Safety of EVO ICL Implantation With an Ophthalmic Viscosurgical Device-Free Technique in the Early 24 h After Surgery

Purpose: To compare the safety of the non-ophthalmic viscosurgical device (OVD) technique with that of the minimum OVD technique in EVO Implantable Collamer Lens (EVO-ICL) implantation.Methods: A total of 180 eyes of 90 consecutive patients were enrolled in the study, of which 100 eyes of 50 patients were treated with non-OVD technique, with a 55% success rate. The remaining 80 eyes of 40 patients were treated with min-OVD technique, so they were classified into the min-OVD group. Preoperative and postoperative intraocular pressure (IOP) measurements were collected and analyzed at 1, 2, 3, and 24 h. Visual acuity, corneal endothelial cell density (ECD), and corneal densitometry 24 h postoperatively were evaluated.Results: No significant difference was found in visual outcomes (P = 0.54) or ECD (P = 0.78) between the two groups. The operation time was significantly shorter in the non-OVD group (P < 0.0001). The IOP was significantly higher at 1 h (P < 0.0001), 2 h (P < 0.0001) and 3 h (P = 0.0045) postoperatively in the min-OVD group. The non-OVD group had significantly lower IOP than the min-OVD group at 1 h (P = 0.01) and 2 h (P = 0.013) postoperatively. The temporal corneal densitometry in the non-OVD group were significantly lower than those in the minimum group (P = 0.0063) 1 day after surgery.Conclusion: The non-OVD technique is safe and efficient for ICL implantation. It can be a safer method of ICL implantation in that it completely eliminates ophthalmic viscoelastic devices related complications without causing additional complications in short term.

Population and Group Size of Cheer Pheasant Catreus Wallichii in Pokhari Valley, Garhwal Himalaya, India

Present paper reports population dynamics of Cheer pheasant Catreus wallichii in Pokhari valley, Garhwal Himalaya during January 2019 to December 2019. A total of 405 individuals with 145 groups were recorded. Overall individuals per sighting and group size (3.88±0.51 and 3.40±0.45) were also recorded during the study period respectively. Maximum value of individuals per sighting and group size were recorded in months of July and November (6.13±0.76 and 7.32±0.97), while minimum were recorded in May and April (1.75±0.27 and 1.17±0.26). Seasonal variation was also observed in population and group size. Maximum value of individual per sighting was recorded during the Monsoon season and minimum were recorded in spring season. While maximum and minimum group size were recorded in winter and spring Season.

INVERSION OF BACKSCATTER IONOGRAMS INTO QUASI-PARABOLIC IONOSPHERIC LAYER PARAMETERS

We present an inversion scheme of the backscatter signal leading edge into parameters of the quasi-parabolic electron density profile, which is based on the comparison of experimental and calculated minimum delays of scattered signals with corresponding distance to the skip zone border. Input parameters are frequency dependences of minimum group path of signal propagation, derived from processing and interpreting backscatter ionograms. For a fixed sounding frequency, the ionospheric parameter pair — the critical frequency and height of the F2-layer maximum — is defined as the intersection point of two curves representing solutions of minimization problems for discrepancy functionals of the minimum group path and the range to the skip zone border. Determining the ionospheric parameters by this inversion scheme on the sounding frequency grid allows us to construct a two-dimensional distribution of electron density in the direction of backscatter sounding.

INVERSION OF BACKSCATTER IONOGRAMS INTO QUASI-PARABOLIC IONOSPHERIC LAYER PARAMETERS

We present an inversion scheme of the backscatter signal leading edge into parameters of the quasi-parabolic electron density profile, which is based on the comparison of experimental and calculated minimum delays of scattered signals with corresponding distance to the skip zone border. Input parameters are frequency dependences of minimum group path of signal propagation, derived from processing and interpreting backscatter ionograms. For a fixed sounding frequency, the ionospheric parameter pair — the critical frequency and height of the F2-layer maximum — is defined as the intersection point of two curves representing solutions of minimization problems for discrepancy functionals of the minimum group path and the range to the skip zone border. Determining the ionospheric parameters by this inversion scheme on the sounding frequency grid allows us to construct a two-dimensional distribution of electron density in the direction of backscatter sounding.

On inverse submonoids of the monoid of almost monotone injective co-finite partial selfmaps of positive integers

In this paper we study submonoids of the monoid $\mathscr{I}_{\infty}^{\,\Rsh\!\!\nearrow}(\mathbb{N})$ of almost monotone injective co-finite partial selfmaps of positive integers $\mathbb{N}$. Let $\mathscr{I}_{\infty}^{\nearrow}(\mathbb{N})$ be a submonoid of $\mathscr{I}_{\infty}^{\,\Rsh\!\!\nearrow}(\mathbb{N})$ which consists of cofinite monotone partial bijections of $\mathbb{N}$ and $\mathscr{C}_{\mathbb{N}}$ be a subsemigroup of $\mathscr{I}_{\infty}^{\,\Rsh\!\!\nearrow}(\mathbb{N})$ which is generated by the partial shift $n\mapsto n+1$ and its inverse partial map. We show that every automorphism of a full inverse subsemigroup of $\mathscr{I}_{\infty}^{\!\nearrow}(\mathbb{N})$ which contains the semigroup $\mathscr{C}_{\mathbb{N}}$ is the identity map. We construct a submonoid $\mathbf{I}\mathbb{N}_{\infty}^{[\underline{1}]}$ of $\mathscr{I}_{\infty}^{\,\Rsh\!\!\nearrow}(\mathbb{N})$ with the following property: if $S$ is an inverse submonoid of $\mathscr{I}_{\infty}^{\,\Rsh\!\!\nearrow}(\mathbb{N})$ such that $S$ contains $\mathbf{I}\mathbb{N}_{\infty}^{[\underline{1}]}$ as a submonoid, then every non-identity congruence $\mathfrak{C}$ on $S$ is a group congruence. We show that if $S$ is an inverse submonoid of $\mathscr{I}_{\infty}^{\,\Rsh\!\!\nearrow}(\mathbb{N})$ such that $S$ contains $\mathscr{C}_{\mathbb{N}}$ as a submonoid then $S$ is simple and the quotient semigroup $S/\mathfrak{C}_{\mathbf{mg}}$, where $\mathfrak{C}_{\mathbf{mg}}$ is the minimum group congruence on $S$, is isomorphic to the additive group of integers. Also, we study topologizations of inverse submonoids of $\mathscr{I}_{\infty}^{\,\Rsh\!\!\nearrow}(\mathbb{N})$ which contain $\mathscr{C}_{\mathbb{N}}$ and embeddings of such semigroups into compact-like topological semigroups.

On the monoid of cofinite partial isometries of $\qq{N}^n$ with the usual metric

In this paper we study the structure of the monoid Iℕn ∞ of cofinite partial isometries of the n-th power of the set of positive integers ℕ with the usual metric for a positive integer n > 2. We describe the group of units and the subset of idempotents of the semigroup Iℕn ∞, the natural partial order and Green's relations on Iℕn ∞. In particular we show that the quotient semigroup Iℕn ∞/Cmg, where Cmg is the minimum group congruence on Iℕn ∞, is isomorphic to the symmetric group Sn and D = J in Iℕn ∞. Also, we prove that for any integer n ≥2 the semigroup Iℕn ∞ is isomorphic to the semidirect product Sn ×h(P∞(Nn); U) of the free semilattice with the unit (P∞(Nn); U) by the symmetric group Sn.

Strength of nonhuman primate studies of developmental programming: review of sample sizes, challenges, and steps for future work

Nonhuman primate (NHP) studies are crucial to biomedical research. NHPs are the species most similar to humans in lifespan, body size, and hormonal profiles. Planning research requires statistical power evaluation, which is difficult to perform when lacking directly relevant preliminary data. This is especially true for NHP developmental programming studies, which are scarce. We review the sample sizes reported, challenges, areas needing further work, and goals of NHP maternal nutritional programming studies. The literature search included 27 keywords, for example, maternal obesity, intrauterine growth restriction, maternal high-fat diet, and maternal nutrient reduction. Only fetal and postnatal offspring studies involving tissue collection or imaging were included. Twenty-eight studies investigated maternal over-nutrition and 33 under-nutrition; 23 involved macaques and 38 baboons. Analysis by sex was performed in 19; minimum group size ranged from 1 to 8 (mean 4.7 ± 0.52, median 4, mode 3) and maximum group size from 3 to 16 (8.3 ± 0.93, 8, 8). Sexes were pooled in 42 studies; minimum group size ranged from 2 to 16 (mean 5.3 ± 0.35, median 6, mode 6) and maximum group size from 4 to 26 (10.2 ± 0.92, 8, 8). A typical study with sex-based analyses had group size minimum 4 and maximum 8 per sex. Among studies with sexes pooled, minimum group size averaged 6 and maximum 8. All studies reported some significant differences between groups. Therefore, studies with group sizes 3–8 can detect significance between groups. To address deficiencies in the literature, goals include increasing age range, more frequently considering sex as a biological variable, expanding topics, replicating studies, exploring intergenerational effects, and examining interventions.

Investment Trios Are Less Prone to the Hot Hand and Gambler’s Fallacies and Make Better Investment Strategies

An experimental study was conducted to determine the minimum group size for which the mitigating effect for the hot hand and gambler’s fallacies can be felt. This is quantified by looking if groups are as prone to the hot hand and gambler’s fallacies in making decisions as their individual counter parts. Results suggest that groups maximize their investment returns better than individuals as the former choose to decide on their own more and rely on the experts’ opinions less. Triads are the least biased with the hot hand and gambler’s fallacies and thus are able to make more rational decisions and consequently maximize their investments better than the other treatments.These data allowed us to recognize the benefits of forming investment clubs consisting of three members since their decisions are more likely in line with the profit maximizing strategy in comparison with the decisions made by pairs and individuals.

Group acceptance sampling plan for resubmitted lots based on life tests for odds exponential log logistic distribution

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to develop a group acceptance sampling plan (GASP) for a resubmitted lot when the lifetime of a product follows odds exponential log logistic distribution introduced by Rao and Rao (2014). The parameters of the proposed plan such as minimum group size and acceptance number are determined for a pre-specified consumer’s risk, number of testers and the test termination time. The authors compare the proposed plan with the ordinary GASP, and the results are illustrated with live data example. Design/methodology/approach The parameters of the proposed plan such as minimum group size and acceptance number are determined for a pre-specified consumer’s risk, number of testers and the test termination time. Findings The authors determined the group size and acceptance number. Research limitations/implications No specific limitations. Practical implications This methodology can be applicable in industry to study quality control. Social implications This methodology can be applicable in health study. Originality/value The parameters of the proposed plan such as minimum group size and acceptance number are determined for a pre-specified consumer’s risk, number of testers and the test termination time.

Bearded pig (Sus barbatus) utilisation of a fragmented forest–oil palm landscape in Sabah, Malaysian Borneo

Context Oil palm plantations have become a dominant landscape in Southeast Asia, yet we still understand relatively little about the ways wildlife are adapting to fragmented mosaics of forest and oil palm. The bearded pig is of great ecological, social and conservation importance in Borneo and is declining in many parts of its range due to deforestation, habitat fragmentation and overhunting. Aims We assessed how the bearded pig is adapting to oil palm expansion by investigating habitat utilisation, activity patterns, body condition and minimum group size in a mosaic landscape composed of forest fragments and surrounding oil palm plantations. Methods We conducted our study in Sabah, Malaysian Borneo, in and around the Lower Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary, a protected area consisting of secondary forest fragments (ranging 1200–7400ha) situated within an extensive oil palm matrix. We modelled bearded pig habitat use in forest fragments and oil palm plantations using survey data from line transects. Camera traps placed throughout the forest fragments were used to assess pig activity patterns, body condition and minimum group size. Key results All forest transects and 80% of plantation transects showed pig presence, but mean pig signs per transect were much more prevalent in forest (70.00±13.00s.e.) than in plantations (0.91±0.42s.e.). Pig tracks had a positive relationship with leaf cover and a negative relationship with grass cover; pig rooting sites had a positive relationship with wet and moderate soils compared with drier soils. Ninety-five percent of pigs displayed ‘good’ or ‘very good’ body condition in forests across the study area. Pigs also aggregated in small groups (mean=2.7±0.1s.e. individuals), and showed largely diurnal activity patterns with peak activity taking place at dawn and dusk. Groups with piglets and juveniles were more active during the day and less active at night as compared to overall activity patterns for all groups. Conclusions Our findings suggest that bearded pigs in our study area regularly utilise oil palm as habitat, as indicated by their signs in most oil palm sites surveyed. However, secondary forest fragments are used much more frequently and for a wider range of behaviours (e.g. nesting, wallowing) than adjacent oil palm plantations. These forests clearly remain the most important habitat for the bearded pig in the Lower Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary, and their protection is a high conservation priority for this species. Implications Consistent bearded pig presence in oil palm is potentially an indication of successful adaptation to agricultural expansion in the study area. The apparently good body condition displayed by the vast majority of pigs in our study likely results from year-round cross-border fruit subsidies from surrounding oil palm plantations. The consistent diurnal activity displayed by groups containing piglets and juveniles may indicate predator avoidance strategies, whereas the substantial nocturnal activity we observed by other groups could suggest fewer threats for larger individuals. However, the overall effects of oil palm expansion in the region on bearded pig population health, foraging ecology, and movement ecology remain unknown.A