scholarly journals Dermal Advanced REACH Tool (dART)—Development of a Dermal Exposure Model for Low-Volatile Liquids

2019 ◽  
Vol 63 (6) ◽  
pp. 624-636 ◽  
Author(s):  
Henk A Goede ◽  
Kevin McNally ◽  
Jean-Philippe Gorce ◽  
Hans Marquart ◽  
Nick D Warren ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mechanistic Model ◽  
Predictive Ability ◽  
Field Studies ◽  
Dermal Exposure ◽  
Exposure Model ◽  
Sufficient Evidence ◽  
Software Platform ◽  
Related Factors ◽  
Direct Emission ◽  
Volatile Liquids

Abstract This article describes the development of a mechanistic model for underpinning the dermal Advanced REACH Tool (dART), an extension of the existing ART model and its software platform. It was developed for hand exposure to low volatile liquids (vapour pressure ≤ 10 Pa at 20°C) including solids-in-liquid products. The model is based on an existing conceptual dermal source-receptor model that has been integrated into the ART framework. A structured taxonomy of workplace activities referred to as activity classes are adopted from ART.  Three key processes involved in mass transport associated with dermal exposure are applied, i.e. deposition, direct emission and contact, and transfer. For deposition, the model adopts all the relevant modifying factors (MFs) applied in ART. In terms of direct emission and contact (e.g. splashes) and transfer (e.g. hand-surface contacts), the model defines independent principal MFs, i.e. substance-related factors, activity-related factors, localized- and dispersion control and exposed surface area of the hands. To address event-based exposures as much as possible, the model includes crucial events during an activity (e.g. hand immersions) and translates objective information on tools and equipment (manual or automated) to probable events (e.g. splashes) and worker behaviours (e.g. surface contacts). Based on an extensive review of peer-reviewed literature and unpublished field studies, multipliers were assigned to each determinant and provide an approximated (dimensionless) numerical value. In the absence of (sufficient) evidence, multipliers were assigned to determinants based on assumptions made during discussions by experts in the consortium. A worked example is presented to illustrate the calculation of hand exposure for a specific scenario. The dART model is not yet implemented in the ART software platform, and a robust validation of the model is necessary to determine its predictive ability. With advancing knowledge on dermal exposure and its determinants, this model will require periodic updates and refinements, in addition to further expansion of the applicability domain of the model.

Validation of the dermal exposure model in ECETOC TRA

2017 ◽  
Vol 61 (7) ◽  
pp. 854-871 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hans Marquart ◽  
Remy Franken ◽  
Henk Goede ◽  
Wouter Fransman ◽  
Jody Schinkel
Keyword(s):  
Dermal Exposure ◽  
Exposure Model

scholarly journals Integrated analysis of serum lipid profile for predicting clinical outcomes of patients with malignant biliary tumor

BMC Cancer ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lejia Sun ◽  
Xin Ji ◽  
Dongyue Wang ◽  
Ai Guan ◽  
Yao Xiao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Serum Lipids ◽  
Predictive Ability ◽  
Staging System ◽  
Tnm Staging ◽  
Integrated Analysis ◽  
Survival Prediction ◽  
Related Factors ◽  
Tnm System ◽  
Tnm Staging System ◽  
Lipid Parameters

Abstract Background Serum lipids were reported to be the prognostic factors of various cancers, but their prognostic value in malignant biliary tumor (MBT) patients remains unclear. Thus we aim to assess and compare prognosis values of different serum lipids, and construct a novel prognostic nomogram based on serum lipids. Methods Patients with a confirmed diagnosis of MBT at our institute from 2003 to 2017 were retrospectively reviewed. Prognosis-related factors were identified via univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses. Then the novel prognostic nomogram and a 3-tier staging system were constructed based on these factors and further compared to the TNM staging system. Results A total of 368 patients were included in this study. Seven optimal survival-related factors—TC/HDL >  10.08, apolipoprotein B >  0.9 g/L, lipoprotein> 72 mg/L, lymph node metastasis, radical cure, CA199 > 37 U/mL, and tumor differentiation —were included to construct the prognostic nomogram. The C-indexes in training and validation sets were 0.738 and 0.721, respectively. Besides, ROC curves, calibration plots, and decision curve analysis all suggested favorable discrimination and predictive ability. The nomogram also performed better predictive ability than the TNM system and nomogram without lipid parameters. And the staging system based on nomogram also presented better discriminative ability than TNM system (P < 0.001). Conclusions The promising prognostic nomogram based on lipid parameters provided an intuitive method for performing survival prediction and facilitating individualized treatment and was a great complement to the TNM staging system in predicting overall survival.

Nitrogen mineralisation in sugarcane soils in Queensland, Australia: II. From laboratory to field-based prediction

Soil Research ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 57 (7) ◽  
pp. 755
Author(s):  
T. G. Orton ◽  
D. E. Allen ◽  
P. M. Bloesch
Keyword(s):  
Mechanistic Model ◽  
Predictive Ability ◽  
Statistical Modelling ◽  
Soil Conditions ◽  
Organic Carbon Content ◽  
Climate Data ◽  
Incubation Study ◽  
Moisture Conditions ◽  
Temperature Factors

Using Australian sugarcane regions as a case study, we present an approach for prediction of in-field nitrogen (N) mineralisation over a crop season. The approach builds on the statistical modelling applied in Allen et al. 2019, which demonstrated good predictive ability on data from a laboratory incubation study (an external R2 of 0.84 in a cross-validation exercise), and adjusts those mineralisation rates according to soil moisture and temperature factors. The required field soil temperature and moisture conditions were simulated using a mechanistic model for the response of soil conditions to input climate data. We investigate drivers of variability in the predicted in-season mineralised N, and compare predictions with currently implemented N fertiliser discounts, which are based on a relationship with soil organic carbon content. The main purpose of this paper is to illustrate the potential use of the results in Allen et al. (2019) for calculating predictions of in-season mineralised N that could be applicable under field conditions in the Australian sugarcane regions. A thorough test to properly validate predictions has not yet been conducted, but collecting data to do so should be the focus of further work.

Do cancer-specific variables improve risk-adjusted hospital quality comparisons?

2012 ◽  
Vol 30 (4_suppl) ◽  
pp. 585-585 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ryan P. Merkow ◽  
Thomas E. Kmiecik ◽  
David J Bentrem ◽  
Mark E Cohen ◽  
Bruce L Hall ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Neoadjuvant Therapy ◽  
Colorectal Resection ◽  
Predictive Ability ◽  
Hospital Quality ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Combined Model ◽  
Related Factors ◽  
Fit Statistics ◽  
C Statistic ◽  
Improved Model

585 Background: For patients undergoing surgery for cancer, it has been suggested that risk-adjustment with cancer-specific variables is needed when evaluating short-term outcomes. Our objectives were to assess the influence of cancer-related variables on postoperative complications and hospital quality comparisons. Methods: Patients from ACS NSQIP and NCDB who underwent colorectal resection for cancer were linked (2006-2008) to create a dataset containing robust information on comorbidities, complications, and oncologic variables. Three hierarchical models were developed predicting the NSQIP outcome 30-day mortality or any serious morbidity using variables from (1) NSQIP only, (2) NCDB only, and (3) a combined model using NSQIP and NCDB. Models were compared with fit statistics and hospital outlier agreement. Results: From 146 NSQIP hospitals, 11401 patients underwent a colorectal resection for cancer, of which, 1954 (17%) experienced a mortality or serious morbidity event. The first five variables selected in the NCDB-only model were Charlson comorbidity score, neoadjuvant therapy use, T stage, primary payer, and M stage (c-statistic, 0.64; AIC, 9886). The first five variables selected in the NSQIP-only model were ASA class, preop sepsis, albumin, surgical procedure, and COPD (c-statistic, 0.66; AIC, 9787). In the combined model, neoadjuvant therapy use was the only cancer-specific variable selected in the top five. The remaining variables were ASA class, preop sepsis, albumin, and wound class (c-statistic, 0.67; AIC, 9455). At the hospital-level, the NCDB-only model identified three high outliers (worse than expected) and one low outlier (better than expected). Both the NSQIP-only and combined models identified the same four high and two low outlying hospitals (kappa: 1.0), which agreed marginally with the NCDB-only model (kappa: 0.59). Conclusions: Addition of cancer-specific variables to NSQIP models slightly improved model fit; however, hospital outcome comparisons were identical. For patients with colorectal cancer undergoing resection, cancer-related factors have limited predictive ability for short-term outcomes and did not influence hospital quality comparisons.

Globalization and E-Commerce

2011 ◽  
pp. 1154-1173
Author(s):  
John Sagi ◽  
Elias Carayanis ◽  
Subhasish Dasgupta ◽  
Gary Thomas
Keyword(s):  
Consumer Preferences ◽  
Business Students ◽  
Information And Communications Technology ◽  
Sufficient Evidence ◽  
Cultural Groups ◽  
Related Factors ◽  
The Common ◽  
Gender Groups ◽  
National Control ◽  
The U.S

Many authors argue that information and communications technology (ICT) in this New Economy is causing a globalized, unified society. Others take the opposite stand, viewing local factors such as national culture as very important to the success of information technology (IT). Research indicates that related factors such as gender may also play important roles in the use and acceptance of IT. This chapter uniquely examined these by using electronic commerce as the common technology. Business students from the U.S., Greece, and England expressed opinions on the important issues of National Control, Privacy Cost, Property Rights, and Consumer Preferences. Using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), sufficient evidence was found to conclude that there are statistically significant differences in attitude about e-commerce among cultural groups, but not with gender groups. This research found support for several studies indicating the importance of culture on attitudes about technology, and postulated that common attitudes about Privacy Cost and Consumerism may be among indicators of a “technology veneer”.

Globalization and E-Commerce

2006 ◽  
pp. 128-148 ◽  
Author(s):  
John Sagi ◽  
Elias Carayanis ◽  
Subhasish Dasgupta ◽  
Gary Thomas
Keyword(s):  
Consumer Preferences ◽  
Business Students ◽  
Information And Communications Technology ◽  
Sufficient Evidence ◽  
Cultural Groups ◽  
Related Factors ◽  
The Common ◽  
Gender Groups ◽  
National Control ◽  
The U.S

Many authors argue that information and communications technology (ICT) in this New Economy is causing a globalized, unified society. Others take the opposite stand, viewing local factors such as national culture as very important to the success of information technology (IT). Research indicates that related factors such as gender may also play important roles in the use and acceptance of IT. This chapter uniquely examined these by using electronic commerce as the common technology. Business students from the U.S., Greece, and England expressed opinions on the important issues of National Control, Privacy Cost, Property Rights, and Consumer Preferences. Using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), sufficient evidence was found to conclude that there are statistically significant differences in attitude about e-commerce among cultural groups, but not with gender groups. This research found support for several studies indicating the importance of culture on attitudes about technology, and postulated that common attitudes about Privacy Cost and Consumerism may be among indicators of a “technology veneer”.

scholarly journals Calibration of the Dermal Advanced REACH Tool (dART) Mechanistic Model

2019 ◽  
Vol 63 (6) ◽  
pp. 637-650 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kevin McNally ◽  
Jean-Philippe Gorce ◽  
Henk A Goede ◽  
Jody Schinkel ◽  
Nick Warren
Keyword(s):  
Mass Transport ◽  
Mechanistic Model ◽  
Contextual Information ◽  
Measurement Data ◽  
Dermal Exposure ◽  
Transport Processes ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Mixed Effect ◽  
Model Estimate ◽  
Liquid Products

Abstract The dermal Advanced REACH Tool (dART) is a Tier 2 exposure modelling tool currently in development for estimating dermal exposure to the hands (mg min−1) for non-volatile liquid and solids-in-liquid products. The dART builds upon the existing ART framework and describes three mass transport processes [deposition (Dhands), direct emission and direct contact (Ehands), and contact transfer (Thands)] that may each contribute to dermal exposure. The mechanistic model that underpins the dART and its applicability domain has already been described in previous work. This paper describes the process of calibrating the mechanistic model such that the dimensionless score that results from encoding contextual information about a task into the determinants of the dART can be converted into a prediction of exposure (mg min−1). Furthermore, as a consequence of calibration, the uncertainty in a dART prediction may be quantified via a confidence interval. Thirty-six experimental studies were identified that satisfied the conditions of: (i) high-quality contextual information that was sufficient to confidently code the dART mechanistic model determinants; (ii) reliable exposure measurement data sets were available. From these studies, 40 exposure scenarios were subsequently developed. A non-linear log-normal mixed-effect model was fitted to the data set of Dhands,   Ehands, and    Thands scores and corresponding measurement data. The dART model was shown to be consistent with activities covering a broad range of tasks [spray applications, activities involving open liquid surfaces (e.g. dipping, mixing), handling of contaminated objects, spreading of liquid products, and transfer of products (e.g. pouring of liquid)]. Exposures resulting from a particular task were each dominated by one or two of the identified mass transport processes. As a consequence of calibration, an estimate of the uncertainty associated with a mechanistic model estimate is available. A 90% multiplicative interval is approximately a factor of six. This represents poorer overall precision than the (inhalation) ART model for dusts and vapours, although better than the ART model for mists. Considering the complexity of the conceptual model compared with the ART, the wide variety of exposure scenarios considered with differing dominant routes, and the particular challenges that result from the consideration of measurement data both above and beneath a protective glove, the precision of the calibrated dART mechanistic model is reasonable for well-documented exposure scenarios coded by experts. However, as the inputs to the model are based upon user judgement, in practical use, the reliability of predictions will be dependent upon both the competence of users and the quality of contextual information available on an exposure scenario.

scholarly journals A new lowland locality for the mountain plant Streptopus amfexifolius (L.) DC. (Silesian voivodeship, Southern Poland)

2013 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 22-28
Author(s):  
Adam Rostański ◽  
Stanisław Cabała ◽  
Jarosław Mielczarek
Keyword(s):  
Main Part ◽  
Good Condition ◽  
Field Studies ◽  
Current Status ◽  
Habitat Conditions ◽  
Forest Department ◽  
Metal Mesh ◽  
Related Factors ◽  
Mountain Plant ◽  
Forest District

Abstract The occurrence of mountain plant species in the Polish lowlands has been at the centre of attention of many botanists. In 2008-2011 we carried out field studies aimed at describing a new lowland population of White Twisted-stalk S. amplexifolius discovered in 2008. We focused on the following aims: to determine the current status of the lowland population of S. amplexifolius; to characterize phytocenoses and habitat conditions in which the species occur; to identify factors that can potentially pose a threat on the population and to propose guidelines for its protection. The newly discovered population is located in the Trójca Forest District (50º 38.737’ N; 18º 48.945’ E), forest department 61L. The main part of the population (ca. 70%) occupies an area of approximately 100 m2. Currently, to protect the population from grazing, the whole area (about 0.25 ha) has been surrounded by metal mesh fence. The population occurs within a poorly developed patch of Fraxino- Alnetum. It contains 107 branched and fruiting individuals of S. amplexifolius and 83 smaller plants (branchless and sporadically fruiting). The number of fruits per plant varies between 6 and 20. One fruit contains an average of 5 seeds (a maximum of 12 seeds and a minimum of 3 seeds per fruit). The occurrence of numerous Padus serotina seedlings and young plants is recorded within the site. Human-related factors have caused substantial changes in the water relations and, subsequently, also in the species composition of these plant communities. The population of S. amplexifolius within the described site seems to be in good condition and develops normally.

scholarly journals 486 Are Surgical Resection Margins A Risk Factor for Crohn’s Disease Recurrence?

2021 ◽  
Vol 108 (Supplement_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
A A Haiduc ◽  
R Patel ◽  
A Karim
Keyword(s):  
Crohn’S Disease ◽  
Crohn's Disease ◽  
Disease Activity ◽  
Surgical Resection ◽  
Colonic Resection ◽  
Sufficient Evidence ◽  
Resection Margins ◽  
Related Factors ◽  
Clinical Recurrence ◽  
Disease Free

Abstract Despite advances in treatment, Crohn’s disease (CD) recurrence is still high. Various factors correlated with recurrence are studied however, there is no consensus regarding the importance of disease-free resection margins. Our goal was to ascertain whether surgical margins predict recurrence rates of CD and identify other potential factors correlated with recurrence. This is a retrospective cohort study on patients who have had a colonic resection for CD from December 2016 to November 2019. Demographics, surgical procedure details, disease activity at resection margins and number of readmissions were recorded. Clinical recurrence was defined as readmission to hospital for a Crohn’s related flare-up within 12 months of surgical resection. Positive disease activity at the resection margins was defined histologically. We compared the readmission rate between all categories. Of the 55 patients identified, 52 (22 female) were included. Of these, seven were readmitted, six are smokers, 19 had mesenteric excision and 33 had Crohn’s positive resection margins. Chi-squared tests showed there are no significant correlations between patient and procedure variables, and readmission rates (p &gt; 0.05). We have not found sufficient evidence to conclude that a disease-free resection margin post colonic resection or any other patient-related factors are associated with decreased recurrence of CD.

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