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One-year insights into the GLOBOSTAD multinational prospective observational study of patients receiving dupilumab for atopic dermatitis
No full textIntroductionCurrently, limited data are available on long-term use of dupilumab to treat atopic dermatitis (AD) in a multinational real-world setting. The aim of this analysis was to report the interim 1-year data for patients with AD enrolled in the GLOBOSTAD registry, including treatment patterns, dupilumab effectiveness and safety, and healthcare burden.MethodsGLOBOSTAD is an ongoing, 5-year, multinational, prospective, observational study of adult/adolescent (aged >= 12 years at baseline) patients with AD who initiated dupilumab in real-world settings according to their local country-specific prescribing guidelines. Outcomes were evaluated at baseline and at 3, 6 and 12 months and included Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI) total score, SCORing Atopic Dermatitis (SCORAD) total score, percent body surface area (BSA) affected, Patient-Oriented Eczema Measure (POEM), Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) total score for adults or Children's Dermatology Life Quality Index (CDLQI) total score for adolescents and pruritus Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) total score.ResultsAt the interim 1-year cut-off (March 2023), 955 patients were enrolled in GLOBOSTAD, and follow-up data were obtained from 903 patients. After dupilumab initiation, mean improvements in effectiveness outcome measures from baseline to month 3 were EASI from 25.1 to 6.1, SCORAD 59.3 to 25.3, POEM 19.7 to 8.7, DLQI 13.7 to 5.3, CDLQI 12.2 to 2.7 and pruritus NRS 6.3 to 2.5, with each measure exceeding the minimal clinically important difference. These positive changes in effectiveness outcomes were maintained or further improved through 12 months since treatment initiation. AD-related hospitalizations and emergency room or urgent care facility visits decreased from 11.1% to 1.7% from baseline to month 12.ConclusionsIn a multinational real-world setting, dupilumab demonstrated rapid, robust and sustained effectiveness in patients with moderate-to-severe AD across multiple disease domains, including AD signs, symptoms, quality of life and emergency/urgent care visits. Safety was consistent with the known dupilumab safety profile.Clinical Trial RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT03992417.IntroductionCurrently, limited data are available on long-term use of dupilumab to treat atopic dermatitis (AD) in a multinational real-world setting. The aim of this analysis was to report the interim 1-year data for patients with AD enrolled in the GLOBOSTAD registry, including treatment patterns, dupilumab effectiveness and safety, and healthcare burden.MethodsGLOBOSTAD is an ongoing, 5-year, multinational, prospective, observational study of adult/adolescent (aged >= 12 years at baseline) patients with AD who initiated dupilumab in real-world settings according to their local country-specific prescribing guidelines. Outcomes were evaluated at baseline and at 3, 6 and 12 months and included Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI) total score, SCORing Atopic Dermatitis (SCORAD) total score, percent body surface area (BSA) affected, Patient-Oriented Eczema Measure (POEM), Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) total score for adults or Children's Dermatology Life Quality Index (CDLQI) total score for adolescents and pruritus Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) total score.ResultsAt the interim 1-year cut-off (March 2023), 955 patients were enrolled in GLOBOSTAD, and follow-up data were obtained from 903 patients. After dupilumab initiation, mean improvements in effectiveness outcome measures from baseline to month 3 were EASI from 25.1 to 6.1, SCORAD 59.3 to 25.3, POEM 19.7 to 8.7, DLQI 13.7 to 5.3, CDLQI 12.2 to 2.7 and pruritus NRS 6.3 to 2.5, with each measure exceeding the minimal clinically important difference. These positive changes in effectiveness outcomes were maintained or further improved through 12 months since treatment initiation. AD-related hospitalizations and emergency room or urgent care facility visits decreased from 11.1% to 1.7% from baseline to month 12.ConclusionsIn a multinational real-world setting, dupilumab demonstrated rapid, robust and sustained effectiveness in patients with moderate-to-severe AD across multiple disease domains, including AD signs, symptoms, quality of life and emergency/urgent care visits. Safety was consistent with the known dupilumab safety profile.Clinical Trial RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT03992417.A
Thermo-mechanical response of TEHL contacts under dynamic loading conditions
No full textA CFD-FSI approach is employed to investigate the thermo-mechanical response of TEHL contacts to time- varying loading conditions. The response to an impact load, with increment Delta f over time Delta t, and taking into account the equivalent system mass m, on film thickness, pressure and temperature variations, is being investigated. Findings indicate that impact loads generates pressure waves propagating through the contact and leading to pressure peaks, which depend on the load increment and impact time. An increase of up to 8 % in von Mises stress is observed compared to the steady-state calculation, with potential implications for the component's lifespan. Furthermore, for systems with high natural frequencies, and for impact times exceeding the hydrodynamic time scale, transient effects are limited.A CFD-FSI approach is employed to investigate the thermo-mechanical response of TEHL contacts to time- varying loading conditions. The response to an impact load, with increment Delta f over time Delta t, and taking into account the equivalent system mass m, on film thickness, pressure and temperature variations, is being investigated. Findings indicate that impact loads generates pressure waves propagating through the contact and leading to pressure peaks, which depend on the load increment and impact time. An increase of up to 8 % in von Mises stress is observed compared to the steady-state calculation, with potential implications for the component's lifespan. Furthermore, for systems with high natural frequencies, and for impact times exceeding the hydrodynamic time scale, transient effects are limited.A
Multispectral image reconstruction and restoration in computational imaging with applications in photography
No full textDit proefschrift onderzoekt computationale beeldvormingssystemen, met een specifieke focus op multispectrale beeldreconstructie en -restauratie voor spectraal beeldvorming en mobiele apparaten. Het behandelt uitdagingen zoals de hoge dimensies van de gegevens en complexe wiskundige problemen, met als doel zowel de nauwkeurigheid als de efficiëntie te verbeteren.De toepassingen van dit onderzoek zijn breed en omvatten spectrale camera’s en compacte smartphonecamera’s, die steeds belangrijker worden in moderne beeldvormingstechnologie. Daarnaast draagt dit werk bij aan de vooruitgang van Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) door beeldvormingssystemen te verbeteren, een essentieel onderdeel van visuele basismodellen.Omdat visuele waarneming een cruciaal zintuig is voor mensen, speelt het verbeteren van computationale beeldvorming een sleutelrol in de ontwikkeling van AGI. Hiermee ondersteunt dit onderzoek niet alleen technologische vooruitgang in beeldvorming, maar ook bredere toepassingen in AI en beeldherkenning.Public defense: 2025-02-27Dit proefschrift onderzoekt computationale beeldvormingssystemen, met een specifieke focus op multispectrale beeldreconstructie en -restauratie voor spectraal beeldvorming en mobiele apparaten. Het behandelt uitdagingen zoals de hoge dimensies van de gegevens en complexe wiskundige problemen, met als doel zowel de nauwkeurigheid als de efficiëntie te verbeteren.De toepassingen van dit onderzoek zijn breed en omvatten spectrale camera’s en compacte smartphonecamera’s, die steeds belangrijker worden in moderne beeldvormingstechnologie. Daarnaast draagt dit werk bij aan de vooruitgang van Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) door beeldvormingssystemen te verbeteren, een essentieel onderdeel van visuele basismodellen.Omdat visuele waarneming een cruciaal zintuig is voor mensen, speelt het verbeteren van computationale beeldvorming een sleutelrol in de ontwikkeling van AGI. Hiermee ondersteunt dit onderzoek niet alleen technologische vooruitgang in beeldvorming, maar ook bredere toepassingen in AI en beeldherkenning.D
Understanding Ethiopian farmers' intention to adopt biofortified orange-flesh sweet potatoes
No full textPurposeBiofortification is a promising strategy for addressing malnutrition and food insecurity by enriching staple crops with nutrients. However, farmers' adoption is crucial for their success. This study aims to shed light on Ethiopian farmers' intentions to adopt biofortified orange-fleshed sweet potatoes (OFSP) using the motivation, opportunity and ability (MOA) framework.Design/methodology/approachThis study used data from a cross-sectional survey of 370 sweet potato farmers in Ethiopia. Binary logistic regression analysis was employed to examine the factors influencing farmers' intention to adopt OFSP.FindingsAbility-, motivation- and opportunity-related factors significantly influenced adoption intention. Specifically, knowledge of OFSP benefits, production skills, crop characteristics and access to institutional services positively influences adoption. However, farming experience has a negative effect.Practical implicationsThese findings emphasize the importance of educating farmers about OFSP's high vitamin A content and favourable agronomic features. Additionally, understanding farmers' experiences and enhancing their production skills are crucial for increasing adoption rates. Targeted educational programs and support services can address these gaps and deficiencies.Originality/valueThis study is the first to analyse Ethiopian farmers' adoption of OFSP using an MOA framework. It offers a novel approach to understanding the complex interplay of psychological factors that influence adoption intentions. Furthermore, this study provides valuable insights into the Ethiopian context, filling a gap in the literature. These findings contribute to the development of targeted strategies for promoting biofortified crops in Ethiopia and other similar global contexts.PurposeBiofortification is a promising strategy for addressing malnutrition and food insecurity by enriching staple crops with nutrients. However, farmers' adoption is crucial for their success. This study aims to shed light on Ethiopian farmers' intentions to adopt biofortified orange-fleshed sweet potatoes (OFSP) using the motivation, opportunity and ability (MOA) framework.Design/methodology/approachThis study used data from a cross-sectional survey of 370 sweet potato farmers in Ethiopia. Binary logistic regression analysis was employed to examine the factors influencing farmers' intention to adopt OFSP.FindingsAbility-, motivation- and opportunity-related factors significantly influenced adoption intention. Specifically, knowledge of OFSP benefits, production skills, crop characteristics and access to institutional services positively influences adoption. However, farming experience has a negative effect.Practical implicationsThese findings emphasize the importance of educating farmers about OFSP's high vitamin A content and favourable agronomic features. Additionally, understanding farmers' experiences and enhancing their production skills are crucial for increasing adoption rates. Targeted educational programs and support services can address these gaps and deficiencies.Originality/valueThis study is the first to analyse Ethiopian farmers' adoption of OFSP using an MOA framework. It offers a novel approach to understanding the complex interplay of psychological factors that influence adoption intentions. Furthermore, this study provides valuable insights into the Ethiopian context, filling a gap in the literature. These findings contribute to the development of targeted strategies for promoting biofortified crops in Ethiopia and other similar global contexts.A
Industrial reactive sputter deposition of TiZrN coatings : the role of nitrogen partial pressure
No full textReactive sputter deposition of TiN, ZrN, and TiZrN coatings at different nitrogen partial pressures was performed under industrial conditions using a combinatorial approach. For all coatings, the nitrogen content rose with increasing nitrogen partial pressure and then leveled off above a given pressure. The ZrN coatings exhibited a columnar structure irrespective of the nitrogen pressure used. In contrast, the microstructure of TiN and TiZrN varied depending on the nitrogen partial pressure. A different behavior of the crystallite size as a function of the nitrogen partial pressure was observed for TiN and ZrN. A strong dependence was noticed for TiN. This contrasted with the behavior of ZrN which had much smaller crystallites. Smaller crystallites were also observed in the TiZrN coatings and the influence of the nitrogen partial pressure and the Ti/(Ti + Zr) ratio on these coatings was weak. The coloration of the coatings was notably influenced by nitrogen partial pressure. The level of red for the TiN and TiZrN coatings and the yellow hue for the ZrN coatings significantly increased with nitrogen partial pressure. The hardness of all TiZrN coatings peaked at intermediate nitrogen partial pressures, which indicates that nitrogen partial pressure enables the optimization of mechanical properties. The highest measured hardness (31 GPa) was obtained at a Ti/(Ti + Zr) ratio of 0.50 although similar values were obtained irrespective of the metallic elements. This study demonstrates the potential to enhance the mechanical properties of TiN by incorporating Zr provided the correct nitrogen partial pressure is selectedReactive sputter deposition of TiN, ZrN, and TiZrN coatings at different nitrogen partial pressures was performed under industrial conditions using a combinatorial approach. For all coatings, the nitrogen content rose with increasing nitrogen partial pressure and then leveled off above a given pressure. The ZrN coatings exhibited a columnar structure irrespective of the nitrogen pressure used. In contrast, the microstructure of TiN and TiZrN varied depending on the nitrogen partial pressure. A different behavior of the crystallite size as a function of the nitrogen partial pressure was observed for TiN and ZrN. A strong dependence was noticed for TiN. This contrasted with the behavior of ZrN which had much smaller crystallites. Smaller crystallites were also observed in the TiZrN coatings and the influence of the nitrogen partial pressure and the Ti/(Ti + Zr) ratio on these coatings was weak. The coloration of the coatings was notably influenced by nitrogen partial pressure. The level of red for the TiN and TiZrN coatings and the yellow hue for the ZrN coatings significantly increased with nitrogen partial pressure. The hardness of all TiZrN coatings peaked at intermediate nitrogen partial pressures, which indicates that nitrogen partial pressure enables the optimization of mechanical properties. The highest measured hardness (31 GPa) was obtained at a Ti/(Ti + Zr) ratio of 0.50 although similar values were obtained irrespective of the metallic elements. This study demonstrates the potential to enhance the mechanical properties of TiN by incorporating Zr provided the correct nitrogen partial pressure is selectedA
Factors related to GDPR compliance promises in privacy policies : a machine learning and NLP approach
No full textThis paper employs Machine Learning (ML) and Natural Language Processing (NLP) techniques to examine the relationship between organizational factors, such as company size and headquarters location, of data processing entities and their GDPR compliance promises as disclosed in privacy policies. Our methodology comprises three main stages, each representing a key contribution. Firstly, we developed five NLP-based classification models with precision scores of at least 0.908 to assess different GDPR compliance promises in privacy policies. Secondly, we have collected a data set of 8,614 organizations in the European Union containing organizational information and the GDPR compliance promises derived from the organization’s privacy policy. Lastly, we have analyzed the organizational factors correlating to these GDPR compliance promises. The findings reveal, among other things, that small or medium-sized enterprises negatively correlate with the disclosure of two GDPR privacy policy core requirements. Moreover, as a headquarters location, Denmark performs best regarding positively correlating with disclosing GDPR privacy policy core requirements, whereas Spain, Italy, and Slovenia negatively correlate with multiple requirements. This study contributes to the novel field of GDPR compliance, offering valuable insights for policymakers and practitioners to enhance data protection practices and mitigate non-compliance risks.This paper employs Machine Learning (ML) and Natural Language Processing (NLP) techniques to examine the relationship between organizational factors, such as company size and headquarters location, of data processing entities and their GDPR compliance promises as disclosed in privacy policies. Our methodology comprises three main stages, each representing a key contribution. Firstly, we developed five NLP-based classification models with precision scores of at least 0.908 to assess different GDPR compliance promises in privacy policies. Secondly, we have collected a data set of 8,614 organizations in the European Union containing organizational information and the GDPR compliance promises derived from the organization’s privacy policy. Lastly, we have analyzed the organizational factors correlating to these GDPR compliance promises. The findings reveal, among other things, that small or medium-sized enterprises negatively correlate with the disclosure of two GDPR privacy policy core requirements. Moreover, as a headquarters location, Denmark performs best regarding positively correlating with disclosing GDPR privacy policy core requirements, whereas Spain, Italy, and Slovenia negatively correlate with multiple requirements. This study contributes to the novel field of GDPR compliance, offering valuable insights for policymakers and practitioners to enhance data protection practices and mitigate non-compliance risks.A
Totally conjugated and coplanar covalent organic frameworks as photocatalysts for water purification: Reduction of Cr (VI) while oxidizing water borne organic pollutants
No full textCovalent organic frameworks (COFs) have emerged as photocatalytic materials with bandgaps in the visible region. Imine-based COFs, which have been extensively explored, often suffer from limited stability and poor conjugation, hindering their photocatalytic activities. The chemical and hydrolytic stability and the photo- catalytic performance of COFs is drastically enhanced by constructing 2D COFs that are fully conjugated in the x, y plane, that have alternating donor-acceptor (D-A) units for better charge separation and that have enhanced conjugation in the z-axis by p-orbital overlap by using highly planar building blocks. In this study, we introduce three highly crystalline sp(2) COFs that are able to photocatalyticlly reduce highly toxic Cr (VI) species to much less toxic and easily removable Cr (III) residues, while simultaneously oxidizing water borne organic pollutants. One of them, the TEB-COF, with the integration of the acetylene group, exhibited excellent photocatalytic activity due to its superior planarity and extended conjugation. TEB-COF is able to completely remove the model dye Rhodamine B and Cr (VI) (10 mg/L) in less than 30 min. This research provides valuable insights into the development of recyclable metal-free photocatalysts for wastewater treatment.Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) have emerged as photocatalytic materials with bandgaps in the visible region. Imine-based COFs, which have been extensively explored, often suffer from limited stability and poor conjugation, hindering their photocatalytic activities. The chemical and hydrolytic stability and the photo- catalytic performance of COFs is drastically enhanced by constructing 2D COFs that are fully conjugated in the x, y plane, that have alternating donor-acceptor (D-A) units for better charge separation and that have enhanced conjugation in the z-axis by p-orbital overlap by using highly planar building blocks. In this study, we introduce three highly crystalline sp(2) COFs that are able to photocatalyticlly reduce highly toxic Cr (VI) species to much less toxic and easily removable Cr (III) residues, while simultaneously oxidizing water borne organic pollutants. One of them, the TEB-COF, with the integration of the acetylene group, exhibited excellent photocatalytic activity due to its superior planarity and extended conjugation. TEB-COF is able to completely remove the model dye Rhodamine B and Cr (VI) (10 mg/L) in less than 30 min. This research provides valuable insights into the development of recyclable metal-free photocatalysts for wastewater treatment.
Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for Refractory and Super-refractory Status Epilepticus: A Systematic Review
No full textRationale: Off-label treatments are often considered to treat refractory status epilepticus (RSE) and superrefractory status epilepticus (SRSE). To investigate the efficacy of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) as a treatment for (S)RSE, we performed a systematic review.Materials and methods: Cessation of (S)RSE after rTMS was extracted as the primary end point from manuscripts describing patients with (S)RSE treated with rTMS. Data relevant to epilepsy history, (S)RSE type and etiology, prior treatment for (S)RSE, prior duration of (S)RSE, rTMS parameters, number of treatment sessions, duration of rTMS protocols, latency to (S)RSE cessation, recurrence rate, adverse events, and long-term outcome were collected as secondary end points.Results: We identified 33 patients; 17 of 33 had epilepsia partialis continua; 7 of 33 had new onset RSE. Data were incomplete in 3 of 33 regarding classification and etiology; 18 of 30 had focal motor status epilepticus (SE), 9 of 30 nonconvulsive SE, and 3 of 30 convulsive SE. The most frequent etiologies were cortical malformation (8/31), stroke (5/31), and genetic mutations (5/31). Median duration of (S)RSE before rTMS was 70 days (range: two-7300, interquartile range = 148, Q1 = 32, Q3 = 180). In 25 of 33 patients (75.8%), rTMS caused cessation of (S)RSE after zero to four days. (S)RSE recurred in eight of 17 patients (47%), for whom follow-up was available. Three deaths occurred from the underlying disease.Conclusion: rTMS caused cessation in 75.8% of patients with (S)RSE within four days, with recurrence in 47%. To determine the therapeutic potential of rTMS for patients with (S)RSE, further studies are required given the present findings stem from level IV studies and may have reporting bias.Rationale: Off-label treatments are often considered to treat refractory status epilepticus (RSE) and superrefractory status epilepticus (SRSE). To investigate the efficacy of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) as a treatment for (S)RSE, we performed a systematic review.Materials and methods: Cessation of (S)RSE after rTMS was extracted as the primary end point from manuscripts describing patients with (S)RSE treated with rTMS. Data relevant to epilepsy history, (S)RSE type and etiology, prior treatment for (S)RSE, prior duration of (S)RSE, rTMS parameters, number of treatment sessions, duration of rTMS protocols, latency to (S)RSE cessation, recurrence rate, adverse events, and long-term outcome were collected as secondary end points.Results: We identified 33 patients; 17 of 33 had epilepsia partialis continua; 7 of 33 had new onset RSE. Data were incomplete in 3 of 33 regarding classification and etiology; 18 of 30 had focal motor status epilepticus (SE), 9 of 30 nonconvulsive SE, and 3 of 30 convulsive SE. The most frequent etiologies were cortical malformation (8/31), stroke (5/31), and genetic mutations (5/31). Median duration of (S)RSE before rTMS was 70 days (range: two-7300, interquartile range = 148, Q1 = 32, Q3 = 180). In 25 of 33 patients (75.8%), rTMS caused cessation of (S)RSE after zero to four days. (S)RSE recurred in eight of 17 patients (47%), for whom follow-up was available. Three deaths occurred from the underlying disease.Conclusion: rTMS caused cessation in 75.8% of patients with (S)RSE within four days, with recurrence in 47%. To determine the therapeutic potential of rTMS for patients with (S)RSE, further studies are required given the present findings stem from level IV studies and may have reporting bias.
Cinnabar for Roman Ephesus : material quality, processing and provenance
No full textEphesus was an important harbor city that flourished during the Roman period and ancient texts mention Almaden in Spain and the Cilbian fields of Ephesus as important cinnabar sources in antiquity. This work investigates whether imported cinnabar was used and whether this could be related to changes in painting activities over time. Microscopic analysis indicates a consistent preparation of cinnabar, hinting at a uniform source material quality or processing technique. However, the use of cinnabar varies among the architectural structures studied, indicating a plurality of painting techniques. A few of the analyzed cinnabar samples overlap with Turkish- and Balkan reference Pb isotope ratios; three samples from tabernas, however, deviate from this. The Hg isotope ratios reveal that cinnabar from carbonate-hosted deposits was likely used, and that processing of cinnabar included heating as suggested by ancient texts. Most notably, a correlation exists between the geochemical data and the painting technique - shifts in sourcing and cinnabar usage are potentially assignable to building chronology and/or usage. Through the lens of material provenance and processing, Ephesian cinnabar brings the organization of pigment trade into focus.Ephesus was an important harbor city that flourished during the Roman period and ancient texts mention Almaden in Spain and the Cilbian fields of Ephesus as important cinnabar sources in antiquity. This work investigates whether imported cinnabar was used and whether this could be related to changes in painting activities over time. Microscopic analysis indicates a consistent preparation of cinnabar, hinting at a uniform source material quality or processing technique. However, the use of cinnabar varies among the architectural structures studied, indicating a plurality of painting techniques. A few of the analyzed cinnabar samples overlap with Turkish- and Balkan reference Pb isotope ratios; three samples from tabernas, however, deviate from this. The Hg isotope ratios reveal that cinnabar from carbonate-hosted deposits was likely used, and that processing of cinnabar included heating as suggested by ancient texts. Most notably, a correlation exists between the geochemical data and the painting technique - shifts in sourcing and cinnabar usage are potentially assignable to building chronology and/or usage. Through the lens of material provenance and processing, Ephesian cinnabar brings the organization of pigment trade into focus.A
Staakt-het-vuren Gaza: ‘Wapenstilstand of niet, onze juridische verplichtingen blijven bestaan’
No full textWat wij doen als universiteiten en met wie we samenwerken moet altijd onderhevig zijn aan het internationaal recht en een weerspiegeling van onze principes van rechtvaardigheid’, schrijven Koen Bogaert (UGent), Gert Van Hecken (UA), Omar Jabary (ULB/UGent), Barbara Van Dyck (ULB), Itamar Shachar (UHasselt), Edina Doci (UCLouvain), Lena Imeraj (VUB). Ze zij bezorgd over het fragiele bestand in Gaza, en roepen de rectoren in Vlaanderen en Brussel op om werk te maken van een academische boycot tegen Israël.Wat wij doen als universiteiten en met wie we samenwerken moet altijd onderhevig zijn aan het internationaal recht en een weerspiegeling van onze principes van rechtvaardigheid’, schrijven Koen Bogaert (UGent), Gert Van Hecken (UA), Omar Jabary (ULB/UGent), Barbara Van Dyck (ULB), Itamar Shachar (UHasselt), Edina Doci (UCLouvain), Lena Imeraj (VUB). Ze zij bezorgd over het fragiele bestand in Gaza, en roepen de rectoren in Vlaanderen en Brussel op om werk te maken van een academische boycot tegen Israël.