bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Carer preferences of route of administration of transmucosal diamorphine and willingness to take part in a randomised controlled trial: an interview study (DIPPER)
Authors: Jamieson Liz , Harrop Emily , Liossi Christina , Boyce Katherine , Mitchell Lorraine , Johnson Margaret , Jani Yogini , Akinyooye Victoria , Skene Simon S. , Wong Ian C. K. , Howard Richard F. , Oulton Kate
Published: May 2022

Background

Children and young people are usually given liquid morphine by mouth for breakthrough pain, which can take thirty minutes to work. A faster-acting, quickly absorbed, needle-free pain medicine, that is easy to administer is needed such as transmucosal (sublingual, buccal, intranasal) diamorphine. Research evidence relating to the administration of medication for breakthrough pain in children and young people is limited. This study aims to describe the experiences and preferences of parents and/or children and young people regarding the route of administration of diamorphine, barriers and facilitators comparative to oral morphine, and participation in a randomised controlled trial.

Methods

In-depth, semi-structured interviews with parents and/or children and young people at home or hospital/hospice.

Results

Thirteen interviews with: nine mothers, one father, and three sets of parents jointly. No interviews took place with a child/young person. Most families had experience of the buccal route which was effective in ease of administration and time to control pain. The intranasal route was preferred by parents irrespective of experience. Parents’ willingness for their child to take part in a trial depended on the time commitment, their child’s pain trajectory and the stability of analgesic requirements.

Conclusion

A randomised controlled trial of oral morphine versus transmucosal diamorphine would need to consider trial logistics, especially time commitment. Parents felt that the trial should be introduced initially by the clinical team, with written information from the research team, and sufficient time to ask questions. Patients who had discontinued oral morphine because of side effects, or those with gastrointestinal failure, should be excluded. Maintaining stability in pain management was essential to families, so the timing of the trial is a potential issue.
Do Saudi medical schools consider the core topics in undergraduate medical curricula?
Authors: Bin Abdulrahman Amro K. , Aldayel Abdulrahman Yousef , Bin Abdulrahman Khalid A. , Rafat Bukhari Yousef , Almotairy Yazeed , Aloyouny Saleh , Qabha Hamad , Almadi Mansour , Almasri Mohammed , Alasmari Abdulaziz , Alghamdi Abdullah , Alotaibi Yasir , Dahmash Abdulmajeed Bin , Mousa Alharbi Muteb , Shadid Asem M.
Published: May 2022

Background

Most of the medical schools in Saudi Arabia are currently evolving their curricula in accordance with the most recognized medical education trends worldwide. Undergraduate medical school’s curriculum should be compatible with community health needs. Therefore, the study aims to explore the current contents of Saudi undergraduate medical curricula and to check if the core topics that were internationally recognized were implemented in their curriculum.

Methodology

An online questionnaire was designed and sent to 37 deans of medical schools in Saudi Arabia. The deans or the vice-deans in charge of the curriculum were asked to complete the pre-designed questionnaire, which assessed the status of inclusion of the core topics in the curriculum of their affiliated schools. Each listed core topic was evaluated according to five options for each subject: not included, separate required course, part of the required course, separate elective course, and part of an elective course.

Results

Twenty four out of 37 (65%) Saudi medical schools completed the survey questionnaire. Almost all core topics, such as communication skills, evidence-based medicine, patient safety, professionalism were included in the curricula of Saudi medical schools as separate required courses or as part of required courses or elective courses.

Complementary and alternative medicine and the history of medicine were the topics least taught in Saudi medical colleges, as 25% of the schools did not include them in their curricula.

Conclusion

The majority (65%) of the internationally recognized core topics were included in the Saudi undergraduate medical curricula. Evidence-based medicine, complementary medicine, the Saudi healthcare system, patient safety, and professionalism/medical ethics should be part of compulsory credited courses in all Saudi undergraduate medical curricula.
Forecasting daily emergency department arrivals using high-dimensional multivariate data: a feature selection approach
Authors: Tuominen Jalmari , Lomio Francesco , Oksala Niku , Palomäki Ari , Peltonen Jaakko , Huttunen Heikki , Roine Antti
Published: May 2022

Background and objective

Emergency Department (ED) overcrowding is a chronic international issue that is associated with adverse treatment outcomes. Accurate forecasts of future service demand would enable intelligent resource allocation that could alleviate the problem. There has been continued academic interest in ED forecasting but the number of used explanatory variables has been low, limited mainly to calendar and weather variables. In this study we investigate whether predictive accuracy of next day arrivals could be enhanced using high number of potentially relevant explanatory variables and document two feature selection processes that aim to identify which subset of variables is associated with number of next day arrivals. Performance of such predictions over longer horizons is also shown.

Methods

We extracted numbers of total daily arrivals from Tampere University Hospital ED between the time period of June 1, 2015 and June 19, 2019. 158 potential explanatory variables were collected from multiple data sources consisting not only of weather and calendar variables but also an extensive list of local public events, numbers of website visits to two hospital domains, numbers of available hospital beds in 33 local hospitals or health centres and Google trends searches for the ED. We used two feature selection processes: Simulated Annealing (SA) and Floating Search (FS) with Recursive Least Squares (RLS) and Least Mean Squares (LMS). Performance of these approaches was compared against autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA), regression with ARIMA errors (ARIMAX) and Random Forest (RF). Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE) was used as the main error metric.

Results

Calendar variables, load of secondary care facilities and local public events were dominant in the identified predictive features. RLS-SA and RLS-FA provided slightly better accuracy compared ARIMA. ARIMAX was the most accurate model but the difference between RLS-SA and RLS-FA was not statistically significant.

Conclusions

Our study provides new insight into potential underlying factors associated with number of next day presentations. It also suggests that predictive accuracy of next day arrivals can be increased using high-dimensional feature selection approach when compared to both univariate and nonfiltered high-dimensional approach. Performance over multiple horizons was similar with a gradual decline for longer horizons. However, outperforming ARIMAX remains a challenge when working with daily data. Future work should focus on enhancing the feature selection mechanism, investigating its applicability to other domains and in identifying other potentially relevant explanatory variables.
Proceedings of the BC Summit on Navigation for Children and Youth with Neurodevelopmental Differences, Disabilities, and Special Needs
Authors: Gardiner Emily , Wong Vivian , Miller Anton R.
Published: May 2022

Patient navigation (PN) represents a branch of service delivery traditionally aimed at coordinating disjointed care services for patients with particular health conditions (e.g., cancer, HIV, diabetes). Over time, this approach has been extended to various social and health contexts, including most recently to children with neurodisability and their families. In this context, PN involves the provision of information, advice, education, and emotional support, coordination of services both within and across sectors, and the work is guided by person- and family-centred principles of practice. This manuscript documents the proceedings of the BC Summit on Navigation for Children and Youth with Neurodevelopmental Differences, Disabilities, and Special Needs, which took place on January 18 and 19, 2021 and was developed in collaboration with a Provincial Advisory Group. Our Summit brought together over 120 individuals, including researchers, government personnel, service providers, educators, healthcare workers, and family advocates. As part of the event, attendees learned from families with lived experience navigating the British Columbian (BC) service system, from BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute investigators, and from exemplar providers who deliver navigation services in various contexts (e.g., locally, regionally, and provincially). Attendees also participated in various engagement opportunities, and collaboratively identified directions for developing a future community of navigation and related services in BC.
Temporal heterogeneity of HER2 expression in metastatic gastric cancer: a case report
Authors: Zhang Qi , Yu Tao , Zhao Zhicheng , Zhang Shiyao , Huang Qianpeng , Liu Gang
Published: May 2022

Gastric cancer is a disease with high heterogeneity, and this heterogeneity may result in an uneven distribution of subclones with varied genetic properties at disease locations (spatial heterogeneity) or temporal changes in subclonal composition (temporal heterogeneity). We present the case of a 69-year-old woman with metastatic gastric cancer who presented for axillary lymph node enlargement and underwent axillary lymphadenectomy. Pathological evidence showed human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)(3+). Abdominal computed tomography revealed a mass in the gastric body, gastroscopic biopsy showed HER2(3+). After tumor shrinkage by preoperative translational chemotherapy (oxaliplatin, calcium folate, fluorouracil) and targeted therapy (trastuzumab), she had laparoscopic-assisted total gastrectomy. However, HER2 immunohistochemistry was found to be diffusely negative in the surgically removed tissue, and there was no evidence of HER2 amplification in the whole exon sequencing either. After 10 months of trastuzumab treatment, her disease progressed. Although trastuzumab treatment was initially beneficial, the residual HER2-negative subclones may cause tumor recurrence and metastasis due to temporal heterogeneity, as shown in this case.
Effect of “Mehrpishegan” web-based support group on depression, anxiety, and stress among elderly informal caregivers: a protocol for a randomized-controlled trial
Authors: Rahimi Fatemeh , Shakibazadeh Elham , Ashoorkhani Mahnaz , Hosseini Hamed , Foroughan Mahshid
Published: May 2022

Background

Elderly population in low- and middle-income countries is rapidly growing, which indicates an increase in the number of dependent people needing long-term care. Caring for the elderly is difficult and stressful and threatens physical and mental health of informal caregivers. We aim to design a web-based support group and assess its effectiveness on depression, anxiety, and stress among elderly informal caregivers.

Methods

This is a protocol for a two-arm randomized controlled trial. A total of 160 informal elderly caregivers will be recruited from the southern area of Tehran. Eligible participants will be randomly allocated to two intervention and control groups. The inclusion criteria include not receiving salary for caring, having primary responsibility for care, having smartphone/tablet/computer, being able to use the contents and web applications, having at least one month of experience in caring for the elderly, and having access to the Internet at least once weekly. The intervention will be implemented by giving an account access to the designed website. Depression, anxiety, and stress will be assessed using the DASS21 questionnaire at baseline, and at the end of third and sixth months.

Discussion

Our findings can pave the way for improving the mental health of informal caregivers of the elderly through provision of web-based supportive services. This study stands as an opportunity to address the needs of caregivers and help them support each other in a novel way.

Trial registration

Iran Randomized Clinical Trial Center IRCT20201012048999N1. Registered on 25 December 2020 (current status: ongoing).

The World Health Organization Trial Registration Data Set is in Additional file 1

Protocol version

Second version 2021-05-27
Stress management in nurses caring for COVID-19 patients: a qualitative content analysis
Authors: Hosseini Moghaddam Mahboobeh , Mohebbi Zinat , Tehranineshat Banafsheh
Published: May 2022

Background

Being in the frontline of the battle against COVID-19, nurses need to be capable of stress management to maintain their physical and psychological well-being in the face of a variety of stressors. The present study aims to explore the challenges, strategies, and outcomes of stress management in nurses who face and provide care to COVID-19 patients.

Methods

The present study is a qualitative descriptive work that was conducted in teaching hospitals affiliated with Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Iran, from June 2020 to March 2021. Sixteen nurses who were in practice in units assigned to COVID-19 patients were selected via purposeful sampling. Data were collected through semi-structured, individual interviews conducted online. The collected data were analyzed using MAXQDA 10 according to the conventional content analysis method suggested by Graneheim and Lundman.

Results

The data collected in the interviews resulted in 14 subcategories under 4 main categories: providing care with uncertainty and anxiety, facing psychological and mental tension, creating a context for support, and experiencing personal-professional growth.

Conclusions

The nurses caring for COVID-19 patients needed the support of their authorities and families to stress management. Providing a supportive environment through crisis management training, providing adequate equipment and manpower, motivating nurses to achieve psychological growth during the pandemic can help them manage stress.
Feasibility study on artificial preparation of structured loess
Authors: Chen Huie , Li Hui , Jiang Yaling , Yu Qingbo , Yao Meng , Shan Wenchong
Published: May 2022

Structure collapse and subsidence are non-negligible geotechnical problems in loess areas. Within this framework, homogeneous and undisturbed samples are critical for effective research on loess structure. Hence, a novel method for preparing artificial structured loess (ASL) was proposed. The calcium oxide (CaO) was added to air-dried natural loess (NL) to form calcium carbonate (CaCO3) cementation and the ASL samples with various densities were successfully prepared. Further, the microstructure test, shear test, and collapsibility test were conducted on the NL and ASL samples for feasibility analysis. Results show that compared with the NL, enough CaCO3 could also be generated in the ASL samples with effective cementation among loess particles; the ASL presented similar compositional and structural characteristics and higher shear strength. The collapsibility of ASL was affected by its density: collapse would not occur when the density exceeded a certain threshold.
Student Thinking in the Professional Development of College Biology Instructors: An Analysis through the Lens of Sociocultural Theory
Authors: Jeong Sophia , Clyburn Jakayla , Bhatia Nikhil S. , McCourt Jill , Lemons Paula P.
Published: May 2022

Sociocultural theory revealed the type of learning that occurred among college biology instructors in a long-term professional development program. Instructors leveraged the social space and access to student thinking for new insights about student thinking and plans to improve their teaching.
Unveiling Concealable Stigmatized Identities in Class: The Impact of an Instructor Revealing Her LGBTQ+ Identity to Students in a Large-Enrollment Biology Course
Authors: Busch Carly A. , Supriya K. , Cooper Katelyn M. , Brownell Sara E.
Published: May 2022

In this study of more than 400 students, the impact of an LGBTQ+ instructor revealing her identity in an upper-level biology course was assessed. Most students perceived a positive impact on their confidence and sense of belonging from this short intervention, and LGBTQ+ students and women perceived it to be particularly impactful.
Engaging with CC Bio INSITES: Experiences of Barriers, Supports, and Belonging in Community College Faculty Participating in Biology Education Research
Authors: Chen Musgrove Miranda M. , Nied Savannah , Cooley Alyssa , Schinske Jeffrey N. , Corwin Lisa A.
Published: May 2022

Community college (CC) faculty encounter several barriers when engaging in biology education research (BER), which is in part responsible for the paucity of CC BER in the literature. This work demonstrates that three types of support-social, intellectual, and resource support-help CC faculty to overcome these barriers and engage more fully in BER.
A Julia software package for transdimensional Bayesian inversion of electromagnetic data over horizontally stratified media
Authors: Peng Ronghua , Han Bo , Liu Yajun , Hu Xiangyun
Published: May 2022

A quantitative assessment of model parameter uncertainty is vital for a reliable interpretation of electromagnetic (EM) data due to the nonuniqueness inherent to EM inverse problems. Conventional gradient-based inversion approaches typically produce a single preferred model with limited information about parameter uncertainty. The inverse problems can be alternatively postulated into a sampling-based Bayesian inference framework where the solution is represented by a posterior probability distribution of model parameters, which can provide an effective way to rigorously estimate parameter uncertainty related to the recovered solution. We have implemented a Bayesian inversion framework for probabilistic inversion of EM data, which is an open-source software package implemented in the Julia programming language. The key feature of the framework is that it allows the model complexity to be adaptively adjusted to an appropriate level compatible with the data by implementing a reversible jump Markov chain Monte Carlo algorithm, thus allowing the data to infer the appropriate level of model complexity and associated parameter uncertainty. The authors have elaborated the structure of the package with a focus on code modularity and extensibility. Finally, the authors determine the capacity and versatility of the software package through three synthetic examples that simulate different EM scenarios. The inversion results demonstrate the performance and inherent resolving abilities of different EM surveys for conductive and/or resistive structures. In addition, the model ensemble produced by the transdimensional Bayesian inversion conveys a wealth of information. Many important quantities for data interpretation such as parameter uncertainty and correlation between model parameters of interest can be measured by exploring the model ensemble.
A Bayesian multivariate model using Hamiltonian Monte Carlo inference to estimate total organic carbon content in shale
Authors: Ganguli Shib Sankar , Kadri Mohamed Mehdi , Debnath Akash , Sen Souvik
Published: May 2022

The prediction of total organic carbon (TOC) content using geophysical logs is one of the key steps in shale reservoir characterization. Various empirical relations have previously been used for the estimation of TOC content from well-logs; however, uncertainty quantification in the model estimation is often ignored while performing TOC estimation in a deterministic framework. We introduce the problem of TOC estimation in a Bayesian setting with the goal of enhancing the TOC content prediction together with the quantification of the uncertainty in the model prediction. To signify the uncertainty, we draw random samples of model parameters from the posterior distribution by realizing multidimensional stochastic processes within the Hamiltonian Monte Carlo algorithm. The posterior model for the variables that influence TOC estimation is conditioned on the available well-log observations and is further defined by a priori and likelihood distributions. We demonstrate examples of applications of this approach to estimate the TOC content on two real field data sets from the well-known Devonian Duvernay shale of Western Canada and the Silurian shale of the Ahnet Basin. The accuracy in the estimation is arbitrated by comparing the prediction results with those obtained using the two most widely used empirical models. Corroborating the results by the laboratory-measured TOC contents demonstrate that the Bayesian approach offers a more reliable and better confidence in predictions when compared with the empirical models, as it provides additional information on the prediction uncertainty. Finally, the implications of the present approach are derived in terms of depositional environments to characterize the high TOC content zone in the studied organic shale formations.
Use of structure-guided 3D controlled-source electromagnetic inversion to map karst features in carbonates in offshore northwest Borneo
Authors: Karpiah Arvin B. , Meju Maxwell A. , Saleh Ahmad S. , Heng Pua Ming , Das Prabal S. , Omar Nurfaraheeda
Published: May 2022

Fractured and/or karstic carbonates (FKCs) in the subsurface are commonly associated with significant drilling risk or reservoir effectiveness issues. Understanding the distribution of karsts will help avoid drilling into possible voids and also reassess risks associated with reservoir effectiveness. A 2020 3D seismic acquisition in offshore northwest Borneo provided data for identifying new carbonate prospects and an opportunity to revisit a 2010 marine controlled-source electromagnetic (CSEM) survey that was not designed specifically for FKC mapping but can serve to test new inversion capability for imaging karsted carbonate bodies. A 3D CSEM data were used to detect and characterize the nature (i.e., fractured and/or karsted) of carbonate prospects mapped using 3D seismic data. In one approach, structure tensors computed from these seismic data were used to constrain the 3D CSEM inversion on the Azure cloud platform. In another approach, cross gradients between vertical and horizontal resistivities were used as a structural guide obviating the need for seismic data. The resulting anisotropic resistivity models were validated using resistivity logs from a nearby well; the resistivity results matched the well-logs satisfactorily, providing geologic justification to interpret the presence of karst features in the resistivity volumes. Lateral boundary of the carbonate prospects was mapped based on the resistivity characteristic, in seismic- and nonseismic-guided structure-coupled inversion. Resistivity-depth cross section of the area revealed the presence of resistivity discontinuity at the seismic-inferred boundary of the main carbonate prospect. Also, resistivity depth slices of the models clearly demonstrated that the areal distribution of low and high resistive zones can be mapped and useful deductions such as the presence of FKC and basement characteristics can be made using the 3D inversion of the CSEM data.
Crisis-focused psychosocial interventions for borderline personality disorder: systematic review and narrative synthesis
Authors: Wood Lisa , Newlove Liberty
Published: May 2022

Background

Mental health crisis presentations are common in those who have a diagnosis of borderline personality disorder (BPD), and psychosocial interventions should be provided. However, there is limited evidence outlining what a crisis-focused psychosocial intervention for this population should include.

Aims

To conduct a systematic review and narrative synthesis of crisis-focused psychosocial interventions for people diagnosed with BPD.

Method

Three databases (MEDLINE, Embase, PsycInfo) were searched for eligible studies. Studies were included if they were quantitative studies comparing a crisis-focused intervention with any control group and they included adults (18+ years of age) who were diagnosed with BPD (or with equivalent experiences). A narrative synthesis was undertaken to analyse results.

Results

A total of 3711 papers were initially identified, 95 full texts were screened and 5 studies were included in the review. Two of five studies reported on the same trial, so four individual trials were included. Overall moderate risk of bias across studies was identified. The review tentatively demonstrated that crisis-focused psychosocial interventions are feasible and acceptable to people with BPD and that they have potential impacts on outcomes such as self-harm and number of days spent in hospital. There is limited consensus on what outcome measures should be used to assess the impact of interventions.

Conclusions

There is presently insufficient data to recommend any specific psychosocial crisis intervention for people with BPD. Given the relationship between BPD and the high frequency of crises experienced by this group, further large-scale trials examining crisis-focused psychosocial interventions are required.

Statement on language

We acknowledge that the term personality disorder can be controversial and stigmatising. As the term borderline personality disorder has been retained in DSM-5 and is used in the research evidence base we have decided to use this term throughout this review. However, we recognise that this term may not be acceptable to all.
HER2 in Colorectal Cancer: The Long and Winding Road From Negative Predictive Factor to Positive Actionable Target
Authors: Ahcene Djaballah Selma , Daniel Francesca , Milani Anna , Ricagno Gianmarco , Lonardi Sara
Published: May 2022

Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 ( HER2) is a well-known oncogenic driver in different tumors and an approved therapeutic target in breast and gastroesophageal cancer. In metastatic colorectal cancer, only 3% to 5% of patients present with HER2 alterations: somatic mutations and amplifications. HER2 was first assessed as a biomarker of resistance to anti- EGFR therapy; however, in more recent years, its role as a potential actionable target has emerged. In this article, we discuss the predictive and prognostic value of HER2 in metastatic colorectal cancer, its emerging role as an actionable therapeutic target, and its possible future developments.
Treatment of Breast Cancer in Young Adults
Authors: Tesch Megan E. , Partridge Ann H.
Published: May 2022

Although breast cancer is rare and understudied in adults age 40 and younger, recent epidemiologic data show an increasing incidence of breast cancer among young women in the United States and ongoing inferior long-term outcomes. Given breast cancers arising at a young age are more likely to present at advanced stages and to have aggressive biology, multimodal treatments are often indicated. Elevated local recurrence risks and greater propensity for germline cancer predisposition mutations can impact local therapy choices. Recently, escalated systemic therapy regimens for triple-negative breast cancer incorporating immunotherapy, de-escalated anti-HER2 therapy, and emerging targeted agents, including CDK4/6 inhibitors and PARP inhibitors, for early-stage disease may be employed in younger and older patients alike, with some special considerations. Prognostic genomic signatures can spare low-risk young women with hormone receptor–positive breast cancer adjuvant chemotherapy, but management of intermediate-risk patients remains controversial. Ovarian function suppression and extended endocrine therapy are improving outcomes in hormone receptor–positive breast cancer, but treatment adherence is a particular problem for young patients. Young women may also face greater challenges in long-term survivorship, including impaired fertility, difficulties in psychosocial adjustment, and other treatment-related comorbidities. Consideration of these age-specific issues through dedicated multidisciplinary strategies is necessary for optimal care of young women with breast cancer.
Oo-site: A dashboard to visualize gene expression during Drosophila oogenesis suggests meiotic entry is regulated post-transcriptionally
Authors: Martin Elliot T. , Sarkar Kahini , McCarthy Alicia , Rangan Prashanth
Published: May 2022

Determining how stem cell differentiation is controlled has important implications for understanding the etiology of degenerative disease and designing regenerative therapies. In vivo analyses of stem cell model systems have revealed regulatory paradigms for stem cell self-renewal and differentiation. The germarium of the female Drosophila gonad, which houses both germline and somatic stem cells, is one such model system. Bulk mRNA sequencing (RNA-seq), single-cell RNA-seq (scRNA-seq), and bulk translation efficiency (polysome-seq) of mRNAs are available for stem cells and their differentiating progeny within the Drosophila germarium. However, visualizing those data is hampered by the lack of a tool to spatially map gene expression and translational data in the germarium. Here, we have developed Oo-site (https://www.ranganlab.com/Oo-site), a tool for visualizing bulk RNA-seq, scRNA-seq, and translational efficiency data during different stages of germline differentiation, which makes these data accessible to non-bioinformaticians. Using this tool, we recapitulated previously reported expression patterns of developmentally regulated genes and discovered that meiotic genes, such as those that regulate the synaptonemal complex, are regulated at the level of translation.
Theory of Sampling and QAQC enabling the application and expectations of new technology and data processing
Authors: Dominguez Oscar
Published: May 2022

Currently, there are high expectations in the mining industry, across the Supply Chain, on how sensors and new technology providing real time data can support and optimise business decisions. In addition, sophisticated statistical algorithms, such as machine learning or conditional simulations, are more and more explored/used to address topics as uncertainty and “optimisations” in the plans, at different horizons, to “maximise the value of the business”.

Despite the future of data collection is heading in the direction where sensors will be providing real time in-formation, this is still in the development stage. The main challenge of the current status for sensors, new technology or statistical analysis, is that they are mostly based on the assumption that the data used during calibrations or data processing, is correct or representative.

This paper elaborates in more detail (with examples) on how the Theory of Sampling and the implementation of Quality Programs (QAQC & QM), across the supply chain, represent key enablers in the research, applications, selections and implementation of technology providing real time data, as well as the quality quantification of the information used as input for data processing: what a sampling protocol represents, how main and deleterious elements are distributed in the lot to be sampled, grade per grain size distribution profile, what can impact sample collection process, how gaps during sample collection shall be monitored, sources of bias, sources of variability and how this information can be used to quantify the current quality performance that will need to be improved with the technology. This paper also elaborates on the current expectations of minor/trace element data (normally on ppm levels), specifically in the understanding and challenges these types of data represent. The final objective of this analysis is to highlight the potential impacts during a capital process where new technological projects can be wrongly excluded from consideration due to errors in the baseline used for comparison, as well as the potential impact on reconciliation and marketing results due to technology or statistical analysis using biased datasets.
Proactive rolling bias test applied on sample stations
Authors: Johnson D. , Kelly J. , Dominguez O.
Published: May 2022

The most basic concept of sampling theory is that “a sample is part of a lot”, where the sample collected needs to be representative to the lot sampled. On sample stations, the lot to be sampled is represented by the material transported by the conveyor belt, while the sample is collected and further subsampled via cutters until the final sample collection point.

Current normal practices to evaluate the operation of sample stations that support processing, metallurgical balance, reconciliation, and final port shipments are typically based on visual inspections: Material build-up on cutters, samplespillage, reflux while sampling, pegging on sizing screens, worn cutter lips are all observations that indicate issues. Being subjective observations, these do not allow the quantification of the sample’s representivity, and the risks for mining businesses due to a positive or negative bias being incorporated during sample collection stage.

Bias Tests are mentioned in several International Standards across commodities (ISO3082 for Iron, ISO 13909-8 for Coal and ISO12743 for Copper, Lead, Zinc and Nickel, for example) to compare the sample obtained against the material it is supposed to represent at the control point. The current methodology and strategy used in the industry requires the interruption of the regular production process multiple times in a row for extended periods of time, to manually extract the material from the conveyor belt (also including manual handling and safety considerations). For this reason, bias tests are not very popular in industry (“we lose a lot of money and time having to interrupt our process many times”) - and are therefore usually performed only very reluctantly, or not at all, exposing mining companies to higher production and financial risks than necessary, hence it is simply assumed that the processes involved are not affected by bias.

This paper is presenting a proactive approach to perform a Bias Test, developed at Hay Point Port Coal, a Rolling Bias concept has been developed, switching the current reactive, time consuming and manual process task, to a more proactive and frequent methodology that allows for trending analysis of the sample station. Quarterly planned maintenance stops are used to perform the bias test, where a vacuum system developed and tested by ALS Laboratory and BHP Coal, performs the collection of the material from the conveyor belt drastically reducing the time required to perform the task manually, but more importantly reducing the exposure of people to safety and manual handling risks. This approach enables Hay Point Port to have quarterly performance data of the sample station, converting this process to a more objective, proactive, and sustainable approach where data, every quarter, has been monitored since 2019.
Process analytical technologies for precise, timely and representative elemental and moisture measurement for conveyed flows
Authors: Kurth H. , Balzan L.
Published: May 2022

Industrial and technological processes are very difficult to manage when the quality of feed and product or discard are not measured with confidence. Effective control can occur when process analytical technologies are chosen that provide representative, precise, and timely measurements. For the measurement technique to be representative it must comply with the Theory of Sampling (TOS) and provide an equal chance of any component in the streaming material to be included in the support for the measurement. This generally precludes technologies that measure only the surface of materials, or biased measurements stemming from a limited portion of the material only, particularly in the minerals processing and recycling sectors, which usually display high compositional variability. The location of the analytical technology should relate to the benefit being targeted and allow for enough reaction time to respond to the quality in some way; diverting short increments based on composition and decision parameters based on process impact, blending with other quality materials, or feeding information backwards or forwards. Feed forward options can include flow rate control, reagent control, operational process variables that impact recoveries, etc. Major benefits have been achieved in measuring coarse conveyed flows with high specification Prompt Gamma Neutron Activation Analysis (PGNAA) over short increments (thirty seconds to two minutes) for most elements, or over five to ten minute increments for trace elements, such as gold. PGNAA applied to conveyed flows allow the full flow to be measured continuously and composition averaged for each increment in real time. The use of penetrative and continuous moisture measurement using transmission microwaves has also proved effective for moisture monitoring and management. Precisions between laboratory samples of the flow and analysis data from analysers can be sufficient to have high confidence in resulting process control decisions. This paper explains the benefits in more detail and includes case studies to highlight actual benefits derived from the application of such systems. It should be noted that sampling of the materials is still required for calibration and adjustments for the process analytical tools.
Case study - improved sampling of iron sludge at Glencore Nikkelverk
Authors: Djuve Eirik , Thisted Elke
Published: May 2022

Glencore Nikkelverk produces nickel, copper and cobalt with high purity. This demands several leaching and filtration steps removing contaminants to achieve a high-quality metal via electrolysis. In one of the process steps iron is oxidized to its trivalent state and forms a slurry precipitate, which contains different iron components described as FexOy(OH)z. The slurry is very fine-grained, corrosive and has a miry consistency resembling muddy clay. Filter presses with up to 90 frames separate the process solution from the iron slurry, which undergoes a washing cycle. Due to the slurry’s fine-grained nature, this washing cycle is challenging with uneven distribution of the washing water and results in loss of valuable dissolved Nickel chloride (NiCl2) which is left in the slurry. The slurry discharges of the filter presses are stored in Nikkelverk’s underground landfills and leads to a yearly loss of approximately 20 million Norwegian kroner. In 2017, the R&D department at Nikkelverk took spear samples for over a period of nine month to map the Nickel content in the material prone to be discharged to the underground landfill. The results showed that the Nickel lost was approximately40% higher than reported from the samples taken directly from a frame by the operators. In 2018, a mapping of several press frames by handheld X-ray analysis showed that the Nickel content, depending on the position of the sample taken in a frame, varies. Since the physique of the operators determines where the sample is prone to be taken, this will add to the variation in the analytical result of Nickel lost. It can be assumed that this variation completely overshadows the process variation resulting in lost Nickel. In summary, the current sampling protocol gives a high variation and a wrong content of Ni in the slurry. Nikkelverk’s commitment to its business system and thereby involvement of resources on any level of the company has resulted in formations of process teams which shall approach such issues and find solutions fit-for-purpose. Therefore, a process team was initiated to develop an automatic sampler in-house for the iron slurry. Their goal was to achieve samples that are more representative as the ones retrieved by today’s protocol. There are six filter presses where slurry is separated from the filtrate. Each filter press releases its slurry on a conveyor belt, which transports the slurry to a collecting chute. The idea is to mount an automatic sample in the collecting chute prior to the slurry compiled for transport to the underground landfill. The article will describe in detail the pre-studies of the problem, the development of the automatic sampler for the collecting chute and discuss its conformity regarding the theory of sampling.
Cross belt sampler: mechanical design of the World’s largest hammer sampler for bauxite export contractual requirements
Authors: Slabbert W.
Published: May 2022

Automated, mechanical cross belt (hammer) samplers remain popular because they are easy to retrofit into brown fields applications or green fields projects when cross stream samplers are not always designed into the plant layout from initiation. Cross belt samplers require less headroom and are easy to retrofit onto existing conveyors. Despite disputes about possible delimitation and extraction errors resulting from hammer samplers, they are not excluded for use from ISO sampling standards (13909 - Coal and Coke and 8685 - Bauxite) but are excluded from others (3082 - Iron ore). Possible errors can be mitigated by applying “know-how” into the bespoke design of a hammer sampler for installation on a specific conveyor belt system. This paper discusses the design details of a primary stage hammer sampler for a Bauxite ship-loading sampling plant. The design requirements of 10 000 metric ton per hour ship loading rate, 100mm particle top size, 1800mm wide conveyor travelling at 5.4m/s, results in a hammer sampler that takes up to a 260kg increment with each cut. The application requires more torque and at faster responses than that delivered by 10 Bugatti Chiron’s combined and is (to my knowledge) the largest of its kind requiring a unique high-torque-at-low-rotational-speed drive system where conventional geared motors could not achieve the necessary output performance. Even though the sampler is the primary stage to a complete operational sampling plant, the emphasis is on the power requirement calculations, the mechanical design, components, materials and features of this unit that makes it not only mechanically operational but also intended at high sampling precision levels prescribed by the Theory of Sampling (TOS). Despite a small statistical bias detected for the sampling system (not the hammer sampler only), the sampling plant performed within the maximum tolerable bias specified for the commercial trade application and is fit for purpose.
Sampling for industry 4.0 – sensor signal acquisition inspired by the Theory of Sampling (TOS)
Authors: Lischka M. , Berelsmann K.
Published: May 2022

The Theory of Sampling (TOS) has become firmly established in many process industries over the last few decades as the basis for precise and accurate material characterisation. Increasingly, considerations go into the design of sampling and sample preparation equipment to ensure sample representativeness. With the introduction of digitalisation under the buzzword Industry 4.0, many options have emerged to monitor these processes. But also, in the other fields, such as process analytics techniques (PAT) and applied sensor technology, which are not directly attributable to sampling, new applications arise where the Theory of Sampling is never-the-less a very useful addition. Here we present two case studies in which TOS have delivered decisive improvements in data acquisition.
ISO 13909 compliant contractual payment station coal sampling plant: process design and equipment selection for chemical, physical and moisture sampling
Authors: Nyokong M. , Slabbert W.
Published: May 2022

The paper discusses the process design and mass balance highlights to illustrate the ISO 13909 compliance of a 4-year-running contractual payment station sampling plant. The plant is used to sample -60mm coal supply to a coal fired power station infrastructure belonging to the South African National Power Utility. Payment parameters are proximate analysis (Calorific Value, Ash-, Sulphur content), physical (size and abrasion index) and moisture content. Over and above ergonomic physical samples and timeous moisture samples, the plant also delivers the crushed chemical sample in triplicate for buyer-, seller- and referee analysis.

The lot period was defined as 24 hours production while the system compliance was designed around mass-based sampling. Production varies over a wide range of throughout tonnages from 800-3600 ton/h as dictated by complex boiler and silo operational requirements. The plant required a unique operational philosophy to adapt the number of primary increments (and corresponding time interval) per sublot size to the varying production rates which over a fix lot period results in varying lot size. Furthermore, a contractual grade, calibrated, 6-idler belt scale is used to measure the instantaneous conveyor load which in turn controls the cutter speed via a programmable logic controller (PLC) prompted variable speed drive (VSD) setpoint to sample fixed increment mass to represent fixed production mass interval.

The primary belt end crosscut sampler boasts a unique articulated joint design sample chute to fit down the high sample tract; eliminating the delineation errors associated with the previous competitor design.
Gy’s discrete heterogeneity and the grouping and segregation variance
Authors: Lyman Geoffrey
Published: May 2022

This paper returns to Gy’s work to make a recapitulation of his derivation of the constitutional and distributional heterogeneity of a particulate material with a careful delineation of the assumptions that he employed to arrive at expressions for the fundamental sampling variance and the variance due to distributional heterogeneity or the grouping and segregation variance. Gy derives a link between the constitutional and distributional heterogeneity based on the assumption that increments are ‘similar’. This in fact requires that potential increments contain the same number of particles which is very restrictive. Gy’s expressions are explored with numerical examples which demonstrate that these may be valid only under limited circumstances. The second part of the paper provides a derivation that presents an alternative approach to the variance of sampling of a highly segregated particulate material. It is shown that when all particles have the same mass as can be expected under Gy’s assumptions, the new expression coincides with Gy’s. The new derivation is essentially free of assumptions regarding particle numbers and masses in increments and appeals to common sense regarding the extraction of samples by mechanically correct samplers. The new approach provides an expression for the variance due to grouping and segregation which involves the properties of the particulate material and the same variable used by Gy to expresses the extent of segregation of the lot. The grouping factor γ used by Gy is eliminated from consideration.