bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Considerations for adapting digital competencies and training approaches to the public health workforce: an interpretive description of practitioners’ perspectives in Canada
Authors: Iyamu Ihoghosa , Ramachandran Swathi , Chang Hsiu-Ju , Kushniruk Andre , Ibáñez-Carrasco Francisco , Worthington Catherine , Davies Hugh , McKee Geoffrey , Brown Adalsteinn , Gilbert Mark
Published: January 2025

Background

Widespread digital transformation necessitates developing digital competencies for public health practice. Given work in 2024 to update Canada’s public health core competencies, there are opportunities to consider digital competencies. In our previous research, we identified digital competency and training recommendations within the literature. In this study, we explored public health practitioners' experiences and perspectives on adapting identified digital competencies and training recommendations for Canada.

Methods

Between November and December 2023, we conducted an interpretive description using four focus groups with 19 public health practitioners working in regional and federal health authorities across Canada, with at least 3 years’ experience in current roles and experience using digital technologies in practice. We explored practitioners’ experiences using digital technologies and sought their opinions on how digital competency recommendations previously identified could be adapted to Canada’s context. To generate deep insights of practitioners’ subjective experiences and perspectives, we analyzed verbatim transcripts using Braun and Clarke’s reflexive thematic analysis.

Results

We identified three main themes: a) public health systems must evolve to support new digital competencies; b) strengthen the basics before extending towards digital competencies; and c) focus on building general digital competencies with options for specialization where necessary. Findings emphasized matching workforce digital competencies to public health system capabilities and meaningfully integrating digital competencies within existing curricula. Such integration can consider how digital technologies change current public health practice to ensure practitioners are better able to address contemporary public health problems. Findings demonstrated roles for specialized digital programs as resources for learning within health systems and emphasized hands-on real-world training approaches.

Conclusion

We need integrated, systems-focused approaches to digital competencies cutting across the current public health curriculum, while creating space for specialized digital public health competencies and roles. Further research is needed to understand requirements for enacting these recommendations in practice.
Reflection to enhance dental students´ awareness of and comfort with uncertainty – an experimental study
Authors: Brodén Joséphine , Fransson Helena , Vareman Niklas , Pigg Maria
Published: January 2025

Background

Uncertainty is present in many situations in dental practice, but must not prevent wise clinical decision-making. Dental education should acknowledge uncertainty and teach useful management strategies. This study explored if dental students are aware of, and comfortable with uncertainty. The aims were to (i) measure students’ comfort or discomfort with and awareness of uncertainty while conducting risk assessment, and (ii) investigate whether a reflection exercise makes the students more aware of, and comfortable with, uncertainty.

Methods

In January 2021, final-year students (n = 51) were randomized to either a structured written reflection exercise (intervention) or to a control exercise. Five months later, in June, each group was assigned the other exercise (cross-over design; ensuring a sufficient sample). Students’ statements of uncertainty and comfort were gathered using a developed questionnaire before and after the exercises. The students were blinded to which of the exercises was the intervention. The exercises and questionnaire were administered in mandatory sessions on an internet-based learning platform, ensuring anonymity and informed consent. Potential carryover effects were mitigated by analyzing intervention exercise data from both groups but control exercise data only from the first group.

Results

At baseline 80% (41/51) of the students stated feeling very uncertain, uncertain or neither certain nor uncertain about assessing the risk and 84% were comfortable or very comfortable with their ability to handle the situation, with no between-group differences. The majority, 57% (29/51) of the students stated that they thought an experienced colleague would feel certain or very certain. After the exercise in June, 36% (9/25) of the students exposed to the reflection exercise changed their statements on how certain they felt about their capacity to handle the case.

Conclusions

The exercise did not affect the awareness of uncertainty and the students’ comfort with it, as the majority of students stated already feeling comfortable in their ability to handle the situation at baseline. However, the reflection exercise highlighted the students’ perception that experience is important in managing uncertainty. There is a need for further research to better understand students’ and teachers’ perception and attitudes to uncertainty and its effective management.

Clinical trial number

Not applicable.
Exploring nursing students’ learning experiences within tripartite meetings in nursing home clinical placements: a qualitative study using video-stimulated recall interviews
Authors: Dalsmo Ingrid Espegren , Laugaland Kristin Alstveit , Billett Stephen , Ekra Else Mari Ruberg
Published: January 2025

Background

Nursing students’ clinical learning is premised on experiences in clinical placements in nurse education, with the processes and outcomes of tripartite meetings among the student, nurse preceptor and teacher being central components. The tripartite meetings form the basis and framework for stakeholders’ dialogue and collaboration and have the central purpose of facilitating student learning and development and assessing the students’ achievement against predetermined learning outcomes for the placement period. Students’ experiences with tripartite meetings seems to be an underexplored field, and therefor this study aimed to explore first-year nursing students’ learning experiences within tripartite clinical placement meetings in nursing homes.

Design and methods

A qualitative explorative and participatory approach was adopted in this study, using the video-stimulated interview method “stimulated recall— dialog and reflection”. This method is based on video recordings with subsequent interviews, where video excerpts were used to support reflection and dialogue. Twenty-one video-stimulated recall interviews were conducted with first-year nursing students (n = 7) to explore their learning experiences within the tripartite meetings.

Findings

Data was analysed using reflexive thematic analysis as described by Braun and Clarke. Four themes were identified: (1) the importance of structure and preparedness; (2) supportive relations and dialogue essential for learning; (3) a possibility to create a common learning focus; and (4) assessment needs to be comprehensive and performance focused.

Conclusions

This study highlights that tripartite meetings can be an excellent forum to support the nursing students’ learning process in their clinical placements. Still, consistent and systematic approaches to clinical placement supervision and assessment need to be developed continuously. Therefore, the study’s findings suggest that targeted efforts are warranted to optimise and enhance the learning potential offered in tripartite meetings in clinical education, such as paying a greater attention to the start-up conversation and facilitating comprehensive supervisory and assessment content in the meetings.
Chiropractic international research collaborative (CIRCuit): the development of a new practice-based research network, including the demographics, practice, and clinical management characteristics of clinician participants
Authors: Young Kenneth J , Aspinall Sasha , Mior Silvano , Gliedt Jordan , Spencer Joseph , Børsheim Christoffer , Nash Jennifer , Ricci Melinda , Shurr Jonathan , Axén Iben
Published: January 2025

Objectives

To describe the structure and development of a new international, chiropractic, practice-based research network (PBRN), the Chiropractic International Research Collaborative (CIRCuit), as well as the demographic, practice, and clinical management characteristics of its clinician participants. An electronic survey was used to collect information on their demographics, practice, and clinical management characteristics from clinicians from 17 October through 28 November 2022. Descriptive statistics were used to report the results.

Background

PBRNs are an increasingly popular way of facilitating clinic-based studies. They provide the opportunity to collaboratively develop research projects involving researchers, clinicians, patients and support groups. We are unaware of any international PBRNs, or any that have a steering group comprised of equal numbers of clinicians representing the different international regions.

Results

77 chiropractors responded to the survey (0.7% of EBCN-FB members). 48 were men (62%), 29 women (38%). Thirty-six (47%) were in North America, 18 (23%) in Europe, and 15 (19%) in Oceania. Participants reported predominantly treating musculoskeletal issues, often with high-velocity, low-amplitude spinal manipulation (95%), but also with soft tissue therapy (95%), exercise (95%), and other home care (up to 100%).

Methods

The development of CIRCuit is described narratively. Members of the Evidence-Based Chiropractic Network Facebook group (EBCN-FB) were invited to become clinician participants by participating in the survey.

Conclusions

This paper describes the development of a new PBRN for chiropractors. It offers a unique opportunity to facilitate the engagement of clinical chiropractors with research, as well as for academics to readily be able to access an international cohort of clinicians to collaboratively develop and conduct research. Although the results of the survey are not statistically generalisable, the initial cohort of CIRCuit clinician participants use similar techniques on similar types of conditions as the profession at large. The international structure is unique among PBRNs and offers the opportunity to help develop innovative research projects.
Barriers to and facilitators of point-of-care ultrasound utilization among physicians, nurse practitioners, and nurses in Japan: a comparative study
Authors: Yamada Toru , Kimura Takuma , Shigetomi Kyoko , Shinohara Takahiro , Ouchi Shuji , Mabuchi Suguru , Kusama Tomoko , Ishida Takeshi , Hashimoto Masayoshi
Published: January 2025

Background

Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) is a valuable skill for generalist physicians, nurse practitioners (NPs), and nurses; however, its utilization remains limited. This study was performed to investigate the current status, barriers, and facilitators of POCUS implementation among physicians, NPs, and nurses in family and hospital medicine in Japan and to identify differences in influencing factors between physicians and NPs/nurses.

Results

A web-based survey was distributed via the mailing lists of four major academic societies in general medicine in Japan—the Japanese Society of Hospital General Medicine, the Japan Primary Care Association, the Japanese Association for Home Care Medicine, and the Japan Society of Nurse Practitioner—from April to June 2024. The respondents included physicians, NPs, and nurses affiliated with these societies. Responses from other professions, duplicate entries, and incomplete surveys were excluded from the analysis, resulting in 913 valid responses (692 physicians and 221 NPs/nurses). Physicians reported a higher POCUS implementation rate than NPs/nurses (73.0 vs. 63.4%, p = 0.006). The top two barriers were consistent across both groups: lack of training opportunities (p = 0.385) and lack of image acquisition skills (p = 0.369). However, NPs/nurses reported significantly greater barriers than did physicians, including lack of mentors (p < 0.001), lack of interpretation skills (p = 0.007), lack of confidence (p < 0.001), poor access to ultrasound devices (p < 0.001), and absence of institutional guidelines (p < 0.001). The top facilitators for both groups were good access to ultrasound devices (p = 0.078) and increased training opportunities (p = 0.240), with no significant differences between them. Compared with physicians, NPs/nurses expressed a significantly higher demand for nearby mentors (p < 0.001), institutional support (p < 0.001), and POCUS certification (p = 0.005).

Conclusions

There is currently a lack of POCUS training opportunities across all professional roles. To promote POCUS adoption among NPs and nurses, it is essential to develop mentorship programs, establish institutional guidelines, and create an environment that enables NPs and nurses to perform POCUS confidently through measures such as certification programs.
Preoperative smoking cessation interventions: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Alsanad Mohammed , Aljanoubi Mohammed , Alenezi Faraj K. , Farley Amanda , Naidu Babu , Yeung Joyce
Published: January 2025

Background

Smoking is the leading single cause of preventable death in England and also increases the risk of postoperative complications. The preoperative period is a potential opportunity to introduce smoking cessation interventions to smokers to reduce the risk of postoperative complications. A systematic search was conducted to find all studies that investigated the effectiveness of preoperative smoking cessation interventions. The primary outcome was smoking cessation at surgical time to the last follow-up, and the secondary outcome was postoperative complications that required treatment or ICU admission. A random-effects meta-analysis was used to synthesize the outcomes. Sixteen studies were included in the review (3505 participants), and 14 studies were included in the meta-analysis (2940 randomized participants). The quality of evidence was moderate due to the high risk of bias and heterogeneity. We found that patients who were provided with a smoking cessation intervention had significantly increased odds of quitting smoking by the time of surgery compared with usual care, with a reported relative risk (95% CI) 1.64 (1.30–2.07) and at the longest follow-ups with RR (95% CI) 1.38 (1.12–1.70). Moreover, there was no difference found in the rate of postoperative complications between intervention and control conditions with RR (95% CI) 0.81 (0.62–1.06). The use of standardized outcome measurements is recommended to reduce heterogeneity for future studies, and further investigation focusing on patient perspectives is needed.

Trial registration

PROSPERO CRD42023423202.
Salivary proteomics and metaproteomics identifies distinct molecular and taxonomic signatures of type-2 diabetes
Authors: Samodova Diana , Stankevic Evelina , Søndergaard Mathilde Sonne , Hu Naiyu , Ahluwalia Tarunveer S. , Witte Daniel R. , Belstrøm Daniel , Lubberding Anniek Frederike , Jagtap Pratik D. , Hansen Torben , Deshmukh Atul S.
Published: January 2025

Background

Saliva is a protein-rich body fluid for noninvasive discovery of biomolecules, containing both human and microbial components, associated with various chronic diseases. Type-2 diabetes (T2D) imposes a significant health and socio-economic burden. Prior research on T2D salivary microbiome utilized methods such as metagenomics, metatranscriptomics, 16S rRNA sequencing, and low-throughput proteomics.

Results

We conducted ultrafast, in-depth MS-based proteomic and metaproteomic profiling of saliva from 15 newly diagnosed T2D individuals and 15 age-/BMI-matched healthy controls (HC). Using state-of-the-art proteomics, over 4500 human and bacterial proteins were identified in a single 21-min run. Bioinformatic analysis revealed host signatures of altered immune-, lipid-, and glucose-metabolism regulatory systems, increased oxidative stress, and possible precancerous changes in T2D saliva. Abundance of peptides for bacterial genera such as Neisseria and Corynebacterium were altered showing biomarker potential, offering insights into disease pathophysiology and microbial applications for T2D management.

Conclusions

This study presents a comprehensive mapping of salivary proteins and microbial communities, serving as a foundational resource for enhancing understanding of T2D pathophysiology. The identified biomarkers hold promise for advancing diagnostics and therapeutic approaches in T2D and its associated long-term complication
On the equation of motion in N = 4 supersymmetric Yang-Mills plasma
Authors: Zarrinkamar Saber
Published: January 2025

In this short note, an analytical solution to the equation of motion arising in the study ofdeep inelastic scattering off a N = 4 Yang-Mills Plasma is provided via the ansatz approach.It is demonstrated that without making an approximation the equation of motion which can betransformed into the general form of Heun differential equation for which closed form solutions areavailable if certain relations among parameters hold. Comments on the solutions and suggestionsfor possible further steps are provided.
Digital Ischemia Secondary to Ulnar Artery Puncture Successfully Treated by Brachial Plexus Block: A Case Report
Authors: Casey Ryan T. , Like Brian J.
Published: January 2025

After vascular puncture and catheterization, arteries can have many complications that impede blood flow such as vasospasm, thrombosis, and emboli generation, among other complications. Treatment depends on severity of ischemic symptoms and can range from as mild as applying local heat packs to surgical thrombectomy. We present a case of digital ischemia secondary to vascular puncture that was successfully treated with a supraclavicular nerve block, resulting in the vascular surgery team canceling an emergent surgery.
Managing Recurrent Carbon Dioxide Embolism During Laparoscopic Hepatectomy With Transesophageal Echocardiography Guidance: A Case Report
Authors: Pai Alex Y. , Rosecrance Katherine G. , Ding Andrew L. , Dhoon Taizoon Q. , Jutric Zelika , Rajan Govind R.
Published: January 2025

Carbon dioxide gas emboli is a potentially fatal complication that occurs more frequently during laparoscopic hepatectomy compared to other laparoscopic surgeries. The patient featured in this report had massive gas embolism confirmed by intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) that were associated with episodes of severe hypoxemia, hemodynamic instability, and right ventricular failure requiring conversion to open hepatectomy. Abrupt abdominal decompression resulted in massive hemorrhage from a previously undetected defect in the middle hepatic vein. The report demonstrates the successful management of gas embolism during laparoscopic hepatectomy even with a significant delay in vascular repair and highlights the critical role of TEE.
Health, the Body, and Female Authority in Ibn al-Ḥājj’s al-Madkhal
Authors: Stephan Tara
Published: January 2025

During the Mamlūk Sultanate (1250–1517), treatises on innovation, which detail new and corrupting religious practices, became popular. Ibn al-Ḥājj’s (d. 1336) al-Madkhal intertwines the legal concept of intention with innovation in a guidebook that enumerates problems in society ranging from religious rituals to holidays to medicine. This article approaches Ibn al-Ḥājj’s text by considering its genre, context, and themes of health and gender. Then it discusses his use of the category of intention as it relates to examples dealing with the female body and two case studies of female authority, which complicate our understanding of his views on masculinity and femininity, piety, and physical and spiritual health. The moments when Ibn al-Ḥājj considers women in positions of power reveal the variety of techniques he employs to enforce a proper gender hierarchy in which men have power over women. The text illustrates a tension between his ideal society and one that sometimes necessitates female authority, leading to differing methods of argumentation to reconcile the society in which he lives with the one he envisions.
Locating Subaltern Resistance and Resilience in Laila Lalami’s The Moor’s Account
Authors: Salam Wael J.
Published: January 2025

This article explores the thematic and aesthetic depictions of the colonized in Laila Lalami’s The Moor’s Account (2014) by extending the postcolonial theory of the subaltern. This Moroccan American novel reconstructs the colonial history of the sixteenth-century Spanish conquest narrated in Álvar Núñez Cabeza de Vaca’s 1542 Chronicle of the Narváez Expedition by giving voice to the slave Mustafa/Estebanico and other subaltern peoples, including female slaves and Native Americans. The protagonist Mustafa asserts his Muslim, Moroccan identity, which has been erased by Cabeza de Vaca’s chronicle. He also makes the reader attend to the colonized silenced by the colonizer’s hegemonic discourse. The Moor’s Account therefore opens new possibilities for rewriting the history of subaltern groups, their resilience, and their local forms of resistance to colonial powers, thus extending our understanding of subalternity.
Nup107 contributes to the maternal-to-zygotic transition by preventing the premature nuclear export of pri-miR427
Authors: Kostiuk Valentyna , Kabir Rakib , Levangie Kaitlin , Empke Stefany , Morgan Kimberly , Owens Nick D. L. , Lusk C. Patrick , Khokha Mustafa K.
Published: January 2025

Emerging evidence suggests that the nuclear pore complex can have unique compositions and distinct nucleoporin functions in different cells. Here, we show that Nup107, a key component of the NPC scaffold, varies in expression over development: it is expressed at higher levels in the blastula compared to the gastrula, suggesting a crucial role before gastrulation in Xenopus. We find that depletion of Nup107 affects the differentiation of the early germ layers leading to an expansion of the ectoderm at the expense of endoderm and mesoderm. By analyzing an RNA-sequencing time course, we observed that depletion of Nup107 affects the maternal-zygotic transition by delaying the degradation of maternal transcripts that occurs as zygotic transcription begins. The transcripts are enriched in recognition sites for miR427, a conserved microRNA that destabilizes maternal transcripts including REST, which encodes a Kruppel-type zinc-finger transcription factor that we demonstrate is crucial for ectodermal cell fates. Mechanistically, we show that Nup107 is required to prevent the premature export of pri-miR427 transcript before processing. Nup107 depletion leads to the reduced production of mature miR427 and maternal transcript stabilization. We conclude that high levels of Nup107 in the early embryo are crucial for the nuclear retention and subsequent processing of pri-miR427 transcripts that is required for timely maternal RNA clearance to enable gastrulation.
Knee strengthening after orthopedics surgery: A comprehensive analysis using key performance indicators to Guide Physical Therapists
Authors: Forelli Florian , Mazeas Jean , Nielsen-Le Roux Mathias , Moiroux Sahraoui Ayrton , Miraglia Nicholas , Bialy Maciej , Bouzekraoui Alaoui Ismail , Kakavas Georgios , Bjerregaard Andreas , Douryang Maurice
Published: January 2025

This article provides a comprehensive analysis of knee strengthening post-surgery, focusing on key performance indicators (KPIs) essential for recovery and performance enhancement. The study delves into the importance of range of motion (ROM), load management through repetitions maximum (RM) and velocity-based training (VBT), speed variations, repetition schemes for hypertrophy and strength, and the assessment of pain, inflammation, and effusion. Emphasis is placed on dynamic alignment, muscle activation, and rate of perceived exertion (RPE) to tailor individualized rehabilitation programs. The integration of these KPIs ensures a balanced approach, enhancing muscle strength and joint integrity while minimizing injury risk. Regular monitoring and adjustments based on these indicators are recommended to optimize outcomes and ensure sustained progress in knee function and overall mobility.
Wood Waste Valorization and Classification Approaches: A systematic review
Authors: KORBA AKRIVI , Lekawska-Andrinopoulou Lucyna , Chatziioannou Kostas , Tsimiklis Georgios , Amditis Angelos
Published: January 2025

This systematic literature review delves into various wood waste valorization and classification approaches, aiming to evaluate their efficacy in fostering sustainable wood resource management while enhancing the economic value of wood waste. By synthesizing findings from a diverse array of research studies, the review highlights the multifaceted nature of wood waste valorization, emphasizing the critical role of sorting and separation technologies in ensuring high-quality recovery of materials. It also identifies the wood classification practices in Europe, which are crucial for creating a harmonized valorization framework that aligns technological advancements with regulatory standards. The analysis reveals that integrating these components—technologies, sorting methods, and classification practices can significantly improve the overall efficiency and effectiveness of wood waste management. Furthermore, the review identifies existing gaps in research and practice, providing actionable recommendations for stakeholders aiming to optimize wood valorization waste systems. These recommendations emphasize the necessity for a holistic approach and a clearly defined, comprehensive framework for wood valorization that considers all elements involved in the process. By addressing these areas, the review not only aims to contribute to the body of knowledge in wood waste valorization but also seeks to promote sustainable practices that benefit both the environment and the economy, paving the way for a more circular approach to wood resource utilization.
Genomic findings with familial implications: agenda setting in light of mainstreaming
Authors: Phillips Amicia , Van Steijvoort Eva , Siermann Maria , Kuiper Janneke M.L. , Mendes Álvaro , de Montgolfier Sandrine , Vendel Petersen Helle , Rosén Anna , Van Esch Hilde , Pasquier Laurent , Vears Danya F. , Patch Christine , Van Hoof Wannes , Newson Ainsley J. , Bulk Saskia , van El Carla , Dancet Eline , Rial-Sebbag Emmanuelle , Mitchell Colin , Borry Pascal
Published: January 2025

An international workshop was held in Leuven, Belgium, on June 19–20, 2023, to discuss the communication of genetic risk information within families in the context of personalized prevention. Organized as part of the Horizon Europe project PROPHET (PeRsOnalised Prevention roadmap for the future HEalThcare in Europe), the event gathered interdisciplinary stakeholders to explore the benefits and challenges of various policy approaches for returning genetic test results with implications for family members. Five key themes emerged from the discussions: (1) recognizing family communication as an ongoing process, (2) adopting a family-centered approach rather than an individual one, (3) clarifying roles and responsibilities in the communication process, (4) addressing the lack of clear guidelines and policies, and (5) ensuring sufficient resources. To enhance family communication of genetic risk information, participants emphasized the importance of improving pre-test counseling and follow-up procedures, implementing policies to clarify roles and responsibilities, and providing training for healthcare professionals both within and outside genetic services.
The genome sequence of a sawfly, Abia candens Konow, 1887
Authors: Cunningham Andrew , Halstead Andrew ,   Natural History Museum Genome Acquisition Lab,   Darwin Tree of Life Barcoding collective,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life Management, Samples and Laboratory team,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Scientific Operations: Sequencing Operations,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life Core Informatics team,   Tree of Life Core Informatics collective,   Darwin Tree of Life Consortium
Published: January 2025

We present a genome assembly from an individual male specimen of Abia candens (sawfly; Arthropoda; Insecta; Hymenoptera; Cimbicidae). The genome sequence has a total length of 261.00 megabases. Most of the assembly (82.7%) is scaffolded into 16 chromosomal pseudomolecules. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled and is 19.72 kilobases in length.
The genome sequence of the liver fluke Opisthorchis viverrini (Poirier, 1886) Stiles & Hassall, 1896
Authors: Wangwiwatsin Arporn , Kulwong Siriyakorn , Phuyao Chitsakul , Titapun Attapol , Loilome Watcharin , Klanrit Poramate , Namwat Nisana , Sithithaworn Paiboon , Doyle Stephen R. , Berriman Matthew , Crellen Thomas ,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life Management, Samples and Laboratory team,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Scientific Operations: Sequencing Operations,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life Core Informatics team,   Tree of Life Core Informatics collective
Published: January 2025

We present a genome assembly from a specimen of Opisthorchis viverrini (liver fluke; Platyhelminthes; Trematoda; Opisthorchiida; Opisthorchiidae). The genome sequence has a total length of 627.20 megabases. Most of the assembly (97.89%) is scaffolded into 6 chromosomal pseudomolecules. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled and is 18.04 kilobases in length.
Coordinates of modern Urbanism: a new humanitarian perspective
Authors: Savchyenko Irina , Kozlova Yuliya
Published: January 2025

Modern urban studies has a chance to offer the scientific community a research model (coordinate system) that significantly expands the possibilities of urban research, giving them a comprehensive and systematic character. The monograph combines the materials of the best reports presented at the international scientific conference "Coordinates of Modern Urbanism: a turn towards humanism".
For a wide range of readers.
Biopolityczne ruchy tożsamościowe i racjonalność materialna. Przyczynek do dyskusji o potrzebie nowej wersji teorii krytycznej
Authors: Bulira Waldemar
Published: January 2025

BIOPOLITICAL IDENTITY MOVEMENTS AND MATERIAL RATIONALITY. A CONTRIBUTION TO THE DISCUSSION ON THE NEED FOR A NEW VERSION OF CRITICAL THEORY
In the article, the author argues for the need to formulate a new version of critical theory. This would be a theory that, unlike the proposal developed by members of the Frankfurt School, builds its identity around the so called substantive (material) rationality. According to the author of the paper, the usefulness of this new version of critical theory is revealed when it is applied to the phenomena occurring in the postmodern public sphere, especially in the context of the analysis of biopolitical identity movements. The article consists of three parts. The first briefly recalls the main critical arguments made by Frankfurters against instrumental rationality. The second attempts to define the concept of substantive rationality. The last – third – part of the article, the author begins with a definition of biopolitics, and then focuses his attention on a specific version of it, which are the aforementioned biopolitical identity movements.
Pokój jako wartość
Authors: Karwat Mirosław
Published: January 2025

PEACE AS A VALUE. AN AXIOLOGICAL PATH FOR THE POLITICAL SCIENTIST
The object of peace research in political science can and should not only be the totality of the conditions and forms of the existence of this phenomenon (to which the analytical-diagnostic concept of peace corresponds) or the normative regulation of relations between states to establish, restore or guarantee peace in specific historical and legal circumstances. The axiological context of the notion of peace – that is, considering peace in terms of values – also deserves reflection. Then, however, it is not only the utilitarian, pragmatic value of peace as a favourable, secure state of affairs that comes into play, but above all the abstract, universalist idea of peace as a moral value dictated by humanism and humanitarianism. An idea that fulfils a multiple role: a rule of conduct in relations of coexistence and potential competition or conflict, a model of a desirable type of coexistence, a long-range or immediate goal, a tool for the realisation of other goals and values. And also – a factor of positive motivation in diplomatic and educational activities, in economic and cultural cooperation. With reference to specific historical situations and the attitudes of specific political forces, leaders, the researcher has to determine whether, in a given context, peace is treated as a universal value or only particularly and occasionally convenient; whether it is for the participants in the interaction an absolute, unconditional and intrinsic value or, on the contrary, a relative (relativised) value, respected or pushed conditionally and selectively; whether it is an end in itself or only a means of achieving the right goals. It is also difficult to avoid the seemingly trivial level of the issue: if peace is a value, then how much is it worth concretely and practically under the given circumstances, what price are we prepared to pay for peace. It is precisely such questions that are key to analysing the motivations, intentions, calculations and decisions made by politicians.
Teoretyczne, prawne i polityczne konteksty funkcjonowania państw de facto w stosunkach międzynarodowych
Authors: Krzyżanowska-Skowronek Iwona
Published: January 2025

THEORETICAL, LAW AND POLITICAL CONTEXTS OF THE FUNCTIONING OF DE FACTO STATES IN INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
The issue of the functioning of de facto states in the international environment, its importance and the problems faced by the communities that create them, as well as other political entities, cannot be enfolded by one field of knowledge. Although the question appears to be within the scope of international law, disputes between legal theories do not address the political causes and effects of current recognition practices. States, as creators of international law, have no political interest in changing the ways of recognising new state entities, because they are afraid of weakening their own position and the international system that is based on them. Theoretical analysis in the field of international relations theory offer another important research perspective to this issue, although classical and critical theories differ significantly in their assessment and proposed solutions.
Hands-on with latest innovations in ophthalmology
Authors: Kalteniece Alise , O'Donnell Clare
Published: January 2025

Dr Alise Kalteniece and Prof Clare O'Donnell report from the Optegra Eye Health Care & Zeiss Symposium
Optician rocks Brighton's i360
Authors: McCarthy-McClean Andrew
Published: January 2025

Andrew McCarthy-McClean reports on Optician's Eyes on Sustainability conference on the south coast
Diary of a Spectacle Designer
Authors: Davies Tom
Published: January 2025

Tom Davies appreciates the clinical innovations rewarded by the Worshipful Company of Spectacle Makers at a recent event
Digital device dryness
Authors: Wolffsohn James
Published: January 2025

James Wolffsohn blah looks into the latest studies into the effects of digital devices on eye health
Independents come out on top
Authors: Thébault Alice
Published: January 2025

Which?’s recent large-scale consumer survey revealed independent opticians were rated as the top choice for eye care. Alice Thébault reports
Budgeting the way ahead
Authors: Chaudhry Mo
Published: January 2025

Mo Chaudhry examines the recent autumn budget from an optical perspective
Unlocking Sustainability with Automation
Authors: Petrowisch Johannes
Published: January 2025

Interoperability, enabled by vendor-agnostic software, is critical to a successful twin transition to sustainability. Here are four steps to a successful twin transition.
Equipped for Automation
Authors: Hodges Carl
Published: January 2025

The importance of materials handling equipment means finding synergy between legacy equipment and modern automation.
Enhancing Accuracy in Population Mean Estimation with Advanced Memory Type Exponential Estimators
Authors: Singh Poonam , Sharma Prayas , Maurya Pooja
Published: January 2025

For a number of reasons, mean estimate is an essential sampling activity as it offers crucial information and forms the basis of statistical inference and judgement. In this study, we estimate the population mean using the Exponentially Weighted Moving Average (EWMA) statistic and provide generalized family of exponential estimators. The theoretical aspects of the suggested estimator are evaluated via rigorous mathematical derivations of the bias and mean square error (MSE), which are then compared to other exponential estimators that are already in use. Furthermore, a thorough simulation research is carried out to thoroughly assess the effectiveness and empirical performance of the suggested strategy. The results highlight how the estimator’s effectiveness is significantly increased when both recent and historical data are used in tandem.
Understanding the dynamics of research policy fellowships: an evaluative analysis of impacts and ecosystem effects
Authors: Benson-Egglenton Jessica , Flinders Matthew
Published: January 2025

Background:

Although research-to-policy (R2P) fellowships are increasingly used to facilitate mobility, promote knowledge-exchange, and support evidence-based policy making, the evaluation of these initiatives in terms of (multi-level) impacts and broader ‘ecosystem effects’ remains under-researched.

Aims and objectives:

The aim of this article is to evaluate the degree to which the first cohort of Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) Policy Fellows (2021–2023) can be seen as a successful pilot initiative. The broader objective being to make a distinctive and original contribution to the debate about ‘what works’ when it comes to promoting research–policy engagement and contribute to research impact evaluation methods.

Methods:

Two rounds of surveys were conducted with fellows and hosts towards the beginning and middle of the scheme. Survey data was then used to design a semi-structured interview framework. Interviews were conducted with 18 fellows and ten representatives from policy host institutions. A thematic analysis of interview transcripts was then conducted using qualitative data analysis software.

Findings:

The central argument of this article is that although the early-stage evaluative evidence suggests that the ESRC Policy Fellows initiative ‘worked’ in terms of its primary ambitions, significant questions exist in relation to systemic concerns that may well limit medium- and long-term impact attainment.

Discussion and conclusion:

As facilitating the mobility of people, knowledge and talent across traditional disciplinary, professional and institutional boundaries continues to form a key driver within the research, development and innovation ‘ecosystem’, the results of rare cohort evaluation studies such as the one outlined in this article take on added significance. Opportunities exist to refine and align future investments for maximum social and scientific value.
The gender gap in policy responsiveness in Spain
Authors: Tirado Castro Alejandro , Caihuelas Navajas Berta
Published: January 2025

This article examines whether politicians in Spain address the political demands of women and men equally. Recent literature has consistently focused on understanding unequal responsiveness on the basis of social class and income level, ignoring a fundamental aspect that generates political inequality: gender. Our article follows a recent approach that seeks to establish the existence of unequal responsiveness based on gender, analysing data from almost the entire democratic period in Spain (1978–2018). The article shows that policymakers in Spain favour men’s preferences over women’s, especially on issues with high gender disagreement. Although this gap exists, it is often small and most pronounced when it comes to gender-specific issues. Additionally, women from lower socio-economic backgrounds face the most neglect, revealing compounded gender and class biases. The existence of left-wing governments or a stronger descriptive representation of women does not necessarily lead to a better consideration of women by political elites.
Simultaneous generation of a stepped-frequency signal and microwave frequency comb based on a dual recirculating frequency shift loop
Authors: Cheng Hui , Ma Jianxin
Published: January 2025

A scheme to generate a stepped-frequency (SF) signal and microwave
frequency comb (MFC) simultaneously based on a dual recirculating
frequency shift loop (RFSL) is proposed and demonstrated by
simulation. In a photoelectric RFSL (loop 1), the DPMZM generates two
first-order optical sidebands by the RF signal and RF pulse. The two
frequency components beat in a photodiode and produce a frequency
shift RF pulse, one part of which feeds back to the DPMZM to replace
the initial RF pulse. As the number of cycles increases, loop 1 can
output an SF signal. An optical RFSL (loop 2) is driven by the one
period of the SF shift signal from loop 1, generating an optical
frequency comb (OFC) with a linearly decreasing frequency spacing. The
OFC can be converted to multiple sets of equispaced MFCs by
self-heterodyne detection and MFC with linearly decreasing frequency
spacing by heterodyne detection. In a proof-of-concept simulation,
loop 1 successfully generates an SF signal consisting of five
sub-pulses with the frequency increasing from 6 to 10 GHz in a
frequency increment of 1 GHz. The OFC output from loop 2 is
converted into five sets of MFCs with different frequency bands,
frequency spacings, and comb lines by self-heterodyne detection, whose
power fluctuations are less than 3 dB and SNRs are greater than
20 dB. It also generates MFC with a linearly decreasing
frequency spacing by heterodyne beating with an optical carrier via a
balanced photodiode, with a power fluctuation of less than
1.39 dB and a signal-to-noise ratio larger than 34 dB.
By adjusting the bandwidth of the EBPF and the frequency of the input
signals, the parameters of the SF signal and MFCs can be tuned
flexibly. By reconfiguring the driving RF signals, an RF signal with
decreasing frequency and MFC with a linearly increasing frequency
spacing can be generated.
Identification and quantitative analysis for atmospheric bioaerosols based on mixed fluorescence spectra
Authors: Jian Xiaojiao , He Tingyao , Li Jiaojiao
Published: January 2025

Using UV lidar to induce bioaerosol fluorescence is an effective method
for detecting atmospheric bioaerosols. In this work, vertex component
analysis, combined with the genetic algorithm, is proposed to analyze
the received fluorescence spectra from UV LIF lidar. The pure
components in the mixed fluorescence spectra are extracted using the
vertex component analysis method, and then the genetic algorithm is
adopted to fit the proportion of each component in the mixed spectra.
The echo signals of the UV LIF lidar are simulated using the Voigt
function at the excitation wavelength of 266 nm. All components
can be correctly identified. Low-frequency noise is one of the
significant interference factors when non-biological particles are
present in the atmosphere. For three mixed components—bacillus
subtilis, escherichia coli, and meadow oat pollen—the genetic
algorithm can predict the proportion of each component with high
accuracy, even in the presence of low-frequency noise. The stability
of the algorithm was also explored with mixtures of four and five
components, along with low-frequency noise. The residual predictive
deviation (RPD) for all cases ranged from 2.0 to 28.2. It was
concluded that the genetic algorithm can effectively predict the
proportions in the mixed fluorescence spectra.
Comparison of distributed and centralized quantum key management systems for meshed QKD networks
Authors: Wenning Mario , Berl Jonas , Fehenberger Tobias , Mas-Machuca Carmen
Published: January 2025

Recent developments in quantum key distribution (QKD) demonstrate the maturity of securing sensitive data against the emerging quantum computing threat. For QKD-secured long-haul and meshed optical transport networks (OTNs), quantum key management systems (QKMSs) are essential to overcome current distance limitations of available QKD devices. In this work, we present and compare two implementations of QKMSs, analyzing their scalability with an emulated QKD network (QKDN) utilizing recorded performance metrics from deployed QKD devices. First, we use a state-of-the-art Internet routing scheme, i.e., open shortest path first (OSPF), demonstrating that key management entities (KMEs) can solve the key routing problem utilizing distributed routing. Second, we apply software-defined networking (SDN) to implement centralized routing with a SDN controller. This paper compares distributed with centralized key routing regarding scalability, throughput, and latency. Both schemes facilitate up to six key relays between any pair of nodes in parallel with average key relay durations per hop below 300 ms given the Nobel-Germany topology and any-to-any demand matrix. With a network-wide joint key routing optimization in the SDN controller, up to 16.7% higher demands can be served compared to distributed key routing. Within the inherent compatibility of our study to network-function virtualization (NFV), we guideline future integration of QKMSs into deployed OTNs.
Near-metameric illumination changes affect visually perceived food attributes
Authors: Cebioglu I. , Mistry M. , Vasey R. , Hurlbert A.
Published: January 2025

Food color may signal vital food attributes, e.g., ripeness (yellow) or rottenness (brown) in a banana. Previous studies on the influence of color appearance on perceived food quality have typically used 2D images and confounded appearance changes with other factors. Here, using immersive viewing of real 3D naturalistic fruits and vegetables, we demonstrate that near-metameric changes in the illumination spectrum are sufficient to drive changes in perceived food quality, via changes in object color appearance alone, keeping all other contextual factors constant. Both hue and saturation changes induce perceived positive attribute changes, varying with the object and individual participant.
Effect of orbital angular momentum on self-focusing of Laguerre–Gaussian laser beams in magnetized plasma
Authors: Patil S. S. , Patil P. P. , Khandale K. Y. , Takale M. V. , Patil S. D.
Published: January 2025

This paper presents the propagation of high-power twisted Laguerre–Gaussian beams (LGBs) carrying orbital angular momentum in plasma. A paraxial-like approach to the phenomenon of self-focusing in the vicinity of the intensity maximum is adopted for both radial and vortex mode indices of LGBs. The nonlinear differential equation for the beam-width parameter of LGBs, as a function of the dimensionless distance of propagation in magnetized plasma, is obtained and solved numerically by using the fourth-order Runge–Kutta method. For the numerical appreciation of the results, the influence of orbital angular momentum (OAM) and the strength of the magnetic field on critical curves are specifically considered. A comparison is made between two different polarizations, i.e., left circular polarization (LCP) and right circular polarization (RCP), to emphasize the response of the medium.