Photoproduction of two charged pions off protons in the resonance region

Photoproduction of charged pions pairs off protons is studied within the invariant masses of the final state hadrons from 1.6 to 2.4 GeV at the Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility with the CLAS detector. The total and differential cross sections and spin-density matrix elements are presented for the isobars pρ0(770), Δ(1232)++π-, and Δ(1232)0π+. The data are included in the Bonn-Gatchina coupled-channel analysis and provide the information necessary to determine the branching fractions of Nρ(770) decays for most known N∗ and Δ∗ resonances. For the first time, the Nρ branching ratios are obtained here from an event-based likelihood to γp→π+π-p

GorillaFACS: The Facial Action Coding System for the Gorilla spp

The Facial Action Coding System (FACS) is an objective observation tool for measuring human facial behaviour. It avoids subjective attributions of meaning by objectively measuring independent movements linked to facial muscles, called Action Units (AUs). FACS has been adapted to 11 other taxa, including most apes, macaques and domestic animals, but not yet gorillas. To carry out cross species studies of facial expressions within and beyond apes, gorillas need to be included in such studies. Hence, we developed the GorillaFACS for the Gorilla spp. We followed similar methodology as previous FACS: First, we examined the facial muscular plan of the gorilla. Second, we analysed gorilla videos in a wide variety of contexts to identify their spontaneous facial movements. Third, we classified the individual facial movements according to appearance changes produced by the corresponding underlying musculature. A diverse repertoire of 42 facial movements was identified in the gorilla, including 28 AUs and 14 Action Descriptors, with several new movements not identified in the HumanFACS. Although some of the movements in gorillas differ from humans, the total number of AUs is comparable to the HumanFACS (32 AUs). Importantly, the gorilla\u27s range of facial movements was larger than expected, suggesting a more relevant role in social interactions than what was previously assumed. GorillaFACS is a scientific tool to measure facial movements, and thus, will allow us to better understand the gorilla\u27s expressions and communication. Furthermore, GorillaFACS has the potential be used as an important tool to evaluate this species welfare, particularly in settings of close proximity to humans

AN AUTOETHNOGRAPHY OF MY EXPERIENCE NAVIGATING THE UNITED STATES EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM AS AN IMMIGRANT: INTERCULTURAL COMMUNICATION CHALLENGES AND CULTURAL ASYNCHRONIZATION

The purpose of this study was to share experiences as an immigrant student and answer the following question: What does my personal life history reveal about the importance of intercultural communication in the U.S. educational system? Immigrants leave their countries of origin and migrate to the United States for various reasons. Many are traumatized when they enter the country due to civil unrest in their native countries. Immigrants arrive with their children, who join a school system that is generally unprepared to meet their needs. In order to document immigrant experiences, the researcher utilized an autoethnographic approach using counter-storytelling from Critical Race Theory and Intercultural Communication Theoretical Frameworks. Data were collected from personal journal entries, photographs, and letters and analyzed using tools from Schultz’s Keys to Identifying Prototypical Scenes and Alexander’s Primary Indicators of Psychological Saliency. As a result of this study, the researcher concluded that adjustment and adaptation are difficult for immigrant students because of ineffective intercultural communication within the school system

Photoproduction of the ς+ hyperon using linearly polarized photons with CLAS

Background: Measurements of the polarization observables ς,P,T,Ox,Oz for the reaction γ - p→KS0ς+ using a linearly polarized photon beam of energy 1.1 to 2.1 GeV are reported. Purpose: The measured data provide information on a channel that has not been studied extensively, but is required for a full coupled-channel analysis in the nucleon resonance region. Method: Observables have been simultaneously extracted using likelihood sampling with a Markov-Chain Monte Carlo process. Results: Angular distributions in bins of photon energy Eγ are produced for each polarization observable. T,Ox, and Oz are first time measurements of these observables in this reaction. The extraction of ς extends the energy range beyond a previous measurement. The measurement of P, the recoil polarization, is consistent with previous measurements. Conclusions: The measured data are shown to be significant enough to affect the estimation of the nucleon resonance parameters when fitted within a coupled-channels model

Utilizing Simulation Training to Understand Maternal Cardiac Arrest Precipitated by Amniotic Fluid Embolism: A Quality Improvement Project

Background and Problem: Maternal cardiac arrest precipitated by amniotic fluid embolism is among the leading direct causes of death among laboring women (Enomoto et al., 2022). Because it presents suddenly without any immediate apparent cause and lacks specific diagnostic tests, frontline obstetric caregivers must be vigilant, competent, and prepared to handle this potentially catastrophic emergency. Coordination among multiple disciplines is paramount since two lives, not just one, are at risk. Unfortunately, the rarity of maternal cardiac arrest significantly limits opportunities for staff to learn how to identify and manage these events successfully. Method: This quality improvement project established a simulation-based training course to improve staff knowledge, communication, and emergency response during maternal cardiac arrest caused by amniotic fluid embolism. Intervention and Implementation: Two simulation sessions were conducted. The first was voluntary, involving pre- and post-tests, as well as skill self-assessments. The second was unannounced, designed to simulate real-time clinical pressure. Debriefings were held following both sessions to highlight strengths, identify gaps, and deliver targeted education. Results: The announced session showed improved post-test scores and confidence. The unannounced session revealed delays in epinephrine administration, confusion over code activation, unfamiliarity with the code cart, and overcrowding. The lack of ACLS certification among labor and delivery nurses was a noted barrier. Conclusion: Simulation improved individual and team preparedness, revealing key system vulnerabilities. Sustainability is achievable through routine training and expansion

Analyzing the Impact of Interactive Home Monitoring on Congestive Heart Failure Readmissions: A Program Evaluation

Hospital readmissions are described as a situation in which a patient is admitted to a hospital within 30-days of being discharged from an earlier inpatient stay and is a critical indicator of care, contributing heavily to the rising healthcare costs in the United States. Heart failure is one of the leading contributors to 30-day hospital readmissions, prompting healthcare organizations to develop and implement policies aimed at reducing these occurrences. This program evaluation examined the effectiveness of the University of Virginia’s (UVA) Interactive Home Monitoring (IHM) program at reducing 30-day hospital readmission rates among patients diagnosed with heart failure (HF). Utilizing remote patient monitoring (RPM) through the IHM program in combination with multidisciplinary care, the program addresses barriers that occur during the transitional period associated with leaving the hospital such as medication adherence, clinical provider follow-up, and social determinants of health. This program evaluation was guided using Rogers\u27 Diffusion of Innovation Theory and the program evaluation analyzed patient data collected from electronic health records and remote monitoring platforms. Among the 94 enrolled patients with heart failure (HF) during time of data collection, 8.5% were readmitted to the hospital within 30-days, suggesting short-term effectiveness. Common comorbidities found within the patient population examined include hypertension, coronary artery disease, and diabetes mellitus. Barriers that were identified to successful program intervention were identified and grouped as technical challenges and health literacy issues. Unexpected results showed that remote patient monitoring also facilitated early detection of non-heart failure-related medical concerns, which ultimately enhanced patient care. These program evaluation\u27s findings reinforce the effectiveness and potential of IHM programs in reducing 30-day hospital readmissions as well as improving clinical outcomes among HF patients. Recommendations include enhancing patient-specific education based on disease process and health literacy, addressing technological barriers, and expanding support for complex social circumstances. Future research should look at results over a longer period of time and discuss potential broader applications for patients who suffer from other chronic illnesses. This evaluation supports the wider adoption of comprehensive, patient-centered remote monitoring strategies to optimize healthcare delivery and patient outcomes in HF management

Design of the ECCE detector for the Electron Ion Collider

The EIC Comprehensive Chromodynamics Experiment (ECCE) detector has been designed to address the full scope of the proposed Electron Ion Collider (EIC) physics program as presented by the National Academy of Science and provide a deeper understanding of the quark–gluon structure of matter. To accomplish this, the ECCE detector offers nearly acceptance and energy coverage along with excellent tracking and particle identification. The ECCE detector was designed to be built within the budget envelope set out by the EIC project while simultaneously managing cost and schedule risks. This detector concept has been selected to be the basis for the EIC project detector

Objective High-Speed Videoendoscopy Measures of Vocal Fold Vibration During Semi-Occluded Vocal Tract Exercise

Objective: Much of what is known about semi-occluded vocal tract (SOVT) exercise is based on modeling and theoretical constructs. This exploratory study aimed to address the need for direct kinematic data from laryngeal imaging to investigate the impact of SOVT exercise on the vibratory characteristics of the vocal folds. Method: A small sample of two participants, with no history of voice disorder, underwent transnasal, flexible fiberoptic endoscopy connected to a custom-built high-speed videoendoscopy (HSV) system. Participants were asked to perform the following tasks: a sustained vowel (/i/), sustained straw phonation, another repetition of the /i/ vowel, and straw phonation into a small cup of water. Physiologic measures during the phonation tasks, derived from the HSV playback, were analyzed and compared to the SOVT tasks. Results: Glottal attack time trended toward longer, positive values during SOVT exercises, indicating “breathier” onsets, compared to sustained phonation preSOVT. This trend was more pronounced for straw phonation into a cup of water than for straw phonation alone. The results for glottal contact closed-quotient were more variable. Both participants had some degree of supraglottic squeezing during phonation, which was not present during SOVT production. Conclusion: Although a small sample was investigated, this study reports clinically significant findings, providing some of the first insight into vocal fold vibratory physiology during SOVT production, as measured by direct laryngeal imaging. Additionally, this study offers descriptions of objective measures of manual HSV analysis to a literature base in need of validation of such measures

Development and Implementation of an OB/L&D SBAR Framework to Enhance Communication between Obstetric Nurses and Anesthesia Providers: A Quality Improvement Initiative

Effective communication between obstetric (OB) nurses and anesthesia providers is critical to ensure patient safety during epidural placements in labor and delivery (L&D) settings. At a large teaching hospital, communication gaps were identified when OB nurses requested anesthesia for epidural placements without consistently providing vital patient information. The lack of structured communication can result in important details being overlooked, which may lead to delays in care and potential patient harm. To address this, the SBAR (Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation) communication framework was implemented to standardize and improve information exchange. This Doctorate of Nurse Anesthesia Practice (DNAP) project aimed to enhance communication on the OB/L&D unit at the project site hospital (PSH) by integrating a customized SBAR tool into clinical practice. Using a Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) quality improvement design, the project began with a baseline assessment of communication practices to identify weaknesses. The tailored OB/L&D SBAR tool was then introduced through targeted staff education and training sessions. Following the implementation, post-intervention data were collected to evaluate improvements in communication and compliance with the OB/L&D SBAR tool. Although nurses reported the tool was easy to use, results revealed inconsistent use of SBAR. Continued lack of leadership support in promoting its use for patient safety pointed to a broader organizational systems issue. To promote sustainability, recommendations include ongoing SBAR education during shift huddles, expanded training for all providers, integration into onboarding and competencies, quarterly audits with feedback, leadership engagement, and collaboration with the next DNAP cohort