bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
7. Scanning Horizons in Research, Policy and Practice
Authors: Wintle Bonnie C. , Kennicutt Mahlo N. C. , Sutherland William J.
Published: September 2024

Examining the development of horizon scanning, an approach primarily used to retrieve and organise information from different sectors, this chapter recognises its efficiency in identifying the early indications of threats, a method which then enables policy-makers and researchers to respond quickly to hazards and risks. Different horizon-scanning approaches, such as manual or automated searches, are assessed by the authors in relation to scope selection, input gathering, data sorting, result analysis, output utilisation and process evaluation. This allows for the most effective horizon-scanning approaches to be identified, and the different purposes for each approach. This chapter therefore explores the most effective ways in which to use horizon scanning, specifically in policy-making, proving the necessity of its use in the future.
20. The Stepping Stones Approach to Nuclear Disarmament Diplomacy
Authors: Ingram Paul
Published: September 2024

This chapter sets out the Stepping Stones Approach, developed by the author in 2019, a guideline to be enacted during contested global diplomatic efforts to respond to extreme global risk. More specifically, it is an approach to break the deadlock in nuclear disarmament diplomacy. The approach calls for greater collaboration, and through dialogue and the iterative development of proposals, diplomacy can head towards more adaptable and exploratory engagements. By involving taking early practical steps, incremental action is achieved, resulting eventually in significant change. This approach has the versatility to be adapted for other fields of catastrophic risk, making it an important tool when managing global risk.
22. Representation of Future Generations in United Kingdom Policy-Making
Authors: Jones Natalie , O’Brien Mark , Ryan Thomas
Published: September 2024

Concerned with the issues of intergenerational justice which arise from global existential risks, this chapter presents a solution-based approach by examining the options for representing future generations in our present policy making structures. Utilising a range of case studies, the authors put forth a series of lessons and recommendations that can be applied to UK policy-making, describing not only changes to be made at policy level, but also at an institutional level. The authors call for the monitoring of future legislation and its effect on future generations, and a more general awareness of intergenerational inequality issues.
The Quasi-Stochastic Nature of Hail Growth: Hail Trajectory Clusters in Simulations of the Kingfisher, Oklahoma, Hailstorm
Authors: Adams-Selin Rebecca
Published: September 2024

Current methods that incorporate synoptic-, mesoalpha-, and even some storm-scale processes to distinguish among storms that produce significantly severe versus merely severe hail have not been highly successful. These results suggest that smaller-scale processes, such as mesobeta, mesogamma, and misoscale, have a larger impact on hail production than previously theorized. Relatedly, previous research, often using hail trajectories driven by steady-state model fields, has also frequently painted hail trajectories as having simple, relatively uniform motions within a supercell. This study uses a Lagrangian hail trajectory model embedded in two idealized supercell simulations and updated every model time step, in conjunction with a trajectory clustering technique, to examine the variability of hail trajectories both within and across the two simulations. The clustering method identified 11 distinct clusters in both supercell simulations. Clusters sourced embryos from almost all quadrants around the updraft core. Trajectories in both simulations exhibited complex and highly variable behavior, occasionally including multiple vertical loops. Cluster trajectories could follow similar paths but produce different distributions of mass at the surface or, conversely, could follow different paths but result in similar mass distributions at the surface. An aggregate review of all trajectories showed the larger hail in each simulation was somewhat more likely to be produced in regions with less strong peak updraft speeds, but other environmental profile information was more mixed, particularly for the simulation producing the largest hail. In sum, storm-scale information is highly impactful on hail trajectories and needs to be considered in forecasting applications. Future hail trajectory modeling studies also need to incorporate more realistic storm-scale information.

Significance Statement

Predicting which storm might produce very large as opposed to merely large hail remains a really hard problem. What if there are processes that affect hail that happen on very small scales that our current models do not see? This study simulates millions of modeled hail trajectories and finds that they are all very different. Even trajectories that start and end at similar places can take completely different paths and end up different sizes. These results suggest that there are many more ways for storms to produce large hail—or fail to do so—than we previously thought, and small-scale processes can have big impacts.
Potty Stools, a Pilot Study to Step Up the Management of Functional Constipation in Children
Authors: Reeves Patrick T. , Meyers Taylor , Howard Bailey , Rogers Philip L. , Jack Benjamin , Kolasinski Nathan T. , Burklow Carolyn Sullivan , Min Steve , Nylund Cade M.
Published: September 2024

Functional constipation (FC) comprises 30% of pediatric gastroenterology clinic visits. FC results from withholding behaviors that can be worsened by poor toileting posture. The use of a defecation posture modification device (DPMD)—a potty stool—has demonstrated benefit in adults. The aim of this study was to assess the risks and benefits of incorporating a DPMD as an adjunct to the FC treatment plan for children. Toilet-trained children aged ≥4 years meeting the Rome IV criteria for FC were enrolled and offered a DPMD at no cost and were followed for 4 months. There were no injuries or treatment-related adverse events reported by the 43 subjects who completed the study. Notably, 98% (n = 42) of respondents would recommend the DPMD to assist other children with FC. DPMD users showed a 33% reduction in fecal incontinence compared with 60% non-users. The DPMD represents a safe adjunct to incorporate into the FC management plan of children.
New technology and workers’ perceived impact on job quality: Does labor organization matter?
Authors: ten Berge Jannes , Dekker Fabian
Published: September 2024

There is an emerging literature focusing on the impact of technological change on work quality. This study contributes to the literature by examining (1) workers’ expectations regarding the effect of technological change on perceived job insecurity, as well as physical and psychological job demands, and (2) how these expectations are shaped by the degree of labor organization within countries. The article uses cross-national data for 25 OECD countries. It is found that labor organization decreases perceived levels of job insecurity related to technological change, but also lowers workers’ expectations of technology improving the quality of their work. These findings may indicate that in environments where technological change is less strongly moderated by organized labor, workers put greater emphasis on technology as a driver of (short-term) work changes. Alternatively, these findings may signal a lack of ‘worker power’ of organized labor to enforce technologies that improve the quality of employment.
The Value of Variation: Embracing Heterogeneity in Intervention Research
Authors: Conaway Carrie , Tipton Elizabeth , Artiles Alfredo J.
Published: September 2024

If our goal in education research is to produce knowledge that is useful and used, we need to design impact evaluations that value understanding variation as much as understanding average impact. The context in which an intervention is implemented and the characteristics of participants are integral components of the intervention, and we need to study those components just as seriously as we do the intervention itself. Better understanding variation requires building a framework for what contextual information is likely to predict effectiveness, so researchers know what data to collect; measuring inputs into education systems, not just outputs; and increasing collaboration across disciplines and modes of inquiry. It will also require creating more space for practitioners to participate equitably in research so their insights can inform our research questions and findings. Most challenging, researchers will need to let go of some old ways of working in service of producing research that better serves the field of education.
Overlap and Interrelations Between (Im)mobility Motivations
Authors: Riosmena Fernando
Published: September 2024

Scholarship in Migration Studies and Forced Migration and Refugee Studies recognizes that migration and immobility can be the result of various, mixed motivations. Empirical work and conceptualizations of forced and “lifestyle” migration consider some of this complexity. Scholarship on immobility has also examined various, mixed motives. Finally, migration theory development has recently begun to incorporate various “non-economic” motivations, mainly into frameworks originally aimed at tackling economic/labor migrations, mainly integrating force and/or environmental factors. However, efforts to conceptualize and theorize on how and why motivations overlap or are interrelated (positively or negatively) are more scant, less explicit, and less systematic. In this paper, I provide a broad systematic taxonomy of migration and immobility motivation overlap and interrelation. First, I describe the six main (im)mobility motivations discussed in the literature—namely economic, labor-related, safety-related, environmental, family-related, and related to self-fulfillment—organizing them around the degree to which they are driven by extrinsic and/or intrinsic rewards and costs. Second, I provide a general typology of possible ways in (im)mobility motivations become “alternative” to and/or concurrent with each other, and how these instances operate at individual and/or population levels. Third, I examine how the different motivations fit within three important theories of micro-level decision-making in the literature, exploring different points of overlap and interrelation between mechanisms within and across analytical perspectives. I conclude discussing the potential implications of this motivation integration.
Characterization of TiC particle reinforced magnesium matrix composites (MMCs) prepared by laser cladding based on element evaporation
Authors: Zhou Jun , Long Hongyu , Jiao Mohan , Wang Yurong , Xiao Buwei , Chen Canyang , Liang Xiaoyu
Published: September 2024

In this study, we report the preparation of AZ31/TiC composites by laser cladding based on elemental vaporization and supplementation and investigate the effects of laser process parameters and mixed powder ratio on the vaporization and spattering. It was found that the capillary pressure generated by using TiC could effectively suppress the molten pool sputtering during laser cladding. In addition, TiC particles promoted the recrystallisation behavior of the molten pool, and the grains were significantly refined from 61.58 μm to 6.46 μm. The random orientation of the recrystallized grains led to a weaker texture, decrease from 12.349 to 1.964. The microhardness of the composites higher than AZ31 from 46 to 86.2 HV0.2, and the average wear rate was reduced by 21.9%.
Integrating drones into disaster town watching: Participatory action data collection of local knowledge in Tuguegarao City, Philippines
Authors: Kingsbury Aaron J. , Reyes Marqueza Cathalina L.
Published: September 2024

Disaster town watching comprises a participatory technique by a community to observe, identify, understand, and build resilience to natural or human-induced hazards. Participants walk through their communities, taking notes and imagery for subsequent participatory risk mapping exercises. The goal is to develop a more nuanced and contextualized understanding of the community's state of disaster risk management. This article explores the integration of drones in the acquisition of imagery for disaster town watching. It followed standard practices for conducting disaster town watching research in a community in the Philippines. However, in addition to standard walking teams, one team learned to pilot drone missions, take aerial images, and then interpret them. The imagery they produced elicited more spatially significant relationships between and across features and locations in the community. The types of local knowledge identified differed significantly from that taken from images produced with cellular phones or Google Earth. This study revealed that drone imagery can provide new insights into local knowledge on hazards, vulnerability, and resources and the enhancement of social, economic, and environmental resilience it engenders. Participants build greater confidence in their ability to determine self-help solutions and mutual help countermeasures for enhancing disaster preparedness and community resilience against disaster.
Calcined colemanite as an additive for iron ore sintering process
Authors: Patil Dhanraj , Appala Ashwin , Made Gowda Nagaraja , Srinivasu Simhadri , Sah Rameshwar , Shetty Ganesh
Published: September 2024

During sintering process, iron ores, fluxes and coke are agglomerated into a desirable blast furnace feed. The degrading iron ore quality and environmental norms has forced sinter producers to look for additives which can improve the sintering process efficiency. For the current work, use of calcined colemanite as an additive was studied by adding it from 0% to 4% within the sinter raw blend through lab-scale pot trials. During the sintering process, calcined colemanite forms a Calcium Borosilicate (Ca11B2Si4O22) phase at temperature above 400 °C which latter gets dissociated within the liquid melt thus increasing the liquid slag formation. Increasing calcined colemanite up to 2% increases tumbler index from 56.27% to 61.67%, decreasing thereafter to 55.33% at 4% of calcined colemanite. The sinter yield (+5 mm) is also found to be maximum of 89.39% at 2% of calcined colemanite. An increase in calcined colemanite from 0% to 4% increases sintering time from 20 to 26 min, decreasing the overall sinter productivity from 2.35 to 1.99 t/m2/h. Before integrating calcined colemanite within the sintering process at plant scale, its cost and efficacy must be considered. An alternate approach can be combining it with an organic binder where the two can complement each other in providing the required sinter properties.
Psychosocial Phenotypes of Older Adults With Pain and Their Associated Clinical Outcomes
Authors: Holmes Ashleigh , Wang Weijun , Chang Yu-Ping
Published: September 2024

A comprehensive understanding of the patterns of psychosocial characteristics in older adults with pain is needed. Our objectives were to (1) identify psychosocial phenotypes (comprising depression, anxiety, affect, self-realization, resilience, and social participation) among older adults with pain and (2) compare pain characteristics, physical health, and cognition among the identified phenotypes. Using cross-sectional 2021 data from the National Health and Aging Trends Study, we performed latent class analysis to identify four psychosocial phenotypes of older adults with pain ( N = 1903): Favorable (best psychosocial characteristics, 67.7%), Adverse (worst psychosocial characteristics, 4.9%), Intermediate (moderate scores on psychosocial variables, 12.6%), and Compensated (moderate scores with relatively high self-realization and resilience, 14.9%). Phenotypes with less psychosocial adversity had generally better clinical outcomes. Future research should explore precision pain management interventions in older adults based on their psychosocial phenotypes, longitudinal trajectories of phenotypes, and technology-based, point-of-care clinical insights for pain management.
Data-driven design of a derailment detection system for freight wagons
Authors: Asperti Michele , Zanelli Federico , Sabbioni Edoardo
Published: September 2024

Railway transportation is widely known for its high safety level. Nevertheless, derailments still occur, typically causing large service disruptions and economic losses. For these reasons, identifying derailments is of paramount importance for improving the railway transportation safety. This paper presents the design and testing of a derailment detection system for freight trains. A derailment detection algorithm able to process and analyze data in real-time has been designed leveraging the knowledge gained from full-scale derailment tests on freight wagons. Moreover, a LoRa-based wireless communication system has been implemented to relay freight wagon derailment warnings to the locomotive. The effectiveness of the proposed derailment detection algorithm is proved through its deployment to a freight wagon used for common operations. In that, it demonstrated increased robustness against derailment false triggering compared to traditional mechanic-pneumatic detectors. Furthermore, the proposed wagon-locomotive wireless communication system is proven effective in transmitting information across various convoy compositions and freight wagon loading conditions during operational testing on the railway line.
Real-scale experiments of resistive heating laminate composite panels for radiant heating in railway vehicles
Authors: Park Juyeop , Kang Donghoon , Koo Bonyong , Cho Min-Ki , Kim Hak-Sung
Published: September 2024

Railways, as one of the representative mass transit systems, are vulnerable to highly contagious respiratory diseases due to their operation in densely populated environments. Notably, the current convective heating system creates an environment susceptible to virus transmission within railway vehicles. To improve this situation, there have been attempts to introduce radiant heating systems to reduce the risk of virus transmission and create a comfortable indoor environment. Previous studies focused on developing radiant heating composite material for railway vehicles by incorporating a carbon fiber heating element within a glass fiber composite to enable heat generation through joule heating. However, this development was limited to the specimen level. In contrast, this study aims to demonstrate their applicability and performance for actual railway vehicle parts at the component level. Specifically, resin flow and manufacturability were analyzed to assess applicability to railway vehicles. Additionally, heating performance and heat flow characteristics were evaluated to determine heating effects. Based on these results, it is anticipated that the application of multifunctional composite materials in the railway industry will improve the vulnerability to winter viruses and indoor environments and expand the utilization of multifunctional composite materials in various fields.
A numerical study on locomotive wheel wear on curved track subjected to adhesion control
Authors: Sun Linping , Yang Zhongliang , Wang Bo , Ma Weihua , Luo Shihui
Published: September 2024

The wheel wear of heavy-duty locomotives is more complicated than that of other vehicles when it affects tractive force and adhesion control. The purpose of this article is to calculate wheel wear on a curved track using a co-simulation dynamic model of a heavy-duty locomotive with adhesion control. Additionally, the effect of creep threshold, decline slope, curve radius, and passing speed on wheel wear is further investigated. The findings demonstrate that wheel wear can be successfully decreased by adjusting the creep threshold and decline slope of adhesion control parameters. The wheel-rail stick-slip vibration behavior on the curve track can be eliminated by increasing the curve’s radius and passing speed, but the vertical wear at the left wheel’s flange will rise sharply with the increase of passing speed on right hand curve.
Hepatitis A vaccination in a racially and sexually diverse population of gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men: Findings from the QVax study
Authors: Guo Tiffany Y , Halkitis Perry N , Lewis Kendra , Krause Kristen D
Published: September 2024

Background

Previous studies found vaccination uptake of vaccine-preventable diseases (VPD) to be associated with race/ethnicity and medical mistrust among key populations, however, few studies examine Hepatitis A vaccination uptake.

Methods

This cross-sectional study used online survey data collected from NJ and NY residents identifying as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer (LGBTQ+) from October 2021 through November 2022.

Results

This study used a subsample of 222 gay, bisexual, and other cisgender men, 66.7% White, with mean age 41.22 years (SD = 15.23), and 60% fully vaccinated for Hepatitis A. Overall, average group-based medical mistrust scores did not differ among non-vaccinated participants compared to fully or partially vaccinated participants. However, higher group-based medical mistrust scores were associated with non-White identifying participants, and were highest among Hispanic/Latinx (2.68, sd = 0.43) and Black non-Hispanic (2.58, sd = 0.50) participants ( p < .001). Vaccination patterns did not differ among fear or vaccine confidence-based items.

Conclusions

Our results contribute to the limited knowledge of differences in Hepatitis A vaccination uptake among men who have sex with men, and support the need for targeted intervention programs that acknowledge the diverse population of LGBTQ + identifying individuals and their associated health behaviors.
Diagnostic and prognostic value of diquat plasma concentration and complete blood count in patients with acute diquat poisoning based on random forest algorithms
Authors: Hu Hui , Ke Xiaofang , Zheng Fangfang , You Minjie , Zhou Tao , Xu Yanwen , Wu Jiaiying , Tong Shuhua , Hu Lufeng
Published: September 2024

Currently, the incidence of diquat (DQ) poisoning is increasing, and quickly predicting the prognosis of poisoned patients is crucial for clinical treatment. In this study, a total of 84 DQ poisoning patients were included, with 38 surviving and 46 deceased. The plasma DQ concentration of DQ poisoned patients, determined by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) were collected and analyzed with their complete blood count (CBC) indicators. Based on DQ concentration and CBC dataset, the random forest of diagnostic and prognostic models were established. The results showed that the initial DQ plasma concentration was highly correlated with patient prognosis. There was data redundancy in the CBC dataset, continuous measurement of CBC tests could improve the model’s predictive accuracy. After feature selection, the predictive accuracy of the CBC dataset significantly increased to 0.81 ± 0.17, with the most important features being white blood cells and neutrophils. The constructed CBC random forest prediction model achieved a high predictive accuracy of 0.95 ± 0.06 when diagnosing DQ poisoning. In conclusion, both DQ concentration and CBC dataset can be used to predict the prognosis of DQ treatment. In the absence of DQ concentration, the random forest model using CBC data can effectively diagnose DQ poisoning and patient’s prognosis.
Adapting seasonal beekeeping patterns in western Norway
Authors: Bremer Scott , Meisch Simon , Hempel Manuel , Dunn-Sigouin Etienne
Published: September 2024

This paper is about how Western Norway beekeepers synchronise their practices to perceived patterns of seasonal rhythms and adapt their timings and ways of working as they sense shifts in these rhythmic seasonal patterns associated with climatic and environmental (and social) change. It contributes to work on adaptation governance with an emphasis on the time sensitivity of adaptive action in institutions – the importance of taking the right action at the right time – and that this timing is coordinated at the convergence of multiple temporalities across human and more-than-human worlds, within temporal assemblages. The research was conducted in close collaboration with beekeepers over the 2021/2022 seasons and found them to be temporally literate practitioners that are capable of gauging shifts in temporalities, drawing on diverse temporal frameworks (both formal and informal), and recalibrating. Recalibration came both in small incremental micro-manoeuvres to maintain synchrony in a seasonal pattern, or collective efforts to fundamentally adapt or reconfiguring seasonal patterns when patterns fail to ‘hold’. From this perspective, the paper centres and elevates temporal synchronisation in adaption, with attention to the institutionalised capacity of temporally competent practitioners to make use of and recraft the cultural frameworks governing timings.
The Technological Past Informs the Present: A Conversation with Dr. Cynthia M. Okolo
Authors: Smith Jennifer Elaine , Deniz Fatmana Kara , Dobbins Nicole , Higgins Kyle
Published: September 2024

Dr. Cindy Okolo is a professor emerita in the Department of Counseling, Educational Psychology, and Special Education at Michigan State University. Throughout her career, Dr. Okolo’s scholarship has focused on the academic and behavioral outcomes of students with disabilities through the implementation of technology in the classroom. Her work has involved the development and use of digital literacy tools, the development and implementation of virtual learning tools for teaching history and social studies, the exploration of universal design for learning (UDL), and the preparation of teachers to become technology leaders in education. Dr. Okolo’s research revolves around students with disabilities in middle school, particularly inclusive classrooms that include children and youth with and without disabilities.
Identification of flame transfer function and mechanism analysis of the influence of boundary impedance characteristics on thermoacoustic instability
Authors: Chen Jingzhen , Du Jingtao , Liu Yang , Liu Long
Published: September 2024

Thermoacoustic instability is a common problem in the operation of modern gas turbines. The prediction of thermoacoustic instability and the clarification of its mechanism are the research focus and difficulty in the gas turbine industry. As a response function of flame to acoustic disturbance, flame transfer function is a key parameter in the study of thermoacoustic instability. In this paper, based on the scaled adaptive simulation (SAS) model combined with the eddy dissipation concept (EDC) combustion model, the time-domain flow field data are processed by the system identification method, and the results of flame transfer function extraction are in good agreement with the experimental values. Then, the detailed derivation process of the low-order thermoacoustic network model (LOTAN) is given to capture the behavior characteristics of the acoustic wave in the thermoacoustic system. On this basis, the effects of acoustic boundary conditions and hysteresis time on the thermoacoustic instability of the combustion system are analyzed, and the relationship between the mode shape, pressure, vibration velocity phase, and thermoacoustic instability is explored. It is found that the phase relationship between pressure and vibration mode can be used to determine the thermoacoustic instability of the system. This is of great practical significance for determining the thermoacoustic instability of the system and clarifying the internal mechanism of its generation and provides theoretical support for the subsequent thermoacoustic instability control.
Prediction of rail wear band evolution under excitation by periodic track irregularities and its influence on vehicle dynamic performance
Authors: Wen Bingguang , Tao Gongquan , Wen Zefeng
Published: September 2024

Periodic track irregularities (PTIs) are an important and sensitive source of vehicle vibration and have attracted considerable attention from railway researchers. However, previous studies have mainly focused on the irregularities themselves, with limited investigation of how the rail wear band (RWB) generated by PTIs excitation affects vehicle responses. To assess this, a three-dimensional rail wear prediction model is developed in this study to simulate the evolution of the RWB under PTIs conditions and then the effect of RWB excitation on the vehicle dynamic performance is investigated. The results show that the spatial trace of the rail contact points generated by the PTIs also exhibits clear periodic characteristics. Accordingly, the distribution pattern of the RWB also reflects these periodic features. The excitation of the periodic rail wear band (PRWB) has a negative effect on the vehicle running stability, especially when the vehicle is traveling at speeds that induce coupling resonance, which exacerbates the consequences. As the wear level of the PRWB increases, there is also an escalation in the vibration of the carbody. Furthermore, the amplitude of the change in the wheelset balance position resulting from variations in rail profile is found to serve as an effective descriptor for characterizing the wear intensity of PRWB, and the vibration amplitude of the carbody exhibits a clear linear correlation with PRWB excitation. The research results are helpful for understanding the relationship between PRWB excitation and vehicle vibration behavior and serve as a theoretical basis for track maintenance and profile optimization.
Grade 3 cytolysis in a patient with metastatic colorectal cancer consuming a mushroom powder-based alternative therapy
Authors: Strobbe Geoffrey , Jeanjacquot Margaux , Potey Camille , Carnot Aurélien , Marliot Guillaume
Published: September 2024

Introduction

The use of Complementary Alternative Medicine (CAM) in patients with cancer is increasing. CAM is associated with potential toxicity and drug interactions, particularly with chemotherapy. Here, we report a case of cytolysis and hepatic cholestasis in a patient who was self-medicated with a mushroom powder-based alternative therapy containing Agaricus blazei Murril (ABM) during cancer treatment.

Case Report

A 43-year-old woman with metastatic colorectal cancer and hepatic metastases was admitted to our hospital for intravenous chemotherapy. Markers of hepatic grade 3 cytolysis and cholestasis were identified during the pretreatment consultation. The baseline results were within normal limits.

Management and Outcome

The chemotherapy was immediately canceled, and further tests were performed. After the investigation, the patient reported taking three mushroom powder-based capsules per day since November 2023. The dietary supplement contained ABM and Hericium erinaceus (HE) powder. After Pharmaceutical analysis, treatment with the supplement was discontinued, and the patient has not resumed. The changes in liver function were also favorable.

Discussion

In our case, given the improvement in liver function after CAM discontinuation, hepatic cytolysis appeared to be linked to ABM consumption despite the patient's liver metastases. Pharmaceutical analysis of CAM is essential to ensure the safety and optimization of cancer treatments. Patients should also communicate their CAMs to healthcare professionals and be aware of the consequences of consuming these dietary supplements. Finally, collaboration between pharmaceutical teams and oncologists is essential for optimal management of cancer patients.
The scientific value of medical student research: The experience at the Arrow Program for Medical Research Education
Authors: Shemesh Rachel , Wygnanski-Jaffe Tamara , David Sari , Ziv-Baran Tomer , Halpert Gilad , Epstain Einat , Katorza Eldad
Published: September 2024

This study presents a comparative analysis of the publications of students participating in the Arrow Research Program in comparison to those of attending physicians and researchers at the same tertiary medical center in order to assess the impact of the Arrow Research Program on the students’ scientific achievements. The study encompassed 90 Arrow Research Program students who were involved in the program at the Sheba Medical Center between 2019 and 2021. As a comparison group, 2082 attending physicians and researchers affiliated with the same center during the same period of time were considered. Publications were collected from The Web of Science Database, and the publication data parameters of each group were compared to assess scientific outcomes. The Arrow Research Program students collectively published 67 articles, and the 2082 physicians and researchers in the comparison group produced 4283 papers during the study timeframe. Similarly, the average impact factor of the journals in which the Arrow Research Program papers were published was 4.16 ± 2.68, similar to the average impact factor of 4.74 ± 6.26 in the comparison group (p = 0.388). Likewise, the average quartile of the journals in which the Arrow Research Program articles were published was 1.39 ± 0.59, which is similar to the comparison group’s average quartile of 1.39 ± 0.63 (p = 0.997). In conclusion, the Arrow Research Program demonstrates its effectiveness in empowering young students to execute successful research projects. This study may help develop educational programs worldwide.
A comparison of white-to-white measurements obtained by Anterion AS-OCT versus three optical devices in refractive surgery candidates
Authors: Salouti Ramin , Azizi Ali , Hashemian Hesam , Khorrami-Nejad Masoud , Alkhafaji Qassim , Salouti Kia , Ghoreyshi Maryam , Hossein Nowroozzadeh M.
Published: September 2024

Background and Objectives

To assess the agreement between Anterion AS-OCT and three optical devices in measuring the white-to-white (WTW) diameter in candidates for refractive surgery.

Methods

In this cross-sectional prospective study, 129 right eyes of 129 normal individuals underwent consecutive scans with the Anterion, the Pentacam AXL, the IOLMaster 700, and the Orbscan IIz. Mean difference (MD), 95% limits of agreement (LoA), and concordance correlation coefficient (CCC) were calculated to assess agreement and interchangeability.

Results

The mean age of participants was 30.4 ± 5.9 (range: 21–47) years. The mean WTW distance measured by the different instruments was as follows: 12.00 ± 0.42 mm (range, 10.57 to 13.05) using the Anterion, 11.87 ± 0.34 (11.10 to 12.80) using the Pentacam, 12.12 ± 0.44 (11.00 to 13.30) using the IOLMaster, and 11.73 ± 0.37 (11.00 to 13.10) using the Orbscan. The MD and 95% LoA for Anterion vs. Pentacam, IOLMaster, or Orbscan were [0.11; −0.31 to 0.54 mm], [-0.13; −0.93 to 0.66], and [0.25; −0.28 to 0.78], respectively. The corresponding CCCs were 0.803, 0.514, and 0.631.

Conclusions

This study found weak agreement between Anterion and Pentacam AXL, IOLMaster 700, and Orbscan IIz devices regarding WTW distance measurements in refractive surgery candidates. Therefore, it is not recommended to use Anterion's WTW measurements interchangeably with the other three devices, particularly for phakic intraocular lens sizing.
Modelling of air springs for metro vehicles and studies on the effect of orifice damping
Authors: Hu Xu , Huang Yunhua , Zhao Xuan
Published: September 2024

With the metro vehicle as the subject, a mathematical model of the main chamber, the auxiliary chamber and the orifice of the air spring were established based on the thermodynamic theory. The lateral nonlinear model is obtained based on the analytical geometry. Establish the four-point levelling valve and differential valve models through theoretical analysis. A complete three-dimensional air spring model is established. The correctness of the model is verified by comparing it with the actual data. The impact of orifice diameters and secondary vertical dampers on the dynamic performance of the metro vehicle is investigated. The results show that the secondary vertical damping configuration has a greater effect on vertical stability and acceleration but a minor impact on operational stability. Metro vehicles equipped only with air springs in the smaller diameter orifice do not need to be configured with a vertical damper, resulting in excellent dynamic performance and savings in production costs.
The International Large-Scale Assessment market: Understanding its emergence and rationales
Authors: Camilla Addey
Published: September 2024

How did a network of passionate academics with limited funding but big, comparative, education research ideas lead to an international assessment market? This paper explores the interests, capitals, and power dynamics embedded in the International Large-Scale Assessment (ILSA) market through a network ethnography to understand how the market emerged and what drives actors despite the lack of direct profit. This paper constructs an interdisciplinary framework combining sociological and business studies to analyse qualitative data on OECD and IEA ILSAs. Highlighting the role of social-cultural-economic capitals and business expanding processes, the paper describes an ILSA market that was and remains a non-competitive, desirable, and exclusive market that is impenetrable to outside actors. The paper concludes by asking how the ILSA market contributes to education as a common good.
A Disparity
Authors: Adkins-Jackson Paris B.
Published: September 2024

As a living being that was passed down the role of storytelling, I describe the conditions under which individuals find themselves. Science, and specifically public health research, affords me the opportunity to deploy my storytelling skills toward advocacy and intervention for communities that disproportionately bear the burden of poor health. Although neither role makes space for the emotional toll of this work. Neither allows me to rest long enough to move through the emotional mist of what it means to be perceived as a queer, Black, cisgender woman, and storytelling scientist in a stratified and hateful world where I am so much more. This poem pools from various worlds within me for each stanza. The poem seeks to reconcile for my whole self, and others who experience marginality, why our colleagues, countrypersons, and community members see it fit to perpetuate notions of human difference along racialized, socioeconomic, sexualized, gendered, able-bodied, and other stratified lines—to the detriment of our lives. How can my colleagues, countrypersons, and community members be willing to receive the privileges of a democratic society but discard the lives from which that society was built? How can my colleagues, countrypersons, and community members be willing to receive our science but discard our health? This poem brings together multidisciplinary discourse from the humanities and the social and biological sciences to state plainly what many others have academically. May this poem be paired with existing literature on the falsity of biologized race, reparations, and methodologies of reflexivity in science.

To view the original version of this poem, see the Supplemental Material section of this article online.
A review on fused deposition modeling (FDM)-based additive manufacturing (AM) methods, materials and applications for flexible fabric structures
Authors: Sapkota Ashok , Ghimire Shree Kaji , Adanur Sabit
Published: September 2024

Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) is an extrusion type additive manufacturing (AM) method in which a molten polymer is selectively extruded in layer-by-layer manner. Although there are several other AM techniques, FDM is a suitable method to produce fabric structures as it is capable of processing polymers and is widely used in various engineering applications. This article summarizes the current research works in characterization of FDM parts, advancements in materials used in FDM and latest works related to making fabric samples using FDM. The results show that the mechanical properties and surface quality are compromised in FDM parts. Strength and flexibility with better surface finishing are essential parameters in fabric structures. There are mainly two techniques that are explored by researchers to enhance the quality of the parts. The first is optimizing process parameters and the second is improving material quality. FDM process parameters like extrusion temperature, layer height, print speed and built orientation can significantly influence the quality of the parts. Optimizing these parameters can significantly enhance the strength of the fabric produced. Moreover, a great amount of impetus is given to improve material by reinforcing it and making polymer blends with specific qualities. There has been studies related to the development of fabric structures and deposition of polymers on fabrics with FDM. It is concluded that the major concern with such structures is strength and processability. To address these issues, optimizing process parameters and developing new filaments for exclusively making fabrics can be the future work in this area.
The Working Memory Model and the relationship between immediate serial recall and immediate free recall
Authors: Ward Geoff , Beaman Philip C
Published: September 2024

The effects of speech-based variables on the immediate serial recall (ISR) task constitute fundamental evidence underpinning the concept of the Phonological Loop component of Working Memory. Somewhat surprisingly, the Phonological Loop has yet to be applied to the immediate free recall (IFR) task although both tasks share similar memoranda and presentation methods. We believe that the separation of theories of ISR and IFR has contributed to the historical divergence between the Working Memory and Episodic Memory literature. We review more recent evidence showing that the two tasks are approached by participants in similar ways, with similar encoding and rehearsal strategies, and are similarly affected by manipulations of word length, phonological similarity, articulatory suppression/concurrent articulation, and irrelevant speech/sound. We present new analyses showing that the outputs of the two tasks share similar runs of successive items that include the first and last items– which we term start- and end-sequences, respectively—that the remaining residual items exhibit strong recency effects, and that start- and end-sequences impose constraints on output order that help account for error transposition gradients in ISR. Such analyses suggest that similar mechanisms might convey serial order information in the two tasks. We believe that recency effects are often under-appreciated in theories of ISR, and IFR mechanisms could generate error transpositions. We hope that our review and new analyses encourage greater theoretical integration between ISR and IFR and between the Working Memory and Episodic Memory literature.
Varieties of pictorial vision
Authors: Koenderink Jan , van Doorn Andrea , Wagemans Johan
Published: September 2024

Pictorial awareness is addressed through experimental phenomenology involving over 90 naïve participants. Since one can’t look at the “same” picture twice the study uses one-shot trials. The participant’s fascination for the duration of a session is held through the artistic principle of theme and variation. Six variations focus on the theme of pictorial geometry, both two-dimensional and three-dimensional. Major findings are:

Idiosyncratic deviations from veridical are huge as compared to common textbook “effects.”

Observers wield arbitrary heuristics for tasks that are “formally related.” The assumption of a common formal framework is apparently unsound. The notion of “inverse optics” is misleading.

A fair fraction of the population appears to lack monocular stereopsis as intuitive awareness. It suggests an as-yet unrecognized, but perhaps common variety of aphantasia.
Unlocking Pakistan’s digital potential: A roadmap for workforce digitalization and economic transformation
Authors: Jabeen Munazza , Aakif Zuha , Afridi Hajra A
Published: September 2024

This paper explores the various aspects of workforce digitalization in Pakistan. Through an exploratory case study, it examines key trends of workforce digitalization, and the multifaceted impact of digitalization on the workforce in Pakistan, highlighting the opportunities, challenges, and economic benefits. Moreover, it analyzes the government policies and initiatives for the promotion of digitalization in Pakistan. Finally, it suggests a roadmap for workforce digitalization and economic transformation in Pakistan. Workforce digitalization and economic transformation entail a multifaceted approach to modernizing labor practices, leveraging digital technologies, and fostering economic growth. The digitalization of the workforce in Pakistan reflects the country’s evolving socio-economic landscape and technological advancements. However, workforce digitalization and economic transformation in Pakistan present significant opportunities and challenges. Embracing digitalization can enhance productivity, create new job opportunities, and drive economic growth. Further, modernizing government services through digitalization initiatives, including e-governance platforms for improved efficiency, transparency, and accountability fosters a more conducive environment and accelerates digital transformation across different sectors. However, addressing challenges related to digital literacy, cybersecurity, and access to digital infrastructure is essential to ensure that all segments of the population can benefit from the digital economy. As Pakistan seeks to strengthen its economy, digitalization is key to unlocking new opportunities, driving sustainable development, and becoming a digital nation in the future. Workforce digitalization and economic transformation in Pakistan require a comprehensive strategy that addresses digital skills development, infrastructure improvement, entrepreneurship support, government digitization, digital inclusion, cybersecurity, industry collaboration, and international partnerships. By prioritizing these areas, Pakistan can unlock its digital potential and drive sustainable economic growth in the digital age.
Global bibliometric mapping of the research trends in artificial intelligence-based digital pathology for lung cancer over the past two decades
Authors: Xiong Dan-dan , He Rong-quan , Huang Zhi-guang , Wu Kun-jun , Mo Ying-yu , Liang Yue , Yang Da-ping , Wu Ying-hui , Tang Zhong-qing , Liao Zu-tuan , Chen Gang
Published: September 2024

Background and Objective

The rapid development of computer technology has led to a revolutionary transformation in artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted healthcare. The integration of whole-slide imaging technology with AI algorithms has facilitated the development of digital pathology for lung cancer (LC). However, there is a lack of comprehensive scientometric analysis in this field.

Methods

A bibliometric analysis was conducted on 197 publications related to digital pathology in LC from 502 institutions across 39 countries, published in 97 academic journals in the Web of Science Core Collection between 2004 and 2023.

Results

Our analysis has identified the United States and China as the primary research nations in the field of digital pathology in LC. However, it is important to note that the current research primarily consists of independent studies among countries, emphasizing the necessity of strengthening academic collaboration and data sharing between nations. The current focus and challenge of research related to digital pathology in LC lie in enhancing the accuracy of classification and prediction through improved deep learning algorithms. The integration of multi-omics studies presents a promising future research direction. Additionally, researchers are increasingly exploring the application of digital pathology in immunotherapy for LC patients.

Conclusions

In conclusion, this study provides a comprehensive knowledge framework for digital pathology in LC, highlighting research trends, hotspots, and gaps in this field. It also provides a theoretical basis for the application of AI in clinical decision-making for LC patients.