bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A phase Ib/II trial of perioperative intratumoral MVA-BN-brachyury (MVA) plus systemic PROSTVAC and atezolizumab (Atezo) for intermediate-risk and high-risk localized prostate cancer (AtezoVax).
Authors: Maughan Benjamin Louis , Sanchez Alejandro , O'Neil Brock B. , Lowrance William Thomas , Dechet Christopher B. , Albertson Daniel Joseph , Sirohi Deepika , Gupta Sumati , Swami Umang , Agarwal Neeraj
Published: February 2020

TPS382

Background: Many patients with intermediate or high-risk localized prostate cancer relapse after prostatectomy, identifying an unmet need. Cancer vaccines increase the infiltrating lymphocyte concentration in localized and metastatic prostate cancer (PMID 25255802, 29858218). We hypothesize that treatment with a combination of two vaccines plus PD-L1 inhibition will be safe and significantly stimulate immune infiltration within the tumor microenvironment. MVA is a modified vaccinia virus that is replication-deficient, inducing the generation of tumor antigen-specific killer T-cells. PROSTVAC is a poxviral based cancer vaccine using a vaccinia virus prime and fowlpox based boost along with co-stimulatory molecules B7.1, leukocyte function-associated antigen-3, and intercellular adhesion molecule-1. Methods: This study is a single-arm,, phase I/II investigator initiated trial (NCT04020094). Primary objectives: 1) Safety, 2) Quantitative change in infiltrating CD8+ lymphocytes between the biopsy and prostatectomy as measured by immunofluorescence. Secondary endpoints: 1) 6- and 12-month undetectable PSA rate; 2) PSA-PFS compared to institutional historic control. Inclusion criteria: unfavorable intermediate to very high-risk prostate adenocarcinoma (per NCCN). Exclusion criteria: non-adenocarcinoma histology and metastatic disease (including regional nodal metastasis). A total of 22 patients will be enrolled starting with a 6 patient safety lead in. Prostate MRI will be obtained prior to treatment. Treatment schema: 2 neoadjuvant cycles (Atezo + MVA + PROSTVAC), followed by prostatectomy then 6 additional adjuvant cycles (Atezo + PROSTVAC). Neoadjuvant cycle 1: atezolizumab (1200mg IV Q3wks), PROSTVAC-V (Prime, 2x108 Inf.U subcutaneous), MVA (2 x 108 Inf.U/0.5 ml, intra-tumoral injection, volume determined by MRI). Neoadjuvant cycle 2: atezolizumab, PROSTVAC-F (Boost, 1x109 Inf.U, subcutaneous), MVA. Adjuvant: atezolizumab and PROSTVAC-F. Clinical trial information: NCT04020094.
INTREPId (INTermediate Risk Erection PreservatIon Trial): A randomized trial of radiation therapy and darolutamide for prostate cancer.
Authors: King Martin T. , Wise David R. , Scala Lawrence M. , Mariados Neil M. , Whitbeck Amanda , Pomerantz Mark , Bober Sharon , Davicioni Elai , Bubley Glenn , Nguyen Paul L.
Published: February 2020

TPS384

Background: Men with intermediate risk prostate cancer are often recommended external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) with or without 4-6 months of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT). However, ADT can be associated with prolonged erectile dysfunction due to delayed testosterone recovery. Darolutamide is a second-generation androgen receptor with low blood-brain barrier penetration. We hypothesize that men who receive Darolutamide with RT rather than ADT with RT are able to achieve surrogate PSA endpoints indicative of long-term disease control while preserving erectile function. Methods: This is an open label, phase 2B, multi-center, randomized controlled trial. Eligibility criteria include intermediate risk prostate cancer, good erectile quality per the EPIC-26 questionnaire, and archival tissue suitable for submission to Decipher Biosciences (San Diego, CA). Men will be stratified by Decipher score (low/intermediate vs high), RT modality (EBRT vs Brachytherapy/stereotactic body radiation therapy/combination RT), and age (>65 vs <65). Men with a Decipher high score will be strongly encouraged to undergo extreme RT dose-escalation. The primary endpoint is PSA nadir ≤ 0.5 within 6 months from end of treatment (EOT). The hierarchical endpoint is maintenance of good erectile quality at 3 months from EOT. The key secondary endpoint is interval to PSA failure at 3 years from EOT. Endpoints will be analyzed in a fixed-sequence hierarchical method. 220 patients will be accrued over 3 years. Non-inferiority margins for the primary and key secondary endpoints are 9% (90% power) and 4.9% (80% power), respectively. Men will be randomized to 6 months of GnRH agonist plus bicalutamide 50 mg daily with RT or 6 months of darolutamide 600 mg twice daily with RT. Assessments will occur at baseline, during treatment, EOT, and at regularly scheduled intervals up to 36 months from EOT. Correlative endpoints include discovering transcriptomic and radiomic predictors of response. Clinical trial information: NCT04025372.
P3BEP (ANZUP 1302): An international randomized phase III trial of accelerated versus standard BEP chemotherapy for adult and pediatric male and female patients with intermediate and poor-risk metastatic germ cell tumors (GCTs).
Authors: Subramaniam Shalini , Toner Guy C. , Stockler Martin R. , Martin Andrew James , Pashankar Farzana D. , Frazier A. Lindsay , Mazhar Danish , Ford Kate , Walpole Euan Thomas , Stevanovic Amanda Gwendolyn , Wyld David , Troon Simon , Hanning Fritha J. , Birtle Alison Jane , Wheater Matthew James , Huddart Robert A. , White Jeff D. , Spunt Sheri L. , Grimison Peter S. ,   Australian and New Zealand Urogenital and Prostate Cancer Trials Group (ANZUP)
Published: February 2020

TPS425

Background: Bleomycin, etoposide, cisplatin (BEP) given 3-weekly x 4 remains standard 1st line chemotherapy for metastatic GCTs. Acceleration of standard regimen with shorter cycle lengths has improved cure rates in other cancers. This is the first international randomised clinical trial for intermediate and poor-risk metastatic extracranial GCTs involving both adult and paediatric age group males and females. We aim to determine if accelerated BEP is superior to standard BEP. Methods: DESIGN: Open label, randomised, stratified multicentre, 2 stage, phase 3 trial. Primary endpoint for stage I (n = 150) is the achievement of a favourable response, and for entire trial (n = 500) is progression free survival (PFS). SAMPLE SIZE: 150 and 500 patients gives > 80% power to detect a 20% improvement in the favourable response rate and 7% absolute improvement in 2yr PFS, respectively. POPULATION: Males and females aged 11-45 years with intermediate or poor-risk metastatic GCTs of the testis, ovary, retroperitoneum or mediastinum for 1st line chemotherapy. TREATMENT: Randomisation 1:1 to 4 cycles of “standard BEP” or “accelerated BEP”: cisplatin 20mg/m2 IV D1-5; etoposide 100mg/m2 IV D1-5; bleomycin 30000 IU IV weekly; and pegylated G-CSF SC D6 or filgrastim daily; given every 3 weeks or every 2 weeks respectively. Accelerated BEP arm receives 4 additional weekly doses of bleomycin. ASSESSMENTS: Response assessments at 30 day safety assessment, and 6 months from randomisation or after all post-chemotherapy intervention is completed. Regular follow-up up to 5 years, then annually. Archival tumour tissue and baseline blood collected for translational substudies. STATUS: 25 sites open in ANZ, 13 sites open in UK (led by Cambridge Clinical Trials Unit), 67 sites open in the USA (led by Children’s Oncology Group). As of September 2019, 98 patients have been recruited triggering the first formal interim analysis. Clinical trial information: NCT02582697.
Phase III study of perioperative pembrolizumab (pembro) plus cystectomy versus cystectomy alone in cisplatin-ineligible patients (pts) with muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC): KEYNOTE-905.
Authors: Galsky Matt D. , Necchi Andrea , Shore Neal D. , Witjes Fred , Nam Kijoeng , Sbar Eric , Homet Moreno Blanca , Plimack Elizabeth R.
Published: February 2020

TPS593

Background: Pts with MIBC ineligible for neoadjuvant cisplatin-based chemotherapy who only receive the standard radical cystectomy+pelvic lymph node dissection (RC+PLND) have a high rate of recurrence and poor prognosis. PD-1/PD-L1 inhibition is an effective first-line option for cisplatin-ineligible pts. Neoadjuvant single-agent pembro, a PD-1 inhibitor, has shown activity in pts with MIBC, with a pathologic complete response (pCR) rate of 42% for all pts and 54% for PD-L1+ pts (PURE-01; NCT02736266). Methods: KEYNOTE-905 (NCT03924895) is a randomized phase 3 trial of preoperative pembro plus RC+PLND versus RC+PLND alone in cisplatin-ineligible pts with MIBC. An estimated 610 pts will be enrolled and randomly assigned 1:1 to either neoadjuvant pembro (3 cycles) followed by RC+PLND and adjuvant pembro (14 cycles) or RC+PLND alone and observation. Pembro 200 mg will be administered IV every 3 weeks. Pts in the RC+PLND group will proceed directly to RC+PLND within 8 weeks from randomization. Pts will be stratified by clinical T stage (T2 vs T3 or T4), PD-L1 expression (combined positive score [CPS] ≥10 vs <10), and geographic region (United States vs Europe vs most of world). Adults (≥18 years) ineligible to receive cisplatin with histologically confirmed MIBC (T2-T4aN0M0), clinically nonmetastatic disease (N0M0), and an ECOG PS score of 0-2 are eligible. Previous systemic anticancer therapies for MIBC are not permitted. CT/MRI will be performed before and after cystectomy. Pts disease free after imaging for cystectomy will continue to undergo serial imaging until disease progression or discontinuation from the study; all imaging will be assessed by blinded independent central review. Coprimary end points are pCR (based on central pathology review) and event-free-survival in all pts and in pts with tumor PD-L1 CPS ≥10. Secondary end points are OS, disease-free survival, and pathologic downstaging in all pts and in pts with tumor PD-L1 CPS ≥10, and safety. Exploratory end points include patient-reported outcomes and biomarkers. Accrual began July 24, 2019. Clinical trial information: NCT03924895.
Window of opportunity trial to characterize the safety, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of fosciclopirox (CPX-POM) in cisplatin-ineligible muscle invasive bladder cancer patients.
Authors: Taylor John Arthur , Wood Robyn , Ham Tammy , Casey Crista , Dandawate Prasad , Reed Greg , Woolbright Benjamin L. , Baltezor Michael Jay , Jensen Roy A. , Dalton Michael , Zhukova-Harrill Valentina , McCulloch William , Anant Shrikant , Weir Scott James
Published: February 2020

TPS604

Background: Fosciclopirox (Ciclopirox Prodrug, CPX-POM) is being developed for the treatment of non-muscle invasive and muscle invasive (MIBC) bladder cancer. CPX-POM selectively delivers its active metabolite, ciclopirox (CPX), to the entire urinary tract following systemic administration. In a validated, chemical carcinogen mouse model of bladder cancer, CPX-POM treatment results in significant decreases in bladder weight, a clear migration to lower stage tumors, dose-dependent reductions in Ki67 and PCNA staining, and inhibition of Notch 1 and Wnt signaling. The safety, dose tolerance, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of IV CPX-POM have recently been characterized in 19 patients with advanced solid tumors (CPX-POM-001, NCT03348514). The safety and dose tolerance of IV CPX-POM was characterized across a dose range of 30 to 1200 mg/m2. The CPX-POM Recommended Phase 2 Dose (PR2D) of 900 mg/m2 administered IV over 20 minutes on Days 1-5 every 21 days was selected. Methods: Twelve cisplatin ineligible MIBC patients (Stage >T2, NO-N1, M0), scheduled for radical cystectomy (RC) will be enrolled in this window of opportunity study. Patients will receive two 21-day treatment cycles followed by RC within 14 days of completion of the second cycle. Safety and tolerability assessments will be made based on observed adverse and serious adverse events, physical examination, vital signs, electrocardiogram, clinical laboratory tests, and concomitant medications. Assessment of complete and partial pathologic response will be determined at RC. Ki67, Notch and Wnt signaling, and CD8+ lymphocyte tumor infiltration will be determined by immunohistochemistry. An unbiased approach to characterizing CPX-POM mechanisms of action will also be employed using RNAseq and ChIPseq. Serial blood (plasma) and complete urine specimens will be collected on Days 5-6 of Cycle 1 for determination of drug and metabolite concentrations by LC-MS/MS. Plasma and urine steady-state pharmacokinetics of CPX-POM, CPX and ciclopirox glucuronide will be characterized. Urine ß-glucuronidase activity is also being determined by ELISA. Clinical trial information: NCT03348514.
Nutrition of Children With Cancer in Brazil: A Systematic Review
Authors: Viani Karina , Albuquerque Luiza , Barr Ronald D. , Ladas Elena J.
Published: February 2020

PURPOSE

The objective of this systematic review was to describe nutrition-related publications on children and adolescents diagnosed with cancer in Brazil.

METHODS

The methodology followed that of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses. Medline, LILACS (the Latin American & Caribbean Health Sciences Literature), and Embase were searched in April 2019, and data extraction and rating of methodologic study quality (according to the National Institutes of Health quality score assessment) were performed independently by reviewers.

RESULTS

Twenty-seven studies met the inclusion criteria, reporting on 3,509 patients from 1994 to 2018. Most of the studies (74%) were of poor quality in methodology and reporting. Different cancer diagnoses were included in 52% of studies, whereas acute leukemia was the exclusive focus in 41%. The majority of the articles (70%) were from institutions in the Southeast Region of Brazil, mainly the state of São Paulo (74%); no publications were from the North Region of the country. Twelve studies addressed nutritional status and body composition, reporting an abundance of malnourished patients in the Brazilian population of children and adolescents with cancer. Six studies on micronutrients pointed to possible deficiencies in this population, with a yet unclear but promising role for supplementation during treatment.

CONCLUSION

Evidence indicates that there is great interest in the impact of nutrition on childhood cancer treatment and clinical outcomes in Brazil. However, there is a need to focus on high-quality research, particularly with multicentric/national studies. This will help establish research priorities and better planned clinical interventions, adapted to each region of the country.
Evaluating Patients’ Perception of the Risk of Acute Care Visits During Systemic Therapy for Cancer
Authors: Phillips Cameron M. , Deal Ken , Powis Melanie , Singh Simron , Dharmakulaseelan Laavanya , Naik Harsh , Dobriyal Aditi , Alavi Nasrin , Krzyzanowska Monika K.
Published: February 2020

PURPOSE:

Unplanned emergency department (ED) visits and hospitalizations are common during systemic cancer therapy. To determine how patients with cancer trade off treatment benefit with risk of experiencing an ED visit or hospitalization when deciding about systemic therapy, we undertook a discrete choice experiment.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

Patients with breast, colorectal, or head and neck cancer contemplating, receiving, or having previously received systemic therapy were presented with 10 choice tasks (5 in the curative and 5 in the palliative setting) that varied on 3 attributes: benefit, risk of ED visit, and risk of hospitalization. Preferences for attributes and levels were measured using part-worth utilities, estimated using hierarchical Bayes analysis. Segmentation analysis was conducted to identify subgroups with different preferences.

RESULTS:

A total of 293 patients completed the survey; most were female (76%), had breast cancer (63%), and were currently receiving systemic therapy (72%) with curative intent (59%). Benefit was the most important decision attribute regardless of treatment intent, followed by risk of hospitalization, then risk of ED visit. Two segments were observed: one large cluster exhibiting logical and consistent choices, and a smaller segment exhibiting illogical and inconsistent choices. Patients in the latter segment were more likely to have metastatic head and neck cancer, be male, were older, and reported fewer prior ED visits.

CONCLUSION:

Although the risk of ED visit or hospitalization contributes to patient treatment preferences, benefit was the most important attribute. Segmentation suggests that a subset of patients may lack cognitive abilities, engagement, or literacy to consistently evaluate treatment choices. Understanding this subset may provide insight into patients’ decision making and understanding of treatment options.
A LIBERDADE DE EXPRESSÃO NAS DECISÕES DE PRIMEIRA INSTÂNCIA DO TJ-RJ
Authors: Hartmann Ivar Alberto Martins
Published: February 2020

O objetivo deste trabalho é avaliar a prática judicial da primeira instância na resolução de conflitos entre a liberdade de expressão e a proteção da imagem e da honra, geralmente com pedidos de danos morais formulados. A pergunta de pesquisa é: os juízes de primeira instância, quando confrontados com o conflito entre esses direitos constitucionais, utilizam qual método de decisão? Há o recurso à proporcionalidade, razoabilidade ou ponderação a partir do caso concreto, conforme prescrito pelo Supremo e pela doutrina? A hipótese é de que as decisões de primeira instância destoam daquilo que exige a Constituição, segundo a interpretação do Supremo e da doutrina brasileira. A partir de análise de uma amostra aleatória de 30% das decisões de primeira instância do TJ-RJ no período de 2013 a 2015, constata-se que 34% das decisões não realizam ponderação e nem citam qualquer jurisprudência ou doutrina. Já 43% das decisões não realizam ponderação e nem citam qualquer jurisprudência. Existe uma desconexão entre, de um lado, a doutrina constitucionalista teórica, que descreve a aplicação de métodos sofisticados para a solução de conflitos de direitos fundamentais, e, de outro, a realidade das decisões judiciais que ignoram esses métodos ao tratar do exercício da liberdade de expressão. Mais estudos empíricos são necessários para testar se a situação da justiça estadual do Rio de Janeiro se repete em outros estados brasileiros.
CONTROLE DE CONVENCIONALIDADE NA JUSTIÇA DO TRABALHO BRASILEIRA: ANÁLISE JURISPRUDENCIAL QUANTITATIVA E QUALITATIVA
Authors: Beltramelli Neto Silvio , Marques Mariele Torres
Published: February 2020

O artigo examina o perfil do exercício do controle de convencionalidade pela Justiça do Trabalho brasileira. Para tanto, procedeu-se a pesquisa jurisprudencial que intentou constatar como, com que frequência e em que casos o Tribunal Superior do Trabalho e os Tribunais Regionais do Trabalho (TRTs) das 1ª, 2ª e 15ª Regiões praticam o controle de convencionalidade. O exame realizado debruçou-se sobre um espectro amostral de decisões selecionadas a partir de acórdãos do TST e dos três TRTs de maior porte do país. Conclui-se que a Justiça do Trabalho, à semelhança dos demais ramos do Poder Judiciário brasileiro, faz uso do controle de convencionalidade de modo pontual e seletivo, inexistindo uma atitude hermenêutica de decisão que considere, sistematicamente, o possível exercício de tal controle na prática jurisdicional. A investigação realizou-se com emprego do método indutivo de abordagem e do método bibliográfico de procedimento.
Tests of Collective Models Based on the Systematics of Experimental Data
Authors: Bonatsos Dennis , Skouras L. D. , Rikovska J.
Published: February 2020

The systematics of energy ratios of successive levels of collective bands in medium and heavy mass even-even nuclei are studied. Applications to ground state, β, γ, octupole, intruder and superdeformed bands, as well as to superbands in cases of backbending are made. Implications for the U(5), SU(3) and 0(6) limits of the Interacting Boson Model are discussed.
Approximate Relativistic Mass-Formulae for the Ground State Binding Energy of a Λ in Hypernuclei
Authors: Koutroulos C. G. , Grypeos M. E.
Published: February 2020

The Dirac equation with potentials having attractive and repulsive parts is con­ sidered in a simplified model and approximate semiempirical mass formulae for the ground state binding energy of a Λ in hypernuclei are derived and discussed.
Developing new health technologies for neglected diseases: a pipeline portfolio review and cost model
Authors: Young Ruth , Bekele Tewodros , Gunn Alexander , Chapman Nick , Chowdhary Vipul , Corrigan Kelsey , Dahora Lindsay , Martinez Sebastián , Permar Sallie , Persson Johan , Rodriguez Bill , Schäferhoff Marco , Schulman Kevin , Singh Tulika , Terry Robert F , Yamey Gavin
Published: February 2020

Background: Funding for neglected disease product development fell from 2009-2015, other than a brief injection of Ebola funding. One impediment to mobilizing resources is a lack of information on product candidates, the estimated costs to move them through the pipeline, and the likelihood of specific launches. This study aimed to help fill these information gaps.

Methods: We conducted a pipeline portfolio review to identify current candidates for 35 neglected diseases. Using an adapted version of the Portfolio to Impact financial modelling tool, we estimated the costs to move these candidates through the pipeline over the next decade and the likely launches. Since the current pipeline is unlikely to yield several critical products, we estimated the costs to develop a set of priority “missing” products.

Results: We found 685 neglected disease product candidates as of August 31, 2017; 538 candidates met inclusion criteria for input into the model. It would cost about $16.3 billion (range $13.4-19.8B) to move these candidates through the pipeline, with three-quarters of the costs incurred in the first 5 years, resulting in about 128 (89-160) expected product launches.  Based on the current pipeline, there would be few launches of complex new chemical entities; launches of highly efficacious HIV, tuberculosis, or malaria vaccines would be unlikely. Estimated additional costs to launch one of each of 18 key missing products are $13.6B assuming lowest product complexity or $21.8B assuming highest complexity ($8.1B-36.6B). Over the next 5 years, total estimated costs to move current candidates through the pipeline and develop these 18 missing products would be around $4.5B (low complexity missing products) or $5.8B/year (high complexity missing products).

Conclusions: Since current annual global spending on product development is about $3B, this study suggests the annual funding gap over the next 5 years is at least $1.5-2.8B.
The Maximum CPR Model: a demographic tool for family planning policy
Authors: Bietsch Kristin , Sonneveldt Emily
Published: February 2020

The Maximum CPR Model (MCM) allows demographers, policy makers, and family planning advocates to determine a country’s highest potential contraceptive prevalence rate (CPR), based on an ideal number of children, demographic life events, and population structure. Understanding the highest potential level of CPR achievable under current circumstances in a population leads to realistic expectations and appropriate policy implementation. Countries with a large gap between current CPR and maximum CPR can focus on removing blocks to contraceptive use, while countries where the maximum potential CPR is near the actual CPR may need to shift their focus to demand generation or postpartum family planning programs. With a focus on equality of access to family planning, MCM produces CPR for all women, regardless of marital status. This paper details the mathematical construction of the MCM. A version of the model is available online for easy use by non-technical audiences in English and French.
An evaluation of the potential to improve perinatal outcomes by improving antenatal detection of small for gestational age babies in Scotland: a retrospective population cohort study
Authors: Austin Claire M. , Dias Michael , Norman Jane E. , Love Corinne , Wood Rachael , Stock Sarah J.
Published: February 2020

Background: Small for gestational age (SGA) babies are at high risk of perinatal mortality. We aimed to determine the potential to reduce perinatal mortality by improving antenatal detection of SGA babies in Scotland.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective population study of all singleton SGA babies born in the 15 Consultant-led maternity units in Scotland in a 3-month period (1st Dec 2014 to 28th Feb 2015 inclusive).  Demographic and pregnancy outcome data were extracted from Scottish birth records for all pregnancies; case note review was performed for all SGA cases [defined as birthweight less than the 10th centile for their gestational age at delivery as defined by the appropriate sex-specific UK-WHO Child Growth Standards].

Results: The SGA rate in Scotland was 5.5% (673/12218; 95% confidence interval [CI] 5.1, 5.9) and 27.6% (186/673; 95% CI 24.3, 31.2) of SGA cases were identified prior to delivery. SGA was associated with 18.2% (12/66; 95% CI [10.1%, 30.0%) of all perinatal deaths. The majority (10/12, 83.3%) of SGA babies who died had been identified as SGA in the antenatal period. There was no difference in perinatal mortality whether SGA was detected or not (5.4% [10/186; 95% CI 2.8, 10.0] in the SGA detected group vs 0.4% [2/487 [95% CI 0.3, 2.2] in the non-detected group after adjusting for risk factors for SGA, gestation at delivery and birthweight centile (Adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 0.85 [95% CI 0.5, 1.5], p=0.556).

Conclusions: Despite only around a quarter of SGA babies being identified antenatally, the potential to reduce perinatal mortality in the Scottish population by improving SGA detection is limited. Only a minority of perinatal deaths occurred in SGA babies; and in the majority of these SGA was detected antenatally.
An Evaluation of Big Data Analytics Projects and the Project Predictive Analytics Approach
Authors: Kabanda Gabriel
Published: February 2020

Big Data is the process of managing large volumes of data obtained from several heterogeneous data types e.g. internal, external, structured and unstructured that can be used for collecting and analyzing enterprise data. The purpose of the paper is to conduct an evaluation of Big Data Analytics Projects which discusses why the projects fail and explain why and how the Project Predictive Analytics (PPA) approach may make a difference with respect to the future methods based on data mining, machine learning, and artificial intelligence. A qualitative research methodology was used. The research design was discourse analysis supported by document analysis. Laclau and Mouffe’s discourse theory was the most thoroughly poststructuralist approach.
Bayesian Network Model for a Zimbabwean Cybersecurity System
Authors: Kabanda Gabriel
Published: February 2020

The purpose of this research was to develop a structure for a network intrusion detection and prevention system based on the Bayesian Network for use in Cybersecurity. The phenomenal growth in the use of internet-based technologies has resulted in complexities in cybersecurity subjecting organizations to cyberattacks. What is required is a network intrusion detection and prevention system based on the Bayesian Network structure for use in Cybersecurity. Bayesian Networks (BNs) are defined as graphical probabilistic models for multivariate analysis and are directed acyclic graphs that have an associated probability distribution function. The research determined the cybersecurity framework appropriate for a developing nation; evaluated network detection and prevention systems that use Artificial Intelligence paradigms such as finite automata, neural networks, genetic algorithms, fuzzy logic, support-vector machines or diverse data-mining-based approaches; analysed Bayesian Networks that can be represented as graphical models and are directional to represent cause-effect relationships; and developed a Bayesian Network model that can handle complexity in cybersecurity. The theoretical framework on Bayesian Networks was largely informed by the NIST Cybersecurity Framework, General deterrence theory, Game theory, Complexity theory and data mining techniques. The Pragmatism paradigm used in this research, as a philosophy is intricately related to the Mixed Method Research (MMR). A mixed method approach was used in this research, which is largely quantitative with the research design being a survey and an experiment, but supported by qualitative approaches where Focus Group discussions were held. The performance of Support Vector Machines, Artificial Neural Network, K-Nearest Neighbour, Naive-Bayes and Decision Tree Algorithms was discussed. Alternative improved solutions discussed include the use of machine learning algorithms specifically Artificial Neural Networks (ANN), Decision Tree C4.5, Random Forests and Support Vector Machines (SVM).
Technical aspects of surgical correction of spinal deformities in cerebral palsy
Authors: Mineiro Jorge , Yazici Muharrem
Published: February 2020

Purpose

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a disorder arising from a non-progressive lesion in the developing immature brain with an encephalopathy, that results in various levels of motor and sensory dysfunction. Motor disability of these children can be assessed by the Gross Motor Function Classification System in five levels, and depending on their motor functional capability, the most severely affected children fall into levels IV and V. Children in groups IV and V present a full spectrum of musculoskeletal deformities, among which, scoliosis is the most frequently found spinal deformity that most often requires surgical treatment. However, these are procedures that are usually technically demanding, requiring experienced surgical teams and a multidisciplinary approach.

Methods

In order to overcome some of the technical pitfalls that may complicate these complex surgical procedures, the authors have gathered together different tips and tricks that may help surgeons performing surgical correction of spinal deformities in CP children.

Conclusion

Although for these children surgery is a major undertaking, with the multidisciplinary approach and advances of technology, anaesthesia and optimization of pre- and postoperative care, complications are manageable in most cases, improving not only the outcome of surgery but also the patient's quality of life and satisfaction of parents and caretakers.
Mid-wave and long-wave infrared dual-band stacked metamaterial absorber for broadband with high refractive index sensitivity
Authors: Hou Enzhu , Meng Dejia , Liang Zhongzhu , Xiong Ying , Yang Fuming , Tang Yinhui , Fan Yandong , Qin Zheng , Shi Xiaoyan , Zhang Yuhao , Liang Jingqiu , Chen Changhong , Lai Jianjun
Published: February 2020

A dual-band metamaterial absorber based on local surface plasmon resonance is designed, which is composed of a periodic arrangement of stacked nanodisk structures. The structure unit consists of two dielectric layers and three metal layers. Based on the finite difference time domain method, under the condition of vertically incident plane light, two absorption peaks in the mid-wave infrared and long-wave infrared (MWIR/LWIR) are obtained, and the absorption is greater than 98%. The absorber has good incident state tolerance characteristics. We can modulate the MWIR/LWIR absorption peaks by changing the radius of the stacked disk structure, and MWIR and LWIR dual-band broadband absorption can be achieved by integrating different size elements in the plane. The average absorption is 71% for MWIR with 1.1 µm bandwidth from 3.2 to 4.3 µm and 88% for LWIR with 3 µm bandwidth from 8.5 to 11.5 µm. At the same time, the structure also has effective refractive index (RI) sensitivity characteristics. In the RI range of 1.8–2, the maximum RI sensitivity of the LWIR and the MWIR is 1085 nm/refractive index unit (RIU) and 1472 nm/RIU, respectively.
Three-observation-window time-gated algorithm for fluorescence lifetime detection
Authors: Zhu Sihui , Xu Yue , Li Ding
Published: February 2020

A novel three-observation-window time-gated algorithm that combines overlapped windows and discrete windows together is developed for accurate fluorescence lifetime extraction. The new algorithm adopting a rapid lifetime determination strategy can offer an excellent ability to precisely detect long fluorescence lifetime for fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy. Monte Carlo simulation indicates that an extremely small relative standard deviation below 0.4% is obtained over a wide fluorescence lifetime range from 5 ns to 30 ns. The detection error of the short fluorescence lifetime less than 5 ns is further reduced by means of an adaptive window width method. In contrast to other algorithms, such as time-correlated single-photon counting and traditional gated-window methods, not only the detection range but also the measurement accuracy is dramatically enhanced.
Exploring the limits for sky and sun glint correction of hyperspectral above-surface reflectance observations
Authors: Groetsch Philipp M. M. , Foster Robert , Gilerson Alexander
Published: February 2020

Above-surface radiance observations of water need to be corrected for reflections on the surface to derive reflectance. The three-component glint model (3C) [Opt. Express 25, A742 (2017)OPEXFF1094-408710.1364/OE.25.0000A1] was developed to spectrally resolve contributions of sky and sun glint to the surface-reflected radiance signal

L
r

(
λ
)

, and for observations recorded at high wind speed and with fixed-position measurement geometries that frequently lead to significant sun glint contributions. Performance and limitations of 3C are assessed for all relevant wind speeds, clear sky atmospheric conditions, illumination/viewing geometries, and sun glint contamination levels. For this purpose, a comprehensive set of

L
r

(
λ
)

spectra was simulated with a spectrally resolved sky radiance distribution model and Cox–Munk wave slope statistics. Reflectances were also derived from an extensive four-year data set of continuous above-surface hyperspectral observations from the Long Island Sound Coastal Observatory, allowing to corroborate 3C processing results from simulations and measurements with regard to sky and sun glint contributions. Simulation- and measurement-derived

L
r

(
λ
)

independently indicate that spectral dependencies of the sky light distribution and sun glint contributions may not be neglected for observations recorded at wind speeds exceeding

4

m

/

s

, even for sun glint-minimizing measurement geometries (Sun-sensor azimuth angle

Δ
ϕ
=
90

−

135

°

). These findings are in accordance with current measurement protocols for satellite calibration/validation activities. In addition, it is demonstrated that 3C is able to reliably derive water reflectance for wind speeds up to 8 m/s and

Δ
ϕ

>
20

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Bio-inspired attitude measurement method using a polarization skylight and a gravitational field
Authors: Li Jinshan , Chu Jinkui , Zhang Ran , Chen Jianhua , Wang Yinlong
Published: February 2020

High precision and reliability attitude measurement play an important role in autonomous unmanned navigation. Finding inspiration from desert ants, known as highly efficient navigators who can find their way after foraging for hundreds of meters from their home in hostile environments, we propose an attitude measurement method using polarization skylight and gravitational field. Contrary to the previous method, we utilize three-dimensional polarization vectors and any one-dimensional output of the accelerometers to calculate attitudes. In addition, we designed an accelerometer component selection algorithm, which is to select the one-dimensional component with the minimum motion acceleration from the output of the three-dimensional accelerometer. With this method, even if the carriers remain in a maneuvering state, the motion acceleration of the vehicle will have less impact on the accuracy of attitude measurement. To evaluate the performance of our method, the outdoor experiment was carried out to compare our method with existing traditional methods. Comparison results show that our method has higher measurement accuracy than others and is still applicable in the case of carriers maneuvering in practice under a clear sky.
Wavelength-tunable bidirectional passively Q-switched Er-doped fiber laser incorporating a single-walled carbon nanotube and tunable bandpass filter
Authors: Lu Bingbing , Zou Chuanhang , Huang Qianqian , Huang Zinan , AlAraimi Mohammed , Mou Chengbo , Luo Zhichao , Rozhin Aleksey
Published: February 2020

We demonstrated a continuously wavelength-tunable bidirectional passively

Q

-switched fiber laser based on a single-walled carbon nanotube saturable absorber and a bandpass filter (BPF). By tuning the commercial BPF, the

Q

-switched pulse can be obtained in the same cavity at the same pump power in clockwise (CW) and counter-clockwise (CCW) directions. The central wavelength can be continuously tuned from 1520.88 to 1568.56 nm in the CW direction, and from 1520.96 to 1568.64 nm in the CCW direction. A wide tuning range of 48 nm is achieved for two directions in the passively

Q

-switched fiber laser. During the tuning process of the fiber laser, the output pulses with the same central lasing wavelength can be obtained in both oscillation directions owing to the BPF. By increasing the pump power from 130 to 350 mW, the cavity delivers a

Q

-switched pulse with the central wavelength of 1560 nm whose repetition rate changes from 9.64 to 59.18 kHz for the CW direction. In the CCW direction, the repetition rate of the

Q

-switched pulse changes from 10.26 to 61.03 kHz. To the best of our knowledge, it is the first time that continuous wavelength-tunable passively

Q

-switched pulses have been achieved in a bidirectional erbium-doped fiber laser.
Stereo camera trap for wildlife in situ observations and measurements
Authors: Xu Zhongke , Sun Liang , Wang Xinwei , Lei Pingshun , He Jun , Zhou Yan
Published: February 2020

This paper proposes a stereo camera trap to expand field of view (FOV) of the traditional camera trap and to measure wildlife sizes with a centimeter-scaled accuracy within the detection distance of 10 m. In the method, FOVs of the two cameras are partly overlapped with a 30-cm-long baseline and a posture angle of 100°. Typically only targets in the public FOV can be measured; in contrast, when only parts of targets appear in the public FOV they are difficult to measure. To solve the problem, a part-matching algorithm is provided. In the proposed camera trap, a central process unit is realized by a micro control unit, an advanced reduced-instruction-set-computing machine, and a field-programmable gate array, and then motion sensors trigger the cameras to capture stereo images when animals pass by. In addition, the camera trap has daytime mode and nighttime mode switched by a photosensitive sensor by perceiving ambient lights. Finally, the stereo camera trap data is transmitted by a long-term-evolution module at a scheduled time. Experimental results show that the proposed stereo camera trap can broaden the FOV of a monocular camera by up to 77% at 5 m and estimate feature sizes of targets with centimeter-scaled accuracy.
High contrast dental imaging using a random fiber laser in backscattering configuration
Authors: Guo Jia Yu , Zhang Wei Li , Rao Yun Jiang , Zhang Hua Hui , Ma Rui , Lopes Daniela S. , Lins Izabella C. X. , Gomes Anderson S. L.
Published: February 2020

In this work, a backscattering imaging method based on near infrared random fiber laser is shown to provide a high contrast optical image between carious and sound enamel. The obtained contrast is 0.70, which is more than 8 times higher than the contrast obtained from radiographic imaging. Caries and cracks in enamel could clearly be identified against healthy enamel using the optical system. The near infrared wavelength, high spectral density and low coherence of random fiber laser contribute to its deep penetration, high brightness and low speckle contrast, using the method in a backscattering configuration opens potential clinical use.
From 'face-to-face' to 'side-by-side': The abject neighbour in European cinema
Authors: Jeong Seung-hoon
Published: February 2020

The Dardenne brothers' The Promise (1996) and Fatih Akin's The Edge of Heaven (2007) depict non-western migrants in western Europe as the social 'abject' in the background of multicultural conflicts between global (Christian) Europe and its (Islamic) periphery. Also, both share a motif based on the Abraham–Isaac story. Abraham's sacrifice of Isaac epitomizes one's singular relationship with God beyond community (Kierkegaard, Marion, Derrida), but the Abraham figures in the films give themselves to the abject Isaac figures through self-abjection. This becoming-abject as an existential gift breaks the father–son identity in the global regime, forming solidarity among the abject as strangers. Such an abject is, I claim, a 'faceless' third. For Levinas, the 'face of the other' leads one to divine infinity beyond totality, but this self-other unit is destabilized with the other's place taken (repeatedly) by the faceless third. Neither friend nor enemy, this new other should be called 'neighbour' in the context of ethical philosophy. The sovereign-subject-abject hierarchy is dismantled into the equality of the neighbours who share abjectness beyond cultural mediation or identity and walk side by side rather than face to face. I reframe Levinansian infinity in this network of neighbouring on the edge of the global system.
Investigation of the Arc-Anode Attachment Area by Utilizing a High-Speed Camera
Authors: Ondac P. , Maslani A. , Hrabovsky M.
Published: February 2020

The arc-anode attachment in the DC plasma arc influences power distribution in the plasma, a lifespan of anode and flow structure of plasma jet. A movement of the attachment and the surrounding plasma was directly observed by using a high-speed camera (max. 1,080,000 fps). The observations were compared with cathode-anode voltage measurements (sample rate 80 MHz). We have directly measured the average velocity of the attachments and hydrodynamic waves above them, as well as the characteristic dwell times and dwell frequencies of the attachments.
Influence of Electron Sources on the Near-field Plume in a Multistage Plasma Thruster
Authors: Duras J. , Schneider R. , Kalentev O. , Kemnitz S. , Matyash K. , Koch N. , Lüskow K. , Kahnfeld D. , Bandelow G.
Published: February 2020

n order to obtain a better understanding of the near-field plume of a multistage plasma thruster, the influence of an external electron source is investigated by Particle-In-Cell simulations. The variation of the source position showed a strong influence of the magnetic field configuration on the electron distribution and therefore on the plume plasma. In the second part of this work, higher energetic electrons were injected in order to model collision-induced diffusion in the plume. This broadens the electron distribution, which leads to a more pronounced divergence angle in the angular ion distribution.
Biodiversitas Zooplankton di Perairan Pesisir Pulau Keffing pada Musim Peralihan II, Kabupaten Seram Bagian Timur
Authors: Mulyadi Hanung Agus , Lekalette Johanis
Published: February 2020

Zooplankton has an important role in thropic ecology at coastal area. According to their ecological function as the first consumer, zooplankton linked between producers (phytoplankton) and other marine organisms in the higher thropic level. The abundance of zooplankton in coastal area can be indicate as secondary productivity and as a food source for fisheries. This study aims to examine the biodiversity of zooplankton in coastal area of Keffing Island, Eastern Seram regency. Sampling was conducted in November 2017 during November (transitional season II) using NORPAC net (mesh size 300 micrometer) with vertical hauling from 10 meter of deep to the surface water. Samples were preserved with 4% formaldehyde and identify in the laboratory. The results showed that the biodiversity of zooplankton during transitional season II was 28 species, which copepods are the dominant taxa (13 species, 46.43% of total zooplankton). The total abundance of zooplankton is 351-1190 individu/m3, which Oncaea sp, Eucalanus sp and Corycaeus sp are abundant. Study biodiversity in coastal area of Keffing Island is important to support fisheries management programs. Avalaibility of data on the composition and abundance of zooplankton can be used as baseline data of secondary productivity and potency of natural food source in coastal area. Zooplankton mempunyai peranan penting dalam jejaring ekologi perairan pesisir. Posisinya sebagai konsumen pertama akan menghubungkan antara produsen dalam hal ini fitoplankton dengan biota pada tingkat tropik level di atasnya. Kelimpahan zooplankton di suatu perairan dapat menggambarkan produktivitas sekunder dan potensialitas pakan alami dari sumberdaya perikanan di suatu perairan. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengkaji biodiversitas zooplankton di perairan pesisir Pulau Keffing, Seram Bagian Timur (SBT). Penelitian ini dilakukan pada bulan November 2017 (musim peralihan II). Pengambilan sampel dilakukan dengan menggunakan jaring NORPAC (mata jaring 300 mikrometer), ditarik secara vertikal dari kedalaman 10 meter menuju permukaan. Sampel dipreservasi menggunakan formalin 4%, dan diidentifikasi di laboratorium. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa biodiversitas zooplankton selama musim peralihan II sebanyak 28 jenis. Komposisi jenis copepoda mendominasi dengan 13 jenis (46,43% dari total komposisi zooplankton). Kelimpahan Total zooplankton berkisar antara 351-1190 ind/m3. zooplankton yang melimpah dari jenis Oncaea sp., Eucalanus sp. dan Corycaeus sp. Kajian tentang biodiversitas zooplankton di pesisir Pulau Keffing sangat penting untuk mendukung program pengelolaan sumberdaya perikanan. Ketersediaan data komposisi dan kelimpahan zooplankton dapat digunakan sebagai data dasar produktivitas sekunder dan potensi pakan alami di perairan.