This work presents machine learning-based techniques for detecting mind-wandering and predicting hazard response time in driving using only easily measurable driving performance data (speed, ...horizontal and frontal acceleration, lane gap, and brake pressure). Such classifiers are relevant as research tools in the driving simulation community. We present a simple method, and a feature extraction-based method, of representing time-series driving performance data that both support machine learning-based predictions. We use the two types of representations to compare the effectiveness of support vector machines, random forest, and multi-layer perceptrons on data from 117 drives performed by 39 participants during a previous study in the high-fidelity driving simulator at the University of Guelph. Classification of mind-wandering and prediction of hazard response time was successful when compared to baseline measures. Specifically, random forest methods were most effective in both types of prediction and feature extraction supported the strongest random forest prediction of hazard response time. A discussion of the reasoning for this is included. While this has previously been studied using a single screen experimental setup, to our knowledge this is the first driving pattern-based classification of mind-wandering in a fully immersive driving simulator.
COVID-19-associated visitor restrictions altered parents' involvement in their infant's care in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).
The purpose of this article is to explore how restrictions ...affected parents' perceptions of experience in the NICU and to build a conceptual model of communication flow during times of crisis.
This qualitative study was set in a level III 52-bed NICU. Using data from an open-ended survey question, a multitiered thematic analysis was used.
Four broad themes emerged: communication, gratitude, release, and containment of emotionality. These 4 themes interacted codependently and manifested differently as COVID-related visitor policies were put in place. Parents' characterization of communication also varied depending on the visitation policies. Before COVID, parents were more likely to reflect on communication. During COVID, parents expressed more gratitude, while containing negative emotions-sometimes using gratitude to soften the blow of bad feedback.
Our theoretical model suggests that gratitude may serve as a form of "reciprocal care" to providers during a period of crisis and extreme stress. Use of high-quality communication between providers and parents in the NICU is necessary to understand parental concerns or negative experience.
As the global climate continues to change, plants will increasingly experience abiotic stress(es). Stomata on leaf surfaces are the gatekeepers to plant interiors, regulating gaseous exchanges that ...are crucial for both photosynthesis and outward water release. To optimise future crop productivity, accurate modelling of how stomata govern plant-environment interactions will be crucial. Here, we synergise optical and thermal imaging data to improve modelled transpiration estimates during water and/or nutrient stress (where leaf N is reduced). By utilising hyperspectral data and partial least squares regression analysis of six plant traits and fluxes in wheat (Triticum aestivum), we develop a new spectral vegetation index; the Combined Nitrogen and Drought Index (CNDI), which can be used to detect both water stress and/or nitrogen deficiency. Upon full stomatal closure during drought, CNDI shows a strong relationship with leaf water content (r
= 0.70), with confounding changes in leaf biochemistry. By incorporating CNDI transformed with a sigmoid function into thermal-based transpiration modelling, we have increased the accuracy of modelling water fluxes during abiotic stress. These findings demonstrate the potential of using combined optical and thermal remote sensing-based modelling approaches to dynamically model water fluxes to improve both agricultural water usage and yields.
As resin-based composites (RBC) replace dental amalgam for environmental reasons, there is a requirement to understand the environmental impact of this alternative dental restorative material. In ...this study we standardize the simultaneous detection of five monomeric components associated with RBCs using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled with solid-phase microextraction (SPME). Factors affecting method performance (detection wavelength, calibration conditions, method sensitivity/accuracy/precision, extraction time/efficiency) are evaluated using standard solutions containing the mixture of TEGDMA, UDMA, Bis-GMA, BPA and HEMA. Detection sensitivity and analytical efficiency of the method is optimized for these compounds using 200 nm detection wavelength, PDMS/DVB fiber and extraction time of 90 min. Analytical accuracy of the HPLC is >95% for all monomers, with precision of 2.3–5.1%. Detection limits under the conditions described are 25 µg/L for HEMA, BPA, UDMA, Bis-GMA, and 100 µg/L for TEGDMA. The extraction time is governed by the largest molecular weight compounds.
The Ultraviolet (UV) Index provides a reliable means of monitoring the strength of UV radiation at the Earth's surface, which can be used to indicate the potential for skin damage. This qualitative ...study aims to examine public understanding of the UV Index among Australians who routinely use UV forecast information as well as those who do not.
Recent use of the SunSmart app (a popular mobile and tablet app that provides UV forecast information) served as a proxy for use of UV forecast information. Six focus groups were conducted with 'new users', who trialled the SunSmart app for the first time in the two weeks preceding the group discussion. In addition, 15 in-depth interviews were conducted with 'existing users', who routinely used the SunSmart app. Thematic discourse analysis was undertaken to compare views and experiences.
Misperceptions about UV radiation were common. Participants learnt new information about UV radiation, the UV Index, and the times of the day that sun protection is recommended. Among adults who were using UV forecast information for the first time, this learning rarely translated to new behaviours; for these participants, the UV Index forecast information and recommendations were inconsistent with their own observation of the weather and subsequent judgement about their propensity to burn. Thus new users considered the UV forecast information to be overly cautious. In contrast, existing users recognised their inability to judge the UV Index level; for these participants, UV forecast information provided by the SunSmart app was incorporated into their daily routines and used to inform their sun protection behaviours.
No matter how broadly UV forecast information is promoted, it is unlikely to improve sun protection behaviours across the Victorian population due to the low level of basic understanding of UV radiation. Public education strategies that correct the commonly held misperception that temperature and/or sunshine can reliably predict the potential for UV damage are required. Improved public awareness about UV radiation and how the UV Index can be used to prevent skin cancer may help Australians to develop more effective sun protection habits.
Celotno besedilo
Dostopno za:
DOBA, IZUM, KILJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, SIK, UILJ, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK
Background:
Individuals with diabetes are using online resources to engage in diabetes online communities to find diabetes-related support and information. The benefits and consequences of DOC ...(diabetes online community) use are unclear. This scoping review aims to map existing research focused on organic DOCs in which individuals affected by diabetes are interacting with peers.
Method:
A scoping review was conducted to comprehensively report and synthesize relevant literature published prior to 2018. Attention was paid to variations in study design, DOC user and platform characteristics, and potential or actual benefits and consequences.
Results:
Of the 14 486 titles identified, 47 articles met the inclusion criteria and were included in this scoping review. No overt definition of the DOC could be identified. Perceived or actual benefits associated with DOC use can be broadly categorized as clinical, behavioral, psychosocial and community outcomes. Perceived, potential, or actual consequences associated with DOC use were categorized as quality of information, risky behavior exploration, acute concerns, psychosocial, privacy, and inactivity.
Conclusions:
The results of this review strongly suggest DOC use is highly beneficial with relatively few negative consequences. DOC use is an emerging area of research and research gaps exist. Future research should seek to identify benefits and consequences to DOC use in experimental trials.
Absence of the developing lens results in severe eye defects, including substantial reductions in eye size. How the lens controls eye expansion and the underlying signalling pathways are very poorly ...defined. We identified
, a gene crucial for retinoic acid synthesis during embryogenesis, as a key factor downregulated in the peripheral retina (presumptive ciliary body region) of lens-removed embryonic chicken eyes prior to overt reductions in eye size. This is associated with a significant decrease in retinoic acid synthesis by lens-removed eyes. Restoring retinoic acid signalling in lens-removed eyes by implanting beads soaked in retinoic acid or retinal, but not vitamin A, rescued eye size. Conversely, blocking retinoic acid synthesis decreased eye size in lens-containing eyes. Production of collagen II and collagen IX, which are major vitreal proteins, is also regulated by the lens and retinoic acid signalling. These data mechanistically link the known roles of both the lens and retinoic acid in normal eye development, and support a model whereby retinoic acid production by the peripheral retina acts downstream of the lens to support vitreous production and eye expansion.
This year, 2021, marks the 40th anniversary of the iconic Slip! Slop! Slap! campaign which launched Australia's status as a global leader in skin cancer prevention. Since the campaign first aired in ...the summer of 1980-81, notable successes have been achieved, with melanoma rates declining in younger age groups. While skin cancer prevention is rightly considered a triumph of Australian public health, challenges remain. Australia still has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world, with about 2000 deaths per year from the disease. Skin cancer also presents the highest cost burden to the health system of any cancer type. Despite this, government investment at the national level is lacking. It is more difficult than ever to collect valuable representative national data on population skin cancer prevention behaviours to underpin and evaluate programs, as the methodology used previously has become unfeasible. There has not been a national skin cancer prevention mass-media campaign for over a decade, indicating complacency from policy makers. State and territory governments could also do more to implement evidence-based policies aimed at protecting children from ultraviolet radiation. This paper sets out Australia's skin cancer prevention landscape in 2021, and makes the case for a renewed focus from government on sun protection to safeguard the significant gains made over four decades and to protect future generations from an almost entirely preventable cancer.
Angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels, is essential for tumor growth, stabilization and progression. Angiogenesis inhibitors are now widely used in the clinic; however, there are ...relatively few published studies on the mechanism of their presumed teratogenic effects. To address this issue, we screened a variety of angiogenesis inhibitors in developing zebrafish and chicken embryo models to assess for developmental defects and potential teratogenic effects. We confirmed previous reports that sunitinib, sorafenib and TNP-470 are teratogenic and demonstrate that axitinib, pazopanib, vandetanib, and everolimus are also teratogens in these models. A dose response study identified the drugs inhibit HUVEC cell proliferation in vitro, and also target the developing blood vessels of embryos in vivo. This provides further evidence for the potential risk of fetal toxicity when using these drugs in a clinical setting, and emphasizes the importance of the development and maintenance of the vasculature in the embryo. We conclude that angiogenesis inhibitors, regardless of the molecular target, are teratogenic when exposed to chicken embryos.
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