Practical Considerations Research Articles

From the Afterlife to Architecture: Tracing the Nexus of Life and Death in Prehistoric, Egyptian, and Japanese Built Environments

This research explores burial architectures in prehistoric, Egyptian, and Japanese civilizations, unveiling a tapestry of practices and cultural implications. Prehistoric societies utilized Portal tombs, Gallery tombs, and Passage graves as repositories, revealing a connection between earthly rituals and cosmic rhythms through dolmens, gallery graves, and aligned passage tombs. Egyptian tomb architecture, from royal pyramids to decorated mastabas, transformed sepulchral temples in Thebes into sacred spaces. Each structure acted as a guardian preserving kings' mummies until souls reunited with earthly remains. The Kofun period in Japan introduced keyhole-shaped earthen tombs, like the Kofun, with complex geometries and symbolic haniwa representations. This period witnessed a cultural shift marked by the 6th-century CE disappearance of Kofun tombs, coinciding with Yamato court reforms and Buddhism's introduction. The exploration of burial architectures across these civilizations reveals an interplay between belief systems and final resting place design, emphasizing each society's spiritual and cultural values. As we journey through these tomb structures, practical considerations for preserving the deceased intertwine with intricate narratives of the living-dead dynamic, offering insights into the cultural tapestry woven by ancient societies. Key Words: Burial Architectures, Cultural Implications, Prehistoric Societies, Egyptian Tomb Architecture, living- Dead Dynamic

Spiritual understandings of psychosis: the perspectives of spiritual care staff

ABSTRACT Pathologizing spiritual beliefs has been an ongoing challenge in mental health services. Spiritual care services have been working alongside clinicians in discerning psychosis-like experiences that present with a spiritual or religious content. This study aimed to explore how spiritual care staff make sense of experiences otherwise termed as “psychosis” by interviewing a multi-faith sample of six participants using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). Participants acknowledged “psychosis” as a label applied to certain experiences that are spiritual in nature, emphasizing holisticism. Mental health services were described as predominantly biomedical and that spiritual care integration requires conceptual, collaborative, and practical considerations.

Examining Police Officers’ Perceptions of Automated License Plate Readers Before Technology Expansion

Automated license plate readers (ALPRs) are one of the most recent technological advancements that have rapidly diffused across U.S. law enforcement. A majority of the large police agencies utilize APRs, yet little empirical and evaluative research has been conducted on this technology. This study seeks to (a) synthesize what is known about ALPRs and (b) examine police officers’ perceptions of ALPRs before a major expansion of the technology in a single agency in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States. Using an officer survey of 110 respondents, results found that those with prior experience using the technology, younger and more inexperienced officers, and those with stronger guardian orientations possessed more positive perceptions of the ALPR expansion. Prior experience using ALPRs also served as a protective factor by being associated with lower levels of skepticism toward the technology expansion; those officers with stronger warrior orientations had higher levels of skepticism. Practical considerations and directions for future research are discussed.

Social Media, Public Health Research, and Vulnerability: Considerations to Advance Ethical Guidelines and Strengthen Future Research.

The purpose of this article is to build upon prior work in social media research and ethics by highlighting an important and as yet underdeveloped research consideration: how should we consider vulnerability when conducting public health research in the social media environment? The use of social media in public health, both platforms and their data, has advanced the field dramatically over the past 2 decades. Applied public health research in the social media space has led to more robust surveillance tools and analytic strategies, more targeted recruitment activities, and more tailored health education. Ethical guidelines when using social media for public health research must also expand alongside these increasing capabilities and uses. Privacy, consent, and confidentiality have been hallmarks for ethical frameworks both in public health and social media research. To date, public health ethics scholarship has focused largely on practical guidelines and considerations for writing and reviewing social media research protocols. Such ethical guidelines have included collecting public data, reporting anonymized or aggregate results, and obtaining informed consent virtually. Our pursuit of the question related to vulnerability and public health research in the social media environment extends this foundational work in ethical guidelines and seeks to advance research in this field and to provide a solid ethical footing on which future research can thrive.

A life cycle perspective of startup accelerators

AbstractAccelerators are broadly seen as platforms that government, non-profit, and for-profit organizations use to fast-track the development of entrepreneurial and SME business capabilities. Typically, this occurs as competitive, time-constrained, cohort-centered, authentic learning experiences supported by mentoring and access to the local entrepreneurial ecosystem, management development programs, and financial resources. Interest in how the ventures in the development programs evolve and contribute to the entrepreneurial ecosystem is increasing (Cantner et al. in Small Business Economics, 57, 407–423, 2021), but how the accelerators evolve has yet to be adequately researched. To better understand how accelerators evolve, we adapt Churchill and Lewis (Harvard Business Review, 61(3), 30–50, 1983) conceptual framework of the stages of small business development. This study investigated the life cycle of Australian accelerators from 2013 to 2020. The accelerators ranged from short-term “pop-up” programs to permanent programs. We found through a series of four selected exemplar case studies that these accelerators exhibited a similar four-stage life cycle to their participants, including (1) gestation, (2) survival, (3) viability, and (4) decline or renewal. We also found that external support was a critical issue that determined viability. Our findings support the development of accelerator management to be more agile, resilient, and entrepreneurial, which can confront those adopting a more standardized franchise model. In addition, we adapt Kohler (Business Horizons, 59(3), 347–357, 2016) work on corporate accelerators into an inclusive framework for all forms of accelerators, including considering their geographic context or Place, the actors involved with the accelerator or its People, the accelerator’s value Proposition to participants, the accelerator’s Processes and most fundamentally, its Purpose that will contribute to the entrepreneurial ecosystem practice and literature. This research provides practical considerations on positioning, suitable business models, and maximized operations.

Developing Micro-Teaching with a Focus on Core Practices: The Use of Approximations of Practice

Micro-teaching as a pedagogical approach is practiced in many higher education programmes focused on building knowledge, understanding, skills and attitudes that can be applied in a professional setting. The previous literature attests to the usefulness of micro-teaching experiences in supporting the development of the beginning professional. This paper describes the design and implementation of a micro-teaching programme in one teacher preparation programme with a dual focus on core practices and Approximation of Practice (AoP). AoPs, in this instance, are defined as opportunities to engage in core practices that are proximal to the practices of a particular profession. The paper begins by exploring practice-based education, focusing on core practices and approximations of practice. Micro-teaching as a pedagogical approach is briefly introduced before describing the design and implementation of a specific enactment of pedagogy, a micro-teaching programme using core practices and AoPs. Opportunities and challenges of designing and implementing the micro-teaching programme are discussed and problematised. Finally, some practice considerations are offered to the broader higher education audience regarding the use of AoPs in higher education in the preparation of beginning professionals.

Interviewing persons-supported in an evaluation of individual person-centred care plan development for community-care services: practical methodological considerations

Background: Person-centred care plans (PCPs) have been identified as a promising upstream intervention to address health inequities in the community-care population. Studies in primary care and long-term care have shown that a person-centred approach has the potential to reduce costly and preventable health service utilization, improve health outcomes, and improve person-supported and provider experiences. PHSS Medical and Complex Care in Community (hereafter PHSS) uses an individualized, person-centred, participatory model of care. PHSS creates PCPs through a series of discussions with the person-supported, and with input from family members, friends, staff, and community members. PCPs incorporate personal goals and support participation in activities that are meaningful to each person-supported. PCPs are annually reviewed and updated, and provide a road map to services and supports, with options tailored to individual needs and capacities. PHSS is a partner in the research project and has been involved in team meetings and all project decisions.
 Objectives: As part of a larger project evaluating PCPs, we conducted interviews with person-supported by PHSS which includes individuals with physical and developmental disabilities and complex medical conditions that may pose challenges to conducting traditional qualitative interviews. We describe experiences of conducting interviews with persons-supported, and outline practical steps in gathering data from this population. 
 Methods: Using a descriptive qualitative design, we conducted semi-structured interviews with 13 persons-supported. PHSS staff acted as an intermediary to help recruit and consent participants and conduct interviews. Participants chose where interviews took place and whether or not staff was present. Interviews were conducted in person, took up to 30 minutes, were recorded, and transcribed verbatim for analysis. In each interview, we asked about: the process used to create PCPs; examples of how PCPs were tailored to the person-supported’s goals; perceived benefits and challenges of carrying out the PCP on persons-supported, their families, and on staff; and supports/barriers that facilitate/hinder the individualized participatory process. We also gathered relevant demographic data to describe participants. Using correspondence from the research ethics board, field notes (including notes from reflection journals), we outline practical steps in conducting interviews with vulnerable, often non-verbal participants.
 Results: We outline five overarching themes. Interviews with persons-supported were aided by: 1) negotiation with research ethics officers to allow recruitment and consenting by an intermediary (i.e. PHSS); 2) using copies of the PCP in the interview as a common point of reference; 3) the presence of staff who facilitated communication; 4) organizational support in recruiting participants and scheduling interviews; and 5) having a trained interviewer with experience working with persons-supported and knowledge of adapted processes for individual capacity and circumstances.
 Discussion: Conducting interviews with persons-supported is consistent with a “nothing about us without us” approach, but requires attention to ensure ethics requirements are satisfied and individual and practical considerations are incorporated into the research plan. An integrated knowledge translation approach, wherein researchers and providers work closely together to develop the research plan, is integral to facilitating participation of persons-supported in research. 
 Conclusion: Creative and flexible approaches are needed to include persons-supported in research.

Collaborative governance in integrated healthcare networks: insights from the cancer program in Québec (Canada)

Context: The challenge of modernizing health services delivery for cancer patients and their loved ones involves moving towards integrated network-based practices. While initiatives at different levels of healthcare systems contribute to this movement, further efforts are needed to maintain and extend gains to adapt to the complex and fast-changing cancer environment. A collaborative governance regime, understood as a form of capacity building for joint action across boundaries, represents a promising way to improve and sustain integrated care.
 Objective: This presentation reports insights from providers and users of health services gained from the experience in operationalizing an integrated network-of-networks in the context of a national cancer program in Quebec (Canada). 
 Methods: Methods: Insights are drawn from a larger multiple case study that took place from 2018 to 2021. Participants (n=39) are knowledgeable informants on how “mandated” integration structures and processes support collaboration among the various components of the network. Documents (n=45) related to network governance and integrated practices are also included. The data collection guide and analysis based on qualitative interpretive description are framed on the Collaborative Governance framework to capture critical dimensions in the integration process. These include clear mission, common and shared definition of complex problems and potential solutions, and identification of common values to support motivation, engagement and capacity for joint action.
 Results: We report on three main tensions related to integration in the cancer network that suggest strategies for enhancing collaborative governance: 
 The first tension emerges as some participants perceive “mandated integration” within a “prescribed collaborative work” as a constraint that undermines previous collaborative work at local level. This tension leads to unresolved controversies within and between actor groups, weakening the mechanisms of collaborative governance. 
 The second tension is a principle-to-practice divide around engaging people affected by cancer in network governance. Despite widespread motivation, participation at the local level varies according to managers' willingness and skill in creating open and inclusive processes where evidence-based medical practice and lived patient experience can be assembled. This tension is seen to contribute to a poor consideration of patient perspectives during the highly volatile period of decision-making during the COVID-19 pandemic.
 The third tension involves the hierarchy of cancer services promoted in the national cancer program and the standardization of practices. Organizing the network-of- networks by cancer specialization involves creating trajectories by type of cancer and their navigation according to established standards of practice and quality considerations. The consequent redistribution of human and financial resources, and revised ownership of care process creates perceived asymmetries between cancer network professionals and centers and controversies that hinder integrated practices. 
 Conclusion: Despite favorable starting conditions from the national cancer program and its central leadership promoting collaborative governance, tensions that emerge through the pursuit of network integration limit the transition to a more collaborative regime. Taking the time to work out these tensions as integration proceeds appears essential to arrive at a governance model that is appropriate and acceptable for all network members.

Wilderness Medical Society Clinical Practice Guidelines on Water Treatment for Wilderness, International Travel, and Austere Situations: 2024 Update.

To provide guidance to medical providers, wilderness users, and travelers, the Wilderness Medical Society convened an expert panel to develop evidence-based guidelines for treating water in situations where the potability of available water is not assured, including wilderness and international travel, areas impacted by disaster, and other areas without adequate sanitation. The guidelines present the available methods for reducing or eliminating microbiological contamination of water for individuals, groups, or households; evaluation of their effectiveness; and practical considerations. The evidence base includes both laboratory and clinical publications. The panel graded the recommendations based on the quality of supporting evidence and the balance between benefits and risks/burdens according to the criteria published by the American College of Chest Physicians.

A variable sampling plan based on the coefficient of variation for lots resubmission

This study focuses on the issue of lots resubmission in inspection processes, which often arises when the initial inspection of a lot is suspected, marked as held, or not accepted. To address this problem, a novel variables sampling plan based on the coefficient of variation is proposed. The objective is to determine the sampling plan parameters that minimize the average sample number while satisfying the two-points of operating characteristic curve. Practical considerations are taken into account by providing tabulated values for the inspection sample size and acceptance criteria of the proposed plan. These tables incorporate various combinations of quality levels, considering commonly used producer's risk and consumer's risk. Furthermore, a comparative analysis between the proposed plan and a single sampling plan is conducted to highlight the advantages of the new approach. To illustrate the practical implementation of the proposed plan, an example is presented.

Compensation of damages related to the loss or reduction of employment capacity of a minor, minor person caused by disability or other health damage

This scientific article explores the crucial issue of compensating minors for the loss or reduction of their working capacity resulting from mutilation or other health-related damages. Minors are particularly vulnerable to such injuries, which can have profound and lifelong consequences on their physical, emotional, and socio-economic well­being. This study delves into the legal, ethical, and practical dimensions of compensating minors in these circumstances.
 The research begins by analyzing the existing legal frameworks and international conventions that safeguard the rights of minors and underscore the obligation to provide compensation for harm. It highlights the importance of a child's right to development and protection from exploitation, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive approach to addressing the consequences of mutilation and health-related damages.
 Furthermore, this article explores the complexities surrounding the assessment of compensation for minors, taking into account the unique developmental trajectories and potential future earnings of children. It investigates methodologies for estimating both immediate and long-term damages, considering medical costs, psychological support, and educational needs. The article also discusses the role of insurance systems and public policies in facilitating compensation and support for affected minors.
 Additionally, ethical considerations are scrutinized, such as the necessity of prioritizing the child's best interests and ensuring that compensation mechanisms do not inadvertently perpetuate exploitation or discrimination. The article examines case studies from various jurisdictions, shedding light on successful practices and potential areas for improvement.
 In conclusion, this scientific article underscores the urgency of addressing compensation for minors who have suffered mutilation or other health damages affecting their working capacity. It advocates for a holistic approach that integrates legal, ethical, and practical considerations to ensure that affected minors receive the support they need to lead fulfilling lives and realize their full potential despite the challenges they face.

Assessing the Effectiveness of a Specialized, Field-Based Treatment Program for Youth Who Have Committed Sexual Offenses in an Australian Jurisdiction.

This study provides an evaluation of recidivism outcomes for a specialized, field-based treatment program for youth who perpetrate sexual offenses in an Australian jurisdiction. Using survival analyses, recidivism outcomes for the treatment group (n = 200), who were followed for an average of 5.07 years (SD = 3.13), were contrasted with a sample of sexually offending youth who were either referred but not accepted or not referred to the program (n = 295). Rates of sexual recidivism were low and not significantly different between the groups (9.5% for treated and 10.8% for untreated). Unadjusted Cox regression results indicated that the treated group were less likely to violently recidivate compared to the untreated group (HR = 1.41, 95% CI [1.01, 1.96]), but this effect became nonsignificant when controlling for offense history covariates (HR = 1.22, 95% CI [0.87, 1.72]). Both groups exhibited high rates of nonsexual offending during the follow-up period, and treatment factors including clinician-rated success, were found to be associated with a lower frequency of reoffending after treatment. Findings highlight important considerations for both practice and research. First, findings suggest the need for specialized programs to ensure factors associated with general recidivism are also addressed in treatment; second, findings reinforce potential utility for clinician-rated and structured assessments to inform treatment planning and outcomes. Finally, the findings raise the importance of appropriate comparison groups when designing evaluation studies, to accurately inform policy and practice.

Public involvement in chronic respiratory diseases research: A qualitative study of patients', carers' and citizens' perspectives.

Patient and public involvement (PPI) initiatives involving patients with chronic respiratory disease (CRD) are rare. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the perspectives of patients with CRD, carers and interested citizens regarding the relevance and need for a PPI network and suggestions for its implementation. A qualitative study based on focus groups was conducted. Recruitment occurred through invitations on social media platforms and to patients who have participated in previous asthma studies of the team. Three focus groups were conducted, via video conference, using a semi-structured guide. Thematic analysis was performed by two independent researchers and discussed with the extended team. Fifteen patients with CRD, one carer and one interested citizen (13 females, median 36 (range: 18-72) years) participated. All participants acknowledged the importance of implementing a collaborative network and demonstrated interest in being integrated. Participants acknowledged the importance of their involvement in several phases of the research cycle. The main aim identified for this network was to facilitate communication between patients and researchers. Participants regarded the integration of patients, carers, researchers and healthcare professionals from different scientific areas as relevant. The use of digital platforms to attract members and support the work, together with group dynamics and regular meetings, were some of the most relevant practical considerations for implementing the network. The identified facilitators for their engagement were sharing experiences, researchers' and healthcare professionals' support and feedback and schedule flexibility. The identified barriers included the amount of time dedicated, low health/digital literacy and the potential detachment of nondiagnosed patients or those with low symptom impact in daily life. Patients, carers and citizens acknowledged the relevance of implementing a collaborative network and demonstrated interest in active participation in every stage of the health research cycle. A deeper knowledge of the barriers and facilitators identified in this study could support implementing these initiatives in Portugal. This study was designed by a research team that included one patient with asthma and one carer. They were specifically involved in building the study protocol and the interview guide. They also gave feedback regarding the electronic consent form and the short sociodemographic questionnaire created, namely by removing noncontributing words or phrases and rewording expressions. The lay summary was written by another patient with asthma. All participants of this study were invited to implement and integrate the ConectAR network-a collaborative network of research in respiratory health. In Portugal, chronic respiratory patients do not have an active role as 'coinvestigators'. This study aimed to acknowledge if patients and citizens considered a patient and public involvement network useful, whose main purpose would be to facilitate communication between patients and researchers. A study based on online group interviews was carried out with patients with chronic respiratory diseases and interested citizens, both recruited on social media platforms. Participants considered that bringing together patients, carers, researchers and healthcare professionals is valuable because sharing different experiences and perspectives may help patients to improve their daily lives and increase research quality. In conclusion, patients agree that implementing a collaborative network with researchers and healthcare professionals and participating in the health research cycle is quite preponderant. Acknowledging what can help and deter this network may be beneficial to implementing this type of initiative in Portugal.

Ethical considerations in prenatal diagnosis and genetic counseling

Introduction: Prenatal diagnosis, the most widely used reproductive option in the world, refers to methods used to study the health of the fetus. One of the objectives is to detect congenital malformations during fetal development and allow for pregnancy termination. An ethical approach, based on respect for individuals and confidentiality, while avoiding harm and respecting autonomy, are the keys to optimal genetic counseling. Objective: To present some ethical considerations regarding medical genetics as a healthcare practice. To this end, discussion will be based on the fundamental principles of bioethics related to prenatal diagnosis and the genetic counseling process. Results: Ethical considerations in medical genetics are a relatively new topic influenced by the advancement of bioethics and the resolution of ethical and social dilemmas in medical practice. Conclusions: In the field of prenatal diagnosis, ethical, social, and legal conflicts that require careful resolution may arise. Physicians must adhere to bioethical principles such as autonomy, justice, beneficence, and non-maleficence in their professional practice. These principles serve as fundamental norms for their conduct, providing a foundation for reasoning and guiding actions in the genetic counseling process. Keywords: medical ethics; bioethics; prenatal diagnosis; genetic counseling

#Academicchatter: methodological and ethical considerations for conducting Twitter research in education

ABSTRACT As Twitter’s (or X’s) influence permeates aspects of education, researchers must consider how to ethically and effectively leverage the unique types of data that this social media platform offers. This paper provides recommended methodological practice considerations for working with qualitative Twitter data toward the advancement of education research. To inform our methodological protocol, we draw from a larger study that investigated disability disclosure during graduate school on Twitter. We use examples from our study to highlight similar protocol considerations that future researchers might take when working with qualitative Twitter data, including use of the website’s advanced search feature and use of multifaceted analysis approaches for capturing this data’s often unique complexity. We further provide ethical considerations for conducting social media research in education. Finally, we discuss the utility of the practices described in this article for moving education research forward via qualitative Twitter data.

Apparent surface-to-sky radiance ratio of natural waters including polarization and aerosol effects: implications for above-water radiometry

Above-water radiometry (AWR) methods have been developed to provide “ground-truth” (or fiducial) measurements for calibration and validation of the water color satellite missions. AWR is also an important tool for environmental survey from dedicated field missions. Under clear sky, the critical step of AWR is to retrieve the water-leaving radiance from radiometric measurements of the upward radiance that also includes the reflection of the direct sunlight and diffuse skylight reflected by the wind ruffled water surface toward the sensor. In order to correct for the surface reflection, sky radiance measurements are performed and converted into surface radiance through a factor often called “sea surface reflectance factor” or “effective Fresnel reflectance coefficient”. Based on theoretical and practical considerations, this factor was renamed surface-to-sky radiance ratio, Rss, to avoid misuse of the term reflectance as often encountered in the literature. Vector radiative transfer computations were performed over the spectral range 350–1,000 nm to provide angular values of Rss for a comprehensive set of aerosol loads and types (including maritime, continental desert and polluted models) and water surface roughness expressed in wave slope variances or in equivalent Cox-Munk wind speeds, for practical use. After separating direct and diffuse light components, it was shown that the spectral shape and amplitude of Rss are very sensitive to aerosol load and type even for extremely low values of the aerosol optical thickness. Uncertainty attached to Rss was computed based on propagation of errors made in aerosol and surface roughness parameters demonstrating the need to adapt the viewing geometry according to the Sun elevation and to associate concurrent aerosol measurements for optimal AWR protocols.

PRAGMATIC, SUSTAINABLE, AND COST-FEASIBLE TECHNOLOGIES TO ENABLE REMOTE CARE COORDINATION SERVICES

Abstract The aim of this presentation is to communicate the approach and lessons learned in successfully deploying open source smart home and consumer-grade technologies to enable novel remote care coordination services for older adults as part of the CMS-funded ASSETs for Aging in Place demonstration project. Major barriers to use of technologies that enable service reach to rural or home-bound at-risk populations are technology availability, internet connectivity, cost, configuration, installation, ease of management, and usability and usefulness of clinically relevant data displays for decision-making to support personalized care coordination, coaching, and self-management goals. We have pioneered a reusable, innovative approach and infrastructure through partnership with the State of Missouri Department of Social Services and a non-profit hosting partner that facilitates testing and deployment of such remote services with broad goals of scalability and translation as starting principles. The specific focus of this presentation will describe technology selection, configuration, proof-of-concept testing, use of mobile hot spots to overcome broadband availability in rural areas, team composition and skills, introduction and training of the OT/Nurse/Social Worker teams to technology, resources required to stand up the team and transition to independent technology expertise in the field with mobile, video, and remote messaging tools, and user-centered design engagement of the care coordination and informatics teams to drive dashboard features and visual display developments for new work flows. An overview of the approach, technologies, and practical considerations to support research and development of new technology-enabled services for older adults will be presented.

Does archaeology deliver evidence about the past or co-create contemporary values?

The paper focuses on heritage value systems, particularly investigating the archaeological understanding of heritage values and evaluation. The literature review shows that the postmodern archaeological paradigm predominantly covers the topic, while the perspective of the intrinsic value is less explored. The starting point of our research is the thesis that archaeological paradigms obstruct better public support if they refrain from using axiological considerations. By archaeological paradigm, we refer to the processual and post-processual ones (the latter focusing on understanding past social phenomena). Axiology, as the theory of values, developed in the second half of the 20th century. Its approach is now used in many areas of social sciences (for example, education and medical care). Public archaeology is more open to societal needs than processual and post-processual archaeology but has yet to apply a values-based approach consistently. To clarify our thesis, we analyse the theoretical and practical considerations on the values of (archaeological) heritage, including the issues of the categorization of values, reflection on who assigns values to heritage and how this affects the reception of archaeological knowledge in society. The paper addresses some critical aspects of the evaluation in archaeological heritage conservation, management and building alliances with locals and communities who identify with heritage. I outline a comprehensive archaeological evaluation system considering systemic, extrinsic and intrinsic archaeological values in the conclusions.

A perspective and reflection on Chinese food from the public management perspective

In an era of rapid globalization and an increasingly modernized risk society, risk control faces more complex challenges. The transitional period in Chinese society itself has certain flaws that amplify the threat of risks to social security while weakening the effectiveness of risk control during the transitional phase. It can even be argued that the flaws inherent in transitional societies are significant sources of risk themselves. Risks in modern society exhibit characteristics such as suddenness, uncertainty, and structural fractures. With the continuous expansion of the public domain and increasing complexity of public affairs in China during the transitional period, the societal structure is gradually shifting from management to governance, driven by practical considerations for maintaining political stability. From the perspective of public management, facing the severe issue of food safety under the dual pressures of the impact of risk society and the instability of the transitional period, it is insufficient to rely solely on traditional risk control concepts and methods. Instead, there is a need to promote the democratization of professional knowledge through the improvement of legal mechanisms, communication mechanisms, and interest mechanisms. This ensures the democratization of professional knowledge, fosters the development of "citizen science," and guarantees the public's right to participate, including the rights to be informed about risks, freedom of choice, and the right to knowledge participation. Thus, it rebuilds public trust in the social system, genuinely safeguarding the "safety on the tip of the tongue."

Benchmarking splice variant prediction algorithms using massively parallel splicing assays

BackgroundVariants that disrupt mRNA splicing account for a sizable fraction of the pathogenic burden in many genetic disorders, but identifying splice-disruptive variants (SDVs) beyond the essential splice site dinucleotides remains difficult. Computational predictors are often discordant, compounding the challenge of variant interpretation. Because they are primarily validated using clinical variant sets heavily biased to known canonical splice site mutations, it remains unclear how well their performance generalizes.ResultsWe benchmark eight widely used splicing effect prediction algorithms, leveraging massively parallel splicing assays (MPSAs) as a source of experimentally determined ground-truth. MPSAs simultaneously assay many variants to nominate candidate SDVs. We compare experimentally measured splicing outcomes with bioinformatic predictions for 3,616 variants in five genes. Algorithms’ concordance with MPSA measurements, and with each other, is lower for exonic than intronic variants, underscoring the difficulty of identifying missense or synonymous SDVs. Deep learning-based predictors trained on gene model annotations achieve the best overall performance at distinguishing disruptive and neutral variants, and controlling for overall call rate genome-wide, SpliceAI and Pangolin have superior sensitivity. Finally, our results highlight two practical considerations when scoring variants genome-wide: finding an optimal score cutoff, and the substantial variability introduced by differences in gene model annotation, and we suggest strategies for optimal splice effect prediction in the face of these issues.ConclusionSpliceAI and Pangolin show the best overall performance among predictors tested, however, improvements in splice effect prediction are still needed especially within exons.