Four-step Process Research Articles

A methodology for evaluating the relative pollution level of metal pollution in surface sediments of rivers based on the statistical results of relevant literatures covering world-wide rivers

Due to the intervention of human activities, the background values of riverbed sediment exhibit spatiotemporal variability, which can affect the accuracy of risk assessment results. Using risk assessment that do not rely on background values is an executable alternative to avoid such problems. In this study, a relative pollution level assessment (RPLA) method which was based on the statistical results of relevant literatures was proposed. This method includes a four-step data processing procedure to extract the evaluation indexes of relative pollution degree of pollutants in environment and a series of relative pollution status assessment methods to evaluate the overall relative pollution level and regional difference of world-wide rivers. To demonstrate how to use RPLA method, 310 relevant literatures covering world-wide rivers were selected. And the ambient background value (x̅), the world-wide threshold values (WWTV) and the relative pollution grades (LEVEL I ∼ IV) of 9 target metals (Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Cd, Pb, Sb and Tl) in riverbed surface sediments of world-wide rivers were extracted and used for evaluation. Moreover, the stability and applicability of RPLA method were evaluated. Results show that the evaluation results of RPLA method are robust and comparable with traditional evaluation method.

Green cryptocurrencies and portfolio diversification in the era of greener paths

The shift towards cleaner fuels from hydrocarbons has influenced nearly all market types and asset classes, and cryptocurrencies are no exception. The complex mechanism of blockchain and mining consumes high levels of electricity and surges environmental footprints in electronic waste generation. Existing studies that examine green and sustainable investments are limited to sustainable equities or green bonds; therefore, this study opens up a new research direction by considering green (energy-efficient) cryptocurrencies. First, this study develops a four-step screening process to systematically select cryptocurrencies that are greener than others. A comprehensive set of green and non-green assets and a battery of empirical tests are then employed to examine the diversification benefits of selected green cryptocurrencies against several well-diversified equity portfolios at the global, regional, and country levels. The diversification benefits of green cryptocurrencies are compared with non-green cryptocurrencies using (i) the four-moment modified value at risk and conditional value at risk, (ii) four different portfolio optimization strategies, and (iii) dynamic correlation-based hedge and safe-haven regression analyses. The results show that green cryptocurrencies provide diversification benefits that are at least comparable to, and in some cases, superior to, non-green (energy-intensive) cryptocurrencies. Cardano and Tezos are identified as green cryptocurrencies offering the most diversification benefits to investors, followed by EOS, Steller, and IOTA. This study provides valuable insights to investors and policymakers, specifically those concerned with achieving sustainability and ESG-compliance (environmental-social-governance) goals and seeking green assets to hedge and diversify various traditional investments.

Where Do I Look? Finding Meaningful Resources for Assessment in Physical Education

Assessment in physical education encompasses evaluating skills across the psychomotor, cognitive and affective learning domains. Given assessment’s complex yet essential role in physical education (PE), practitioners need to access applicable information to assist them when conducting assessments. The purpose of this article is to outline a four-step process that practitioners can use to search for items relevant to assessment and teaching physical education and utilize the process to evaluate the top 20 articles in assessment for PE. The major article takeaways discussed include (a) actionable resources, (b) use technology, (c) be standards based, (d) develop and share, and (e) more than one learning domain. Continued development in access to relevant resources for practitioners is needed to ensure that quality assessments are used.

Design and Validation of a Questionnaire to Measure Interprofessional Collaborative Practice for Auditing Integrated Hospital Care: Empirical Research.

Interprofessional teamwork is the key issue of delivering integrated hospital care; however, measuring interprofessional collaboration for auditing is fragmented. In this study, a questionnaire to measure InterProfessional collaborative Practice for Integrated Hospital care (IPPIH) has been developed and validated. A four-step iterative process was conducted: (1) literature search to find suitable questionnaires; (2) semistructured stakeholder interviews (individual and in focus groups) to discuss the topics and questions (face validity), (3) pretesting the prototype of the questionnaire in two different integrated care pathways for feasibility, usability, and internal consistency, and (4) testing (content and construct validity and responsiveness) of the revised questionnaire in eight integrated care pathways; the validation and responsiveness was tested by means of exploratory factor analysis, calculation of Cronbach alpha, item analysis, and linear mixed model analysis. Based on six questionnaires and the opinion of direct stakeholders, the questionnaire IPPIH comprised 27 items. Five different domains could be distinguished: own skills, culture, coordination and collaboration, practical support, and appreciation with the Cronbach alpha varied from 0.91 to 0.48. The self-reported intensity of the collaboration within a specific care pathway significantly influenced the outcome ( P = .000). The product is a questionnaire, IPPIH, which can measure the degree of interprofessional collaborative practice in integrated hospital care pathways. The IPPIH was initially developed for quality assurance. However, the IPPIH also seems to be suitable as a self-assessment tool for directors to monitor and improve the interprofessional collaboration and the quality of their integrated care pathway.

Engaging with ‘Engineer for Supply Chain’ (EfSC): insights from two engineer-to-order manufacturers

The practice of ‘Design for Supply Chain’ (DfSC) aims at integrating strategic sourcing into manufacturers’ new product development (NPD) processes. The literature on this topic, however, mainly focuses on contexts involving high-volume, standardised products, while the engineer-to-order (ETO) context has received only limited attention. As argued in this paper, this constitutes a gap in the literature since the findings from high-volume, standardised contexts may not be directly applicable to the ETO context. To support this claim, a case study approach is used to explore DfSC in two ETO manufacturers. This paper terms this practice ‘Engineer for Supply Chain’ (EfSC) and identifies four dimensions that it comprises: (1) consideration of strategic sourcing in NPD, (2) representation of the sourcing function in NPD, (3) collaboration between the R&D and sourcing functions, and (4) adoption of methods for considering strategic sourcing in NPD. Although these dimensions partly overlap with the literature on DfSC, the characteristics of EfSC differ—most notably by requiring the consideration of strategic sourcing before the product design stage of NPD, as well as procedures that encourage this consideration. Finally, the study identifies relationships among the dimensions and develops a holistic four-step process for engaging with EfSC.

Implementation of a Chief Resident Selection Process Designed to Mitigate Bias: Lessons Learned.

Chief residency selection processes are often opaque and beset by bias, which can result in disparities in who is selected for this important role. As a chief residency can lead to future academic and/or leadership positions, efforts to increase diversity in academic medicine and physician leadership may be aided by an inclusive chief resident (CR) selection process designed to mitigate bias. Objective: To implement and evaluate the acceptability of a CR selection process that is inclusive and designed to mitigate bias. Methods: In the 2021-2022 academic year, we designed and implemented a CR selection process aligned with published strategies known to mitigate bias in academic recruitment. The four-step opt-out CR selection process included a nomination survey, structured interviews, a clinical review, and a holistic review of each candidate. Each step was clearly delineated, assigned a specific number of points, and scored on a designated rubric. The candidates with the highest and second-highest number of points were awarded the two CR positions. Our selection process excluded examination scoresand precluded consideration of "fit" between the selected CRs, as these are known sources of potential bias. In January 2023, we surveyed our department to obtain post-implementation feedback and to assess satisfaction with the process, before repeating the process for 2022-2023. Survey response rates were47% (14/30) for residents and 29% (18/63) for departmental faculty. The majority of responding residents (64%) and faculty (100%) were satisfied with the CR selection process, finding it fair and inclusive. Nearly 80% of residents and 100% of faculty wished to repeat the process in 2022-2023. Conclusions: An inclusive CR selection process utilizing strategies to mitigate bias was feasible, and acceptable to residents and faculty. We recommend that residency training programs make efforts to implement CR selection practices that are inclusive and aim to mitigate bias.

Do Regulatory and Curriculum Requirements for Interprofessional Practice Align?

While interprofessional (IP) competency and Interprofessional Education (IPE) has received increasing attention in health, agreement on specific competencies and teaching approaches is frequently limited by profession-specific understandings. As part of a quality improvement initiative focused on improving delivery of IPE offerings, this enquiry maps current regulatory and curricula requirements for IP practice to health professional students from 12 professions trained across Aotearoa New Zealand's national vocational education provider. Requirements for IP competency in national accreditation documents and in an operative teaching curricula were mapped for 12 professions, namely, clinical exercise physiology, counselling, massage, medical radiology, midwifery, nursing, occupational therapy, osteopathy, paramedicine, physiotherapy, social work, and sport and exercise science. A desk audit was conducted to identify the presence of core IP competencies for each profession. This involved a four-step process 1) Examination of regulatory standards for each profession to confirm IP requirements for each profession; 2) Examination of an operative curricula from each profession to identify the presence and translation of IP regulatory requirements to each of the profession-specific programs of study; 3) Mapping to identify within domains the core (common) IP competencies across the professions, and 4) Consideration of the similarities and differences between accreditation documents and curricula. Of 12 professions, 10 clearly identified IP competency as an expectation. Clinical Exercise Physiology and Counselling were exceptions with explicit requirement for IP competency not evident. Coordination and collaboration were the most identified competency domains in accreditation documents and curricula. In descending order of prevalence, communication, shared values, reflexivity, role-understanding, and teamwork were also identified requirements amongst the 10 professions with IP competency requirements. The IP competencies identified as common across professions can be used to inform development of teaching and assessment. Greater alignment between teaching curricula and required competency standards in this area is recommended.

Novel resource-efficient recovery of high purity indium products: Unlocking value from end-of-life mobile phone liquid crystal display screens

Liquid crystal display (LCD) screens found in most electrical and electronic equipment consume approximately 75% of the total indium produced globally. Due to indium’s unique properties and applications, the escalation in demand for the metal and the threat to supply of the metal, mined primarily as a by-product of zinc production, are critical. To mitigate these challenges the need to recover indium from end-of-life (EoL) products is becoming an imperative. In this work, EoL mobile phones (EoL-MPs), which represent a resource-rich stream for critical metals in general, and, specifically indium from LCDs, are used as a feedstock. Using a simulated Model Test System, with the task-specific ionic liquid, Cyphos 101, the optimal conditions for recovery of indium are determined before application to real samples. A complete hydrometallurgical process was developed for the recovery of indium from as-received EoL-MP LCDs as a four-step process involving pre-treatment, liquid-liquid extraction, elution and reduction, using the task-specific IL, Cyphos 101, as extractant. This novel hydrometallurgical process developed can achieve overall efficiencies of ≥ 90% for indium recovery in the form of two high-purity (≥ 99%) indium products of commercial value and offers a promising approach for recovery from any e-waste stream rich in indium. Moreover, this low energy process permits the reuse of the IL up to five consecutive times and has the potential to unlock value as polymeric films, glass substrate and liquid crystal for recycle and reuse within the circular economy.

Analysis of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage as a multistep process.

Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (ASAH) is a complex disease with higher incidence in women compared to men and in Japan compared to other countries. It was hypothesized that ASAH is consistent with a multistep model of disease. The following assessments were made: (1) the number of steps needed for the disease to occur and (2) whether this number may be different in female versus male and in Japanese versus non-Japanese patients. Incidence data were generated from a meta-analysis on ASAH incidence until 2017, which was supplemented with a literature search from 2017 to April 2023. Age- and sex-adjusted incidences per 10-year age groups were calculated and the logarithm of age-specific incidence against the logarithm of age was regressed with least-squares regression. In 2317 ASAH patients a linear relationship between logarithm of incidence and logarithm of age was found with a slope estimate of 3.13 (95% confidence interval 2.60-3.65), consistent with a four-step process. Similar estimates were found for female, male, Japanese and non-Japanese patients. Our results suggest that ASAH is a four-step process, also in subgroups with higher ASAH incidence. Elucidation of the exact nature of these steps can provide important clues for identification of disease mechanisms underlying ASAH.

Development of quality indicators of transfer and transition in adolescents and young adults with congenital heart disease

BackgroundQuality indicators are crucial in evaluating and comparing the quality of healthcare services. In the case of congenital heart disease, transition programmes for adolescents have been recommended to ensure uninterrupted healthcare and lifelong care. It is necessary to establish quality indicators in order to facilitate the evaluation of programme quality and to allow comparison between different centres. The objective of this study is therefore to develop a set of quality indicators for the transition of adolescents with congenital heart disease.MethodsThe RAND/UCLA appropriateness method was employed in a four-step process to develop a set of quality indicators. First, a literature search was conducted on the dimensions of transitional care, based on which a preliminary set of quality indicators was developed. Second, experts were contacted, and an expert panel was established. Third, the panel members were asked to rate the appropriateness of the quality indicators in a two-round process. Finally, in the fourth step, we evaluated the data by measuring the median and Disagreement Index.ResultsThe expert panel consisted of 16 members, congenital cardiologists, nurses, transition experts, patients and research experts. The preliminary set of quality indicators comprised 16 items, categorized in process and structure criteria. Based on the panel’s feedback, the set was refined to 12 quality indicators, which were rated as relevant and feasible.ConclusionsThis study represents the first attempt to develop quality indicators for transitional care services for adolescents with congenital heart disease. The set of 12 quality indicators was developed based on existing evidence and expert opinion. Further testing is needed to assess the feasibility of these quality indicators in daily practice. If successfully implemented, these quality indicators could allow comparison and facilitate benchmarking of transitional care services for adolescents with congenital heart disease.

The Library and beyond: Decolonization as a student/academic Co-Created project

This article details the ‘Decolonisation as Co-Creation’ project, a co-created-with-students approach to decolonisation of a reading list to be used on a specific final year, undergraduate module. This contributes to the overall decolonisation of Aston University through the development of academic outputs and a methodology for approaching the decolonisation of future reading lists. Herein we offer six lessons learned, five outcomes and a four-step process to decolonising a module reading list as carried out by the project participants: library and module leader and student workers. We provide you with our findings only as an example of how the process might work. For us, the most interesting aspect of this process is the unexpected research findings of our student workers; we encourage readers to use the process with an openness to new findings.

Chinese version of Yoon Critical Thinking Disposition Instrument: validation using classical test theory and Rasch analysis

BackgroundDespite the availability of a wide range of critical thinking instruments, there was no original design for nurses that has been translated into Chinese. However, only instruments designed specifically for the nursing discipline would be reliable. This study aimed to translate, culturally adapt, and validate the Yoon Critical Thinking Disposition Instrument in the Chinese context.MethodsA four-step translation process was implemented according to Word Health Organization guidelines, which included forward translation, expert panel review, backward translation, and pre-testing. Experts and nursing students participated in testing the validity and reliability of the Chinese version.ResultsThe translation of the instrument went smoothly. According to a confirmatory factor analysis, there was an acceptable fit for the seven-factor model. Content validity indices ranged from 0.6 to 1 at item level, and 0.94 at scale level. In addition, there was extremely high internal consistency and test-retest reliability in the translated instrument. There was a good fit for the items with both person and item reliabilities greater than 0.6 and a separation index of 2.19, respectively. The item location was identified from the wright map as not covering person ability, but the scale did not have a gender-related differential item functioning.ConclusionsIn this study, a critical thinking disposition instrument for nursing students was translated into Chinese for the first time. This translated instrument is a reliable tool with satisfactory validity and reliability. It could provide opportunities for building a cross-cultural understanding of critical thinking disposition.

Complex Transformer Network for Single-Angle Plane-Wave Imaging.

Plane-wave imaging (PWI) is a high-frame-rate imaging technique that sacrifices image quality. Deep learning can potentially enhance plane-wave image quality, but processing complex in-phase and quadrature (IQ) data and suppressing incoherent signals pose challenges. To address these challenges, we present a complex transformer network (CTN) that integrates complex convolution and complex self-attention (CSA) modules. The CTN operates in a four-step process: delaying complex IQ data from a 0° single-angle plane wave for each pixel as CTN input data; extracting reconstruction features with a complex convolution layer; suppressing irrelevant features derived from incoherent signals with two CSA modules; and forming output images with another complex convolution layer. The training labels are generated by minimum variance (MV). Simulation, phantom and in vivo experiments revealed that CTN produced comparable- or even higher-quality images than MV, but with much shorter computation time. Evaluation metrics included contrast ratio, contrast-to-noise ratio, generalized contrast-to-noise ratio and lateral and axial full width at half-maximum and were -11.59 dB, 1.16, 0.68, 278 μm and 329 μm for simulation, respectively, and 9.87 dB, 0.96, 0.62, 357 μm and 305 μm for the phantom experiment, respectively. In vivo experiments further indicated that CTN could significantly improve details that were previously vague or even invisible in DAS and MV images. And after being accelerated by GPU, the CTN runtime (76.03 ms) was comparable to that of delay-and-sum (DAS, 61.24 ms). The proposed CTN significantly improved the image contrast, resolution and some unclear details by the MV beamformer, making it an efficient tool for high-frame-rate imaging.

Cobalt ferrite coated on Ti/Ni/PbOx with enhanced electrocatalytic stability for chloride ions-contained water splitting

The advance of efficient, low-cost, and bifunctional catalysts for seawater splitting to produce hydrogen fuel is a challenge. However, by relying on transition metal-based compounds, a unique and attractive arrangement can be proposed. Here, a four-step process was used for the synthesis of the Ti/Ni/PbOx/CoFe2O4 electrocatalyst. First, thin films of nickel (by cathodic electrodeposition) and lead dioxide (by anodic electrodeposition) were synthesized on the activated titanium substrate. Then, using nitrate solution, CoFe coating with a thickness of ∼ 5 µm was applied. Finally, the coating is oxidized to form cobalt ferrite (CoFe2O4). The structure of the arrangement formed in each step was examined by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) and the electrocatalytic performances were evaluated in 1 M KOH and 1 M KOH + 0.5 M NaCl solutions by electrochemical methods such as linear sweep voltammetry(LSV), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), small amplitude cyclic voltammetry (SACV), accelerated chronopotentiometry (CP), and multi-step CP. The Ti/Ni/PbOx/CoFe2O4 electrode requires an overpotential less than 400 mV at 50 mA/cm2 with Tafel constant of 47.7 V/dec for OER. The results of the stability test in accelerated conditions and the alkaline solution containing chloride ions showed that the special arrangement of the cobalt ferrite electrocatalyst in this work improves its lifetime by more than 5 times compared to the normal cobalt ferrite. The synthesized Ti/Ni/PbOx/CoFe2O4 as a bifunctional electrode requires only a potential of 1.53 V at a current density of 10 mA/cm2 for overall seawater splitting. The dual-purpose properties of the Ti/Ni/PbOx/CoFe2O4 electrocatalyst can be considered for its wide use in the fields of sustainable and renewable energy.

Multicellularity and the Need for Communication-A Systematic Overview on (Algal) Plasmodesmata and Other Types of Symplasmic Cell Connections.

In the evolution of eukaryotes, the transition from unicellular to simple multicellular organisms has happened multiple times. For the development of complex multicellularity, characterized by sophisticated body plans and division of labor between specialized cells, symplasmic intercellular communication is supposed to be indispensable. We review the diversity of symplasmic connectivity among the eukaryotes and distinguish between distinct types of non-plasmodesmatal connections, plasmodesmata-like structures, and 'canonical' plasmodesmata on the basis of developmental, structural, and functional criteria. Focusing on the occurrence of plasmodesmata (-like) structures in extant taxa of fungi, brown algae (Phaeophyceae), green algae (Chlorophyta), and streptophyte algae, we present a detailed critical update on the available literature which is adapted to the present classification of these taxa and may serve as a tool for future work. From the data, we conclude that, actually, development of complex multicellularity correlates with symplasmic connectivity in many algal taxa, but there might be alternative routes. Furthermore, we deduce a four-step process towards the evolution of canonical plasmodesmata and demonstrate similarity of plasmodesmata in streptophyte algae and land plants with respect to the occurrence of an ER component. Finally, we discuss the urgent need for functional investigations and molecular work on cell connections in algal organisms.

Solvent Effect on Base-Free Synthesis 4-Substituted 2-Oxazolines via Intramolecular Cyclodemesylation

AbstractIn this present study, the solvent effect was examined for the synthesis of 2-oxazolines via intramolecular cyclodemesylation. To determine the solvent effect, aprotic/protic polar and nonpolar solvents were screened and polar protic solvents met the best result. The remarkable feature of this synthesis is that cyclization takes place in the absence of any base or reagent, in high yields (89–96%). As a result, a series of 4-substituted chiral 2-oxazolines were successfully synthesized through a four-step process, with overall yields reaching between 79% and 88% in a greener approach.

Women's representation on journal editorial boards in school psychology across 55 years.

This study evaluated the inclusion and representation of women serving on school psychology journal editorial boards from 1965 to 2020. A total of 3,267 names were collected from six journals at 5-year increments and coded for gender using a four-step process. Across 55 years, women constituted 38% of editorial boards across these journals. When considering their levels of service, they constituted 10% of editors, 42% of associate editors, and 39% of board members. Women demonstrated a consistent increase in participation across all levels, with an overall change from 3.4% to 54.8%. In 2020, five out of six journals included more than 50% women on their editorial boards. However, underrepresentation of women is still apparent as recent reports showed women compose 87% of school psychologists, 63% of school psychology faculty, and 85% of school psychology doctoral recipients. Low numbers of women as editors as well as differences in women's participation across journals suggest a need for further evaluation of potential bias and gender-related barriers related to service in school psychology journals. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).

Closed-loop process for Zn and Cu selective recovery from MSWI bottom ash fine fraction

In 2019, 224 Mt of Municipal Solid Wastes (MSW) were produced in Europe. A significant proportion of this MSW is treated by incineration producing each year 20 Mt of Municipal Solid Waste Incineration (MSWI) Bottom Ashes (BA). While the coarsest fraction (>2mm) can be reemployed in construction field, this is not the case for the finest fraction <2 mm (30% wt.) which is intended to be landfilled. The challenges of the treatment of this solid residue are multiple. The metals of interest are dispersed within this complex matrix and the gangue is composed by a large proportion of carbonate based minerals which reduces the choice of possible leaching agents. Moreover, the large amounts of iron and aluminum imply to choose a highly selective recovery method and the economic constrains steer the process towards low-cost technologies. The aim of this work is to study the feasibility of a selective copper and zinc recovery, whose contents in the bottom ash fine fraction are comparable to low-grade ores. A four-step process was designed consisting of a flushing, a leaching, a precipitation and an electrowinning. A selective leaching step using ammonia-ammonium chloride solution was carried out to avoid an iron co-leaching. After the leaching step, the precipitation of zinc was achieved by addition of aluminum nitrate followed by an electrodeposition of copper from ammonia medium. Up to 70% of Cu and Zn could be recovered with minimal modifications of the leachate composition allowing thus its reuse. The developed process enables the recovery of metallic copper and zinc in a spinel form from a waste originally intended for landfilling.

The Poetry and Music of Science: Comparing Creativity in Science and Art

The Poetry and Music of Science: Comparing Creativity in Science and Art

Development of the Indian Reference Case for undertaking economic evaluation for health technology assessment.

Health technology assessment (HTA) is globally recognised as an important tool to guide evidence-based decision-making. However, heterogeneity in methods limits the use of any such evidence. The current research was undertaken to develop a set of standards for conduct of economic evaluations for HTA in India, referred to as the Indian Reference Case. Development of the reference case comprised of a four-step process: (i) review of existing international HTA guidelines; (ii) systematic review of economic evaluations for three countries to assess adherence with pre-existing country-specific HTA guidelines; (iii) empirical analysis to assess the impact of alternate assumptions for key principles of economic evaluation on the results of cost-effectiveness analysis; (iv) stakeholder consultations to assess appropriateness of the recommendations. Based on the inferences drawn from the first three processes, a preliminary draft of the reference case was developed, which was finalised based on stakeholder consultations. The Indian Reference Case provides twelve recommendations on eleven key principles of economic evaluation: decision problem, comparator, perspective, source of effectiveness evidence, measure of costs, health outcomes, time-horizon, discounting, heterogeneity, uncertainty analysis and equity analysis, and for presentation of results. The recommendations are user-friendly and have scope to allow for context-specific flexibility. The Indian Reference Case is expected to provide guidance in planning, conducting, and reporting of economic evaluations. It is anticipated that adherence to the Reference Case would increase the quality and policy utilisation of future evaluations. However, with advancement in the field of health economics efforts aimed at refining the Indian Reference Case would be needed. This research received no specific grant from any funding agency, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors. The research was undertaken as part of doctoral thesis of Sharma D, who received scholarship from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), New Delhi, India.