Comparison Of Standards Research Articles

Studies on pre-irradiation thermal annealing induced new phase formation in a PADC polymer: The influence of phase transition on heavy ion detection

Stimulation with thermal pulses can realize and manipulate states of matter with emergent structural and electronic phenomena. The transition phases are often non-transient, and the challenge is to understand them as persistent states. Isochronal annealing experiment at annealing temperatures of 130, 140, 150 and 160 °C for 8 h, was conducted on PADC (so-called CR-39) detectors prior to their irradiation to 252Cf source. Reversing the sequence, other detector films were first subjected to 252Cf irradiation and then thermally treated only at 130 °C for 8 h as above. for example, as a standard comparison between both processes: irradiation post-annealing and irradiation pre-annealing. The bulk etch rates were measured by using the weight loss method (WLM) and the fission track diameter method (FTDM). The qualitative impacts of these treatments have been characterized by means of X-ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetric (DSC) and spectroscopic measurements of FT-IR. Specifically, the dependences of structural, thermal and chemical parameters on the thermal pulses passed through PADC polymer films treated at different annealing temperatures for annealing time 8 h have been measured. The phase transition of the PADC films was found to be dependent on the annealing temperature, in addition, phase transition proved to be clearly formed by increasing the annealing temperature at 130 °C. This paper shows how the well-controlled thermal treatment of the PADC detector can alter its radiation detection thresholds and its detection sensitivity in the near-surface layer of thickness beyond a couple of hundreds of nanometers. This finding is more pronounced for cases of higher annealing temperatures and larger annealing time intervals. The obtained results demonstrate that the heavy ions (with higher ionization rates e.g., fission fragments), are clearly detected in the near-surface layer of the thermally treated PADC.

Substance use in sexual minority youth: prevalence in an urban cohort

BackgroundLittle comparative data on substance use (SU) between sexual minority youth (SMY) and heterosexual youth (HET) is available. This study compares the prevalence of SU in an urban cohort between SMY and HET and evaluates demographic and psychosocial predictors of SU.MethodsData came from a prospective-longitudinal cohort study in an urban setting (N = 1297). SU and psychosocial variables such as internalizing symptoms, self-control, sensation-seeking, bullying-victimization, subjective stress, leisure activities, and peer influences were assessed with self-reports at age 17 and 20. SU was stratified by sex and sexual attraction, and the groups were compared using regression models, with demographic and psychosocial variables included as covariates.ResultsSMY- and HET-youth displayed differences in a number of psychosocial variables. Overall, SMY- and HET-youth differed in their 12-months prevalence of SU: At age 17, SMY-females had significantly higher rates of SU than HET-females for cannabis (aOR = 2.14, p = 0.04), ecstasy/MDMA (aOR = 4.29, p = 0.01), and hallucinogens (aOR = 5.59, p = 0.02). At age 20, SMY-females had significantly higher rates of SU than HET-females for tobacco (aOR = 2.06, p = 0.03), cannabis (aOR = 2.24, p = 0.004), ecstasy/MDMA (aOR = 3.93, p < 0.001), stimulants (aOR = 3.45, p = 0.002), and hallucinogens (aOR = 6.65, p < 0.001). SMY-males reported significantly lower rates for tobacco and cannabis than HET-males at age 17. At age 20, they reported significantly higher rates for the use of ecstasy/MDMA (aOR = 2.30, p = 0.04) and hallucinogens (aOR = 2.43, p = 0.03).ConclusionsGiven that psychosocial variables were significant covariates of SMY-status and SU, our results underline the importance of accounting for these when explaining differences in SU between adolescents. While differentiation by sex is established in most studies, such standardized comparisons are lacking with regards to sexual identities. But knowledge about SU of SMY is critical for designing effective interventions. This is especially true for SMY-females: Thus, SU in SMY-females early in life needs to be explored more thoroughly and addressed with adequate prevention measures.

Monitoring of international standards in the field of ISO/TC 71 “Concrete, reinforced concrete, prestressed reinforced concrete”

Introduction. The article is based on the results of monitoring the regulatory framework of international standards in the field of ISO/TC 71 “Concrete, reinforced concrete, prestressed reinforced concrete”. Monitoring and analysis of newly developed and updated international standards is done to identify gaps in the domestic regulatory framework, to find duplicate or contradict regulatory documents, to establish relationships with regulatory documents related to adjacent areas, to monitor and analyze existing regulatory technical documents for the sufficiency of requirements in the field of the committee’s activities, to prepare proposals for the development of mandatory construction norms.The aim is to analyze and compare the international and Russian regulatory and technical base for its timely updating and elimination of emerging duplications and contradictions, to increase the level of harmonization of Russian and international norms and standards in the field of construction of buildings and structures, from the point of view of introducing progressive domestic developments into the regulatory framework, to develop proposals for amendments to regulatory technical documents and development of new regulatory documents in this area.Materials and methods. International ISO standards were selected as the material, and European and American standards were compared with their Russian counterparts for further analysis.Results. The article provides selective monitoring, analysis and comparison of ISO standards and the Russian regulatory and technical framework for its timely updating and elimination of duplications and contradictions, increasing the level of harmonization of Russian and international norms and standards in the field of construction of buildings and structures ISO/TC 71 “Concrete, reinforced concrete, prestressed reinforced concrete”. Nine international ISO standards have been analyzed with a view to possible harmonization with Russian national standards.Conclusions. Based on the results of monitoring:1. 9 ISO/TC 71 standards “Concrete, reinforced concrete, prestressed reinforced concrete” are considered. The systematization of the current ISO standards related to the field of activity of ISO/TC 71 “Concrete, reinforced concrete, prestressed reinforced concrete” has been carried out.2. The closest analogues of normative technical and methodological documents in the national standardization system for the analyzed ISO standards are identified and analyzed.3. Proposals have been prepared for the development of new and updating previously approved codes of rules, building codes and regulations.

The Interaural Time Difference for High-Pass Filtered Noise and Its Relationship With Brainstem Dysfunction and Disability in Multiple Sclerosis.

Just noticeable difference for interaural time difference (JND-ITD) is a sensitive test to detect silent lesions and neural asynchrony along the auditory pathways among individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS), but it has not been studied with brainstem functional system scores (BFSS) and expanded disability status scale (EDSS). The study aims to assess the usefulness of JND-ITD thresholds in individuals with MS and relate to brainstem magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) lesions, BFSS, and disability (EDSS). Standard group comparison design was adapted to compare the JND-ITD thresholds between individuals with MS (n = 45) and age and gender-matched healthy participants (n = 45). All participants underwent case history, neurological examination including BFSS and EDSS scoring, MRI brain imaging, minimental state examination, routine audiological evaluation, and ITD testing for high-pass filtered noise stimuli. Of the 36 MS participants with abnormal JND-ITD thresholds, 22 (48.9%) participants could not identify maximum JND-ITD values (1,280 μs) in the ITD task. Abnormal JND-ITDs thresholds (139-1,280 μs) were obtained in 14 (31.11%) participants with MS. The JND-ITD thresholds were significantly different between the healthy and MS group. No significant association was found between the presence of ITD abnormality with the presence of brainstem lesions (MRI) and brainstem dysfunction (BFSS). Also, this study did not find any relationship between JND-ITD thresholds with disability (EDSS). This study supports the findings that JND-ITD for high-pass filtered noise is a sensitive test to detect lesions along the auditory system. Even though JND-ITD thresholds did not relate with BFSS and EDSS scores, JND-ITD abnormalities can be of great value in identifying lesions along the auditory system, especially in the early stages of MS, when clinical neurological examination does not show any signs of brainstem dysfunction, disability, and MRI without any lesions in the brain.

Evaluation of the snow loads on the snow galleries on the Iron Ore Line in Northern Sweden

AbstractThe Iron Ore Line is a railway in northern Sweden and Norway, crucial for iron ore transportation. Snow galleries safeguard this route, ensuring uninterrupted traffic for efficient operations. A snow gallery is a protective structure that shields roads and railways from heavy snowfall and avalanches. Reported damages to these structures caused by excessive snow loads have prompted an investigation to prevent further issues. This paper presents an analysis of the evolution of snow load calculations over time, though a comparison of Swedish design standards. The design snow loads required by current standards have increased up to 60% from the initial regulations, depending on the location of the structure. Besides, climate change is predicted to further increase snow loads due to more frequent winter precipitation, higher snow density, and extreme snowfall events. This analysis is part of a broader research project involving numerical simulations, live monitoring, and a digital twin monitoring system of some snow galleries in the Iron Ore Line.

Quantitative evaluation of collector flotation performance I: The creation of a flotation index based on mineral recovery

Collectors are crucial for successful flotation, and their performance evaluation is one of the most important steps in their development process. It is urgent to create new evaluation indices/methods because the existing indices/methods are not ideal in terms of standardization and universality. Collector flotation performance is conventionally evaluated using two parameters, i.e., collecting ability and selectivity. Thus, a two-dimensional evaluation space exists. Through the creation and normalization of a flotation index (FI), based solely upon mineral recovery, this evaluation space may be reduced to one-dimension, in the range of 0 ∼ 1 and verified mathematically. In the construction of FI, the relative recovery (Rr; collector-induced recovery) of the target mineral replaces the absolute recovery (R; used for the existing indices/methods), quantifying actual collecting ability and excluding the adverse effects of variable minerals’ natural or inherent floatability (Rn). Moreover, selectivity is quantified by the recovery gap (ΔR) between the target and gangue minerals. Compared with separation efficiency (SE; a conventional evaluation index), FI fills a gap in collector performance evaluation for single minerals by a convenient process. Additionally, FI can qualitatively/semi-quantitatively evaluate collector flotation performance for mineral mixtures and industrial ores based on the evaluation results for single minerals, reducing laboratory costs. It should be noted that if FI is directly used to calculate collector flotation performance for mineral mixtures and industrial ores, grade analysis is indispensable. The normalized and dimensionless FI is more universal, providing a standardized comparison of collector flotation performance for different flotation systems, different minerals/ores or the same mineral/ore from different mining areas. As the scoring function of flotation performance, FI is the basis for the subsequent construction of a standardized method to comprehensively and quantitatively predict collector flotation performance in combination with quantitative structure–activity relationship (QSAR), machine learning (ML) and Quantum chemistry (QC).

How Relative Is Stress?

Abstract: In self-reports, employees frequently use self-selected social comparisons to assess workplace stressors and resources, but these comparisons vary within and between individuals. This study investigates how standardizing social comparison processes by adding a prescribed comparison to each item affects the reliability and validity of self-report scales measuring work-related stressors and resources and how the standardized comparison affects scale means. A total of 208 employees were randomly assigned to one of two groups, comparing their perceptions to either their direct colleagues or without instructed comparison. The results indicate no effect on reliability, improvement in validity for one scale, and differences in means between groups for stressors and a resource scale. These findings suggest potential benefits and drawbacks of standardized social comparisons in self-report measures.

The Manometric Representation of the Upper Esophageal Sphincter During the Resting State: A Descriptive Study.

The upper esophageal sphincter (UES) is the high-pressure zone marking the transition between the hypopharynx and esophagus. There is limited research surrounding the resting UES using pharyngeal high-resolution manometry (HRM) and existing normative data varies widely. This study describes the manometric representation of the resting UES using a clinically accessible method of measurement. Data were obtained from 87 subjects in a normative database of pharyngeal HRM with simultaneous videofluoroscopy. The resting UES manometric region was identified and ten measurement segments of this region were taken throughout the duration of the study using the Smart Mouse function within the manometry software. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) were used to analyze within-subject reliability across measurements. Linear mixed-effects regression models were used to analyze how subject characteristics and manometric conditions influence resting UES pressure. There was excellent within-subject reliability between resting UES mean pressures (ICC = 0.96). In bivariate analysis, there were significant effects of age, number of sensors contained within the resting UES, and preceding swallow volume on mean resting UES pressure. For every 1 unit increase in age, there was a 0.19 unit decrease in resting UES pressure (p = 0.008). For every 1 unit increase in number of sensors contained within the resting UES, there was a 3.71 unit increase in resting UES pressure (p < 0.001). This study presents normative data for the resting UES, using a comprehensive and clinically accessible protocol that can provide standard comparison for the study of populations with swallowing disorders, particularly UES dysfunction, and provides support for UES-directed interventions.

Accuracy of different digital acquisition methods in complete arch implant-supported prostheses: An in vitro study

Statement of problemDigital methods such as intraoral scanners for recording the location of implants supporting complete arch prostheses have limitations. Photogrammetry devices should be able to digitize implant positions accurately, but standardized comparisons between different digital acquisition methods are lacking. PurposeThe purpose of this in vitro study was to compare the repeatability of different digital acquisition methods for complete arch prostheses supported by 6 and 4 implants. Material and methodsA master cast was created with 6 and 4 dental implants with multiunit abutments to obtain the master digital casts. The evaluated devices were the industrial high-resolution 12-megapixel scanner (reference) Atos Compact Scan 12M (GOM), the laboratory scanners D2000 (3Shape A/S) and S900 Arti (Zirkonzahn), the photogrammetry devices iCam (iMetric4D) and PIC (PIC Dental), and the intraoral scanners TRIOS 3 (3Shape A/S) and iTero Element 5D (Align Technology). The resulting files were imported to a computer-aided design software program (exocad GmbH) to obtain the implant replicas as standard tessellation language (STL) files. These files were imported into a software program (Geomagic Control X) and superimposed per group through the best-fit algorithm to determine repeatability, defined as the closeness of agreement between each group’s scanned results as root mean square (RMS) values. The normality of distribution was tested by the Shapiro-Wilk normality test, and the Kruskal-Wallis test with adjustment with the Bonferroni correction method was used accordingly (α=.05). ResultsThe repeatability means and 95% confidence intervals for the 4 implant scans were: 1.07 µm (0.86; 1.29) for GOM, 2.05 µm (1.89; 2.21) for D2000, 3.61 µm (3.23; 3.99) for S900, 7.01 µm (6.11; 7.91) for iCam, 5.18 µm (4.6; 5.76) for PIC, 20.52 µm (18.33; 22.72) for TRIOS 3, and 20.5 µm (17.37; 23.63) for iTero. Statistically significant differences were found between devices, except for iCam versus PIC, GOM versus S900, iCam versus D2000, PIC versus D2000, and TRIOS 3 versus iTero. The repeatability means and 95% confidence intervals for the 6 implant groups were: 1.36 µm (1.08; 1.65) for GOM, 3.17 µm (3.01; 3.33) for D2000, 2.15 µm (2.04; 2.25) for S900, 8.67 µm (8.06; 9.28) for iCam, 13.88 µm (12.62; 15.14) for PIC, 40.32 µm (36.29; 44.36) for TRIOS 3, and 38.86 µm (34.01; 43.71) for iTero. Statistically significant differences were detected between devices, except for S900 versus GOM, PIC versus iCam, and iTero versus TRIOS 3. ConclusionsThe results suggest that photogrammetry could be a suitable alternative for recording implant locations of complete arch prostheses supported by 4 or 6 implants, with better repeatability than intraoral scanners. Increasing the number of implants decreased the repeatability of every device tested except the laboratory scanners.

Clinical Validation Benchmark Dataset and Expert Performance Baseline for Colorectal Polyp Localization Methods.

Colorectal cancer is one of the leading death causes worldwide, but, fortunately, early detection highly increases survival rates, with the adenoma detection rate being one surrogate marker for colonoscopy quality. Artificial intelligence and deep learning methods have been applied with great success to improve polyp detection and localization and, therefore, the adenoma detection rate. In this regard, a comparison with clinical experts is required to prove the added value of the systems. Nevertheless, there is no standardized comparison in a laboratory setting before their clinical validation. The ClinExpPICCOLO comprises 65 unedited endoscopic images that represent the clinical setting. They include white light imaging and narrow band imaging, with one third of the images containing a lesion but, differently to another public datasets, the lesion does not appear well-centered in the image. Together with the dataset, an expert clinical performance baseline has been established with the performance of 146 gastroenterologists, who were required to locate the lesions in the selected images. Results shows statistically significant differences between experience groups. Expert gastroenterologists' accuracy was 77.74, while sensitivity and specificity were 86.47 and 74.33, respectively. These values can be established as minimum values for a DL method before performing a clinical trial in the hospital setting.

How registry data are used to inform activities for stroke care quality improvement across 55 countries: A cross-sectional survey of Registry of Stroke Care Quality (RES-Q) hospitals.

The Registry of Stroke Care Quality (RES-Q) is a worldwide quality improvement data platform that captures performance and quality measures, enabling standardized comparisons of hospital care. The aim of this study was to determine if, and how, RES-Q data are used to influence stroke quality improvement and identify the support and educational needs of clinicians using RES-Q data to improve stroke care. A cross-sectional self-administered online survey was administered (October 2021-February 2022). Participants were RES-Q hospital local coordinators responsible for stroke data collection. Descriptive statistics are presented. Surveys were sent to 1463 hospitals in 74 countries; responses were received from 358 hospitals in 55 countries (response rate 25%). RES-Q data were used "always" or "often" to: develop quality improvement initiatives (n = 213, 60%); track stroke care quality over time (n = 207, 58%); improve local practice (n = 191, 53%); and benchmark against evidence-based policies, procedures and/or guidelines to identify practice gaps (n = 179, 50%). Formal training in the use of RES-Q tools and data were the most frequent support needs identified by respondents (n = 165, 46%). Over half "strongly agreed" or "agreed" that to support clinical practice change, education is needed on: (i) using data to identify evidence-practice gaps (n = 259, 72%) and change clinical practice (n = 263, 74%), and (ii) quality improvement science and methods (n = 255, 71%). RES-Q data are used for monitoring stroke care performance. However, to facilitate their optimal use, effective quality improvement methods are needed. Educating staff in quality improvement science may develop competency and improve use of data in practice.

Defining aggressive prostate cancer: a geospatial perspective

BackgroundSpatial analysis can identify communities where men are at risk for aggressive prostate cancer (PCan) and need intervention. However, there are several definitions for aggressive PCan. In this study, we evaluate geospatial patterns of 3 different aggressive PCan definitions in relation to PCan-specific mortality and provide methodologic and practical insights into how each definition may affect intervention targets.MethodsUsing the Pennsylvania State Cancer Registry data (2005–2015), we used 3 definitions to assign “aggressive” status to patients diagnosed with PCan. Definition one (D1, recently recommended as the primary definition, given high correlation with PCan death) was based on staging criteria T4/N1/M1 or Gleason score ≥ 8. Definition two (D2, most frequently-used definition in geospatial studies) included distant SEER summary stage. Definition three (D3) included Gleason score ≥ 7 only. Using Bayesian spatial models, we identified geographic clusters of elevated odds ratios for aggressive PCan (binomial model) for each definition and compared overlap between those clusters to clusters of elevated hazard ratios for PCan-specific mortality (Cox regression).ResultsThe number of “aggressive” PCan cases varied by definition, and influenced quantity, location, and extent/size of geographic clusters in binomial models. While spatial patterns overlapped across all three definitions, using D2 in binomial models provided results most akin to PCan-specific mortality clusters as identified through Cox regression. This approach resulted in fewer clusters for targeted intervention and less sensitive to missing data compared to definitions that rely on clinical TNM staging.ConclusionsUsing D2, based on distant SEER summary stage, in future research may facilitate consistency and allow for standardized comparison across geospatial studies.

Synthesis, characterisation and quantification of the new psychoactive substance 1-(1,3-benzodioxol-5-yl)-2-(propylamino)butan-1-one (bk-PBDB, putylone)

Synthetic cathinones are a continually evolving family of illicit drugs, with novel analogues frequently being detected. This paper reports the detection of 1-(1,3-benzodioxol-5-yl)-2-(propylamino)butan-1-one, bk-PBDB (putylone), within solid dosage forms (tablets) seized by law enforcement for the first time in the United Kingdom. The identity of the compound was confirmed via the synthesis of a pure bk-PBDB reference standard and direct spectral comparison by 1H NMR and GC-EI-MS analysis. A full analytical profiling of bk-PBDB by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), attenuated total reflection Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and gas chromatography-electron ionisation-mass spectrometry (GC-EI-MS) is reported and shows good concordance between the seized sample and the reference standard. A validated GC-EI-MS method for the routine quantification of the cathinone in bulk forensic samples (LOD: 0.09 μg/mL, LOQ: 0.26 μg/mL) was also developed and using this method, the seized tablets were determined to contain a mixture of bk-PBDB (130.6–135.5 mg/tablet) and caffeine (40.2–43.4 mg/tablet) respectively.

The comparison lemma

The standard comparison lemma of inner model theory is deficient, in that it does not in general produce a comparison of all the relevant inputs. How two mice compare can depend upon which iteration strategies are used to compare them. We shall outline here a method for comparing iteration strategies that removes this defect.

Comparison of achievement standards in the Life science of 2015 and 2022 revised curriculum based on Bloom's revised taxonomy

Comparison of achievement standards in the Life science of 2015 and 2022 revised curriculum based on Bloom's revised taxonomy

Comparison and analysis of CEFR reception, production skills and achievement standards of the 2022 revised elementary English curriculum

Comparison and analysis of CEFR reception, production skills and achievement standards of the 2022 revised elementary English curriculum

EXPLORING THE DEVELOPMENT OF STUDENTS’ KNOWLEDGE OF CONVENTIONALISED SIMILES IN ENGLISH LEXICOLOGY AND PHRASEOLOGY: A COMPARATIVE STUDY

Idioms are a colourful and fascinating aspect of English which are commonly used in all types of language, formal and informal, spoken and written. Despite the emerging theoretical accounts of idioms up to now, little attention has been paid to teaching and learning idiomatic expressions in English as a Foreign Language, English for Specific Purposes or English for Academic Purposes classroom. Developing idiomatic competence among English language learners in Slovakia remains a formidable challenge. Second-year undergraduates of the study programmes ‘Teacher Training of English Language and Literature’ (single major study) and ‘Teacher Training of English Language and Literature (double major study) need to master different types of idioms within one-term course in ‘English Lexicology and Phraseology’. Their language skills will increase rapidly if they can understand and use them confidently and correctly. The communication role of idiomatic comparisons is often neglected, as well. The aim of the paper is to find out their level of knowledge of standard idiomatic comparisons at the beginning and the end of the course. The paper intends to reveal how students of different nationalities – Slovak, Hungarian, Russian and Ukrainian – are able to explain the meaning of similes used in example sentences in English or their mother tongue. Altogether 51 students are tested twice via tests focused on similes, and their results are compared via a statistical t-Test. The results from the initial test show that their knowledge of idiomatic comparisons was not very wide. However, the results from the final test prove that they were motivated to learn idioms, and thus they extended their knowledge of idiomatic comparisons significantly. In addition, the paper suggests some implications for teaching and learning similes and phraseological units in general.

Adaptation and Validation of the Voice Symptom Scale into Kannada (VoiSS-K)

The Voice Symptom Scale (VoiSS) is a self-assessment tool that assesses vocal symptomsand measures the effect of dysphonia. Adapting VoiSS into Kannada can be beneficial in evaluating dysphonia-related symptoms, especially in the Kannada-speaking population. To adapt the VoiSS into Kannada and to assess the reliability, validity, and cut-off values of the VoiSS Kannada version (VoiSS-K). The study used a prospective nonrandomized standard group comparison. Initially, the VoiSS was translated into Kannada. The VoiSS-K was administered to 76 participants (34 females and 42 males) with a mean age of 46.4±14.5 years having voice disorders. The VoiSS-K was also administered to 76 respondents having clinically normal voice who were age and gender-matched to the participants with voice disorders. Cronbach's alpha was utilized to evaluate the internal consistency, and the intraclass correlation coefficient to evaluate the test-retest reliability. The findings indicated that the VoiSS-K had excellent test-retest reliability and internal consistency. The study group participants had significantly higher VoiSS-K scores than the control group participants. Thus, the outcomes indicated that the VoiSS-K had good discriminative validity. Receiver operating characteristiccurve analysis was conducted, and the cut-off score of VoiSS-K was 40.50. As the VoiSS-K is a rigorous, robust, and detailed self-assessment questionnaire, it can be used as a clinically sensitive tool to evaluate voice symptoms in Kannada-speaking individuals.

Extended Use of Levonorgestrel-Releasing Intrauterine System (LNG-IUS) 52 mg: A Population Pharmacokinetic Approach to Estimate In Vivo Levonorgestrel Release Rates and Systemic Exposure Including Comparison With Two Other LNG-IUSs

ABSTRACT With over 30 years of use, levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine systems (LNG-IUSs) have proven to be highly effective methods of contraceptives. The active ingredient in LNG-IUS, levonorgestrel (LNG), is released directly into the uterine cavity, which causes suppression of endometrial maturation and thickened cervical mucus. A variety of LNG-IUS options exhibit well-established safety profiles and efficacy, providing anywhere between 2 and 18 times lower systemic exposure when compared with LNG-containing pills or implants. Patient-centered decision-making regarding product choice may be encouraged through standardized comparisons of LNG release and exposure during the time of their respective usage periods. Evaluation of the efficacy, safety, and PK of extended Mirena use from beyond 5 years to the conclusion of 8 years was designed in the Mirena Extension Trial (MET), thereby facilitating comparisons with LNG-IUS 19.5 mg and LNG-IUS 13.5 mg. Using validated liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry methods and SHBG concentrations, the authors determined concentrations of plasma LNG levels. Dichloromethane was used for extracting residual LNG from the elastomer material from removed IUS devices, which was then quantified via liquid chromatography and external calibration on a reversed-phase column. Although previous models used measured LNG and SHBG (serum) concentrations, the population pharmacokinetics (popPK) allows for a uniform method of comparison among different pharmacologic studies. The popPK approach allows for a reliable estimates of in vivo LNG exposure and release during the entirety of the 8-year use period. The MET enrolled premenopausal women aged 18–35 years for a multicenter, single-arm study regarding patients who had used LNG-IUS 52 mg for the last 4.5–5 years for up to 8 years. The study took place from December 22, 2016 to May 28, 2021 throughout 54 US centers, with the primary outcome of contraceptive efficacy and failure rate. Participants each provided written, informed consent. Study strengths of the popPK approach included its robust methodology, its ability to provide in vivo release rate estimates, a stepwise demo of model suitability from use years 6 to 8, model-based estimation of unbound LNG, and the ability to provide estimates for both population and individual PK profiles from sparse available sampling. Limitations include the possibility of findings being group effects possibly inapplicable to all LNG-IUS users. In addition, the data fail to provide local endometrial and cervical LNG concentrations due to the systemic nature of the LNG exposure. Finally, the popPK Mondale should not be used for theoretical question addressing (such as creating rate release estimates outside of available data sets). In conclusion, a broad data set indicates that reliable LNG exposure is delivered by 8-year popPK and release models for up to 7 years of LNG-IUs 52 mg use. Efficacy is data-supported for 6–8 years of use, with constant LNG release throughout this time frame. Systemic LNG exposure from LNG-IUD 52 mg proved both comparable to other LNG-IUS devices and significantly lower than oral and implanted LNG-containing contraceptives.

An Overview and Comparison of Wireless Technologies and Standards for Industrial Wireless Sensor Networks

The tremendous research and development has provided a number of wireless technologies and standards used for communication in Industrial Wireless Sensor Networks. The primary reason for writing this article is to study all available Wireless technologies and standards and to identify their area of usage, study different parameters like power consumption, functionality, communication range, transmission speed, data type etc. Another important and main reason of this article is to select best suitable technology for our next research. Various parameters of established technologies like Wireless HART, Zigbee, ISA 100.11a and Dash7 have been compared using a comparison table.