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Wireless sensor networks usually obtain the location of an unknown node by measuring the distance between the unknown node and its neighbouring anchors. To enhance both localisation accuracy and localisation success rates, the authors introduce a new neural network-based node localisation scheme. The new scheme is distinct because it can make the trained network model completely relevant to the topology via online training and correlated topology-trained data and therefore attain more efficient application of the neural networks and more accurate inter-node distance estimation. It is also distinct in adopting both received signal strength indication and hop counts to estimate the inter-node distances, to improve the distance estimation accuracy as well as localisation accuracy at no additional cost. Experimental evaluation is conducted to measure the performance of the proposed scheme and other artificial intelligent-based node localisation schemes. The results show that, at reasonable cost, the new scheme constantly produces higher localisation success rates and smaller localisation errors than other schemes.

Background: Differences between virtual bronchoscopic navigation (VBN) systems and their impacts on the diagnostic yield of transbronchial biopsy (TBB) of peripheral pulmonary nodules (PPNs) remain unclear. Objectives: To compare the Synapse 3D system (Version 4.4, Fujifilm, Japan) and DirectPath system (Version 2.0, Olympus, Japan) in the VBN application of PPNs. Design: Retrospective study with self-paired design and exploratory study with retrospective cohort design. Methods: The study analyzed patients with PPNs using the Synapse 3D system (Group S) and DirectPath system (Group D) and compared differences between the two groups in bronchial tree reconstruction, navigation pathway planning, and VBN-assisted TBB of PPNs. Results: In all, 289 patients were analyzed ultimately. Bronchial tree reconstruction quality was better in Group S (p < 0.001). Navigation pathway planning duration in Group S was longer than that in Group D (median 1.35 vs 1.04 s, p < 0.001). Automated navigation pathway planning success rate in Group S was higher than that in Group D (36.7% vs 19.7%, p < 0.001), and CT image reconstruction parameter and nodule diameter, bronchus sign, and distance from the hilum had significant effects on it in both groups. Fifty-six patients in Group S and forty-two patients in Group D were analyzed ultimately. The localization success rate and diagnostic yield of PPNs between the two groups were not significantly different (85.3% vs 91.2% and 67.6% vs 61.8%, respectively, p > 0.05). Conclusion: Synapse 3D system (Version 4.4) and DirectPath system (Version 2.0) had their own merits. Localization success rate and diagnostic yield of VBN-assisted TBB were of no statistical difference for these two VBN systems. Improvements in segmentation algorithms of VBN systems and using the most suitable chest CT scan data for them may be the breakthrough to improve the efficiency of VBN, especially for poor experienced interventional physicians.

ObjectiveRadiofrequency thermocoagulation (RFT) for refractory trigeminal neuralgia is usually performed in awake patients to localize the involved trigeminal branches. It is often a painful experience. Here, we present RFT under neuromonitoring guidance and general anesthesia.MethodStimulation of trigeminal branches at the foramen ovale with the tip of the RFT cannula is performed under short general anesthesia. Antidromic sensory–evoked potentials (aSEP) are recorded from the 3 trigeminal branches. The cannula is repositioned until the desired branch can be stimulated and lesioned.ConclusionaSEP enable accurate localization of involved trigeminal branches during RFT and allow performing the procedure under general anesthesia.

The advent of computed tomography (CT)-guided transthoracic needle biopsy has significantly advanced the diagnosis of lung lesions, offering a minimally invasive approach to obtaining tissue samples. However, the technique is not without risks, including pneumothorax and hemorrhage, and it demands high precision to ensure diagnostic accuracy while minimizing complications. This study introduces the Laser Angle Guide Assembly (LAGA), a novel device designed to enhance the accuracy and safety of CT-guided lung biopsies. We retrospectively analyzed 322 CT-guided lung biopsy cases performed with LAGA at a single center over seven years, aiming to evaluate its effectiveness in improving diagnostic yield and reducing procedural risks. The study achieved a diagnostic success rate of 94.3%, with a significant reduction in the need for multiple needle passes, demonstrating a majority of biopsies successfully completed with a single pass. The incidence of pneumothorax stood at 11.1%, which is markedly lower than the reported averages, and only 0.3% of cases necessitated chest tube placement, underscoring the safety benefits of the LAGA system. These findings underscore the potential of LAGA to revolutionize CT-guided lung biopsies by enhancing procedural precision and safety, making it a valuable addition to the diagnostic arsenal against pulmonary lesions.

This paper proposes a multifunctional robotic micromanipulation system for automated microinjection and cardiac rhythm monitoring of zebrafish larvae. An indirect localization method for zebrafish larval hearts is introduced, and a visual algorithm based on modulo operation is devised to locate the zebrafish atrium and ventricle accurately. For the first time, a batch of zebrafish larval yolk is injected and their cardiac rhythm is monitored during the entire developmental stages of zebrafish larvae, which is enabled by the developed robotic system. The system has been applied to investigate the effects of different concentrations of Tricaine (MS222) on zebrafish larvae and the influences of Aspirin on cardiovascular activities. It decreases the dosage by over 60% for heart disease treatment compared to traditional water-based administration. Experimental results verified the functionality and accuracy of the reported system, suggesting that the robotic micromanipulation system can effectively liberate human labor from complex and repetitive tasks.

Purpose - In 2009, US coupons set a new record of 367 billion coupons distributed. Yet, while coupon distribution is on the rise, redemption rates remain below 1 percent. This paper aims to show how recognizing context variables, such as proximity, weather, part of town and financial incentives interplay to determine a coupon campaign's success.Design methodology approach - The paper reports an empirical study conducted in co-operation with a restaurant chain: 9.880 Subway coupons were distributed under different experimental context conditions. Redemption behavior was analyzed with the help of logistic regressions.Findings - It was found that even though proximity drives coupon redemption, city center campaigns seem to be much more sensitive to distance than suburban areas. The further away the distribution place from the restaurant, the less does the amount of monetary incentive determine the motivation to redeem.Practical implications - When designing a coupon campaign for a company, coupon distribution should not follow a \"one-is-good-for-all-strategy\" even for one marketer within one product category. Instead each coupon strategy should carefully consider contextual influence.Originality value - This paper is the first to the authors' knowledge that systematically investigates the impact of context variables on coupon redemption. It focuses on context variables that electronic marketing channels will be able to easily incorporate into personalized mobile marketing campaigns.

Purpose – This paper aims to identify the rudiments of an organizational communication framework which can serve as a facilitator of a positive diversity climate, which, in turn, could enhance the integration of locals into the expatriate-dominated workforce of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). As UAE citizens constitute a small minority of the workforce, the local style of communication is not, ipso facto, the dominant one in organizations. Design/methodology/approach – The study elicited 458 Emirati respondents’ narratives of positive and negative workplace communication experiences. The authors identified emerging themes to highlight the key features of interpersonal interactions likely to foster or hinder a supportive diversity climate. Findings – The critical incidents reported are interpreted in terms of UAE cultural traditions, more specifically, the communication patterns valued by local workers. Research limitations/implications – Outside of the Arabian Gulf, there are perhaps no other national workforces that are so multicultural that local communication strategies are overshadowed. This research is, therefore, a pioneering attempt to re-establish a preference for indigenous communication practices to facilitate the workforce localization policies that are present in many Gulf countries. Practical implications – The communication preferences identified could inform the implementation of an organizational communication model centered around indigenous communication preferences, including the communication strategies that would be most effective for organizational leadership to use. At the same time, this could contribute to the creation of a positive diversity climate that, in turn, could decrease levels of attrition among Emirati employees and enhance workforce localization. Originality/value – This study represents an innovative attempt to construct a communication model around which a positive diversity climate can coalesce and, in so doing, it serves as an initial contribution to the management of diversity within the context of Arabian Gulf workplaces.

Background: Laparoscopic splenectomy has become an accepted procedure in the management of several hematologic diseases. Less clear is the effectiveness of laparoscopic excision of accessory spleens after initial splenectomy in the management of recurrent hematologic disease. We report here our early experience of this technique. Methods: All patients who underwent laparoscopic excision of accessory spleens (LEAS) after initial splenectomy were reviewed for preoperative studies, technical success, and effects on either platelet count or hemoglobin level. Results: In 5 patients LEAS was attempted. Two patients had initial open splenectomies, and 3 had initial laparoscopic splenectomies. Hematologic diagnoses were immune thrombocytopenic purpura (3), chronic lymphocytic leukemia-induced thrombocytopenia (1), and autoimmune hemolytic anemia (1). All patients underwent preoperative damaged red blood cell scintigraphy, which demonstrated functioning splenic tissue, and abdominal computed tomography scans, which demonstrated a nodule in 4 of 5 patients. LEAS was technically successful in 4 patients, with the 1 failure also being the patient in whom the computed tomography scan could not demonstrate the accessory spleen. However, only 2 of the 4 patients after LEAS had durable hematologic responses to surgery, despite follow-up damaged red blood cell scintigraphy showing no residual functioning splenic tissue. Conclusion: LEAS can be technically successful when the accessory spleen is demonstrated on both damaged red blood cell scintigraphy and computed tomography scan; therefore, adequate visualization in both studies is required. However, hematologic response to excision may be less effective than with the initial splenectomy. Further study is needed to determine the causes of these outcomes.