Active Time Research Articles

Impact of lifestyle moderate-to-vigorous physical activity timing on glycemic control in sedentary adults with overweight/obesity and metabolic impairments.

Moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) improves glucose levels; however, whether its timing affects daily glycemic control remains unclear. This study aims to investigate the impact of lifestyle MVPA timing on daily glycemic control in sedentary adults with overweight/obesity and metabolic impairments. A total of 186 adults (50% women; age, 46.8 [SD 6.2] years) with overweight/obesity (BMI, 32.9 [SD 3.5] kg/m2) and at least one metabolic impairment participated in this cross-sectional study. MVPA and glucose patterns were simultaneously monitored over a 14-day period using a triaxial accelerometer worn on the nondominant wrist and a continuous glucose-monitoring device, respectively. Each day was classified as "inactive" if no MVPA was accumulated; as "morning," "afternoon," or "evening" if >50% of the MVPA minutes for that day were accumulated between 0600 and 1200, 1200 and 1800, or 1800 and 0000 hours, respectively; or as "mixed" if none of the defined time windows accounted for >50% of the MVPA for that day. Accumulating >50% of total MVPA during the evening was associated with lower 24-h(mean difference [95% CI], -1.26 mg/dL [95% CI: -2.2 to -0.4]), diurnal (-1.10 mg/dL [95% CI: -2.0 to -0.2]), and nocturnal mean glucose levels (-2.16 mg/dL [95% CI: -3.5 to -0.8]) compared with being inactive. This association was stronger in those participants with impaired glucose regulation. The pattern of these associations was similar in both men and women. These findings suggest that timing of lifestyle MVPA is significant. Specifically, accumulating more MVPA during the evening appears to have a beneficial effect on glucose homeostasis in sedentary adults with overweight/obesity and metabolic impairments.

Quality-centered production and maintenance scheduling for multi-machine manufacturing systems under variable operating conditions

Production, maintenance, and quality represent the three primary tasks in manufacturing systems. Previous studies have predominantly focused on optimizing these tasks separately or jointly optimizing two of them. However, it is worth noting that these tasks exhibit mutual interaction, and models failing to consider them simultaneously cannot achieve global optimality. Therefore, this paper aims to develop a quality-centered production and maintenance scheduling methodology (QPMSM) for multi-machine and multi-product manufacturing systems. Specifically, a delivery time-based production scheduling strategy is introduced to emphasize the impact of maintenance activities. A quality loss model is developed to characterize the mapping relationship between quality deterioration and component degradation. Furthermore, a well-designed maintenance strategy determines the optimal timing and frequency of maintenance activities to improve system performance and reduce quality deterioration. Building upon this foundation, an integrated model is proposed to concurrently optimize production scheduling, maintenance planning, and quality control tasks to minimize the overall system cost. The effectiveness of the proposed QPMSM in terms of cost-savings has been verified using a designed hybrid meta-heuristic algorithm, providing a viable approach for simultaneous optimization.

The causal relationship between sarcopenia-related traits and ECG indices - A mendelian randomization study

BackgroundSarcopenia is a common geriatric condition closely associated with cardiovascular diseases and other health issues. This study aims to investigate the causal relationship between sarcopenia-related traits and electrocardiogram(ECG) indices. MethodsWe conducted a comprehensive analysis utilizing summary data from genome-wide association studies (GWAS) associated with sarcopenia-related traits, including hand grip strength, lean body mass, and walking pace. ECG indices included PR interval, PP interval, ST duration, QRS duration and T wave duration. The primary analytical method employed was the inverse variance-weighted method (IVW). ResultsAccording to our study findings, we identified a significant association between sarcopenia-related traits and ECG indices. Specifically, we observed a positive correlation between increased muscle mass and certain ECG indices. For instance, increased limb muscle mass (including left arm, right arm, left leg, and right leg) was associated with prolonged PR interval and QRS duration. This suggests that enhancing muscle mass may impact the timing of cardiac electrical activity. Additionally, increased whole-body fat-free mass showed similar associations with cardiac electrical activity. ConclusionSarcopenia-related traits have a unidirectional causal relationship with ECG indices, indicating that sarcopenia affects cardiac electrical activity.

Retrospective observational study on real world use of the Minimed™ 780G automated insulin delivery system: Impact of the settings on autocorrection and omitted meal boluses

IntroductionThe Medtronic MiniMed™ 780G (MM780G) system uses an algorithm that includes autocorrection bolus (AB) delivery. This study evaluates the impact of omitted meal boluses and the system settings, glucose target and active insulin time (AIT), on the AB. MethodRetrospective observational study on data uploaded by all MiniMed 780G users in our healthcare area, obtained through the remote monitoring platform Care Connect, from April to August 2023. Downloads with a sensor usage time <95% were excluded. Results235 downloads belonging to 235 users were analysed. AB delivery was significantly higher at 2 h AIT (36.08 ± 13.17%) compared to the rest of settings (2.25–4 h) (26.43 ± 13.2%) (p < 0.001). AB differences based on the glucose target were not found.Patients with <3 meal boluses per day had higher AB delivery (46.91 ± 19.00% vs 27.53 ± 11.54%) (p < 0.001) and had more unfavourable glucometric parameters (GMI 7.12 ± 0.45%, TIR 67.46 ± 12.89% vs GMI 6.78 ± 0.3%, TIR 76.51 ± 8.37%) (p < 0.001). However, the 2-h AIT group presented similar TAR, TIR and GMI regardless of the number of meal boluses. ConclusionThe fewer user-initiated boluses, the greater the autocorrection received. The active insulin time of 2 h entails a more active autocorrection pattern that makes it possible to more effectively compensate for the omission of meal boluses without increasing hypoglycaemias.

Statistical Comparison of Southern and Northern Auroral Electrojet Indices as a Function of Solar Wind and IMF Conditions

AbstractA Southern Auroral Electrojet (SAE) index has been recently constructed using several Antarctica magnetometer stations. It has been compared for case studies with the standard Auroral Electrojet (AE) index, and a near‐conjugate to the southern stations Northern Auroral Electrojet (NAE) index. We compare the three indices statistically as a function of the accompanying solar wind (SW) and Interplanetary Magnetic Field (IMF) conditions to further explore conjugacy issues. We use 274 days of common north/south data presence between December 2005 and August 2010. We calculate the cross‐correlation coefficients and differences between all three pairs. We estimate the effect of the SW/IMF conditions on the index correlations and differences using three groups of data: (a) the entire data set, (b) two separate sets based on the presence or not of Southern Hemisphere stations within the 21‐03 Magnetic Local Time (MLT) sector where substorms occur, and (c) separately for the four different seasons. We find that high north‐south correlation coefficients are more common during strong SW/IMF driving, while the index differences are also higher, suggesting that the SAE index follows better the northern indices' trend, but has even lower values during active times. The UT study shows that the number of high AE/SAE correlations is slightly lower at all clock angles and dynamic pressure levels for the periods within 1454–1941 UT (when no southern station is within 21–03 MLT). Finally, the results show that the number of high correlations is greater during the northern spring than the winter period.

Three-dimensional structural models, evolution and petroleum geological significances of transtensional faults in the Ziyang area, central Sichuan Basin, SW China

With drilling and seismic data of Transtensional (strike-slip) Fault System in the Ziyang area of the central Sichuan Basin, SW China plane-section integrated structural interpretation, 3-D fault framework model building, fault throw analyzing, and balanced profile restoration, it is pointed out that the transtensional fault system in the Ziyang 3-D seismic survey consists of the northeast-trending FI19 and FI20 fault zones dominated by extensional deformation, as well as 3 sets of northwest-trending en echelon normal faults experienced dextral shear deformation. Among them, the FI19 and FI20 fault zones cut through the Neoproterozoic to Lower Triassic Jialingjiang Formation, presenting a 3-D structure of an “S”-shaped ribbon. And before Permian and during the Early Triassic, the FI19 and FI20 fault zones underwent at least two periods of structural superimposition. Besides, the 3 sets of northwest-trending en echelon normal faults are composed of small normal faults arranged in pairs, with opposite dip directions and partially left-stepped arrangement. And before Permian, they had formed almost, restricting the eastward growth and propagation of the FI19 fault zone. The FI19 and FI20 fault zones communicate multiple sets of source rocks and reservoirs from deep to shallow, and the timing of fault activity matches well with oil and gas generation peaks. If there were favorable Cambrian–Triassic sedimentary facies and reservoirs developing on the local anticlinal belts of both sides of the FI19 and FI20 fault zones, the major reservoirs in this area are expected to achieve breakthroughs in oil and gas exploration.

Physical Activity and Obesity - Underlying Mechanisms, Practical Actions

Individuals with obesity who undergo surgical or pharmacological therapies achieve good results in terms of weight and cardiometabolic risk reduction. It is not uncommon for those affected to equate the extent of weight loss achieved, with long-term treatment success. What is overlooked is that, in addition to obesity, significant weight loss also carries a risk of sarcopenia. Sarcopenic obesity and sarcopenia, in turn, increase the risk of cardiometabolic diseases. Physical activity has the potential to counteract cardiometabolic disease risk caused by obesity and sarcopenia. The underlying mechanism is contained in the endocrine organ skeletal muscle. The production and release of myokines in particular counteracts sarcopenic obesity and its complications. Physical activity is required to initiate myokine production. Endurance and strength training proves to be an effective training combination. In order to achieve a sustainable cardiometabolic risk reduction, the objectives and timing of physical activity should therefore be divided into two phases, a preparatory phase and an actual weight loss phase.

Serving a dip with a salty snack promotes energy intake

During eating, exogenous sources of oral lubrication like dips facilitate oral processing, which has been shown to influence food intake. However, few studies have directly assessed how exogenous oral lubrication (via added dip) affects acute intake, especially while snacking. In two laboratory visits, adults (n = 46, 74 % female) were served 70 g of ranch-flavored chips (2.5 servings) with or without 95 g of energy-matched ranch dip, and ad libitum intake was measured. All sessions were video recorded and annotated for number of bites and active eating time (min), which were used to calculate measures of eating microstructure, including eating rate (g/min) and bite size (g/bite). The chips + dip condition yielded 77 % greater intake (64.3 ± 16.2 g versus 36.4 ± 16.2 g; 344.6 ± 86.8 kcal versus 195.1 ± 86.8 kcal; p < 0.001) and a faster total eating rate (p < 0.001) relative to the no-dip control, despite lower initial liking of the dip condition (p = 0.002). However, there was no difference in chip intake (p = 0.83) or chip eating rate (p = 0.11) by condition. Thus, in this chips and dip snack, the greater intake in the dip condition may have been facilitated by a larger total snack bite size (p < 0.001) resulting from dip inclusion, as opposed to faster chip eating rate as a function of the lubricating dip.

Mеsozoic Tectonothermal Evolution of the Zagan Metamorphic Core Complex in Western Transbaikalia: 40Ar/39Ar and FTA Dating

Abstract A model of tectonothermal evolution of the Zagan metamorphic core complex (MCC) based on the new data from 40Ar/39Ar dating of amphibole, mica, and apatite fission-track dating is discussed. A relationship with the long-range impact of processes from the collision of the North China (Amurian–North China) block with the Siberian continent in the Mesozoic era is proposed. The Zagan MСС was formed in the Cretaceous period on the southern flank of a high mountain uplift of Western Transbaikalia, composed of late Paleozoic granitoids of the Angara–Vitim batholith. According to 40Ar/39Ar dating of amphiboles and micas from the mylonite zone, the active development time of the Zagan MCC corresponds to the early Cretaceous epoch (131, 114 Ma). The tectonic exposure of the core from about 15 km to the depths of about 10 km occurred at a rate of tectonic erosion of 0.4–0.3 mm/year as a result of post-collisional extension of the Mongol–Okhotsk orogen. Apatite fission-track dating shows that further exhumation and cooling of the rocks to about 3 km occurred in the lower-upper Cretaceous epoch (112, 87 Ma). The erosional denudation rate was about 0.3 mm/year.MCC- metamorphic core complexes, AFT- apatite fission-track

Time in School: A Conceptual Framework, Synthesis of the Causal Research, and Empirical Exploration

We examine the fundamental and complex role that time plays in the learning process. We begin by developing a conceptual framework to elucidate the multiple obstacles schools face in converting total time in school into active learning time. We then synthesize the causal research and document a clear positive effect of additional time on student achievement typically of small to medium magnitude depending on dosage, use, and context. Further descriptive analyses reveal how large differences in the length of the school day and year across public schools are an underappreciated dimension of educational inequality in the United States. Finally, our case study of time loss in one urban district demonstrates the potential to substantially increase instructional time within existing constraints.

Effects of slackline training during active breaks and free-time activities break at school on children's attention: a comparison of two-intervention methods

Purpose: To describe the effects of two interventions, regular Physical Education classes plus free active break times and school Physical Education plus Slackline classes during free time, on the attention of schoolchildren. Methods: This is a quasi-experimental study with a quantitative approach. Two groups participated in the interventions: body balance training (Slackline group) (n: 10; age: 7,8±1,93) and free-time activities break (FTA group) (n: 10; age: 7,8±1,22). Attention was assessed using the D-2 test. Repeated measures ANOVA was used. The magnitude of the effect size was estimated by the partial squared eta - η2p. Results: When we analyzed the interactions between time*group, it was not possible to find significant changes attributed to the specificities of the one intervention group, with most results having a medium effect size (η2p≥ 0.06 ≤ 0.25). The results of the paired analysis confirmed that both groups improved the results over time, but the slackline group showed changes with a slightly greater magnitude. Conclusions: Our results demonstrate that in free time, both free physical activities and body balance training are effective for children's attention. However, pairwise analysis revealed that both groups demonstrated improvements over time, with the slackline group showing slightly greater changes in magnitude. Key words: Postural Balance, Physical Education and Training, Exercise, Psychomotor Performance, Cognition

Right ventricular pacing-evoked left ventricular dysfunction is exaggerated by sustained left ventricular pressure overload in a rat model

Abstract Introduction A growing body of evidence suggests that in the presence of left bundle branch block-induced electromechanical dyssynchrony, the function of the left ventricle (LV) becomes extremely sensitive to arterial afterload. However, data is scarce whether right ventricular pacing (RVP) also sensitizes the LV to alterations in afterload. Purpose Hence, in the present translational study we aimed to characterize the acute effect of RVP on LV hemodynamics under standard laboratory conditions using a rat model of chronic LV pressure overload (PO). Methods Transverse aortic constriction (TAC group) was carried out in male Wistar rats to evoke sustained LV PO for six weeks. Age- and sex-matched sham-operated animals served as controls (Sham group). LV hemodynamics was assessed in anesthetized rats by pressure-volume analysis using a pressure-conductance micro-catheter (SPR-838) introduced to the LV via the right carotid artery. To evoke RVP, the right jugular vein was cannulated and an ultra-miniature octopolar electrophysiology catheter (EPR-800) was placed into the right ventricle. Pressure-volume loops were registered in the TAC and the Sham groups during intrinsic narrow QRS rhythm (termed as TAC-Vsense and Sham-Vsense) as well as during RVP (termed as TAC-Vpace and Sham-Vpace). Results RVP was associated with impaired diastolic function (active relaxation time constant [τ]: 8.6±0.3 vs. 9.6±0.3ms, Sham-Vsense vs. Sham-Vpace and 8.0±0.3 vs. 9.6±0.4ms, TAC-Vsense vs. TAC-Vpace; P&amp;lt;0.001 for both comparisons) and decreased LV contractility (preload recruitable stroke work [PRSW]: 139±9 vs. 114±9mmHg, Sham-Vsense vs. Sham-Vpace and 255±23 vs. 169±17mmHg, TAC-Vsense vs. TAC-Vpace; P&amp;lt;0.001 for both comparisons) in both the TAC and the Sham groups. Nevertheless, the extent of RVP-evoked active relaxation prolongation (Δτ: 12±2 vs. 20±2%, Sham vs. TAC, P=0.005) and LV contractility reduction (ΔPRSW: -18±4 vs. -34±3%, Sham vs. TAC, P=0.007) was found to be more robust in rats with sustained LV PO compared to controls. Conclusion Our experimental results indicate that RVP-induced LV dysfunction is exaggerated in case of sustained LV PO.

Existence of Electrostatic Ion Cyclotron Waves in a Laboratory Created E Region Ionospheric‐Like Plasma

AbstractMolecular ions are relatively cold in the E region ionosphere; however, they can upwell to the magnetosphere during geomagnetically active times. Resonance between electrostatic ion cyclotron (EIC) waves is a potential pathway to energize molecular ions. In this work, the E region ionospheric plasma was modeled in the laboratory, and EIC waves were excited by a nonuniform field‐aligned current. The EIC wave was excited even when the ion neutral collision frequency is much higher than the ion cyclotron frequency, and the fundamental frequency was observed to be below the ion cyclotron frequency. In addition, the wave dispersion of the collisional EIC wave was calculated, which shows a consistent trend with experimental results as the collisions increasing. Therefore, this work suggests that EIC waves can be excited in the E region ionospheric‐like plasma, which can support the explanation of the energization of molecular ions in the E region ionosphere.

LOW POWER DESIGN AND ANALYSIS OF ADAPTIVE RADIOS

This undertaking presents a noteworthy low-power procedure, RF Power Gating, proposing a unique change of the Dynamic Time Proportion (ATR) inside the RF front end at an image time scale. Adapting receiver power consumption to performance requirements without altering the fundamental architecture is the unique challenge that this method addresses. The effect of changing the ATR on the performance of the Bit Error Rate (BER) is carefully examined, with a focus on minimum-shift keying signaling and a basic estimator. To gauge power decrease unequivocally, a complete framework level energy model is determined, considering the qualities and power utilization of individual blocks. This model gives experiences into the particular supporters of force decrease. The review consolidates BER results with the energy model to pinpoint the ideal ATR meeting plan requirements. When this method is applied to the IEEE 802.15.4 standard, it can be seen that an ATR of 20% is a sensible compromise that meets the requirements for the packet error rate while also achieving the highest possible energy reduction ratio. Further investigation utilizing run of the mill block power utilizations uncovers a reachable energy decrease proportion of around 20%. Quite, while power-gating is widely applied, significantly more noteworthy energy decrease proportions (∼60%) are achievable. The proposed procedure is executed in Verilog, displaying its functional materialness, and consistently coordinated into Xilinx apparatuses. The outcomes highlight not just the viability of RF Power Gating in accomplishing a critical decrease in energy utilization yet additionally its versatility to different situations, making it a promising methodology for low-power plan in versatile radios. Key Words: Active Time Ratio (ATR) Blunder Rate (BER) and IEEE 802.15.4 standard.

The active time model of concurrent choice.

The following paper describes a steady-state model of concurrent choice, termed the active time model (ATM). ATM is derived from maximization principles and is characterized by a semi-Markov process. The model proposes that the controlling stimulus in concurrent variable-interval (VI) VI schedules of reinforcement is the time interval since the most recent response, termed here "the active interresponse time" or simply "active time." In the model after a response is generated, it is categorized by a function that relates active times to switch/stay probabilities. In the paper the output of ATM is compared with predictions made by three other models of operant conditioning: melioration, a version of scalar expectancy theory (SET), and momentary maximization. Data sets considered include preferences in multiple-concurrent VI VI schedules, molecular choice patterns, correlations between switching and perseveration, and molar choice proportions. It is shown that ATM can account for all of these data sets, while the other models produce more limited fits. However, rather than argue that ATM is the singular model for concurrent VI VI choice, a consideration of its concept space leads to the conclusion that operant choice is multiply-determined, and that an adaptive viewpoint-one that considers experimental procedures both as selecting mechanisms for animal choice as well as tests of the controlling variables of that choice-is warranted.

A Spatio-Temporal-Dependent Requirement of Sonic Hedgehog in the Early Development of Sclerotome-Derived Vertebrae and Ribs.

Derived from axial structures, Sonic Hedgehog (Shh) is secreted into the paraxial mesoderm, where it plays crucial roles in sclerotome induction and myotome differentiation. Through conditional loss-of-function in quail embryos, we investigate the timing and impact of Shh activity during early formation of sclerotome-derived vertebrae and ribs, and of lateral mesoderm-derived sternum. To this end, Hedgehog interacting protein (Hhip) was electroporated at various times between days 2 and 5. While the vertebral body and rib primordium showed consistent size reduction, rib expansion into the somatopleura remained unaffected, and the sternal bud developed normally. Additionally, we compared these effects with those of locally inhibiting BMP activity. Transfection of Noggin in the lateral mesoderm hindered sternal bud formation. Unlike Hhip, BMP inhibition via Noggin or Smad6 induced myogenic differentiation of the lateral dermomyotome lip, while impeding the growth of the myotome/rib complex into the somatic mesoderm, thus affirming the role of the lateral dermomyotome epithelium in rib guidance. Overall, these findings underscore the continuous requirement for opposing gradients of Shh and BMP activity in the morphogenesis of proximal and distal flank skeletal structures, respectively. Future research should address the implications of these early interactions to the later morphogenesis and function of the musculo-skeletal system and of possible associated malformations.

Timing Matters: A Longitudinal Study Examining the Effects of Physical Activity Intensity and Timing on Adolescents' Mental Health Outcomes.

Physical activity is universally acknowledged for its benefits to mental health; however, the specific intensities and timings that best benefit adolescents' mental health, crucial due to their significant influence on daily schedules, have not been thoroughly investigated. This study addresses the substantive research gap by exploring the varied effects of physical activity intensity (light versus moderate to vigorous) and timing (weekdays versus weekends and holidays) on adolescent mental health. Utilizing a large-scale longitudinal dataset (NT1 = 84,054; NT2 = 44,623) from 158 schools, this research describes the current state of adolescent physical activity and investigates the effects of physical activity on mental health outcomes, including positive (i.e., life satisfaction, positive mental health) and negative indicators (depression, anxiety), over a 6-month period. Participants were adolescents aged 9-19 years (mean age = 12.73 ± 2.43 years, 48.9% female), with the analysis adjusted for potential confounding factors. Results showed that as adolescents grow older, their engagement in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity during both weekdays and weekends/holidays tends to decrease, while light physical activity during weekdays increases. Multilevel regression analysis indicated that moderate-to-vigorous physical activity during weekends/holidays at Time 1 positively correlated with better mental health outcomes at Time 2 (six months later), featuring enhanced positive indicators and reduced negative ones. Moderate-to-vigorous physical activity on weekdays at Time 1 was positively linked to mental health at Time 2. Light physical activity during weekends/holidays at Time 1 positively predicted life satisfaction and positive mental health at Time 2. In contrast, light physical activity on weekdays at Time 1 negatively correlated with life satisfaction at Time 2. The study underscores the importance of promoting moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, particularly on weekends and holidays, to improve mental health outcomes among adolescents.

Individual and ecological heterogeneity promote complex communication in social vertebrate group decisions.

To receive the benefits of social living, individuals must make effective group decisions that enable them to achieve behavioural coordination and maintain cohesion. However, heterogeneity in the physical and social environments surrounding group decision-making contexts can increase the level of difficulty social organisms face in making decisions. Groups that live in variable physical environments (high ecological heterogeneity) can experience barriers to information transfer and increased levels of ecological uncertainty. In addition, in groups with large phenotypic variation (high individual heterogeneity), individuals can have substantial conflicts of interest regarding the timing and nature of activities, making it difficult for them to coordinate their behaviours or reach a consensus. In such cases, active communication can increase individuals' abilities to achieve coordination, such as by facilitating the transfer and aggregation of information about the environment or individual behavioural preferences. Here, we review the role of communication in vertebrate group decision-making and its relationship to heterogeneity in the ecological and social environment surrounding group decision-making contexts. We propose that complex communication has evolved to facilitate decision-making in specific socio-ecological contexts, and we provide a framework for studying this topic and testing related hypotheses as part of future research in this area. This article is part of the theme issue 'The power of sound: unravelling how acoustic communication shapes group dynamics'.

Screen Time Exposure and Domain-Specific Working Memory in Young Adults.

Introduction With technology advancing across all fields, the utility of digital screens is increasing among all age groups for various purposes.Research indicates that while digital technology presents clear advantages, prolonged exposure can have detrimental effects on various aspects of health, behavior, emotions, and cognitive functions like attention and working memory. A crucial cognitive process for learning and information processing which is working memory, can be affected by factors includingscreen time. Studies have found that the impact of screen time on working memory can be negative, positive, or show no discernible relationship. However, earlier investigations are limited to smartphone use as screen time exposure and further to only active screen time. As there is a dearth of studies in the Indian context and young adults are more exposed to screen time, it is important to investigate along these lines. Hence, the present study aimed to investigate the impact of active and passive screen time exposure on modality-specific working memory in young adults. Methods Seventy-sevenneurotypical individuals aged between 18 and 22 years were recruited. The study utilized auditory and visual reverse digit span tasks and the Corsi-backward task to measure working memory span. Screen time data of the participants were collected through a self-administered 18-item questionnaire covering active and background screen time domains. Results and discussion The present study concluded that only active screen time has a significant effect onvisual reverse digit span and supports the notion of the visual superiority effect against an auditory superior effect as suggested by earlier findings. The preliminary findings of correlation observed exclusively within the visual domain in this study could be attributed to the potential impact of screen time exposure (active screen time and textual content). Screen usage demands effective switching between various visual stimuli and ongoing updates of information in memory. Nonetheless, interpreting this explanation and generalization requires caution, given the low ecological validity of the task employed in the study. Future investigations should aim to collect screen time exposure data more objectively, perhaps through online tracking techniques. Furthermore, it would be prudent to expand the correlation analysis to include other cognitive processes and populations.

Enhancing Surgical Safety: Microbiological Air Control in Operating Theatres at University Medical Centre Maribor.

the aim of the study was to assess microbiological air quality in operating theatres by determining the level of microbiological contamination of the air and critical surfaces using the passive air sampling method and compliance of the operating theatre staff with infection control measures. The prospective study was conducted in the surgical block of the University Medical Centre Maribor. For two months continuously, ten operating theatres were assessed for microbial contamination of air and surfaces during quiet and active times of the day. A passive air sampling method with Petri dishes on an agar specially adapted for this purpose (plate count agar) was used. In addition, ten surgical procedures were observed to assess staff compliance with recommended practises. Air samples met microbiological standards in all operating theatres. In both sampling sessions of the day (quiet and active periods), microbial contamination of the air was always within the limit of 10 CFU/m3. The average number of bacterial colonies was zero to two during quiet phases and one to four during active phases. Approximately 60% of the isolates from the operating theatres belonged mainly to the genus Staphylococcus: S. epidermidis (36% of the isolates), S. hominis (17.5%) and S. haemolyticus (5.5%). The rest were identified as Streptococcus anginosus (23%) and Bacillus sp. (18%). Pathogenic bacteria and moulds were not present. In regard to staff compliance with good surgical practise, the former varied by behaviour and function, with non-compliance in pre-operative skin preparation and operating theatre congestion being notable. The cleanliness of the environment was satisfactory. Microbiological air control is extremely important for the safety and success of both surgical and postoperative practises. In spite of good results obtained in the study, further improvements in surgical staff compliance with good surgical practise are essential to reduce surgical site infections.