Inclusion Interaction Research Articles

Information and communication technologies, financial inclusion and economic growth: evidence from high- and low-income countries

Purpose This study aims to assess the impact of information and communication technologies (ICT) and financial inclusion on economic growth. This study also examines whether ICT can be a determinant of financial inclusion. Moreover, this study provides new evidence concerning whether ICT can reduce the financial inclusion gap. Design/methodology/approach This study uses the country-level data over the period 2005–2019 and estimate using the dynamic and the static panel model. Findings The results show that the ICT and financial inclusion interaction variable substantially and positively impacts economic growth for only certain interaction variables. ICT is an essential determinant of financial inclusion and reduces some gaps. Originality/value This study contributes to the literature by considering whether ICT and financial inclusion impact economic growth in high- and low-income countries. The other contribution of this study is that ICT represents a determinant in promoting financial inclusion. The final contribution of this study is providing new evidence concerning whether ICT can reduce the financial inclusion gap so that financial access can increase, financial inclusion can develop and simultaneously encourage economic growth.

Why robot embodiment matters: questions of disability, race and intersectionality in the design of social robots.

A growing minority of those with disabilities are people of color (POC), with, for example, autism diagnosis rates now higher for children of color than for white children in the USA. This trend underscores the need for assistive technologies, especially socially assistive robots, to be designed with intersectional users in mind. Outside of Japan, most robots are designed with white synthetic skin and able-bodied features, failing to reflect the diverse users they are meant to assist. This paper explores the concept of the "engineering imaginary," the historical and cultural influences that shape these designs, and which tend to limit robot embodiment to white, able-bodied forms. Drawing on work from scholars like Lucy Suchman, Jennifer Rhee, Neda Atanasoski and Kalindi Vora, the paper critiques this engineering bias. A key historical moment in the production of the engineered imaginary of artificial humans is provided by Ovid's myth of Pygmalion and its influence on representations across literature, film, and then robotics. Furthermore, the physicality of the robot, and its role in the production of nonverbal communication (NVC) for more inclusive interaction with humans is explored, seeing these as steps toward what some roboticists are calling Artificial Empathy (AE). Through case studies like Bestic, Bina48, and HuggieBot 3.0, the paper explores what I call the poverty of the engineering imaginary, how current robotics design fails to properly address issues of race, gender, and disability. Ultimately, the paper argues for more inclusive robot designs that accommodate diverse bodies and social dynamics, questioning the pervasive norm of white, able-bodied robotic embodiment.

A Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA)-Based Phantom for Prostate Cancer Detection Using Multiparametric Ultrasound: A Validation Study

Multiparametric ultrasound (mpUS) enhances prostate cancer (PCa) diagnosis by using multiple imaging modalities. Tissue-mimicking materials (TMM) phantoms, favoured over animal models for ethical and consistency reasons, were created using polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) with varying molecular weights (Mw). Methods: Four PVA samples, varying in Mw with constant concertation, were mixed with glycerol, silicon carbide (SiC), and aluminium oxide (Al2O3). Phantoms with varying depth and inclusion sizes were created and tested using shear-wave elastography (SWE). An mpUS phantom was developed to mimic prostate tissue, including isoechoic and hypoechoic inclusions and vessels. The phantom was scanned using supersonic ultrasound, strain elastography, and Doppler ultrasound. Validation was performed using radical prostatectomy data and shear-wave elastography. Results: The acoustic properties varied with enhancers like glycerol and Al2O3. Low Mw PVA samples had a speed of sound ranging from 1547.50 ± 2 to 1553.70 ± 2.2 m/s and attenuation of 0.61 ± 0.062 to 0.63 ± 0.05 dB/cm/MHz. High Mw PVA samples ranged from 1555 ± 2.82 to 1566 ± 4.5 m/s and 0.71 ± 0.02 to 0.73 ± 0.046 dB/cm/MHz. Young’s modulus ranged from 11 ± 2 to 82.3 ± 0.5 kPa across 1 to 10 freeze-thaw cycles. Inclusion size, depth, and interaction statistically affect the SWE measurements with p-value = 0.056327, p-value = 8.0039 × 10−8, and p-value = 0.057089, respectively. SWE showed isoechoic inclusions, prostate tissue, and surrounding tissue only. The Doppler velocity was measured in three different inner diameters. Conclusion: PVA mixed with enhancer materials creates an mpUS phantom with properties that mimic normal and abnormal prostate tissue, blood vessels, and soft tissue, facilitating advanced diagnostic training and validation.

Innovations for Holistic and Sustainable Transitions

Energy system planning has evolved from a narrow focus on engineering and supply works towards addressing more complex, multifactorial challenges. Increasingly challenged by climate change, extreme events, economic shocks, and altered supply demand patterns, the analysis of energy systems requires holistic approaches based on data-driven models, taking into account key socio-economic factors. We draw insights from reviewing the literature, indicating the need to cover the following major gaps: the shift to transdisciplinary approaches, incorporating environmental system analysis; resilient and sustainable energy designs based on flexible portfolios of renewable mixes; the integration of socio-economic aspects, economic analyses and behavioural models to ensure energy systems are not only technically sound but socially acceptable and viable; the need for stakeholder engagement considering the human angle in energy security and behavioural shifts. Responding to these pressing challenges and emerging needs, the Global Climate Hub (GCH) initiative, operating under the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network, offers a conceptual framework, leveraging transdisciplinary approaches. In this Concept Paper, we present for the first time the idea of the GCH as a framework that we believe has the potential to address the modern holistic needs for energy system analysis and policymaking. By setting the conceptual/theoretical ground of our suggested approach, we aim to provide guidance for innovative combinations of cutting-edge models, socio-economic narratives, and inclusive interaction with relevant stakeholders for the development and the long-term implementation of sustainable pathways.

Recognizing Race: Podcasting to Promote Critical Dialogue and Self-Reflection in Multicultural Psychology

Introduction Courses in multicultural psychology can provide content about power, privilege, healing, and resistance, especially as they pertain to race, while presenting space for students to reflect on their own socialization experiences and the role of race in their lives. Statement of Problem Direct, lecture-based approaches to presenting course content on race and racial identity can impede deep reflection and application of the material to students’ lives and their ability to engage across differences. Literature Review Critical dialogue among classroom peers enables students to use the knowledge gained from classroom content to discuss the complexity of race and racism with nuance and depth. Teaching Implications In this article, we describe Recognizing Race, a podcast assignment that scaffolds students’ self-reflection about their racial identity development while facilitating critical racial dialogues between students. Conclusion The Recognizing Race podcast assignment is one that can be used for undergraduate and graduate-level students in multicultural psychology to apply racial identity concepts to increase cultural self-awareness and promote more compassionate and inclusive interactions with others.

Diverse Perspectives: An Inclusive Serious Game for (International) Students

Universities have increasingly diverse student populations. While a greater variety of students' backgrounds, skills and abilities exist, this does not necessarily mean they have more inclusive interactions. A lack of inclusive interactions can cause negative biases against people who are different from oneself. One strategy to mitigate bias is exposure to situations where students encounter social dilemmas with others and are stimulated to reflect on their interactions. These experiences could be simulated within a serious game as a safe learning environment. Moreover, serious games allow the player to broaden their mental perspective by showing the world through the eyes of others. This paper presents the design and evaluation of the serious game called Diverse Perspectives. This visual novel with multiple endings captures social dilemmas and allows the player to view them from a different angle through perspective switches. We evaluate Diverse Perspectives with quantitative ( N = 32) and qualitative measures on attitude towards diversity and gaming experience measured with the Shortened Version of the Miville-Guzman Universality-Diversity Scale and the Game Experience Questionnaire. Participants indicate they find the perspective switch helpful as it creates an understanding of the other person's view.

12545 Transgender Healthcare Online Curriculum: A Partnership Between An Academic Medical Center And Corrections Facility

Abstract Disclosure: E. Lamos: None. R. Malek: None. Introduction: The World Professional Association for Transgender Health Standards of Care (WPATH SOC-8) states that all recommendations be applied equally to individuals living in institutions​, including those incarcerated. Studies suggest correctional staff have little training in transgender care.​ To demonstrate a partnership between an academic medical center and a corrections facility and increase knowledge and comfort in transgender healthcare, academic faculty developed an online curriculum as an educational opportunity for state corrections facility staff and clinicians. Methods: There were 6 modules: Overview of Transgender Competent Care, Health Vulnerabilities, Creating an Inclusive Environment, Feminizing and Masculinizing Hormone Treatment, and Preventative Care of the Transgender Individual (Image). The Short Course (first 3 modules) was for staff or clinicians not providing hormone-affirming care and the Full Course (all 6 modules) for clinicians who provide hormone-affirming care. Each module included embedded knowledge assessments and post-module action items. An anonymous pre and post curriculum survey assessed module effectiveness. The project was considered non-human subject research by the Institutional Review Board. Result analysis used the Fisher Exact Test and unpaired t test. Results: 44 corrections staff and clinicians participated (2022-2023) with a 32% post survey response rate. 57% indicated zero prior hours of transgender education with 59% feeling somewhat or extremely comfortable with transgender healthcare. Most were interested in learning about transgender healthcare (Table 1). Participants had a statistical improvement in knowledge and their access to resources were good or excellent after completion (p <0.05, both) (Table 2). Also, for the Short Course, comfort in recognizing barriers to care significantly improved (p<0.05), 100% agreed both with the importance of what they were asked to learn and that knowledge and skills increased. Domains of comfort with transgender healthcare did not statistically change for participants of the Full Course. Participants positively reflected on curriculum content and bias discussion. Full Course respondents requested more therapeutics information. Inclusive interactions were the most frequent practice improvement strategy. Conclusion: This curriculum increased knowledge and improved resources for those providing healthcare to incarcerated transgender patients. The curriculum was inclusive of many diverse types of learner and allowed learners to choose the course that aligned with their clinical role. It meets WPATH SOC-8 recommendations that corrections staff and clinicians receive training in transgender care.​ It highlights the collaboration between an academic medical center and corrections facility, meeting the academic mission to serve marginalized groups. Presentation: 6/1/2024

Fabrication and Properties of in Situ Cross‐Linked Supramolecular Gel Based on Host‐Guest Interaction

AbstractWater‐cut control is critical to efficient reservoir development. In this investigation, a host‐guest inclusion polymer gels system with self‐assembly features was constructed stemming from the host‐guest recognition mechanism. Subsequently, the elements affecting polymer viscosity were discussed. Eventually, the injectivity and plugging performance of the host‐guest inclusion system were measured by core displacement tests. The results indicated that the optimum synthesis temperature of the host polymer and guest polymer were 30 °C and 40 °C, separately, and the optimum total monomer content should be 20 wt%. The polymer system had excellent thickening properties and shearing resistance resulting from host‐guest inclusion interaction and physical hydrophobic association. Meanwhile, it had better plugging performance than host polymer or guest polymer alone. This profile control agent system provides a novel method for settling deep profile control in oilfields.

“The Game Changers”: How Equity-Driven Pedagogical Scaffolding Reduces Participation Disparities in Physical Education

Achieving gender equity and social inclusiveness remains a key priority in education. In the context of Physical Education (PE), fostering inclusive practices is critical to ensuring all students, regardless of gender, ability, or social status, can participate meaningfully. By examining the impact of three pre-service teachers’ (PSTs) equity-driven pedagogical practices on gender equity and student engagement in game-based activities, this study investigates how targeted pedagogical interventions can reduce gender disparities in engagement and promote inclusivity in student game interactions within PE classes. Specifically, we aimed to determine whether students of different sexes exhibit similar engagement rates, identify any existing disparities, examine changes in these disparities during the intervention, assess the equity and inclusiveness of student game interactions, and explore the link between these interactions and engagement rates. A total of three PSTs were engaged in a yearlong study, divided into two units: basketball (3v3) and volleyball (4v4). A pedagogical scaffolding intervention aimed at fostering equity and inclusion was implemented through their yearlong engagement in school-placement teaching practices. Data concerning students’ participation in game-based activities were collected in the first and last unit of the schoolyear (Basketball—first semester; and Volleyball—second semester). Engagement rates, measured as participation time (PT) and Rate of Play (RoP), were recorded through video analysis. A Social Network Analysis (SNA) was used to evaluate the equity and inclusiveness of student interactions. Initial disparities in engagement rates favoured boys in both sports. However, post-test results indicated a significant increase in engagement for both sexes, with disparities decreasing over the intervention period. Basketball showed a significant reduction in gender differences in RoP (p < 0.05), while volleyball results indicated no significant gender disparities post-intervention. The SNA revealed more equitable and inclusive game interactions over time, particularly in volleyball. The results suggest the pedagogical intervention’s effectiveness in increasing students’ engagement and reducing game-based gender disparities. These findings underscore the importance of deliberate scaffolding strategies to enhance equity and inclusion, highlighting the potential of the reported strategies for fostering a more inclusive and engaging environment for all students.

Multibody interactions between protein inclusions in the pointlike curvature model for tense and tensionless membranes.

The pointlike curvature constraint (PCC) model and the disk detachment angle (DDA) model for the deformation-mediated interaction of conical integral protein inclusions in biomembranes are compared in the small deformation regime. Given the radius of membrane proteins, which is comparable to the membrane thickness, it is not obvious which of the two models should be considered the most adequate. For two proteins in a tensionless membranes, the PCC and DDA models coincide at the leading-order in their separation but differ at the next order. Yet, for distances larger than twice the proteins diameter, the difference is less than . Like the DDA model, the PCC model includes all multibody interactions in a non-approximate way. The asymptotic many-body energy of triangular and square protein clusters is exactly the same in both models. Pentagonal clusters, however, behave differently; they have a vanishing energy in the PCC model, while they have a non-vanishing weaker asymptotic power law in the DDA model. We quantify the importance of multibody interactions in small polygonal clusters of three, four and five inclusions with identical or opposite curvatures in tensionless or tense membranes. We find that the pairwise approximation is almost always very poor. At short separation, the three-body interaction is not sufficient to account for the full many-body interaction. This is confirmed by equilibrium Monte Carlo simulations of up to ten inclusions.

Development and preliminary validation of the South Wales Social Well-being Scale (SWSWBS)

BackgroundPhysical, mental and social components of well-being are known to be important to health. However, research on well-being often focuses on physical and mental well-being with little attention paid to social well-being. This research aims to develop and preliminarily validate the South Wales Social Well-being Scale (SWSWBS) to measure social well-being.MethodsA non-experimental and cross-sectional design was applied with two phases: scale development and preliminary validation. Initially, 24 items were drawn from a Group Concept Mapping study exploring the concept of social well-being. These items were reviewed and reduced to 14 for preliminary validation among 103 university students and staff in health and social care disciplines. Construct validity (exploratory factor analysis and convergent validity) were tested. Reliability was demonstrated by internal consistency. Floor and ceiling effects were also evaluated.ResultsA 3-factor structure was identified and explored, which highlight the most important features of the social world a person inhabits: “Safe and inclusive interaction with others” (6 items), “Learning, helping, and feeling useful” (4 items), and “Security, worthwhile activities, family and friends” (4 items). The SWSWBS was correlated to the Warwick Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale and the Four measures of Personal Well-being Scale to some extent. The Cronbach alpha coefficient was 0.85 for the sum score and 0.83–0.86 for individual items. The item-total correlation coefficients ranged between 0.08 and 0.65. The split half reliability coefficient was 0.78. There is absence of a floor effect, but most items had a ceiling effect.ConclusionsPreliminary validation of the SWSWBS shows the scale has satisfactory psychometric properties with good validity, reliability, and reasonable variability. This study needs to be replicated with larger and representative populations to explore how the scale can be used alongside the Warwick Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale to capture a holistic/multi-dimensional understanding of well-being.

Stereoisomeric separation and chiral recognition mechanism study of star cyclodextrin polymer as the chiral stationary phase

BackgroundAs the derivatives of cyclodextrin (CD), cyclodextrin polymers (CDPs) effectively increase the concentration of CD units and construct supramolecular structures with unique stereoselectivity by the structure design. CDPs have shown significant potential in chiral separation, however, the process of stereoselective interactions on chiral stationary phases (CSPs) and the specific contribution of intermolecular forces are still a challenge issue. A comprehensive understanding of the chiral recognition mechanism of CDPs will help to optimize chiral separation conditions and design new CSPs. ResultsThe star CDP with a supermolecular structure was synthesized by grafting β-CD onto the external 6-position hydroxyl groups using β-CD as the parent nucleus. The enhanced host-guest recognition ability of CD supramolecular polymer structure provided better inclusion interaction and increased chiral recognition of the isomers. The Star-CD CSP with star CDP as a chiral ligand performed satisfactory stereoisomer separation ability with the separation factor (α) up to 2.0 for various quinoline alkaloid isomers and 1.89 for catechins. To elucidate its chiral separation mechanism, molecular docking was used to construct the three-dimensional visual models of the binding sites and the contribution of non-covalent interactions between Star-CD CSP and quinoline alkaloid isomers. In addition, the formation sites of non-covalent interactions on the CD monomers of the polymer side chains were confirmed from the actual geometric structure by analyzing the NMR chemical shift changes before and after the formation of complexes between Star-CD polymers and isomers. Combined with the mutual evidence of molecular simulation and chiral NMR, the specific recognition mechanism of selector-selectand complexes was comprehensively expounded. SignificanceThe multi-mode CSP based on cyclodextrin supramolecular structure provides new ideas for the stereoisomeric separation of complex chiral components with multiple chiral centers in natural products. Not limited to the macroscopic performance of the chromatographic separation, molecular docking explored the theoretical model of chiral recognition from the molecular level. The chiral NMR analysis confirmed the credibility of the model from the geometry structure, and then the recognition mechanism of multi-mode CSP was fully elaborated combining the above three aspects.

“It's the patient that suffers from poor communication”: Analyzing communication gaps and associated consequences in handover events from nurses’ experiences

BackgroundAlthough routine communication gaps among clinical shift teams significantly account for adverse care and treatment outcomes, existing analysis of the phenomenon remain limited in low middle income countries battling with patient safety issues. This study analyzed the drivers and associated episodic consequences of communication gaps from nurses’ experiences in Ghana. MethodsQualitative design implemented in two referral hospitals. Data collection involved site observations and in-depth interviews with general nurses, midwives, and staff nurses across 3-cycle shift regimes in the emergency, ICU, inpatient wards, and maternity units. A two-stage data analysis was adopted by integrating deductive and inductive codes into broad thematic typologies explaining drivers of communication gaps and the consequences thereof. ResultsCommunication gaps among shift teams were largely driven by a combination of three broad factors: a) Attitudinal elements of poor work ethics, poor documentation, interpersonal conflicts and use of unconventional language that impaired effective communication; b) organizational dynamics of taxing job demands, limited training exposure and lack of formal handover communication procedures which allowed shift teams to adopt default patterns of communication behavior; and c) cultural values, stereotyping and prejudicing behaviors that restricted inclusive interactions among shift teams. These communication gaps produced adverse episodic effects of diagnostic and treatment errors, complications, and extended hospitalizations. ConclusionThe findings underscore the need to develop standard guidelines to direct structured communication alongside equipping shift teams with competences on emotional intelligence to overcome cultural and behavioral adversities that influence communication breakdown.

Testing Inclusive, Exclusive, and Parallel Interactions in Multi-Agents System: A New Model-Based Approach

Testing Inclusive, Exclusive, and Parallel Interactions in Multi-Agents System: A New Model-Based Approach

Behind The Feminine Facade: Gender Bias in Virtual Assistants and Its Effect on Users

The paper examines the boundaries of gendered voice in virtual assistant responses. It intends to examine the gender biases these virtual assistants display by looking at popular systems such as Siri, Alexa, Cortana and Google Assistant which are known for using female voices in their choice of assistants. The study explores how gender bias in VA design affects user experience using both quantitative and qualitative methods of study. It examines how Virtual assistants can be programmed and designed for inclusive interaction to challenge societal gender norms. By drawing from diverse fields such as pragmatics, sociolinguistics, and gender studies to analyze how these assistants encode and reproduce gender bias. The present study also highlights the importance of linguistic equity in digital interaction.

Inclusive cross section measurements in final states with and without protons for charged-current νμ -Ar scattering in MicroBooNE

A detailed understanding of inclusive muon neutrino charged-current interactions on argon is crucial to the study of neutrino oscillations in current and future experiments using liquid argon time projection chambers. To that end, we report a comprehensive set of differential cross section measurements for this channel that simultaneously probe the leptonic and hadronic systems by dividing the channel into final states with and without protons. Measurements of the proton kinematics and proton multiplicity of the final state are also presented. For these measurements, we utilize data collected with the MicroBooNE detector from 6.4×1020 protons on target from the Fermilab booster neutrino beam at a mean neutrino energy of approximately 0.8 GeV. We present in detail the cross section extraction procedure, including the unfolding, and model validation that uses data to model comparisons and the conditional constraint formalism to detect mismodeling that may introduce biases to extracted cross sections that are larger than their uncertainties. The validation exposes insufficiencies in the overall model, motivating the inclusion of an additional data-driven reweighting systematic to ensure the accuracy of the unfolding. The extracted results are compared to a number of event generators and their performance is discussed with a focus on the regions of phase space that indicate the greatest need for modeling improvements. Published by the American Physical Society 2024

First Simultaneous Measurement of Differential Muon-Neutrino Charged-Current Cross Sections on Argon for Final States with and without Protons Using MicroBooNE Data.

We report the first double-differential neutrino-argon cross section measurement made simultaneously for final states with and without protons for the inclusive muon neutrino charged-current interaction channel. The proton kinematics of this channel are further explored with a differential cross section measurement as a function of the leading proton's kinetic energy that extends across the detection threshold. These measurements use data collected with the MicroBooNE detector from 6.4×10^{20} protons on target from the Fermilab booster neutrino beam with a mean neutrino energy of ∼0.8 GeV. Extensive data-driven model validation utilizing the conditional constraint formalism is employed. This motivates enlarging the uncertainties with an empirical reweighting approach to minimize the possibility of extracting biased cross section results. The extracted nominal flux-averaged cross sections are compared to widely used event generator predictions revealing severe mismodeling of final states without protons for muon neutrino charged-current interactions, possibly from insufficient treatment of final state interactions. These measurements provide a wealth of new information useful for improving event generators which will enhance the sensitivity of precision measurements in neutrino experiments.

Mathematical Modeling of the Dynamic Interaction of a Thin Piezoceramic Inclusion of Variable Thickness with an Elastic Medium in Axisymmetric Torsion

Mathematical Modeling of the Dynamic Interaction of a Thin Piezoceramic Inclusion of Variable Thickness with an Elastic Medium in Axisymmetric Torsion

Locating critical design literacy

This paper addresses one of the challenges presented in the call for the October 2022 symposium prior to this special issue: How would we expect design literacy (knowledge) to be demonstrated by non-designers? The study focuses on Norwegian pupils aged 15–16 years who were tasked with designing shared-living spaces for an ecovillage, aiming to encourage mixed use, inclusive social interaction, and a reduction in the carbon footprint. The study explores the level of critical design literacy demonstrated in 55 digital submissions from the pupils. The results indicate that the pupils are more proficient in expressing and discussing aspects of social sustainability than they are at addressing environmental sustainability. The paper concludes by discussing how teachers might structure projects to encourage pupils to engage more deeply in transformative design practices.

Stable operation of SiO anodes enabled by a multifunctional molecular crosslinker

SiO anodes are promising for energy-dense lithium-ion batteries, however, they suffer from short cycle life caused by large volume change (∼200%) and low initial Coulomb efficiency (ICE). Herein, we report a conceptual strategy to boost the electrochemical performance of SiO by enhancing the interaction between binders and conductive additives via a molecular crosslinker with both pyrene ring and adamantyl group (AdPy). Benefiting from the inclusion interaction between beta-cyclodextrin polymers (βCDp) and AdPy as well as the π-π interaction between single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) and AdPy, a robustly conductive and adhesive network is constructed for maintaining integral electrode structure and robust conductive network during charge/discharge cycles. The resultant SiO electrode with SWCNT/AdPy-βCDp networks achieves larger initial capacity, higher ICE and better cycle stability than those of SiO electrode with SWCNT/βCDp complex, indicating the key role of AdPy crosslinker in enhancing electrochemical performance. Experimental results suggest that the interaction between binders and conductive additives can effectively alleviate stress generated from SiO volume changes during cycling. This work provides a promising platform to construct dynamic cross-linking conductive and adhesive network for boosting the lithium storage performance of high-capacity electrode materials.