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Online Scaphoid Tracking using a Wearable and Flexible Ultrasound Array: A First Proof of Concept
No full textDe spelregels van de democratie : kiesstelsels en politieke systemen in Europa /
No full textVolledig geactualiseerde en uitgebreide versie van eerdere edities uitgegeven door ASPBorgerhoff-Lamberigt
Practical cancer nutrition, from guidelines to clinical practice : a digital solution to patient-centred care
No full textBackground: Malnutrition affects 20%-70% of cancer patients, depending on tumour type, disease stage, and clinical setting. While nutritional care is essential for improving patients' quality of life and clinical outcomes, it is not systematically integrated into routine cancer care. MyPath is a European Union project aiming to implement patient-centred care (PCC) at nine European cancer centres using implementation science. Multidisciplinary teams have developed standardised digitally supported PCC pathways based on patient-reported outcomes (PROs) with linked evidence-based management options. Through systematic assessment and management of common symptoms and psychosocial problems in cancer patients, MyPath aims to facilitate changes in clinical practice to improve PCC for all. As part of this, the MyPath Nutrition Care Pathway (NCP) aims to facilitate necessary clinical changes to routinely assess and address nutrition in all patients. Materials and methods: Between September 2022 and August 2024, an international multidisciplinary team reviewed evidence-based nutrition guidelines to select relevant PROs and other variables necessary to systematically assess patients, allowing for tailored nutritional care. Results: The MyPath NCP assessment relies on nutritional status (Malnutrition Screening Tool for malnutrition risk, modified Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition criteria for malnutrition, and body mass index/weight change for obesity/unintentional weight gain), health status (functional status, cancer diagnosis and prognosis, and prehabilitation needs), and inflammatory status (C-reactive protein levels). Based on this assessment, the digital solution suggests tailored, evidence-based nutritional interventions. Continuous monitoring through PROs and clinical consultations will customise care to patients' dynamic nutritional needs. The first version of this digital solution will be piloted in 2025. Conclusions: Inconsistent implementation of nutrition guidelines is a key challenge in cancer care. The MyPath NCP offers an accessible, patient-centred assessment and management system that integrates nutritional care into routine cancer care, providing a versatile solution that can be implemented across diverse health care settings.Background: Malnutrition affects 20%-70% of cancer patients, depending on tumour type, disease stage, and clinical setting. While nutritional care is essential for improving patients' quality of life and clinical outcomes, it is not systematically integrated into routine cancer care. MyPath is a European Union project aiming to implement patient-centred care (PCC) at nine European cancer centres using implementation science. Multidisciplinary teams have developed standardised digitally supported PCC pathways based on patient-reported outcomes (PROs) with linked evidence-based management options. Through systematic assessment and management of common symptoms and psychosocial problems in cancer patients, MyPath aims to facilitate changes in clinical practice to improve PCC for all. As part of this, the MyPath Nutrition Care Pathway (NCP) aims to facilitate necessary clinical changes to routinely assess and address nutrition in all patients. Materials and methods: Between September 2022 and August 2024, an international multidisciplinary team reviewed evidence-based nutrition guidelines to select relevant PROs and other variables necessary to systematically assess patients, allowing for tailored nutritional care. Results: The MyPath NCP assessment relies on nutritional status (Malnutrition Screening Tool for malnutrition risk, modified Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition criteria for malnutrition, and body mass index/weight change for obesity/unintentional weight gain), health status (functional status, cancer diagnosis and prognosis, and prehabilitation needs), and inflammatory status (C-reactive protein levels). Based on this assessment, the digital solution suggests tailored, evidence-based nutritional interventions. Continuous monitoring through PROs and clinical consultations will customise care to patients' dynamic nutritional needs. The first version of this digital solution will be piloted in 2025. Conclusions: Inconsistent implementation of nutrition guidelines is a key challenge in cancer care. The MyPath NCP offers an accessible, patient-centred assessment and management system that integrates nutritional care into routine cancer care, providing a versatile solution that can be implemented across diverse health care settings.A
Hybrid data fusion for low-cost high-speed monitoring in powder bed fusion 3D printing
No full textIn laser powder bed fusion 3D printing, defects can be created in less than 100 µs, making it difficult and expensive to monitor and control the process in real time. Existing techniques either rely on the use of simple, high-speed sensors for control purposes (e.g., photodiodes) or high-resolution, low-speed sensors (e.g., cameras) to analyze print defects. Since both techniques have limitations (either lack of accuracy or speed in defect detection), we propose that fusing both sensor types can provide detailed print quality indicators at a high enough speed for real-time control. Our data fusion works in a hybrid fashion by first processing images from a high-speed camera (5 kHz) to compute detailed print quality indicators (melt pool size & intensity, number of spatters). These print quality indicators are then fused with very high speed photodiode values (100 kHz) to extrapolate the print quality indicators to 100 kHz. An adaptive weight network is used to perform the fusion and extrapolation, allowing the low-speed print quality indicators to provide context for the interpretation of the photodiode values. Our results on three print data sets show that the proposed data fusion produces print quality indicators within 10 µs that are significantly more accurate than using only one sensor type alone. The speed, accuracy, and relatively low cost of the proposed data fusion make it a credible option for low-cost monitoring and control of such high-speed processes.In laser powder bed fusion 3D printing, defects can be created in less than 100 µs, making it difficult and expensive to monitor and control the process in real time. Existing techniques either rely on the use of simple, high-speed sensors for control purposes (e.g., photodiodes) or high-resolution, low-speed sensors (e.g., cameras) to analyze print defects. Since both techniques have limitations (either lack of accuracy or speed in defect detection), we propose that fusing both sensor types can provide detailed print quality indicators at a high enough speed for real-time control. Our data fusion works in a hybrid fashion by first processing images from a high-speed camera (5 kHz) to compute detailed print quality indicators (melt pool size & intensity, number of spatters). These print quality indicators are then fused with very high speed photodiode values (100 kHz) to extrapolate the print quality indicators to 100 kHz. An adaptive weight network is used to perform the fusion and extrapolation, allowing the low-speed print quality indicators to provide context for the interpretation of the photodiode values. Our results on three print data sets show that the proposed data fusion produces print quality indicators within 10 µs that are significantly more accurate than using only one sensor type alone. The speed, accuracy, and relatively low cost of the proposed data fusion make it a credible option for low-cost monitoring and control of such high-speed processes.C
Contribution of rare chromosome 22q11.2 copy number variants to non-syndromic bicuspid aortic valve
No full textBackground Bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) is the most common congenital heart defect in adults, often leading to complications such as thoracic aortic aneurysms and aortic stenosis. While BAV is frequently associated with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11.2DS), the contribution of rare copy number variants (CNVs) in this region to non-syndromic BAV is less clear. This study is aimed to assess the role of rare 22q11.2 CNVs in patients with early-onset BAV (EBAV) and to determine whether these variants are linked to an increased risk of complications.Methods Whole genome microarray genotyping was conducted on 272 patients with BAV with early onset valve or aortic disease (EBAV) and 272 biological relatives. CNVs were detected using three independent algorithms, focusing on the 22q11.2 region (18-24 Mb). CNV burden in the EBAV cohort was compared with unselected European ancestry controls.Results Rare duplications and deletions within the 22q11.2 region, particularly involving genes associated with cardiac development, were identified in 7.4% of EBAV probands. These CNVs were significantly enriched compared with the general population and segregated with BAV in families. Individuals carrying rare 22q11.2 CNVs had a higher prevalence of psychiatric diagnoses and learning difficulties, although they did not exhibit the typical features of 22q11.2DS. Importantly, these CNVs were associated with early onset or complex BAV cases, underscoring their potential clinical relevance.Conclusions Rare 22q11.2 CNVs play a role in non-syndromic BAV, particularly in cases with early onset or complex presentations. CNV screening could be considered as part of risk stratification for patients with BAV, helping to predict complications and guide management.Trial registration number NCT01823432.Background Bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) is the most common congenital heart defect in adults, often leading to complications such as thoracic aortic aneurysms and aortic stenosis. While BAV is frequently associated with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11.2DS), the contribution of rare copy number variants (CNVs) in this region to non-syndromic BAV is less clear. This study is aimed to assess the role of rare 22q11.2 CNVs in patients with early-onset BAV (EBAV) and to determine whether these variants are linked to an increased risk of complications.Methods Whole genome microarray genotyping was conducted on 272 patients with BAV with early onset valve or aortic disease (EBAV) and 272 biological relatives. CNVs were detected using three independent algorithms, focusing on the 22q11.2 region (18-24 Mb). CNV burden in the EBAV cohort was compared with unselected European ancestry controls.Results Rare duplications and deletions within the 22q11.2 region, particularly involving genes associated with cardiac development, were identified in 7.4% of EBAV probands. These CNVs were significantly enriched compared with the general population and segregated with BAV in families. Individuals carrying rare 22q11.2 CNVs had a higher prevalence of psychiatric diagnoses and learning difficulties, although they did not exhibit the typical features of 22q11.2DS. Importantly, these CNVs were associated with early onset or complex BAV cases, underscoring their potential clinical relevance.Conclusions Rare 22q11.2 CNVs play a role in non-syndromic BAV, particularly in cases with early onset or complex presentations. CNV screening could be considered as part of risk stratification for patients with BAV, helping to predict complications and guide management.Trial registration number NCT01823432.A
When and how do interventions promote pro-environmental spillover behaviour : the role of goal importance and (un)conscious goal pursuit
No full textC
Large range sizes link fast life histories with high species richness across wet tropical tree floras
No full textUnderstanding how the traits of lineages are related to diversification is key for elucidating the origin of variation in species richness. Here, we test whether traits are related to species richness among lineages of trees from all major biogeographical settings of the lowland wet tropics. We explore whether variation in mortality rate, breeding system and maximum diameter are related to species richness, either directly or via associations with range size, among 463 genera that contain wet tropical forest trees. For Amazonian genera, we also explore whether traits are related to species richness via variation among genera in mean species-level range size. Lineages with higher mortality rates-faster life-history strategies-have larger ranges in all biogeographic settings and have higher mean species-level range sizes in Amazonia. These lineages also have smaller maximum diameters and, in the Americas, contain dioecious species. In turn, lineages with greater overall range size have higher species richness. Our results show that fast life-history strategies influence species richness in all biogeographic settings because lineages with these ecological strategies have greater range sizes. These links suggest that dispersal has been a key process in the evolution of the tropical forest flora.Understanding how the traits of lineages are related to diversification is key for elucidating the origin of variation in species richness. Here, we test whether traits are related to species richness among lineages of trees from all major biogeographical settings of the lowland wet tropics. We explore whether variation in mortality rate, breeding system and maximum diameter are related to species richness, either directly or via associations with range size, among 463 genera that contain wet tropical forest trees. For Amazonian genera, we also explore whether traits are related to species richness via variation among genera in mean species-level range size. Lineages with higher mortality rates-faster life-history strategies-have larger ranges in all biogeographic settings and have higher mean species-level range sizes in Amazonia. These lineages also have smaller maximum diameters and, in the Americas, contain dioecious species. In turn, lineages with greater overall range size have higher species richness. Our results show that fast life-history strategies influence species richness in all biogeographic settings because lineages with these ecological strategies have greater range sizes. These links suggest that dispersal has been a key process in the evolution of the tropical forest flora.A
Krachtig informatiegeletterd: Een meervoudige gevalsstudie naar informatiegeletterdheid en digitale vaardigheden in het secundair onderwijs
No full textA use case study on fear and system perception in haptic VR vs. physical high-fidelity medical prototype testing
No full textFull-fledged medical system evaluations of high-fidelity prototypes can be costly. Development, transportation, and breakage of high-fidelity prototypes make considering virtual reality (VR) as a replacement an interesting option. The question rises however if both types of testing (VR and high-fidelity real-life prototype testing) are perceived in the same way by participants. This study compares the perceived user experience (UX) of haptic VR testing with a real-life prototype within the use case of an automated vaccination device. A medical prototype was evaluated in terms of usability (SUS) and hedonic, pragmatic and attractiveness attributes (AttrakDiff). The results show that both prototypes are rated with similar scores in terms of usability, pragmatic and hedonic qualities and attractiveness. The reporting of the participants indicated that in both scenarios the anticipation right before the skin prick was the most frightening. The preliminary results of the physiological data show mixed results between both conditions.Full-fledged medical system evaluations of high-fidelity prototypes can be costly. Development, transportation, and breakage of high-fidelity prototypes make considering virtual reality (VR) as a replacement an interesting option. The question rises however if both types of testing (VR and high-fidelity real-life prototype testing) are perceived in the same way by participants. This study compares the perceived user experience (UX) of haptic VR testing with a real-life prototype within the use case of an automated vaccination device. A medical prototype was evaluated in terms of usability (SUS) and hedonic, pragmatic and attractiveness attributes (AttrakDiff). The results show that both prototypes are rated with similar scores in terms of usability, pragmatic and hedonic qualities and attractiveness. The reporting of the participants indicated that in both scenarios the anticipation right before the skin prick was the most frightening. The preliminary results of the physiological data show mixed results between both conditions.C
Uniaxial Orientation of Polyethylene Films for Recyclable Flexible Packaging
No full textMeerlaagse flexibele verpakkingen van meerdere materialen worden veel gebruikt in de voedingsmiddelen- en farmaceutische industrie vanwege hun uitstekende mechanische en barrière-eigenschappen en gebruiksvriendelijke eigenschappen zoals een lichtgewicht ontwerp en verbeterde draagbaarheid. Het gebruik van meerdere polymere (voornamelijk kunststoffen) en niet-polymere materialen met verschillende chemische samenstellingen bij de productie van deze verpakkingen belemmert echter aanzienlijk hun mechanische recycleerbaarheid.Op PE (polyethyleen) gebaseerde monomateriaal flexibele verpakkingen zijn in opkomst als veelbelovend alternatief om de mechanische recycleerbaarheid te verbeteren. PE met zijn verschillende soorten (lage dichtheid, lineaire lage dichtheid en hoge dichtheid) wordt veel gebruikt in verschillende toepassingen vanwege zijn veelzijdigheid in structurele en functionele eigenschappen. Het combineren van deze PE-types in verpakkingen kan zowel functionaliteit als recycleerbaarheid bieden. Traditioneel worden voor de buitenste lagen van flexibele verpakkingen niet-PE-materialen gebruikt voor stijfheid en barrière-eigenschappen, maar verbeteringen in PE-folieoriëntatietechnieken (met name machinerichtingsoriëntatie (MDO)) verbeteren de mechanische en barrière-eigenschappen, wat de ontwikkeling van recycleerbare monomateriaal PE-gebaseerde flexibele verpakkingen ondersteunt.Het werk in dit proefschrift richt zich op het bestuderen van de invloed van belangrijke PE-harsparameters en MDO-procesparameters op de beoogde eigenschappen (bijv. stijfheid, zuurstof barrière) van MDO-PE-films en het verschaffen van uitgebreid inzicht in structuur-eigenschap relaties door middel van uitgebreide microstructurele karakteriseringen en morfologische analyse.Public defense: 2025-05-21Meerlaagse flexibele verpakkingen van meerdere materialen worden veel gebruikt in de voedingsmiddelen- en farmaceutische industrie vanwege hun uitstekende mechanische en barrière-eigenschappen en gebruiksvriendelijke eigenschappen zoals een lichtgewicht ontwerp en verbeterde draagbaarheid. Het gebruik van meerdere polymere (voornamelijk kunststoffen) en niet-polymere materialen met verschillende chemische samenstellingen bij de productie van deze verpakkingen belemmert echter aanzienlijk hun mechanische recycleerbaarheid.Op PE (polyethyleen) gebaseerde monomateriaal flexibele verpakkingen zijn in opkomst als veelbelovend alternatief om de mechanische recycleerbaarheid te verbeteren. PE met zijn verschillende soorten (lage dichtheid, lineaire lage dichtheid en hoge dichtheid) wordt veel gebruikt in verschillende toepassingen vanwege zijn veelzijdigheid in structurele en functionele eigenschappen. Het combineren van deze PE-types in verpakkingen kan zowel functionaliteit als recycleerbaarheid bieden. Traditioneel worden voor de buitenste lagen van flexibele verpakkingen niet-PE-materialen gebruikt voor stijfheid en barrière-eigenschappen, maar verbeteringen in PE-folieoriëntatietechnieken (met name machinerichtingsoriëntatie (MDO)) verbeteren de mechanische en barrière-eigenschappen, wat de ontwikkeling van recycleerbare monomateriaal PE-gebaseerde flexibele verpakkingen ondersteunt.Het werk in dit proefschrift richt zich op het bestuderen van de invloed van belangrijke PE-harsparameters en MDO-procesparameters op de beoogde eigenschappen (bijv. stijfheid, zuurstof barrière) van MDO-PE-films en het verschaffen van uitgebreid inzicht in structuur-eigenschap relaties door middel van uitgebreide microstructurele karakteriseringen en morfologische analyse.