IS Performance Research Articles

DLC FILMS ON Ti6Al4V SUBSTRATES OF NANOINDENTATION, SURFACE ROUGHNESS FOR LASER POWDER BED FUSION WAS PERFORMED UTILIZING ORTHOPEDIC IMPLANT MATERIALS

Diamond-like carbon (DLC) films on titanium alloy Ti6Al4V substrates were tested with nanoindentation and surface roughness to look at the hardness and roughness of the coating and substrate systems as well as their mechanical properties. The powdered titanium alloy Ti6Al4V used in the substrate specimen was produced using laser powder bed fusion, an additive manufacturing process. In this study, we investigated the influence of substrates on the nanoindentation and surface roughness of the DLC film layer with an estimated [Formula: see text]m thickness on Ti6Al4V substrates. The findings of the nanoindentation show that the reaction to the impact was more flexible than expected. Maximum load, residual nanoindentation depth, hardness, and modulus may influence mechanical properties. The DLC-film Ti6Al4V substrate materials’ top surface roughness is measured. As a result of the increased load-carrying ability of DLC/Ti6Al4V, Ti6Al4V is a superior choice for substrate materials for DLC films, A DLC coating, measuring [Formula: see text] m in thickness, was applied to a Ti6Al4V substrate utilizing a 5-min chromium deposition process. The biocompatibility of the substrates plays a crucial role in determining the DLC films capacity to prolong the lifespan of bone implants.

Quantitative analysis of chlorine in cement pastes based on collinear dual-pulse laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy

On-line detection of chlorine in cement is the key to evaluate the corrosion of the reinforced concrete inside the structure. A collinear dual-pulse LIBS system based on two nanosecond lasers with a total energy of 30 mJ is developed to detect the chlorine in cement. The key parameters of the dual-pulse LIBS system are optimized to improve the detection sensitivity of trace chlorine element in cement pastes, and the optimal values of the parameters are obtained to be: 4 L/min helium gas flow rate, 2000 ns inter-pulse delay, 800 ns gate delay, 19 mJ/11 mJ pulse energy ratio, and 42.8 mm lens-to-sample distance. After the optimization of the dual-pulse system, the signal-to-noise ratio of the trace chlorine emission line at 837.6 nm has been improved from 1.75 to 2.68 for a sample containing 0.706 wt% chlorine. The temperatures of plasma are obtained based on Saha-Boltzmann plot for exploring the plasma radiation features in the dual-pulse system. The results show that the plasma temperature which is influenced by laser irradiance and parameters of the double pulse configuration, is closely related to the signal-to-noise ratio of chlorine spectrum line. Sixteen standard cement pastes made from a series of sodium chloride solutions with various concentration are used for LIBS calibration. Two calibration methods including internal standardization and partial least squares regression are adopted for determining chlorine concentrations within a series of standard cement pastes, and the limit of detection based on internal standardization model is calculated to be 103.4 ppm. The prediction performance of IS and PLSR is evaluated by Leave-One-Out Cross-Validation with the root mean square error of calibration of 0.0910 and 0.0859, respectively.

High-dimensional role of AI and machine learning in cancer research.

The role of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in cancer research offers several advantages, primarily scaling up the information processing and increasing the accuracy of the clinical decision-making. The key enabling tools currently in use in Precision, Digital and Translational Medicine, here named as 'Intelligent Systems' (IS), leverage unprecedented data volumes and aim to model their underlying heterogeneous influences and variables correlated with patients' outcomes. As functionality and performance of IS are associated with complex diagnosis and therapy decisions, a rich spectrum of patterns and features detected in high-dimensional data may be critical for inference purposes. Many challenges are also present in such discovery task. First, the generation of interpretable model results from a mix of structured and unstructured input information. Second, the design, and implementation of automated clinical decision processes for drawing disease trajectories and patient profiles. Ultimately, the clinical impacts depend on the data effectively subjected to steps such as harmonisation, integration, validation, etc. The aim of this work is to discuss the transformative value of IS applied to multimodal data acquired through various interrelated cancer domains (high-throughput genomics, experimental biology, medical image processing, radiomics, patient electronic records, etc.).

Impact of Performance Based Financing on Health Facilities Performance in Immunization in Two Health Districts in Benin

Background: two pilot studies of RBF have been conducted in some health districts of Benin since 2012, which results have been scaled up in 2015. Then, it’s important to see whether the impacts of health care from those studies will be confirmed by HFs performance in IS. Objective: to analyze the impact of RBF on IS performance in Parakou/N’dali and Nikki/Kalalé/Pèrèrè health districts, through the quality of the structure and the process of supplying these services, and their possible association with the immunization services performance. Method: A retrospective study was conducted including all public and private functional HFs covered by the period of 14 trimesters (T1 2014 to T2 2017). The dependent variable was the performance in IS. The independent variables were the quality of the structure, the quality of the process and the environment. A linear regression model was adjusted; the significance threshold was 5%. Results: 55 HFs participated to the study; they were mostly in rural areas (76.4%) and 36.4% were at the first level of the pyramid. There was no improvement in both trained staff (p=0.67) and midwifery staff (p=0.75) and in the rest of the structure (p=0.697); however there was a significant improvement in supplying process of immunization services (p=0.001) and the performance in IS (p=0.010). In multivariate analysis, overall and in cluster by area analysis, models were not significant. Conclusion: RBF act only on the processes of supplying immunization services to improve HF performance, taking into account the environment. No explained factors were found for this performance improvement. Local dynamics in each HF should be in action which can be uncover in interactions with local actors.

Approach to the Methodological Assessment of the Performance of Information Systems at Libyan Universities (Based on Multiple Case Studies)

The CD-ERP model describes an approach to the collaborative development (CD) of information systems based on the framework of an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system. This approach is proposed to solve the problem of IS development in Libyan Higher Education (LHE). This paper presents an assessment of IS performance at three Libyan Universities. The findings from these cases are analysed and discussed on the basis of selected models. This analysis indicates that the level of both the ISs implemented in LHE and the capability for in-house system development is low.

An Optimised Method for Fetching and Transforming Survey Data based on SQL and R Programming Language

The development of information systems in recent years has contributed to various methods of gathering information to evaluate IS performance. The most common approach used to collect information is called the survey system. This method, however, suffers one major drawback. The decision makers consume considerable time to transform data from survey sheets to analytical programs. As such, this paper proposes a method called ‘survey algorithm based on R programming language’ or SABR, for data transformation from the survey sheets inside R environments by treating the arrangement of data as a relational format. R and Relational data format provide excellent opportunity to manage and analyse the accumulated data. Moreover, a survey system based on structured query language and R programming language is designed to optimize methods to manage survey systems by applying large features offered via combining multi data science languages. The experiments verified enhancements of flexibility, technical tools, and data visualization features employed to process the collected data from different aspects; therefore, the proposed approach demonstrates a simple case study to enhance the evaluation requirements of the proposed technique. Finally, the estimated results of this research can be used to improve the methods of information management on different aspects such as survey systems and other data models that hold the relational and non-relational models using SABR. This method demonstrated improved accuracy of data collected, reduced data processing time and arranged data to the willing model.

전장관리정보시스템 품질이 운영성과에 미치는 영향에 관한 연구 : 지각된 유용성 및 사용자 만족의 역할

ABSTRACT The need and interest for a successful operation of Information System in the defense industry have increased due to a rapid development in ICT. However, research on adderssing such increased demand has been minimal. This paper introduces a Success Model for IS in the defense field based on literature reviews, and proves the performance of the proposed model. The verification results show that the quality factors of IS have positive influence on perceived usefulness and user satisfaction. The results, as well, imply that perceived usefulness and user satisfaction improves the operational performance of IS. Therefore, this study proves that quality factors of IS increase the operational performance through perceived usefulness and user satisfaction. Through this research, the patterns of information utilization in the defense IS is understood, and the directions for improving the operational performance of IS is presented.Key Words : System Quality Factors(시스템 품질요인), Perceived Usefulness(지각된 유용성), User Satisfaction(사용자 만족), Individual Performance(개인성과), Organizational Performance(조직성과)

In Vitro Study of Potentially Probiotic lactic Acid Bacteria Strains Isolated From Traditional Dairy Products.

Background:Probiotic microorganisms are selected based on their long history of use as well as their lack of side effects. Nowadays, the consumption of probiotic products is growing intensively in developing countries. Researchers who work in the food industry and research centers pay more attention to the identification of new probiotic bacteria with better performance characteristics as well as investigation of their performance because these findings can be very effective in promoting sale and consumption of these products.Objectives:Hence, this study was performed following these objectives: isolating indigenous lactic acid bacteria from traditional dairy products in Markazi Province, screening strains with probiotic characteristics, identifying strains and performing microbial collection of probiotic strains with indigenous potential.Materials and Methods:In this study, the samples were screened from traditional dairy products, such as fresh yogurt, curd, Tarhana and Ghareghoroot of Markazi Province villages. Samples were enriched in de Man, Rogosa and Sharpe (MRS) broth, and different strains were isolated and purified from this culture on MRS agar medium. Isolated strains were investigated by microscopic observations, considering the following factors: catalase capability, resistance to acid and bile, bile salt hydrolysis and antibiotic susceptibility pattern.Results:Nineteen Gram-positive and catalase-negative strains belonging to the Lactobacillus genus were isolated from the above-mentioned diary samples. Seven strains were resistant to acid and bile in which acid resistance was between 21.08% and 122.33% and bile resistance was between 94.08% and 152.93%, respectively. All isolated strains were susceptible to different antibiotics and a small percentage had the ability to hydrolyze Sodium Taurocholate.Conclusions:There are many of different species of Lactobacillus probiotics in traditional dairy products of the Markazi province, based on the findings of this study. It is recommended for researchers to isolate these strains and investigate their probiotic characteristics in order to reproduce them for use in food production as well as for medical treatment.

A preliminary step of a novel strategy in suicide gene therapy with lentiviral vector

Background:One of the challenges in lentiviral vector–based suicide gene therapy by toxin or apoptosis-inducing genes is death of packaging cells. Therefore, the process of production of these lentiviral particles would be stopped in this step. We proposed that insertion of a reverse promoter between R and U5 regions of 5′ long terminal repeat (LTR) in transfer plasmid could be considered as a solution for this problem. But it is not known, whether the insertion of RΔU3 sequence between the promoter and target gene in proviral genome during the life-cycle of lentivirus may interfere whit gene expression in target cells.Materials and Methods:These following methods were performed in this study: insertion of RΔU3 sequence in pEGFP-N1 plasmid, evaluation of the expression of eGFP gene after calcium phosphate co-precipitation transfection of pCMV-RΔU3-GFP construction in 293T cells, and quantitative assay of eGFP gene by flow cytometry technique.Results:Our results from flow cytometry technique analysis showed that there was no significant difference between the expression of eGFP gene in transfected cells with pEGFP-N1 and pCMV-RΔU3-GFP plasmids (P > 0.05).Conclusion:In this step of our strategy, we demonstrated that modification of orientation and location of promoter may overcome some issues in lentiviral suicide gene therapy, especially when toxin or apoptosis-inducing genes are used.

Graded Decompression of Orbital Fat and Wall in Patients with Graves' Orbitopathy

PurposeTo investigate the results of graded decompression of orbital fat and walls in Graves' orbitopathy (GO) considering the degree of proptosis reduction at surgery and preoperative computed tomography (CT) findings.MethodsThis is a retrospective interventional case series. Graded orbital fat and wall decompression was performed in 90 orbits of 55 patients. In patients with enlarged extraocular muscles and minimal orbital fat proliferation in preoperative CT scans, one- or two-wall decompression of posterior orbit was performed with minimal fat excision. In other cases, the maximal amount of fat tissue was removed from the post-septal area to the apex. If the proptosis was not satisfactorily symmetrically reduced at surgery, one- or two-wall decompression was performed successively. Symmetric reduction of proptosis was consistently confirmed intraoperatively to assure that a desired amount of exophthalmos reduction was achieved.ResultsFour types of decompression were performed: fat only (group 1), fat and one-wall (group 2), fat and two-wall (group 3), and two-wall and minimal fat decompression (group 4). The mean preoperative Hertel value (20.6 ± 2.8 mm) was reduced significantly at six months postoperatively (16.1 ± 2.3 mm). Proptosis significantly decreased with a mean of 4.3 ± 1.7 mm, and the reduction was greatest (5.1 ± 2.1 mm) in group 3. In group 1, a significant correlation between Hertel change and the volume of resected orbital fat was found (r = 0.479). Diplopia was newly developed or aggravated postoperatively in eight patients, and six of these patients were in group 3. With the exception of one patient, visual acuity improved to nearly normal postoperatively in all patients with optic neuropathy.ConclusionsGraded orbital decompression of orbital fat and bony walls, as assessed by the degree of proptosis reduction during surgery, was effective and predictable with minimal complications in GO patients with vision-threatening or cosmetically disfiguring proptosis.

Neurosurgical confocal endomicroscopy: A review of contrast agents, confocal systems, and future imaging modalities.

Background:The clinical application of fluorescent contrast agents (fluorescein, indocyanine green, and aminolevulinic acid) with intraoperative microscopy has led to advances in intraoperative brain tumor imaging. Their properties, mechanism of action, history of use, and safety are analyzed in this report along with a review of current laser scanning confocal endomicroscopy systems. Additional imaging modalities with potential neurosurgical utility are also analyzed.Methods:A comprehensive literature search was performed utilizing PubMed and key words: In vivo confocal microscopy, confocal endomicroscopy, fluorescence imaging, in vivo diagnostics/neoplasm, in vivo molecular imaging, and optical imaging. Articles were reviewed that discussed clinically available fluorophores in neurosurgery, confocal endomicroscopy instrumentation, confocal microscopy systems, and intraoperative cancer diagnostics.Results:Current clinically available fluorescent contrast agents have specific properties that provide microscopic delineation of tumors when imaged with laser scanning confocal endomicroscopes. Other imaging modalities such as coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) microscopy, confocal reflectance microscopy, fluorescent lifetime imaging (FLIM), two-photon microscopy, and second harmonic generation may also have potential in neurosurgical applications.Conclusion:In addition to guiding tumor resection, intraoperative fluorescence and microscopy have the potential to facilitate tumor identification and complement frozen section analysis during surgery by providing real-time histological assessment. Further research, including clinical trials, is necessary to test the efficacy of fluorescent contrast agents and optical imaging instrumentation in order to establish their role in neurosurgery.

Doppler Mitigation in OFDM-Based Aeronautical Communications

Doppler spectrum in an aeronautical channel is modeled with dual-Doppler shift instead of classical Jakes model. Orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM)-based systems are sensitive to Doppler shifts/spread, since the time variation of the channel causes inter-carrier interference (ICI). ICI analysis is provided here for OFDM-based systems in the aeronautical channel. The effect of ICI on the received signal is presented and its power is derived. As compared with terrestrial channels, where ICI is generally overcome by increasing the subcarrier spacing and bounding the normalized Doppler frequency (NDF), we propose to mitigate the effect of Doppler shifts in aeronautical channels, as follows. First, we use parametric spectrum estimation methods to extract the Doppler shifts by exploiting the predictable number of paths. Then, a beamforming-based method is introduced to resolve the incoming rays by separating them individually. Finally, paths are Doppler-compensated and combined using diversity combining techniques. Computer simulations are performed to provide numerical results. It is shown that a mean square error (MSE) performance ofis achieved with the parametric estimation methods, and bit error rate (BER) performance approaching the no-Doppler scenario is obtained with the beamforming-based mitigation method.

Four Essential Tremor Cases with Moderately Impaired Gait: How Impaired can Gait be in this Disease?

A body of literature is emerging regarding gait/balance impairments observed in essential tremor (ET) patients. Although impairment is generally mild, the full extent of the spectrum remains undefined. We present four ET cases with more severe gait/balance impairment. A BATTERY OF SUBJECTIVE AND OBJECTIVE GAIT/BALANCE ASSESSMENTS WAS PERFORMED: the Activities-specific Balance Confidence Scale, the Berg Balance Scale, and the Tinetti Performance Oriented Mobility Assessment (POMA). Tandem missteps during 10 steps were counted. Quantitative gait testing was performed (GAITRite) to quantify gait speed, dynamic balance, gait symmetry, and gait variability. Two patients were middle-aged (38 and 52 years) and two were older (70 and 79 years). All had longstanding classic ET (duration 22-60 years). The mean POMA score was 21.5, which is indicative of moderate fall risk. On average, there were five missteps during tandem gait, which was higher than observed in substantially older ET cases (age 86.0±4.6 years), and four times higher than seen in ET patients of comparable age. On quantitative gait analysis, patients demonstrated significant balance impairment. We present a sample of ET patients with a level of gait difficulty that would not be characterized as mild. The existence of such cases raises a number of questions, one of which is how impaired can gait be in ET?

Top Management Support, Collective Mindfulness, and Information Systems Performance

Mindfulness is a cognitive process that facilitates the discovery and correction of errors that might escalate. This study applies mindfulness theory to examine the impact of top management support for information systems on collective mindfulness, and that of collective mindfulness on IS performance. It treated such mindfulness in five dimensions, and top management support and IS performance as uni-dimensional. Forty-seven chief executive officers responded to a survey asking their perceptions of the constructs. Top management support predicted four of the dimensions with the strongest effect on sensitivity to IS operations. A negative path from support to commitment to IS resilience suggests a management predilection for planning over improvisation and adaptation. Sensitivity to IS operations alone predicted performance.

Pre-operative pain sensitivity: A prediction of post-operative outcome in the obstetric population

Context:Experimental assessments can determine pain threshold and tolerance, which mirror sensitivity to pain. This, in turn, influences the post-operative experience.Aims:The study intended to evaluate whether the pre-operative pressure and electrical pain tests can predict pain and opioid requirement following cesarean delivery.Settings and Design:Research was conducted on females scheduled for cesarean section at a tertiary care hospital of the state. Twenty women were enrolled, after obtaining written informed consent.Materials and Methods:Pain assessment was performed on the eve of cesarean sections using three devices: PainMatcher; determined electrical pain threshold while the algometers PainTest™ FPN100 (manual) and PainTest™ FPX 25 (digital) evaluated pressure pain threshold and tolerance. Post-operative pain relief included intravenous morphine administered by patient-controlled analgesia, diclofenac (100 mg, every 12 h, rectally, enforced) and paracetamol (1000 mg, every 4-6 h, orally, on patient request). Pain scores were reported on numerical rating scales at specified time intervals.Statistical Analysis Used:Correlational and regression statistics were computed using IBM SPSS Statistics 21 software (IBM Corporation, USA).Results:A significant correlation was observed between morphine requirement and: (1) electrical pain threshold (r = -0.45, P = 0.025), (2) pressure pain threshold (r = -0.41 P = 0.036) and (3) pressure pain tolerance (r = -0.44, P = 0.026) measured by the digital algometer. The parsimonious regression model for morphine requirement consisted of electrical pain threshold (r2= 0.20, P = 0.049). The dose of morphine consumed within 48 h of surgery decreases by 0.9 mg for every unit increment in electrical pain threshold.Conclusions:The predictive power of pain sensitivity assessments, particularly electrical pain threshold, may portend post-cesarean outcomes, including opioid requirements.

Comparação entre Floseal® e eletrocauterio na hemostasia após artroplastia total do joelho

Objective To evaluate whether hemostasis with eletrocauterization in comparison with Floseal(r) leads to different bleeding rates during total knee arthroplasty. Methods A comparative study was performed between two groups: group with ten consecutive total knee arthroplasties with Floseal(r) used as hemostatic method and control group with ten consecutive total knee arthroplasties with eletrocauterization as hemostatic method. Bleeding parameters such as debit of the drain, liquid infusion and blood transfusion rate were recorded. Results Floseal(r) group received less blood transfusion, less liquid infusion and lower drainage in absolute numbers compared to the control group. However, no parameter was statistically significant. Conclusion Hemostasis with Floseal(r) is as effective as hemostasis with eletrocauterization, what makes it a viable alternative to patients with contraindication to electric scalpel use. Level of Evidence II, Prospective Comparative Study.

Usefulness of embolization of the middle meningeal artery for refractory chronic subdural hematomas

Background:Chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) is generally treated by burr hole irrigation. However, sometimes repeated recurrence is observed, and treatment may consequently become difficult. We examined the efficacy of embolization of the middle meningeal artery (MMA) for such cases.Methods:We considered embolization of the MMA for three patients who had refractory CSDH with repeated recurrence and two CSDH patients who were at risk of recurrence and showed signs of recurrence after surgery. A microcatheter was advanced through the MMA as peripherally as possible, and embolization was performed with 15-20% n-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate or 200 μm polyvinyl alcohol particles.Results:Embolization was performed in the three patients who had refractory CSDH with repeated recurrence: The procedure was performed after burr hole irrigation of the hematoma in two patients and before the irrigation in one patient. In the two CSDH patients at risk of recurrence, embolization was performed when signs of recurrence appeared. The timing of embolization differed for each patient. However, in all the patients, the hematoma tended to decrease in size, and no recurrence was observed.Conclusion:Embolization of the MMA is effective for refractory CSDH or CSDH patients with a risk of recurrence, and is considered an effective therapeutic method to stop hematoma enlargement and promote resolution.

Success model of project management information system in construction

Among various IT solutions, the internet-based (or web-based) PMIS has been highlighted because of its strong advantages. While not sufficient to insure project success, using PMIS to manage projects has thus become a necessity. Establishing a success model of a specific information system is critical to understand the mechanism of IS success, the various dimensions of IS performance, and the factors and their causal relations in IS success. As one of the key IT applications, the project management information system (PMIS) has played a significant role in construction management processes. While not sufficient to insure project success, using PMIS to manage projects has thus become a necessity. However, research that attempts to establish or apply an IS success model have relatively recently begun to emerge and not many have been carried out as yet. Therefore, the main propose of this study is to develop and validate the ASP-PMIS success model based on the DeLone and McLean (2003) IS success model. A questionnaire instrument was remitted to experienced users (CMs and constructors), and 253 completed questionnaires were retrieved. Using AMOS 18.0, we used Structural Equation Modeling for hypothesis testing. The validated ASP-based PMIS success model can serve as a foundation for positioning and comparing PMIS success research, and can provide users with a useful framework for evaluating PMIS success. ► We develop and validate the ASP-based PMIS success model. ► To increase intention of use, the information quality is improved. ► To increase user satisfaction, the information and service quality is improved. ► The increase in user satisfaction will improve efficient and effective CM. ► The increase in intention of PMIS use will improve efficient and effective CM.

Percieved Importance and Perfomance of Information Systems in Azam Company- Dar Es Salaam

It is increasingly more interesting to the Companies to understand the relationship existing between perceived importance and performance of information systems within their companies. The purpose of this paper is to explore the perception of the importance of attributes of information systems and whether the performance of information systems met the users’ expectations in Azam company in Dar es salaam. Anonymous and self-administered questionnaires were distributed to 217 respondents. A total of 185 usable responses were received, resulting in a response rate of 85.3% which was considered satisfactory for subsequent analysis. Using an end-user satisfaction survey, It was discovered that the end-users were moderately satisfied with the company’s IS performance and that there were gaps between importance and performance on all the systems-related attributes studied. The largest gap pertained to the attributes Understanding Systems and Documentation. The contribution of the study is in advancing Importance-Performance Analysis applicable to IS research. Keywords: Information Systems Performance, Information Systems Importance, End-user Satisfaction

건설 PMIS 품질이 사용의도 및 사용자 만족도에 미치는 영향

Establishing a success model of a specific information system is critical to understanding the mechanism of IS success, the various dimensions of IS performance, and the factors and their causal relations in IS success. As one of the key IT applications, the project management information system (PMIS), particularly the web-based PMIS (Web-PMIS), has played a significant role in construction management processes in Korea. However, there have been few research attempts made to construct a Web-PMIS success model. This study primarily aims to propose a Web-PMIS success model based on DeLone and McLean`s IS success model, and to discuss whether or not the D&M IS success model can be applied to the construction Web-PMIS. A questionnaire was sent out to Web-PMIS users (construction managers and constructors), and 253 completed questionnaires were received. Through multi-regression analysis, it was confirmed that it is statistically acceptable to apply the D&M IS success model to the Web-PMIS. However, the explanatory power of the model is not sufficient, and some of the model factors are not statistically significant enough. Relying on the statistical analysis results, this study also discusses the development direction for the Web-PMIS success model.