Straight-line Distance Research Articles

Research on Positioning and Tracking Method of Intelligent Mine Car in Underground Mine Based on YOLOv5 Algorithm and Laser Sensor Fusion

Precise positioning has become a key technology in the intelligent development of underground mines. To improve the positioning accuracy of mining vehicles, this paper proposes an intelligent underground mining vehicle positioning and tracking method based on the fusion of the YOLOv5 and laser sensor technology. The system utilizes a camera and the YOLOv5 algorithm for real-time identification and precise tracking of mining vehicles, while the laser sensor is used to accurately measure the straight-line distance between the vehicle and the positioning device. By combining the strengths of both vision and laser sensors, the system can efficiently identify mining vehicles in complex environments and accurately calculate their position using geometric principles based on laser distance measurements. Experimental results show that the YOLOv5 algorithm can efficiently identify and track mining vehicles in real time. When integrated with the laser sensor’s distance measurement, the system achieves high-precision positioning, with horizontal and vertical positioning errors of 1.66 cm and 1.96 cm, respectively, achieving centimeter-level accuracy overall. This system significantly improves the accuracy and real-time performance of mining vehicle positioning, effectively reducing operational errors and safety risks, providing essential technical support for the intelligent development of underground mining transportation systems.

Wild Tibetan Macaques Use a Route-Based Mental Map to Navigate in Large-Scale Space.

Many animals face significant challenges in locating and acquiring resources that are unevenly distributed in space and time. In the case of nonhuman primates, it remains unclear how individuals remember goal locations and whether they navigate using a route-based or a coordinate-based mental representation when moving between out-of-sight feeding and resting sites (i.e., large-scale space). Here, we examine spatial memory and mental map formation in wild Tibetan macaques (Macaca thibetana) inhabiting a mountainous, forested ecosystem characterized by steep terrain that limits direct vision to 25 meters. We used an instantaneous scan sampling technique at 10-min intervals to record the behavior and location of macaques on Mt. Huangshan, Anhui Province, China, from September 2020 to August 2023. Over 214 days, we obtained 7180 GPS points of the macaques' locations. Our study revealed that the macaques reused 1264 route segments (average length 204.26 m) at least four times each. The number of feeding and resting sites around the habitual route segment, terrain roughness, and dense vegetation areas significantly influenced the use of route segments by our study group. In addition, we found evidence that the monkeys reused 48 nodes to reorient their travel path. We found that monkeys approached a revisited foraging or resting site from the same limited set of directions, which is inconsistent with a coordinate-based spatial representation. In addition, the direction in which the macaques left a feeding or resting site was significantly different from the straight-line direction required to reach their next feeding or resting site, suggesting that the macaques frequently reoriented their direction of travel to reach their goal. Finally, on average, macaques traveled 24% (CI = 1.24) farther than the straight-line distance to reach revisited feeding and resting sites. From our robust data set, we conclude that Tibetan macaques navigate large spaces using a route-based mental representation that appears to help them locate food resources in dense, rugged montane forests and heterogeneous habitats.

Healthcare Access and County-Level COVID-19 Mortality: Exploring the Impact of Hospital Proximity and Uninsurance Rates.

Many social and environmental factors contribute to the disproportionate burden of COVID-19 mortality. Access to healthcare services has not been thoroughly examined as a factor contributing to COVID-19 mortality. This study examines distance to ERs and ICUs, uninsurance rates, and county-level COVID-19 mortality rates. Using data from the American Hospital Association survey, we identified hospitals providing emergency and intensive care services. Hospital locations were geocoded, and straight-line distance was calculated from the population-weighted county centroid. The county proportion of uninsured residents came from the American Community Survey. Generalized linear regression models with a log-link were used to examine study factors and county COVID-19 mortality rates. A total of 2640 (84.0%) U.S. counties or county-equivalents were included in this analysis. The median COVID-19 mortality rate was 240 deaths per 100,000. In adjusted models, increasing distance to ERs (IRR: 0.95; 95% CI: 0.92, 0.98) or ICUs (IRR: 0.61; 95% CI: 0.57, 0.65) was not significantly associated with increased COVID-19 mortality. The proportion of residents (IRR: 3.81; CI: 2.58, 5.62) uninsured was significantly associated with increased COVID-19 mortality rates. Being in close proximity to hospital-based healthcare services may not provide any significant benefit for COVID-19 mortality outcomes, considering that hospitals are largely located in more densely populated areas conducive to COVID-19 spread. Financial barriers may largely contribute to persons avoiding necessary COVID-19 care. To continue to combat COVID-19 and future pandemics, greater attention should be focused on eliminating financial barriers to receiving medically necessary care.

Impact of Supplemented Nutrition on Semen Quality, Epigenetic-Related Gene Expression, and Oxidative Status in Boars.

This study investigates the impact of nutritional supplementation on semen quality, epigenetic-related gene expression, and oxidative status in boars. Thirty boars were divided into a control group and a treatment group receiving Espermaplus (a supplement containing various vitamins, amino acids, omega-3 fatty acids, and trace elements with antioxidant properties). The experiment was performed for 12 weeks. Semen samples were collected at four moments: before starting the supplementation and after 3 weeks, 8 weeks, and 12 weeks. Spermatozoa concentration, motility, and kinematics were assessed using the CASA system. The measured parameters included curvilinear velocity-VCL; straight-line velocity-VSL; average path velocity-VAP; curvilinear distance-DCL; straight line distance-DSL; distance of average path-DAP; amplitude of lateral head displacement-ALH; beat-cross frequency-BCF; and head activity-HAC. Moreover, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity in seminal plasma, as well as the concentration of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), were measured to assess oxidative stress levels in boar's seminal plasma. The expression of epigenetic-related genes such as Protamine 1 (Prm1), Protamine 2 (Prm2), and DNA-methyltransferase 3 alpha (Dnmt3a) were evaluated using real-time PCR. The treated group showed a significant increase in spermatozoa concentration (p = 0.003), total motility (p = 0.001), and progressive motility (p = 0.002) after 12 weeks compared to the control group. Kinematic parameters such as VCL, VSL, and VAP were also significantly higher (p < 0.001; p = 0.028; p < 0.001, respectively) in the treated group by the end of the experiment. SOD and GPx activities were consistently higher (p < 0.01; p < 0.001, respectively) in the treated group, indicating enhanced antioxidative capacity. TBARS levels as an indicator of lipid peroxidation and oxidative damage were significantly lower (p < 0.01) in the treated group by the end of the study. Significant changes were observed in the expression of epigenetic-related genes. The supplementation of boar diets with Espermaplus significantly improved semen quality, reduced oxidative stress, and had an impact on the expression levels of certain epigenetic-related genes, suggesting that dietary antioxidants and bioactive compounds can enhance boar semen.

Analysis of the Impact of Foundation Pit Construction on the Deformation of Underlying Metro Tunnels

The excavation of a foundation pit will cause soil unloading, resulting in the structural deformation of underlying tunnels, which affects the safety of tunnel operation. Here, the impact of foundation pit excavation on the structural deformation of the metro interval tunnel underlying a foundation pit support project for a storage pond is analyzed through theoretical analysis, numerical simulation, and on-site monitoring, and corresponding safety control measures are proposed. The research shows that simplifying the tunnel into an infinite-length Euler–Bernoulli beam resting on the Kerr foundation model has good rationality and applicability when analyzing the impact of pit construction on the deformation of the interval tunnel. The distance between the foundation pit and the tunnel cross-section significantly affects the deformation of the tunnel structure, and the shorter the straight-line distance from the pit foundation, the more obvious the structural deformation of the interval tunnel. The maximum deformation of the tunnel structure occurs in the upper-left area of the middle of the tunnel near the foundation pit, and the deformation shows a nonlinear decreasing trend toward the two ends of the tunnel. Timely support can effectively inhibit the deformation of the foundation pit, and the spatial and temporal effects of foundation pit excavation on the underlying tunnels should be minimized during construction. The impact on the structural deformation of the underlying tunnels should be mitigated in strict accordance with the three-level control principle: early warning, alarm, and control. The research results provide a reference for guiding foundation pit construction.

Analysis of Land Value Changes and Its Correlation with the Existence of Tourism and Accessibility in 2017-2024

Abstract: Getasan District, located in Semarang Regency, is renowned for its natural beauty, particularly with the presence of Mount Merbabu and a rapidly growing number of nature-based tourist attractions. Kopeng Tourism, a legacy from the Dutch colonial era, serves as the main attraction with its scenic views at the foot of Mount Merbabu. Additionally, the emergence of new tourist spots such as Hutan Pinus Kayon, Gedong Pass, Umbul Songo Natural Tourism, Agrotourism Kopeng "Gunung Sari," Merbabu Park, and Boemisora reflects the rapid development of tourism in this region. This rapid growth in tourism has had a direct impact on the local economy and the potential for changes in land value. This study aims to analyze the influence of tourist attractions and accessibility on land value changes in Getasan District from 2017 to 2024, amidst the significant growth of tourism. The research employed a descriptive and quantitative approach to analyze the data comprehensively. Quantitative analysis was carried out using multiple linear regression to evaluate the influence of proximity to tourist attractions and road accessibility on land value. The land value zone maps for 2017 and 2021 were obtained from the Semarang Regency Land Office, while the 2024 land value zone was created through the update of the 2021 zone. This update resulted in 130 zones with 688 sample points collected through field surveys based on fair market prices. Multiple linear regression analysis was conducted to evaluate the influence of straight-line distance from the zone centroid to tourist attractions and collector roads. The results showed that the p-value in the simultaneous test was 0.03647 (? 0.05), indicating that tourist attractions and accessibility have a simultaneous and significant influence on land value zone changes, with an impact size of 7.87%. These findings highlight the urgency of considering the rapidly developing tourism sector and accessibility in regional management and development, given their effect on land values in Getasan. Keywords: Getasan District, Kopeng Tourism, Land Value Zone

What is the “best” way to measure the relative location variables in the market value assessment? An econometric method applied to an Italian case study

The present research is dedicated to investigating the explanatory power of relative location variables in assessing and forecasting market values. Here, relative location refers to the spatial position (geographical context) of a building or property in relation to a given Point Of Interest (POI). Specifically, a methodological approach is proposed for identifying the most suitable quantification modality based on statistical performance and consistency with the market mechanisms of the specific reference context. For a case study in Northern Italy, we collected data on 615 residential properties and 2673 POIs, including cultural facilities, school and education institutions, commercial services, sports, entertainment, and leisure facilities, health and care services, public transport systems, urban parks, and green areas. The relative location between the collected properties and the POIs is assessed using an automated calculation procedure developed in the Python programming language, in conjunction with Geographic Information Software (GIS). This automatism allows the assessment of relative location in terms of different Units Of Measure (UOM), such as straight-line distance, travel time by car, travel time on foot, travel time by public transport, and the number of POIs in a 400 m/1 km ring buffer. Since 615 residential buildings and 2673 POIs were analysed, with their relative locations measured using six different UOMs, a database of 9'865'215 data was produced. Furthermore, for each category of POI, a feature importance analysis guides the selection of the best UOM, i.e., the most statistically significant one. Considering the chosen UOM, an optimised econometric technique is finally implemented to analyse the functional relationships between the market values of residential properties and the set of identified relative location variables.

Impact of Significant Sac Shrinkage on Endograft Tortuosity at 5 Years Postendovascular Aortic Aneurysm Repair: A Retrospective Analysis

Significant sac shrinkage after endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR) is generally considered a positive outcome indicative of durable clinical success. However, its impact on endograft configuration is rarely addressed. Sac remodeling and volume loss due to shrinkage can potentially cause deformation of endograft components, resulting in limb angulation and compression. We investigated the hypothesis that significant sac shrinkage could affect endograft tortuosity at 5years post-EVAR. We retrospectively reviewed patients who underwent elective EVAR for infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm between June 2007 and December 2018. Patients with early postoperative and 5-year follow-up computed tomography images were included. Patients treated with modular bifurcated endografts (Zenith, Endurant, Excluder, and Incraft) were analyzed. The "shrinkage" group comprised patients with >10mm diameter reduction, while the "stable" group had ± 5mm diameter change at 5years. Tortuosity index (TI) was calculated as the ratio of centerline distance to straight-line distance between proximal and distal endograft edges. The association between sac shrinkage and ≥5% increase of TI (≥5%ΔTI) was analyzed for both ipsilateral and contralateral sides. Of 136 patients enrolled, 80 were in the shrinkage group and 56 in the stable group. On the ipsilateral side, ≥5%ΔTI was observed in 24 cases (17.6%). The patients with ipsilateral ≥5%ΔTI had significantly shorter median neck lengths (22mm vs. 30mm, P=0.030). Sac shrinkage ≥15mm was negatively associated with ≥5%ΔTI compared to stable sac (P=0.027). Logistic regression showing sac shrinkage ≥15mm had a significant negative correlation with ≥5%ΔTI (P=0.025, hazard ratio [95% confidence interval]: 0.218 [0.057-0.824]). On the contralateral side, ≥5%ΔTI (19 cases, 14.0%) was associated with shorter neck length but not with sac shrinkage. In the shrinkage group, cross-leg positioning resulted in a significant increase in ipsilateral TI at 5years compared to straight positioning (median ΔTI: 1.8% vs. 0.0%, P=0.013). No reinterventions for leg-related events were necessary during the 5-year follow-up period. Contrary to our initial hypothesis, significant sac shrinkage does not adversely affect endograft configuration and may help stabilize tortuosity on the ipsilateral side. However, in patients with crossed-leg configuration, continued vigilant observation may be warranted even after achieving sac shrinkage, as it could exacerbate tortuosity. Shorter neck length was associated with increased tortuosity on both sides. Further research is needed to confirm these findings and consider potential confounding factors, including the impact of different endograft designs.

Post-release dispersal and home range of translocated red deer in the Vojvodina province (Serbia)

Monitoring of 38 (12 male and 26 female) red deer translocated from Ivo Wildlife Park (Romania) to hunting ground "Bosutske Forest" (Vojvodina, Serbia) was conducted from 2017 to 2021. The red deer were translocated in lieu of the managing authority's efforts to counteract the effects of red deer losses due to catastrophic flooding in the region. All animals were ear-tagged, while 7 males and 10 females were fitted with GPS collars. A total of 2,288 valid signals were analyzed (565 from males and 1,723 from females). In addition, 1,333 sighting records were collected from eight observation posts (480 in 2019, 670 in 2020 and 183 in 2021). We determined the movements and spatial distribution of translocated animals in the new habitat and estimated their home range sizes. Home range was calculated using the minimum convex polygon method, while the core area was calculated using the kernel density estimator method. The greatest straight-line distance from the acclimatisation enclosure was essentially the same for both sexes (average 6.0 km for males and 6.4 km for females). A non-significant relationship existed between the number of days in captivity and the greatest straight-line distance, as well as between days in captivity and the core area of the home range. The estimated home range of males was 12.8 km2 (range 0.2‒36.1), smaller than that of females (20.6 km2, range 0.4‒68.7), but this difference was not statistically significant. Observations made independently showed mostly herds of 4 to 6 individuals (52.3%), while large herds (≥ 10 individuals) were rare. Participation of translocated and resident animals in mixed herds was common during the monitoring period (62.3%). Our results showed that a high level of acceptance of the new habitat and social cohesion between translocated and resident animals was achieved. We believe that this is due to two main reasons: firstly, the long-term stay in a large acclimatisation enclosure prior to release and secondly, year-round supplemental feeding coupled with an abundant natural food supply in this unique forest area also contributed to successful acclimatisation. Keywords: Cervus elaphus; population; habitat; home range size; red deer; management

The efficacy and functional consequences of interactions between human spermatozoa and seminal fluid extracellular vesicles.

Seminal fluid extracellular vesicles (SFEVs) have previously been shown to interact with spermatozoa and influence their fertilisation capacity. Here, we sought to extend these studies by exploring the functional consequences of SFEV interactions with human spermatozoa. SFEVs were isolated from the seminal fluid of normozoospermic donors prior to assessing the kinetics of sperm-SFEV binding in vitro, as well as the effects of these interactions on sperm capacitation, acrosomal exocytosis, and motility profile. Biotin-labelled SFEV proteins were transferred primarily to the flagellum of spermatozoa within minutes of co-incubation, although additional foci of SFEV biotinylated proteins also labelled the mid-piece and head domain. Functional analyses of high-quality spermatozoa collected following liquefaction revealed that SFEVs did not influence sperm motility during incubation at pH 5, yet SFEVs induced subtle increases in total and progressive motility in sperm incubated with SFEVs at pH 7. Additional investigation of sperm motility kinematic parameters revealed that SFEVs significantly decreased beat cross frequency and increased distance straight line, linearity, straightness, straight line velocity, and wobble. SFEVs did not influence sperm capacitation status or the ability of sperm to undergo acrosomal exocytosis. Functional assessment of both high- and low-quality spermatozoa collected prior to liquefaction showed limited SFEV influence, with these vesicles inducing only subtle decreases in beat cross frequency in spermatozoa of both groups. These findings raise the prospect that, aside from subtle effects on sperm motility, the encapsulated SFEV cargo may be destined for physiological targets other than the male germline, notably the female reproductive tract. A male's influence over the biological processes of pregnancy extends beyond the provision of sperm. Molecular signals present in the ejaculate can influence the likelihood of pregnancy and healthy pregnancy progression, but the identity and function of these signals remain unclear. In this study, we wanted to understand if nano-sized particles present in the male ejaculate, called seminal fluid extracellular vesicles, can assist sperm in traversing the female reproductive tract to access the egg. To explore this, we isolated seminal fluid extracellular vesicles from human semen and incubated them with sperm. Our data showed that seminal fluid extracellular vesicles act to transfer molecular information to sperm, but this resulted in only subtle changes to the movement of sperm.

Tortuosity of the left anterior descending artery is associated with hypertension and is not independently related to physical performance: A cardiac computed tomography study.

Coronary tortuosity (CorT) is frequently observed in invasive angiography, though its aetiology and clinical significance remain ambiguous. Prior research has indicated possible links between CorT and factors such as hypertension, age, and calcium scores in the left anterior descending (LAD) artery. The aim of this study was to examine and optimize the usage of coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) with vessel tracking to explore these associations. Observational sub-study of the single centre randomised controlled CATCH-trial. From the original study 600 participants, who underwent CCTA, 250 were randomly selected. Clinical data and patient risk factors were sourced from medical records and structured interviews. Tortuosity of the LAD was quantified by calculating the ratio of the actual vessel-length to the straight-line distance. The final study population comprised 194 patients (56 patients were excluded due to poor image quality or inability to perform adequate vessel tracking). After adjusting for confounding variables, tortuosity was significantly associated with hypertension (p < 0.001), female gender (p = 0.01), and increasing age (p = 0.045). No significant correlation was observed between CorT and calcium scores. Univariate analysis indicated that higher CorT levels were linked to lower metabolic equivalents of task (METs) in bicycle tests (p = 0.003); however, this relationship became nonsignificant (p = 0.97) upon adjustment for age, gender, and hypertension. Our findings suggest that increased CorT is most prevalent in patients with hypertension, advancing age, and female gender. Although higher tortuosity levels did not significantly impact METs during physical activity, further research is warranted to explore the underlying mechanisms of this relationship.

Comparing spatial differences in behavioral pattern transition of Black-tailed gull during post breeding season in the Korean peninsula

Parents adjust their foraging effort according to the chick and their own body condition and dual foraging strategy is one of the foraging tactics parents replenish their own reserves while feeding their chicks. During the post-breeding season, seabirds disperse to recover their own body condition and prepare for the next breeding season. Recently, we discovered Black-tailed gulls (Larus crassirostris) breeding around the Korean Peninsula occasionally foraging long trips during the late fledging, however, our understanding of the behavioral patterns of Black-tailed gulls during the late fledging and post-breeding, as well as its inter-colonial differences, remains considerably limited. Here, we employed 92 GPS trackers to adult Black-tailed gulls (Larus crassirostris) from six breeding colonies around the Korean peninsula (Yellow Sea—three colonies, South Sea—one colony, and East Sea—two colonies). To determine the foraging investment during the fledging, we suggested the flight efficiency in each trip as the ratio of maximum foraging distance (i.e., straight line distance) to total foraging distance (i.e., sum of all consecutive distance for each trip). Overall, the mean flight efficiency of the long foraging trips were lower than 57% (40.76 ± 13.07%) whereas that of the short foraging trips were over 74% (80.87 ± 4.03%). This may suggest that Black-tailed gulls may visited more than one foraging site during the long foraging trip while they flew directly between the foraging site and breeding colony during the short foraging trip to invest more in their juvenile. Moreover, longer maximum foraging distance with higher flight efficiency observed in the East Sea may indicate a balance between the costs (such as energy expended during foraging or food competition near breeding sites) and the benefits (quantity and quality of food obtained). Our findings revealed the flight behavior of Black-tailed gulls during the late fledging and post breeding, across six breeding colonies, which have different competition pressures and proximity to foraging site.

Three-Dimensional Morphometric Analysis of the Volar Cortical Shape of the Lunate Facet of the Distal Radius.

In cases of distal radius fractures, the fixation of the volar lunate facet fragment is crucial for preventing volar subluxation of the carpal bones. This study aims to clarify the sex differences in the volar morphology of the lunate facet of the distal radius and its relationship with the transverse diameter of the distal radius. Sixty-four CT scans of healthy wrists (30 males and 34 females) were evaluated. Three-dimensional (3D) images of the distal radius were reconstructed from the CT data. We defined reference point 1 as the starting point of the inclination toward the distal volar edge, reference point 2 as the volar edge of the joint on the bone axis, and reference point 3 as the volar edge of the distal radius lunate facet. From the 3D coordinates of reference points 1 to 3, the bone axis distance, volar-dorsal distance, radial-ulnar distance, 3D straight-line distance, and inclination angle were measured. The transverse diameter of the radius was measured, and its correlations with the parameters were evaluated. It was found that in males, compared to females, the transverse diameter of the radius is larger and the protrusion of the volar lunate facet is greater. This suggests that the inclination of the volar surface is steeper in males and that the volar locking plate may not fit properly with the volar cortical bone of the lunate facet, necessitating additional fixation.

Relationship analysis and genetic diversity of tea Camellia sinensis germplasm from illegitimate seeds based on morphological characters

Abstract. Maxiselly Y, Bakti C, Murgayanti, Ernah, Wahyudin AA, Prayoga MK, Karuniawan A. 2024. Relationship analysis and genetic diversity of tea Camellia sinensis germplasm from illegitimate seeds based on morphological characters. Biodiversitas 25: 3486-3495. Tea (Camellia sinensis (L.) O. Kuntze) is a plant with self-incompatible traits and requires significant efforts to assemble superior clones. The generation of the superior clone is from seed-derived genetic material that demands comprehensive information on population variance, genetic diversity, and the level of relationship among accessions. Therefore, this research aimed to determine population variances, genetic diversity, and relationships of tea germplasm accessions based on morphological characteristics. The experiment was conducted from August 2023 to January 2024 at the Indonesian Research Institute Tea and Cinchona, Mekarsari Village, Pasir Jambu District, Bandung Regency, West Java, Indonesia. An experimental method, "no layout design," was used to identify morphological traits of 36 characters in 50 selected accessions from the population. Observational data were analyzed to determine variance values, principal component analysis (PCA), heatmap correlation, and cluster analysis using XLSTAT software. The results showed a wide variation of 50% among the 36 characters, with genetic diversity in the 2 Principal Components (PC) at 38.99%. The cluster analysis of accessions had an Euclidean distance range, measuringa measure of the straight line distance between two points of 2.23 to 12.86. This variation was caused by a high correlation of some characteristics, such as leaf length, width, and leaf area, as the potential to develop the new tea clone.

Opportunities for interprofessional collaboration between pharmacists and hearing professionals in Pennsylvania: A descriptive geographic information system study

BackgroundIn 2022, the Food and Drug Administration finalized regulations for over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids, available without professional hearing services and without a prescription. As a result, community pharmacies now serve as locations where adults seek self-care solutions for hearing loss such as OTC hearing aids. ObjectivesWe conducted a geographic information systems (GIS) analysis to identify Pennsylvania counties served by community pharmacies and hearing aid dispensaries, the practice locations of hearing professionals. MethodsWe obtained addresses of Pennsylvania pharmacies from the National Council for Prescription Drug Programs. Hearing aid dispensaries were obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of Health. GIS software was used to plot locations of pharmacies and hearing aid dispensaries. The number of pharmacies and hearing aid dispensaries was visualized on a Pennsylvania map, by county. Mean straight-line distances, in miles, from a hearing aid dispensary to its nearest pharmacy in any county and vice versa were calculated. This analysis was performed in early 2022. ResultsIn Pennsylvania, there were more community pharmacies (2769) than hearing aid dispensaries (945). All 67 Pennsylvania counties had more pharmacies than hearing aid dispensaries. Pharmacies outnumbered hearing aid dispensaries by 1 in some rural counties to 382 in urban Philadelphia County. The mean straight-line distance from a hearing aid dispensary, starting point, to the nearest pharmacy, end point, was 0.63 miles. The mean straight-line distance from a pharmacy, starting point, to the nearest hearing aid dispensary, end point, was 3.24 miles. ConclusionThis GIS analysis supports the participation of pharmacists in initiatives such as OTC hearing aids that increase population access to hearing care.

Experimental and Numerical Studies of Modified Polyurethane Diffusion Behavior in Vertical Cracks Based on Line Source Grouting

The diffusion behavior of polyurethane slurry in vertical cracks, especially rough cracks, is not clear and needs to be studied to provide an effective reference for grouting design. In this study, the diffusion morphology and characteristics of modified polyurethane slurry in vertical cracks were investigated through modeling tests using the line source grouting method. Based on the viscous time-varying characteristics of the slurry, a numerical model of slurry diffusion was established using the joint FVM-VOF method. The numerical model was found to be accurate and reliable compared to the test results. Finally, building upon the basic theory of three-dimensional structure, a rough surface model with Gaussian distribution, more consistent with reality, was established. A numerical simulation system was then employed to study the diffusion morphology and characteristics of slurry in different rough cracks. The results indicate that the diffusion of modified polyurethane slurry within vertical cracks under line source grouting is roughly divided into three stages. Despite uniform crack opening, rougher roughness only increases the length of the crack, thereby reducing the straight-line distance of slurry diffusion. However, it has no significant effect on the flow and total distance of the slurry. Based on these findings, optimization of the grouting point arrangement is proposed.

Five new species of the Cnemaspis beddomei clade (Squamata: Gekkonidae) from high elevation, evergreen forests of the Southern Western Ghats, India.

We describe five new species allied to Cnemaspis beddomei from the Southern Western Ghats, Tamil Nadu, India using morphological data and mitochondrial sequence divergence. The new species are members of the beddomei and anamudiensis subclades within the beddomei clade and are from boulder habitats in evergreen forests in Tenkasi (Cnemaspis tenkasiensis sp. nov.), and the Agamalai (C. agamalaiensis sp. nov.), Anaimalai (C. anaimalaiensis sp. nov. and C. valparaiensis sp. nov.) and Palani Hills (C. anuradhae sp. nov.). The new species can be distinguished from other members of the beddomei clade and each other by a combination of non-overlapping morphological characters including body size, distinct colouration in males, the number or arrangement of dorsal tubercles around the body and paravertebral tubercles, the number of ventral scales across midbody and longitudinal scales from mental to cloaca, tail tuberculation and arrangement of subcaudal scales, besides uncorrected pairwise ND2 and 16S sequence divergence of ≥ 5.4 % and ≥ 2.3 %. The beddomei clade is another example of extreme micro-endemism, all 23 known species are evergreen forest dwellers and are each known from just one or a few closely spaced localities, with three non-sister species known from within one kilometre straight-line distance of each other on the Valparai Plateau, Anaimalai Tiger Reserve. The beddomei subclade is distributed from Agasthyamalai to the Anaimalais while the anamudiensis subclade is restricted to the Anaimalai, Palani and Kannan Devan Hills.

Unveiling oncologists' geographical journey: Analyzing hematology/oncology fellowship graduates' relocation patterns and their impact on regional disparities in cancer care.

9006 Background: The geographical distribution of Hematology/Oncology fellowship graduates (HOFs) is essential for shaping healthcare delivery and illuminating regional health disparities in cancer care. This study explores the relocation patterns of HOFs during key transitions: from medical school to residency (T1), residency to fellowship (T2), and fellowship to the first attending position (T3). The aim is to gain insights into the geographical aspects of cancer care disparities. Methods: This study analyzes the transitions of 329 graduates from 61 ACGME-accredited HOF programs that offered public data about their alumni from 2019-2022. Geographical relocation was measured by the straight-line distance in miles, with the U.S. divided into four regions for retention assessment. A Welch two-sample t-test was conducted to compare average travel distance between each transition. Additionally, relocation patterns were compared between graduates from top 50 NIH-funded medical schools (T50MS) and others (nonT50MS). Results: During T1, HOFs covered a significant distance (661.7 miles), which decreased during T2 (436.5 miles) and T3 (344 miles) (p&lt;.001). Retention analysis revealed a decrease in the percentage of trainees traveling more than 200 miles from T1 (57%) to T2 (46%) to T3 (35%). No significant distance difference was observed between T50MS and nonT50MS during T1 (616 vs 693 miles) and T2 (431 vs 439 miles). However, T3 showed T50MS graduates traveling less (262 miles) compared to their nonT50MS counterparts (401 miles, p&lt;.05). Regional retention increased from T1 (57.5%), to T2 (70%) to T3 (75.4%), with the Western region demonstrating the highest retention across all transitions (T1: 78%, T2: 92%, T3: 83%). The Southern region displayed the lowest retention rates during T1: (44%) and T2: (48%), whereas the Northern region had the lowest during T3 (62%). Conclusions: The preference for relocation beyond 200 miles during T1 reflects a commitment to expanding clinical expertise and gaining varied perspectives critical in addressing complex cancer challenges. As trainees progress, a shift towards establishing roots near previous training sites suggests the allure of established professional and personal networks. T50MS graduates' inclination to stay within a smaller radius during T3 suggests expertise retention in resource-rich areas, potentially exacerbating regional disparities. Marked retention differences, particularly the Southern region’s low retention during training and the Northern region's during practice establishment, reveal a concerning workforce distribution trend. These findings emphasize the necessity for targeted policy interventions aimed at improving equitable distribution of the oncology workforce, thus ensuring uniform access to quality cancer care nationwide.

Geospatial disparities in survival of patients with breast cancer in sub-Saharan Africa from the African Breast Cancer-Disparities in Outcomes cohort (ABC-DO): a prospective cohort study

There is an urgent need to improve breast cancer survival in sub-Saharan Africa. Geospatial barriers delay diagnosis and treatment, but their effect on survival in these settings is not well understood. We examined geospatial disparities in 4-year survival in the African Breast Cancer-Disparities in Outcomes cohort. In this prospective cohort study, women (aged ≥18 years) newly diagnosed with breast cancer were recruited from eight hospitals in Namibia, Nigeria, South Africa, Uganda, and Zambia. They reported sociodemographic information in interviewer-administered questionnaires, and their clinical and treatment data were collected from medical records. Vital status was ascertained by contacting participants or their next of kin every 3 months. The primary outcome was all-cause mortality in relation to rural versus urban residence, straight-line distance, and modelled travel time to hospital, analysed using restricted mean survival time, Cox proportional hazards, and flexible parametric survival models. 2228 women with breast cancer were recruited between Sept 8, 2014, and Dec 31, 2017. 127 were excluded from analysis (58 had potentially recurrent cancer, had previously received treatment, or had no follow-up; 14 from minority ethnic groups with small sample sizes; and 55 with missing geocoded home addresses). Among the 2101 women included in analysis, 928 (44%) lived in a rural area. 1042 patients had died within 4 years of diagnosis; 4-year survival was 39% (95% CI 36-42) in women in rural areas versus 49% (46-52) in urban areas (unadjusted hazard ratio [HR] 1·24 [95% CI 1·09-1·40]). Among the 734 women living more than 1 h from the hospital, the crude 4-year survival was 37% (95% CI 32-42) in women in rural areas versus 54% (46-62) in women in urban areas (HR 1·35 [95% CI 1·07-1·71] after adjustment for age, stage, and treatment status). Among women in rural areas, mortality rates increased with distance (adjusted HR per 50 km 1·04, 1·01-1·07) and travel time (adjusted HR per h 1·06, 1·02-1·10). Among women with early-stage breast cancer receiving treatment, women in rural areas had a strong survival disadvantage (overall HR 1·54, 1·14-2·07 adjusted for age and stage; >1 h distance adjusted HR 2·14, 1·21-3·78). Geospatial barriers reduce survival of patients with breast cancer in sub-Saharan Africa. Specific attention is needed to support patients with early-stage breast cancer living in rural areas far from cancer treatment facilities. US National Institutes of Health (National Cancer Institute), Susan G Komen for the Cure, and the International Agency for Research on Cancer.

Safety and feasibility of in-hospital autonomous transportation using a driverless mobility for patients with musculoskeletal disorders: preliminary clinical study to achieve mobility as a service in medical care

BackgroundRecent advancements in and the proliferation of autonomous mobility technology, such as intelligent wheelchairs, have made it possible to provide mobility services for patients with reduced mobility due to musculoskeletal disorders. In the present study, we conducted a preliminary clinical study to assess the safety and feasibility of in-hospital autonomous transportation using a driverless mobility (wheelchair) for patients with musculoskeletal disorders.MethodsFrom January to February 2022, 51 patients with musculoskeletal disorders exhibiting gait disturbance who presented to our institution were included in the present study. Driverless mobility rides were conducted over a straight-line distance of 100 m from the orthopaedic outpatient reception to the payment counter after the outpatient consultation. We assessed the quality of life using an EQ-5D-5 L index and pain using a VAS score before riding the mobility to investigate the patient’s condition. After the ride, a questionnaire survey was conducted to assess patient satisfaction on a 5-point scale. In addition, adverse events during the mobility ride were investigated.ResultsOverall satisfaction levels showed that 44 out of 51 (86%) patients rated the level as 3 or higher. There were no significant differences in the level of satisfaction based on the cause of disorders or EQ-5D-5 L Index. Among 19 patients who rated the level of satisfaction as 2–3, the ratio of postoperative patients and those with pain tended to be higher (p < 0.05). While 26 of 51 (51%) patients reported moments of feeling unsafe during the mobility ride, no actual adverse events, such as collisions, were observed.ConclusionsAn in-hospital autonomous transportation service using a driverless mobility for patients with musculoskeletal disorders demonstrated high satisfaction levels and was safe with no severe adverse events observed. The expansion of autonomous mobility deployment is expected to achieve mobility as a service in medical care.