Common Trends Research Articles

Demographics and Career Trends of Urology Fellowship Directors in the United States.

Fellowship directors (FDs) hold significant leadership roles within the academic urology community. We sought to characterize common trends in training and academic productivity among urology FDs. Moreover, we aimed to characterize gender differences across subspecialties to better inform gender-based inclusion efforts and contemporary leadership pathways. FDs were studied across 6 urologic subspecialties. Society and institutional websites were queried for demographics, education/training institutions, timelines of career milestones, and academic productivity. χ2, Mann-Whitney U, and Kruskal-Wallis tests and Kendall tau rank correlation were employed with an alpha cutoff of .05. There were 219 FDs included, representing 208 fellowship programs at 93 institutions. FDs were 176 (80%) males and 43 (20%) females. There was a significant association between gender and subspecialty. The median age for all FDs was 52 years old. Significant differences in age were demonstrated across subspecialties. For all FDs, females were younger than males, at 49 and 53 years, respectively (P = .001). The median H-index for all FDs was 23.5. H-index was significantly different between genders and subspecialities. There was a strong, positive correlation between age vs H-index for all FDs. Half of FDs had completed fellowship training at one of 14 institutions. We describe the landscape of leadership in urology subspecialty training. There are an increasing number of female FDs. Composition of leadership varies by subspecialty; however, the careers of all current urology FDs are marked by lifelong achievements in academic productivity. Moreover, a small group of institutions produce a substantial number of FDs.

Multivariate Trend‐Cycle‐Seasonal Decompositions with Correlated Innovations*

AbstractMultivariate analysis can help to focus on important phenomena, including trend and cyclical movements, but any economic information in seasonality is typically ignored. The present paper aims to more fully exploit time series information through a multivariate unobserved component model for quarterly data that exhibits seasonality together with cross‐variable component correlations. We show that economic restrictions, including common trends, common cycles and common seasonals can aid identification. The approach is illustrated using Italian GDP and consumption data.

Spatio-temporal analysis of scour around complex offshore foundations under clear water and live bed conditions

This study investigates scour around offshore wind foundations, focusing on two complex structures with varying degrees of flow blockage: a novel hybrid gravity-based jacket (structure “A") and a conventional four-legged jacket (structure “B"). As offshore structures like jackets become more prevalent, mainly due to their structural stability and growth of offshore wind energy in general, understanding scouring phenomena around complex structures is crucial. Laboratory tests under steady flow clear-water and live-bed conditions, with measurements of 3D laser scans for test durations of 15, 90, and 420 min were conducted. In addition the scour development over time was measured and analyzed with eight echo sounders. The findings confirm that scouring around complex structures displays significant variability in dependency of the structure type, making standardization a challenging task. However, some common trends can be derived. Under live-bed conditions, both types of structures exhibit global erosion, regardless of the complexity or flow obstruction of the structure. The spatial erosion depth, relative to the footprint, is markedly higher (2.5 times) for the gravity-based structure as opposed to the jacket structure. In clear-water conditions, no global scour was observed for both structures and a very similar spatial erosion depth was reached after 420 min.

Recurrence of macular edema in patients with branch retinal vein occlusion: a proteomic study

BackgroundBranch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) is a common retinal vascular disease leading to severe vision loss and blindness. This study aimed to investigate and reveal the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying macular edema (ME) recurrence in patients with BRVO through a proteomic approach.MethodsWe detected proteins in the aqueous humor of 14 untreated, four refractory, and four post-operative patients with BRVO-ME and 12 age-matched cataract controls using four-dimensional label-free proteomic and bioinformatics analyses.ResultsIn total, 84 proteins exhibited significant differential expression between the BRVO and control samples (fold change [FC] ≥ 1.2 and adjusted p-value < 0.05). Compared to the control group, 43 and 41 proteins were upregulated and downregulated, respectively, in the BRVO group. These proteins were involved in cell adhesion, visual perception, retina homeostasis, and platelet activation. Several significantly enriched signaling pathways included complement and coagulation cascades and platelet activation. In the protein–protein interaction networks generated using the search tool for retrieval of interacting genes (STRING), the fibrinogen alpha chain and fibrinogen beta chain constituted a tightly connected cluster. Many common protein expression trends, such as the fibrinogen alpha chain and fibrinogen beta chain, were observed in both the recurrent and refractory groups. Differentially expressed proteins in the two groups were involved in complement activation, acute-phase response, platelet activation, and platelet aggregation. Important signaling pathways include the complement and coagulation cascades, and platelet activation. Protein–protein interaction analysis suggested that the fibrinogen alpha chain and fibrinogen beta chain constituted a tightly connected cluster. The expression of some differentially expressed proteins shared by the BRVO and the recurrent and refractory groups was reversed in the post-operative group.ConclusionsOur study is the first to analyze the proteomics of recurrent, refractory, and post-operative groups treated for BRVO-ME, and may potentially provide novel therapeutic interventions for the recurrence of ME.

Wear performance of short fiber added polyamide composites produced by additive manufacturing: Combined impacts of secondary heat treatment, reinforcement type, and test force

AbstractIn recent years, the number of studies focusing on the additive manufacturing has increased seriously to elucidate the critical points such as physical, chemical, and mechanical properties. Contrary to common trends and for the first time in the literature, this experimental endeavor aims to comprehend the combined impact of reinforcement type and heat treatment on the wear features of additively manufactured polyamide 6 (PA6) composites. As reinforcement materials, glass, and carbon fibers were utilized and all samples were created through the fused filament fabrication. Half of the samples were subjected to annealing treatment after the main production, and characterization works were performed using a fused emission scanning electron microscope, differential scanning calorimetry, and dynamic mechanic analysis. From the outcomes, it is seen that heat treatment has a positive effect on the hardness, and wear resistance of the composites. Besides, glass fiber‐reinforced samples display lower friction coefficient and lower volume loss results than other samples. For all samples, secondary annealing causes a positive impact on wear endurance in most cases. On the other side, the wear mechanism of the tested samples changes with the test force level and reinforcement type. At lower test forces, abrasive wear‐induced debris parts are detected on the deformed surfaces of PA6 and carbon‐added samples, but this case is opposite for the highest force of 40 N.Highlights Additive manufacturing was underlined as a promising way to create polymer composites with high dimensional accuracy. The combined effect of secondary annealing and reinforcement type on the wear resistance of 3D‐printed PA6 composites was examined for the first time in the literature. Carbon and glass fibers were compared to explore their effect on friction coefficient and wear behavior of polymer composite samples produced via FFF technology. Hardness and surface roughness measurements were used to comprehend the dry sliding wear results. Depending on the increasing test force levels and reinforcement type, deformation, and abrasion mechanisms were analyzed.

ENERGY TRANSITION POLICIES: A GLOBAL REVIEW OF SHIFTS TOWARDS RENEWABLE SOURCES

The global landscape of energy production is undergoing a profound transformation as nations grapple with the imperatives of sustainable development and climate change mitigation. This paper encapsulates a comprehensive review of Energy Transition Policies, specifically focusing on the global shift towards renewable energy sources. The paper delves into the myriad policy initiatives adopted by countries worldwide to transition from conventional fossil fuel-based energy systems to cleaner and more sustainable alternatives. The analysis explores the diverse motivations driving these energy transitions, ranging from environmental concerns and climate change imperatives to economic competitiveness and energy security. By examining the unique policy frameworks of different regions, the research provides valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities associated with the adoption of renewable energy sources. It investigates the regulatory mechanisms, financial incentives, and technological advancements that shape the trajectory of energy transition policies on a global scale. Furthermore, the paper sheds light on the impact of energy transition policies on various stakeholders, including governments, industries, and local communities. It examines the socio-economic implications of renewable energy integration, job creation, and the role of international collaborations in fostering sustainable energy practices. The study adopts a comparative approach, drawing on case studies from diverse geographical contexts to distill common trends and best practices in energy transition policy formulation and implementation. This paper provides a nuanced understanding of the complex interplay between policy frameworks and the global transition towards renewable energy. By synthesizing insights from different regions, it contributes to a holistic perspective on the challenges and opportunities inherent in shaping a sustainable and resilient energy future. The research is an invaluable resource for policymakers, researchers, and industry stakeholders seeking to navigate the intricate landscape of energy transition on a global scale.&#x0D; Keywords: Energy, Renewable Energy, Energy Innovation, Energy Transition, Review.

Workers organizing in the platform economy: Local forms and global trends of collective action

AbstractDistinctive features of the on‐demand work platforms made it theoretically improbable for workers to organize and for collective forms of protest to emerge. Their business model and work arrangements spatially isolate and socially individualize workers, subjectivizing them as competing micro‐enterprises rather than co‐workers. However, faced with the flood of the platforms on a global scale, collective actions of platform workers surged like a backwash, especially in the ride‐hailing and food delivery sectors, during the last decade. Observers witnessed a great variety in the combination of actors involved and repertoire of actions mobilized worldwide. Despite this diversity, some common global trends can be sketched out. Through a literature review focused on Europe, Latin America, North America and Asia, this article shows that workers struggle globally to build a collective actor, through an original combination of new and old forms of protest. They ought to compensate for their weak marketplace bargaining power by leveraging their discursive, associational, coalitional and workplace bargaining powers.

Contribution of the Microhistorical Approach to Landscape and Settlement Archaeology: Some French Examples

Abstract In this article, we study the contributions of the microhistorical approach to landscape and settlement archaeology in the French context. First, we outline the reception of microhistorical concepts in France. The micro-analytical scale allows a renewal of the questionings, of the approaches, and therefore of the vision of the studied societies. In the particular case of archaeological research on landscape and settlement, we argue that the microhistorical approach proposes the spatial micro-scale as a framework, but it must be surpassed by a comparative approach capable of discerning common trends and local particularities. This approach thus makes it possible to question major macro-historical questions that still lack clear and consensual answers, such as the modalities of transition between major historical phases, the nucleation of settlement into the medieval village, the extension of the finages and the possibility of agricultural growth in the early Middle Ages, or the modalities of management and exploitation of natural resources.

The Impact of Socioeconomic Factors on Educational Management: Comparative Analysis of International Policies and Practices

This study investigates the influence of socioeconomic factors on educational management through a comparative analysis of international policies and practices. Utilizing qualitative methods, including literature review and library research, the study examines the correlation between socioeconomic status and educational outcomes across diverse contexts. The analysis encompasses various dimensions of educational management, including resource allocation, curriculum development, teacher training, and student support systems. By exploring the policies and practices implemented in different countries, the study aims to identify common trends and unique approaches in addressing the impact of socioeconomic factors on educational management. Findings reveal that socioeconomic disparities significantly affect educational opportunities and outcomes, influencing access to quality education, student performance, and educational equity. Moreover, the study highlights the importance of tailored interventions and policy reforms to mitigate the negative effects of socioeconomic factors on educational management. The comparative analysis underscores the need for context-specific strategies that consider the socioeconomic landscape, cultural norms, and institutional capacities of each country. The study concludes by advocating for collaborative efforts among policymakers, educators, and stakeholders to develop inclusive educational policies and practices that foster equitable learning environments and enhance educational outcomes for all students.

Risk factors for herpes zoster infections: a systematic review and meta-analysis unveiling common trends and heterogeneity patterns

PurposeThe burden of herpes zoster (HZ) is substantial and numerous chronic underlying conditions are known as predisposing risk factors for HZ onset. Thus, a comprehensive study is needed to synthesize existing evidence. This study aims to comprehensively identify these risk factors.MethodsA systematic literature search was done using MEDLINE via PubMed, EMBASE and Web of Science for studies published from January 1, 2003 to January 1, 2023. A random-effects model was used to estimate pooled Odds Ratios (OR). Heterogeneity was assessed using the I2 statistic. For sensitivity analyses basic outlier removal, leave-one-out validation and Graphic Display of Heterogeneity (GOSH) plots with different algorithms were employed to further analyze heterogeneity patterns. Finally, a multiple meta-regression was conducted.ResultsOf 6392 considered records, 80 were included in the meta-analysis. 21 different conditions were identified as potential risk factors for HZ: asthma, autoimmune disorders, cancer, cardiovascular disorders, chronic heart failure (CHF), chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD), depression, diabetes, digestive disorders, endocrine and metabolic disorders, hematological disorders, HIV, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), mental health conditions, musculoskeletal disorders, neurological disorders, psoriasis, renal disorders, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and transplantation. Transplantation was associated with the highest risk of HZ (OR = 4.51 (95% CI [1.9–10.7])). Other risk factors ranged from OR = 1.17–2.87, indicating an increased risk for all underlying conditions. Heterogeneity was substantial in all provided analyses. Sensitivity analyses showed comparable results regarding the pooled effects and heterogeneity.ConclusionsThis study showed an increased risk of HZ infections for all identified factors.

Environmental Citizenship: Dutch students’ sustainability competences and avenues for science education

Fostering Environmental Citizenship (EC) through science education equips students with competences needed for action-taking on sustainability issues. Quantitative studies show Dutch student EC competences are lacking compared to international averages. This study provides a qualitative view on Dutch 11-15 year old students’ EC, providing support for science teachers. The research question is: What are main characteristics of Dutch lower secondary student competences around environmental citizenship? We conducted semi-structured interviews with 42 students (F: 25, M: 17; average age 13.3). Questions concerned student sustainability knowledge, attitudes, behavior, and reflection. Common trends in the data are a worry for the future, the experienced distance from sustainability issues, and interest in personal actions. Students do not discuss sustainability with friends. They adopt a form of EC that can be typified as personally responsible citizenship. Our data provide qualifiers for conclusions from quantitative studies that previously dominated our understanding of student EC.

Evaluating the environmental performance of 45 real-life wooden buildings: A comprehensive analysis of low-impact construction practices

Buildings are responsible for 37 % of global Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions. Subsequently, stakeholders in this sector have introduced different strategies to reduce the environmental impact of buildings. One strategy focuses on increasing the use of wood in buildings as a low-impact material with the potential to act as a carbon sink. Although research shows a tendency towards lower GHG emissions from wood structures compared to conventional constructions, the existing literature is typically challenged by methodological inconsistencies and only assesses a limited number of building projects at a time. As a result, uncertainties are introduced about comparisons between them, how their background and modeling assumptions may vary, as well as the integrity of the assessed solutions. Hence, this study analyses 45 cases of buildings applying the same methodology to enable a comprehensive understanding of the environmental performance of wooden buildings, identifying common trends, challenges, and best practices. This study finds that the embodied impacts contribute highly to the environmental impact and thus remain essential to consider. However, there is a very weak correlation between the quantities of wood used in the buildings and the environmental impact for wooden buildings, but a strong correlation between the quantities of insulation, plastics, composites, and POCP, ODP, ODP and EP, respectively. Therefore, the use of these materials should be optimized to further reduce the environmental impact of wood buildings.

Romanticism as an Expression of Rebel Ideas in Literature

The best manifestation of rebel romanticist poetry is in the works of Byron in England, H. Heine – in Germany, J. Leopard – in Italy, N. Baratashvili – in Georgia, A. Mickie-wicz – in Poland. However, the socio-political situation of the country somewhat de-fined the nature of romanticism. The rebellious Romanticists put the following issues on the agenda: criticism of the bourgeois order, aspiration from singularity to gen-eral, thus they confronted rationalism, the attitude to ideal and reality, development of new literary genres, collecting, processing and publication of literary and folklore works. As a science the history of the world literature was founded, which is derived from Goethe. Although Goethe called romantic sick, and classical – healthy, in doing so, he literally acknowledged that common trends could be reflected in the literary processes of other peoples independently or influenced by those who have common values and gave impetus to development of the issues of globalization and cultural integration. The fusion of personal, national and universal has led to revolutionary shifts in the literary world. However, the French critic F. Brunetiere calls this an evolutionary method in literature (“The Evolution of lyric poetry in France in the XIX century”). The question is how to review Romanticism, as an expression of rebel ideas or as an evolutionary process. We think that Romanticism in its essence includes both, because the society that lacks a sense of protest cannot develop and cannot create values.

Theoretical prediction of cosmic rays models for strange particles production at RHIC energy

This study conducts a comprehensive assessment of Monte Carlo models, including Sibyll, EPOS-LHC, and EPOS4, in the context of simulating strange and multi-strange hadron production within high-multiplicity proton–proton collisions at 200 GeV. The analysis reveals common trends across various particle types: models tend to overestimate low transverse momentum (pT) distributions and approach experimental data as pT increases. EPOS-LHC produce better predictions in the intermediate pT range. However, none of the models adequately reproduce pT distributions for Λ and Λ̄ particles, typically underpredicting the data. EPOS4_Hydro performs relatively better due to its ability to account for reduced particle multiplicity at high pT and energy redirection into flow. For Ξ and Ξ̄ particles, models underpredict distributions at high pT, except for EPOS4_Hydro, which consistently overpredicts. Additionally, the study delves into particle ratios, such as Λ̄/Λ and Ξ+/Ξ−, highlighting varying model performance. The mean transverse momentum increases with particle mass, and specific models demonstrate good fits for certain mass ranges. EPOS-LHC and EPOS4 with hydrodynamics were notably accurate for particles below 0.6 GeV. Within the mass range of 0.6 to 1.4 GeV, EPOS-LHC displayed the closest fit. However, particles surpassing 1.2 GeV showed higher accuracy with EPOS4 without hydrodynamics. These insights underscore the significance of selecting appropriate Monte Carlo models based on specific research requirements in high-energy physics.

A Survey on Factors Preventing the Adoption of Automated Software Testing: A Principal Component Analysis Approach

Automated software testing is a crucial yet resource-intensive aspect of software development. This burden on resources affects widespread adoption, with expertise and cost being the primary challenges preventing adoption. This paper focuses on automated testing driven by manually created test cases, acknowledging its advantages while critically analysing its implications across various development stages that are affecting its adoption. Additionally, it analyses the differences in perception between those in nontechnical and technical roles, where nontechnical roles (e.g., management) predominantly strive to reduce costs and delivery time, whereas technical roles are often driven by quality and completeness. This study investigates the difference in attitudes toward automated testing (AtAT), specifically focusing on why it is not adopted. This article presents a survey conducted among software industry professionals that spans various roles to determine common trends and draw conclusions. A two-stage approach is presented, comprising a comprehensive descriptive analysis and the use of Principal Component Analysis. In total, 81 participants received a series of 22 questions, and their responses were compared against job role types and experience levels. In summary, six key findings are presented that cover expertise, time, cost, tools and techniques, utilisation, organisation, and capacity.

A global pilot comparative, cross-sectional study of clinical research nurses/research midwives: Definition, knowledge base, and communication skills related to the conduct of decentralized clinical trials.

A gap in the literature exists pertaining to a global research nurse/research midwife resources and communication skill set necessary to engage with participants of diverse populations and geographic regions in the community or home-based conduct of decentralized clinical trials. An embedded mixed methods study was conducted to examine research nurse/research midwife knowledge base, experiences, and communication skill sets pertaining to decentralized trials across global regions engaged in remote research: the USA, Republic of Ireland, United Kingdom, and Australia. An online survey was deployed across international research nurse/research midwife stakeholder groups, collecting demographics, decentralized trial experience, barriers and facilitators to optimal trial conduct, and the self-perceived communication competence (SPCC) and interpersonal communication competence (IPCC) instruments. 86 research nurses and research midwives completed the survey across all countries: The SPCC and IPCC results indicated increased clinical research experience significantly correlated with increased SPCC score (p < 0.05). Qualitative content analysis revealed five themes: (1) Implications for Role, (2) Safety and Wellbeing, (3) Training and Education, (4) Implications for Participants, and (5) Barriers and Facilitators. Common trends and observations across the global sample can inform decentralized trial resource allocation and policy pertaining to the research nurse/research midwife workforce. This study demonstrates shared cultural norms of research nursing and midwifery across varied regional clinical trial ecosystems.

Cointegration technique to account for environmental variability in a concrete dam

Within Operational Modal Analysis (OMA) and Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) frameworks, novelty analysis aims to detect structural anomalies by inspecting the time evolution of the modal parameters of a structure subjected to ambient (unknown) excitations. However, real structures are subjected not only to structural anomalies, but also to environmental and operational variability (EOV), so it is necessary to remove EOV effects from damage-sensitive features. The paper presents an application of Cointegration technique to account for EOV on natural frequencies: given a set of non-stationary time-series, Cointegration builds a stationary linear combination of them, the cointegration residual, which is purged from the common trends mainly associated with EOV. The coefficients of the linear combination are determined by a maximum-likelihood multivariate technique, employing the natural frequencies within a training period, in which the structure is supposed to be in healthy conditions, under normal EOV. Once trained, the computed coefficients are used to test natural frequencies from unknown scenarios. The obtained cointegration residual will maintain its stationarity, as long as the structure behaves in normal conditions. Compared to traditional techniques, the Cointegration relies on more general operations, such as the construction of a linear combination given a set of modal parameters. The application of the presented procedure is exemplified with data measured in Baixo Sabor dam (Portugal) during the first two years of monitoring, which include the first filling of the reservoir.

Common Trends and Country Specific Heterogeneities in Long-Run World Energy Consumption

Common Trends and Country Specific Heterogeneities in Long-Run World Energy Consumption

Information Technology Ethics, a Key Ingredient to Human Survival

Information Technology (IT) as a field of computing has been in existence since the 1990s. Though it has been with us for a short time, the field has changed how society handles different tasks be it in communication, interactions, and knowledge sharing among others. IT ethics has also been gaining popularity and attracting a lot of attention from researchers to ensure IT has been used for the betterment of our societies. The field of IT is continuously evolving, and new technologies are being developed each day to respond to current and future societal needs. It is therefore important to ensure ethical IT aligns with these as new technologies will introduce a new way of interacting with society, hence needs to ensure it conforms to society’s ethics. This paper reviews how ethical IT has shaped the field of IT, where and how it has been applied to ensure IT products and resources are well used for the well-being of mankind. Since IT is evolving, the paper will also review and project the future of IT, some of its common trends and how ethical IT should evolve to respond to these new developments.

Establishment and perturbation of human gut microbiome: common trends and variations between Indian and global populations

Abstract Human gut microbial species are crucial for dietary metabolism and biosynthesis of micronutrients. Digested products are utilised by the host as well as several gut bacterial species. These species are influenced by various factors such as diet, age, geographical location, and ethnicity. India is home to the largest human population in the world. It is spread across diverse ecological and geographical locations. With variable dietary habits and lifestyles, Indians have unique gut microbial composition. This review captures contrasting and common trends of gut bacterial community establishment in infants (born through different modes of delivery), and how that bacterial community manifests itself along infancy, through old age between Indian and global populations. Because dysbiosis of the gut community structure is associated with various diseases, this review also highlights the common and unique bacterial species associated with various communicable as well as noncommunicable diseases such as diarrhoea, amoebiasis, malnutrition, type 2 diabetes, obesity, colorectal cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, and gut inflammation and damage to the brain in the global and Indian population.