A New Proposal for Setting Parameter Values in Restricted Randomization Methods

2007 ◽  
Vol 46 (04) ◽  
pp. 440-449 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. Kundt
Keyword(s):  
New Method ◽  
Restricted Randomization ◽  
Varying Parameters ◽  
Number Of Patients ◽  
Intrinsic Quality ◽  
Parameter Values ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Exact Equality

Summary Objectives: Complete randomization could result in an undesirable imbalance in the number of patients assigned to each treatment, especially in small trials. Therefore, a variety of restricted randomization procedures has been developed. By varying parameters it is possible to appropriately modify the balancing characteristics of these designs. However, there is little information on what are sensible choices for the parameters. Therefore, we suggest a new method for suitable determination of parameter values of restricted randomization rules. Methods: For restriction to be effective, it need not yield exact equality. As the reliability of a test is not very sensitive to slight deviations from equal sample sizes we define that a given maximum tolerable imbalance d can be achieved or exceeded with a given probability p*. By using this condition, parameter values of restricted procedures are determinable. Results: For permuted-block, biased-coin, urn, and big-stick randomization we investigated the impact of parameters on balancing properties. For different extents of restriction and by using the submitted condition, the values of parameters to be chosen are determined. Conclusions: Up to now choice of parameter values has often occurred at random. Now it is possible to determine values of parameters by specifying the tolerable degree of imbalance and the risk to be worse. As a consequence restriction will, as much as possible, not be imposed and not imposed more than necessary in order to preserve the intrinsic quality of randomization.

scholarly journals The Impact of the Quality Assessment of Optimal Assignment for Data Association in a Multitarget Tracking Context

2015 ◽  
Vol 15 (7) ◽  
pp. 88-98
Author(s):  
J. Dezert ◽  
A. Tchamova ◽  
P. Konstantinova
Keyword(s):  
Quality Assessment ◽  
Data Association ◽  
New Method ◽  
Multitarget Tracking ◽  
Belief Functions ◽  
Tracking Systems ◽  
Optimal Assignment ◽  
The Individual ◽  
The Impact

Abstract The main purpose of this paper is to apply and to test the performance of a new method, based on belief functions, proposed by Dezert et al. in order to evaluate the quality of the individual association pairings provided in the optimal data association solution for improving the performances of multisensor-multitarget tracking systems. The advantages of its implementation in an illustrative realistic surveillance context, when some of the association decisions are unreliable and doubtful and lead to potentially critical mistake, are discussed. A comparison with the results obtained on the base of Generalized Data Association is made.

scholarly journals Psychosocial Impact of Acne: A Community Based Cross Sectional Study

2018 ◽  
Vol 3 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammad Sarwar Mir
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Social Impact ◽  
Acne Vulgaris ◽  
Clinical Severity ◽  
Age Group ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Severe Acne ◽  
Number Of Patients ◽  
The Impact

Background: It is well-known that acne vulgaris is a common malady of adolescence and is easily recognized Objective: To evaluate the level of impact among acne patients on their quality of life. Methods: A total of 200 patients studied. Acne severity was graded using Global Acne Grading System (GAGS) after the clinical diagnosis. All the patients went through self-administered questionnaire of Cardiff Acne Disability Index (CADI) to fill out, to assess the reflection of patients’ experiences and perceptions. Result: Out of 200 patients, 114(57.0%) were females and 86(43.0%) were males. The maximum number of patients was in the age group of 16-20 years (142/200, 71%). Out of total 86 males, 50 (58.3%) had moderate to severe acne, whereas 62(54.38%) females had such a severe acne. 50.87% (58/114) of females had high CADI scores in comparison to only 27.9(24/86) of males. The impact on quality of life was more in the age-group of 21-30 years even though in this age group clinical severity of acne was mild to moderate only. Conclusion: Study found that individuals with acne had profound emotional, as well as, social impact on their quality of life.

scholarly journals Impact of hydromorphological pressures on the macrophytes bioindicators of the ecological water quality in Mediterranean rivers

2019 ◽  
Vol 14 ◽  
pp. 1-14 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maissour Abdellah ◽  
Benamar Saad
Keyword(s):  
Reference Lists ◽  
Biotic Indices ◽  
Indicator Values ◽  
Mediterranean Rivers ◽  
Indicator Taxa ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Indicator Systems ◽  
Macrophyte Index

One of the important tools to evaluate the ecological quality of surface water is the Macrophytes indices based on the bioindication capacity of aquatic plants. In Mediterranean rivers (France, Spain, and Portugal), the development of some macrophytes indices like l’Indice Biologique Macrophytes Rivières (IBMR), the biological metric score (BMS), as well as the Fluvial Macrophyte Index (IMF) are founded on the determination of the indicator values of the floristic reference lists. The aim of this study was to test the impact of the eco-Mediterranean differences (from one country to another) on the indicator taxa by comparing the indicator values of the Euro‐ Mediterranean macrophyte indices. With this in mind, we explore the possibility of the introduction of the Euro‐Mediterranean macrophytes-based indices in Morocco (i.e. the hydrological basin of Sebou (HBS)) as a part of a preliminary attempt to develop the first Afro-Mediterranean macrophyte index. We confirm that the ecological amplitude and species optima vary between Mediterranean ecoregions, and indicator taxa differ between countries: There are medium to small correlations between Mediterranean indices: IBMR/BMS (p = 0.000, R2 = 0.57), IMF/BMS (p = 0.000, R2 = 0.34), and IBMR/IMF (p = 0.000, R2 = 0.30). Five species exhibit major differences in indicator values: Zannichelliapalustris and Potamogetonpectinatus have more eutrophic indicator values in France (IBMR) than in Spain (IMF). Potamogetonnodosus, Amblystegiumriparium and Lycopuseuropaeus have broader ecological amplitudes in Portugal (BMS) than in France (IBMR) and in Spain (IMF), where it is restricted to eutrophic conditions. Furthermore, the three indicator systems include different indicator-taxon numbers. The comparison of the HBS elaborated list with the Euro‐Mediterranean indices revealed the low level of common taxa approximately 6.76% of all indicator species used in the French index (IBMR), 10.48% in the Portuguese index (IMF) and 12.38% in the Spanish index (BMS). These results show the inadequacy of the trophic indices approach with the HBS conditions and thus the need for the development of an index based on biotic indices approach.

Retrospective Chart Review of Cryopreserved Amniotic Membrane for Knee Pain

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ruben Berrocal Timmons
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Adverse Events ◽  
Amniotic Membrane ◽  
Chart Review ◽  
Retrospective Chart Review ◽  
Final Analysis ◽  
Mean Values ◽  
Number Of Patients ◽  
The Impact

Objective: Treatment of joint pain with an injection of the amniotic membrane has not been adequately studied. This study retrospectively reviewed Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), and analgesic usage data from patients treated with the injection of cryopreserved amniotic membrane (CAM) in their knees to determine the impact of treatment on patients’ pain, quality of life, and analgesic usage. Methods: Chart review was conducted on 40 patients. Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval was obtained prior to initiation of the project. The membrane was utilized as per the FDA guidance of 21CFR1271. Retrospective data, including demographics, medical history, pain score, quality of life score, analgesic usage and adverse events, were collected from their medical records for each consenting patient through 6 months after CAM injection. Results: A total of 40 patients were considered in the final analysis. Mean VAS for pain level improved from 7.0 to 2.6 (p<0.001). WOMAC daily activity function score improved from a mean score of 52 to 28 (p<0.001). Opioid and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) usage decreased from 97% to 25% (p<0.001). No adverse events were reported. Conclusion: Mean values for VAS and WOMAC scores significantly improved at all time points and the number of patients who used analgesics decreased as compared to baseline. CAM injection into painful knee joints decreases pain, improves physical function, and decreases the use of analgesics in the absence of adverse events.

Abstract W P287: Does Comprehensive Stroke Certification Demonstrate a Significant Effect on Volume and Quality of Care?

Stroke ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 45 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Laurie Paletz ◽  
Shlee Song ◽  
Nili Steiner ◽  
Betty Robertson ◽  
Nicole Wolber ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Quality Of Care ◽  
Acute Stroke ◽  
Acute Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Turnaround Time ◽  
Joint Commission ◽  
Stroke Patients ◽  
Number Of Patients ◽  
The Impact

Introduction/Background information: At the onset of acute stroke symptoms, speed, capability, safety and skill are essential-lost minutes can be the difference between full recoveries, poor outcome, or even death. The Joint Commission's Certificate of Distinction for Comprehensive Stroke Centers recognizes centers that make exceptional efforts to foster better outcomes for stroke care. While many hospitals have been surveyed, Cedars Sinai was the 5 th hospital in the nation to receive this certification. Researchable question: Does Comprehensive stroke certification (CSC) demonstrate a significant effect on volume and quality of care? Methods: We assembled a cross-functional, multidisciplinary expert team representing all departments and skill sets involved in treating stroke patients. We carefully screened eligible patients with acute ischemic stroke We assessed the number of patients treated at Cedars-Sinai with IV-T-pa t 6 months before and then 6 months after CSC and the quality of their care including medical treatment and door to needle time. Results: In the 6 months prior to Joint Commissions Stroke Certification we treated 20 of 395acute stroke patients with t-PA with an average CT turnaround time of 31±19minutes and an average Door to needle time (DTNT) of 68±32minutes. In the 6 months since Joint Commission Stroke Certification we have increased the number of acute stroke patients treated by almost double. There were 37 out of 489(P=0.02, Chi Square) patients treated with IV t-PA with an average CT turnaround time of 22±7minutes (p=0.08, t-test, compared to pre-CSC) and an average DTNT of 61± 23minutes (not different than pre-CSC). Conclusion: We conclude that Joint Commission Certification for stroke was associated with an increased rate of treatment with IV rt-PA in acute ischemic stroke patients. We were not able to document an effect on quality of care. Further studies of the impact of CSC certification are warranted.

The Social and Psychological Impact of Superficial Dermatophytic Infection using Dlqi and Ghq-12: A Cross-Sectional Study in 174 Patients at a Tertiary Care Centre in Southern-East Rajasthan

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Shivani Saini ◽  
◽  
Agarwal Shail ◽  
Jain Manish ◽  
Yadav Devendra ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Psychological Impact ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
World Population ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Number Of Patients ◽  
The Mean ◽  
The Impact

Background: Dermatophytosis is a common fungal infection affecting 20-25% of the world population. Aims: Our study was aimed to assess its impact on health-related quality of life(QoL), mental health, and various variables. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was done from April 2019 to September 2019 on 174 patients of dermatophytosis of aged more than 16 years with their informed consent. The impact of infection on the quality of life was assessed by using the Dermatology life quality index questionnaire and General health questionnaire-12 was used to assess psychological impact. A visual analogue scale was used to assess the severity of pruritus. Appropriate statistical tests were applied. Results: Males to females ratio was 1.4:1. The age group of 21-30 was having the highest number of patients with the mean age of 27.8±9.97. Most patients had BSA under 10%. The mean value of DLQI and GHQ-12 were found 15.989±7.407 and 2.8563±2.8964, respectively. We found that dermatophytosis had a very large effect on the quality of life as the maximum number of patients(39%) were within this category. The “work and school” part in the questionnaire gained maximum importance(52.8%). The mean VAS score was 6±2.733 with most patients(32.7%) had moderate itching. We found a positive correlation between VAS and DLQI, VAS and GHQ-12, DLQI, and GHQ-12 with the statistical significance. Conclusion: In our study dermatophytosis affected the quality of life as well as the psychological health of patients. Therefore proper treatment of superficial dermatophtytosis is essential to prevent it from further complications

scholarly journals Assessment of the Impact of Sewage Storage Ponds on the Water Environment in Surrounding Area

Proceedings ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 51 (1) ◽  
pp. 20
Author(s):  
Kairat Ospanov ◽  
Timur Rakhimov ◽  
Menlibai Myrzakhmetov ◽  
Dariusz Andraka
Keyword(s):  
Water Quality ◽  
Water Environment ◽  
Quality Parameters ◽  
Treated Wastewater ◽  
Groundwater Aquifer ◽  
Sewage Ponds ◽  
Basic Quality ◽  
The Impact

The paper presents the results of research on the environmental impact of sewage ponds serving the city of Kostanay (Kazakhstan). The scope of the research included the determination of basic quality parameters of raw and treated wastewater, an analysis of the chemical composition of groundwater in the vicinity of sewage ponds, and the analysis of the water quality of the Tobol River. The obtained results indicate that sewage from storage ponds, infiltrating into the ground, caused groundwater pollution in the area of about 100 km2 around the reservoirs. Due to the fact that the groundwater aquifer in the vicinity of sewage ponds feeds the Tobol River, it also affects water quality in the river, which does not meet the requirements for most of the analyzed parameters.

scholarly journals The Impact of the Quality of Tap Water and the Properties of Installation Materials on the Formation of Biofilms

Water ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (9) ◽  
pp. 1903 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dorota Papciak ◽  
Barbara Tchórzewska-Cieślak ◽  
Andżelika Domoń ◽  
Anna Wojtuś ◽  
Jakub Żywiec ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Tap Water ◽  
Galvanized Steel ◽  
Phosphorus Compounds ◽  
Plate Count ◽  
Nickel Steel ◽  
Quantitative Analyses ◽  
The Impact ◽  
First Time

The article presents changes in the quality of tap water depending on time spent in installation and its impact on the creation of biofilms on various materials (polyethylene (PE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), chrome-nickel steel and galvanized steel). For the first time, quantitative analyses of biofilm were performed using methods such as: Adenosine 5’-triphosphate (ATP) measurement, flow cytometry, heterotrophic plate count and using fractographical parameters. In the water, after leaving the experimental installation, the increase of turbidity, content of organic compounds, nitrites and nitrates was found, as well as the decrease in the content of chlorine compounds, dissolved oxygen and phosphorus compounds. There was an increase in the number of mesophilic and psychrophilic bacteria. In addition, the presence of Escherichia coli was also found. The analysis of the quantitative determination of microorganisms in a biofilm indicates that galvanized steel is the most susceptible material for the adhesion of microorganisms. These results were also confirmed by the analysis of the biofilm morphology. The roughness profile, the thickness of the biofilm layer can be estimated at about 300 μm on galvanized steel.

Quality and Choice of Potter Bucky Grids: I. A New Method for the Unambiguous Determination of the Quality of a Grid

1959 ◽  
Vol Original Series, Volume 51 (6) ◽  
pp. 479-489
Author(s):  
J. G. Bonenkamp ◽  
W. H. Boldingh
Keyword(s):  
New Method ◽  
Unambiguous Determination

scholarly journals Object Recognition for Quadcopter Drone using Convolutional Neural Networks

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (7) ◽  
pp. 224-227
Keyword(s):  
Neural System ◽  
Neural Systems ◽  
Course Of Action ◽  
Self Sufficiency ◽  
Working Parameters ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Free Dynamic ◽  
Line Observation

Object detection is as of now generally utilized in industry. It is the strategy for location and design of genuine items. Models incorporate intermittent scaffold examinations, debacle the executives, power line observation and traffic examinations. As UAV applications become progressively broad, more significant levels of self-sufficiency and free dynamic procedures are expected to improve the security, proficiency and exactness of the gadgets. This article exhibits in detail the method and parameters important for the preparation of convolutional neural systems (CNN) in the programmed acknowledgment of items. The potential areas of utilization in the vehicle division are additionally featured. The precision and unwavering quality of the CNNs rely upon the arrangement of the system and the determination of working parameters. The impact of article recognition shows that by picking a parameter setting course of action, a CNN can recognize and gather objects with a noteworthy degree of accuracy (97.5%) and computational profitability. Moreover, utilizing a convolutional neural system actualized in the YOLO stage (V3), items can be followed, distinguished and characterized progressively

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