Address Specific Issues Research Articles

Investigating the Key Factors Influencing Falling Object Incidents at Construction Sites in Batu Pahat, Johor

Building construction refers to the methods and businesses associated with assembling and erecting structures, particularly those designed for residential purposes. The need for a controlled environment to mitigate the effects of climate change was initially purely functional. A construction site presents a wide range of ever-evolving threats, with risks that are often unique to the construction business. Therefore, ensuring that workers are well-trained and aware of these risks is essential for safeguarding themselves and their coworkers from potential harm or even fatalities. This research aims to explore the root causes and consequences of falling object incidents on individuals, assets, and reputation within the construction industry. Thoroughly analyzing the root causes and consequences of incidents informs the development of a targeted intervention plan. This plan aims to reduce severity and address specific issues, such as inadequate safety measures or equipment failures, with the overarching goal of significantly decreasing falling object incidents. This study employs a survey questionnaire as its methodological tool. The procedure includes conducting literature reviews and incorporating sample survey questionnaires from previous researchers. The methodology used to analyze the statistical data was SPSS software via Reliability Tests, One-way ANOVA Tests, and Correlation and Interferential Analysis. The results revealed a strong statistical correlation (r > 0.5, n = 50, p < 0.05) between organizational/departmental roles and responsibilities, the behavioral behavior of construction workers, incidents at work, health/disease problems, and the consequences of the incident. Therefore, to mitigate all the potential consequences, some intervention plans are being proposed, such as the implementation of Toolbox Meeting (TBM) and Toolbox Talk (TBT), a Toolbox Training Program, and the monitoring of physiological conditions for construction workers to maintain the well-being of the workforce and ensure a safe working environment.

Detangling the quantum tapestry of intrachannel interference in below-threshold nonsequential double ionization with few-cycle laser pulses

We perform a systematic analysis of single-channel quantum interference in laser-induced nonsequential double ionization with few-cycle pulses, using the strong-field approximation. We focus on a below-threshold intensity for which the recollision-excitation with subsequent ionization (RESI) mechanism is prevalent. We derive and classify several analytic interference conditions for single-channel RESI in arbitrary driving fields and address specific issues for few-cycle pulses. Since the cycles in a short pulse are no longer equivalent, there are several events whose dominance varies. We quantify this dominance for single excitation channels by proposing a dominance parameter. Moreover, there will be many types of superimposed interference fringes that must be taken into consideration. We find an intricate tapestry of patterns arising from phase differences related to symmetrization, temporal shifts and a combination of exchange and event interference. Published by the American Physical Society 2024

Taxonomy of theories for blockchain applications in business and management

The rising prominence of blockchain technology has spurred researchers to delve deeper into its applications through the lens of organizational and management theories. Our thematic analysis of blockchain literature reveals examination across five key areas: economic, strategic, operational, behavioral, and implementation considerations, each viewed through various theoretical perspectives. The multifaceted nature of blockchain phenomena necessitates diverse types of theory and research questions. Thus, the unique characteristics within each area stimulate the formulation of inquiries that address a system of research questions about what, how, why, when, where, what will be, and how to do. Existing literature predominantly emphasizes explanatory and predictive type of theories, notably expanding research topics such as blockchain adoption behavior. However, this singular focus limits the exploration of diverse reasoning approaches suited to blockchain's complexity. Our study illustrates how different types of theory contribute to understanding each of the identified blockchain application areas. Based on our findings, we propose pertinent questions that highlight the need for varied theoretical frameworks and address specific issues within each application area. Furthermore, we recommend appropriate type of theories to address these questions, fostering a more multi-perspective investigation across the breadth of blockchain-related research topics and areas. By embracing diverse theoretical perspectives, we aim to create a more balanced research landscape, facilitating deeper insights into blockchain phenomena.

Leveraging artificial intelligence to advance implementation science: potential opportunities and cautions.

The field of implementation science was developed to address the significant time delay between establishing an evidence-based practice and its widespread use. Although implementation science has contributed much toward bridging this gap, the evidence-to-practice chasm remains a challenge. There are some key aspects of implementation science in which advances are needed, including speed and assessing causality and mechanisms. The increasing availability of artificial intelligence applications offers opportunities to help address specific issues faced by the field of implementation science and expand its methods. This paper discusses the many ways artificial intelligence can address key challenges in applying implementation science methods while also considering potential pitfalls to the use of artificial intelligence. We answer the questions of "why" the field of implementation science should consider artificial intelligence, for "what" (the purpose and methods), and the "what" (consequences and challenges). We describe specific ways artificial intelligence can address implementation science challenges related to (1) speed, (2) sustainability, (3) equity, (4) generalizability, (5) assessing context and context-outcome relationships, and (6) assessing causality and mechanisms. Examples are provided from global health systems, public health, and precision health that illustrate both potential advantages and hazards of integrating artificial intelligence applications into implementation science methods. We conclude by providing recommendations and resources for implementation researchers and practitioners to leverage artificial intelligence in their work responsibly. Artificial intelligence holds promise to advance implementation science methods ("why") and accelerate its goals of closing the evidence-to-practice gap ("purpose"). However, evaluation of artificial intelligence's potential unintended consequences must be considered and proactively monitored. Given the technical nature of artificial intelligence applications as well as their potential impact on the field, transdisciplinary collaboration is needed and may suggest the need for a subset of implementation scientists cross-trained in both fields to ensure artificial intelligence is used optimally and ethically.

SAMPLE SELECTION, CHARACTERIZATION AND CHOICE OF TREATMENT FOR ACCURATE RADIOCARBON ANALYSIS—INSIGHTS FROM THE ETH LABORATORY

ABSTRACT Accurate radiocarbon (14C) analysis depends on a successful carbon separation relevant to the studied object. The process of 14C dating involves the following steps: characterization and sample choice, sample treatment, measurements, and evaluation of the results. Here, we provide an overview of conventional approaches to macromolecular samples and address specific issues such as detecting and removing contamination with roots, dolomite, and conservation products. We discuss the application of elemental analysis (%N, %C) in the preparation of bones and the infrared analysis in monitoring the contamination of samples. Our observations provide the basis for the discussions of the existing results and for planning the future sampling.

Calibration of Dobson model for improving soil moisture retrievals from AMSR satellite imagery

Satellite-based retrieval of environmental variables has seen rapid advancements in recent years, although it remains challenged by various sources of uncertainty. In this study, we endeavor to enhance the accuracy of soil moisture estimation from AMSR imagery through parameter calibration. Our focus is on calibrating the Dobson dielectric mixing model, a component of the radiative transfer model that relies heavily on empirical relationships.
 The calibration process is based on black-box optimization techniques for the retrieval problem. We have adapted the CORS optimization algorithm to address the specific characteristics of our task. We also considered different target functions for calibration.
 To evaluate the efficacy of our framework, we conducted tests across a dataset comprising 118 ground stations in the United States. The outcomes reveal that optimizing parameter settings can provide limited improvement to the accuracy and, when configured accordingly, address specific issues such as bias correction. Calibration emerges as a potent tool for refining surface soil moisture retrievals, although its effectiveness tends to diminish in larger calibration areas.

Tracking methamphetamine and amphetamine consumption patterns in South Korea via enantiomeric analysis of wastewater

Wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) has emerged as an effective method for monitoring a community's health status and lifestyle. In recent years, enantiomeric profiling has shown promise as a tool for tracing the sources of abused drugs through WBE. This study investigated amphetamine (AMP) and methamphetamine (METH) consumption in South Korea using enantiomeric analysis of untreated wastewater samples collected from 27 wastewater-treatment plants (WWTPs). Both AMP and METH were detected, with the predominant detection of S-(+)-METH indicating widespread illegal use of METH, which is primarily produced by a clandestine synthesis procedure that involves the reduction of ephedrine/pseudoephedrine. Most AMP/METH ratios in the samples were consistent with the expected METH excretion profile, indicating that the presence of AMP was primarily due to METH metabolism. However, R-(−) AMP was detected in 18.5 % and 25.9 % of wastewater samples in winter and spring, respectively, and the high AMP/METH ratio (>0.27) indicated potential AMP abuse. By differentiating between the sources of AMP and METH in wastewater, enantiomeric analysis could help authorities to target and address specific drug-abuse issues affecting the population more effectively.

Selection of Manufacturing Technologies in the Context of Digital Transformation: A Systematic Review

Currently, the digital transformation phenomenon is evident in all decision areas within modern firms and directly impacts the technology management process. For manufacturers, the management and selection of appropriate manufacturing technologies are relevant processes for the achievement of strategic objectives, including a digital strategy. This work is characterized as a review paper, based on a systematic literature review approach. It is derived from the observation of a real problem in a recognized world-class automaker, regarding the selection of manufacturing technologies. The identified problem consists of the lack of a structured and consolidated decision-aiding procedure to support managers in selecting manufacturing technologies in the context of digital transformation, from defining performance objectives to recommending technologies according to the decision objective. The main theoretical implications is the proposition of a research agenda for the development of a decision-aiding procedure concerning two main decision objectives: (i) develop a technology roadmap for a long-term investment plan, and (ii) address specific issues to improve manufacturing performance. The main managerial implication is the synthesis of decision methods and decision criteria observed in the set of related works that can be used for future applications regarding the selection of manufacturing technologies.

The ASPEN method: Establishing the relationship between unmediated creative methods and heuristics adapted to the context of teaching design via an algorithm

This article’s purpose is to demonstrate the ASPEN method (from the acronym in Portuguese Algorithm to Solving Problems in Teaching), developed to help teachers solve problems in design teaching and establish the relationship between unmediated creative methods and heuristics adapted to this context. The long-standing relationship between teachers and students has been under transformation into an increasingly complex knowledge ecosystem and it has been driving teachers to take on new roles and communicate in ways they have not done before. Now, as opposed to merely passing on knowledge, teachers must guide their students’ learning process. Due to the societal challenges that we all face nowadays, teachers must be able to articulate across multiple disciplines, have a global understanding of the matters and be timely up to speed with technology. Taking an innovation ecosystem that includes all agents of teacher education into consideration, these professionals must be prepared to the fast-changing social scenarios that have been recently presented. The ASPEN method emerges from an ethnographic and exploratory investigation of the behaviour of teachers in the classroom, observation and analysis of interviews, and the analysis of pedagogical influences through curricular plans. The observation results found that older and highly experienced teachers claim that they do not need to participate in continuing education courses primarily because they do not have enough time and because they are often more involved with their own investigations. The classroom is no longer a priority. They believe that their pedagogical techniques still work. The ASPEN method is structured to enhance teacher’s experience in anticipating and solving possible problems in the classroom, as well as helping address specific issues that could occasionally arise during the learning process. The expected outcome of this research converges around the guidelines resulting from the practical implementation of specific pedagogies in design education grounded on the ASPEN method. This pedagogical model has been tested in the design field, but it can be applied in multiple areas.

Medication Adherence and Role of Psychiatric Nurse

Pharmacotherapy is the most common strategy used for restoring health. Taking treatment has a positive outcome on the illness but in between treatment and outcome, an important role is played by adherence. A systematic review and meta-analysis found the prevalence of nonadherence ranges from 7% to 83%. Nonadherence can be of different types such as primary nonadherence where medication was prescribed but never initiated by the patient; secondary nonadherence where the medication is not taken as prescribed and nonpersistent; and nonadherence where the medication is stopped without the physician's order after starting. Poor socioeconomic status, low level of education, long distance, cost of medication, cultural belief, poor patient–provider relationship, overburden of health-care provider, chronic disease condition, asymptomatic condition, complex medical regimen, long duration treatment, misunderstanding of treatment instruction, medication side effect, and forgetfulness are the most common factors affecting adherence. Although there are no gold standards for assessing adherence, some subjective methods, for example, patient-kept diaries, interviews, and objective methods such as determining the presence of drugs in a patient's body fluid and the use of electronic monitoring can be taken into consideration. Nurses are playing an important role in guiding the patient and their family members regarding different ways to be adherent to medication by providing psychoeducation, motivational interview, different behavioral therapies, compliance therapy, and cognitive behavioral therapies. They should be nonjudgmental and address specific issues during discharge counseling of patients and families for better adherence.

NCCN Guidelines® Insights: Older Adult Oncology, Version 1.2021.

The NCCN Guidelines for Older Adult Oncology address specific issues related to the management of cancer in older adults, including screening and comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA), assessing the risks and benefits of treatment, preventing or decreasing complications from therapy, and managing patients deemed to be at high risk for treatment-related toxicity. CGA is a multidisciplinary, in-depth evaluation that assesses the objective health of the older adult while evaluating multiple domains, which may affect cancer prognosis and treatment choices. These NCCN Guidelines Insights focus on recent updates to the NCCN Guidelines providing specific practical framework for the use of CGA when evaluating older adults with cancer.

Capacitating civic engagement with deliberative democracy initiatives

ABSTRACT Polarization in political culture and the decline of public education for civic engagement have become serious challenges to a healthy constitutional federal republic in the United States. Communication as a field of study in American universities is well-poised to address these challenges and contribute meaningfully to improving the civic capacity of individuals and communities. This paper provides an overview of one model of doing this work through university-level communication courses that bring university faculty, students, and community agencies together. This model advocates for cooperative initiatives based on the principles and practices of deliberative democracy and participatory action research leading to annual or semi-annual public for a where structured dialogue and deliberation address specific issues of local, national, and international salience. Such a model may result in stronger university-community relations, applied learning for communication students, meaningful classroom learning activities, authentic public discussion, and situated cognition debriefings. The model shared here is based on a pilot project conducted through the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences at Humboldt State University during the 2018/2019 Academic Year.

Picosecond Laser Processing of Photosensitive Glass for Generation of Biologically Relevant Microenvironments

Various material processing techniques have been proposed for fabrication of smart surfaces that can modulate cellular behavior and address specific clinical issues. Among them, laser-based technologies have attracted growing interest due to processing versatility. Latest development of ultrashort pulse lasers with pulse widths from several tens of femtoseconds (fs) to several picoseconds (ps) allows clean microfabrication of a variety of materials at micro- and nanoscale both at surface and in volume. In this study, we addressed the possibility of 3D microfabrication of photosensitive glass (PG) by high repetition rate ps laser-assisted etching (PLAE) to improve the fabrication efficiency for the development of useful tools to be used for specific biological applications. Microfluidic structures fabricated by PLAE should provide the flow aspects, 3D characteristics, and possibility of producing functional structures to achieve the biologically relevant microenvironments. Specifically, the microfluidic structures could induce cellular chemotaxis over extended periods in diffusion-based gradient media. More importantly, the 3D characteristics could reproduce capillaries for in vitro testing of relevant organ models. Single cell trapping and analysis by using the fabricated microfluidic structures are also essential for understanding individual cell behavior within the same population. To this end, this paper demonstrates: (1) generation of 3D structures in glass volume or on surface for fabrication of microfluidic channels, (2) subtractive 3D surface patterning to create patterned molds in a controlled manor for casting polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) structures and developing single cell microchambers, and (3) designing glass photo-masks to be used for sequel additive patterning of biocompatible nanomaterials with controlled shapes, sizes, and periodicity. Mesenchymal stem cells grown on laser-processed glass surfaces revealed no sign of cytotoxicity, while a collagen thin coating improved cellular adhesion.

The Trends in Research on the Effects of Biochar on Soil

The present study used bibliometric methods to analyze the literature regarding the biochar effects on soil that are included in the Web of Science Core Collection database and quantified the annual number of publications in the field and distribution of publications. Using CiteSpace as a visual analytic software for the literature, the distribution of the subject categories, author collaborations, institution collaborations, international (regional) collaborations, and cocitation and keyword clustering were analyzed. The results showed the basic characteristics of the literature related to the effects of biochar on soil. Furthermore, the main research powers in this field were identified. Then, we recognized the main intellectual base in the domain of biochar effects on soil. Meanwhile, this paper revealed the research hotspots and trends of this field. Furthermore, focuses of future research in this field are discussed. The present study quantitatively and objectively describes the research status and trends of biochar effects on soil from the bibliometric perspective to promote in-depth research in this field and provide reference information for scholars in the relevant fields to refine their research directions, address specific scientific issues, and help scholars to seek/establish relevant collaborations in their fields of interests.

Formation and implementation of the migration legislation of Ukrainian citizens to Belarus, Moldova and Russia (1991-2013)

The article reflects the rulemaking and legislative regulation of the migration sphere in the region, based on a common documentary basis, which is the basis of the national legislation of the studied countries - the legal provisions of the Soviet period. Another source of international law is the common international norms developed within the framework of universal and specific interstate structures (UN, IOM, ILO, etc.). The process of formation and improvement of migration legislation in the Republic of Belarus, the Republic of Moldova, the Russian Federation and Ukraine continued throughout the study period. Its basic elements include the creation of a regulatory framework for general issues that indirectly dealt with migration issues and address specific issues of a purely migration area. Its results were in accordance with general norms and democratic principles. The article focuses on the migration concepts of each of the countries studied. It is concluded that the nature and magnitude of the migration movement of Ukrainians within the studied region are distinguished by the specificity of the respective migration space. It is based on strong cultural and historical ties between actors and is reinforced by the migration laws of Belarus, Moldova, Russia and Ukraine

Elderly patients' and GPs' perspectives of patient-GP communication concerning polypharmacy: a qualitative interview study.

To manage polypharmacy, GPs need to know patients' real medication consumption. However, previous research has shown that patients do not always volunteer all information about their medication regimen, for example, such as the intake of over-the-counter medication or the alteration or discontinuation of prescribed medication. A qualitative interview study including patients of at least 65 years old with polypharmacy (⩾5 medications) and their GPs in a German Primary Healthcare Centre. The transcripts from the semi-structured interviews (n=6 with patients; n=3 with GPs) were analysed using a framework analytical approach.FindingsWe identified three themes: differing medication plans: causes?; dialogue concerning medication: whose responsibility?; supporting patients' engagement: how? While GPs stated that patients do not always report or might even conceal information, all patients reported that they could speak openly about everything with their GPs. In this context, trust might act as a double-edged sword, as it can promote open communication but also prevent patients from asking questions. Both GPs and patients could name very few ways in which patients could be supported to become more informed and active in communication concerning polypharmacy and medication safety. This study shows that patients' awareness of the significance of their active role in addressing polypharmacy needs to be increased. This includes understanding that trusting the doctor does not preclude asking questions or seeking more information. Thus, interventions which improve patients' communication skills and address specific issues of polypharmacy, particularly in elderly patients, should be designed. GPs might support patients by 'inviting' their contribution.

Reproductive Issues in MS.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease of the central nervous system, predominantly affecting women of childbearing age. Therefore, issues of conception, pregnancy, and delivery are of significant importance to patients and treating physicians. We discuss immunologic and clinical effects of pregnancy on the course of MS including both immunosuppression on a local level and a heightened state of immunocompetence on a global level. Clinical outcomes of the Pregnancy in Multiple Sclerosis trials are reported. We analyze and update the available data on safety and efficacy of immunomodulating MS treatments and symptomatic treatments for pregnant and lactating women, and address specific issues of MS management at the time of pregnancy. We review the data related to estrogen-based MS therapies currently or previously in trials. Pregnancy does not appear to be associated with adverse outcomes in MS patients. Some evidence suggests possible beneficial effects, although clear prospective data of sufficient length and quality are limited. Long-term relapse rates or disability progression do not seem to be affected by pregnancy in MS patients. The use of immunosuppressive or immunomodulatory agents in pregnancy is not routinely advisable but could be considered under special circumstances.

An online analytical processing multi-dimensional data warehouse for malaria data.

Malaria is a vector-borne disease that contributes substantially to the global burden of morbidity and mortality. The management of malaria-related data from heterogeneous, autonomous, and distributed data sources poses unique challenges and requirements. Although online data storage systems exist that address specific malaria-related issues, a globally integrated online resource to address different aspects of the disease does not exist. In this article, we describe the design, implementation, and applications of a multi-dimensional, online analytical processing data warehouse, named the VecNet Data Warehouse (VecNet-DW). It is the first online, globally-integrated platform that provides efficient search, retrieval and visualization of historical, predictive, and static malaria-related data, organized in data marts. Historical and static data are modelled using star schemas, while predictive data are modelled using a snowflake schema. The major goals, characteristics, and components of the DW are described along with its data taxonomy and ontology, the external data storage systems and the logical modelling and physical design phases. Results are presented as screenshots of a Dimensional Data browser, a Lookup Tables browser, and a Results Viewer interface. The power of the DW emerges from integrated querying of the different data marts and structuring those queries to the desired dimensions, enabling users to search, view, analyse, and store large volumes of aggregated data, and responding better to the increasing demands of users.Database URL https://dw.vecnet.org/datawarehouse/

Validation of a new computational 6-DOF knee simulator during dynamic activities

A new six-degree-of-freedom (6-DOF) joint simulator has recently been developed which facilitates testing of implants under more realistic loading conditions than has been possible previously. However, typical wear testing can be very time-consuming, taking weeks or months to complete. A validated computational model is an ideal complement to these types of long-running tests. In this study, a computational counterpart to the new 6-DOF joint simulator was developed and validated. Total knee replacement components were evaluated in both physical and computational simulations, and joint mechanics were compared between the experiment and the model. Kinematic comparisons were carried out for two total knee replacement designs, under loading conditions representative of three different activities of daily living: deep knee bend, gait, and stepdown. The model accurately reproduced the motions obtained in the physical simulator, and appropriately differentiated between activities and between implant designs. Root-mean-square differences in anterior-posterior translations and internal-external rotations were less than 1.7mm and 1.4°, respectively, for both implant designs and all three dynamic activities. Contact area, and peak and average contact pressure predicted by the model matched experimental measurements with a root-mean-square accuracy of 20mm2, 9MPa, and 1MPa, respectively. The computational model of the 6-DOF joint simulator will be a key tool in efficient evaluation of implant mechanics under loading conditions representative of the in vivo environment. These simulations may be used directly in comparison of devices, or may aid in facilitating optimal usage of the physical simulator through determining which activities and/or loading conditions best address specific clinical or design issues, for example, development of worst-case loading profiles for wear testing.

What Did You Call Me? Slurs as Prohibited Words

Recent literature in the philosophy of language and linguistics divides the explanatory landscape into two broad camps: content-based and non-contentbased, with the consensus being that (uses of) slurs express negative attitudes toward their targets. Content-based theorists adopt different strategies for implementing this view, but all agree that slurs (or their uses) communicate offensive content. In this essay, we will challenge the consensus and defend a non-contentbased view. According to us, slurs are prohibited not on account of offensive content they manage to get across, but rather because of relevant edicts surrounding their prohibition. We will argue that Prohibitionism, a term we coined, accounts for all the relevant data, namely, both variation in degrees of offense among slurs and their nonoffensive uses, better than the content-based competitors. We will proceed as follows: First, we will present our positive view and address specific issues that arise for it. Next, we will defend our view from objections, possible and actual. And finally, we will compare Prohibitionism with certain alternatives and show why we believe it to be superior. Before we dive in, several clarifications are in order. bs_bs_banner