Standard Plan Research Articles

Установление владельца адреса криптокошелька в практике правоохранительных органов

The author analyzes the law enforcement experience (operational and investigative) in the disclosure and investigation of crimes related to the use of cryptocurrency. The article highlights the difficulties associated with establishing the owner of the crypto wallet address in the practical activities of operatives and investigators. The article describes the operational and investigative experience in establishing the owner of the crypto wallet address by sending a request to the crypto exchange. The article proposes to send a request to the crypto exchange for these purposes within the framework of the relevant operational search event “Making inquiries” and the investigative action “Investigative experiment”. The author suggests that the reader familiarize himself with the standard plan for carrying out the specified operational search event. The same plan has been developed for the production of the investigative action “Investigative experiment”. The author concluded that the formation of evidence at the preliminary investigation takes place through the production of an investigative action “Investigative experiment”, and to present the results of operational investigative activities, operatives conduct the above-mentioned operational investigative event. In conclusion, the author proposes a descriptive part of the protocol of the investigative experiment to facilitate the introduction of new methods and techniques in proving criminal cases.

Drop-out rates in animal-assisted psychotherapy - Results of a quantitative meta-analysis.

Animal-assisted psychotherapy is an emerging field with great potential and growing popularity. However, empirical research on its effectiveness is insufficient, and consistent evidence about patients' commitment is missing. The present meta-analysis addresses this gap by systematically comparing drop-out rates in animal-assisted psychotherapy and by relating the resulting across study drop-out rate to across study drop-out rates reported in meta-analyses on conventional psychotherapy. Fifty-seven studies published until August 2022 were identified as eligible for meta-analytic comparison, that is, they conducted animal-assisted psychotherapy on at least one group of psychiatric patients and reported drop-out rates. Potential moderating influences of the type of animal and patients' disorder were considered, as well as multiple other demographic and study design variables. The across study drop-out rate in animal-assisted psychotherapy was 11.2%. This was significantly lower than the across meta-analyses drop-out rate of conventional psychotherapy (d = -.45, p = .0005). Although effects of moderator variables could not be evaluated statistically due to too small and heterogeneous data sets, descriptive results suggest influences of the type of animal and patient disorder. However, study quality ratings identified serious shortcomings regarding proper research design, most critically concerning the report of effect size measures, the use of standardized intervention plans and Open Science practices. Drop-out constitutes a major problem of psychotherapeutic research and practice. By proposing that the inclusion of an animal in the psychotherapeutic setting can enhance patients' commitment and by outlining challenges and opportunity of animal-assisted psychotherapy, this meta-analysis offers a starting point for future research in this evolving field.

Pain Medication and Pain Intensity Following Hip Fractures-Analyses Based on the ProFem Cohort Study.

Pain is a common symptom following proximal femoral fractures (PFF), however, information on its treatment in terms of agents and type of use (scheduled vs. pro re nata [PRN]) is scarce. The main objective of this study was to examine pain medication regimens according to pain intensity following PFF. Furthermore, we explored the utilization of medication plans. The "ProFem"-study on healthcare provision, functional ability, and quality of life after PFF is a German population-based prospective cohort study based on statutory health insurance data and individually linked survey data from different time points including information on the currently used medication. This present analysis refers to the participants' baseline interviews (about 3 months following PFF) conducted from 2018 to 2019 in the participants' private surroundings. The study population comprised 444 participants (mean age: 81.2 years, 71.0% female). Half of them reported high intensity pain, and the mean value for the EuroQol visual analogue scale was 50.8. Most commonly used analgesics were metamizole and tilidine/naloxone. Among participants with high intensity pain, 21.9% received only PRN pain medication and 17.2% no pain medication at all. Overall, 61.5% of participants presented any (printed) medication plan and only 25.2% a "federal standardized medication plan" (BMP). As a substantial number of patients reports high intensity pain about 3 months following a PFF, the large proportion of those receiving no or only PRN pain medication raises questions regarding the appropriateness of the therapy. The overall low utilization of the BMP indicates potential for improvement.

Developing Standard BIM Execution Plans for Complex Construction Projects

This study addresses the critical need for standardizing building information modeling (BIM) execution plans (BEPs) in the architecture, engineering, construction, and operations (AECO) sector. Through the analysis of 36 BEP documents from international organizations, we have identified crucial components and put forth a comprehensive framework with the objective of improving digital transformation and collaboration in intricate construction projects. This study utilizes scientometric analysis to chart the development of BEP standards and incorporates empirical data from industry surveys to verify the suggested framework. The results of our research emphasize the advantages of using standardized building execution plans (BEPs) to decrease inefficiencies and enhance project outcomes. This makes a substantial contribution to the field of building information modeling (BIM) implementation.

Predictors of successful transition of adolescents and young adults living with HIV from pediatric to adult-oriented care in southern Ethiopia: a retrospective cohort study

BackgroundThe introduction of highly active antiretroviral therapy has significantly improved the life expectancies of children and adolescents living with HIV, leading to an increased number transitioning to adult care. However, there has been a lack of studies in Ethiopia focusing on factors influencing the success of this transition. Therefore, this study aimed to determine predictors of a successful transition from pediatric to adult HIV clinics among adolescents and young adults living with HIV in health facilities in southern Ethiopia.MethodsA retrospective cohort study included 337 adolescents and young adults who transitioned to adult-oriented HIV care. Successful transition was defined as having a viral load of less than 1000 copies/ml and maintaining care during the first year post-transition. Patients’ antiretroviral therapy (ART) cards and monitoring charts were reviewed. Secondary data analysis was conducted using a multivariable binary logistic regression model to identify predictors of a successful transition. Using the variance inflation factor, we checked for multi-collinearity between variables and assessed model fitness with the Hosmer and Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test. Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) and P-value ≤ 0.05 measured the strength of association and statistical significance.ResultsOf 337 participants, 230 (68.25%) successfully transitioned (95% CI = 63.25, 73.25). Transitioning at age 18 or older (AOR = 4.25; 95% CI = 2.29, 7.87), residing in an urban area (AOR = 1.78; 95% CI = 1.04, 3.02), and being on antiretroviral therapy for more than two years (AOR = 4.25; 95% CI = 1.17, 4.94; P < 0.017) were identified as positive predictors and opportunistic infection (AOR = 0.34; 95% CI = 0.15, 0.75; P < 0.008) was identified as a negative predictor for a successful transition from pediatric to adult ART clinic.ConclusionThis study sheds light on the challenges faced by HIV patients transitioning from pediatric to adult care, with less than 70% successfully navigating this critical phase. Factors such as age at transition, residence, duration of ART, and the presence of opportunistic infections were identified as key predictors of successful transition. The findings underscore the urgent need for tailored interventions, including standardized transition plans that address age and urban/rural disparities, to enhance transition outcomes for adolescents and young adults living with HIV in the region.

Peripheral intravenous catheter-induced phlebitis in a tertiary hospital of Karachi: a cohort study.

This study aimed to determine the incidence of peripheral intravenous catheter (PIVC)-induced phlebitis and its predictors among adult patients hospitalized at Dow University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan. A sample of 258 adult patients admitted in the selected wards and planned for peripheral intravenous catheter insertion were recruited through consecutive sampling during March to May 2019. Daily follow-ups were performed to observe signs of phlebitis using a validated tool. The cohort was followed until discharge, removal of peripheral intravenous catheter, or study conclusion. Of 258 patients studied, 139 (53.9%) were females. A significant number of the participants 104 (40.3%) were young adults of age 20-40 years. The incidence of phlebitis was 39.1%. Tuberculosis (TB), peripheral intravenous catheter dwell time before initial assessment, administration of IV fluids, and dissatisfactory nursing care at Day 1 were associated significantly with the development of phlebitis. There was a doseresponse relationship between the catheter dwell time in hours before initial assessment and the development of phlebitis. This study found an increased incidence (39.1%) in three months of PIVC-induced phlebitis among adult patients. In addition to patient-related and PIVC-related risk factors considered in this study, PIVC-induced phlebitis is found to be significantly associated with the level of PIVC care provided by nurses. Continuous nursing education, developing standard care plans for PIVCs, and proper documentation of care are recommended.

The value of computer reconstruction in the treatment of intra-articular fractures of the distal part of the humerus

The aim of the work was to study the role of computer reconstruction and additive technologies in the planning of surgical treatment of intra-articular fractures of the distal part of the humerus in the early post-traumatic period. Materials and methods: the results of treatment of 44 patients with fractures of the distal part of the humerus aged from 22 to 65 years were studied. All patients underwent MSCT in the preoperative period. In 45.5 % (20) cases, in order to increase the effectiveness of preoperative planning, simulation osteosynthesis was performed on an individual printed model of the damaged bone. After completion of preoperative planning, all patients underwent osseous metallo-osteosynthesis in the first week after receiving the injury. In order to assess the effectiveness of the application of visualization techniques, a survey of the operating team was carried out regarding the informativeness of the conducted instrumental studies. Results. The average duration of surgical intervention among patients in the clinical group with standard preoperative planning was 105.9 ± 9.15 minutes. The average results of the survey of the surgical team after the surgical interventions in the specified clinical group were 21.2 ± 2.8 points. The average duration of surgery among patients of the second clinical group, whose preoperative planning included not only the assessment of MSCT results of the damaged segment, but also simulated osteosynthesis with the selection and application of optimal metal fixators, was 54.6 ± 7.14 minutes. The average results of the survey of the surgical team were 31.2 ± 1.7 points. Conclusions. The use of a combination of visualization technologies and 3D printing allows to reduce the time the patient spends in the operating room and increase the effectiveness of preoperative planning. Performing simulated osteosynthesis in the preoperative period allows you to develop an individual technique of repositioning bone fragments and use the optimal standard size of the cortical metal fixator with the distribution of the most favourable compression points of bone fragments

Prostate Risk and Monitoring During Testosterone Replacement Therapy.

Men with hypogonadism have reduced risk of prostate cancer mortality; whether testosterone treatment increases the risk of prostate safety events in men with hypogonadism remains controversial. Several studies including 4 larger randomized trials-the Testosterone Trials, TEstosterone and Atherosclerosis Progression in Aging Men (TEAAM) trial, Testosterone for Diabetes Mellitus trial, and Testosterone Replacement therapy for Assessment of long-term Vascular Events and efficacy ResponSE in hypogonadal men (TRAVERSE) trial-treated men with testosterone or placebo for 1 year or longer and reported prospectively ascertained prostate safety data. The TRAVERSE Trial, because of its large size, longer duration, and adjudication of prostate events, has provided comprehensive data on the risk of adverse prostate events during testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). Among men with hypogonadism, carefully screened to exclude those at high risk of prostate cancer, the incidences of high-grade or any prostate cancer, acute urinary retention, surgical procedure for benign prostatic hyperplasia, prostate biopsy, or new pharmacologic therapy for lower urinary tract symptoms were low and did not differ between the testosterone and placebo groups. Testosterone did not worsen lower urinary tract symptoms. TRT was associated with a greater increase in prostate-specific antigen than placebo in the first year of treatment. Testosterone treatment of men with hypogonadism, screened to exclude those at high risk of prostate cancer, is associated with low risk of adverse prostate events. Baseline evaluation of prostate cancer risk and a standardized monitoring plan can minimize the risk of unnecessary prostate biopsy while enabling the detection of high-grade prostate cancers in men receiving TRT.

Learning from an experience, challenges and approaches in the workplace during COVID-19 pandemic: a content analysis of international documents

BackgroundThis study aims to investigate international measures for pandemic control in the workplace based on guidelines from international organizations to learn from their experiences.MethodsWe conducted a qualitative study using content analysis. The search method involved reviewing published guidelines on preventing and responding to the COVID-19 pandemic in workplaces. After the screening process, ten guidelines were included in the content analysis. During the analysis, 200 meaning codes, 49 subcategories, and eleven categories were identified. Trustworthiness criteria were utilized to ensure the accuracy and strength of the findings.ResultsEleven categories of international content during the COVID-19 pandemic were legal requirements and duties of employees and employers, structural and program changes, risk assessment, risk communication, information and training, internal and external consultation and cooperation, provision of facilities and tools for workplace hygiene, special conditions, special groups, closing and reopening workplaces, reducing contact and exposure and mental health.ConclusionsProtecting employees during a pandemic requires a multifaceted approach and strong advocacy. The operational plan for pandemic control should be developed based on the level of risk, with support tailored to employees’ conditions and needs. Cooperation among international organizations is essential to develop a standardized plan and issue comprehensive guidelines in response to health emergencies with a global perspective and local implementation, drawing from the lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Evaluation of Ethos intelligent optimization engine for left locally advanced breast cancer.

To evaluate the feasibility to use a standard Ethos planning template to treat left-sided breast cancer with regional lymph nodes. The tuning cohort of 5 patients was used to create a planning template. The validation cohort included 15 patients treated for a locally advanced left breast cancer randomly enrolled. The Ethos planning template was tuned using standard 3 partial arc VMAT and two collimator rotation configurations: 45/285/345° and 30/60/330°. Re-planning was performed automatically using the template without editing. The study was conducted with a schedule of 42.3 Gy in 18 fractions to the breast/chestwall, internal mammary chain (IMC) and regional lymph nodes ("Nodes"). The PTV was defined as a 3D extension of the CTV with a margin of 7mm, excluding the 5mm below the skin. The manual treatment plans were performed using Eclipse treatment planning system with AAA and PO algorithms (v15.6) and a manual arc VMAT configuration and imported in Ethos TPS (v1.1) for a dose calculation with Ethos Acuros algorithm. The automated plans were compared with the manual plans using PTV and CTV coverage, homogeneity and conformity indices (HI and CN) and doses to organs at risk (OAR) via DVH metrics. For each plan, the patient quality assurance (QA) were performed using Mobius3D and gamma index. Finally, two breast radiation oncologists performed a blinded assessment of the clinical acceptability of each of the three plans (manual and automated) for each patient. The manual and automated plans provided suitable treatment planning as regards dose constraints. The dosimetric comparison showed the CTV_breast D99% were significantly improved with both automated plans (p< 0,002) while PTV coverage was comparable. The doses to the organs at risk were equivalent for the three plans. Concerning treatment delivery, the Ethos-45° and Ethos-30° plans led to an increase in MUs compared to the manual plans, without affecting the beam on time. The average gamma index pass rates remained consistently above 98% regardless of the type of plan utilized. In the blinded evaluation, clinicians 1 and 2 assessed 13 out of 15 plans for Ethos 45° and 11 out of 15 plans for Ethos 30° as clinically acceptable. Using a standard planning template for locally advanced breast cancer, the Ethos TPS provided automated plans that were clinically acceptable and comparable in quality to manually generated plans. Automated plans also dramatically reduce workflow and operator variability.

Influence of Postoperative Diet Type and Regimen on Hospital Comfort and Rehabilitation of Lung Cancer Patients

A reasonable and standardized dietary plan and procedure can help patients recovering quickly from lung cancer surgery. The aim of this study is to optimize the diet plan and procedure mainly based on medium chain triglyceride (MCT) diet and explore its clinical advantages for postoperative lung cancer patients. From October 2023 to December 2023, a total of 156 patients were collected, who underwent lung cancer surgery in Lung Cancer Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University. The patients were randomized into MCT group (76 cases) and routine diet (RD) group (80 cases). Clinical symptoms, biochemical index, postoperative hospitalization time and cost, dietary satisfaction and hospitalization comfort between the two groups were analyzed. The mean anus exhausting time in MCT group [24.00 (9.75, 36.97) h] was significantly shorter than that in RD group [28.50 (24.00, 48.00) h] (P<0.001). And the incidence of dizziness (18.42%), nausea and vomiting (6.58%) in MCT group were remarkably lower than those in RD group (51.25%, 31.25%) (P<0.001). Hospitalization comfort score in MCT group [(16.74±1.70)] was significantly higher than that in RD group [(14.83±2.34)] (P=0.016). Meanwhile, the average hospitalization cost in MCT group [(39,701.82±8105.47)¥] showed an obvious decrease compared with RD group [(44,511.79±9593.19)¥] (P=0.007). Optimizing the dietary plan and procedure mainly based on MCT diet for postoperative lung cancer patients can help the recovery of gastrointestinal function and improve hospitalization comfort, which promoted overall postoperative rehabilitation of patients with lung cancer surgery.

Short course irradiation in rectal cancer: Dosimetry study comparing 3D conformal radiotherapy versus intensity-modulated radiotherapy versus volumetric modulated arc therapy

The standard radiotherapy planning technique for locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) was 3D Conformal Radiotherapy (3DCRT). Modern radiation delivery techniques, including Intensity-Modulated Radiotherapy (IMRT) and Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy (VMAT) techniques, have been developed in recent years in terms of dose delivery to the target while minimizing the dose to the organ at risk (OAR). The objective of this study was to identify the most suitable treatment plan technique from the available options of 3DCRT, IMRT and VMAT for LARC using short course radiotherapy (SCRT). Therefore, twenty-five adult patients with LARC in the last five-year period (2017–2021) were involved in this study. For each patient, three radiotherapy treatment plans were generated for dosimetric comparison of short course irradiation (25 Gy/5 fractions, which is the new standard of care) using Varian Eclipse software to generate 3DCRT in comparison with IMRT and VMAT plans. The conformity index (CI), the homogeneity index (HI), and the organs at risk (OAR), including bladder, small bowel, and femoral heads, were compared between the three plans. The results revealed that VMAT and IMRT plans had a higher level of conformity for the planning target volume (PTV) with 0.996 and 0.994, respectively, compared to the 3DCRT planning of 0.947 (both p < 0.005). The PTV dose distribution was less homogeneous with 3DCRT than with VMAT or IMRT plans. VMAT offered superior homogeneity to IMRT and 3DCRT plans with 1.055, 1.066, and 1.089, respectively (p < 0.005). The findings showed that VMAT is superior to IMRT and 3DCRT in almost all parameters, including dose distribution conformity and homogeneity of the target volume, as well as providing better OAR sparing in LARC patients.

A composite indicator-based energy-efficiency benchmarking for residential buildings

PurposeBuildings require significant energy, and meeting energy demands is becoming exceedingly challenging. Energy demand reduction goals are now prioritised as the demand is rising. Energy-saving improvements and opportunities can be provided if enough information is provided through building energy benchmarking. The study focuses on developing a framework for benchmarking the energy efficiency of residential buildings.Design/methodology/approachThis study applied multiple linear regression analysis to analyse the energy use of residential buildings and establish energy benchmarks. Over 2000 data from Jaipur city were surveyed, and regression analysis was done on 1527 datasets after fundamental statistical analysis. The research considered the significant energy used by household appliances and placed a greater emphasis on end-use appliances.FindingsThe comparison of the developed framework with the standard rating plan was carried out to evaluate the accuracy of the benchmarks. The validation of the model determines the gap between the predicted and actual value of the building energy. The recommendations were made for organisations and policymakers to employ multiple or combinations of methods to assess the reliability of the developed benchmark framework.Practical implicationsPolicymakers may promote awareness campaigns encouraging homeowners to consume less energy and make buildings more energy efficient. This technique may be applied worldwide with the proper and suitable adjustments and information provided.Originality/valueTo our knowledge, India needs residential building energy benchmarking framework studies. In addition, a new framework based on Composite Indicators was implemented to overcome the scepticism of the EPI/BPI or floor-based approach held by several academics and to offer energy benchmarking for residential buildings.

Recurrent Urinary Stone Formers: Imaging Assessment and Endoscopic Treatment Strategies: A Systematic Search and Review.

Background/Objectives: Nephrolithiasis is a heterogeneous disease with a high prevalence and recurrence rate. Although there has been much progress regarding the surgical treatment of stones, a standardized follow-up, especially in recurrent stone formers (SFs), has yet to be decided. This fact leads to the overuse of computed tomography (CT) scans and many reoperations in patients, thus increasing their morbidity and the financial burden on the health systems. This review systematically searched the literature for original articles regarding imaging strategies and endoscopic treatment for patients with recurrent urolithiasis, aiming to identify optimal strategies to deal with these patients. Methods: We systematically searched the Medline database (accessed on 1 April 2024) for articles regarding imaging modalities and endoscopic treatment for patients with recurrent urinary tract lithiasis. Results: No specific follow-up or endoscopic treatment strategy exists for patients with recurrent urolithiasis. CT scan was the imaging modality most used in the studies, followed by X-ray, ultrasonography, and digital tomosynthesis. A transparent algorithm could not be identified. Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL), retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS), and ureteroscopy (URS) were used in the studies for endoscopic treatment. PCNL showed the best stone-free (SFr) rate and lowest hazard ratio (HR) for reoperation. RIRS showed superiority over extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy for recurrent SFs, but fragments over 4 mm increased the recurrent rate. URS has an increased HR for reoperation for bilateral stones. Conclusions: The heterogeneity of urolithiasis leaves urologists without a standardized plan for recurrent SFs. Thus, each patient's follow-up should be planned individually and holistically. Pre-stenting is not to be avoided, especially in high-risk patients, and SFr status needs to be the aim. Finally, CT scans should not be generally overused but should be part of a patient's treatment plan. Prospective studies are required to define SFr status, the size of significant residual fragments, and the modalities of intervention and follow-up.

Future of left atrial appendage interventions.

Percutaneous left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO), currently recognized as a procedure with relatively low risk, is increasingly being adopted in clinical practice. However, due to the preventive nature of the procedure and the necessity to compare it with newer and safer oral anticoagulants, further optimization is required to address remaining challenges. These latter include acquiring comprehensive data on safety and efficacy, establishing standardized pre-procedural planning, and simplifying procedural process. Consequently, we have provided an overview that encompasses future opportunities for enhancing procedural safety and efficacy, thereby establishing LAAO as the mainstream strategy for stroke and systemic embolism prevention in patients with atrial fibrillation and absolute contraindications to anticoagulant drugs.

Frailty identification and management among Brazilian healthcare professionals: a survey

BackgroundNational and international guidelines on frailty assessment and management recommend frailty screening in older people. This study aimed to determine how Brazilian healthcare professionals (HCPs) identify and manage frailty in practice.MethodsAn anonymous online survey on the assessment and management of frailty was circulated virtually through HCPs across Brazil.ResultsMost of the respondants used non-specific criteria such as gait speed (45%), handgrip strength (37.6%), and comprehensive geriatric assessment (33.2%). The use of frailty-specific criteria was lower than 50%. The most frequently used criteria were the Frailty Index (19.1%), Frailty Phenotype (13.2%), and FRAIL (12.5%). Only 43.5% felt confident, and 40% had a plan to manage frailty. In the multivariate-adjusted models, training was the most crucial factor associated with assessing frailty, confidence, and having a management plan (p < 0.001 for all). Those with fewer years of experience were more likely to evaluate frailty (p = 0.009). Being a doctor increased the chance of using a specific tool; the opposite was true for dietitians (p = 0.03). Those who assisted more older people had a higher likelihood of having a plan (p = 0.011).ConclusionFrailty assessment was heterogeneous among healthcare professions groups, predominantly using non-specific criteria. Training contributed to frailty assessment, use of specific criteria, confidence, and having a management plan. This data informs the need for standardized screening criteria and management plans for frailty, in association with increasing training at the national level for all the HCPs who assist older people.

Correction method for depth and field size dependence in Octavius 1000 SRS patient-specific QA

Stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) and stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) are advanced techniques capable of delivering higher doses of radiation precisely to small and complex targets. As these higher doses are delivered, the significance of patient-specific quality assurance becomes increasingly crucial to ensure both the effectiveness and safety of treatment. This study investigates the depth and field size dependence in Octavius 1000 SRS patient-specific quality assurance (PSQA), which is vital for ensuring accuracy in modern radiotherapy treatments. It comprehensively compares the performance of the Octavius 1000 SRS array against standard treatment planning system calculations, focusing on various field sizes and depths. An extensive measurement process was performed, wherein output factors were analyzed across a range of field sizes, from very small (1 × 1 cm2) to larger fields (10 × 10 cm2), at different depths (5 cm, 10 cm, and 15 cm). Our results highlighted significant variations in the measurement accuracy, dependent on the field size and depth, which underscored the challenge involved in ensuring precise dosimetry in PSQA for small fields. The largest discrepancy observed was 2.65% for a 1 × 1 cm2 field size at a depth of 15 cm. Based on these findings, a novel correction method tailored for small field sizes and varying depths was proposed. This method enhances the accuracy and reliability of PSQA in advanced radiotherapy to ensure that the delivered dose conforms closely to the planned dose, which is a critical aspect in treatments targeting small and complex tumor volumes. Through the proposed correction, this study aims to bridge the gap between calculated and measured dose distributions, thus contributing significantly to the refinement of PSQA processes in radiotherapy.

Implementation of a hepatitis B screening program in patients receiving systemic anti-cancer therapy: A Canadian single center retrospective review.

e23242 Background: Cancer patients receiving non-endocrine anti-cancer therapies are at risk of hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation (HBVr). Medical society guidelines recommend HBV screening prior to treatment, but real-world uptake is slow and variable. The Ottawa Hospital Cancer Centre implemented a screening pilot program for all patients receiving FOLFOX based regimens or FOLFOXIRI between January and April 2023 which included incorporating HBV screening tests into treatment plan builds and specifying pharmacy and nursing pre-treatment checks. Methods: Charts were retrospectively reviewed, and patient and disease characteristics were collected. The primary endpoint was to identify the proportion of patients who underwent screening prior to treatment start. Univariate analyses assessed the association between baseline characteristics and failure to screen. We also reviewed quality metrics including time from consult to testing, time to result, number of duplicate screens, and treatment delays due to testing. Results: Baseline demographics of the 42 patients included can be found in Table 1. 32 patients (76.2%) completed screening and 5 (15.6%) had a positive screen. The majority of patients screened (78.1%) completed screening prior to first treatment as intended, however 38.1% were drawn on day of treatment. 9.52% of patients had duplicate screening inadvertently. All patients who tested positive were referred to Infectious Diseases. Of those, 1 received antivirals for chronic HBV, and 4 had resolved HBV and were recommended for monitoring. There were no treatment delays due to pending screening and no HBVr. Receipt of prior systemic therapy was significantly associated with failure to screen (55% vs 95%, OR 17.1 (95% CI 1.92-153), p = 0.011). Factors including age, sex, primary disease site, therapy intent, and regimen received were not significantly associated with screening completion or HBV positivity. Conclusions: The results of this pilot highlights the importance of building HBV screening into standardized treatment plans and engaging all team members to ensure high levels of screening. Prior systemic therapy receipt was associated with failure to screen, and thus programs should include education on the necessity of screening as recommended by medical guidelines. The prevalence of HBV in this population may also be higher than previously expected, which should be explored in future research. [Table: see text]

Study on the coupling effects between reactor coolant system and the internal structure on floor response spectrum of small modular reactor

AbstractAccording to Chinese code and US standard review plan (US SRP), when the equipment and structure satisfy certain decoupling conditions, the seismic analysis of the structure is performed using a decoupling method, where only the mass of the equipment is considered in the structure. The reactor coolant system of small modular reactor (SMR) which is integrated is different from that of PWR, and it is more likely to affect the seismic response of the supporting structure. In this paper, a decoupling model was first constructed based on the decoupling principles in the code. Then, a coupled model is built by connecting the main loop system model with the structure. The floor response spectra of the decoupling model and the coupled model are analyzed separately using ACS SASSI software to investigate the coupling effect. By the comparison of the results, the preliminary conclusions are drawn as follows: the decoupling criteria in code are met for the internal structure and reactor coolant system. For hard rock site, the coupling effect has negligible influence on the in‐structure response spectra (ISRS) for most of the structure except the reactor pit, which shows obvious change in the high‐frequency region. For soft soil site, there is no remarkable influence on the ISRS of the structure even for the reactor pit due to the filter effect of the site to the high‐frequency component in the seismic input. For the site with shear wave velocity greater than 1100 m/s, the influence of couple effect cannot be ignored.

Optimal double acceptance sampling plans based on truncated life tests for Tsallis q-exponential distributions

Optimal double sampling plans for lot acceptance based on truncated life tests are derived by minimizing the expected sample size when the lifetime variable follows a Tsallis q-exponential distribution. The proposed test plans significantly reduce the inspection effort with respect to the best single sampling schemes. Some tables and figures are presented to analyze the behavior of the suggested test plans. The results show that the proposed lot inspection scheme clearly outperforms the standard single sampling plan. A justification is provided using a comparative study for existing double sampling plans. Finally, several applications are provided for illustrative purposes.