bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Incidence and diversity of plant-parasitic nematodes associated with wheat-cropping systems in the inner part of the Aegean Region of Turkey
Authors: Acan Hacer , Yüksel Ebubekir , Duman Nagihan , Öcal Atilla , Dinçer Dilek , Bozbuğa Refik , Yildiz Şenol , Laasli Salah-Eddine , Amer Mohammed , Canhilal Ramazan , Dababat Abdelfattah , İmren Mustafa
Published: October 2023

Plant-parasitic nematodes are among the most influential soil organisms worldwide and have a detrimental impact on wheat productivity; they also play a major role in maintaining soil diversity. However, limited information is available on the biodiversity of nematodes associated with wheat cropping systems in Turkey. To address this knowledge gap, 45 wheat fields in the Afyonkarahisar Province of Turkey were sampled in 2021 in order to extract and identify nematodes. A total of 14 genera and 44 species of these nematodes were identified based on their physical traits and ITS DNA sequences examination. Shannon diversity index was used to determine the prevalence and biodiversity features of these nematodes. This study represents the first comprehensive research on plant-parasitic nematodes from wheat-growing regions in the Afyonkarahisar Province. The genera Helicotylenchus, Heterodera, Merlinius, Pratylenchoides and Pratylenchus dominated with a high relative abundance percentage >60%, and were extremely common (>90% for each). The average Shannon index of nematode species in the wheat fields was 2.20, with an evenness value of 0.81, indicating moderate diversification and good nematode evenness. This study also revealed a significant correlation between nematode genus biodiversity and edaphic, climatic and geographical factors. Finally, this research demonstrated a remarkable diversity of soil nematodes associated with wheat crops and they have the potential to be useful tools for extensive soil bio-study.
Theoretical and experimental validation of critical thermal properties of advanced vacuum bagging for composite manufacturing
Authors: Haeberle Anja , Herrmann Axel , Fideu Paulin
Published: October 2023

The vacuum bagging is a common but critical step of various manufacturing process chains for Carbon/Glass Fibre reinforced polymers (C/GFRP). Whilst developing a new generation of vacuum bagging, significant efforts have been made to deeply understand the relevant physics fields, process variables involved and to provide predictive approaches to support dimensioning and scaling exercises prior to implementation into real production process. Main features of the new bagging system are, (1) the reduction of material diversity through merging of various properties within one single layer and, (2) the suppression of critical folding steps by using thermoforming for pre-shaping purposes. This paper will mainly focus on considerations of heat transfer during the pre-shaping of the film, directly on the CFRP part short before the curing step. For the better risk assessment of the short time exposition of an uncured composite part to the heat flow, a problem of transient coupled field analysis involving heat transfer via conduction, convection and radiation is formulated and solved by using Finite Element Analysis in COMSOL under consideration of realistic process conditions. Further a section dedicated to the comparison of the obtained results with measurements performed on a system including an IR-emitter, the bagging material, a ground plate and in some studies as well a CFRP sample is included. During the study the influence of time, power output of the emitter, distance between emitter and surface as well as irradiation angle has been assessed including a comparison of simulated results and performed measurements.
Developing Flexible Musicianship: Insights from Code-Switchers
Authors: Isbell Daniel S.
Published: October 2023

Much like an effective speaker, a flexible musician is competent across multiple settings. The sociolinguistic theory of code-switching can be a useful tool to better understand how musicians acquire a set of skills and knowledge to support music-making in a range of activities in and outside of school and throughout society. In this article, readers learn about the specific skills and knowledge musical code-switchers rely on the most when moving among a diverse range of musical events. This article includes examples of how code-switching experiences can improve music classes, lessons, and rehearsals and support meaningful independent music-making.
365 Days > 366 Days: The (in)Ability to Earn Good Time Credit During the Time of COVID-19
Authors: Craun Sarah W. , Silver James
Published: October 2023

Federal offenders sentenced to imprisonment for more than a year may earn “good time credit”. Offenders sentenced to 365 days are ineligible for this potential sentence reduction of up to 54 days a year. Using 2020 through 2022 data from the United States Sentencing Commission, we identified 3,765 federal offenders sentenced to either 365- or 366-days’ imprisonment. Independent variables included offender, legal, and case characteristics. Integrating the COVID-19 pandemic, we reviewed the percentage of compassionate release motions granted at the district level. A hierarchical logistic regression with random effects illustrated several measures connected to the ability to earn goodtime credit.
Is US Labor Law Reform Enough? A Conversation About the “Clean Slate for Worker Power”
Authors: Twarog Emily E. LB.
Published: October 2023

In this roundtable, labor studies scholars examine the viability of the Clean Slate for Worker Power project. Engaging themes such as labor law, immigrant workers, and organizing strategies, the contributors debate the limits of U.S. labor law, the tendency of scholars to silo our work and our research without engaging an intersectional approach, and the practical realities that impact the U.S.' low rates of unionization.
A comparison of tablet-based and paper-based venous insufficiency epidemiologic and economic study quality of life/symptom questionnaire for assessment of chronic venous disease
Authors: Albernaz Luiz Fernando , Albernaz Daiane Taís Schlindwein , Zignani Fernanda Rita , Santiago Fabricio , de Moura Regina Marcia Faria , Barroso Gustavo , Reis e Silva Alexandre , Chi Yung-Wei
Published: October 2023

Objective

To comparatively evaluate performances of tablet-based versus paper-based Venous Insufficiency Epidemiologic and Economic Study-Quality of Life/Symptom (VEINES-QOL/Sym) questionnaire.

Methods

We prospectively evaluated 78 consecutive patients who completed tablet-based and paper-based VEINES-QOL/Sym questionnaires and compared their scores, completion time, data entry time, and ease of use. We used Student’s t-test and Wilcoxon test for quantitative variables, Bland–Altman test and kappa coefficient for agreement between questionnaires and patients, respectively. Spearman’s correlation coefficient was used to assess correlations.

Results

Most participants (83.3%) found it easier to use the tablet device. Less time was needed to complete the tablet-based (median, 4.75; IQR, 3–7 min) than the paper-based (median, 8.3; IQR, 6.3–11.3 min) questionnaire ( p < .001). Better educated patients took less time to complete paper-based ( p = .003) and tablet-based ( p = .001) questionnaires and considered the latter easier to use ( p = .010).

Conclusions

The tablet-based VEINES-QOL/Sym proved to be an easy-to-use and time-saving tool.
Utilizing indocyanine green video angiography to bridge intracranial aneurysm treatment gaps in low- and middle-income countries: a mini-review
Authors: Ghosh Shankhaneel , Awuah Wireko Andrew , Bharadwaj Hareesha Rishab , Adebusoye Favour Tope , Ou Yong Brian M. , Wellington Jack , Abdul-Rahman Toufik , Ovechkin Denys
Published: October 2023

Intracranial aneurysms, affecting 2%–5% of the population, pose a significant challenge to neurosurgeons due to their potential to cause subarachnoid haemorrhage and high mortality rates. Intraoperative angiography is necessary for effective surgical planning and indocyanine green video angiography (ICG-VA) has emerged as a useful tool for real-time visualization of aneurysmal blood flow, aiding in better planning for potential blood flow and detection of aneurysm remnants. This mini narrative review explores the application of ICG-VA in intracranial aneurysm surgery. Compared with conventional dye-based angiography, ICG-VA is safer, more effective and more cost-effective. It can assess haemodynamic parameters, cerebral flow during temporary artery occlusion, completeness of clipping and patency of branch vessels. However, implementing ICG-VA in low- and middle-income countries presents challenges such as financial constraints, limited access to training and expertise, patient selection and consent issues. Addressing these obstacles requires capacity-building, training programmes for neurosurgeons and multidisciplinary teams, technology transfer, equipment donations, public–private partnerships, continued research and development, reducing conventional dye usage, reducing ICG wastage, exploring mechanisms to reuse ICG dyes and advocating for increased government funding and healthcare budgets.
The impact of hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus infections in patients with Hodgkin's and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
Authors: Kadry Dalia Y , Elbahnasawy Mostafa A , Mansour Mohamed TM , EL Gebaly Omnia K , Aziz Hala , Kamel Mahmoud M , Abdel-Moneim Ahmed S , Radwan Samah
Published: October 2023

Background: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of HCV and occult HBV among newly diagnosed pre-treatment Egyptian lymphoma patients and evaluate patients’ outcomes based on the presence of the viral infections. Methods: The study included 80 therapy-naïve lymphoma patients including 71 non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) and 9 Hodgkin lymphoma disease (HD) in addition to 100 healthy volunteers. HBV screening using HBsAg and anti-HBc IgM and HCV using AB/Ag ELISA and real-time RT-PCR were screened in tested and control groups. The diagnosis was confirmed by histopathology. Overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) were conducted to diseased patients. Results: Healthy patients showed 4/100, (4%) active HCV infection and 1/100, (1%) active HBV infection and no occult HBV infection. Among NHL patients, 28 were positive for HBV (6 active and 22 occult HBV infection). Occult HBV was also detected in 5/9 HD patients. HCV was detected in (30/71, 42.3%) of NHL patients and in a single HD patient. Ten occult HBV NHL patients showed a mixed infection with HCV. The incidence of both HCV and HBV are higher in NHL than HL patients. After antitumor treatment, complete remission for lymphoma was achieved in 45% of patients. Both overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) were correlated and significantly associated with patients’ LDH levels. Conclusions: Our findings claim the suggestive role of HCV and occult HBV infections in NHL but not HL patients in comparison to healthy control, suggesting pre-screening of related factors including occult HBV in for potential better therapy response.
Disability and the State Production of Precarity
Authors: Ruppel Emily H.
Published: October 2023

Materialist theories of disability link disability and labor, hypothesizing that under neoliberalism, disability stigma contributes to labor market precarity. These claims have not been evaluated empirically and the mediating role of the state remains underspecified. Ethnographic fieldwork in a job training program for people with psychiatric disabilities reveals two contradictions in the welfare state treatment of disability. First, disability benefits are set at low levels, yet means-testing limits earnings, channeling people with disabilities into low-wage jobs. Second, contradictory imperatives attached to state funding incentivize placement in temporary jobs. These welfare state contradictions produce disabled workers as a precarious labor force.
A preliminary In Vitro viability study of an electrically active hernia mesh on mouse fibroblasts
Authors: Drapal Victoria , Mosier Savannah , Norman Anna , Berbel German , Robinson Jennifer L , Friis Elizabeth A
Published: October 2023

Hernias occur when part of an organ, typically the intestines, protrudes through a disruption of the fascia in the abdominal wall, leading to patient pain, discomfort, and surgical intervention. Over one million hernia repair surgeries occur annually in the USA, but globally, hernia surgeries can exceed 20 million. Standard practice includes hernia repair mesh to help hold the compromised tissue together, depending on where the fascial disruption is located and the patient’s condition. However, the recurrence rate for hernias after using the most common type of hernia mesh, synthetic, is currently high. Physiological-level electrical stimulation (ES) has shown beneficial effects in improving healing in soft tissue regeneration. Piezoelectric materials can produce low-level electrical signals from mechanical loading to help speed healing. Combining the novelty of piezo elements to create an electrically active hernia repair mesh for faster healing prospects is explored in this study through simulated transcutaneous mechanical loading of the piezo element with therapeutic ultrasound. A tissue phantom was developed using Gelatin #0 and Metamucil® to better simulate a clinical application of the therapeutic ultrasound loading modality. The cellular viability of varying ultrasound intensities and temporal effects was analyzed. Overall, minimal cytotoxicity was observed across all experimental groups during the ultrasound intensity and temporal viability studies.
Space Syntax has Come of Age: A Bibliometric Review from 1976 to 2023
Authors: Mohamed Abdelbaseer A. , van der Laag Yamu Claudia
Published: October 2023

Despite numerous reviews of space syntax research, there has been little emphasis on the field's main characteristics and tendencies, including publication trends, geographical distribution, leading authors and institutions, collaboration networks, influential publications, research fronts, and research gaps. Bibliometric analysis techniques were employed to review nearly five decades of publications (1976–2023) drawn from multiple data sources to assess the field's annual trend of publications; its social, intellectual, and conceptual structures; and future research directions. The findings provide an overview of the landscape of space syntax studies and a valuable reference for a wide range of academics and professionals.
Recognising the value of non-professional part-time work in assessing graduate employability: A challenge to employers
Authors: Grant-Smith Deanna , Weiler Tanya
Published: October 2023

Enhancing graduate employability is an increasing focus within higher education, however, although part-time work is a majority experience for students the skills gained through non-professional employment are often treated as having limited value in constructions of graduate employability. This paper engages in dialogue with a series of viewpoint and research articles in this journal advocating the accreditation of this work by higher education institutions to increase its influence in graduate recruitment. Specifically, these articles challenge students to improve their employability by reflecting on and documenting their part-time work experiences in support of this accreditation approach. In doing so, it is assumed employers will value this work experience and that such accreditation will improve graduates’ employment prospects. In response, reflecting on a study of Australian business students ( N = 92), this paper highlights tensions associated with students’ part-time work and the perceived employability-enhancing value of what is typically characterised by employers as non-relevant, and therefore non-valuable, work experience. The paper concludes by suggesting that shifting the challenge for recognising the value of non-professional work experience away from students and universities and toward industry and employers is more likely to yield improved graduate employment results for students transitioning from education to graduate employment.
Dark citizen science
Authors: Riley James , Mason-Wilkes Will
Published: October 2023

Citizen science is often celebrated. We interrogate this position through exploration of socio-technoscientific phenomena that mirror citizen science yet are disaligned with its ideals. We term this ‘Dark Citizen Science’. We identify five conceptual dimensions of citizen science – purpose, process, perceptibility, power and public effect. Dark citizen science mirrors traditional citizen science in purpose and process but diverges in perceptibility, power and public effect. We compare two Internet-based categorisation processes, Citizen Science project Galaxy Zoo and Dark Citizen Science project Google’s reCAPTCHA. We highlight that the reader has, likely unknowingly, provided unpaid technoscientific labour to Google. We apply insights from our analysis of dark citizen science to traditional citizen science. Linking citizen science as practice and normative democratic ideal ignores how some science-citizen configurations actively pit practice against ideal. Further, failure to fully consider the implications of citizen science for science and society allows exploitative elements of citizen science to evade the sociological gaze.
Women and Waste: The Question of Shit-work
Authors: Harriss-White Barbara
Published: October 2023

One of the fastest-growing sectors of the Indian economy is waste. Its labour illustrates Deliege’s paradox of material essentiality combined with social stigma and marginalisation. Between 2015 and 2019 the production and disposal of waste in a small South Indian town was traced through its circuits of industrial production (agro-processing), distribution (of people and of food), consumption, the production of labour (human wastes) and the reproduction of society (health care activity). The material substances of waste, their physical organisation and gendered labour processes are mapped onto each circuit. This enables a discussion of three questions: (a) regulative institutions in the formal and informal waste economy; (b) the gendering of property and work in the capitalist waste economy and (c) the gendered significance of collective action. The privatisation of waste work has caused a deterioration in work conditions throughout the waste economy. Literally and metaphorically, waste work is shit-work in which women experience the worst conditions in both physical and economic terms.
Women and Their Interests in Rural India
Authors: Pani Narendar
Published: October 2023

There is a substantial and growing recognition of the hazards of treating the interests of women as being homogenous. A variety of sources focus on diversity in the interests of a woman, ranging from bargaining with patriarchy where she is forced to carry out diverse tasks within the household, to the extension of these negotiations elsewhere in her socio-economic reality. These challenges are accentuated at times of wider social transformation. Responses of women to these challenges are also influenced by their position within the household. This article seeks to gain insights into the complex negotiations between women, households and society in times of socio-economic transformation by exploring the relationship between women’s interests, strategic gender interests and practical gender interests within households that are headed by women. It does so through an empirical examination of the linkages between these interests of women across four different patterns of transformation in 21st-century rural India.
Hijab Protests and Beyond: The State of Women’s Rights in Iran
Authors: Ashwarya Sujata
Published: October 2023

This essay examines the protests and movements of Iranian women, focusing on the main themes and issues that have emerged over the past few years. It discusses current protests with women at the vanguard, the progress and setbacks in their feminist struggles, and the present status of women’s rights and the Iranian women’s movement. In addition, it examines the Iranian government’s and society’s responses to the protests and movements by Iranian women, leading to an appreciation of their historical context, enduring inequalities, and future prospects.
Comparison of the mid-term clinical efficacy of different fixtaion methods combined with oblique lumbar interbody fusion in treating lumbar degenerative diseases
Authors: Yu Yang , Wang Yongtao , Xie Yizhou , Feng Chengzhi , Chen Yuzhou , Xu Jiajia , Fan Xiaohong
Published: October 2023

Background

To compare the mid-term follow-up clinical efficacy among three treatment approaches for lumbar degenerative diseases (LDD): standalone oblique lumbar interbody fusion (SF), oblique lumbar interbody fusion combined with lateral screw fixation (LF), and oblique lumbar interbody fusion combined with posterior screw fixation (PF).

Method

This retrospective study included a total of 71 cases of single level LDD that underwent OLIF in Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine were retrospectively collected between March 2016 and September 2017. Patients were divided into three groups: 24 cases in the SF group, 24 cases in the LF group and 23 cases in the PF group. Various parameters, such as operation time, hospitalization time, and complications, were recorded. The fusion condition was assessed at last follow up. Clinical outcomes were evaluated using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) from pre-operation to 5 years post-surgery.

Results

Significantly lower mean operation time and hospitalization time were observed in the SF and LF groups compared to the PF group ( p < .05). However, no significant difference in fusion rate was found among the three groups. Regarding clinical outcomes, there was no statistically significant difference in VAS scores between the three groups during all follow-up periods. At the 6th month and 1st year after surgery, the SF and LF groups had significantly lower Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) scores compared to the PF group ( p < .05). There was no significant difference in perioperative complication rates among the three groups ( p > .05). In the LF group, one case of instrument displacement and urethra injury were reported, while in the SF, LF, and PF groups, 10, 9, and 3 cases of cage subsidence were reported, respectively.

Conclusion

The study findings suggest that oblique lumbar interbody fusion (OLIF) is a safe and effective treatment for mid-term management of lumbar degenerative diseases (LDD). Compared to the posterior screw fixation (PF) group, both the standalone OLIF (SF) and OLIF combined with lateral screw fixation (LF) groups showed advantages in terms of reduced operation time, shorter hospitalization, and faster symptom alleviation in the short-term. However, OLIF combined with PF demonstrated comparable symptom relief in the mid-term and had the additional benefit of lower cage subsidence rates while improving fusion rates as well.
Role of Competencies and Attitudes in Training for Family Prevention Programme Facilitators
Authors: Orte Carmen , Sánchez-Prieto Lidia , Pascual Belén , Amer Joan
Published: October 2023

Purpose: Research-supported family programmes are proven to be effective in reducing dysfunctional behaviours in youth. A fundamental role is played by professionals with high competence levels and a positive attitude to evidence-based practice (EBP). The aim of the study was to assess the efficacy of prior training for the facilitators of the PCF-AFECT, in order to ascertain whether it led to improvements in their competence levels and whether favourable attitudes to evidence-based practice were associated with higher competence levels. Method: A quantitative method was used, with a sample of professionals from Spain (N = 150). Results: Results showed that the training was effective in the case of four categories of professional competencies. Favourable attitudes to EBP were associated with clusters of professionals with higher competencies. Discussion: Both findings contribute scientifically to the identification of the core components or gold standards of training that are needed for the facilitators of research-supported family programmes.
Validation of the Revised Chen Internet Addition Scale for Chinese Older Adults
Authors: Liu Tianyuan , Jia Yu , Yang Yang , Yan Jinglu , Mu Wenlong
Published: October 2023

Purpose: This study aimed to revise the Chen Internet Addiction Scale (CIAS-R) among older adults in China. Method: 1,107 participants were recruited through an online survey. The factorial structure, reliability, and validity of the CIAS-R were tested. Latent profile analysis (LPA) was employed to distinguish individuals’ Internet addiction membership. Results: The first-order five-factor model was demonstrated to best explain the underlying structure of the CIAS-R among the elderly in China. Time spent online, sense of loneliness, and depression provided evidence for the criterion validity of the CIAS-R. The magnitude of the correlation coefficients indicated Internet addiction may lead to psychological problems. LPA analysis showed the elderly could be clustered into four types based on their Internet addiction severity. Conclusion: The CIAS-R is a reliable and valid measure of Internet addiction among the elderly. This study offers a feasible way to intervene in the addicted aged for social workers and clinicians.
Book Review: Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Field Guide
Authors: Dilanchian Aundrea
Published: October 2023

This review essay focuses on the recently published “Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Field Guide,” which emphasizes the call to action for social justice in the outdoors. As a testament to and a continuation of Dr. Nina Roberts’ efforts to make the outdoors more equitable and inclusive, this Field Guide draws from a collection of personal narratives shared by individuals who have encountered injustices in outdoor environments. It stands as an interactive tool designed to facilitate critical conversations about the significance of addressing diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging within outdoor spaces.
The Combination of the Lactate Dehydrogenase/Hemoglobin Ratio with the PLASMIC Score Facilitates Differentiation of TTP from Septic DIC Without Identification of Schistocytes
Authors: Nishimura Nobushiro , Yoshimoto Kiyomi , Yada Noritaka , Kakiwaki Ayaka , Sawa Akihiro , Senzaki Satoshi , Kawashima Hiromasa , Yoneima Ryo , Ono Shiro , Sakai Kazuya , Matsumoto Masanori , Fukushima Hidetada , Nishio Kenji
Published: October 2023

In some cases, differentiating thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) from septic disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) without measuring ADAMTS13 activity is critical for urgent lifesaving plasma exchange. To investigate whether PLASMIC score without identifying the presence of schistocytes, D-dimer, fibrin/fibrinogen degradation products (FDP), FDP/D-dimer ratio, prothrombin time-international normalized ratio (PT-INR), lactate dehydrogenase (LD), hemoglobin (Hb), and LD/Hb ratio are useful in differentiating patients with TTP from those with septic DIC. Retrospective analysis was conducted on the medical records of the patients with septic DIC (32 patients) or TTP (16 patients). The PLASMIC score and other laboratory measurements all were helpful in differentiating TTP from septic DIC. When dichotomized between high risk (scores 6–7) and intermediate–low risk (scores 0–5), the PLASMIC score predicted TTP with a sensitivity of 75.0% and a specificity of 100%. However, 4 of 16 patients with TTP and 19 of 32 patients with septic DIC showed comparable PLASMIC scores of 4 or 5, making it difficult to distinguish between the two by PLASMIC score alone. Among the measurements examined, the LDH/Hb ratio was the most useful for differentiation. Receiver operating characteristic analysis of the LD/Hb ratio for predicting TTP revealed a cutoff of 53.7 (IU/10 g) (sensitivity 0.94, specificity 0.91). If the LD/Hb ratio was less than 53.7, it was unlikely that the patient had TTP. A combination of the LD/Hb ratio and the PLASMIC score may be useful for distinguishing between TTP and DIC and identifying patients who need rapid plasma exchange or caplacizumab administration.
Rapid qPCR-based quantitative immune cell phenotyping in mouse tissues
Authors: Huang Jinghao , Demmler Richard , Mohamed Abdou Mariam , Thoma Oana-Maria , Weigmann Benno , Waldner Maximilian J , Stürzl Michael , Naschberger Elisabeth
Published: October 2023

The immune microenvironment plays an important role in the regulation of diseases. The characterization of the cellular composition of immune cell infiltrates in diseases and respective models is a major task in pathogenesis research and diagnostics. For the assessment of immune cell populations in tissues, fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) or immunohistochemistry (IHC) are the two most common techniques presently applied, but they are cost intensive, laborious, and sometimes limited by the availability of suitable antibodies. Complementary rapid qPCR-based approaches exist for the human situation but are lacking for experimental mouse models. Accordingly, we developed a robust, rapid RT-qPCR-based approach to determine and quantify the abundance of prominent immune cell populations such as T cells, helper T (Th) cells, cytotoxic T cells, Th1 cells, B cells, and macrophages in mouse tissues. The results were independently validated by the gold standards IHC and FACS in corresponding tissues and showed high concordance.
Overcoming the cost of governance? Junior party strategy in multi-level politics
Authors: Nonnemacher Jeffrey , Spoon Jae-Jae
Published: October 2023

How can junior coalition members overcome the costs of governing in a coalition? In this article, we argue that junior partners can use supranational and subnational political institutions as a venue for signaling disagreement with their coalition partners to mitigate the brand dilution that occurs in the coalition. To test this argument, we use roll-call data from the European Parliament (EP) from 1999-2009 to demonstrate that when intra-coalitional conflict increases, junior parties are more likely to defect from the prime minister’s party. In addition, we find that while junior parties in general are no more likely to defect on votes focused on their owned issues, niche parties are more likely to defect from the PM’s party on their owned issues as intra-coalitional conflict increases. Our results have important implications for junior party behavior and how multi-level politics can be used to strengthen party brands.
Infinite media: The contemporary infinite paradigm in media
Authors: Echauri Guillermo
Published: October 2023

This essay argues that the contemporary media paradigm is defined by an infinite character and scale that emerge from the confluence of infinite-prone economic, technological, and cultural logics. Thus, it discusses the emergence, consolidation, and expansion of a state in which the media landscape and experience are assumed as practically infinite in its different dimensions, from the institutional to the cultural perspective. The argument of this article is based on the analysis of two cases: the deployment of an infinite production model in the media industry, particularly Hollywood; and the implementation of an infinite experience of approaching digital media, especially social media and streaming platforms. The essay maintains that the development of this clearly observable paradigm in media has granted the current possibility of having effectively infinite media and suggests that this propensity towards infinity in media could increase through the implementation of resources such as those offered by generative AI.
Driver Decisions Based on Flood Warning Information
Authors: Garcia Katherine R. , Chen Jing
Published: October 2023

Flood warnings can be communicated through mobile devices and should convey enough information to keep the user safe during a flood situation. However, the amount of detail included in the warning, such as the depth of the flood, may vary. The purpose of this study was to investigate how to best inform drivers of floods to keep them protected. Participants were tasked to drive to a restaurant in a driving simulator after receiving instructions and a type of flood information warning during each scenario (flood, no flood, flood of 6 inches, flood of 6 inches maximum). We found that participants accepted the alternate route more when in a scenario with a flood present compared to the no-flood scenario. These results deepened the understanding of human decisionmaking and can guide future flood warning designs to keep drivers protected from flooded roadways
Virtual Environments for Training: Human Factors Limitations, Challenges, and Opportunities
Authors: Wheeler Atkinson Beth F. , Pharmer James , Goldberg Benjamin , Stensrud Brian , Mercado Joe , Chaparro Barbara , Carroll Meredith
Published: October 2023

Technological advances of virtual environments offer training opportunities that can leverage solutions that extend from game-based systems to extended reality devices. However, careful consideration must be applied to advance the state of the possible and leverage innovation in other technical fields to increase the immersion and fidelity of virtual environments. This panel will provide perspectives on the current human factors limitations, challenges, and opportunities within domains seeking to leverage virtual environments for training. First, presenters will address the needs for front end analyses to underpin implementation decisions, as well as engineering a systems of systems learning environment through a human performance data strategy. Next, discussions will focus on complementary technologies such as artificial intelligence and machine learning that offer opportunities to advance the utility, fidelity, and effectiveness of virtual environments for training. Finally, panel members will discuss the need to evaluate resulting technologies to ensure successful adoption and implementation.
Two Methods for Measurement of Traffic Sign Conspicuity
Authors: Osborn Logan , Tutaj Margaret , Stephens Benjamin R.
Published: October 2023

Conspicuity is the ability of an object or feature to be noticed. We compare two conspicuity measurement methods: magnitude estimation and conspicuity angles. In Experiment One, both measures were collected for ten traffic signs. The relative conspicuity of the targets changed in a similar fashion for both measurements. In Experiment Two, reducing scene lightness reduced magnitude estimates of conspicuity. Taken together, these results suggest both methods have value in measurements of conspicuity.
Towards Building a More Diverse, Equitable, and Inclusive Society: Interactive Sessions with the HFES Csouncil of Affinity Group (COAG) Leads
Authors: Bruni Sylvain , Lum Heather C. , Figueroa-Jacinto Rosemarie , Jeon Myounghoon , Barton Hanna J. , Kim Ji-Eun
Published: October 2023

Human Factors and Ergonomics (HF/E) professionals, as part of their job, are required to consider the differences and varying perspectives of their human stakeholders (e.g., users, customers, teammates, sponsors). Beyond the performance of purely HF/E methodologies, practicing empathy and engaging with affinity groups (AGs) are recognized methods for researchers, designers, engineers, or product managers to achieve such understanding. In this two-part panel, the leaders of AGs and of the Council of Affinity Group (COAG) of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society (HFES) will engage with the audience in conversational and interactive sessions aimed at both discussing and practicing empathy and engagement with community groups including AGs. The first session will be focused on experiential learning through interactive exercises. The second session will be reflective in nature and oriented toward follow-on actions and behavior change within and outside HFES. The sessions are expected to promote DEI in our HFES community and beyond.

Discussion time: Two sessions (90 minutes each), one at the beginning of the conference and the second toward the end of the conference.
Case Study: An Analysis of a Sidewalk Trip and Fall after Repair Utilizing Photograph Scaling
Authors: Szubski Ellen C.
Published: October 2023

Often, forensic human factors consultants are hired to work on a case after the incident area is altered, repaired, or destroyed. Photographs documenting the original incident area are critical in determining the causes of the injured parties’ fall. The case presented in this paper involves a trip and fall that occurred on the sidewalk of a large apartment complex. A human factors consultant analyzed the incident sidewalk post repair and was able to estimate the original condition of the sidewalk through the use of photograph scaling. In addition to an analysis of the human factors surrounding an incident, photograph scaling can be a useful tool in estimating elevation changes and determining the causes in a post repair trip and fall incident.
Consumer Knowledge of and Confusion with Driving Automation: Trends, Challenges and Implications
Authors: Lee Chaiwoo , Gershon Pnina , Mehler Bruce , Reimer Bryan , Coughlin Joseph F.
Published: October 2023

A variety of lower-level automation features, including driver support technologies and active driving assist features, are widely implemented in today’s vehicles. However, consumer knowledge of driving automation remains limited, and a more comprehensive understanding is needed regarding the links between knowledge, acceptance, and consumer characteristics. This study used data from a multi-year series of large-scale surveys to analyze trends and dynamics in consumer knowledge. Results showed a consistently low accuracy regarding the definition of fully automated, self-driving vehicles across consumers of different demographic and behavioral characteristics. In contrast, self-rated knowledge of self-driving vehicles varied between different consumer segments, with no significant association with actual knowledge, suggesting a prevalence of misperceptions and over-confidence among the general public. This paper discusses implications for consistent messaging, targeted communication, and improved use of terminology for establishing knowledge and ensuring that future acceptance is grounded on correct understanding.
Measuring Latent Trust Patterns in Large Language Models in the Context of Human-AI Teaming
Authors: Koehl Derek , Vangsness Lisa
Published: October 2023

Qualitative self-report methods such as think-aloud procedures and open-ended response questions can provide valuable data to human factors research. These measures come with analytic weaknesses, such as researcher bias, intra- and inter-rater reliability concerns, and time-consuming coding protocols. A possible solution exists in the latent semantic patterns that exist in machine learning large language models. These semantic patterns could be used to analyze qualitative responses. This exploratory research compared the statistical quality of automated sentence coding using large language models to the benchmarks of self-report and behavioral measures within the context of trust in automation research. The results indicated that three large language models show promise as tools for analyzing qualitative responses. The study also provides insight on minimum sample sizes for model creation and offers recommendations for further validating the robustness of large language models as research tools.
Forestry Stakeholders’ Perspectives on Exoskeletons
Authors: Kim Jeong Ho , Chung Woodam
Published: October 2023

This study examined forestry professionals’ awareness and acceptance of exoskeletons and identify potential tasks that would benefit most from the exoskeleton implementation. An online survey was distributed to forestry professionals to evaluate musculoskeletal pain, awareness and acceptance of exoskeletons, important factors for exoskeleton adoption, and tasks that can benefit most from exoskeleton use. Twenty-two forestry professionals responded. The results showed that low back and shoulder pain were most prevalent, indicating that back- and shouldersupport exoskeletons may be good candidates for timber felling. Moreover, the study found forestry professionals' considerable interest and acceptance levels on exoskeletons. This study also identified several important factors of exoskeleton adoption including weight, comfort, simplicity/portability, practicality, and easy maintenance. Lastly, the results demonstrated that timber felling, cutting/sawing, and mechanic work may benefit most from the exoskeleton use. These findings provide important insights for future studies evaluating feasibility and effectiveness of exoskeletons in the forest industry.
Comfort Influences the Choice Between Airplane and Train Even on Short Distances
Authors: Vledder G. , Kılıç H. H. , Song Y. , Vink P.
Published: October 2023

High-speed rail might be a solution to reduce energy usage and carbon emissions as rail transport consumes less energy than airplanes. However, in choosing a transport system, time is an important factor in making many passengers choose air travel. This paper studies the reasons why passengers choose a transport mode, and compares the comfort of aircraft and train seats. This study shows that time and costs are the most mentioned factors, but comfort and sustainability can play a deciding role between trains and airplanes on time and cost-competitive travel routes. The train seat is evaluated as the most comfortable, but still, part of the passengers choose the aircraft as the length of sitting on the seat is limited.
Flightcrew Procedures Experimental Training: Simulation Testbed Design, Development, & Interactive Demonstration
Authors: Sonnenfeld Nathan A. , Nguyen Blake , Duruaku Fiona , Alonso Alex , Carney Michael , Smith Eileen , Jentsch Florian
Published: October 2023

In this interactive demonstration, participants will have the opportunity to use the UCF-developed Flight Procedures Experimental Training (FlightPET) research simulation testbed to complete an exterior preflight inspection of a multiengine transport category aircraft. FlightPET may be implemented using virtual reality (VR) or conventional desktop displays. FlightPET was developed to support research on modern training practices in the air carrier industry and was designed to help identify which combinations of display technologies and training approaches should be used for specific flightcrew-relevant topics, in what contexts, and how to leverage these configurations to create outcomes comparable to conventional training methods. In this paper, we document the iterative development of the FlightPET simulation testbed and discuss facets of the systematic instructional systems design (ISD) process in which human factors (HF) may be integrated to support the development of VR simulation systems for flightcrew training.
The Effect of Privacy Fatigue on Privacy Decision-Making Behavior
Authors: Liu Yizhou , Ghaiumy Anaraky Reza , Aly Heba , Byrne Kaileigh
Published: October 2023

With the rapid growth of information communication technology, internet users face constantly demands to manage privacy setting and make decisions on whether to disclose privacy data in the digital environment. Such privacy-related decisions and actions are heavily influenced by users’ level of trust, privacy concerns, perceived risks, and perceived benefits. One recently recognized factor that may impair privacy behaviors is privacy fatigue. This study will employ a within-subjects design with eye-tracking devices in which participants complete the same online decision-making task. Additionally, potential covariates, including privacy concern and digital privacy literacy, will be controlled for. We expect that higher level of baseline privacy fatigue will reveal poorer privacy decision-making outcomes, which will be represented by more frequent acceptance of online cookies. Moreover, we predict that participants’ pupil dilation, a physiological index of cognitive effort, will decrease, and privacy fatigue levels will increase over the course of the online decision-making task.
Anthropomorphism Moderates the Relationships of Dispositional, Perceptual, and Behavioral Trust in a Robot Teammate
Authors: Cohen Myke C. , Peel Matthew A. , Scalia Matthew J. , Willett Matthew M. , Chiou Erin K. , Gorman Jamie C. , Cooke Nancy J.
Published: October 2023

Trust plays a critical role in the success of human-robot teams (HRTs). While typically studied as a perceptual attitude, trust also encompasses individual dispositions and interactive behaviors like compliance. Anthropomorphism, the attribution of human-like qualities to robots, is a related phenomenon that designers often leverage to positively influence trust. However, the relationship of anthropomorphism to perceptual, dispositional, and behavioral trust is not fully understood. This study explores how anthropomorphism moderates these relationships in a virtual urban search and rescue HRT scenario. Our findings indicate that the moderating effects of anthropomorphism depend on how a robot’s recommendations and its confidence in them are communicated through text and graphical information. These results highlight the complexity of the relationships between anthropomorphism, trust, and the social conveyance of information in designing for safe and effective human-robot teaming.
Medical Education in Armenia: An Overview
Authors: Markosian Christopher , Sargsyan Gayane , Shariff Sanobar , Abovyan Yelena , Hekimian Kim , Margaryan Khachatur , Hayrapetyan Aram , Shekherdimian Shant , Tamamyan Gevorg
Published: October 2023

This article serves to describe the medical education system of Armenia, a country located in the cross-section of Europe and Asia. Similar to other countries in the region, its medical education system is structured into undergraduate (6 years), postgraduate (1–4 years), and continuing education components. Its largest medical university, Yerevan State Medical University (YSMU), is the predominant institute for medical education and has enrollment of not only Armenian citizens, but also international students from India, Iran, Russia, and other countries. According to publication metrics, research activity at YSMU is increasing. Finally, the unique relationship between the country and its global diaspora has facilitated collaborative efforts in not only medical education, but also the delivery of care and capacity building. Significant challenges remain for each stage of medical education, such as the lack of standardized licensing or board examinations and oversight of the number of resident physicians per specialty.