Reliable Point Research Articles

Reliability and Optimal Cut-Off Points of the Test for Upper Limb Apraxia (TULIA) for Spanish-Speaking Post-Stroke Patients.

To evaluate the reliability, identify the optimal cut-off points, and determine the diagnostic accuracy of the TULIA Apraxia test in a sample of Spanish-speaking post-stroke patients. Cross-sectional. Public primary care. 201 post-stroke patients. Reliability was assessed using Cronbach's alpha. Cut-off points were identified for each TULIA Apraxia sub-test and stratified for age (≤65 years, > 65 years) using ROC curve analysis, area under the curve, and Youden index. Diagnostic accuracy was evaluated using sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values. Cronbach's alpha of the sub-tests varied from 0.716 (95% CI 0.653-0.772) for pantomime intransitive to 0.824 (95% CI 0.784-0.858) for imitation non-symbolic. Cut-off points ranged from ≤25 to ≤35 points. For individuals aged ≤65 years, the cut-offs that best balanced sensitivity and specificity were ≤25 points for detecting alterations in imitation transitive and ≤33 points for pantomime non-symbolic. For individuals over 65 years, the imitation transitive cut-off (≤26 points) presented the most adjusted balance. The minimum positive predictive value was 0.667 (95% CI 0.542-0.777), indicating that the TULIA Apraxia tests correctly classified more than 67% of patients with apraxia. The minimum negative predictive value was 0.763 (95% CI 0.644-0.859), showing that the test accurately identified more than 76% of patients without apraxia. The TULIA Apraxia test is reliable in Spanish-speaking post-stroke patients. Optimal cut-off points, along with their respective sensitivity and specificity values, exhibit adequate test accuracy. Predictive values indicate that the test correctly identifies individuals with and without apraxia.

Is pT0 a Reliable End Point for Biomarker Discovery for Preoperative Chemotherapy Response in Patients With Bladder Cancer?

Purpose: Traditional biomarker investigation schemas for chemotherapy response prediction in patients with bladder cancer relying on the pT0 status at radical surgery are confounded by the therapeutic effect of transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT). Studying cN+ patients and assessing pN0 status presents a unique opportunity for overcoming this bias. Materials and Methods: We studied 26 patients with biopsy-proven cTanyN1-3M0 bladder cancer (2005-2016) who underwent induction chemotherapy and radical cystectomy with pelvic lymphadenectomy. Metastasis and overall survival (OS) outcomes were examined using Kaplan-Meier method and compared using log-rank test. Paired pretherapy primary bladder and nodal tissues were available for 10 patients. In these patients, whole-transcriptome RNA-seq analysis was performed on bladder tumor (for pT0 and pN0 prediction) and lymph-nodal metastasis (for pN0 prediction) tissues to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) with a false discovery rate < 0.1. Results: pN0 pathologic responders, but not pT0 responders, had significantly improved freedom from metastasis (5-year: pN0 88.9% vs pN+ 27.4%, log-rank P = .018) and OS (5-year: pN0 76.2% vs pN+ 12.2%, log-rank P = .024). Using RNA-seq data, we identified a significant discordance rate of 87.5% between DEG-based predictive signatures for pT0 and pN0 response to cisplatin-based chemotherapy. This datum, combined with the knowledge that ∼40% of patients who achieve pT0 status at radical surgery, achieve it simply through the therapeutic effect of TURBT (SWOG S8710), underscores a substantial bias in the current biomarker discovery initiatives that use pT0 as an end point. Conclusions: Our findings suggest a need for devising novel study designs to aid in the discovery of reliable biomarkers for preoperative chemo/immunotherapy response in bladder cancer. Clinical node-positive patients may be ideally situated but remain understudied.

A Pseudo-Waveform-Based Method for Grading ICESat-2 ATL08 Terrain Estimates in Forested Areas

The ICESat-2 Land and Vegetation Height (ATL08) product is a new control point dataset for large-scale topographic mapping and geodetic surveying. However, its elevation accuracy is typically affected by multiple factors. The study aims to propose a new approach to classify ATL08 terrain estimates into different accuracy levels and extract reliable ground control points (GCPs) from ICESat-2 ATL08. Specifically, the methodology is divided into three stages. First, the ATL08 terrain estimates are matched with the raw ATL03 photon cloud data, and the ATL08 terrain estimates are used to fit a continuous terrain curve. Then, using the fitted continuous terrain curve and raw ATL03 photon cloud data, a pseudo-waveform is generated for grading the ATL08 terrain estimates. Finally, all the ATL08 terrain estimates are graded based on the peak characteristics of the generated pseudo-waveform. To validate the feasibility of the proposed method, four study areas from the National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON), characterized by various terrain features and forest types were selected. High-accuracy airborne lidar data were used to evaluate the accuracy of graded ICESat-2 terrain estimates. The results demonstrate that the method effectively classified all ATL08 terrain estimates into different accuracy levels and successfully extracted high-accuracy GCPs. The root mean square errors (RMSEs) of the first accuracy level in the four selected study areas were 0.99 m, 0.51 m, 1.88 m, and 0.65 m, representing accuracy improvement of 51.7%, 58.2%, 83.1%, and 68.8%, respectively, compared to the original ATL08 terrain estimates before classifying. Additionally, a comparison with the conventional threshold-based GCP extraction method demonstrated the superior performance of our proposed approach. This study introduces a new approach to extract high-quality elevation control points from ICESat-2 ATL08 data, particularly in forested areas.

Quantitative characterization method of point cloud distribution in tunnel for optimizing TLS scanning plan

A novel method for quantitatively describing the distribution of point clouds in tunnels is introduced to optimize tunnel scanning schemes. The method uses point cloud spacing and thickness to represent the density and unevenness of the point cloud, respectively. Point cloud spacing is categorized into point spacing and ring spacing based on the scanning trajectory, and these metrics are calculated using coordinates from a regularly distributed point cloud. Point cloud thickness is derived by combining the measurement error range in the laser incidence direction with the laser incidence angle. The above calculation method has been validated through tunnel field tests. The quantitative characterization method evaluates the effects of resolution, station spacing, and linearity error on point cloud spacing and thickness. It helps determine the necessary resolution, station spacing, and TLS scanner specifications to ensure that point cloud spacing and thickness meet the requirements for tunnel health assessment. By addressing the lack of comprehensive quantitative consideration of point cloud distribution in selecting scanning parameters, this method provides a robust framework for optimizing scanning schemes, ensuring accurate and reliable point cloud data for tunnel inspection.

Hematological parameters of the European hake (Merluccius merluccius) in Toroneos Gulf, northern Greece: A case study

Background: The European hake (Merluccius merluccius) is a commercially valuable demersal species widely distributed in the Mediterranean Sea. Assessing the condition of fish populations in their natural habitats is challenging due to the lack of reliable reference points. Objective: This study aimed to utilize hematological analysis as an economical method to evaluate the physiological and health status of European hake, addressing the gap in hematological data for this species. Methods: Blood samples were collected from the caudal vein of 40 adult European hakes caught from the Toroneos Gulf (northern Greece) using a commercial bottom otter trawl. An automated hematological analyzer was used to assess hematological parameters alongside biometric and biological indices. Results: Female hakes showed significantly higher white blood cell (WBC) counts, thrombocyte (TC) counts, and red cell distribution width (RDW) than their male counterparts. Strong correlations were observed among various hematological parameters, notably between WBC and red blood cells (RBCs), hematocrit (Ht), and hemoglobin (Hb); between RBC and both Ht and Hb; between TC and both mean platelet volume and platelet distribution width (PDW); and between mean corpuscular Hb concentration and RDW. Significant differences were noted in RBCs, Hb, and Ht compared to data from wild-caught European hake populations in Argentina and Denmark. Both trawling depth and duration were found to significantly affect RBC, WBC, Hb, and Ht values, while having no notable impact on TC. Fish captured at an average depth of 80 m and with a trawling duration of 30 min exhibited significantly elevated hematological indices. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that hematological analysis is a valuable, cost-effective tool for assessing the physiological and health status of European hake populations in the Mediterranean. Notable differences in hematological parameters based on sex, as well as significant correlations among key blood metrics, underscore the importance of understanding species-specific hematological profiles. The influence of trawling depth and duration on certain blood parameters highlights the need for standardized sampling protocols in population health assessments. These findings contribute essential baseline hematological data for European hake, facilitating more informed fisheries management and conservation strategies.

The legal grounds of tariff regulation for railway transportation of goods in the Republic of Poland

The article revolves around legal and organizational aspects of tariff regulation for freight rail transport in the Republic of Poland. A detailed characterization of the Polish legislation on tariff regulation of freight transportation by rail was carried out. Its correlation with the requirements of the Directive 2012/34/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 21 November 2012 Establishing a single European railway area is highlighted. The main provisions of the Law of the Republic of Poland “On Railway Transport” in the part of the tariff regulation of railway freight transportation has been analysed. It has been stated, that this Law ensures the flexibility of railway transport tariffs and significantly contributes to liberalization of the national market of transport services in Poland. On the example of Poland, it has been proven that the liberalization of the tariff regulation of railway transportation ensures a reasonable balance between the economic interests of the state and private business. In general tariff regulation of railway transportation of goods in the Republic of Poland is characterized by high efficiency. It has been established that the development of the legal basis for the tariff regulation of rail freight transportation in the Republic of Poland is dominated by the trends towards the creation of a competitive rail freight transportation market; liberalization of tariff regulation of railway transportation; ensuring non-discriminatory access to railway transport infrastructure; inclusion of an investment component in tariffs for mandatory infrastructure access services. It was concluded that the outlined trends serve as a reliable reference point for the development of the legal basis for the tariff regulation of rail freight transportation in Ukraine, which is confidently moving towards integration into the EU economic system. Their consideration is an important step on the way of regulatory adaptation to the acquis communautaire of the European Union. Systematic consideration of these trends when updating industry legislation will significantly contribute to ensuring the stability, safety and economic return of rail freight transportation.

Peer review of the pesticide risk assessment of the active substance gibberellic acid (GA3).

The conclusions of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) following the peer review of the initial risk assessments carried out by the competent authorities of the rapporteur Member State Slovenia and co-rapporteur Member State Slovakia for the pesticide active substance gibberellic acid and the considerations as regards the inclusion of the substance in Annex IV of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005 are reported. The context of the peer review was that required by Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 844/2012, as amended by Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 2018/1659. The conclusions were reached on the basis of the evaluation of the representative use of gibberellic acid as a plant growth regulator on seedless grapes (field use). The reliable end points, appropriate for use in regulatory risk assessment, are presented. Missing information identified as being required by the regulatory framework is listed. Concerns are reported when identified.

Peer review of the pesticide risk assessment of the active substance fludioxonil.

The conclusions of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) following the peer review of the initial risk assessments carried out by the competent authorities of the rapporteur Member State France and co-rapporteur Member State Spain for the pesticide active substance fludioxonil are reported. The context of the peer review was that required by Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 844/2012, as amended by Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 2018/1659. The conclusions were reached on the basis of the evaluation of the representative use of fludioxonil as a fungicide on wheat, oats, grapes, pome fruit and strawberry. The reliable end points, appropriate for use in regulatory risk assessment are presented. Missing information identified as being required by the regulatory framework is listed. Concerns are reported where identified.

Peer review of the pesticide risk assessment of the active substance fenoxaprop-P-ethyl.

The conclusions of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) following the peer review of the initial risk assessments carried out by the competent authorities of the rapporteur Member State Austria and co-rapporteur Member State Finland for the pesticide active substance fenoxaprop-P-ethyl are reported. The context of the peer review was that required by Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 844/2012, as amended by Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 2018/1659. The conclusions were reached on the basis of the evaluation of the representative uses of fenoxaprop-P-ethyl as a post-emergence herbicide in wheat, durum wheat, rye, triticale and barley to control annual monocotyledonous weeds. The reliable end points, appropriate for use in regulatory risk assessment, are presented. Missing information identified as being required by the regulatory framework is listed. Concerns are identified.

Peer review of the pesticide risk assessment of the active substance gibberellins (GA4/GA7).

The conclusions of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) following the peer review of the initial risk assessments carried out by the competent authorities of the rapporteur Member State Slovenia and co-rapporteur Member State Slovakia for the pesticide active substance gibberellins (GA4/GA7) and the considerations as regards the inclusion of the substance in Annex IV of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005 are reported. The context of the peer review was that required by Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 844/2012, as amended by Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 2018/1659. The conclusions were reached on the basis of the evaluation of the representative uses of gibberellins (GA4/GA7) as a plant growth regulator on apple and pear (field use). The reliable end points, appropriate for use in regulatory risk assessment, are presented. Missing information identified as being required by the regulatory framework is listed. Concerns are reported when identified.

Reliable measures of rest-activity rhythm fragmentation: how many days are needed?

BackgroundA more fragmented, less stable rest-activity rhythm (RAR) is emerging as a risk factor for health. Accelerometer devices are increasingly used to measure RAR fragmentation using metrics such as inter-daily stability (IS), intradaily variability (IV), transition probabilities (TP), self-similarity parameter (α), and activity balance index (ABI). These metrics were proposed in the context of long period of wear but, in real life, non-wear might introduce measurement bias. This study aims to determine the minimum number of valid days to obtain reliable fragmentation metrics.MethodsWrist-worn accelerometer data were drawn from the Whitehall accelerometer sub-study (age: 60 to 83 years) to simulate different non-wear patterns. Pseudo-simulated data with different numbers of valid days (one to seven), defined as < 1/3 of non-wear during both day and night periods, and with omission or imputation of non-wear periods were compared against complete data using intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and mean absolute percent error (MAPE).ResultsFive days with valid data (97.8% of participants) and omission of non-wear periods allowed an ICC ≥ 0.75 and MAPE ≤ 15%, acceptable cut points for reliability, for IS and ABI; this number was lower for TPs (two-three days), α and IV (four days). Overall, imputation of data did not provide better estimates. Findings were consistent across age and sex groups.ConclusionsThe number of days of wrist accelerometer data with at least 2/3 of wear time for both day and night periods varies from two (TPs) to five (IS, ABI) days for reliable RAR measures among older adults.

Quantifying variation in the physical size of footwear test impressions

The analysis of forensic footwear evidence often requires the preparation of test impressions created under controlled laboratory conditions. When these test impressions are compared to questioned impressions, (dis)agreement in physical size is an important attribute that must be evaluated and documented. Integral to this comparison is an understanding of the variation that may exist between replicate test impressions, and test impressions created using different methods. The aim of this study was to empirically characterize the variation that exists within and between test impressions prepared using a static benchtop and a dynamic walking method, as well as explore the potential influence of the wearer’s foot size when using the walking method. To examine this variation, twenty-three participants were recruited to prepare test impressions of two different shoe makes and models in four different manufacturer’s sizes. Five replicate benchtop impressions per make/model/size and three replicate walking impressions per participant/make/model/size were created, resulting in approximately 550 test samples, to which an additional 150 quality control copies were blindly added, resulting in almost 700 processed test impressions. Using reproducible and reliable ground control points, the physical size of toe-to-heel length and medial-to-lateral ball of the toe width measurements were collected and compared. For the shoe make/models examined in this study, a systematic bias was observed between benchtop and walking impressions, such that benchtop impressions were almost always longer and narrower than walking impressions, and that within the walking method, physical size differences vary with foot/shoe size mismatch. Of the experimental shoes and groups examined in this study, the variation in toe-to-heel length measurements between benchtop and walking impressions was greatest when the shoe was two sizes smaller than the foot, resulting in a maximum physical size difference of 4.18 mm for a Nike® Downshifter 11 outsole. Similarly, when comparing the variation in toe-to-heel length measurements between walking impressions created using a correctly-fitted shoe versus a shoe that was two sizes smaller than the wearer’s foot, a maximum physical size difference of 3.25 mm was observed. Based on these findings, best practice suggests that footwear analysts document the foot size of the wearer preparing walking test impressions, refrain from using benchtop impressions to form opinions about physical size consistency/differences, and to be cognizant that a large mismatch between foot/shoe size when creating walking impressions can lead to length differences greater than 3.0 mm.

Weakly supervised 3D point cloud semantic segmentation for architectural heritage using teacher-guided consistency and contrast learning

Point cloud semantic segmentation is significant for managing and protecting architectural heritage. Currently, fully supervised methods require a large amount of annotated data, while weakly supervised methods are difficult to transfer directly to architectural heritage. This paper proposes an end-to-end teacher-guided consistency and contrastive learning weakly supervised (TCCWS) framework for architectural heritage point cloud semantic segmentation, which can fully utilize limited labeled points to train network. Specifically, a teacher-student framework is designed to generate pseudo labels and a pseudo label dividing module is proposed to distinguish reliable and ambiguous point sets. Based on it, a consistency and contrastive learning strategy is designed to fully utilize supervision signals to learn the features of point clouds. The framework is tested on the ArCH dataset and self-collected point cloud, which demonstrates that the proposed method can achieve effective semantic segmentation of architectural heritage using only 0.1 % of annotated points.

Enhanced Biomechanical Properties of the Pectineal Ligament Support Its Reliability for Apical Pelvic Organ Prolapse Repair

Pelvic organ prolapse impacts an increasing number of women in the United States. The standard approach to correcting apical pelvic organ prolapse uses the sacral anterior longitudinal ligament (SALL) to lift the vaginal apex; however, this approach may result in recurrent prolapse. A newer procedure utilizes the pectineal ligament (PL), which may be a more reliable anchor point. This study compares the biomechanical properties of these two ligaments to elucidate which can withstand more stress to provide long-term stability following prolapse. Seventeen formalin-embalmed donors were used (PL: 17 right, 16 left; SALL, 15). The PL was evaluated to better characterize the ligament’s properties within the pelvis using digital calipers and descriptive statistics. Mean values were statistically evaluated using an independent t test (p = 0.05) but no differences in laterality were appreciable. The PL and SALL samples were harvested and evaluated using a mechanical tester to determine their force at failure (N), toughness (Jm−2), and elastic modulus (MPa). The PL had increased values in the mean force at failure and toughness than the SALL when evaluated by each side as well as a combined mean value. These differences were statistically significant (p = 0.05) for toughness as evaluated using an independent t-test (right, p = 0.004; left, p = 0.005; combined, p = 0.002) and force at failure [right, p = 0.001 (independent t-test); left, p = 0.004 and combined, p = 0.005 (Mann–Whitney U test)], indicating that the PL may permit more deformation, but greater resistance to catastrophic failure as compared to the SALL. When evaluating any statistical differences in modulus, the individual and combined values were increased for the PL as compared to the SALL but were not significant (right, p = 0.290; left, p = 0.143; combined, p = 0.110) suggesting a stiffer material that may be more prone to catastrophic failure once a tear has begun. Collectively, these inherent biomechanical properties of the pectineal ligament indicate the ligament may be a more reliable anchor point for pelvic organ prolapse repair than the SALL.

Enhancing PV system grid stability through reliable flexible power point tracking under partial shading

Enhancing PV system grid stability through reliable flexible power point tracking under partial shading

Intensive study, tuning and modification of reactive routing approach to improve flat FANET performance in data collection scenario.

The Flying Ad-hoc Network (FANET) can be defined as the Ad-hoc network that connects unmanned aerial vehicles flying in the space with each other and with a ground base station. However, the 3D movement of these drones with higher speeds results in a network of highly dynamic topology and intermittent connections, making the standard Ad Hoc routing protocols are not suitable for FANET. The approaches followed to address this issue include designing from scratch a routing protocol specific to FANET or modifying the existing protocols. From the view point of reliability, accuracy, and time, it is preferable to base the work on a protocol standard. But before amending the standard, tuning its performance and applying it under suitable conditions may be satisfactory for the new use. Therefore, this work considers flat FANET of fully mission-controlled drones and performs an extensive parametric simulation study to determine the best conditions and parameters' values for applying the popular Ad Hoc On-demand Distance Vector (AODV) to it. After deducing the recommended operating environment (FAODVN-OE), some examples of amendments were suggested to further improve the performance. It was found that the modified FAODVN-OE achieves high performance compared to the default standard in terms of jitter and delay. It helped reduce jitter and delay by an average of 93.2% and 83.8%, respectively, while exhausting less energy; however the network experiences a 24.5% reduction in packet delivery ratio.

Peer review of the pesticide risk assessment of the active substance pirimicarb.

The conclusions of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) following the peer review of the initial risk assessments carried out by the competent authorities of the rapporteur Member State Sweden for the pesticide active substance pirimicarb are reported. The context of the peer review was that required by Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 844/2012, as amended by Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 2018/1659. The conclusions were reached on the basis of the evaluation of the representative use(s) of pirimicarb as an insecticide on winter and spring wheat and sugar beet via foliar spray application and on ornamental pot plants in permanent greenhouses. The reliable end points, appropriate for use in regulatory risk assessment are presented. Missing information identified as being required by the regulatory framework is listed. Concerns are identified.

Peer review of the pesticide risk assessment of the active substance pyrimethanil.

The conclusions of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) following the peer review of the initial risk assessments carried out by the competent authorities of the rapporteur Member State Czech Republic and co-rapporteur Member State Austria for the pesticide active substance pyrimethanil and of confirmatory data following the maximum residue limit (MRL) review under Article 12 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005 are reported. The context of the peer review was that required by Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 844/2012, as amended by Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 2018/1659. The conclusions were reached on the basis of the evaluation of the representative uses of pyrimethanil as a fungicide on grapevine and pome fruit (field uses), strawberry and lettuce (field and greenhouse uses). The reliable end points, appropriate for use in regulatory risk assessment are presented. Missing information identified as being required by the regulatory framework is listed. Concerns are identified.

Peer review of the pesticide risk assessment of the active substance penoxsulam

Abstract The conclusions of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) following the peer review of the initial risk assessments carried out by the competent authorities of the rapporteur Member State, Italy, and co‐rapporteur Member State, Poland, for the pesticide active substance penoxsulam are reported. The context of the peer review was that required by Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 844/2012, as amended by Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 2018/1659. The conclusions were reached on the basis of the evaluation of the representative uses of penoxsulam as a herbicide on rice and chicory. The reliable end points, appropriate for use in regulatory risk assessment, are presented. Missing information identified as being required by the regulatory framework is listed. Concerns are reported where identified.

The prognostic utility of the neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio in paediatric brain tumours: a retrospective case control study

Introduction Paediatric brain tumours (PBT) are the most common cause of death among all childhood cancers. The neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) has been shown to prognosticate many adult cancers. There is a paucity of literature on the NLR in PBTs. This study aims to study the link between PBTs and the NLR by comparing the preoperative serum NLR in children under 16 with brain tumours with their outcome in terms of grade of brain tumour and overall survival. Methods This is a retrospective case control study. The NLRs were compared between patients with benign or malignant PBTs and patients who were alive or dead. Receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses were performed and Youden indexes were calculated to evaluate the predictive potential of the NLR. A cut-off point of NLR > 4 was selected for the calculation of odds ratios. Results A total of 515 patients were included in this study. 53.8% were male. 66.2% had benign PBTs. 81.0% were alive at the time of the study. Patients with malignant PBTs had a higher NLR compared to patients with benign PBTs (p = 0.0066**). There was no difference in the NLR between patients who were dead compared to those who were alive (p = 0.1682 ns). The NLR had a Youden’s index of 0.1567 to predict malignant PBTs and 0.1285 to predict survival. Conclusion A high NLR was associated with an increased odds of having a malignant PBT but a reliable cut-off point was not identified and the underlying mechanisms for this remain unknown. The NLR is a poor diagnostic biomarker due to its poor overall sensitivity and specificity. More research is required to further study the role of immunity in PBTs.