An ensemble learning model for forecasting water-pipe leakage.

Based on the benefits of different ensemble methods, such as bagging and boosting, which have been studied and adopted extensively in research and practice, where bagging and boosting focus more on reducing variance and bias, this paper presented an optimization ensemble learning-based model for a large pipe failure dataset of water pipe leakage forecasting, something that was not previously considered by others. It is known that tuning the hyperparameters of each base learned inside the ensemble weight optimization process can produce better-performing ensembles, so it effectively improves the accuracy of water pipe leakage forecasting based on the pipeline failure rate. To evaluate the proposed model, the results are compared with the results of the bagging ensemble and boosting ensemble models using the root-mean-square error (RMSE), the mean square error (MSE), the mean absolute error (MAE), and the coefficient of determination (R2) of the bagging ensemble technique, the boosting ensemble technique and optimizable ensemble technique are higher than other models.

A Narrative Review of Osteoid Osteomas and an Audit on the Practice of CT-Guided Radiofrequency Ablation in the Northern Irish Population: A First in the Literature.

Introduction Osteoid osteoma is a benign condition of the bone, usually affecting young males. This retrospective study explores the demographics of osteoid osteomas in the Northern Irish population. It also aims to audit the practice of CT-guided radiofrequency ablation of osteoid osteomas at a major orthopaedic centre in Belfast, Northern Ireland, and to investigate the possible causes of treatment failure.

A Retrospective Evaluation and Review of Radiographic Outcomes for Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF) Procedures: Northern Ireland's Experience.

Introduction Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF) is the gold standard treatment for symptomatic cervical spondylosis refractory to analgesic medical management. Currently, there are numerous approaches and devices used; however, there is no single implant that is preferred for this procedure. The aim of this study is to evaluate the radiological outcomes of ACDF procedures performed in the regional spinal surgery centre in Northern Ireland.

3D Visualisation of the Spine.

The 3D visualisation of the spine is thought of from multiple viewpoints. Firstly, radiological imaging is considered, with plain radiography, CT and MRI imaging discussed in detail with relevant applications to spinal surgery.3D printing can be used in spinal surgery with multiple applications including education, pre-operative planning for complex cases and making patient-specific guides and implants.

Ten techniques for improving navigated spinal surgery.

With the identification of literature shortfalls on the techniques employed in intraoperative navigated (ION) spinal surgery, we outline a number of measures which have been synthesised into a coherent operative technique. These include positioning, dissection, management of the reference frame, the grip, the angle of attack, the drill, the template, the pedicle screw, the wire, and navigated intrathecal analgesia. Optimizing techniques to improve accuracy allow an overall reduction of the repetition of the surgical steps with its associated productivity benefits including time, cost, radiation, and safety.

A novel surgical technique aiding the reduction of lumbar spondylolisthesis using the Jazz™ Band.

Posterior reduction and fusion of spondylolisthesis has a number of recognized and accepted procedural difficulties dependent on its severity. The Jazz™ Band is a novel system designed primarily for posterior fixation of the spine; however, its uses can be applied to a breadth of spinal conditions. Its benefits include that one size will fit all spinal levels; the connector is designed for multiple union rod diameters and reduced comorbidity when compared with other surgical methods.

Influence of timing of surgery on Cauda equina syndrome: Outcomes at a national spinal centre.

Purpose: There is no doubt that the best outcome achieved in Cauda equina syndrome (CES) involves surgical decompression. The controversy regarding outcome lies with timing of surgery. This study reports outcomes on a large population based series.