bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of Electric Grid Transmission System Simulator for Human Factors Research
Authors: Li Ruixuan , McJunkin Timothy R. , Le Blanc Katya
Published: August 2024

Over the past decades, various technologies have been developed for electric grid operations to support clean energy, meet rising electricity demands, and address infrastructure concerns. However, the human factors aspect is often overlooked during rapid integration. Questions persist about how these technologies impact human performance. Simulators play a critical role in supporting investigation of human factors design concepts and conducting comprehensive usability testing to evaluate human performance and assess human reliability. This paper aims to address human factors research simulator requirements and conduct a comparative study of six different simulators. A detailed evaluation reveals that the evaluated simulators lack the ability to customize user interfaces. Additionally, their user interface designs do not fulfill the basic human factors design principles, potentially leading to increased response variability and reduced statistical power when conducting controlled experimental research. In the future, it is essential to develop scripting tools to integrate customizable user interfaces and simulation models, ensuring meeting research requirements.
Exploring Collaborative Patterns in Neurodiverse Teams: A Hidden Markov Model Approach Using Physiological Signals
Authors: Kim Sunwook , Wang Manhua , Fok Megan , Hornburg Caroline Byrd , Jeon Myounghoon , Scarpa Angela
Published: August 2024

Autistic individuals face challenges in successful employment, emphasizing the need for targeted workplace support. This study explored collaborative dynamics within neurodiverse teams during a simulated remote work task by applying Hidden Markov Models (HMMs) to heart rate data. Eighteen participants formed nine dyads: six nonautistic (NA-NA) pairs and three autistic-non-autistic (ASD-NA) pairs. Dyads completed two trials of a collaborative programming task over Zoom, alternating roles between trials. Heart rate data were collected, segmented, and transformed to extract features reflecting participants’ interactions. The final HMM was fitted with seven hidden states, and transition probabilities were derived for each dyad type. Results showed that NA-NA dyads exhibited more frequent transitions among states compared to ASD-NA dyads, potentially suggesting more varied interaction patterns. These findings demonstrate the utility of HMMs in capturing collaborative behaviors through physiological signals and highlight their potential in helping develop effective support strategies for neurodiverse teams.
K-12 Outreach: Experiential Learning in Human Factors with Laparoscopic Surgery Trainer Box
Authors: Chi Ethan , Cao Yuyuan , Chen Yufei , Wu Jiaqi , Oh Jinwoo , Deng Shiyu , Lau Nathan
Published: August 2024

Outreach programs can play a pivotal role in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education by providing hands-on experiences and exposure to real-world applications. These programs bridge the gap between classroom learning and practical engagement. The research team has developed a short experiential learning module built on training tasks in the Fundamental of Laparoscopic Surgery curriculum for K-12 students to learn about medical science, training and expertise, workstation design, teleoperations, statistics, and gamification/motivation. This outreach module is derived from a research project on studying expertise in surgery, illustrating the potential of translating a research platform into an outreach platform. In an ever-evolving technological world, our outreach module derived from research can serve as catalysts to develop students’ abilities to think analytically, problem solve, and adapt to challenges.
Investigating Training and Priming to Combat Phishing on Instagram Shop
Authors: Garcia Katherine R. , Chen Jing
Published: August 2024

Phishing attacks have been predominantly delivered through emails but have recently found new paths through social networking services (SNSs). Numerous methods to combat email phishing have been tested, but few have been tested to combat phishing on SNSs. The current study investigated the efficacy of in-app training and priming to combat phishing attacks on an SNS, the Instagram Shop. This study manipulated priming, training type, and advertisement type through a mixed experimental design. Participants were tasked to view Instagram Shop advertisements to rate how likely they would recommend the products to their boss along with their reasoning for their ratings. Results showed that the text-with-image training effectively enhanced the likelihood of recommending legitimate advertisements and not recommending phishing ones. Overall, this study shows that the training implemented aided Instagram users in appropriately recommending phishing and legitimate advertisements, although priming was not seen to have an effect toward this goal.
Human-centric Metrics in Metaverse Evaluation
Authors: Liu Tianhang , Jeong Heejin
Published: August 2024

The Metaverse, encompassing virtually enhanced physical reality and physically persistent virtual space, holds vast potential applications yet faces developmental challenges. Technological advancements have alleviated many barriers, yet the realization of a successful Metaverse is still in its early stages. This study proposes a human-centered metric system to guide the design and evaluation of Metaverses. Departing from traditional approaches, it emphasizes human experience over technical concerns, defining five key attributes—Immersiveness, Usability, Social Capability, Creative Capability, and Perceived Privacy & Security. These metrics go beyond just usability and user experience but also a broader view that includes considerations of social and creative aspects of the overall system. Each metric is paired with more detailed quantifiable metrics, which provide the readers with actionable items for evaluating each human metric. Lastly, the significant implications of adopting human-centric metrics for evaluating Metaverse are discussed.
Market Analysis of Undergraduate Degrees Related to Human Factors, HCI, and UX
Authors: Gilbert Stephen B. , Pippin Sarah , Hoopingarner Steven , Kayser Tiffany , Winer Eliot
Published: August 2024

In December 2023, a search for undergraduate degrees related to HCI, UX, and human factors was conducted. Once a program was located, data was collected about the degree title, degree type, the program URL, the number of credits required, the home school or college of the program, and the terminology used in the marketing copy. Seventy degrees were found, with enormously varying titles. Of those, 46% contained the word “design,” and 39% contained “interactive” or “interaction.” Other terms such as “computing” (21%) and “human” (19%) were less prevalent, with “user experience” or “UX” in only 14%. When examining the home school or college that hosted the degree program, it was found at 24% of programs lived in design-focused units. The next highest category of host was Liberal Arts and Humanities (21%). These results may inform other human factors-related programs as they grow.
Comparing Intensity and Location-Based Tactile Change Detection Performance
Authors: Horde Lauren E. , Bertsch J. Michael , Riggs Sara L.
Published: August 2024

Transmitting information in the tactile channel is a promising solution in complex domains such as aviation and healthcare because it can offload the often oversaturated visual and auditory channels. While the tactile modality is a promising means of presenting information, the phenomenon of change blindness has been repeatedly demonstrated in the tactile modality. To deepen our understanding of the limitations of tactile information processing it is critical to fully understand how change blindness affects the sense of touch. This study directly compared location-based (i.e., when there is a change in the location of the tactile cue) and intensity-based (i.e., when there is a change in tactile cue intensity) change detection to examine whether changes in location and intensity can be considered equally susceptible to change blindness.
Identification of Organizational Factors Affecting the Safety of Operations: Foundation for Extending Human Reliability Analysis Methods
Authors: Tabibzadeh Maryam , Zaratsyan Davit , Jafary Hoda , Cheng Tingting , Ramos Marilia , Mosleh Ali
Published: August 2024

Organizational factors (OFs) have been identified as a major root cause of accumulated errors and questionable decisions made by personnel and management in different safety-sensitive industries. They have long been viewed by the probabilistic risk assessment community as important contributors to operational safety. Yet, the ambition to quantify OFs remains one of their “grand challenges.” Such a gap also exists in Human Reliability Analysis (HRA). Current HRA methodologies incorporate OFs as performance influencing factors (PIFs), such as training adequacy. However, current OFs definitions present inconsistency and cause overlaps among PIFs. Moreover, the mechanism on how OFs may affect human errors needs further exploration. Therefore, here, our objective is twofold: developing a comprehensive list of OFs affecting operational safety, through an exhaustive literature review, and categorizing those OFs and determining the categories that show the highest influence in the reviewed literature. This will be a foundation to incorporate OFs into HRA.
Quantitative Analysis of Eye-gaze Metrics in Differentiating Surgical Expertise
Authors: Oh Jinwoo , Lau Nathan
Published: August 2024

Eye-tracking plays a crucial role in understanding visual information processing and provides insights into cognitive behaviors. In medicine, gaze patterns help evaluate surgical expertise and training, revealing differences in cognitive workload and visual attention between experts and novices. However, these studies often rely on small sample sizes, limiting generalizability. This necessitates qualitative and quantitative methods to interpret the collective findings in the literature. While the literature contains selective or systematic reviews offering qualitative interpretations, meta-analyses is lacking. This study presents a meta analysis of eye-gaze metrics for assessing surgical expertise, focusing on fixation, and saccade related measures. Fixation frequency and duration, saccade length, and dwell time showed significant differences between expertise, but other metrics did not. Differences in task characteristics are attributed to the different results across measures. Variations in task characteristics explain these differences. advancing understanding of visual attention in medical professionals and informing training and assessment methodologies.
Exoskeleton Use During Lifting Tasks May Impair Physical and Cognitive Performances among Novice Users
Authors: Leibman Daniel , Choi HeeSun
Published: August 2024

Exoskeleton use may deteriorate the user’s performance on physical and cognitive tasks due to additional task demands, obstructed movement, and increased mental workload. This study examined if using unpowered exoskeletons during lifting tasks led to declines in performance on the visual attention and lifting tasks among novice users. Thirty-two participants who had no prior experience with exoskeletons completed stoop and squat lifting tasks with and without the use of back- and leg -support exoskeletons, during which they also had to detect the visual target presented in varying locations in the visual field. The results indicated that exoskeleton use led to slower lifting task performance and increased target detection errors. The findings suggest that novice users may experience physical interference, discomfort, and increased mental workload while wearing an exoskeleton.
Human Empowerṇṇment as a Key Component of Human-AI Robot Teaming
Authors: Piscopo Christian , Hughes James , Gillis Gabrielle
Published: August 2024

The present paper is based on a case study that aimed to provide evaluation tools for supporting human-centered design assessment of human-AI teaming in a virtual testbed environment. The authors worked from the lens of industrial/organizational psychology and human factors to identify a set of easily measurable constructs linked to relevant behaviors, subjective experiences, and worker well-being outcomes. The first of two major contributions is a description of the holistic approach employed that pointed to the importance of valuing user empowerment within a virtual testbed environment, with a review of empirical evidence that suggests worker empowerment is critical for both ensuring worker well-being and efficient and productive outcomes. Second, a set of theoretical propositions are developed highlighting the potential key role of empowerment in facilitating performance in human-AI teaming systems, thereby laying the foundation for future HF/E research in this area.
Neuromuscular and Movement Control Strategies With Soft Passive Low Back Exoskeleton Use During EMS-Specific Physical Agility Tests
Authors: Rana Mukherjee Tiash , Xavier Do Vale Gunter Tiago , Manchanda Eshan , Tyagi Oshin , Mehta Ranjana K.
Published: August 2024

Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) are at high risk of work-related low back injuries due to the physical demands of patient rescue and transfer operations. Despite training in proper lifting techniques and ergonomic interventions, there remains a gap in technology that can assist EMTs without hindering their movement or attention. Soft-passivelow- back exoskeletons (LBEs) are a potential solution. Previous research on LBEs has shown reduced muscular demands in the lower back, but studies have been limited to static holding or sagittal plane lifting. Our study investigates the use of a soft LBE in a dynamic work environment with physically and mentally demanding tasks, similar to those performed by EMTs. We evaluated the neuromuscular, kinematic, and subjective differences between control and exoskeleton conditions. Results indicated lowered muscular demands and improved kinematics however these benefits were task-specific. Interestingly, there was a mismatch between subjective perception of workload and effort during and after the tasks where EMTs were not able to recognize the benefits during the tasks.
Game On: Pioneering Human-Machine Teaming Research in Online Gaming Arenas
Authors: Klinefelter Zachary , Cohen Myke C. , Fouse Adam , Cooke Nancy , Huang Lixiao , Teo Aaron
Published: August 2024

This manuscript explores the use of online gaming environments to enhance human-machine teaming (HMT) research. Traditional HMT studies often struggle with participant recruitment, engagement, and ecological validity. Leveraging platforms like Minecraft, we discuss the integration of gamification to boost engagement and retention, simulate complex team dynamics, and expand recruitment reach. A case study within DARPA’s ASIST program demonstrated successful participant recruitment and data collection using competitive gaming elements and other incentives. The findings highlight the potential of online games for robust HMT research, suggesting future studies to explore scalability, transferability of results, and the balance of intrinsic and extrinsic motivators for optimal engagement.
Differences in Self-Rated Worker Outcomes Across Stress States: An Interim Analysis of Hybrid Worker Data
Authors: Parga Madeline R. , Roll Shawn C. , Lucas Gale M. , Becerik-Gerber Burcin , Narayanan Shrikanth
Published: August 2024

Stress experiences can have dire consequences for worker performance and well-being, and the social environment of the workplace is a key contributor to worker experience. This study investigated the relationship between hybrid workers’ self-ratings of productivity, mood, and stress with perceptions of positive (eustress) and negative (distress) stress states. We hypothesized that self-ratings would vary across combinations of eustress and distress experiences and that these differences would differ based on the social context. Ecological momentary assessments (EMA) were used to obtain ecologically valid data at four data points each workday across a 4-month study period in a cohort of seven office workers. Findings aligned with the Yerkes–Dodson law, such that higher states of arousal were associated with greater self-perceived productivity, and higher stress magnitudes were found when distress existed. Compared to other states, eustress was associated with higher productivity in work-related activities and better mood across all activity types.
Exploring the Social Contexts of Exoskeleton Design and Implementation in Long-Term Care: A Study of Nurses and Nurse Managers with Musculoskeletal Disorders
Authors: Scheer Eleanore Rae , Atweh Jad A. , Arora Jessica , Thompson Elizabeth , Murray Jaiden , Sellers Elvie , Srinivasan Divya , Valdez Rupa S.
Published: August 2024

Nurses face significant physical demands during patient care, leading to high rates of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among nurses in long-term care. Exoskeletons demonstrate promise in supporting nurses and nurse managers with MSDs; however, social contextual factors are crucial to their design and implementation. Through thematic analysis of 17 semi-structured interviews, this paper reveals social contextual factors important to exoskeleton use among nurses and nurse managers in long-term care. Participants expressed concerns about workplace discrimination, co-worker perceptions of their capabilities, and patient confidence. Our findings highlight the need for supportive organizational cultures and open communication channels. Recommendations include in-depth systems analysis to assess exoskeleton feasibility and efficacy, involving input from frontline nurses/managers, management, and patients. These findings can aid human factors and ergonomics (HF/E) experts in balancing social contextual factors and other work system elements to design work system contexts and exoskeletons that promote optimal outcomes in long-term care settings.
An Exploration of Users’ Trust in and Willingness to Pay for Fully Driverless Vehicles After Their First Ride
Authors: Wang Zhenyu , Hu Haolong , Sun Meng , He Dengbo
Published: August 2024

Autonomous Vehicles (AVs) have the potential to bring in social benefits. However, realizing these benefits depends on users’ attitudes toward AVs. Previous research primarily relied on surveys and simulations to explore users’ trust and willingness to pay (WTP) for fully driverless AVs, which may not fully represent real-world experiences. Thus, for the first time, we invited participants to ride driverless AVs commercially running on public roads. All participants had no prior AV riding experience. During the experiment with a 15-kilometer urban ride, participants’ trust and WTP were measured before and after the ride. Unlike previous research, participants’ driving-related experience was not found to affect their trust in and acceptance of AVs. In contrast, the first ride experience boosted participants’ trust in AVs, and high openness in personality traits was associated with higher trust. The findings suggest that offering incentives for a first ride may increase participants’ acceptance of AVs.
Experts and Non-Experts Use Diagnostic Aids Inefficiently
Authors: Bartlett Megan L. , McCarley Jason S.
Published: August 2024

Studies benchmarking automation-assisted decision making against models of optimal use have shown that assisted performance is highly inefficient. However, these exercises have used novice populations performing simplified decision tasks, limiting their generalizability. Cao et al. (2023) described a machine learning algorithm capable of screening CT scans for early signs of pancreatic cancer with an extremely high sensitivity (area under the curve ≥ 98.5%) and demonstrated that the algorithm improved human clinicians’ diagnoses. We reanalyzed the data of Cao et al. (2023) to assess the efficiency of the clinicians’ aid use. Assisted performance was highly inefficient, roughly matching the predictions of a model that assumes participants randomly defer to the aid’s advice with a probability of 50%. Moreover, aid use was equally poor across varying levels of clinician expertise. The results replicate previous findings of poor decision aid use and confirm that they generalize to real-world tasks using expert decision makers.
Effects of Glass Transmittance, Font Brightness and Font Size on Text Legibility in LCD Home Appliance Interface
Authors: Sohn Minjoon , Hong San , Kim Namhee , Jeong Sungwoo , Park Woojin
Published: August 2024

This study experimentally investigated the impacts of major design variables of a liquid crystal display (LCD) home appliance control interface on interface text legibility. The home appliance of interest was a washing machine. The experimental setup simulated a real-world washing machine usage condition challenging in terms of visual information processing. Independent variables were surface glass transmittance (25%, 50%, and 75%), font brightness (60%, 75%, and 100% at 25, 44, and 90 cd/m²), and font height (3, 5, and 7 mm). Response time (RT) and proportion of errors (PE) were employed as the dependent measures. Regression analysis was conducted to analyze data. The results showed that: (a) an increase in the font height resulted in decreases in RT and PE, and (b) increasing glass transmittance and font brightness reduced RT and PE for the 3 and 5 mm font heights. The study findings would inform the design of home appliance control interfaces.
ACESO: An Optimized System for Collecting Granular Data on Patient Care Sequences and Infection Prevention Practices
Authors: Pereira Da Silva Jaqueline , Herwaldt Loreen A.
Published: August 2024

Recent outbreaks of viral respiratory or resistant bacterial pathogens underscore the critical importance of infection prevention and control (IPC) measures in safeguarding healthcare professionals (HCPs), patients, and the environment against transmission of infectious agents. To identify the root causes of suboptimal IPC practices, such as low hand-hygiene (HH) compliance and improper personal protective equipment (PPE) use, we created the Applied Care Event Sequence Observation (ACESO) system. We used human factors engineering concepts to evaluate various observational tools developed for prior studies and create ACESO’s highly structured data-collection form and related electronic data-entry and compilation templates. The ACESO system streamlined the collection, entry, and initial analysis of granular data about patient-care sequences. Our initial findings revealed concerning trends, particularly regarding suboptimal HH compliance observed during HCP’s patient-care processes. Additionally, our observations revealed instances of HCPs touching various surfaces with potentially contaminated gloves, heightening the risk of cross-contamination within healthcare units.
Assessing Clinician Experience: Contributions from Human Factors
Authors: Herout Jennifer , Maddox Kyle , Neville Kelly J. , Patterson Emily S. , Perry Shawna J. , Roth Emilie M.
Published: August 2024

Evidence points to the critical importance of creating a positive clinical experience to maintain a well-functioning healthcare system. Despite its importance, there is little guidance on how to assess clinical user experience. While there does not yet appear to be consensus on critical domains of clinical experience, most components that appear in the literature or as categories in proprietary descriptions include areas in which human factors can and should have an impact. Panelists will discuss their experiences with various approaches to assessing clinical user experience and associated advantages and disadvantages. Specific approaches discussed include how technical and system data can be triangulated with other data, use of MITRE’s Resilience-Aware Development structured observation form (RAD-O), application of various survey strategies, and application of a work-centered approach to evaluation. A clinician also brings the perspective of the impact of using multiple electronic health records simultaneously on user experience.
Thematic Analysis of Interviews With U.S. Space Force Guardians on Multi-Agent System Teams in Space
Authors: Melles Lydia , Scrapchansky Sara , Miles Samantha , Morales Kiara , Niemeyer Richard E. , de Visser Ewart J. , Tossell Chad , Phillips Elizabeth
Published: August 2024

A vision for the future of space exploration and operation is one in which people live and work in space as members of human–multi-agent teams, comprised of humans, robots, and other artificially intelligent agents. As such, people’s opinions on robotics and AI, especially the opinions of those who will likely be users of such systems, should be taken into account for system requirements, design, and implementation. This work analyzes interviews conducted with U.S. Space Force (USSF) Guardians to ascertain these opinions. Overall, USSF Guardians expressed an understanding of the limitations and benefits of what humans have to offer versus what AI and robotic systems do, such as differences in emotional variability and decision making abilities. Also discussed is the desire for limitations to be placed on these types of systems so that humans are always involved in certain tasks. And finally, USSF Guardians described what aspects of their work they believe could benefit from a robotic AI system. These themes could be translated into concrete design features, such as task allocation, of multi-agent systems that are not only successful, but desirable for users to work with.
Investigating Factors Influencing Construction Worker Productivity: The Case of the Middle East
Authors: Yunis Tala , Srour Issam , Zahed Karim
Published: August 2024

Construction labor productivity (CLP) is a critical factor influencing the success of projects, especially in regions like the Middle East where unique challenges, such as extreme weather and complex labor dynamics, are prevalent. Despite the growing interest in improving CLP globally, research in the Middle East remains limited. This review aims to identify the most significant factors affecting CLP in the region, including managerial practices, labor characteristics, worker motivation, technical challenges, and external factors. Additionally, the potential of wearable technology to monitor fatigue and enhance productivity is explored, as it remains an underutilized tool in Middle Eastern construction sites. Findings from this review emphasize the need for tailored, region-specific strategies to improve CLP and drive efficiency in construction projects.
Incidence and Impact on Quality of Life of Heavy Menstrual Bleeding in Women on Oral Anticoagulant Therapy
Authors: Hassan Naseerah , Schapkaitz Elise , Rhemtula Haroun , Ncete Nolukholo
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Heavy menstrual bleeding affects up to two thirds of women on oral anticoagulation. The rates of heavy menstrual bleeding, its impact on quality of life and associated risk factors in women attending anticoagulation clinics in South Africa are largely unknown.

Materials and Methods

A prospective cohort study was performed over an eight-month period in women on Warfarin (n = 30) and Rivaroxaban (n = 27) for a median [interquartile range] duration of 15.5 [78.0] months attending an anticoagulation clinic in Johannesburg, South Africa. Heavy menstrual bleeding was assessed over one menstrual cycle using the validated pictorial blood loss assessment charts (PBAC) and the menstrual bleeding questionnaire (MBQ).

Results

In this population of predominantly African ethnicity, with a median age of 39 [8] years, 39 (68.4%) women experienced heavy menstrual bleeding, defined as a PBAC score of >100. Median cycle length on anticoagulation and MBQ scores were significantly higher among women with a PBAC score of >100 (p > 0.05). Univariate analysis identified Rivaroxaban as a risk factor for heavy menstrual bleeding (OR 5.03, 95% CI 1.40–18.12). Heavy menstrual bleeding required treatment in 29 (74.4%) women which included management of iron deficiency, anti-fibrinolytics, modification of anticoagulation and hormonal contraception.

Conclusion

Heavy menstrual bleeding was associated with a considerable negative impact on quality of life. This was most significant for women on Rivaroxaban as compared to Warfarin. It is essential to monitor and appropriately treat heavy menstrual bleeding in at risk women on anticoagulant treatment.
Do Investment and Code Enforcement Mitigate the Criminogenic Effects of Commercial Places on City Streets?
Authors: Acolin Arthur , Tillyer Marie Skubak , Walter Rebecca J.
Published: August 2024

Communities and their residents need access to commercial places that provide core goods and services (e.g., retail stores, banks, grocery stores, and restaurants). These place types, however, are often associated with higher levels of crime, though there is within-place type variability. This study explores whether investment in the form of building permits and public regulation in the form of code enforcement moderates the criminogenic effects of commercial places on city streets. Using data from a diverse set of U.S. cities, we estimate the relationship between commercial places and crime on street segments over time, and the extent to which building permits and code enforcement moderate the relationships. The findings indicate that commercial places are positively associated with crime on street segments, while building permits and code enforcement are negatively associated with crime. Moreover, building permits significantly temper the criminogenic effects of commercial places. The moderating effect of code enforcement on the relationship between commercial places and crime, however, is inconsistent across cities and crime types. We discuss the implications for community and economic development and public safety.
Refining HPCToolkit for application performance analysis at exascale
Authors: Adhianto Laksono , Anderson Jonathon , Barnett Robert Matthew , Grbic Dragana , Indic Vladimir , Krentel Mark , Liu Yumeng , Milaković Srđan , Phan Wileam , Mellor-Crummey John
Published: August 2024

As part of the US Department of Energy’s Exascale Computing Project (ECP), Rice University has been refining its HPCToolkit performance tools to better support measurement and analysis of applications executing on exascale supercomputers. To efficiently collect performance measurements of GPU-accelerated applications, HPCToolkit employs novel non-blocking data structures to communicate performance measurements between tool threads and application threads. To attribute performance information in detail to source lines, loop nests, and inlined call chains, HPCToolkit performs parallel analysis of large CPU and GPU binaries involved in the execution of an exascale application to rapidly recover mappings between machine instructions and source code. To analyze terabytes of performance measurements gathered during executions at exascale, HPCToolkit employs distributed-memory parallelism, multithreading, sparse data structures, and out-of-core streaming analysis algorithms. To support interactive exploration of profiles up to terabytes in size, HPCToolkit’s hpcviewer graphical user interface uses out-of-core methods to visualize performance data. The result of these efforts is that HPCToolkit now supports collection, analysis, and presentation of profiles and traces of GPU-accelerated applications at exascale. These improvements have enabled HPCToolkit to efficiently measure, analyze and explore terabytes of performance data for executions using as many as 64K MPI ranks and 64K GPU tiles on ORNL’s Frontier supercomputer. HPCToolkit’s support for measurement and analysis of GPU-accelerated applications has been employed to study a collection of open-science applications developed as part of ECP. This paper reports on these experiences, which provided insight into opportunities for tuning applications, strengths and weaknesses of HPCToolkit itself, as well as unexpected behaviors in executions at exascale.
Ultrasonic Doppler as a guide for feline peripheral arterial catheterization
Authors: Haginoya Satoshi , Thomovsky Elizabeth J , Weng Hsin-Yi , Johnson Paula A , Brooks Aimee C
Published: August 2024

Objectives

The study aimed to determine if an ultrasonic Doppler-guided technique (UDGT) leads to improved placement efficacy (time, success) of feline dorsal pedal arterial catheters vs the traditional palpation-guided technique (TPT).

Methods

A total of 26 adult, client-owned cats requiring sedation or general anesthesia for any reason, aged >12 months and weighing >3.0 kg, and with Doppler blood pressure measurements of at least 80 mmHg were enrolled. Each hindlimb was randomly assigned for dorsal pedal arterial catheterization using either the UDGT or TPT. With the UDGT, the location of the artery was identified by an audible sound using the Doppler. Successful catheter placement was confirmed by visualization of an arterial pressure waveform using a transducer and monitor system attached to the catheter. The Kaplan–Meier method and log-rank test were used to compare the two techniques.

Results

The overall proportion of successful arterial catheterization was 17% (9/52): 19% (5/26) via UDGT and 15% (4/26) via TPT. Among successful arterial catheterizations (n = 9), the mean time to catheterization was 339 ± 198 s: 328 ± 237 s (n = 5) with UDGT and 353 ± 171 s (n = 4) with TPT. The log-rank test showed the two techniques were not significantly different in likelihood of successful arterial catheter placement or time to successful catheterization ( P = 0.698). An arterial flash occurred in 62% (32/52) of the limbs, 58% (15/26) with the UDGT and 65% (17/26) with the TPT. Complications (self-limiting bruising, hematoma formation) were observed equally between UDGT (3/26 limbs) and TPT (3/26 limbs) in six cats.

Conclusions and relevance

The UDGT did not improve the efficacy of catheter placement compared with the TPT. Few complications were associated with arterial catheterization.
Prevalence of Hyperuricemia and Associated Factors Among Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Northwestern Tanzania: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Abdel Kulthum A. , Kalluvya Samuel E. , Sadiq Abid M. , Ashir Abdel , Masikini Peter I.
Published: August 2024

Background:

There has been increasing evidence of the association between hyperuricemia and diabetes mellitus (DM). In the general population, hyperuricemia has been associated with pre-diabetes. In DM patients, hyperuricemia has been associated with poor outcomes.

Objectives:

The objective was to determine the proportion of hyperuricemia and associated factors among patients with type 2 DM in Mwanza, Tanzania.

Design:

This was a cross-sectional study.

Methods:

This study was conducted from January to March 2023 among patients with type 2 DM attending clinic at Bugando Medical Centre, Mwanza. Data was obtained from a structured questionnaire. Serum uric acid, HbA1c, lipid profile, and renal functions were analyzed. Analysis was done via STATA version 17. The primary outcome was the proportion of hyperuricemia among patients with type 2 DM, and logistic regression models were used to analyze associated factors.

Results:

Out of 360 patients, 59.7% were female. The median age was 61 years [IQR 57-68], and the median duration of DM was 5 years [IQR 3-9]. The mean HbA1c was 8.2 ± 2.5%, with 60% of patients having poor control. Most patients had hypertension (78.9%) and were overweight or obese (81.9%). The proportion of patients with DM and hyperuricemia was 44.4%, with mean serum uric acid levels among males and females of 410 ± 137 and 385 ± 119 µmol/L, respectively. We found that being female (P = .001), overweight (P = .021), or obese (P = .007), and having chronic kidney disease (P < .001) was associated with hyperuricemia among patients with type 2 DM.

Conclusion:

The burden of hyperuricemia among type 2 DM patients is quite high, and it is associated with female gender, high body mass index, lipids, and chronic kidney disease. This calls for regular screening of hyperuricemia in the population, and more studies are needed to establish the outcomes associated with hyperuricemia and create a treatment guideline.
Reclassify High-Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer Patients Into Different Molecular Subtypes With Discrepancy Prognoses and Therapeutic Responses Based on Cancer-Associated Fibroblast-Enriched Prognostic Genes
Authors: Liu Xiangxiang , Ping Guoqiang , Ji Dongze , Wen Zhifa , Chen Yajun
Published: August 2024

Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) play critical roles in the metastasis and therapeutic response of high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSC). Our study intended to select HGSC patients with unfavorable prognoses and therapeutic responses based on CAF-enriched prognostic genes. The bulk RNA and single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) data of tumor tissues were collected from the TCGA and GEO databases. The infiltrated levels of immune and stromal cells were estimated by multiple immune deconvolution algorithms and verified through immunohistochemical analysis. The univariate Cox regression analyses were used to identify prognostic genes. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) was conducted to annotate enriched gene sets. The Genomics of Drug Sensitivity in Cancer (GDSC) database was used to explore potential alternative drugs. We found the infiltered levels of CAFs were remarkedly elevated in advanced and metastatic HGSC tissues and identified hundreds of genes specifically enriched in CAFs. Then we selected 6 CAF-enriched prognostic genes based on which HGSC patients were reclassified into 2 subclusters with discrepancy prognoses. Further analysis revealed that the HGSC patients in cluster-2 tended to undergo poor responses to traditional chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Subsequently, we selected 24 novel potential therapeutic drugs for cluster-2 HGSC patients. Moreover, we discovered a positive correlation of infiltrated levels between CAFs and monocytes/macrophages in HGSC tissues. Collectively, our study successfully reclassified HGSC patients into 2 different subgroups that have discrepancy prognoses and responses to current therapeutic methods.
Sonic crystal green walls based on a combination of cylinder scatterers and vegetation for noise mitigation in urban design
Authors: Prasetiyo Iwan , Sihar Indra , Rahayu Genta Muhammad , Aziz Naufal Aulia
Published: August 2024

This study proposes sonic crystal green walls based on combined cylinder scatterers and vegetation. It has been known that the vegetation or greenery system is effective in dealing with environmental pollutants, while the cylinder scatterer arranged periodically, also known as a sonic crystal, is preferable owing to the capability of noise attenuation, light transmission, and air circulation simultaneously. Combining both components into a single noise abatement system is expected to provide acoustical and non-acoustical features for urban design, where such an approach maximizes the merit of each component. Moreover, the system is useful for advocating sustainability amid global warming issues. In this work, a numerical model is developed using finite element method (FEM), while experimental results are provided to validate the absorption and attenuation results. It is found that the sonic crystal can attain an attenuation of 13.5 dB around 1.6 kHz. Such a promising result is extended further to lower frequency under a specific configuration of scatterers corresponding to lattice distance and filling faction ratio parameters. Meanwhile, the vegetation can enhance overall attenuation at higher frequencies.
The refined Pathways to Cures Research Roadmap for multiple sclerosis cures
Authors: Bebo Bruce F , Banwell Brenda L , Whitacre Caroline C , Coetzee Timothy , Dalgas Ulrik , De Jager Phillip L , Proebstel Anne-Katrin , Yong V Wee , Benveniste Etty N , Thompson Alan J
Published: August 2024

Background:

Multiple sclerosis is a chronic immune-mediated disease of the central nervous system affecting nearly 3 million people worldwide. Although much progress has been made in the understanding and treatment of MS, cures remain elusive.

Objectives:

To accelerate the development of cures for MS by updating the Pathways to Cures Research Roadmap based on a contemporary understanding of disease. The refined Roadmap will help to promote research in scientific areas with great potential to reveal insights leading to cures and inspire greater coordination of global resources.

Methods:

Refinements to the Roadmap were achieved during a Global Summit that included close to 200 academic and industry scientists, health care providers, policy makers, funders, and people with MS from 15 countries.

Results:

The refined Roadmap describes three pathways that target opportunities for generating scientific insights leading to cures. Recommendations for accelerating research progress include, lowering barriers for global data sharing, enhancing collaboration and coordination among research supporters, committing to sustained funding, considering implications for implementation, engaging PwMS and committing to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the global MS movement.

Conclusion:

The refined roadmap provides a strategic framework for tackling the complexities of MS and advancing prevention strategies, effective treatments, and cures.
Renin and (pro)renin receptors induce vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation and neointimal hyperplasia by activating oxidative stress and inflammation
Authors: Zhang Nana , Song Xiaosu , Bian Yunfei , Bai Rui , Yang Huiyu , Wang Gang , Li Hong , Xiao Chuanshi
Published: August 2024

Introduction: Renin and prorenin promote the proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) through the (pro)renin receptor, or (P)RR, to promote restenosis occurrence. This study aimed to explore whether prorenin promoted the proliferation of VSMCs in a (P)RR-mediated Ang II-independent manner. Methods: Losartan and PD123319 were used to block the interaction between (P)RR and angiotensin in vitro. Cells were treated with renin, platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), or RNAi-(P)RR, either jointly or individually. Cell proliferation was measured via Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) and flow cytometry methods; moreover, real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT–PCR) and Western blot (WB) assays were used to detect the expression of cyclin D1, proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), (P)RR, NOX1, and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT signaling proteins. Immunofluorescence staining was conducted to measure the expression of (P)RR, and the levels of renin, PDGF-BB, inflammatory factors, and oxidative stress were determined by using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Moreover, a balloon catheter was used to enlarge the carotid artery of the Sprague Dawley rats. PRO20 was applied to identify angiotensin II (Ang II). The hematoxylin and eosin, RT–PCR, and WB results validated the cell assay results. Results: Renin promoted the proliferation of rat VSMCs by enhancing cell viability and cell cycle protein expression when Ang II was blocked, but silencing (P)RR inhibited this effect. Furthermore, renin enhanced NOX1-mediated oxidative stress and inflammation by activating the extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2)-AKT pathway in vitro. Similarly, the inhibition of (P)RR resulted in the opposite phenomenon. Importantly, the inhibition of (P)RR inhibited neointimal hyperplasia in vivo after common carotid artery injury by restraining NOX1-mediated oxidative stress through the downregulation of the ERK1/2-AKT pathway. The animal study confirmed these findings. Conclusion: Renin and (P)RR induced VSMC proliferation and neointimal hyperplasia by activating oxidative stress, inflammation, and the ERK1/2-AKT pathway in an Ang II-independent manner.
Womens’ football, sexism and media representation: Contextualising the Rubiales/Hermoso kiss
Authors: Crabill Eleanor
Published: August 2024

The purpose of this essay is to contextualise the Spanish Women’s National Team’s fight against sexism within their federation and examine the media perceptions of empowerment and activism after the unfolding of the non-consensual kiss between Spanish football player Jenni Hermoso and the Real Federación Española de Fútbol President Luis Rubiales. Over the preceding year, the Spanish Women’s National Team and Real Federación Española de Fútbol garnered media attention due to conflicts between the players and the federation, specifically revolving around issues of alleged player misconduct and mistreatment under their head coach, Jorge Vilda. As the 2023 Fédération Internationale de Football Association’s Women’s World Cup approached, eyes were on the Spanish Women’s National Team after the disputes, with many claiming the players were at the tournament in spite of their federation, with the media portraying the team as resilient and empowered women uniting amid turbulence within their federation. However, the celebratory narrative was disrupted when Rubiales forced a non-consensual kiss upon Hermoso during the televised international spectacle. This incident of public sexual assault generated widespread coverage in popular media around the world, sparking international outcry and ultimately culminating in the resignations of Rubiales and Vilda. This essay seeks to explore the implications of these events, delving into the intersection of sexism, media representation, and the impact of the Spanish Women’s National Team players during a moment of triumph and turbulence. This piece is part of the special themed issue on the Rubiales/Hermoso non-consensual kiss during the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Prediction of rolling bearing performance degradation based on whale optimization algorithm and backpropagation model
Authors: Wang Jingyue , Han Yuntong , Wang Haotian , Ding Jianming , Yi Cai
Published: August 2024

The dissertation proposes a prediction model that enhances the BP (Backpropagation) neural network using the WOA (Whale Optimization Algorithm) to address the issue of local convergence during prediction. The model optimizes the initial weights and thresholds of the network using the whale optimization algorithm, resolving the problem of BP’s local convergence. Feature data is selected using the correlation coefficient theory to obtain the model inputs. Bearing performance degradation assessment is conducted using the predicted remaining life index. The superiority of the model is validated by comparing its predictions with those of BP and LSTM prediction models.
Why Am I Seeing This Ad? The affordances and limits of automated user-level explanation in Meta’s advertising system
Authors: Burgess Jean , Carah Nicholas , Angus Daniel , Obeid Abdul , Andrejevic Mark
Published: August 2024

Against the backdrop of calls for greater platform transparency, this exploratory article investigates Meta’s ‘Why Am I Seeing This Ad’ (WAIST) feature, which is positioned as a consumer-level explanation of Meta’s advertising model. Drawing on our own walkthroughs of Facebook and Instagram and data from the Australian Ad Observatory, we find the feature falls short in two ways. First, the explanations do not always align with how the system and its audience-building tools are sold to and used by advertisers. Second, the feature is focused narrowly on single ads and individual users, doing nothing to generate understanding of the patterns and sequences of targeted advertising in relation to other users or over time. We propose both platform practices and independent research strategies that could help to fill this gap between individual explanations, population-level patterns of targeted online advertising and the societal issues associated with it.