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In light of constraints inherent to empirical research, such as finite time and resources, there has been growing interest in using artificial intelligence to streamline the scientific process. However, despite advancements in automating scientific discovery, the implementation of strategies for sampling useful experiments remains a challenge. This metascientific study evaluates different experimental sampling strategies based on their effectiveness in advancing the discovery of linear models of human cognition based on synthetic data. We investigate the hypothesis put forth by Dubova et al. (2022) that random sampling of experiments is more effective than model-driven sampling. Indeed, the results of this study indicate that random sampling is more effective in a majority of cases, and that the underperformance of model-driven strategies can be attributed to a narrow sampling of the design space. Despite limitations in our approach, the work presented offers a novel framework for the metascientific study of autonomous empirical research.

Augmenting low income or subsistence lifestyles in developing countries with knowledge, skills and values to enable communities to live in a more sustainable manner is becoming increasingly important as the demands to simply survive increase. Consequently, education for sustainable development (ESD) has emerged strongly in recent years to become a key mechanism for a more sustainable future. Using a case study approach to determine a non-formal ESD programme's response to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization's (UNESCO's) (2005) ESD 'characteristics', this study aims to gauge the success and value of non-formal ESD. A qualitative research was undertaken in 2017 employing various data collection methods, including interviews, focus group discussions, observations and the examination of national policy documents and the non-formal ESD curriculum. The study found that the non-formal education sector provided significant support to the formal education system, leading to improved vertical integration from international guidelines to local-level implementation. The findings demonstrate the potential of the non-formal sector to augment ESD in developing contexts where the national government may lack policy or the ability to provide schools with adequate educational resources.

PURPOSE: To describe the impact of fractionation scheme and tumor location on toxicities in stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) for ≥5-cm non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), as part of a multi-institutional analysis. METHODS: Patients with primary ≥5-cm N0 M0 NSCLC who underwent ≤5-fraction SBRT were examined across multiple high-volume SBRT centers. Collected data included clinical/treatment parameters; toxicities were prospectively assessed at each institution according to the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events. Patients treated daily were compared with those treated every other day (QOD)/other nondaily regimens. Stratification between central and peripheral tumors was also performed. RESULTS: Ninety-two patients from 12 institutions were evaluated (2004-2016), with median follow-up of 12 months. In total there were 23 (25%) and 6 (7%) grade ≥2 and grade ≥3 toxicities, respectively. Grades 2 and 3 pulmonary toxicities occurred in 9% and 4%, respectively; 1 patient treated daily experienced grade 5 radiation pneumonitis. Of the entire cohort, 46 patients underwent daily SBRT, and 46 received QOD (n=40)/other nondaily (n=6) regimens. Clinical/treatment parameters were similar between groups; the QOD/other group was more likely to receive 3-/4-fraction schemas. Patients treated QOD/other experienced significantly fewer grade ≥2 toxicities as compared with daily treatment (7% vs 43%, P.05). CONCLUSIONS: From this multi-institutional study, toxicity of SBRT for ≥5-cm lesions is acceptable, and daily treatment was associated with a higher rate of toxicities.

BACKGROUND: Stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) is the standard of care for patients with nonoperative, early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) measuring

Children bring joy, new experiences and challenges into the lives of their families, and the focus of this article is on the often unrecognised emotional challenges and stigma experienced by parents of children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). This study involved a random sample group of 240 parents using a service in the Hull and East Riding areas of the UK. These parents filled in a questionnaire, the results of which showed that there were points of particular stress for some families, often involving their initial concerns when their children's difficulties were unrecognised, the diagnosis itself, and then obtaining support. In addition, for some families, this stress led to the breakdown of parental relationships. Significant areas of additional stress included parents having feelings of guilt and emotional strain, with experiences of isolation for the family and negative impacts on parental mental health. Furthermore, some parents revealed incidences of stigma and a refusal to accept diagnoses and concerns, even from within the wider family. Likewise, some parents found that family and friends were not sympathetic or supportive. Finally, a number of parents also described detrimental impacts on siblings and expressed concerns about the education of and future outcomes for their child. [This article was co-written by KIDS, a charity supporting children and young people with SEND and their families, delivering services throughout England.]