Discrepancies In Values Research Articles

An Acoustic Analysis on Mono-Syllabic Tones in the Ruian Wu Dialect

The Ruian dialect, part of the Oujiang branch of Wu Chinese, is situated at the intersection of the Yangtze River Delta and the Pearl River Delta regions. It is generally accepted that this dialect has eight distinct tones. Previous studies primarily employed traditional methods of auditory transcription, leading to discrepancies in tone values and contours, and lacking the necessary precision for an objective tonal system description.This study focuses on the Ruian dialect and conducts an acoustic study on speech samples from three generations of participantselderly, middle-aged, and youngdescribing their tonal patterns. The study concludes that the tonal systems of the elderly and middle-aged participants are generally stable, with the following tonal patterns: Yinping (44), Yangping (331), Yinshang (35), Yangshang (14), Yinqu (51), Yangqu (22), Yinru (323), and Yangru (212). In contrast, the younger generation has seen a change in the Rusheng (), shifting from contour tones to falling tones, where the tone value of Yinru is 32 and Yangru's is 21.

Short cross-laminated timber plates subjected to out-of-plane loads

The use of cross-laminated timber (CLT) panels has increased significantly, driven by the demand for more sustainable structural solutions. When used in short spans, the load capacity of CLT panels can be significantly enhanced; however, their behaviour and failure mechanisms differ from those of large spans. This study evaluates the mechanical behaviour of short-span CLT panels made from Pinus taeda L. under out-of-plane loads, through experimental analyses on full-scale panels. Fourteen industrially manufactured panels were tested in four-point bending tests, using adhesive weights of 250 and 220 g/m². The values of maximum bending moment, shear force, and their respective resistances were analysed based on the observed failure modes. The transverse modulus of elasticity was determined using strain gauges. It was found that short panels, with a span-to-depth ratio of 9 ≤ l/h ≤ 12, exhibited bending moment and shear force failures, with no significant differences between adhesive weights. Discrepancies in shear resistance and stiffness values compared to existing standards suggest the need for reduced-specimen testing for greater accuracy.

Dynamic Analysis and Vibration Control of Additively Manufactured Thin-Walled Polylactic Acid Polymer (PLAP) and PLAP Composite Beam Structures: Numerical Investigation and Experimental Validation.

This study primarily presents a numerical investigation of the dynamic behavior and vibration control in thin-walled, additively manufactured (AM) beam structures, validated through experimental results. Vibration control in thin-walled structures has gained significant attention recently because vibrations can severely affect structural integrity. Therefore, it is necessary to minimize these vibrations or keep them within acceptable limits to ensure the structure's integrity. In this study, the AM beam structures were made of polylactic acid polymer (PLAP), short carbon fiber reinforced in PLAP (SCFR|PLAP), and continuous carbon fiber reinforced in PLAP (CCFR|PLAP), with 0°|0° layer orientations. The finite element modeling (FEM) of the AM beam structures integrated with macro fiber composite (MFC) was carried out in Abaqus. The initial four modal frequencies of bending modes (BMs) and their respective modal shapes were acquired through numerical simulation. It is crucial to highlight the numerical findings that reveal discrepancies in the 1st modal frequencies of the beams, ranging up to 1.5% compared to their respective experimental values. For the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th modal frequencies, the discrepancies are within 10%. Subsequently, frequency response analysis (FRA) was carried out to observe the frequency-dependent vibration amplitude spectrum at the initial four BM frequencies. Despite discrepancy in the amplitude values between the numerical and experimental datasets, there was consistency in the overall amplitude behavior as frequency varied. THz spectroscopy was performed to identify voids or misalignment errors in the actual beam models. Finally, vibration amplitude control using MFC (M8507-P2) was examined in each kinematically excited numerical beam structure. After applying a counterforce with the MFC, the controlled vibration amplitudes for the PLAP, SCFR|PLAP, and CCFR|PLAP configurations were approximately ±19 µm, ±16 µm, and ±13 µm, respectively. The trend in the controlled amplitudes observed in the numerical findings was consistent with the experimental results. The numerical findings of the study reveal valuable insights for estimating trends related to vibration control in AM beam structures.

Reliability and Accuracy of Portable Devices for Measuring Countermovement Jump Height in Physically Active Adults: A Comparison of Force Platforms, Contact Mats, and Video-Based Software.

Measuring countermovement jump (CMJ) height accurately is essential for evaluating lower-body explosive power in athletes and other active populations. With technological advancements, various portable tools have been developed for this purpose, including force platforms, contact mats, and video-based software. This study aimed to (a) investigate the test-retest reliability of the KINVENT K-Deltas force platform for CMJ height measurement and (b) compare its accuracy with a contact mat (Chronojump, Spain) and a video-based software (My Jump app, version 3). Twenty-two physically active collegiate athletes (mean age of 19.7 ± 1.2 years) from various sports backgrounds completed five CMJ trials with simultaneous height measurements using all three tools. Intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC), Cronbach's alpha, and coefficient of variation (CV) were calculated to assess reliability. In contrast, Pearson correlations and Bland-Altman plots were used to compare device results. The K-Deltas force platform exhibited high test-retest reliability (ICC = 0.981), closely matching the contact mat (ICC = 0.987) and the My Jump app (ICC = 0.986). Correlations between the instruments were strong (force platform vs. contact mat: r = 0.987; force platform vs. My Jump: r = 0.987; contact mat vs. My Jump: r = 0.996), with no between-instrument differences (t-test p = 0.203-0.935, effect size ≤ 0.01-0.16), demonstrating the interchangeability of these tools for practical purposes. However, Bland-Altman analysis revealed limits of agreement between the devices, indicating small but consistent measurement differences. While all instruments were reliable, discrepancies in the absolute values suggest practitioners should consider device-specific variations when comparing CMJ data. These findings highlight the reliability of the K-Deltas force platform as a viable alternative for measuring CMJ height, though differences between devices should be accounted for in applied settings. Therefore, the portable force plates can monitor training, predict injury risk, assess neuromuscular fatigue, and lead to informed decision-making.

Autonomous design framework for deploying building integrated photovoltaics

The advancements in perovskite solar cells present promising prospects for the widespread deployment of Building-Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPVs). Finding an efficient and accurate approach is essential to provide deployment strategies for decision support. This study develops an autonomous decision-making design framework for BIPV, including data collection, 3D modeling, and deployment strategy. For data collection, an open-source unmanned aerial vehicle platform is produced to execute an innovation explore-then-exploit algorithm for viewpoints generation and path planning. Subsequently, point cloud models of buildings are generated using a unique deep learning-based multi-view stereo network and then converted into polygonal surface models. Moreover, a novel Grasshopper plugin component is developed to assess the economic performance of various BIPV layouts by life cycle cost analysis. Based on the analysis results, potential BIPV deployment strategies are provided to support the decision-making process. The effectiveness of the framework is validated through its application in an industrial building in Hong Kong, demonstrating a 7.6 % discrepancy in the average annual solar radiation access value. Finally, two BIPV deployment strategies are proposed for the building. This study has significant implications for the design and deployment of PV systems in urban environments, representing an important step towards supporting the transition to sustainable and low-carbon cities.

Absorption Measurement in Ultrapure Crystalline Quartz with the Eliminated Influence of Ambient Air Absorption in the Time-Resolved Photothermal Common-Path Interferometry Scheme

We demonstrate measurements of the absorption coefficient α ≈ 2.5 × 10−7 cm−1 in synthetic crystalline quartz at a wavelength of 1071 nm with a signal-to-noise ratio of 10/1 using the Time-resolved photothermal common-path interferometry (TPCI) scheme. It utilized cells filled with flowing argon and eliminated the influence of ambient air absorption. The scheme elements limiting the sensitivity of measurements at the level of ≈7.8 × 10−8 cm−1 were revealed. When these elements are replaced by better ones in terms of their thermal influence, the sensitivity of absorption coefficient measurements in crystalline quartz is ~10−8 cm−1. The calculation of the correction due to these optical elements of the values of the measured absorption coefficients is also described, which makes it possible to achieve the same sensitivity without replacing the elements. The improved scheme confirms the presence of the spatial inhomogeneity of absorption with a minimum coefficient of 2.5 × 10−7 cm−1 in synthetic crystalline quartz. The discrepancy of the absorption coefficient values in different regions of the crystal in the presented series of experiments was 2.5 × 10−7 cm−1 to 4 × 10−6 cm−1. Taking into account the ratio of thermo-optical parameters and the heat diffusion effect, the calculation shows that for quartz glasses the corresponding sensitivity of the absorption coefficient measurements equals ≈1.5 × 10−9 cm−1.

A-344 Delivering better and timely diagnosis for critical patients: POC clinical performance versus Central Laboratory assays in key cardiac markers

Abstract Background Cardiac markers are often used in critical settings, such as emergency department and coronary units. Clinica Redsalud Santiago implemented a reference Cardiovascular center to improve patient length of stay and clinical output, supported by diverse procedures and opportune diagnosis. Our aim was to implement POC devices for measuring key Cardiac Markers. Here we validated clinically and analytically the performance of POC devices versus Central Laboratory results for Troponin I, hs Troponin I, BNP and NT-proBNP markers. Methods Forty-nine patients admitted at emergency department were included in the study. Forty samples were obtained from male patients (69.7±9.8 years) and 9 from female patients (67.8±3.9 years). Samples were drawn and processed in parallel using Triage SOB panel, hsTroponin I and NT-proBNP tests, and the other samples were analyzed in a VITROS system, using Troponin I ES, hs Troponin I and NT-proBNP. Results Clinical agreement was assessed for different methodologies, using kappa values. Almost perfect agreement was achieved for Troponin I and NT-proBNP between Triage and VITROS systems (Figure 1). For harmonization results reporting purposes, regression fits and Bland-Altman plots were analyzed for both assays (data not shown). Hs Troponin methods did not show a good linear correlation fit, but it improves significantly on quadratic regression. For NT-proBNP methods, a good linear correlation was achieved. In both comparisons, major differences were observed for high values, while those values near to cut-off or low-to-mid in pathological range were comparable. Conclusions Timely decisions are important but is difficult to find perfect solutions for end-to-end needs. We identified two key cardiac biomarkers used routinely in emergency department and coronary care that can be harmonized for clinicians, in terms of quality and traceability. Based upon results, we can expect value discrepancies between different methodologies, hence the need for creating proper guidance for supporting key decisions for clinicians.

Distinct seasonal changes and precession forcing of surface and subsurface temperatures in the mid-latitudinal North Atlantic during the onset of the Late Pliocene

Abstract. The Late Pliocene marks the intensification of Northern Hemisphere glaciation (iNHG), offering a unique opportunity to study climate evolution and ice-sheet-related feedback mechanisms. In this study, we present high-resolution Mg / Ca-based sea surface temperatures (SSTs) and subsurface temperatures (SubTs) derived from the foraminiferal species Globigerinoides ruber and Globorotalia hirsuta, respectively, at the Integrated Ocean Drilling Program (IODP) Expedition 306 Site U1313 in the mid-latitudinal North Atlantic during the early Late Pliocene, 3.65–3.37 million years ago (Ma). We find distinct differences between our new G. ruber Mg / Ca-based SST record and previously published alkenone-based SST records from the same location. These discrepancies in both absolute values and variations highlight distinctly different seasonal influences on the proxies. The G. ruber Mg / Ca-based SST data were primarily influenced by local summer insolation, showing a dominant precession cycle. Conversely, the variations in alkenone-based SST, dominated by the obliquity and lacking the precession cycle, are found to be more indicative of cold-season changes, despite previous interpretations of these records as reflecting annual mean temperatures. A simultaneous decline in Mg / Ca-based SST and SubT records from 3.65 to 3.5 Ma suggests a diminished poleward oceanic heat transport, implying a weakening of the North Atlantic Current (NAC). A comparison with Early Pleistocene G. ruber Mg / Ca-based SST records shows a shift in the dominant climatic cycle from precession to obliquity, alongside a marked increase in amplitude, indicating an enhanced influence of obliquity cycles correlated with the expansion of Northern Hemisphere ice sheets.

Refining cPRA calculation to improve HLA compatibility assessment in organ transplantation: A detailed picture of the Paris waiting list.

The determination of panel reactive antibodies (cPRA) scores plays a critical role in assessing the immunological compatibility between organ transplant recipients and potential donors. Traditional cPRA methods focus on a limited number of HLA loci using physical cytotoxicity tests. However, advancements such as the Luminex single antigen (LSA) assay, which uses mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) of individualised HLA antigens for antibody evaluation, provide a foundation for a more precise assessment. We developed cPRAdictor, a novel cPRA calculation tool using a large series of HLA-type individuals in France with NGS. cPRAdictor was applied to a cohort of 5962 kidney transplant candidates in Paris. We analysed how extending the range of HLA specificities could affect cPRA values. Implementing cPRAdictor revealed and allowed quantification of the significant discrepancies in cPRA values that appeared when HLA loci C and DP, and antigen-specific antibodies were taken into account. Notably, over 43% of the immunised transplant candidates showed an increase in calculated cPRA values when considering C/DP loci and antigen-specific antibodies, negatively impacting their eligibility and prioritisation in the transplantation programme. These findings highlight the necessity of revisiting cPRA calculation methodologies to include a broader spectrum of immunological data, as more exhaustive and precise information regarding anti-HLA antibodies in patients' sera and donor and recipient HLA typing are available prospectively. This will strongly improve both accuracy and equity at the organ allocation step, especially for highly sensitised candidates for whom organ offers are very limited in number.

Discrepancies in dynamic yield stress measurements of cement pastes

The dynamic yield stress associated with the flow cessation of cement pastes is measured using a rheometer equipped with various shear geometries such as vane, helical, sandblasted co-axial cylinders, and serrated parallel plates, as well as with the mini-cone spread test. Discrepancies in yield stress values are observed for cement pastes at various volume fractions, with one to two orders of magnitude difference between vane, helical and mini-cone spread measurements on the one hand, and co-axial cylinder and parallel plate measurements on the other hand. To understand this discrepancy, the flow profile of a cement paste in the parallel-plate geometry is investigated with a high-speed camera, revealing the rapid formation of an un-sheared band near the static bottom plate. The width of this band depends upon the rotational velocity of the top plate, and upon the shear time. Recalculation of shear stress shows that the reduced sheared gap alone cannot explain the low measured yield stress. Further exploration suggests the formation of zones with lower particle content, possibly linked to cement particle sedimentation. Here, we argue that the complex nature of cement pastes, composed of negatively buoyant non-Brownian particles with attractive interactions due to highly charged nano-size hydration products, accounts for their complex rheological behavior.Graphical abstract

Pressure dependence of superconducting behavior of solid Br and I: A first-principles study

Based on the first-principles calculations, this study employs the HSE06 functional for the first time to understand the high-pressure behavior of diatomic molecular crystal bromine and iodine. It meticulously replicates the metallization process of iodine and bromine from aspects including bond length, charge density, band structure, and density of states. Furthermore, we also investigate the pressure-dependent superconducting properties of monoatomic phases of bromine and iodine, probing into the reasons behind the discrepancies in Tc values among different phases.

Divergences between EU Members on the Sustainability of Road Freight Transport

The Europevan Union is highly dependent on energy. This paper analyses energy consumption in the transport sector, representing approximately 30% of total energy consumption. A particular focus will be placed on road freight transport, which accounts for 40% of total transport energy consumption, trying to contribute to its rationalization. The road freight transport volume (TKM: tonne-kilometres) vs. gross domestic product (GDP) ratio fell in 2010–2022 by an average of 17.6% in EU-27, meaning that there was decoupled growth. Germany is the country with the highest decoupling, nearly 36%. On the contrary, in Spain there is a coupling because the evolution of TKM and GDP was almost identical. The paper proposes possible relevant factors in road freight transport activity that may justify the discrepancies in values within EU member countries, showing the positive and negative impacts of the different variables studied. In addition, the SARIMA model is applied to forecast the evolution of relevant indicators of road transport in different countries.

On the discrepancy between crossovers of solubility in supercritical carbon dioxide and retention in supercritical fluid chromatography

Various crossover phenomena are immanent to supercritical fluids due to multidirectional temperature effects in highly compressible supercritical fluid media. Solubility crossover, i.e. controversial effect of temperature on solubility at different pressures, is probably the most well-known among them. A curious discrepancy in upper crossover pressure values between solubility in supercritical carbon dioxide and retention in supercritical fluid chromatography with pure CO2 as an eluent was unexpectedly observed for several non-polar compounds on different stationary phases. In some cases, retention crossover was found to happen at pressures almost twice as high as pressures for solubility crossover for the same compound. Retention data for three solutes with known solubility crossovers: anthracene, benzoic acid and vanillin, were collected at different pressures and temperatures for several stationary phases. The existence of upper retention crossovers, i.e. such pressure values beyond which temperature increase starts decreasing retention, were registered for all solute-sorbent combinations.Using known thermodynamic models of temperature effect on retention in supercritical fluid chromatography and on solubility in supercritical carbon dioxide, possible reasoning for the observed discrepancies is discussed. Major contribution of the balance between adsorption and partition retention mechanisms in defining retention crossover values is hypothesized.

Comparison of outlier detection approaches for compressive strength of cement-based mortars

EN 196-1 states that the compressive strength result of testing of standard mortar specimens corresponds to the average of the six individual measurements. If one of the six individual measurements varies more than ±10 % from the average, it must be excluded, and a new average is calculated with the five remaining values. This methodology might be interesting for quality control or characterization of cement; however, it may not be the best approach for research or scientific purposes. Applying EN 196-1 to non-standard cement-based mortars with multiple and even unconventional supplementary cementitious materials may induce even more variation in the result. Also, mixtures with higher mechanical strength generally present the highest absolute variation. The main goal of the present work is to compare different methodologies, such as Tails of Normal Distribution, Thompson-Tau, Box-plot, T-test, Dixon Criteria, and other methods provided by engineering standards, to evaluate the existence of discrepant values and the effect of their exclusion (or not) on compressive strength experimental values, namely for science purposes. A sample of compressive strength of 338 mortar specimens was used The main findings revealed that excluding data points as a result of applying 8 of the 13 methods under study did not affect the mechanical strength result by more than ±5 %. The method described in the Brazilian standard that guides preparation, control, receipt, and acceptance for Portland cement concrete, would invalidate almost 46 % of all mixtures produced and did not prove to be reliable. Simplified methods of excluding outliers in relative or absolute percentages of 6 % around the average value can be considered an interesting option for professionals involved in laboratory testing of building materials. Otherwise, the authors would recommend applying the either Dixon Criteria or T test of the ASTM E178 for scientific purposes.

Modeling risk potential fields for mandatory lane changes in intelligent connected vehicle environment

In the environment of Intelligent Connected Vehicles (ICVs), the ICV system is capable of gathering, processing, and transmitting the majority of traffic information to each vehicle, thereby empowering drivers to make more informed and secure decisions. Nevertheless, ICVs are still incapable of completely avoiding traffic conflicts and accidents. Consequently, developing a risk assessment model for ICVs is crucial for their deployment. To investigate the dynamic patterns of lane-changing vehicle risks within ICV environments, this study developed a quantitative relationship model based on the Artificial Potential Field (APF) theory. The model correlates the Total Potential Field (TPF) of mandatory lane-changing (MLC) vehicle with the longitudinal/transverse gravitational potential field (LGPF/TGPF) and the longitudinal/transverse repulsion potential field (LRPF/TRPF). Subsequently, three sets of Human Machine Interface (HMI) systems were developed to delineate distinct ICV environments: baseline, warning group, and guidance group. The baseline furnishes fundamental data, the warning group supplements preceding vehicle icons and real-time headway information, whereas the guidance group additionally augments speed and voice guidance functionalities. Following this, a simulated driving experiment involving 43 participants was carried out to simulate MLC scenarios in highway merging sections. Using enumeration and gradient descent methods, the quantitative relationship between different types of risk fields was determined. The findings indicated that the ICV environment significantly impacts the mean values of LGPF, TGPF, LRPF (Leading Vehicle, LV), and TRPF, while insignificantly affecting the mean value of LRPF (Following Vehicle, FV). Nevertheless, a notable discrepancy in the mean value of LRPF (FV) was observed between the warning and guidance groups. Comparative results with lane positions demonstrate that the proposed TPF accurately depicts vehicle lane-changing behaviors. Comparative results with classical risk indicators indicate that TPF more accurately depicts the actual driving risks and variation trends faced by vehicles in different MLC processes. The research findings will be pivotal in improving real-time control and guidance strategies for vehicles in highway merging sections under ICV environments.

Hydrogen Isotope Fingerprinting of Lipid Biomarkers in the Chinese Marginal Seas

AbstractThe hydrogen isotope ratio (δ2H) of lipid biomarkers from phytoplankton and terrestrial plants were measured in surface sediments from Chinese marginal seas (CMS), in order to evaluate processes affecting their spatial distribution, and by extension, the controls on organic carbon cycling in these dynamic marginal seas. The dinoflagellate sterol dinosterol and the microalgal sterol brassicasterol had low δ2H values (<−300%) near the mouth of the Yangtze River. Near the mouth of the Yellow River, dinosterol again had low δ2H values but brassicasterol had intermediate (−292 to −281%) δ2H values. This discrepancy in the δ2H values of two phytoplankton sterols may be explained by the timing of dinoflagellate production relative to that of brassicasterol producers (e.g., diatoms). The δ2H values of C16:0 fatty acid, synthesized by all organisms, had intermediate δ2H values (−199 to −178%) near the Yangtze River and lowest δ2H C16:0 values (−216 to −206%) occurred near the old Yellow River delta. The lowest δ2H C28:0 values (<−184%) occurred adjacent to rivers, suggesting that leaf‐wax lipids produced on the loess plateau, which are enriched in 2H, may contribute less to the nearshore environment than the offshore regions. Higher δ2H C28:0 values offshore may be explained by a larger contribution of leaf wax fatty acids from aerosols relative to river‐borne suspended particles. Lipid biomarker δ2H fingerprinting thus provides a new tool for deciphering the controls on organic carbon cycling and accumulation in the dynamic CMS.

Interfering factors in the diagnosis of Senecavirus A.

Senecavirus A (SV-A) is an RNA virus that belongs to the genus Senecavirus within the family Picornaviridae. This study aimed to analyze factors that can influence the molecular diagnosis of Senecavirus A, such as oligonucleotides, RNA extraction methods, and RT-qPCR kits. Samples from suspected cases of vesicular disease in Brazilian pigs were analyzed for foot-and-mouth disease, swine vesicular disease, and vesicular stomatitis. All tested negative for these diseases but positive for SV-A. RT-qPCR tests were used, comparing different reagent kits and RNA extraction methods. Sensitivity and repeatability were evaluated, demonstrating efficacy in detecting SV-A in clinical samples. In RNA extraction, significant reduction in Cq values was observed with initial dilutions, particularly with larger supernatant volumes. Trizol and Maxwell showed greater sensitivity in automated equipment protocols, though results varied in tissue tests. RT-qPCR kit comparison revealed differences in amplification using viral RNA but minimal differences with plasmid DNA. Sensitivity among methods was comparable, with slight variations in non-amplified samples. Repeatability tests showed consistent results among RT-qPCRs, demonstrating similarity between methods despite minor discrepancies in Cq values. Trizol, silica columns, and semi-automated extraction were compared, as well as different RT-qPCR kits. The study found significant variations that could impact the final diagnosis.

Mixed planting mode is the best measure to restore soil quality in alpine mines

In ecologically fragile areas heavily affected by human disturbance, it is imperative to restore soil quality to preserve nutrient cycling and ensure ecosystem stability. However, our understanding about the underlying mechanisms of dynamic change in soil quality associated with revegetation in alpine areas remains incomplete. In this study, data from 96 plots were collected to reveal the response of soil quality to vegetation restoration in alpine mines. The soil quality index (SQI) was developed utilizing 19 measured indicators to assess differences in soil quality between various vegetation restoration modes (natural restoration (CK), planting with Elymus dahuricus (ED), Medicago sativa (MS), and multi-plant mixed (Avena fatua L. + Elymus dahuricus + Medicago sativa + Oxytropis coerulea, MM)) and restoration periods (1, 3, 4, and 6 years). A partial least squares structural equation model (PLS-SEM) was constructed to recognize the impact of 14 variables related to topographical features, plant biodiversity and community stability, aboveground plant productivity characteristics, root functional traits, and soil erosion on soil quality. The results revealed significant variations in soil quality among different vegetation restoration modes. Within the initial four years following vegetation restoration, the discernible discrepancies in SQI values were as follows: ED > MM > MS > CK; by the sixth year, the order shifted to MM > ED > MS > CK. Aboveground plant productivity characteristics and functional root traits significantly contribute to soil quality. In contrast, plant biodiversity and community stability had no significant effects on soil quality. Topographical features and soil erosion adversely affected soil quality, with soil erosion exerting the most prominent effect.

Comparative Analysis of Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction Assessment: Visual Estimation via Echocardiography versus Quantitative Measurement Through Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Objectives: This retrospective observational study aimed to evaluate the correlation between visually estimated left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) via 2D echocardiography (ECHO) and quantitatively measured LVEF via cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging (CMR). Methodology: The study was conducted at Aga Khan University Hospital, involving patients who underwent both 2D ECHO and CMR within a maximum interval of three months between the two studies. LVEF was visually estimated by experienced cardiologists on 2D ECHO and quantitatively calculated on CMR. Results: Among 127 patients meeting inclusion criteria, comparisons between visually estimated LVEF ranges on ECHO and LVEF on CMR consistently showed highly significant differences (p < 0.0001), with ECHO underestimating LVEF. The mean difference between visually estimated average LVEF by ECHO and calculated LVEF by CMR was 4.9 ± 7.0. Subgroup analysis revealed consistent findings across patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) and those with dilated or hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Conclusion: Despite a significant difference, the observed discrepancy in LVEF values between visually estimated ECHO and quantitatively measured CMR remains small. Thus, visually estimated LVEF by experienced readers retains its reliability as a method for diagnosing and managing patients in routine clinical practice.

Analysis of the Hubble Tension and Modifications to the Standard Cosmological Model

The Hubble constant is crucial to the knowledge of the universe’s nature and expansion, remaining as an active area for research in the recent decades. Cosmological microwave background observations revealed a lower value of 67–69 km-1s-1Mpc for the Hubble constant, but local data showed a higher value of 73–75 km-1s-1Mpc. This study focuses on the Hubble constant and its measurement, systematic uncertainties, observed tension, and potential modifications to the standard cosmological model. To be specific, this paper aims to address the tension between different measurement methods, which are Cepheid variables and supernovae, Baryon Acoustic Oscillations, and Gravitational waves, and understand systematic uncertainties. Results show discrepancies in Hubble constant values, indicating potential modifications to the standard cosmological model. Prospects include exploring alternative cosmological components and enhanced detection and computation methods. The study's implications lie in advancing the understanding of the expanding universe and guiding future research directions regarding to Hubble tension measurement.