Publications by authors named "N Willems"

Purpose: Predictive models help determine predictive factors necessary to improve functional outcomes after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). However, no study has assessed predictive models for functional outcomes after TKA based on the new concepts of personalised surgery and new technologies. This study aimed to develop and evaluate predictive modelling approaches to predict the achievement of minimal clinically important difference (MCID) in patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) 1 year after TKA.

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Article Synopsis
  • The study examines the impact of 3D CT-based surgical robotics on knee alignment during total knee arthroplasty (TKA) by a traditionally-trained surgeon over five years.
  • An analysis of 1,394 robotically-assisted TKAs showed a trend towards varus positioning and a broader range of joint line obliquity in component alignment over time.
  • The findings suggest that the integration of 3D CT planning allowed for more tailored surgical approaches, moving away from conventional biomechanical alignment strategies, although further outcome data is needed to assess the benefits of these changes.
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Failing to incorporate accurate distributed energy resource penetration forecasts into long-term resource and transmission planning can lead to cost inefficiencies at best and system failures at worst. We have developed an open-source tool that employs an advanced Bass specification to calibrate and forecast technology adoption. The advanced specification includes geographic clustering, exogenously estimated market size, and dynamic time steps.

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In the aftermath of shock events, policy responses tend to be crafted under significant time constraints and high levels of uncertainty. The extent to which individuals comply with different policy designs can further influence how effective the policy responses are and how equitably their impacts are distributed in the population. Tools which allow policymakers to model different crisis trajectories, policy responses, and behavioral scenarios ex ante can provide crucial timely support in the decision-making process.

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Brucella canis had not been isolated in the Netherlands until November 2016, when it was isolated from a dog imported from Romania. Including this case, 16 suspected cases were notified to the authorities during the following 25 months. Of these 16 dogs, 10 were seropositive; tracking investigations found another 8 seropositive littermates.

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