Flowchart Research Articles

MANAGEMENT TECHNOLOGIES AS THE BASIS OF ENSURING SUSTAINABLE COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGES OF THE BANK

The article examines the importance of management technology in ensuring sustainable competitive advantages of the bank. The evaluation of the competitiveness of competitor banks was carried out using a method that, unlike the existing ones, allows taking into account the evaluation of technological parameters, which in modern conditions has a significant impact on the competitiveness of banks.
 According to the results of the competitiveness assessment, it was established that modern clients of banking institutions expect convenience and speed in interaction with banks, in view of this, the parameter "technological provision of services" has a significant impact on the level of the bank's competitiveness, and should be taken into account in the formation of the bank's competitive strategy. the work is devoted to the justification of the feasibility of using management technologies aimed at ensuring the automation of the bank's business processes, the advantages of their introduction and the impact on the bank's competitiveness are highlighted. Based on the application of the method of functional modeling and the construction of a cross functional flow chart, a study of the bank's business processes was carried out, a graphic model of the "lending" business process was built, the operations of the business process, their executors, and the connections between them were detailed. On the basis of the research, "bottlenecks" and reasons for the inefficiency of the "crediting" business process were identified. On the basis of the functional-cost analysis, the economic efficiency of the application of management technologies aimed at ensuring sustainable competitive advantages of the bank by calculating the time spent on the execution of the business process has been proven, and the recommended number of employees necessary for the execution of the business process has been established. It is substantiated that the application of management technologies aimed at ensuring the automation of the bank's business processes will contribute to the development of sustainable competitive advantages by simplifying and accelerating the processing of applications, increasing the number of loans issued, which will lead, accordingly, to an increase in bank profits.
 The purpose of the article is to develop theoretical foundations and develop practical recommendations for the development of bank management technology in order to strengthen its competitive advantages.
 In order to achieve the goal, the following research methods are used in the article: functional modeling in the notation "Cross Functional Flow Chart" (diagram of tracks) - for modeling the business process of granting a loan; the method of functional and cost analysis - for the purpose of researching the effectiveness of the implementation of the proposed measures.

An Environmental Impact Framework for the Construction Stage of Municipal Solid Waste Landfill Mining: A Study on Piyungan Landfill in Indonesia

At present, the predominant method of urban waste management in Yogyakarta is centered around landfill disposal, resulting in a swift depletion of available capacity, notably at the Piyungan landfill site. Consequently, the exploration of landfill mining, a process that entails the retrieval of fully decomposed waste, is being contemplated as a potential alternative. Nevertheless, the execution of this initiative may give rise to environmental consequences. The objective of this study is to establish a comprehensive framework for assessing the ecological consequences of landfill mining operations in the initial stage of construction. The methodology encompasses a preliminary stage known as scoping, wherein potential impacts are identified and significant hypothetical impacts are assessed. Subsequently, a thorough assessment is conducted to examine the potential significant effects of the hypothetical scenario. This evaluation involves a detailed analysis of the various environmental elements and parameters associated with each activity that may serve as a potential source of impact. The present analysis employs a straightforward matrix and a flow chart. The assessment indicates that the implementation stage of landfill mining has the potential to generate substantial hypothetical effects on multiple facets of the environment, encompassing physical, chemical, biological, socio-economic, and cultural dimensions. The potential impacts encompass various factors such as air pollution, gas explosions, reduced surface air quality, odor problems, and unfavorable public attitudes and perceptions. These impacts collectively contribute to the overall consequences of the situation.

Geomorphic Response of a Coastal Berm to Storm Surge and the Importance of Sheet Flow Dynamics

AbstractDuring a storm, as the beach profile is impacted by increased wave forcing and rapidly changing water levels, sand berms may help mitigate erosion of the backshore. However, the mechanics of berm morphodynamics have not been fully described. In this study, 26 trials were conducted in a large wave flume to explore the response of a near‐prototype berm to scaled storm conditions. Sensors were used to quantify hydrodynamics, sheet flow dynamics, and berm evolution. Results indicate that berm overtopping and offshore sediment transport were key processes causing berm erosion. During the morphological evolution of the beach profile, two sand bars were formed offshore that attenuated subsequent wave energy. The landward extent of that energy was confined to the seaward foreshore, inhibiting inundation of the backshore. Net offshore‐directed transport was dominant when infragravity motions increased in the swash zone. Conversely, the influence of incident‐band motions on sediment transport was relatively greater in the inner‐surf zone. Near‐bed flow velocities and sheet flow layer thicknesses were larger in the swash zone than in the inner‐surf zone. This paper also provides a valuable analysis between morphology‐estimated total sediment transport rates and rates derived from in situ measurements. Sheet flow dynamics dominated foreshore cross‐shore sediment processes, constituting the largest portion of the total sediment transport load throughout the berm erosion.

Retrofitted Autonomous Inflow Control Devices Optimize Completions Design

_ This article, written by JPT Technology Editor Chris Carpenter, contains highlights of paper OTC 31301, “Optimized Completions Design Using Retrofit Autonomous Inflow Control Devices,” by Ezinne A. Nnebocha, Schlumberger; Akinola Akinbola, NPDC; and Omagbemi G. Kayakor, First Hydrocarbon Nigeria, et al. The paper has not been peer reviewed. Copyright 2021 Offshore Technology Conference. Reproduced by permission. _ Discovered in 1964, the Beta Field in the Niger Delta sedimentary basin consists of 25 stacked hydrocarbon-bearing reservoirs between 5,500 and 12,000 ft true vertical depth subsea (TVDSS). Oil production peaked at 8,900 STB/D shortly after field startup and has been on the decline. Two horizontal wells, Beta 7 and Beta 8, were planned in the field, but a production forecast of the planned wells showed potential early water breakthrough and high water cut. Autonomous inflow control devices (AICDs) were deployed successfully in the Beta Field for the purpose of minimizing water production and maximizing oil recovery. Introduction After history matching, the two new horizontal wells were simulated to target the sweet spots in the reservoir using constraints of oil saturation, porosity and permeability limits, and distance to the oil/water contact (OWC). The history-matched model was then used in forecasting the production profile for the new wells using a target liquid production rate of 2,000 STB/D. The production forecast without inflow control showed water breakthrough in the new wells within the first month of production, reaching to 45% within 3 months of production. Cyclonic AICD completions then were simulated for Beta-7 and Beta-8 horizontal wells, which showed improved oil production and delayed water production. AICD Retrofit Design Cyclonic AICDs were selected for application in the Beta Field to improve production performance. However, the short lead time required for the job execution and border closures caused by the COVID-19 pandemic created restrictions in mobilizing personnel and equipment from outside the country. It did not appear that the equipment could arrive in time for the job. The conventional nozzle-based passive ICD joints were available in country. Therefore, leveraging engineering skills and operational knowledge, a solution to retrofit AICD nozzles in existing ICD screen joints was conceived. The engineering team developed a design of machined components that could be quickly manufactured at the facility of the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) and shipped to the location. Failure-mode and effects-analysis assessment, and subsequent risk-management procedures, became useful to manage the process locally with the help of the remote OEM team. A step-by-step procedure on the retrofit was devised. Fig. 1 shows a flow chart used to guide the retrofitting process and the retrofitted AICD joints after modification. Upon completion of the screen retrofit, the joints were quality-checked and inspected to verify their preparedness for well completion.

From the mental to the conceptual model: the challenge of teaching hydrogeology in the field.

Field-based learning in hydrogeology enables students to develop their understanding and application of practical methodologies, and to enhance many of the generic skills (e.g., teamwork, problem-solving). However, teaching and learning hydrogeology in general, and especially in the field, presents cognitive difficulties, such as the diversity in student education and experience, the hidden nature of water movement and transport of chemicals, and the pre-existing students' mental models of the subsurface, in particular. At any given experimental or teaching site there is only one reality for which lecturers can have an approximate conceptual model, including aquifer(s) geometry and functioning (e.g., flow direction). However, students' preconceptions (i.e., mental model), in some cases misconceptions, influence not only their outcome from the learning strategy designed, but also the conceptual model expression (i.e., flow chart, block diagram, or similar) for the study area or site. In practice, two general 'teaching challenges' are identified to enable students' transition from the mental to the conceptual model: i) identify and dispel any prior misconceptions and ii) show how to go from the partial information to the integration of new information for the development of the conceptual model. The inclusion of specific prior-to-field lessons in the classroom is recommended and in general, done. However, introducing a prior-to-field survey to learn about students' backgrounds, and methodologies for the development and expression of hydrogeological conceptual models and for testing multiple plausible conceptual models will help students transition from the mental to the conceptual model. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Effectiveness of Innovative Pedagogical Methods versus Passive Teaching

Background: Over the past several years there have been growing interest in the active teaching methods by the introduction of innovative instructional strategies as they fulfil the need of developing interests of students in participation and motivation towards learning and retaining knowledge. Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of active and passive teaching methods for improvement in learning and retaining knowledge & to assess the comparison of improvement by diverse teaching methods in Pharmacology. Study Design: Academic Interventional Study. Settings: Jinnah Medical & Dental College, Karachi Pakistan. Duration: 31st August and 1st November 2022. Methods: Target population being 100 students of third year MBBS students of Jinnah Medical and Dental College, Karachi divided into 3 groups. Each group was taught the same topic but with a different teaching method. Group 1-conventional/passive method, Group 2-Flowcharts and Group 3-Flipped classrooms. Descriptive was calculated for various variables. Paired t test was used for pre and post testing data of students and Independent t test used for comparison in between quantitative variables. Results: Demographic results were significant for students with A levels, day scholars, and self researchers. The noteworthy finding was that the males (n=44) showed most remarkable p value of <0.001 for knowledge and retention. Lecture method and Flipped classrooms with significant p value <0.002 and <0.043 as compared to Flow charts <0.222. Finally, the most notable feature being 62.6% improvement in knowledge of students by active and passive teaching methods. Conclusion: Lecture, no doubt is still the most promising teaching method. Flipped classroom also showed worthy improvement & males showing the most significant results for knowledge and retention after intervention of active and passive teaching methods.

LIFE CYCLE ENERGY CONSUMPTION AND CO2 EMISSIONS OF DIFFERENT CAR TYPES

In this research, the energy consumption and emissions of gasoline cars, battery electric cars, fuel cells electric (FCE) cars, compressed naturel gas (CNG) cars, liquid propane-butane gas (LPG) cars, etc., during their life cycles are presented. A set of flow charts presenting the production of cars and used fuel/energy is developed. These charts and the latest data for electricity production emission factor and raw materials prices are used. A comparative analysis is done. Results for primary energy and carbon emissions are presented in graphical form. They show the most economical and ecological car decisions.

Particle swarm methods for transport and logistics optimization processes

This article describes heuristic approaches to static optimization methods, taking into account the nature of the motion of a swarm of particles representing, for example, birds, ants, bees, fireflies, bats, krill, cuckoos, cuttlefish, cockroaches, or the pollination process of flowers. In the given descriptions of the methods, the features of swarm intelligence are detailed, the optimization quality indicators are formulated, and flow charts of the computational algorithms are provided.

A RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ENDODONTIC AND PERIODONTAL LESION ANALYSIS AND MANAGEMENT DECISION ANALYSIS: AN UPDATE

The relationship between periodontal and endodontic disease has been controversial aspect for more than a century. Differentiating between these periodontal and endodontic disease is very difficult due their developmental, embryonic, anatomic and functional similarities. Nature pain is often considered as the first clue which should be supported by the radiographic and clinical evaluation for the correct diagnosis of the condition. Aim: The aim of this review was to develop a decision tree for easier and accurate diagnosis of periodontal and endodontic disease. A brief PubMed search was performed on endodontic and periodontal lesion using MESH terms endo-perio lesion, diagnosis of endoperio lesion, decision making of endo-perio lesion. In addition some websites and local guidelines were screened. By following the correct and appropriate diagnostics methods, accurate diagnosis of Endodontic -Periodontal disease can be done and the treatment for the particular condition could be achieved. Conclusion: With a decision tree, the diagnosis and pharmacological management of the pulpal and periapical diseases becomes easier for the dentist in regular clinical practice. A decision tree and a flow chart for daily practice which should be started up as soon as the patient presents with pain or swelling due to pulpal or periodontal periapical pathology. In this aspect active management of the infection can be done with sound knowledge on the endodontic periodontal lesions. Dentists are likely to encounter lesions that have both periodontal and endodontic aetiological components the so called perio-endo lesions. A thorough examination with appropriate investigations remains pivotal to diagnosing a perio-endo lesion. Correct diagnosis of such lesions is therefore important as it enables the most suitable clinical management to be treatment planned. It is still recommended, that for the treatment of perio-endo lesions, initial endodontic therapy is completed.

Bibliometric analysis on principles of digital content creation for toddlers

oung toddlers’ early experience of digital screen-watching engagement is extraordinary for their first three years of cognitive, language, physical, social, and emotional development. While previous studies have doc-umented that toddlers’ digital use negatively impacts from an ecological perspective. However, some work has shown that digital screen media opens learning outcomes for toddlers around three years old. Besides, there are significant literature gaps related to well-designed, theoretically proven, empirically researched principles of digital content creation for young toddlers. Therefore, the present study used inclusion and ex-clusion criteria, a PRISMA (The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses) flow chart, and screening research hot spots to reveal the principles of creating digital content for toddlers aged 0 to 3. Bibliometric analysis on research hotspots and leading researchers’ publications evokes constitute the trends in digital content creation and consumption. The findings showed a compilation of eleven principles of digital content creation for young screen consumers based on the screening process from the Dimension data-base. This study used the bibliometric analysis method to seek publications on principles of digital content creation for young toddlers to provide further research directions in empirical research

INOVASI SERVICE BLUEPRINT PADA ERA PANDEMI COVID-19: STUDI KASUS DESA WISATA CARANGSARI

Consistency of service quality was a strategic factor in achieving sustainable tourism. This study aimed to design a service blueprint for tourist products in the Carangsari village. There were 4 (four) service blueprints intended as prototypes for the tugek mask dance, trekking, kecak dance, and accommodation services. The service blueprint was a flow chart of activities from the four tourist products the Carangsari tourist village offered. In the service blueprint protype there were 2 (two) factors studied: the sequence of tourist activities and the function of the service providers involved in the Carangsari tourist village. For the order of tourist activities, the design of a service blueprint was adjusted for each tourist product offered. The service provider function included 5 (five) functions applicable to all tourism products: physical evidence, customer actions, public service actions, back staff actions, and support and system actions. The head of the Carangsari tourism village, representing the tourism stakeholders of the Carangsari tourism village, expressed his appreciation for the design of the prototype of the service blueprint to provide consistency in the quality of service for tourists. The prototype of the service blueprint should be updated by the dynamics of the tourism industry. Due to time limitations, impacts and results of service blueprint prototype applications for four tourism products offered by Carangsari Tourism Village have not been evaluated. Conducting another research program to evaluate the effectiveness of service blueprint prototype applications is strongly suggested.

A Basic Review for Understanding the Important Role of Safety Instrumented Systems: Delivering through Lecture-based Classes

A basic review is the process of studying a topic once more; thus, it can be used to understand something. In this case, safety instrumented systems are crucial and equipped by the reference to the six foundations, which include definition, knowledge base, terminology, structure, methodology, and epistemology, which was the background for the choice of the title. Therefore, it is necessary to understand the important role of safety-related systems, which are closely related to instrumentation and process control, through a lecture. This involves understanding several theories, in particular Bloom and Marzano's taxonomy. The research objectives are to work out the variety of sensors or detectors, to determine one of the many logic solvers, and to determine the final elements, especially emergency valves. The research methods are an algorithm of a researcher in conducting the research, in terms of performance, according to research objectives, and it was done in the form of a flow chart. The results are several flowchart structures to expose the stages of a brief explanation of the components of safety instrumented systems, including sensors, logic solvers, and final elements. The conclusion associated with research objectives is that the understanding of the important role of safety instrumented systems can be carried out through a lecture-based learning process.

IPTEK BAGI MASYARAKAT MESIN PENGIRIS BAKAL KEMPLANG DI DESA PENYAMUN

Kemplang is a typical Bangka Belitung food made from mackerel or machete fish, and can also be made from squid, shrimp and sago. Kemplang has a round shape with a savory and crunchy taste when bitten. Kemplang can be consumed directly and can also be combined with typical Bangka Belitung shrimp paste which will make the taste of kemplang more diverse. The method of implementation at the completion of this final project is outlined on the flow chart. Conceptualizing a method like this has the aim that the work to be done is more directed so that what is done runs smoothly. Engine design using the VDI 2222 method makes it easier for designers to make machine designs so that they get a kemplang slicer design that can slice kemplang. PKK in penyamun village have difficulty in the process of slicing kemplang because they still use human labor, non-uniform kemplang slices and the time required in the slicing process is long. The slicing machine will be kemplang which is driven by an electric motor can slice 5 kemplang butts with a length of 30 cm and a diameter of 50 cm, and is also able to produce kemplang sheets with a thickness of ± 2 mm with a capacity of 20 kg / hour.

Multiobjective optimization of membrane in hybrid cryogenic CO2 separation process for coal-fired power plants.

Post-combustion carbon dioxide (CO2) capture is considered a potential method to mitigate CO2 emissions from fossil fuels burned in power plants. In recent years, combining two different methods of post-combustion CO2 capture such as membrane and cryogenic distillation has been explored for availing the advantages of each method. This study focuses on the optimization of membranes for developing the membrane-cryogenic distillation process. For this purpose, a process flow sheet is developed, and simulation with model components such as compressor, heat exchanger, turbo expander, and distillation column is carried out using Aspen Plus. A membrane model is developed using in-house MATLAB code, and optimization is done to achieve higher concentration and recovery of CO2 using the MOJAYA algorithm. The membrane model is coupled to Aspen Plus through component object model (COM) technology. In this investigation, a hollow fiber membrane is considered. The optimized specifications of membrane modules are length, number of hollow fibers, feed pressure, and permeate pressure which are 0.3 m, 100,000, 5.76 bar, and 0.1 bar, respectively. This analysis results in the purity and recovery of the process of 99.8 and 90%, respectively, and an energy penalty of around 1.74 MJ/kg of CO2. A comparison of other processes available in the literature reveals that the current study renders maximum purity and recovery with a minimum energy penalty.

Sport Massage for Lower Back Pain (Study of Treatment Model Development for Sports Health)

The purpose of the study. The purpose of this research is to create a model of the Sports Massage program by application, specifically for sufferers of Lower Back Pain. the novelty of this product is: the sports massage program model is usually only given to athletes for recovery, but this time the sports massage is made specifically for the treatment of lower back pain sufferers.
 Materials and methods. This research method uses the Research and Development method. with a Flow Chart consisting of 7 stages, to produce a product that has been tested and is suitable for use, starting from: (1) Finding ideas (2) Making planning manuscript designs (3) Making initial product models (3) Revision of product I (4) Prototype production (5) Small group trials (6) Revision II (7) Large group trials (8) Revision III (9) Product refinement and producing final products.
 Results. The results showed that there was effectiveness in using the digital sports message model as evidenced by the data showing that there were 9 samples in the good category and 1 sample in the very good category. While in the treatment of massage not based on the application, there were 3 samples with the sufficient category. And the development of this digital sports massage model has the advantage of video content and books can also be downloaded so that people with lower back pain can do it for free in various places even at home.
 Conclusions. From the research that has been done, it can be seen that sufferers of lower back pain need a solution for handling massage that makes it easier for sufferers to do so, so the development of this digital sports massage model has good effectiveness in use.

B-234 The Quality in NGS: Do You Know How Much We Lost?

Abstract Background Next generation sequencing (NGS) is a new high throughput approach for genomic sequencing and variations detection. The consumption of NGS is numerous, such as times, money and human resource, therefore, some hospitals provided the service but delivered the specimen to other laboratories. Hence, we aimed to establish a procedure to monitor the quality and integrity of report. Method Here we used one clinical case to elucidate the whole process of raw sequence data analysis by free resource, a website usegalaxy.org and the IGV visualization software, with flowchart and quality control (QC) items. A delivered case will be an example to show how to monitor the QC. Results The flow chart showed the whole steps of analysis of NGS, including evaluation genetic variants in the report from individual laboratory. We processed the FASTQ file and analyzed the quality with three parameters. An overall picture of bases showed the phred score (QV) less than 28. Distribution of sequence lengths over all sequences highlighted a prominent peak at 110–119 bp. The mean QV of reads was around 26 with low quality (QV less than 20) in some reads. We then filtered the FASTQ file and the reads with length less than 45 bp or greater than 150 bp and QV less than 20 were filtered out. The data of the BAM file mapped to the designed panel were output. There were 8252 genome regions designed over 23 chromosomes (chr). A total number of reads was 1 085 653 with the average 131.6 reads (range: 0–31034; quartiles, IQ25: 1; IQ50: 27; IQ75: 152). 7746 of designed genome regions (93.9%) had reads less than 500 (quartiles, IQ25: 0; IQ50: 20; IQ75: 118). We further used IGV to check one of mutations which showed KRAS G12V in the report. KRAS G12V (chr.12: 25245350) was read 25 times with the variant allele frequency (C to A) of 24%. Conclusion We showed how to monitor the NGS quality by free resource. It is important to ensure high-quality data after we received the individual laboratory reports. That may help increase the quality of patient care and clinical service.

Treat-to-target strategies for the management of familial Mediterranean Fever in children

BackgroundThe objective of this initiative was to develop a treat-to-target (T2T) approach for the management of patients with Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF), including the definition of a complex treatment target, and establish strategies that improve patient care and long-term outcome.MethodsAn initial set of statements as well as a flow chart visualising the proposed concept was developed. To adapt the preliminary statements to the current state of knowledge, a systematic literature search was performed and the modified statements were subject to a Delphi approach. To ensure the applicability of the statements in daily practice, an online survey was conducted among paediatric rheumatologists in Germany. In addition, data from the national AID-NET registry were analysed with respect to therapeutic response.ResultsThis T2T initiative yielded a total of 26 statements guiding FMF management with respect to diagnosis, treatment targets, treatment strategies and monitoring. The online survey identified cut-off values for inflammatory markers indicating treatment intensification and appropriate measures in case of colchicine intolerance or non-adherence. The analysis of data derived from the national AID-NET showed that colchicine therapy was successfully terminated in 61% of patients (27 out of 44) with heterozygous MEFV mutations. Multidimensional treatment targets incorporating objective and subjective reported outcome measures were developed. These provide the basis for stratifying patients into the following treatment paths: continue colchicine, persisting attacks / inflammation, colchicine intolerance, persisting arthritis, colchicine reduction and adjustment/reduction of biologics.ConclusionsThe proposed consensus treatment plan for the management of FMF incorporates multidimensional targets allowing transparent treatment decisions, which will promote personalised disease management and increase adherence to therapy.

Evaluation of Conventional Treated and UV-Ozone Treatment Water Processes for Organic Pollutants from Shendam Dam in Plateau State, Nigeria

The use of contaminated water makes human populations to suffer from water borne diseases. The potential application of ultraviolet-ozone synergy for the removal of organic pollutants in raw water source from Shendam in Plateau state, Nigeria was undertaken. The conventional and uv-ozone treated water samples were extracted with dichloromethane and screened with GC-MS for organic pollutants. GC-MS chromatogram for the conventional treated water yielded 18 different organic pollutants while the uv-ozone treated water yielded 8 different organic compounds. GC-MS of the solvent blank (dichloromethane) used as the control showed similar profile of organic compounds detected as those of uv-ozone treated water. The profile obtained indicated reduction in the number of the organic pollutants because most of the organic compounds detected in the conventional treated water were not detected in the uv-ozone treated water. The results obtained during the evaluation period indicated that the conventional treatment system is highly vulnerable to passing on contaminated treated water to the end user. Uv-ozone treatment system, therefore, can represent an alternative drinking water treatment option. The use of the uv-ozone treatment process could be integrated in a drinking water flow sheet to replace the conventional disinfection processes because it is effective and environmentally friendly.

Discovery, Quantitative Recurrence, and Inhibition of Motion-Blur Hysteresis Phenomenon in Visual Tracking Displacement Detection.

Motion blur is common in video tracking and detection, and severe motion blur can lead to failure in tracking and detection. In this work, a motion-blur hysteresis phenomenon (MBHP) was discovered, which has an impact on tracking and detection accuracy as well as image annotation. In order to accurately quantify MBHP, this paper proposes a motion-blur dataset construction method based on a motion-blur operator (MBO) generation method and self-similar object images, and designs APSF, a MBO generation method. The optimized sub-pixel estimation method of the point spread function (SPEPSF) is used to demonstrate the accuracy and robustness of the APSF method, showing the maximum error (ME) of APSF to be smaller than others (reduced by 86%, when motion-blur length > 20, motion-blur angle = 0), and the mean square error (MSE) of APSF to be smaller than others (reduced by 65.67% when motion-blur angle = 0). A fast image matching method based on a fast correlation response coefficient (FAST-PCC) and improved KCF were used with the motion-blur dataset to quantify MBHP. The results show that MBHP exists significantly when the motion blur changes and the error caused by MBHP is close to half of the difference of the motion-blur length between two consecutive frames. A general flow chart of visual tracking displacement detection with error compensation for MBHP was designed, and three methods for calculating compensation values were proposed: compensation values based on inter-frame displacement estimation error, SPEPSF, and no-reference image quality assessment (NR-IQA) indicators. Additionally, the implementation experiments showed that this error can be reduced by more than 96%.

Response assessment of post-treatment head and neck cancers to determine further management using NI-RADS (Neck Imaging Reporting and Data System): a subgroup analysis of a randomized controlled trial.

Interpreting complex post-treatment changes in head and neck cancer (HNC) is challenging with further added perplexity due to variable interobserver interpretation and hence evolved the NI-RADS lexicon. We evaluated the accuracy of NI-RADS in predicting disease status on 1st post-treatment follow-up CECT in a homogenous cohort of those who received only chemoradiation. Retrospective analysis of imaging was done for LASHNC patients who received radical chemoradiation in an open-label, investigator-initiated, phase 3 randomized trial (2012-2018) randomly assigned to either radical radiotherapy with concurrent weekly cisplatin (CRT) or CRT with the same schedule plus weekly nimotuzumab (NCRT). 536 patients were accrued, and 74 patients who did not undergo PET/CECT after 8 weeks post-CRT were excluded. After assessing 462 patients for eligibility to allocate NI-RADS at primary and node sites, 435 cases fell in the Primary disease cohort and 412 cases in the Node disease cohort. We evaluated sensitivity, disease prevalence, the positive and negative predictive value of the NI-RADS lexicon, and accuracy, which were expressed as percentages. We also prepared flow charts to determine concordance with allocated NI-RADS category and established accuracy with which it can identify disease status. Out of 435 primary disease cohort, 92%, 55%, 48%,70% were concordant and had 100%, 72%, 70%, 82% accuracy in NI-RADS1 (n=12), NI-RADS2 (n=261), NIRADS3 (n=105), and NI-RADS 4 (n=60) respectively. Out of 412 nodes disease cohort, 95%, 90%, 48%, 70%were concordant and had 92%, 97%, 90%, 67% accuracy in NI-RADS1 (n=57), NI-RADS2 (n=255), NI-RADS3 (n=105) and NI-RADS4 (n=60) respectively. % concordance of PET/CT and CECT across all primary and node disease cohorts revealed that PET/CT was 91% concordant in primary NI-RADS2 as compared to 55% concordance of CECT whereas concordance of CECT was better with 57% in primary NI-RADS3 cohort as compared to PET/CT concordance of 41%. The accuracy with which the NI-RADS lexicon performed in our study at node sites was better than that at the primary site. There is a great scope of research to understand if CECT performs better over clinical disease status in NI-RADS 3 and 4 categories. Further research should be carried out to understand if PET/CECT can be used for close interval follow-up in stage III/IV NI-RADS 2 cases.