Random Setup Research Articles

Quantum random number generation using an on-chip nanowire plasmonic waveguide

Quantum random number generators employ the inherent randomness of quantum mechanics to generate truly unpredictable random numbers, which are essential in cryptographic applications. While a great variety of quantum random number generators have been realized using photonics, few exploit the high-field confinement offered by plasmonics, which enables device footprints an order of magnitude smaller in size. Here we integrate an on-chip nanowire plasmonic waveguide into an optical time-of-arrival based quantum random number generation setup. Despite loss, we achieve a random number generation rate of 14.4Mbitss−1 using low light intensity, with the generated bits passing industry standard tests without post-processing. By increasing the light intensity, we were then able to increase the generation rate to 41.4Mbitss−1 , with the resulting bits only requiring a shuffle to pass all tests. This is an order of magnitude increase in the generation rate and decrease in the device size compared to previous work. Our experiment demonstrates the successful integration of an on-chip nanoscale plasmonic component into a quantum random number generation setup. This may lead to new opportunities in compact and scalable quantum random number generation.

Unmasking anxiety: a head-to-head comparison of open and closed masks in head and neck cancer radiotherapy.

Facemasks accurately immobilise patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) receiving radiotherapy (RT). However, such masks are associated with treatment related distress, a prognostic factor for poorer survival. Open masks offer increased comfort and patient satisfaction. We investigated whether open masks could immobilise patients without affecting treatment accuracy. Over an 18-month period, all HNC RT patients with anxiety were offered open masks. Once 30 patients had completed treatment, set-up data was compared to patients in closed masks. The mean displacement and one-dimensional standard deviations (SD) of the mean, systematic and random set-up errors were calculated for translational directions: anterior-posterior (x), superior-inferior (y), medial-lateral (z). The mean and SD of the mean was calculated for rotational displacements. Mann-Whitney U was used to determine any significant differences between set-up data. Sixty patients were included (30 open & 30 closed masks). There was no statistically significant difference found in the x (p = 0.701), y (p = 0.246) or z (p = 0.535) direction for the SD of the mean displacements between both masks. No statistically significant difference was found in the SD of means for rotational displacements. The calculated planning target volume (PTV) margin requirements were minimally less for the closed masks 3.5, 2.6, and 2.7 mm (x, y, z, respectively) versus 4.2, 3.2, and 3.7 mm, respectively, for open masks. Our study demonstrates that open masks maintain accuracy at levels comparable to closed masks in patients with anxiety. The minor difference in the calculated PTV margin could be rectified with daily on-line imaging or surface guided imaging.

CBCT Guided Interfraction Absolute Displacement and Setup Error Assessment during Breast Prone Radiotherapy

To calculate interfraction absolute displacement/shift and setup error using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) during breast prone radiotherapy. Fifty-nine patients undergoing prone whole breast-irradiation after breast-conserving surgery (BCS) were studied as part of an institutional review board- approved prospective trial. Setup precision was monitored using a daily online CBCT. Translational shifts in 3 axes (AP: anterior posterior; LR: left right; and SI: superior inferior) and 3 rotations (pitch, roll, and rtn) after CBCT were analyzed for 1062 treatment fractions. The random and systematic setup errors (SE) were calculated and were analyzed for time trends during the course of radiotherapy. For absolute inter-fractional shifts, the numbers of fractions exceeding 10 mm in the AP, LR, and SI directions were 6.5%, 17.42% and 8.92%, respectively; 0%, 0% and 1.31% fractions exceeded 3°for pitch, roll, and Rtn, respectively. The population systematic errors were 1.89/2.91/1.98 mm in AP/SI/LR directions, while the random error were 2.72/3.99/3.31 mm. In pitch, roll, rtn rotations, the population systematic error were 0.64°/0.49°/0.46°, and 0.89°/0.90°/0.93° for the random error. Without correction these would correspond to a clinical to planning target volume margin of 6.64/10.08/7.26 mm in AP/SI/LR directions and 2.22°/1.79°/1.8° in pitch, roll, rtn rotations. The magnitude of inter-fraction motion was not correlated with patient treatment time accept in AP direction (P = 0.000). SE was larger in prone position in breast cancer patients, attributable mostly to random errors, which emphasize the need for on-line imaging guidance in breast prone radiotherapy. 10mm margins would adequately cover the target volume and account for setup errors in the absence of IGRT.

Effect of NPK fertilizer on the biochemical response of tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum L.)

Increasing nutrient inputs affect plants and soil. Long-term, repeated mineral fertilizer applications may alter the agro-ecosystem. The application of the right amount of fertilizer is primordial to maintaining and improving sustainable plant productivity. The physiological response of the plant provides meaningful information on yield and makes it possible to better choose the doses of fertilization amendments. In order to determine the adequate dose of NPK fertilizer under economically profitable and more environmentally sustainable conditions, we investigated the impact of the chemical fertilizer amended at different NPK fertilizer doses (15, 20, and 25 kg ha-1) on the growth parameters, oxidative metabolism, and yield of Solanum lycopersicum. A complete random block experimental set-up with three doses and four replicates was performed for a greenhouse tomato crop. The results showed that NPK fertilizer influences morphological parameters, and phenolic compounds with the best data correlated to the medium treatment. Likewise, the content of flavonoids, lycopene, and β-carotene in tomato fruits displays a similar trend of variation with all treatment doses. The biochemical responses of plants to mineral fertilizer indicate that a medium dose is suitable, without overuse of fertilizers and pesticides, to reduce the negative impact on the agro-ecosystem.

Comparison of setup accuracy of optical surface image versus orthogonal x-ray images for VMAT of the left breast using deep-inspiration breath-hold.

To compare the setup accuracy of optical surface image (OSI) versus orthogonal x-ray images (2DkV) using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) as ground truth for radiotherapy of left breast cancer in deep-inspiration breath-hold (DIBH). Ten left breast DIBH patients treated with volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) were studied retrospectively. OSI, 2DkV, and CBCT were acquired weekly at treatment setup. OSI, 2DkV, and CBCT were registered to planning CT or planning DRR based on a breast surface region of interest (ROI), bony anatomy (chestwall and sternum), and both bony anatomy and breast surface, respectively. These registrations provided couch shifts for each imaging system. The setup errors, or the difference in couch shifts between OSI and CBCT were compared to those between 2DkV and CBCT. A second OSI was acquired during last beam delivery to evaluate intrafraction motion. The median absolute setup errors were (0.21, 0.27, 0.23cm, 0.6°, 1.3°, 1.0°) for OSI, and (0.26, 0.24, 0.18cm, 0.9°, 1.0°, 0.6°) for 2DkV in vertical, longitudinal and lateral translations, and in rotation, roll and pitch, respectively. None of the setup errors was significantly different between OSI and 2DkV. For both systems, the systematic and random setup errors were ≤0.6cm and ≤1.5° in all directions. Nevertheless, larger setup errors were observed in some sessions in both systems. There was no correlation between OSI and CBCT whereas there was modest correlation between 2DkV and CBCT. The intrafraction motion in DIBH detected by OSI was small with median absolute translations <0.2cm, and rotations ≤0.4°. Though OSI showed comparable and small setup errors as 2DkV, it showed no correlation with CBCT. We concluded that to achieve accurate setup for both bony anatomy and breast surface, daily 2DkV can't be omitted following OSI for left breast patients treated with DIBH VMAT.

Support recovery with Projected Stochastic Gates: Theory and application for linear models

Consider the problem of simultaneous estimation and support recovery of the coefficient vector in a linear data model with additive Gaussian noise. We study the problem of estimating the model coefficients based on a recently proposed non-convex regularizer, namely the stochastic gates (STG) (Yamada et al., 2020). We suggest a new projection-based algorithm for solving the STG regularized minimization problem, and prove convergence and support recovery guarantees of the STG-estimator for a range of random and non-random design matrix setups. Our new algorithm has been shown to outperform the existing STG algorithm and other classical estimators for support recovery in various real and synthetic data analyses.

Multi-Camera-Based Sorting System for Surface Defects of Apples.

In this paper, we addressed the challenges in sorting high-yield apple cultivars that traditionally relied on manual labor or system-based defect detection. Existing single-camera methods failed to uniformly capture the entire surface of apples, potentially leading to misclassification due to defects in unscanned areas. Various methods were proposed where apples were rotated using rollers on a conveyor. However, since the rotation was highly random, it was difficult to scan the apples uniformly for accurate classification. To overcome these limitations, we proposed a multi-camera-based apple sorting system with a rotation mechanism that ensured uniform and accurate surface imaging. The proposed system applied a rotation mechanism to individual apples while simultaneously utilizing three cameras to capture the entire surface of the apples. This method offered the advantage of quickly and uniformly acquiring the entire surface compared to single-camera and random rotation conveyor setups. The images captured by the system were analyzed using a CNN classifier deployed on embedded hardware. To maintain excellent CNN classifier performance while reducing its size and inference time, we employed knowledge distillation techniques. The CNN classifier demonstrated an inference speed of 0.069 s and an accuracy of 93.83% based on 300 apple samples. The integrated system, which included the proposed rotation mechanism and multi-camera setup, took a total of 2.84 s to sort one apple. Our proposed system provided an efficient and precise solution for detecting defects on the entire surface of apples, improving the sorting process with high reliability.

A Report of Radiotherapy Setup Errors in Pelvic and Mediastinal Tumors

Introduction: Radiation therapy as an important step in treatment of cancer which demands accuracy. Patient setup is a challenging job in the radiation therapy process. The Variation in random setup error for specific sites is different among clinics, even from one radiation therapist technologist to other in a same clinic. The purpose of this study is to investigate and report about the setup margins in the pelvic and mediastinal sites. Method &amp;Material: 34 patients (20 males and 14 females) in the supine and prone positions (24 supine positions and 10 prone positions) were selected. Internal protocol and custom-made positioning devices were utilized. The variation of Anterior-Posterior movements (AP) in daily setup is recorded based on the vertical information which is shown on the arian 2100C/D Linear Accelerators monitor. The correlation between body type, position and treatment cases compares with the mean errors. Conclusion: The highest random error for setup is attributed to mediastinal tumor (=0.3 cm), and the highest systematic error is dedicated to cervix (=1.4 cm). The population systematic error (=1.25) is defined as the standard deviation of means of patients(Σ). In centers with lack of image-guided facilities or centers with high loaded patients the setup process should be accurate enough to limit setup error probabilities.

Analysis of Non-Steady Queue-Length Distribution in a Finite-Buffer Model with Group Arrivals and Power Saving Mechanism with Setups

In the manuscript, a probability distribution of the queue length is studied in a model with group Markov arrivals, arbitrarily distributed service times and finite waiting room. After the period of suspension of service due to lack of packets, each new busy period is preceded by a random setup time. Integral equations for time-dependent queue-length distribution are derived by identifying renewal moments in the operation of the system and by applying total probability law. The representation for the solution of the system is found in terms of Laplace transforms. Computational examples illustrating the impact of system parameters on the queue-length distribution are included.

Changing the Face of Head and Neck Radiotherapy

<h3>Purpose/Objective(s)</h3> Radiotherapy plays a key role in the of the management of head and neck cancer patients with approximately 80% of patients receiving RT at least once during their cancer journey. Immobilization of patients during radiotherapy treatment, is essential to ensure treatment accuracy, and requires the use of a facemask. However, masks are associated with significant treatment related distress and a phenomenon called "mask anxiety". Many patients have difficulty swallowing and breathing which makes a closed facemask even less tolerable. In order to improve patients' radiotherapy treatment experience, we piloted a "faceless" open mask in our department to investigate whether such masks could be used, to reduce patients' distress without impacting on treatment accuracy, by comparing set up data for full versus open masks. <h3>Materials/Methods</h3> Over an 18-month period, all head and neck cancer patients undergoing radical radiotherapy, with a history of anxiety or claustrophobia, were offered open masks. Once 30 patients had completed radiotherapy treatment with the open mask, we analyzed the set-up data by comparing this consecutive cohort of patients, to patients in standard closed masks treated during the same time period. Our standard institutional IGRT protocol includes daily CBCT for first 3 fractions, followed by weekly CBCT. The one-dimensional standard deviations (SD) of the systematic and random set-up errors were calculated for all three orthogonal directions (<i>x, y, z</i>). Mann-Whitney U and independent t-test were used to determine any significant differences between rotational set up data for open and closed masks. <h3>Results</h3> Sixty patients were included. Thirty patients had closed masks and thirty had open masks. The SD of the systematic error (reproducibility of treatment position) in mm was slightly less for closed mask than for the open mask in all directions (vertical 0.079 vs 0.106, lateral 0.068 vs 0.101, longitudinal 0.054 vs 0.080). The SD of the random error was less for closed than for open mask in vertical, 0.219 vs 0.225, and lateral,0.144 vs 0.174, directions. It was slightly more in the longitudinal direction (0.176 compared to 0.171). The margin requirements for the faceless mask were greater than the full mask. Margins for set-up uncertainty were 3.5, 3, and 3mm (Ant Post, Sup Inf and Right Left, respectively) for closed mask, and 4, 3, and 4mm respectively for open mask. There was no significant difference in pitch, roll and yaw between open and closed masks. <h3>Conclusion</h3> In this study, we have shown that open masks are able to maintain accuracy at levels comparable to closed masks and may be offered to patients suffering mask anxiety. However, a slightly larger PTV margin may be required. For open masks to become the standard of care for all head and neck patients, a larger randomized study should be performed. Customized head rests and real time intrafraction monitoring using 3-dimensional surface imaging could also be an advantage for this cohort of patients.

Expansion of non-native plant Flaveria bidentis (L.) Kuntze driven by a range of factors leading to patchy distribution patterns.

Given the growing concern over the ecological impacts of non‐native species, exploring these species' expansion edge and distribution patterns and their driving factors is important for developing suitable management measures. Flaveria bidentis (L.) Kuntze, a non‐native plant that was introduced to China in the 1990s, has spread from southern Hebei Province, where it first took root, to the surrounding regions and has become one of the most notorious invasive weeds in northern China. Based on 15 years (2006–2021) of extensive field investigations, the spatial distribution of sampling and occurrence points were mapped in the recently expanded region of F. bidentis' population. Then, nearest neighbor analysis is used to characterize the spatial pattern differences between samplings and occurrences. An exponential decay function was used to elucidate the driving factors contributing to the presence and absence of F. bidentis. Our results demonstrated an effective random sampling setup, a heterogeneous spatial distribution of F. bidentis, and a multi‐regional independent aggregation distribution pattern (p < .01). There were significant spatial correlations between the aggregation areas of plant occurrence points and the locations of roads and construction sand distribution centers. These findings suggest that human activities involving major roads and construction sand distribution centers were driving factors contributing to this long‐distance dispersal and spatially discontinuous distribution patterns. The presence of these patchy distribution patterns has important implications for ongoing efforts to manage populations of non‐native species.

Mutual coherence function based topological charge detection in a Gaussian vortex beam optical communication system

We investigate a topological charge (TC) detection schema for an optical communication system employing Gaussian vortex beam (GVB). In this scenario, the transmitter maps the electrical message symbols to the TCs of GVBs. Thus obtained optical signal propagates in turbulent atmosphere arriving at the receiver, where a detection process is implemented to determine the TC of GVB by correlating the imaginary part of the mutual coherence function (MCF) of the incoming beam against the stored profiles. The feasibility of such a schema is firstly established by examining and comparing the analytical formulation of MCF and that of random phase screen setup. The latter is then used to explore the success rate and boundaries of this particular detection schema. Our results show that the proposed detection schema can operate with a error rate of 5% at a link length of 5.5 km and atmospheric turbulence structure constant of 10−14.

Biased-voter model: How persuasive a small group can be?

We study the voter model dynamics in the presence of confidence and bias. We assume two types of voters. Unbiased voters whose confidence is indifferent to the state of the voter and biased voters whose confidence is biased towards a common fixed preferred state. We study the problem analytically on the complete graph using mean field theory and on an Erdős-Rényi random network topology using the pair approximation, where we assume that the network of interactions topology is independent of the type of voters. We find that for the case of a random initial setup, and for sufficiently large number of voters N, the time to consensus increases proportionally to log(N)/γv, with γ the fraction of biased voters and v the parameter quantifying the bias of the voters (v = 0 no bias). We verify our analytical results through numerical simulations. We study this model on a topology of the network of interactions depending on the bias, and examine two distinct, global average-degree preserving strategies (model I and model II) to obtain such random topologies starting from the random topology independent of bias case as the initial setup. Keeping all other parameters constant, in model I, μBU, the average number of links among biased (B) and unbiased (U) voters is varied at the expense of μUU and μBB, i.e. the average number of links among only unbiased and biased voters respectively. In model II, μBU is kept constant, while μBB is varied at the expense of μUU. We find that if the agents follow the strategy described by model II, they can achieve a significant reduction in the time to reach consensus as well as an increment in the probability to reach consensus to the preferred state. Hence, persuasiveness of the biased group depends on how well its members are connected among each other, compared to how well the members of the unbiased group are connected among each other.

A feasibility and pilot study of the clinical efficacy of a custom designed handgrip device to improve patient immobilisation for the external beam radiotherapy of oesophageal cancers

The primary aim of radiotherapy is to eradicate tumour cells within the clinical target volume (CTV), at the same time while sparing surrounding organs at risk (OAR) which is often accomplished by conforming to the treatment fields, i.e. target volume and by using appropriate margins for accounting the treatment uncertainties. Furthermore, for accurate radiation dose delivery, perfect immobilisation is required to keep the patient within the same position at each treatment fraction. There has always been a need for perfect immobilisation which should provide minimal patient movement, patient comfort, reproducible patient positioning during radiotherapy and be less expensive. The main objective of the present study was to design, fabricate and evaluate a handgrip board immobilisation device for the thorax region to boost the efficiency of the external beam radiotherapy in oesophageal cancer patients and evaluate the set-up error. Our indigenously fabricated handgrip baseboard device is made of poly-methyl methacrylate (PMMA), which consists of the main baseboard with an adjustable central T-bar and separate right and left single hand poles. In the present study, fifteen patients with oesophageal tumours were included. Patients were positioned using the indigenously fabricated handgrip immobilisation device; portal images were performed prior to the treatment and matched with the digitally reconstructed radiographs (DRR). The population systematic (Σ) and random (σ) patient set-up errors were calculated along the direc­tions of Anterior-Posterior (AP), Medial-Lateral (ML) and Superior-Inferior (SI). The values for the planning target volume (PTV) margins were calculated using ICRU 62, Van Herk’s and Stroom’s formulae. The population systematic (Σ) errors of AP, ML and SI were 0.12, 0.20 and 0.20 cm, respectively while the population random (σ) errors of AP, ML, SI were 0.17, 0.31 and 0.17 cm, respectively. The PTV margins were calculated according to ICRU 62, Van Herk’s, and Stroom’s and it was observed in the range of 0.2–0.7 cm in the three acquisition directions. The use of a handgrip immobilisation device allowed for relatively small set-up errors and ensured the patient’s comfort. Also, the technique showed satisfactory accuracy and reproducibility.

Retrospective study of random and systematic errors in Head and Neck cancer Patients with Image guided Helical Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy

The Precision of radiotherapy is checked based on the matching of pre-treatment 2D portal imaging/CBCT to the reference image. The objective of this study is to find inter-fractional systematic and random setup errors (mm) for head and Neck cancer patients and also find setup margin for Planning Target Volume (PTV) at Mohan Dai Oswal Cancer Hospital Ludhiana Punjab. Inter-fractional motion errors were quantified for 10 Head and neck cancer patients who underwent image guided helical intensity modulated radiation therapy with Radixact X9 machine. One hundred fan beam computed tomography scans of 2mm slice thickness, 3.5 MV average energy and flattening filter free beam has been used to collect the data for the calculation of systematic and random errors. After patient immobilization, patient accuracy is checked with registration of pre-treatment image with reference planning image with the help of Accuray Precision image guidance protocol. For every patient 10 fan beam computed tomography images has been taken. Translational errors have been calculated in X, Y and Z direction to find systematic error (∑) and random error (σ). The final PTV margin is calculated by van Herk’s equation (2.5∑ + 0.7σ). The results of this study shows that mean translational errors varies from -2.3 mm to 3.3 mm in lateral direction (X), -3.6 mm to 1.7 mm in longitudinal direction (Y), -2.7 mm to 1.5 mm in vertical direction (Z). The mean and standard deviation (SD) for systematic errors are 1.467, 0.8, 0.923 and random error 0.0595, 0.02266, 0.03824 in X, Y and Z direction has been calculated. The Total Margin for CTV to PTV which include setup margin (mm) in X, Y and Z direction are 3.7 mm, 2.02 mm and 2.33 mm. In addition to that, a PTV margin of 5.00 mm is the appropriate margin for Mohan Dai Oswal Cancer Hospital’s patients. This work conclude that CTV to PTV margin of 5.00 mm is suitable for image guided helical intensity modulated radiation therapy for Head and neck patients to ensure the minimum 95% coverage of dose to target

Evaluation of image-guided and surface-guided radiotherapy for breast cancer patients treated in deep inspiration breath-hold: A single institution experience.

Nowadays, deep inspiratory breath-hold is a common technique to reduce heart dose in left-sided breast radiotherapy. This study evaluates the evolution of the breath-hold technique in our institute, from portal imaging during dose delivery to continuous monitoring with surface-guided radiotherapy (SGRT). Setup data and portal imaging results were analyzed for 98 patients treated before 2014, and SGRT data for 228 patients treated between 2018 and 2020. For the pre-SGRT group, systematic and random setup errors were calculated for different correction protocols. Residual errors and reproducibility of breath-holds were evaluated for both groups. The benefit of using SGRT for initial positioning was evaluated for another cohort of 47 patients. Online correction reduced the population mean error from 3.9mm (no corrections) to 1.4mm. Despite online setup correction, deviationsgreater than3mm were observed in about 10% and 20% of the treatment beams in ventral-dorsal and cranial-caudal directions, respectively. However, these percentages were much smaller than with offline protocols or no corrections. Mean absolute differences between breath-holds within a fraction were smaller in the SGRT-group (1.69mm) than in the pre-SGRT-group (2.10mm), and further improved with addition of visual feedback (1.30mm). SGRT for positioning did not improve setup accuracy, but slightly reduced the time for imaging and setup correction, allowing completion within 3.5min for 95% of fractions. For accurate radiotherapy breast treatments using deep inspiration breath-hold, daily imaging and correction is required. SGRT provides accurate information on patient positioning during treatment and improves patient compliance with visual feedback.

Detection strategies for an optical communication system using Gaussian vortex beams.

In this paper, we describe the details of different detection strategies of a communication system using Gaussian vortex beams. These are listed as (a) simultaneous transmission of actual data symbol and reference signals (no multiplexing), (b) transmission of data symbol and reference signals in a wavelength division multiplexed manner, and (c) transmission of data symbol and reference signals in a time-division multiplexed manner. The performance of each one is evaluated for strong turbulence regimes with the help of an appropriately arranged random phase screen setup. It is found that the first two detection strategies work error-free within the source and propagation parameters chosen. In the last detection strategy, performance depends on the transverse wind velocity.

Brain stereotactic radiosurgery using MR-guided online adaptive planning for daily setup variation: An end-to-end test.

Online magnetic resonance (MR)‐guided radiotherapy is expected to benefit brain stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) due to superior soft tissue contrast and capability of daily adaptive planning. The purpose of this study was to investigate daily adaptive plan quality with setup variations and to perform an end‐to‐end test for brain SRS with multiple metastases treated with a 1.5‐Tesla MR‐Linac (MRL). The RTsafe PseudoPatient Prime brain phantom was used with a delineation insert that includes two predefined structures mimicking gadolinium contrast‐enhanced brain lesions. Daily adaptive plans were generated using six preset and six random setup variations. Two adaptive plans per daily MR image were generated using the adapt‐to‐position (ATP) and adapt‐to‐shape (ATS) workflows. An adaptive patient plan was generated on a diagnostic MR image with simulated translational and rotational daily setup variation and was compared with the reference plan. All adaptive plans were compared with the reference plan using the target coverage, Paddick conformity index, gradient index (GI), Brain V12 or V20, optimization time and total monitor units. Target doses were measured as an end‐to‐end test with two ionization chambers inserted into the phantom. With preset translational variations, V12 from the ATS plan was 17% lower than that of the ATP plan. With a larger daily setup variation, GI and V12 of the ATS plan were 10% and 16% lower than those of the ATP plan, respectively. Compared to the ATP plans, the plan quality index of the ATS plans was more consistent with the reference plan, and within 5% in both phantom and patient plans. The differences between the measured and planned target doses were within 1% for both treatment workflows. Treating brain SRS using an MRL is feasible and could achieve satisfactory dosimetric goals. Setup uncertainties could be accounted for using online plan adaptation. The ATS workflow achieved better dosimetric results than the ATP workflow at the cost of longer optimization time.

Analysis of a single server batch arrival non-Markovian queuing model approach in classification of foot thermograms

In this article, a single server non-Markovian queuing model with Poisson arrivals in stacks of different sizes is discussed. The server provides clients with a general service at a time with a random duration setup time after completing the first level of service. Also, the setup time stage is introduced to carry out the preparatory work required for the stage 2 service and customers may renege during the setup phase. Additionally, the server is subject to random interruption during the third stage of service and it enters into the repair process immediately. The effect of the setup time stage, interruption and reneging in the defined queuing system are well analysed. Using the supplementary variable technique of queuing theory, the duration of the queue length of different states of the system in terms of probability generating functions and the queue performance measures are determined. The issue of characterised lines is very much clarified by a reasonable application and supported by a mathematical portrayal.

Evaluation of setup errors of immobilization device for radiation therapy in companion animals.

Intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT), which allows generating steep dose gradients, is a beneficial treatment for companion animals with adjacent target and risk organs. IMRT is essential for high setup accuracy for avoiding overdose to risk organs, and optimal radiotherapy is important for evaluating the setup accuracy of companion animals. To use an immobilization device to evaluate setup errors in radiotherapy for companion animals. We calculated setup errors in radiotherapy for 386 animals (dogs and cats; 3,261 registration images) that underwent radiotherapy between 2016 and 2022. The companion animals were immobilized with a customized bite block and vacuum lock device. A quantile-quantile plot with 95% confidence interval (CI) was used to evaluate the histogram of the setup errors, and the systematic and random setup errors were calculated for each region (brain, head and neck, chest and abdomen, pelvis, and spine). The setup error in each direction presented an extremely narrow-interval histogram, with the following lower and upper 95% CIs: cranial-caudal (-0.08, -0.06 cm); left-right (-0.04, -0.02 cm); and dorsal-ventral (-0.13, -0.11 cm). The mean systematic setup error was 0.16 cm (range: 0.12-0.36 cm), and the random error was 0.15 cm (range: 0.08-0.34 cm). The pelvis showed the highest systematic and random setup errors (mean: 0.36 and 0.23 cm, respectively). The use of an immobilization device enables highly accurate radiotherapy for companion animals (95% CI < 0.15 cm).