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We conducted a 2-year study utilizing a network of fixed sites with sampling throughout an extended prescribed burning period to characterize the emissions and evolution of smoke from silvicultural prescribed burning at a military base in the southeastern USA. The measurement approach and an assessment of the instrument performance are described. Smoke sources, including those within and off the base, are identified, and plume ages are determined to quantify emissions and study the evolution of smoke PM2.5 (particulate matter with aerodynamic diameters 2.5 µ m or smaller) mass, black carbon (BC), and brown carbon (BrC). Over the 2021 and 2022 prescribed burning seasons (nominally January to May), we identified 64 smoke events based on high levels of PM2.5 mass, BC, BrC, and carbon monoxide (CO), of which 61 were linked to a specific burning area. Smoke transport times were estimated in two ways: using the mean wind speed and the distance between the fire and the measurement site, and from Hybrid Single-Particle Lagrangian Integrated Trajectory (HYSPLIT) back-trajectories. PM2.5 emission ratios based on Δ PM2.5 mass / Δ CO for fresh smoke (age ≤ 1 h) ranged between 0.04 and 0.18 µ g m−3 ppb−1 with a mean of 0.117 µ g m−3 ppb−1 (median of 0.121 µ g m−3 ppb−1). Both the mean emission ratio and the variability were similar to findings from other prescribed fire studies but were lower than those from wildfires. The mean emission ratios of BC and BrC were 0.014 µ g m−3 ppb−1 and 0.442 Mm−1 ppb−1, respectively. Ozone enhancements (Δ O3) were always observed in plumes detected in the afternoon. Δ PM2.5 mass / Δ CO was observed to increase with plume age in all of the ozone-enhanced plumes, suggesting photochemical secondary aerosol formation. In contrast, Δ BrC/ Δ CO was not found to vary with plume ages less than 8 h during photochemically active periods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To study 24-hour urine metabolic abnormalities in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS), diagnosed by polysomnography. The purpose was to identify whether OSAS is independently associated with a distinctive set of 24-hour urine studies in a cohort of stone formers. Patients and Methods: Using our institutional stone database (2013–2017), 1132 consecutive patients with 24-hour urine collections were identified. After applying our exclusion criteria, the final cohort consisted of 376 patients of which 45 patients had OSAS. Descriptive statistics were used to compare 24-hour urine parameters between patients with and without OSAS. Logistic regression models were used to assess the association between OSAS and 24-hour urine parameters. Results: On univariate analysis, patients with OSAS were older (57.7 versus 48.2, p < 0.001) with a higher body mass index (BMI) (35 versus 27.8, p < 0.001), and higher likelihood of diabetes mellitus (DM) (57.8 versus 10.6%, p < 0.001) and hypertension (HTN) (60% versus 23.9%, p < 0.001). Patients with OSAS had higher 24-hour total amount of urine volume (2018 versus 1818 ml, p = 0.03), calcium (279.7 versus 208 mg, p = 0.02), oxalate (41.6 versus 31.3 mg, p < 0.001), yet lower 24-hour urine pH (5.75 versus 6.03, p = 0.001). On multivariable linear regression analysis, OSAS did not affect any of the 24-hour urinary parameters. Conclusion: OSAS is a prevalent comorbidity among nephrolithiasis patients. We found no major differences in 24-hour urine parameters between nephrolithiasis patients with OSAS and those without OSAS. Further study is needed to determine whether the severity of OSAS and compliance with treatment play a role in the pathogenesis of stone formation. Level of evidence: 2b [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper highlights the trip-easiness generative AI mechanism to simplify domestic and international travel planning through a comprehensive services range based on the users' locations, including itinerary management and car rental. This research focuses on building TripEase GenAI Mechanism with generative artificial intelligence (AI) for a fully-fledged AI-based trip planner web application. This mechanism would function independently in addition to the alternative of seamless integration with another platform, a car rental and travel planning system. This would enhance the overall user experience. Within our TripEase GenAI mechanism, users can effortlessly create personalized recommended itineraries after providing their essential trip details. This mechanism will generate a complete itinerary. The suggested itinerary would accompany a tailored packing list specific to the destination. We are leveraging cutting-edge tools such as LangChain, Semantic Kernel, and ChatGPT to achieve this objective. Our main aim is to revolutionize the travel planning experience by harnessing the power of AI technology. This research is envisioned to provide travelers with a seamless and personalized journey that caters to their individual preferences and needs. This paper outlines the design, evolution, and planning of the TripEase GenAI mechanism. We have laid a strong foundation for a user-friendly travel planning platform through meticulous documentation, thoughtful design, and iterative development. The ultimate goal is to enhance the overall travel planning experience by efficiently enriching imported services such as itinerary management and car rental modules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Effective communication is essential in the construction industry to ensure coordination and collaboration among stakeholders for successful project outcomes. However, traditional communication methods often fall short in meeting the industry's complex demands, often leading to delays, errors, and increased cost. This emphasizes the need for innovative communication solutions, including augmented reality (AR), to help improve communication practices in construction. By integrating virtual elements onto the real-world, AR enhances visualization, information sharing, and collaboration; these are some of the benefits of leveraging AR to ease communication challenges between project stakeholders in various locations. AR tools and applications include remote collaboration, virtual site visits, and real-time progress tracking. However, the successful adoption of AR in construction requires use-based guidance to inform users on effective AR utilization, including guidance on which tools may be feasible and beneficial in a given context. Previous studies exploring the use of AR as a communication tool have revealed different factors affecting the efficacy of using this technology. The objective of this paper is to build on the previously reported factors affecting the efficacy of AR for communication on live construction sites to create a guiding framework for implementation of technological tools and methods supporting successful AR implementation. This framework is developed based on rounds of modified Delphi panels that comprise panelists that have previous experience in using AR for communication, and panelists without experience with AR. In capturing both user types as Delphi panelists, the authors ensure that the developed framework is practitioner-friendly and can guide effective decision-making. Practical Applications: This paper serves as a resource for site construction practitioners seeking to integrate augmented reality (AR) as an effective communication tool throughout the construction process. By offering a practical guiding framework, the paper facilitates the implementation of AR for interaction purposes between on-site and off-site personnel, reforming communication channels. Construction professionals can leverage AR technology to conduct inspections, address inquiries, and collaborate efficiently, bridging the gap between those physically present at the construction site and those working remotely. Within the framework presented in this paper, the implementation of AR is facilitated through a breakdown of each supporting tool, accompanied by specifications and considerations for their effective utilization in varying site conditions. By offering users a clear understanding of the specifications of each tool, such as their capabilities, features, and technical requirements, the framework empowers construction practitioners to make informed decisions tailored to their specific project needs, ensuring that practitioners can select the most suitable AR solutions for tasks like inspections, collaborative discussions, and problem-solving. This approach not only enhances the overall efficiency of communication but also maximizes the utility of AR technology in diverse construction scenarios, ultimately contributing to the successful integration of AR into the construction workflow. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Objectives: Migraine affects 10% of adolescents and children. Typical school protocols in the USA require pharmacological medications to be administered by school nurses, often resulting in treatment delays or omissions when migraine attacks occur during school hours. The Remote Electrical Neuromodulation (REN) wearable is an FDA-cleared smartphone-controlled device delivering acute and preventive treatment of migraine attacks in patients aged 8 and above, allowing safe, effective, discreet, and independent usage. Methods: This retrospective study (NCT06180577) evaluates treatment patterns, barriers, and preferences among school-age students. REN users < 18 years old were invited to complete an online survey. Participants signed an assent form, and their parents/legal guardians signed an informed consent form. Results: 332 patients aged 7–17 (15.5 ± 2.1) participated (80.4% female). After being prescribed the REN wearable, the percentage of students who treated their headaches at school increased from 78.3% to 89.8%. Most participants (65.4%) treated with either REN standalone (38.0%) or in combination with medications (27.4%). Common barriers to treatment included the need to leave class for the nurse's office (64.2%), concerns about standing out (42.2%), and one barrier unique to REN–permission needed to use a smartphone in class (22.9%). The most common reasons given for preferring REN treatment at school are the ability to avoid going to the nurse's office (42.5%) and to treat discreetly (39.2%). Conclusions: This study underscores the challenges of managing migraine at school while suggesting the importance of the REN wearable as a discreet and independently used first-line treatment for children and adolescents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Disparities in health outcomes among persons with disabilities (PWD) are influenced by preventable factors including negative attitudes and discriminatory practices of healthcare professionals and the limited training of medical students in working with PWD. Objective: The purpose of this study was to validate the "Medical Students' Attitudes Towards Patients with Disabilities" (MSA-PWD) scale among Lebanese medical students and identify associated factors. Method: A scale validation study was conducted as part of the standard internal evaluation process at the medical school, using a cross-sectional design based on a qualitative content validity process, involving students from years 1 to 4. The study included questions from previous tools, and others encouraging students to reflect on their encounters with PWD and share their insights. Statistical procedures were applied to assess the reliability and validity of the tool, including construct validity, convergent validity, known-group validity, and trend analysis. Results: After a careful selection of the related items, the MSA-PWD scale demonstrated high construct validity and internal consistency, along with good convergent validity and known-group validity. Factor 1 of the scale was able to differentiate between different enrollment years of medical students, correlating with the self-assessment tool for confidence in dealing with PWD and clinical experience scenarios. Conclusion: The "Medical Students' Attitudes Towards Patients with Disabilities" scale validated in this study is a comprehensive instrument that can distinguish between different medical school enrollment classes. The newly developed scale was valid, and reliable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Gram-negative bacteremia is a life-threatening infection with high morbidity and mortality. Its incidence is rising worldwide, and treatment has become more challenging due to emerging bacterial resistance. Little data is available on the burden and outcome of such infections in Lebanon. Methods: We conducted this retrospective study in four Lebanese hospitals. Data on medical conditions and demographics of 2400 patients diagnosed with a bloodstream infection based on a positive blood culture were collected between January 2014 and December 2020. Results: Most bacteremias were caused by Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter baumannii, with the more resistant organisms being hospital-acquired. Third-generation cephalosporin and quinolone resistance was steady throughout the study, but carbapenem resistance increased. Mortality with such infections is high, but carbapenem resistance or infection with Pseudomonas or Acinetobacter species were significant risk factors for poor outcomes. Conclusion: This is the first multi-center study from Lebanon on gram-negative bacteremia, resistance patterns, and factors associated with a poor outcome. More surveillance is needed to provide data to guide empirical treatment for bacteremia in Lebanon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To compare the effectiveness of the Endolymphatic duct blockage (EDB) and intratympanic methylprednisolone(ITMP) injection to control refractory Ménière's disease(MD) symptoms and evaluate their impact on hearing level. Study design: Retrospective study in a tertiary care center. Methods: 36 received ITMP injection and 52 EDB. Mean outcome measures at 24 months included vertigo control, tinnitus, aural fullness and hearing level: pure-tone average (PTA), bone conduction average(BCA) and speech discrimination score(SDS). Results: At 24 months postoperatively, 90.4% of the EDB group had complete control of vertigo and 43.4% of the ITMP group (p = 0.001). There was no significant difference in tinnitus or aural fullness control (p = 0.34 and p 0.21 respectively). In each group, the drop in tinnitus and aural fullness frequency at 24 months were significant for EDB (p = 0.03; p < 0.001 respectively) and for ITMP group in tinnitus (p = 0.03) but not aural fullness (p = 0.063). At 24 months, PTA, BCA and SDS were significantly worst in the ITMP group when compared to preoperative levels (p = 0.038, p = 0.027, p = 0.016). PTA in the EDB group was stable with no difference compared to ITMP group (p = 0.48). BCA and SDS in the EDB group were stable and better than the ITMP group (p = 0.032; p = 0.036). In each group, vestibular paresis was not significantly different before (p = 0.06) and after treatment (p = 0.68). Conclusion: EDB is more effective than the ITMP for controlling the vertigo symptoms of Ménière's disease and in preserving hearing function. It is a novel surgical technique with promising results for a complete treatment of Ménière's disease. ITMP decreases the frequency and the severity of the symptoms but only control vertigo in 27.8% of cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When designing anti-landslide measures, slope stability assessment is an important factor and is determined by conducting comprehensive engineering and geological studies on a slope with potential landslide risks. The results of correct engineering and geological justification for the design of anti-landslide measures lead to the preservation of the structure and safe operation of infrastructure facilities. Our experience shows that to eliminate the negative effects of landslide processes, it is necessary to accurately determine the engineering and geological conditions of the slope, including the stability of the slope, taking into account natural dynamic phenomena (seismicity of the territory and tectonic processes) and, if possible, to see the complete elimination of the causes that lead to landslide processes when developing anti-landslide measures. To achieve these goals, the geotechnical justification of the design is the only correct solution. Geotechnical justification of protective measures intended to protect the structural elements of the Baku-Russian Federation State Border highway, which is part of the north-south transport corridor and passes through the foot of a potentially landslide-hazardous slope west of the city of Shabran, is one of the most important conditions that increase the effectiveness of these measures. On a slope located 1500 meters southwest of the current research area, the results of our scientific research were not properly utilized and many of our warnings were not heeded, resulting in a landslide during construction, leading to serious damage to the road's structural elements (Fig. 1) and additional costs. This event once again confirms that landslides are the most common natural and man-made processes that pose a threat to the safe operation of infrastructure facilities, civil and industrial construction in mountainous and foothill areas (Shiraliyev et al., 2024). The purpose of this study is to determine the geotechnical conditions of the slope that is the object of research, analyze and assess the stability of the slope and provide geotechnical data for geotechnical justification for the design of landslide protection structures. Thanks to the application of the project solutions developed based on the results of the studies presented in the article, the danger of landslides on the mentioned slope has been completely eliminated and the safe operation of infrastructure facilities has been ensured. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) presents a global health concern. A lipid nanoparticle–encapsulated mRNA-based RSV vaccine (mRNA-1345) that encodes the membrane-anchored RSV prefusion–stabilized F glycoprotein is under clinical investigation. Methods This phase 1 dose escalation study was based on a randomized, observer-blind, placebo-controlled design, and it assessed the safety and immunogenicity of mRNA-1345 in healthy adults aged 18 to 49 years. Participants were randomized to receive 1 dose of mRNA-1345 (50, 100, or 200 µg) or placebo or 3 doses of mRNA-1345 (100 µg) or placebo 56 days apart. Results mRNA-1345 was well tolerated at all dose levels. The most common solicited adverse reactions were pain, headache, fatigue, myalgia, or chills, which were all generally mild to moderate. At 1 month postinjection, a single injection of mRNA-1345 boosted RSV neutralizing antibody titers (geometric mean fold rise: RSV-A, 20.0–23.5; RSV-B, 11.7–16.0) and RSV prefusion binding antibody concentrations (geometric mean fold rise, 16.1–21.8), with no apparent dose response. Antibody levels remained above baseline through 6 months. Sequential doses of 100 µg were well tolerated but did not further boost antibody levels. Conclusions A single mRNA-1345 injection demonstrated an acceptable safety profile in younger adults and induced a durable neutralizing antibody response, supporting its continued development. Clinical Trials Registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04528719. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A radio link directly probing the inner solar corona offers the possibility to characterize solar wind properties, including velocity, density, turbulence, and even the axial ratio. In this study, we leveraged radiometric data obtained during a joint superior solar conjunction of the ESA/JAXA BepiColombo mission and the JAXA Akatsuki mission. Our objective is to ascertain the solar wind velocity by analysing Doppler-shift timeseries of radio signals exchanged between the two spacecraft and two distinct ground stations. We conducted a cross-correlation analysis to determine the travel time of large-scale plasma density fluctuations as they intersect with the downlink signals of both spacecraft. This method is applied to the data collected on 2021 March 13 and 2021 March 14. The analysis of the March 13 data has shown that the two Doppler residuals timeseries present a clear correlation at a time-lag of 2910 s. Using the knowledge of the relative distance between the two probe-ground station lines of sight at the closest approach to the Sun, we estimated the solar wind velocity to be |$421\pm 21$| km s−1. Following the same procedure for the second experiment, we estimated the solar wind speed velocity to be |$336\pm 7$| km s−1. These results are compatible with the sampling of the slow solar wind at heliographic latitudes of |$-22^\circ$| and |$-26^\circ$|⁠ , respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The strength of the relationship between the mother and the child and the mother's personality traits are important in determining the effects on the child's emotional and behavioral health. This study aims to know the effect of the relationship between the mother and the child and the mother's personality traits (extroversion, mastery, acceptance, open-mindedness, and neuroticism) on the child's emotional well-being. Behavioral data were collected using a questionnaire consisting of four sections from a sample of 300 mothers. The results showed that the nature of the relationship between the mother and her child has a significant impact on the child's emotional and behavioral state, so that if the relationship is close between the mother and her child, it positively affects the child's emotional and behavioral state, and if the relationship is distant and weak between the mother and her child, it increases the emotional and behavioral disorders in the Child. The results also showed that some of the mother's personality traits reduce emotional and behavioral disorders in the child, such as the attitude of acceptance and the trait of open-mindedness. The results also showed that the mother's employment status was not statistically significant with the child's emotional and mental health. The study recommended many recommendations, the most important of which is that the child's emotional and behavioral health in the future be judged by collecting information from all sources surrounding the child, including the children themselves, their parents, and their teachers, in order to obtain more accurate results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To predict one‐year seizure freedom, using a combination of relevant clinical variables, following stereotactic laser amygdalohippocampotomy for mesial temporal lobe epilepsy in a series of 101 patients. Methods: Eight predictors of seizure freedom were selected based on their association with medial temporal lobe epilepsy: (1) MRI evidence of mesial temporal sclerosis (MTS); (2) unitemporal interictal epileptiform discharges; (3) absence of generalized tonic–clonic seizures; (4) history of febrile seizures; (5) onset of epilepsy ≤16 years; (6) absence of an auditory, visual, or vertiginous aura; and (7) unitemporal ictal onset; (8) unitemporal PET hypometabolism. We compared four multivariate models: "MTS," using just evidence of MTS; "FULL," using all eight binary predictors; "AIC" using backwards selection of variables; and "SCORE," using a 0‐to‐8‐point ordinal score awarding one point for each binary predictor. Results: In univariate analysis, significant predictors for seizure freedom were evidence of mesial temporal sclerosis (p = 0.011, Fisher exact) and unitemporal interictal discharges (p = 0.005). For multivariate prediction (using leave one‐out cross‐validation), the ordinal SCORE model had a significantly higher area under the curve (AUC 0.70) than the other three models: MTS (AUC 0.54, p = 0.002, Delong's test), FULL (AUC 0.62, p = 0.003), or AIC (AUC 0.53, p < 0.001). Interpretation: An ordinal score incorporating eight independent binary clinical variables predicted seizure freedom better on novel data than a model using MTS alone, a full multivariate model, or a backwards selected model. The ordinal score model represents a simple clinical heuristic to identify which patients should be offered minimally invasive laser surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The microbiota interacts with the brain through the gut-brain axis, and a distinct dysbiosis may lead to major depressive episodes. Bacteria can pass through the gut barrier and be found in the blood. Using a multiomic approach, we investigated whether a distinct blood microbiome and metabolome was associated with major depressive episodes, and how it was modulated by treatment. Methods: In this case-control multiomic study, we analyzed the blood microbiome composition, inferred bacterial functions and metabolomic profile of 56 patients experiencing a current major depressive episode and 56 matched healthy controls, before and after treatment, using 16S rDNA sequencing and liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry. Results: The baseline blood microbiome in patients with a major depressive episode was distinct from that of healthy controls (patients with a major depressive episode had a higher proportion of Janthinobacterium and lower levels of Neisseria) and changed after antidepressant treatment. Predicted microbiome functions confirmed by metabolomic profiling showed that patients who were experiencing a major depressive episode had alterations in the cyanoamino acid pathway at baseline. High baseline levels of Firmicutes and low proportions of Bosea and Tetrasphaera were associated with response to antidepressant treatment. Based on inferred baseline metagenomic profiles, bacterial pathways that were significantly associated with treatment response were related to xenobiotics, amino acids, and lipid and carbohydrate metabolism, including tryptophan and drug metabolism. Metabolomic analyses showed that plasma tryptophan levels are independently associated with response to antidepressant treatment. Limitations: Our study has some limitations, including a lack of information on blood microbiome origin and the lack of a validation cohort to confirm our results. Conclusion: Patients with depression have a distinct blood microbiome and metabolomic signature that changes after treatment. Dysbiosis could be a new therapeutic target and prognostic tool for the treatment of patients who are experiencing a major depressive episode., Introduction Major depressive disorder (MDD) is the second most frequent cause of disability worldwide, (1) and it is among the diseases with the greatest effect on public health. (2) It [...]