Cumulative Frequency Analysis Research Articles

Efforts to Increase the Effectiveness of Learning the Qur'an By Using the Group Tutor Method

The purpose of this study is to find out the method of group tutors can improve children's ability to read the Qur'an according to tajwid in Sidoharjo village to find out the extent to which the group tutor method can improve the ability of children to read the Qur'an according to tajwid in Sidoharjo village. This type of research uses quantitative methods. Meanwhile, data analysis uses cumulative frequency analysis. The subjects in the study were children in Sidoharjo village based the results of the study showed that the group tutor method in the learning process that by using the group tutor method to increased the effectiveness of learning the Qu'ran. The increase in effectiveness occurs due to the management of the learning process in groups with heterogeneous backgrounds of children with abilities Learning using the group tutor method can increase the effectiveness of children, the average effectiveness time reaches 71.9%.

Adopter Categorization and Level of Adoption among Protected Cut Flower Growers

In India, Tamil Nadu occupies the first position in terms of area under flower cultivation then followed by Karnataka and West Bengal. Out of the 33 districts in Tamil Nadu, Krishnagiri district ranks first in cut flower production due to its suitability to climatic conditions. The cut flowers are by and large cultivated under protected conditions (poly greenhouse structure) to meet the quality standards as expected in the global trade arena. The present study was conducted to identify the adopter categories and their level of adoption with respect to protected cut flower cultivation technologies. An ex-post facto research design was used for the study. The first two intensive blocks (Thally & Hosur) cultivating cut flowers under protected methods were purposefully selected for the present study. From both blocks, six villages were selected, and the data were collected from 120 respondents among these twelve selected villages using a well-structured interview schedule. The collected data were analyzed using mean, standard deviation, cumulative frequency, and principal component analysis (PCA). The results of the adopter categorization showed that 40.83 percent of respondents belonged to the early majority and only 5.00 percent were innovators. The results regarding the overall adoption of protected cultivation by each adopter category reported that 54.17 percent of respondents had medium-level adoption, in that 44.61 percent and 30.77 percent were early majority and late majority, respectively. The majority of respondents have a medium-level adoption of protected cultivation, leaving potential for growth among early majority and late majority adopters. Targeted strategies and incentives should address their specific needs, and encouraging more innovators to adopt can drive widespread adoption.

A COMPARISON OF PFNA VERSUS INTERTAN CEPHALOMEDULLARY NAILS FOR UNSTABLE PROXIMAL FEMUR FRACTURES

Failure of cephalomedullary fixation for proximal femur fractures is an uncommon event associated with significant morbidity to the patient and cost to the healthcare system. This institution changed nailing system from the PFNA (DePuy Synthes) to InterTan (Smith and Nephew) in February 2020. To assess for non-inferiority, a retrospective review was performed on 247 patients treated for unstable proximal femur fractures (AO 31 A2; A3).Patients were identified through manual review of fluoroscopic images. Stable fracture patterns were excluded (AO 31 A1). Pre/post operative imaging, demographic data, operative time and ASA scores assessed. Internal/external imaging and national joint registry data were reviewed for follow up.No significant difference was found in overall failure rate of PFNA vs InterTan (4.84% vs 3.23%; p = 0.748). Overall, short nails were more likely to fail by cut-out than long nails (7.5% vs 1.2%; p = 0.015). Nails which failed by varus cut-out had a higher tip/apex distance (TAD) (26.2mm vs 17.0mm; p < 0.001). Of concern, varus cut-out occurred in two InterTan nails with TAD of <25mm. The PFNA enjoyed a shorter operative time for both the short (59.1 vs 71.8 mins; p = 0.022) and long nails (98.8 vs 114.3 mins; p = 0.016) with no difference in 120-day survival rate.Overall failure rates of the PFNA and InterTan nailing systems were comparable. However, the failure rate of short nails in this study is concerning. Using long nails with a lag screw design for unstable intertrochanteric femoral fractures may reduce failure rates. Cumulative frequency analysis suggests stringent tip-apex distances of less than 21mm may reduce failure rates in lag-screw design cephulomedullary nails. This dataset suggests that unstable intertrochanteric fractures may be more reliably managed with a long cephalomedullary device.

Tracking cadmium pollution from source to receptor: A health-risk focused transfer continuum approach

Cadmium (Cd) exposure poses a substantial risk to human health. Despite this, the multi-stage process through which Cd is released to the environment before being taken up and impacting human receptors has rarely been investigated. Here we utilized an integrated model involving Cd emissions, atmospheric transport, deposition, uptake by rice, receptor ingestion and metabolic processing in quantifying the critical emission sources and human health risks of Cd. Atmospheric Cd emissions in the study area in southeastern China were estimated at 147 kg (2016), with >53 % of emissions from non-ferrous metals (NFM) smelting activities. Atmospheric Cd depositions caused elevated Cd content in soil and rice, accounting for 3–79 % and 50–85 % of, respectively, soil and rice Cd. Cumulative frequency analysis showed that an estimated 1.3 % of predicted urine Cd through the consumption of Cd-contaminated rice and exceeded existing safety standards (1 μg g−1), thus highlighting the risks posed to health from high levels of Cd pollution. Applying stricter industrial emission standards to the NFM sector in particular and effective soil management practices could substantially reduce exposure to Cd pollution. The results contribute to understanding of the Cd transfer process and draw attention to the relative health benefits of interventions aimed at mitigating Cd levels and exposure risks at different stages along the Cd transfer continuum from source to receptor.

Assessing the impact of long‐term idebenone treatment on various visual acuity outcomes in Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON): Results, according to disease stage, from the prospective, natural history‐controlled LEROS study

AbstractPurpose: For patients with LHON, preservation of functional visual acuity (VA) and/or recovery of lost VA are desirable outcomes. Beyond this, prevention of further VA worsening is also important. In LEROS, VA outcomes following 24 months of idebenone treatment were compared to an external, matched, natural history (NH) cohort. Here, we report results from a cumulative frequency analysis to understand the impact of idebenone across the range of possible VA outcomes.Methods: Patients with LHON onset ≤5 years prior were enrolled and stratified by time since onset: subacute/dynamic (≤1 year) and chronic (>1 year). Data from 181 patients treated up to 24 months were compared to retrospective data from an external natural history (NH) cohort (372 patients), matched by time since onset. In a cumulative frequency analysis, VA change was assessed from baseline to month 24. A change of ≥0.2 logMAR was considered a clinically relevant recovery or worsening, depending on the direction of change.Results: In subacute/dynamic eyes treated with idebenone for 24 months, 47.9% (58/121) experienced a recovery of VA, and 25.8% (24/93) experienced VA worsening. This compared to 33.3% (25/75), and 51.0% (25/49) of untreated subacute/dynamic eyes displaying a recovery or worsening, respectively. In chronic eyes, recovery was observed in 31.9% (37/116) that had undergone treatment versus 16.1% (15/93) when untreated. A VA worsening was observed for 2.9% (2/68) of treated chronic eyes versus 20.0% (12/60) of untreated. The majority of treatment emergent adverse events were considered of mild to moderate intensity, with only 11.3% considered to be related to idebenone treatment.Conclusions: In both the subacute/dynamic and chronic stages of LHON, idebenone treatment was able to boost VA recovery and prevent further VA deterioration. Consistent with previous findings, idebenone was well tolerated with no new safety concerns observed.

Assessing the impact of long‐term idebenone treatment on various visual acuity outcomes in Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON): Results, according to primary mitochondrial DNA mutation, from the prospective, natural history‐controlled LEROS study

AbstractPurpose: In LEROS, visual acuity (VA) outcomes in idebenone‐treated patients with LHON were compared to an external, matched, natural history (NH) cohort. Here, we report results from a cumulative frequency analysis to understand the impact of idebenone on carriers of each of the primary mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) mutations.Methods: Patients with LHON and a confirmed primary mtDNA mutation (11 778, 14 484 or 3460) were enrolled and stratified by time since onset: acute (≤1 year) and chronic (>1 but ≤5 years). Data from 181 patients treated up to 24 months were compared to retrospective data from the NH cohort (372 patients), matched by time since onset. In a cumulative frequency analysis, VA change was assessed from baseline to month 24. A change of ≥0.2 logMAR was considered a clinically relevant recovery or worsening, depending on the direction of change.Results: For carriers of the 11 778 mutation, VA outcomes were observed, in treated versus untreated eyes, as follows: recovery: 38.3% (23/60) vs. 14.9% (7/47) [acute], 24.4% (20/82) vs. 13.7% (7/51) [chronic]; worsening: 24.4% (10/41) vs. 66.7% (20/30) [acute], 4.4% (2/45) vs. 31.6% (6/19) [chronic]. For 14 484 carriers VA outcomes were as follows: recovery: 74.3% (26/35) vs. 70.0% (7/10) [acute], 90.9% (10/11) vs. 16.7% (3/18) [chronic]; worsening: 2.9% (1/35) vs. 22.2% (2/9) [acute], 0.0% (0/8) vs. 16.7% (3/18) [chronic]. For 3460 carriers, outcomes were as follows: recovery: 34.6% (9/26) vs. 61.1% (11/18) [acute], and 30.4% (7/23) vs. 20.8% (5/24) [chronic]; worsening: 76.5% (13/17) vs. 30.0% (3/10) [acute], and 0.0% (0/15) vs. 13.0% (3/23) [chronic].Conclusions: Idebenone can improve the ratio of positive to negative VA outcomes in a large proportion of patients with LHON, although these benefits seem to manifest to varying degrees dependent on disease stage and/or causative mtDNA mutation. Carriers of the most prevalent mutation, 11 778, saw a consistent treatment benefit regardless of disease stage.

Costs of Agronomic Practices: Profitability at Different Scales of Sugarcane Production in Brazil

The diversity in agronomic practices being used by sugarcane producers in Brazil determines differences in economic performance and cost structure. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the cost of six systems of agronomic practices using fixed or variable rates for soil amendment, fertilizer, and defensive applications and assess the profitability of these systems at three scales of sugarcane production. We then describe the data sample related to the 2019–2020 harvest season and collected from fifty-five sugarcane producers in the central-south region of Brazil. Thereafter, using a quantitative approach, a cost analysis was performed, and the cumulative frequency of the net revenue for the three scales of production (small, medium, and large), was calculated using a Monte Carlo simulation. The cost analysis indicated that fertilizer had the highest cost considering the agronomic practices adopted at the three scales of production analyzed. The cumulative frequency analysis results from the Monte Carlo simulation showed the highest net revenue per hectare for medium sugarcane producers. In addition, the presence of economies of scale was not confirmed because the lowest cost was found in small-scale sugarcane producers and the highest net revenue was obtained by medium-scale sugarcane producers.

Comparative Study of 16 Clear-Sky Radiative Transfer Models to Estimate Direct Normal Irradiance (DNI) in Botucatu, Brazil

AbstractThe interest of the direct normal irradiation (DNI) estimation is important in the evaluation of the solar potential and, consequently, for data correction and expansion of the historical series. In this study, a review of the performance of 16 models of radiative transfer was performed. These models are used to estimate DNI on a clear day in Botucatu/SP region located in Brazil. The revised models are categorized into two classes: simple models (11 models: ASH, MAJ, ALLEN, GH, P1, HLJ, FU, KU, H1, IP, and INC) and complex models (five models: BIRD, IQ, MRM5, P2, and YANG). The evaluation methodology used here is consistent with the literature. The input parameters were estimated and a statistical analysis using relative-mean-bias-error (rMBE), root-mean-square-error (rRMSE), and mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) indicators were performed to validate those models. The results indicate that the complex models (that require more atmospheric inputs) generally performed better than simpler models. Despite the consistent limitations in the use of estimated parameters, the performance of the models can be considered satisfactory. The best performances are highlighted for models MRM5 and YANG. Simple models ASH and IP performed similar to complex models. These results were confirmed using frequency distribution and the cumulative frequency analysis. These results are important for engineers of solar systems to use the best model and select the most suitable locations for installing a small or large solar plant.

Clinical Impact of a Radiologic Quality Initiative Promoting More Timely Communication of Critical Pulmonary Embolus Results

A section quality initiative was implemented beginning 2013 requiring positive pulmonary embolism (PE) results to be documented and communicated within 90 minutes of exam completion. The objective of this study is to evaluate the effect of this quality initiative on different intervals comprising the total patient processing time, namely the time from when the imaging exam was ordered to study completion interval, the time from study completion to positive PE result communication (TAT interval) or treatment initiation (TTT interval), the time from result communication to treatment initiation (TRCTI interval), and the total patient processing time (TPT interval). This was a retrospective, single-institution, IRB-approved cohort study that included 830 patients with the diagnosis of acute PE confirmed by CT pulmonary angiography. A maximum of 10 positive exams per month were identified and analyzed over an 84-month period from January 2010 to December 2016. The following data were obtained: time when exam ordered, time of imaging study completion, time of report completion, time of result communication, time of treatment, type of treatment, and reasons for any treatment delay. Analysis was done by determining the mean time spent in various intervals, the cumulative relative frequency of interval completion, and the fraction of the entire patient processing time spent in each interval. Mean analysis demonstrated a decrease in all time intervals in the postpolicy period (ordered to study completion: Δ24.50%, p = 0.004; TAT: Δ23.91%, p < 0.001; TRCTI: Δ16.86%, p = 0.031; TTT: Δ17.40%, p = 0.005; TPT: Δ15.94%, p = 0.002). Cumulative relative frequency analysis demonstrated a higher rate of interval completion in the postpolicy period (TAT: p < 0.001; TRCTI: p = 0.007; TPT: p = 0.025). Interval fraction analysis demonstrated changes in the fraction of processing time spent in varying intervals (TAT: -Δ14.42%, p = 0.002; TRCTI: +Δ17.65%, p = 0.001). Total patient processing time decreased after the policy implementation with a more significant decrease in TAT compared to other intervals. Radiologic processing time does not appear to be the rate-limiting step in total patient processing time.

Biphasic exocytosis of herpesvirus from hippocampal neurons and mechanistic implication to membrane fusion

Exocytosis is a crucial cellular process involved in the release of neural transmitters or signaling hormones, and disposal of waste or toxic materials. The relationship between structural transition and temporal progression of this process is poorly understood, partly due to lack of adequate tools to resolve such dynamic structures at sufficient resolution in 3D. Exocytosis can be hijacked by some viruses, exemplified by the widely used model α-herpesvirus pseudorabies virus (PRV), which relies on exocytosis for trans-synaptic spread across neurons. Here, we have used cryo electron tomography (cryoET) to capture 199 events of PRV exocytosis from cultured hippocampal neurons. We established cumulative frequency analysis to estimate the relative duration of an exocytosis stage based on the frequency of observed viral particles at that stage. This analysis revealed that PRV exocytosis is biphasic, including a fast, “release phase” driven by fusion proteins and fused membranes, and a slow, “recovery phase” driven by flattening of curved membranes. The biphasic property of exocytosis discovered here appears to be conserved for membrane fusion during viral entry, and our approach of cumulative frequency analysis should have general utility for characterizing other membrane fusion events.

Performance evaluation of the Bio-Rad Geenius HIV 1/2 supplemental assay

BackgroundIn the US, the HIV diagnostic algorithm for laboratory settings recommends the use of an HIV-1/HIV-2 differentiation supplemental assay after an initial reactive antigen/antibody (Ag/Ab) assay result. Since the discontinuation of the Multispot HIV-1/HIV-2 Rapid Test (MS), the Geenius HIV-1/2 Supplemental assay (Geenius) is the only FDA-approved supplemental differentiation test. ObjectiveWe compared the performance of Geenius to MS and Western Blot (WB). Study designThe relative seroconversion plasma reactivity of Geenius and MS was assessed using a 50% cumulative frequency analysis from 17 HIV-1 seroconverters. In addition, previously characterized plasma specimens, 186 HIV-1 positive, 100 HIV-2 positive, and 93 Ag/Ab-positive/HIV-1 RNA-negative, were tested with Geenius v1.1 software. McNemar’s test was used for paired comparison analysis. A subset of 48 specimens were retested with the upgraded Geenius v1.3 software. ResultsIn HIV-1 seroconverters, the relative seroconversion reactivity was 2.5 and 2 days before the first positive HIV-1 WB for Geenius and MS, respectively. In HIV-1 positive samples, Geenius performed similarly to HIV-1 WB (p=0.1687) and MS (p=0.8312). In HIV-2 positive samples, Geenius underperformed compared to HIV-2 WB (p=0.0005) and MS (p=0.0012). When using the upgraded software among the HIV-1 positive and Ag/Ab-reactive/HIV-1 RNA-negative samples, gp140 reactivity decreased without affecting characterization of HIV-2 samples. ConclusionsWith HIV-1 samples, Geenius, WB and MS performance was similar as supplemental tests. The updated Geenius software reduced false gp140 reactivity, but had no impact on identifying true HIV-2 infections. Further evaluation will assess the impact of the Geenius software update on final diagnostic interpretations

Fractal properties and morphological investigation of Nano hydrochlorothiazide is used to treat hypertension

PurposeHigh blood pressure (hypertension) is a relatively common condition that increases blood pressure in the arteries abnormally, causing problems such as heart disease and stroke. Blood pressure is a force that is felt through the walls of the blood vessels and has a direct relationship to the power of pumping the heart and vascular resistance to the blood flow. One of the lowing of blood pressure medications is hydrochlorothiazide (Hctz) which is used to treat high blood pressure and swelling from heart failure, liver damage, and other minor actions.ProceduresThis study explains the effectiveness of Hctz with the help of “fractal dimension”. To perfect investigate the fractal dimension, we used the Hctz drug nanoparticle form then using MATLAB software, homogeneity levels or heterogeneity of Nano Hctz using SEM images were computed.ResultsWe calculated histogram plot with SEM image by MATLAB software which that its standard deviation was eclose to zero and it can explain that the scattering of data is low and their amount is in one suffering. Fractal dimensions obtained from Matlab and SPSS software for normal distribution, correlation, standard deviation, mean, cumulative frequency and variance analysis were analyzed.ConclusionsIn this research, the association between Hctz treatment effects with the point of view of the fractal dimension of the drug was demonstrated to prove the properties of the drug in the body. in the near future, drug fractal studies can improve the development of new drugs and treatments with minimal cost than clinical approaches by linking chemistry, mathematical sciences and pharmaceutical sciences.

Developing empirical relationships to predict loess slide travel distances: a case study on the Loess Plateau in China

To improve landslide hazard mapping quality, a functional relationship with travel distance prediction is essential. To obtain a more accurate empirical relationship for predicting loess slide travel distances, we developed a loess slide database for the central Loess Plateau using a combination of remote sensing image interpretations, existing datasets, and an intensive field survey. The loess slide travel distance was concentrated within less than 200 m, according to a cumulative frequency analysis. Our results reveal that the loess slide volume, slope height, and slope inclination of the sliding area control the travel distance, and this relation is well-described by a power law function. Furthermore, statistical analysis suggested that the equivalent coefficient of friction decreases with an increase in loess slide volume but increases with an increase in slope inclination. We compared the prediction performances of four empirical relationships proposed in this study using the mean absolute percentage error and Theil inequality coefficient methods. We discovered that the empirical relationship with three independent variables can more accurately predict the loess slide travel distance than the relationships with one or two independent variables.

Heterogeneity in aerosol characteristics at the semi-arid and island AERONET observing sites in India and Maldives

ABSTRACTMulti-year Aerosol Robotic Network (AERONET) direct Sun retrieved and inversion algorithm derived aerosol products at a semi-arid, urban site, Jaipur (26.90° N, 75.80° E) and island observing site, Maldives Climate Observatory-Hanimaadhoo (MCO-Hanimaadhoo, 6.74° N, 73.17° E) are analysed to investigate heterogeneity in aerosol optical and microphysical properties. Results reveal the existence of a large seasonal diversity in the frequency distributions of aerosol optical depth (AOD500 nm, AOD1020 nm) and Ångström exponent (AE440–870 nm) during different seasons at Jaipur and MCO-Hanimaadhoo. These are indicative of the advection of different aerosol types (viz., black carbon (BC) aerosol, organic aerosol, sulfate particle, dust, sea salt, nitrate particle, and mixtures thereof) from a variety of production mechanisms influenced by strong seasonal changes of anthropogenic activities as well as modulations induced by the climatic condition. The cumulative frequency analysis of the single scattering albedo (SSA) difference (i.e. ΔSSA = SSA440 nm – SSA1020 nm) shows that at Jaipur ΔSSA is predominantly negative (around 88% days) while at MCO-Hanimaadhoo it is positive (around 74% days). The positive and negative values of ΔSSA are respectively linked to a stronger absorption by BC mixed anthropogenic pollution aerosols at 1020 nm and to a stronger absorption by mineral dust containing iron oxide at 440 nm. The spectral behaviour of SSA, thus, facilitates investigation of the existence of iron oxide or BC in aerosols. The ‘Bivariate Kernel density’ plots of SSA versus fine-mode fraction (FMF) of AOD440 nm/AE440–870 nm reveal that at Jaipur the aerosol ensemble consists of coarse-mode particles (AE and FMF cluster in the range 0.2–0.4), a dominant category along with significant fine-mode and much less mixed category. At MCO-Hanimaadhoo fine-mode particle category (with FMF and AE cluster in the range 0.90–0.95 and 1.2–1.6 respectively) is the only dominant category. The persisting log-normal bimodal feature in aerosol volume size distribution (AVSD) is observed both at Jaipur and MCO-Hanimaadhoo. The modal volume concentration of coarse-mode aerosol decreases from FMF of AOD675 nm = 0.25 (inherently belonging to the coarse-mode regime) to FMF of AOD675 nm = 0.95 (inherently belonging to the fine-mode regime). This transformation in coarse-to fine-mode volume concentration is associated with a steady rise in AE440–874 nm supporting this changeover.

Proposta de requisitos do gerenciamento de projetos e da gestão de processos como forma de implementação da estratégia competitiva

This project proposes requirements from project management and process management as a way of unfolding the competitive strategy through analysis of the literature and a survey with market experts. Given this scenario, the research intends to explore the central themes, competitive strategy, process management and project management. It also aims to identify the critical success factors for the implementation of a competitive strategy, to notice the correlation between competitive strategy, process management and project management and to recommend guidelines for successful competitive strategy implementation. Thus, in order to reach the desired objectives, a literature survey was carried out through a bibliometric survey and a questionnaire was applied as a data collection instrument. For the statistical analysis, cumulative and relative frequency analysis, the central tendency position mode and the Spearman correlation coefficient were used. As main results, it was observed that all 42 requirements identified in the literature were considered critical success factors for the implementation of a competitive strategy and, through the analysis of the professionals' answers, it was possible to include 12 more. In addition, it has been identified that there is a correlation between competitive strategy, process management and project management, but not with customer focus requirement. And, it was also possible to recommend as orientation to companies, four priority actions in the implementation of a competitive strategy. It has been concluded in the research that beyond the pillars of strategy, processes and projects, people, be they customers or employees, need to be included as one more basis for a competitive advantage.

Accurate prediction of water dewpoint temperature in natural gas dehydrators using gene expression programming approach

Triethylene Glycol (TEG) is one of the most frequently applied liquid desiccants in natural gas dehydration. For this purpose, minimum concentration of TEG is necessary to achieve the outlet gas water dewpoint specification. Several empirical models have been developed to predict the equilibrium established between water vapor and TEG; however, the existing models requires numerous input parameters needing to longer and more complicated calculations. Thus, in present study, the most recent and powerful mathematical strategy known as, Gene Expression Programming (GEP), was applied to develop an easy-to-use and a simple mathematical expression for prognostication equilibrium water dewpoint temperature as a function of contactor temperature and TEG purity in water. For absolute pressures up to 10,300kpa (10.3MPa), equilibrium water dewpoint temperature is nearly independent of operating pressure. For this, 167 datapoints were collected from the open literature, then the database was divided into the two sets of training (about 80% of the databank) and test (about 20% of the databank). Comprehensive error analysis and diverse graphical illustration were employed to show the performance of the developed empirically derived correlation in this study. The results of the GEP model was also compared with the previously published correlation available in literature, which leads to this consequence that the proposed model in this study is a more efficient approach with higher simplicity than the prementioned literature correlation. GEP-based model gives an acceptable agreement with experimental databank reported in the open literature in terms of determination coefficient (R2) of 0.9820 and Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) of 3.5018. With respect to cumulative frequency analysis, it is understood that about 80% of the whole databank used in this study have estimation error equal or <0.2. The results of sensitivity analysis approved that the TEG purity is the most affecting variable on the natural gas dehydration. At last, it can be concluded that the suggested GEP-based empirically-derived correlation is an efficient tool for experts working in gas industry to have a quick check on equilibrium water dewpoint temperature at various TEG concentrations and temperatures.

Psychotherapy and psychological time: a case study.

The present study is a comparative case study as part of research on the psychotherapeutic process. This research describes the perception of subjective time in two psychotherapeutic processes, one successful and one unsuccessful. We studied two psychotherapeutic processes of cognitive orientation, which were video recorded and fully transcribed in each session. First a qualitative analysis was applied for quality coding (Top-down) was performed to identify category types of subjective time, depending on psychological well-being. These were categorized as past, present, and future; each one in positive and negative forms. Secondly, two quantitative statistical analyses were applied: one of content analysis, which allowed us to observe the frequencies for the six categories, and another, a cumulative frequency analysis, which allowed us to identify a differential pattern in the analyzed cases. These data showed different temporal profiles for both cases, differentiated by categories. This finding that would allow us to track the process of subjectivity in terms of specific components associated with psychotherapy success. We present a mixed method, a qualitative for initial coding of patient speaking turns and a quantitative methodology such as the cumulative frequency analysis in time in a therapeutic context. Those changes are progressive and must be observed as a continuous and dynamic evolution to allow for an interpretation in a naturalistic context.

Performance evaluation of the point-of-care INSTI™ HIV-1/2 antibody test in early and established HIV infections

BackgroundThe flow-through INSTI™ HIV-1/HIV-2 Rapid Antibody (INSTI) test is a 60s FDA-approved test for HIV-1 and HIV-2 antibody testing using whole blood and plasma. ObjectiveWe evaluated the performance of INSTI using plasma and simulated whole blood specimens. Study designINSTI’s performance in plasma specimens from commercial seroconversion panels was assessed by estimating the relative sensitivity using a 50% cumulative frequency analysis and by comparing its performance with other FDA-approved rapid tests (RTs). INSTI was further evaluated using 320 HIV-1 plasma specimens collected during a cross-sectional study and with 107 HIV-1 and 24 HIV-2 simulated whole blood specimens. Sensitivity and specificity were calculated using 615 known HIV-1 group M/O and 80 HIV-2 (Western blot (WB)-positive), and 497 HIV-negative plasma specimens, respectively. ResultsIn HIV-1 seroconversion panels, INSTI became reactive 9days before a positive WB. When compared to FDA-approved antibody-based lateral flow RTs, INSTI detected significantly more early infections. Among HIV-1-infected cross-sectional plasma samples, INSTI detected 23 (27%) of 85 Architect-positive/Multispot-negative or indeterminate specimens. For plasma specimens, the sensitivity was 99.84% for HIV-1 and 100% for HIV-2, and the specificity was 99.80%. Using simulated whole blood from seroconverters, INSTI performed similarly to plasma. ConclusionsINSTI performed significantly better than antibody-based lateral flow RTs during early stages of seroconversion. Sensitivity and specificity were within the manufacturer’s reported ranges. Considering the observed test performance and the almost immediate results, INSTI is an accurate option to detect HIV-1/HIV-2 antibodies in point-of-care settings where lab testing is not feasible.

Building scenarios for ecosystem services tools: Developing a methodology for efficient engagement with expert stakeholders

The ecosystem services framework provides a holistic perspective for planning on local, national, and global scales. Often, scenarios are utilized to quantify and contrast the potential impacts of anthropocentric or climatic drivers of change on ecosystem services. One freely available modeling suite, Integrated Valuation of Ecosystem Services and Tradeoffs (InVEST), from the Natural Capital Project, aims to aid in decision making and planning processes by quantifying ecosystem services in spatially explicit context. Several of their modeling tools require land cover data layers, and the user can generate future land cover data layers through the scenario generator tool, released in 2014. The tool’s associated literature emphasizes the integration of stakeholders into the scenario generating process to help create plausible and relevant scenarios, often through workshops. Our study reviews the tool and presents an alternative methodology for engaging expert stakeholders in the scenario generation process through a less time intensive format than the recommended workshops—a detailed questionnaire. We find that there is a need for systematic decision making analysis of stakeholder input before scenarios can be created, and we used cumulative percent frequency analysis of questionnaire responses to dictate scenario generation transition tables, when appropriate. We conclude that using a questionnaire to elicit input from expert stakeholders to develop land cover scenarios may be a time and cost effective alternative that still provides realistic and usable inputs when compared to workshops.

Performance evaluation of the CHEMBIO DPP® (dual path platform) HIV-1/2 assay in early and established infections

BackgroundThe availability of more accurate point-of-care technology could increase the number of persons aware of their HIV status. The DPP® HIV-1/2 assay is the first dual path platform rapid test (RT) approved in the U.S. that also received the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) waiver for use with oral fluid and fingerstick and venous whole blood. ObjectiveTo evaluate the performance of the DPP® HIV-1/2 assay with plasma specimens. Study designSensitivity and specificity of the assay were calculated from 696 HIV-1 groups M (B and non-B subtypes) and O and HIV-2 (groups A and B) specimens and 505 HIV-negative specimens, respectively. Analysis of the assay performance in HIV-1 early infections was assessed by estimating the relative sensitivity of the RT before the Western blot (WB) becomes positive using a 50% cumulative frequency analysis and by comparing the reactivity with other Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved RTs. ResultsThe sensitivity for established infection was 100% for HIV-1 and 100% for HIV-2. The specificity was 100%. The DPP® HIV-1/2 assay performs similarly to most antibody-based RT approved by FDA in early HIV-1 infections. ConclusionsThe DPP® technology showed no significant improvement for detecting early infections over other lateral-flow RTs used in the U.S. Without more data on the DPP® HIV-1/2 assay, especially from whole blood and oral fluid specimens collected during the early phase of infection, its performance as point-of-care technology remains to be assessed.