bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Determination of Ideal Aircraft Utilizing Analytical Decision-Making Tools
Authors: Ervural Beyzanur Cayir
Published: April 2024

The critical and strategic position of the aviation industry has increased the interest in research studies on aviation topics. Particularly, determining the ideal preferences for aircraft is a complete decision problem because it contains many complex and qualitative/quantitative elements. The purpose of this study is to highlight the missing points by presenting a more comprehensive analysis for airline companies to choose the ideal aircraft model by using analytical models from a holistic perspective. Some technical, economic, and environmental criteria should be considered to identify the most proper aircraft. The selection of the most suitable aircraft in line with the characteristics determined as a result of the opinions received from aviation experts and extensive literature research is evaluated with recently developed multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) methods such as complex proportional assessment (COPRAS), emergency descent arrest systems (EDAS), and weighted aggregated sum product assessment (WASPAS), then sensitivity analysis is applied to demonstrate the reliability of the methods after comparing the results obtained with each other.
Empowering Transformation
Authors: Basikabio Pitshou Moleka
Published: April 2024

This chapter examines the relationship between information literacy and social change in the context of academic libraries. In the rapidly evolving information landscape, information literacy plays a crucial role in empowering individuals to navigate the abundance of information, critically evaluate sources, and make informed decisions. Academic libraries, as key providers of information resources and services on college and university campuses, have a unique opportunity to foster information literacy skills among students and contribute to social change.
Information Literacy and Pedagogy in the Context of Academic Libraries
Authors: Mukherjee Debalina , Basak Anita
Published: April 2024

This chapter focuses on the scholarly output and trends by using bibliometric study related to information literacy and its pedagogy in the context of the academic libraries from the year 1995 to 2022. This bibliometric analysis presents a comprehensive and systematic approach to understanding the landscape of research and innovation in the field of information literacy and pedagogy in the context of academic libraries. By analyzing the patterns of scholarly publications, citations, collaborations, and emerging trends, this study seeks to provide insights into the evolution of research, identify key contributors, and map out the intellectual structure of this interdisciplinary domain. The objective of this chapter is to conduct a bibliometric analysis of research by using SCOPUS database in the realm of information literacy and its pedagogy in the context of academic libraries (1995-2022).
Blended Learning Factors in Education 4.0
Authors: Gadicha Ajay B. , Gadicha Vijay B. , Sukhdan Kalyani K. , Bhattad Pratik B.
Published: April 2024

This chapter explores the factors influencing the implementation of blended learning in the context of Education 4.0. Blended learning, which combines traditional face-to-face instruction with online learning components, has emerged as a promising approach to enhance education in the digital era. The chapter discusses the various factors that contribute to the success of blended learning, including instructional design principles, technology integration strategies, learner engagement techniques, and assessment methods. It also examines the application of blended learning in different educational settings and highlights the potential benefits and challenges associated with its implementation. Furthermore, the chapter explores the future perspectives of blended learning, considering emerging technologies, pedagogical approaches, and the evolving needs of learners in the Education 4.0 landscape.
Synergizing Success
Authors: Gupta Princi
Published: April 2024

In business, AI and BI convergence fuels growth and innovation. This chapter probes this union. It delves into intricate AI integration with BI, catalyzing digital-era expansion. Contextualizing this, it addresses shifting decision paradigms. AI's predictive might, coupled with BI's tools, offers a holistic perspective. Strategic blueprints underpin AI-BI integration, detailing systematic approaches from data to deployment. Real-world cases illuminate symbiosis. Amid discourse, strategic considerations align objectives and optimize value. The chapter underscores AI-BI's potential and strategic urgency, urging AI investment, data culture, and collaboration. Examining AI-infused BI applications, it touts real-world advantages while tackling data alignment challenges. The chapter empowers leaders, managers, technologists to architect AI-BI synergy, redefining success amid evolving industries. Embracing data, it charts the course to prosperity, innovation, growth.
Applications of Artificial Intelligence Techniques in Modern Banking Sectors
Authors: Devapitchai Joel Jebadurai , Dheenadhayalan K. , Rajeshkumar L. , Rathi Meena M. , Soundarya M. , Sowmiya M. S. , Udhaya K. , Hudson Arul Vethamanikam G. , Manickam Thirupathi
Published: April 2024

AI-powered decision-making instruments are cutting-edge technology that has the potential to displace conventional banking procedures. This chapter emphasizes the critical role artificial intelligence (AI) has played in guiding the banking industry toward expansion. AI techniques including robotics, deep learning, facial recognition, natural language processing, and more are used to achieve this goal. This chapter provides an overview of the use of AI approaches in several banking functional domains, such as loan approval, customer lifecycle management, customer services, alarm systems, and so on. It also highlights the benefits and difficulties that AI-driven financial apps provide. In summary, artificial intelligence (AI) has enormous promise in banking, but it also confronts several obstacles that, if correctly recognized and overcome, might broaden its use. This chapter is an invaluable tool for researchers, lawmakers, and bank officials who want to learn more about the unrealized potential of artificial intelligence in banking.
Comparing Public Support for Two Indonesian Employment Policy Reforms in a Time of COVID-19
Authors: Yuda Tauchid Komara , Fauzi Fadhli Zul
Published: April 2024

The pandemic-induced disruption has created a critical juncture at which the opportunity to experiment with new policy trajectories has widened. Yet, how much public support is there for such an experiment? This chapter addresses this question by studying the Activation (Prakerja) and unemployment protection (Jaminan Kehilangan Pekerjaan, JKP) policies, which served as essential policy responses during the COVID-19 crisis in Indonesia. In this study, the authors analysed 47,916 tweets containing public debates that took place up to three months after the policies' inception. Having performed a set of analyses on sentiments, emotions, and most appealing tweets, the authors argue that different forms of support for Prakerja and JKP emerged not because of the policies' breakthrough traits, but due to citizens' pragmatic-cognitive logic shaped by the urgency and severity of the COVID-19 crisis. It makes the idea of state-centred welfare responsibility (something Prakerja possesses) more desirable than contribution-based insurance, which JKP offers. Discussing the Indonesian case fills in the existing research gap as it facilitates a better understanding of the political legitimacy of welfare state policy institutionalization in developing countries during the COVID-19 catastrophe.
Fostering Inclusivity and a Supportive Workplace for the Hearing Impaired
Authors: Masri Siti Nur Rafhanah Awang , Ahmad Norainie
Published: April 2024

In contemporary society, there exists a growing recognition of the imperative to integrate individuals with hearing disabilities into all aspects of social life, including the realm of employment opportunities. The theory of equal capability and workforce integration emphatically asserts that individuals with hearing impairments inherently possess the same capacity and abilities as their hearing peers to perform tasks and excel in various professional fields. This belief finds substantial support in the growing number of hearing-impaired individuals actively participating in the workforce. However, despite the progress in inclusion, hearing-impaired individuals are still confronted with significant career-related obstacles. These challenges encompass communication barriers, feelings of isolation and misunderstanding, and the persistent presence of stigmas and stereotypes. These hurdles have the potential to affect their mental and emotional well-being adversely. When viewed through the lens of Maqasid Al Shariah, it becomes evident that fostering inclusivity and cultivating a supportive work environment is essential and inherently aligns with the principles of Islamic ethics and the core objectives of Maqasid Al Shariah itself. The central focus of this study is on the principle of hifz al nafs, or preservation of life, as it pertains to fostering inclusivity and establishing a workplace that fully supports individuals with hearing impairments. This study draws evidence from six hearing-impaired individuals working for two chosen organisations in Brunei. The organisations represent a government department, and a private company respectively. Semi-structured in-depth interviews sought to gather insights into the participants' personal working experiences alongside their able-bodied (hearing) colleagues. Findings show that various workplace or organisational-level policies and measures are imperative to achieve a truly inclusive and supportive working environment. These policies include the implementation of accessible communication methods, awareness-raising, and sensitization efforts, all of which are needed in the establishment of a society conducive for the worship of Allah.
Municipal Communication, Governance, and the Role of the Local Community
Authors: Pereira Diana Salgado , Serra da Fonseca Manuel José , Sousa Bruno Barbosa
Published: April 2024

Communication is a relevant process at the business level, but it also plays an important role in territorial contexts and in relation to the local community, citizens, and tourists. Territorial marketing is a set of strategic actions planned, aiming to improve the competitiveness of a territory, and consequently contributing to its development, promoting the satisfaction of the residents ‘needs in each territory.' Municipalities tried to keep up with the evolution of the previous concepts, which resulted in their restructuring, emphasizing the search for the expansion of their effectiveness in society at the same time that they establish a bilateral relationship. This conjecture led to difficulties in the process of the message by the residents, especially in specific themes about the Autarchy itself, on the other hand, to the recognition of improvements by the entity under study. This chapter presents insights into territorial management, local development, and contributions to the tourist destination (i.e. Guimarães).
Empowering Communities Through Literacy
Authors: Manuel Jeremiah Paul Giron
Published: April 2024

This policy brief explores the implementation of Aksara Agar Berdaya (AKRAB) in Indonesia. AKRAB seeks to eradicate adult illiteracy in the country believing that literacy creates power for the families and the communities. This paper critically examines the AKRAB program's objectives as well as its implementation challenges and offers a proposal based on the materials visited and analyzed for its enhancement. Drawing on the program's comprehensive analysis, AKRAB 2.0 is proposed, presenting an enhanced version of the program with modifications related to the resolutions deemed to be helpful towards the examined challenges. This brief serves as an insightful resource for policymakers, stakeholders, and interested agents seeking a well-rounded understanding of AKRAB and the action items that it needs for its better implementation.
Customer Service Bots
Authors: Patel Kaushikkumar
Published: April 2024

This chapter delves into the transformative impact of chatbots in customer service, highlighting their evolution from basic automated responders to advanced AI-driven conversational agents. Utilizing technologies like AI, ML, and NLP, these bots are reshaping customer interactions by offering round-the-clock service and handling complex inquiries with increasing sophistication. The chapter explores their development, operational mechanics, and various types while addressing the challenges in implementation and the balance between automation and human touch. Ethical considerations, particularly in data privacy, are critically examined. Real-world case studies across different industries illustrate the practical impact and efficiency gains from these bots. Future advancements are discussed, focusing on enhanced personalization and empathetic interactions through improved AI and NLP, underscoring the significant yet evolving role of chatbots in modern customer service.
Exploring the Landscape of Online Formative Assessment Practices in Programming Courses
Authors: Munisamy Magendran , Osman Siti Zuraidah Md , Sanmugam Mageswaran
Published: April 2024

This scoping review aims to comprehensively examine the current landscape of online formative assessment practices in programming courses. The objective is to gain insights into existing practices, emerging trends, challenges, and innovations in this area. To conduct this review, the authors followed established approaches for scoping reviews and identified relevant studies through a systematic search of academic databases. A diverse range of literature on online formative assessment in programming education was found, meeting the inclusion criteria which encompassed studies from various educational settings spanning introductory to advanced programming courses. This chapter examined different methods, tools, and strategies in online formative assessment and their impact on student engagement, motivation, and performance. The results demonstrate a variety of formative online assessment strategies, including automated feedback, coding assignments, peer assessment, and quizzes. This chapter provides insightful advice for improving online formative assessments used in programming courses.
The Evolution of E-Commerce, Its Impact on Supply Chain Innovations, and Significance in the Pandemic Era and Beyond
Authors: Sürücü Bilgin
Published: April 2024

Commerce, evolving from primitive barter systems to sophisticated global networks, has embraced the digital age, ushering in an era of e-commerce where individuals and businesses across the globe interact and transact in a virtual marketplace. This transformation has not only revolutionized how consumers purchase goods and services but has also led to innovative changes in supply chain mechanisms. The agility and resilience of supply chains have been tested and improved, with e-commerce driving advancements in logistics, inventory management, and delivery systems to meet the demands of a 24/7 global marketplace. This chapter aims to highlight the rise of the e-commerce sector, outline its broad framework, assess its critical role during the pandemic, and evaluate its current standing and implications for supply chain innovations post-pandemic.
Bookstagrammers vs. BookTubers
Authors: Singh Harshita , Singh Sandeep Kumar
Published: April 2024

As the Internet has become a part of many people's daily lives, it has led to the growth of a reading culture influenced by book bloggers on different social media platforms. This chapter identifies two social media platforms that the readers utilize to share about the books they have read. While readers have found their reading space on social media platforms, some have become book influencers. This chapter identifies two categories of prominent literary influencers i.e., Bookstagrammers and BookTubers. Since the readers follow book influencers to learn about the latest books and to read their reviews before making their purchase decision. This chapter aims to compare and analyse the prominent categories of book influencers focusing on knowing more about the preferred book influencers from the readers' point of view.
Fabrication of Equipment and IoT-Assisted Monitoring for Enhanced Zero-Till Farming
Authors: Rajesh P. V. , Ashvin J. , Harish M. , Kishore G. , Nidheesh S.
Published: April 2024

As the global population continues to burgeon, sustainable and efficient agricultural practices are essential to meet the increasing demands for food production while safeguarding the environment. Zero-till farming, characterized by minimal soil disturbance during cultivation, offers a promising approach to achieve these objectives. The present methods of seed sowing are time consuming and inconvenient to handle. To overcome these difficulties, the present research work focuses on the development of specialized equipment and an internet of things (IoT)-based monitoring system to enhance zero-till farming practices. The equipment component of this study encompasses the development of a non-tilling seed sower with solid fertilizer sprayer, alongside field monitoring capabilities. This research contributes to the advancement of precision agriculture and the promotion of sustainable food production systems, ultimately addressing the pressing challenges of global food security and ecological preservation.
Enhancing Farmer-Consumer Linkages Through Technology Adoption and Sustainable Marketing in Zimbabwe's Agricultural Sector
Authors: Chiwaridzo Option Takunda , Kaponda Tendai , Masengu Reason
Published: April 2024

This quantitative study explores the relationships between precision agriculture, vertical farming, and bio-genetic technologies among 402 smallholder farmers in Zimbabwe. Results highlight the positive impact of these technologies on sustainable farming practices and marketing, with sustainable practices playing a mediating role. The integrated approach emphasizes the importance of combining high-tech solutions with agroecological practices to realize full benefits and meet emerging consumer demands for responsible produce. Recommendations are provided for policy interventions to promote synergistic development, ultimately enhancing productivity, sustainability, and market access for smallholder farmers in Zimbabwe.
Improving English Teaching Strategies From the Perspective of College Students' Mental Health
Authors: Zhang Xinhui
Published: April 2024

Implementing mental health education (MHE) in schools is vital for students' psychological well-being. Subject infiltration integrates psychological factors into subject learning, promoting healthy development. However, English learning can introduce issues like self-confidence and language anxiety. Early identification of mental health problems (MHP) is crucial. This study, rooted in humanistic psychology and constructivism, explores affective factors, strategies, teaching, and English listening. The algorithm, based on the DeepPsy model, shows promise, identifying 75% of students with MHP. This research aids universities in offering timely support to high-risk students, minimizing long-term harm. The algorithm contributes to a healthier learning environment by enhancing English teaching and addressing mental health issues early.
Acute severe renal failure in a patient receiving apixaban: a case report
Authors: Pizzini Attilia Maria , Fantoni Chiara , Zaccaroni Stefania , Silingardi Mauro
Published: April 2024

Because there is little clinical experience with apixaban in patients with severe renal impairment and non-valvular atrial fibrillation, the European Medicines Agency does not advise using it to prevent strokes in these patients. However, only a small number of pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic investigations showed how crucially different elimination pathways contribute to the clearance of apixaban. A 74-year-old male patient who was receiving apixaban treatment for stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation was referred to our hospital because of acute severe renal failure brought on by dehydration and abnormally elevated apixaban plasma levels. The patient was treated only with intravenous fluid therapy; serum creatinine recovered slowly over the course of six days, but plasma apixaban levels recovered quickly. No bleeding events have been recorded. Our experience demonstrates the safety profile of apixaban in cases of severe renal failure, but it also emphasizes the need for more research to confirm this evidence.
Point-of-care ultrasonography role in detecting inferior vena cava thrombosis in a patient with low back pain: a case report
Authors: Castellucci Daniele , Casado Suela Miguel Angel , Duffort Falco Mercedes , Salillas Hernando Juan , Medrano Izquierdo Pilar , Dimino Alessandra , Carroccio Antonio , Torres Macho Juan
Published: April 2024

A 73-year-old woman arrived at the ER claiming to be experiencing low back pain. To investigate the source of her pain, she was admitted to the Internal Medicine department. After a heterogeneous abdominal mass in the right upper quadrant was discovered by abdominal point-of-care ultrasonography (POCUS), it was confirmed by an abdominal CT scan, which also identified a metastatic lytic bone lesion in the L4. This finding is consistent with a malignant tumor of the right adrenal gland. POCUS was repeated right after the occurrence of dyspnea, and a 40x6 mm floating thrombus in the inferior vena cava was detected. A conservative approach with anticoagulants was chosen, with improvement of the clinical conditions. The diagnosis of adrenal carcinoma was ultimately made possible by the mass biopsy. POCUS is a safe, low-cost method that provides prompt results at the patient's bedside. We support the implementation of POCUS in all clinical departments, as it provides significant contributions to the assessment of prognosis and diagnosis.
Enhancing Disease Diagnosis: Statistical Analysis of Haematological Parameters in Sickle Cell Patients, Integrating Predictive Analytics
Authors: Dash Bhawna , Naveen Soumyalatha , UM Ashwinkumar
Published: April 2024

Sickle cell disease (SCD) affects 30 million people worldwide, causing a range of symptoms from mild to severe, including Vaso occlusive crises (VOC). SCD leads to damaging cycles of sickling and desickling of red blood cells due to HbS polymer formation, resulting in chronic haemolytic anaemia and tissue hypoxia. We propose using machine learning to categorize SCD patients based on haemoglobin, reticulocyte count, and LDH levels, crucial markers of hemolysis. Statistical analysis, particularly Linear Regression, demonstrates how haemoglobin depletion occurs using LDH and reticulocyte parameters.
Bilirubin and haemoglobin, two integral biomarkers in clinical biochemistry and haematology, serve distinct yet interconnected roles in human physiology. Bilirubin, a product of heme degradation, is a critical indicator of liver function and various hepatic disorders, while haemoglobin, found in red blood cells, is responsible for oxygen transport throughout the body. Understanding the statistical relationship between these biomarkers has far-reaching clinical implications, enabling improved diagnosis, prognosis, and patient care. This research paper conducts a comprehensive statistical analysis of bilirubin and haemoglobin using various regression techniques to elucidate their intricate association. The primary objective of this study is to characterize the relationship between bilirubin and haemoglobin. Through meticulous data analysis, we explore whether these biomarkers exhibit positive, negative, or no correlation. Additionally, this research develops predictive models for estimating haemoglobin levels based on bilirubin data, offering valuable tools for healthcare professionals in clinical practice.
Colorectal cancer screening: A review of current knowledge and progress in research
Authors: Lopes Sara Ramos , Martins Claudio , Santos Inês Costa , Teixeira Madalena , Gamito Élia , Alves Ana Luisa
Published: April 2024

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most prevalent malignancies worldwide, being the third most commonly diagnosed malignancy and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths globally. Despite the progress in screening, early diagnosis, and treatment, approximately 20%-25% of CRC patients still present with metastatic disease at the time of their initial diagnosis. Furthermore, the burden of disease is still expected to increase, especially in individuals younger than 50 years old, among whom early-onset CRC incidence has been increasing. Screening and early detection are pivotal to improve CRC-related outcomes. It is well established that CRC screening not only reduces incidence, but also decreases deaths from CRC. Diverse screening strategies have proven effective in decreasing both CRC incidence and mortality, though variations in efficacy have been reported across the literature. However, uncertainties persist regarding the optimal screening method, age intervals and periodicity. Moreover, adherence to CRC screening remains globally low. In recent years, emerging technologies, notably artificial intelligence, and non-invasive biomarkers, have been developed to overcome these barriers. However, controversy exists over the actual impact of some of the new discoveries on CRC-related outcomes and how to effectively integrate them into daily practice. In this review, we aim to cover the current evidence surrounding CRC screening. We will further critically assess novel approaches under investigation, in an effort to differentiate promising innovations from mere novelties.
Mixed neuroendocrine non-neuroendocrine neoplasms in gastroenteropancreatic tract
Authors: Díaz-López Sebastián , Jiménez-Castro Jerónimo , Robles-Barraza Carlos Enrique , Ayala-de Miguel Carlos , Chaves-Conde Manuel
Published: April 2024

Mixed neuroendocrine non-neuroendocrine neoplasms (MiNENs) are a heterogeneous group of malignant neoplasms that can settle in the gastroenteropancreatic tract. They are composed of a neuroendocrine (NE) and a non-NE component in at least 30% of each tumour. The non-NE component can include different histological combinations of glandular, squamous, mucinous and sarcomatoid phenotypes, and one or both of the components can be low-or high grade malignant. Recent changes in the nomenclature of these neoplasms might lead to great deal of confusion, and the lack of specific clinical trials is the main reason why their management is difficult. The review aims to clarify the definition of MiNEN and analyze available evidence about their diagnosis and treatment options according to their location and extension through careful analysis of the available data. It would be important to reach a general consensus on their diagnosis in order to construct a classification that remains stable over time and facilitates the design of clinical trials that, due to their low incidence, will require long recruitment periods.
Efficacy and predictive factors of transarterial chemoembolization combined with lenvatinib plus programmed cell death protein-1 inhibition for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Ma Kun-Peng , Fu Jin-Xin , Duan Feng , Wang Mao-Qiang
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND

The efficacy and safety of transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) combined with lenvatinib plus programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1) for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) have rarely been evaluated and it is unknown which factors are related to efficacy.

AIM

To evaluate the efficacy and independent predictive factors of TACE combined with lenvatinib plus PD-1 inhibitors for unresectable HCC.

METHODS

This study retrospectively enrolled patients with unresectable HCC who received TACE/lenvatinib/PD-1 treatment between March 2019 and April 2022. Overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) were determined. The objective response rate (ORR) and disease control rate (DCR) were evaluated in accordance with the modified Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors. Additionally, the prognostic factors affecting the clinical outcome were assessed.

RESULTS

One hundred and two patients were enrolled with a median follow-up duration of 12.63 months. The median OS was 26.43 months (95%CI: 17.00-35.87), and the median PFS was 10.07 months (95%CI: 8.50-11.65). The ORR and DCR were 61.76% and 81.37%, respectively. The patients with Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer Classification (BCLC) B stage, early neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) response (decrease), or early alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) response (decrease > 20%) had superior OS and PFS than their counterparts.

CONCLUSION

This study showed that TACE/lenvatinib/PD-1 treatment was well tolerated with encouraging efficacy in patients with unresectable HCC. The patients with BCLC B-stage disease with early NLR response (decrease) and early AFP response (decrease > 20%) may achieve better clinical outcomes with this triple therapy.
Safety and efficacy of a programmed cell death 1 inhibitor combined with oxaliplatin plus S-1 in patients with Borrmann large type III and IV gastric cancers
Authors: Bao Zhe-Han , Hu Can , Zhang Yan-Qiang , Yu Peng-Cheng , Wang Yi , Xu Zhi-Yuan , Fu Huan-Ying , Cheng Xiang-Dong
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND

Gastric cancer (GC) is the fifth most common and the fourth most lethal malignant tumour in the world. Most patients are already in the advanced stage when they are diagnosed, which also leads to poor overall survival. The effect of postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy for advanced GC is unsatisfactory with a high rate of distant metastasis and local recurrence.

AIM

To investigate the safety and efficacy of a programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) inhibitor combined with oxaliplatin and S-1 (SOX) in the treatment of Borrmann large type III and IV GCs.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis (IRB-2022-371) was performed on 89 patients with Borrmann large type III and IV GCs who received neoadjuvant therapy (NAT) from January 2020 to December 2021. According to the different neoadjuvant treatment regimens, the patients were divided into the SOX group (61 patients) and the PD-1 + SOX (P-SOX) group (28 patients).

RESULTS

The pathological response (tumor regression grade 0/1) in the P-SOX group was significantly higher than that in the SOX group (42.86% vs 18.03%, P = 0.013). The incidence of ypN0 in the P-SOX group was higher than that in the SOX group (39.29% vs 19.67%, P = 0.05). The use of PD-1 inhibitors was an independent factor affecting tumor regression grade. Meanwhile, the use of PD-1 did not increase postoperative complications or the adverse effects of NAT.

CONCLUSION

A PD-1 inhibitor combined with SOX could significantly improve the rate of tumour regression during NAT for patients with Borrmann large type III and IV GCs.
Two missense STK11 gene variations impaired LKB1/adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase signaling in Peutz-Jeghers syndrome
Authors: Liu Jin , Zeng Si-Cong , Wang An , Cheng Hai-Ying , Zhang Qian-Jun , Lu Guang-Xiu
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND

Peutz-Jeghers syndrome (PJS) is a rare hereditary neoplastic disorder mainly associated with serine/threonine kinase 11 (STK11 /LKB1 ) gene mutations. Preimplantation genetic testing can protect a patient’s offspring from mutated genes; however, some variations in this gene have been interpreted as variants of uncertain significance (VUS), which complicate reproductive decision-making in genetic counseling.

AIM

To identify the pathogenicity of two missense variants and provide clinical guidance.

METHODS

Whole exome gene sequencing and Sanger sequencing were performed on the peripheral blood of patients with PJS treated at the Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of Citic-Xiangya. Software was employed to predict the protein structure, conservation, and pathogenicity of the two missense variation sites in patients with PJS. Additionally, plasmids were constructed and transfected into HeLa cells to observe cell growth. The differences in signal pathway expression between the variant group and the wild-type group were compared using western blot and immunohistochemistry. Statistical analysis was performed using one-way analysis of variance. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

We identified two missense STK11 gene VUS [c.889A>G (p.Arg297Gly) and c.733C>T (p.Leu245Phe)] in 9 unrelated PJS families who were seeking reproductive assistance. The two missense VUS were located in the catalytic domain of serine/threonine kinase, which is a key structure of the liver kinase B1 (LKB1) protein. In vitro experiments showed that the phosphorylation levels of adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) at Thr172 and LKB1 at Ser428 were significantly higher in transfected variation-type cells than in wild-type cells. In addition, the two missense STK11 variants promoted the proliferation of HeLa cells. Subsequent immunohistochemical analysis showed that phosphorylated-AMPK (Thr172) expression was significantly lower in gastric, colonic, and uterine polyps from PJS patients with missense variations than in non-PJS patients. Our findings indicate that these two missense STK11 variants are likely pathogenic and inactivate the STK11 gene, causing it to lose its function of regulating downstream phosphorylated-AMPK (Thr172), which may lead to the development of PJS. The identification of the pathogenic mutations in these two clinically characterized PJS patients has been helpful in guiding them toward the most appropriate mode of pregnancy assistance.

CONCLUSION

These two missense variants can be interpreted as likely pathogenic variants that mediated the onset of PJS in the two patients. These findings not only offer insights for clinical decision-making, but also serve as a foundation for further research and reanalysis of missense VUS in rare diseases.
Enhancing Lateral Stability in Adaptive Cruise Control: A Takagi-Sugeno Fuzzy Model-Based Strategy
Authors: Yan Yang , Xin Yafei , Zheng Hongyu
Published: April 2024

Adaptive cruise control is one of the key technologies in advanced driver assistance systems. However, improving the performance of autonomous driving systems requires addressing various challenges, such as maintaining the dynamic stability of the vehicle during the cruise process, accurately controlling the distance between the ego vehicle and the preceding vehicle, resisting the effects of nonlinear changes in longitudinal speed on system performance. To overcome these challenges, an adaptive cruise control strategy based on the Takagi-Sugeno fuzzy model with a focus on ensuring vehicle lateral stability is proposed. Firstly, a collaborative control model of adaptive cruise and lateral stability is established with desired acceleration and additional yaw moment as control inputs. Then, considering the effect of the nonlinear change of the longitudinal speed on the performance of the vehicle system. And the input penalty factor of the adaptive cruise control system is designed as a variable parameter for the collaborative control model. On this basis, the longitudinal speed, reciprocal of speed and penalty factor are used as advance variables to design fuzzy rules of the system. And the nonlinear Takagi-Sugeno fuzzy model is established by fuzzifying the local linear model. Then, the vehicle following cruise controller considering the lateral stability is designed by parallel distribution compensation method. Finally, the TruckSim/Simulink co-simulation model was built for testing. The test results show that the proposed controller can improve the lateral stability of the vehicle during the following process, reduce the risk of instability of the vehicle, and improve the overall safety of the automatic driving system.
Improving CRC Fault Detection Probability in AUTOSAR E2E Based on Known Hamming Weights
Authors: Emi Taichi , Aung Han Nay , Yamasaki Yasuhiro , Ohsaki Hiroyuki
Published: April 2024

To develop safe vehicles, system development must be performed in compliance with functional safety. Functional safety considers situations where failures could make a vehicle unsafe, and it requires the inclusion of mechanisms to detect and mitigate these failures, even though they may not always be detected with 100% certainty — referred as diagnostic coverage (DC). Therefore, some faults, called residual faults, might go undetected.

In the realm of functional safety from a communication perspective, industry standards define nine distinct fault modes. The detection of these faults is crucial, especially in the widely used AUTOSAR automotive operating system. AUTOSAR E2E (End-to-End Communication Protection) serves as a communication fault detection mechanism utilizing three mechanisms: counters, timers, and Cyclic Redundancy Check (CRC) to address the nine fault modes. Especially, determining the DC for CRC can be challenging and often requires a conservative evaluation approach.

In conservatively evaluating the CRC fault detectability, any errors surpassing the Hamming distance threshold are inherently undetectable. However, this conservative estimation of the DC for CRC may fail to achieve the desired target residual failure probability. In such scenarios, the failure rate must be reduced or DC must be increased.

In this light, the present study uses the Hamming weight as a means to assess the CRC’s fault detection capabilities with a reduced degree of conservatism in comparison to that of conventional methodologies. This research also reviews the evaluation of each profile by reevaluating each AUTOSAR E2E CRC and discusses the selection of the most appropriate profile under different conditions. As a result, we improved the failure oversight rate by several orders (nearly 10 digits at maximum).
Towards the Interpretation of Customizable Imitation Learning of Human Driving Behavior in Mixed Traffic Scenarios
Authors: Rebling Patrick , Kriesten Reiner , Nenninger Philipp
Published: April 2024

With further development of autonomous vehicles additional challenges appear. One of these challenges arises in the context of mixed traffic scenarios where automated and autonomous vehicles coexist with manually operated vehicles as well as other road users such as cyclists and pedestrians. In this evolving landscape, understanding, predicting, and mimicking human driving behavior is becoming not only a challenging but also a compelling facet of autonomous driving research. This is necessary not only for safety reasons, but also to promote trust in artificial intelligence (AI), especially in self-driving cars where trust is often compromised by the opacity of neural network models. The central goal of this study is therefore to address this trust issue. A common approach to imitate human driving behavior through expert demonstrations is imitation learning (IL). However, balancing performance and explainability in these models is a major challenge. To efficiently generate training data, researchers have turned to simulation environments because collecting data in the real world is not only costly and time-consuming, but also potentially dangerous. Simulations provide a controlled and scalable platform for training reliable AI agents. The goal of this research is to bridge the gap between IL, explainability, and trust in AI-controlled vehicles navigating mixed traffic scenarios. Our proposed approach involves a novel fusion of explainable neural network architectures with parameterization techniques that enable precise control of learned driving behavior. By using advanced simulation environments and a variety of interconnected simulators that provide different levels of immersion, we intend to collect a wide range of information and training data. This wealth of knowledge will allow us to draw conclusions about the effectiveness of these simulator methods and ensure the generalizability of our model.
C-V2X LiDAR-Based Non-Line of Sight Object Detection and Localization for Valet Parking Applications
Authors: Alzu'bi Hamzeh , Alrousan Qusay , Obando David , Rodriguez Zarazua Pedro , Tasky Tom
Published: April 2024

Cellular Vehicle-to-Everything (C-V2X) is considered an enabler for fully automated driving. It can provide the needed information about traffic situations and road users ahead of time compared to the onboard sensors which are limited to line-of-sight detections. This work presents the investigation of the effectiveness of utilizing the C-V2X technology for a valet parking collision mitigation feature. For this study a LiDAR was mounted at the FEV North America parking lot in a hidden intersection with a C-V2X roadside unit. This unit was used to process the LiDAR point cloud and transmit the information of the detected objects to an onboard C-V2X unit. The received data was provided as input to the path planning and controls algorithms so that the onboard controller can make the right decision while approaching the hidden intersection. FEV’s Smart Vehicle Demonstrator was utilized to test the C-V2X setup and the developed algorithms. Test results show that the vehicle was able to respond to the information sent by the C-V2X system effectively and perform the needed maneuvers to avoid collision with the objects not able to be detected by the on-board sensors successfully.
Enhancing Safety Features of Advanced Driver Assistance System Warnings by Using Head-Up Displays
Authors: R Manjunath , Saddaladinne Jagadeesh Babu , D Gopinath
Published: April 2024

ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) is a growing technology in automotive industry, intended to provide safety and comfort to the passengers with the help of variety of sensors like radar, camera, LIDAR etc. Though ADAS improved safety of passengers comparing to conventional non-ADAS vehicles, still it has some grey areas for safety enhancement and easy assistance to drivers. BSW (Blind Spot Warning) and LCA (Lane Change Assist) are ADAS function which assists the driver for lane changing. BSW alerts the driver about the vehicles which are in blind zone in adjacent lanes and LCA alerts the driver about approaching vehicles at a high velocity in adjacent lanes. In current ADAS systems, BSW and LCA alerts are given as optical and acoustic warnings which is placed in vehicle side mirrors. During lane change the driver must see the side mirrors to take a decision. Due to this, there is a reaction time for taking a decision since driver must divert attention from windshield to side mirrors and back to windshield & this reaction time can be one of the causes of accident in many cases. So, there is a scope to improve safety by eliminating this driver reaction time. This paper presents an idea about using heads-up display for BSW and LCA warnings to eliminate this driver reaction time. The Head-Up Display (HUD) gives warning information in the windshield itself instead of side mirrors in the existing system so the driver need not to look at side mirrors during lane change. This driver interface feature can be implemented to other ADAS function warnings also to enhance the safety performance. This paper also covers ADAS vehicle and HUD mounting architecture along with different types of HUD’s information.
Facilitating Project-Based Learning Through Application of Established Pedagogical Methods in the SAE AutoDrive Challenge Student Design Competition
Authors: Schmelzle Mark H. , Schexnaydre Logan , Spike Nathan , Robinette Darrell , Bos Jeremy
Published: April 2024

The AutoDrive Challenge competition sponsored by General Motors and SAE gives undergraduate and graduate students an opportunity to get hands-on experience with autonomous vehicle technology and development as they work towards their degree. Michigan Technological University has participated in the AutoDrive Challenge since its inception in 2017 with students participating through MTU’s Robotic System Enterprise. The MathWorks Simulation Challenge has been a component of the competition since its second year, tasking students with the development of perception, control and testing algorithms using MathWorks software products. This paper presents the pedagogical approach graduate student mentors used to enable students to build their understanding of autonomous vehicle concepts using familiar tools. This approach gives undergraduate students a productive experience with these systems that they may not have encountered in coursework within their academic program. The concept of keeping students in the “Zone of Proximal Development” through instructional scaffolding is considered in two case study years as the graduate student mentors support two independent groups of undergraduate students in their endeavors to conceptualize and implement their own solutions to the challenges presented in the competition. The MathWorks Simulation Challenge gave Michigan Tech students the opportunity to use tools and theories they were familiar with as a starting point for a deeper dive into autonomous vehicle engineering concepts, ultimately contributing to their career preparedness for the modern automotive industry with numerous successful hires into desirable positions within the automotive industry.
Design, Modeling, and Analysis of Heave and Roll Decoupled Suspension Geometry for a Formula Student Prototype
Authors: Panchal Tanmay , Bastiaan Jennifer
Published: April 2024

This work aims to present the application of mode coupling to a Formula Student racing vehicle and propose a solution. The major modes of a vehicle are heave, pitch, roll, and warp. All these modes are highly coupled – which means changing suspension rates or geometry will affect all of them – while alleviating some and making others worse characteristics. Decoupling these modes, or at least some of them, would provide more control over suspension setup and more refined race car dynamics for a given layout of the racetrack. This could improve mechanical grip and yield significant performance improvements in closed-circuit racing. If exploited well, this approach could also assist in the operation of the vehicle at an optimal kinematic state of the suspension systems, to gain the best wheel orientations and maximize grip from the tires under the high lateral accelerations and varied excitations seen on a typical road course. Previous strategies used by other researchers to achieve similar goals are reviewed as part of this work. Some common topologies to achieve the same results are summarized, and conventional suspensions without decoupling are compared and contrasted. Ultimately, this work focuses on the heave and roll decoupling mechanisms for conventional passive suspensions, rather than full active mode decoupling, to recognize the practical constraints of time and cost that are faced by Formula Student teams.