Accuracy Of Criteria Research Articles

Performance of the DECAF score in predicting hospital mortality due to acute exacerbations of COPD.

<sec><title>BACKGROUND</title>This study aimed to investigate the overall prognostic performance of the DECAF (dyspnoea, eosinopenia, consolidation, acidaemia, atrial fibrillation) score for in-hospital death in patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) through a retrospective cohort study and an updated meta-analysis.</sec><sec><title>METHODS</title>Sensitivity, specificity, and predictive performance of DECAF were analysed, using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and area under the curve (AUC) as criteria for accuracy. A literature search was performed in databases. The summary ROC (SROC) curve was used to assess the overall performance of the DECAF score.</sec><sec><title>RESULTS</title>Twenty-three non-survivors and 292 survivors of AECOPD were included. At a cut-off value of 1.5, DECAF scores showed good sensitivity (78.3%), low specificity (55.1%), and AUC (0.719, 95% CI 0.614-0.824). Additionally, 22 studies (including our study) with 824 non-survivors and 8,957 survivors were included in this meta-analysis. The summary estimates were listed as follows: sensitivity 0.77 (95% CI 0.69-0.83); specificity 0.76 (95% CI 0.67-0.85); positive likelihood ratio 3.2 (95% CI 2.4-4.3); negative likelihood ratio 0.31 (95% CI 0.23-0.40); and diagnostic odds ratio 10.00 (95% CI 7-16). The AUC was 0.83 (95% CI 0.79-0.86).</sec><sec><title>CONCLUSIONS</title>The DECAF score is a simple tool to predict mortality in hospitalised patients with AECOPD, and the results of this study should be further validated.</sec>.

Assessing Antiparasitic Compounds Persistence in Cattle Hair by DART-MS.

This study introduces an alternative strategy for evaluating antiparasitic persistence compounds in cattle hair by Direct Analysis in Real Time Mass Spectrometry (DART-MS). The developed DART-MS method aimed to determine fenthion, chlorpyrifos, and cypermethrin in cattle hair samples. DART-MS analyses were performed in positive ion mode, and parameters related to the DART source were evaluated. The analytical performance demonstrated the efficiency of the optimized DART-MS method for fenthion, chlorpyrifos, and cypermethrin quantification in the evaluated samples, meeting criteria for precision, accuracy and limits of detection. Overall, the DART-MS method provided a fast and efficient analysis for determination of antiparasitic agents in cattle hair, which contributes to the evaluation of drug administration protocols and dosage intervals, and aids the safety and advancement of the livestock sector.

Applying Deep Learning Models to Breast Ultrasound Images for Automating Breast Cancer Diagnosis

Breast cancer is a result of uncontrolled human cell division. The vast growth of breast cancer patients has been an issue worldwide. Most of the patients are women, but breast cancer also affects men with a much lesser percentage. Breast cancer might lead to death for those who are suffering from it. Numerous types of research have been done to make an early diagnosis of breast cancer. It has been proven that the tumor can be detected by using an ultrasound image. Artificial Intelligence techniques have been used to detect breast cancer fundamentally. This paper studies the effectiveness of deep learning (DL) techniques in automating breast cancer diagnosis. Subsequently, the paper evaluates the diagnosis performance of three DL models utilizing the criteria of accuracy, recall, precision, and f1-score. The Densenet-169, U-Net, and ConvNet DL models are selected based on the examination of the related work. The DL diagnosis process involves identifying two types of breast cancer tumors: benign and malignant. The evaluation outcomes of the DL models show that the most effective model for diagnosing breast cancer among the three is the ConvNet, which achieves an accuracy of 91%, a recall of 83%, a precision of 85%, and an F1-score of 83%.

Estimation of some important thermodynamic properties of organic liquid mixtures at various temperatures (3-pentanol, benzyl salicylate, ethyl salicylate and methyl salicylate)

ABSTRACT This study investigates the thermodynamic and transport properties of binary mixtures of 3-pentanol with methyl salicylate, ethyl salicylate, and benzyl salicylate at selected compositions and temperatures from 303.15 K to 313.15 K. The excess molar volume, excess isentropic compressibility, deviation in viscosity, and excess Gibbs free energy of activation of viscous flow were determined from measured values of densities, viscosities, and speeds of sound. The results reveal the strength of hydrogen bonding interactions between the 3-pentanol molecules hydroxyl group and the salicylate derivative molecules’ -OH groups. Furthermore, the Prigogine-Flory-Patterson (PFP) theory is applied to identify the most predominant molecular interaction, and the Jouyban-Acree model results are discussed in terms of mean relative deviation (MRDs) and individual relative deviation (IRD) between calculated and experimental densities, speeds of sound and viscosities as an accuracy criterion

Numerical prediction and experiments for 3D crack propagation in brittle materials based on 3D-generalized maximum tangential strain criterion

Accurately predicting and tracing the three-dimensional (3D) propagation and fracture trajectory of a crack inside brittle materials is challenging. One difficulty is that the 3D crack propagation exhibits complex I/II/III mixed-mode expansion, and there is a lack of accurate crack initiation criteria and effective simulation methods. In our previous studies, the 3D-generalized maximum tangential strain (3D-GMTSN) criterion was proposed to determine the direction and onset of 3D fracture initiation. In this study, a Python program based on the 3D-GMTSN criterion is developed and integrated into FRANC3D to predict the 3D propagation trajectory of an arbitrary crack inside brittle solids. To verify the reliability of the new method, three different types of 3D crack modes, namely Internal Inclined Cracks Cuboid (IICC), Edge Notched Disc Bend (ENDB), and Three-Point Bending (TPB), are used for fracture experiments. The 3D crack propagation morphology is identified using high-resolution CT imaging techniques. The IICC, ENDB, and TPB models are simulated using the new method and the conventional numerical method based on the maximum shear stress (MSS), maximumtensile stress (MTS), and maximum energy release rate (MERR) criteria. Comparisons indicate that the proposed method based on the 3D-GMTSN criterion can predict the 3D crack propagation trajectory more accurately than the conventional methods.

A Survey on Design Space Exploration Approaches for Approximate Computing Systems

Approximate Computing (AxC) has emerged as a promising paradigm to enhance performance and energy efficiency by allowing a controlled trade-off between accuracy and resource consumption. It is extensively adopted across various abstraction levels, from software to architecture and circuit levels, employing diverse methodologies. The primary objective of AxC is to reduce energy consumption for executing error-resilient applications, accepting controlled and inherently acceptable output quality degradation. However, harnessing AxC poses several challenges, including identifying segments within a design amenable to approximation and selecting suitable AxC techniques to fulfill accuracy and performance criteria. This survey provides a comprehensive review of recent methodologies proposed for performing Design Space Exploration (DSE) to find the most suitable AxC techniques, focusing on both hardware and software implementations. DSE is a crucial design process where system designs are modeled, evaluated, and optimized for various extra-functional system behaviors such as performance, power consumption, energy efficiency, and accuracy. A systematic literature review was conducted to identify papers that ascribe their DSE algorithms, excluding those relying on exhaustive search methods. This survey aims to detail the state-of-the-art DSE methodologies that efficiently select AxC techniques, offering insights into their applicability across different hardware platforms and use-case domains. For this purpose, papers were categorized based on the type of search algorithm used, with Machine Learning (ML) and Evolutionary Algorithms (EAs) being the predominant approaches. Further categorization is based on the target hardware, including Field-Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), Application-Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), general-purpose Central Processing Units (CPUs), and Graphics Processing Units (GPUs). A notable observation was that most studies targeted image processing applications due to their tolerance for accuracy loss. By providing an overview of techniques and methods outlined in existing literature pertaining to the DSE of AxC designs, this survey elucidates the current trends and challenges in optimizing approximate designs.

A novel fast analytical method for the determination of N-nitroso vonoprazan in vonoprazan tablets and raw materials using LC-ESI-MS/MS

ABSTRACT The presence of N-nitrosamine contaminants in pharmaceuticals, particularly N-nitroso vonoprazan (NVP), poses significant health risks due to their genotoxic and carcinogenic properties. This study describes a novel, rapid analytical method for detecting and quantifying NVP in vonoprazan tablets and raw materials. The NVP was separated and quantified using an LC-ESI-MS/MS system with ESI ionisation and an Exion LC Sciex 5500-QTrap. The system utilised an ACE 3 C18-PFP column with dimensions of 4.6 mm × 150 mm and 3.0 µm. It achieved a high correlation coefficient (R2 = 0.9955) and met linearity and accuracy criteria. The method was developed and validated using ICH guidelines and against standard solutions, and it demonstrated high precision, accuracy, and specificity. The method validation results showed that the quantification is accurate, with an RSD of less than 10% and LOD and LOQ values of 0.5 and 1.0 ng/mL, respectively. The analysis of 150 vonoprazan tablets and 100 raw material samples revealed low levels of NVP, mostly falling below the FDA’s Acceptable Daily Intake limit of 96 ng/day. This novel approach provides a powerful and dependable tool for ensuring the safety and quality of vonoprazan-based pharmaceuticals.

Feasibility, efficacy, and safety of core needle biopsy as a first-line method for cervical lymphadenopathy.

This study aimed to determine the feasibility, diagnostic efficacy, and safety of ultrasound-guided core needle biopsy (CNB) as a first-line biopsy method for cervical lymphadenopathy of non-thyroid origin. This retrospective cohort study included consecutive patients with cervical lymphadenopathy in whom US-guided CNB was used as the first-line biopsy method for cervical lymph nodes (LNs) of presumed non-thyroid origin. The coaxial CNB technique was routinely used, while the tilting and hydrodissection CNB techniques were selectively employed for small high-risk LNs. The primary endpoint of this study was the diagnostic efficacy of CNB, evaluated by the rate of inconclusive results (nondiagnostic and indeterminate) and diagnostic accuracy (criterion 1: malignant results; criterion 2: malignant or indeterminate result). The secondary outcomes included the feasibility and safety of CNB, assessed based on the technical success rate and complication rate, respectively. The rates of nondiagnostic, indeterminate, and inconclusive results were 0.7%, 3.4%, and 4.1%, respectively. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of CNB for malignant LNs were 96.2%, 100%, and 97.8%, respectively, with criterion 1, and these values were all 99.8% with criterion 2. The technical success rate of CNB was 99.3%. There were no major complications and 7 cases (0.6%) of minor complications (asymptomatic hematomas). CNB was technically feasible, effective, and safe as a first-line biopsy method for cervical lymphadenopathy of non-thyroid origin with high diagnostic accuracy for malignant nodal disease. Question The role of US-guided CNB as a first-line biopsy method for cervical LNs has not yet been verified and established. Findings US-guided CNB, as a first-line method, demonstrated a high technical success rate and diagnostic accuracy for malignant nodes, with few minor complications. Clinical relevance US-guided CNB can be used as an effective first-line biopsy method for cervical lymphadenopathy and will enable accurate diagnosis of malignant LNs.

Estimating time series semiparametric regression model using local polynomial estimator for predicting inflation rate in Indonesia

A model built from a parametric regression model and a nonparametric regression model is called a semiparametric regression (SR) model. The main problem in the SR model is the estimation of the regression function. In this study, we develop the SR model for time series data that is called Time Series Semiparametric Regression (TSSR) model, and discuss estimation of the TSSR model by using local polynomial. Also, we apply it to data of inflation rate (IR) in Indonesia where IR is as response variable, and both IR and money supply in the previous periods are as predictor variables. Next, we compare the results of estimating the IR using the TSSR with the classical method, namely the ARIMA. Also, the TSSR has high accurate criterion for predicting the IR in Indonesia. The results of this study are useful for analyzing Indonesia’s economic growth rate, which is one of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Invasive validation of central blood pressure measurements using a suprasystolic monitor

Abstract Interest in the assessment of Central Blood Pressure (cBP) is steadily growing since it is a better predictor of myocardial infarction, stroke, or death than Peripheral Blood Pressure (pBP). However, pBP remains the first line for the diagnosis of hypertension (HTN) due to the ease and speed of the measurement. We sought to validate a new method to estimate cBP from brachial sphygmomanometer measurements. We estimated cBP using a sphygmomanometer that can record, after conventional pBP measurements, the pressure in the cuff maintained at a constant suprasystolic pressure. cBP is calculated using a method based on applying a physics-based model of the left subclavian artery to the brachial arterial branch to the suprasystolic brachial artery pressure waveforms. We compared this noninvasive estimated cBP to an invasive gold-standard measurement during cardiac catheterization. After clinically indicated cardiac catheterization requiring a haemodynamic assessment of a moderate coronary artery stenosis by Fractional Flow Reserve (FFR), the wire that incorporates a high fidelity electronic pressure transducer was positioned into the guiding catheter left in the ascending aorta. Simultaneous measurements were performed with a cuff placed on the patient's left arm. The output signals were recorded in a custom-based acquisition system. The comparison was obtained on the same 10 seconds recorded by the cuff and the pressure wire. The goal will be to reach 85 patients as recommended by the ARTERY Society Task Force. It recommends as an accuracy criterion to achieve a mean difference ≤ 5 mmHg with a standard deviation (SD) ≤ 8 mmHg, which are the standards adopted for this study. Patients with aortic stenosis, atrial fibrillation, or frequent (supra)ventricular extrasystoles were excluded. A total of 197 pairs of measured-estimated cBP were analysed in 78 patients with a mean age of 63 ± 8 yo, 75% of whom were men, 70% had hypertension, 26% fdiabetes, 93% dyslipidemia, 41% were tobacco users and 14% suffered from clinical peripheral artery diseases without history of revascularization. The median (InterQuartiles 25-75%) pBP was 123 [112 134] / 70 [64 77] mmHg. Measured cBP was 102 [92 11] / 78 [70 84] mmHg with a central augmentation index of 34 [23 44] %. The mean difference between estimated and measured systolic cBP was 4.9 ± 6.5 mmHg, while it was -3.9 ± 5.8 mmHg for diastolic cBP, meeting the prespecified accuracy criteria. In conclusion, our approach based on an exact matching and comparison of non-invasive suprasystolic arm cuff measurements and high-fidelity aortic BP validates that an estimation of central aortic blood pressure that can be easily carried out in daily practice and might improve HTN management. It remains to be demonstrated that more cardiovascular complications will be avoided by guiding the antihypertensive therapy with cBP instead of pBP measurements.Bland-Altman of estimated - measured cBP

A new three-dimensional strength criterion considering the transverse isotropy based on the α-Spatial Mobilized Plane

Natural geotechnical materials are affected by sedimentation and exhibit significant anisotropy. To study the transverse isotropy characteristics of soil, the influence of intermediate principal stress and loading direction must be considered. Currently, research on transverse isotropy primarily focuses on the modified stress space, which is cumbersome to apply in multi-yield surface constitutive models. To describe the three-dimensional mechanical properties of geomaterials in real stress space, the α-Spatial Mobilized Plane strength criterion is introduced. Then, combined with the structure tensor, the transverse isotropic three-dimensional strength criterion can account for the effect of the loading angle. Finally, the three-dimensional strengths of Fukakusa clay, unsaturated SP-SC soils, uncemented Monterey sands, Yamaguchi marble, San Francisco Bay mud, Toyoura sand, and Santa Monica Beach sand are predicted on the π-plane. The results show that the αmn-SMP criterion, in the context of transverse isotropy, can describe the three-dimensional mechanical properties reasonably, and it can provide an accurate strength criterion for geotechnical engineering practice.

State-Space Basins for Monopedal Jumping with Stable Landing

Abstract Maintaining stability during jumping remains a challenge due to its hybrid dynamics. Despite recent advancements in the control of jumping robots, existing research lacks an accurate and comprehensive criterion for the stability of jumping. This study proposes a general criterion for jumping that incorporates the system&amp;#x92;s nonlinear dynamics and environmental constraints. The stability basins are formulated as a state-space partition based on a rigorous definition extending the balanced state basin (BSB) concept, which has been validated as a stability criterion for biped robots in legged stance. A hybrid approach, using a combination of analytical and optimization methods, solves the flight and stance phases of jumping as independent sub-problems. The basins are computed for a monopedal jumping robot, Salto-1P, and validated with simulations. To demonstrate its general applicability, two distinct flight-to-stance tasks are considered: targeted jumping and cat-like righting. Analysis of each task&amp;#x92;s stability basins and the landing BSB reveals the inherent trade-offs between stability and the task requirements for variations in the initial state variables such as speed, orientation, and height. The stability basins represent the system&amp;#x92;s fundamental controller-independent stability characteristics and can be applied to the mechanical design, control, and fall prediction of jumping robots.

A multicenter study of clinical predictors of positive pyrophosphate scintigraphy findings in the diagnosis of transthyretin amyloidosis

BackgroundThe prevalence of wild-type transthyretin (ATTR) amyloidosis is increasing with advancements in diagnostic techniques and growing awareness of the disease worldwide. 99mTc-labeled pyrophosphate (99mTc-PYP) scintigraphy exhibits high performance in diagnosing ATTR cardiac amyloidosis. This study aimed to validate the characteristics of patients with positive 99mTc-PYP scintigraphy results in a multicenter setting to provide more accurate case selection criteria. Methods and resultsIn total, 180 patients with suspected ATTR amyloidosis underwent 99mTc-PYP scintigraphy in participating institutions in Japan between January 2018 and July 2022. Of 135 patients included in the analysis, 62 were 99mTc-PYP-positive. Logistic regression analysis was performed, and the following five factors were adopted to create a scoring system, with each weighted according to its odds ratio value; 1 point was scored for the absence of hypertension, existence of peripheral entrapment neuropathy (carpal tunnel syndrome or spinal canal stenosis), conduction disturbance (the presence of QRS complex ≥120 ms, first-degree atrioventricular block, higher degree of atrioventricular block, or presence of pacemaker implantation), and left ventricular hypertrophy and 2 points for troponin I/T ≥ 0.06 ng/mL. 99mTc-PYP scintigraphy positivity rate in the 0-point group was 0 %, whereas that in the 6-point group was 100 %. The area under the curve of the criteria was 0.820 (95 % confidence interval, 0.752–0.888; P < 0.001). ConclusionsThe combination of clinical information, which is easily available in local clinics, can provide accurate pretest prediction of positive 99mTc-PYP scintigraphy results. This will help clinicians to make an early diagnosis of ATTR amyloidosis.

From ''Dependent Translation" to "Creative Translation'' by Taha Abdurrahman

This paper undertakes a critical and analytical examination of the transformative dimensions of translation as conceptualized by the Moroccan philosopher Taha Abdurrahman. Central to Abdurrahman’s intellectual project is the call to transcend the pervasive Eurocentrism that characterizes contemporary translation theories. Abdurrahman offers a nuanced critique of the translation methodologies employed during the Abbasid period, particularly the uncontextualized appropriation of Greek philosophy. He contends that this approach led to the marginalization of Islamic philosophy, reducing it to a mode of mere transmission and dependency, initially on ancient Greece and subsequently on the modern West. To address these historical inadequacies, Abdurrahman advocates for an innovative translation strategy termed taʾṣīliyya, which translates literally to “authenticating.” This strategy emphasizes a transformative process whereby the source text is integrated into the receiving culture, aligning with its specific epistemic and cultural needs, irrespective of the original context. Abdurrahman posits that this method is essential for fostering an autonomous Arab/Islamic philosophical tradition, one that is not subsumed under external theoretical paradigms, even if this necessitates deviating from conventional criteria of accuracy and faithfulness. This paper critically engages with the theoretical foundations and proposes practical applications of Abdurrahman’s translation paradigm. It situates his framework within the broader historical trajectory of translation in the Arabic intellectual tradition and contemporary translation studies. Furthermore, it interrogates the theoretical and methodological ramifications of eschewing conventional norms of fidelity and accuracy, notwithstanding their entrenched and restrictive nature.

Оптимизация расчета оптической силы интраокулярной линзы с использованием возможностей искусственного интеллекта

Purpose. Development of a technology for optimal formula determination of the IOL required optical power, based on the artificial intelligence (AI) and the individual clinical characteristics of the patient’s eye. Material and methods. A retrospective analysis of 1337 uncomplicated phacoemulsification with implantation of a monofocal IOL RAO100C (Rayner) was performed. For artificial intelligence training and models testing, a database was created containing 1080 clinical cases (1080 eyes); the process of filling the database was fully automated. The accuracy criterion for IOL prediction was the range of spheroequivalent (SE) values in the postoperative period &lt;|0.5|. Results. A retrospective analysis showed that in uncomplicated cataract surgery, the accuracy of the target refraction achievement is high and does not go beyond ±0.5 D. 16 artificial intelligence models were developed and tested, of which 4 were selected based on accuracy metrics – 1 model for each formula (Barrett, Haigis, Holladay 2, HofferQ). The best models turned out to be DecisionTreeClassifier. Validation of AI models was carried out by comparing the choice of IOL diopter between the AI and an expert. All models showed an advantage over the expert. A software interface for this service was developed and implemented. Conclusion. A selective database has been created for training and testing artificial intelligence models that determine IOL optical power. A system has been developed to help a doctor make a decision to determine the required IOL optical power based on artificial intelligence, depending on the individual clinical characteristics of the patient’s eye. The high efficiency of the developed technology has been proven on a test model (90–95%). The program interface was developed and implemented. Key words: IOL calculation, artificial intelligence

A-323 Advancing Point-of-Care Testing: Independent Evaluation of the Truvian Platform

Abstract Background To address the deficiencies of long turnaround time, increased cost and delayed medical intervention in the current paradigm of routine blood testing, Truvian has developed an automated blood testing platform that provides timely and lab-accurate results at the point of care. With 300 µL from a single Lithium Heparin blood sample, the Truvian solution generates 34 test results, including CMP, Lipid, HbA1c, TSH and CBC in under 30 minutes (TruWellness PanelTM).The present study focused on rigorous evaluation of the reliability and accuracy of Truvian's platform in a real-world clinical setting by untrained operators. Platform precision was measured over time on multiple Truvian instruments under standardized protocol. Accuracy and reliability were assessed independently at the UC San Diego Anti-Viral Research Center (AVRC) by testing samples from donors with chronic medical conditions and comparing against FDA cleared devices, Roche Cobas and Sysmex-XN. Methods Precision was assessed using the control workflow where three commercially available controls, were loaded as sample inputs into the Truvian consumables to perform the TruWellness Panel(TM). Three levels of controls were run in quadruplicate daily on 4 instruments (N &amp;gt; 100 per instrument). Within and between run, day, instrument, and consumable lot variance components were assessed.Accuracy was assessed as part of an IRB-approved method comparison study at AVRC by untrained operators. A total of 50 unique donors representing various disease states were consented and enrolled. Three 4-mL blood samples were collected from each donor: one Lithium Heparin (LiHep) sample for the Truvian System's TruWellness PanelTM, another LiHep gel tube for Roche Cobas clinical chemistry and TSH assays, and an EDTA sample for the Sysmex complete blood count with 3-part differential and HbA1c. All samples were tested on the Truvian System within an hour of collection or processed for central lab testing. Concordance to comparator devices was assessed via relative difference plots, Passing-Bablok and/or Deming regression analyses. Results Our results indicated that the performance of Truvian's instrument met pre-specified reliability, precision and accuracy criteria (per preliminary analysis of the first 50 patients). Reproducibility results showed 100% (69/69) of all tests met specifications. Interim analysis of the first 50 patients in the method comparison study indicates a robust concordance with predicate devices with 20 out of 23 tests showing a correlation coefficient of ≥ 0.9. During donor testing, the instrument demonstrated 96% (48/50) run reliability with only a single operator-induced error where the blood tube was not loaded correctly, highlighting the robustness and ease of use of the platform. Conclusions The present evaluation underscores Truvian's instrument as an easy-to-operate platform that can be run by untrained operators, maintain reliability in real-world clinical settings, and deliver accurate and precise results. Enrollment and sample testing are ongoing, with plans to expand the sample size to 200 donors and study completion planned for May 2024. Broadening the study to encompass a wider range of analyte measurements among chronic disease patients is expected to enhance performance data. This independent evaluation provided confidence in Truvian Platform’s performance and suitability for practical healthcare applications.

The Antecedents, Consequences and Key Determinants of Corporate Accelerators’ Success: A Systematic Literature Review

Over the past decade, accelerators have demonstrated their pivotal contribution to the economic and entrepreneurial ecosystem growth. In recent years, a large number of businesses and organizations use corporate accelerators to internalize opportunities provided by startups and idea generators outside the organization. Although this phenomenon has received much attention, especially in Iran, there are still many unclear points regarding the structure, processes, and acceleration programs. In this article, we did a systematic review of 49 articles out of 486 articles published in different journals in the last 5 years. Then, through the PRISMA method, the reviewed data was converted into a structured format in Excel software. At the end, we examined the findings of this study by presenting a conceptual framework detailing the antecedents and consequences of corporate accelerators. Also, in this research, we found that the five main success factors of corporate accelerators are the acceleration program, the creation of a large and committed external communication network, mentoring, the determination of accurate evaluation criteria and the competitive process in selecting startups.

A liquid chromatography - Tandem mass spectrometry method for determination of ocrelizumab in serum of patients with multiple sclerosis

Ocrelizumab is a second generation recombinant humanized IgG1 monoclonal antibody used for the treatment of multiple sclerosis that selectively target B cells expressing the CD20 antigen. This study aimed to develop and validate a UPLC-MS/MS method for quantification of ocrelizumab in human serum, which can be used in clinical applications for therapeutic drug monitoring.The analysis of ocrelizumab was performed using a bottom-up approach on a liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry detection. The method involved immunoglobulin precipitation with cold methanol followed by peptide digestion with trypsin. The resulting specific peptides were separated on an Acquity UPLC BEH C18 column at 55 °C using gradient elution. The method was validated according to European Medicines Agency (EMEA) guidelines and demonstrated intra- and inter-assay precision with coefficients of variation ranging from 1.6 % to 6.1 % and accuracies between 90.2 % and 107.2 %. Stability testing, including autosampler, long-term and freeze-thaw stability, showed no more than 15 % variation. The method was successfully applied to 169 patient samples, revealing ocrelizumab concentrations ranging from 0.5 to 21.8 mg/L in patients on 6-month dosing regimen and 20.5–65.0 mg/L in 16 patients receiving an initial two-week dose of 300 mg. The newly developed UPLC-MS/MS method met all criteria for accuracy, precision and stability, confirming its suitability for clinical use in monitoring ocrelizumab levels in multiple sclerosis patients.

Interpersonal Perception of Adult Playfulness at Zero-Acquaintance: A Conceptual Replication Study of Self-Other Agreement and Consensus, and an Extension to Two Accuracy Criteria.

We replicated and extended previous research examining the accuracy of judgments of four facets of adult playfulness (Other-directed, Lighthearted, Intellectual, and Whimsical; OLIW) at zero-acquaintance. We conducted a conceptual replication study. One hundred sixty targets provided self-ratings for the OLIW facets, textual self-descriptions (≤ five sentences), daily self-ratings of playfulness for 14 consecutive days, and ratings by knowledgeable others. Six unacquainted judges provided rated targets' playfulness based on their self-descriptions. We replicated findings on trait-wise self-other agreement (SOA) and consensus and extended prior research by testing SOA for profiles of the four facets and two distinct accuracy criteria (i.e., targets' diary data and aggregates of targets' self-reports and those from knowledgeable others). All interpersonal perception indicators showed that facets of playfulness can be perceived above chance (SOA ≥ 0.26; consensus ≥ 0.29, accuracies ≥ 0.16). SOA extends from single facets to profiles, also when controlling for stereotype effects. Playfulness can be accurately observed from minimal textual information at zero acquaintance. Our study highlights the robustness of findings on the interpersonal perception of playfulness across samples and methods, and degrees of acquaintanceship. We discuss implications for playfulness in social relationships.

A novel bi-level decision-making approach based on game theory for mechanism design

This study addresses the bi-level multi-objective optimization problems raised in reliability-based robust design optimization (RBRDO) of engineering applications through establishing a state-of-the-art game theoretic scenario. A novel bi-level decentralized decision-making approach is proposed using the synergy of RBRDO, game theory, Monte Carlo simulation (MCS), and genetic programming (GP). The application of the proposed approach is elaborated in a case study of robust synthesis of high-speed path-generating four-bar mechanisms. The four performance criteria, namely, accuracy ( TE), robustness ([Formula: see text] TE and [Formula: see text]2 TE), reliability ( f G) at the upper level, and quality of motion ( TA) at the lower level are assigned to four players so that each of whom is in charge of one objective criterion. The peak input driving torque ( T S) is associated with the upper-level problem. The GP meta-model is used to capture the Stackelberg protocol that is, constructing the follower’s rational reaction set (RRS) and the Nash bargaining function is hired to model the cooperative behavior. The obtained results show a considerable enhancement in reliability and robust behavior of mechanism, while the deterministic criteria of accuracy and quality of motion are preserved.