection, food safety and disease diagnosis. In this study, visual colorimetric detection of PPi was achieved by inhibiting the morphological change of gold nanorods (Au NRs). In the presence of SCN-, Fe3+ with low concentration can oxidatively etch Au NRs due to the potential difference, leading to significant color change of Au NRs solutions and blue shift in longitudinal local surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) absorption peak of Au NRs solutions. Due to the strong complexation between PPi and Fe3+, the etching of Au NRs by Fe3+ was restrained, while the morphology of Au NRs, the color and UV–vis absorption spectrum of Au NRs solution remained uninfluenced. Under optimal conditions, this colorimetric detection method exhibited exceptional selectivity, anti-interference, and sensitivity towards PPi, with a linear detection range of 0.8–24 μM. Moreover, practical application results suggest that this colorimetric method holds significant potential for swiftly detecting PPi in intricate samples.

Identifying Emergency Physicians’ Strategies for Mitigating Workload Transfers during End of Shift Patient Handoffs – A Qualitative Analysis

In hospital emergency departments (EDs), emergency physicians (EPs) regularly handoff patients to one another at shift changes. While previous studies have focused on standardizing communication practices during handoffs, these efforts do not address how handoffs contribute to transfers of excess workload for EPs, nor the strategies utilized by EPs to mitigate such workload transfers. Forty-four observations were conducted at a large referral hospital and Level 1 trauma center. Observations of EPs’ workstations were conducted during 4-hour intervals centered on end of shift patient handoffs. Following observations, interviews were conducted with 12 attending EPs pertaining to the structuring of information during handoffs, strategies used to prepare for handoffs, interpersonal and environmental considerations that may affect handoffs, and any workflow adaptations that occur due to such considerations. Interview data were analyzed using qualitative coding and subsequent thematic analysis. Findings from this study revealed four thematic categories: traditional sign-out workflows, importance of the state of patient disposition, adaptive strategies for mitigating workload transfers, and EP motivations and obligations regarding sign-outs. Ultimately, the adaptive workflows and mitigation strategies utilized by EPs during end of shift patient handoffs demonstrate their ability to adapt and effectively reduce the amount of cognitive workload transferred during handoffs.

Trends in Respiratory Viral Testing in Pediatric Emergency Departments Following the COVID-19 Pandemic

ObjectiveTo evaluate for increases in the use and costs of respiratory viral testing in pediatric emergency departments (EDs) due to the COVID-19 pandemic. MethodsWe performed a cross-sectional study using the Pediatric Health Information System. Eligible subjects were children (90 days-18 years) who were discharged from a pediatric ED included in PHIS from October 2016 through March 2024. To evaluate for changes in the frequency and costs of respiratory viral testing, we performed an interrupted time series analysis across three study periods: pre-pandemic (October 1, 2016 to March 14, 2020), early pandemic (March 15, 2020 to December 31, 2023), and late pandemic (January 1, 2023 to March 31, 2024). ResultsWe included 15,261,939 encounters from 34 pediatric EDs over the 90-month study period. At least one viral respiratory test was performed for 460,826 of 7,311,177 pre-pandemic encounters (6.3%), 1,240,807 of 5,100,796 early pandemic encounters (24.3%), and 545,696 of 2,849,966 late pandemic encounters (19.1%). There was a positive pre-pandemic slope in viral testing (0.17% encounters/month; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.17, 0.18). The early pandemic was associated with a shift change of 4.98% (95% CI 4.90, 5.07) and positive slope (0.54% encounters/month; 95% CI 0.54, 0.55). The late pandemic period was associated with a negative shift (-17.80%, 95% CI -17.90, -17.70) and positive slope (0.42% encounters/month; 95% CI 0.41, 0.42). The slope in testing costs increased from $5,000/month (95% CI $4,200, 5,700) to $33,000/month (95% CI $32,000, $34,000) during the early pandemic. ConclusionRespiratory testing and associated costs increased during the COVID-19 pandemic and were sustained, despite decreasing incidence of disease. These findings highlight a need for further efforts to clarify indications for viral testing in the ED and efforts to reduce low-value testing.

Characteristics and Trends of Workplace Violence towards Frontline Health Workers under Comprehensive Interventions in a Chinese Infectious Disease Hospital.

This study investigated workplace violence (WPV) toward frontline health workers under comprehensive interventions to improve the occupational safety and health management system in a Chinese infectious disease hospital. The risk assessment of WPV using an international questionnaire was conducted in 2018 and 2021 to compare the perceived levels of exposure to WPV and intervention measures before and after the intensification of anti-violence measures in the hospital context. Additionally, qualitative data were collected in 2021 through semi-structured and unstructured interviews, providing complementary information about WPV toward frontline health workers (HWs). After establishing the occupational safety and health management system (OSHMS), the total incidence rate of WPV decreased from 60.90% in 2018 to 34.44% in 2021. Psychological violence declined significantly from 60.90% in 2018 to 33.89% in 2021. The endorsement of precautionary measures increased significantly from 2018 to 2021, including patient screening recognition, patient protocol, shift or rota changes, etc. A thematic analysis of several subthemes shows that HWs had an in-depth understanding of WPV, recognizing its multifaceted consequences in the context of complex risk factors. This study demonstrates a significant decrease in WPV, psychological violence, verbal abuse, bullying/mobbing, and ethnic discrimination after implementing the comprehensive OSHMS.

Changes in Magnitude and Shifts in Timing of the Latvian River Annual Flood Peaks

Changes in Magnitude and Shifts in Timing of the Latvian River Annual Flood Peaks

The Importance of Offline Options for Online Learners

The popularity of MOOCs and MOOC platforms prompted some universities to develop their first online courses, while others experimented with the format of existing online offerings. Despite the body of research identifying cognitive, metacognitive, and practical benefits of printed materials, there has been a shift towards an approach that privileges online resources, reducing opportunities to access resources offline or in printed form. Online courses can be produced more quickly and cheaply than those providing both printed and digital options. They can also benefit learners in a society that values digital skills and literacies. This paper, informed by the principles of universal design for learning (CAST 2018), asks ‘What are the benefits to students of offering downloadable/printable versions of online study materials and supporting offline study?’. It takes a phenomenological approach, exploring the experience of 100 postgraduate learners on an online course delivered on the FutureLearn platform. Data was extracted from a large dataset that included all the students’ course discussion postings (N = 17,158). Data analysis identified the importance of the online/offline divide and showed that, as students’ contexts change, the benefits and accessibility of online, offline and print versions shifts. Printed and digital materials support different ways of learning and can have an affective impact. These findings point to ways in which learning design, skills training, and technical changes might be used to increase the affordances of digital materials for learners.

Changes in cross-boundary coalescence effects induce the unsynchronized states shift of microbial structure and microbial-mediated nitrogen-cycle pathways in coupled-ecosystem

Understanding the coalescence of materials and microorganisms across pre-configured functional zones in coupled ecosystems is crucial for refining ecological restoration strategies. Deciphering how this coalescence triggers changes in state and functionality is key. However, the emergence of alternative states due to coalescence impacts could lead to abrupt ecological changes near boundaries, with unknown implications. This study focused on a typical coupled ecosystem, constructed wetland (CW), to investigate the impact of coalescence on shifts in aquatic microbial community states. A quantitative method and hierarchical linear models with Bayesian inference were used. Results showed a gradual increase in coalescence from inlet to outlet, with upstream points significantly influencing downstream points (54.13%, 62.35%, 84.03% for each pond). Alternative stable states were found in microbial-mediated nitrogen cycle pathways, leading to a transition from robust denitrification to diminished ammonification and denitrification states. This shift correlated strongly with community cohesion and nitrogen concentration. The observed change in state shift lagged 5% of the total CW length compared to the change in functional states. This research highlights the potential for targeted manipulation of microbial assemblages in CWs for ecological management and restoration.