Cooperative Study Research Articles

The evolving landscape of molecular profiling in early-stage endometrial cancer: An NRG Oncology cooperative group mixed-methods study

The evolving landscape of molecular profiling in early-stage endometrial cancer: An NRG Oncology cooperative group mixed-methods study

Association of deployment characteristics and exposures with persistent ill health among 1990-1991 Gulf War veterans in the VA Million Veteran Program

BackgroundVeterans of the 1990–1991 Gulf War have experienced excess health problems, most prominently the multisymptom condition Gulf War illness (GWI). The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Cooperative Studies Program #2006 “Genomics of Gulf War Illness in Veterans” project was established to address important questions concerning pathobiological and genetic aspects of GWI. The current study evaluated patterns of chronic ill health/GWI in the VA Million Veteran Program (MVP) Gulf War veteran cohort in relation to wartime exposures and key features of deployment, 27–30 years after Gulf War service.MethodsMVP participants who served in the 1990–1991 Gulf War completed the MVP Gulf War Era Survey in 2018–2020. Survey responses provided detailed information on veterans’ health, Gulf War exposures, and deployment time periods and locations. Analyses determined associations of three defined GWI/ill health outcomes with Gulf War deployment characteristics and exposures.ResultsThe final cohort included 14,103 veterans; demographic and military characteristics of the sample were similar to the full population of U.S. 1990–1991 Gulf War veterans. Overall, a substantial number of veterans experienced chronic ill health, as indicated by three defined outcomes: 49% reported their health as fair or poor, 31% met Centers for Disease Control and Prevention criteria for severe GWI, and 20% had been diagnosed with GWI by a healthcare provider. Health outcomes varied consistently with veterans’ demographic and military characteristics, and with exposures during deployment. All outcomes were most prevalent among youngest veterans (< 50 years), Army and Marine Corps veterans, enlisted personnel (vs. officers), veterans located in Iraq and/or Kuwait for at least 7 days, and veterans who remained in theater from January/February 1991 through the summer of 1991. In multivariable models, GWI/ill health was most strongly associated with three exposures: chemical/biological warfare agents, taking pyridostigmine bromide pills, and use of skin pesticides.ConclusionsResults from this large cohort indicate that GWI/chronic ill health continues to affect a large proportion of Gulf War veterans in patterns associated with 1990-1991 Gulf War deployment and exposures. Findings establish a foundation for comprehensive evaluation of genetic factors and deployment exposures in relation to GWI risk and pathobiology.

Challenges in implementation of molecular classification in early stage endometrial cancer-An NRG Oncology cooperative group mixed-methods study.

Professional guidelines recommend molecular profiling for mismatch repair (MMR), p53, and polymerase epsilon (POLE) status in endometrial cancer (EC). However, adoption in the United States has not been documented, and barriers to the implementation of testing have not been described. In this mixed-methods study, implementation science frameworks were used to develop a quantitative survey. Gynecologic oncologists, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, and pathologists affiliated with NRG Oncology programs were contacted through snowball sampling and were surveyed during 2022-2023. A subset of respondents was interviewed. Statistical and thematic analyses were performed. At least 403 NRG Oncology-affiliated providers were contacted for the survey, and 107 (26.6%) responded. Greater than 90% of respondents perceived POLE, MMR, and p53 status as important for clinical care. MMR and p53 tests were perceived as easy to obtain, but only 24.2% of respondents reported that POLE testing was moderately or very easy to obtain. Respondents from academic sites reported better access to molecular classification and perceived greater importance of molecular classification compared with respondents from community sites. In thematic analysis of 13 qualitative interviews, cost concerns were reported as large barriers to testing. Interviewees reported a desire for prospective data to guide treatment selection based on classification results. Although integrating molecular classification into standard pathologic reporting is recommended, and clinicians perceive molecular profiling in early stage EC as important, survey respondents noted significant implementation barriers. Implementation challenges that differ between community oncology and academic practice settings were identified. Strategies to improve equitable access to molecular classification of early stage EC are needed.

Co-operative education in Malawi: An interview with John Mulangeni

This interview was conducted via Zoom with John Mulangeni, Executive Director of the Malawi Federation of Co-operatives (MAFECO), during our 2023 Co-operative Education Workshop. The aim of the workshop was to gather content for this special issue of the Journal of Co-operative Studies. MAFECO is the umbrella body for co-operatives in Malawi, providing “aid in teaching, regulating, and maintaining co-operatives across the nation” (MAFECO.org). John has worked for over 30 years in the Malawi co-operative movement, including in the Ministry of Trade and Industries. He is a committed co-operative educator, and expert in the co-operative economic sector.

Auditing road safety achievement using MEREC–ARAS–QBKM model: an empirical study for APEC member economies

Progress monitoring and action recalibrations are advocated as promising methods for improving road safety, which significantly relates to economic stability and social development. To achieve this, an auditing framework that can evaluate road safety and aid in policymaking is urgently required. To this end, this study developed a systemic decision model that integrates the method based on the removal effects of criteria (MEREC), additive ratio assessment (ARAS), and quantile-based k-means clustering (QBKM), termed MEREC–ARAS–QBKM, with the aim of auditing road safety achievements and providing corresponding policy suggestions with substantial reliability. In particular, the performance of the traditional k-means clustering model was improved by implanting quantiles to determine the initial clustering, which overcomes the uncertainty of k-means clustering owing to the variety of initial cluster centers. Multiple comparisons of empirical results based on a case study of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) member economies verified the robustness of the proposed model, demonstrating its applicability, practicability, and reliability in handling real-world multi-criteria decision-making problems in the field of road safety. The empirical findings show that road safety developments among the APEC countries are of class differentiation, suggesting an urgent regional benchmarking. Overall, the proposed methodology empowers decision-makers and policymakers in APEC to swiftly formulate effective action plans, countermeasures, and investment schemes, ultimately contributing to the enhancement of road safety performance and socio-economic benefit across APEC members.

The impact of technological cooperation on Russian-Chinese relations: prospects and challenges

The study of technological cooperation between Russia and China is an in-depth analysis of the interrelationships that have developed between the two countries in the field of science and technology. The focus is on ongoing projects and initiatives, such as joint research, which play a key role in the development of both States. The influence of the international situation on these relations is considered as global changes and economic sanctions against Russia can affect the dynamics of cooperation with China. The study also analyzes the challenges that may arise in the development of these ties, including issues of intellectual property and competitiveness in the international arena. An important place is occupied by studying the role of technological exchange in strengthening the strategic partnership between the two countries, as well as its possible geopolitical consequences, such as strengthening the positions of both countries on the world stage, reducing dependence on Western technologies and influencing global supply chains. The study highlights the importance of technology cooperation as a tool to achieve a sustainable and secure future for Russia and China in a changing world order. The article uses methods of qualitative analysis based on data from scientific publications and reports. An important place is given to the interdisciplinary approach, which includes elements of system analysis, economic theory, international relations and political science. The methods used help to investigate the influence of technological factors on the dynamics of Russian-Chinese relations and assess their long-term prospects. Technological cooperation between Russia and China demonstrates great significant potential, despite the existing challenges. The study highlights the impact of political, economic and technological factors, as well as risks such as political instability and cyber threats. Deepening high-tech collaboration opens up new horizons for both countries, allowing knowledge sharing in strategically important sectors such as artificial intelligence and 5G. This study makes an innovative contribution, emphasizing the need to integrate technology and policy solutions. Technological cooperation also contributes to strengthening geopolitical cooperation in the face of sanctions pressure and instability. To achieve long-term success, it is important to develop stable cooperation mechanisms, minimize risks and ensure stability based on trust and joint strategies.

The Role Of Social Controlling In Improving Cooperative Performance : A Literature Review

Cooperatives have made a significant contribution to the growth of Morocco's economic system. Agricultural cooperatives now account for 67% of all Moroccan cooperatives, growing from 3,272 in 2006 to 10,542 in 2016 (ODCO). Cooperatives are however forced to adopt new and innovative managerial functions in order to steer their performance while maintaining their cooperative principles and values in the face of growing market and competitive pressures that jeopardize their sustainability. Agricultural cooperatives are convergent with social management control, which helps the organization perform better in carrying out its missions of managing human resources and the analysis and control of social data, at the same time by prioritizing people. execution of a study on Moroccan agricultural cooperatives using empirical data. We shall make an effort to illustrate the critical role that social management control will play in enhancing the performance of agricultural cooperatives in this regard and through a study of the literature.With the completion of an empirical study of Moroccan agricultural cooperatives, the current research has, on the one hand, added to the body of knowledge about Morocco and, on the other, encouraged researchers to think more deeply about the topic.

A Comprehensive Review on Nephrolithiasis: Etiology Recent Advances and Clinical Trials

Abstract: Kidney stone disease, or nephrolithiasis, is a common condition with high morbidity that affects people all over the world. It is important to comprehend the etiology and contemporary developments in its management to enhance patient results. In this study, we describe a thorough analysis of nephrolithiasis, with particular attention to its etiology, current developments in treatment modalities, and ongoing clinical studies by utilizing electronic databases. A thorough search of the literature was carried out to find pertinent papers published through 2024 and the genesis of nephrolithiasis, new treatment developments, and ongoing clinical trials. The review clarifies the complex interplay between dietary variables, metabolic disorders, and genetic susceptibility that leads to nephrolithiasis. The most recent developments in treatment modalities, such as minimally invasive operations and medication therapies, are examined. Furthermore, ongoing clinical trials examining new treatments and preventative measures are emphasized. A multidisciplinary approach is necessary for the optimal care of nephrolithiasis because it is a complex condition influenced by a variety of factors. While ongoing clinical trials hold promise for additional innovation in nephrolithiasis therapy and prevention, recent therapeutic developments offer promising pathways for enhanced patient care. Addressing the difficulties brought on by this common ailment requires cooperation and ongoing study.

Multi-agent, human–agent and beyond: A survey on cooperation in social dilemmas

The study of cooperation within social dilemmas has long been a fundamental topic across various disciplines, including computer science and social science. Recent advancements in Artificial Intelligence (AI) have significantly reshaped this field, offering fresh insights into understanding and enhancing cooperation. This survey examines three key areas at the intersection of AI and cooperation in social dilemmas. First, focusing on multi-agent cooperation, we review the intrinsic and external motivations that support cooperation among rational agents, and the methods employed to develop effective strategies against diverse opponents. Second, looking into human–agent cooperation, we discuss the current AI algorithms for cooperating with humans and the human biases towards AI agents. Third, we review the emergent field of leveraging AI agents to enhance cooperation among humans. We conclude by discussing future research avenues, such as using large language models, establishing unified theoretical frameworks, revisiting existing theories of human cooperation, and exploring multiple real-world applications.

Surgical management of rare tumors (Part 1).

With an annual cumulative occurrence of approximately 15,000 in North America, all childhood cancers are rare. Very rare cancers as defined by both the European Cooperative Study Group for Rare Pediatric Cancers and the Children's Oncology Group fall into two principal categories: those so uncommon (fewer than 2 cases/million) that their study is challenging even through cooperative group efforts (e.g., pleuropulmonary blastoma and desmoplastic small round cell tumor) and those that are far more common in adults and therefore rarely studied in children (e.g., thyroid, melanoma, and gastrointestinal stromal tumor). Treatment strategies for these latter tumors are typically based on adult guidelines, although the pediatric variants of these tumors may harbor different genetic signatures and demonstrate different behavior. If melanoma and differentiated thyroid cancer are excluded, other rare cancer types account for only 2% of the cancers in children aged 0 to 14. This article highlights several of the most common rare tumor types.

Calibration of 24-h urinary sodium excretion estimates from fasting morning urine in Chinese populations: a comparative analysis of 2 calibration models and a locally developed model

BackgroundSpot urine collection offers a convenient alternative to the more cumbersome 24-h urine collection. However, the widely recognized estimation models, such as Tanaka and International Cooperative Study on Salt, Other Factors, and Blood Pressure (INTERSALT), have not been adequately adapted for widespread use in the general Chinese population. ObjectivesThis study was designed to evaluate the precision of the Tanaka and INTERSALT calibration models, alongside a locally Zhejiang Province-formulated model, in predicting 24-h urinary sodium (24-hUNa) excretion among the Chinese population. MethodsThe study comprised 1424 participants, aged 18–69 y, who provided both comprehensive 24-h urine and fasting morning urine samples. The researchers assessed the accuracy of the measured 24-hUNa against the estimates obtained from the Tanaka, INTERSALT, and Zhejiang models. This evaluation was conducted at both population and individual levels, employing a range of statistical techniques, including bias analysis, correlation coefficients, intraclass correlation coefficients, receiver operating characteristic curves, Bland–Altman plots, as well as relative and absolute difference calculations, and misclassification rates. ResultsThe measured average 24-hUNa excretion was found to be 165.7 ± 71.5 mmol/24-h. Notably, there was a significant deviation between the estimated and measured values for the Tanaka-adjusted model [−11.7 mmol, 95% confidence interval (CI): −16.7, −6.7 mmol/24-h], indicating a statistically significant difference. In contrast, the deviations for the INTERSALT-adjusted model (0.6 mmol, 95% CI: −4.2, 5.4 mmol/24-h) and the Zhejiang model (0.2 mmol, 95% CI: −4.6, 5.0 mmol/24-h) were nonsignificant. The correlation coefficients for the models were 0.303, 0.398, and 0.391, respectively, with the INTERSALT-adjusted and Zhejiang models showing superior performance at the population level. ConclusionsThe 3 evaluation models may serve as effective, low-burden alternatives for assessing urinary sodium levels in the population. However, to enhance the accuracy and reliability of predictions at the individual level, further repeated measurements are necessary to minimize measurement errors and augment the validity of the estimations.

The Impact of Cooperative Societies in Economic Development of Akwa Ibom State: A Study of Select Cooperatives in Ukanafun Local Government Area

The Impact of Cooperative Societies in Economic Development of Akwa Ibom State: A Study of Select Cooperatives in Ukanafun Local Government Area

Impact of Design and Mixing Strategies on Biogas Production in Anaerobic Digesters

Anaerobic digestion (AD) is a biological process that breaks down organic matter in the absence of oxygen, producing biogas and nutrient-rich digestate. Various reactor designs and mixing strategies are well-established in AD processes, each with their own advantages and benefits. The presented study summarizes and investigates the state of the art of AD in domestic wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) in an Austrian alpine region, with a primary focus on finding similarities among the most efficient plants regarding digester design, mixing approaches, and biogas production. By combining surveys and detailed field studies in cooperation with 34 WWTPs, the study provides a comprehensive overview of common AD practices, reactor shapes, and inherent mixing methods, highlighting their potential regarding energetic efficiency and biogas production. The results of the survey reveal qualitative trends in efficient AD design alongside detailed quantitative data derived from the supervised in-field optimization studies. Notably, one of the studies demonstrated energetic savings of 52% with no decrease in biogas production, achieved by transitioning from gas injection to mechanical agitation. Redundant impeller-based overmixing was also practically investigated and demonstrated in another field study. After optimization, the adaptations also resulted in energy savings of 30%, still proving sufficient substrate mixing with biomethane potential analysis. In conclusion, this research emphasizes the economic and environmental importance of energy-refined practices and optimized processes while highlighting the sustainability of AD, particularly for large domestic WWTPs but also for different comparable applications.

Toward a systematic reporting framework for Digital Twins: a cooperative robotics case study

Toward a systematic reporting framework for Digital Twins: a cooperative robotics case study

Vitamin B12 Deficiency Newborn Screening.

Vitamin B12 deficiency (VitB12D) might cause neuro-developmental impairment in the first year of life. Newborn screening (NBS) for VitB12D was shown to be technically feasible and early treated infants developed favorably. This study aims to evaluate the impact of NBS in prevention of symptomatic infantile VitB12D. In a nationwide surveillance study in cooperation with the German Pediatric Surveillance Unit, incident cases with VitB12D (<12 months of age) were prospectively collected from 2021 to 2022. In total, 61 cases of VitB12D reported to German Pediatric Surveillance Unit were analyzed, either identified by NBS (N = 31) or diagnosed after the onset of suggestive symptoms (non-NBS; N = 30). Ninety percent of the infants identified by NBS were still asymptomatic, whereas the non-NBS cohort presented at median 4 month of age with muscular hypotonia (68%), anemia (58%), developmental delay (44%), microcephalia (30%), and seizures (12%). Noteworthy, symptomatically diagnosed VitB12D in the first year of life was reported 4 times more frequently in infants who did not receive NBS for neonatal VitB12D (14 in 584 800) compared with those screened for VitB12D as newborns (4 in 688 200; Fisher's Exact Test, odds ratio 4.12 [95% confidence interval: 1.29-17.18], P = .008). The estimated overall cumulative incidence was 1:9600 newborns per year for neonatal VitB12D and 1:17 500 for symptomatic infantile VitB12D. NBS for neonatal VitB12D may lead to a fourfold risk reduction of developing symptomatic VitB12D in the first year of life compared with infants without NBS.

A Study of Cooperation of Port-Related Departments for Implementation of UN Safety Commuttie Sanction against Democratic People’s Repubilic of Korea

A Study of Cooperation of Port-Related Departments for Implementation of UN Safety Commuttie Sanction against Democratic People’s Repubilic of Korea

Connecting and integrating cooperation within and between species.

There has long been a fundamental divide in the study of cooperation: researchers focus either on cooperation within species, including but not limited to sociality, or else on cooperation between species, commonly termed mutualism. Here, we explore the ecologically and evolutionarily significant ways in which within- and between-species cooperation interact. We highlight two primary cross-linkages. First, cooperation of one type can change the context in which cooperation of the other type functions, and thus potentially its outcome. We delineate three possibilities: (i) within-species cooperation modulates benefits for a heterospecific partner; (ii) between-species cooperation affects the dynamics of within-species cooperation; and (iii) both processes take place interactively. The second type of cross-linkage emerges when resources or services that cooperation makes available are obtainable either from members of the same species or from different species. This brings cooperation at the two levels into direct interaction, to some extent obscuring the distinction between them. We expand on these intersections between within- and between-species cooperation in a diversity of taxa and interaction types. These interactions have the potential to weave together social networks and trophic dynamics, contributing to the structure and functioning of ecological communities in ways that are just beginning to be explored. This article is part of the theme issue 'Connected interactions: enriching food web research by spatial and social interactions'.

Analysis of scientific cooperation at the international and intercontinental level

The studies of international scientific cooperation have been present in the literature since the early 1990s. However, much less is known about this cooperation at the intercontinental level. Very recently Krawczyk and Malarz (Chaos 33(11):111102, 2023), showed that the rank-based probability distribution of the sequences of ‘continents (number of countries)’ in the authors’ affiliations shows a clear power law with an exponent close to 1.9. In this paper, we focus on the analysis of almost 14 million papers. Based on the affiliations of their authors, we created lists of sequences ‘continent (number of countries)’—at the intercontinental level—and ‘country (number of authors)’ sequences—at the international level—and analysed them in terms of their frequency. In contrast to the intercontinental level, the rank-based probability distribution of the ‘country (number of authors)’ sequences in the authors’ affiliations reveals a broken power law distribution.

Simulation Study of UAV and Robotic Arm Cooperation Based on Orthogonal Iteration Algorithm

Simulation Study of UAV and Robotic Arm Cooperation Based on Orthogonal Iteration Algorithm

Analysing perspectives on capital, mutual, and general interest: A comparative study of energy cooperatives in Belgium and in Italy

Renewable energy cooperatives (RECs) play a pivotal role in advancing a new energy paradigm that prioritizes equity and inclusivity. However, there is often ambiguity regarding their potential since their core principle of functioning revolves around serving the mutual interests of their members by providing energy services rather than addressing general- interest missions. Moreover, RECs still operate as businesses that are economically viable and appealing, thereby attracting the influence of financial interests. In this context, balancing the tripartite spectrum of interests, namely capital, mutual, and general, can be complex.To gain a deeper understanding, we conducted a survey among 5402 members of two RECs, namely Ecopower in Belgium and ènostra in Italy, complemented by 20 semi-structured interviews. Our findings indicate that members have mixed feelings about assuming general- interest missions, such as fighting against energy poverty, which do not always align with those of their boards. We also note significant differences between the two RECs, which can be attributed to the distinct contexts in which they operate and their varying stages of maturity. We conclude by discussing the importance of scaling up and the need to adopt a more collaborative approach between the public and third sector to address the complexities of social issues.