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TK has less variability than standard K when image QIs suggest a poor-quality measurement. The SD of Kmean/TKmean may be used to estimate measurement variability. Purpose: To characterize the variability of keratometry measurements on the IOLMaster 700 and relate it to device image quality indicators (QIs). Setting: 2 academic centers and 1 private practice. Design: Multicenter, retrospective consecutive case series. Methods: Measurements from 3 sites, obtained between December 2015 and July 2023, were included. Surgery-naïve phakic eyes with same-day sequential measurements on the same eye were identified. Repeat measurement pairs were grouped by IOLMaster QIs (success vs warning), and changes in mean standard keratometry (∆Kmean) and total keratometry (∆TKmean) as well as standard astigmatism (∆Kastig) and total astigmatism (∆TKastig) vectors were calculated. Results: Analysis was performed on 3222 eyes of 1890 patients. Measurement "success" was associated with a smaller ΔKmean (0.09 ± 0.14 diopters [D]) and ΔTKmean (0.11 ± 0.16 D) when compared with pairs in which both measurements had a "warning" (0.25 ± 0.32 D and 0.14 ± 0.17 D, respectively; P <.0001). A similarly smaller ∆Kastig (0.26 ± 0.28 D) and ∆TKastig (0.28 ± 0.30 D) were observed with measurement "success" vs "warning" (0.77 ± 0.79 D and 0.42 ± 0.41 D, respectively; P <.0001). Even when both measurements were successful, the proportion of measurement pairs that had a ∆Kastig >0.50 D increased from 14% to 24% to 32% when Kmean SD was ≥0.01, 0.05, and 0.10 D, respectively. Conclusions: When measurement quality is poor, TK varies less than standard K measurements. Clinicians may use the SD of Kmean/TKmean to estimate the repeatability of measurements and balance this against their tolerance for performing repeat measurements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study aimed to examine the prevalence of myopic eyes over 11 years (2008-2018) in a private clinic and a public assistance service. Methods: We retrospectively evaluated 6332 individuals (12,664 eyes) between 5 and 25 years old, seen at a private clinic-CEMO (2,663 individuals) and a public service-HOIP (3,669 individuals) from 2008 to 2018. We evaluated the prevalence of myopic eyes (EE ≤-0.50) and high myopic eyes (EE ≤-6.00). Results: Sex and services did not show statistical differences. The variation in the prevalence of myopic and high myopic eyes showed a random pattern during the study period (this prevalence could not be increased). Prevalences ranged from 20.7% (in 2017) to 32.4% (in 2015) for myopic eyes and from 1.6% (in 2009 and 2016) to 3.3% (in 2015) for eyes with high myopia. The prevalence of myopia showed a statistically significant increase based on the age group. Conclusion: The prevalence of myopic eyes did not increase in our study. The mean prevalence of myopic eyes was similar in the private clinic and public service. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: A significant number of criminal and deviant acts are investigated by nonpolice actors. These include private investigators who charge fees for their services, professional services firms such as firms of accountants who also charge fees, in-house investigators employed by private organisations and in-house investigators of public sector organisations who are not sworn police officers. Some of these investigators, such as private investigators, have been exposed in unethical activities such as illegal surveillance and blagging to name some. In this respect, this study aims to uncover the ethical orientations of investigators using cluster analysis. Design/methodology/approach: This study is based upon an online survey of private investigators predominantly in the UK, i.e. investigators beyond the public police. An innovate statistical inferential analysis was used to investigate the sample which resulted in the development of three ethical orientations of such investigators. Findings: Based upon a survey response from 331 of these types of investigators this study illustrates the extent they engage in unethical activities, showing a very small minority of largely private investigators who engage in such activities. Originality/value: A unique feature of this study is the use of an innovative statistical approach using an unsupervised machine learning model, namely, TwoStep cluster analysis, to successfully group and classify respondents based on their ethical orientation. The model derived three types of ethical orientation: ethical, inbetweeners and risk takers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractPrivacy protection methods, such as differentially private mechanisms, introduce noise into resulting statistics which often produces complex and intractable sampling distributions. In this article, we propose a simulation-based “repro sample” approach to produce statistically valid confidence intervals and hypothesis tests, which builds on the work of Xie and Wang. We show that this methodology is applicable to a wide variety of private inference problems, appropriately accounts for biases introduced by privacy mechanisms (such as by clamping), and improves over other state-of-the-art inference methods such as the parametric bootstrap in terms of the coverage and Type I error of the private inference. We also develop significant improvements and extensions for the repro sample methodology for general models (not necessarily related to privacy), including (a) modifying the procedure to ensure guaranteed coverage and Type I errors, even accounting for Monte Carlo error, and (b) proposing efficient numerical algorithms to implement the confidence intervals and p-values. Supplementary materials for this article are available online, including a standardized description of the materials available for reproducing the work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare early visual outcomes, epithelial healing, and stromal haze between transepithelial photorefractive keratectomy (Trans-PRK) using smart pulse technology (SPT) with traditional Trans-PRK. METHODOLOGY: This study is a retrospective, comparative study conducted at a private eye center in "Riyadh, Saudi Arabia," investigating myopic patients who underwent either Trans-PRK with SPT (study group) or traditional Trans-PRK (control group). The patients were assessed preoperatively and followed up at 1 week and 2 months postoperatively. The main outcomes included uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA), corneal haze, and corneal epithelial defect. RESULTS: This study included 501 eyes, of them, 222 eyes (44.3%) underwent Trans-PRK with SPT. The UDVA in the study group was significantly better 1 week postoperatively (P < 0.05). For the 2-month follow-up visits, there was no significant difference between the groups. Epithelium healing and stromal haze were comparable in the two groups without significant differences between them. CONCLUSION: Transepithelial photorefractive keratectomy with SPT yielded better short-term visual outcomes than traditional Transepithelial photorefractive keratectomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article examines the sportswriting of the 1920s, which has been criticized for its use of jargon, flowery language, and omission of negative aspects of sports heroes like Babe Ruth. It discusses how the press protected Ruth's image by downplaying or omitting negative information, and explores the unwritten code followed by sports reporters at the time. The article also discusses the shift in sportswriting towards revealing personal details about athletes' lives, contrasting it with the more heroic portrayal of athletes in the 1920s. It highlights the impact of books like "Ball Four" in changing the landscape of sports journalism and questions the role of sportswriters. [Extracted from the article]

When it comes to planning for retirement, pensions are a key part of the conversation. But many people still have questions about pensions and how they work. Common questions include 'what exactly is a pension?', 'how much should I be saving?', 'what happens to my pension when I die?', 'do I need a private pension if I have a workplace one?' and 'can my property be considered as my pension?'. If any of these resonate with you, don't worry – you're not alone! Pensions can feel confusing, but they don't have to be. This article breaks it down simply and explains the different types of pensions available, their benefits and how to make them work for you. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chambers are associations of legal and natural persons engaged in profitable activity. By definition, they are a community governed by public law that is pursuing a similar activity, founded primarily to protect the interests of its members. In Slovenia, chambers are established to represent persons engaged in various business activities from companies, sole traders, farmers, foresters, craftsmen, private detectives, veterinarians and similar. The chambers differ slightly from one another, and can essentially be divided into three groups, namely chambers of commerce, professional chambers and mixed-type chambers. The tasks of the chambers, their bodies and their duties, the criteria for membership as well as the termination, financing or acquisition of funds for operation and other important information are specified in their by-laws, the respective law or other legal act. In this article the entire system of chambers of the Republic of Slovenia is presented using the example of three randomly selected chambers that differ in terms of their functioning, the exercise of public powers or financing in general, with the Chamber of Veterinarians and the Detective Chamber being explained in more detail. We have selected these two chambers as we wanted to present one natural science and one social science chamber. In the comparison between the detective and veterinary chambers, we can therefore research and analyse many aspects that reflect the diversity and specificity of each professional field. One of the reasons, why we have chosen these two chambers is also the fact, that we as authors are or were active members of our two chosen chambers. The comparison makes it easier to understand how they work, as well as their similarities and differences. We found that not only the chambers we selected, but most chambers operate very similarly, perform similar tasks and have many of the same organs required for their functioning. This is probably due to the fact that all chambers in Slovenia have developed or started to develop according to the model of the first chamber – the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Slovenia.C [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study analyses, the perception of the European City of Science (ECS) initiative planned event in Katowice in the context of the city and region's development in the eyes of private companies. It has been argued that this honour may change the city's prestige and become the source of the city and the region's development, not only through building the city's recognisable brand but also its social capital. Using focus research as a method enables not only to collect empirical data but can also be treated as a form of public participation. The study results contribute to the growing body of literature on public engagement and co‐creation as well as place branding. The study's findings show the companies' expectations concerning the role of universities and their participation in the region's development. They were the foundation for preparing a set of suggestions for local governments to successfully implement the ECS initiative. This paper is the first to examine the process of preparing a city to become an ECS, as demonstrated through the case study of Katowice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The elderly comprises the fastest‐expanding age group globally, with the greatest increase occurring in developing countries. The elderly populace is prone to develop various ocular morbidities. Purpose: To determine the distribution of ocular morbidities among the elderly population visiting a private eye care facility in Malawi. Methods: This was a retrospective cross‐sectional study conducted at St. John's Hospital in Mzuzu, Malawi. We retrieved data from the hospital's ophthalmic outpatient registry from January, 2021 to December, 2021. A nonprobability census sampling technique was used to retrieve 52 elderly patients. Data analysis were done employing SPSS (v.26). Results: This study found according to gender a larger proportion were females 27 (51.9%) compared males, who accounted for 25 (48.1%). Refractive error 21 (40.4%) was the most prevalent ocular morbidity followed by cataract 13 (25.0%), pinguecula 6 (11.5%), and glaucoma 4 (7.7%). Although clear differences exist in the distribution of ocular morbidities according to sex (p = 0.529) and age (p = 0.328), the differences are not statistically significant. Conclusion: The pattern of eye diseases is typical to the country. More resources should be targeting main causes of preventable blindness including refractive error and cataracts at the facility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article explores the evolution of tracing infrastructure in Poland for locating missing persons. The number of reported disappearances in Poland has risen due to factors like increased mobility and socioeconomic pressures. The tracing infrastructure involves various actors, including government agencies, search groups, police regulations, social media search groups, SAR teams, and commercial services. While the expansion of this infrastructure has provided new opportunities for civilians to participate in searches and has been beneficial for families, there are challenges such as a lack of oversight and transparency, varying standards among search groups, and questionable reliability of private detective and clairvoyant services. The article emphasizes the need for greater transparency, collaboration, and ethical practices in the search for missing persons in Poland. [Extracted from the article]

Purpose: To investigate the effects of customized topographyguided epithelium-on crosslinking (epi-on CXL) with oxygen supplementation on procedural efficacy and corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) in patients with progressive keratoconus (KC) at 1 year. Setting: Private eye clinic, Brisbane, Australia. Design: Retrospective, single-center, nonrandomized case series. Methods: Topography-guided epi-on CXL using the Mosaic system was performed on patients with progressive KC. Oxygen goggles; transepithelial riboflavin; and pulsed, high UV-A irradiance (1 second on, 1 second off; 30 mW/cm²) were applied to enhance oxygen kinetics and bioavailabilities of riboflavin and UV-A. Guided by baseline topography, a higher UV-A dose (15 J/cm²) was applied to the area of steepest anterior curvature with decreasing fluence (as low as 7.2 J/cm²) toward the outer 9 mm. Postoperative CDVA and maximum keratometry (Kmax) were evaluated. Results: 102 eyes (80 patients)were followed for 11.5 ± 4.8months. At the latest follow-up, mean CDVA (logMAR), mean K, and Kmax (diopters [D]) improved from 0.18 ± 0.28, 46.2 ± 3.8, and 53.0 ± 5.67 at baseline to 0.07 ± 0.18, 45.8 ± 3.7, and 51.9 ± 5.56, respectively (P < .001). 3 eyes (3%) lostmore than 1 CDVA line, and another 3 eyes (3%) had increased Kmax greater than 2 D. 43 eyes were followed for at least 12 months (n = 43): mean CDVA, mean K, and Kmax improved from 0.19 ± 0.33 logMAR, 46.5 ± 3.5 D, and 53.6 ± 5.67 D to 0.07 ± 0.17 logMAR, 46.0 ± 3.5 D, and 52.33 ± 5.49 D, respectively (P ≤ .002). No complications were observed. Conclusions: Tailoring oxygen-supplemented epi-on CXL with differential UV-A energy distributions, guided by baseline topography, in patients with KC seems to be safe and effective. At 1 year, study reports sustained improved CDVA and corneal stabilization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article, titled "Lisa's Story," recounts the experiences of Lisa's husband who suffered from heart failure and underwent treatment with an LVAD (left ventricular assist device). The LVAD significantly impacted his quality of life, preventing him from engaging in activities he enjoyed and causing physical and emotional suffering. After a lengthy process involving an ethics consultation, the husband was eventually granted permission to have the LVAD deactivated, allowing him to die from his underlying heart failure. The article highlights the importance of ethics consultations in helping patients and families navigate difficult end-of-life decisions and calls for increased awareness and availability of such services in healthcare settings. [Extracted from the article]

The thesis of this work points to the relationship, and the tensions, between the noir genre and the gender question. To this end, our analysis focuses on two figures: an extratextual one (the author) and an intratextual one (the protagonist, in the role of researcher), which will be developed through a case study of the novel Las niñas perdidas (2011), by the Spanish writer Cristina Fallarás. In recent years, numerous Spanish-speaking women narrators have significantly increased the publication of noir novels, giving rise to an emerging phenomenon that has been duly analysed in the academic sphere, given its interest for literary criticism. Our research stems from an interest in exploring the role of the female crime investigator as a subject of knowledge, traditionally occupied by detectives, private investigators or male police officers. In works such as Fallarás's, we can trace the tensions derived from this mismatch, from the fact that she occupies a role created as a model for a male character. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Opole Studies in Administration & Law (OSAO) / Opolskie Studia Administracyjno-Prawne (OSAP) is the property of University of Opole / Uniwersytet Opolski and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Societal Impact Statement Humans are dependent upon plants for oxygen, food, textiles, and medicines. Climate change and deforestation represent serious threats to our planet, causing significant disruptions to our ability to access and utilize these plant resources; this makes a botanically literate workforce and plant science careers more important than ever. Unfortunately, the current state of botanical career opportunities and training programs in the United States remains unclear. This study focuses on the current employment trends of government and private sector botanists and what skills future plant scientists will need to be successful in these careers. Summary: Plant science plays a crucial role in our society and in ongoing efforts to address many global challenges, including food insecurity and climate change. Yet, despite a predicted increase in plant science career opportunities in the United States, the botanical career landscape outside of academia is not well understood.To further our understanding of the training required for non‐academic botanical careers, the botanical sub‐disciplines used on the job, and career challenges faced by plant scientists, we surveyed 61 scientists working in government and 59 scientists working in the private sector in the United States.In both career sectors, > 80% of survey participants reported recent hires at the bachelor's degree level. New personnel with master's degrees were more commonly reported in the government sector (95%) than in the private sector (69%). Most plant scientists working in government reported a focus on plant ecology and resource management. By contrast, most industry/non‐profit work involved horticulture and biotechnology, with some specific skills spanning both sectors. Notably, one prediction made nearly a decade ago appears to be manifesting: plant scientists seem to be retiring more quickly than they are being replaced. Survey respondents reported that attempts to hire full‐time staff are met with obstacles, including insufficient funding. Plant science professionals in both career sectors emphasized their routine use of botanical skills developed as students, highlighting the need for effective training at the undergraduate level.We discuss the implications of these findings and present several recommendations for preparing future generations of plant scientists and increasing the scientific community's botanical capacity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study aimed to compare the success and complication rates among patients implanted with Ahmed Glaucoma Valve (AGV) using the short and long tunnel technique through retrospective chart review. Patients and Methods: We reviewed 54 charts of adult patients who underwent AGV implantation using a Short-Needle Track (SNT) or Long-Needle Track (LNT) technique. Intraocular pressures (IOP), Best Corrected Visual Acuity (BCVA) and number of medications were recorded pre-operatively, and at Day 1, 3, 7, Month 1, 3, 6 post-operatively. Treatment success, occurrence of Hypertensive Phase (HP), complication and procedures done after AGV implantation were compared between the two groups using one-tailed Z-test of proportions. Results: A total of 20 (LNT) and 21 (SNT) charts were included in the study. There was no significant difference between the median postoperative IOP, BCVA, and number of anti-glaucoma medications between the two groups at each time interval. The comparison between the occurrence of HP (P = 0.435) and success rates (P = 0.476) between the two groups yielded no significant difference. Flat/shallow anterior chamber (AC) was seen exclusively in three eyes (14%) in the SNT group (P = 0.039). There was one occurrence of plate exposure in the LNT group (P = 0.149). Conclusion: The LNT technique of AGV Implantation may be used as an alternative to the traditional SNT (with autologous graft). The long needle track offers the advantage reducing the risk of complications arising from shallow anterior chamber post-operatively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Belügyi Szemle / Academic Journal of Internal Affairs is the property of Ministry of Interior of Hungary and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The work of private detectives is a young profession in Slovenia. It has only existed for about three decades, and as such has been rarely researched. So far there has been no study on what Slovenian private detectives actually do in the framework of the tasks that are stipulated by law. Therefore, the aim of a survey presented in the article is to find out what private detectives do on a daily basis and what competences they need to perform their tasks. Since there are only around 90 private detectives in Slovenia, they must all have good knowledge of several areas simultaneously. However, our survey suggests that based on the work tasks performed, Slovenian private detectives can be classified into three groups – "business-oriented private detectives," "typical private detectives" and "multitasking private detectives". For every task they perform, private detectives need certain general and specific competences. The private detectives who participated in this study agree that they must be able to collect and generate important information from a large amount of data, be IT literate and very self-disciplined. Additionally, they must have extensive legal knowledge and organizational skills. The least important skills for private detectives, in their opinion, are public speaking and martial arts. The only difference found among the groups used to classify private detectives is the importance of analysing large amounts of data. Bearing in mind the findings of the study, it is clear that more work is available for those private detectives who can perform a broader spectrum of tasks and possess more competences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]