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Leveraging Transfer Learning for Niche Sign System Recognition in VR Training with Limited Data
No full textSpeech Supported by Gestures, in Dutch Spreken met On-dersteuning van Gebaren (SMOG), is a Belgian sign system that enhances verbal communication for individuals with communicative disabilities through specific gestures. Although effective, SMOG training is labor-intensive and typically requires one-on-one instruction. Virtual reality (VR) training can make the practice of SMOG gestures more scalable, playful, and cost-effective. For such a VR training to be effective , trainees should receive accurate and timely automated feedback on whether they perform the correct gestures. However, since SMOG and many other specialized motor skills are niche problems, there are no large annotated datasets to train machine learning models to perform this task from scratch, and collecting large amounts of data for such niche tasks is infeasible. We therefore propose using transfer learning to fine-tune pre-trained Mobile Video Networks (MoViNets) on a small dataset of RGB videos showing SMOG gestures. Through this workflow, we demonstrate recognition accuracies exceeding 99% using only two to five samples per gesture for training. This work therefore not only advances accessible SMOG training through autonomous VR practice but also establishes a highly data-and computation-efficient machine-learning framework for recognizing other niche sign systems or motor skills using limited amounts of training data.We thank Yasmine Wauthier from the Expertise Center for Lifelong Learning and Innovation (OLLI), the Orthopedagogical Guidance Graduate Program of the AP University of Applied Arts and Sciences, and SMOG vzw for their support. This work was made possible with the support of MAXVR-INFRA, a scalable and flexible infrastructure that facilitates the transition to digital-physical work environments
Draagmoederschap en de gevolgen ervan voor het kind bekeken vanuit Kinderrechtelijk en rechtsvergelijkend perspectief
No full textBelgië heeft momenteel geen specifieke wetgeving inzake draagmoederschap, wat leidt tot rechtsonzekerheid voor de wensouders en draagmoeder, maar ook voor de kinderen geboren uit draagmoederschap. De centrale onderzoeksvraag voor dit onderzoek luidt dan ook als volgt: “Hoe zou een regelgevend kader m.b.t. de gevolgen van draagmoederschap voor kinderen dat in overeenstemming is met het recht op identiteit zoals vervat in art. 3, 7 en 8 van het Kinderrechtenverdrag er kunnen uitzien?”. De centrale doelstelling van het onderzoek is het formuleren van aanbevelingen voor een Belgische regeling die het recht op identiteit van het kind geboren uit draagmoederschap waarborgt, in overeenstemming met het IVRK. Er wordt een analyse gemaakt van de waarborgen uit artikel 3, artikel 7 en artikel 8 IVRK en wordt nagegaan in welke mate België de verdragsverplichtingen nakomt. Daarna wordt gekeken naar een andere rechtsfiguur en een ander rechtstelsel. Draagmoederschap wordt allereerst vergelijken met medisch begeleide voortplanting en vervolgens wordt er gekeken naar het Australische recht met betrekking tot draagmoederschap. Uit deze vergelijkingen wordt inspiratie geput voor de Belgische wetgever
Exercise Intensity Matters in the Rehabilitation of Stroke in the Acute Stage: A Randomized Controlled Trial
No full textBackground: High-intensity interval training (HIIT) has emerged as a potentially effective exercise promoting functional recovery post-stroke. Objective: This study examined the efficacy of adding HIIT cycling vs. combining unloaded cycling (SHAM) to conventional physiotherapy on exercise capacity, functional ability, disability level, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) early post-stroke. Methods: Forty-four acute stroke survivors were randomly assigned to the HIIT cycling or SHAM group for 6 weeks of exercise training, 3 days/week. The primary outcome was exercise capacity (peak work load [WRpeak]) measured by a maximal exercise test. Secondary outcomes included balance: Berg Balance Scale, walking ability: 6-minute and 10-meter walk tests (6MWT and 10mWT), lower-extremity muscle strength: 5-Repetition Sit-To-Stand test, disability level: modified Rankin Scale (mRS), and HRQoL by EuroQOL 5-dimension questionnaire. Results: The 2-way factorial analysis of variance showed a significant interaction of time × group on WRpeak (P < .001), 6MWT (P < .001), 10mWT (P < .001), and mRS (P = .012). The significant interaction indicates that the change in WRpeak (mean +17.7 W [95% CI, 10.2-25.1]), 6MWT (mean +126.8 m [77.9-175.7]), 10mWT (mean +0.5 m/s [0.3-0.7]), and mRS (mean −0.7 point [−1.2 to −0.2]) after 6-week of training was significantly greater for HIIT cycling versus SHAM. These changes
are also significantly greater in the HIIT group vs the SHAM group up to 6 months (P < .001) post-training. Conclusions: In individuals with acute stroke, individuals, combining HIIT cycling with conventional physiotherapy significantly maximizes recovery of exercise capacity and walking ability, and reduces the level of disability early post-stroke, compared to SHAM.Funding
The author(s) disclosed receipt of the following financial support for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article: This study was supported by the Special Research Fund (BOF20BL15) from Hasselt University.
Acknowledgments
We are grateful to all participants and families who participated in this study. The authors thank the staff of the Neurology Unit and the Physiotherapy and Orthopaedic Fitting Department of the University Hospital of Parakou for their contributions
Determining correction factors due to threshold reaction interference in Neutron Activation Analysis
No full textNeutronenactiveringsanalyse (NAA) is een gevoelige, niet-destructieve analysetechniek die gebruikmaakt van neutronenbestraling om elementen in een staal te identificeren. Bij deze techniek treden er soms interferenties op, zoals drempelreacties ten gevolge van de aanwezige snelle neutronen. Dit leidt tot een overschatting van de concentratiebepaling van specifieke elementen waarvoor gecorrigeerd moet worden. Deze masterproef draagt bij tot het bepalen van deze correctiefactoren voor verschillende elementen voor twee bestralingskanalen in de BR1 reactor op het SCK CEN. De werkzame doorsnedes voor deze drempelreacties worden eveneens bepaald.
De aanpak omvat de bestraling van verschillende activatiefolies in twee kanalen van de BR1. De gammaspectra worden gemeten met germanium detectoren en geanalyseerd. De data worden dan verwerkt via een Excel-sjabloon waarin de benodigde berekeningen automatisch worden uitgevoerd met een Python-code. Deze experimentele resultaten worden vergeleken met MCNP-simulaties en met literatuurwaarden van andere onderzoeksreactoren.
Zoals verwacht zijn de correctiefactoren afhankelijk van de reactor en van de bestralingspositie in de reactor. De resultaten van dit onderzoek leveren correctiefactoren op voor een aantal drempelreacties, wat bijdraagt tot nauwkeurigere analyse voor enkele specifieke elementen
Photobiomodulation therapy in the prevention of chemotherapy-induced alopecia in breast cancer patients: a randomized controlled trial
No full textPurposeChemotherapy-induced alopecia (CIA) is a prominent side effect of chemotherapy, negatively impacting the patient's body image and self-confidence. Scalp cooling (SC) has emerged as a preventive option for CIA, but the success rate and adherence vary. Research shows that photobiomodulation (PBM) can improve hair growth by stimulating cell proliferation and repair processes. This trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of PBM combined with SC in preventing CIA.MethodsA randomized, controlled trial with 29 breast cancer patients undergoing taxane-based chemotherapy was performed at the Jessa Hospital (Belgium). Patients were randomized into the control (n = 16) or the intervention group (n = 13). Blinded researchers evaluated scalp coverage and hair thickness, while questionnaires were administered to assess scalp coverage, satisfaction, and health-related quality of life (HRQL). The trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov (NCT05177289, 4th of January 2022).ResultsThe scalp coverage and hair thickness did not differ significantly between the two groups. Patients in the PBM group scored higher on global health (P = 0.043), physical functioning (P = 0.039), role functioning (P = 0.049), and social functioning (P = 0.038). Patients receiving a paclitaxel-based chemotherapy showed less hair loss compared to patients undergoing a docetaxel-based regimen (Ps < 0.001). No differences in SC adherence could be observed between the two groups.ConclusionsThe addition of PBM to SC did not increase its efficacy in preventing hair loss during chemotherapy. Patients in the PBM group did score their HRQL higher compared to the control group. Further research is required to establish the use of PBM in CIA prevention and to corroborate these findings.Funding
This research was funded by the Limburg Clinical Research Center and the Limburgs Kankerfonds
Acknowledgements
This research is part of the Limburg Clinical Research Center (LCRC) UHasselt-ZOL-Jessa, supported by the Limburg Sterk Merk Foundation, province of Limburg, Flemish government, Hasselt University, Jessa Hospital, and Ziekenhuis OostLimburg. Additionally, this research is funded by the Limburgs Kankerfonds. The authors have stated explicitly that there are no conflicts of interest in connection with this article
De samenhang tussen innovatie en internationalisering: een empirische analyse
No full textDeze thesis onderzoekt de relatie tussen digitalisering, productiviteit en export op macroniveau in OESO-landen. Op basis van paneldata van 2012 tot 2020 wordt nagegaan in welke mate ICT-indicatoren exportprestaties beïnvloeden, rechtstreeks of via productiviteitswinst. Uit regressieanalyses blijkt dat digitalisering geen directe impact heeft op export, behalve via zichtbaarheid zoals bedrijfswebsites. Arbeidsproductiviteit blijkt een belangrijk intermediair, waarbij ICT-gebruik eerst de efficiëntie versterkt en zo exportgroei ondersteunt. De resultaten benadrukken het belang van geïntegreerd digitaliseringsbeleid dat niet enkel inzet op technologische adoptie, maar ook op structurele productiviteit
Improved functional exercise capacity after primary care pulmonary rehabilitation in patients with long COVID (PuRe-COVID): a pragmatic randomised controlled trial
No full textBackground Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) improves physical status and symptoms in patients with long COVID, but access to specialised hospital-based centres is challenging. This trial studied the effect of primary care PR on functional exercise capacity and symptoms in patients with long COVID. Methods In this pragmatic randomised controlled trial (PuRe-COVID), patients with long COVID were randomised to a 12-week stepwise PR programme in primary care, or to a control group without PR. The primary end point was change in 6 min walk distance (6MWD) from baseline to 12 weeks. Additional outcomes, measured at 6, 12, 24 and 36 weeks, included patient-reported outcomes, physical activity, maximal inspiratory (MIP) and expiratory pressures and hand grip strength. Results In total, 76 patients were randomised (PR/control group (n=39/37); mean age 49 +/- 13 years). The change in 6MWD at 12 weeks was estimated to be +39 m in the PR group compared with the control group (95% CI (18 to 59), p<0.001). Furthermore, a decrease in Checklist Individual Strength (CIS)-fatigue was found for the PR group (-6 points; 95% CI (-10 to -2), p=0.011). At 12 weeks, patients in the intervention group were more likely to have a clinically significant improvement in 6MWD (OR 5.7, 95% CI (2.0 to 16.1), p=0.001), CIS-fatigue (OR 3.8, 95% CI (1.2 to 12.0), p=0.020), MIP (OR 3.7, 95% CI (1.05 to 12.7), p=0.036) and modified Medical Research Council dyspnoea score (OR 5.2, 95% CI (1.6 to 16.4), p=0.003). Conclusions Primary care stepwise individual PR may improve functional exercise capacity, fatigue and dyspnoea in patients with long COVID. It therefore may be a promising treatment option in primary care for patients with long COVID experiencing fatigue and/or respiratory symptoms. Trial registration number NCT05244044.Belgian Health Care Knowledge Centre [LCOV21 - 1294
Aqueous Solution-Gel Synthesis of Copper-Based Photoelectrode Materials for Photoelectrocatalytic CO2 Conversion
No full textFoto-elektrokatalytische (PEC) CO2-conversie is een veelbelovende strategie om CO2 rechtstreeks om te zetten in waardevolle chemicaliën met behulp van zonne-energie. De ontwikkeling van geschikte foto-elektrodematerialen is cruciaal om de ladingsoverdracht te verbeteren, recombinatieverliezen te minimaliseren en zo de reactiesnelheid te verhogen. Koperdelafossietoxiden (CuMO2) hebben aanzienlijke interesse gewekt als fotokathodes vanwege hun p-type geleidbaarheid, hoge gatmobiliteit en stabiliteit. Van deze materialen is CuFeO2 het meest onderzocht; echter, haar PEC-prestaties bleken beperkt te zijn door aanzienlijke ladingsrecombinatieverliezen. In deze studie wordt de synthese onderzocht van twee alternatieve structuren, CuLaO2 en CuYO2, waarbij het Fe3+-ion is vervangen door respectievelijk La3+ en Y3+. Deze verbindingen werden gesynthetiseerd via een waterige, citraatgebaseerde solution-gel-route, een veelzijdige methode voor het produceren van verscheidene fasezuivere, kristallijne multimetaaloxiden. In vergelijking met alternatieve synthesemethoden biedt deze aanpak ook voordelen op het gebied van kosteneffectiviteit, veiligheid en milieuvriendelijkheid. TGA-DTA en poeder-XRD werden gebruikt om inzicht te verwerven in de onderliggende mechanismen van de verschillende synthesestappen. Daarnaast werd diffuse reflectie UV-Vis-NIR spectroscopie toegepast om de optische eigenschappen van de eindproducten te karakteriseren
Marine constraints as philosophical opportunities: the Krogh principle and the benefits of philosophical engagement with the sea
No full textThis paper shows how cases drawn from the marine sciences can be particularly fruitful for philosophical reflection about the nature of science. We offer a meta-philosophical adaptation of a heuristic (the Krogh Principle) taken from comparative biology, drawing connections between a problem common to both biology and philosophy of science: how to apportion scarce attention between the bewildering array of potential study systems? And how to do so in a way which recognises the diversity of those study systems, but preserves the possibility of generalisation? The Krogh Principle offers a heuristic: choose cases where the phenomenon of interest is demonstrated in an extreme or unusual way, so as to make the phenomenon particularly accessible. We follow one particular sub-strategy, namely, the exploration of cases which are subject to strong environmental constraints, which we expect to be as fruitful in the choice of organisms as it is for scientific case studies. Marine sciences offer examples of substantial environmental constraints on scientific practice, and so present extreme and unusual examples from which philosophers can improve existing conceptual machinery to the benefit of both philosophers and scientists. In particular, we use examples from coral reef and deep-sea science to show how marine sciences can both reinforce and refine philosophical understanding of the role played by values in science. We conclude by suggesting that many other topics-in both philosophy and science-may also stand to benefit from philosophical engagement with environmentally-constrained or otherwise unusual case studies, in particular cases taken from the marine sciences.Funding
Elis Jones’s research was funded by the Economic and Social Research Council via the South West Doctoral Training Partnership, the University of Exeter, Offenham Old School Trust, and the Konrad Lorenz Institute for Evolution and Cognition Research. The research of Vincent Cuypers for this paper was funded by the Research Council—Flanders (project G0D5720N)