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While they account for one-fifth of new cancer cases, rare cancers are difficult to study. A higher than average degree of uncertainty should be accommodated for clinical as well as for population-based decision making. Rules of rational decision making in conditions of uncertainty should be rigorously followed and would need widely informative clinical trials. In principle, any piece of new evidence would need to be exploited in rare cancers. Methodologies to explicitly weigh and combine all the available evidence should be refined, and the Bayesian logic can be instrumental to this end. Likewise, Bayesian-design trials may help optimize the low number of patients liable to be enrolled in clinical studies on rare cancers, as well as adaptive trials in general, with their inherent potential of flexibility when properly applied. While clinical studies are the mainstay to test hypotheses, the potential of electronic patient records should be exploited to generate new hypotheses, to create external controls for future studies (when internal controls are unpractical), to study effectiveness of new treatments in real conditions. Framework study protocols in specific rare cancers to sequentially test sets of new agents, as from the early post-phase I development stage, should be encouraged. Also the compassionate and the off-label settings should be exploited to generate new evidence, and flexible regulatory innovations such as adaptive licensing could convey new agents early to rare cancer patients, while generating evidence. Though validation of surrogate end points is problematic in rare cancers, the use of an updated notion of tumor response may be of great value in the single patient to optimize the use of therapies, all the more the new ones. Disease-based communities, involving clinicians and patients, should be regularly consulted by regulatory bodies when setting their policies on drug approval and reimbursement in specific rare cancers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thin layer chromatography (TLC) is a simple and inexpensive type of chromatography that is extensively used in forensic laboratories for drugs of abuse analysis. In this work, TLC is optimized to analyze cocaine and its adulterants (caffeine, benzocaine, lidocaine and phenacetin) in which the sensitivity (visual determination of LOD from 0.5 to 14mgmL(-1)) and the selectivity (from the study of three different eluents: CHCl3:CH3OH:HCOOHglacial (75:20:5v%), (C2H5)2O:CHCl3 (50:50v%) and CH3OH:NH4OH (100:1.5v%)) were evaluated. Aiming to improve these figures of merit, the TLC spots were identified and quantified (linearity with R(2)>0.98) by the paper spray ionization mass spectrometry (PS-MS), reaching now lower LOD values (>1.0μgmL(-1)). The method developed in this work open up perspective of enhancing the reliability of traditional and routine TLC analysis employed in the criminal expertise units. Higher sensitivity, selectivity and rapidity can be provided in forensic reports, besides the possibility of quantitative analysis. Due to the great simplicity, the PS(+)-MS technique can also be coupled directly to other separation techniques such as the paper chromatography and can still be used in analyses of LSD blotter, documents and synthetic drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Phadebas® Forensic Press Test is routinely used for the detection of saliva. However, assessment of the use of Phadebas® paper for this purpose has not been studied extensively. The suitability of Phadebas® paper as a presumptive screening tool for saliva on forensic exhibits, was investigated by analysing the following: (1) sensitivity, (2) specificity, (3) effects of temperature on sensitivity and specificity, (4) detection of saliva in mixed body fluid samples, and (5) influence of substrate porosity. The results of this study demonstrated that Phadebas® paper is more sensitive to α-amylase activity and less specific for saliva than previously reported. The use of an examination temperature of 37°C had no effect on sensitivity, but increased the incidence of cross-reactivity with other forensically relevant body fluid stains. Blood, urine and vaginal secretions can inhibit the detection of α-amylase activity with Phadebas® paper in mixed stains of saliva and body fluid. Substrate porosity is a weak predictor for the time taken for a saliva stain to achieve a strong positive result on Phadebas® paper. Overall, this study demonstrated that the Phadebas® Forensic Press Test has limitations as a presumptive test for the accurate identification of saliva. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Electronic data collection is increasingly being used for discrete choice experiments (DCEs).Objectives: To study whether paper or electronic administration results in measurement effects.Methods: Respondents were drawn from the same sample frame (an Internet panel) and completed a nearly identical DCE survey either online or on paper during the same period. A DCE on preferences for basic health insurance served as a case study. We used panel mixed logit models for the analysis.Results: In total, 898 respondents completed the survey: 533 respondents completed the survey online, whereas 365 respondents returned the paper survey. There were no significant differences with respect to sociodemographic characteristics between the respondents in both samples. The median response time was shorter for the online sample than for the paper sample, and a smaller proportion of respondents from the online sample were satisfied with the number of choice sets. Although some willingness- to-pay estimates were higher for the online sample, the elicited preferences for basic health insurance characteristics were similar between both modes of administration.Conclusions: We find no indication that online surveys yield inferior results compared with paper-based surveys, whereas the price per respondent is lower for online surveys. Researchers might want to include fewer choice sets per respondent when collecting DCE data online. Because our findings are based on a nonrandomized DCE that covers one health domain only, research in other domains is needed to support our findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the measurement equivalence of individual response scale types by using a patient reported outcome measure (PROM) collected on paper and migrated into electronic format for use on the subject's own mobile device (BYOD) and on a provisioned device (site device).Methods: Subjects suffering from chronic health conditions causing daily pain or discomfort were invited to participate in this single-site, single visit, three-way crossover study. Association between individual item and instrument subscale scores was assessed by using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and its CI. Participant attitudes toward the use of BYOD in a clinical trial were assessed through use of a questionnaire.Results: In this study, 155 subjects (females 83 [54%]; males 72 [46%]) ages 19 to 69 years (mean ± SD: 48.6 ± 13.1) were recruited. High association between the modes of administration (paper, BYOD, site device) was shown with analysis of ICCs (0.79-0.98) for each response scale type, including visual analogue scale, numeric rating scale, verbal response scale, and Likert scale. Of the subjects, 94% (146 of 155) stated that they would definitely or probably be willing to download an app onto their own mobile device for a forthcoming clinical trial. Forty-five percent of subjects felt BYOD would be more convenient compared with 15% preferring a provisioned device (40% had no preference).Conclusions: This study provides strong evidence supporting the use of BYOD for PROM collection in terms of the conservation of instrument measurement equivalence across the most widely used response scale types, and high patient acceptance of the approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Researchers administering surveys seek to balance data quality, sources of error, and practical concerns when selecting an administration mode. Rarely are decisions about survey administration based on the background of study participants, although socio-demographic characteristics like age, education, and race may contribute to participants' (non)responses.Objectives: In this study, we describe differences in paper- and web-based surveys administered in a national cancer survivor study of women with a history of cancer to compare the ability of each survey administrative mode to provide quality, generalizable data.Methods: We compared paper- and web-based survey data by socio-demographic characteristics of respondents, missing data rates, scores on primary outcome measure, and administrative costs and time using descriptive statistics, tests of mean group differences, and linear regression.Results: Our findings indicate that more potentially vulnerable patients preferred paper questionnaires and that data quality, responses, and costs significantly varied by mode and participants' demographic information. We provide targeted suggestions for researchers conducting survey research to reduce survey error and increase generalizability of study results to the patient population of interest.Conclusion: Researchers must carefully weigh the pros and cons of survey administration modes to ensure a representative sample and high-quality data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Most preventable adverse drug events and medication errors occur during medication ordering. Medication order entry and clinical decision support are available on paper or as computerized systems. In this post-hoc analysis we investigated frequency and clinical impact of blood glucose (BG) documentation- and user-related calculation errors as well as workflow deviations in diabetes management. We aimed to compare a paper-based protocol to a computerized medication management system combined with clinical workflow and decision support.Methods: Seventy-nine hospitalized patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus were treated with an algorithm driven basal-bolus insulin regimen. BG measurements, which were the basis for insulin dose calculations, were manually entered either into the paper-based workflow protocol (PaperG: 37 patients) or into GlucoTab(®)-a mobile tablet PC based system (CompG: 42 patients). We used BG values from the laboratory information system as a reference. A workflow simulator was used to determine user calculation errors as well as workflow deviations and to estimate the effect of errors on insulin doses. The clinical impact of insulin dosing errors and workflow deviations on hypo- and hyperglycemia was investigated.Results: The BG documentation error rate was similar for PaperG (4.9%) and CompG group (4.0%). In PaperG group, 11.1% of manual insulin dose calculations were erroneous and the odds ratio (OR) of a hypoglycemic event following an insulin dosing error was 3.1 (95% CI: 1.4-6.8). The number of BG values influenced by insulin dosing errors was eightfold higher than in the CompG group. In the CompG group, workflow deviations occurred in 5.0% of the tasks which led to an increased likelihood of hyperglycemia, OR 2.2 (95% CI: 1.1-4.6).Discussion: Manual insulin dose calculations were the major source of error and had a particularly strong influence on hypoglycemia. By using GlucoTab(®), user calculation errors were entirely excluded. The immediate availability and automated handling of BG values from medical devices directly at the point of care has a high potential to reduce errors. Computerized systems facilitate the safe use of more complex insulin dosing algorithms without compromising usability. In CompG group, missed or delayed tasks had a significant effect on hyperglycemia, while in PaperG group insufficient precision of documentation times limited analysis. The use of old BG measurements was clinically less relevant.Conclusion: Insulin dosing errors and workflow deviations led to measurable changes in clinical outcome. Diabetes management systems including decision support should address nurses as well as physicians in a computerized way. Our analysis shows that such systems reduce the frequency of errors and therefore decrease the probability of hypo- and hyperglycemia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The adoption and use of health information technology (IT) continues to grow around the globe. In Switzerland, the government nor professional associations have to this day provided incentives for health IT adoption.Objective: We aim to assess the proportion of physicians who are routinely working with electronic health data and describe to what extent physicians exchange electronic health data with peers and other health care providers. Additionally, we aim to estimate the effect of physicians' attitude towards health IT on the adoption of electronic workflows.Methods: Between May and July 2013, we conducted a cross-sectional survey of 1200 practice based physicians in Switzerland. Respondents were asked to report on their technical means and where applicable their paper-based workarounds to process laboratory data, examination results, referral letters and physician's letters. Physicians' view of barriers and facilitators towards health IT use was determined by a composite score.Results: A response rate of 57.1% (n=685) was reached. The sample was considered to be representative for physicians in Swiss ambulatory care. 35.2% of the respondents documented patients' health status with the help of a longitudinal semi-structured electronic text record generated by one or more encounters in the practice. Depending on the task within a workflow, around 11-46% of the respondents stated to rely on electronic workflow practices to process laboratory and examination data and dispatch referral notes and physician's letters. The permanent use of electronic workflow processes was infrequent. Instead, respondents reported paper-based workarounds affecting specific tasks within a workflow. Physicians' attitude towards health IT was significantly associated with the adoption of electronic workflows (OR 1.04-1.31, p<0.05), but the effect sizes of factors related to the working environment (e.g., regional factors, medical specialty, type of practice) were larger.Conclusion: At present, only a few physicians in Swiss ambulatory care routinely work with electronic health data. Until more of their peers participate in electronic exchange of structured clinical information, most physicians will continue to stay in paper-based systems and workarounds. The survey found that physicians with a positive attitude towards health IT were more likely to adopt electronic workflows, but the impact is minor. It will likely be necessary to introduce financial incentives and develop national standards in order to promote the adoption by a critical mass of practicing clinicians. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Fermentation is a widely used method of natural food preservation that has consequences on the nutritional value of the transformed food. Fermented dairy products are increasingly investigated in view of their ability to exert health benefits beyond their nutritional qualities.Objective: To explore the mechanisms underpinning the health benefits of fermented dairy intake, the present study followed the effects of milk fermentation, from changes in the product metabolome to consequences on the human serum metabolome after its ingestion.Methods: A randomized crossover study design was conducted in 14 healthy men [mean age: 24.6 y; mean body mass index (in kg/m2): 21.8]. At the beginning of each test phase, serum samples were taken 6 h postprandially after the ingestion of 800 g of a nonfermented milk or a probiotic yogurt. During the 2-wk test phases, subjects consumed 400 g of the assigned test product daily (200 g, 2 times/d). Serum samples were taken from fasting participants at the end of each test phase. The serum metabolome was assessed through the use of LC-MS-based untargeted metabolomics.Results: Postprandial serum metabolomes after milk or yogurt intake could be differentiated [orthogonal projections to latent structures discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) Q2 = 0.74]. Yogurt intake was characterized by higher concentrations of 7 free amino acids (including proline, P = 0.03), reduced concentrations of 5 bile acids (including glycocholic acid, P = 0.04), and modulation of 4 indole derivative compounds (including indole lactic acid, P = 0.01). Fasting serum samples after 2 wk of daily intake of milk or yogurt could also be differentiated based on their metabolic profiles (OPLS-DA Q2 = 0.56) and were discussed in light of the postprandial results.Conclusion: Metabolic pathways related to amino acids, indole derivatives, and bile acids were modulated in healthy men by the intake of yogurt. Further investigation to explore novel health effects of fermented dairy products is warranted.This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT02230345. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: A new patient-reported outcome (PRO) instrument to measure fatigue symptoms and impacts in relapsing multiple sclerosis (RMS) was developed in a qualitative stage, followed by psychometric validation and migration from paper to an electronic format.Methods: Adult patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) were interviewed to elicit fatigue-related symptoms and impacts. A draft questionnaire was debriefed in cognitive interviews with further RRMS patients, and revised. Content confirmation interviews were conducted with patients with progressive-relapsing multiple sclerosis (PRMS) and relapsing secondary-progressive multiple sclerosis (RSPMS). Psychometric analyses used data from adult patients with different RMS subtypes and matched non-RMS controls in a multicenter, observational study. After item reduction, the final instrument was migrated to a smartphone (eDiary) and usability was confirmed in interviews with additional adult RMS patients.Results: The qualitative stage included 37 RRMS, 5 PRMS, and 5 RSPMS patients. Saturation of concepts was reached during concept elicitation. Cognitive interviews confirmed that participants understood the instructions, items, and response options of the instrument-named FSIQ-RMS-as intended. Psychometric validation included 164 RMS and 74 control patients. Internal consistency and test-retest reliability were demonstrated. The symptoms domain discriminated along the RMS symptom-severity continuum and between patients and controls. Patients were able to attribute fatigue-related symptoms to RMS. Usability and conceptual equivalence of the eDiary were confirmed (n = 10 participants).Conclusions: With 7 symptom items and 13 impact items (in 3 impacts subdomains: physical, cognitive and emotional, and coping) after item reduction, the FSIQ-RMS is a comprehensive, valid, and reliable measure of fatigue-related symptoms and impacts in RMS patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Iron deficiency is the most common micronutrient deficiency worldwide, and transferrin receptor (TfR) level has been identified as an important measure of iron status that is not confounded by inflammation. However, logistical constraints associated with sample collection and processing have limited efforts to measure TfR, particularly at the community level. Standardized filter paper provides a relatively convenient and minimally invasive means for collecting and transporting samples of whole blood from simple finger pricks, and we present results of our validation of an improved method for quantifying TfR in dried blood spots. The method is based on commercially available reagents and uses capillary blood that is applied directly from the finger to filter paper, eliminating the need for premeasurement at the collection site. The blood spot TfR assay is precise and reliable, agrees well with plasma TfR, and can be performed at any facility with a microplate reader and basic laboratory equipment. Concentrations of TfR remain stable for at least 4 wk when blood spots are stored at room temperature, but begin to deteriorate after 3 d of exposure to higher temperatures. The advantages and disadvantages of the blood spot TfR method are discussed, as well as its potential contribution to future field-based studies of iron deficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The detection and identification of body fluids at a crime scene shed light on the events which might have occurred and the people involved in the crime; the techniques used being lengthy, makes the on-scene detection a tough process to carry out and handle. This study aims to develop an on-spot detection method for serological testing using silica gel encapsulation technique and a modified microfluidic paper-based analytical device (μPADs). Kastle-Meyer reagent was incorporated into the μPAD and Silica Gel plate and was subsequently validated for the detection of blood. This study revealed that the μPAD was a better option. The emerging technique of μPADs allows a cost-effective and simple method of detection for body fluids. The fibrous network of the paper is manipulated to fabricate a guided channel for the fluid flow. The guided channels in the modified μPADs were fabricated by patterning a hydrophobic barrier out of wax. The analyte of interest for this study is blood but the principle can be modified to include other biological fluids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rationale and Objectives: The aims of this study were to label the versatile amino acid l-lysine with 99mTc using 2,3-dimercapto-succinic acid (DMSA) as a chelator, and to assess its tumor imaging feasibility under in vivo and in vitro conditions, and finally to determine the subcellular biodistribution of this radiopharmaceutical. Materials and Methods: DMSA-l-lysine was chemically synthesized and labeled with sodium pertechnetate. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and mass spectral analysis of DMSA-l-lysine were conducted. Radiochemical purity was determined by thin-layer chromatography (TLC) and paper chromatography. Cellular uptake, competition and subcellular localization studies were performed in rat breast cancer cells (13762). In vivo studies of planar imaging and biodistribution studies were performed on female Fischer 344 rats. Medical Internal Radiation Dose (MIRD) dosimetry estimates were calculated. Results: Radiochemical purity (determined by radio-TLC and high-performance liquid chromatography) of these compounds was >95%. 99mTc-DMSA-l-lysine showed good uptake in in vitro cell culture assays and uptake was reduced in competition studies. 99mTc-DMSA-l-lysine accumulates in the nucleus as much as in the cytoplasm and it was also shown that accumulation of the 99mTc-DMSA-l-lysine in the nucleus increases as a function of a time. There was an increase in tumor-to-blood and tumor-to-muscle count density ratios. Tumor/background ratios were 5.75 at 1 hour and 6.87 at 2 hours. In vivo tissue distribution studies revealed that radiation dosimetry of blood-forming organs were within radiation dose limits. Conclusion: DMSA-l-lysine kits can be labeled with 99mTc easily and efficiently, with high radiochemical purity and cost-effectiveness. In vitro cellular uptake and scintigraphic imaging studies demonstrated the pharmacokinetic distribution and feasibility of using 99mTc-DMSA-l-lysine for tumor imaging. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Functional foods can be considered to be those whole, fortified, enriched or enhanced foods that provide health benefits beyond the provision of essential nutrients (e.g., vitamins and minerals), when they are consumed at efficacious levels as part of a varied diet on a regular basis. Linking the consumption of functional foods or food ingredients with health claims should be based on sound scientific evidence, with the "gold standard" being replicated, randomized, placebo-controlled, intervention trials in human subjects. However, not all foods on the market today that are claimed to be functional foods are supported by enough solid data to merit such claims. This review categorizes a variety of functional foods according to the type of evidence supporting their functionality, the strength of that evidence and the recommended intakes. Functional foods represent one of the most intensively investigated and widely promoted areas in the food and nutrition sciences today. However, it must be emphasized that these foods and ingredients are not magic bullets or panaceas for poor health habits. Diet is only one aspect of a comprehensive approach to good health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Methadone has several unique characteristics that make it an attractive option for pain relief in serious illness, but the safety of methadone has been called into question after reports of a disproportionate increase in opioid-induced deaths in recent years. The American Pain Society, College on Problems of Drug Dependence, and the Heart Rhythm Society collaborated to issue guidelines on best practices to maximize methadone safety and efficacy, but guidelines for the end-of-life scenario have not yet been developed. A panel of 15 interprofessional hospice and palliative care experts from the U.S. and Canada convened in February 2015 to evaluate the American Pain Society methadone recommendations for applicability in the hospice and palliative care setting. The goal was to develop guidelines for safe and effective management of methadone therapy in hospice and palliative care. This article represents the consensus opinion of the hospice and palliative care experts for methadone use at end of life, including guidance on appropriate candidates for methadone, detail in dosing, titration, and monitoring of patients' response to methadone therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of technology creates a new concept in trading by combining real-time video with commercial activities known as live-streaming commerce. Livestreaming commerce or better known as shoppertaiment is a combination of electronic commerce and entertainment. The trend of shopping through livestreaming commerce is increasing, thus changing consumer habits and everyday lifestyles. Based on this situation, it is necessary to conduct research on livestreaming commerce. The aim of the research conducted is to consider the results of pre-existing studies and systematically review literature reviews on livestreaming commerce research by summarizing all academic scientific publication papers from 2017 to 2022. The research questions from this study were: (1) What are the current live-streaming commerce studies? (2) What research methods have been used in live-streaming commerce studies? (3) What are the potentials for future research on live-streaming commerce research? To answer the first question, various aspects of live streaming commerce are described, such as definitions, types, technologies, challenges, benefits, and models. Answer the second question by applying various methods and techniques. Finally, it offers guidelines for future research and makes this work a road map for understanding the live-streaming commerce research literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of holding external loads on postural sway during upright stance across age decades. Sixty-five healthy adults (females, n = 35), aged 18-80 years were assessed in four conditions; (1) standing without holding a load, holding a load corresponding to 5% body mass in the (2) left hand, (3) right hand and (4) both hands. The centre of pressure (COP) path length and anteroposterior and mediolateral COP displacement were used to indirectly assess postural sway. External loading elicited reductions in COP measures of postural sway in older age groups only (P < 0.05). No changes were observed in younger or intermediate aged adults (P > 0.05). Holding external loads during standing is relevant to many activities of daily living (i.e. holding groceries). The reduction in postural sway may suggest this type of loading has a stabilising effect during quiet standing among older adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Whenever the policy challenges to address ask for a strong scientific background, decision makers depend on the underlying research activities. One of the fields in which research is able to affect the design and implementation of policies is given by the Circular Economy (CE). Our purpose in this paper is to understand how scholars carry out their research in the CE to realize whether a common pattern emerge and identify implications for policy. We provide a systematic investigation of the world's ten largest national research communities (NRCs) to highlight differences and similarities and understand the underlying patterns of research. We refer to eight key dimensions, which are mostly original ones and, therefore, represent elements of novelty of the paper: internationality, interdisciplinarity, specialization, relevance of local issues, policy implications, provision of case studies, research focus and research method. A dataset with 3027 CE-related research publications that range from 2001 to 2018 has been used for the elaborations. Results show some similarities and differences: everywhere, the empirical method prevails over the theoretical, and research is mostly focused on the micro-level of analysis (e.g., consumers and firms), while national research communities differ with respect to the openness to international collaborations, the degree with which some specific disciplines contribute to research in the field of CE, and the consideration of local issues provide. • A cross-country comparison of national research communities (NRCs) studying CE is offered. • NRCs are compared along eight key-dimensions using eleven indicators. • Empirical methods prevail over theory and research focus is on micro-level analyses. • Differences emerge with respect to interdisciplinarity and attention to local issues. • China, US, and European countries are moving along diverse research trajectories. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the study was to assess the usefulness of analysing visual material in a 3D environment when examining spatial interrelations between the incident participants, tools, and space surrounding the incident site. Such analysis may provide information about the trauma mechanism, which may lead to the determination of probable events. This paper points to the potential of conducting research under 3D environment conditions on the example of a specific criminal incident—a suspected homicide. The aim of the study was to identify possible circumstances of the events with particular emphasis on the mechanism of death and the involvement of third parties. It was performed a comprehensive 3D reconstruction of the elements of the incident using different sources and forms of evidence, and consequently also different imaging, analysis, and synthesis technologies. The resulting 3D reconstruction and animation of the possible events serve to verify the investigative hypotheses. The paper combines a technical description of the research methodology with a forensic commentary, which ultimately creates an integral synthesis of the medicolegal assessment for trial purposes, while presenting the effectiveness of the research methods used. To sum up, the paper presents an experiment carried out under virtual conditions, impossible to execute under real conditions but critical for trial case analysis. • 2D and 3D image recording as material for medico-legal assessment. • 3D reconstruction and synthesis on physical as well as archival visual material. • Effectiveness of 3D reconstruction and the quality of evidence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transitioning to a low carbon energy future is essential to meet the Paris Agreement targets and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). To understand how societies can undertake this transition, energy models have been developed to explore future energy scenarios. These models often focus on the techno-economic aspects of the transition and overlook the long-term implications on both society and the natural environment. Without a holistic approach, it is impossible to evaluate the trade-offs, as well as the co-benefits, between decarbonisation and other policy goals. This paper presents the Energy Scenario Evaluation (ESE) framework which can be used to assess the impact of energy scenarios on society and the natural environment. This conceptual framework utilises interdisciplinary qualitative and quantitative methods to determine whether an energy scenario is likely to lead to a publicly acceptable and sustainable energy transition. Using the SDGs, this paper illustrates how energy transitions are interconnected with human development and the importance of incorporating environmental and socio-economic data into energy models to design energy scenarios which meet other policy priorities. We discuss a variety of research methods which can be used to evaluate spatial, environmental, and social impacts of energy transitions. By showcasing where these impacts will be experienced, the ESE framework can be used to facilitate engagement and decision-making between policymakers and local communities, those who will be directly affected by energy transitions. Outputs of the ESE framework can therefore perform an important role in shaping feasible and energy transitions which meet the Paris Agreement targets and SDGs. • Energy models do not give sufficient attention to social and environmental impacts. • Our ESE framework uses an interdisciplinary approach to energy scenario evaluation. • Using multiple methods, the ESE framework considers how impacts vary spatially. • A social licence to operate will be key to the success of net-zero transitions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, we presented a new model called the alpha power inverse power Burr-Hatke distribution (APIPBHD). It provides several greater advantages in fitting a variety of different types of data. Estimates of the model parameters are provided and based on traditional research methods. We established the superiority of the proposed distribution by utilizing the importance and adaptability of the APIPBHD compared to other well-known distributions. The real data set includes 63 observations, all of which were manufactured to approximate the strengths of glass fibers to highlight the relevance and flexibility of the provided technique. We proved our superiority using one set of real data. Finally, major findings and conclusions are recorded at the end of the paper. Also, we added future work on the upcoming research depending on the proposed model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: We examined whether a context and process-sensitive 'intelligent' checklist increases compliance with best practice compared with a paper checklist during intensive care ward rounds.Methods: We conducted a single-centre prospective before-and-after mixed-method trial in a 35 bed medical and surgical ICU. Daily ICU ward rounds were observed during two periods of 8 weeks. We compared paper checklists (control) with a dynamic (digital) clinical checklist (DCC, intervention). The primary outcome was compliance with best clinical practice, measured as the percentages of checked items and unchecked critical items. Secondary outcomes included ICU stay and the usability of digital checklists. Data are presented as median (interquartile range).Results: Clinical characteristics and severity of critical illness were similar during both control and intervention periods of study. A total of 36 clinicians visited 197 patients during 352 ward rounds using the paper checklist, compared with 211 patients during 366 ward rounds using the DCC. Per ICU round, a median of 100% of items (94.4-100.0) were completed by DCC, compared with 75.1% (66.7-86.4) by paper checklist (P=0.03). No critical items remained unchecked by the DCC, compared with 15.4% (8.3-27.3) by the paper checklist (P=0.01). The DCC was associated with reduced ICU stay (1 day [1-3]), compared with the paper checklist (2 days [1-4]; P=0.05). Usability of the DCC was judged by clinicians to require further improvement.Conclusions: A digital checklist improved compliance with best clinical practice, compared with a paper checklist, during ward rounds on a mixed ICU.Clinical Trial Registration: NCT03599856. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The research on knowledge diffusion in the field of intellectual property is growing based on the current research techniques, but it is mostly focused on some of the subfields, such as patent documents and technology transfer. What is lacking in the literature is a comprehensive profile of the discipline. The paper uses bibliometric methods and visualization technologies to conduct a profiling analysis of Web of Science journal articles in the field of intellectual property from the three aspects of authorship network, geographical diffusion of collaboration, and subject cluster. Facilitated by visualization software and programming scripts, the paper presents the highly active scholars in the field through author co-citation analysis (ACA) and document co-citation analysis (DCA), the diffusion networks of collaboration through dynamic geographical graphs, and the five main clusters of disciplinary subjects, namely, Innovation, Judicature, Legislation, Information, and Market. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite a large body of empirical studies examining the relationship between Environmental Profile (EP) and Financial Profile (FP), the results are still inconsistent. The majority of research exploring EP-FP relationships have focused on the results and overlooked the precedence of data in the process. To understand where the field currently stands, the purpose of this paper is twofold. Firstly, it offers a comprehensive definition and conceptualisation of both EP and FP as both are multidimensional constructs. Secondly, it identifies several critical issues in theorising and testing these relationships for which current practice falls short. These focus on construct clarity by highlighting the inconsistency in measuring constructs, sampling errors, different research design, and sample characteristics. This paper analyses 98 empirical studies using data as the key element in each study, and to outline what is known and unknown about the EP-FP relationship from methodological points of view. The outcomes then made related to the comparability and replicability of studies. The results indicate how methodological artefacts such as characteristics of data sources and a data sample, data quality, data collection method as well as analysis method directly influence the results. In addition, comparability and replicability of results are strongly influenced by data source and data type. Moreover, the findings of this review reveal that the main analysis trend is the impact of EP on FP, particularly examining the linear relationship between environmental performance-output-based and accounting-based variables as EP and FP measurement respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Low back pain trials are published in a variety of healthcare journals. • The methodological quality of low back pain trials is moderate. • 55.5% of low back pain trials endorsed the CONSORT statement recommendations. • Reporting guidelines should be strictly followed. To describe the main characteristics of low back pain randomized controlled trials on the Physiotherapy Evidence Database, and to rank the journals where these trials were published according to their Impact Factor. This is a cross sectional study based on a collection of randomized controlled trials. A random sample of 200 low back pain trials published between 2010 and 2015 were selected from Physiotherapy Evidence Database in February 2016. We collected the following main characteristics of trials: 2015 journal Impact Factor; if the paper was published as open access; CONSORT recommendations endorsement by the journal; methodological quality and statistical reporting measured by the 0–10 items Physiotherapy Evidence Database scale. Data was analyzed descriptively. Trials were published in journals with a mean Impact Factor of 2.5 (SD 2.5), from which 55.5% endorsed the CONSORT recommendations. The methodological quality was moderate with 5.8 points (SD 1.6). The top 3 journals according to Impact Factor were: (1) British Medical Journal ; (2) Annals of Internal Medicine ; and (3) BMC Medicine. Only 6 out of 97 journals publishing low back pain trials combined the following factors: journal Impact Factor higher than 2.0, mean trial methodological quality higher than 6.0 points, endorse CONSORT recommendations and offering papers as open access. Clinicians interested in low back pain trials must look for a wide variety of healthcare journals. A substantial number of low back pain randomized controlled trials did not follow adequate reporting and methodological recommendations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The increasing complexity of modern aircraft structures and the use of new fuels and materials have amplified the complexity of aircraft fire incidents. • Study and discuss the latest research findings in the field of aircraft fires, including aircraft-specific fire behavior, aircraft materials, and aircraft ignition. • Discusses the available aircraft fire investigation methods and the scientific aircraft fire investigation process. • Analysis of important typical aircraft fire accidents in recent years. Fires frequently contribute to aircraft accidents, leading to significant damage, injuries, and fatalities. Nevertheless, the increasing complexity of modern large aircraft structures, along with the utilization of new aviation fuels and materials, has further complicated aircraft fire accidents. Therefore, the application of scientific methodologies and technological advancements is crucial for investigating and determining the causes of aircraft fires. This paper analyzes and discusses various techniques employed in the investigation of aircraft fires, encompassing fire behavior characterization, analysis of aviation material debris, and evaluation of ignition energy. Additionally, it presents an overview and comprehensive discussion of the scientific investigation process employed in aircraft fire incidents. Lastly, this paper presents recent case studies of typical aircraft fires, including crash fires, engine fires, electrical failures, equipment failures, and fires caused by external sources. This study has three overarching themes. The study provides a comprehensive review of the current research on aircraft fire-related issues while highlighting the investigation process and scientific analysis methods employed in aircraft fire incidents. Case studies demonstrate technical investigations of typical aircraft fire incidents are provided. These cases exemplify the complexity involved in aircraft fire investigations and emphasize the criticality of analyzing failure particulars in understanding fire incidents. This paper promote the advancement of technical investigations of aircraft fire incidents by advocating for the updating of research findings and investigation practices related to aircraft fires. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• This paper carries out the research on the evaluation method and system development of emergency regulation capacity for multiple VPPs. • The scientific definition of VPP emergency regulation capacity is clarified, the evaluation method of VPP emergency regulation capacity is proposed, and the evaluation model for the regulation capacity of different types of DER is established. • The framework of multiple management and control for VPP is proposed, which coves intelligent terminal layer sensing DER status, VPP control center integrating heterogeneous DER, and VPP cloud control platform collaborative dispatching multiple VPPs. • The VPP modular model is built, the general simulation architecture and open interface design are realized, and the simulation system for VPP participation in power grid emergency dispatching is developed. The penetration rate of decentralized and controllable resources on the demand side is gradually increasing, such as renewable energy power generation, electricity storage device, electric vehicle, and temperature controlled load. It is urgent to upgrade the security architecture of power grid and incorporate decentralized and controllable resources into the scope of power grid emergency dispatching. Virtual power plant (VPP) is an effective form of integration and management for massive distributed energy resources (DERs), and system development is an important support to play its role. Aiming at the demand of power grid emergency dispatching, this paper proposes the research on the evaluation method and system development of emergency regulation capacity for multiple VPPs. The connotation of VPP emergency regulation capacity is first elucidated, and its quantitative evaluation method is proposed. Then, considering the physical characteristic and user behavior of DER, the evaluation model of emergency regulation capacity of DER cluster is constructed. On this basis, the framework of multilayer management and control for VPP is designed, and the calculation program of VPP emergency regulation capacity is developed. Through modular modeling and the design of general architecture and open interactive interface, a simulation system for VPP participating in power grid emergency dispatching is developed. Finally, a single VPP containing heterogeneous DERs is taken as an example to illustrate the simulation results and sensitivity analysis of VPP emergency regulation capacity. Taking the regional power grid with multiple VPPs as an example, the supporting effect of VPP on power grid emergency dispatching is illustrated. The simulation results verify the effectiveness of the proposed method and system development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traditional methods of delivering construction information, relying on paper-based shop drawings, specifications, and verbal instructions, often lead to increased mental workload, error rates, and difficulties in accessing information. This raises the question of how the traditional approach to accessing design and construction information on construction sites can be improved to address these issues. This paper describes a hybrid approach known as AR-QR code, which aims to enhance the conventional paper-based method of accessing such information using the power of Augmented Reality (AR). The research methodology involved: process mapping, prototype development, and evaluation. The evaluation results revealed that professionals expressed confidence in the potential of the AR-QR code approach to alleviate the limitations associated with traditional methods at construction sites. The outcomes of this study provide valuable insights into the need for a hybrid approach that preserves the advantages of traditional methods while avoiding their drawbacks. • In this research, technical features of the AR-QR Code approach were defined. • The opinion of practitioners regarding the AR-QR Code approach was collected. • AR-QR Code approach combines traditional and digital information delivery methods. • AR-QR code approach can potentially improve access to design and construction information. • AR-QR Code approach can potentially reduce the negative impacts of paper-based drawings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is ample evidence, in many sectors, of the crucial importance of the emotional experiences in the interaction between users and products. Generating products with richer and significant emotional features is a complex challenge. In order to better face this challenge, professionals responsible for designing and developing new products could be facilitated with techniques and tools to understand emotions and to convey specific emotions in the new products. This paper presents the development of a process to support product design teams to envision emotion-focused new product ideas - Emotion-Driven Innovation (E-DI). We have adopted the process research methodology proposed by Platts, which encompasses four main steps: 1) state-of-the-art review, 2) process creation, 3) process development, and 4) process validation. This paper presents the results of the three first steps. The state-of-the-art literature review has been the foundation of the process creation step, which resulted in a three-phase workshop-based process: Emotion Knowledge Acquisition, Emotion Goal Definition, and Idea Generation. In the third step of the research methodology, the feasibility, usability, and utility have been tested through four studies which have involved master design students from Portugal and Italy. The results of these four tests show that Emotion-Driven Innovation process supports designers 1) to identify the occurrence of emotions in certain category of products present in the market, 2) to apply this information to make strategic decisions when defining the emotional intentions for the new product, and 3) to focus their creative thinking to develop strong and meaningful emotion-centric ideas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes the INSIDE system, a networked robot system designed to allow the use of mobile robots as active players in the therapy of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). While a significant volume of work has explored the impact of robots in ASD therapy, most such work comprises remotely operated robots and/or well-structured interaction dynamics. In contrast, the INSIDE system allows for complex, semi-unstructured interaction in ASD therapy while featuring a fully autonomous robot. In this paper we describe the hardware and software infrastructure that supports such rich form of interaction, as well as the design methodology that guided the development of the INSIDE system. We also present some results on the use of our system both in pilot and in a long-term study comprising multiple therapy sessions with children at Hospital Garcia de Orta, in Portugal, highlighting the robustness and autonomy of the system as a whole. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conflicts in construction projects have always been a major problem. Unless an alternate resolution mechanism is spelled out in the contract, these disputes are typically resolved in court, which might be time consuming and financially substantial. This paper represents a continuation in a research focused on creating robust methodologies for legal decision support within the construction industry. Consequently, this papers tackles the problem of automating the extraction of implicit knowledge about significant legal factors upon which verdicts of Differing Site Condition (DSC) litigations are based. To that end, the research methodology (1) utilized a set of 600 cases from the Federal Court of New York; (2) adopted 15 legal concepts that have been found to be statistically significant for DSC litigations; (3) implemented 4 weighing mechanism for data representation, namely Term Frequency, Logarithmic Term Frequency, Augmented Term Frequency, and Term Frequency Inverse Document Frequency; and (4) employed Machine Learning (ML) classifiers, namely Naïve Bayes, Decision Tree, and PART for the development of 12 prediction models. Among the finding of this study (1) ML classifiers present a suitable solution for the analyzed task; and (2) Naïve Bayes classifiers achieved the highest prediction accuracy of 88%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Currently, there are few evidence-based guidelines to inform optimal clinical data-entry template design that maximizes usability while reducing unintended consequences. This study explored the impact of data-entry template design and anesthesia provider workload on documentation accuracy, documentation efficiency, and user-satisfaction to identify the most beneficial data-entry methods for use in future documentation interface design.Methodology: A study using observational data collection and psychometric instruments (for perceived workload and user-satisfaction) was conducted at three hospitals using different methods of data-entry for perioperative documentation (auto-filling with unstructured data, computer-assisted data selection with semi-structured documentation, and paper-based documentation). Nurse anesthetists at each hospital (N = 30) were observed completing documentation on routine abdominal surgical cases.Results: Auto-filling (61.2%) had the lowest documentation accuracy scores compared to computer-assisted (81.3%) and paper-based documentation (76.2%). Computer-assisted data-entry had the best documentation efficiency scores and required the least percentage of the nurse anesthetists' time (9.65%) compared to auto-filling (11.43%) and paper-based documentation (15.23%). Paper-based documentation had the highest perceived workload scores (M = 288, SD = 88) compared to auto-filling (M = 160, SD = 93, U = 16.5, p < 0.01) and computer assisted data-entry (M = 93, SD = 50, U = 4.0, P < 0.001).Conclusions: Auto-filling with unstructured data needs to be used sparingly because of its low documentation accuracy. Computer-assisted data entry with semi-structured data needs to be further study because of its better documentation accuracy, documentation efficiency, and perceived workload. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research methods play an extremely important role in studies. Statistical methods are fundamental and vital for quantitative research. The authors of this paper investigated the research papers that used statistical methods including parametric inferential statistical methods, nonparametric inferential statistical methods, predictive statistical correlation methods, and predictive statistical regression methods in library and information science and examined the connections and interactions between statistical methods and their application areas including information creation, information selection and control, information organization, information retrieval, information dissemination, and information use. Both an inferential statistical method and graphic clustering visualization method were employed to explore the relationships between statistical methods and application areas and reveal the hidden interaction patterns. As a result, 1821 research papers employing statistical methods were identified among the papers published in six major library and information science journals from 1999 to 2017. The findings showed that application areas affected the types of statistical methods utilized. Studies in information organization and information retrieval tended to employ parametric and nonparametric inferential methods, while correlation and regression methods were applied more in studies in information use, information dissemination, information creation, and information selection and control field. These findings help researchers better understand the statistical method orientation of library and information science studies and assist educators in the field to develop applicable quantitative research methodology courses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Constrained optimization methods are already widely used in health care to solve problems that represent traditional applications of operations research methods, such as choosing the optimal location for new facilities or making the most efficient use of operating room capacity.Objectives: In this paper we illustrate the potential utility of these methods for finding optimal solutions to problems in health care delivery and policy. To do so, we selected three award-winning papers in health care delivery or policy development, reflecting a range of optimization algorithms. Two of the three papers are reviewed using the ISPOR Constrained Optimization Good Practice Checklist, adapted from the framework presented in the initial Optimization Task Force Report. The first case study illustrates application of linear programming to determine the optimal mix of screening and vaccination strategies for the prevention of cervical cancer. The second case illustrates application of the Markov Decision Process to find the optimal strategy for treating type 2 diabetes patients for hypercholesterolemia using statins. The third paper (described in Appendix 1) is used as an educational tool. The goal is to describe the characteristics of a radiation therapy optimization problem and then invite the reader to formulate the mathematical model for solving it. This example is particularly interesting because it lends itself to a range of possible models, including linear, nonlinear, and mixed-integer programming formulations. From the case studies presented, we hope the reader will develop an appreciation for the wide range of problem types that can be addressed with constrained optimization methods, as well as the variety of methods available.Conclusions: Constrained optimization methods are informative in providing insights to decision makers about optimal target solutions and the magnitude of the loss of benefit or increased costs associated with the ultimate clinical decision or policy choice. Failing to identify a mathematically superior or optimal solution represents a missed opportunity to improve economic efficiency in the delivery of care and clinical outcomes for patients. The ISPOR Optimization Methods Emerging Good Practices Task Force's first report provided an introduction to constrained optimization methods to solve important clinical and health policy problems. This report also outlined the relationship of constrained optimization methods relative to traditional health economic modeling, graphically illustrated a simple formulation, and identified some of the major variants of constrained optimization models, such as linear programming, dynamic programming, integer programming, and stochastic programming. The second report illustrates the application of constrained optimization methods in health care decision making using three case studies. The studies focus on determining optimal screening and vaccination strategies for cervical cancer, optimal statin start times for diabetes, and an educational case to invite the reader to formulate radiation therapy optimization problems. These illustrate a wide range of problem types that can be addressed with constrained optimization methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A set of theoretical framework of building seismic performance evaluation has been formed, and the automatic evaluation of actual seismic performance of buildings has been realized. • This framework meets the evaluation requirements of various performance indicators in the existing FEMA P-58, and can make rapid and accurate predictions, which greatly improves the evaluation efficiency and quality, and provides fundamental support for the rapid assessment and prediction of regional and city-level building groups. • A set of discrete size variable multi-objective optimization model is proposed. The multi-objective optimization model proposed in this paper establishes a one-to-one correspondence between the design scheme and the two major costs from the perspective of structural size variables, which realizes the micro-level optimization design and improves the optimization level. Seismic loss prediction and performance assessment for buildings have already been hot spots for resilience after earthquakes with the emergence of the concepts of digital twins. However, because a large amount of multisource heterogeneous data and a real-time accurate prediction model are required to implement the process, the popularization and implementation of these technologies are hampered. Based on performance-based seismic design (PBSD) theory, this study introduces BIM and ontology and other emerging technologies to carry out methodology research on intelligent earthquake damage prediction and seismic performance evaluation for individual buildings. First, based on FEMA P-58 (Seismic Performance Assessment of Buildings), this paper uses BIM technology to integrate and transmit component-level engineering information. Ontology method is used to express the assessment content and logic, and a multidimensional semantic ontology model based on IFC is proposed to form the linked data foundation to organize, store, associate and interact the multisource heterogeneous data required for assessment in a unified way to realize the semi-automated seismic performance assessment for individual RC frame building. On this basis, the seismic optimization design under the guidance of the "investment - benefit" criterion is regarded as the problem of seeking the balance between the initial construction cost and the expectation of seismic loss. The multi-objective genetic algorithm (NSGA-II) is used to realize the optimization iteration at the component level. According to the results of the case study, the new method in this paper significantly improves the quality of seismic performance assessment and seismic design optimization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Social media platforms, search engine transaction logs, Web portal transaction logs, large text corpora, and other data sources offer users a variety of invaluable data sources. Data generated based on social media platforms and other data sources have become important sources of big data for researchers in information science. Big data provide not only challenges but also opportunities for information science. Emerging big data trends inevitably have an impact on research methods in information science. The authors of this paper discuss the impact of big data on research methods in information science. This paper addresses these challenges and opportunities through the lens of research methods, ranging from data processing, to sampling, to information visualization, to temporal analysis, to sentiment analysis, to correlation, to cause-effect relationship, to data accessibility, to data privacy, and data ethics issues. The discussions on related aspects of research methods provoke a healthy reflection and debate for the information science research community, which can help researchers in the field produce sound research designs for big data-oriented research studies and assist information practitioners in solving problems they face in the big data age. Research methods are fundamental and essential for any research studies. Big data analysis has a natural relationship with research methods. The paper discusses an emerging and important research topic big data from the unique angle of research methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Fractional Nonlinear Schrödinger Model (FNLSM) with Kerr law nonlinearity, a popular model for simulating a variety of physical events, is the subject of this study. Our research has two main goals. First, we want to identify novel soliton solutions for the FNLSM with Kerr law nonlinearity, including bright, single, exponential, periodic, hyperbolic, dark and combinations thereof. We use a modified Sardar sub-equation technique to achieve these solutions, which have not yet been published. Secondly, demonstrate that the model is stable and sensitive, examine its modulation instability and sensitivity analysis. To validate the physical relevance of our results, we present 2D, 3D and contour plots with appropriate parameter values. Our results indicate that this research's methodology is effective computationally faster and provides comprehensive and standard solutions. In engineering, computational physics and fiber optics, it can be helpful in resolving more complicated occurrences. By offering novel approaches to currently studied features of FNLSM, this paper advances computational physics. The results that have been presented illustrate the potential for our method to fundamentally alter how FNLSM is understood and modeled. In this dynamic field, we believe that our research offers novel opportunities for investigation and advancement. To the best of our knowledge, this study represents a unique approach to investigating the FNLSM with Kerr law nonlinearity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the results of a study on research methodology applied within the field of Value and Value Creation in construction industry. The purpose of the paper is to give an overview of approaches that are used, and map which research philosophies and methods are most common within this field. The research is based on an extensive literature review. Relevant research contributions from 1980 to 2016 were studied. The publications have been categorized based on their data collection method (literature review, interviews, surveys etc.), and which philosophical approach (positivism, interpretivism, realism and idealism) that is applied. Research on value has been conducted in many different contexts such as marketing, psychology, manufacturing and construction. However, this research is limited to publications that are directly associated with buildings, construction projects and construction industry. The paper also presents the development of research methods on value and value creation. The results, besides providing a knowledge status, give an overview that can be helpful for fellow researchers to improve the research quality, and see if there is a need to look into the topic from alternative perspectives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

1,2-Indanedione has been extensively researched since the discovery of its fluorogenic reaction with amino acids in 1997 by Joullié et al. [1]. This current study compares the development of fingermarks on used train tickets by the three leading reagents for amino acids-ninhydrin, DFO and 1,2-indanedione. The train tickets are ideal for the task due to their high abundance and frequent use by a diverse population. However, their unique double-layer composition of a cellulose-based regular paper on one side and a thermally sensitive layer on the other requires an adjustment of the traditional development procedures. Heat, which is normally applied after dipping the specimens in the reagents solutions, had to be avoided due to darkening of the sensitive thermal layer. Instead, it has been replaced by air-drying in a fume-hood 24h prior to the recording of the results. Three groups, each containing 500 used train tickets had been treated by each of the three reagents. The results were expressed in terms of percentage of both comparable and partial fingermarks. In this study we controlled neither the quality of the fingerprint donors nor the conditions under which the latent fingermarks had been deposited or stored. However, the large number of similar exhibits which are randomly chosen allows tentative conclusions on the potential of each reagent, hence, a new criterion for the potential of fingermark development (PFD) is proposed. The PFD combines all the partial fingermarks and identifiable fingermarks (graded 1 and 2) thus, highlighting the sensitivity of the reagents. In this work, the superiority of 1,2-indanedione is demonstrated using both the traditional comparison tests as well as the suggested "PFD". [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes an experimental implementation of the CERIF API specification being used as an intermediary system to enable the communication of information from the ORCID registry as CERIF XML. This work builds on the strategic partnership between euroCRIS and ORCID, and was enabled by the EC-funded THOR project. The implementation surfaced several issues stemming from the differing data models required, and from constraints specific to ORCID's position as an international linking infrastructure, such as privacy. The paper summarises the lessons learned from this endeavour, and sets out a clear roadmap and recommendations for the community to come together to implement, expand and sustain this potentially very valuable component of the research information ecosystem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents application of Kroki tool to creation of executable specification of CERIF standard. Kroki (fr. croquis – sketch) is an open-source tool that is being developed in order to foster development agility and better communication among team members with different specialties. It can be used for creating of specification of data-driven applications using two different notations (UML based and mockup based) and for generating application over the specification. This paper presents usage of Kroki tool for visualization and further development of CERIF data model, as well as using of Kroki for generating a prototype of CRIS system over CERIF data model. CERIF 1.5 specification was taken from euroCRIS web site and entered into Kroki tool. More than 280 CERIF classes are divided into 31 packages, in order to make CERIF model easier to read and comprehend. Thanks to its mockup and lightweight UML editor, Kroki enables each user, with or without background in information technologies, to understand and change CERIF specification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The definition, characteristics, and application areas of the digital twin are clarified. • The types and methods of physical information acquisition are summarized. • The general steps of virtual model construction based on the virtual model paradigm are presented. • The methods of twin data acquisition and data exchange protocols are summarized. • The application areas of digital twins are divided into three phases. The digital twin is a crucial technology for realizing smart manufacturing and industrial digital transformation, which has received extensive attention and research from industry and academia. After 20 years of development, the application area of digital twins has been pervasive. Due to the diversity of application areas, various reference models and research methods have been presented for the components of the digital twin. Therefore, this paper provides systematic research of current studies on the basic components of the digital twin. This paper analyzed 117 articles from 2017 to 2022. By clarifying the relationship between the digital twin and the cyber-physical system, it first clarified the definition, characteristics, and application areas of the digital twin. On this basis, the research methodology of the core components of the digital twin (physical entities, virtual models, and twin data) is analyzed. At the same time, the application areas of digital twins are analyzed and delineated, and the application potential of the digital twin is explored. Finally, the research results and future research recommendations are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Members of the healthcare team must access and share patient information to coordinate interprofessional collaborative practice (ICP). Although some evidence suggests that electronic health records (EHRs) contribute to in-team communication breakdowns, EHRs are still widely hailed as tools that support ICP. If EHRs are expected to promote ICP, researchers must be able to longitudinally study the impact of EHRs on ICP across communication types, users, and physical locations.Objective: This paper presents a data collection and analysis tool, named the Map of the Clinical Interprofessional Communication Spaces (MCICS), which supports examining how EHRs impact ICP over time, and across communication types, users, and physical locations.Methods: The tool's development evolved during a large prospective longitudinal study conducted at a Canadian pediatric academic tertiary-care hospital. This two-phased study [i.e., pre-implementation (phase 1) and post implementation (phase 2)] of an EHR employed a constructivist grounded theory approach and triangulated data collection strategies (i.e., non-participant observations, interviews, think-alouds, and document analysis). The MCICS was created through a five-step process: (i) preliminary structural development based on the use of the paper-based chart (phase 1); (ii) confirmatory review and modification process (phase 1); (iii) ongoing data collection and analysis facilitated by the map (phase 1); (iv) data collection and modification of map based on impact of EHR (phase 2); and (v) confirmatory review and modification process (phase 2).Results: Creating and using the MCICS enabled our research team to locate, observe, and analyze the impact of the EHR on ICP, (a) across oral, electronic, and paper communications, (b) through a patient's passage across different units in the hospital, (c) across the duration of the patient's stay in hospital, and (d) across multiple healthcare providers. By using the MCICS, we captured a comprehensive, detailed picture of the clinical milieu in which the EHR was implemented, and of the intended and unintended consequences of the EHR's deployment. The map supported our observations and analysis of ICP communication spaces, and of the role of the patient chart in these spaces.Conclusions: If EHRs are expected to help resolve ICP challenges, it is important that researchers be able to longitudinally assess the impact of EHRs on ICP across multiple modes of communication, users, and physical locations. Mapping the clinical communication spaces can help EHR designers, clinicians, educators and researchers understand these spaces, appreciate their complexity, and navigate their way towards effective use of EHRs as means for supporting ICP. We propose that the MCICS can be used "as is" in other academic tertiary-care pediatric hospitals, and can be tailored for use in other healthcare institutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To determine if high alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) level in vaginal blood collected on a sanitary pad can assist with detecting an active miscarriage.Design: A prospective cohort study.Setting: Academic medical center.Patient(s): Five groups were evaluated: women with active miscarriage, pregnancy of unknown location, completed miscarriage or extrauterine pregnancy (EUP), ongoing pregnancy, and undergoing elective dilation and curettage (D&C).Intervention(s): None.Main Outcome Measure(s): For each patient, AFP level in the vaginal blood collected on a sanitary pad was quantified.Result(s): The vaginal blood AFP median levels (and their ranges) were 3.7 IU/mL (0.5-739.2) and 4,542 IU/mL (15.6-100,000) in the active miscarriage (n = 16) and the elective D&C (n = 24) groups, respectively. Alpha-fetoprotein was detected in all elective D&C and active miscarriage cases except in 1 case. In the ongoing pregnancy group (n = 35), only 2 of 35 specimens showed detectable AFP levels. In the pregnancy of unknown location (n = 12) and the completed miscarriage or EUP (n = 10) groups, no AFP was detected. Receiver operating characteristic analysis demonstrated 93.7% sensitivity and 97.8% specificity for the detection of an active miscarriage (cutoff 0.61 IU/mL; area under the curve 0.96).Conclusion(s): Alpha-fetoprotein can be extracted from vaginal blood collected on sanitary pads. A high level of vaginal AFP can assist with the same-day detection of an active miscarriage. This novel test is useful in differentiating active miscarriages from ongoing pregnancies, completed miscarriages, and EUPs and, therefore, it reduces uncertainty, anxiety level, and number of repeat office visits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cognitive neuroscience techniques have become a great complement to traditional methods in marketing research. However, many difficulties have arisen, such as the collection of reliable data, processing and proper analysis. The paper presents good practices of collecting neurophysiological data for the evaluation of media messages in social campaigns. For this purpose, the most common difficulties during signal recording for devices such as EEG, GSR, HR, Eye Tracker were identified. The problems that arose were assigned to three main groups that could be affected, i.e.the examing person, the examing enviroment and the examing equipment. In the final stage, solutions were proposed to reduce or eliminate them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The horopter is defined by the criterion with which it is measured; these include the apparent frontoparallel plane, the region of binocular single vision, and identical visual direction. Another criterion is one that "the positions of the points are such that none provides a stimulus for fusional movement of the eyes". Measuring the horopter using this criterion is the aim of the current paper. Based on previous research investigating corresponding points, we predicted the vergence horopter should trace an arc similar to the empirical horizontal horopter. We further predicted based on the characteristics of vergence eye movements in the periphery, that the range of horizontal disparities that do not elicit a vergence movement would increase with eccentricity. In experiment 1 we conducted the first measurements of the vergence horopter along the horizontal plane of regard and sagittal planes. We found that the vergence horopter consists of a stable range of disparities that do not increase with eccentricity. In experiment 2, we measured Panum's fusional range for the same eccentricities and elevations to determine the placement of the vergence horopter within the fusional ranges. In the horizontal plane, the vergence horopter sits centrally within Panum's fusional range. In the vertical plane, the data are suggestive that the vergence horopter is less slanted than the corresponding fusional range. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper discusses the potential role of inpatient layout in creating a healing environment for its users, whether there is an existing relationship between inpatient typology and healing environment. The study employs an evidence-based design method adopting a qualitative-quantitative approach as a multiple research methodology. Quantitatively, an EBD questionnaire-ASPECT was distributed to the users to assess the healing environment within specific cases; syntactic maps were used to assess the configuration of inpatient layouts. Qualitatively, a modified EBD-AEDET tool was used as a checklist evaluation. Four different inpatient typologies (H-shape, T-shape, U-shape, L-shape) were chosen to represent four hospitals in Erbil city. Results showed that there is a clear effect of the inpatient typology on the healing environment of patients. Research outputs provide a useful database for healthcare designers in their future designs, especially for inpatient units due to their influential role in creating a healthy and safe healing environment for patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The problem of surface icing poses a serious threat to people's economy and safety, especially in the fields of aerospace, wind power generation and circuit transmission. Super-hydrophobic has excellent anti-icing performance, so it has been widely studied. As the most promising anti-icing technology, superhydrophobic anti-icing surface should not only be simple to prepare, but also have excellent comprehensive performance, which can meet the anti-icing task under harsh working conditions and long-term durability. This paper summarizes the basic performance requirements of superhydrophobic surface for anti-icing operation, and then summarizes the preparation methods and existing problems of superhydrophobic surface in recent years. Finally, the future development trend of superhydrophobic anti-icing surface is prospected and discussed, hoping to provide certain technical guidance for the subsequent research of high-performance superhydrophobic anti-icing surface. [Display omitted] • The development status and characteristics of existing anti-icing technology are introduced. • Summarize the basic performance of superhydrophobic anti-icing surface. • The preparation methods and characteristics of superhydrophobic anti-icing surface are classified and evaluated. • The development of functionalized superhydrophobic anti-icing surface is introduced. • The future development direction of superhydrophobic anti-icing surface is prospected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]