Top Choice Research Articles

Latent Biases in Machine Learning Models for Predicting Binding Affinities Using Popular Data Sets.

Drug design involves the process of identifying and designing molecules that bind well to a given receptor. A vital computational component of this process is the protein-ligand interaction scoring functions that evaluate the binding ability of various molecules or ligands with a given protein receptor binding pocket reasonably accurately. With the publicly available protein-ligand binding affinity data sets in both sequential and structural forms, machine learning methods have gained traction as a top choice for developing such scoring functions. While the performance shown by these models is optimistic, there are several hidden biases present in these data sets themselves that affect the utility of such models for practical purposes such as virtual screening. In this work, we use published methods to systematically investigate several such factors or biases present in these data sets. In our analysis, we highlight the importance of considering sequence, protein-ligand interaction, and pocket structure similarity while constructing data splits and provide an explanation for good protein-only and ligand-only performances in some data sets. Through this study, we provide to the community several pointers for the design of binding affinity predictors and data sets for reliable applicability.

Biomedical materials for wound dressing: recent advances and applications.

Wound healing is vital to maintain the physiological functions of the skin. The most common treatment is the use of a dressing to cover the wound and reduce infection risk and the rate of secondary injuries. Modern wound dressings have been the top priority choice for healing various types of wounds owing to their outstanding biocompatibility and biodegradability. In addition, they also maintain temperature and a moist environment, aid in pain relief, and improve hypoxic environments to stimulate wound healing. Due to the different types of wounds, as well as the variety of advanced wound dressing products, this review will provide information on the clinical characteristics of the wound, the properties of common modern dressings, and the in vitro, in vivo as well as the clinical trials on their effectiveness. The most popular types commonly used in producing modern dressings are hydrogels, hydrocolloids, alginates, foams, and films. In addition, the review also presents the polymer materials for dressing applications as well as the trend of developing these current modern dressings to maximize their function and create ideal dressings. The last is the discussion about dressing selection in wound treatment and an estimate of the current development tendency of new materials for wound healing dressings.

Where Do Orthopaedic Surgery Applicants Match on Their Rank Lists? A Survey of Incoming Residents.

This was a cross-sectional survey study distributed to all applicants to a single institution's orthopaedic surgery residency program. Metrics such as match result, USMLE scores, Alpha Omega Alpha (AOA) status, and research productivity, in addition to other applicant-specific traits were captured. Results were stratified by match status and rank list position, with subgroup analyses completed for applicants matching at highly ranked programs (1-3) vs. lower ranked programs (≥ 4). The survey was distributed to 698 applicants with a response rate of 32% (n = 224), with a match rate of 85% (n = 191). Thirty-four percent of respondents matched at their top choice program, 15.2% at their second choice, 9.9% at their third, and 40.8% at their fourth or lower. When comparing the matched to unmatched applicant cohorts, there was a significant difference in number of programs ranked, AOA status, and sex. When comparing applicants who matched at highly ranked (1-3) vs. lower ranked (≥ 4) programs, there was a significant difference in USMLE board scores. Orthopaedic surgery residency applicants are significantly less likely to match at their first choice or within their top 3 choices when compared to the national average for all specialties. Number of contiguous ranks, AOA status, and female sex were found to be associated with successfully obtaining an orthopaedic residency position, whereas USMLE board scores were associated with matching higher on one's rank list, thus resulting in greater match satisfaction. III.

IMPLEMENTASI TEKNOLOGI VIRTUAL DALAM VISUALISASI PENGENALAN KAMPUS MENGGUNAKAN WEBVR

One of the developments from this information is Virtual Reality (VR), a Virtual Web Technology that allows users to interact through an environment on the internet that has been simulated by a computer so that users feel they are in a virtual world. VR technology is becoming the top choice because of how it conveys messages to the environment to attract users.The purpose of this research is to be able to produce virtual web technology-based campus introduction visualizations with website results/output for campus buildings as well as immersive spatial displays and dynamic information. The research began by carrying out the 3D modeling stage using the help of Photoshop, marzipano, 3DVista tools (photos, sketches and 3D objects on one of the campus buildings. The campus building used is the Rectorate Building. Lecture building, Auditorium building. Then the system development is carried out by building data and the room is stored in a database and coded using the PHP programming language. The results of process observations during design, analysis and implementation produce a visualization WebVR Application by displaying information in the form of object, image and video formats. Virtual web technology can provide information related to the environment, campus buildings.

Halide Chemistry in Tin Perovskite Optoelectronics: Bottlenecks and Opportunities.

Tin halide perovskites (Sn HaPs) are the top lead-free choice for perovskite optoelectronics, but the oxidation of perovskite Sn2+ to Sn4+ remains a key challenge. However, the role of inconspicuous chemical processes remains underexplored. Specifically, the halide component in Sn HaPs (typically iodide) has been shown to play a key role in dictating device performance and stability due to its high reactivity. Here we describe the impact of native halide chemistry on Sn HaPs. Specifically, molecular halogen formation in Sn HaPs and its influence on degradation is reviewed, emphasising the benefits of iodide substitution for improving stability. Next, the ecological impact of halide products of Sn HaP degradation and its mitigation are considered. The development of visible Sn HaP emitters via halide tuning is also summarised. Lastly, halide defect management and interfacial engineering for Sn HaP devices are discussed. These insights will inspire efficient and robust Sn HaP optoelectronics.

Investment Value in China’s Artificial Intelligence Industry

At present, various AI products are increasingly connected with people, playing a crucial role in their lives. It can be seen from the report on China's artificial intelligence industry that the market size of China's AI market is growing rapidly with great development potential. Moreover, investing in China’s AI market is also the top choice for numerous investors. Hence, this paper focuses on studying the development trend and potential problems of companies in China's AI market, and eliciting relevant investment suggestions, through analyzing three representative China firms- iFLYTEK, Baidu, and HUNDSUN. To analyze, this research uses the CAPM model and the calculation formula of WACC to calculate the WACC, and evaluate their profitability by calculating their gross profit margin and net income margin respectively. From the results, it can be seen there exists profitability issue of iFLYTEK and Baidu, due to the main factor that they are trying to develop in new fields resulting in high R&D expenses and selling expenses generated without a significant result in their revenue. The profitability of HUNDSUN seems optimistic, yet its R&D expenses and COGS are also increasing significantly in 2021, which are used to maintain the market share of core businesses, develop new businesses and upgrade core technologies. For those companies, they diversify their business structure for further growth opportunities due to their core business markets are close to saturation; however, this will also increase their business risk. Currently, in conclusion, the great development chances of China’s AI market coexist with risks.

Abstract 183: Prioritizing Interventions To Reduce The Caregiver Burden Among Racially And Ethnically Diverse Co-survivors Of Cardiac Arrest Survivors: A Cross-sectional National Survey Study

Introduction: Cardiac arrest (CA) co-survivors i.e., close family members of CA survivors, have high levels of caregiver burden and poor quality of life. We aim to prioritize potential patient-, and co-survivor-centric interventions that may alleviate caregiver burden. Methods: We distributed an online survey to adult, co-survivor members of the Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation and Parent Heart Watch national databases and CA-specific Facebook groups. Participants provided demographics, details on their loved ones’ CA, and their caregiving role. They then ranked their top choice among 8 unique interventions focusing on either patient-centric education-based needs (n=4) or co-survivor-centric resources for self-care and enhanced psychological support (n=4). The survey was developed by a multidisciplinary research team and patient and co-survivor stakeholders. Results: Of 657 responses received, 550 co-survivors (57% were between the age of 18-40 years, 65% were women, 51% of minority race/ethnicity, 53% partners or spouse, an average of 8 hours of caregiving, for an average of 5 months) with the complete ranking data, were analyzed. A total of 347 (63%) co-survivors ranked patient-centric education-based interventions as their top choice ( Figure 1 shows distributions ). A multivariate model estimating the drivers of preferences for education-based interventions over co-survivors resource-based interventions showed age>40 years, direct discharge to home after CA vs inpatient rehabilitation, co-survivor witnessing the CA, or assuming the caregiver role during hospitalization or within 1-month of CA, were significant predisposing factors. Conclusions: Education-based interventions, particularly information related to their loved ones’ recovery, are the top priorities for co-survivors during the early phase of CA survivorship. Future studies should focus on developing and testing these interventions for alleviation of caregiver burden.

General surgery applicants report the impact of virtual interviews on their rank list and match.

The transition to an all-virtual application cycle for General Surgery Match 2021 significantly altered interview day and the interactions of applicants with residency programs. We sought to evaluate the impact of a virtual match cycle on applicants' rank list and Match results. We surveyed applicants who were offered an interview for a categorical general surgery residency position at our institution during the 2021 match season. Voluntary anonymous surveys were sent after the rank list deadline and again after the Match. Out of 108 interviewees, 43 completed the survey (40%). Median age was 26, and 61% of respondents were male and 82% white, which skewed from our diverse interview pool. They completed a median of 17 interviews. 69% felt they had sufficient exposure to make their rank list, and this group reached statistically significant higher confidence in their decisions when compared with those who endorsed not having enough exposure to the residency programs (58% vs 42%, p = 0.02). Applicants cited the most influential interview day factors to be their interview with faculty and the virtual social with residents. Least important was their ability to assess the hospital facility. Among seven different program factors, comradery between faculty and residents (31%) and perceived happiness of the residents (18.6%) were most often selected most influential. Only 56% reported ranking all programs at which they interviewed. After submitting their rank list, 59% of applicants stated they had not visited the city of their top ranked program; however, post-match surveys revealed only 44% matched to a program in a city unknown to them. 57% of applicants stated they reached out to their top choice program with additional questions, but only 47% matched at one of those institutions. Even in the constraints of the virtual interviews, most applicants felt they had sufficient exposure to programs to make their rank list.Applicants were willing to highly rank cities they had never visited and to reach out to programs but were ultimately less successful matching at those programs. Understanding what factors and communications most impact applicants and programs may lead to a more successful Match. The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s44186-022-00071-8.

Antiquated ejection fraction: Basic research applications for speckle tracking echocardiography.

For years, ejection fraction has been an essentially ubiquitous measurement for assessing the cardiovascular function of animal models in research labs. Despite technological advances, it remains the top choice among research labs for reporting heart function to this day, and is often overstated in applications. This unfortunately may lead to misinterpretation of data. Clinical approaches have now surpassed research methods, allowing for deeper analysis of the tiers of cardiovascular performance (cardiovascular performance, heart performance, systolic and diastolic function, and contractility). Analysis of each tier is crucial for understanding heart performance, mechanism of action, and disease diagnosis, classification, and progression. This review will elucidate the differences between the tiers of cardiovascular function and discuss the benefits of measuring each tier via speckle tracking echocardiography for basic scientists.

Parental Preferences about Policy Options Regarding Disclosure of Incidental Genetic Findings in Newborn Screening: Using Videos and the Internet to Educate and Obtain Input.

Our objective was to develop and test a new approach to obtaining parental policy guidance about disclosure of incidental findings of newborn screening for cystic fibrosis (CF), including heterozygote carrier status and the conditions known as CFTR-related metabolic syndrome (CRMS) and/or cystic fibrosis screen positive inconclusive diagnosis, CFSPID. The participants were parents of infants up to 6 months old recruited from maternity hospitals/clinics, parent education classes and stores selling baby products. Data were collected using an anonymous, one-time Internet-based survey. The survey introduced two scenarios using novel, animated videos. Parents were asked to rank three potential disclosure policies—Fully Informed, Parents Decide, and Withholding Information. Regarding disclosure of information about Mild X (analogous to CRMS/CFSPID), 57% of respondents ranked Parents Decide as their top choice, while another 41% ranked the Fully Informed policy first. Similarly, when considering disclosure of information about Disease X (CF) carrier status, 50% and 43% gave top rankings to the Fully Informed and Parents Decide policies, respectively. Less than 8% ranked the Withholding Information policy first in either scenario. Data from value comparisons suggested that parents believed knowing everything was very important even if they became distressed. Likewise, parents preferred autonomy even if they became distressed. However, when there might not be enough time to learn everything, parents showed a slight preference for deferring decision-making. Because most parents strongly preferred the policies of full disclosure or making the decision, rather than the withholding option for NBS results, these results can inform disclosure policies in NBS programs, especially as next-generation sequencing increases incidental findings.

A Review of Smart Battery Management Systems for LiFePO4: Key Issues and Estimation Techniques for Microgrids

Lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) has become the top choice battery chemical in photovoltaic (PV) system nowadays due to numerous advantages as compared to lead acid batteries. However, LiFePO4 needs a battery management system to optimize energy utilization. State of charge (SoC), state of health (SoH), cell balancing, remaining useful life are some of its crucial parameters. This review paper discusses overview of battery management system (BMS) functions, LiFePO4 characteristics, key issues, estimation techniques, main features, and drawbacks of using this battery type.

Integrated vascular surgery applicants' perspectives of virtual residency interviews during the coronavirus disease 2019 application cycle

BackgroundIn agreement with Association of American Medical Colleges guidelines, the 2020 to 2021 integrated vascular surgery (I-VS) residency interviews were conducted virtually. In the present study, we collected data about the virtual interview process from the applicant's perspective, including preferences for interview format and the virtual resources they found most helpful. MethodsAn anonymous, online survey study of medical students who had been accepted into I-VS residencies during the 2020 to 2021 application cycle was performed. The survey contained questions about applicant behavior during the virtual application cycle, their perception of the virtual interviews, the utility of the virtual format, their preferences, and the virtual resources they found the most helpful for determining their rank list. ResultsOf 72 applicants, 38 (18 women, 19 men, and 1 declined to answer) had completed the survey for a 57.2% response rate. The average number of programs interviewed was 25 to 30 (31%). More than one-half (55%) of the respondents had responded that they had interviewed at more programs than they would have had the interviews been in person. More than one-half of the applicants (55%) reported that they preferred remote interviews with the option to visit in-person at their top choice programs compared with the use of all remote interviews (21%) or all in-person interviews (18%). Most had somewhat or strongly agreed (79%) that virtual interviews allowed them to properly gauge a residency program and provided adequate opportunities to interact with the residents (65%). The online resources the applicants found the most helpful in determining their rank lists were attending educational conferences, prerecorded videos from faculty and residents, and the program’s social media platforms. ConclusionsThe results from the present study have illuminated the current trends and attitudes of I-VS applicants for virtual interviews, including the virtual resources they found the most useful. Virtual interviews were a preferred method of interviewing and allowed applicants to assess a residency program and interact with the current residents. These variables should be considered by the program leadership when developing protocols for upcoming application cycles.

Exploring Architecture Student’s Behaviour in Using Google Workspace for Design Studio Learning During COVID-19 Pandemic

The spread of the COVID-19 pandemic has become one of the driving factors behind the rapidly rising importance of online learning globally. Google Workspace has proven successful at enhancing teaching and learning by being the top choice of online educators in ensuring teaching and learning would not be disrupted. However, there has been a minimal study that focused on students' adoption and the use of Google Workspace in Malaysia among architecture students. The main challenge in the architectural learning environment is the replacement of face-to-face with online approaches. Therefore, this research explores architecture students’ behaviour practices using Google Workspace for learning during the COVID-19 Pandemic. This study employed a quantitative research method using a survey to obtain data. The study used the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology 2 (UTAUT2), consisting of seven elements to decipher student behaviour in the learning process from three (3) Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) campuses that offer design-based courses. This research applied a combination of cluster and stratified random sampling by identifying the total population of architecture students in the three UiTM campuses. Of the seven (7) elements of behavioural patterns, Effort Expectancy has the highest frequency distribution and Hedonistic Motivation had the least. The findings suggest that Google Workspace has a favourable proclivity to be employed in design studio learning and revealed architecture students' acceptance of the use of Google Workspace for Education in these three (3) campuses. Thus, the results also serve as a resource for educators to use in devising strategies for their teaching methods in the new norm of a more engaging design studio.

Physicochemical and in vitro biological validation of food grade secondary oil in water nanoemulsions with enhanced mucus-adhesion properties

Among oral delivery systems, oil in water nano-emulsions (O/W NEs) are of particular interest to improve pharmacokinetics of lipophilic compounds. Recently, we have implemented a successful strategy to improve O/W NEs stability, based on a polymeric coating on an oil core, namely secondary O/W NEs, through the use of pharma grade formulations. However, in the field of food supplements, food grade materials are the top choice since they combine safety and cost effectiveness. Here, we have replaced pharma grade (PG) with food grade (FG) materials in the preparation of the polymer coated O/W NEs, and performed a comparative study between the two formulations to assess the FG one. At the same time, in order to provide formulations with enhanced mucus-adhesion to the intestinal barrier, secondary O/W NEs were prepared by adding thiol groups to chitosan (Ct) via a simple non-covalent procedure based on N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC) salification, thus easily implementable to a food supplement formulation. PG and FG formulations, in different materials combinations, were prepared and physico-chemically characterized (DLS, 1H NMR, ITC, CRYO-TEM) showing similar behaviour. FG formulations (NEs, Ct-NEs and Ct-NAC-NEs) loaded with curcumin were prepared and compared with the free drug in terms of drug bioaccessibility through the INFOGEST protocol confirming improved bioaccessibility. Very interestingly, by comparing mucus-adhesion properties of the two polymeric coatings (Ct and Ct-NAC) within an intestine on chip device able to mimic the complex intestinal functions, a significant enhancement in the mucus-adhesive properties of the proposed novel Ct-NAC-NE formulation was observed with respect to Ct due to the presence of thiol groups. Nonetheless, in-vivo assays are required as a final assessment of the proposed system.

Medical residency match applicants undervalue factors that predict stress and burnout

ABSTRACT In the medical residency match process, applicants’ ranking decisions are influenced by multiple factors related to training, geography, and lifestyle expectations. Ranking decisions directly impact match results, with implications for emotional outcomes such as happiness and stress. The present study explored the decision factors considered most important by applicants when creating rank order lists (ROLs), and how match outcomes and program factors predicted happiness, enthusiasm, stress, and life satisfaction. Senior medical students (n = 182) at a large public university in California completed surveys at three timepoints, spanning from shortly before Match Day to several months into PGY-1. Study findings support that both program-related (e.g., training quality, program size) and non-program-related (e.g., geography, work life balance) factors are important to applicants when making ROL decisions. Applicants who matched with their top choice program initially experienced emotional benefits, but these emotional differences did not persist into PGY-1, where all matched applicants had similar levels of emotion and life satisfaction. The emotional cost and benefits of matching with programs of different ROL positions (e.g., matching with top-choice program or not) were most apparent shortly after matching but in the long-term, a stronger predictor of PGY-1 emotions was perceived person-program alignment. Person-program alignment (e.g., call schedule, patient caseload) also predicted burnout in the first few months of a residency program. These findings show that, when applicants are making ranking decisions, they undervalue factors that predict stress and burnout during residency.

IDEOLOGICAL STRENGTHENING, STRATEGIC LEADERSHIP, AND DEPERSONALIZATION: THE TRANSFORMATION OF THE INDONESIAN DEMOCRATIC PARTY OF STRUGGLE 1999-2019

Since 1999, the votes of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDIP) have always been relatively superior, despite having to deal with various internal and external problems. By winning the elections, PDIP has given and placed the best party cadres in public positions in the legislature and executive, which directly influences the course of the Indonesian nation. Various survey results show that PDIP is still the top choice with the highest electability. Based on these data, the purpose of this study is to analyze the institutional transformation of PDI, especially in strengthening ideology and the process of party depersonalization. The method used is a literature study and the data analysis technique is carried out by analyzing the three dimensions of the concept of party institutionalization from Harmel et al. (2019), namely internal institutionalization, external institutionalization, and objective institutionalization (objective durability). From the method used, it was found that the party had carried out organizational transformation during the 1999-2019 period. PDIP also continues to consolidate to advance democracy, because political parties are the key to maintaining and developing the quality of democracy. It was also found that political institutionalization is important. An important aspect of party institutionalization is the strength of ideology as a party-political concept that underlies the ideals, struggles, and norms of the party. Finally, the party's ability to depersonalize shows significant results in party institutionalization.

Contributing factors to musculoskeletal disorders in women who routinely use high heels

Introduction: High heels are still the top choice of women's footwear and have an aesthetic function. A previous study showed that high heels were the potential to give musculoskeletal disorders. This study aimed to find the presence of musculoskeletal disorders and the factors influencing the routine and long-term use of high heels amongst bank employees. Methods: This is an observational study with a cross-sectional design. The research study participant collection was carried out in November - December 2020 in several Bank branches; 233 participants were obtained. Each participant was given a questionnaire about musculoskeletal disorders and the factors influencing high heels used. Results: It was found that there is a relationship between body mass index (BMI), shoe height, and the length of time used per week for the pain Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) in the use of high heels. However, it was found that there is no relationship between the type of shoes and the pain VAS using high heels. Conclusion: The higher BMI, shoe height, and the longer time using high heels per week contribute to the increasing pain VAS amongst high heel users.

Assessing Students’ Satisfaction with Hostel Facilities in Tertiary Institutions: The Case of Selected Universities in South West Nigeria.

The importance of a conducive environment in a student’s life cannot be exaggerated as it impacts their educational performance. This research study examined the adequacy of the facilities provided in the students’ hostels and also investigates the level of satisfaction of the students with the available hostel facilities at universities in the southwest, Nigeria. A total number of 381copies of questionnaire were distributed among the students living in hostels across selected insitutions, taken as the sample size for the study; all were correctly filled and useful for the research. A random sampling method was employed in selecting the above-sampled respondents. The data collected were then analyzed using descriptive statistics such as the frequency table, weighted mean score, and relative important index. The result showed that the sampled students were averagely satisfied with the hostel facilities. The result according to the research also showed that not all the necessary facilities stated by other researchers were available in the hostel for the students. The research result sites the need for a realistic and active approach towards making available adequate and applicable facilities in the students’ hostel to meet up with the average standard as obtained in global university environments, as these steps will always enhance the image of the institution and portray the institution as the top choice to anticipated students’. The study also recommended improvement in the area of toilet/bathroom, laundry, and construction of more hostels. Keywords: Hostel, Facilities, Student, Satisfaction, Tertiary Institution

An efficient deep learning-based framework for tuberculosis detection using chest X-ray images

Early diagnosis of tuberculosis (TB) is an essential and challenging task to prevent disease, decrease mortality risk, and stop transmission to other people. The chest X-ray (CXR) is the top choice for lung disease screening in clinics because it is cost-effective and easily accessible in most countries. However, manual screening of CXR images is a heavy burden for radiologists, resulting in a high rate of inter-observer variances. Hence, proposing a cost-effective and accurate computer aided diagnosis (CAD) system for TB diagnosis is challenging for researchers. In this research, we proposed an efficient and straightforward deep learning network called TBXNet, which can accurately classify a large number of TB CXR images. The network is based on five dual convolutions blocks with varying filter sizes of 32, 64, 128, 256 and 512, respectively. The dual convolution blocks are fused with a pre-trained layer in the fusion layer of the network. In addition, the pre-trained layer is utilized for transferring pre-trained knowledge into the fusion layer. The proposed TBXNet has achieved an accuracy of 98.98%, and 99.17% on Dataset A and Dataset B, respectively. Furthermore, the generalizability of the proposed work is validated against Dataset C, which is based on normal, tuberculous, pneumonia, and COVID-19 CXR images. The TBXNet has obtained the highest results in Precision (95.67%), Recall (95.10%), F1-score (95.38%), and Accuracy (95.10%), which is comparatively better than all other state-of-the-art methods.

Surgical treatment of trigeminal neuralgia in adults.

Trigeminal neuralgia is a painful disorder of the face that negatively affects the functionality of those who suffer from it. Microvascular decompression remains the top choice for its short and long-term outcomes. In those who are not candidates for open surgery, ablative options become valuable, including radiosurgery, and radiofrequency, balloon, and glycerol rhizotomies. Radiosurgery can be useful in cases of trigeminal neuralgia associated with multiple sclerosis. A scheme is proposed to facilitate decision-making considering outcomes, predictors of response and complication rates.