Significant Differences In Performance Research Articles

Current status and challenges for hole-selective poly-silicon based passivating contacts

Doped polysilicon (poly-Si) passivating contacts have emerged as a key technology for the next generation of silicon solar cells in mass production, owing to their excellent performance and high compatibility with the existing passivated emitter and rear cell technology. However, the current solar cell architecture based on a rear-side electron-selective (n+) poly-Si contact is also approaching its practical limit (∼26%) in mass production. The full potential of doped poly-Si passivating contacts can only be realized through incorporation of both electron-selective and hole-selective (p+) poly-Si contacts. While studies of both p+ and n+ poly-Si contacts commenced simultaneously, significant performance differences have arisen. Phosphorus-doped poly-Si contacts consistently outperform boron-doped counterparts, displaying typically lower recombination current density (J0) values (1–5fA/cm2 vs 7–15fA/cm2). This discrepancy can be attributed to inadequate optimization of p+ poly-Si contacts and fundamental limitations related to boron doping. The poorer passivation of p+ poly-Si contacts can be at least partly attributed to boron segregation into the interfacial oxide layers, compromising the interfacial oxide integrity and reducing the chemical passivation effectiveness. This review critically examines the progress of p+ poly-Si contacts characterized by cell efficiency and J0 values, delves into existing challenges, identifies potential solutions, and explores some potential solar cell architectures to enhance efficiency by incorporating p+ poly-Si contacts.

Radiomics analysis of contrast-enhanced computerized tomography for differentiation of gastric schwannomas from gastric gastrointestinal stromal tumors

PurposeTo assess the performance of radiomics-based analysis of contrast-enhanced computerized tomography (CE-CT) images for distinguishing GS from gastric GIST.MethodsForty-nine patients with GS and two hundred fifty-three with GIST were enrolled in this retrospective study. CT features were evaluated by two associate chief radiologists. Radiomics features were extracted from portal venous phase images using Pyradiomics software. A non-radiomics dataset (combination of clinical characteristics and radiologist-determined CT features) and a radiomics dataset were used to build stepwise logistic regression and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) logistic regression models, respectively. Model performance was evaluated according to sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, and Delong’s test was applied to compare the area under the curve (AUC) between different models.ResultsA total of 1223 radiomics features were extracted from portal venous phase images. After reducing dimensions by calculating Pearson correlation coefficients (PCCs), 20 radiomics features, 20 clinical characteristics + CT features were used to build the models, respectively. The AUC values for the models using radiomics features and those using clinical features were more than 0.900 for both the training and validation groups. There were no significant differences in predictive performance between the radiomic and clinical data models according to Delong’s test.ConclusionA radiomics-based model applied to CE-CT images showed comparable predictive performance to senior physicians in the differentiation of GS from GIST.

Kinerja Keuangan Bank Mega dan Bank Mega Syariah Menggunakan Pendekatan Camel

This research aims to compare the financial performance between Bank Mega and Bank Mega Syariah during the 2018-2022 period using the CAMEL approach. The research method used is descriptive comparative through a quantitative approach. The data used are Bank Mega and Bank Mega Syariah quarterly reports for the 2018-2022 period. The results of descriptive statistical tests show that the majority of the financial ratios of the two banks are in the good or very good category based on applicable standards. However, the results of hypothesis testing using the Mann-Whitney U Test indicate that there are significant differences in financial performance between the two banks. Bank Mega has better performance in terms of CAR, ROA, BOPO and LDR ratios, while there is no significant difference in the NPL ratio between the two banks.

Validation and assessment of multi-GNSS phase bias products from IGS analysis centers

Phase bias plays a crucial role in precision point positioning (PPP) with ambiguity resolution. Currently, an increasing number of analysis centers are being of releasing multi- Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) phase bias products. However, it remains uncertain how different phase bias products, receiver types, and GNSS systems combinations might impact user-side positioning performance and ambiguity resolution capabilities. In view of this, this contribution systematically investigates the effects on PPP with ambiguity resolution. Four types of receivers, including SEPTENTRIO POLARX5, LEICA GR50, JAVAD TRE_3 DELTA, and TRIMBLE ALLOY, are selected, and six types of GNSS system combinations, namely, GPS, Galileo, BDS3, GPS/Galileo, GPS/BDS3, GPS/Galileo/BDS3, are used, and the phase bias products from OSB (Observable-specific Bias)-CODE (Center for Orbit Determination in Europe), OSB-CNES/CLS (Centre National d’Etudes Spatiales Geodesy Team), OSB-GFZ (German Research Centre for Geosciences/Germany), OSB-WHU (Wuhan University), OSB-CNES/NAV (Centre National d’Etudes Spatiales Navigation Team), IRC (Integer Recovery Clock)-CNES/CLS, IRC-GFZ are adopted for the numerical experiment. Compared with the float-solution, the results show that the accuracy of PPP fixed-solution with single-system can be improved 1 cm–3 cm, and the convergence time is reduced 2 min–15 min. The positioning performance using the seven phase bias products for any single-system satisfies the following order from the best to the worst: OSB_WHU > OSB_CODE > OSB_CNES/CLS ≈ OSB_CNES/NAV > OSB_GFZ > IRC_CNES/CLS ≈ IRC_GFZ, but the performance of ambiguity resolution do not present certain characteristics. Meanwhile, the ambiguity-fix success-rate and Time to First Fix can keep at 80%–96% and 20 min–40 min with single-system, respectively. In the case of multi-system, although the difference in the positioning performance among the phase bias products is not significant, the multi-system outperforms the single-systemin terms of both positioning performance and ambiguity resolution. However, the difference between the dual-system and the triple-system is smaller. In addition, the positioning performance corresponding to different receiver types also shows distinction, while there is no significant difference in the ambiguity resolution performance between different receiver types.

The effects of different iron shaft weights on golf swing performance.

This study examined the effects of three 7-iron shaft weights on golf swing performance among golfers of varying skill levels. The study included 10 low-handicap (LH; 4.3 ± 2.4) and 10 high-handicap (HH; 29.1 ± 5.4) right-handed golfers as participants. The participants were randomly assigned 7-iron clubs with shaft weights categorized as light (77g), medium (98g), or heavy (114g), and they performed test shots. Kinematic data were captured using a motion analysis system with nine infra-red high speed cameras; a force platform connected to this system was used to record weight transfer patterns. Performance variables were assessed using a FlightScope launch monitor. A two-way mixed-design analysis of variance was used to determine the significance of the performance differences among both participant groups and golf shaft weights. The results indicated that during the backswing, the LH group exhibited significantly greater maximum rightward upper torso rotation, maximum X-factor, and maximum right wrist hinge rotation than did the HH group. During the downswing, the LH group exhibited significantly greater maximum upper torso angular velocity and maximum right wrist angular velocity than did the HH group. Moreover, the LH group produced significantly higher ball speeds, longer shot distances, and lower launch angles than did the HH group. The shaft weight neither greatly altered the golf swing nor displaced the center of gravity of the golfers. The lighter shafts were observed to facilitate faster clubhead speeds and initial ball velocities, thereby resulting in longer shot distances, especially among LH golfers. Although significant differences in swing mechanics and performance exist between HH and LH golfers, lighter shafts can contribute to increased shot distances for all golfers.

Flipped classroom with collaborative learning approach in enhancing writing skills of Indonesian university students

The intention of this study was to examine how a flipped classroom with a collaborative learning approach improved the writing skills of Indonesian higher education students. To achieve the study’s aim of 48 Indonesian higher education participants, the Oxford Quick Placement Test (OQPT) was employed. They were divided into two groups: experiment and control. Following that, as a pre-test, both groups were given a written exam. The experimental class (EC) was then positioned in a flipped classroom. Students were permitted to bring smartphones to class and utilize them while learning, and the flipped classroom was equipped with an internet connection, a laptop, and a projector. The control class (CC) got standard classroom instruction. This strategy was employed until the very last session. The experimental group outperformed the control group on the post-test, according to the results of the independent samples t-test and one-way analysis of covariance (ANCOVA). Furthermore, the results revealed a significant difference in post-test performance between the EC and CC.

Facilitating Student Learning With a Chatbot in an Online Math Learning Platform

Chatbots represent a promising technology for engaging students in math learning. Guided by Jerome Bruner’s constructivism and Lev Vygotsky’s Zone of Proximal Development, we designed and developed a chatbot that incorporates scaffolding strategies and social-emotional considerations, and we integrated it into ASSISTments, an online math learning platform. We conducted an experimental study to examine the influence of learning math with the chatbot compared to traditional learning with hints. This study involved 85 middle and high school students from three diverse school settings in the United States. The results revealed no significant differences in students' math learning performance and perceived helpfulness and interest between the chatbot and traditional hints conditions. However, students in the chatbot condition displayed significantly lower confidence in solving a similar problem after the intervention, likely due to the removal of the high level of support provided by the chatbot. Despite this, students’ open responses indicated that a significantly higher number of students had positive attitudes towards chatbots. They appreciated the chatting feature, breaking down a problem into steps, and real-time support. The study concludes with a discussion of the findings and implications for chatbot designers and developers and presents avenues for future research and practice in chatbot-assisted learning. In support of Open Science, this study has been preregistered and both the data and the analysis code used in this study are publicly available at https://osf.io/am3p8/ .

Impact of Industrial Noise on Speech Interaction Performance and User Acceptance when Using the MS HoloLens 2

Even though assistance systems offer more potential due to the increasing maturity of the inherent technologies, Automatic Speech Recognition faces distinctive challenges in the industrial context. Speech recognition enables immersive assistance systems to handle inputs and commands hands-free during two-handed operative jobs. The results of the conducted study (with n = 22 participants) based on the counterbalanced within-subject design demonstrated the performance (word error rate and information transfer rate) of the HMD HoloLens 2 as a function of the sound pressure level of industrial noise. The negative influence of industrial noise was higher on the word error rate of dictation than on the information transfer rate of the speech command. Contrary to expectations, no statistically significant difference in performance was found between the stationary and non-stationary noise. Furthermore, this study confirmed the hypothesis that user acceptance was negatively influenced by erroneous speech interactions. Furthermore, the erroneous speech interaction had no statistically significant influence on the workload or physiological parameters (skin conductance level and heart rate). It can be summarized that Automatic Speech Recognition is not yet a capable interaction paradigm in an industrial context.

Spatial learning using Google Streetview in an online wayfinding task

The use of navigation applications changed the way people find their way in an unfamiliar environment. A combination of maps, images and textual route instructions shown (or with audio) on one screen guides the user to the destination but may sometimes be overwhelming. This article investigated the spatial knowledge participants acquired after being presented with different types of route instructions, human and computer-generated, in an online wayfinding task using Google Streetview (without the 2D map) of an unfamiliar environment. The results showed a significant difference in the wayfinding performance for deviations from computer-generated instructions, whilst there was no difference in the time spent and the scene recall. Sketch maps revealed both route-like and survey-like characteristics. But most sketch maps are characterised by high route-likeness. Furthermore, this study showed a significant effect of the environmental layout on the participant’s performance based on deviations incurred during wayfinding. The results of this study have implications for improving navigation system instructions and design as well as for learning with geospatial technologies.

Administration of Red Macroalgae (Galaxaura oblongata) in the Diet of the Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) Improved Immunity and Hepatic Gene Expression

This study is designed to evaluate the effects of dietary red macroalgae (Galaxaura oblongata) on growth performance, serum, and skin mucus immunological and antioxidant responses in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). For this, rainbow trout were fed diets containing different levels of G. oblongata (0 (ctrl), 0.5 (G1), and 1 (G2) %) for 8 weeks. Following the feeding trial, there were no significant differences in growth performance between the experimental treatments (p > 0.05). Total immunoglobulin (Ig) content and lysozyme (LYZ) activity in serum were increased in fish fed G. oblongata (p < 0.05), with the highest value at (0.5%). Regardless of the inclusion level, mucus total Ig levels were significantly increased in the G. oblongata groups (p < 0.05), and mucus LYZ activity was not changed (p > 0.05). All groups fed G. oblongata showed higher serum catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities than the control group (p < 0.05). However, skin mucus SOD activity increased more in the group fed 1% of G. oblongata than the other groups (p < 0.05). Additionally, the skin mucus GPx activity showed higher values in the group fed 0.5 and 1% G. oblongata than in the control (p < 0.05). No significant differences were recognized between the experimental treatments in terms of CAT activity and malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration (p > 0.05). G. oblongata up-regulated gpx gene expression with the maximum value at the group fed 1% G. oblongata (p < 0.05). Additionally, interleukin 6 (il-6) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (tnf-α) gene expressions were significantly up-regulated in fish fed 1% compared with the control and 0.5% groups. Based on the results, 0.5–1% G. oblongata can be used in the fish diet and enhance immunity without causing impairment in growth.

Unravelling the Nexus Between Export Performance and Business Performance

Exporting enterprises representing countries in global competition constitute a valuable research area and create the opportunity to conduct research on them. Exporting enterprises have a crucial place in the welfare of developing countries, especially with the foreign exchange revenues they will bring. Therefore, many different aspects of exporting enterprises need to be examined both from a business and scientific point of view. This study aimed to comprehend the mutual relationship between business performance and export performance among 192 exporters in Turkiye. In the study, data were collected through scales for export performance and business performance of enterprises, and performance outputs were revealed as a result of factor analysis. Afterwards, it was examined whether there is a significant difference in the export performance of companies with high and low business performance and whether there is a significant difference in the business performance of companies with high and low export performance. Achieved t-test findings, show that significant differences existed in both the export performance of companies with high business performance and the business performance of companies with high export performance. These findings of the study indicate that exporting companies' financial business opportunities may have an impact on export performance, and similarly, companies with good export performance can also achieve a strong financial output. In this context, it has been suggested that businesses should focus on performance outputs with a two-way perspective and that exporting businesses should not only focus on exports.

Differences between 48 and 72-hour intervals on match load and subsequent recovery: a report from the Brazilian under-20 national football team

PurposeTo compare the external and internal load and subsequent recovery of football players after international tournament matches separated by 48 h vs. 72 h.MethodsA total of 14 male football players from the Brazilian National Team, competing in the 2019 South American Under-20 Championship, participated in the study. Match load was quantified using GPS variables and perceived exertion ratings (1). Additionally, before and 13–15 h after each match, players answered questions about the number of hours and quality of sleep, recovery status, and muscle soreness (0–10) and provided a blood sample for creatine kinase and reactive C-protein analysis. Values of all variables were compared between matches played with 48-h intervals (matches 1–4) and 72-h intervals (matches 5–8).ResultsNo significant differences in performance or perceptual parameters were observed between matches (p = 0.136–0.953). However, CK was higher in matches 1–4 compared to matches 5 and 6; and ΔPCR was higher in matches 2 and 3 compared to matches 5 and 6, and in match 4 compared to matches 5 and 8.ConclusionsAfter matches with a 48-h rest interval, players showed increased markers of inflammation and muscle damage compared to matches with a 72-h rest interval.

Human Foot Outperforms the Hand in Mechanical Pain Discrimination.

Tactile discrimination has been extensively studied, but mechanical pain discrimination remains poorly characterized. Here, we measured the capacity for mechanical pain discrimination using a two-alternative forced choice paradigm, with force-calibrated indentation stimuli (Semmes-Weinstein monofilaments) applied to the hand and foot dorsa of healthy human volunteers. In order to characterize the relationship between peripheral nociceptor activity and pain perception, we recorded single-unit activity from myelinated (A) and unmyelinated (C) mechanosensitive nociceptors in the skin using microneurography. At the perceptual level, we found that the foot was better at discriminating noxious forces than the hand, which stands in contrast to that for innocuous force discrimination, where the hand performed better than the foot. This observation of superior mechanical pain discrimination on the foot compared to the hand could not be explained by the responsiveness of individual nociceptors. We found no significant difference in the discrimination performance of either the myelinated or unmyelinated class of nociceptors between skin regions. This suggests the possibility that other factors such as skin biophysics, receptor density or central mechanisms may underlie these regional differences.

The facilitative effect of the keyword mnemonic on L2 vocabulary retrieval practice

Keyword mnemonics and retrieval practice are two learning strategies that facilitate foreign language vocabulary learning. This study examined the combination of these strategies for learning English L2 vocabulary with a limited retrieval time. We recruited 110 Chinese college students studying English as a foreign language to investigate the effects of four learning strategies on the retention of English–Chinese word pairs: restudy, retrieval practice, imposed keyword mnemonic combined with retrieval practice, and induced keyword mnemonic combined with retrieval practice. The results revealed that when retrieval practice was constrained to two times, the final performance of the retrieval practice group did not exceed that of the restudy group; however, the combined keyword-retrieval group outperformed the restudy group, regardless of whether the keyword was imposed or induced. Furthermore, there was no significant difference in memory retention performance between the induced and imposed keyword-retrieval combinations. The findings suggest that when retrieval practice is constrained to two times, the keyword-retrieval strategy combination significantly enhances English L2 vocabulary learning compared to restudy or retrieval practice alone, and both the imposed and induced keyword mnemonics can strengthen its efficiency.

Synovial Fluid C-reactive Protein Clinical Decision Limit and Diagnostic Accuracy for Periprosthetic Joint Infection.

Introduction C-reactive protein (CRP) has long served as a prototypical biomarker for periprosthetic joint infection (PJI). Recently, synovial fluid (SF)-CRP has garnered interest as a diagnostic tool, with several studies demonstrating its diagnostic superiority over serum CRP for the diagnosis of PJI. Although previous studies have identified diagnostic thresholds for SF-CRP, they have been limited in scope and employed various CRP assays without formal validation for PJI diagnosis. This study aimed to conduct a formal single clinical laboratory validation to determine the optimal clinical decision limit of SF-CRP for the diagnosis of PJI. Methods A retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data was performed using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) and area under the curve (AUC) analyses. Synovial fluid samples from hip and knee arthroplasties, received from over 2,600 institutions,underwent clinical testing for PJI at a single clinical laboratory (CD Laboratories, Zimmer Biomet, Towson, MD) between 2017 and 2022. Samples were assayed for SF-CRP, alpha-defensin, white blood cell count, neutrophil percentage, and microbiological culture. After applying selection criteria, the samples were classified with the 2018 ICM PJI scoring system as "infected," "not infected," or "inconclusive." Data were divided into training and validation sets. The Youden Index was employed to optimize the clinical decision limit. Results A total of 96,061 samples formed the training (n = 67,242) and validation (n = 28,819) datasets. Analysis of the biomarker median values, culture positivity, anatomic distribution, and days from aspiration to testing revealed nearly identical specimen characteristics in both the training set and validation set. SF-CRP demonstrated an AUC of 0.929 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.926-0.932) in the training set, with an optimal SF-CRP clinical decision limit for PJI diagnosis of 4.45 mg/L. Applying this cutoff to the validation dataset yielded a sensitivity of 86.1% (95% CI: 85.0-87.1%) and specificity of 87.1% (95% CI: 86.7-87.5%). No statistically significant difference in diagnostic performance was observed between the validation and training sets. Conclusion This study represents the largest single clinical laboratory evaluation of an SF-CRP assay for PJI diagnosis. The optimal CRP cutoff (4.45 mg/L) for PJI, which yielded a sensitivity of 86.1% and a specificity of 87.1%, is specific to the assay methodology and laboratory performing the assay. We propose that an SF-CRP test with a laboratory-validated optimal clinical decision limit for PJI may be preferable, in a clinical diagnostic setting, to serum CRP tests that do not have laboratory-validated clinical decision limits for PJI.

Influence of battery cell spacing on thermal performance of phase change material filled lithium-ion battery pack

The era of electric mobility has started, and petrol/diesel vehicles are being replaced by electric vehicles (EVs). The phase change material (PCM) is a trending field of research in its application of energy storage and thermal management. PCM-based thermal management method is found to be quite simple and effective for battery packs. However, its commercialization is difficult due to its low thermal conductivity and extra weight addition to the battery pack. Hence, the present research focuses on the battery performance with PCM. The experimental setup for a 48V, 25Ah battery pack is developed, and its performance is explored with and without PCM. The numerical model for same sized battery pack is developed, and validated with experimental results. The major objective of the present research is to find the optimal gap between two battery cells so that a sufficient amount of PCM can be filled inside the battery pack. Initially, inline and staggered cell arrangements are examined, and no significant difference in thermal performance is found. Further, cell spacing of 5 mm, 3 mm, and 1 mm are examined, and maximum temperature and temperature difference are compared along with the weight and volume of the battery pack. For a single charging process, 1 mm cell spacing is found sufficient, considering the weight of the battery pack and thermal performance. However, with 1 mm cell spacing, temperature increases significantly after each charging and discharging. At the same time, 3 mm and 5 mm are found as feasible solutions considering single and double charging-discharging cycles, respectively. 3 mm cell spacing is better option when weight is a critical issue, while 5 mm cell spacing is better when thermal performance is a critical issue. The current study offers guidance in the advancement of battery packs, particularly in cases where space constraints are a concern.

Zirconium as a Promising Synovial Biomarker for Loose Cemented Knee Prosthesis

BackgroundAseptic loosening is the most common mode of failure after total knee arthroplasty. Despite this, the diagnosis often remains challenging and mainly relies on imaging modalities. Until today, no biomarker exists to aid in diagnosing loosening of the implants. As zirconium (Zr) is often found in bone cement, where it serves as radiopacifier, this study aimed to establish Zr as a synovial biomarker for loosened cemented knee prostheses. MethodsA total of 31 patients scheduled for revision of a cemented knee prostheses were included. In all patients, the initial used cement contained Zr. After arthrotomy, specimens of synovial fluid were taken and levels of Zr were measured by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Depending on the necessary amount of force for explantation, the implants were graded “loose” or “well-fixed”. Preoperative radiographs were evaluated by 2 independent physicians. ResultsThe concentration of Zr in the synovial fluid differed significantly (P < .001) between the “loose” (mean 170.9 μg/L, range 0 to 1941 μg/L) and the “well-fixed” (mean 0.6 μg/L, range 0 to 6 μg/L) implants. The receiver operating characteristic analysis revealed 0.25 μg/l as an optimal cutoff value leading to a sensitivity of 0.84, a specificity of 0.92, a positive predictive value of 0.94, and a negative predictive value of 0.79. There was no significant difference in the diagnostic performance compared to radiographs (P = .66). ConclusionsZirconium proved to be a reliable novel synovial biomarker for diagnosing aseptic loosening of knee prothesis fixed with cement containing Zr. This biomarker should not be interpreted in isolation, but in combination with existing diagnostic tools.

EVERSYS: Efficient exam versioning tool for linear circuits and other problem‐based subjects

AbstractExam versioning is a widely used approach to prevent cheating during exams, but it can increase the workload for lecturers in terms of exam preparation and correction. Automated exam versioning can help reduce this workload and minimize errors in correction. This article presents the EVERSYS platform, which is focused on linear circuits but can be applied to other engineering fields. An exam problem is described as a circuit schema, a set of component values, and a set of questions to be answered. The EVERSYS platform allows lecturers to easily create exam versions with high variability, including different schemas, component values, and question sets. The platform is based on the MATLAB/Octave programming language and HTML document descriptions. Creating a multiversion exam is straightforward, involving the adaptation of a set of predefined MATLAB scripts and modification of the HTML format if necessary. A set of example exams is provided as well as the complete platform source code. The platform was tested during a 2021–2022 compulsory course on linear circuits at a Spanish University. The results indicated that the platform significantly reduced the time required for exam preparation and correction, and there was no statistically significant difference in student performance across different exam versions. Students reported high levels of satisfaction with the platform, and almost all agreed that it effectively prevents cheating during exams.

Concussion Symptoms and Neurocognitive Performance of Children and Adolescents on Antidepressants.

There is a well-established association between preexisting depression/anxiety and greater postconcussion symptom burden, but the potential impact of antidepressant medications has not been fully explored. The primary objective of this study was to compare preinjury/baseline and postinjury concussion symptom scores and neurocognitive performance of athletes on antidepressant medications, both with healthy controls and with those with depression/anxiety not on antidepressants. This is a cross-sectional study using data collected from 49,270 junior and high school athletes from computerized neurocognitive assessments (Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Test [ImPACT]) administered between 2009 and 2018 held by the Massachusetts Concussion Management Coalition. The main outcome measures were symptom scores and neurocognitive performance measures, all of which were assessed both at baseline and postinjury. Statistical analysis included analysis of variance and Tukey pairwise comparisons for continuous variables and Fisher's exact test for categorical variables. Multivariate regression models were used to adjust for potential confounding variables. Both at baseline and postinjury, athletes with depression/anxiety had mean total symptom scores that were more than double that of healthy controls regardless of antidepressant use. Although there were no significant differences in neurocognitive performance at baseline, depression/anxiety was associated with small but significant decreases in postinjury visual memory and visual motor scores. Both at baseline and after sustaining a concussion, young athletes with depression/anxiety experience significantly greater symptom burden compared with healthy controls regardless of antidepressant use.

EEG changes in critically ill patients with sepsis associated encephalopathy and its correlation with morbidity and mortality

ABSTRACT Background Sepsis-associated encephalopathy (SAE) refers to multifactorial syndrome manifested by generalized cerebral dysfunction induced by systemic response to infections with no clinical or laboratory evidence of directly cerebral infections or other forms of encephalopathy. The electroencephalogram (EEG) is one of the methods that allow physicians to continuously monitor the cerebrum and help management decisions. We studied the EEG changes in predicting morbidity and mortality of SAE in critically ill cases suffering sepsis or septic shock. Patients and Methods In this prospective observational study, 80 cases with sepsis or septic shock were subjected to EEG recording to assess EEG changes in critically ill patients with SAE and its correlation with their morbidity and mortality. Results There was a statistically significant difference in prognostic performance for EEG grading between survivors and non survivors to predict mortality. The area under the curve (AUC) was 0.887, cut off was > 2#, sensitivity was 87.50 and specificity was 81.25 and accuracy was 83.75 as the higher the score was associated with higher mortality. There was statistically significant association between EEG grading and 28-day mortality (p-value ˂0.001). Also, there was statistically significant association between EEG grading and the need for mechanical ventilation and vasopressors (p-value ˂0.001). There was a significant association between EEG within 72 hours of admission and length of ICU stay (p-value ˂ 0.017). Conclusion Early EEG changes have a positive correlation with morbidity and mortality and can be used as a good predictor in cases suffering sepsis or septic shock presenting with SAE.