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In this work, the authors have developed an integrated evaluation hierarchy for automotive human–machine interaction (HMI) software/hardware interfaces and a corresponding set of integrated evaluation carriers and decision modes, to improve the interactive experience and usability of HMI interfaces, evaluation node management in R&D processes, and the integral quality of hardware and software components. In addition, a case study where the integrated evaluation was performed on rapidly prototyped electric automotive user interfaces was utilised to demonstrate the evaluation of integral conceptual themes and system frameworks based on rapid prototypes. It was shown that the evaluation of integrated software/hardware electric automotive interfaces via rapid prototyping aids the communication and organisation of design concepts, thus enhancing the design quality.

Objective To evaluate the efficacy of sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) in cT1/2N0 minor salivary gland cancer (mSGC) located within the oral cavity. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on patients diagnosed with cT1/2N0 oral mSGC, who were categorized into two groups based on neck management approaches. The impact of SLNB versus observation on regional control and overall survival was assessed using a Cox model. Results A total of 177 patients were included in the study, with 53 cases undergoing SLNB. All patients had at least one sentinel lymph node, with the majority having two sentinel lymph nodes. The sentinel lymph nodes were predominantly situated in level I, followed by level II. Four patients had positive sentinel lymph nodes, all of whom had primary tumors in the tongue or the floor of the mouth, and were classified as cT2 stage. This yielded a sensitivity and specificity of 100%, a false negative rate of 0%, and a negative predictive value of 100% for SLNB in predicting occult metastasis. In terms of regional control, SLNB exhibited a reduced hazard ratio of 0.90 (95% confidence interval: 0.64–0.96) compared to observation. However, SLNB did not confer a superior overall survival benefit compared to observation. Conclusion In patients with cT1/2N0 oral mSGC, SLNB proved to be both technically feasible and oncologically safe. When contrasted with observation, SLNB was associated with enhanced regional control, particularly recommending its use for cases of cT2 mSGC arising from the tongue or the floor of the mouth.

Underwater wireless sensor networks (UWSNs) have gained prominence in wireless sensor technology, featuring resource-limited sensor nodes deployed in challenging underwater environments. To address challenges like power consumption, network lifetime, node deployment, topology, and propagation delays, cooperative transmission protocols like co-operative (Co-UWSN) and co-operative energy-efficient routing (CEER) have been proposed. These protocols utilize broadcast capabilities and neighbor head node (NHN) selection for cooperative routing. This research introduces NBEER, a novel neighbor-based energy-efficient routing protocol tailored for UWSNs. NBEER aims to surpass the limitations of Co-UWSN and CEER by optimizing NHNS and cooperative mechanisms to achieve load balancing and enhance network performance. Through comprehensive MATLAB simulations, we evaluated NBEER against Co-UWSN and CEER, demonstrating its superior performance across various metrics. NBEER significantly maximizes end-to-end delay, reduces energy consumption, improves packet delivery ratio, extends network lifetime, and enhances total received packets analysis compared to the existing protocols.

Sentinel lymph node (SLN) sampling is important for evaluating the nodal stage of breast cancer when the axillary nodes are clinically free of metastasis. The intraoperative frozen section (IFS) of SLN is used for lymph node assessment. This meta-analysis aims to provide evidence about the diagnostic accuracy and the applicability of IFS of SLN in breast cancer patients. Data were collected by searching PubMed, Cochrane, Scopus, and Web of Science electronic databases for trials matching our eligibility criteria. The statistical analysis included the sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio, negative likelihood ratio, and pooled studies’ diagnostic odds ratio outcomes. The analyses were conducted using the Open Meta-analyst software. This meta-analysis pooled the results of 110 studies. The overall sensitivity of IFS for SLN metastasis was 74.7%; 95% CI [72.0, 77.2], P  < 0.001. It was 31.4% 95% CI [25.2, 38.3], P  < 0.001 for the micro-metastasis, and 90.2%; 95% CI [86.5, 93.0], P  < 0.001 for the macro-metastasis. The overall specificity was 99.4%; 95% CI [99.2, 99.6], P  < 0.001. The overall positive likelihood ratio was 121.4; 95% CI [87.9, 167.6], P  < 0.001, and the overall negative likelihood ratio was 0.226; 95% CI [0.186, 0.274], P  < 0.001. The overall diagnostic odds ratio of IFS for diagnosing SLN metastasis was 569.5; 95% CI [404.2, 802.4], P  < 0.001. The intraoperative frozen section of SLN has good sensitivity for diagnosing breast cancer macro-metastasis. However, the sensitivity is low for micro-metastasis. The specificity is very satisfactory.

Background Ultrasound, along with ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration, is currently used for the axillary evaluation of breast cancer patients in order to identify candidates for axillary lymph node dissection. The aim of this study is to evaluate the accuracy of this tool in correctly identifying patients who may or may not benefit from axillary clearance in light of the ACOSOG Z0011 trial recommendations. Methods One hundred one patients (65 with positive US-FNA with corresponding axillary lymph node dissection (ALND), and 36 with negative US-FNA with corresponding ALND/sentinel lymph node biopsy) were studied for the number of involved axillary lymph nodes, tumor clinicopathologic features, and axillary radiologic findings. Results From the positive US-FNA group, 43% of patients had two or fewer positive lymph nodes upon ALND pathologic examination. In the US-FNA negative group, the negative predictive value for detecting axillary disease was 72.7%. With both groups combined, the sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV of US-FNA for selecting patients based on axillary disease burden were 86%, 51.7%, 57%, and 83.3%, respectively. Conclusion Based on Z0011 guidelines, US-FNA is not a reliable tool in triaging patients in need for ALND and leads to overtreatment of 43% patients when positive, while depriving a small but significant percentage of patients from necessary therapy, when negative.

Backgrounds The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between clinical characteristics and cervical lymph node metastasis (LNM) in patients with thyroid carcinoma, as well as estimate the preoperative diagnosis values of ultrasound (US) and contrast enhanced computed tomography (CECT) examinations on the neck for detection of cervical LNM in thyroid carcinoma. Methods A retrospective analysis of 3 026 patients with surgically proven thyroid carcinoma was conducted. Patients’ clinical characteristics, including gender, age, tumor size, bilateral lesions, multifocality, adenomatous nodules, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (HT), and extrathyroidal extension, were collected to explore their association with cervical LNM in thyroid carcinoma. Preoperative assessments for central lymph node metastasis (CLNM) and lateral lymph node metastasis (LLNM) were conducted through US and CECT. The diagnostic value of US, CECT and US combined with CECT for detection of LNM located in various cervical compartments was estimated based on the pathological results. Results The risk of cervical LNM was higher in thyroid cancer patients who were male, age < 55 years old, tumor size > 10 mm, bilateral lesions, and extrathyroidal extension, while multifocality, adenomatous nodules and HT had no significant effect on LNM. US, CECT and US combined with CECT all had a higher sensitivity to LLNM (93.1%, 57.8%, 95.4%) than to CLNM (32.3%, 29.0%, 43.4%). US and CECT had a high specificity to both CLNM and LLNM (94.3–97.8%). Conclusion Preoperative clinical characteristics and imaging examinations on patients with thyroid carcinoma are crucial to the evaluation of cervical lymph nodes and conducive to individualizing surgical treatments by clinicians. US combined with CECT are superior to single US or CECT alone in detection of CLNM and LLNM.

The power quality assessment provides a reference for power quality management and control of microgrid operation. In terms of reflecting the correlation of power quality indexes and the dynamic changes of microgrid operating conditions, the traditional power quality assessment methods need to be improved. A power quality comprehensive evaluation based on CRITIC and dynamic coefficient is proposed in this paper. In this method, the objective weight of power quality indicators in single node is determined by using the intensity of conflict and contrast firstly. For the node weight calculation, the dynamic coefficient is proposed to reflect the different influence degree of node with different connected load. The proposed method in this paper can reflect both the internal characteristic of data sequence and the relationship between different data sequences. In addition, it also can reflect the dynamic changes of microgrid. Finally, an example is used to verify the feasibility of the proposed method.

Betweenness centrality (BC) is widely used to identify critical nodes in a network by exploring the ability of all nodes to act as intermediaries for information exchange. However, one of its assumptions, i.e., the contributions of all shortest paths are equal, is inconsistent with variations in spatial interactions along these paths and has been questioned when applied to spatial networks. Hence, this paper proposes a spatial interaction incorporated betweenness centrality (SIBC) for spatial networks. SIBC weights the shortest path between each node pair according to the intensity of spatial interaction between them, emphasizing the combination of a network structure and spatial interactions. To test the rationality and validity of SIBC in identifying critical nodes and edges, two specific forms of SIBC are applied to the Shenzhen street network and China’s intercity network. The results demonstrate that SIBC is more significant than BC when we also focus on the network functionality rather than only on the network structure. Moreover, the good performance of SIBC in robustness analysis illustrates its application value in improving network efficiency. This study highlights the meaning of introducing spatial configuration into empirical models of complex networks.

With the opening of the construction market and the intensification of competition, enhancing the economic performance of engineering projects has become crucial for construction companies to improve their competitiveness. This study developed a multi-dimensional comprehensive evaluation model of the economic performance assessment system grounded in management performance. The model incorporates various perspectives, including financial performance and project management effectiveness. Utilising systematic and quantitative approaches, it performs a comprehensive multi-level analysis and evaluation of the economic activities, financial status, resource allocation, and final economic benefits during project implementation from “simultaneous point” and “same node” perspectives. Relevant project data from the Installation Company of China Construction Seventh Engineering Bureau were utilised as a case study for verification. The findings indicate that, under “simultaneous point” analysis, information from all business systems can be seamlessly integrated and extensively analysed at a specific time, offering project managers a more dynamic perspective. Cross-business boundary analysis from a same node perspective enables a comprehensive and accurate assessment of the project’s economic status through rigorous data correction, facilitating data connections between diverse business areas at a unified time node. The economic performance evaluation model developed in this research provides a comprehensive assessment of the core competitiveness of construction enterprises and offers both a theoretical framework and practical tools for project performance management in the construction industry. The analysis of simultaneous points and nodes offers a reference for management decision-makers to dynamically monitor economic performance and optimise decision-making in resource allocation, financial management, and project implementation.

Abstract Objectives There are little data on how changes in the clinical management of axillary lymph nodes in breast cancer have influenced pathologist evaluation of sentinel lymph nodes. Methods A 14-question survey was sent to Canadian and US breast pathologists at academic institutions (AIs). Results Pathologists from 23 AIs responded. Intraoperative evaluation (IOE) is performed for selected cases in 9 AIs, for almost all in 10, and not performed in 4. Thirteen use frozen sections (FSs) alone. During IOE, perinodal fat is completely trimmed in 8, not trimmed in 9, and variable in 2. For FS, in 12 the entire node is submitted at 2-mm intervals. Preferred plane of sectioning is parallel to the long axis in 8 and perpendicular in 12. In 11, a single H&E slide is obtained, whereas 12 opt for multiple levels. In 11, cytokeratin is obtained if necessary, and immunostains are routine in 10. Thirteen consider tumor cells in pericapsular lymphatics as lymphovascular invasion (LVI), and 10 consider it isolated tumor cells (ITCs). Conclusions There is dichotomy in practice with near-equal support for routine vs case-by-case multilevel/immunostain evaluation, perpendicular vs parallel sectioning, complete vs incomplete fat removal, and tumor in pericapsular lymphatics as LVI vs ITCs.