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Erasure coding has been widely used in commodity datacenter to tolerate faults, due to its ability to simultaneously provide high storage space utilization and data reliability. However, when data loss occurs, the extra data decoding and traffic overhead makes it difficult to improve their data repair efficiency, limiting their further application in the hot data storage systems. In this paper, we proposed an FPGA-based Data Repair accelerating scheme (FPGA-ECDR) for erasure-coded storage system, which employs the Cauchy Reed-Solomon(CRS) code, to overcome the aforementioned limitation. In FPGA-ECDR, multiple modules are designed to work collaboratively, enhancing the efficiency of data flow and ensuring the reliability of the data repair process. Then, a CRS decoding algorithm based on check matrix is used to reduce the complexity of matrix inversion in the decoding process, and hardware acceleration of the algorithm is realized by FPGA. Moreover, we proposed a Hierarchical Parallel Decoding Structure (HPDS) to optimize cache data reading timing and XOR logic operations in the decoding process. HPDS can effectively reduce the impact of Column Address Strobe (CAS) latency and improve repair efficiency. Finally, we conducted FPGA board-level verification of the proposed scheme, testing on CRS codes with different data sizes and parameters. The experimental results show that compared with the schemes of the current mainstream open-source erasure coding library Jerasure and Intel ISA-L acceleration library, as well as the Xilinx RS code decoding acceleration scheme based on the same FPGA platform, our proposed scheme has lower decoding latency and can improve the data decoding rate by 3.2 to 148.5 times and enhances the repair throughput by up to 21.4 times in fault-tolerant storage system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A work zone is an area of roadway with construction, maintenance, or utility work activities. A work zone is typically marked by signs, channelizing devices, barriers, pavement markings, and/or work vehicles. It extends from the first warning sign or rotating/strobe lights on a vehicle to the end road work sign or the last temporary traffic control device. As road reconstructions are an opportunity to eliminate or mitigate the risk of unsafe situations with relatively small and short-term investments, it is necessary to enable the preparation of road works in the most efficient way possible, with maximum safety for all road users in road work zones, both drivers and workers. For users who are not familiar with the network, the work zone can be a potential place for accidents. The marking of the work zone on the road is carried out with the help of vertical, horizontal and light traffic signals, and its provision is carried out with appropriate equipment. Managing traffic during construction is necessary to minimize traffic delays, maintain motorist and worker safety, complete roadwork in a timely manner, and maintain access for businesses and residents. Effective work zone traffic management includes assessing work zone impacts and documenting strategies for mitigating the impacts in a transportation management plan. Work zone traffic management strategies should be identified based on the project constraints, construction phasing/staging plan, type of work zone, and anticipated work zone impacts. Once these strategies are implemented, they need to be monitored to ensure they effectively manage work zone impacts. The aim of this paper is to define the traffic regime, i.e. the traffic signaling and equipment during the rehabilitation and repair of state road R1301, section Ohrid - Sveti Naum, subdivision Konjsko - BC Sveti Naum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: While a growing body of research has been demonstrating how exposure to social and built environments relate to various health outcomes, specific pathways generally remain poorly understood. But recent technological advancements have enabled new study designs through continuous monitoring using mobile sensors and repeated questionnaires. Such geographically explicit momentary assessments (GEMA) make it possible to link momentary subjective states, behaviors, and physiological parameters to momentary environmental conditions, and can help uncover the pathways linking place to health. Despite its potential, there is currently no review of GEMA studies detailing how location data is used to measure environmental exposure, and how this in turn is linked to momentary outcomes of interest. Moreover, a lack of standard reporting of such studies hampers comparability and reproducibility. Aims: The objectives of this research were twofold: 1) conduct a systematic review of GEMA studies that link momentary measurement with environmental data obtained from geolocation data, and 2) develop a STROBE extension guideline for GEMA studies. Method: The review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Inclusion criteria consisted of a combination of repeated momentary measurements of a health state or behavior with GPS coordinate collection, and use of these location data to derive momentary environmental exposures. To develop the guideline, the variables extracted for the systematic review were compared to elements of the STROBE (Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology) and CREMAS (CRedibility of Evidence from Multiple Analyses of the Same data) checklists, to provide a new guideline for GEMA studies. An international panel of experts participated in a consultation procedure to collectively develop the proposed checklist items. Results and developed tools: A total of 20 original GEMA studies were included in the review. Overall, several key pieces of information regarding the GEMA methods were either missing or reported heterogeneously. Our guideline provides a total of 27 categories (plus 4 subcategories), combining a total of 70 items. The 22 categories and 32 items from the original STROBE guideline have been integrated in our GEMA guideline. Eight categories and 6 items from the CREMAS guideline have been included to our guideline. We created one new category (namely "Consent") and added 32 new items specific to GEMA studies. Conclusions and recommendations: This study offers a systematic review and a STROBE extension guideline for the reporting of GEMA studies. The latter will serve to standardize the reporting of GEMA studies, as well as facilitate the interpretation of results and their generalizability. In short, this work will help researchers and public health professionals to make the most of this method to advance our understanding of how environments influence health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Patulous Eustachian tube (PET) is a condition affecting approximately 0.3% to 6.6% of the population, with autophony being the predominant complain. The management of PET lacks a well-defined standard in the literature as no effective medical treatments have been documented but various surgical options are available. This study aims to report mid-term outcomes following surgical management of PET. Materials and methods: All patients who underwent surgical intervention for PET between September 2017 and June 2022 were enrolled. Data encompassing general demographics, quality of life (GBI), and procedure-specific data were collected. Results: A total of 30 PET cases (in 19 patients) underwent surgical intervention including 9 injections of hyaluronic acid, 13 fat injections, 6 endoscopic shim insertions, 1 cartilage graft, and 1 injection of hydroxy apatite. After an average follow-up of 22 ± 14 months, 16 cases (53%) achieved complete symptom relief, while 8 cases (26.6%) reported partial relief. Additionally, 11(36%) cases required multiple surgeries. No specific surgical technique demonstrated superiority. Quality of life improved in 77% of cases based on 10 out of 13 GBI collected. Recurrence of PET symptoms occurred on average 10.6 ± 9.7 months after initial surgery, with an estimated global risk of 75% at 3 years. Transient serous otitis media was observed in only 4 cases (13.3%). Conclusion: Surgical intervention for PET was found to be effective, achieving complete symptom relief in 53% of cases and significantly improving quality of life 2 years post-surgery. However, a substantial portion of cases necessitated one or more re-interventions. The durability of effectiveness appears to diminish over time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Construction productivity measures the output generated in the construction process using available resources. In the Indonesian Construction Industry, construction is often carried out inefficiently, resulting in high construction costs, prolonged durations, and substantial waste, leading to low levels of construction productivity. This study aims to enhance construction effectiveness through planning and management aided by model simulations, specifically targeting slab work operations at the Conggeang Bridge Project - Cisumdawu Toll Road Section 5A. The modeling simulation in this study utilizes the CYCLONE model with the assistance of EZSTROBE/STROBOSCOPE and SIMULINK software. This approach provides data on productivity, utilization factor, and average wait time for the operations under review. Based on the obtained data, a productivity and sensitivity analysis is conducted to identify several alternative improvements in the execution of slab work operations on this bridge. The proposed improvements aim to reduce construction costs, implementation duration, and generated waste, thereby increasing overall construction productivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The resection of the jugum (planum) sphenoidale meningioma (JSM) is challenging, and there is a scarcity of available data in the literature. This study aimed to describe the surgical management and long-term outcome of jugum sphenoidale meningioma. This was a retrospective, single-center, cohort study of 91 JSM patients treated in our department from 2005 to 2022. All the included patients have undergone surgical treatment. Clinical, radiologic, and surgical data were extracted with specific attention to the age at onset, family history, duration from symptoms to diagnosis, clinical presentation, quality of excision, recurrence, and treatment outcome. WHO grade I and grade II meningioma were 83.5% (n = 76) and 16.5% (n = 15) respectively. Fronto-lateral 42.9% (n = 39) and pterional approaches 57.1% (n = 52) were the 2 major surgical approaches used for the management of planum sphenoidale meningioma. Twelve patients needed emergency surgical treatment at admission: 4 (4.4%) External CSF Shunt and 8 (8.8%) VP-Shunt. We have found a statistically significant (P = 0.032) association between the quality of excision and the risk of recurrence. The GTR (Hazard ratio = 1) of the planum meningioma protects the patient from recurrence within 60 months of follow-up. Postoperative complications encountered were CSF-Leak in 2.2%, Meningitis 4.4%, surgical site infection 2.2%, and surgical site hematoma 3.3%. The overall postoperative favorable outcome was 68.1% (n = 62). The pterional approach has allowed the achievement of GTR for jugum sphenoidale meningioma with protective odds from recurrence risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 4‐tap time‐domain decision feedback equalizer (TD‐DFE) is presented to implement a multi‐tap DFE in a matched DQ (data)‐DQS (strobe) tree architecture. Traditionally, matched architecture holds an advantage in terms of power noise immunity, but it suffers from low‐speed performance due to the unavailability of decision feedback equalizer (DFE) applications. By adopting the proposed TD‐DFE, both high‐speed operation and power noise immunity can be achieved within the matched architecture. An 8‐DQ parallel receiver with the proposed 4‐tap TD‐DFE, designed in 28 nm CMOS, achieves a data rate of 20 Gb/s with 0.6 UI eye‐opening even with 215 mV power fluctuations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study conducted modernization of the VK-350 instrumented drop weight impact testing machine (DWITM) developed at the Pisarenko Institute of Problems of Strength of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, equipped with a high-speed strain and force recording system that allows recording a load diagram with a sampling rate of up to 20 MHz, and heating and cooling systems for testing specimens in a wide temperature range. Modernization was carried out to expand the functionality of the DWITM, namely, a new dynamometer and specimen fixing units for impact shear, compression and dynamic pushing tests were installed. The new dynamometer was calibrated for two ranges of amplification and test specimens of various types were tested. The DWITM was also equipped with a video recording system, which includes a high-speed PHOTRON FASTCAM NOVA S9 camera that allows recording the deformation and fracture process at a speed of up to 200,000 frames per second. The camera is equipped with a 12x zoom lens and stroboscopic high-frequency lamps for illumination with the GSVITEC MultiLED G8 control system. Based on the results of the impact bending and shear tests, video signals of the deformation and fracture of the specimens were obtained, which made it possible to determine the time of onset of plastic deformation and formation of adiabatic shear zones in the impact shear specimens, as well as the moment of crack appearance on the side surface of the Charpy specimen and to estimate the rate of its propagation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To analyze the perception of endoscopic endonasal surgery training by French otolaryngology residents. A multicenter retrospective observational study was conducted from March to April 2023. Otolaryngology residents from 7 French regions filled out a 27-item questionnaire on their training in endoscopic endonasal surgery. Out of 283 residents contacted, 126 (45%) filled out the questionnaire. Seventy-four (59%) had already partially or completely performed the surgeries specified in their diploma course. The level of mastery of the main steps of endonasal surgery and the level of autonomy were higher in the consolidation stage group than in the basic and advanced stages. Seventy residents (56%) felt they had gaps in their level of training. To improve training, 94 (75%) wished for more dissection sessions, surgical skills assessments each semester and simulation sessions. Eighty-nine (71%) felt they needed to find their own teaching aids and other methods to complete their training. One hundred and thirteen (90%) felt that the lack of funding available for congresses and training courses was detrimental. This study highlighted the overall satisfaction of residents with their training in endoscopic endonasal surgery. They expressed a desire for more dissection, simulation and evaluation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sudden changes in sound and light (e.g., sirens and flashing police beacons) are a common component of working dogs' on-duty environment. Yet, how such stimuli impact dogs' ability to perform physical and cognitive tasks has not been explored. To address this shortcoming, we compared the accuracy and time taken for twelve dogs to complete a complex physical and cognitive task, before, during and after exposure to three 'real-world' stimuli: an acoustic distractor (85dB), white strobe lighting (5, 10 & 15 Hz), and exposure to a dazzling white, red, or blue lights. We found that strobe lighting, and to a greater extent, acoustic distraction, significantly reduced dogs' physical performance. Acoustic distraction also tended to impair dogs' cognitive performance. Dazzling lights had no effect on task performance. Most (nine out of twelve) dogs sensitised to the acoustic distraction to the extent of non-participation in the rewarded task. Our results suggest that without effective distractor response training, sudden changes in noise and flickering lights are likely to impede cognitive and physical task performance in working dogs. Repeated uncontrolled exposure may also amplify these effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of research is to seek answers and new knowledge. When conducted properly and systematically, research adds to humanity's corpus of knowledge and hence to our general advancement. However, this is only possible if reported research is accurate and transparent. Guidelines for all the major types of studies (STROBE, CONSORT, PRISMA, MOOSE, STARD, and SPIRIT) have been developed and refined over the years, and their inception, development, and application are briefly discussed in this paper. Indeed, there are currently over 250 of these guidelines for various types of medical research, and these are published by the EQUATOR network. This paper will also briefly review progress in acceptance and adoption of these guidelines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Studies found only a little amount of evidence about the impact of septoplasty on the mechanism of voice production, as well as vocal cord and laryngeal mucosal changes. Nasal obstruction is a common medical issue that is linked to changes in the quality of resonance of voice. To assess patients with deviated nasal septum and inferior turbinate hypertrophy's voice alterations using laryngeal stroboscope before and after septoplasty and turbinectomy. In this prospective case–control study, patients in group A had inferior turbinate hypertrophy and a nasal septal deviation, while participants in group B were healthy controls who were matched for age and gender. All of the included patients had their laryngeal stroboscope and acoustic voice characteristics evaluated both preoperatively and three months after surgery. Only the baseline evaluation of healthy controls was done. We included 30 patients with mean age 24.43 ± 7.81 years, and males accounted for two thirds of the included cases, speech testing showed that Amplitude perturbation significantly improved post septoplasty with p values < 0.05, while Fundamental frequency and NHR parameters didn't show statistically significant improvement compared to preoperative measurements and control groups. Paired comparison of laryngeal erythema, mucosal edema and mucosal waves showed significant improvement compared to preoperative laryngeal stroboscopic findings with p values < 0.001 each. Significant improvements were made to septal deviation following surgery nasal obstruction caused by nasal septal deviation and inferior turbinate hypertrophy is associated with amplitude perturbation, laryngeal erythema, mucosal edema, and mucosal waves in the patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The features of the formation of the spatial-energy profiles (SEP) of the visibility zones for two methods of observation (MO) are compared by numerical simulation taking the energy of the noise threshold Ent into account. It is confirmed for both MOs that the relationship previously used in the literature in which the length of the visibility zone (VZ) is uniquely determined by the sum of the lengths of the illumination and strobe (photodetector exposure) pulses is valid provided that the maximum value of the signal contrast attained within the confines of the VZ is close to unity. For the second MO the transformation of the SEP for relatively short working distances into a short convex asymmetric peak at half height, for which the maximum in the limiting case is shifted to the beginning of the VZ, is studied in detail. This is explained by the predominant influence of the so-called spatial factor on the formation of the SEP. Despite some spatial shift of the SEP relative to one another for the first and second MO in the case when the durations of the illumination and strobe pulses are unequal, the maximum values of the recorded signals and their contrast, as well as the length of the visibility zone for both MO for the typical parameters in most cases are practically the same. The particular case when the duration of the illumination pulse is shorter than that of the strobe pulse, the experimentally obtained SEPs of the VZ for the first and second MO confirm the results of the calculations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Allergic fungal rhinosinusitis (AFRS) and eosinophilic mucin chronic rhinosinusitis (EMRS) are two forms of chronic sinusitis distinguished by the presence (AFRS) or absence (EMRS) of fungal elements in sinus mucin. Detection of the fungal elements, however, is complex and it is difficult to say whether EMRS is in fact an entity distinct from AFRS. The aim of the present study, based on a retrospective series of AFRS and EMRS, was to identify the specific clinical and radiological elements distinguishing between the two. A 2-center retrospective observational study following STROBE guidelines included patients managed for AFRS or EMRS between 2009 and 2022. Clinical, mycological, pathologic and radiological data were collected. Type of treatment and disease progression were also analyzed. Intergroup comparison used Student's test for mean values of quantitative variables, with calculation of P -values, and Pearson's Chi2 test or Fisher's exact test for categoric variables, with calculation of relative risk and 95% confidence intervals. The AFRS group comprised 41 patients and the EMRS group 34. Demographic data were comparable between groups. EMRS showed a higher rate of asthma (79.4 vs. 31.4%; P < 0.001), more severe nasal symptomatology (rhinorrhea, P = 0.01; nasal obstruction, P = 0.001), and more frequent bilateral involvement (85.3 vs. 58.5%; P = 0.021). AFRS showed more frequent complications (19 vs. 0%; P = 0.006). Radiologically, mucin accumulation was greater in AFRS, filling the sinus in 84.2% of cases, versus 26.3% (P < 0.001), with more frequent sinus wall erosion (19 vs. 5.8%; P = 0.073). The recurrence rate was higher in EMRS: 38.2 vs.21.9% (P = 0.087). The present retrospective study found a difference in clinical and radiological presentation between AFRS and EMRS, with EMRS more resembling the presentation of severe nasal polyposis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traces of you reach me through my senses. But without wondering in your presence, I cannot see you. For beings of sense and meaning such as ourselves, being stirred by another’s presence opens wondering. The implications of such claims are striking for what perception involves, for being in touch with another, and for good relationships. The paper proceeds as a series of “strobes,” from an ancient Greek word for whirling. Turning quickly about, words enact being stirred into wondering, interspersed with visual glimpses, a photographic series. Building on recent work by the author, the paper draws on Jean-Luc Marion’s phenomenology; Daniel R. Schein feld, Karen M. Haigh, and Sandra J.P. Scheinfeld’s early childhood educational theory, and a phrase by Martha C. Nussbaum describing the intentionality of wondering. This is deepened by attention to what the phenomenological tradition calls “passive synthesis,” and what the author, following F.W.J. Schelling, has called “positive anxiety,” the soul’s excitement around the possibility of sense and meaning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To evaluate the consequences of treatment refusal in total laryngectomy (TL) candidates with T3-4M0 endolaryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). A retrospective observational study was conducted in an inception cohort of 576 isolated T3-4M0 endolaryngeal SCC candidates for TL consecutively managed between 1970 and 2019 in a French university teaching hospital. The main endpoint was survival time and cause of death in 2 groups. Group A, 4.5% of the cohort, consisted of 26 patients who declined any laryngeal treatment. Group B consisted of 550 patients who accepted TL. Accessory endpoints were causes of TL refusal and associated variables. The STROBE guideline was applied. The significance threshold was set at P < 0.005. One-and 3-year actuarial survival estimates increased significantly (P < 0.0001) from 39% and 15% in group A, to 83% and 63% in group B, respectively. In group A, 92% of causes of death implicated index SCC progression, whereas in group B intercurrent disease, metachronous second primary, locoregional and/or metastatic SCC progression and postoperative complications accounted for 37%, 31%, 29%, and 2%, respectively. The actuarial survival estimates within group A increased significantly (P = 0.0003) from 0% at 1-year in patients managed with isolated supportive care to 56% in patients managed with chemotherapy (reaching 0% at 5 years). Reasons for TL refusal were fear of surgery, refusal of tracheostoma, loss of physiologic phonation, and certain comorbidities. Age and chronologic period correlated significantly with TL refusal. Median age decreased (P < 0.001) from 69 years in group A to 58 years in group B. Percentage TL refusal increased (P < 0.0001) from 2% to 11% before and after start 1990, respectively. The current study determined loss of survival with refusal of any laryngeal treatment including TL, noted benefit of chemotherapy associated to supportive care, and discussed the possible contribution of immunotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The authors, led by artist Naoko Tosa, discuss their collaboration on the video artwork Sound of Ikebana, made by applying sound vibration to fluid and shooting it with a high-speed camera. To study the fluid's shape under zero gravity the authors experimented with generating the artwork under weightlessness achieved through parabolic flight. The authors confirmed that a new shape significantly different from the one created under normal gravity is created. A three-dimensional artwork was also generated by shooting the phenomenon from multiple viewpoints. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To evaluate long-term oncological outcome for patients with selected glottic squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) classified as T3N0M0 treated by supracricoid partial laryngectomy (SCPL). Analysis of an inception cohort of 46 patients with isolated untreated SCC classified as T3N0M0 and minimum 10-year follow-up, consecutively treated by SCPL between 1982 and 2012 in a French university teaching hospital. The main endpoint was 5- and 10-year actuarial survival and local control estimates. Accessory endpoints comprised cause of death, screening for variables decreasing survival and increasing risk of local recurrence, oncologic consequences of local recurrence, and laryngeal preservation rate. Five- and 10-year actuarial survival was 78.1%, and 53.3%, respectively. The main causes of death were intercurrent disease and metachronous second primary, each in 33.3% of cases. Postoperative mortality (aspiration pneumonia) was 2.1%. There were no significant correlations between survival and any study variables. Five- and 10-year local control was 90.5%. Overall local recurrence varied significantly (P = 0.003), from 2.3% with negative margins (R0) to 100% with positive margins (R1) and/or dysplasia. Local recurrence was associated with a significantly (P < 0.005) increased risk of nodal failure and distant metastasis, and reduced survival. Overall laryngeal preservation was 89.1%. The present results suggest that SCPL should continue to be taught and that this type of partial laryngeal surgery should be included in the various organ-sparing strategies considered in advanced laryngeal cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Adequate methods reporting in observational and trial literature is critical to interpretation and implementation. OBJECTIVE: Evaluate methodology reporting adherence in the dermatology literature and compare this to internal medicine (IM) literature. METHODS: We performed a cross-sectional review of randomly-selected dermatology and IM manuscripts published between 2014-2018. Observational and trial articles were retrieved from PubMed. The primary outcome was percent adherence to STROBE or CONSORT methods-related checklist items (methods reporting score, MRS). Secondary outcomes included the relationship between methods section length (MSL) and MRS. We additionally compared these with IM literature. MRS and MSL were compared by overall article length, checklist type, ffeld, journal, study topic, and funding source. Comparisons were assessed using univariable and multivariable linear regression. RESULTS: We identiffed 389 articles (172 dermatology and 217 IM). Within dermatology, we identiffed 83 clinical trials and 89 observational studies. Mean MRS was 61.4 percent. A one word increase in MSL corresponded to a 0.02 percent increase MRS (β=0.02, 95% CI 0.01-0.03). Mean MRS was 12.8 percent lower in the dermatology literature compared with IM (β=-12.8%, -15.6-[-9.91]). Mean dermatology MSL was 345 words shorter (β=-345, -413-[-277]). Studies from JAMA Dermatology, Journal of Investigative Dermatology, and British Journal of Dermatology, with government funding, and having supplemental methods had higher mean MRS's. CONCLUSION: Methods reporting quality was low in dermatology. A weak relationship between MRS and MSL was observed. These data support enhancing researcher emphasis on methods reporting, editorial staff, and peer reviewers that more strictly enforce checklist reporting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

By using observations from pump-probe stroboscopic confocal microscopy and spectroscopy, we demonstrate the dynamics of trions and the fractional quantum Hall edge on the order of ∼ 1 ps. The propagation of the quantum Hall edge state excited by a voltage pulse is detected as a temporal change in reflectance in the downstream edge probed by optical pulses synchronized with the voltage pulse. The temporal resolution of such stroboscopic pump-probe measurements is as fast as the duration time of the probe pulse (∼ 1 ps). This ultra-fast stroboscope measurement enables us to distinguish between the normal mode of edge excitation, known as the edge magneto-plasmon or charge density wave, and other high-energy non-linear excitations. This is the only experimental method available to study the ultra-fast dynamics of quantum Hall edges and makes it possible to derive the metric tensor g μ ν of the (1 + 1) = 2 -dimensional curved spacetime in quantum universe and black hole analogs implemented in the quantum Hall edge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The primary goal of the present study was to compare the pre- and post-stapedotomy elicitation and waveform characteristics of both air- and bone-conduction (AC-, BC-) cervical vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (cVEMPs) through an individualized approach. A possible association between audiological characteristics, such as AC- and BC- pure tone audiometry thresholds and air-bone gap and the production of cVEMPs before and after stapedotomy was also investigated. Twenty-five ears were subjected to full audiological evaluation as well as AC- and BC-cVEMPs pre- and post-stapedotomy. Four subgroups were studied; consistently present/absent, post-operatively disappeared and restored cVEMPs. Post-stapedotomy changes in cVEMP elicitability did not reach significance for either AC-cVEMP (OR = 5.41, 95% CI 0.88–33.36, P = 0.06) or BC-cVEMP (OR = 2.40, 95% CI 0.42–13.60, P = 0.3). Normal or abnormal AC-cVEMPs were equally subject to post-operative changes (OR = 1.95, 95% CI 0.32–12.01, P = 0.5), as were BC-cVEMPs (OR = 3.75, 95% CI 0.66–21.25, P = 0.1). Neither the audiological characteristics nor the surgical outcome, in terms of ABG results, were relevant to the presence or absence of AC- and BC-cVEMPs before or after stapedotomy. The presumed changes brought to the sacculus by stapedotomy are minor and beyond the diagnostic abilities of either AC-cVEMPs or BC-cVEMPs, both in terms of cVEMPs elicitability and waveform characteristics. In individual cases, however, which may deserve further investigation, cVEMPs may reappear or disappear after stapedotomy probably following minor changes toward a lower or higher vestibular system resistance for pressure and sound transmission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To verify the prevalence of Potentially pathogenic bacteria (PPB) and their antimicrobial resistance profile in tracheal aspirates of children with tracheostomy and compare it to clinical data. A cross-sectional study was conducted in patients aged 0–18 years who all underwent tracheostomy cannula change (TCC) performed by the Otolaryngology Unit at Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Brazil, between October, 2017 and December, 2018. Patients were submitted, at the time of TCC, to a tracheal aspirate through the tracheostomy and secretion was sent to microbiological analysis and antimicrobial susceptibility testing. Clinical data were evaluated through available patients' electronic medical records. Forty-four patients had their tracheostomy aspirate cultured and all but one presented PPB growth (97.7%). Median age was 3 years-old. Pseudomonas aeruginosa was the most prevalent bacteria (56.9%) and it was resistant to gentamycin, amikacin and cefepime in 36%, 28% and 12% of the culture tests, respectively. P. aeruginosa resistance to gentamycin and to cefepime suggested an association with the number of antibiotic classes used in the 12 months before enrollment (both p = 0.04) and with 2 or more hospital admissions in the same period (p = 0.03 and p = 0.02, respectively). Staphylococcus aureus was isolated in 9.1% and there was no MRSA. It was found a 97.7% prevalence of PPB in the cultured aspirates; the most prevalent bacterium was P. aeruginosa and there was no MRSA identification. Data suggest an association between P. aeruginosa antimicrobial resistance with previous use of antibiotic therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Smartphones with an in-built camera are omnipresent today in the life of over eighty percent of the world's population. They are very often used to photograph documents. Document binarization is a key process in many document processing platforms. This paper assesses the quality, file size and time performance of sixty-eight binarization algorithms using five different versions of the input images. The evaluation dataset is composed of deskjet, laser and offset printed documents, photographed using six widely-used mobile devices with the strobe flash off and on, under two different angles and four shots with small variations in the position. Besides that, this paper also pinpoints the algorithms per device that may provide the best visual quality-time, document transcription accuracy-time, and size-time trade-offs. Furthermore, an indication is also given on the "overall winner" that would be the algorithm of choice if one has to use one algorithm for a smartphone-embedded application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background To facilitate clear and transparent reporting of observational studies the STROBE guidelines were developed. The aim of this investigation was to assess the reporting adherence of observational studies published in orthodontic journals in relation to STROBE guidelines. Associations between the reporting quality and study characteristics were explored. Materials and method A search of five leading orthodontic journals was undertaken to identify observational studies published between 1st January 2021 and 31st June 2021. Data extraction was performed in duplicate and independently. Descriptive statistics and frequency distributions for the responses to each checklist item were calculated. Proportional odds ordinal logistic regression for clustered data was implemented to assess potential associations between the three-level categorical outcome (not reported, inadequate reporting, adequate reporting) and study characteristics and individual checklist items. Results One hundred and thirty-five studies were analysed. The majority of studies were cohort designs (54.0%). Variability in the reporting of the STROBE guideline items was evident. In particular, a clear description of outcomes, exposures, predictors, potential confounders, and effect modifiers, statistical methods and participants were inadequately reported. In the multivariable analysis, the overall score test indicated that only item was a significant predictor of reporting quality (P < 0.001). Conclusions The findings of this study have highlighted that the reporting of observational studies published in orthodontic journals in relation to the STROBE guidelines is sub-optimal. Key areas of inadequate reporting relate to methodology and results. Key determinant of reporting quality was the STROBE item. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Strobe training is a form of cognitive-motor training where the vision is impaired intermittently. The athlete has to use more effectively the limited visual stimuli that he receives or increase the influence from other analyzers. The study was conducted on 9 advanced youth climbers. They performed 6 training sessions wearing strobe glasses. After every training lesson, a feedback questionnaire was applied. They suggested that strobe training would increase: attention, memory, visualization, choosing an optimal ascending speed, body placement, sensory reorientation on proprioception, central and peripheral vision and intersegmental coordination. Among the disadvantages of this training method, athletes have identified: mental fatigue and dizziness. Despite the lack of previous knowledge about the effects of strobe training, they reported similar effects as scientific research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In two surveys in an Icelandic fjord, September 2016 and October 2018, the target strength (TS) of the euphausiid Thysanoessa raschii was estimated at four frequencies (38, 70, 120, 200 kHz) by matching the acoustic backscatter to the number of euphausiids detected by a Video Plankton Recorder (VPR). Using forward-looking strobe lights on the VPR and doubling the towing speed lowered the estimated target strength by 4.3 dB. In 2016, the TS for euphausiids of mean length 20.7 mm averaged −98.4, −92.3, −86.6 and −82.8 dB at 38, 70, 120 and 200 kHz frequencies, respectively. In 2018, TS for euphausiids of mean length 19.9 mm averaged −98.2 dB at 38 kHz and −88.3 dB at 120 kHz. Theoretical modeling using a Distorted-Wave Born Approximation-based approach was used to compute the average target strength for the observed length distributions and for several density and sound speed contrast (g, h) and orientations. Except at 38 kHz, these results are in reasonable agreement with the TS estimated from the VPR-acoustic comparisons. The methodological approach presented provides an alternative to net-acoustic comparison or modeling for the estimation of euphausiid target strength. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Euphausiids are difficult to catch quantitatively with most net sampling systems due to avoidance of the nets. Previous studies have shown that bright lights may reduce euphausiid net avoidance from relatively large net sampling systems. This study describes experiments where strobe lights were mounted on the smaller Bongo net frame, and net avoidance evaluated by repeated towing through layers of euphausiids, as evidenced from acoustic backscattering data, with the strobe lights either on or off. The study was conducted both in fjord and offshore environments. The results show that the use of strobe lights significantly increases the catches of Thysanoessa raschii , T. inermis and Meganyctiphanes norvegica , and that the increase is mainly due to increased catches of the older components of the populations, whereas juveniles of the spring generations are relatively unaffected. The results for T. longicaudata are less conclusive although they indicate that the catches of this species are also positively affected by the strobe lights. The results lend support to the hypothesis that the use of the strobe lights increases catches by reducing net avoidance behavior of the euphausiids rather than by attracting them, and the catches therefore better representing the composition of the stock than if the lights were not used. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To illustrate the boon rather than a calamity that total laryngectomy can be for a patient with laryngeal cancer in the 21st century. An observational retrospective analysis using the STROBE guideline compared two cohorts of patients with previously untreated cancer, managed by total laryngectomy: the first consisting of 123 patients collected by Morell Mackenzie during the fifteen years (1873–1887) following the initial description, and the second consisting of 53 patients consecutively treated in a French university otorhinolaryngology department during the fifteen years (2006–2020) preceding the 150th anniversary of the first performance. The main endpoint was the comparison of survival and locoregional control estimates (Kaplan-Meier life table method). Secondary endpoints comprised mortality estimates and causes, adjuvant treatments, and phonation modalities. The 26.2%, 13.1%, and 13.1% 1-, 3-, and 5-year actuarial survival estimates in the Makenzie cohort increased to 88.6%, 68.4%, and 60.9% in the recent French cohort (P < 0.0001). The 50.1%, 40.4%, and 34.7% 1-, 3-, and 5-year actuarial locoregional control estimates in the Mackenzie cohort increased to 83.7% (P < 0.0001). The 77.7% overall mortality in the Mackenzie cohort decreased to 37.7% (P <.0001). In the Mackenzie cohort, 97.8% of deaths were related to postoperative complications and locoregional recurrence, compared to 50% in the recent French cohort. Distant metastasis, metachronous second primary tumor and intercurrent diseases, not mentioned in the Mackenzie cohort, generated 45% of deaths in the French cohort. Adjunctive treatment was not used in the Mackenzie cohort, whereas neck dissection and postoperative radiation therapy were associated in respectively 98.1% and 69.8% of cases in the French cohort. Phonation was not documented in the Mackenzie cohort; 50% of survivors in the French cohort used a phonatory implant. The 20th century witnessed an incredible turn-around. Total laryngectomy, with limited indications, has transformed the etiology of deaths and no longer leaves patients " in a state of abject misery" as Morell Mackenzie put it in 1888. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main aim of the study was to determine whether the perception of synkinesis by patients with peripheral facial palsy (PFP) matched their clinician's severity assessment. Secondary objectives comprised: (1) to determine whether objective measurement of synkinesis matched the patient's perception; and (2) is to identify factors influencing patients' perceptions. This retrospective study took place from January to May 2020. Forty patients (8 per PFP grade, I-V/VI; 20 women, 20 men) filled out the Synkinesis Assessment Questionnaire (SAQ) and were assessed on the Sunnybrook Facial Grading System (SFGS). Photographs were analyzed on MEEI-Facegram software. Perceived synkinesis (total SAQ) matched objective grades (SFGS) (Z = 2.89; P = 0.004), especially for smiling (Z = 3.84; P < 0.001) and lip protrusion (Z = 3.79; P < 0.001). Synkinesis on lip protrusion was a more sensitive indicator of perceived synkinesis than synkinesis on smiling (Z = 2.96; P = 0.003). Duration (ρ = 0.5137; P < 0.001) and grade of PFP (Chi2 = 13.82; P = 0.008) heightened the perception of synkinesis. Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) such as the SAQ are relevant for clinical evaluation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To evaluate reviewing and editorial decision for articles submitted to the European Annals of Otorhinolaryngology Head & Neck Diseases. A retrospective analysis was made of reviewers' comments on 1,133 scientific articles (700 original articles, 96 literature reviews, and 337 case reports), originating from 69 countries, consecutively submitted on-line between January 1st, 2020 and December 31st, 2021. The main objective was to document the acceptance rate and decision time. Accessory objectives were to synthesize the main comments and to screen for correlations between acceptance and the main characteristics of first authors, articles and reviewers' comments. In total, 4.1% of submitted articles were accepted. Median decision time differed significantly (P < 0.0001), at 1 month in case of refusal and 4 months in case of acceptance. Reviewers mentioned failure to adhere to the journal's authors' guide, to use the appropriate EQUATOR guidelines and to adopt the recommended P < 0.005 significance threshold in 94.8%, 54.2%, and 39.9% of cases, respectively. On multivariate analysis, 3 variables significantly impacted acceptance, which increased from 1.3% to 44.6% (P < 0.0001) when an appropriate EQUATOR guideline was used and from 0.3% to 57.4% (P < 0.0001) when the significance threshold was set at P < 0.005, and decreased from 10.5% to 1.1% (P = 0.0001) when the article did not originate from a French-speaking country (member of the Francophonie organization). Adhesion to modern scientific medical writing rules increased acceptance rates for articles in the European Annals of Otorhinolaryngology Head & Neck Diseases. Teaching modern scientific medical writing needs to be enhanced in otorhinolaryngology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To evaluate the impact of the first three waves of COVID-19 on the academic and surgical training of ENT and Head and Neck Surgery residents in France. Observational, retrospective study. A 55-item survey of academic education and surgical training was sent to ENT residents in five major French regions (Île-de-France, Rhône-Alpes Auvergne, Occitanie, Grand Est, Grand Ouest) from August to October 2021. Eighty-nine out of 135 residents (66%) responded. Two-thirds considered that surgical training was more affected than academic education, with reductions evaluated of 50–75%, 25–50% and 0–25% for the first three waves, respectively. Residents in Île-de-France, Rhône-Alpes Auvergne and Grand Est were the most affected by the first wave (75–100% reduction in surgical activity, in parallel to increased admissions). Otology, rhinology and functional exploration were the most affected, whereas pediatrics and oncology were spared. Seventy-one of the 89 residents (79.7%) felt that the first wave impacted their career, while this proportion decreased to 39.3% and 44.9% for the second and third waves, respectively. The first wave of COVID-19, compared to the following two waves, severely impacted the surgical training of French ENT residents, especially in regions severely impacted by the pandemic, while academic education was relatively safeguarded by the implementation of e-learning alternatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The regularities of the formation of the spatial-energy profile of the visibility zone of active-pulse vision systems are studied numerically with the noise threshold taken into account. Consideration is limited to the case of objects with a known distance to them, which are observed by moving the visibility zone in their vicinity. It is shown that the equation used previously in the literature, where the length of the visibility zone is uniquely determined by the sum of the lengths of the laser illumination Δtlas and strobe ΔtPhD pulses, is correct for relatively small distances to the objects, where the maximum (peak) values of the signal contrast are close to unity. As the distance is increased, the length of the visibility zone is reduced. When the duration of the illumination pulses Δtlas (beginning with the minimum possible value) and the simultaneous fulfillment of the condition Δtlas + ΔtPhD =const is met the length of the visibility zone increases relatively rapidly in the zone where the maximum values of the signal Emax increase. In the range corresponding to a reduction in Emax, the length of the visibility zone asymptotically approaches the previously known limiting possible value. For the first time a decrease in the length of the visibility zone for fixed durations of the illumination and strobe pulses is confirmed experimentally with increasing distances to the object. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of national research databases has become more prevalent for studying various neurosurgical diseases. Despite the advantages of using large databases to glean clinical insight, variation remains in the methodology and reporting among studies. Using STROBE and RECORD guidelines, we evaluated the quality of reporting of the database literature investigating surgical management of benign pituitary adenomas. In this systematic review of the PubMed/MEDLINE database, we identified studies employing large national research databases of patients who underwent surgery for benign pituitary adenoma. We evaluated each of these studies using the STROBE-RECORD reporting guideline criteria to assess their quality. A total of 42 studies from 2003 to 2020 were identified for inclusion. The two raters demonstrated a κ = 0.228 with 84% overall agreement. Commonly underreported criteria included bias (discussed in 56% of studies), main result reporting (70%), subgroup analysis (69%), generalizability (68%), and funding (57%). These factors, in addition to the data sources/measurement criteria, also had the largest discrepancies between reviewers. About 20% of administrative database reviews did not accurately address bias or control for confounding variables. We found frequent underreporting of crucial information and criteria that can be challenging to identify may limit large database studies of pituitary adenomas. Improved reporting of certain criteria is critical to optimize reader understanding of large database studies. This would allow better dissemination and implementation of study findings, especially as the use of these research tools increases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. The 2011 Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) directive to make a research component compulsory for specialist registration has been decried in some circles as encouraging low-quality research. Objective. To assess the reporting quality of South African (SA) MMed mini-dissertations using the STROBE checklist. Methods. A total of 100 monograph-format mini-dissertations reporting retrospective observational research were extracted from a pool of 335 minidissertations. Analysis of each was undertaken using a 24-point STROBE Statement checklist. Scoring was as follows: 1 = the item was compliant with STROBE recommendations; 0.5 = partially described; and 0 = not addressed at all. Satisfactory compliance was set at 66%, thus a STROBE score of 17-24 was considered satisfactory. Data were entered into an Excel spread sheet and analysed descriptively. Results. STROBE item compliance for individual mini-dissertations was at a mean of 83.1%; range 50-97%; median 85% and mode 89%. Sixteen minidissertations were non-compliant, scoring below 17 as per the set threshold of 66%. This indicates an 84% satisfactory sample. Only Item 5 (Key settings and locations) was at 100% compliance. The four lowest scores were for STROBE items (9) Bias (29.5%); (10) Study size/power analysis (52%); (1) Title (69%) and (14) Missing data (69%). Conclusion. The majority of sampled mini-dissertations, evaluated as per STROBE recommendations, are transparently reported to allow the reader to follow what was planned, done, found and which conclusions were drawn. As such the results confer a measure of reporting quality on the SA MMed research endeavour. The use of dissertation templates, commonly using STROBE-type headings and prompts, might have contributed to the good scores obtained. Importantly, areas of weakness in the writing of the SA MMed mini-dissertations have been highlighted and show which items require attention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Endoscopic modified transseptal bi-nostril approach minimizes turbinate and olfactory mucosal invasion and ensures preservation of the turbinates and bilateral olfaction. The main objective of this study was to investigate the pre- and postoperative variations in olfactory function in patients using this approach, and the secondary objective was to investigate the complications associated with the surgical procedure. This study is a single-center prospective cohort study using STROBE analysis. To completely protect the bilateral turbinates and olfactory epithelium, this procedure provided access to the sphenoid sinus by a transseptal approach via the left nasal cavity and by the olfactory cleft approach via the right nasal cavity without any turbinate resection. A T&T olfactometer was used to assess the mean recognition threshold of the left, right, and bilateral nasal passages before and after surgery, and complications associated with the surgical approach were investigated. We included 27 patients who underwent endoscopic modified transseptal pituitary surgery with an olfactory and turbinate preservation approach at our hospital between April 2018 and December 2019. The mean postoperative recognition threshold of the right, left, and bilateral nasal cavities did not worsen (P < 0.001 for all) relative to the preoperative values, and there was no difference in values between the right and left nasal cavities (P = 0.85). The nasal turbinates were preserved in all patients during the study period, and no recurrence was observed. Our modified EETSA could be implemented as an approach for turbinate and olfaction preservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Image-based cell sorting is essential in biological and biomedical research. The sorted cells can be used for downstream analysis to expand our knowledge of cell-to-cell differences. We previously demonstrated a user-friendly image-activated microfluidic cell sorting technique using an optimized and fast deep learning algorithm. Real-time isolation of cells was carried out using this technique with an inverted microscope. In this study, we devised a recently upgraded sorting system. The cell sorting techniques shown on the microscope were implemented as a real system. Several new features were added to make it easier for the users to conduct the real-time sorting of cells or particles. The newly added features are as follows: (1) a high-resolution linear piezo-stage is used to obtain in-focus images of the fast-flowing cells; (2) an LED strobe light was incorporated to minimize the motion blur of fast-flowing cells; and (3) a vertical syringe pump setup was used to prevent the cell sedimentation. The sorting performance of the upgraded system was demonstrated through the real-time sorting of fluorescent polystyrene beads. The sorter achieved a 99.4% sorting purity for 15 μ m and 10 μ m beads with an average throughput of 22.1 events per second (eps). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]