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The article delves into the process of determining SEP license fees and infringement compensation in China, particularly focusing on negotiations between patent holders and implementers. The recent ruling by the Supreme People’s Court in the case between ACT and OPPO established a Chinese model for resolving SEP disputes, emphasizing factors like negotiation behaviors, market value considerations, and good faith negotiations. The court's guidelines address issues such as the application of different approaches in determining compensation, the obligation of implementers to provide sales data, and the importance of a favorable judicial environment for all parties involved in the SEP industry. The ongoing resolution of SEP disputes is viewed as a step towards developing a comprehensive adjudicative system in China. [Extracted from the article]

Introduction Methods Results Discussion and Conclusions In recent years gamma hydroxybutyrate (GHB) use appears to have increased. This study aimed to determine: (i) population rates of GHB‐related death in Australia, 2001–2021; and (ii) whether there have been changes in the characteristics of GHB‐related death in Australia over the period 2001–2023.Retrospective study of all Australian cases in which GHB was a mechanism contributory to death retrieved from the National Coronial Information System (n = 217). Joinpoint regression models were used to analyse trends in overall rates.Death rates were stable between 2001 and 2015 (‘stable period’) (annual percent change [APC] = 3.7) but showed marked acceleration between 2016 and 2021 (‘accelerated period’) (APC = 44.4). Circumstances of death were: unintentional toxicity (81.6%), intentional toxicity (5.1%), self‐harm (6.0%), traumatic injury (7.4%). Compared to the stable period, later cases were slightly older (34.2 vs. 30.7 years, p < 0.05), less likely to be employed (odds ratio [OR] 0.4), but more likely to have substance use problems (OR 3.9), a history of injecting drug use (OR 3.5), mental health problems (OR 3.6), and to have present in their blood at toxicological screening opioids (OR 3.2) and hypnosedatives (OR 3.7). The median blood GHB concentration was 170 mg/L, (range 0–3210), which did not change significantly. There were no differences in major organ pathology, but the proportion with aspiration pneumonia declined (OR 0.4).GHB‐related death rates increased from 2016, accompanied by changes in case characteristics. In recent years GHB use appears to have extended to a population more likely to have substance use problems and use other respiratory depressants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Close supervision of HIV infected infants is necessary because of the rapid progression of immune deterioration that may occur in the first months of life. Objectives: To determine the loss to follow-up rate, reasons and associated risk factors among mother-infant pairs in a routine PMTCT programme. Methods: This was a case control study that involved mother-infant pairs enrolled within 72 hours of delivery for follow-up in a PMTCT programme. Loss to follow-up was deemed to have occurred where more than two consecutive visits to the clinic had been missed. The defaulting mother-infant pairs were traced through telephone calls and home visits, where possible. Results: One hundred and seventy-eight mother-infant pairs were enrolled between August 2002 and February 2005, out of which 18 were excluded. Fifty-eight (36.25 percent) of the remaining 160 were lost to follow-up. Among the 58 defaulters, 28 (48.27 percent) could not be traced as a result of false contact addresses. The most common reason for loss to follow up among the 30 mother-infant pairs traced, was apparent good health in the babies. After tracking and counseling, 18 (60 percent) resumed regular follow-up. The mean ages of mothers and babies at the time of default were 28.87 years (SD+4.52 years) and 15.31 weeks (SD+14.05 weeks), respectively. Attainment of post-secondary education, non-membership in a support group and lack of partner notification were associated with increased risk of default. Conclusions: The high loss to follow-up rate from this study highlights the need to improve on the postnatal follow-up of HIV-exposed babies.

Objective We analyzed application and match rates for pain medicine training in the United States and hypothesized that there would be (1) greater growth in the number of training positions than applicants, (2) higher match rates among US allopathic graduates relative to non-US allopathic graduates, and (3) greater number of unfilled training positions over time. Design Retrospective, cross-sectional study of all applicants for pain medicine training in the United States. Method National Resident Matching Program data were obtained over a ten-year period (2014-2023). Match rates and applicant-to-position ratios were calculated and compared over time with linear regression. Comparisons were made with chi-square tests. Results Growth in the number of annual training positions (261-377, 44% increase) exceeded growth in the number of interested applicants (398-415, 4% increase) (P  < .001). Annual applicant-to-training position ratios decreased (1.5-1.1, P  < .001). The representation of US allopathic graduates among incoming pain medicine fellows decreased over the study period (73%-58%, P  < .001) while US osteopathic graduates increased (9%-28%, P  < .001). Match rates increased for both US allopathic graduates (71%-91%, P  < .001) and non-US allopathic graduates (51%-81%, P  < .001). From 2018 to 2023, US allopathic graduates (79%) had higher match rates than US osteopathic graduates (60%, P  < .001) and international medical graduates (57%, P  < .001). More available annual training positions went unfilled over the study period (2%-5%, P  = .006). Conclusions Stagnant annual applicant volume and increasing number of available training positions have led to increasing match rates for pain medicine fellowship training. Fewer US allopathic graduates are pursuing pain medicine training. The increasing percentage of unfilled training positions warrants ongoing surveillance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ecuador has maintained an active participation in the international market thanks to the improvement of the productive sectors, plus the management of representative organizations abroad, managing to promote negotiation ties with global organizations such as the European Union. Commercial import transactions have estimated a growing development in several regions of the country, especially in the rural sector. For several years there have been imported products such as agricultural inputs that necessarily forge and demand a constant utility, to sustain local productions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: We evaluated the effect of a 381‐mm minimum length limit (MLL) on saugeye (female Walleye Sander vitreus × male Sauger S. canadensis) population and fishery characteristics implemented in Ohio reservoirs in 2011. Methods: Using a before‐after–control‐impact study design (n = 6 control populations and n = 11 impact populations that received the MLL), we compared total CPUE, age‐2+ CPUE, proportional stock density‐harvestable (381‐mm), and length at age 2 (to index growth) determined from standardized gill‐net surveys and saugeye angler effort, catch rate, harvest rate, length of saugeye at harvest, yield, and satisfaction obtained from standardized creel surveys. Result: We found evidence that the 381‐mm MLL led to an increase in age‐2+ CPUE but had no effect on other saugeye population metrics. In the regulation reservoirs, harvest rates declined following MLL implementation. Total length of harvested saugeye did not increase significantly in response to the MLL, and combined with decreased harvest rates, yield was suppressed in the regulation reservoirs relative to the control reservoirs. However, over 90% of anglers reported that they were satisfied with the MLL during creel surveys. Conclusion: Despite marginal influence on saugeye populations and failure to increase yield, anglers supported the MLL. Our results suggest that the effects of harvest regulations may be marginal, and managers should consider the nuances of angler satisfaction in regulation decisions. Impact statementFisheries management agencies commonly use minimum length limits to attempt to improve recreational fisheries; however, robust evaluations of regulation success are often lacking. In saugeye fisheries, minimum length limits minimally affected population size structure and angler yield but still received strong angler support. Fisheries managers should implement rigorous experimental designs in regulation evaluations and consider both biological and social effects of fishery regulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Exchangeable item repair systems are inventory systems. A nonfunctional item is exchanged for a functional item and returns to the system after being repaired. In our periodic review setting, repair is performed either in-house or outsourced. When repair is in-house, a repaired item is returned to stock regardless of the repair status of the other items in its order. In contrast, with outsourced repair, the entire order must be repaired for it to return to stock. Methods: We develop formulas for the window fill rate (probability for a customer to be served within a given time window) to measure the system's performance and compute it for each repair model. The cost of outsourcing is the difference between the number of spares needed to maintain a target performance level when repair is internal and when it is outsourced. Results and Conclusions: In our numerical example, we show that the window fill rate in both models is S-shaped in the number of spares and show how the graph shifts to the right when customer tolerance decreases and order cycle time increases. Further, we show that the cost of outsourcing is increasing with customer tolerance and with the target performance level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ContextSegregation has been linked to unequal life chances. Individuals from marginalized communities experience more crime, higher levels of poverty, poorer health, and less civic engagement. In addition, segregated metropolitan regions have been found to display inequality in access to basic services. This article builds on these findings by linking segregation to infection and deaths from COVID-19.MethodsUsing census data matched to COVID infection and death statistics at the county level, this article offers a theoretical basis for the researchers' choice of segregation measures and predictions for different racial groups. It analyzes the relationship between two dimensions of segregation-racial isolation and racial unevenness-and COVID outcomes for different racial and ethnic groups.FindingsIn counties where Black and Latino residents lived in more racially isolated neighborhoods, they were much more likely to contract COVID-19. This pattern was exacerbated in counties with a high proportion of frontline workers. In addition, racial segregation increased COVID-19 death rates for Black, Latino, and white residents.ConclusionsThese findings suggest that devastating outcomes of the coronavirus pandemic were linked to a long history of racial marginalization and entrenched discrimination produced by structural inequalities embedded in our geographies. This knowledge should be used to inform public health planning.

Abstract Importance Large-scale estimates of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) are warranted for adequate prevention and treatment. However, systematic approaches to ascertain rates of BPD are lacking. Objective To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the prevalence of BPD in very low birth weight (≤ 1,500 g) or very low gestational age (

This retrospective cohort study identifies differences between rates of selected mental illnesses and sleep disorders according to eight gynecological problems. Analyses utilize medical claims data for adult employees of a large corporation during 2017–2021. Women with a gynecological problem (most notably pain, endometriosis, pelvic inflammation and bleeding) are significantly more likely to experience mental illness. Several gynecological problems are also significantly associated with sleep disorders. Women with a gynecological problem (vs. none) are 50% more likely to have a mental health problem and 44% more likely to have a sleep disorder after adjusting for age, marital status, dependent children and year. The largest differences between higher (%) mental illness and sleep disorders appear for hyperplasia (6% vs. 45%), cancer (11% vs. 68%), pelvic inflammation (46% vs. 79%) and pain (79% vs. 43%), respectively. On the other hand, the rate of having one or more gynecological problems ranges from 7.1% for women with no mental illness or sleep disorder to 20.6% for women with schizophrenia. Understanding the association between gynecological problems, mental illness and sleep disorders can help clinicians more effectively identify and treat patients.

Importance: Large-scale estimates of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) are warranted for adequate prevention and treatment. However, systematic approaches to ascertain rates of BPD are lacking. Objective: To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the prevalence of BPD in very low birth weight (≤ 1,500 g) or very low gestational age (< 32 weeks) neonates. Data sources: A search of MEDLINE from January 1990 until September 2019 using search terms related to BPD and prevalence was performed. Study selection: Randomized controlled trials and observational studies evaluating rates of BPD in very low birth weight or very low gestational age infants were eligible. Included studies defined BPD as positive pressure ventilation or oxygen requirement at 28 days (BPD28) or at 36 weeks postmenstrual age (BPD36). Data extraction and synthesis: Two reviewers independently conducted all stages of the review. Random-effects meta-analysis was used to calculate the pooled prevalence. Subgroup analyses included gestational age group, birth weight group, setting, study period, continent, and gross domestic product. Sensitivity analyses were performed to reduce study heterogeneity. Main outcomes and measures: Prevalence of BPD defined as BPD28, BPD36, and by subgroups. Results: A total of 105 articles or databases and 780,936 patients were included in this review. The pooled prevalence was 35% (95% CI, 28-42%) for BPD28 (n = 26 datasets, 132,247 neonates), and 21% (95% CI, 19-24%) for BPD36 (n = 70 studies, 672,769 neonates). In subgroup meta-analyses, birth weight category, gestational age category, and continent were strong drivers of the pooled prevalence of BPD. Conclusions and relevance: This study provides a global estimation of BPD prevalence in very low birth weight/low gestation neonates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The RNA polymerase II (Pol II) elongation rate influences poly(A) site selection, with slow and fast Pol II derivatives causing upstream and downstream shifts, respectively, in poly(A) site utilization. In yeast, depletion of either of the histone chaperones FACT or Spt6 causes an upstream shift of poly(A) site use that strongly resembles the poly(A) profiles of slow Pol II mutant strains. Like slow Pol II mutant strains, FACT-and Spt6-depleted cells exhibit Pol II processivity defects, indicating that both Spt6 and FACT stimulate the Pol II elongation rate. Poly(A) profiles of some genes show atypical downstream shifts; this subset of genes overlaps well for FACT-or Spt6-depleted strains but is different from the atypical genes in Pol II speed mutant strains. In contrast, depletion of histone H3 or H4 causes a downstream shift of poly(A) sites for most genes, indicating that nucleosomes inhibit the Pol II elongation rate in vivo. Thus, chromatin-based control of the Pol II elongation rate is a potential mechanism, distinct from direct effects on the cleavage/polyadenylation machinery, to regulate alternative polyadenylation in response to genetic or environmental changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Trefoil factor 3 (TFF-3) is a peptide that restores the epithelium as protection against injury. Recently, TFF-3 was shown to be expressed in kidney tubular cells and was associated with fbrosis. We aimed to determine whether TFF-3 is associated with kidney outcomes. Methods: We evaluated TFF-3 expression and its relationship with mesangial hypercellularity, endocapillary hypercellularity, segmental glomerulosclerosis, tubular atrophy/interstitial fbrosis and crescents (MEST-C) score, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-10 (IL-10), and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) expression in the kidney. We included 28 immunoglobulin A (IgA) patients with initial estimated glomerular fltration rate (eGFR) ≥ 30 mL/min/1.73m2 and proteinuria ≥0.5 g/day. Kidney biopsies were scored using MEST-C and were stained for TFF-3, IL10, TGF-β, and TNF-α. Results: Mean patient age was 37.0 ± 13.8 years and eGFR was 74.6 ± 41.2 mL/min/1.73 m2 . Patients were followed for 9.1 ± 3.6 years. Trefoil factor 3 was positive in 67.9% of patients exclusively in tubular cells. Tumor growth factor-β was also observed only in tubular cells in 71.4% of patients and was higher in TFF-3-positive patients (89.5% vs. 22.2%, P < .05). When patients with and without TFF-3 staining were compared, there was no diference in age, eGFR, albumin, or proteinuria. Yearly eGFR change was also similar (−0.5 ± 2.3 vs. −1.3 ± 2.4 mL/min/1.73 m2, P = .44). Trefoil factor 3 was not associated with kidney survival. The MEST-C score was not correlated with TFF-3. Trefoil factor 3 staining showed correlation with TGF-β but was not associated with kidney survival in IgA patients. Conclusion: Findings of the study imply TFF-3 is not a marker of permanent damage but might simply be a marker of the repair of ongoing tubular injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In choosing healthcare services, price and waiting time are two important factors that matter to patients. Price is set by healthcare providers, while waiting time is usually endogenously determined by patient choice and the healthcare provider's capacity investment. We study the pricing and capacity design for profit-driven hospitals offering two types of healthcare services—regular and premium—serving heterogeneous patients who choose from either of the two types of services. Patients make their choices based on both price and endogenously determined equilibrium waiting time. We then benchmark profit-driven hospitals to welfare-driven hospitals to reveal how the behaviors of for-profit hospitals deviate from the socially optimal outcomes in patients waiting, service capacity, and price. We find that fewer patients are treated by premium services in profit-driven hospitals, and thus profit-driven hospitals invest less in premium service capacity and charge a higher premium for premium services than welfare-driven hospitals. These inefficiency distortions exist in profit-driven hospitals primarily because they are incentivized to differentiate between the waiting times of the two types of service to induce patients to pay a higher premium for premium services. Our results also show that if the inefficiency in patient partition is corrected, profit-driven hospitals would choose the welfare-maximizing level of premium service capacity and thus achieve socially optimal results. However, we also find that regulations such as price ceiling and capacity regulation cannot fully correct the inefficiency in patient partition and capacity decisions of profit-driven hospitals. Lastly, the model is extended in several ways to ensure robustness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Treat-all strategies improved patient outcomes, despite higher rates of loss to follow-up compared to the pre-treat era. Patients in Ethiopia experienced a higher rate of LTFU during the treat-all strategy period; however, studies did not identify contributing factors in comparison with previous strategies. This study aimed to assess the incidence and predictors of loss to follow-up before and after the start of the treat-all strategy among adults on anti-retroviral therapy in public health facilities in Hawassa City, Ethiopia. Methods: An institution-based retrospective follow-up study was conducted among 1190 randomly selected adults on antiretroviral therapy in public health facilities in Hawassa City. Using the Open Data Kit (ODK), data were collected from medical records and exported to Stata version 16 and R 4.2.1 for analysis. A Grays test and cumulative incidence curve were used to compare the cumulative incidence function of loss to follow-up. Bivariable and multivariable competing risk regression were fitted to identify predictors of LTFU and variables with a p-value <0.05 were considered significant. Results: The cumulative incidence of lost-to-follow-up was 4.92(3.84,6.3) and 8.67(7.26,10.3) per 100 person-years (PY) in pre-treat all and treat all cohorts, respectively. The cumulative incidence of mortality was 5.86(4.67,7.35) and 3(2.26,4.12) per 100 PY in pre-treat and treat all cohorts, respectively. Fair/poor adherence (aSHR:5.17; (95% CI 1.97, 13.51), underweight (aSHR:2.13; 95% CI: 1.15–3.93) and WHO stage III/IV (aSHR:2.69; 95% CI: 1.27, 5.71) were predictors of loss up in pre—treat all, whereas fair/poor adherence (aSHR = 2.07; 95% CI: 1.18, 3.68), underweight (aSHR:1.71; 95% CI: 1.13, 2.56), and CD4 cell >350 cell/m3 (aSHR: 1.67; 95% CI: 1.05, 2.65) predicts of loss up in treat all cohorts. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that the incidence of loss to follow-up was considerably higher in the treat-all period as compared to the pre-treat-all era. Poor medication compliance, underweight, and a CD4 level >350 cells/m3 contributed to the higher rate of LTFU in the treat-all strategy. Targeted interventions, such as nutritional support and strengthening medication adherence counseling, should be implemented to maintain treatment retention and reduce antiretroviral therapy dropout rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Genomic surveillance is crucial for tracking emergence and spread of novel variants of pathogens, such as SARS-CoV-2, to inform public health interventions and to enforce control measures. However, in some settings especially in low- and middle- income counties, where sequencing platforms are limited, only certain patients get to be selected for sequencing surveillance. Here, we show that patients with multiple comorbidities potentially harbour SARS-CoV-2 with higher mutation rates and thus deserve more attention for genomic surveillance. The relationship between the patient comorbidities, and type of amino acid mutations was assessed. Correlation analysis showed that there was a significant tendency for mutations to occur within the ORF1a region for patients with higher number of comorbidities. Frequency analysis of the amino acid substitution within ORF1a showed that nsp3 P822L of the PLpro protease was one of the highest occurring mutations. Using molecular dynamics, we simulated that the P822L mutation in PLpro represents a system with lower Root Mean Square Deviation (RMSD) fluctuations, and consistent Radius of gyration (Rg), Solvent Accessible Surface Area (SASA) values—indicate a much stabler protein than the wildtype. The outcome of this study will help determine the relationship between the clinical status of a patient and the mutations of the infecting SARS-CoV-2 virus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There has been little information on the actual diagnosis of pulmonary lesions in patients with a history of urinary tract transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) and short- and long- outcomes of pulmonary resection for these patients. Methods: In the present study, the data of 37 consecutive patients with a history of TCC who underwent pulmonary resection for solitary pulmonary lesions were reviewed, and the clinical factors and short- and long-term outcomes were analyzed. Results: The study population included 35 male patients, and 2 female patients. The mean age was 72.5 years. Twenty patients (80%) were smokers and showed a high incidence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Pulmonary lesions and primary TCC were detected simultaneously in 5 patients and metachronously in 32 patients. The median interval between treatment for primary TCC and the detection of pulmonary lesion was 43 months. The mean tumor diameter was 23 mm. The types of resection included lobectomy (n = 19), segmentectomy (n = 8), and partial resection (n = 10). Twelve of 37 patients (32%) developed postoperative complications. The pathological diagnoses included primary lung cancer (n = 28), pulmonary metastasis from TCC (n = 7), and others (n = 2). The 5-year overall survival rate for all patients was 72%. The 5-year overall survival rate of patients with primary lung cancer was 74%, while that of patients with pulmonary metastasis from TCC was 57%. Conclusions: Surgery can be proactively considered for treating pulmonary lesions in patients with a previous history of TCC, as it provides favorable long-term outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Relapse is a clinical concern in dogs diagnosed with immune‐mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA), thrombocytopenia (ITP), or polyarthritis (IMPA). The average time to relapse is unknown, and evidence that vaccination is associated with disease relapse is lacking. Hypothesis/Objectives: Compare the incidence of relapse in groups of dogs with IMHA, ITP, or IMPA over a 24‐month period after diagnosis and compare proportions of dogs that received vaccines in those dogs that did and did not relapse. Animals: One hundred sixty client‐owned dogs (73 with IMHA, 55 with ITP, 32 with IMPA). Methods: Medical records of dogs were reviewed with the goal of following cases for a minimum of 2 years. Incidence of relapse was calculated for each disease, and relapse rates in dogs that were or were not vaccinated after diagnosis were compared. Results: Relapse rates at 12 months differed significantly among disease groups (P =.02), with a higher rate for IMPA (35%) compared to IMHA (11%) or ITP (11%). Relapse rate at 24 months was 41% for IMPA, 18% for IMHA, and 23% for ITP. Ninety percent of IMPA relapses occurred in the first 12 months after diagnosis, compared with 56% for IMHA and 50% for ITP. Vaccine administration after diagnosis was not associated with relapse (P =.78). Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Risk of disease relapse in IMPA is highest in the first year after diagnosis, with a higher relapse rate compared with IMHA and ITP. The role of vaccination in disease relapse remains unclear. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To describe the burden and causes of disease in Mexican women in 1990 and 2019, based on the data disaggregation by age groups and states. Also, to evaluate the relationship of years of healthy life lost with the Socio-demographic Index (SDI) and with the Healthcare Access and Quality (HAQ) Index. This was an ecological descriptive study. Based on the Global Burden of Disease, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study study, the age-standardized and age-specific rates for mortality, years of life lost (YLLs), years lived with disability (YLDs), and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) were reported. At the national level, the all-cause age-standardized rates for Mexican women decreased in mortality −28.8%; YLLs -39.8%; YLDs −1.3%; and DALYs −26.2%. For 2019, the indicators analyzed had the worst performances in Chiapas and Chihuahua, while women in Sinaloa had the lowest age-standardized rates. In 1990, it is worth noting that there was a remarkable presence of CDs, mainly in YLLs. In all age groups, diabetes mellitus was the leading cause of DALYs in Mexico's 32 states, followed by CKD (in 24 states), and ischemic heart disease (in 18 states). In both 1990 and 2019, a negative and statistically significant correlation between DALYs and the HAQ Index was evident. The correlation between DALYs and the SDI was only significant in 1990. In the last 30 years, the burden of disease on Mexican women has undergone substantial changes that reflect progress in the improvement of their health conditions. However, the current scenario is complex because the convergence of communicable diseases, non-communicable diseases, and injuries is evident, which implies important challenges that must be addressed as soon as possible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rising length of stay and inpatient boarding in emergency departments have directly affected patient satisfaction and nearly all provider-to-patient care metrics. Prior studies suggest that ED observation has significant clinical and financial benefits including decreasing hospitalization and length of stay. ED observation is one method long employed to shorten ED length of stay and to free up inpatient beds, yet many patients continue to be admitted to the hospital with an average hospital length of stay of only one day. The objectives of this study were to evaluate whether vigorous tracking and provider reviews of one day hospital admits affected the utilization of ED observation and whether this correlated with significant change in rates of admission from observation status. Between September 2020 and May 2021, in a tertiary care hospital with an annual ED volume of 55,0000, chart reviews of 24-h inpatient discharges were initiated by two senior EM faculty to determine perceived suitability for ED observation. Non-punitive email reviews were then initiated with ED attending providers in order to encourage evaluation of whether these patients would have benefitted from being placed into observation. We then analyzed ED observation patient volumes and subsequent admission rates to the hospital from ED observation and compared these numbers to baseline ED observation volume and admission rates between September 2018 and May 2019. A total of 1448 reviews were conducted on 24-h discharges which correlated with an increase in utilization of ED observation from 11.77% (95% CI [11.62, 12.31]) of total ED volume in our control period to 14.21% (95% CI [13.84, 14.58]) during the study period. We found that the overall admission rate from ED observation increased from 20.12% (95% CI [18.97, 21.26]) baseline to 23.80% (95% CI [22.60, 25.00]) during the same time periods. Our data suggest that increasing the total number of patients placed into observation by 21% correlated with a relative increase in admission rates from ED observation by 18%. This would suggest that our efforts to potentially include more patients into our observation program led to a significant increase in subsequent admission rates. There is likely a balance that must be struck between under- and over-utilization of ED observation, and expanding ED observation may be an effective solution to hospital boarding and ED overcrowding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the paper, we explore the effects of monetary policy shock on the economic growth in systemically important countries such as the US, the Euro Area and China and their impact on Ukraine. Thus, the war in Ukraine and the rise of key policy rates by central banks to curb inflation have had a significant negative impact on economic activity. There has been both a significant decrease in trade activity and a slowdown in the services sector growth, which was the main engine of global economic growth at the beginning of 2023. Based on the vector autoregression model results, we demonstrated a slight initial decline of GDP growth with following stabilization in response to the rise of key policy rates in the US. In China, this decline is much bigger and constitutes 11% after the shock. In the Euro Area, we also observe a similar pattern as in the US with an initial decline up to 2% and a further return to equilibrium. Analyzing the results of the forecast error variance decomposition, we should note that GDP fluctuations in systemically significant economies are mainly explained by their own fluctuations. The key policy rate’s contribution ranges from 1% in the US to 11% in China. At the same time, economic growth in China is less vulnerable to inflation fluctuations, in the Eurozone we observe the most sustained one among the considered economies. In addition, the study shows that the key policy rate in the United States has a positive effect on the one in Ukraine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The impact of U.S. monetary policy (USMP) on domestic interest rates and goods markets in Emerging Market Economies (EMEs) remains a subject of ongoing debate. We investigate the fluctuations in U.S. interest rates across 17 inflation-targeting EMEs with flexible exchange rates from 2000–2020. Our findings reveal asymmetric contagion effects, with U.S. interest rate decrease having a more significant short-term impact than rate hikes. Long-term U.S. rates minimally influence EMEs’ domestic rates. Resilience is observed in EMEs with robust GDP growth and favorable trade balances, while increased capital inflows and stock market surges heighten contagion risks. Focusing on the short-term contagion effect on goods markets through international trade drivers, we find that global capital flows and US dollar fluctuations, combined with a rise in the FED rate, contribute to the deterioration of EMEs’ trade balance. The study underscores the need for EMEs to monitor and respond to U.S. monetary policy changes for financial stability and advocates for enhanced international dialogue among policymakers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cuba has worked on the development of photovoltaic energy to reduce dependence on fossil fuels. The residential sector has embraced the modality of installing solar panels on the roofs of their homes in order to reduce their rates. Unconsumed energy can be sold to the national electrical grid. In the study, through scenario analysis, with the Homer Pro, the approximate time to recover the initial investment and obtain profits was determined by evaluating its technical-economic viability with the objective of recovering the investment in 7 to 8 years. At provide a clear vision of how the study, when considering local conditions and needs, offers specific recommendations on adjusting tariffs to encourage investment in solar energy and highlights its relevance within the Havana context, so that prosumers can recover their investment in solar energy less time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Identify urinary catheter (UC)-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTI) incidence and risk factors (RF) in 235 ICUs in 8 Asian countries: India, Malaysia, Mongolia, Nepal, Pakistan, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam. From January 1, 2014, to February 12, 2022, we conducted a prospective cohort study. To estimate CAUTI incidence, the number of UC days was the denominator, and CAUTI was the numerator. To estimate CAUTI RFs, we analyzed 11 variables using multiple logistic regression. 84,920 patients hospitalized for 499,272 patient days acquired 869 CAUTIs. The pooled CAUTI rate per 1,000 UC-days was 3.08; for those using suprapubic-catheters (4.11); indwelling-catheters (2.65); trauma-ICU (10.55), neurologic-ICU (7.17), neurosurgical-ICU (5.28); in lower-middle-income countries (3.05); in upper-middle-income countries (1.71); at public-hospitals (5.98), at private-hospitals (3.09), at teaching-hospitals (2.04). The following variables were identified as CAUTI RFs: Age (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.01; 95% CI = 1.01-1.02; P <.0001); female sex (aOR = 1.39; 95% CI = 1.21-1.59; P <.0001); using suprapubic-catheter (aOR = 4.72; 95% CI = 1.69-13.21; P <.0001); length of stay before CAUTI acquisition (aOR = 1.04; 95% CI = 1.04-1.05; P <.0001); UC and device utilization-ratio (aOR = 1.07; 95% CI = 1.01-1.13; P =.02); hospitalized at trauma-ICU (aOR = 14.12; 95% CI = 4.68-42.67; P <.0001), neurologic-ICU (aOR = 14.13; 95% CI = 6.63-30.11; P <.0001), neurosurgical-ICU (aOR = 13.79; 95% CI = 6.88-27.64; P <.0001); public-facilities (aOR = 3.23; 95% CI = 2.34-4.46; P <.0001). CAUTI rate and risk are higher for older patients, women, hospitalized at trauma-ICU, neurologic-ICU, neurosurgical-ICU, and public facilities. All of them are unlikely to change. It is suggested to focus on reducing the length of stay and the Urinary catheter device utilization ratio, avoiding suprapubic catheters, and implementing evidence-based CAUTI prevention recommendations. • Identify rates and risk factors for CAUTI in ICUs of 8 Asian Countries. • A cohort study over 8 years with data on 84,920 patients from 8 Countries. • Length of stay increase the risk of CAUTI by 4% per day. • The urinary catheter and device utilization ratio increases the risk of CAUTI. • Age, female sex, suprapubic catheter, and public facilities increase CAUTI risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The need for clean water during the pandemic is significantly increasing due to high public awareness of adopting a clean and healthy lifestyle (PHBS), necessitating more water treatment. Conventional methods are used for water treatment, including coagulation-flocculation system, rapid sand filter, and disinfection. However, these methods have limitations such as reduced capacity and sand filter efficiency, leading to increased backwash costs due to the need for sand replacement caused by particle stratification. In response to these challenges, an innovative method to water treatment is the use of concrete sand filter (CSF). Previous studies predominantly focused on downflow filtration, but there has been limited analysis of horizontal flow. Therefore, this study aimed to assess filtration and backwash effectiveness of CSF with horizontal flow, specifically focusing on the capacity performance in treating water with varying levels of turbidity. Filtration experiment was carried out using simulated water at turbidity of 125 NTU based on the Mataram Channel Turbidity with variations of 0.2, 0.5, 1.0, 5.0, and 10.0 m hour-1, as well as backwash at flow rate of 40.91 m hour-1 for 3 minutes. The variables measured during filtration process included head losses and turbidity at the inlet and outlet of CSF. The results showed that the capacity performance during filtration process was directly proportional to flow rate. Meanwhile, the effectiveness of concrete filter was inversely proportional to flow rate. At initial turbidity 617 NTU, the 3 minutes backwash process obtained lower final turbidity compared to the raw water used, which was 5.19 NTU. Meanwhile, at turbidity 617 NTU, the final turbidity was still high, reaching approximately 14.6 - 26.4 NTU. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Diversitas Journal is the property of Diversitas Journal 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.)

Purpose: Identify urinary catheter (UC)-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTI) incidence and risk factors (RF) in Latin American Countries. Methods: From 01/01/2014 to 02/10/2022, we conducted a prospective cohort study in 145 ICUs of 67 hospitals in 35 cities in nine Latin American countries: Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Mexico, Panama, and Peru. To estimate CAUTI incidence, we used the number of UC-days as the denominator, and the number of CAUTIs as numerator. To estimate CAUTI RFs, we analyzed the following 10 variables using multiple logistic regression: gender, age, length of stay (LOS) before CAUTI acquisition, UC-days before CAUTI acquisition, UC-device utilization (DU) ratio, UC-type, hospitalizationtype, ICU type, facility ownership, and time period. Results: 31,631 patients, hospitalized for 214,669 patient-days, acquired 305 CAUTIs. The pooled CAUTI rate per 1000 UC-days was 2.58, for those using suprapubic catheters, it was 2.99, and for those with indwelling catheters, it was 2.21. The following variables were independently associated with CAUTI: age, rising risk 1% yearly (aOR = 1.01; 95% CI 1.01–1.02; p < 0.0001 female gender (aOR = 1.28; 95% CI 1.01–1.61; p = 0.04), LOS before CAUTI acquisition, rising risk 7% daily (aOR = 1.07; 95% CI 1.06–1.08; p < 0.0001, UC/DU ratio (aOR = 1.14; 95% CI 1.08–1.21; p < 0.0001, public facilities (aOR = 2.89; 95% CI 1.75–4.49; p < 0.0001. The periods 2014–2016 and 2017–2019 had significantly higher risks than the period 2020–2022. Suprapubic catheters showed similar risks as indwelling catheters. Conclusion: The following CAUTI RFs are unlikely to change: age, gender, hospitalization type, and facility ownership. Based on these findings, it is suggested to focus on reducing LOS, UC/DU ratio, and implementing evidence-based CAUTI prevention recommendations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Riwayat: Educational Journal of History & Humanities is the property of Riwayat: Educational Journal of History & Humanities 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.)

This study was conducted in a farmer’s field at Balantay, Dimasalang, Masbate, Philippines, to evaluate the performance of different eggplant varieties with different levels of vermicast fertilizers. The different varieties were arranged in the plot while the levels of vermicast applied were set in the sub-plot using a two-factorial design in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD). Growth parameters such as the number of days to flowering and plant height at maturity were evaluated. The fruit yield and other parameters like yield per treatment in kgs, number of marketable fruits, number of non-marketable fruits, yield per hectare basis, and the chemical analysis of the nutritional value of eggplant fruits were also gathered. Based on the result of the study, growth parameters, and yield performance, particularly on the number of days to flowering, plant height in cm at maturity period, yield per treatment in kilograms, number of marketable fruits, number of non-marketable fruits, and yield in tons were significantly affected by the varying levels of vermicast application. However, a non-significant result was observed between different varieties of eggplant. For nutritional analysis, it was found that the application of higher rates of vermicast (10 tons/ha) resulted in a higher calcium, magnesium, and sodium content. In light of these findings, applying vermicast at 10 tons/ha as a substitute for synthetic fertilizer in eggplant production is recommended for a higher fruit yield and better farm profit.

The need for clean water during the pandemic is significantly increasing due to high public awareness of adopting a clean and healthy lifestyle (PHBS), necessitating more water treatment. Conventional methods are used for water treatment, including coagulation-flocculation system, rapid sand filter, and disinfection. However, these methods have limitations such as reduced capacity and sand filter efficiency, leading to increased backwash costs due to the need for sand replacement caused by particle stratification. In response to these challenges, an innovative method to water treatment is the use of concrete sand filter (CSF). Previous studies predominantly focused on downflow filtration, but there has been limited analysis of horizontal flow. Therefore, this study aimed to assess filtration and backwash effectiveness of CSF with horizontal flow, specifically focusing on the capacity performance in treating water with varying levels of turbidity. Filtration experiment was carried out using simulated water at turbidity of 125 NTU based on the Mataram Channel Turbidity with variations of 0.2, 0.5, 1.0, 5.0, and 10.0 m hour-1, as well as backwash at flow rate of 40.91 m hour-1 for 3 minutes. The variables measured during filtration process included head losses and turbidity at the inlet and outlet of CSF. The results showed that the capacity performance during filtration process was directly proportional to flow rate. Meanwhile, the effectiveness of concrete filter was inversely proportional to flow rate. At initial turbidity

Photosynthesis stands as a unique biological phenomenon that can be comprehensively explored across a wide spectrum, from femtoseconds to eons. Across each timespan, a delicate interplay exists between coupling and inherent deviations that are essential for sustaining the overall efficiency of the system. Both quantum mechanics and thermodynamics act as guiding principles for the diverse processes occurring from femtoseconds to eons. Processes such as excitation energy transfer and the accumulation of oxygen in the atmosphere, along with the proliferation of organic matter on the Earth's surface, are all governed by the coupling–slip principle. This article will delve into select time points along this expansive scale. It will highlight the interconnections between photosynthesis, the global population, disorder, and the issue of global warming. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

the aim of this paper is to estimate using monthly data the influence of the Mexican Stock Market in the nominal Exchange Rate from 1993 to 2022. We conducted an Exploratory Data Analysis to identify the most important correlations of the following monetary variables: 28-day Mexican Debt bills/ (T-Bill), interest rates, inflation, and Stock Exchange Market both from Mexico and from the USA respectively. We then resorted to a VAR model to indentify which of these variables determined changes in Mexico´s nominal Exchange Rate more significantly. During the period in question the model showed, that Exchange Rate variations were driven by the Mexican Stock Exchange Market, the Dow Jones Industrial Average and the US Treasury Bills. The model also pointed out that variations in Mexican Stock Market were determined by the Mexican Stock Market itself, the Dow Jones Industrial Average and the US Treasury Bills (T-Bills). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Researchers apply varying definitions when measuring stroke incidence using administrative data. We aimed to investigate the sensitivity of incidence estimates to varying definitions of stroke and lookback periods and to provide updated incidence rates and trends for Western Australia (WA). Methods: We used linked state-wide hospital and death data from 1985 to 2017 to identify incident strokes from 2005 to 2017. A standard definition was applied which included strokes coded as the principal hospital diagnosis or the underlying cause of death, with a 10-year lookback used to clear prevalent cases. Alternative definitions were compared against the standard definition by percentage difference in case numbers. Age-standardised incidence rates were calculated, and age- and sex-adjusted Poisson regression models were used to estimate incidence trends. Results: The standard definition with a 10-year lookback period captured 31,274 incident strokes. Capture increased by 19.3% when including secondary diagnoses, 4.1% when including nontraumatic subdural and extradural haemorrhage, and 8.1% when including associated causes of death. Excluding death records reduced capture by 11.1%. A 20-year lookback reduced over-ascertainment by 2.0%, and a 1-year lookback increased capture by 13.3%. Incidence declined 0.6% annually (95% confidence interval −0.9, −0.3). Annual reductions were similar for most definitions except when death records were excluded (−0.1%, CI: −0.4, 0.2) and with the shortest lookback periods (greatest annual reduction). Conclusion: Stroke incidence has declined in WA. Differing methods of identifying stroke influence estimates of incidence to a greater extent than estimates of trends. Reductions in stroke incidence over time are primarily driven by declines in fatal strokes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Through a cross-sectional and longitudinal study, we examined the attitudes of men and women at two time periods, 20 years apart, towards a set of social and ethical issues in international trade using a 10-item survey questionnaire. While women are more concerned than men in both time periods, this concern has declined over time for both groups. In 1999, women were significantly more disturbed than men over child labor, working conditions and human rights violations in exporting countries. In 2019, women were significantly more concerned about lower wage rates, use of prison labor, and deficient environmental standards, in addition to poor working conditions. Use of prison labor and undemocratic nature of foreign governments were the least important issues for both groups in either time periods. The findings suggest that quality of life issues in developing countries concern women more than men and the relevance of issues change from one generation to another. While no support was found for trade critics’ assertion that low wages are a source of unfair competition, policy makers, advocacy groups, and corporate leaders need to be mindful of how trade is viewed by women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to systematically assess the changes of production performance, meat quality, immune and antioxidant properties of Qianbei Ma goat under different feeding method, so as to provide scientific support for high-yield, high-quality and healthy mutton production. Twenty six healthy Qianbei Ma goat rams with similar body weight [(19.68±1.60) kg] were randomly and averagely divided into grazing and stallfeeding groups. The grazing group was fed with traditional grazing, and the stall-feeding group was fed with full price pellet feed. The pre test period was 10 days, and the trial period was 180 days. After the test, three goat in each group were slaughtered to compare the production performance, meat quality, immunity and antioxidant performance of the two groups. The results showed that: ① in terms of production performance, compared with the grazing group, the stall-feeding group had better production performance in terms of final body weight, average daily gain, carcass weight, slaughter rate, net meat weight, meat to bone ratio, shearing force, cooked meat rate, but the skin was thinner, loin eye area was smaller, bone was lighter, pH was higher, with a significant difference in meat to bone ratio (P<0.05). ② In terms of meat nutrient composition, the contents of glycine, tyrosine and proline in the 16 kinds of amino acids in the stall-feeding and grazing groups were significantly different (P<0.05), while the contents of other 13 kinds of amino acids and total amino acids had no significant difference; The contents of protein, fat and cholesterol in the grazing group were higher than those in the stall-feeding group, but there was no difference between the two groups. ③ In terms of immune and antioxidant properties, immune indicators of the stall-feeding group γ interferon was higher than that in grazing group (P<0.05), lysozyme was lower than that in grazing group (P<0.05), and there was no significant difference between MDA and four antioxidant indexes (P>0.05). In conclusion, the meat carrying capacity of Qianbei Ma goat is stronger in stall-feeding than in grazing. The feeding regimens has a small impact on meat quality and antioxidant performance. However, the immune regulation ability of grazing feeding is better, and it is suggested that a suitable indoor (outside) sports field should be equipped in stall-feeding, which can improve the meat production capacity while protecting the immunity and health of the goat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 2021, the Biden Administration issued mandates requiring COVID‐19 vaccinations for U.S. federal employees and contractors and for some healthcare and private sector workers. These mandates have been challenged in court; some have been halted or delayed. However, their costs and benefits have not been rigorously appraised. This study helps fill that gap. We estimate the direct costs and health‐related benefits that would have accrued if these vaccination requirements had been implemented as intended. Compared with the January 2022 vaccination rates, we find that the mandates could have led to 15 million additional vaccinated individuals, increasing the overall proportion of the fully vaccinated U.S. population from 64% to 68%. The associated net benefits depend on the subsequent evolution of the pandemic—information unavailable ex ante to analysts or policymakers. In scenarios involving the emergence of a novel, more transmissible variant, against which vaccination and previous infection offer moderate protection, the estimated net benefits are potentially large. They reach almost $20,000 per additional vaccinated individual, with more than 20,000 total deaths averted over the 6‐month period assessed. In scenarios involving a fading pandemic, existing vaccination‐acquired or infection‐acquired immunity provides sufficient protection, and the mandates' benefits are unlikely to exceed their costs. Thus, mandates may be most useful when the consequences of inaction are catastrophic. However, we do not compare the effects of mandates with alternative policies for increasing vaccination rates or for promoting other protective measures, which may receive stronger public support and be less likely to be overturned by litigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Setting: Paraquat is a highly toxic, herbicide, extensively used in various parts of India. There is no effective treatment for paraquat poison and carries a very high mortality. In India, this compound can be misused for harmful purposes. Objective: A retrospective time-bound descriptive study of paraquat-consumed patients was conducted at Kasturba Hospital, Manipal, from January 1, 2014 to January 31, 2016. Materials and Methods: All the data were analyzed using the SPSS version 16. All the categorical data are expressed in terms of frequency and percentage. Continuous normal variables were expressed in terms of mean ± standard deviation, and skewed variables were expressed in terms of median and quartiles. Chi-square test was used to find the association between the categorical independent variables across the outcome in survivors, nonsurvivors, and those patients who were discharged from the hospital against medical advice. Similarly, Fisher's exact test was performed for those variables, for which 20% of the expected cell count was <5%. Kruskal--Wallis test was used to compare the relationship between the continuous skewed variables across the outcome. Results: A total of 55 paraquat-consumed patients were admitted, out of which 67.27% (n = 37) of patients were men. Only 32.7% (n = 18) of patients were farmers. Oral ulcers were seen in 43.6% (n = 24) of patients. About 65.5% (n = 36) of patients underwent hemoperfusion, 27.3% (n = 15) of patients survived, 47.3% (n = 26) of patients expired, and 25.5% (n = 14) of patients were discharged against medical advice in a critical condition. The presence of respiratory failure, hypotension, need for ventilator supportive therapy, the elevation of levels of blood urea, serum creatinine, and liver enzymes AST and ALT levels were statistically significant in three groups (P < 0.001). Conclusion: Paraquat poisoning is highly fatal. Treatment is expensive and available only in tertiary care hospitals in India. Central and state governments should ensure that it should not be readily accessible to ordinary people and it should be banned progressively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this experiment was to study the effects of drinking water feeding of Lactobacillus (Lactobacillus plantarum) preparations on production performance, egg quality, mineral content in eggs, and antioxidant capacity indexes of commercial laying hens in the late laying period. 1 125 healthy laying hens at 81 weeks of age were selected and chivided into 3 groups (5 replicates in each group, 75 hens in each replicate), control group, test group Ⅰ and Ⅱ, fed the same diet conditions under drinking water fed with 0, 3, 5 mL/ (each·d) dose of lactic acid bacteria preparation (live bacteria count ≥ 1.0×109 CFU/mL). The pre-feeding period was one week and the formal trial period was 44 d. The test results were as follows: ① production performance: test groups Ⅰ and Ⅱ significantly increased egg weight (P<0.05), and the egg production rate of test group Ⅱ significantly increased (P<0.05); there was a trend of improvement in the feed-to-egg ratio and egg breakage rate, but there was no significant difference compared with the control group (P>0.05); ② egg quality: the test group Ⅱ could significantly improve eggshell strength (P<0.05) and eggshell thickness (P<0.05) compared with the control group; the differences in eggshell thickness, hastelloy units and protein height were not significant (P>0.05); ③ mineral element content in eggs: test groups Ⅰ and Ⅱ significantly increased magnesium (P< 0.05) and zinc (P<0.05) content in eggs compared with the control group, and test group Ⅱ significantly increased calcium (P<0.05), but no significant differences in other mineral elements (P>0.05); ④ antioxidant capacity: test groups Ⅰ and Ⅱ significantly increased the total antioxidant capacity compared with the control group (P<0.05), but no significant differences in other indicators (P>0.05). In conclusion, drinking water feeding of Lactobacillus plantarum preparation can improve production performance, egg quality and antioxidant capacity of 81-week-old laying hens with the recommended additive amount of 5 mL/(each·d). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines whether or to what extent San Francisco International Airport's (SFO's) purportedly high costs relative to other airports suppressed SFO's traffic demand and prolonged the recovery of passenger traffic in the period after the 11th September, 2001 terrorist attacks. A comparative analysis of the historical data shows that SFO's direct airport costs per enplanement (CPE) were higher than most other major airports in the post-9/11 period by a considerable margin, but that airport costs likely were not a significant factor in SFO's prolonged recovery. Airport costs likely did not affect airline profitability sufficiently to influence route and scheduling decisions, and it is unlikely that passenger demand was dampened by the pass-through of higher costs to airfares. This research suggests at best a tenuous relationship between airport rates and passenger activity, and at SFO the evidence does not suggest that an extremely high CPE relative to peer airports affected the pace of its slow return to pre-9/11 traffic levels. Rather, the slow return of traffic to SFO and its neighbour, Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC), compared to the robust growth at Oakland International Airport (OAK) can be explained by traditional economic means. It also suggests that in a multi-airport region where each airport is somewhat specialised, an individual airport's over- or underperformance relative to its neighbours is more likely to be a function of economic geography than of any airport's rate-setting practices. If this conclusion holds true for other US airports, it emphasises the ability of airports to create capital plans and set rates and charges to make long-term investments in organic air traffic growth, ensuring that new entrant airlines have sufficient facilities to begin service and that existing airlines have sufficient capacity to grow. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Medication errors (MEs) are a huge burden on any healthcare system and have been associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The medical literature reported heavily on MEs but lacked focus on analyzing high-risk medications such as antimicrobials. Research design and methods: This was a retrospective analysis of the MEs database reported by the eastern region’s medical centers in Saudi Arabia from January 1, 2019 to December 31, 2019. We used descriptive analysis to identify most common antimicrobials with errors, the stage of antimicrobial errors, type of the errors, contributing factors to the errors, and categories of errors based on the National Coordinating Council for Medication Error Reporting and Prevention (NCC-MERP) classification of errors. Results: A total of 1422 (22.1%) antimicrobial errors were identified out of 6412 MEs. Amoxicillin/Clavulanate (18%) was the most common antimicrobial reported in the database. Most errors occurred in the prescribing phase (87.6%) and included mainly incorrect doses (32.1%) and duplicate therapy (20.5%). In addition, most errors were identified as category B (72.5%). Finally, inexperienced personnel (57.9%) was the most cited contributing factor. Conclusion: This study revealed that antimicrobial errors occur primarily during prescription and that policy gaps and inexperienced staff were contributory factors. To improve, the focus should shift to physician education, clear dosing guidelines, efficient workload management, and implementing antimicrobial stewardship programs to promote appropriate antimicrobial use.

Frenkel exciton population dynamics of an excitonic dimer is studied by comparing the results from a quantum master equation involving rates from second-order perturbative treatment with respect to the excitonic coupling with the non-perturbative results from "Hierarchical Equations of Motion" (HEOM). By formulating generic Liouville-space expressions for the rates, we can choose to evaluate them either via HEOM propagations or by applying the cumulant expansion. The coupling of electronic transitions to bath modes is modeled either as overdamped oscillators for the description of thermal bath components or as underdamped oscillators to account for intramolecular vibrations. Cases of initial nonequilibrium and equilibrium vibrations are discussed. In the case of HEOM, initial equilibration enters via a polaron transformation. Pointing out the differences between the nonequilibrium and equilibrium approach in the context of the projection operator formalism, we identify a further description, where the transfer dynamics is driven only by fluctuations without involvement of dissipation. Despite this approximation, this approach can also yield meaningful results in certain parameter regimes. While for the chosen model, HEOM has no technical advantage for evaluation of the rate expressions compared to cumulant expansion, there are situations where only evaluation with HEOM is applicable. For instance, a separation of reference and interaction Hamiltonian via a polaron transformation to account for the interplay between Coulomb coupling and vibrational oscillations of the bath at the level of a second-order treatment can be adjusted for a treatment with HEOM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Kinetic rate factors of crystallization have a direct effect on formation and growth of an ordered solid phase in supercooled liquids and glasses. Using the crystallizing Lennard-Jones liquid as an example, in the present work, we perform a direct quantitative estimation of values of the key crystallization kinetic rate factors—the rate g+ of particle attachments to a crystalline nucleus and the rate g− of particle detachments from a nucleus. We propose a numerical approach, according to which a statistical treatment of the results of molecular dynamics simulations was performed without using any model functions and/or fitting parameters. This approach allows one to accurately estimate the critical nucleus size nc. We find that for the growing nuclei, whose sizes are larger than the critical size nc, the dependence of these kinetic rate factors on the nucleus size n follows a power law. In the case of the subnucleation regime, when the nuclei are smaller than nc, the n-dependence of the quantity g+ is strongly determined by the inherent microscopic properties of a system, and this dependence cannot be described in the framework of any universal law (for example, a power law). It has been established that the dependence of the growth rate of a crystalline nucleus on its size goes into the stationary regime at the size n > 3nc particles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]