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Fox S. Minimizing Entropy and Complexity in Creative Production from Emergent Pragmatics to Action Semantics. Entropy (Basel) 2024; 26:364. [PMID: 38785613 DOI: 10.3390/e26050364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2024] [Revised: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
New insights into intractable industrial challenges can be revealed by framing them in terms of natural science. One intractable industrial challenge is that creative production can be much more financially expensive and time consuming than standardized production. Creative products include a wide range of goods that have one or more original characteristics. The scaling up of creative production is hindered by high financial production costs and long production durations. In this paper, creative production is framed in terms of interactions between entropy and complexity during progressions from emergent pragmatics to action semantics. An analysis of interactions between entropy and complexity is provided that relates established practice in creative production to organizational survival in changing environments. The analysis in this paper is related to assembly theory, which is a recent theoretical development in natural science that addresses how open-ended generation of complex physical objects can emerge from selection in biology. Parallels between assembly practice in industrial production and assembly theory in natural science are explained through constructs that are common to both, such as assembly index. Overall, analyses reported in the paper reveal that interactions between entropy and complexity underlie intractable challenges in creative production, from the production of individual products to the survival of companies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen Fox
- VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, FI-02150 Espoo, Finland
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Mahler S, Einan-Lifshitz A, Shemer A, Belkin A, Pras E, Dubinsky-Pertzov B. Reproducibility of manifest refraction in patients with keratoconus compared with healthy subjects: A prospective cohort study. Am J Ophthalmol 2024:S0002-9394(24)00168-5. [PMID: 38677637 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajo.2024.04.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2023] [Revised: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE To measure and compare the inter- examiner reproducibility of manifest refraction in patients with keratoconus. DESIGN Prospective, inter-examiner reliability analysis comparing "cases and controls" METHODS: Patients with Keratoconus (KC) and healthy subjects had undergone manifest refraction by the same two skilled optometrists, each was masked to the refraction of the other, on the same day. The KC group was comprised of patients with KC, who were recruited from the cornea clinic. The control group consisted of healthy individuals who wore spectacles and did not have KC. Participants for the control group were recruited from the clinic's staff, including doctors, technicians, nurses, and medical students. The study took place in one tertiary medical center in Israel from April 2021 to May 2022. The results of the manifest refraction and achieved corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) were compared between groups. RESULTS A total of 120 eyes of 60 patients were enrolled in the study; Thirty in the keratoconus group and 30 in the control group. A difference of 0.67±0.83 D and 0.19±0.21 D in the absolute manifest cylinder was observed between the optometrists in the keratoconus (95% LoA, -0.96, 2.30) and control group (95% LoA, -0.22, 0.61), respectively (p<0.001). Multivariate analysis revealed a 22-fold higher likelihood of an error exceeding 0.75 D in cylinder measurements (OR, 22.24; 95% CI, 2.39-206.95) and a tenfold likelihood of a difference of at least one row on the Snellen chart for CDVA (OR,10.32; 95% CI,2.39-44.44) in the KC group. CONCLUSION when compared to healthy subjects, patients with KC exhibit greater variability in manifest refraction. This discrepancy has the potential to influence the decision-making process when managing patients with KC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shahar Mahler
- Joyce and Irving Goldman Faculty of Medicine, Ben-Gurion University, Be'er-Sheva, Israel
| | - Adi Einan-Lifshitz
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shamir Medical Center (formerly Assaf-Harofeh), Tzrifin, Israel; Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Asaf Shemer
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shamir Medical Center (formerly Assaf-Harofeh), Tzrifin, Israel; Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Avner Belkin
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel; Department of ophthalmology, Meir medical center, Kfar-Saba, Israel
| | - Eran Pras
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shamir Medical Center (formerly Assaf-Harofeh), Tzrifin, Israel; Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Biana Dubinsky-Pertzov
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shamir Medical Center (formerly Assaf-Harofeh), Tzrifin, Israel; Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.
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Morena E, Romano C, Marconi M, Diamant S, Buscarinu MC, Bellucci G, Romano S, Scarabino D, Salvetti M, Ristori G. Peripheral Biomarkers in Manifest and Premanifest Huntington's Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24076051. [PMID: 37047023 PMCID: PMC10094222 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24076051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) is characterized by clinical motor impairment (e.g., involuntary movements, poor coordination, parkinsonism), cognitive deficits, and psychiatric symptoms. An inhered expansion of the CAG triplet in the huntingtin gene causing a pathogenic gain-of-function of the mutant huntingtin (mHTT) protein has been identified. In this review, we focus on known biomarkers (e.g., mHTT, neurofilament light chains) and on new biofluid biomarkers that can be quantified in plasma or peripheral blood mononuclear cells from mHTT carriers. Circulating biomarkers may fill current unmet needs in HD management: better stratification of patients amenable to etiologic treatment; the initiation of preventive treatment in premanifest HD; and the identification of peripheral pathogenic central nervous system cascades.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuele Morena
- Department of Neurosciences, Mental Health and Sensory Organs (NESMOS), Sant'Andrea Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, 00189 Rome, Italy
| | - Carmela Romano
- Department of Human Neurosciences, Sant'Andrea Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, 00189 Rome, Italy
| | - Martina Marconi
- Department of Neurosciences, Mental Health and Sensory Organs (NESMOS), Sant'Andrea Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, 00189 Rome, Italy
| | - Selene Diamant
- Department of Neurosciences, Mental Health and Sensory Organs (NESMOS), Sant'Andrea Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, 00189 Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Chiara Buscarinu
- Department of Neurosciences, Mental Health and Sensory Organs (NESMOS), Sant'Andrea Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, 00189 Rome, Italy
| | - Gianmarco Bellucci
- Department of Neurosciences, Mental Health and Sensory Organs (NESMOS), Sant'Andrea Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, 00189 Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Romano
- Department of Neurosciences, Mental Health and Sensory Organs (NESMOS), Sant'Andrea Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, 00189 Rome, Italy
| | - Daniela Scarabino
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology, National Research Council, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Salvetti
- Department of Neurosciences, Mental Health and Sensory Organs (NESMOS), Sant'Andrea Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, 00189 Rome, Italy
- IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Mediterraneo (INM) Neuromed, 86077 Pozzilli, Italy
| | - Giovanni Ristori
- Department of Neurosciences, Mental Health and Sensory Organs (NESMOS), Sant'Andrea Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, 00189 Rome, Italy
- Neuroimmunology Unit, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, 00179 Rome, Italy
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Rabah H, Khalaf Z, Chaddad R, Kazem H, Ahmad B, Mansour H, Saleh M, Boushnak M, Moussa MK, Rabah A. The Correlation Between Gender and Accessory Pathways. Cureus 2021; 13:e14746. [PMID: 34084674 PMCID: PMC8164102 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.14746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Accessory pathways (APs) are muscular bundles capable of rapid conduction between atria and ventricles. They can be located anywhere along the atrioventricular groove or septum. The etiology of such pathways is generally unknown. This study aims to evaluate the correlation between gender, AP location, and clinical presentation. Methods This is a retrospective study of 139 patients who underwent radiofrequency ablations for newly diagnosed accessory pathways between years 2010 and 2016. Information extracted from the medical records included: age at the time of diagnosis, gender, characteristics, and anatomical location of the accessory pathways. Results A total of 139 patients with AP were enrolled in the study. The mean age of diagnosis was 32.2 ± 13.5 years. With regards to gender, APs were more common among men (p-value 0.04). Males were predominant in both the right and left AP groups (p-value 0.025), although, overall, most of the AP were left located. Also, males were more commonly diagnosed with right posteroseptal (RPS) accessory pathways while females with left lateral (LL) pathways. Concerning the clinical presentation, the manifest form was more frequent than concealed. Males were prevalent in both groups (p-value 0.38). Conclusion Gender components might have a role in the pathogenesis of AP formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hussein Rabah
- Internal Medicine, Staten Island University Hospital, Northwell Health, New York, USA
| | - Zaynab Khalaf
- Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Lebanese University, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Al Hadath, LBN
| | - Rima Chaddad
- Interventional Cardiology, Lebanese University, Faculty of Medicine, Al Hadath, LBN
| | - Hassan Kazem
- Electrophysiology, Beirut Cardiac Institute, Beirut, LBN
| | - Bassam Ahmad
- Cardiology, Lebanese University, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Al Hadath, LBN
| | - Hassan Mansour
- Electrophysiology, Beirut Cardiac Institute, Beirut, LBN
| | - Mohammad Saleh
- Internal Medicine, Lebanese University, Faculty of Medicine, Al Hadath, LBN
| | - Mohammad Boushnak
- Orthopedics and Traumatology, Lebanese University, Faculty of Medicine, Al Hadath, LBN
| | - Mohamad K Moussa
- Orthopedic Surgery, Lebanese University, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Al Hadath, LBN
| | - Ali Rabah
- Electrophysiology, Beirut Cardiac Institute, Beirut, LBN
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Abstract
Objective. In the course of daily teaching responsibilities, pharmacy educators collect rich data that can provide valuable insight into student learning. This article describes the qualitative data analysis method of content analysis, which can be useful to pharmacy educators because of its application in the investigation of a wide variety of data sources, including textual, visual, and audio files. Findings. Both manifest and latent content analysis approaches are described, with several examples used to illustrate the processes. This article also offers insights into the variety of relevant terms and visualizations found in the content analysis literature. Finally, common threats to the reliability and validity of content analysis are discussed, along with suitable strategies to mitigate these risks during analysis. Summary. This review of content analysis as a qualitative data analysis method will provide clarity and actionable instruction for both novice and experienced pharmacy education researchers.
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Affiliation(s)
- A J Kleinheksel
- The Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia
| | | | - Huda Tawfik
- Central Michigan University, College of Medicine, Mt. Pleasant, Michigan
| | - Tasha R Wyatt
- The Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia
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Niccolini F, Pagano G, Fusar-Poli P, Wood A, Mrzljak L, Sampaio C, Politis M. Striatal molecular alterations in HD gene carriers: a systematic review and meta-analysis of PET studies. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 2018; 89:185-196. [PMID: 28889093 DOI: 10.1136/jnnp-2017-316633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2017] [Revised: 07/31/2017] [Accepted: 08/23/2017] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Over the past years, positron emission tomography (PET) imaging studies have investigated striatal molecular changes in premanifest and manifest Huntington's disease (HD) gene expansion carriers (HDGECs), but they have yielded inconsistent results. OBJECTIVE To systematically examine the evidence of striatal molecular alterations in manifest and premanifest HDGECs as measured by PET imaging studies. METHODS MEDLINE, ISI Web of Science, Cochrane Library and Scopus databases were searched for articles published until 7 June 2017 that included PET studies in manifest and premanifest HDGECs. Meta-analyses were conducted with random effect models, and heterogeneity was addressed with I2 index, controlling for publication bias and quality of study. The primary outcome was the standardised mean difference (SMD) of PET uptakes in the whole striatum, caudate and putamen in manifest and premanifest HDGECs compared with healthy controls (HCs). RESULTS Twenty-four out of 63 PET studies in premanifest (n=158) and manifest (n=191) HDGECs and HCs (n=333) were included in the meta-analysis. Premanifest and manifest HDGECs showed significant decreases in dopamine D2 receptors in caudate (SMD=-1.233, 95% CI -1.753 to -0.713, p<0.0001; SMD=-5.792, 95% CI -7.695 to -3.890, p<0.0001) and putamen (SMD=-1.479, 95% CI -1.965 to -0.992, p<0.0001; SMD=-5.053, 95% CI -6.558 to -3.549, p<0.0001), in glucose metabolism in caudate (SMD=-0.758, 95% CI -1.139 to -0.376, p<0.0001; SMD=-3.738, 95% CI -4.880 to -2.597, p<0.0001) and putamen (SMD=-2.462, 95% CI -4.208 to -0.717, p=0.006; SMD=-1.650, 95% CI -2.842 to -0.458, p<0.001) and in striatal PDE10A binding (SMD=-1.663, 95% CI -2.603 to -0.723, p=0.001; SMD=-2.445, 95% CI -3.371 to -1.519, p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS PET imaging has the potential to detect striatal molecular changes even at the early premanifest stage of HD, which are relevant to the neuropathological mechanisms underlying the development of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flavia Niccolini
- Neurodegeneration Imaging Group, Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Gennaro Pagano
- Neurodegeneration Imaging Group, Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Paolo Fusar-Poli
- Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Andrew Wood
- CHDI Management/CHDI Foundation, Princeton, New Jersey, USA
| | | | | | - Marios Politis
- Neurodegeneration Imaging Group, Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
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