Duration Of Process Research Articles

Diagnostics and Multi-criteria Analysis of Methods for Drying Buildings After Flooding. Case Study

This article presents guidelines for moisture and mycological diagnosis procedures for buildings after flooding. This paper proposes a division of the diagnostic procedure according to the medium of action and collects and presents methods for drying building elements. 54 companies dealing with drying were analyzed. The task of dehumidification is to use various methods to reduce the moisture level of building partitions to the equilibrium moisture level. An analysis of dehumidification methods in terms of ease of application, duration of the dehumidification process and level of structural interference is presented. In Poland, there are no guidelines formulated in legal acts or instructions regarding the procedure for moisture diagnostics and nor drying. It was noted that in situ studies cannot always lead to determining the actual values of mass moisture and thus to creating a real model of partition drying.

Demonstrating scalability between two blender types using DEM

Powder blending is a critical step in pharmaceutical manufacturing that can impact product quality such as tablet tensile strength. This study utilized the Discrete Element Method (DEM) to investigate blending in a 5-liter mini-batch and a 2-liter Turbula blender. DEM parameters were calibrated using small-scale powder characterization tests, so that the particle behavior in the DEM simulations matches the measured behavior. The research explored the effects of blender designs and process conditions on blending and lubricant dispersion. A predictive model for tablet tensile strength was developed. The model takes the lubricant’s dispersion via the lubrication energy into account. The model is then used to predict the tablet tensile strength depending on the chosen process parameters, blending speed, duration, and fill level. DEM simulations enabled scaling between the two blenders, providing valuable insights for a semi-continuous manufacturing process based on mini-batch blending. The findings contribute to a deeper understanding of blending mechanics, offering potential enhancements in pharmaceutical manufacturing efficiency and product consistency.

Development of novel nanostructured biosensors for rapid detection of pathogens in clinical diagnostics

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph; line-height: 120%; mso-pagination: none; layout-grid-mode: char; mso-layout-grid-align: none; margin: 12.0pt 0cm 6.0pt 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 120%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;">The prompt and precise identification of microorganisms is crucial for successful clinical diagnostics and the prevention of infectious disease outbreaks. Traditional diagnostic methods often suffer from limitations such as extended processing durations, elevated expenses, and the necessity for specialized laboratory equipment. In this research, we propose the development of novel nanostructured biosensors that utilize the distinct characteristics of nanomaterials to improve the accuracy, specificity, and efficiency of identifying pathogens. These biosensors are created with the intention of offering point-of-care testing functionality, thus rendering them appropriate for utilization in a range of clinical settings. The integration of advanced nanotechnology with bioanalytical methods aims to create a reliable system for the real-time identification of bacterial, viral, and fungal pathogens. This review encompasses the design, fabrication, and testing of the biosensors, along with a comprehensive analysis of their performance in comparison to conventional diagnostic techniques. The results demonstrate the potential of nanostructured biosensors to revolutionize pathogen detection, offering significant improvements in efficiency and accuracy, which are essential for timely medical intervention and public health management.</span></p>

RESEARCH OF THE METHODS OF STRENGTHENING REINFORCED CONCRETE COLUMNS DURING THE RECONSTRUCTION OF INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS

Over the past two years, Ukraine has noted significant losses of the state's residential and non-residential stock as destroyed or partially damaged. Damaged or destroyed buildings must be restored, reconstructed and dismantled and new ones erected in their place.Industrial facilities suffered significant destruction. In addition, the condition of the structures of many old enterprises is extremely unsatisfactory.Currently, only in Kyiv, about 30% of the city's territory is industrial territory.Depending on the level of reconstruction of the object, it is possible to perform certain structural and enclosing elements. Any intervention in the structural elements of buildings must be preceded by an examination of both the building as a whole and these structures themselves.Repair, dismantling or strengthening of frame structures are among the typical types of work during the reconstruction of industrial facilities. The vast majority of old industrial buildings in our country have a reinforced concrete frame, especially the buildings that were erected in the 60s of the 20th century and in later periods. These are those buildings whose structural condition still allows for reconstruction or repair in order to continue their intended use. Buildings of an earlier stage, as a rule, are subject to reconstruction (if they are monuments of culture and architecture) or dismantling.The article investigates various methods of reinforcing reinforced concrete columns, which are key structural elements of industrial buildings, during their reconstruction. The technological and organic features of reinforcement are presented. The destabilizing factors that affect the efficiency of work are systematized. Modern technologies are studied, including changing the structural scheme, increasing the cross section, injecting into the body of the structure and external gluing of metal reinforcing structures.The effectiveness of each method is analyzed, which allows to assess their advantages and disadvantages, costs and duration of the reconstruction process. In particular, attention is focused on methods that increase the bearing capacity and durability of structures without significant interference with the overall structural scheme of the building.The results of the study allow us to identify optimal solutions for different types of industrial buildings, which helps engineers and designers ensure the sustainability and safety of reconstructed facilities.

Application of Torrefaction for Improved Fuel Properties of Sunflower Husks

Sunflower husk (SFH) contributes 45–60% of the total sunflower seed weight and is a by-product of the sunflower oil industry. Among other elements, SFH ash contains K, Na, Ca and Mg. These elements cause rapid growth of ash deposits on convective heating surfaces of the boiler, resulting in reduced efficiency. The aim of this paper is to examine the possibility of producing quality fuel from SFH by its pretreatment with the technique of torrefaction in a fluidized bed in superheated water vapor. Continuous monitoring of the innovative SFH torrefaction process allowed for the determination of optimal process durations. SFH could be converted into a biofuel, having high calorific value and suitable characteristics for co-combustion with coal. Furthermore, the torrefaction in a fluidized bed of superheated water vapor allowed for a 6-fold reduction in the required process duration in comparison with data reported from the literature for the process of torrefaction in a dense bed, along with a 3-fold reduction in the chlorine content in SFH ash. These effects are beneficial to resolve the problem of corrosion on convective heating surfaces of boilers. However, torrefaction in superheated water vapor did not significantly reduce the content of alkaline and alkaline-earth elements in SFH ash. Still, this issue may be alleviated by significantly increasing the duration of SFH pretreatment.

Comparison of Three Tracheal Intubation Procedures Using Personal Protective Equipment, Direct and Video Laryngoscopes: An Open, Randomized, Parallel Clinical Trial

Background: During the COVID-19 pandemic, severe respiratory failure is a life-threatening condition, and life-saving tracheal intubation is a high-risk aerosol- and droplet-generating procedure. It is crucial to protect healthcare workers without compromising patient safety during intubation. The use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and different types of laryngoscopes are measures to reduce the risk of infectious transmission that might impact the intubation process. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of different levels of PPE and types of laryngoscopes on the duration of the intubation process and its success rate. Methods: We conducted an open, randomized, parallel clinical trial on non-COVID-19 adult patients scheduled for elective and emergency surgeries under general anesthesia from November 2021 to May 2022. Patients were divided into three groups: Group 1 was intubated using a video-guided laryngoscope with operators wearing level three PPE; group 2 was intubated using a direct laryngoscope with operators wearing level three PPE; and group 3 was intubated using a direct laryngoscope with operators wearing level two PPE. Intubation was performed by 2nd- and 3rd-year anesthesia residents. Results: The duration of intubation varied significantly among the groups, with Group 1 taking the longest time (P = 0.046). Group 3 had a higher success rate for first-attempt intubation (P = 0.056). Conclusions: The use of PPE and video-guided laryngoscopy had varying effects on the intubation procedure, with the most notable impact being on the overall length of intubation. Further research with a larger sample size is needed to validate these findings.

The Effect of Vitamins and Minerals on Dental Implants: A Review

Aims: The focus of this review study was to examine and analyze the impact of vitamins and minerals on dental implants. Methods and Material: In order to obtain information on the effects of vitamins and minerals on dental implants, a group of existing articles was thoroughly examined for their findings. This examination process involved the selection of specific articles that met the necessary criteria to be included in the analysis, which were then subjected to an extensive review process. The duration of this review process was over a time span of 11 years, starting from the year 2011 and concluding in the year 2022. Results: A total of 23 articles were included in the study, consisting of 9 clinical studies, 6 animal studies, 1 laboratory study, and 7 reviews. Clinical studies were limited due to uncertain results regarding the impact of vitamins and minerals on DIT, with most focusing on vitamin D levels rather than other nutrients. Conclusions: It has been concluded that vitamins and minerals play an important role in forming bone tissue. The lack of these essential elements may result in several diseases, such as diabetes mellitus and osteoporosis. It is therefore recommended to increase the levels of vitamins and minerals in patients before undergoing dental implant treatment (DIT), even though the quality of the patient's bone can also impact the success of the implant. Consequently, the patient's diet should be modified, and essential supplements and vitamins should be administered to ensure optimal implant success.

Effect of high-temperature VVER-1000 SNF processing duration on the extent of fission product removal

Experiments on high-temperature processing of VVER-1000 SNF with a burnout depth of 47 GW day/tU were carried out in order to determine the dependence of the extent of semi-volatile fission product removal on the time of SNF processing in an oxidizing atmosphere for subsequent optimization of technological modes of this process. It was found that, during high-temperature processing at 1200°С for 8 h, more than 30% of Mo, 90% of Cs, and 100% of Ru and Tc are removed.

The Testing Results of ACORGA, LIX Extractants and CR60 Crud Mitigation Reagent Influence during SX-EW Copper Extraction

Research analysis reveals factors influencing third-phase crud formation and composition during metal extraction, including solution composition, solid suspensions, organic compounds, colloidal compounds (e.g., silicic acid), and extractant purity. Compositional analysis of copper-containing sulfuric acid solutions (1.25 g/dm3 copper) identifies principal sulfate-forming components. Copper extraction was studied using extractants LIX 984N, ACORGA M5774, and M5640 at different ratios of the organic phase to the aqueous O:A (from 1:2 to 1:10). Suppressive impact of 10 vol.% CR60 additive on third-phase crud formation during copper extraction with LIX 984N, ACORGA M5774, and M5640 is analyzed, with ACORGA M5774 being the most effective. Physicochemical analysis characterizes CR60’s active substance as poly(sodium 4-styrenesulfonate) with steel-suppression properties, and its structural formula is determined. Optimal copper extraction conditions establish ACORGA M5640’s 24% efficiency, followed by ACORGA M5774 at 15%. CR60 reduces crud formation, with 5 cm3 of ACORGA CR60 added to sulfuric acid solution reducing interfacial crud formation by 2–3 times. Optimal extraction parameters include 1:2 O:A ratio, 20 ± 5 °C temperature, 5 cm3 CR60 additive, 5 min process duration, and 1-day settling time. ACORGA M5774 (10 vol.% in kerosene) is recommended as an extractant, with 2–3 stages of countercurrent extraction.

Enhancement of Wear and Corrosion Resistance of Ti6Al4V Alloy through Hollow Cathode Discharge-Assisted Plasma Nitriding.

In order to improve the wear and corrosion resistance of Ti6Al4V alloy, a Ti-N compound layer was formed on the alloy by plasma nitriding at a relatively low temperature (750 °C) and within an economical processing duration (4 h), in a mixture of NH3 and N2 gases with varying ratios. The influence of the gas mixture on the microstructure, phase composition, and properties of the Ti-N layer was investigated. The results indicated that the thickness of the nitrided layer achieved in a mixed atmosphere with optimal proportions of NH3 and N2 (with a ratio of 1:2) was substantially greater than that obtained in an atmosphere of pure NH3. This suggests that appropriately increasing the proportion of N2 in the nitriding atmosphere is beneficial for the growth of the nitrided layer. The experiments demonstrated that the formation of the surface nitrided layer significantly enhances the corrosion and wear resistance of the titanium alloys.

Patient-specific guides for consistently achieving R0 bone margins after resection of primary malignant bone tumors of the pelvis

AimsPrimary malignant bone tumor of the pelvis is an uncommon lesion, the resection of which via freehand osteotomy is subject to inaccuracy due to its three-dimensional anatomy. Patient-Specific Guides (PSG), also called Patient-Specific Instruments (PSI) are essential to ensure surgical planning and resection adequacy. Our aim was to assess their use and effectiveness.MethodsA monocentric retrospective study was conducted on 42 adult patients who underwent PSG-based resection of a primary malignant bone tumor of the pelvis. The primary outcome was the proportion of R0 bone margins. The secondary outcomes were the proportion of overall R0 margins, considering soft-tissue resection, the cumulative incidence of local recurrence, and the time of production for the guides. A comparison to a previous series at our institution was performed regarding histological margins.ResultsUsing PSGs, 100% R0 safe bone margin was achieved, and 88% overall R0 margin due to soft-tissue resection being contaminated, while the comparison to the previous series showed only 80% of R0 safe bone margin. The cumulative incidences of local recurrence were 10% (95% CI: 4–20%) at one year, 15% (95% CI: 6–27%) at two years, and 19% (95% CI: 8–33%) at five years. The median overall duration of the fabrication process of the guide was 35 days (Q1–Q3: 26–47) from the first contact to the surgery date.ConclusionsPatient-Specific Guides can provide a reproducible safe bony margin.

Intense pulsed light-induced millisecond selective heat treatment for high-performance silicon anodes

Silicon, which is gaining prominence as a potential anode material, exhibits long-term cycle stability issues owing to volume changes during cycling. This study presents a meticulously designed Si anode that employs intense pulsed light (IPL) technology to simultaneously reduce carbon additives and construct an effective carbon quantum dot (CQD)-derived binder system. IPL, as a light-material interaction technique, offers a novel approach for selective heat treatment with remarkably short processing durations on the order of milliseconds. By comprehensively considering the geometric structure, optical characteristics, and thermal properties of each electrode component, heat transfer bridge (HTB) materials are introduced to ensure a homogeneous depth-directional heat treatment and to minimize binder decomposition in the IPL process. By employing HTB materials, the binder can reach a controlled target temperature for the condensation reaction between poly (acrylic acid) and the CQDs. Simultaneously, higher heat generation in the conductive carbon than in the binder leads to selective additional carbon reduction. This unique approach provides selective heat treatment, which cannot be achieved using conventional methods, resulting in a Si anode with excellent cyclic stability and rate capability. The versatility of the IPL technology is further demonstrated by applying it to relatively inexpensive Si microparticles.

Bayesian frameworks for integrating petrologic and geochronologic data

Constraining the absolute time and duration of geologic processes is one of the great challenges and goals in Earth sciences. Increasingly, the integration of geochronologic constraints with petrologic information is being qualitatively applied to understanding the timescales of metamorphic, igneous, tectonic, and fluid-related processes. Many rocks and geochronometers preserve relative age constraints such as compositional zoning or cross cutting relationships. This prior information can be formalized in a Bayesian statistical framework to generate a probabilistic posterior chronology. As we show here, these “age-sequence” models can enhance precision on geochronologic dates and rates and insight into tectonic models. Bayesian modeling of complex, concentrically, zoned monazite from the northern Appalachian orogen was used to develop a detailed temperature-time history through the Acadian (∼405–395 Ma) and Neoacadian (∼380–350 Ma) orogenies with significantly reduced uncertainties (40–70 %). Modeling of zoned monazite from a southern Trans-Hudson orogen granulite yielded durations of 0.5+9/-0.4 Ma and 20+5/-8 Ma for biotite-dehydration melting and suprasolidus conditions, respectively. The relatively short intervals of heating and peak conditions are consistent with a back-arc tectonic setting. A complementary approach, Bayesian change point detection, provides a framework to constrain the timing of compositional changes that can be linked with metamorphic reactions. Applying this approach in the northern Appalachian orogen demonstrates contrasting durations of low-Y monazite crystallization (∼10 vs ∼30 myr) in regions with different pressure-temperature histories. Compositionally distinct monazite domains can be linked with garnet stability, which provides a key constraint on tectonic models. Bayesian statistical analysis represent a powerful tool that can be widely applied to refine the absolute time and duration of geologic processes. A more objective and reproducible set of interpretations are produced by this more formal, although not necessarily complex, statistical analysis.

A journey of a Filipino pre-service teacher before entering the Department of Education

The journey of pre-service teachers in the Philippines was a transformative and crucial phase that involved comprehensive preparation, training, and personal growth. This research explored the experiences and challenges encountered by Filipino pre-service teachers and the factors that influenced the duration of their journey before they officially entered the Department of Education (DepEd). The research utilized a mixed-method design. The participants were sixty (60) pre-service teachers from different Teacher Education Institutions across the Philippines. Results showed that the duration of entering DepEd varied for each pre-service teacher based on different factors and their unique circumstances. Additionally, changes in policies, educational reforms, or external factors influenced the timeline for entering the department. The timeline for pre-service teachers to secure employment within the education department ranged from several months to a year or more, depending on the combination of academic requirements, licensure examinations, and bureaucratic processes they needed to complete. The duration of the transition process varied based on individual circumstances, such as qualifications, networking efforts, flexibility, and the specific conditions of the job market and educational institutions in a particular region. These findings implied that educational institutions, policymakers, and stakeholders could make informed decisions and implement targeted reforms that expedited the employment process for pre-service teachers. It was important to strike a balance between efficiency and maintaining high educational standards, ensuring that the reforms contributed to the overall quality of the education system.

Experimental Replacement of Zircon by Melt‐Mediated Coupled Dissolution‐Precipitation Causes Dispersion in U–Pb Ages

ABSTRACTZircon geochronology provides critical information on the rates and durations of geological processes and enables researchers to explore deep time. However, some zircon datasets show a continuum of concordant ages (‘smear’) without well‐defined age populations. These age smears are typically interpreted to represent variable loss of radiogenic Pb or protracted geological events lasting tens of millions of years. Coupled dissolution‐precipitation replacement of zircon has been suggested as one process that may produce these complex age datasets. Here, we react fragments of the well characterised Mud Tank zircon standard with natural intermediate and mafic melts (0.9 GPa, 1100–1180°C) to test if short‐term exposure to a melt can modify the geochronological patterns of zircon. Our observations show that within a short duration (18 h to 3.5 days), most Mud Tank zircon fragments display microstructural and/or chemical evidence for modification by dissolution at fragment boundaries along with partial replacement by coupled dissolution‐precipitation processes. The replaced zircon domains have U–Pb ages that smear over one hundred million years, between 764–647 Ma, illustrating variable mobility and redistribution of the U and Pb isotopes. Our experiments demonstrate that zircon modified by coupled dissolution‐precipitation replacement may not faithfully record the age or duration of geological events and that investigation of zircon microstructure in high‐resolution backscattered electron, cathodoluminescence imaging and/or Raman mapping is needed to better understand complex zircon geochronological datasets.

SARS-CoV-2 coinfection in children with severe airway obstruction due to pulmonary tuberculosis.

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic had a significant impact on tuberculosis (TB) control globally, with the number of new TB diagnoses decreasing. Coinfection with some viruses, especially measles, could aggravate TB in children. This is presumably a result of depressed cellular immunity. Reports on children with TB and SARS-CoV-2 coinfection are limited. A retrospective analysis of children up to 13 years old admitted to Tygerberg Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa, from March 2020 to December 2022 with suspected TB-induced airway compression requiring bronchoscopy. Children were included if they presented with severe intrathoracic airway obstruction and/or radiographic evidence of complicated TB. The patients were divided into two groups based on SARS-CoV-2 respiratory polymerase chain reaction results. Demographics, TB exposure, microbiology, SARS-CoV-2 laboratory data, imaging, inflammatory cytokine levels, and bronchoscopy data were collected. Statistical analyses compared SARS-CoV-2 positive and negative groups. Of the 50 children undergoing bronchoscopy for TB airway obstruction, 7 (14%) were SARS-CoV-2 positive. Cough was more prevalent in the SARS-CoV-2 positive group (p = 0.04). There was no difference in TB culture yield between groups. However, SARS-CoV-2 positive children showed slower radiological improvement at 1 month (p = 0.01), pleural effusions (p < 0.001), and a higher need for endoscopic enucleation (p < 0.001). FDG PET/CT scans indicated an ongoing inflammation in the SARS-CoV-2 positive group. Coinfection with SARS-CoV-2 in children with TB airway obstruction appears to complicate the disease course, necessitating more medical interventions and demonstrating a longer duration of the TB inflammatory process. Further research is needed to understand the impact of viral infections on TB progression and outcomes in pediatric patients.

Balancing Maillard reaction products formation and antioxidant activities for improved sensory quality and health benefit properties of pan baked buns

This study investigated the impact of processing temperatures (190 °C, 210 °C, and 230 °C) and durations (7 min, 10 min, and 14 min) on the formation of Maillard reaction products (MRPs) and antioxidant activities in pan baked buns. Key Maillard reaction indicators, including glyoxal (GO), methylglyoxal (MGO), 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (5-HMF), melanoidins, and fluorescent advanced glycation end products (AGEs) were quantified. The results demonstrated significant increases in GO, MGO, 5-HMF contents (p < 0.05), and antioxidant activities (p < 0.05) when the buns were baked at 210 °C for 14 min, 230 °C for 10 min and 14 min. However, the interior MRPs of baked buns were minimally affected by the baking temperature and duration. Prolonged heating temperatures and durations exacerbated MRPs production (43.8 %–1038 %) in the bottom crust. Nonetheless, this process promoted the release of bound phenolic compounds and enhanced the antioxidant activity. Heating induces the thermal degradation of macromolecules in food, such as proteins and polysaccharides, which releases bound phenolic compounds by disrupting their chemical bonds within the food matrix. Appropriate selections of baking parameters can effectively reduce the formation of MRPs while simultaneously improve sensory quality and health benefit of the pan baked buns. Considering the balance between higher antioxidant properties and lower MRPs, the optimal thermal parameters for pan baked buns were 210 °C for 10 min. Furthermore, a normalized analysis revealed a consistent trend for GO, MGO, 5-HMF, fluorescent AGEs, and melanoidins. Moreover, MRPs were positively correlated with total contents of phenolic compounds, ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), and color, but negatively correlated with moisture contents and reducing sugars. Additionally, the interaction between baking conditions and Maillard reactions probably contributed to enhanced primary flavors in the final product. This study highlights the importance of optimizing baking parameters to achieve desirable MRPs levels, higher antioxidant activity, and optimal sensory attributes in baked buns.

Effect of acid soak treatment of the precursor on the structure and properties of polypropylene-based carbon fibers

Polyolefin fibers have received wide attention as the precursor for low-cost carbon fiber, and cross-linking of linear polyolefin by strong acid has been proven to be an effective way to stabilize the precursor fiber prior to carbonization. However, the conventional temperature used in sulfonation process is too high and could result in severe decomposition of the linear chain of the polymer, which further deteriorated the mechanical properties of the as-prepared carbon fiber. Thus, reducing the duration of sulfonation process operated at high temperature may alleviate the degradation behavior, conferring the polyolefin-based carbon fibers with better performance. In this paper, polypropylene (PP) fibers were soaked in sulfuric acid at 50 °C–90 °C, before the conventional preparation protocol of PP-based carbon fiber. The structural evolution from PP to carbon fiber were characterized by Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Raman spectroscopy. The mechanical and conductive properties of carbonized fibers where further measured. The results showed that the soak in sulfuric acid resulted in swelling of PP fibers in diameter direction, as well as reducing the crystallinity of the fibers, both of which were physical transformation, and could be easily controlled by soak temperature. The subsequent sulfonation at conventional temperature was fastened for the soaked PP fibers, and the duration of sufficient sulfonation were almost reduced by half. The obtained carbon fibers exhibited better thermal conductivity and mechanical properties, which were enhanced by 25 % and 40 %, respectively, compared with that without soak pretreatment.

Angelman syndrome in Poland: current diagnosis and therapy status—the caregiver perspective: a questionnaire study

BackgroundAngelman syndrome (AS) is a rare neurodevelopmental disease caused by imprinting disorders that impede the production of the ubiquitin E3A ligase protein (UBE3A). AS affects multiple systems, with the main symptoms including epilepsy, psychomotor disorders and speech development disorders. To date, no study has been conducted in the Polish population to verify the condition's diagnosis and treatment process.ResultsSeventy patients with the median age of 60 months were included into the analysis. 80% of patients were diagnosed with deletion, 19.9% with a mutation of UBE3A gene, 4.3% with paternal uniparental disomy (UPD) and 2.8% with an imprinting defect. The mean age of first symptoms was 5 months, while the mean age of diagnosis was 29 months (earliest in deletion group at 23 months), and the median duration of diagnosis process was 7 months. The average time to a clinical geneticist appointment was 3 months. 37.9% of the patients initially received a different diagnosis. Epileptic seizures were present in 88.6% of the individuals. 98.6% of the studied group were under care of a pediatric neurologist, 47.1% of a gastroenterologist. A ketogenic diet was used in 7.1% of patients. Caregivers identified finding a specialist suitable for AS patients and access to genetic testing as the biggest problems.ConclusionsThe care of patients with AS in Poland is carried out according to the European and world standards, however there is an impeded access to clinical geneticist, and the knowledge about rare diseases among primary healthcare physicians could be improved. Moreover, access to AS care specialists and coordination of care is limited. There is a need for creation a specialized centers and databases for AS patients.

Detecting Process Duration Drift Using Gamma Mixture Models in a Left-Truncated and Right-Censored Environment

Within the realm of business context, process duration signifies time spent by customers between successive activities. This temporal perspective offers important insight to customer behavior, highlighting potential bottlenecks, and influencing business management decisions. The distribution of these process duration often changes over time due to factors such as seasonality, emerging legislation, changes to supply chains, and customer demand. Referred to as concept drift, these variations pose challenges for robust process modeling, understanding, and refinement. Subsequently, gamma mixture models are widely employed to model durations. These source data can, however, become left-truncated and right-censored within any specific observation window thereby necessitating a (well-known) modification to the likelihood function. The approach reported in this article leveraged this adapted likelihood across a series of observation windows, applying the likelihood ratio test to identify duration changes/concept drift. Due to its flexibility in modelling any duration distribution, the gamma mixture model was used with Nelder–Mead optimized likelihood for the left-truncated and right-censored data. The number of gamma components was determined by the Bayesian information criterion. The proposed framework underwent validation through simulated exponential samples, leading to recommendations for its practical application. Subsequently, we applied the methodology to three real-life event logs exhibiting diverse characteristics. Experimental results showcase the effectiveness of our approach in terms of data fitting, as compared to Kaplan–Meier curves, and in detecting instances of drift. This comprehensive validation underscores the practical utility and reliability of our framework for dynamic business scenarios.