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Advancing clinical and translational research in germ cell tumours (GCT): recommendations from the Malignant Germ Cell International Consortium
Get PDFYesGerm cell tumours (GCTs) are a heterogeneous group of rare neoplasms that present in different anatomical sites and across a wide spectrum of patient ages from birth through to adulthood. Once these strata are applied, cohort numbers become modest, hindering inferences regarding management and therapeutic advances. Moreover, patients with GCTs are treated by different medical professionals including paediatric oncologists, neuro-oncologists, medical oncologists, neurosurgeons, gynaecological oncologists, surgeons, and urologists. Silos of care have thus formed, further hampering knowledge dissemination between specialists. Dedicated biobank specimen collection is therefore critical to foster continuous growth in our understanding of similarities and differences by age, gender, and site, particularly for rare cancers such as GCTs. Here, the Malignant Germ Cell International Consortium provides a framework to create a sustainable, global research infrastructure that facilitates acquisition of tissue and liquid biopsies together with matched clinical data sets that reflect the diversity of GCTs. Such an effort would create an invaluable repository of clinical and biological data which can underpin international collaborations that span professional boundaries, translate into clinical practice, and ultimately impact patient outcomes.ALF, JFA, and MJM declare funding from St Baldrick’s Foundation; grant reference number 358099
The role of Ten Eleven Translocation enzymes in the hair follicle mesenchyme
Get PDFEpigenetic mechanisms play an important role during the morphogenesis
of the hair follicle and the hair cycle. Work on hair regeneration is of
importance as no products are available which can provide complete
reversal of hair loss. Tet2 promotes DNA demethylation by the
hydroxylation of 5mC to 5hmC which in turn causes gene transcription
activation. Dermal papilla (DP) cells located within the hair follicle are
responsible for the regulation of development and the growth of hair
follicles. Fgf20 signalling controls commitment of the mesenchymal
precursor cells to the DP progenitor lineage. An immature DP cells is then
formed during maturation by Shh signalling which then stimulates these to
differentiate into a DP cell by BMP and Wnt signalling.
Methylated DNA can be bound by the proteins recruiting transcription corepressors.
DNA methyltransferases (DNMT’s) can be degraded by
decitabine which reverses gene silencing. Conditional knockout of Tet2 in
mouse DP cells results in a delay in anagen initiation, suggesting Tet2 is
involved in the telogen-anagen transition. Additionally, by using dermal
fibroblasts and RA-DPAC (Dermal Papilla activating medium
supplemented with retinoic acid), it was found that decitabine can increase
plasticity in dermal fibroblasts and RA-DPAC can be used to accelerate a
lineage change to DP cells which is supported by the significant increase in the DP specific gene expression. Examples include AlPl, LEF1,
BMP4/6/7, FGF10, BMPR1A and PDGFA. Additionally, by way of siRNA
and conditional Tet2 knockout data in dermal fibroblasts, it was found Tet2
regulates signature DP genes such as Bmpr1a, ALPL, Tcf4 and SOX2
Contributions to Engineering Big Data Transformation, Visualisation and Analytics. Adapted Knowledge Discovery Techniques for Multiple Inconsistent Heterogeneous Data in the Domain of Engine Testing
Get PDFIn the automotive sector, engine testing generates vast data volumes that
are mainly beneficial to requesting engineers. However, these tests are often
not revisited for further analysis due to inconsistent data quality and
a lack of structured assessment methods. Moreover, the absence of a tailored
knowledge discovery process hinders effective preprocessing, transformation,
analytics, and visualization of data, restricting the potential for
historical data insights. Another challenge arises from the heterogeneous
nature of test structures, resulting in varying measurements, data types,
and contextual requirements across different engine test datasets.
This thesis aims to overcome these obstacles by introducing a specialized
knowledge discovery approach for the distinctive Multiple Inconsistent
Heterogeneous Data (MIHData) format characteristic of engine testing.
The proposed methods include adapting data quality assessment and reporting,
classifying engine types through compositional features, employing modified dendrogram similarity measures for classification, performing customized feature extraction, transformation, and structuring, generating and manipulating synthetic images to enhance data visualization, and
applying adapted list-based indexing for multivariate engine test summary
data searches.
The thesis demonstrates how these techniques enable exploratory analysis,
visualization, and classification, presenting a practical framework to
extract meaningful insights from historical data within the engineering
domain. The ultimate objective is to facilitate the reuse of past data resources,
contributing to informed decision-making processes and enhancing
comprehension within the automotive industry. Through its focus on
data quality, heterogeneity, and knowledge discovery, this research establishes
a foundation for optimized utilization of historical Engine Test Data
(ETD) for improved insights.Soroptimist International Bradfor
Social Protection for Well-Being. The effectiveness of social protection programmes in Bangladesh
Get PDFWell-being is the ultimate goal of social protection that integrates both material
and social aspects. Most studies focus on material dimensions, and little attention
has been given to the social aspects of well-being. Further, outputs are commonly
used to assess the effectiveness of social protection, while insufficient attention
has been given to the outcomes and process evaluation. This study aims to
assess the effectiveness of social protection in ensuring well-being, comprising
human development and social cohesion. It adopts a result-oriented framework
that considers both outcome and process evaluation.
The study follows sequential mixed methods for assessing the effectiveness of
social protection programmes. Using a secondary dataset of six developing
countries (including Bangladesh) from 2002 to 2019 and employing a pooled OLS
model, this study shows that social protection expenditure increases the primary
(education) completion rate and reduces the child (under 5) mortality rate in
developing countries. It also reveals that the effect of social protection on education and health outcomes improves with governance efficacy and
operational competency. Using primary data collected through a quantitative
survey (n=400) from four districts of Bangladesh and employing the OLR model,
this study shows that social protection benefits positively affect informal and
formal networks and institutional trust and norms of behaviour. It also reveals that
the educational status of beneficiaries can mediate informal and formal networks,
interpersonal trust, and norms of reciprocity. The process evaluation has done
through 24 in-depth qualitative interviews with key stakeholders. By using content
analysis, this study recognises five "governance" and six "operational" issues that
can limit the effectiveness of social protection programmes. It also proposes a
model for the effective functioning of social protection programmes based on
empirical findings and justified by prevailing literature.
The study shows how effectively programmes are executed and how programmes
can be improved to achieve the goal. These findings have significant implications
for enhancing the development effectiveness of social protection programmes.
The policy directions can assist policymakers and development partners in taking
suitable policies to ensure the well-being of the poor and vulnerable people of
developing countries.Government of the People's Republic of Bangladesh research grants,
National Academy for Planning and Development (NAPD
Simulation, Design and Implementation of Antenna for 5G and beyond Wave Communication. Simulation, Design, and Measurement of New and Compact Antennas for 5G and beyond and Investigation of Their Fundamental Characteristics
No full textThe fifth generation (5G) has developed a lot of interest, and there have been many reported initiatives in both industry and academics. Multiple-input-multiple-output (MIMO) is the most promising wireless access technique for next-generation networks in terms of spectral and energy efficiency (MIMO). In 4G systems, 2-Element MIMO antennas are already used, while 5G mobile terminals for smartphone hand-held devices are projected to use a bigger number of elements.
The placement of many antennas in the restricted space of a smartphone PCB is one of the most critical challenges. As a result, for sub-6 GHz 5G applications, a new design technique based on dual-polarised antenna resonators for 6-Element, 8-Element MIMO configuration is proposed. The proposed MIMO design could improve the smartphone antenna system's chan-nel capacity, diversity function, and multiplexing gain, making it appropriate for 5G applica-tions. For distinct prospective bands of the sub-6 GHz spectrum, such as 2.6, 3.6, and 5.8 GHz, different types of novel and compact diversity MIMO antennas using Patch, Slot, and Planar inverted F antenna (PIFA) resonators are examined. Unlike previously reported MIMO antennas, the proposed designs provide full radiation coverage and polarisation diversity, as well as adequate gain and efficiency values to support several mainboard sides.
Apart from sub-6 GHz frequencies, 5G devices are projected to support the centimetre/milli-metre wave spectrum's higher bands. To create linear phased arrays, small antennas can be placed at various locations on a smartphone board. For 5G smartphones, we propose novel linear phased arrays with tiny parts like Dipole and Quasi-Yagi resonators. In comparison to previously published designs, the suggested phased arrays have desirable qualities such as compact size, wide beam-steering, broad bandwidth, end-fire radiation, high gain, and efficiency.
With a reduced mutual coupling function, the suggested 5G antennas can provide single-band, multi-band, and broad-band characteristics. Both models and measurements are used to an-alyse the fundamental features of 5G antennas, and good agreement is found. Furthermore, in the presence of the user and the smartphone components, good features are seen due to the small size and superior arrangement of elements. Because of these benefits, the sug-gested antennas are well-suited for usage in 5G smartphone applications
Socio-legal enquiry into the motivating factors of cyberbullying in Malaysia
No full textNoCyberbullying is the act of bullying or causing harassment or intimidation on another person by using technological means, such as devices, social media or networks. Despite the numerous efforts being carried out by both government and non-government organizations, cyberbullying continues to be on the rise and has become a national concern. This study highlights the motivating factors of cyberbullying in Malaysia. First, the study aims to investigate the factors motivating persons becoming cyberbullying perpetrators. Second, the study aims to examine the factors enhancing the susceptibility of persons becoming victims of cyberbullying. Engaging in both qualitative and quantitative approaches, this study adopts socio-legal approach in understanding and enquiring 19 interview experts and 120 survey respondents. The study found various factors that motivates perpetrators of cyberbullying, which could be divided into internal and external factors. Similarly, the factors that enhance the susceptibility of victims of cyberbullying could also be internal and external. The implication of the study is deeper understanding of the various factors motivating cyberbullying in Malaysia. Inherently, risk management strategies could be proposed could be developed to minimize the factors hence reducing the likelihood of cyberbullying occurrences in Malaysia. Hopefully, the findings of the study would contribute to the body of knowledge on the area of cybercrimes in general, and cyberbullying in particular. It is also hoped that this study would assist the general public to better manage the risk of cyberbullying, within the wider agenda of safe nation in Malaysia.This study is funded by the Digital Society Research Grant Fund (DSRG) by Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), Malaysia
Physical activity level and stroke risk in US population: A matched case–control study of 102,578 individuals
Get PDFYesBackground: Stroke has been linked to a lack of physical activity; however, the extent of the association between inactive lifestyles and stroke risk has yet to be characterized across large populations.
Purpose: This study aimed to explore the association between activity-related behaviors and stroke incidence.
Methods: Data from 1999 to 2018 waves of the concurrent cross-sectional National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) were extracted. We analyzed participants characteristics and outcomes for all participants with data on whether they had a stroke or not and assessed how different forms of physical activity affect the incidence of disease.
Results: Of the 102,578 individuals included, 3851 had a history of stroke. A range of activity-related behaviors was protective against stroke, including engaging in moderate-intensity work over the last 30 days (OR = 0.8, 95% CI = 0.7–0.9; P = 0.001) and vigorous-intensity work activities over the last 30 days (OR = 0.6, 95% CI = 0.5–0.8; P < 0.001), and muscle-strengthening exercises (OR = 0.6, 95% CI = 0.5–0.8; P < 0.001). Conversely, more than 4 h of daily TV, video, or computer use was positively associated with the likelihood of stroke (OR = 11.7, 95% CI = 2.1–219.2; P = 0.022).
Conclusion: Different types, frequencies, and intensities of physical activity were associated with reduced stroke incidence, implying that there is an option for everyone. Daily or every other day activities are more critical in reducing stroke than reducing sedentary behavior duration
Wave induced silty seabed response around a trenched pipeline
Get PDFYesMost previous studies on seabed liquefaction around offshore pipelines focused on investigating the wave-induced pore pressure variation in sandy seabed, while limited studies have been conducted for silty seabed. In this study, laboratory experiments are conducted to investigate wave-induced pore pressure within silty bed around the buried or partially/fully backfilled pipeline. Results show that residual pore pressure is the dominant factor that causes the liquefaction in silty soil. For buried pipeline, liquefaction first occurs at the pipeline bottom, then propagates upwards and downwards vertically. Comparing with the buried pipeline, the liquefaction potential is reduced when the pipeline is placed in a trench. To protect pipeline from liquefaction, backfill is recommended. Experiments show that the residual pore pressure significantly decreases as backfill depth increases. Fully backfilled pipeline is the best choice for silty seabed. Furthermore, backfill material with coarser particle size than native soil provides better protection for pipeline. In this study, there is no residual pore pressure around the pipeline periphery for three backfill soils (d50 = 0.15 mm; 0.3 mm; and 0.5 mm) tested. Results indicate that for the range of this experimental study, d50 = 0.15 mm is the best backfill material that provides the most protection for the underneath pipeline.National Postdoctoral Program for Innovative Talents granted by China Postdoctoral Science Foundation (Grant No. BX20190105) and the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities (Grant No. B200202062)
Geotechnical Behaviour of Fly Ash–Bentonite Used in Layers
Get PDFYesIncreasing infrastructure growth has forced the construction industry to look for wasteful, cheap, and suitable materials for construction. An investigation into the geotechnical utilization of fly ash was carried out in the present study. Practical applications normally involve the use of large quantities of fly ash, so proper mixing of the fly ash with other materials may not be significantly achieved. Therefore, the present paper investigates the behaviour of a fly ash–bentonite layered system with different ratios. The physical properties and chemical composition of fly ash and bentonite were determined. SEM and energy dispersive X-ray experiments were also used to investigate the morphology and phase compositions of fly ash and bentonite. A series of consolidated undrained (CU) triaxial tests on fly ash–bentonite were carried out to investigate shear strength characteristics. Fly ash (F) and bentonite (B) were used in the following ratios: 1:1 (50% F:50% B), 2:1 (67% F:33% B), 3:1 (75% F:25% B), and 4:1 (80% F:20% B), with different numbers of interfaces (N), i.e., 1, 2, and 3 for each ratio. The deviator stress and cohesion value were found to increase with the number of interfaces for each ratio. The angle of shear resistance changed marginally with the increase in the fly ash–bentonite ratios and varying interfaces
Comparison of scattered entrance skin dose burden in MSCT, CBCT, and X-ray for suspected scaphoid injury: Regional dose measurements in a phantom model
Get PDFYesScaphoid radiography has poor sensitivity for acute fracture detection and often requires repeat delayed imaging. Although magnetic resonance (MR) imaging is considered the gold standard, computed tomography (CT) is often used as an alternative due to ease of access. Cone-Beam CT (CBCT) offers equivalent diagnostic efficacy to Multi Slice CT (MSCT) at reduced dose. We aimed to establish the difference in scattered dose between modalities for scaphoid imaging. Methods: Anatomical regional entrance surface dose measurements were taken at 3 regions on an anthropomorphic torso phantom positioned as a patient to a wrist phantom undergoing scaphoid imaging for three modalities (CBCT, MSCT, four-view projection radiography). Exposure factors were based on audit of clinical exposures. Each dose measurement was repeated three times per anatomical region, modality, exposure setting and projection. Results: Under unpaired T-test CBCT gave significantly lower mean dose at the neck (1.64 vs 18 mGy), chest (2.78 vs 8.01) and abdomen (1.288 vs 2.93) than MSCT (