Standard Measures Research Articles

Electrocardiographic abnormalities are frequently detected in healthy adult Borzoi with a normal echocardiogram.

Borzoi reportedly experience sudden death. The objective of this study was to report ECG intervals, amplitudes, and frequency of ECG abnormalities in clinically healthy Borzoi. 98 clinically healthy Borzoi were prospectively recruited and underwent echocardiogram, ECG, and cardiac troponin I testing between October 2020 and December 2022. Standard ECG measurements were obtained. Early repolarization notches and slurs were recorded. Of 82 Borzoi with a structurally normal echocardiogram, ventricular arrhythmias were documented in 8 (10%) dogs, all of which had normal cardiac troponin I concentrations. Median P wave duration was 55 milliseconds (range, 45 to 70 milliseconds). Median PR interval was 125 milliseconds (range, 80 to 175 milliseconds). Thirty-one (38%) Borzoi had first-degree atrioventricular block (PR interval > 130 milliseconds). Median QRS duration was 65 milliseconds (range, 48 to 90 milliseconds). Median QT interval was 235 milliseconds (range, 185 to 275 milliseconds). Twenty-nine (35%) and 15 (18%) of 82 Borzoi had QT intervals > 240 or > 250 milliseconds, respectively. Sixty-seven of 82 (82%) Borzoi had early repolarization notches or slurs. Seventeen of 82 (21%) Borzoi had an abnormality of the ST segment, most commonly convexity/doming. Convexity of the ST segment was intermittent (n = 9) or persistent (4). Ventricular arrhythmias, early repolarization, prolonged QT intervals, and ST segment abnormalities are not infrequent in clinically healthy Borzoi. P, PR, and QRS durations are commonly prolonged compared to general canine reference intervals. Future study into heritable channelopathies in Borzoi is warranted given the frequency of ventricular arrhythmias, repolarization abnormalities, and sudden death in the breed. Breed-specific ECG reference intervals are needed.

Establishment of a semi-continuous nano-production line using the Microfluidizer® technology for the fabrication of lipid-based nanoparticles part 1: Screening of critical parameters and Design of Experiment optimization studies

A variety of strategies for producing high-quality nanoparticles have been reported in recent years. Batch-based bottom-up and top-down technologies are generally the most efficient methods, but present a number of challenges, particularly in terms of variability, safety, sustainability and large-scale production. In this study, a scalable, semi-continuous production line was built by connecting individual processing units, including a high shear mixing device, the Microfluidizer® technology and a cooling system. Each unit was equipped with an adequate temperature control to allow solvent-free production of solid lipid nanoparticles (consisting of Precirol® ATO 5 or Gelucire® 43/01) and nanostructured lipid carriers (additionally comprising Labrafac™ lipophile WL 1349). Subsequently, critical formulation parameters and critical process parameters (CPPs) of the individual processing units and their effects on particle size (i.e., critical quality attribute (CQA)) were investigated to identify appropriate input parameters for the subsequent Design of Experiment (DoE) studies conducted after linking the process units to a semi-continuous production line. For particle size monitoring, spatially resolved dynamic light scattering (SR-DLS) measurements were conducted and compared to standard DLS measurements to evaluate the applicability of SR-DLS as an inline monitoring tool. It was found that matrix composition, emulsifier concentration, pressure and number of cycles when processing through Microfluidizer® processor were the most influencing parameters. By optimizing these parameters, five-times higher throughputs could be achieved by the semi-continuous manufacturing line. In addition, the particle size measurements with SR-DLS confirmed the feasibility of implementing this technology for real-time particle size monitoring as an important safety factor in quality control.

Using continuous glucose monitoring to measure and improve quality metrics: Updates on the Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set 2024 Glucose Management Indicator measure.

Value-based diabetes care is a proactive approach to providing quality care to individuals with diabetes. This approach focuses on improving clinical outcomes rather than the volume of services provided. Implementation of value-based diabetes care requires an established set of standardized quality measures against which all stakeholders can assess and benchmark their performance. The National Committee for Quality Assurance recently added the Glucose Management Indicator to its Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set. The Glucose Management Indicator can be used as a measure of glucose control. This article discusses the benefits of value-based care, the importance of diabetes quality measures, and how the rapidly increasing adoption of continuous glucose monitoring is impacting these measures while improving the lives of individuals with diabetes.

Understanding radiation shielding performance through a comparative study of half value layer in novel and preexisting silicate glasses

This study focuses on evaluating the PbO-SiO2-B2O3-Na2O glasses' radiation shielding ability against various previously tested materials to gain an in-depth understanding of the glass system's attenuation capabilities. The glass system is composed of xPbO-(30-x)SiO2-50B2O3-20Na2O, where x = 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 mol%. As a standardized measure of comparison, the samples' half value layer (HVL) values were chosen to understand the space-efficiency of each material. The values were compared at 0.356 MeV, an energy shared across all the investigated materials. When evaluating the HVL values, the study found that glass system with higher PbO content had a lower HVL, meaning that the glass with 25 mol% HVL had the most desirable shielding thickness at 0.356 MeV. The investigated glasses have lower HVL values than calcium-lithium-borosilicate glasses doped with praseodymium oxide, and glasses containing SiO2, Al2O3, Li2O, MgO, ZnO, ZrO2, and SnO2 at varying concentrations. Additionally, when comparing the glasses against the various other materials, it was found that the tested materials overall performed well, especially those with greater PbO content.

Organizational Implementation of Exercise Is Medicine® On Campus Programs

ABSTRACT Introduction The Exercise is Medicine® On Campus (EIM-OC) program, a physical activity initiative for universities, has a high potential for scalability and sustainability. Through EIM-OC’s recognition program, campuses achieve Gold-level status through the implementation of exercise referral. The current implementation and effectiveness of EIM-OC referral programs to increase student physical activity or health is largely unknown. The purpose of this study was to determine the implementation of the EIM-OC referral process and current assessments of effectiveness. Methods A cross-sectional survey of EIM-OC representatives currently at Gold-level campuses was conducted between April 1 and August 1, 2023, using the Practical, Robust Implementation and Sustainability Model (PRISM) framework. Results Thirty-three of 85 contacted campuses submitted complete responses. Of the eight campuses reporting all physical activity screening information, a total of 5682 individuals were screened. Of those who were screened, 356 (6.3%) individuals were referred to an exercise professional, with 135 (38.0%) following through with the referral. Half of campuses collected additional physical activity information (e.g., self-report surveys or accelerometers), 30% collected physical health (e.g., anthropometrics or blood) and/or mental health (e.g., depression symptoms or quality of life) measures, and 15% collected educational outcomes (e.g., grades). Approximately 20% of campuses reported a willingness to share data in a repository, depending on the measure, with others sharing concerns of confidentiality and institutional review board limitations. Only 36% of responding campuses tracked physical activity or health outcomes following the initial visit to assess effectiveness. Exercise programs included personal training only (n = 10), exercise prescription/health coaching (n = 12), or both (n = 8). Conclusion Although Gold-level campuses are generally successful in the assessment of physical activity, strategies are needed to improve the reach of EIM-OC programs, specifically implementation strategies to increase the number of individuals screened and successful follow-ups. Additional standardized measures and tracking are needed to determine the effectiveness of EIM-OC programs on improving student physical activity and health.

SOIL NUTRIENT ENRICHMENT IN THE INDIAN SUBCONTINENT WITH MATHEMATICAL INTERPRETATIONS: MISTRAL ALGORITHM

Soil consists of particulate matter like loose earth, minerals, and essential nutrients, all required to cultivate botanical species carefully. The varying presence of soil attributes like alkalinity, humus, topsoil, Farm Yard Manure (FYM), organic matter, and Phyto-nutrients is an active area of research. Macro-nutrients and micro-nutrients present in soil overlook the amount of water consumed or produced as part of an agricultural process. Specific standard measures of soil attributes have been considered in past research. Forestation is also necessary to sustain agricultural land by providing rain-fed irrigation while ensuring low soil erosion levels. It is ascertained that a certain amount of the earth’s well-being is linked to crop cycles and agricultural production levels. In this research work, an algorithm called MISTRAL (Soil nutrient enrichment in the Indian Subcontinent with Mathematical Interpretations) is presented, which can be utilized to enrich soil nutrients and soil well-being levels leading to an overall increase in the net agricultural output in the Indian subcontinent.

Sensitivity and accuracy of single-mode fiber optic sensor for non-invasive glucose measurement

Abstract Routine glucose level monitoring is essential for diabetic patients. Standard measurement methods based on finger pricking are inconvenient and susceptible to infection risk. Therefore, simple and non-invasive measurements are urgently needed. Compared to other approaches, glucose level measurement using optical methods offers many advantages, such as set-up simplicity, high sensitivity, and high accuracy. We optimize the sensing performance of glucose level sensors based on a single-mode fiber optic. The fiber optic serves as a medium for light propagation from a diode laser to a photodiode and, at the same time, serves as an active sensing medium. In the sensing area, the fiber optic cladding is partly (i.e., 1 – 5 cm) stripped to allow direct contact, which leads to evanescent wave absorption by glucose molecules. The length of fiber optic stripping and bending radius, which determine the sensitivity and accuracy of the sensor, varied. Bent fiber optic sensors consistently show a higher sensitivity and accuracy than straight ones. Maximum sensitivity of 2.35 mV/(mg/dL) was attained for a 3 cm stripping length and 4.5 cm bending radius. The lowest sensitivity of the sensor, 0.453 mV/(mg/dL), was acquired at the stripping length of 5 cm for the straight fiber optic sensor. The highest accuracy of the developed sensor is 99% for bent fiber optic sensors.

The Effect of Alcohol Consumption on Clinical Outcomes and Structural Damage in Patients with Axial Spondyloarthritis: A Systematic Literature Review and Meta-Analysis

Objective: To systematically review the effects of alcohol consumption (AC) on disease-specific outcomes in axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA).Methods: A systematic review of observational studies on axSpA and AC was conducted. Multiple electronic databases were searched for keywords. Two investigators reviewed articles to assess for inclusion eligibility. The Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal checklist was employed to evaluate the risk of bias. Standardized mean differences (SMD) were used to synthesize the data and I² was used to ascertain heterogeneity. Spinal pain, disease activity as measured by Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI) and Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score (ASDAS), and spinal radiographic progression based on the modified Stokes Ankylosing Spondylitis Spinal Score (mSASSS) were examined as outcomes.Results: Search strategy identified 703 records; 13 articles were assessed for eligibility. Five studies (n = 3858) were included. Compared to non-consumers, axSpA patients who consumed alcohol had lower BASDAI (SMD -0.19, 95% CI -0.37 to -0.02, I²=72.5%) and lower spinal pain (SMD -0.17, 95% CI -0.24 to -0.09, I² = 0%). No significant difference was found for ASDAS (SMD -0.19, 95% CI -0.39 to 0.00, I² = 36%). One cohort study on the spinal radiographic progression indicated greater radiographic progression among consumers (SMD 0.35, 95% CI 0.08 to 0.62).Conclusion: AC appears to be associated with lower disease activity and spinal pain. However, these findings may reflect confounding by sex and smoking. Further longitudinal cohort studies with standardized measures for AC are warranted to assess the direction of alcohol’s effect on structural damage progression.

The Effect of Season and Agro-Ecology on Physicochemical Properties of Cow’s Raw Milk in Central and North-Western Zone of Tigray

Milk at a normal state has unique physical, chemical, and biological characteristics that are used as quality indicators. The quality of milk is influenced by many factors and the components of milk are very sensitive indicators for milk production practices. Season and agro-ecologies have influences on physicochemical properties of cow milk. Therefore, this research aimed to investigate the effect of season and agro-ecology on the physicochemical properties of cow's raw milk in Central and North-Western Zone of Tigray. The study was conducted in Aksum, Shire-Indaselassie, and Sheraro administrative towns. A two-stage sampling method was used to select both the study area and respondents. All towns in the Central and North-Western zones of Tigray were categorized into three agro-ecologies, and sample towns were purposively selected from each category based on accessibility and milk production potential. Sample respondents were then randomly selected from each agro-ecology. Agro-ecology categorization was based on altitude, temperature, and feeding practices, while seasons were classified according to rainfall and temperature. A total of 210 samples, comprising 35 samples from dairy farms and 35 samples from cafeterias within each agro-ecology, were analyzed to assess the physicochemical properties of cow milk across two different seasons. Physicochemical analysis including determination of fat, crude protein, solids not fat, density, lactose, salt, water added and freezing point was conducted in the laboratory of Mekelle University using Lacto scan, Bulgaria. The overall mean values of milk fat, solids-not-fat (SNF), protein, and lactose were 3.72±0.12%, 6.72±0.17%, 2.6±0.08%, and 3.72±0.09%, respectively. Specific gravity, salt content, water added, and freezing point exhibited mean values of 1.026±0.001g/ml, 0.53±0.01%, 19.33±1.8%, and -0.42±0.01oC, respectively. Significant differences (p<0.05) were observed in protein, solids-not-fat, lactose, and salt content among agro-ecologies, seasons, and sources of milk. Correlation analysis revealed positive correlations between specific gravity and solids-not-fat, protein, lactose, and total salt, while negative correlations were observed with water added and freezing point (p≤0.01). In conclusion, the physical and chemical properties of cow’s raw milk are influenced by agro-ecology, season, and the source of milk. Notably, milk adulteration, particularly with the addition of water, was more prevalent among cafeteria owners. Given the absence of established milk quality standards in Ethiopian conditions, it is imperative for the government to introduce quality standard measures, rules, and regulations to effectively control milk quality.

Non-invasive surrogates for right Ventricular-Pulmonary arterial coupling: a systematic review and Meta-Analysis.

Right ventricle-pulmonary artery (RV-PA) coupling describes the energetic relationship between RV contractility and its afterload. The gold standard for assessment of this relationship requires invasive pressure-volume (PV) loop measurements. Non-invasive surrogates of RV-PA coupling have been developed, such as the echocardiographic tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion to pulmonary artery systolic pressure ratio (TAPSE/PASP), but their performance has not been systematically assessed. We sought to assess performance of TAPSE/PASP ratio compared to PV loop-defined RV-PA coupling. A systematic search was conducted. Studies were included if PV loop derived RV-PA coupling metrics were compared to echocardiographic or magnetic resonance imaging surrogates. We conducted a meta-analysis of TAPSE/PASP correlation to PV loop-defined RV-PA coupling. 1452 studies were identified in the initial search, of which ten met inclusion criteria. Five studies allowed for pooled analysis of TAPSE/PASP to Ees/Ea correlation (r = 0.52, 95% confidence interval 0.36-0.65). There was moderate heterogeneity across the pooled studies. Despite the common use of Non-invasive surrogates of RV-PA coupling, there is only moderate correlation with gold standard measurements. These metrics do not inform on the individual components of RV-PA coupling, limiting their use in the management of patients with RV dysfunction.

Too rare to dare? Leveraging household surveys to boost research on climate migration

Abstract Nationally representative household surveys are a potential data source that could shed light on the climate–migration nexus. However, they are rarely designed specifically to measure or study migration and often lack the necessary features to identify connections with climate change. This paper offers a critical reflection on current challenges faced by multi-topic household surveys in responding to these needs while also highlighting the many opportunities embedded in their use. Using the Living Standards Measurement Study household survey programme of the World Bank as an example, this paper proposes a methodological agenda and practical guidance to address data gaps and advance research on climate migration.

Childhood trauma and dissociative symptoms among young adults: A longitudinal study of the role of self-stigma

Dissociative symptoms, which are psychiatric phenomena recognized in both ICD-11 and DSM-5-TR, refer to failures in the process of integrating one's biopsychosocial experiences. While research shows that childhood trauma is associated with dissociative symptoms, little is known about whether childhood trauma could predict increases in dissociative symptoms even within a short period of time. Additionally, it remains unclear what moderators may influence this relationship. This study examined the effects of childhood trauma on subsequent dissociative symptoms and explored the potential moderating effects of mental health-related self-stigma. We analyzed longitudinal survey data from an international sample of young adults (N = 146). Participants completed validated standardized measures of childhood trauma, self-stigma, and dissociative symptoms at baseline, and they reported their dissociative symptoms again after approximately three months. Over 75 % of participants with pathological dissociation at baseline continued to exhibit pathological dissociation at follow-up. Baseline childhood trauma was associated with increases in dissociative symptoms even within a short period of time. Self-stigma significantly moderated the relationship between baseline childhood trauma and subsequent dissociative symptoms, after controlling for baseline dissociative symptoms. This study confirmed that childhood trauma is associated with increases in dissociative symptoms even within three months. We also found that self-stigma may exacerbate the effects of childhood trauma on subsequent dissociative symptoms. The results provide insights into the prevention and management of dissociative symptoms in childhood trauma survivors and inform the modification of the trauma model of dissociation.

A Field‐Based Estimation of the Variability of Particle Entrainment in Coarse‐Bed Rivers

AbstractThe determination of critical shear stresses is fundamental to bedload sediment transport prediction in gravel‐bed rivers. Due to the heterogeneous shape and arrangement of the individual clasts in a riverbed, critical shear stresses typically show a large spatial variability, which is not adequately captured by the reach‐averaged description followed in common studies. In this regard, there is a general paucity of field data on this spatial variability of the critical shear stress, largely due to the lack of a standardized measurement method. In an attempt to fill this gap, we propose a field‐based workflow to estimate the frequency distribution of dimensionless critical shear stress (also named critical Shields number), which is based on the measurement of a series of variables related to the position, orientation and resistance to motion of individual clasts in a gravel‐bed river, combined with a probabilistic approximation to drag and lift coefficients. Following this workflow, the patch‐scale variability of particle incipient‐motion conditions was determined in a gravel bar of the Upper Cinca River, Spain. The results are consistent with what is known about sediment entrainment in gravel‐bed rivers. We consider this method to have great potential to advance our understanding of particle initiation of motion in gravel‐bed rivers as it provides valuable systematic field information.

Revisiting a decade of inequality in healthcare financial burden in Cambodia, 2009–19: trends, determinants and decomposition

BackgroundOut-of-pocket healthcare expenditure (OOPHE) without adequate social protection often translates to inequitable financial burden and utilization of services. Recent publications highlighted Cambodia’s progress towards Universal Health Coverage (UHC) with reduced incidence of catastrophic health expenditure (CHE) and improvements in its distribution. However, departing from standard CHE measurement methods suggests a different storyline on trends and inequality in the country.ObjectiveThis study revisits the distribution and impact of OOPHE and its financial burden from 2009–19, employing alternative socio-economic and economic shock metrics. It also identifies determinants of the financial burden and evaluates inequality-contributing and -mitigating factors from 2014–19, including coping mechanisms, free healthcare, and OOPHE financing sources.MethodsData from the Cambodian Socio-Economic Surveys of 2009, 2014, and 2019 were utilized. An alternative measure to CHE is proposed: Excessive financial burden (EFB). A household was considered under EFB when its OOPHE surpassed 10% or 25% of total consumption, excluding healthcare costs. A polychoric wealth index was used to rank households and measure EFB inequality using the Erreygers Concentration Index. Inequality shifts from 2014–19 were decomposed using the Recentered Influence Function regression followed by the Oaxaca-Blinder method. Determinants of financial burden levels were assessed through zero-inflated ordered logit regression.ResultsBetween 2009–19, EFB incidence increased from 10.95% to 17.92% at the 10% threshold, and from 4.41% to 7.29% at the 25% threshold. EFB was systematically concentrated among the poorest households, with inequality sharply rising over time, and nearly a quarter of the poorest households facing EFB at the 10% threshold. The main determinants of financial burden were geographic location, household size, age and education of household head, social health protection coverage, disease prevalence, hospitalization, and coping strategies. Urbanization, biased disease burdens, and preventive care were key in explaining the evolution of inequality.ConclusionMore efforts are needed to expand social protection, but monitoring those through standard measures such as CHE has masked inequality and the burden of the poor. The financial burden across the population has risen and become more unequal over the past decade despite expansion and improvements in social health protection schemes. Health Equity funds have, to some extent, mitigated inequality over time. However, their slow expansion and the reduced reliance on coping strategies to finance OOPHE could not outbalance inequality.

Maternal Behavioral Qualities in Mother-infant Interaction in the Context of Postnatal Depression: A Scoping Review

Maternal behaviors displayed in mother-infant interaction set the grounds for relationship formation in early childhood. Meanwhile, maternal postnatal depression represents an atypical context for infant development. The present review aims to systematically analyze previous research on specific maternal behaviors reflecting maternal depression in the first postnatal year, focusing on the definitions and findings regarding these behaviors. The review includes observational studies with mothers of infants up to 12 months. Results show variability in definitions, particularly for sensitivity and responsiveness, and mixed findings on the relationship between depression and maternal behaviors. Positive behaviors and negative behaviors were inconsistently associated with depression across studies, suggesting moderating factors such as maternal age, personality, socioeconomic status, and cultural context. We emphasize the need for standardized definitions and measures of maternal behaviors and call for further research into moderating variables. This review underscores the complexity of the relationship between maternal depression and maternal behaviors, advocating for more comprehensive and consistent future research.

A programmatic description of an early, intensive behavioral intervention program in Australia

AbstractThere is currently limited research on early, intensive behavioral intervention (EIBI) within Australia. The purpose of this paper was to provide a programmatic description and preliminary findings of an intervention approach which provides a high level of intensity of intervention to preschool aged children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). A total of 154 children with autism participated in the program from 2011 to 2022. At the group level, children who received 27 hr per week of intervention showed significant gains on standardized cognitive and adaptive behavior measures during an average one year of intervention. Further examination of the response to intervention at an individual level demonstrated that 84% of children showed an acceleration in their rate of learning during intervention, with 52% more than doubling their rate of learning in this time. Age was determined to predict improvement in developmental trajectory, but intake cognitive abilities did not. In general, children who commenced intervention at a younger age made substantial improvements in their rate of learning, but children who commenced intervention at an older age made even greater improvements relative to their skills at commencement. The results as well as limitations given the exploratory nature of this paper are discussed, along with implications for addressing the needs of young autistic children in Australia.

Pronunciation of Vowel Digraphs in Nonwords: A Replication and Extension.

In English, the pronunciation of a vowel digraph can vary; for example, ea is pronounced /ɛ/ in bread but /i/ in beach and /eɪ/ in break. We investigated participant-level effects on the pronunciation of ambiguous vowel digraphs in nonwords (e.g., yeath) using standardized test measures of six reading-related skills in 80 young adults. We employed both an established written task and set of nonword stimuli and a spoken version of the task with the same stimuli. We largely replicated the previously reported pattern of preferred nonword pronunciations in both the written and spoken versions of the task. Generalized linear mixed-effects model analyses revealed that individual differences in phonological memory, spelling knowledge, and word reading efficiency contributed to pronunciation choice beyond item-level effects. Overall, taken together with the results of item-level analyses, our findings are consistent with models and theories in which specific reading-related skills, intralexical context, and interlexical pronunciation knowledge influence ambiguous vowel digraph pronunciation in nonword reading in fluently reading young adults.

Standards-based audit to improve quality of maternal and newborn care-A stepped-wedge cluster randomised trial in Malawi.

Audit is a quality improvement approach used in maternal and newborn health. Our objective was to introduce the practice of standards-based audit at healthcare facility level, and to examine if this would improve quality of care assessed by compliance with standards developed and agreed with healthcare providers. Our focus was on emergency obstetric and newborn care (EmONC). A multidimensional incomplete stepped-wedge cluster randomised trial with 8 steps was conducted in 44 healthcare facilities in Malawi. A total of 25 standards of care were developed. At each healthcare facility one (health centres) or two (hospitals) standards were audited per cycle with two consecutive audit cycles conducted. Each cycle consisted of five steps: (i) select standard to be audited, (ii) measure compliance with standard (measurement 1), (iii) review findings and identify what changes are required to increase compliance (iv) implement changes, (v) re-measure compliance (measurement 2). Each compliance measurement assessed 25 women. Multilevel mixed effects logistic regression models were used to analyse data for all standards. The crude overall compliance rate rose from 45% in the control phase (measurement 1) to 63% in the intervention phase (measurement 2) (from 51.6% to70.6% at Basic and from 34.5% to 50.8% at Comprehensive EmONC healthcare facilities. When adjusted for standard, facility type, month, and healthcare facility by month, the adjusted OR (95% CI) was 2.80 (1.65, 4.76). Actions taken to improve compliance with standards included improving staff performance of clinical duties and general conduct through re-orientation and staff meetings as well as improved supervision, and, ensuring basic equipment and consumables were available on site (thermometers, rapid diagnostic tests, partograph). The introduction of standards-based audit helped healthcare providers identify problems with service provision, which when addressed, resulted in a measurable and significant improvement in quality of care. ISRCTN registration number: 59931298.

Coupling an elastic resistance band to a selectorized resistance machine improves 1-RM bicep curl strength via accommodated resistance training

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of using a selectorized resistance machine with and without the use of elastic resistance bands on bicep strength. Sixty-six participants (30 females) completed a four-week training program exercising thrice weekly. Participants were blinded and randomly allocated to either one of the two intervention groups using an elastic band of 30 lb (EB30) or 50 lb (EB50) coupled to the selectorized resistance machine or the control group using only the selectorized resistance machine (CONT). Standard anthropometric measures and one repetition maximum (1-RM) for the cable bicep curl were measured before and after completing the training program. Although all groups demonstrated significant increases in 1-RM bicep strength, both the EB30 and EB55 groups exhibited higher strength gains than CONT. Furthermore, the EB55 group showed an increase in strength approximately 10% higher than that of EB 30. These results suggest that using EB resistance in conjunction with a conventional selectorized machine can augment strength gains in the biceps.

Wireless Volume Corrector for Natural Gas Flow Metering Using ESP32 Microcontroller and Open-Source Web Server

The measurement of gas flow in energy transactions from an energy-producing company to an energy user is essential to evaluate, considering that measurement errors can accumulate, and losses can occur, which will be ongoing. The gas measurement process begins with measuring pressure and temperature parameters and the gas flow volume transacted. Then, the measured gas volume will be converted into a standard volume as the basis for gas buying and selling transactions (custody). This article conveys that a wireless volume corrector has been designed using the ESP32 microcontroller with Wi-Fi communication that can be integrated with the internet to support automatic meter reading systems. The measured data is collected in a database server using XAMPP, an open-system web server. Data stored on the database server is displayed via a web browser with a display of the last 5 data entered the web server. The web browser display is refreshed every second so that the display on the web browser is a live or online display. This research resulted in temperature, pressure, actual flow, and volume standard measurements with an error below 0.1%, which met the metrology requirements, instilling confidence in the system's reliability. This research proves that realizing a volume corrector with IoT technology can be done cheaply.