bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pulsed Field Ablation Using Focal Contact Force–Sensing Catheters for Treatment of Atrial Fibrillation: 1-Year Outcomes of the ECLIPSE AF Study
Authors: Anić Ante , Phlips Thomas , Brešković Toni , Mediratta Vikramaditya , Girouard Steven , Jurišić Zrinka , Sikirić Ivan , Lisica Lucija , Koopman Pieter , Antole Nathalie , Vijgen Johan
Published: December 2024

BACKGROUND:

Pulsed field ablation (PFA) is a promising treatment for atrial fibrillation. We report 1-year freedom from atrial arrhythmia outcomes using monopolar PFA delivered through 3 commercial, contact force–sensing focal catheters.

METHODS:

ECLIPSE AF (Safety & Clinical Performance Study of Catheter Ablation With the Centauri System for Patients With Atrial Fibrillation; NCT04523545) was a prospective, single-arm, multicenter study evaluating acute and chronic safety and performance using the CENTAURI system to deliver focal PFA with TactiCath SE, StablePoint, and ThermoCool ST. Patients with paroxysmal or persistent atrial fibrillation underwent pulmonary vein (PV) isolation under deep sedation or general anesthesia and returned for remapping at 90 days to evaluate chronic durability. Freedom from atrial arrhythmia was evaluated continuously through 12 months using standard rhythm monitoring for symptomatic episodes and 24-hour Holter at 6 and 12 months.

RESULTS:

Eighty-two patients (74% male, 51.2% paroxysmal, and 58.5% deep sedation) were treated. PV isolation was achieved in 100% of targeted veins (322/322) with first-pass isolation in 92.2% (297/322). There were 4 primary safety events in 4 patients (4.9%, 4/82); 1 nonembolic stroke due to exacerbated cardiac tamponade secondary to catheter perforation and 3 hemorrhagic vascular access complications. There were no incidences of adverse event fistula, diaphragmatic paralysis, myocardial infarction, pericarditis, thromboembolism, PV stenosis, transient ischemic attack, or death. Eighty patients (98%) underwent remapping. Optimized PFA cohorts 3, 4, and 5 showed per-patient isolation rates of 60%, 73%, and 81% and per-PV isolation rates of 84%, 90%, and 92%, respectively. One-year freedom from atrial arrhythmia was 80.2% (95% CI, 69.7%–87.4%) for the entire patient sample, including 41 patients who underwent repeat focal PFA with the CENTAURI system at remapping.

CONCLUSIONS:

This study demonstrated that optimization of focal PFA with 3 contact force–sensing, solid-tip ablation catheters resulted in the progressive improvement of PV isolation durability at 3-month remapping and high freedom from atrial arrhythmia survival rates, providing a promising focal PFA treatment option integrated with current ablation workflows.
Cryoballoon Pulmonary Vein Isolation With Versus Without Additional Right Atrial Linear Ablation for Persistent Atrial Fibrillation: The CRALAL Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Kim Daehoon , Yu Hee Tae , Shim Jaemin , Park Junbeom , Baek Yong-Soo , Park Sang Won , Kim Dae-Kyeong , Park Young-Ah , Kim Tae-Hoon , Uhm Jae-Sun , Joung Boyoung , Lee Moon-Hyoung , Pak Hui-Nam
Published: December 2024

BACKGROUND:

Pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) alone is less effective in patients with persistent atrial fibrillation (AF) compared with those with paroxysmal AF. We investigate whether additional linear ablation from the superior vena cava to the right atrial septum and cavotricuspid isthmus ablation improves the rhythm outcome of patients with persistent AF undergoing cryoballoon PVI (Cryo-PVI).

METHODS:

In this investigator-initiated, multicenter, randomized clinical trial, 289 patients with persistent AF refractory to antiarrhythmic drug therapy were randomized 1:1 to either Cryo-PVI with additional right atrium (RA) linear ablation or Cryo-PVI alone. The primary end point was any documented atrial arrhythmia lasting ≥30 seconds after a 3-month blanking period after ablation. The secondary end points were atrial arrhythmia recurrence or antiarrhythmic drug use after a 3-month blanking period, complications, and total procedure time.

RESULTS:

During the median follow-up of 24 months (median age, 63 years; 23.9% women), the atrial arrhythmia recurrence was less frequent in the additional RA ablation group (n=50, 37.5%) than in the Cryo-PVI alone group (n=69, 53.1%; absolute difference, −15.6% [95% CI, −27.9% to −3.4%]; hazard ratio, 0.66 [95% CI, 0.46–0.94]). Antiarrhythmic drugs were prescribed after the 3-month period to 72 (49.3%) patients in the additional RA ablation group and 79 (55.2%) patients in the Cryo-PVI alone group. No difference was found in complication rate between the 2 groups. Total procedure time was longer in the additional RA ablation group (median, 88 versus 72 minutes;
P
<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS:

Additional RA linear ablation beyond Cryo-PVI improved the ablation outcome compared with that of PVI alone in persistent AF patients.
Scientific Studies of Individualization: A Thematic-Analytic Approach
Authors: Killin Anton
Published: December 2024

This article seeks to interpret how the scientific study of individualization, broadly construed, is conceived from within. It presents and discusses an analysis of qualitative data gained from performing semi-structured expert interviews. By way of a thematic-analytic approach to interpreting this data, this article seeks to investigate the attitudes and opinions of a sample of scientific experts who study individualization, across a wide range of scientific fields, with regard to key concepts, phenomena, motivating factors, and open questions. Centering its analysis on discussion of four themes, this paper (1) emphasizes the importance for science of individuals and individuality, (2) reflects on matters pertaining to language and interdisciplinary communication, (3) distinguishes between nine meanings of the word “individualization,” stressing their significant features, and (4) considers ideas about the consequences of individualization and ongoing methodological concerns.
Peace Talks in the Russia-Ukraine War: When, Who, and How?
Authors: Bramsen Isabel , Svensson Isak
Published: December 2024

This study explores the designs and dynamics of past, present, and potential mediation and negotiation efforts to stop the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Applying insights from mediation and negotiation literature, the article explores three questions relating to negotiating peace in Ukraine: who is best positioned to negotiate or mediate such a process (who should be presented at the table), when should such diplomatic efforts be launched, and how should the processes of peace talks be designed. The study examines the dynamics of the initial peace talks in the spring of 2022 as well as Ukraine’s Peace Formula, which has been discussed by up to 92 countries, excluding Russia. The article discusses the unusual process of negotiating peace without the presence of one of the main parties (Russia) and the challenges and potential of negotiations in this form of international, asymmetric war.
The Birds That Wouldn’t Sing
Authors: Smith Justin
Published: December 2024

This compelling book offers a unique perspective on D-Day and its aftermath through the personal testimonies of the Wrens who worked for Admiral Sir Bertram Ramsay during Operation Overlord. Drawing on public and private archives, it reveals the untold stories of the women serving in the Women’s Royal Naval Service (WRNS), balancing their wartime contributions with the strictures of secrecy and censorship. The narrative is framed by letters from these Wrens, which provide intimate glimpses into both the personal and professional challenges they faced during World War II.

The book captures the atmosphere of war as experienced by British auxiliaries. It highlights the Wrens' vital but often overlooked role in the D-Day planning effort and beyond, revealing the surreal coexistence of the ordinary and extraordinary in wartime. Focusing in particular on the wartime archive of one of the Wrens, Joan Prior, the author brings to life the contribution of these women to the war effort, while also offering insights into British, French, and German morale and culture. This thoughtful and moving account adds depth to the broader historical narrative of World War II, making it a valuable addition for both the general reader and the professional historian.
3. Liberation
Authors: Smith Justin
Published: December 2024

Wrens were not compelled to serve overseas, and some declined the opportunity. Among the loyal band of Ramsay’s Wrens the majority was only too keen, though not all were chosen. Indeed, as the testimony assembled in this chapter shows, the Wrens of ANCXF manifested an almost carnal desire to follow in the footsteps of the men whose fate they had helped to design, not just to put themselves in their shoes, but to embody them. Some, like Joan Prior had never been abroad. For Wrens from more privileged backgrounds who had holidayed in Europe before the war, like Second Officer Elspeth Shuter, the privations of travel courtesy of the Royal Navy and the devastation and hardship they encountered on the far shore, provided a stark contrast with their peacetime experiences. For Joan, and many others, there was nothing with which to compare what awaited them. Yet their reflections and observations cannot entirely disavow a touristic gaze upon the dishevelled seaside town of Granville in Normandy, where Admiral Ramsay established his headquarters in September 1944. Nor can they quell the spirit of liberation that was in the air.
Mean Cold Pool Size of Quasi-Equilibrium Convection. Part II: The Survival Competition Hypothesis
Authors: Fu Hao , O’Neill Morgan E
Published: December 2024

The cold pool is a crucial component of tropical convection. However, what controls the mean cold pool size remains unclear. This two-paper series presents a theory of the mean cold pool radius in idealized quasi-equilibrium convection (Req). Part I derives an energy balance constraint between Req and the maximum potential radius of a cold pool (Rmax), showing that Req cannot reach Rmax. Cold pools must be densely packed and collide frequently. This Part II derives another constraint between Req and Rmax based on a cold pool survival competition hypothesis. A convective life cycle model with various candidate cold pool sizes is built. The type of cold pool producing the most intense next-generation cold pool is hypothesized to survive and set the spacing between convective towers. The size of the dominant cold pool type is determined by the trade-off between the mechanical lifting effect that favors a smaller cold pool, the thermodynamic forcing effect that favors a bigger cold pool, and the cloud radius feedback that also favors a bigger cold pool. Combining the energy balance and survival competition constraints, we obtain a solution for Req, which has an analytically tractable upper bound. The upper bound is set by the cold pool’s fractional entrainment rate and the free-tropospheric relative humidity: a lower fractional entrainment rate or a drier free troposphere raises the upper bound of Req. The Req predicted by the theory agrees with a set of large-eddy simulations with different rainwater evaporation rates.
Arctic Sea Ice Melting Has Triggered Distinct Interdecadal Transitions since 2000
Authors: Wu Bingyi , Li Zhenkun , Zhang Xiang
Published: December 2024

This study investigates dominant features of the temporal evolutions of sea ice concentrations (SICs) in the Barents–Kara Seas in autumn and the subsequent winter, as well as their regulating effect on winter atmospheric circulation variations over the Arctic and Eurasia at phasic and interdecadal time scales. Results suggest that SICs in the Barents–Kara Seas both during autumn and the subsequent winter have exhibited a coincident interdecadal reduction since 2004. This interdecadal reduction has produced significant impacts on much of the Northern Hemisphere. In the Arctic, this interdecadal reduction has directly altered the thermal and moisture structure of the lower troposphere, as well as enhanced the hydrological cycle. Its influence on winter atmospheric humidity can extend into the upper troposphere over the Atlantic sector of the Arctic. Over Eurasia, this interdecadal reduction has strengthened short-term pulsation processes of the Siberian high, making the mean intensity of the Siberian high stronger relative to the average over winters from 1979/80 to 2003/04. Meanwhile, it has weakened the winter atmospheric baroclinicity over high latitudes of Eurasia and strengthened the atmospheric baroclinicity over mid- to low latitudes of East Asia and the northwest Pacific. This interdecadal reduction directly led to the occurrence of warm Arctic–cold Eurasia during winters from 2004/05 to 2012/13. Additionally, a notable finding is that the continuously low level of Arctic sea ice has initiated a recent interdecadal transition in winter 1000-hPa temperature since the early 2010s. This alternation has resulted in the emergence of a warm Arctic–warm Eurasia configuration. Implications of these results suggest that Arctic sea ice melting has produced significant effects on the changing climate system across much of Northern Hemisphere during wintertime, particularly at interdecadal time scales.

Significance Statement

The purpose of this study is to reveal phasic and interdecadal responses of winter atmospheric circulation over the Arctic and Eurasia to Arctic sea ice melting in the Barents–Kara Seas during autumn and the subsequent winter. Our findings suggest that both the interdecadal reduction of Arctic sea ice and the continuously low level of Arctic sea ice have triggered distinct interdecadal transitions in winter atmospheric circulations. Specifically, the persistent low level of Arctic sea ice has resulted in alternating occurrences of warm Arctic–cold Eurasia and warm Arctic–warm Eurasia patterns. These findings hold significant implications for enhancing our understanding of the impacts of Arctic sea ice melting on both the Arctic and midlatitudes of Eurasia.
Predicting Monthly Precipitation in the Wet Season over Saudi Arabia Using a Seasonal Prediction System
Authors: Ratnam J. V. , Behera Swadhin K. , Hoteit Ibrahim , Doi Takeshi , Nonaka Masami
Published: December 2024

In this study, we evaluated the skill of the Scale Interaction Experiment-Frontier Research Center for Global Change, version 2 (SINTEX-F2), model in predicting precipitation over Saudi Arabia in the wet months (November–April) at 1–3-month lead times. It was found that the SINTEX-F2 model 1-month lead prediction was skillful in predicting precipitation over the southwestern regions of Saudi Arabia in November and February. Analysis revealed that the skillful prediction of precipitation in November was due to the skillful prediction of sea surface temperature anomalies in the midlatitudes of the central North Pacific and the associated atmospheric variability. In February, the skill was associated with the skillful prediction of sea surface temperature anomalies in the equatorial eastern Pacific and the associated teleconnections.

Significance Statement

We tried to identify the months within the wet season in which precipitation could be predicted with high skill over Saudi Arabia. Analysis showed that the SINTEX-F2 model was skillful in predicting precipitation over the southwestern regions of Saudi Arabia in November and February at a 1-month lead time. The model skill was due to the model predicting the SST anomalies and the atmospheric variable anomalies with high skill.
India’s Exchange Rate Regime Under Inflation Targeting
Authors: Goyal Ashima
Published: December 2024

While the basic exchange rate regime has stayed the same since the liberalising reforms of the 90s, its implementation has varied over the years. The article assesses the evolution of India’s nominal exchange rate regime and its suitability under inflation targeting. It also examines the evolving impact on trade, inflation, currency and financial markets, country risk premium and the cost of borrowing. The analysis suggests a flexible exchange rate with intervention to prevent excess volatility as well as misalignment from competitive real exchange rates, while allowing some volatility to aid price discovery in foreign exchange markets, would work best in inflation targeting emerging markets.

JEL Codes: F41, F31, E52
Optimization-based robust fractional-order controllers design for multiple-input single-output systems with time delays
Authors: Ben Moussa Noura , Chetoui Manel , Amairi Messaoud
Published: December 2024

This paper deals with the design of fractional order PID controllers based on nonlinear optimization for Multi-Input Single-Output (MISO) systems with time delays. Two approaches are used to obtain optimal controllers’ parameters. The first uses time-domain specifications and consists of minimizing time-domain criteria without constraints. The second uses frequency-domain specifications and imposes the open-loop phase to be flat in a specified frequency band. Simulations results and a comparative study are presented to verify the effectiveness of each approach.
Canada’s First National Oral Health Research Strategy (2024–2030)
Authors: Rock L.D. , Akade G. , Al-Waeli H. , Allin S. , Altabtbaei K. , Ameli N. , Bassim C. , Bedos C. , Benbow P. , Bhagirath A.Y. , Chvartszaid D. , D’Souza V. , Silva K. Da , Elseoudi A. , Fadl A. , Ganss B. , Ghanouni P. , Ghavami S. , Gomaa N. , Gong S. G. , Graf D. , Guttmann G.D. , Jessani A. , Talla P. Kengne , Kenwell L. , Khurram M. , Leask A. , Madathil S. , McKinstry S. , Mulhall H. , Nicolau B. , Olatosi O.O. , Powder C. , Propser F. , Quiñonez C. , Abbasgholizadah Rahimi S. , Richards D.P. , Rouabhia M. , Schroth R.J. , Sharma P. , Szabo-Rogers H. , Velly A. , A.C. Vieira L. , Wu D.T. , Zhou K. , Allison P.J.
Published: December 2024

Recent years have seen significant positive changes and developments in oral health–related policy and data on oral health and oral health care in Canada. Simultaneously, on the international stage, the momentum for oral health and related research continues to build. These changes have led to an initiative to create Canada’s first National Oral Health Research Strategy (NOHRS), which was recently published by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research–Institute of Musculoskeletal Health and Arthritis (Allison and Rock 2024). In this communication, we describe the process that was used to undertake this work. We present the resulting guiding principles, the research priority areas, and the framework that emerged, which included 6 strategic priorities grouped into 3 themes: (A) Leading Issues: (1) access to care, (2) inequities, identities, and oral health; (B) Emerging Methods: (3) artificial intelligence, (4) omics; and (C) Overarching Approaches: (5) environmental sustainability, (6) knowledge mobilization and implementation science. In addition, NOHRS includes a series of proposed goals and a timeline over the coming years. The point is to encourage a broad range of individuals and groups of people to engage with this high-level strategy and create plans to implement it. This strategy directly answers the call by the World Health Organization for countries to establish a national oral health research strategy (World Health Organization 2024). We have engaged in an extensive, broad consultative process, resulting in a Canadian NOHRS that is tailored to the needs of our community. Its aim is to galvanize our community into action to address the priorities we have identified. By engaging in this process, we build upon multiple oral health–related initiatives in Canada and on the international stage. We hope to inspire and facilitate similar, much-needed work elsewhere.
Urban street dynamics: Assessing the relationship of sidewalk width and pedestrian activity in Auckland, New Zealand, based on mobile phone data
Authors: Chuang I-Ting , Chen Qingqing
Published: December 2024

This study empirically examines the adequacy of sidewalk widths in Auckland’s Central Business District in light of increasing active mobility and sustainable urban planning trends. Recognising the need to retrofit street spaces to prioritise pedestrians, we aim to determine whether current sidewalk dimensions meet the diverse requirements of users. We analysed average sidewalk widths and developed four mobility metrics – inflow and outflow travel distance, and density of visitors and locals – using a large-scale mobile location dataset comprising 113 million data points from 1.4 million users. These metrics, reflecting urban vibrancy and sidewalk use, were correlated with sidewalk widths to assess their adequacy. Furthermore, we applied cluster analysis to these mobility metrics, along with the diversity of Points of Interest, to categorise sidewalk segments, uncovering intricate usage patterns. Our findings indicate that sidewalks typically range from 2 to 5 m, catering to varied urban needs. Notably, we observed no direct correlation between sidewalk width and mobility patterns, but significant differences in inflow and outflow travel distances were evident, especially between key urban hubs and quiet residential neighbourhoods. Moreover, we identified seven distinct sidewalk categories, each reflecting unique qualities, suggesting that uniform widths do not define sidewalk utility or character. This highlights the need to rethink current capacity-focused sidewalk design, advocating for a nuanced approach that addresses the intricate demands of urban spaces. Our methodology offers flexibility and can be tailored to suit different urban contexts, providing a versatile tool for urban analysis and planning.
Communication of radiation protection issues
Authors: Lentijo J.C. , Zarzuela J.
Published: December 2024

The International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) has embarked on a review and revision of the system of radiological protection (RP System) that will lead to new General Recommendations refining and superseding ICRP Publication 103. The first major milestone in ICRP's work was the publication of the paper titled ‘keeping the ICRP Recommendations Fit for Purpose’, in 2021, aimed at encouraging discussions within the RP community. On this matter, the Spanish Nuclear Safety Council (CSN) has contributed to preparing the Heads of the European Radiological Protection Competent Authorities (HERCA) document titled ‘Reflections on the Revision of the System of Radiological Protection’ that were presented during the ICRP symposium named ‘6th International Symposium on the System of Radiological Protection’. In the latter, HERCA emphasised the need for simplification and clarification of the RP System, as well as other topics for future work: (i) to improve the fundamental principles of justification and optimisation; (ii) to broaden the guidance on radiation protection against radon exposure in workplaces; and (iii) to improve communication of RP. CSN is supportive of the HERCA reflections, and wants to elaborate more on Communication, an issue that is intimately related to the simplification and clarification of the RP System. In this paper, we propose that the revision and review of the RP System be conceived, since its very inception, on the grounds of communicability. We recognise that it is a huge challenge because the scientific robustness of the RP System is unnegotiable. The involvement of communication professionals in the process of the RP System revision may help clarify matters such as the reason why dose limits are established on one hand but reference levels are proposed, on the other, as well as why different dose limits are applicable depending on the exposure situations. The RP System is based on robust scientific foundations but there is a tendency to focus on ‘uncertainties’ rather than the many ‘certainties’ that are already well known. Undoubtedly, there will always be ‘uncertainties’, but it is the purpose of research and development (R&D) efforts and scientific discussions to turn them into certainties, which can be incorporated into regulations. However, the regulator’s actions shall be based on certainties and presented whenever the public claims for information before incidents and accidents, admitting that uncertainties exist, when it may be needed.
Preliminary analysis of certified disaster-related death in the affected area of the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant accident following the Great East Japan Earthquake: an observational study
Authors: Uchi Y. , Sawano T. , Kawashima M. , Sakakibara M. , Sudo M. , Yagiuchi K. , Otsuki M. , Hori A. , Ozaki A. , Yamamoto C. , Zhao T. , Oikawa T. , Niwa S. , Tsubokura M.
Published: December 2024

The Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant (FDNPP) accident in 2011 primarily caused indirect adverse effects. Even the indirect adverse effects of radiation/nuclear disasters sometimes lead to death. Japan compensates for disaster-related deaths under the legally enshrined disaster condolence grant system. Studies on disaster-related deaths in areas heavily affected by radiation/nuclear disasters have been limited. We investigated 520 fatalities in Minamisoma City, Fukushima Prefecture, located near the FDNPP, that were certified as disaster-related by the Minamisoma City Committee for Certification of Disaster-Related Deaths. The most common reason for certification of death as disaster-related was ‘displacement owing to evacuation’ (25.8%) followed by ‘lack of appropriate treatment’ (20.4%). Disaster-related deaths that occurred more than 6 months since the incident accounted for 37.8%. According to the Nagaoka criterion, which is one of the current guidelines for disaster-related deaths in Japan, a death must occur within 6 months to be recognised as disaster-related. However, the results of this study suggest that delayed deaths occurring more than 6 months after the incident may still be disaster-related particularly when involving nuclear/radiation disasters. Compared to common disasters, radiation/nuclear disasters may have more long-term effects on affected people owing to measures such as evacuation. This suggests that long-term measures are needed to prevent unnecessary deaths.
The radiation epidemiology of cancer - where do we stand now?
Authors: Wakeford R.
Published: December 2024

Much has been learnt from epidemiological studies about the risk of cancer consequent to exposure to ionising radiation. These studies have investigated the influence of radiation exposure upon cancer risk in the Japanese atomic bomb survivors, patients exposed for medical reasons, workers exposed occupationally, and members of the public receiving doses from various environmental sources of radiation. Findings from radiation epidemiology continue to be published, casting light on many aspects of radiation-related cancer risks. Continued follow-up of the bomb survivors has revealed excess cancer risks among those exposed at a young age many years later, and there is emerging evidence of upward curvature in the dose-response for all solid cancers combined. The rise of computed tomography (CT) examinations in medical diagnostic investigations presents an opportunity to study low dose risks, although caution is required in the interpretation of medical studies. Analyses of pooled nuclear worker data provide increasingly powerful investigations of the risks of protracted low-level exposures, particularly because lengthening follow-up has led to an expanding database for early workers who tended to accumulate higher doses than later workers. This paper reviews recent findings of epidemiological studies of radiation exposure and cancer risk that were available at the end of 2022.
International horizon-style exercise (HSE): advancing the use of adverse outcome pathway (AOP) in radiation protection
Authors: Burtt J. , Leblanc J. , Beaton D. , Tollefsen KE. , Garnier-Laplace J. , Laurier D. , Chauhan V.
Published: December 2024

The Adverse Outcome Pathway (AOP) framework provides a means to integrate radiobiological and epidemiological data across different levels of biological organisation for an adverse outcome of interest to regulatory decision-making. The AOP approach is envisioned to improve understanding of radiation-induced effects at low doses and dose-rates and decrease the uncertainty in radiation health risk assessment. To explore the challenges in the use of AOPs, an international horizon-style exercise (HSE) was initiated through the Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA) High-Level Group on Low Dose Research (HLG-LDR) Radiation/Chemical (Rad/Chem) AOP joint topical group. The HSE was completed in three phases. First, candidate research questions were solicited from radiation risk professionals via a dedicated website. Second, the over 250 questions submitted were refined by a dedicated steering committee using a best-worst scaling method. During a virtual 3-day workshop, the list of questions was further refined to the top 25 priority questions. Lastly, an internet-based survey of the broader radiation risk community lead to an orderly ranking of the 25 priority questions, again using a best-worst scaling method. Major themes from the survey included the ability of AOPs to address different levels of biological organisation, radiation quality, dose or dose rate, time patterns, and confounding variables. Broadly, these efforts will help advance the use of AOP in radiation research and regulation.
Voxel-based analyses for paediatric outcomes research
Authors: Wilson L.J. , Bryce-Atkinson A. , van Herk M. , Faught A.M. , Aznar M.C.
Published: December 2024

Radiation therapy (RT) research increasingly recognises the critical limitations of historical knowledge regarding the relation between physical radiation exposures and their biologic effects, known as the dose response. Improved understanding of dose response is urgently needed to guide treatment-plan optimisation and enable continued increases in long-term survivorship. Advanced computational methods for survivorship research, like deep learning and data mining, offer opportunities to improve our understanding of dose response. Survivorship research is especially important for children, whose growing bodies are inherently vulnerable to radiation damage and for whom survival often spans decades. Much of the work to incorporate advanced computational techniques into survivorship research, however, has focused on adult patients. Two important applications of advanced computational methods to paediatric survivorship research include automatic contouring and voxel-based methods for identifying the most important parts of the anatomy driving toxicity. The latter is called image-based data mining. Both avenues are currently under investigation in our lab, and preliminary results are promising. The continued, safe integration of advanced computational methods into paediatric radiation oncology is needed to realise the full beneficial potential of radiation therapy and provide not only prolonged survival, but also superior outcomes with reduced toxicity for children with cancer.
Thyroid and lens absorbed dose assessment during different interventional and surgical procedures: a multicentre study
Authors: Fedeli L. , Mazzoni L.N. , Betti M. , Vaiano A. , Fedele D. , Favuzza V. , Pini S. , Mazzocchi S. , Bernardi L.
Published: December 2024

A priori estimation of staff exposure during medical interventional procedures involving the use of ionising radiation is essential to carry out an adequate risk assessment and, therefore, to define the maximum workloads, to choose appropriate dosimeters and additional shielding. To date, research activity has been mainly focused on cardiac procedures, which involve high dose rates, and much attention is paid to the optimisation of radiation protection in this field. The purpose of this retrospective study was to evaluate the dose exposure of different healthcare professionals starting from the Dose Area Products (DAPs) recorded after various interventional (non-cardiac) and surgical procedures. A total of 374 operators, 2829 interventional procedures and 4463 surgical procedures were considered. Estimated thyroid/lens absorbed dose (median-75%) for surgeons/interventionists were as follows (ìSv/procedure). Interventional procedures: endoscopy (107–121)/(85–97) and urology (60–130)/(48–104); surgeries: vascular (68–73)/(55–60), general (28–35)/(22–28), orthopaedic (6–9)/(5–7). After grouping the data of all the procedures, the same estimations are reported for anesthesiologists (15–29)/(13–25), nurses (13–24)/(11–20) and radiographers (15–32)/(12–26).
Developing a system of protection that supports effective optimisation of exposures at low doses – the nuclear industry perspective
Authors: Lips M.
Published: December 2024

The nuclear industry has had an impressive record of reducing occupational exposure. With numerous optimisation processes radiation exposures became extremely low, with worker exposures comparable to natural background radiation and public exposures at tiny fractions of it. As radiation is only one among many risks we are exposed to, it should not be considered in isolation from other types of hazards. ICRP should make greater efforts to ensure that the system of protection recognises the full interaction between all relevant risks and benefits. The system of protection should aim to be understandable to non-specialists, and any proposed changes should avoid additional complexity, thereby reducing practicability. Most RP decisions in practice relate to low exposures at levels within the variability of natural background radiation. At these low levels the risks are uncertain, but at worst are what is generally regarded as very low. Whilst the need for prudence is recognised, there is also a need for proportionality and a wider context in decision-making which recognises the universal presence of natural background radiation. There is also a challenge of over-conservatism, both in approaches to dose assessments and in regulatory expectations. More emphasis is necessary on the practical application of a graded approach.
Future application of the ICRP system of radiological protection: views from UK professionals
Authors: Bryant P.A. , Coates R. , Harrison J.D. , Thurston J.
Published: December 2024

The Society for Radiological Protection (SRP) and UK Partner Societies have formed a working group to consider ICRP proposals for new recommendations, helping to formulate responses to ICRP from the International Radiation Protection Association. SRP views have been summarised under three headings: (1) Science; (2) Applications; and (3) Communications. (1) Small changes in low dose (< 100 mSv) risk estimates may not warrant detailed revisions. Proposed changes to ICRP dose quantities and ICRU operational quantities are generally welcomed. However, it is noted that the present system works well and such changes do not of themselves appear to warrant the publication of new ICRP general recommendations. (2) An important focus for the practical application of the system is the promotion of reasonableness in the optimisation of protection at low doses in different circumstances of exposure. Experience has shown that in many cases, application of the ALARA principle over-emphasises the ‘as low as’ without due consideration of the ‘reasonably achievable’ and the caveat of ‘taking economic and social factors into account’. (3) ICRP recommendations are aimed principally at regulatory authorities, organisations and individuals who have responsibility for radiological protection. There is scope for improved coordination of the efforts of RP organisations in the development of the system, its dissemination to RP professionals and its communication to stakeholders affected by the application of the system.
How to start a network? Experience in networking and achievements of the IRPA Young Generation Network
Authors: Andresz S. , Betos C.M. , Ha W.H. , Hamida T. , Hussain B.S. , Kabrt F. , Nusrat O. , Michaelidesova A. , Lima T.V. , Movsisyan N. , Otoo F. , Papp C. , Piechotka J. , Qiu R. , Muñoz M.S. , Sakoda A. , Kono T. , Singh V.P. , Tsorxe I. , Yoshida H.
Published: December 2024

Since its establishment in 2018, the IRPA Young Generation Network (YGN) has created several dynamics under the framework of its Strategic Agenda to promote the representation of the young generation, professional development, experience transfer, relationship and communication of students, young professionals and scientists in radiation protection and its allied fields. This article first reports on the activities performed from 2018 until today, with highlights on some important events, collaborations and publications. The IRPA YGN have made these achievements with the essential support of its Leadership Committee, the various national Young Generation Networks, and the IRPA organization and its Associate Societies. Then, the insights and experiences obtained from these activities are discussed and used to inform how the IRPA YGN aims to achieve its on-going activities and continue to follow the ways paved in the Strategic Agenda 2022–2024. It is expected that the identification of the backbone elements supporting a young generation network and also the very specific challenges can be useful for the future management of the IRPA YGN and existing national YGN and inspire the creation of other young generation networks.
Ethics of (radiological) protection of the environment
Authors: Zölzer F.
Published: December 2024

Protection of the environment against the harmful effects of ionising radiation was mentioned in both ICRP Publication 26 (1977) and Publication 60 (1991), but it was at the time assumed that ‘if man is adequately protected then other living things are also likely to be sufficiently protected.’ A decade later, Publication 91 (2003) recognised that the ‘Impact of Ionising Radiation on Non-human Species’ was an independent topic worthy of attention. It was in this publication that the ICRP first explicitly addressed ethical issues. It discussed the importance of different philosophical worldviews regarding the environment, such as anthropocentrism and biocentrism, and identified some internationally agreed upon ethical principles relevant for radiological protection of the environment, namely sustainable development, conservation, preservation, maintenance of biological diversity, environmental justice, and human dignity. These partly overlap with the core ethical values identified in Publication 138 (2018) on the ‘Ethical Foundations of the System of Radiological Protection’: beneficence/non-maleficence, prudence, justice, and dignity. The latter document does give a certain weight to environmental issues, but it does not clearly distinguish between questions of environmental health (the effects of environmental factors on human health) and environmental integrity (the effects of the same factors on non-human species and whole ecosystems). It is argued here that the ethics of (radiological) protection of the environment needs to be considered in its own right, even if it is not beyond the scope of Publication 138.
Radiological protection and the public – NORM and communicating the risks
Authors: Hondros J. , Gellermann R.
Published: December 2024

Naturally Occurring Radioactive Materials (NORM) is a complex area, covering a range of industries and practices that do not normally associate with radioactivity. In these industries and practices, risks need to be managed in perspective in order to ensure that appropriate resources are allocated to the right risks. However, due to the perceptions already associated with the term ‘radioactivity’ and the uncertainty in the international approach to NORM, there are many practical difficulties. In recognition of the widespread difficulties with management of NORM, in 2019, the IRPA Executive established a task group (TG), with the aim of providing advice, guidance and assistance for the everyday practitioner on NORM in industry. The TG has brought together some of the world's leading experts in the area of NORM, and one of the key objectives of the TG is to produce a clear and simple handbook for practitioners. While this work is progressing, the TG has also been considering its role in providing international guidance on NORM and in providing input to the upcoming review of the ICRP system of protection and to provide practical thoughts to improve the ICRP system of protection.
Cognitive competences in preterm infants across the first year of life: Assessments of continuity, stability, coherence, prediction, and moderation by infant age and country of origin
Authors: Spinelli Maria , Putnick Diane L. , Shah Prachi E. , Bornstein Marc H.
Published: December 2024

Understanding of preterm infant cognitive competences across the first year of life is limited regarding the developmental constructs of continuity, stability, coherence, and predictive validity as well as how they manifest by age and country of origin. This prospective longitudinal study examined and compared mean-level continuity, individual-differences stability, and associations among several cognitive competences as well as their predictive validity across the first year of life in preterm infants (gestational age range = 26–33 weeks) from Chile ( n = 47), the United Kingdom ( n = 48), and the United States ( n = 50). Multiple cognitive competences (visual acuity measured with the Teller acuity card procedure; information processing duration of visual fixation and novelty preference examined with the Fagan Test of Infant Intelligence; Bayley Mental and Psychomotor Indexes) were evaluated at five different ages in preterm infants between 2 and 12 months in each country. The effects of infant age, country, and their interaction were examined. Visual acuity increased over time with different trajectories across countries, whereas duration of visual fixation decreased; both were stable across time. Novelty preference demonstrated continuity, but not stability across time and country. Associations among different cognitive competences varied by country. Across countries, duration of visual fixation predicted the Bayley Mental Development Index, and visual acuity predicted the Bayley Psychomotor Development Index. Cognitive competences develop in similar and dissimilar ways across the first year of life in infants born preterm from different countries. Cultural specificities and age variations are discussed. Study findings underscore the necessity to attend to specificities of domain, age, and place when assessing preterm infants’ cognitive competences.
An In-Depth Analysis of Youth Sport Coaches’ Perceptions of Sport Culture, Safety, and Injury Prevention
Authors: Ingram Brittany M. , Kossman Melissa K. , Vegt Christina B. Vander , McGill Catherine A. , Register-Mihalik Johna K.
Published: December 2024

Coaches are key stakeholders in the world of youth-organized sports. As key stakeholders, they are influential to the “culture of sport” and how it pertains to safety and injury in sport. However, little data exists to inform injury prevention intervention in youth sport. There is a critical need to understand the perceptions and norms that contribute to youth sport culture and coaches’ perceptions of this culture. The purpose of this study was to develop an understanding of youth sport coaches’ attitudes, perceptions, and norms regarding sport culture and injury. Thirty coaches were divided into five recorded focus groups. Following transcription, researchers utilized a consensual qualitative research framework. The research team individually coded data into themes and categories, meeting to attain a consensus on findings. An auditor controlled for bias. Participants highlighted three key areas related to the purpose of the study: (1) influences and expectations, (2) sport safety, and (3) education and development. Findings suggest that youth sport coaches view themselves as an integral component of sports culture, safety, and injury prevention. As such, coaches must build relationships with the community to provide a foundation for optimal sport and health outcomes.
Workplace Cyberbullying: Nature, Characteristics, and Implications
Authors: Ur Rehman Tansif
Published: December 2024

The information technology revolution has fundamentally altered company operations around the world. The Internet has significantly enhanced employee connectedness in the workplace, eclipsing the antiquated brick-and-mortar model. Nonetheless, as information technology advances, cyberbullying has grown in popularity in the professional environment. Cyberbullying is not geographically, temporally, or milieu-specific. Arguments concerning this ubiquitous danger have plagued scholars and professionals for several decades as they debated its conception, prevalence, and implications. The current research digs into many facets of cyberbullying to facilitate the creation of constructive policies and effectively manage the labor environment. Additionally, a few ideas and remedies are offered, as well as the future course of action for effectively addressing the crucial issue of cyberbullying.
Measuring 21st-century competencies: Development and validation of the information, media, and technology skills self-efficacy scale
Authors: Kayhan Osman , Korkmaz Özgen
Published: December 2024

This study aims to develop and validate the Information, Media, and Technology Skills Self-Efficacy Scale (IMTS-SES) based on the P21 framework. The data were collected in a three-stage process in Türkiye/Amasya, specifically from schools affiliated with the Ministry of National Education (MoNE). The scale was first distributed to 481 students to perform exploratory factor analysis. Secondly, the emerged model was tested through confirmatory factor analysis with the data from a different group of 230 students. Finally, the data were collected from 41 students for the test–retest reliability and the analysis demonstrated the stability of the scale. The validated scale consists of three factors and 17 items: technology literacy skill self-efficacy, information literacy skill self-efficacy, and media literacy skill self-efficacy. The required psychometric analyses indicated that the developed scale is a valid and reliable instrument, capable of measuring information, media, and technology skills self-efficacy of the middle school students according to the P21 framework.
Skills and competencies of academic librarians to use information technology tools in the digital era: A systematic literature review
Authors: Dube Tinyiko Vivian , Rammutloa Modiehi Winnie , Matatiele Refilwe
Published: December 2024

The systematic review analyzed 27 works of literature related to the skills and competencies needed by academic librarians to use information technology (IT) tools effectively in the digital age. The review is carried out following the recommended Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. Relevant literature was extracted from eight major academic databases, including EBSCOhost, Emerald Insight, Scopus, Sage Journal, Web of Science, Taylor and Francis, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar. The retrieved articles were exported to RefWorks to identify duplicates and screen articles meeting the inclusion criteria. Only articles that are empirical in nature, published in a peer-reviewed journal, written in English, published between 2020 and 2024 with affiliation from five countries (Nigeria, South Africa, Pakistan, India and the USA) and addressing either one or all the objectives of this study were used. The study determined various IT tools used in academic libraries to improve service delivery in terms of efficiency, accessibility, and quality. This trend requires librarians to develop advanced digital skills and competencies to cope with the digital world. The study also identified challenges encountered by academic libraries regarding the implemented IT tools. The recommendations based on the findings were outlined.