Preferential Formation Research Articles

An Overview of Continuing Medical Education/Continuing Professional Development Systems in the Middle East and North Africa: A Mixed Methods Assessment

ABSTRACT The aims of this assessment were to describe the requirements for physicians to engage in CME/CPD; explore perceptions of in-country SMEs of their CME/CPD systems; describe perceptions of in-country physicians about interprofessional continuing education (IPCE) and independent CME/CPD; and provide recommendations that may be adopted to improve quality and effectiveness. An assessment of CME/CPD systems in the Middle East and North Africa was conducted using a mixed-methods approach that included 1:1 interviews with in-country SMEs and an electronic survey capturing qualitative and quantitative data from practicing in-country physicians. The results of this assessment were strongly influenced by Egypt and Israel in the Middle East, and Algeria and Morocco in North Africa. The CME/CPD systems demonstrate wide variation from absent/immature systems to robust/mature systems. Strategies to improve the quality of the CME/CPD systems range from implementing basic standards in North Africa to evaluating the impact of CME/CPD in practice in the Middle East. The maturity of CME/CPD systems seems to affect physician awareness, independence from the influence of pharmaceutical companies over education, and IPCE, with more mature systems having a positive relationship to awareness, independence and engagement in IPCE. Maturity of CME/CPD systems is less tied to physician perceptions of value of CME/CPD, hours of participation, perceptions of what is missing from current systems, and preferred formats of education.

Influencing Factors and Formation Mechanism of Brand Preference in Community E-Commerce

The deep integration of social media and e-commerce has fueled the rapid growth in community e-commerce, which has become a major trend in global e-commerce development. Researching the formation of brand preference in community e-commerce can promote the sustainable development of these brands. The distinctive social networking features and group interaction methods of community e-commerce offer new perspectives on the formation of brand preferences. In this paper, a model of factors influencing brand preference in community e-commerce is developed, where community platforms, product value, e-commerce services, content quality, and community interaction serve as antecedent variables; community experience and brand image act as mediating variables; and brand preference is the dependent variable. The model is empirically tested using structural equation modeling. The results indicate that community interaction, e-commerce services, product value, content quality, and community platforms significantly affect the community experience in e-commerce. Moreover, community interaction, product value, and content quality have significant impacts on brand image in community e-commerce. Both community experience and brand image positively influence brand preference.

Consumption Dynamics in Mixed-Income Neighborhoods with Connected Households

AbstractWe investigate the dynamics of household consumption in a setting in which households are connected across income classes. Low- and high-income households form preferences endogenously, conditional on their own and their neighbor’s past consumption. The modeling effort relies on a stochastic dynamic model of interdependent consumer choice in which the demand for commodities evolves according to a non-linear difference equation with stochastic initial states. The analysis targets a region of the parameter space that corresponds to salient features of a mixed-income neighborhood in which households are connected. Standard methods of asymptotic analysis of dynamic systems (e.g. bifurcation analysis) are combined with numerical simulation, statistical modelling of extreme events and statistical estimation techniques to investigate the dynamics. From the mathematical point of view, our analysis reveals the existence of intricate bifurcation pattern, coexistence of multiple attractors, complex basins and long transients. The essential economic finding states that key features of household consumption vary significantly in the influence the high-income households exert on the preference formation of the low-income households. In particular, we find that the prevalence of long transients, i.e. long waiting times before convergence to asymptotic states occur, is inversely related to the type of connectedness considered. We demonstrate that the dynamics of the consumption trajectory evolving over an extended time period before it settles on long-run simple consumption pattern, may not at all be captured by an asymptotic state. Thus, policies targeting the economies in mixed-income neighborhoods that are solely based on information about long-run consumption states, might trigger unwanted, unanticipated effects.

THE INFLUENCE OF GLOBAL TRENDS ON THE FORMATION OF YOUTH VALUES

This article is a comprehensive study of the impact of modern global trends on the formation of values among young people. The authors focus on the influence of information technology and social media on the formation of cultural preferences of the younger generation. Special attention is paid to global environmental challenges and social inequalities, as well as their impact on the values of young people.The article reveals how global changes in the socio-cultural environment affect the value orientations of young people. Key factors such as active participation in social movements and the development of environmental awareness are analyzed. The research provides practical and theoretical insights to understand the evolution of value systems of modern youth in the context of global challenges. The results obtained can be useful for the formation of effective strategies for education and interaction with youth communities, given their unique impact on the formation of future leaders and active citizens.

Myosin supramolecular self-assembly: The crucial precursor that manipulates the covalent aggregation, emulsification and rheological properties of myosin

The transformation of molecular conformation and self-assembly properties of myosin during the heating process at different ionic strengths (0.2 M, 0.4 M and 0.6 M NaCl) and its effect on rheological behavior and emulsification properties were investigated. Under incubation temperatures between 40 °C and 50 °C, myosin underwent a supramolecular self-assembly stage dominated by noncovalent forces (hydrogen bonding, ionic bonding and hydrophobic interactions). Higher ionic strength facilitated molecular rearrangement through enhanced swelling of myosin heads and head-to-head assemblies, which contributed to enhanced ordering and homogeneity of myosin covalent aggregates (above 60 °C) and manifested itself macroscopically as enhanced gel viscoelasticity and emulsion stability. In contrast, at lower ionic strength, the tail-to-tail assemblies of myosin led to the preferential formation of covalent cross-links in the tails, which resulted in the inability of molecular rearrangement and the formation of disordered aggregates and finally led to the deterioration of the gel and the destabilization of the emulsion. In conclusion, the supramolecular self-assembly behavior of myosin, as an intermediate process in myosin’s sol–gel transition, is crucial for the orderliness of myosin assemblies, gel network strengthening, and emulsion stability. The obtained insight provides a reference for the precise implementation of quality improvement strategies for meat products.

A new critical growth parameter of H2/CH4 gas flow ratio and mechanistic model for SiC nanowire synthesis via Si substrate carbonization

SiC structures, including nanowires and films, can be effectively grown on Si substrates through carbonization. However, growth parameters other than temperature, which influence the preferential formation of SiC nanowires or films, have not yet been identified. In this work, we investigate SiC synthesis via Si carbonization using methane (CH4) by varying the growth temperature and the hydrogen to methane gas flow ratio (H2/CH4). We demonstrate that adjusting these parameters allows for the preferential growth of SiC nanowires or films. Specifically, SiC nanowires are preferentially grown when the H2/CH4 ratio exceeds a specific threshold, which varies with the growth temperature, ranging between 1200 and 1310 °C. Establishing this precise growth window for SiC nanowires in terms of the H2/CH4 ratio and growth temperature provides new insights into the parameter-driven morphology of SiC. Furthermore, we propose a mechanistic model to explain the preferential growth of either SiC nanowires or films, based on the kinetics of gas-phase reactions and surface processes. These findings not only advance our understanding of SiC growth mechanisms but also pave the way for optimized fabrication strategies for SiC-based nanostructures.

Reputation vs. price: Sequential recommendations based on cue diagnosticity theory

Sequential recommendations have been widely used in e-commerce platforms to effectively capture consumers' dynamic preferences and provide them with preferred products. Traditional models usually use ratings and product attributes for sequential recommendations to satisfy consumers’ more personalized needs. Consumers also rely on reviews from other consumers to form a general impression of the product or retailer before making their purchase decisions. Such impressions can be treated as reputations of the product or retailer. Inspired by cue diagnosticity theory, we divide the attributes related to product purchase into low- and high-scope cues. High-scope cues, including reputations, are not easily changed because they are formed over a long period by numerous consumers, whereas low-scope cues, such as price, can be easily changed by retailers. We propose an innovative Sequential Recommendation model by Integrating Low-scope cues and High-scope cues (SRILH). We design a cue-extraction layer to extract high-scope cues from consumer online reviews and a hierarchical cue-aware attention layer to learn the joint effect of low- and high-scope cues. We evaluate the performance of the proposed model using three real-world datasets, and our experimental results validate its effectiveness and robustness. Our research contributes to sequential recommendations research by uncovering the joint effects of cues on consumer behavior and by providing valuable insights into the dynamics of cue preference formation in recommendation systems. We also extend the empirical literature on cue diagnosticity theory by drawing conclusions from the micro and individual perspectives to shed light on how different cues impact consumer choices. The interpretable visualization results provide managerial insights for retailers and manufacturers to improve their products.

Prebiotic formation of enantiomeric excess D-amino acids on natural pyrite

D-amino acids, found in excess in a minority of organisms and crucial for marine invertebrates, contrast with the more common L-amino acids in most life forms. The local prebiotic origin of D-amino acid enantiomeric excess in natural systems remains an unsolved conundrum. Herein, we demonstrate the formation of enantiomeric excess (ee) D-amino acids through photocatalytic reductive amination of α-keto acids on natural pyrite. Various amino acids with ee values in the range of 14.5–42.4%, are formed. The wavy arrangement of atoms on the surface of pyrite is speculated to lead to the preferential formation of D-amino acids. This work reveals the intrinsic asymmetric photocatalytic activity of pyrite, which could expand understandings on mechanism of asymmetric catalysis and chirality of inorganic crystals. Furthermore, it provides a plausible pathway for the prebiotic formation of D-amino acids, adding further evidence to the origin of D-amino acids enantiomeric excess in natural systems.

Preferential graphitic-nitrogen formation in pyridine-extended graphene nanoribbons

Graphene nanoribbons (GNRs), nanometer-wide strips of graphene, have garnered significant attention due to their tunable electronic and magnetic properties arising from quantum confinement. A promising approach to manipulate their electronic characteristics involves substituting carbon with heteroatoms, such as nitrogen, with different effects predicted depending on their position. In this study, we present the extension of the edges of 7-atom-wide armchair graphene nanoribbons (7-AGNRs) with pyridine rings, achieved on a Au(111) surface via on-surface synthesis. High-resolution structural characterization confirms the targeted structure, showcasing the predominant formation of carbon-nitrogen (C-N) bonds (over 90% of the units) during growth. This favored bond formation pathway is elucidated and confirmed through density functional theory (DFT) simulations. Furthermore, an analysis of the electronic properties reveals metallic behavior due to charge transfer to the Au(111) substrate accompanied by the presence of nitrogen-localized states. Our results underscore the successful formation of C-N bonds on the metal surface, providing insights for designing new GNRs that incorporate substitutional nitrogen atoms to precisely control their electronic properties.

Domestic ideas and interests in development cooperation of emerging donors: the case of Mexican development policy

ABSTRACT As emerging donors play a growing role in international development cooperation, attention has turned to understanding their motivations and strategies. While current studies predominantly draw on the role of power, economic interests and values in emerging donors’ development assistance towards the Global South, there has been a lack of attention to the role of domestic ideas and interests in governmental preference formation. How do these domestic factors shape ideational and material interests-driven development policy preferences? Drawing on the case of Mexico under the government of President Calderón, this study analyses bilateral development assistance through a domestic politics lens of international political economy. I argue that while the government's rhetorical stance significantly correlates with dominant societal ideas, domestic interests provide only a limited explanation for development policy choices. This study enriches the literature by revealing the often-hidden domestic roots of value-based and interest-driven development assistance preferences among donors.

Crystallographic Reorientation Induced by Gradient Solid-Electrolyte Interphase for Highly Stable Zinc Anode.

Oriented zinc (Zn) electrodeposition is critical for the long-term performance of aqueous Zn metal batteries. However, the intricate interfacial reactions between the Zn anode and electrolytes hinder a comprehensive understanding of Zn metal deposition. Here, the reaction pathways of Zn deposition and report the preferential formation of Zn single-crystalline nuclei followed by dense Zn(002) deposition is elucidated, which is induced by a gradient solid-electrolyte interphase (SEI). The gradient SEI composed of abundant B-O and C species facilitates faster Zn2+ nucleation rate and smaller nucleus size, promoting the formation of Zn single-crystalline nuclei. Additionally, the homogeneity and mechanical stability of SEI ensure the crystallographic reorientation of Zn anodes from Zn(101) to (002) planes, efficiently inhibiting dendrite growth and metal corrosion during the Zn2+ stripping/plating process. These advantages significantly enhance the stability of the Zn anode, as demonstrated by the prolonged cycling lifespan of symmetric Zn batteries and exceptional reversibility (>99.5%) over 5000 cycles in Zn//Cu asymmetric batteries. Notably, this strategy also enables the stable operation of anode-free Zn//I2 batteries with a long lifespan of 3000 cycles. This work advances the understanding of Zn electrochemical behaviors, encompassing Zn nucleation, growth, and Zn2+ stripping/plating.

Multi-step thermal design of microwave vacuum heating to basaltic regolith simulant towards lunar base construction

Humanned exploration and extended stay on the Moon are the hottest challenges today. We report highly robust materials by microwave heating under high-vacuum conditions (10− 3 Pa) from a basaltic regolith simulant (FJS-1) to ensure the feasibility of lunar infrastructure construction. The violent degassing dynamics were revealed by monitoring vacuum pressure during heating and analyzing the compounds evolved from basaltic silicate compounds: thermal pyrolysis of silicate compounds became more pronounced above 1000 oC, leading to a catastrophic deformation accompanied by forming countless pores of several hundred µm sizes. The preferential formation of the magnetite phase in vacuum heating dominantly caused the radical change in microwave absorption capacity compared with conventional heating routes using an electrical furnace in atmospheric conditions. Besides, the in-situ measurement of dielectric properties during microwave vacuum heating clarified the increase in one order of magnitude from 100 to 1000 oC. Based on the presumed phenomena during microwave-vacuum heating for basaltic regolith, we propose a new thermal design concept to overcome the practical limitations of microwave technology. The multi-step temperature profile successfully fabricated a highly robust product that demonstrated world-class mechanical performance, equivalent to the compressive strength of 65 MPa without any vigorous hydrostatic cold press as a pre-treatment.

Electrochemical Investigation of the Oxidation of Phenolic Compounds Using Hypervalent Iodine Oxidants.

The chemical oxidation of simple phenolic compounds by the hypervalent iodine reagent [hydroxy(tosyloxy)iodo]benzene (HTIB) was investigated using electrochemical and spectroscopic methods. HTIB oxidized phenol and benzenediol isomers hydroquinone (HQ), catechol, and resorcinol to form various quinone structures. HQ and catechol, two compounds that show reversible electrochemical behavior, exhibited simple oxidative chemistry to their respective quinone structures that could be electrochemically reduced at a glassy carbon electrode. An HTIB:compound ratio of 2:1 resulted in the complete chemical oxidation of these model compounds. However, phenol and resorcinol, two compounds that are known to readily foul electrode surfaces upon their electrochemical oxidation, required a 6:1 HTIB:compound ratio to achieve complete chemical oxidation. The oxidation of resorcinol resulted in a compound that could not be electrochemically reduced; however, the oxidation of phenol from HTIB resulted in an electrochemical redox couple that suggested the preferential formation of benzoquinone, with the possibility of some o-quinone also being produced. This work serves as a proof-of-concept method for the possible indirect electrochemical detection of phenolic compounds.

Extended amygdala corticotropin-releasing hormone neurons regulate sexually dimorphic changes in pair bond formation following social defeat in prairie voles (Microtus ochrogaster).

The neurobiological mechanisms underlying the connection between anxiety brought on by social stressors and the negative impact on relationship formation have remained elusive. In order to address this question, we used the social defeat model in the socially monogamous prairie vole to investigate the impact of this stress on pair bond formation. Social defeat experience inhibited partner preference formation in males but promoted preference in females. Furthermore, pair bonding increased corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) expression in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) in male prairie voles, while defeat experience increased BNST CRH expression in females. Chemogenetic excitation of BNST CRH neurons during a short cohabitation with a new partner promoted a partner preference in stress-naïve prairie voles. Interestingly, chemogenetic inhibition of BNST CRH neurons during cohabitation with a new partner blocked partner preference in stress-naïve males but promoted preference in defeated males. Inhibition of BNST CRH neurons also blocked partner preference in stress-naïve females but did not alter preference behavior in defeated females. This study revealed sexual dimorphism in not only the impact of social defeat on pair bond formation, but also in the role BNST CRHergic neurons play in regulating changes in pair bonding following social conflict.

An experimental study on strategic preference formation in two-sided matching markets

An experimental study on strategic preference formation in two-sided matching markets

Format Matters: Comparing the Inclusiveness and Effectiveness of Hybrid and Remote Meetings

The surge in remote and hybrid work has provided many benefits in terms of flexibility and autonomy, but it also presents challenges when it comes to team collaboration and meetings. Using a mixed-methods field study, we compare hybrid and remote meeting configurations to better understand how to improve the inclusiveness and effectiveness of these different meeting modalities. Our findings indicate that overall, fully-remote meetings are the most inclusive and effective. Fully-remote meetings are perceived as more inclusive of remote attendees despite their lower chat usage compared to hybrid meetings. We also find that people's preferred format varies depending on the purpose or type of meeting and the skill set of the meeting moderator. We provide recommendations for improving meeting inclusion and effectiveness in both hybrid and remote meetings, such as training moderators and integrating chats with the main meeting.

Menopause Legacies: Designing to Record and Share Experiences of Menopause Across Generations

Menopause is often overlooked or medicalized, consequently devaluing individual experiences and failing to support individuals experiencing this life event. Family dynamics, death, and taboo further mean that individuals often miss out on information that could help them contextualize their experiences. We examine participant experiences with menopause and explore designs of digital and non-digital legacies for sharing menopause experiences across generations. We conducted semi-structured interviews and design sessions with 17 participants who experienced or are experiencing menopause. We report participant information needs and sense-making practices, including what personalized information participants wish to pass down and preferred formats for intergenerational sharing. Findings highlight the potential of using storytelling and life-logging to create 'holistic' memories of the menopause journey, to support self-reflection, and for using legacies to initiate conversations about marginalized health experiences. We identify future design and research opportunities for the HCI and CSCW communities to support intergenerational sharing of non-medicalized and stigmatized health experiences.

Understanding Health Literacy Among Patients with Thalassemia: A Global Patient Survey by the Thalassemia Advocacy Advisory Council

Background: Thalassemia is a rare, under-recognized hereditary hemolytic anemia with a variable clinical presentation, resulting in a variety of symptoms and complications that can substantially impact patient health-related quality of life. Despite advances in the management of thalassemia, unmet needs remain in this diverse patient population. The Thalassemia Advocacy Advisory Council (AAC), an international group comprising patients, caregivers, advocacy organizations, and healthcare professionals (supported by Agios Pharmaceuticals) was launched to define and better understand the unmet needs of the thalassemia community, as well as to support improvement in patient outcomes and care. Following an initial assessment to understand priority areas, health literacy (ie, understanding of thalassemia, its complications, and treatment approaches) was identified as a key unmet need for patients with thalassemia. Subsequently, the results of an evidence audit of published literature and advocacy group/community-based research on health literacy in thalassemia further demonstrated unmet informational and educational needs, which informed key areas for exploration. Based on these findings, the Thalassemia AAC developed a patient survey, with the aim of better understanding the global community's perspectives and identifying strategies to potentially address patients' health literacy needs. Here, we describe the methodology of this global patient survey. Methods: This initiative utilizes a bespoke, self-administered, approximately 12-15-minute survey developed by the Thalassemia AAC. Adults (aged ≥18 years) with a diagnosis of alpha- or beta-thalassemia are eligible to participate in this study, excluding those diagnosed with alpha- or beta-thalassemia trait or those who are currently enrolled in a clinical trial involving mitapivat (for example, ENERGIZE [NCT04770753] or ENERGIZE-T [NCT04770779]). All participants must provide informed consent before taking part in the survey. Approximately 105 participants from the Middle East (United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman), Italy, USA, Greece, and Brazil are planned to be recruited via two recruitment streams: 1) a specialist survey recruitment agency, or 2) a patient advocacy organization network. The primary objective is to describe health literacy in patients with thalassemia; secondary objectives include studying barriers and motivational aspects that affect disease understanding and self-management, and how these survey findings compare with previously conducted research. The survey comprises six sections: (i) Screening (including patient age and clinical characteristics); (ii) Demographics (including optional questions), to better understand the patient profile; (iii) Channels and formats, to understand where respondents search for information and their preferred content format; (iv) Disease knowledge, to collect information on disease understanding; (v) Challenges and barriers, to understand what drives the patient to seek a greater understanding and self-management of their disease; and (vi) Motivators, to uncover any positive external factors that influence the patient to seek an increased understanding and self-management of their disease. Participants complete the survey online and data are captured electronically. Survey responses will be summarized descriptively as number and percentage for categorical variables, and mean with standard deviation or median with interquartile range for continuous variables. Qualitative, free text responses will be reviewed and categorized. A limitation of this survey is that its questions are bespoke and have not been validated. Results: The survey is in progress and available results are currently being analyzed. Conclusions: The Thalassemia AAC identified health literacy as a key unmet need for patients with thalassemia. This global patient survey will provide insight into the current state of health literacy (ie, knowledge of thalassemia, its complications, and treatment approaches) in the patient community, to support future improvement of thalassemia patient outcomes and care.

The Market Formation of Value and Preferences: An Empirical Study of Electronic Word-of-Mouth in the Indonesia E-Commerce for Cosmetic Product

This study aims to investigate the influence and impact of Electronic Word-of-Mouth (E-WOM) on the formation of product value and consumer purchase preferences in the cosmetic market context, referring to signal quality. The analysis was conducted within the dynamic digital market context, where product value is formed exogenously and is filled with uncertainty. This condition underscores the importance of reputation management and online consumer interaction for cosmetic companies in optimizing their products in the ever-evolving digital market arena. Unlike previous studies that explored product value formation conventionally, this research explores market interactions directly within the digital marketplace. This study employs a digital research method utilizing web scraping techniques with Python algorithms. The results reveal that the product value formed from E-WOM on the Bukalapak online marketplace for Kahf Face Wash products predominantly responds to signal quality from functional aspects. Additionally, E-WOM extends into the domain of social value. The analysis highlights that consumers evaluate this product comprehensively as an essential skincare necessity and as part of the entire market activation system, from packaging to seller service.

Coupled Hydro-Gas-Mechanical 3D Modeling of LASGIT Experiment

Gas transport simulation in bentonite for radioactive waste disposal poses challenges for numerical models due to its complex microstructure. Understanding the processes involved is a prerequisite for assessing gas flow's impact on repository layouts. The DECOVALEX23 (D-2023) Task B (Large Scale Gas Injection Test: LASGIT) project aims to advance numerical techniques for predicting gas flow in repository systems through gas injection tests on compacted bentonite at the British Geological Survey (BGS). This study develops a comprehensive coupled hydro-gas-mechanical 3D numerical model to simulate the test, considering heterogeneous initial permeability and embedded fractures. Addressing bentonite swelling, three gap closure scenarios for the canister-bentonite blocks gap interface were considered. The model reproduces observed test behaviors, capturing preferential gas flow paths. Sensitivity analysis explores variations in volume factor sensitivity, calibration, hydraulic conductivity of interfaces, heterogeneity, permeability, and model parameters, contributing to a deeper understanding of the phenomenon's complexity. The proposed hydraulic modeling, enriched by considerations of gap closure states, predicts measured evolution of gas injection trends. suggesting reliability and potential applicability for similar conditions and facilitating a comprehensive analysis of its impact on gas testing processes. Additionally, the embedded fracture models underscore the critical role of fracture behavior and dilatancy in determining the system's hydro-mechanical response, with significant sensitivity to these factors influencing stress and pore pressure evolution. Hydro-mechanical models demonstrate that modeling approaches involving embedded fractures and dilatancy significantly influence gas pathways and entry gas pressure. System volume plays pivotal role in the analysis, while sensitivity analysis of contact transmissivity reveals potential influences on preferential gas pathway formation. Hydraulic and hydro-mechanical modeling methods show promise for further numerical investigations, indicating potential for yielding meaningful insights in future studies.