bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Abstract 832: Gender differences in urinary tract cancer susceptibility associated with radon in water: A population based study from Finland
Authors: Li Peng Yunzhi
Published: March 2024

Background: Radon as a common source of environmental radiation, while its carcinogenic effect on urinary tract cancer has not been fully investigated.

Methods: Men and women who have continuously lived in Finland from year 1987 onward and reached 40+ years old at the beginning of 2017 were followed up for urinary tract cancer, including bladder cancer (ICD-O 3 code C67) and kidney cancer (C64-C66 and C68) for 5 years until the end of 2021. The residential location and type of buildings of the cohort members were traced from year 1987 until 2016 annually and linked to the average cumulative exposure of radon concentration in well water on municipality level. Newly diagnosed UTC cases were identified based on the Finnish cancer register. Pre-existing health conditions, such as hypertension, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, calculus of kidney and lower urinary tract, family history of cancer, as well as socioeconomic factors were ascertained from multiple registry databases. Data were analyzed with Cox proportional hazards model conditional on birth cohorts and adjusted with available covariates.

Findings: Among 1,019,331 men and 1,192,960 women with 30-years average radon exposure, 4206 and 2226 urinary tract cancer cases were diagnosed during follow-up period from 2017 until correspondingly. Men with higher radon exposure (>500 Bq/m3) had about 14% higher risks of UTC in total (HR 1.14, 95% CI 1.07-1.21), 19% higher risks of bladder cancer (HR 1.19, 95%CI 1.09-1.32), 10% higher risks of kidney cancer (HR 1.10, 95%CI 1.02-1.20) comparing with lower exposed samples. Women with higher radon exposure had about 1% higher risks of UTC in total (HR 1.01, 95%CI 0.93-1.10), 3% higher risks of bladder cancer (HR 1.03, 95%CI 0.88-1.22), 1% higher risks of kidney cancer (HR 1.01, 95%CI 0.92-1.11). In the sub-population who only lived in houses during the 30-years exposure period, men with higher radon exposure had about 24% higher risks of UTC (HR 1.24, 95% CI 1.12- 1.36), 30% higher risks of bladder cancer (HR 1.30, 95%CI 1.12-1.51), 20% higher risks of kidney cancer (HR 1.20, 95%CI 1.06-1.36). No significant association was observed in women who only lived in houses during exposure period.

Conclusions: For men, higher radon exposure was significantly associated with elevated risks of UTC. No significant association was observed in women. Further investigates were needed to explore the mechanisms of gender differences in UTC susceptibility associated with radon exposure.

Keywords: Radon, Radiation, Cancer, Urinary tract cancer, Kidney cancer, Bladder cancer

Citation Format: Peng Yunzhi Li. Gender differences in urinary tract cancer susceptibility associated with radon in water: A population based study from Finland [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 832.
Abstract 849: Deciphering the link between aging, lobular involution, and breast cancer risk: The role of LIFR/pSTAT3 signaling
Authors: Lue Jaida C. , Radisky Derek , Stallings-Mann Melody , Sherman Mark , Degnim Amy , McCauley Bryan , Hoskin Tanya
Published: March 2024

Background: Age-related lobular involution (ARLI), characterized by regression of breast epithelial tissue during the peri-and post-menopausal period, plays a crucial role in breast cancer risk. Delayed or incomplete ARLI is linked with increased postmenopausal breast cancer susceptibility.This study focuses on unraveling the molecular mechanisms of ARLI, drawing parallels with the well-characterized postpartum involution (PPI). Our aim was to discover biomarkers differentiating women who progressed through ARLI from those with stagnant ARLI.

Methods: We utilized the Mayo Clinic Benign Breast Disease (BBD) cohort, analyzing 108 perimenopausal women aged 45-55 who had a subsequent benign biopsy between 2-15 years later. We assessed Lobular Involution (Ll) status by comparing the number and size of lobules in initial and subsequent biopsies. RNA profiling of initial biopsies was performed using NanoString 10360 and BC360, identifying differentially expressed genes between ARLI progression and stagnation. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) mapped the expression of these biomarkers in epithelial lobules.

Results: We identified 37 genes with significant differential expression, highlighting Leukemia Inhibitory Factor Receptor (LIFR) as upregulated in ARLI stagnant samples. LIFR, part of the IL-6 cytokine signaling pathway, is known for its role in the induction of apoptosis during PPI via pSTAT3 activation. Our IHC analyses of initial biopsies of women who differentially progress through ARLI confirmed differential expression of LIFR that is coordinately regulated with pSTAT3.

Conclusion: Our findings reveal significant parallels between ARLI and PPI. Future research will assess how LIFR/pSTAT3 signaling is linked to induction of apoptotic markers in perimenopausal women and will investigate how anomalies in the LIFR/pSTAT3 pathway might contribute to heightened breast cancer risk in women with delayed or incomplete ARLI. This study not only sheds light on the complex biological processes of aging in breast tissue but also opens new avenues for breast cancer risk assessment and prevention strategies.

Citation Format: Jaida C. Lue, Derek Radisky, Melody Stallings-Mann, Mark Sherman, Amy Degnim, Bryan McCauley, Tanya Hoskin. Deciphering the link between aging, lobular involution, and breast cancer risk: The role of LIFR/pSTAT3 signaling [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 849.
Abstract 886: Integrated deep learning model for predicting DNA methylation and tumor types from histopathology in central nervous system tumors
Authors: Shulman Eldad David , Hoang Danh-Tai , Turakulov Rust , Abdullaev Zied , Singh Omkar , Campagnolo Emma M. , Stone Eric A. , Nasrallah MacLean P. , Ruppin Eytan , Aldape Kenneth
Published: March 2024

Precision in diagnosis of diverse central nervous system (CNS) tumor types is crucial for optimal patient treatment. DNA methylation profiles, which capture the methylation status of thousands of individual CpG sites, are data-driven means to enhance diagnostic accuracy, but this technique is expensive, time-consuming, and not yet routinely available. To address this, we developed DEPLOY, a deep-learning model that predicts 10 major categories of CNS tumors from histopathology. DEPLOY integrates three distinct components: the first classifies CNS tumors directly from histopathology slide images (‘direct model’); the second initially generates predictions for DNA methylation beta values, which are subsequently used for tumor classification (‘indirect model’); and the third classifies tumor types directly from routinely available patient demographics. First, we find that DEPLOY accurately predicted beta values from histopathology images, suggesting that application of inferred methylation data is a promising approach for deep learning histopathology-based classifiers. Using a 10-class model trained on an internal dataset, we apply this model on two independent external test datasets of 1,522 and 348 cases, achieving top-1 accuracies of 96% and 94%, respectively on samples which are predicted with high confidence. Taken together, DEPLOY could assist pathologists in diagnosing CNS tumors, in an equitable very low-cost manner, within a clinically relevant short time frame.

Citation Format: Eldad David Shulman, Danh-Tai Hoang, Rust Turakulov, Zied Abdullaev, Omkar Singh, Emma M. Campagnolo, Eric A. Stone, MacLean P. Nasrallah, Eytan Ruppin, Kenneth Aldape. Integrated deep learning model for predicting DNA methylation and tumor types from histopathology in central nervous system tumors [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 886.
Abstract 898: Deep learning-based cell types scores in tumor microenvironment estimated by H&E images associated with PD-L1 status in lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Cook Seungho , Shin Haenara , Koh Jaemoon , Choi Hongyoon , Na Kwon Joong
Published: March 2024

Purpose: The spatial distribution of cell types in the tumor microenvironment (TME) is associated with functional status of tumor immunology and eventually affects the response to immuno-oncology treatment. We have developed a deep learning model that was trained by integrating H&E images of lung adenocarcinoma with spatial transcriptomic data. We applied this model to predict various cell types within the TME using only hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) images to correlate with the PD-L1 status.

Methods: A deep learning model to predict five cell types enrichment score maps from H&E images was trained by spatial transcriptomics data combined with matched H&E images. The five cell types of TME included B cells, T/NK cells, myeloid cells, fibroblasts, and epithelial cells. wAnother dataset based on tissue microarray (TMA) data of H&E images of lung cancer patients (n = 94) was used to predict cell type enrichment scores associated with PD-L1 status estimated by TPS score. The cell type scores derived from the H&E-stained lung cancer images were correlated with the PD-L1 status.

Results: The cell types predicted by the model using H&E image patches showed a significant correlation with those determined through spatial transcriptomic data, serving as an internal validation. All cell types (B cells, T/NK cells, myeloid cells, fibroblasts, and epithelial cells) from TMA cores showed significant differences according to the PD-L1 expression groups. The enrichment scores of B cells, T/NK cells, myeloid cells and fibroblasts were significantly higher in the PD-L1 high group.

Conclusions: Our research introduces a deep learning model for precise cell type mapping within the tumor microenvironment and applied to H&E-stained TMA cores. The relationship between PD-L1 status and the cell type enrichment scores within the tumor microenvironment, as predicted by the deep learning model analyzing H&E images, demonstrates the potential for using H&E-based characterization of the tumor microenvironment as a biomarker in immuno-oncology treatments.

Citation Format: Seungho Cook, Haenara Shin, Jaemoon Koh, Hongyoon Choi, Kwon Joong Na. Deep learning-based cell types scores in tumor microenvironment estimated by H&E images associated with PD-L1 status in lung adenocarcinoma [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 898.
Abstract 920: Insights from the National Cancer Institute’s request for information on existing data sharing processes for NIH-funded research
Authors: Ghosh Mousumi , Boyd Nathan , Jagu Subhashini
Published: March 2024

Data sharing plays a crucial role in accelerating biomedical research discoveries, promoting rigorous and reproducible research, enabling research data reuse, and fostering public trust. To facilitate data sharing, a coordinated, sustainable, and streamlined infrastructure is required to store, preserve, retrieve, and make data findable, accessible, interoperable, and reusable. Starting January 25, 2023, researchers funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) are required to comply with the NIH Data Management and Sharing Policy (https://sharing.nih.gov/data-management-and-sharing-policy/about-data-management-and-sharing-policies/data-management-and-sharing-policy-overview) and indicate how research data funded by the NIH will be managed and broadly shared. As institutions prepare to meet these requirements, the National Cancer Institute (NCI) is looking to understand the existing processes of data storage, preservation, and sharing including what infrastructure and services are available to facilitate data sharing. To carry out this goal, the NCI’s Office of Data Sharing (ODS), dedicated to promoting responsible and efficient sharing of cancer research data, issued a Request for Information (RFI) to understand the existing data sharing processes for NIH-Funded Research. The RFI was designed to collect information on services (e.g. guidance on data standards and file formats), technologies (e.g. storage, compression, retrieval, archival, analysis tools, workbenches), and processes (e.g. governance, communication, education, outreach) that promote data sharing. ODS utilized the RFI to gather input from stakeholders involved in facilitating data sharing. This included personnel from various fields such as research laboratories, scientific instrumentation core facilities, offices of research and/or sponsored programs, provost offices or other research administration, libraries, information technology, and institutional review boards. We also engaged with bioinformaticians and data scientists who are actively contributing to data curation, formatting, and analysis. Here, we present analysis of the responses received, including insights relating to gaps and challenges in data sharing, and proposed next steps and recommendations.

Citation Format: Mousumi Ghosh, Nathan Boyd, Subhashini Jagu. Insights from the National Cancer Institute’s request for information on existing data sharing processes for NIH-funded research [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 920.
Abstract 93: Validation of an impedance-based in vitro potency assay for repeatability and precision
Authors: Califano Danielle , Jiang Jianjie , Windgassen Dirk , Flor Caitlyn De La , Chvatal Stacie , Sullivan Denise , Millard Daniel
Published: March 2024

Cell-based immunotherapies, such as CAR T cells, are emerging as a promising approach to therapeutic intervention against cancer. Developing cell and gene therapy products requires reliable and reproducible methods of quantifying critical quality attributes, such as potency, to ensure product strength and consistency. A variety of assays can be used to assess potency; however, it is crucial that these tests are qualified for assay performance to ensure intra- and inter-assay precision. Although inherently variable, biological assays are often the best methods to investigate a product’s mechanism of action and predict clinical outcomes. Previous work has shown that impedance-based potency assays provide a non-invasive, real-time measure of effector cell-mediated cytotoxicity, thus reducing cell manipulation that impacts data reliability. Here, we describe an in vitro potency assay that demonstrates low variability and high precision across replicates, analysts, and days. Effector cell-mediated cytotoxicity was performed using a CD19-positive liquid tumor cell line (Raji) tethered to the well surface using an anti-CD40 antibody. CD19-specific CAR T effector cells were added 24 hours after the target cells and co-cultured with the target cells across a range of E: T ratios, and cytolysis was monitored for three days. Real-time measurement of cell-mediated cytotoxicity also allowed for the calculation of kill time 50 (KT50), defined as the time required for 50% cytolysis of the target cells. Repeatability was calculated across three replicates per E:T ratio. The co-culture experiment was performed in duplicate by a second analyst and on two subsequent days for a comparison of f three plates as well as two operators to evaluate inter-assay precision. In addition to this, CAR T-mediated cell killing in a multiplate impedance system was also investigated for plate-to-plate variability. The percent coefficient of variation (% CV), a statistical measure that describes the precision and repeatability of an assay, was calculated to assess variability between assay replicates, operators, and plate replicates. In all conditions tested, the percent CV for all E:T ratios was below 20%, illustrating the repeatability and precision of the assay. These data support the use of an impedance-based potency assay for evaluating and characterizing immunotherapy products.

Citation Format: Danielle Califano, Jianjie Jiang, Dirk Windgassen, Caitlyn De La Flor, Stacie Chvatal, Denise Sullivan, Daniel Millard. Validation of an impedance-based in vitro potency assay for repeatability and precision [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 93.
Table S2 from D-2-HG Inhibits IDH1mut Glioma Growth via FTO Inhibition and Resultant m6A Hypermethylation
Authors: Pianka Sean T. , Li Tie , Prins Terry J. , Eldred Blaine S.C. , Kevan Bryan M. , Liang Haowen , Zapanta Rinonos Serendipity , Kornblum Harley I. , Nathanson David A. , Pellegrini Matteo , Liau Linda M. , Nghiemphu Phioanh Leia , Cloughesy Timothy F. , Lai Albert
Published: March 2024

Patient Derived Glioma Stem Cell Characteristics
Figure S2 from D-2-HG Inhibits IDH1mut Glioma Growth via FTO Inhibition and Resultant m6A Hypermethylation
Authors: Pianka Sean T. , Li Tie , Prins Terry J. , Eldred Blaine S.C. , Kevan Bryan M. , Liang Haowen , Zapanta Rinonos Serendipity , Kornblum Harley I. , Nathanson David A. , Pellegrini Matteo , Liau Linda M. , Nghiemphu Phioanh Leia , Cloughesy Timothy F. , Lai Albert
Published: March 2024

Effects of Octyl-D-2-HG and IDH1mut Inhibitors on Glioma Cell Growth.
Exploring the Methodological Approaches of Studies on Radiographic Databases Used in Cariology to Feed Artificial Intelligence: A Systematic Review
Authors: Ndiaye Amadou Diaw , Gasqui Marie Agnès , Millioz Fabien , Perard Matthieu , Leye Benoist Fatou , Grosgogeat Brigitte
Published: March 2024

Introduction: A growing number of studies on diagnostic imaging show superior efficiency and accuracy of computer-aided diagnostic systems compared to those of certified dentists. This methodological systematic review aimed to evaluate the different methodological approaches used by studies focusing on machine learning and deep learning that have used radiographic databases to classify, detect, and segment dental caries. Methods: The protocol was registered in PROSPERO before data collection (CRD42022348097). Literature research was performed in MEDLINE, Embase, IEEE Xplore, and Web of Science until December 2022, without language restrictions. Studies and surveys using a dental radiographic database for the classification, detection, or segmentation of carious lesions were sought. Records deemed eligible were retrieved and further assessed for inclusion by two reviewers who resolved any discrepancies through consensus. A third reviewer was consulted when any disagreements or discrepancies persisted between the two reviewers. After data extraction, the same reviewers assessed the methodological quality using the CLAIM and QUADAS-AI checklists. Results: After screening 325 articles, 35 studies were eligible and included. The bitewing was the most commonly used radiograph (n = 17) at the time when detection (n = 15) was the most explored computer vision task. The sample sizes used ranged from 95 to 38,437, while the augmented training set ranged from 300 to 315,786. Convolutional neural network was the most commonly used model. The mean completeness of CLAIM items was 49% (SD ± 34%). The applicability of the CLAIM checklist items revealed several weaknesses in the methodology of the selected studies: most of the studies were monocentric, and only 9% of them used an external test set when evaluating the model’s performance. The QUADAS-AI tool revealed that only 43% of the studies included in this systematic review were at low risk of bias concerning the standard reference domain. Conclusion: This review demonstrates that the overall scientific quality of studies conducted to feed artificial intelligence algorithms is low. Some improvement in the design and validation of studies can be made with the development of a standardized guideline for the reproducibility and generalizability of results and, thus, their clinical applications.
Finding the Way: Films Found on a Scrap Head
Authors: Gunning Tom
Published: March 2024

Some filmmakers restrict their manipulations of found footage to the minimal act of presenting a film they have discovered with almost no changes. But others have subjected found footage to extensive editing, chemical manipulation, rephotography, or new soundtracks (or all of these processes combined). In this brief essay I cannot hope to cover all the permutations of this rich genre of experimental film, nor to mention all of its numerous practitioners (and I will deal with the visual image more than sound). However, I do want to give a sense of the range of approaches that exist using found footage to mention a few of its masters.
Artistas como parasitas: imagem, vigilância e reciclagem
Authors: Murari Lucas
Published: March 2024

Este artigo apresenta a potencialidade do found footage a partir do reemprego de imagens operativas, como conceituado por Harun Farocki. Dois filmes realizados no Reino Unido, feitos em contextos distintos, são analisados para expor as diferenças de estratégias adotadas como contrainformação.
Clinical Guideline for Preimplantation Genetic Testing in Inherited Cardiac Diseases
Authors: Verdonschot Job A.J. , Hellebrekers Debby M.E.I. , van Empel Vanessa P.M. , Heijligers Malou , de Munnik Sonja , Coonen Edith , Dreesen Jos C.M.F. , van den Wijngaard Arthur , Brunner Han G. , Zamani Esteki Masoud , Heymans Stephane R.B. , de Die-Smulders Christine E.M. , Paulussen Aimée D.C.
Published: March 2024

BACKGROUND:

Preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) is a reproductive technology that selects embryos without (familial) genetic variants. PGT has been applied in inherited cardiac disease and is included in the latest American Heart Association/American College of Cardiology guidelines. However, guidelines selecting eligible couples who will have the strongest risk reduction most from PGT are lacking. We developed an objective decision model to select eligibility for PGT and compared its results with those from a multidisciplinary team.

METHODS:

All couples with an inherited cardiac disease referred to the national PGT center were included. A multidisciplinary team approved or rejected the indication based on clinical and genetic information. We developed a decision model based on published risk prediction models and literature, to evaluate the severity of the cardiac phenotype and the penetrance of the familial variant in referred patients. The outcomes of the model and the multidisciplinary team were compared in a blinded fashion.

RESULTS:

Eighty-three couples were referred for PGT (1997–2022), comprising 19 different genes for 8 different inherited cardiac diseases (cardiomyopathies and arrhythmias). Using our model and proposed cutoff values, a definitive decision was reached for 76 (92%) couples, aligning with 95% of the multidisciplinary team decisions. In a prospective cohort of 11 couples, we showed the clinical applicability of the model to select couples most eligible for PGT.

CONCLUSIONS:

The number of PGT requests for inherited cardiac diseases increases rapidly, without the availability of specific guidelines. We propose a 2-step decision model that helps select couples with the highest risk reduction for cardiac disease in their offspring after PGT.
Contact, Diffusion and Divergence
Authors: Satyanath Shobha
Published: March 2024

The study discusses the outcomes of the contact and diffusion in two contact varieties of Assamese with respect to classifiers. The findings suggest that while classifiers have remained remarkably stable in their characteristics in Assamese over the past 160 years, during the same period, one of the contact varieties (Nagamese) has significantly diverged from the source language, and the other variety (Nefamese) displays greater continuity. The divergence in Nagamese is attributed to the substratal effect which has altered its characteristics associated with numerals and quantifiers in the source language, thereby making it more congruent with the host Naga languages. By concentrating on a smaller part of the region spanning three contiguous states of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam and Nagaland from Northeastern India, the findings also help unlock in small ways the mysteries surrounding the diversity of classifiers arising out of areal diffusion.
Power-law Behaviour and Inequality in the Upper Tail of Wealth, Income and Consumption: Evidence from India
Authors: Kumar Rishabh
Published: March 2024

This article analyses the upper tails of wealth, income and consumption in India over the period 2012–2018 using rich lists, wealth surveys, income tax returns and consumer expenditure surveys. We find the upper tail to obey a power-law in all three economic resources. Comparing our estimates in 2012—where we possess data on wealth, income and consumption simultaneously—we find that the upper tail of wealth is most concentrated, income slightly less, and consumption is much less concentrated. Unlike wealth and income, the Pareto coefficients for consumption are estimated to have a well-defined mean and variance. Our findings are suggestive of convex saving functions in the income distribution.

JEL Codes: D31, O16, O53
The Effect of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy-Based Psychoeducation on Anger Management and Death Anxiety in Individuals Receiving Chemotherapy: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: TOGLUK Sabri , BUDAK Funda KAVAK
Published: March 2024

This study was conducted to examine the effect of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)-based psychoeducation on anger control and death anxiety in individuals receiving chemotherapy. The research was completed as a pretest-posttest experimental design with 80 individuals who received chemotherapy (40 control, 40 experimental). The data were collected using the Personal Information Form, the Controlled Anger Scale (CAR), and the Death Anxiety Scale (DAS). Individuals in the experimental group received eight sessions of CBT-based psychoeducation. We used percent distribution, chi-square test, and t test for dependent and independent groups were used to analyze the data. This study demonstrated that the gap among between the pretest and posttest total scores of the anger scale and death anxiety scale of the individuals in the CBT-based psychoeducation experimental group receiving chemotherapy was statistically significant ( p < .05). CBT-based psychoeducation can be recommended as a professional psycho-oncology practice to improve the anger and anxiety in individuals with cancer.
The End of Public/Private Partnership Prisons in the Department of Correctional Services of South Africa
Authors: Muntingh Lukas
Published: March 2024

South Africa has two fully privatised prisons, each housing some 3,000 prisoners. Their history has been mired in controversy from the start, and this has not improved over a period of nearly 25 years. Recent events affecting the security and integrity of the two facilities provide a useful opportunity to reflect on these private prisons as well as wider issues regarding private sector involvement in the prison system. The intersection of politics, organised labour, private sector interests, and corruption have in all likelihood rung the death knell for private prisons in South Africa.
Computer simulation and hands-on labs: A case study of teaching robotics and AI
Authors: Munoz Ubando Luis Alberto , Amigud Alexander , Sirazitdinova Ekaterina
Published: March 2024

When teaching robotics, instructors face the challenge of finding an effective approach to bridge theoretical concepts and practical applications. Both computer simulations and hands-on laboratory experiments provide learners with opportunities for active, immersive, and experiential learning. As students progress from introductory to advanced topics and from theory to practice, their performance is contingent upon earlier knowledge and may increase, remain unchanged, or decrease. The question that arises is whether computer simulation can serve as a viable foundation for fostering an understanding of theory that enables the subsequent grasp of advanced practical concepts in robotics. Put another way, when students are introduced to the field of robotics through computer simulation, how will they perform when presented with advanced hands-on tasks involving the construction of physical robots to solve problems in physical space? To answer this question, we examined undergraduate student performance ( n = 107) across two robotics courses—an introductory course using computer simulation (Robot Operating System, Rviz, and GAZEBO) and an advanced course using physical hardware (Puzzlebot), leveraging the hardware's capability for AI tasks such as machine vision (Nvidia Jetson Nano development kit). Our findings suggest that student performance increased as they progressed from using computer simulation to engaging with hardware in the physical environment, further suggesting that teaching with computer simulations provides an adequate foundation to learn and complete more advanced tasks.
Incidence of Complications After Tibial Tubercle Osteotomy and Tibial Tubercle Osteotomy With Distalization
Authors: Shah Aakash K. , Uppstrom Tyler J. , Rizy Morgan E. , Gomoll Andreas H. , Strickland Sabrina M.
Published: March 2024

Background:

Tibial tubercle osteotomy (TTO) is a well-established surgical treatment option for patellofemoral instability and pain. TTO with distalization (TTO-D) is indicated for patients with patellofemoral instability, patellar malalignment, and patella alta. The current literature demonstrates several complications that may be associated with TTO, with reportedly higher rates of complications associated with TTO-D.

Purpose:

To analyze and compare complication rates after TTO without distalization (TTO-ND) and TTO-D and assess risk factors associated with complications.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

All skeletally mature patients who underwent TTO with or without distalization by a single surgeon between September 2014 and May 2023 with a minimum of 6 months of clinical follow-up were retrospectively reviewed. Patient factors, surgical indications, perioperative data, and complications were collected via a retrospective review of electronic medical records. Concomitant procedures were categorized as intra-articular, extra-articular, and osteotomies.

Results:

A total of 251 TTOs (117 TTO-D, 134 TTO-ND) were included in the study group. Postoperative complications were observed in 15 operations (6%), with arthrofibrosis as the most common complication (10 operations [4%]). TTO-D and TTO-ND had similar rates of complication (5% vs 7%; P = .793). Clinical nonunion was observed in 3 operations (3%) in the TTO-D cohort and 1 operation (1%) in the TTO-ND cohort. In the TTO-D cohort, concomitant intra-articular procedures were significantly associated with an increased likelihood of complications in a univariate model. In the TTO-ND cohort, an increased tourniquet time was significantly associated with an increased likelihood of complications in a univariate model. For all TTOs as well as the TTO-D and TTO-ND cohorts, there were no significant associations between patient or surgical variables in a multivariate model.

Conclusion:

TTO with and without distalization is a safe procedure with low rates of complication. TTO-D was not associated with a higher rate of complications compared with TTO-ND. There was no association between complications and surgical variables for TTO procedures.
An investigation of the ballistic impact behavior of multi-layered armor structure
Authors: Alam Shah , Nguyen Diem
Published: March 2024

In this research, a multi-layered composite armor was introduced by combining ceramics, fiber-reinforced composite and metal alloy with the aim of making the armor capable of resisting ballistic impact. A model was developed in ABAQUS/Explicit to predict the impact performance of armor in different scenarios. A thinner version of the proposed structure was manufactured, and experiments were conducted. Data were collected and analyzed including initial and residual velocity and absorbed kinetic energy. The experiments and simulations showed similarities in how the materials response to the ballistic impact. It was found that the thickness of each component contributes to the total ballistic resistance of the whole structure. By putting 20 mm thick Boron carbide layer in front layer, armor structure can absorb more kinetic energy than having 10 mm thick Boron carbide front layer. The sequence order of layers also affected the protection of armor structure. If the front layer is Kevlar/epoxy, armor structure cannot withstand multi-hit attacks because of significant delamination in these layers. Also, the Boron carbide core that had Kevlar/epoxy layer in the front was more shattered than the Boron carbide front layer that had Kevlar/epoxy as the core layer. By applying cohesive layers between Kevlar/epoxy layers, the displacement of fibers in the bonded composite layers was equal to 68% of the displacement of fibers in the unbonded Kevlar/epoxy layers. Also, the multi-layer structure with bonded Kevlar/epoxy layers exerted more stress on projectile after impact compared to structure with unbonded Kevlar/epoxy layers.
Modal and random vibration responses of composite overwrapped pressure vessels with various geodesic dome trajectories
Authors: Coskun Taner , Sahin Omer Sinan
Published: March 2024

In the current study, Composite Overwrapped Pressure Vessels (COPVs) with various geodesic dome profiles have been built and their modal and random vibration responses were numerically examined. In this regard, geodesic dome profiles were established for five different polar opening radii of 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 mm, and thus the impacts of fibre orientations on vibration characteristics depending on the filament winding trajectories were discovered. Furthermore, non-prestressed modal and random vibration responses for COPVs, as well as prestressed vibration behaviours under 50, 100, and 150 Bar internal pressure, were investigated and thus the effects of internal pressure severity on dynamic characteristics were identified. The study found that higher polar opening radius triggered a reduction in the natural frequencies, and these reductions were linked to an increment in the filament winding angle, and a consequent deterioration in the structural stiffness of COPVs. On the other hand, raising the internal pressure severity shifts the natural frequencies to higher frequencies, which are also attributed to ascended structural stiffness. Furthermore, it was established that internal pressure severity and polar opening radius had a coupled effects on the modal and random responses, and that both parameters should be evaluated simultaneously.
The concept of food waste and food loss prevention and measuring tools
Authors: Economou Florentios , Chatziparaskeva Georia , Papamichael Iliana , Loizia Pantelitsa , Voukkali Irene , Navarro-Pedreño Jose , Klontza Eleftheria , Lekkas Demetris F , Naddeo Vincenzo , Zorpas Antonis A
Published: March 2024

Food waste (FW) has become a global concern, with an estimated 1.3 billion tonnes lost annually, costing about $1 trillion. Environmental and social consequences of FW are significant, contributing to 6% of European Unions’ greenhouse gasemissions and affecting global food security. FW occurs is a complex issue occurring at various stages of the food supply chain (FSC) and is influenced by multiple factors such as infrastructure, available knowledge and socio-economic conditions. Developed countries FW is more prevalent at the consumption stage, whereas in the developing countries losses occur in agricultural production, post-harvest and distribution stage. Accurate quantification of FW across the supply chain is crucial and monitoring key performance indicators helps identify areas for improvement. The European Union mandates FW measurement, aligning with sustainable development goals, emphasizing the need for effective waste prevention measures. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses approach was utilized to conduct a systematic literature review on FW key performance indicators (KPIs) and monitoring tools. The research identified 22 KPIs, categorized into three levels of the FSC: primary, secondary and tertiary. The most common KPIs included FW per capita, FW per portion and FW percentage. The study further discusses FW prevention measures and essential monitoring tools for addressing FW throughout the supply chain.
Trusted Sources of Information and COVID-19 Vaccination Among Black Adults in Chicago
Authors: Hirschtick Jana L. , Walsh Jennifer L. , DiFranceisco Wayne , Jacobs Jacquelyn , Hunt Bijou , Valencia Jesus , Quinn Katherine
Published: March 2024

Purpose

Examine trust in sources of COVID-19 information and vaccination status.

Design

Cross-sectional.

Setting

Chicago, Illinois.

Subjects

Convenience sample of 538 Black adults surveyed between September 2021 and March 2022.

Measures

Trust in sources of COVID-19 information, COVID-19 vaccination.

Analysis

Using latent class analysis, we identified classes of trust in sources of COVID-19 information. We considered predictors of class membership using multinomial logistic regression and examined unadjusted and adjusted associations between trust class membership and COVID-19 vaccination while accounting for uncertainty in class assignment.

Results

Our analytic sample (n = 522) was predominantly aged 18-34 (52%) and female (71%). Results suggested a four-class solution: (1) low trust, (2) high trust in all sources, (3) high trust in doctor and government, and (4) high trust in doctor, faith leader, and family. Unadjusted odds of vaccination were greater in the high trust in all sources (OR 2.0, 95% CI 1.2-3.2), high trust in doctor and government (OR 2.7, 95% CI 1.4-5.3), and high trust in doctor, faith leader, and family classes (OR 2.1, 95% CI 1.2, 3.9) than the low trust class. However, these associations were not significant after adjustment for sociodemographic and health status factors.

Conclusion

Although COVID-19 vaccination varied across trust classes, our adjusted findings do not suggest a direct association between trust and vaccination, reflecting complexities in the vaccine decision-making process.
Experimental and statistical study on the effect of process parameters on the quality of continuous fiber composites made via additive manufacturing
Authors: Ibitoye Femi A , Radford Donald W
Published: March 2024

Ongoing research in additive manufacturing towards structural and industrial application has led to the use of commingled roving as a manufacturing feedstock for printing high fiber volume fraction composites. The prospects of using this technology for high performance applications necessitates the need for a comprehensive experimental investigation into the effects of processing parameters on the quality of an additively manufactured composite printed from commingled roving feedstock. In this work, transverse flexure and void fraction matrix pyrolysis testing are both performed to evaluate composite quality. The transverse flexure test is a testing approach that evaluates the quality of the interfacial fiber-matrix bond while the void fraction test estimates the void content in the printed composite. A full observational study consisting of 27 different test combinations is done to investigate the effects of three different process parameters namely, temperature, pressure, and print speed across three different levels. Composite samples were made from commingled roving of E-glass and amorphous PET using an in-house built continuous fiber composite digital manufacturing system. Least squares regression analysis is performed to study the main, interaction and quadratic effects of process parameters. A statistical regression model having an R2 adjusted value of 80.1% is generated from the transverse flexure study, which is used to explain main and interaction effects and also predict performance. Response surface plots are also generated and are used to optimize process parameters which can subsequently be of help in scaling up composite manufacturing. Results show that all three process parameters are highly statistically significant at the 0.01 level of significance. Pressure * Temperature and Pressure * Printspeed are significant interaction terms. Pressure plays a weightier role when print speed is increased or temperature is decreased as it closes more voids that would ordinarily have been introduced because of drop in polymer melt viscosity. Micrographic analysis is also performed.
A systematic review of the literature on student work and academic performance
Authors: Nidogon Višnjić Sonja , Pažur Aničić Katarina , Divjak Blaženka
Published: March 2024

Student work is becoming more prevalent throughout the world. More students are not only working but doing more hours per week, which very likely affects their academic performance. This paper provides a systematic literature review (SLR) of 347 papers, focusing on the: indicators of academic performance, relation between student part-time work and academic performance, and drivers of students’ decision to work. Researchers note both positive and negative relations between student work and academic performance, with the positive connection less reported. The positive relation primarily involves students’ improved ability to link theory with practice, while the negative impact of work on academic success is associated with more time devoted to work. The common tangible key driver of students’ decision to work is meeting financial needs, and the intangible drivers include gaining work experience and developing practical skills. This paper’s contributions lie in systematising positive and negative impacts of student work on academic performance and providing a better understanding of the drivers of students’ work engagement. The results can ultimately serve as bases for further research on student work’s impact on academic performance, as well as incentives for higher education institutions to rethink the possibilities of better integration of student work into curricula.
Analyzing determinants of whistleblowing intention with the gamification method
Authors: Park Nara , Song Hyun Jin , Cho Yoon Jik
Published: March 2024

Whistleblowing plays a critical role in building healthy transparent and responsible organizations. Whistleblowing can be challenging, however, as it may result in significant costs for the whistleblower. Facilitating whistleblowing that resists illegal and unethical behaviors within organizations requires management to enhance behavior while protecting whistleblowers. From the perspective of risk-taking, the current research examines which factors are associated with whistleblowing intention using an original approach, the gamification method. Accordingly, in addition to the effects of respondents’ characteristics including Big Five personalities, this research tests how the immediate supervisor’s sex and organizational size, which are randomly assigned by interactive webcomics using hypothetical situations and experimental questionnaires, affect whistleblowing intention. Logistic regression analysis shows openness is significantly associated with whistleblowing intention. In the hypothetical situation, whistleblowers are more likely to come forward if they have a supervisor of a different sex and/or are in a larger organization.
Epidemiological, immunological, and treatment response profile of patients with lupus nephritis in Brazil
Authors: Nunes Mariana Sousa Teixeira , Barbosa Jorge Lectícia , Yu Luis , Woronik Viktoria , Bitencourt Dias Cristiane
Published: March 2024

Background and hypothesis

Brazil has the largest number of individuals of African descent outside Africa and a very admixed population. Among cases of lupus nephritis (LN) in the country, there are differences in incidence, and even in severity, depending on the location and characteristics of the population studied. The aim of this study was to describe the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of LN in Brazil, as well as to determine which of those characteristics would be risk factors for a poor renal prognosis.

Methods

This was a retrospective, descriptive observational study of patients diagnosed with LN who underwent kidney biopsy between 1999 and 2015 in the Nephrology Department of the Hospital das Clínicas, in São Paulo, Brazil. Data were collected from electronic medical records.

Results

We evaluated 398 patients, among who 94.1% and 77.7% tested positive for antinuclear antibodies and anti-DNA antibodies, respectively, whereas 33.7% showed the full-house pattern. The time from LN symptom onset to biopsy was <6 months in 47.5% (early biopsy group) and ≥6 months in 52.5% (late biopsy group). In the early biopsy group, the chronicity index was lower and the activity index was higher. Multivariate analysis showed that a higher chronicity index was the only independent risk factor for progression to requiring kidney replacement therapy.

Conclusion

Late biopsy seems to be associated with negative renal outcomes in LN. However, it seems that a higher chronicity index is the main predictor of a poor renal outcome among patients with LN in Brazil.
The use of belimumab on patients with both systemic lupus erythematosus and immune thrombocytopenia: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Wu Qi , Zhao Ming-Xue , Huang Xiao-Shan , Lin Chang-song , Xu Qiang
Published: March 2024

Objective

The objective of this study is to provide a description of a group of retrospective cohort outcomes in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) complicated with immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) receiving belimumab.

Methods

This study reports on the treatment of 10 female patients (mean age 34.3 ± 14.0 years, mean weight 58.7 ± 18.2 kg) with both SLE and ITP who received belimumab in addition to basic drug therapy. The belimumab treatment regimen consisted of a dosage of 10 mg/kg, with an initial infusion every 2 weeks for the first 3 doses, followed by an infusion every 4 weeks.

Results

Ten patients were included in the study. The overall response rate of thrombocytopenia was 90% after treatment. The parameters such as platelet count, lymphocyte count, erythrocyte count, hemoglobin, dsDNA, C3, and C4 were significantly improved ( p < .05). The SLE Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI), British Islet lupus Assessment Group 2004 (BILAG-2004), and Physician Global assessment (PGA) scores were significantly decreased ( p < .05). There were no significant differences in glutamic pyruvic transaminase (ALT), glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (AST), and serum creatinine (Scr) before and after treatment ( p > .05).

Conclusion

Belimumab shows promising clinical outcomes in the treatment on patients with both SLE and ITP. Further studies are needed to validate these findings in larger patient populations and compare the efficacy of belimumab with other treatments for SLE complicated with ITP. Long-term response rates and adverse events associated with belimumab treatment also warrant further investigation.