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Neural Network Coding and Representation (NNR) is the first international standard for efficient compression of neural networks (NNs). The standard is designed as a toolbox of compression methods, which can be used to create coding pipelines. It can be either used as an independent coding framework (with its own bitstream format) or together with external neural network formats and frameworks. For providing the highest degree of flexibility, the network compression methods operate per parameter tensor in order to always ensure proper decoding, even if no structure information is provided. The NNR standard contains compression-efficient quantization and deep context-adaptive binary arithmetic coding (DeepCABAC) as core encoding and decoding technologies, as well as neural network parameter pre-processing methods like sparsification, pruning, low-rank decomposition, unification, local scaling and batch norm folding. NNR achieves a compression efficiency of more than 97% for transparent coding cases, i.e. without degrading classification quality, such as top-1 or top-5 accuracies. This paper provides an overview of the technical features and characteristics of NNR.

Summary Background The posterior auricular nerve (PAN) is an inspiring candidate for the additional axonal source in long-term facial paralysis to improve the functional results of the cross-facial nerve (FN) graft technique. However, no studies have analyzed the PAN's axonal load and its microscopic anatomy to assess its utilization in facial reanimation. The present study aims to examine the anatomical and microscopic features of the PAN to analyze its feasibility as a donor nerve. Methods The bilateral facial side of 14 fresh frozen adult human cadavers was examined for the study. The PAN's anatomical course was recorded, and nerve specimens from the PAN and zygomatic nerve (ZN) were obtained to compare their microscopic anatomy and axon counts using a light microscope and transmission electron microscope. Results The PAN's average branching distance and its course length were 5.8 ± 2.69 mm and 59.2 ± 5.85, respectively. The mean number of myelinated axons was 600.28 ± 69.97 in the PAN and 728.85 ± 166.31 in the ZN. This difference between the two nerves was statistically significant (p = 0.002). However, considering the gender variable, the mean axon counts of PAN and ZN were statistically similar for face sides and their average. Furthermore, the ultrastructural anatomy of both nerves was similar in electron microscopic evaluation. Conclusions The present study confirms that the PAN is a proper candidate to be a supportive donor nerve due to its isolated site, consistent anatomical course, convenient ultrastructural anatomy as well as axonal load.

It is clinically vital to determine the best technique to reconstruct thumb defects with satisfactory esthetic and functional outcomes. We aimed to quantitatively present the safety, versatility, limitations, advantages, and functional results of the first dorsal metacarpal artery flap (FDMAF) and evaluate its outcomes in thumb defect reconstruction by comparing it with the other current surgical options.A total of 21 patients underwent thumb defect reconstruction. They were evaluated with the following parameters: Etiology, age, timing of reconstruction, flap vitality, Semmes-Weinstein monofilament (SWM) test, static two-point discrimination (2PD) test, pain, cortical reorientation, cold intolerance questionnaire, and Michigan hand outcomes questionnaire. Their functional outcomes were evaluated by comparing their scores with the other current surgical options published in the literature.The mean follow-up period was 22.3 months. The mean pain score of the flap was 0.4±0.6 and no patient had pain in the donor area (range, 0-10). The sensory outcome was 'good' (8.6 mm) based on the static 2PD test. The mean SWM test score was 4.02 g. Patient satisfaction was 4.6 according to the Michigan hand outcomes questionnaire (range, 0-5). The cold intolerance questionnaire scores showed that the patients had mild cold intolerance (mean, 10.5; range 0-100). Complete cortical reorientation was seen in 81% of the patients.Restoration of the innervation of thumb defects is possible with the FDMAF with high satisfaction rates based on our results. The absence of the microsurgical vessel or nerve repair facilitates the surgery, shortens its duration, and reduces morbidity, reserving the microsurgical options for more complicated cases. Therefore, it can be concluded that the FDMAF is an effective flap with great modifications for complicated thumb defects but surgeons should consider their clinical outcomes and prolonged surgery when choosing which technique to be used.

A work-in-progress standard-powered media processing system is presented to demonstrate a full end-to-end interactive media service for an immersive user experience. The system converts traditional 360° videos to the Omnidirectional MediA Format (OMAF) standard-compliant format. Media processing, in general, demands complex and tailored workflows for advanced media processing and distribution such as virtual reality content stitching, packaging, and adaptive streaming. To achieve the desired result, these complex workflows require many advanced functionalities to work together on the media content. To address the needs of advanced services, the Motion Picture Experts Group (MPEG) working group is developing a new standard called Network-Based Media Processing (NBMP), a standard that aims at increased media processing efficiency, faster and lower deployment cost of interoperable media processing functions, and the ability to provide large-scale deployment by leveraging public, private, or hybrid cloud services. This paper partially covers both OMAF and NBMP standards. Additionally, an end-to-end design and proof of concept is provided to enable an immersive virtual reality experience to the end user.

There is high tendency to ignore the diagnosis as the incidence of the injury of parotid gland and its duct is relatively rare. In order to prevent the long-term complications such as facial deformities, sialoceles, cutaneous fistulae, salivary gland cysts and gustatory sweating (Frey’s syndrome) and to restore the parotid gland functions, it is important for the duct injuries to be diagnosed and treated immediately. 3 patients consulted to Plastic Surgery Clinic from the Emergency Room of Hacettepe University following maxillofacial trauma was reviewed in this study. Exploration of the facial nerve and Stenon duct was planned for all patients within the first 72 hours following the injury. Following intraoral catheterization of the Stenon duct through the papilla with an epidural catheter, microsurgical end-to-end anastomosis was performed. Concurrently, 100 Units of botulinum toxin A was injected at standardized 8 points on the parotid gland. Postoperative MR sialography revealed patency in all patients at the end of postoperative first year. The mean postoperative parotid volume of the injured and non-injured sides were 19,82±10,55 and 17,79±10,98 respectively and the results were found to be comparable. Fibrillation potentials in the postoperative electromyography recordings and clinical examination demonstrated the nerve regeneration. In conclusion, botulinum toxin A is appears to be effective in both treatment of the injuries of the duct accompanied by glandular involvement in the acute setting, as well as prevention of the long term complications.

BACKGROUND Prolonged mean life expectancy gives rise to a more populated and older patient group. With increasing number of cases during the past decades, older patients are regarded as candidates for microsurgical interventions. Whether advanced patient age is an independent risk factor for microsurgical reconstruction is still an ongoing matter of debate. METHODS The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, PubMed, MEDLINE, CINAHL and EMBASE databases were screened for combination of the key words "elderly", "geriatric", "advanced age", "free flap", "microsurgery", free tissue transfer" by using time limits between 1989 and 2015. RESULTS According to results of the meta-analysis, there was no significant difference in the flap success rates(P =.39, CI = 0.848 to 2.329) and surgical complication rates (P = .83, CI = 0.792 to 1.163) between the young and elderly patient groups. However, the systemic complication rates(P = .02, CI = 1.468 to 3.572), preoperative ASA scores(P

Background/Aim: Due to increased average life expectancy, the number of elderly patients requiring complex reconstructive microsurgical procedures is rising. Age, comorbid conditions, and location of operation are all possible risk factors. The aim of this study is to evaluate surgical outcomes to set the right criteria. Materials and methods: Between 1996 and 2014, the data of 30 patients over the age of 70, who were treated with microsurgical techniques in our clinic, were extracted from patient records and analyzed retrospectively. Results: In this patient population, flap success rate was 94%. Systemic and surgical complication rates were 40% and 48%, respectively. Complication rates were higher in head and neck cases but there was no statistically significant difference compared to reconstructions in other areas. Loss of oral lining, as a serious complication, had no effect on complications in head and neck reconstruction patients in our series. Conclusions: Flap success is comparable to younger age groups but procedures are associated with a high rate of complications Evaluating and controlling comorbid conditions is important. The American Society of Anesthesiologists scoring system is reliable in this patient population. Although complications are more common, these procedures can be performed safely in elderly populations with careful patient selection.

Knee reconstruction with endoprosthesis after tumor resection is accepted as superior when compared with the other methods. But sometimes soft tissue reconstruction would be a challenging problem in this way of treatment. Five patients who were operated for tumor resection in this location, followed by reconstruction were presented with their one-year post operative results. Four latissimus dorsi and one rectus abdominis myocutaneous free flaps were used in these patients in order to manage soft tissue problems. All patients underwent chemotherapy in postoperative period. All flaps were successful in one year post operative examination. In this report we would like to stress the importance of surgical planning and soft tissue reconstruction of a specific patient population. We think that large musculocutaneous flaps such as latissimus dorsi and rectus abdominis musculocutaneous flaps should be preferred in soft tissue reconstruction of knee region after tumor resection followed by prosthetic replacement. Additionally, this way of treatment is superior when compared to the other methods in order to prevent complications such as prosthesis exposure or infection.

We investigated the effect of autologous mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) on multiple unmodified donor bone marrow (BM) infusions and vascularized skin graft outcome. BM-derived rat MSC were examined for phenotype and function. MSC/MSC-conditioned-medium suppressed IFN-gamma production by T cells and modified DC function. Infusions of MSC with one-time BM improved vascularized skin graft survival, while with one-two-times BM reversed graft versus host disease (GVHD). Mixed chimerism was enhanced in recipients given two-four-times BM with MSC infusions. Interestingly, four-times BM infusions with MSC delayed GVHD onset, reduced host tissue damage and enhanced vascularized skin allograft survival compared to four-times BM alone. These data demonstrate that, the co-infusion of MSC with unmodified BM limit the toxicity of allogeneic BM transplantation, enhance mixed chimerism and improve vascularized skin graft survival. These findings provide insights for the development of autologous MSC-based BM transplantation and prevention of graft rejection or treatment of autoimmunity.

Abstract. A 44-year-old woman undergoing abdominoplasty, laparoscopic cholecystectomy, and incisional hernia repair is presented. Abdominal wall lipodystrophy and incisional hernia, both pathologies leading to esthetic deformity, and cholelithiasis causing biliary symptoms were treated at the same operation without any complications. Combining two or multiple abdominal procedures may reduce the potential risks of multiple anesthesia for each procedure, shorten total hospital stay and operating room time, and, perhaps most importantly for the patient, reduce costs and time off work.

Large osseous defects secondary to resection of the mandibular segment may lead to significant facial deformity, functional disabilities, and associated psychologic problems. The therapeutic approach is more complicated in pediatric patients because it must not interfere with normal craniofacial growth process. Here, we present a clinical report to emphasize the application of extraoral short implants with magnetic abutments used for mandible of a growing patient reconstructed with free iliac flap after resection of Ewing sarcoma. A 5-year-old boy, complaining of an ulcerated mass of the anterior mandibular area and floor of the mouth, was referred to our clinic. Incisional biopsy from the lesion confirmed the diagnosis of Ewing sarcoma. After resection, free iliac osteocutaneous flap, with a 6.5 × 4.0-cm skin paddle and based on the deep circumflex iliac vessels, was used to reconstruct the mandibular integrity and to cover the floor of the mouth simultaneously. Nine months after the operation, the patient was referred for oral rehabilitation. Prosthodontic plan included the placement of 5 extraoral implants with magnetic abutment and fabrication of an implant-retained overdenture. Magnetic abutment was preferred not to interfere with the expected craniofacial growth. During a follow-up period, radiographic images showed no pathologic signs with consideration of overall bone loss and recurrence of the tumor; 12 months after the initiation of prosthetic loading, no peri-implant bone loss was observed. In conclusion, this reported case would be an example for the management of challenging pediatric mandibular tumor cases in terms of resection, reconstruction and dental rehabilitation.

A patient suffering from a brachial plexus injury after axillary arteriography is discussed. In the pertinent literature, local complications such as hematomas or pseudoaneurysms have been reported. Herein, rendering this patient, we introduce a new type of a delayed complication after the angiography-compressive injury of the brachial plexus.

Resume Nous decrivons le cas d'un patient souffrant d'une lesion du plexus brachial par compression, survenue dans les suites d'un arteriographie axillaire. Des complications locales comme des hematomes ou des pseudo-anevrismes ont ete rapportes dans la litterature specialisee. Dans ce cas, grâce a ce patient, nous presentons une nouvelle forme de complication retardee apres angiographie : la lesion du plexus brachial par compression.

Knee reconstruction with endoprosthesis after tumor resection is accepted as superior when compared with the other methods. But sometimes soft tissue reconstruction would be a challenging problem in this way of treatment. Five patients who were operated for tumor resection in this location, followed by reconstruction were presented with their one-year post operative results. Four latissimus dorsi and one rectus abdominis myocutaneous free flaps were used in these patients in order to manage soft tissue problems. All patients underwent chemotherapy in postoperative period. All flaps were successful in one year post operative examination. In this report we would like to stress the importance of surgical planning and soft tissue reconstruction of a specific patient population. We think that large musculocutaneous flaps such as latissimus dorsi and rectus abdominis musculocutaneous flaps should be preferred in soft tissue reconstruction of knee region after tumor resection followed by prosthetic replacement. Additionally, this way of treatment is superior when compared to the other methods in order to prevent complications such as prosthesis exposure or infection.

Collapse of maxillofacial skeletal structures after trauma results in inadequate anteroposterior projection and increase in facial width with deformed facial aesthetics and various functional problems. After successful use of rigid external distractor for treatment of congenital facial hypoplasia, they have been used for treating more complex craniofacial anomalies. Six patients with posttraumatic orbitozygomaticomaxillary deformity were managed with intraoperative and/or postoperative use of rigid external distractor device. All the patients maintained the early postoperative aesthetic and functional results in their follow-up period. All patients that the device kept applied in postoperative period tolerated the device. There were no complications related to use of rigid external distractor. Rigid external distractor device is a useful instrument in management of traumatic facial deformities and can be used (1) in controlled traction for reduction of impacted bony segments, (2) as external fixator to decrease the number of plates for fixation, (3) to overcome the soft tissue tension over bony structures to enable the use of smaller screw-plate systems, and (4) for fine adjustment of bony segments after operation depending on the needs of the case demonstrated with postoperative control computed tomographies.

4th World Conference on Business, Economics and Management (WCBEM) -- APR 30-MAY 02, 2015 -- -- Ephesus, TURKEY, WOS: 000381990300018, Production and trade growth opportunities brought about by globalization and increased competition, productivity growth requires in business. Sources declined with each passing day, constantly increasing needs. This in turn increases the need for businesses to use resources more efficiently. Work and time study techniques is raising the efficiency of utilization of the factors of production have been used for all manufacturing and service sectors as a scientific approach. In the content of study a firm that produces tea glass is analysed in terms work/time during the process of model production. In order to measure efficiency of tea glass models, time survey is made and by the help of that method standardized time is calculated. Actual time and standardized time is compared and as a result it is aimed that measuring inevitable times and take necessary precautions against them. As a result of the study, waiting time cause inefficiency in the work of molder and in the content of work/time, efficiency is increased 53 percent and model production capacity is reached at 237. (C) 2015 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V.