They then underwent a 30-minute training session using an assessment tool

with embedded videos to anchor rating scores for 10 components of coronary artery anastomosis. Afterward, they evaluated 2 videos of a different student and resident performing the task. Components were scored on a 1 to 5 Likert scale, yielding an average composite score. Inter-rater reliabilities of component and composite scores were assessed using intraclass Selleckchem HIF inhibitor correlation coefficients (ICCs) and overall pass/fail ratings with kappa. Results: All components of the assessment tool exhibited improvement in reliability, with 4 (bite, needle holder use, needle angles, and hand mechanics) improving the most from poor (ICC range, 0.09-0.48) to strong (ICC range, 0.80-0.90) agreement. After training, inter-rater reliabilities for composite scores improved from

moderate Compound Library (ICC, 0.76) to strong (ICC, 0.90) agreement, and for overall pass/fail ratings, from poor (kappa = 0.20) to moderate (kappa = 0.78) agreement. Conclusions: Focused, video-based anchor training facilitates greater inter-rater reliability in the objective assessment of simulated coronary anastomoses. Among raters with less teaching experience, such training may be needed before objective evaluation of technical skills.”
“Seed agglomeration is a coating technology with the purpose to sow multiple seeds of the same seed lot, or multiple seeds of different seed lots, varieties or species. The objective of 17DMAG order this study was to develop agglomeration technology by producing single agglomerates or pellets using lettuce and tomato as model vegetable crop seeds. Physical properties of dry and wet pellets were measured and seedling emergence assessed. Pellets were formed by

a molding technique with a mixture of filler, binder, and seeds. Diatomaceous earth (DE) was used as the filler, and two binders were tested: polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and a commercial organic binder. Each binder solution was mixed with DE, and seeds were added during the agglomeration process. Oval and cylindrical pellets were molded with known compression forces. Cylindrical pellet strength increased, as PVA binder concentration increased from 8% to 16% and pellet strength was greater for pellets produced with 3 kg than with 1 kg compression. The percent seedling emergence and speed of emergence were not affected by a compression force of 1 kg and 3 kg for PVA-pelleted lettuce and tomato, respectively compared to the non-pelleted control. Cylindrical pellets formed using the commercial organic binder at 1 and 3 kg force without lecithin showed significantly less seedling emergence and speed of emergence for lettuce seed; no significant differences were observed for tomato seed.