Technique For Quantitative Assessment Research Articles

A Systematic Review of Stakeholders’ Engagement as a Critical Tool for Effective Project Performance

A comprehensive review of stakeholders’ engagement (SE) articles published in the last decade (2014-2023) was undertaken in this work. 100 SE publications were identified using the Systematic Quantitative Assessment Technique. Time distribution, geographic distribution, article type, data gathering methods, and themes discussed were all covered in the review. The data revealed that interest in SE has been at increase in the last decade, and that North America and Europe are the regions with the least amount of SE research. The ratio of conceptual to empirical SE articles was skewed toward the latter, and the most common data collection method was survey. The most striking finding was that, in order to ensure successful implementation and performance of projects, stakeholders’ engagement from conception to actual implementation and supervision of projects is not only desirable but necessary to ensure clear understanding, continuous, transparent, participatory, and more often than sustainable process.

Development and validation of the chromatography-mass spectrometry technique for polyprenols quantitative assessment

Introduction. Polyprenols are known as a class of natural long-chain isoprenoid alcohols, which are natural bioregulators that directly participate in the synthesis of cell membrane glycoproteins. Their hepatoprotective activity is proven, as well other types of their pharmacological effects are known, which is the reason of significant interest in these substances as a promising medicinal product. It is non-trivial task to determine the sum of polyprenols in extracts as include design and implementation of accurate reproducible analytical methods, which will subsequently be used in standardization.Aim. Development and validation of the chromatographic-mass spectrometric technique for polyprenols identification and their quantitative assessment.Materials and methods. Chromatographic separation of polyprenols was performed by using an HPLC Agilent 1260 Infinity II (Agilent Technologies, США); with the mixture of methanol, n-hexane, propanol-2, and aqueous ammonium acetate solution as eluent in gradient mode. An AB Sciex QTrap® 3200MD (AB Sciex Pte. Ltd., Singapore) triple quadrupole mass spectrometer was used as a detector, with the registration of polyprenols adducts.Results and discussion. The conditions for chromatographic separation and detection of polyprenols were identified. The developed technique was validated for the following characteristics: specificity, limit of detection, limit of quantification, linearity, accuracy, precision, range of application, and stability.Conclusion. It was determined the content of polyprenols in the substance recieved from Ginkgo biloba L. and Picea abies L. The developed technique can be used in the future to assess the content of polyprenols in drug products or pharmaceutical substances.

Investigation of Quantitative Assessment Techniques for Supply-Regulation Capability in Multi-Scenario New-Type Power Systems

This paper offers an in-depth investigation into various quantitative assessment methods used to quantify the supply regulation capacity in new types of power systems under different conditions. As new forms of energy, including renewables, are increasingly becoming the predominant sources of power systems, the traditional systems are undergoing transformative modifications to efficiently address the issue of power generation and consumption fluctuations. In this regard, this paper proposes an original framework that combines advanced statistical methods and machine learning. The primary purpose of the framework is to identify the level of resilience and flexible adaptability of new power systems. The paper presents the results of the simulations and real-world applications of the proposed measurement methods in enhancing power supply reliability and efficiency in all conditions. The implications based on the results will be beneficial to policymakers and other specialists who are making decisions involving designing and optimizing modern power systems. Furthermore, the paper aims to contribute to the existing discussion by providing further insights into the effectiveness of the proposed methods of measurement.

Iron overload syndrome. Ethiopatogenesis. magnetic resonance imaging techniques for quantitative assessment of iron overload status: a review

INTRODUCTION: The development of iron overload syndrome may be due to both hereditary and acquired factors. The danger of this condition is manifested in the irreversible loss of parenchymatous pool as a result of cirrhotic transformation and marked fibrosis, caused by the consequent accumulation of iron complexes, of such important internal organs as the liver and heart. The amount of iron in the body is assessed by detecting serum ferritin concentration or by measuring liver and heart iron concentration by biopsy (LIC — liver iron concentration; HIC — heart iron concentration). Insufficient diagnostic significance of the serum ferritin concentration criterion, as well as the invasiveness and traumatization of biopsies, are limitations to the widespread use of these methods.OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this review is to present the main etio-pathogenetic factors of iron overload, the impact of this metabolic disorder on the body, and to reflect the basic principles of diagnosis and the leading role of quantitative MRI in the assessment of iron overload of vital internal organs.MATERIALS AND METHODS: Performed literature search in Russian and English languages for the period from 2001 to 2022 years in Medline/PubMed, RINC/Elibrary, CyberLeninka, Google Scholar databases by keywords: iron overload syndrome, liver, liver cirrhosis, ferritin, hemosiderin, MR diagnostics iron overload, MR relaxometry, R2*/T2*, thesaurismoses, magnetic resonance tomography, SIR (signal intensity ratio), LIC (liver iron concentration), biopsy, chronic diffuse liver diseases, DIOS.RESULTS: The final analysis included 27 publications devoted to various etio-pathogenetic aspects of iron overload syndrome. The forms of iron complexes residence in liver parenchymatous tissue are presented. Characteristics of MR-signal behavior depending on the severity of inhomogeneity of the magnetic field created by iron complexes are characterized. The areas of application of magnetic resonance imaging scanning modes for detection and quantitative diagnostics of iron overload are reflected.CONCLUSION: The ferritin-iron complex, also called ferrihydride, has high paramagnetic properties that provide high contrast MR images in the state of tissue iron overload. The leading methods for quantitative assessment of iron overload are the signal intensity ratio (SIR) method and T2*/R2*-relaxometry. Advantages and disadvantages of these methods, consisting in the limits of determining the degree of overload, make it possible to cover a wide range of overload values by complementing each other. Also the influence of parenchyma architectonics disturbances and concomitant accumulation diseases contribute to the formation of diagnostic inaccuracies. Therefore, the development of complex qualitative-quantitative MR diagnostics in order to isolate highly selective biomarkers will play an important role in MR diagnostics of iron overload syndrome.

Pansharpening Low-Altitude Multispectral Images of Potato Plants Using a Generative Adversarial Network

Image preprocessing and fusion are commonly used for enhancing remote-sensing images, but the resulting images often lack useful spatial features. As the majority of research on image fusion has concentrated on the satellite domain, the image-fusion task for Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) images has received minimal attention. This study investigated an image-improvement strategy by integrating image preprocessing and fusion tasks for UAV images. The goal is to improve spatial details and avoid color distortion in fused images. Techniques such as image denoising, sharpening, and Contrast Limited Adaptive Histogram Equalization (CLAHE) were used in the preprocessing step. The unsharp mask algorithm was used for image sharpening. Wiener and total variation denoising methods were used for image denoising. The image-fusion process was conducted in two steps: (1) fusing the spectral bands into one multispectral image and (2) pansharpening the panchromatic and multispectral images using the PanColorGAN model. The effectiveness of the proposed approach was evaluated using quantitative and qualitative assessment techniques, including no-reference image quality assessment (NR-IQA) metrics. In this experiment, the unsharp mask algorithm noticeably improved the spatial details of the pansharpened images. No preprocessing algorithm dramatically improved the color quality of the enhanced images. The proposed fusion approach improved the images without importing unnecessary blurring and color distortion issues.

FINANCIAL DEVELOPMENT AND POVERTY ALLEVIATION: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

This study is conducted to validate the effectiveness of financial development in reducing poverty. The study adopted a Systematic Quantitative Assessment Technique and reviewed 91 financial development and poverty alleviation articles published between 2010–2022 to provide insight into the efficacy of financial development in reducing poverty and producing a blueprint for the government for possible adoption. The study also intends to know whether financial development successfully reduced poverty, highlight the evidence showing the success of financial development in reducing poverty, how financial development strategies were implemented to reduce poverty in other countries, and why financial development has been ineffective in reducing poverty. The reviewed articles revealed that financial development benefits the poor by increasing their access to various funding sources, thus improving well-being and reducing poverty. Similarly, it was revealed that lack of institutional quality and low financial penetration are the major reasons why financial development may not successfully reduce poverty. Thus, this study presented a FACI Blueprint to help the government effectively reduce poverty in countries where financial development is weak and unable to reduce poverty.

Development of AI-Based Measurement Techniques for Quantitative Behavioral Assessment in Clinical Observation Evaluations Based on Sensory Integration

Development of AI-Based Measurement Techniques for Quantitative Behavioral Assessment in Clinical Observation Evaluations Based on Sensory Integration

Health and Wellness Projects Created by Student Pharmacists during Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experiences: Exploring the Impact on Professional Development.

A curricular expectation of pharmacy educators is to equip students with strategies for the promotion of health and wellness. The impact on student professional development with involvement in such health promotions has been sparsely documented. The specific aim of this project was to explore the impact on student learning and professional development when they create, implement, and reflect upon a Health and Wellness Project (HWP). In 2022-2023, each student completing a Community Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience created and implemented an HWP with the goal of serving as a "health promoter" (205 projects). A multi-method design of quantitative and qualitative assessment techniques was used to analyze the impact of creating/implementing the HWP on students' learning, with a self-determination theory (SDT) framework utilized to evaluate professional development. Upon review, all projects met the acceptability criteria. Qualitative data analysis from a subset of 48 students identified themes of impact on learning, which included knowledge acquisition, enhancement of communication skills, opportunity for patient-centered interaction, selection of targeted educational strategies, and immersion into the role of health promoter. All three components of SDT were found to support professional development: competence in the field; relatedness to patients and the profession; and autonomy in creating the HWP. Student quotations demonstrated strong professional identity formation as students began to think, act, and feel like pharmacists.

Black-Blood Magnetization Prepared 2 Rapid Acquisition Gradient Echoes: A Fast and Three-Dimensional MR Black-Blood T1 Mapping Technique for Quantitative Assessment of Atherosclerosis and Venous Thrombosis.

Blood flow signals may be a confounder in quantifying T1 values of plaque or thrombus and how to realize black-blood T1 mapping remains a challenge task. To develop a fast and three-dimensional black-blood T1 mapping technique for quantitative assessment of atherosclerosis and venous thrombosis. Sequence development and optimization via phantoms and volunteers as well as pilot prospective. Numerical simulations, a standard phantom, 8 healthy volunteers (mean age, 22 ± 1 years; 5 males), and 19 patients (mean age, 57 ± 14 years; 13 males) with atherosclerosis or venous thrombosis. 3T/inversion recovery spin-echo sequence (IR-SE), magnetization prepared 2 rapid acquisition gradient echoes (MP2RAGE), and black-blood prepared MP2RAGE (BB-MP2RAGE). The black-blood preparation (i.e., delay alternating with nutation for tailored excitation, DANTE) was incorporated into MP2RAGE for black-blood T1 mapping. The BB-MP2RAGE was optimized numerically based on the Bloch equation, and then the phantom study was performed to verify the accuracy of T1 mapping by BB-MP2RAGE against IR-SE and MP2RAGE. Preliminary clinical validation was prospectively performed to assess the flow suppression effect and its potential application in plaque and thrombosis identification. Pearson correlation test, Bland-Altman analysis, paired t-test, and intraclass correlation coefficient. A P value <0.05 indicates a statistically significant difference. Phantom experiments showed comparable accuracy of T1 maps by BB-MP2RAGE with IR-SE and MP2RAGE (all r2 > 0.99); Compared to MP2RAGE, BB-MP2RAGE effectively nulled the blood flow signals, and had a significant improvement in contrast-to-noise ratio between static tissue and blood (250.5 ± 66.6 vs. 91.9 ± 35.9). BB-MP2RAGE can quantify plaque or thrombus T1 relaxation time with blood flow signal suppression. Accurate T1 mapping with sufficient blood flow suppression was achieved by BB-MP2RAGE. BB-MP2RAGE has the potential to quantitatively characterize atherosclerosis and venous thrombosis. 1 TECHNICAL EFFICACY: Stage 1.

Impaired left atrial reservoir function associated with large v wave in patients with transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy

Abstract Background Impaired atrial function, in addition to ventricular diastolic dysfunction, is one of the hallmarks of cardiac amyloidosis (ATTR-CM). Two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography is a useful technique for quantitative assessment of LA stiffness. A large v wave on pulmonary artery wedge (PAW) pressure waveform is the findings suggesting LA overload and impaired LA reservoir function. Although large v waves on PAW pressure waveforms are sometimes observed in ATTR-CM patients, their hemodynamic background and clinical significance have not been well described. Purpose To investigate the clinical importance of LA function obtained by echocardiography and PAW pressure waveform and the association of enhanced large PAW v wave to clinical outcomes in ATTR-CM patients. Methods We retrospectively analyzed central hemodynamics in 136 ATTR-CM patients without severe mitral regurgitation. Large v wave was defined 10 mmHg above mean PAW pressure. We divided 136 ATTR-CM into large v wave group (n = 27) and non-large v wave group (n = 109), and compared the differences in baseline parameters and echocardiographic parameters. Results Patients in the large v wave group showed higher mean PAW pressure (24mmHg vs. 14mmHg, p&amp;lt;0.0001). There were no significant differences in age, prevalence of atrial fibrillation, high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T levels (0.060 ng/ml vs. 0.044 ng/mL, p = 0.341), B-type natriuretic peptide levels (188.3 pg/ml vs. 178.7 pg/mL, p = 0.386). In addition, LV ejection fraction, LA diameter, E/e` and cardiac index showed no significant differences between the two groups. However, LA peak longitudinal strain (LS) and LS rate (LSR), evaluation of LA reservoir function, expressed significant depression in large v wave group (LS: 6.24 % vs 9.21 %, p&amp;lt;0.0001, LSR: 0.29 1/s vs 0.38 1/s, p = 0.005). Conclusions In ATTR-CM patients, the impaired LA reservoir function associated with extent of large v wave on PAW pressure. This result suggested that impaired LA function may be useful for assessing the progression of ATTR-CM and the deterioration of central hemodynamics.

Deep learning-based registration of two-dimensional dental images with edge specific loss.

Image registration is a very common procedure in dental applications for aligning images. Registration between pairs of images taken from different angles can improve diagnosis. Our study presents an edge-enhanced unsupervised deep learning (DL)-based deformable registration framework for aligning two-dimensional (2D) pairs of dental x-ray images. The proposed neural network is based on the combination of a U-Net like structure, which produces a displacement field, combined with spatial transformer networks, which produce the transformed image. The proposed structure is trained end-to-end by minimizing a weighted loss function consisting of three parts corresponding to image similarity, edge similarity, and registration restrictions. In this regard, the proposed edge specific loss enhances the unsupervised training of the registration framework without the need of supervision through anatomical structures. The proposed framework was applied to two datasets, a set of 104 x-ray images of mandibles, arranged in 2600 pairs for training and testing and a set of 17 pairs of pre- and post-operative reconstructed panoramic images. The proposed model outperformed both conventional registration methods and DL-based techniques for both qualitative and quantitative assessment, in most of the compared metrics concerning intensity similarity and edge distances. The proposed framework achieved accurate and fast deformable alignment of pairs of 2D dental radiographic images. The edge-based module of the loss function enhances the unsupervised learning by directing the network toward deformations that take into consideration the edges of the depicted objects (teeth, bone, and tissue), which are crucial in diagnosis.

Financial Inclusion and Economic Empowerment: A Systematic Review

Due to rising levels of poverty and inequality in the world, there is a need to study the nexus between financial inclusion and economic empowerment and how it can aid sustainable development. The United Nations has identified financial inclusion as a pertinent tool that can economically empower citizens and lead to inclusive and sustainable economic development. This study implemented the Systematic Quantitative Assessment Technique and systematically reviewed the body of literature on the measurement of financial inclusion and economic empowerment as well as the impact of financial inclusion on economic empowerment. The review revealed financial inclusion is an essential enabler of economic empowerment as it provides individuals with means to access resources and advance their financial well-being. Recognizing and harnessing the potential of financial inclusion is pivotal in unlocking the full potential of individuals and communities, ultimately leading to inclusive economies worldwide.

Comparison of a Modern Digital Mechanomyograph to a Mechanomyograph Utilizing an Archival Grass Force Transducer.

Mechanomyography is the traditional gold standard research technique for quantitative assessment of neuromuscular blockade. Mechanomyography directly measures the isometric force generated by the thumb in response to ulnar nerve stimulation. Researchers must construct their own mechanomyographs since commercial instruments are no longer available. A mechanomyograph was constructed, and its performance was compared against an archival mechanomyography system from the 1970s that utilized an FT-10 Grass force transducer, hypothesizing that train-of-four ratios recorded on each device would be equivalent. A mechanomyograph was constructed using 3D-printed components and modern electronics. An archival mechanomyography system was assembled from original components, including an FT-10 Grass force transducer. Signal digitization for computerized data collection was utilized instead of the original paper strip chart recorder. Both devices were calibrated with standard weights to demonstrate linear voltage response curves. The mechanomyographs were affixed to opposite arms of patients undergoing surgery, and the train-of-four ratio was measured during the onset and recovery from rocuronium neuromuscular blockade. Calibration measurements exhibited a positive linear association between voltage output and calibration weights with a linear correlation coefficient of 1.00 for both mechanomyography devices. The new mechanomyograph had better precision and measurement sensitivity than the archival system: 5.3 mV versus 15.5 mV and 1.6 mV versus 5.7 mV, respectively (P < 0.001 for both). A total of 767 pairs of train-of-four ratio measurements obtained from eight patients had positive linear association (R 2 = 0.94; P < 0.001). Bland-Altman analysis resulted in bias of 3.8% and limits of agreement of -13% and 21%. The new mechanomyograph resulted in similar train-of-four ratio measurements compared to an archival mechanomyography system utilizing an FT-10 Grass force transducer. These results demonstrated continuity of gold standard measurement of neuromuscular blockade spanning nearly 50 yr, despite significant changes in the instrumentation technology.

Project Performance in the Global Construction Industry during the Covid-19 Era

The Covid-19 global pandemic has had profound impact on the way all industries operate now, and the construction industry is no exception. Given the importance of this industry in providing critical infrastructure needed to enhance the quality of life of all global citizens, this paper presented the results of a systematic review of empirical studies that have investigated construction project performance over the Covid-19 era spanning from 2020 to 2023. The Systematic Quantitative Assessment Technique was used to identify and assess 54 empirical articles from six of the most renowned academic publishers in order to answer three important research questions: 1) What was the geographical spread of construction project performance articles from 2020-2023? 2) Which data collection methods were utilized by these articles? 3) What themes were investigated by these articles? The review revealed that Asia had the most representation while South America had no representation at all, thus representing a geographical gap which future studies should address. The review also revealed that most studies relied on surveys to collect project performance data with relatively fewer studies using qualitative methods or adopting a mixed methods approach, with this representing a methodological gap to be addressed by future studies. Finally, the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the performance of construction firms was the most investigated theme, while the strategies firms can use to ‘future proof’ themselves against future pandemics or other unexpected disasters was the least investigated theme.

Surgical wound healing quantitative assessment method: the case of dental implant placement using a modified guided bone regeneration technique. Part II

Relevance. The guided bone regeneration (GBR) technique during dental implant treatment, if alveolar bone/part of the jaws is lost, stands out for its effective potential, the main factor of which is the possibility of the necessary bone volume restoration having morphofunctional signs of organotypicity. The prognosis effectiveness of such reconstruction outcome directly depends on the wound process characteristics. The variability of the latter, subject to an unbiased quantitative assessment, can be essential for predictive analysis and prognosis.Aim. The study aimed to develop a technique for quantitative assessment of surgical wound healing (exemplified with an extracted tooth socket), described in the first part of the publication.Materials and methods. The clinical study involved 20 patients of both sexes diagnosed with the condition after dental implantation and reconstruction of the alveolar bone volume using the GBR technique modified by the formation of a situational vicryl framework (SVF). We determined the following parameters: independent and dependent variables, with their indirect mutually dependent influence on a favourable, compromised or unfavourable treatment outcome, based on the wound healing process follow-up and assessment of immediate results in the early, middle and late postoperative period − up to 1 month, and the analysis of delayed – from 1 month to 1 year, and long-term – over one year. These variables are characterized as quantitative indicators – biomarkers, processed by the correlation and regression analysis using the Gretl statistical package.Results. The study revealed a direct correlation regarding all parameters as independent (factor) and dependent (effect) variables necessary for quantifying the wound healing process variability. The created linear regression model confirmed the empirically observed and theoretically substantiated idea of the reciprocal influence of normal and pathological variations of wound healing process on an outcome of dental implantation in the reconstruction of the alveolar bone defect. The correlation and regression analysis for an unbiased quantitative assessment of surgical wound healing demonstrated the statistically explicable behaviour of dependent variables at a 95% le vel.Conclusion. The correlation and regression analysis performed using the presented data indicates a direct correlation between the parameters of a favourable, compromised and unfavourable outcome of dental implantation during the reconstruction of the alveolar bone volume using the GBR technique modified by the formation of SVF and variables expressed by biomarkers, such as the initial complexity of clinical conditions, duration of surgery, mechanical load of the wound, bio-reactive properties of the additional materials required in the w ound.

Electrical impedance myography combined with quantitative assessment techniques in paretic muscle of stroke survivors: Insights and challenges.

Aging is a non-modifiable risk factor for stroke and the global burden of stroke is continuing to increase due to the aging society. Muscle dysfunction, common sequela of stroke, has long been of research interests. Therefore, how to accurately assess muscle function is particularly important. Electrical impedance myography (EIM) has proven to be feasible to assess muscle impairment in patients with stroke in terms of micro structures, such as muscle membrane integrity, extracellular and intracellular fluids. However, EIM alone is not sufficient to assess muscle function comprehensively given the complex contributors to paretic muscle after an insult. This article discusses the potential to combine EIM and other common quantitative methods as ways to improve the assessment of muscle function in stroke survivors. Clinically, these combined assessments provide not only a distinct advantage for greater accuracy of muscle assessment through cross-validation, but also the physiological explanation on muscle dysfunction at the micro level. Different combinations of assessments are discussed with insights for different purposes. The assessments of morphological, mechanical and contractile properties combined with EIM are focused since changes in muscle structures, tone and strength directly reflect the muscle function of stroke survivors. With advances in computational technology, finite element model and machine learning model that incorporate multi-modal evaluation parameters to enable the establishment of predictive or diagnostic model will be the next step forward to assess muscle function for individual with stroke.

Quantitative bone marrow lesion, meniscus, and synovitis measurement: current status.

Imaging plays a pivotal role in osteoarthritis research, particularly in epidemiological and clinical trials of knee osteoarthritis (KOA), with the ultimate goal being the development of an effective drug treatment for future prevention or cessation of disease. Imaging assessment methods can be semi-quantitative, quantitative, or a combination, with quantitative methods usually relying on software to assist. The software generally attempts image segmentation (outlining of relevant structures). New techniques using artificial intelligence (AI) or deep learning (DL) are currently a frequent topic of research. This review article provides an overview of the literature to date, focusing primarily on the current status of quantitative software-based assessment techniques of KOA using magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. We will concentrate on the imaging evaluation of three specific structural imaging biomarkers: bone marrow lesions (BMLs), meniscus, and synovitis consisting of effusion synovitis (ES) and Hoffa's synovitis (HS). A brief clinical and imaging background review of osteoarthritis evaluation, particularly relating to these three structural markers, is provided as well as a general summary of the software methods. A summary of the literature with respect to each KOA assessment method will be presented overall as well as with respect to each specific biomarker individually. Novel techniques, as well as future goals and directions using quantitative imaging assessment, will be discussed.

Ultrasound localization microscopy of the human kidney allograft on a clinical ultrasound scanner

Chronic kidney disease is a major medical problem, causing more than a million deaths each year worldwide. Peripheral kidney microvascular damage characterizes most chronic kidney diseases, yet noninvasive and quantitative diagnostic tools to measure this are lacking. Ultrasound Localization Microscopy (ULM) can assess tissue microvasculature with unprecedented resolution. Here, we optimized methods on 35 kidney transplants and studied the feasibility of ULM in seven human kidney allografts with a standard low frame rate ultrasound scanner to access microvascular damage. Interlobar, arcuate, cortical radial vessels, and part of the medullary organization were visible on ULM density maps. The medullary vasa recta can be seen but are not as clear as the cortical vessels. Acquisition parameters were derived from Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound examinations by increasing the duration of the recorded clip at the same plane. ULM images were compared with Color Doppler, Advanced Dynamic Flow, and Superb Microvascular Imaging with a contrast agent. Despite some additional limitations due to movement and saturation artifacts, ULM identified vessels two to four times thinner compared with Doppler modes. The mean ULM smallest analyzable vessel cross section was 0.3 ± 0.2 mm in the seven patients. Additionally, ULM was able to provide quantitative information on blood velocities in the cortical area. Thus, this proof-of-concept study has shown ULM to be a promising imaging technique for qualitative and quantitative microvascular assessment. Imaging native kidneys in patients with kidney diseases will be needed to identify their ULM biomarkers.

A study to assess meibomian gland morphology using meibography in posterior blepharitis patients and normal population: A hospital-based observational study

ABSTRACT Introduction: Noncontact infrared meibography (NIM) is a technique for quantitative assessment of meibomian gland (MG) dysfunction by providing images of the morphology of MGs. Aim: The aim of this study is to assess MG morphology using NIM (with meiboscore values) in posterior blepharitis patients and the normal population and to assess the lid margin abnormality score (LMAS), lid margin expression score, tear breakup time (TBUT), and Schirmer test values in posterior blepharitis. Methods: This was a hospital-based study on 100 consecutive patients attending the outpatient department of ophthalmology of the study institute, from June 2019 to May 2020 after getting ethical clearance. The study included 75 patients with symptoms and signs of posterior blepharitis and 25 normal patients with no evidence of posterior blepharitis. All patients were examined using slit lamp biomicroscopy for signs of posterior blepharitis and TBUT, superficial punctate keratopathy, Schirmer 1 test, and LMAS. NIM was performed for both upper and lower eyelids and was documented using the meiboscore system. Results: The meibography gland dropout was significantly higher in posterior blepharitis patients (P &lt; 0.01) compared to normal patients. The normal patients had normal meibography in 32% and total meiboscore of Grade 1 in 56%. The LMAS was significantly higher in posterior blepharitis patients. Superficial punctate keratitis was not significantly higher in posterior blepharitis patients. The lid margin expression score was significantly higher in posterior blepharitis (P &lt; 0.01). TBUT was significantly shorter in posterior blepharitis people (P &lt; 0.01). The Schirmer test showed an adequate tear secretion in both groups of patients. Conclusion: NIM system can be performed easily, quickly, noninvasively and was a patient-friendly method to obtain information about the MG morphology. In our study, the majority of patients with posterior blepharitis showed significant gland dropout as viewed on NIM, compared to the normal cases studied.

Sustainability reporting: A systematic review

Sustainability reporting is measuring, disclosing, and being accountable to internal and external stakeholders for organizational performance toward sustainable development. Using the Systematic Quantitative Assessment Technique, this study reviewed 100 Sustainability Reporting (SR) articles published over the last decade. The intention is to provide insight into the various actions and progress made by the key participants and stakeholders regarding sustainable development and the quality and currency of sustainable reports from 2011 to 2020. Besides this primary objective, this review also sought to understand these SR articles' time distribution, geographic distribution, types, and data collection methods. A study of empirical evidence revealed that SR had attracted a lot more attention in recent years but what is not very clear is the level of commitment from the various stakeholders. The review also revealed the intertwining nature of the SR and sustainable development, which is further enhanced by adopting a robust accounting system. In this case, the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) is the most acceptable, not without criticism. It is argued that the system does not give room for local realities that are often important in providing solutions to problems.