Transfer learned deep feature based crack detection using support vector machine: a comparative study.

Technology offers a lot of potential that is being used to improve the integrity and efficiency of infrastructures. Crack is one of the major concerns that can affect the integrity or usability of any structure. Oftentimes, the use of manual inspection methods leads to delays which can worsen the situation. Automated crack detection has become very necessary for efficient management and inspection of critical infrastructures. Previous research in crack detection employed classification and localization-based models using Deep Convolutional Neural Networks (DCNNs). This study suggests and compares the effectiveness of transfer learned DCNNs for crack detection as a classification model and as a feature extractor to overcome this restriction. The main objective of this paper is to present various methods of crack detection on surfaces and compare their performance over 3 different datasets. Experiments conducted in this work are threefold: initially, the effectiveness of 12 transfer learned DCNN models for crack detection is analyzed on three publicly available datasets: SDNET, CCIC and BSD. With an accuracy of 53.40%, ResNet101 outperformed other models on the SDNET dataset. EfficientNetB0 was the most accurate (98.8%) model on the BSD dataset, and ResNet50 performed better with an accuracy of 99.8% on the CCIC dataset. Secondly, two image enhancement methods are employed to enhance the images and are transferred learned on the 12 DCNNs in pursuance of improving the performance of the SDNET dataset. The results from the experiments show that the enhanced images improved the accuracy of transfer-learned crack detection models significantly. Furthermore, deep features extracted from the last fully connected layer of the DCNNs are used to train the Support Vector Machine (SVM). The integration of deep features with SVM enhanced the detection accuracy across all the DCNN-dataset combinations, according to analysis in terms of accuracy, precision, recall, and F1-score.

Influence of chitosan properties and operating parameters on the flocculation efficiency and harvesting of microalgae (Scenedesmus sp.).

Physicochemical and structural characteristics of chitosan prepared from Deep-sea shrimp (DCs), including degree of deacetylation (DD), molecular weight (Mw), viscosity, crystallinity index (CrI) and surface morphology were compared with a commercial chitosan (CCs). The DCs had a higher DD of 81.33 ± 0.40 %, whereas the CCs had a lower DD of 74.62 ± 0.64 %. Additionally, the DCs exhibited a lower Mw of 192.47 ± 2.5 kDa and viscosity of 646.00 ± 4.00 cP compared to the CCs, which had a Mw of 202.44 ± 0.28 kDa and viscosity of 689.67 ± 5.91 cP. This study investigated the influence of chitosan properties, particularly DD and Mw on the harvesting of Scenedesmus sp. along with the chitosan dosage, pH of the culture medium, mixing speed and time. Under optimal operating conditions, the microalgae removal efficiency of the DCs reached a significantly higher level (94.71 ± 0.20 %) compared to that of CCs (88.25 ± 0.41 %). Chitosan with a higher DD and low Mw demonstrated superior flocculation efficiency. The results highlight the significance of DD and Mw of chitosan and its influence on the flocculation of microalgae, providing valuable insights for optimizing the harvesting process with the non-toxic and natural flocculent, chitosan.

[Multi-strain probiotic combined with dietary fiber is an effective factor in the nutritional support of immunity in athletes].

A priority in the prevention and correction of immune disorders in athletes is the use of products with high nutrient density, fortified with various nutrients or bioactive compounds, as well as probiotic microorganisms. Probiotics help to maintain the gut microbiota, which is actively involved in the absorption of substances and energy and increases the host immune resistance. Dietary fiber, resistant to digestion in the small intestine, is fully or partially fermented in the large intestine and acts as an essential substrate for the growth and regulation of metabolic activity of normal flora, improves peristalsis and digestion. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the impact of a multi-strain probiotic in combination with dietary fiber on the immune status of basketball athletes during the training period. Material and methods. The study was conducted with the participation of 30 male basketball athletes aged 18 to 24 years. The athletes were randomly divided into 2 groups of 15 people. Athletes in the main group received 1 capsule of multi-strain probiotic (≥1.25×1010 CFU of 10 probiotic strains of bifidobacteria and lactobacilli) and 40 g of corn bran (as a source of dietary fiber) for 23 days. Athletes in the control group received 1 placebo capsule containing maltodextrin and breadcrumbs (40 g/day). Subpopulations of peripheral blood lymphocytes were studied by flow cytometry: T lymphocytes, T helper cells, T cytotoxic lymphocytes, NK cells, NKT cells, B lymphocytes, as well as lymphocytes carrying activation markers and apoptosis marker antigen. The content of cytokines in blood serum [FGF, Eotaxin, G-CSF, GM-CSF, IFN-γ, IL-1ra, IL-1ß, IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-7, IL-8, IL-9, IL-10, IL-12(p70), IL-13, IL-15, IL-17A, MCP-1, MIP-1α, MIP-1ß, PDGF-BB, RANTES, TNF-α, VEGF] was determined using a multiplex immunoassay. Results. Calculation of the absolute number of lymphocytes revealed a tendency (0.05

Variability of haptoglobin beta-chain proteoforms.

Existing knowledge on changes of the haptoglobin (Hp) molecule suggests that it may exist in multiple proteoforms, which obviously exhibit different functions. Using two-dimensional electrophoresis (2DE) in combination with mass spectrometry and immunodetection, we have analyzed blood plasma samples from both healthy donors and patients with primary grade IV glioblastoma (GBM), and obtained a detailed composite 2DE distribution map of ß-chain proteoforms, as well as the full-length form of Hp (zonulin). Although the total level of plasma Hp exceeded normal values in cancer patients (especially patients with GBM), the presence of particuar proteoforms, detected by their position on the 2DE map, was very individual. Variability was found in both zonulin and the Hp ß-chain. The presence of an alkaline form of zonulin in plasma can be considered a conditional, but insufficient, GBM biomarker. In other words, we found that at the level of minor proteoforms of Hp, even in normal conditions, there was a high individual variability. On the one hand, this raises questions about the reasons for such variability, if it is present not only in Hp, but also in other proteins. On the other hand, this may explain the discrepancy between the number of experimentally detected proteoforms and the theoretically possible ones not only in Hp, but also in other proteins.

Spatio-temporal modulation of cortical activity during motor deadaptation depends on the feedback of task-related error.

Motor adaptations are responsible for recalibrating actions and facilitating the achievement of goals in a constantly changing environment. Once consolidated, the decay of motor adaptation is a process affected by available sensory information during deadaptation. However, the cortical response to task error feedback during the deadaptation phase has received little attention. Here, we explored changes in brain cortical responses due to feedback of task-related error during deadaptation. Twelve healthy volunteers were recruited for the study. Right hand movement and EEG were recorded during repetitive trials of a hand reaching movement. A visuomotor rotation of 30° was introduced to induce motor adaptation. Volunteers participated in two experimental sessions organized in baseline, adaptation, and deadaptation blocks. In the deadaptation block, the visuomotor rotation was removed, and visual feedback was only provided in one session. Performance was quantified using angle end-point error, averaged speed, and movement onset time. A non-parametric spatiotemporal cluster-level permutation test was used to analyze the EEG recordings. During deadaptation, participants experienced a greater error reduction when feedback of the cursor was provided. The EEG responses showed larger activity in the left centro-frontal parietal areas during the deadaptation block when participants received feedback, as opposed to when they did not receive feedback. Centrally distributed clusters were found for the adaptation and deadaptation blocks in the absence of visual feedback. The results suggest that visual feedback of the task-related error activates cortical areas related to performance monitoring, depending on the accessible sensory information.

Relationship between inflammation and oxidative stress and its effect on multiple sclerosis / Relación entre inflamación y estrés oxidativo y su efecto sobre la esclerosis múltiple

Introduction: This paper highlights the relationship of inflammation and oxidative stress as damage mechanisms of Multiple Sclerosis (MS), considered an inflammatory and autoimmune disease. Development: The oxidative stress concept has been defined by an imbalance between oxidants and antioxidants in favor of the oxidants. There is necessary to do physiological functions, like the respiration chain, but in certain conditions, the production of reactive species overpassed the antioxidant systems, which could cause tissue damage. On the other hand, it is well established that inflammation is a complex reaction in the vascularized connective tissue in response to diverse stimuli. However, an unregulated prolonged inflammatory process also can induce tissue damage. Conclusion: Both inflammation and oxidative stress are interrelated since one could promote the other, leading to a toxic feedback system, which contributes to the inflammatory and demyelination process in MS.(AU)

Introducción: Este trabajo destaca la relación de la inflamación y el estrés oxidativo como mecanismos de daño de la esclerosis múltiple, considerada enfermedad inflamatoria y autoinmune. Desarrollo: El concepto de estrés oxidativo se ha definido por un desequilibrio entre oxidantes y antioxidantes a favor de los oxidantes. Es necesario para realizar funciones fisiológicas, como la cadena respiratoria, pero en ciertas condiciones la producción de especies reactivas sobrepasaba los sistemas antioxidantes, lo que podría causar daño tisular. Por otro lado, está establecido que la inflamación es una reacción compleja en el tejido conectivo vascularizado en respuesta a diversos estímulos, pero un proceso inflamatorio prolongado no regulado también puede inducir daño tisular. Conclusión: Tanto la inflamación como el estrés oxidativo están interrelacionados entre sí, ya que uno de ellos podría promover al otro, dando lugar a un sistema de retroalimentación tóxico, que contribuye al desarrollo del proceso inflamatorio y desmielinizante en la esclerosis múltiple.(AU)

Burns During Covid-19 Pandemic: Demographics, Etiological and Clinical Trends in 2021 at the National Burn Care Centre in Islamabad, Pakistan.

The scarcity of data on burn-related injuries in Pakistan prompted this study. The study is specifically aimed at assessing the burn patients who were admitted to a national burn care center (BCC) in Pakistan. This single-center retrospective analysis was conducted for 12 months from January to December 2021. During this time period, 14,069 patients visited BCC with burn injuries of diverse natures while 613 of them were admitted. The patients' information was abstracted from the hospital database. This information included age, sex, diagnosis, burn depth/degree, time of arrival, circumstances of burn injury, TBSA (total burn surface area), complications, outcome, and management plan. This information was shifted to Microsoft Office Excel Worksheet 2015 and then coded into the IBM Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 24.0. Armonk, NY: IBM Corp. Of 14,069 patients, 613 were admitted to the burn care center, indicating an admission rate of 4.35%. Among these 613 patients, there was a high proportion of males (58.89%) and a mean age of 20.2±12.5 years. Most patients (40.4%) visited within the first hour after being burnt and flame burns were the most common (41.10%). Most patients were burnt due to accidents (97.7%). The mean length of hospital stay was 15.5 days. Flames were the main cause of burns among our cohort of patients. Most patients had a TBSA of >10% and generally had a second-degree burn, mostly in the pediatric population. An urgent appraisal of burn policies and related legislation is needed to halt the burn burden in the country.

Cette étude a été décidée en raison de la pauvreté des données épidémiologiques concernant les brûlures au Pakistan. Il s'agit d'une étude monocentrique rétrospective sur dossier conduite dans le CTB national d'Islamabad sur l'année 2021. Sur les 14 069 patients brûlés qui s'y sont présentés, 613 (4,35%) ont été hospitalisés. Nous avons recueilli l'âge, le sexe, la SCB, la profondeur, la cause, le délai de présentation, la stratégie thérapeutique, les complications et le devenir des patients. Les données ont été implantée dans Excel et analysées avec SSPS 24.0. Parmi les patients hospitalisés, 58,89% étaient des hommes âgés de 20,2±12,5 ans. Le délai de présentation était de moins de 1h dans 40,4% des cas et l'atteinte était quasiment toujours accidentelle (97,7%), majoritairement par flamme (41%). La DMS était de 15,5 j. L'atteinte était le plus souvent > 10% SCT, habituellement au 2ème degré en particulier en population pédiatrique. Une évaluation de la législation préventive est urgente, afin de mettre fin au fardeau que représentent les brûlures dans notre pays.

Epidemiology, Clinical, and Microbiological Characteristics of Multidrug-Resistant Gram-Negative Bacteremia in Qatar.

Antimicrobial resistance is a global healthcare threat with significant clinical and economic consequences peaking at secondary and tertiary care hospitals where multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria (MDR GNB) lead to poor outcomes. A prospective study was conducted between January and December 2019 for all invasive bloodstream infections (BSIs) secondary to MDR GNB in Qatar identified during routine microbiological service to examine their clinical, microbiological, and genomic characteristics. Out of 3238 episodes of GNB BSIs, the prevalence of MDR GNB was 13% (429/3238). The predominant MDR pathogens were Escherichia coli (62.7%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (20.4%), Salmonella species (6.6%), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (5.3%), while out of 245 clinically evaluated patients, the majority were adult males, with the elderly constituting almost one-third of the cohort and with highest observed risk for prolonged hospital stays. The risk factors identified included multiple comorbidities, recent healthcare contact, previous antimicrobial therapy, and admission to critical care. The in-hospital mortality rate was recorded at 25.7%, associated with multiple comorbidities, admission to critical care, and the acquisition of MDR Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Resistant pathogens demonstrated high levels of antimicrobial resistance but noticeable susceptibility to amikacin and carbapenems. Genomic analysis revealed that Escherichia coli ST131 and Salmonella enterica ST1 were the predominant clones not observed with other pathogens.

[Clinical and psychopathological characteristics of patients with late-onset schizophrenia and schizophrenia-like psychoses in clusters identified by biological parameters]. / Kliniko-psikhopatologicheskie kharakteristiki bol'nykh s pozdno manifestiruyushchimi shizofreniei i shizofrenopodobnymi psikhozami v klasterakh, vydelennykh po biologicheskim parametram.

OBJECTIVE: To assess clinical and psychopathological characteristics of late-aged female patients with late-onset psychoses in clusters formed on the basis of biochemical and immunological blood parameters. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We examined 59 women with schizophrenia and schizophrenia-like psychoses with onset after 40 years (ICD-10 F20, F22.8, F25, F23, F06.2), including 34 women with late-onset (40-60 years) and 25 with very late onset psychoses (after 60 years). At the time of hospitalization, a clinical/ psychopathological study was carried out using CGI-S, PANSS, CDSS, and HAMD-17, as well as the activities of glutathione reductase (GR) and glutathione-S-transferase (GT) have been determined in erythrocyte hemolysates, and the activities of leukocyte elastase (LE) and α1-proteinase inhibitor (α1-PI) have been assessed in blood plasma. Biochemical and immunological parameters have been also determined in 34 age-matched mentally healthy women. RESULTS: Clustering by signs such as GR, GT, LE and α1-PI has yielded two clusters of objects (patients) significantly different in GT (p<0.0001), LE (p<0.0001), and α1-PI (p<0.001) activities. Relatively to the controls, in the cluster 1 patients, the activities of GST and α1-PI are increased, the activity of LE is decreased, whereas, in the cluster 2 patients, the activity of GR is decreased, and the activities of LE and α1-PI are increased. Cluster 1 patients differ from cluster 2 patients in greater severity of the condition (CGI-S, p=0.04) and higher total scores on PANSS subscales' items. Cluster 1 includes 76% of patients with very late onset. Different correlations between clinical and biological signs are found in two clusters. CONCLUSION: The identified clusters have different clinical and psychopathological characteristics. Dividing patients into subgroups according to biochemical and immunological parameters is promising for the search for differentiated therapeutic approaches.

Glass box machine learning for retrospective cohort studies using many patient records. The complex example of bleeding peptic ulcer.

Glass Box Machine Learning is, in this study, a type of partially supervised data mining and prediction technique, like a neural network in which each weight or pattern of mutually relevant weights is now replaced by a meaningful "probabilistic knowledge element." We apply it to retrospective cohort studies using large numbers of structured medical records to help select candidate patients for future cohort studies and similar clinical trials. Here it is applied to aid analysis of approaches to aid Deep Learning, but the method lends itself well to direct computation of odds with "explainability" in study design that can complement "Black Box" Deep Learning. Cohort studies and clinical trials traditionally involved at least one 2 × 2 contingency table, but in the age of emerging personalized medicine and the use of machine learning to discover and incorporate further relevant factors, these tables can extend into many extra dimensions as a 2 × 2 x 2 × 2 x ….data structure by considering different conditional demographic and clinical factors of a patient or group, as well as variations in treatment. We consider this in terms of multiple 2 × 2 x 2 data substructures where each one is summarized by an appropriate measure of risk and success called DOR*. This is the diagnostic odds ratio DOR for a specified disease conditional on a favorable outcome divided by the corresponding DOR conditional on an unfavorable outcome. Bleeding peptic ulcer was chosen as a complex disease with many influencing factors, one that is still subject to controversy and that highlights the challenges of using Real World Data.

[Bacterial contamination of autologous blood in reinfusion in neurosurgery: a phenomenon or a problem?] / Bakterial'naya kontaminatsiya autologichnoi krovi pri provedenii apparatnoi reinfuzii v neirokhirurgii: fenomen ili problema?

There is a problem of bacterial contamination of autologous blood despite long-term experience of intraoperative blood salvage and reinfusion. OBJECTIVE: To analyze safety of blood reinfusion with white blood cell filtration and X-ray irradiation for blood decontamination in neurosurgery. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 57 patients with various neurosurgical diseases. We used intraoperative blood reinfusion in all patients considering high predictable risk of major blood loss due to neurosurgical diseases, features of neoplasm topography, anamnesis and examination data. Microbiological examination of autologous blood was carried out at different stages before reinfusion. RESULTS: Bacterial contamination of autologous blood samples was observed in 42% of patients. Enlargement of surgical access to paranasal sinuses in patients with craniofacial lesions poses a potential risk of bacterial contamination of autologous blood. Additional methods of decontamination including white blood cell filtration and X-ray irradiation reduced bacterial load. The above-mentioned methods were less effective for decontamination of microflora not typical for human skin compared to saprophytic ones. There were no postoperative infectious complications. CONCLUSION: Combination of white blood cell filtration and X-ray irradiation reduces bacterial contamination and increases safety of reinfusion although these methods do not completely free autologous blood from opportunistic microorganisms. Decontamination quality significantly depended on microflora and surgical approach.

Relationship between inflammation and oxidative stress and its effect on multiple sclerosis.

INTRODUCTION: This paper highlights the relationship of inflammation and oxidative stress as damage mechanisms of Multiple Sclerosis (MS), considered an inflammatory and autoimmune disease. DEVELOPMENT: The oxidative stress concept has been defined by an imbalance between oxidants and antioxidants in favor of the oxidants. There is necessary to do physiological functions, like the respiration chain, but in certain conditions, the production of reactive species overpassed the antioxidant systems, which could cause tissue damage. On the other hand, it is well established that inflammation is a complex reaction in the vascularized connective tissue in response to diverse stimuli. However, an unregulated prolonged inflammatory process also can induce tissue damage. CONCLUSION: Both inflammation and oxidative stress are interrelated since one could promote the other, leading to a toxic feedback system, which contributes to the inflammatory and demyelination process in MS.

Precision medicine for psychotic disorders: objective assessment, risk prediction, and pharmacogenomics.

Psychosis occurs inside the brain, but may have external manifestations (peripheral molecular biomarkers, behaviors) that can be objectively and quantitatively measured. Blood biomarkers that track core psychotic manifestations such as hallucinations and delusions could provide a window into the biology of psychosis, as well as help with diagnosis and treatment. We endeavored to identify objective blood gene expression biomarkers for hallucinations and delusions, using a stepwise discovery, prioritization, validation, and testing in independent cohorts design. We were successful in identifying biomarkers that were predictive of high hallucinations and of high delusions states, and of future psychiatric hospitalizations related to them, more so when personalized by gender and diagnosis. Top biomarkers for hallucinations that survived discovery, prioritization, validation and testing include PPP3CB, DLG1, ENPP2, ZEB2, and RTN4. Top biomarkers for delusions include AUTS2, MACROD2, NR4A2, PDE4D, PDP1, and RORA. The top biological pathways uncovered by our work are glutamatergic synapse for hallucinations, as well as Rap1 signaling for delusions. Some of the biomarkers are targets of existing drugs, of potential utility in pharmacogenomics approaches (matching patients to medications, monitoring response to treatment). The top biomarkers gene expression signatures through bioinformatic analyses suggested a prioritization of existing medications such as clozapine and risperidone, as well as of lithium, fluoxetine, valproate, and the nutraceuticals omega-3 fatty acids and magnesium. Finally, we provide an example of how a personalized laboratory report for doctors would look. Overall, our work provides advances for the improved diagnosis and treatment for schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders.

- Invited Review - Pig production in Africa: current status, challenges, prospects and opportunities.

Pig production is one of the viable enterprises of the livestock sub-sector of agriculture. It contributes significantly to the economy and animal protein supply to enhance food security in Africa and globally. This article explored the present status of pig production in Africa, the challenges, prospects and potentials. The pig population of Africa represents 4.6% of the global pig population. They are widely distributed across Africa except in Northern Africa where pig production is not popular due to religio-cultural reasons. They are mostly reared in rural parts of Africa by smallholder farmers, informing why majority of the pig population in most parts of Africa are indigenous breeds and their crosses. Pig plays important roles in the sustenance of livelihood in the rural communities and have cultural and social significance. The pig production system in Africa is predominantly traditional, but rapidly growing and transforming into the modern system. The annual pork production in Africa has grown from less than a million tonnes in year 2000 to over 2 million tonnes in 2021. Incidence of disease outbreak, especially African swine fever is one of the main constraints affecting pig production in Africa. Others are lack of skills and technical know-how, high ambient temperature, limited access to high-quality breeds, high cost of feed ingredients and veterinary inputs, unfriendly government policies, religious and cultural bias, inadequate processing facilities as well as under-developed value-chain. The projected human population of 2.5 billion in Africa by 2050, increasing urbanization and decreasing farming population are pointers to the need for increased food production. The production systems of pigs in Africa requires developmental research, improvements in housing, feed production and manufacturing, animal health, processing, capacity building and pig friendly policies for improved productivity and facilitation of export.

Advances in diagnostic approaches to Fasciola infection in animals and humans: An overviews.

Fasciolosis, caused by Fasciola hepatica and F. gigantica, is an impediment to the livestock industry's expansion and has a massively negative socio-economic impact due to its widespread prevalence in livestock. It is a waterborne zoonosis affecting human populations in the countries where rural economies are associated with livestock rearing. Conventional diagnosis of Fasciola infection is done by detecting parasite eggs in the faeces of infected animals or by immunological methods. Accurate and quick immunodiagnosis of Fasciola infection in animals and humans is based on the detection of antibodies and specific antigens expressed in the prepatent stage of the parasite. Both molecular and serodiagnostic tests developed thus far have enhanced the reliability of Fasciola diagnosis in both man and animals but are not widely available in resource-poor nations. A pen-side diagnostic test based on a lateral flow assay or a DNA test like loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) would be simple, fast, and cost-effective, enabling clinicians to treat animals in a targeted manner and avoid the development of drug resistance to the limited flukicides. This review focuses on the recent advances made in the diagnosis of this parasite infection in animals and humans.

Exome-informed formulations of food proteins enhance body growth and feed conversion efficiency in ad libitum-fed mice.

Meeting requirements for dietary proteins, especially of essential amino acids (EAAs), is critical for the life-long health of living organisms. However, defining EAA targets for preparing biologically-matched nutrition that satisfies metabolic requirements for protein remains challenging. Previous research has shown the advantages of 'exome matching' in representing the specific requirement of dietary AAs, where the target dietary AA profile was derived from in silico translation of the genome of an organism, specifically responsible for protein expression (the 'exome'). However, past studies have assessed these effects in only one sex, for few parameters (body mass and composition), and have used purified diets in which protein is supplied as a mixture of individual AAs. Here, for the first time, we utilise a computational method to guide the formulation of custom protein blends and test if exome matching can be achieved at the intact protein level, through blending standard protein ingredients, ultimately leading to optimal growth, longevity and reproductive function. Mice were provided ad libitum (ad lib) access to one of the four iso-energetic protein-limited diets, two matched and two mis-matched to the mouse exome target, and fed at a fixed protein energy level of 6.2%. During or following 13-weeks of feeding, the food intake, body growth, composition and reproductive functions were measured. Compared to the two mis-matched diets, male and female animals on the exome-matched diet with protein digestibility correction applied, exhibited significantly improved growth rates and final body mass. The feed conversion efficiency in the same diet was also increased by 62% and 40% over the worst diets for males and females, respectively. Male, not female, exhibited higher accretion of lean body mass with the matched, digestibility-corrected diet. All reproductive function measures in both sexes were comparable among diets, with the exception of testicular daily sperm production in males, which was higher in the two matched diets versus the mis-matched diets. The results collectively demonstrate the pronounced advantages of exome-matching in supporting body growth and improving feed conversion efficiency in both sexes. However, the potential impact of this approach in enhancing fertility needs further investigation.

Validation of a hand hygiene visual feedback system to improve compliance with drying time of alcohol-based hand rub in a neonatal intensive care unit: the Incubator Traffic Light system.

BACKGROUND: Compliance with the recommended 30 s drying time of alcohol-based hand rub (ABHR) is often suboptimal. To increase hand hygiene compliance at a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), we installed an Incubator Traffic Light (ITL) system which shows 'green light' to open incubator doors after the recommended drying time. AIM: To measure the impact of this visual feedback system on NICU healthcare professionals' compliance with the recommended ABHR drying time. METHODS: Ten traffic light systems were installed on incubators at a NICU, five of which provided visual feedback, and five, serving as a control group, did not provide visual feedback. During a two-month period, the systems measured drying time between the moment of dispensing ABHR and opening the incubator's doors. The drying times of the incubators were compared with and without feedback. FINDINGS: Of the 6422 recorded hand hygiene events, 658 were valid for data analysis. Compliance with correct drying time reached 75% (N = 397/526) for incubators equipped with visual feedback versus 36% (N = 48/132; P < 0.0001) for incubators lacking this feature. CONCLUSION: The ITL improves compliance with the recommended 30 s ABHR drying time in a NICU setting.

Subjective Experiences of Pregnancy, Delivery, and Nursing in Transgender Men and Non-Binary Individuals: A Qualitative Analysis of Gender and Mental Health Concerns.

Studies of how gender-diverse individuals experience pregnancy, childbirth, and nursing remain few, mainly focus on the US and contain scarce information about mental health concerns peri-partum. This hinders informed reproductive health decisions and counseling. We used in-depth interviews to examine how gestational gender-diverse individuals in Sweden experience the process of planning and undergoing pregnancy, delivery, and nursing. In total, 12 participants, identifying on the masculine side of the gender spectrum or as non-binary, who had attended Swedish antenatal care and delivered a live birth, were included in the study. Data were analyzed using qualitative thematic content analysis. The analysis resulted in one overarching theme: sustaining gender congruence during pregnancy and three main categories: (1) considering pregnancy; (2) undergoing pregnancy and childbirth; and (3) postnatal reflections. The association between childbearing and being regarded as female permeated narratives. Participants renegotiated the feminine connotations of pregnancy, accessed gender-affirming treatment, and concealed their pregnancy to safeguard their gender congruence. Mis-gendering and breast enlargement triggered gender dysphoria. Social judgment, loneliness, information shortages, hormonal influence and cessation of testosterone increased gender dysphoria and strained their mental health. Depression exacerbated gender dysphoria and made it harder to claim one's gender identity. Dissociation was used to handle a feminized body, vaginal delivery, and nursing. Pregnancy was easier to envision and handle after masculinizing gender-affirming treatments. The results deepen the understanding of gender dysphoria and may be used to inform reproductive counseling and healthcare development. Research outcomes on mental health concerns provide a basis for further research.

Review of speed estimation algorithms for three- phase induction motor.

In the field of evolving industrial automation, there is a growing need for refined sensorless speed estimation techniques for induction drives to cater the demands of various applications. In this paper, the sensorless speed estimation algorithms for induction motor drives are investigated and reviewed detailly for real-time industrial usages. The main objective of this paper is to classify sensorless techniques by highlighting the characteristics, merits and drawbacks of each sensorless speed estimation techniques of induction motor drives. Different techniques like Rotor slot harmonics, Signal Injection, and Machine model based system have the benefits of sensorless motor drives involving lower costs, higher reliability, simpler hardware complication, improved noise immunity, and lesser maintenance requirement. As a result of the advancement of current industrial automation, more improved sensorless estimation techniques are required to meet application demand. The various speed estimation techniques are distinguished based on criteria of steady state error, dynamic behavior, low speed operation, parameter sensitivity, noise sensitivity, complexity and computation time. This comparison allows to opt the best sensorless speed estimation technique for induction motor drive to be implemented based on a specific application. The results of comparison highlight the characteristics of each technique.