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As a retired military aviator who carried 'off the books' Remington Rand 1911 and M3A1 for personal defense during my Vietnam tour as a UH-1C/M gunship pilot, I was particularly [...]

This study seeks to present new ways of exploring and understanding organisational conflict whilst introducing a modern conflict measurement tool. Conflict can arise in every social situation and is commonly demonstrable in a number of ways, including personality clashes, insults, non-cooperation, mistreatment, anger and other types of stressful miscommunication. The research was conducted to explore the critical antecedents of cross-cultural conflict among international business employees and to indicate whether organisational conflict is framed as functional or dysfunctional. Using structural equation modelling (SEM) techniques, the findings support the hypothesis that cross-cultural conflict negatively impacts employee emotions and performance. Finally, the paper proposes the conflict barometer tool to help managers gauge the levels of conflict among employees working in complex cross-cultural environments.

ABSTRACTThe article features a virtual panel discussion between the author and three women who hold leadership positions. Their discussion reflects on factors contributing to their leadership roles and career success. Some common themes like relationship building and teamwork emerged. Their discussion adds richness by providing context and personal experience. They discuss several other such themes: to engender trust, to be adaptable, and to be willing to learn, etc. The panelists go on to recommend strategies to overcome potential gender biases: knowing the audience, sticking to facts, projecting confidence, etc. They highlight key factors like relationships, authenticity, continuous learning, mentorship, preparation, and self-confidence that enabled these leaders to overcome obstacles and achieve career success. This article helps readers better understand the reasons behind these factors.

The body mass index (BMI) is an imperfect clinical measure of obesity that should be used in conjunction with other valid measures of weight-related risk. We studied whether there is a superior measure of obesity-related comorbidities.

The outcomes for sliding and paraesophageal hiatal hernias (PHH) are jointly reported. By combining outcomes of sliding hernia and PHH repair, surgeons are conflating the outcomes of surgical management for GERD with the outcomes of PHH repair. PHH is a distinct clinical entity from sliding hernia, requiring a more complex operation with higher risk of complications and, ultimately, comparatively diminished outcomes. The practice of combining PHH and sliding hernia surgical data confounds the true outcomes of ARS and contributes to misconceptions that reduce referral rates. Current and future research assessments must be based on accurate discrimination between the 2 anatomic presentations. Surgeons have a responsibility to ensure this distinction is clearly drawn when disseminating their ARS outcomes.

This study provides accounts of the bonding character, electronic structure, and optical properties of the cellulose–polyaniline hybrid complex using principles of quantum mechanics. The calculations revealed cellulose and polyaniline binding energy per unit ranged from -0.52 eV to -0.68 eV. The electron localization function of the complex revealed that there was no value at the interface but deformed basins, indicating a physisorption type of interaction. The highest occupied molecular orbitals and lowest molecular orbitals are mainly dominated by the polyaniline, with minor hybridization of the orbitals of the cellulose in all configurations. These results indicate that the bonding between cellulose and polyaniline is characterized as an unshared electron interaction. Generally, the density of states of the cellulose and polyaniline complex can be considered a superposition of the states of isolated subsystems—the bandgap of the complex ranges from 2.30 eV to 2.87 eV. The lowest bandgap is observed when the prototype polyaniline is placed near the cellulose hydroxy and hydroxymethyl group. Further, the optical absorption spectra are calculated using time-dependent density functional theory. The results indicate that the prominent peak of the prototype polyaniline at 3.59 eV (345.36 nm) is suppressed at the complex. Meanwhile, in the higher energy region, the optical absorption spectra can be considered a superposition of the absorption spectra of the isolated constituents. The results presented here provide new information on the cellulose–polyaniline complex's bonding mechanism and give the resulting electronic–optical properties. The results will be helpful in the development of innovative biomaterials, fibers, and multifunctional composites based on cellulose and polyaniline.

Chemical inertness of pristine carbon nanotubes (CNTs) poses challenges on their biocompatibility. In this paper, surface modification of pristine (5, 5) single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) was explored through substitutional Boron (B) and Nitrogen (N) doping forming a C38NB isomer. The electronic topology and binding mechanism of acetic acid adsorption on the isomer was then examined in the context of first-principles Density Functional Theory (DFT). Accordingly, high abundance of localized electrons between the substitutional doping sites indicates chemical binding of the substitutional atoms with the SWCNT. These are further supported by the calculated bond angles. When the acid was adsorbed on the C38NB isomer, spontaneous charge redistributions were observed which are attributed to the oxidation caused by the O atoms and the charge acceptance of the C atoms. Topological analyses revealed that the net charge transfers for all considered configurations were towards the acid. In addition, the Lowest Unoccupied Molecular Orbital (LUMO) and Highest Occupied Molecular Orbital (HOMO) revealed the nonuniform distribution of electronic charges near the Fermi level. Finally, calculations of the electron localization function (ELF) showed that there was no orbital hybridization between the acid and the isomer. Further, the absence of localized electrons between their interaction points implied a physical binding mechanism. The results of the study could be used for future opto-electronic experiments and electrochemical biosensing applications of CNTs.

A high‐performing maltogenic amylase was developed to provide better water‐binding properties to delay staling more effectively than first‐generation maltogenic amylases. This study evaluated the effects of this high‐performing maltogenic amylase and a first‐generation maltogenic amylase (referred to as “maltogenic amylase”) for delaying staling in nixtamalized corn flour tortillas. The maltogenic amylase and high‐performing maltogenic amylase were tested at 25, 50, and 100 ppm and were compared to control tortillas. Tortillas with 100 ppm high‐performing maltogenic amylase were 66% softer and performed better in foldability than control tortillas after 35 days of room temperature storage and rated better in taste and tenderness than the control. Both maltogenic amylases delayed staling and prolonged softness and foldability. Overall, the high‐performing maltogenic amylase did not outperform the first‐generation maltogenic amylase at 25 and 50 ppm. However, at a higher dosage (100 ppm), the high‐performing maltogenic amylase is capable of producing overall softer tortillas with improved tenderness and taste across 35 days of storage. This research is novel as this high‐performing maltogenic amylase has not been studied by others to improve the quality of tortillas.

This initial qualitative study used in-depth interview data from students to examine their perceptions of ChatGPT and intentions regarding using artificial intelligence (AI) in higher education. The students were sampled across business programmes at both the undergraduate and postgraduate levels at an International University in the UAE. As of mid-2023, understanding student attitudes becomes crucial as AI increasingly becomes integrated into educational settings, therefore necessitating initial research. Additionally, the ethical dimension of ChatGPT use in assessment and future impact on careers was explored, considering concerns related to privacy, data security, bias, and transparency. Whilst all participants reported that they were familiar with the chatbot, a proportion of them indicated that the tool could help them improve their assignments, particularly in improving grammar. Some participants expressed concerns about the algorithm behind ChatGPT as well as the potential displacement of the labour force.

This paper is specialized in deriving a large sample chi-square test for the equality of two extrinsic antimeans on a compact manifolds, using recent limit theorems for extrinsic sample antimeans relative to an arbitrary embedding of a such manifold into an Euclidean space. Applications are given to distributions on planar Kendall shape spaces, in their complex projective space representations, that are Veronese-Whitney embedded in spaces of self-adjoint matrices. Two medical imaging examples are also given.

Methods of testing for the equality of two distributions on a manifold are unveiled in this paper. One defines the extrinsic energy distance associated with two probability measures on a complete metric space embedded in a numerical space. One derives the extrinsic energy statistic test for homogeneity of such distributions. This test is validated via a simulation example on the Kendall space of planar k-ads with a Veronese-Whitney (VW) embedding. Imaging data driven examples are also considered here. In one application, central to the paper, one tests for homogeneity the distributions of planar Kendall shapes of midsections of the Corpus Callosum in a clinically normal population vs a population of ADHD diagnosed individuals; these distributions are not significantly different, although they are known to have highly significant VW-means. On the other hand, in 3D, the reflection shapes of configurations of Acrosterigma Magnum shells are not significantly different, and do not have significantly similar different 3D Schoenberg means.

Organic functionalization of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) plays very important role in the development of electrochemical biosensors. In this study, pristine (5,5) carbon nanotube was functionalized by Ethanoic Acid (CH3COOH) using First Principles Density Functional Theory (DFT). It was found that the encapsulation of CH3COOH into the (5,5) CNT is endothermic due to the small diameter of the tube. However, interacting it outside the sidewall of the tube gives an exothermic process indicating a stable geometry. Accordingly, additional electronic bands and peaks are observed in the electronic structures of the functionalized CNT. Further, it was shown that that the p orbitals of the oxygen atoms and carbon atoms of the acid are the main contributors of the additional peaks in the valence and conduction regions, respectively. Finally, there were observed optical transitions in the functionalized CNT caused by the hybridization of the armchair CNT. Evidently, this study provided insights on more potential applications of carbon nanotubes as biosensors.

The digital era has reshaped business, where IT innovation is pivotal for success. Digital leadership is a key driver, leading to digital agility. However, the research on digital agility is still at a nascent stage. The authors used the dynamic-capabilities to examine the impact of digital leadership on IT innovation in business organizations. A survey of 250 US based IT professionals was analyzed using process macro. The findings of this study enrich the digital-leadership literature, emphasizing the crucial role of digital leadership and inter-team coordination in promoting IT innovation in organizations. Practical implications of the study stress the need for organizations to develop digital leadership while fostering knowledge integration and inter-team coordination.

The purpose of this paper is to investigate data relating to the outcomes of enterprise and entrepreneurship education (EEE) activity in UK higher education institutions (HEIs). This is achieved via the use of data obtained from the Research Excellence Framework (REF), the Teaching Excellence and Student Outcomes Framework (TEF), the Knowledge Excellence Framework (KEF) and the Higher Education Business and Community Interaction (HE-BCI) survey. Overall, the analysis suggests, powerfully, that EEE impacts research, teaching and knowledge exchange in a variety of ways. Firstly, it shows that EEE, in terms of the REF, may be up to 46 times more impactful than other management disciplines. Secondly, with regard to TEF submissions, it highlights a positive relationship between the use of the EEE terms and the award level achieved. Finally, research also demonstrates a link between membership of certain HEI mission groups and improved KEF metrics when compared to the sector averages. There is a clear need to research how to develop successful EEE interventions and demonstrate their impact on the graduate, the university ecosystem and the wider economy. These data sources and methodology have not previously been used to develop a narrative for EEE across a university sector in the UK.

Background: Controversy exists over the use of mesh, its type and configuration in repair of hiatal hernia. We have used biological mesh for large or recurrent hiatal hernias. We have developed a mesh configuration to better enhance the tensile strength of the hiatus by folding the mesh over the edge of the hiatus—entitled the “starburst” configuration. We report our experience with the starburst configuration, comparing it to our results with the keyhole configuration. Methods: Medical records of all patients undergoing either the keyhole or starburst mesh configuration hiatal hernia repair were reviewed between 2017 and 2021. Data gathered included age, sex, type of hernia (sliding, paraesophageal, or recurrent), fundoplication type (none, Nissen, Toupet, Dor, Collis-Nissen, Collis-Toupet, or magnetic sphincter augmentation [MSA]), 30-day complications, and long-term outcomes (hiatal hernia recurrence, reflux-symptom recurrence, dysphagia, dilations, reoperations). Results: From 7/2017 to 8/2019, 51 cases using the keyhole mesh were completed. Sliding hiatal hernia comprised 4%, paraesophageal hernia (PEH) 64% and recurrent hiatal hernia (RHH) 34% of cases. Distribution of fundoplication type: 2% none, 41% Nissen, 41% Toupet, 8% Dor, 2% Collis-Nissen, and 6% Collis-Toupet. 30-day complication rate 31%. Long-term outcomes: recurrent hiatal hernia 16%, dysphagia 12%, dysphagia requiring dilation(s) 10%, recurrent GERD symptoms 4%, and reoperation 14%. From 10/2020 to 8/2021, 58 cases using the starburst configuration were completed. PEH comprised 60% and RHH 40%. Distribution of fundoplication type: 10% none, 40% Nissen, 43% Toupet, 5% MSA, 2% Collis-Toupet. 30-day complication rate 16%. Long-term outcomes: recurrent hiatal hernia 19%, dysphagia 14%, dilations 5%, recurrent GERD symptoms 9%, and reoperations 3%. Conclusion: The starburst mesh configuration compares favorably with the keyhole configuration with respect to postoperative dysphagia, need for esophageal dilation, and GERD symptom recurrence, with similar recurrence rates. We are continuing to further refine this technique and study the long-term outcomes.

Neural architecture search (NAS) aims to automate architecture engineering in neural networks. This often requires a high computational overhead to evaluate a number of candidate networks from the set of all possible networks in the search space. Prediction of the performance of a network can alleviate this high computational overhead by mitigating the need for evaluating every candidate network. Developing such a predictor typically requires a large number of evaluated architectures which may be difficult to obtain. We address this challenge by proposing a novel evolutionary-based NAS strategy, predictor-assisted evolutionary NAS (PRE-NAS) which can perform well even with an extremely small number of evaluated architectures. PRE-NAS leverages new evolutionary search strategies and integrates high-fidelity weight inheritance over generations. Unlike one-shot strategies, which may suffer from bias in the evaluation due to weight sharing, offspring candidates in PRE-NAS are topologically homogeneous. This circumvents bias and leads to more accurate predictions. Extensive experiments on the NAS-Bench-201 and DARTS search spaces show that PRE-NAS can outperform state-of-the-art NAS methods. With only a single GPU searching for 0.6 days, a competitive architecture can be found by PRE-NAS which achieves 2.40% and 24% test error rates on CIFAR-10 and ImageNet, respectively.

Background: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is one of the most common diseases in North America and globally. The aim of this guideline is to provide evidence-based recommendations regarding the most utilized and available endoscopic and surgical treatments for GERD. Methods: Systematic literature reviews were conducted for 4 key questions regarding the surgical and endoscopic treatments for GERD in adults: preoperative evaluation, endoscopic vs surgical or medical treatment, complete vs partial fundoplication, and treatment for obesity (body mass index [BMI] ≥ 35 kg/m2) and concomitant GERD. Evidence-based recommendations were formulated using the GRADE methodology by subject experts. Recommendations for future research were also proposed. Results: The consensus provided 13 recommendations. Through the development of these evidence-based recommendations, an algorithm was proposed for aid in the treatment of GERD. Patients with typical symptoms should undergo upper endoscopy, manometry, and pH-testing; additional testing may be required for patients with atypical or extra-esophageal symptoms. Patients with normal or abnormal findings on manometry should consider undergoing partial fundoplication. Magnetic sphincter augmentation or fundoplication are appropriate surgical procedures for adults with GERD. For patients who wish to avoid surgery, the Stretta procedure and transoral incisionless fundoplication (TIF 2.0) were found to have better outcomes than proton pump inhibitors alone. Patients with concomitant obesity were recommended to undergo either gastric bypass or fundoplication, although patients with severe comorbid disease or BMI > 50 should undergo Roux-en-Y gastric bypass for the additional benefits that follow weight loss. Conclusion: Using the recommendations an algorithm was developed by this panel, so that physicians may better counsel their patients with GERD. There are certain patient factors that have been excluded from included studies/trials, and so these recommendations should not replace surgeon–patient decision making. Engaging in the identified research areas may improve future care for GERD patients.

AbstractThis article chronicles the sagacious experience of an insightful leader of a successful organization, and his knowledgeable, perceptive, and caring leadership style. The article is presented as an interview with Matt Wienke, president of Infoverity, Inc. Wienke discusses his strategic leadership style, which demonstrates that he is not only perspicacious but also a cultural champion and a preacher of abundance. The article discusses Infoverity’s contemporary business model and the significant role of information technology (IT) and analytics in an IT consulting company. In doing so Wienke discusses challenges, like operating during Covid, and prevalent trends and themes as a guide for young and successful companies today. The article wraps up with an eye to the future to ensure success and lessons that have stood the test of time.

A deep learning model that evaluates myelination patterns can predict the gestationally corrected age of neonates and infants on the basis of T1- and T2-weighted MRI scans of the brain.

Purpose: Traditional recruitment practices tend to be rigorous, but some of its elements can be improved. The length of applications, missing or unstated salary details and lack of anonymity in some emerging countries' recruitment processes mean that recruitment standards remain questionable and unethical. This paper presents a conceptual discourse on how current recruitment activities can be improved in light of progress made with global Internet infrastructure and CSR standards. Design/methodology/approach: This is primarily a conceptual paper intended to discuss unethical recruitment practices. The author used selected studies and case studies to present the case for improvements in the field of recruitment. Findings: Compared with easy apply options popularised through recruitment websites, organisations continue to favour traditionally lengthy and complicated applications. The incidence of unstated salary, lack of anonymity and poor communication from some recruiters imply that more has to be done in these areas of CSR. Research limitations/implications: As with most conceptual papers, this study lacks adequate empirical support. The claims and propositions made are largely based on a scanty number of current research and industry observations. Practical implications: This study will have potential application in scenarios where recruiters are seeking to improve their practice; however, the recommendations may not be applicable to all organisations. Social implications: The understanding of ethical values and their application to recruitment will vary from culture to culture. Originality/value: The paper offers a clear path to debating recruitment ethics and improvements in current practices. No known studies have specifically targeted this area of ethical recruitment.

Submesoscale flows (0.1–10 km) are often associated with large vertical velocities, which can have a significant impact on the transport of surface tracers, such as carbon. However, global models do not adequately account for these small‐scale effects, which still require a proper parameterization. In this study, we introduced a passive tracer into the surface mixed layer (ML) of a northern Atlantic Ocean simulation based on the primitive‐equation model CROCO, with a horizontal resolution of Δx= 800 m, aiming to investigate the seasonal submesoscale effects on vertical transport. Using surface vorticity and strain rate criteria, we identified regions with submesoscale fronts and quantified the associated subduction, that is the export of tracer below the ML depth. The results suggest that the tracer vertical distribution and the contribution of frontal subduction can be estimated from surface strain and vorticity. Notably, we observed significant seasonal variations. In winter, the submesoscale fronts contribute up to 40% of the total vertical advective transport of tracer below the ML, while representing only 5% of the domain. Conversely, in summer, fronts account for less than 1% of the domain and do not contribute significantly to the transport below the ML. The findings of this study contribute to a better understanding of the seasonal water subduction due to fronts in the region. Oceanic fronts are dynamical structures characterized by enhanced gradients of variables such as temperature or density. These structures are prominent and ubiquitous at the ocean surface and can reach particularly small scales, down to a few kilometers. They are known to play an important role in the vertical exchange of carbon, nutrients or heat between the surface and the ocean interior. Due to their small scale and short lifecycle, they have not been extensively sampled and a systematic quantification of their impact is missing. In this study, we set up a numerical simulation of the ocean circulation in the North Atlantic that resolves small‐scale fronts. We release a tracer in upper layer of the ocean and analyze how it is transported at depth. Using criteria based on the flow velocity, we quantify the fraction of the ocean surface covered by fronts. We find that the average depth at which the tracer is injected depends on the prevalence of fronts, which itself shows a strong seasonality. In winter, fronts cover less than 5% of the surface area, but contribute up to 40% of the tracer vertical transport. Conversely, in summer, fronts cover less than 1% of the area and have no significant effect on tracer vertical transport. This study helps to better understand the seasonal role of fronts in vertical water transport. This paves the way for addressing questions related to how tracers such as carbon are distributed in the world's oceans. Surface strain and vorticity criteria can be used to identify submesoscale frontsThe tracer depth injection correlates with the surface fraction of fronts, regardless of the mixed layer depth evolutionThe submesoscale fronts contribute to ∼40% of the total tracer vertical advective subduction in winter, and less than 1% in summer Surface strain and vorticity criteria can be used to identify submesoscale fronts The tracer depth injection correlates with the surface fraction of fronts, regardless of the mixed layer depth evolution The submesoscale fronts contribute to ∼40% of the total tracer vertical advective subduction in winter, and less than 1% in summer

ABSTRACTIn the quest for always wanting to find better and faster ways of doing things, AI has come to be an integral part of our daily lives. There is hardly any sphere of life that is not being touched upon by AI. Given that AI is being used in a range of industries and functions from agriculture, education, music, fashion, healthcare, manufacturing, law enforcement, and even raging wars, to name a few; and impacts people of all age groups and from all walks of life, this article attempts at understanding the ethical perspectives of AI . Regardless of the function and the industry, the discussion below reminds us that since we humans are creating AI, our perspectives and biases are reflected in the tools we create. The article, which documents a panel discussion held with various experts from different domains as listed below, cautions developers to be aware of their inherent biases and ask tough questions while creating solutions that run on AI. As users and consumers of AI, we must engage in critical thinking while adopting a new AI-based solution. We provide the details from the panel discussion organized by Dr. Gaurav Bansal and Dr. Stacie Christian, both from the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, on Jan 17, 2022. Dr. Vic Matta led the panel discussion transcription with input from all panelists.

Canadian engagement in global and public health includes a long history of centering issues of equity in practice, policy, and research. In 2015, through a series of deliberative dialogues about what ethical standards should guide howpeople engage in global health research, the Canadian Coalition for Global Health Research (CCGHR) released a set of six equity-centred principles and critically reflective questions. These principles offered a platform for identifying equity implications and choices about theories, methods, approaches, partnerships, or practices in global and public health. In 2022, as questions of how to unsettle systems of power and move beyond rhetorical efforts to advance equity action continue to grow, Canada’s global public health research community is turning a critically reflexive gaze at our own practices and ways of working, recognizing excellenceas necessarily integrating equity in research pursuits, processes, and outcomes. In this commentary, we reflect on the contexts that led to the evolution of the CCGHR Principles for Global Health Research and highlight their current reach and impact, including their integration in the Canadian Institutes Framework for Action on Global Health Research. We invite others to embrace a lifelong commitment to equity work as an act of solidarity and investment in our collective futures.

To determine the rate of cytologic and diagnostic adequacy and identify features associated with suboptimal tissue sampling in ultrasound‐guided fine‐needle aspiration (US‐FNA) of suspected nodal disease in thyroid cancer patients. A single‐institution pathology database was queried for lymph node FNA reports in thyroid cancer patients from 2014 to 2019. Charts were reviewed for demographics, body mass index (BMI), prior thyroidectomy, cancer type, and subsequent surgery. Ultrasound images were retrospectively reviewed for location, size, depth from skin, cystic components, macrocalcification, echogenic foci, and internal vascularity score. Pathology reports were categorized as cellular and diagnostic, hypocellular/acellular but diagnostic with abnormal cells or thyroglobulin levels, or hypocellular and nondiagnostic. Correlation and multivariate regression analyses were performed. Initial query yielded 552 lesions in 343 subjects. Following exclusion, 377 lesions in 255 subjects were included. Mean patient age was 48.5 years (14–90), BMI 28.5, and 66.7% female and 33.3% male. The majority (95.3%) had papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC); and 65.5% had prior thyroidectomy. 17.7% of lesions were hypocellular/acellular (suboptimal), and 5.6% nondiagnostic. Patient factors had no association (P>.05). Right‐sidedness and hypovascularity were associated with hypocellularity (P<.05). Higher long/short‐axis ratio and cystic foci were weakly associated. On multivariate analysis, right‐sidedness (odds ratio [OR] 1.99; confidence interval [CI] 1.10–3.57) and lower vascularity score (OR 0.54; CI 0.39–0.73) were predictive of suboptimal sampling. US‐FNA has high diagnostic yield and cellular sample rate. Lesion size had no effect. Right‐sidedness and lower vascularity scores were predictive of suboptimal tissue. Identifying these features and expected sample adequacy rates can inform management decisions for thyroid cancer patients with cervical lymphadenopathy. Access the CME test hereand search by article title.

IMPORTANCE: Data about the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection among children compared with adults are needed to inform COVID-19 risk communication and prevention strategies, including COVID-19 vaccination policies for children. OBJECTIVE: To compare incidence rates and clinical characteristics of SARS-CoV-2 infection among adults and children and estimated household infection risks within a prospective household cohort. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: Households with at least 1 child aged 0 to 17 years in selected counties in Utah and New York City, New York, were eligible for enrollment. From September 2020 through April 2021, participants self-collected midturbinate nasal swabs for reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction testing for SARS-CoV-2 and responded to symptom questionnaires each week. Participants also self-collected additional respiratory specimens with onset of COVID-19–like illness. For children unable to self-collect respiratory specimens, an adult caregiver collected the specimens. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: The primary outcome was incident cases of any SARS-CoV-2 infection, including asymptomatic and symptomatic infections. Additional measures were the asymptomatic fraction of infection calculated by dividing incidence rates of asymptomatic infection by rates of any infection, clinical characteristics of infection, and household infection risks. Primary outcomes were compared by participant age group. RESULTS: A total of 1236 participants in 310 households participated in surveillance, including 176 participants (14%) who were aged 0 to 4 years, 313 (25%) aged 5 to 11 years, 163 (13%) aged 12 to 17 years, and 584 (47%) 18 years or older. Overall incidence rates of SARS-CoV-2 infection were 3.8 (95% CI, 2.4-5.9) and 7.7 (95% CI, 4.1-14.5) per 1000 person-weeks among the Utah and New York City cohorts, respectively. Site-adjusted incidence rates per 1000 person-weeks were similar by age group: 6.3 (95% CI, 3.6-11.0) for children 0 to 4 years, 4.4 (95% CI, 2.5-7.5) for children 5 to 11 years, 6.0 (95% CI, 3.0-11.7) for children 12 to 17 years, and 5.1 (95% CI, 3.3-7.8) for adults (≥18 years). The asymptomatic fractions of infection by age group were 52%, 50%, 45%, and 12% among individuals aged 0 to 4 years, 5 to 11 years, 12 to 17 years, and 18 years or older, respectively. Among 40 households with 1 or more SARS-CoV-2 infections, the mean risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection among all enrolled household members was 52% (range, 11%-100%), with higher risks in New York City compared with Utah (80% [95% CI, 64%-91%] vs 44% [95% CI, 36%-53%]; P &lt; .001). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: In this study, children had similar incidence rates of SARS-CoV-2 infection compared with adults, but a larger proportion of infections among children were asymptomatic.

Background: The GERD-HRQL symptom severity instrument was developed and published 25 years ago. This seems like an apropos time to review how the instrument has been used in the “real-world.” Methods: Google Scholar, PubMed, and Web of Science websites search was done using the keywords “GERD-HRQL” or its author, “Velanovich.” Once articles were identified, the following information was obtained from each article: first author name, country of origin, journal published, year of publications, type of study design, subject of study, category of study, disease type studied, purpose of the study, how the GERD-HRQL scores were reported, how the GERD-HRQL scores were statistically reported, and results of the study. The total and change of scores were analyzed for descriptive statistics based on disease process studied and intervention studied. Results: A total of 767 articles by 562 different first authors were identified in 193 different journals from 53 different countries of study origin. After a period of steady usages, the number of publication employing the GERD-HRQL has rapidly increase over the last 5 years. There have been 8 validated translations into other languages, although there appears to be numerous, non-validated ad hoc translations. Most commonly used or studied: observational cohort study design, surgical treatment study category, GERD disease process, treatment effect study purpose, total GERD-HRQL scores reported as means or medians. However, there were a wide variety of other study designs, study categories, disease processes, and study purposes. In general, GERD and laryngopharyngeal reflux had the high pre-treatment scores (i.e., more severe symptoms), and surgical and endoscopic interventions the lowest post-treatment score (i.e., least severe symptoms) with the largest change in score (i.e., treatment impact. Conclusions: The GERD-HRQL has proven to be a reliable, responsive and versatile symptom severity instrument for studies involving GERD as a subject.

Activity monitoring is a core application for wristbands and, consequently, all the top selling brands (Xiaomi, Apple, Huawei, Fitbit, and Samsung) incorporate accelerometers as a core movement sensor. Applications range from sports to fitness, supported by algorithms that analyze the sensor data. Thus, there are significant benefits to be accrued from improving the activity classification performance of wrist-worn activity monitors, a goal that this study seeks to address. Further to achieving this goal, this paper presents research which investigates the potential for improving strategies and algorithms used in data pre-processing and model training/testing, for wrist-worn accelerometer sensing. To those ends we investigate different techniques for data sampling frequency, feature ranking, feature scaling and sub-feature sets selection, as well as model selection strategies based on a set of neural network, support vector machine, and Gaussian Naïve Bayes classification algorithms. We explore the effects of different model training and testing strategies, and compare three models trained with different datasets organized by personalization, partial mixing, and full mixing from multiple subjects. Their relative performance is then compared based on different test datasets, which are personalized, mixed with pre-specified training subjects, and non-pre specified (unseen/new) subjects, respectively. Moreover, a novel plurality voting mechanism was explored as a means to adjust the prediction result during the model testing stage. Finally, the paper concludes by presenting the main finding of the research which are that the most robust and reliable performance for human activity classification can be obtained by combining a personalized model with a plurality voting mechanism.

Natural capital, and its substitutability with other forms of capital, occupies the heart of the sustainability debate. The existing theoretical and empirical literature in natural capital focuses on the static notions of substitutability and complementarity between natural capital and other forms of capital. We investigate the substitution or complementarity of natural capital stocks with other capital stocks in the forward-looking, firm production setting. We distinguish between the capital space and the services space and argue that stocks may be complements (substitutes) while flows are substitutes (complements). We show that the substitution or complementarity relationship depends on the nature of the investment, which may be unclear ex ante. We apply the approach to analyze the relationship between produced capital and natural capital in the case of the Panama Canal expansion and provide empirical evidence of complementarities between natural capital and produced capital.

Background: Myotomy length for per-oral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) is standardized for type I and II achalasia. However, for type III achalasia, jackhammer esophagus, diffuse esophageal spasms and esophagogastric junction outflow obstruction, there is no standard. Determining myotomy length based on the high-pressure zone found during high-resolution manometry (HRM) and spastic length found during esophagography may be used to determine adequate myotomy length without excess muscle destruction. Methods: The records of patients who have undergone POEM procedures at our institution had the following data gleaned: age, sex, esophageal spastic diagnosis, length of high-pressure zone and lower esophageal sphincter (LES) position by HRM, length of spastic esophagus by esophagography, position of the z-line by esophagoscopy and length of myotomy performed. Outcomes were assessed based on patient symptomatic improvement and need for re-intervention. Results: 71 patients were evaluated for POEM, with 67 completing POEM. There was an average difference in LES position by HRM and z-line position by esophagoscopy of 3.9 ± 3.0 cm. There was an average difference in high-pressure zone by HRM and spastic length by esophagography of 4.9 ± 3.2 cm. Overall, with a median of 20 months follow-up, 74% achieved long-term symptomatic improvement, with 17 patients requiring re-intervention. Conclusions: Discordance among HRM, esophagography and esophagoscopy can be significant. Caution should be employed with using these methods to determine myotomy length in POEM.

Taking an active and experiential approach to teaching is often assumed to be the best way to promote learning. However, the empirical evidence to support this assertion in entrepreneurship education is inconclusive, and current practice suggests that delivery in higher education is still quite passive and traditional. This 6-year, mixed method study sets out to demonstrate that, in a final-year International Entrepreneurship module at a UK university mapped through the lens of ‘about’, ‘for’ and ‘through’ entrepreneurship, a more innovative, active, experiential and constructively aligned approach to teaching, learning and assessment impacts positively on students’ deep and surface approaches to learning. Students viewed the module as significantly more active than passive and the level of deep learning was significantly greater than the level of surface learning. Additionally, the more active approach was significantly correlated to increased deep learning and reduced surface learning. Students highlighted the active teaching approach and the creation of videos for a local company as part of the authentic assessment as catalysts for deeper learning approaches. The study provides empirical evidence that active entrepreneurship education has a positive impact on student approaches to learning.

ABSTRACTThis study aims to understand the impact of organizational culture in the context of obligatoryadoption of a virtual classroom (VC) during the COVID pandemic. The academic crisis created by the pandemic resulted in obligatory adoption of VCs, without being mandated by top management. Organizational culture was tested by this crisis, and thus created a unique opportunity to examine adoption. This research examines Organizational Culture during Crises (OCC) as an antecedent to the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) model to evaluate the factors that determine the intention to adopt a virtual classroom across multiple disciplines by the faculty of a reputed Indian university. Data collected from a sample of 353 respondents was analyzed to test the research model using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). The findings of the study reveal that OCC plays a positive and significant role in determining the intention of faculties to adopt a virtual classroom. We also found that OCC also significantly influences performance expectancy, effort expectancy, facilitating conditions and social influence. The results imply proper framing of policies by top management of Higher Education Institutions (HEI) for the smooth adoption of virtual classrooms by faculty when confronted by crises.

However, I attended most if not all flood-related public meetings and can't recall Mayor Snodgrass ever snubbing Blokland. It is folly to suggest Mayor Snodgrass failed to acknowledge Blokland's efforts. Indeed, I personally heard Snodgrass publicly thank Blokland for his yeoman service several times during the 2013 campaign, at various public events and meetings in council's 2013-2017 term, and again when Blokland decided to not seek re-election in 2017. [Extracted from the article]

Predicting patients' surgical transfusion needs preoperatively enables more efficient blood resource management. Identifying the significance of variables to use for transfusion predictions may be accomplished more reliably using machine learning, specifically artificial neural networks (ANN). A logistic regression model and two ANN programs are used to identify the contribution of nine variables selected following a literature review. The first ANN uses a sum of the weights method to identify variable contribution and the second ANN uses a leave one out strategy to identify variable contribution. All models indicated that hematocrit was the most significant variable for predicting perioperative blood transfusions. The weighted averages method indicated wRVU's and ASA score were the next most significant contributors. The leave one out method identified sex and INR as contributing to transfusion prediction. The importance of the variables other than hematocrit varied between techniques and may be dependent on the modeling method used.