Termination Of Use Research Articles

Cannabis, cannabinoids and psychosis: a balanced view.

Cannabis, cannabinoids and psychosis: a balanced view.

Abstract P6-03-08: Trained Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Predicting Treatment Termination Based on Patient Observations in Advanced Breast Cancer

Abstract Background: In various fields outside of medicine, AI-supported systems have been established that can predict an undesirable event. The purpose of such systems is to detect events earlier and, if necessary, to be able to prevent them. In medicine, it would be particularly interesting to be able to make such predictions based solely on patient observations. Methods: The usage from 323 patients with advanced breast cancer with a total of 78542 documentation days was used. In addition, the premature termination of use was defined as an undesirable event. The data was then processed and annotated. A deep-learning neural network (NN) classifier was trained on this dataset independently on all documented days to predict this target endpoint. The patient classifier score was computed by averaging over daily scores. Overall classifier accuracy and binary cross entropy loss were computed as performance indicators on training and test data sets (2:1 split). Results: After tuning the hyperparameters, the best-performing NN comprised three hidden layers, each with 88 neurons, using ReLU (linear ramp) activation, and an output layer using sigmoid activation. In the test collective, this model achieved a prediction accuracy of 87%. Discussion: The present application shows for the first time that treatment discontinuation can be predicted with a very high degree of accuracy using patient data alone. This opens up new possibilities in the early detection of possible therapy failures and can represent an essential auxiliary tool in medical care in the future. Citation Format: Timo Schinköthe, Ronald Kates, Benedikt Sprecher, Silja Meyer, Christian Horst Tonk, Nadia Harbeck, Annette Schmidt. Trained Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Predicting Treatment Termination Based on Patient Observations in Advanced Breast Cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2022 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2022 Dec 6-10; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2023;83(5 Suppl):Abstract nr P6-03-08.

THE THE RIGHT OF PERMANENT USE OF A LAND PLOT OF CITIZENS AND THE LEGAL MODEL OF ITS PROTECTION IN COURT

The study is caused by the spread of land conflicts in society between territorial communities (local self-government bodies) as landowners and citizens as users of such lands on the right of permanent use, as well as ambiguous perception, interpretation and application of land legislation in the settlement of such conflicts. The purpose of the article is to formulate a legal model for resolving a dispute over the right of a land user to appeal to a court against a decision of a local self-government body to withdraw a land plot owned by him (land user) on the right of permanent use. The methodological basis of the article is a positivist approach, based on a critical analysis of the provisions of regulations and case law, as well as method of formal and legal analysis, the hermeneutic method, methods of comparison and contrast. The study distinguishes between the concept of termination of ownership of a land plot and the concept of termination of use (including permanent one) a land plot. Is being proved that the legal basis for the termination of these types of rights is different, which significantly affects the further determination of the jurisdiction of the dispute. A model of resolved disputes over claims of power entities (landowners) regarding the withdrawal of a land plot, granted to a person for permanent use from state and communal lands, in the absence of a person's consent to such withdrawal, etc., is proposed.

Bioethanol processing from wheat straw: investment appraisal of a full-scale UK biofuel refinery

An indicative economic appraisal of a biorefinery investment has been undertaken for the case of an archetypal, full-scale process plant based on bioethanol production from wheat straw: a cellulosic co-product or ‘waste’ stream. A ‘life-cycle’, or ‘through-life’, biofuel chain was examined from the supply of wheat straw, through biochemical conversion processing, and distribution of product to fuel terminals for use in the transport network. The process technology investigated was dilute acid pre-treatment and enzymatic hydrolysis. Discounted cash flow (DCF) investment appraisal formed the key evaluation methodology, and the results were found to depend on the discount rate and lifespan of the biorefinery. Analysis of suitable UK locations, refinery scale or size, and logistics established potential low cost areas with good access to wheat straw. DCF investment appraisals of this type enable industrialists and policy makers to determine the implications of bioethanol production from wheat straw within a low carbon future.

Long-term effects of two 24-hour moisturizing products on skin barrier structure and function: A biometric and molecular study.

IntroductionRecently, there are a few moisturizers showing hydrating effects up to 24 hours after single application. Aquaporin 3 might be associated with the degree of skin hydration. We aimed to assess the effects of two brands of 24‐hour moisturizers on the skin barrier function, as well as the AQP3 gene expression.MethodTwo moisturizers were applied once daily by 20 participants age 36.15 ± 9.55 years. Upper right and left forearms were randomly assigned to application of each product, whereas the right lower forearm served as control site for application of a cream base formulation. Biophysical assessments including trans epidermal water loss (TEWL), skin hydration, pH, surface lipids, and elasticity parameters were performed before intervention, 1, 4, and 24 hours after single application, following 2 weeks daily application and 1 week after termination of use. Also 5‐mm punch biopsies were performed from application sites of product B and cream base formulation in for five participants after 2 weeks of application.ResultsA single treatment with both products led to 24‐hour increase in skin moisture in comparison with the control site (P‐value <.01). Daily application of both products for 14 days also led to significant improvement in skin moisture (P‐value <.01), TEWL (P‐value <.01), and elasticity parameters. The increase in skin hydration was associated with upregulation of AQP3 gene expression in treated area for one of the formulations (P‐value = .04).ConclusionThe tested 24‐hour moisturizers only need to be applied once daily to improve skin barrier function and hydration and up‐regulate AQP3 mRNA expression.

Information &amp;amp; Communication Technology(ICT) Adoption in Nigerian Ports Terminal Operations

Most ports around the globe have adopted ICT in a bid to improve their operational performance and remain competitive in the industry. However, ports in developing economies still grapple with challenges associated with manual terminal operation. This paper evaluated the level of application and integration of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) and factors limiting their use in terminal operations in Nigerian seaports. The data for the study were obtained from copies of structured Likert scaled questionnaire administered to a random sample of terminal operators, stevedores, shipping companies’ agents, Customs licensed Clearing and Forwarding agents (C&F) operating in Apapa and Tincan Island ports in Nigeria. Specifically, opinion of these respondents was sought on extent of ICT application, integration and perceived constraints to ICT use in port terminal operations. Based on our findings using statistical model tests of proportion, the respondents stated that significant level of ICT procedures and processes have been adopted in port terminal operations. In terms of ICT applications, we found that electronic data and communication exchange applications were available in the terminals for use by the respondents. There are also in place ICT applications for warehouses and storage facilities management and e-payment systems. However, significant constraining factors were found to be: low ICT investment budgetary allocation, lack of e-skilled manpower and poor equipment maintenance culture. Other limiting factors were lack of integrated ICT facilities operated by other port stakeholders and absence of Port Community Systems network (PCS) linking all other relevant interests connected to terminal operations. Policy implications of our findings were discussed.

Post-adoption Behaviors of Users in Mobile Payment Application

채택 후 행위는 최초 채택 후의 사용 경험에서 비롯되며, 최초 채택 행위의 연속으로 정의된다. 제품이나 서비스의 지속적인 사용을 확보해야만 사업 성공은 선언될 수 있기 때문에 채택 후 행위는 마케팅에 매우 중요하다. 본 논문은 모바일 결제 애플리케이션의 채택 후 행위에 영향을 미치는 요인들을 탐구하고, 이러한 요인들은 채택 후 행위에 어떤 영향을 미치는지 파악한다. 선행연구에서 채택 후 행위에 대한 연구는 거의 다 적극적인 요인에 대한 연구이고, 특히 기술 수용 모형에 따라 지각된 사용 용이성, 지각된 유용성, 태도, 만족도의 영향에 집중되어 있다. 더 포괄적인 결과를 얻기 위해, 본 논문은 기술과업적용모델, 기대일치이론 및 기대일치모형을 참고하고, 지각된 과업기술적합도, 서비스 품질 및 기대일치를 포함하는 인지된 유익성은 모바일 결제 애플리케이션의 지속 사용을 자극하여 최종적으로 안정적인 지속 사용을 확보하는 것을 가정하였다. 그리고, 약속 없는 사용 행위는 수동성을 보여준다. 이러한 사용 행위는 개인의 특성과 관련이 있다. 이러한 유형의 사용자들은 항상 유익성보다 위험을 더 걱정하며 현상에 대한 관성을 보여준다. 본 논문은 모바일 결제 애플리케이션의 특성을 고려하여 현상유지편향, 홉스테드의 문화 모델 및 전망 이론을 근거로 3가지 위험 관련 예측 변수: 대체품의 부족, 불확실성 회피 및 손실 혐오는 관성 사용에 직접적인 영향을 주며, 최종적으로 불안정한 지속 사용과 종지 사용에 영향을 주는 것을 가정하였다. 본 논문은 3개의 구성, 10개의 변수, 3개의 인구통계학적 질문을 포함한 52개의 질문을 모두 포함하는 설문지를 설계하였다. 조사는 우선 대학생과 대학원생 50명을 대상으로 예비조사를 실시하여 문항과 선택에 대한 오해가 없도록 확인한 후 스노볼 샘플링 방법을 사용하여 중국의 위챗 페이 애플리케이션을 사용하는 중국인 300명을 대상으로 설문조사를 실시하였다. 마지막으로 SPSS와 AMOS를 통해 변수간의 관계를 분석하였다. 본 논문의 가설 검증 결과는 다음과 같다. 먼저, 인지된 유익성의 3가지 요인인 지각된 과업기술적합도, 서비스 품질 및 기대일치는 다 약속 사용에 영향을 미친다. 다음, 위험 우려의 3가지 요인인 위험 우려는 다 관성 사용에 영향을 미친다. 마지막, 약속 사용은 지속 사용에 높은 영향력을 미치고 관성 사용은 지속 사용과 종지 사용에 다 비슷한 정도의 영향을 미친다. 그래서, 본 논문애서 제기한 가설들이 다 채택되었다. 본 논문은 여전히 부족을 갖고 있지만 모바일 결제 애플리케이션의 채택 후 행위에 대해 이론적 중요성을 제시합니다. 부족한 부분은 미래 연구의 초점으로 더 연구하겠다.Post-adoption behaviors are originated from experience after initial adoption and is defined as the behaviors that are engaged by users. The post-adoption is of great importance for marketing because it can determine whether the consumers will continue to use or to stop, or hesitant to use. The use behaviors of mobile payment application vary because of its characteristics. This paper aims to investigate the user s post-adoption behaviour of mobile payment application. The research construct and several hypotheses were suggested. It is found that the user activeness is important variable to determine whether the users will continue to use or to terminate it. The preceding variables such as user s perceived benefits and perceived risks determine the user activeness level. Also, both commitment use and inertial use of user activeness makes significant influences on the post-adoption behaviors of continuous use or termination of use, respectively. All hypotheses suggested in this paper were supported based on the empirical analysis.

The continuation rates of long-acting reversible contraceptives in UK general practice using data from The Health Improvement Network.

The purpose of this study was to determine the continuation rates of new users of long-acting reversible contraceptive (LARC) methods in the UK, using data from general practice. We conducted an observational study using a general practitioner (GP) database, The Health Improvement Network (THIN). The methods studied were copper intrauterine devices (Cu-IUDs), levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (LNG-IUS), progestogen-only implants and progestogen-only injections. The study population comprised women in THIN aged 18-44 years during the period 2004-2009 who had been registered with their GP for at least 5 years, with a computerized prescription history of at least 1 year. Using computer algorithms, the database was searched for the Read and Multilex codes for each LARC method. New LARC users were identified and followed until there was a record indicating termination of use or the study period ended. The proportion of women who discontinued use during the same year of administration was 7.5% for Cu-IUDs, 10.6% for LNG-IUS, 13.2% for progestogen-only implants and 54.4% for progestogen-only injections. By the end of the study, a higher proportion of Cu-IUD and LNG-IUS users (21.1 and 18.6%, respectively) undertook consecutive use of the same method than progestogen-only implant users (10.7%). Manual review of computerized profiles demonstrated the validity of this approach. In the UK, the continuation rates of LARCs are high, and approximately one fifth of women chose to have a second intrauterine device fitted after expiry of the first device. A validation step demonstrated the reliability of the methodology and computer algorithms used.

Complications and risk factors of infection in pediatric hemato‐oncology patients with totally implantable access ports (TIAPs)

Totally implantable access ports (TIAPs) are widely used in pediatric hematology-oncology patients. We investigated the incidence of complications, causes of TIAP removal, and risk factors for infection. We retrospectively analyzed the clinical, demographic, and surgical characteristics in 225 pediatric hematology-oncology patients implanted with 238 TIAPs between January 2004 and December 2005. Except for 20 patients lost to follow-up, the mean maintenance period was 724.8 +/- 500.6 days (range: 17-2,124). Mechanical complications occurred in seven patients (2.9%). The causes of TIAP removal were termination of use in 130 patients (59.6%), death from primary disease with TIAP in situ in 35 (14.7%), infection in 35 (14.7%), and obstruction in 4 (1.8%). Early infections occurred in nine patients at mean 37.77 +/- 16.44 days (range: 17-56). Late infections occurred in 26 patients at mean 334.5 +/- 257.82 days (range: 68-997). Univariate analysis showed that the risk factors of early infection were re-implantation (P = 0.022) and long operation time (P = 0.045). The risk factors of late infection were ANC <500/mm(3) (P = 0.011) and platelet count <50,000/mm(3) (P < 0.001). In multivariate analysis, re-implantation was a significant risk factor of early infection (P = 0.033, OR 4.528) and low platelet count (<50,000/mm(3)) was the independent risk factor for late infection (P = 0.005, OR 4.24). Correct procedure and careful use decreases the incidence of early infection and leads to the prevention of re-implantation. Initial thrombocytopenia was attributable to bone marrow suppression caused by hematologic malignancies or severe infection. Thus, this condition is of value in predicting late infection.

Nicotine Absorption From Seven Current Nicotine Replacement Products and a New Wide-Bore Nicotine Delivery Device

AbstractThis preliminary laboratory study investigated nicotine absorption rates of seven current nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) products and a new wide-bore nicotine delivery device (the ‘Nicotine Cannon’). The nicotine products (Cannon, inhalator, nasal spray, microtab, 2 mg and 4 mg gum and 2 mg and 4 mg lozenge) were used for ten minutes by two non-nicotine tolerant subjects. Blood was taken at frequent intervals for the next 60 minutes and plasma nicotine concentrations assessed. Of current NRT products investigated the 4 mg lozenge performed best with the highest blood nicotine levels at each time point, the 2 mg gum delivered the lowest concentrations at each time point. The nicotine nasal spray delivered nicotine the fastest of all the products. The Cannon delivered the highest blood nicotine concentration (mean 8.95 ng/ml) of all products one minute after device use had stopped, and the highest concentration (11 ng/ml) five minutes after termination of use. The Cannon showed it could deliver nicotine relatively rapidly in a manner that was readily tolerated by users.

Key advances in critical care in the out-of-hospital setting: the evolving role of laypersons and technology

During the past decade, critical care in the out-of-hospital setting has transcended the original emphasis on on-scene advanced life support interventions by doctors, paramedics, and nurses. Many of the life-saving efforts and advances in critical care situations have now begun to focus more and more on how, through evolving technology, the average person can save lives and perhaps even spare precious intensive care unit (ICU) resources. A striking example was the recent study conducted at the Chicago airports at which automated external defibrillators (AEDs) were deployed throughout the airline terminals for use by the public at large. Not only did random bystanders on the concourses save an extremely high percentage of cardiac arrest patients with the AEDs, most patients rapidly awakened, even before the arrival of professional rescuers. Thus, this technology-assisted intervention, performed by an average person, pre-empted the need for many other critical care interventions and prolonged care in the ICU. Equipped with automated prompts to improve performance, new technology also exists to help to monitor the inadequacies and too-frequent interruption of life-saving chest compressions during basic cardiopulmonary resuscitation. As a result of these technological advances, survival rates for cardiac arrest are now expected to improve significantly.

Sequential Kinking and Flared Energy-Absorbing End Terminals for Midwest Guardrail System

The Midwest guardrail system (MGS), developed at the Midwest Roadside Safety Facility, was designed to improve the performance of traditional strong-post, W-beam guardrail systems. These improvements include decreasing the potential for rollover with high center-of-gravity vehicles, decreasing the potential for rail rupture at the splice locations, and decreasing the sensitivity of the system to the installation rail height. However, safe guardrail termination options for the MGS must be developed before the system can be implemented on the roadside. Two end terminal designs, the sequential kinking terminal (SKT) and the flared energy-absorbing terminal (FLEAT), were partially redesigned and crash tested in conjunction with the MGS according to NCHRP Report 350 criteria. The new versions of the terminals were named the SKT-MGS and the FLEAT-MGS to designate them for use with the MGS. To evaluate the performance of the terminals with the MGS, a series of four full-scale crash tests was conducted: two redirection tests, NCHRP Report 350 Test Designations 3–34 and 3–35, and two head-on impacts, Test Designations 3–30 and 3–31. The results from the four crash tests were found to meet all relevant safety requirements. The SKT-MGS and FLEAT-MGS end terminals are the first successfully tested end terminals for use with the MGS.

A Group of Near Eastern Bronzes from Olympia

Recently a reconstruction was published for the fragmented remains of at least 13 registers of repoussé bronze frieze of Near Eastern workmanship, layered with fragments of Greek incised bronze. These were excavated from Well 17 near the north wall of the stadium at Olympia in February 1960 by the Deutsches Archaölogisches Institut. Nearly 30 years were spent on piecing together the fragments and on their subsequent conservation, analysis, and interpretation. The Near Eastern frieze and the incised Greek bronze were found to have been smelted in the same smelting operation, according to scientific analyses. The original publication proposed that some imported bronze frieze was melted down and reworked by Greek craftsmen. Both original frieze and reworked incised bronze were used together to create three sphyrelaton korai. The authors carefully catalogued all the pieces, and did a meticulous and persuasive reconstruction of the bronze fragments and the korai, of the bronze analysis, and of the connections of the Greek incised motifs to the Near East in general. In that publication, however, they almost completely neglected the history of the bronzes before they arrived in Greece. This missing history is the main subject of this article; in addressing this topic, I analyze the Near Eastern motifs, consider the purpose for which the Near Eastern bronze was initially fabricated, and put forth some observations about the techniques of working the reliefs and possible dates for its initial manufacture and termination of use in the Near East. A corrected date for its reuse in Greece is offered, based on the motifs incised on the Greek bronze, their organization, and style features of the korai, the final product.

Identifying security vulnerabilities through input flow tracing and analysis

A software system can be considered as a collection of data and procedures that are separated from the environment and interact with it through channels of communication. If we assume that the system does not contain any Trojan horse code, then the only way it can be attacked is during the processing of input through interactions with the environment. While most methodologies attempt to identify security vulnerabilities in the local context, proposes the use of complete input tracing that examines the source code and identifies all possible inputs from malicious sources, traces the input flow from the source until termination of use and compares the flow segments for known security vulnerability constructs. Discusses input flow tracing and its benefits such as the provision of metrics for security assurance, complete vulnerability assessment and the ability to examine combinations of vulnerabilities.

Ventilation terminals for use with light pipes in buildings: a CFD study

A CFD modelling approach was developed for studying natural ventilation in combined light/vent pipes. Both stack and external wind effects were considered. Practical details of models are presented. Different pipe terminals were considered and the results obtained allow a comparison between them for different wind velocities and angles.

Contraceptive implant use among inner city teens

This study develops a clinical profile of urban teens who selected Norplant for contraception; determines which variables identify the subjects most likely to be compliant with the method; and determines the most common reasons for early termination of use. Demographic and health history data and reasons for termination of use were collected prospectively for 122 inner city teens who received Norplant. Life table analysis and the Mantel-Haenszel procedure were used to investigate differences between Norplant retainers and terminators. The sample consisted of black and Hispanic teens between the ages of 13-19 years, the majority of whom had one or more children and were in school. One and two year retention rates were 71% and 62%. The highest removal rates occurred during the 3-6 month interval after insertion. A significant finding was that teens who have experienced induced abortion were more likely to retain Norplant. Common reasons for termination of use included general and social concerns, including pregnancy desire. Norplant retention rates for this teen sample were greater than the compliance rates reported for other conventional methods. Similar to noncompliance with oral contraceptives, discontinuance of the method was most likely to occur in the first 6 months of use. A history of induced abortion identifies those teens most likely to retain Norplant, suggesting that these teens might evaluate contraceptive risks and benefits differently than those with no abortion history. Pregnancy desire was a common reason for terminating Norplant use.

The neurosteroid, 3 alpha-hydroxy-5 alpha-pregnan-20-one, protects against bicuculline-induced seizures during ethanol withdrawal in rats.

Prolonged alcohol consumption leads to the development of tolerance to and dependence on ethanol, resulting in a decreased response to the sedative/hypnotic effects of ethanol, and by negative symptomatology following abrupt termination of use. One symptom associated with ethanol withdrawal in humans, as well as laboratory animals, is enhanced susceptibility to seizures. This study investigated the effects of the neurosteroid, 3 alpha-hydroxy-5 alpha-pregnan-20-one (3 alpha-5 alpha-THP), on alterations in seizure sensitivity associated with ethanol withdrawal. 3 alpha-5 alpha-THP is a potent anxiolytic and anticonvulsant agent that acts via selective interactions with GABAA receptors. Extensive evidence suggests that some aspects of ethanol dependence and withdrawal are mediated by alterations in GABAA receptor function. Withdrawal from chronic ethanol exposure elicited dramatic increases in seizure susceptibility in male and female rats. Administration of 3 alpha-5 alpha-THP just before seizure threshold determinations blocked the increased seizure susceptibility induced by ethanol withdrawal. Ethanol-withdrawn animals were protected by 3 alpha-5 alpha-THP at a dose that had no effect on control animal seizure thresholds. Moreover, male and female rats displayed differential responses to the seizure-threshold lowering effects of ethanol withdrawal, as well as the protection by 3 alpha-5 alpha-THP pretreatment. These findings suggest that there are gender differences associated both with ethanol withdrawal as well as the protection by 3 alpha-5 alpha-THP in ethanol-dependent rats.

Psychotropic drugs: Long-term use, dependency and the gender factor

The study examines the factors contributing to the initiation, continuation and termination of use among female and male long-term users of minor and major tranquillizers. The findings show the importance of the lay-referral system as a channel of introduction to psychotropic drug use, especially for men. The issue of dependency is explored both in terms of the users' own interpretation of its nature and their reports on the professional responses to their long-term use. The findings indicate that gender and drug use are intricately linked in both the non-professional treatment of anxiety and insomnia.

Digital Subscriber Line Terminals for Use with Correlated Line Codes

This paper is a mathematical analysis of digital subscriber lines that use adaptive decision feedback equalization (DFE). Adaptive transversal feedforward filters (FFF) and feedback filters (FBF) with baud rate sampling are assumed. In order that all block codes are considered in the model, correlation between the values of the transmitted symbol values is included. Additionally, added noise is not assumed to be white, to permit the eyaluation of the effects of near end crosstalk and residual echo noise. It is shown that the correlation between the transmitted symbols causes the FBF to adapt differently than they usually do (i.e., cancel intersymbol interference within the range of the FBF) in two ways: the FBF uses the correlation between transmitted symbols to reduce the intersymbol interference outside of its range, and a bias vector is added to the FBF tap weights that adjusts future slicing levels to account for the variable likelihood of future transmitted symbol values. It is found that the received signal-to-noise ratio is approximately a linear function of loop insertion loss when the loss is high and noise is low.

Remote Monitoring and Control of Water Management Systems, via Satellite

Twenty-five years of experience has proven the high reliability of satellite communications. The creation of the International Maritime Satellite Organisation in 1979 opened the way for development of small satellite terminals for use by individual users. The recent order for a new generation of satellites to serve the needs of this 45-nation co-operative and development of the Standard-C system will enable it to provide a message/data service to small and low cost terminals by 1988. Standard-C will create new opportunities to remotely monitor and control processes regardless of distances from a central operations centre. It will permit those on duty to receive routine reports automatically at fixed intervals and/or when measurements fall outside pre-set limits. In the event of an abnormal situation developing it would be possible for the controller to interrogate the sensors at the site by ‘polling’ at any desired interval. This would enable a process to be continuously monitored and devices or systems remotely controlled as required. Because the satellites provide global coverage vast areas can be monitored and controlled independent of local telephone or microwave links. This may be particularly important in areas where individual sensor sites and their links may be vulnerable to disruption due to the possibility of flooding, landslides, earthquakes, etc. In addition, such a system could be used to control day to day operations of sluice gates, etc. in remote areas and thereby lead to improved water management techniques.