Bioinspired Robotic Vision with Online Learning Capability and Rotation‐Invariant Properties

Reliable image perception is critical for living organisms. Biologic sensory organs and nervous systems evolved interdependently to allow apprehension of visual information regardless of spatial orientation. By contrast, convolutional neural networks usually have limited tolerance to rotational transformations. There are software‐based approaches used to address this issue, such as artificial rotation of training data or preliminary image processing. However, these workarounds require a large computational effort and are mostly done offline. This work presents a bioinspired, robotic vision system with inherent rotation‐invariant properties that may be taught either offline or in real time by feeding back error indications. It is successfully trained to counter the move of a human player in a game of Paper Scissors Stone. The architecture and operation principles are first discussed alongside the experimental setup. This is followed by performance analysis of pattern recognition under misaligned and rotated conditions. Finally, the process of online, supervised learning is demonstrated and analyzed

LGBTQ+ Identity and Ophthalmologist Burnout

To evaluate lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning, and other sexual/gender minority (LGBTQ+) orientation as a burnout risk factor among an international ophthalmologist cohort. An anonymous, cross-sectional electronic survey was distributed via an Internet platform to characterize the relationship among demographic factors, including LGBTQ+ orientation, and burnout as measured by the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory (CBI). Univariable data analysis (linear) by sexual orientation was performed and variables with an association with a P value of <0.15 in univariable analysis were included in the multiple linear regression modeling. A total of 403 ophthalmologists participated in the survey. The majority self-identified as "White" (69.2%), were from North America (72.0% United States, 18.6% Canada) and were evenly distributed between age of 30 and 65 years. Overall, 13.2% of participants identified as LGBTQ+ and 98.2% as cisgender. Approximately 12% had witnessed or experienced LGBTQ+-related workplace discrimination or harassment. The personal and work-related burnout scores and confidence limits of persons identified as LGBTQ+ were higher and nonoverlapping compared with those reported as non-LGBTQ+. Multivariable analysis identified significant risk factors for higher personal and work-related burnout scores: LGBTQ+ (11.8 and 11.1, P = .0005 and .0023), female gender (5.36 and 4.83, P = .0153 and .0434), older age (19.1 and 19.2, P = .0173 and .0273). and caretaker stress (6.42 and 5.97, P = .0085 and .0239). LGBTQ+ orientation is a burnout risk factor among ophthalmologists, and LGBTQ+ workplace discrimination may be a contributing factor. Support from ophthalmology organizations to address LGBTQ+-, gender-, and age-related workplace discrimination may decrease burnout. NOTE: Publication of this article is sponsored by the American Ophthalmological Society

A Guide to Implementing Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors within a Cancer Program: Experience from a Large Canadian Community Centre

The increased use of immune checkpoint inhibitors across cancer programs has created the need for standardized patient assessment, education, monitoring, and management of immune-related adverse events (irAEs). At William Osler Health System in Brampton, Ontario, a practical step-wise approach detailing the implementation of cancer immunotherapy in routine practice was developed. The approach focuses on four key steps: (1) identification of patient educators; (2) development of patient education materials; (3) development of patient monitoring tools; (4) involvement and education of multidisciplinary teams. Here, we provide an in-depth description of what was included in each step and how we integrated the different elements of the program. For each step, resources, tools, and materials that may be useful for patients, healthcare providers, and multidisciplinary teams were developed or modified based on existing materials. At our centre, the program led to improved patient comprehension of irAEs, the ability to act on symptoms (patient self-efficacy), and low rates of emergency room visits at first presentation for irAEs. We recognize that centres may need to tailor the approaches to their institutional policies and encourage centres to adapt and modify the forms and tools according to their needs and requirements