Introductory Explanation Research Articles

Virtual Obstacle Avoidance Strategy: Navigating through a Complex Environment While Interacting with Virtual and Physical Elements.

Robotic walking devices can be used for intensive exercises to enhance gait rehabilitation therapies. Mixed Reality (MR) techniques may improve engagement through immersive and interactive environments. This article introduces an MR-based multimodal human-robot interaction strategy designed to enable shared control with a Smart Walker. The MR system integrates virtual and physical sensors to (i) enhance safe navigation and (ii) facilitate intuitive mobility training in personalized virtual scenarios by using an interface with three elements: an arrow to indicate where to go, laser lines to indicate nearby obstacles, and an ellipse to show the activation zone. The multimodal interaction is context-based; the presence of nearby individuals and obstacles modulates the robot's behavior during navigation to simplify collision avoidance while allowing for proper social navigation. An experiment was conducted to evaluate the proposed strategy and the self-explanatory nature of the interface. The volunteers were divided into four groups, with each navigating under different conditions. Three evaluation methods were employed: task performance, self-assessment, and observational measurement. Analysis revealed that participants enjoyed the MR system and understood most of the interface elements without prior explanation. Regarding the interface, volunteers who did not receive any introductory explanation about the interface elements were mostly able to guess their purpose. Volunteers that interacted with the interface in the first session provided more correct answers. In future research, virtual elements will be integrated with the physical environment to enhance user safety during navigation, and the control strategy will be improved to consider both physical and virtual obstacles.

How African Pasts Can Inspire Alternative Responses to Climate Change: a Creative Writing Experiment

AbstractHow can we use the past to help us solve today’s urgent climate change concerns? Archaeology provides one way forward by providing a long-term view of what worked and what did not work in the past. Indigenous knowledge systems have long curated a range of survival strategies that provide powerful inspiration for thinking differently about sustainability. Inspired by Africanfuturism—or how writers of African descent have creatively reimagined Black futures—we explore how creative writing can mobilize the past to rethink climate change responses. We have designed this piece for use in middle and secondary school science, history, or literature classes. An introductory explanation and “what we know” sections provide teachers with the necessary framing and background knowledge. The two short stories could be assigned to 13–18-year-old students to illustrate the kind of reimagining they might pursue based on archaeological and oral historical information.

Introduction: When Security Meet Politics of Conflict, Women, Development and Peace, Get Ready For A Challenging Year

This editorial note serves as an introductory explanation as we approach the dawn of 2023. The hardship of a total lockdown changes how we look at space and time or spatiotemporal beyond ordinary linearity of progress and regress. Nevertheless, how do we use space and time to make sense of the most significant concerns of threats to our security? How do we refine constructive ideas about safety and inspire others to think beyond the rigidity of rational choice and nearly no freedom to choose? Time and space transform our perceived secured reality and insinuate threat discursively, whether yesterday or today, international or local. In our nested security discourse, we challenge the archaic and unstable binary boundaries between international and internal delineation of security threats and peace concerns. Altogether, temporal constraints and limited space disperse our cognitive inability to operate within the tesseract of multiple data analytics, eternal realities, and organic, meaningful solutions to give hope to humanity and freedom to coexist mutually. Underpinned by multidimensions and nested security discourse, we present our readers with our final thoughts in selecting six research articles, three research notes, two commentaries, and one book review.

Resilience and Robustness in Visible Light Positioning Systems: An introductory Approach

Indoor positioning systems have emerged from the disadvantages to use conventional satellite signals inside indoor environments. One of them is Visible light positioning (VLP) and it appears as a promising technology in congested or sensitive radiofrequency areas. Positioning methods in VLP can be classified into range-free and range-based. The first class is less sensitive (or more robust) to variations of signal characteristics than the second class. The precision performance of these methods can be evaluated by the positioning error cumulated distribution function and it is often used to prove the robustness of the positioning system. A similar term, resilience, can deliver a recovery state from a system failure caused by disturbances. This paper presents an introductory explanation of the robustness of VLP systems, summarizing the current literature and focusing on how robustness is calculated. In addition, the resilience concept is clarified and differentiated from the robustness in the context of VLP, exposing two different indices to determine it. Finally, we propose a convenient way of using resilience in VLP systems as the main index of disturbance proof.

An overview of artificial intelligence/deep learning

Artificial intelligence (AI) technologies have had increasing use in numerous medical and non-medical applications. Deep learning AI in particular is no longer a matter for research only and has been used in clinical practice applications in radiology and histopathology for years. Whilst radiology, photography and histopathology are large components of modern forensic pathology practice, AI image analysis and recognition technologies have not been used in forensic pathology to the same extent as they have in other medical specialties. This talk aims to provide an introductory explanation of AI and deep learning technologies. Additionally, this talk will discuss published research by the presenters on applications of deep learning technology to post mortem radiology, post mortem histology and macroscopic organ photographs, all conducted using freely available open-source software.

Biological and Physical Interactions at Local Ocean Scales: Coupled Systems

Physical and biogeochemical processes that influence primary production set Earth’s carbon and heat budgets. While these processes have long been the focus of research, high resolution models to investigate local phenomena have only recently been developed, and two-way coupling between oceanic physics and biology is only recently getting attention due to computational power. With these new developments, it is possible to study the mechanisms through which these processes interact at both global and regional scales to shape Earth’s climate, which is the goal of this paper. This paper introduces oceanic physical phenomena at submesoscales to global scales –like mixed layer depth and turbulent structures–and the relationship of smaller scale events with biological factors. It discusses the implications of these relationships for primary production. After an introductory explanation of turbulence, primarily in the form of eddies and fronts, and the effects of internal instability and surface forcing, this paper emphasizes the contributions of those phenomena (turbulence, internal instability, and surface forcing)to vertical velocities and the influence of vertical transport on biology. Next, it introduces biogeochemical feedbacks, concerning both large scale population dynamics and increased absorption of radiation at the submesoscale, to consider their impacts on physical dynamics and regional climates. Finally, the paper compiles equations of irradiance and variables of significance, suggesting terms that could produce meaningful responses to variations in phytoplankton populations. The paper highlights the importance of understanding physical-biogeochemical relationships and suggests directions for future research, particularly areas related to global warming or abrupt climate change.

Introduction to vibrational spectroscopies

Vibrational spectroscopies play, still today, a crucial role in the non-destructive characterization of material having the most varied origins (e.g., environmental, geological, polymeric, artistic, etc.), and, together with UV/VIS spectroscopy, they represent university students' first approach to spectroscopy. Vibrational spectroscopy may be defined as a non-destructive identification tool that measures the vibrational energy in a compound. Each chemical bond corresponds to a specific vibrational energy that can be considered as a distinctive fingerprint, useful to determine compound structures, by comparing it with the fingerprints of known compounds. Several techniques are included under the name of vibrational spectroscopy, but the most important are spectroscopies in the middle and near infrared and Raman. Both mid-infrared and Raman spectroscopies are related to the fundamental vibrations of the molecules, which are then used to determine their structures. Since the vibrational energy levels are unique to each molecule, the infrared and Raman spectra provide a fingerprint of a particular compound. The frequencies of these molecular vibrations depend on the masses of the atoms, their geometric arrangement, and the strength of their chemical bonds. Spectral interpretation thus provides information on the molecular structure, dynamics, and surrounding environment. The aim of this tutorial text is to give a general view of the two main vibrational spectroscopy techniques, namely mid-infrared and Raman spectroscopies. An insight into surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy, a fundamental technique that aims to overcome the limitations of Raman, is also given. The three techniques are discussed separately, with a brief introductory explanation of the theory behind them, and giving useful practical information about instrumentation, sample preparation, and spectral interpretation. The text can be considered the basis for two or three lectures (4–6 h) in a university course of analytical chemistry/applied spectroscopy.

Uma apresentação dos conceitos de atitude e categoria em Eric Weil

O objetivo do presente trabalho é oferecer uma via de acesso ao pensamento de Eric Weil por meio de uma apresentação de alguns dos seus principais conceitos. Trata-se dos conceitos de atitude, categoria e retomada, elementos que constituem o léxico próprio do pensamento weiliano e cuja compreensão é capital para o enfrentamento de sua principal obra, a Lógica da filosofia. Oferece-se no presente artigo uma explanação introdutória sobre algumas das ferramentas conceituais fundamentais para a pesquisa na filosofia weiliana. Para tanto, dividiu-se o artigo em três seções. Na primeira, introduziu-se a discussão weiliana a respeito da filosofia e do seu outro, a violência, bem como de uma lógica da filosofia. Encerra-se essa etapa apresentando informações importantes sobre as categorias weilianas. Na segunda seção discute-se de modo mais detido as categorias e atitudes, sua dinâmica e a passagem entre elas. Diferenciam-se atitudes reais das atitudes puras, aquelas que geram as categorias. Na terceira seção, tratamos do conceito de retomada. Concluí-se essa seção com as categorias formais que esquematizam a lógica da filosofia e realizam a transição do formal para o concreto: sentido e sabedoria.

Hydrogen at Electrochemical Interfaces

At the electrode–electrolyte interface, hydrogen shows peculiar behavior being influenced by the dipole layer called Helmholtz layer. For the understanding of this system, first-principles methods have been intensively developed and applied to the benchmarking interface like Pt(111)-water; however, controversy still exists even on the hydrogen adsorption although being the simplest and most-studied problem. After giving introductory explanation of the electrochemical interface and reaction, we briefly review the advance of the theory. It has been revealed that the typical density functional calculations are occasionally not accurate enough and need to advance the description of electron correlation and nuclear quantum effect. The advanced calculation shows a promise of elucidating some experimental data providing therewith further theoretical challenges.

Effect of gender on childhood maltreatment in the state of Qatar: Retrospective study

BackgroundInternational maltreatment studies show a range of results for overall rates of child maltreatment and gender differences. The ISPCAN Child Abuse Screening Tools (ICAST) were designed to reduce variability in data collection. ObjectiveTo investigate the influence of gender on the experiences of discipline and maltreatment in childhood among young people in Qatar, informingpractice and policy development. Participants and SettingA representative sample of Qatari youth aged between 18 and 24 years were identified using a cross sectional random household survey. The total number of subjects was 697 of whom 46.8% were male. MethodsParticipants self-administered the ICAST-R (retrospective), which includes questions about exposure below the age of 18 to potentially abusive physical, psychological and sexual behaviors. Verbal consent was obtained following an introductory explanation and assurance ofconfidentiality. ResultsAt least one form of physical abuse was reported by 22.1% of participants and was significantly higher among males (28.2%) than females (16.7%) p<0.001). A trend for greater abuse was identified among boys aged over five which become statistically significant between 10 -13 years (p=0.001). For psychological abuse the overall rates were very similar, 16.2% for girls and 15.0% for boys. Only 17 (2.5%) of participants reported sexual abuse, with no statistically significant gender difference. ConclusionsPhysical, psychological and sexual abuse all occur in Qatar. This study demonstrates the importance of identifying the role of gender and age when exploring the extent and nature of maltreatment in a population. It allows for better targeting of preventative action.

Benefits of physical exercise on Parkinson’s disease disorders induced in animal models

Abstract Aim: The preventive and therapeutic role of physical exercise in Parkinson’s disease (PD) has been the target of study of many scientific groups, and the research often is done in experimental models, especially rodents. Thus, the aim of this review was to analyze a database, elucidating the main benefits that the systematized practice of physical activity/ exercises can contribute to PD in animal models. Method: Based on this question, a search on PubMed and Medline database containing the terms: “Parkinson’s disease” AND “animal model” AND “physical exercise” was performed. The most pertinent studies were selected by the criteria year of publication (2009- 2018) and the original article. It was used papers involving animal models and physical exercises, as well as other studies, which allowed an introductory explanation in PD, covering its pathophysiology, and the neurochemical responses of physical exercise in rodents. Results: The results showed that there was a decrease in the levels of nigrostriatal neurodegeneration and an increase in the neuroprotective effect related to the training program. Conclusion: It was concluded that physical exercise has been pointed as an important neuroprotective strategy in animal models of Parkinson’s disease, especially those applied at moderate intensities, which were effective in reducing the inflammatory profile, elevating the expression of genes and proteins related to neuronal restoration, mitochondrial biogenesis, repair of the dopaminergic system, besides other events also capable of reflecting improvements in motor and cognitive behavior of animals.

Answer Set Programming from a Logical Point of View

In this paper we provide an introductory explanation of the underlying semantics of answer set programming in terms of equilibrium logic. Rather than a thorough formal presentation of this formalism and its properties, we emphasize the intuitive meaning of its main logical definitions, explaining their effect on some example programs. We also overview some of the main extensions and relations to other logical approaches.

Mind the Gap Methods: Steps to making Participatory Action Analysis with Citizen Collaborators Work

Background, aims and objectives: Participants in health research want to be involved in the research. Researchers struggle with how to approach citizens as co-researchers, train them, tactfully reduce contributions that are less useful and what to do about compensation and where to include citizen input in a manuscript. The aim of this study was to use participatory action research to prioritize the research question and to explore projected solutions as citizens and researchers with equal voices in research. In the first section of this paper we provide an introductory explanation of Participatory Action. In the second section we discuss our findings. Methods: The research explored the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats in clinical trials as represented through online communications. In this follow-up analysis we share learning points for successful research involvement. Researchers and citizens worked in a participatory research framework. They searched the Internet using key words to locate social media conversations and Internet interviews about clinical trials over 4 months until a saturation point was reached. Data were de-identified and coded into a SWOT analysis and further coded into themes and analyzed. The findings and solutions were discussed using a circle chart for problem solving. The data were prioritized by consensus and the process is reported here.Results: Investigators and participant researchers were not conflicted in assigning themes because the data were clearly stated and the same sentiments were repeated consistently. The teams reached consensus about which quotes to include to support the findings. These themes ranged from supportive researcher-to-participant and participant-peer relationships to experiences of shame, research disparity, intimidation and personal loss.Conclusions: This research engages citizen participants as equal partners in all aspects of this study. Public and patient involvement as co-production in research can be used to identify and suggest resolutions in research. The use of participatory action in research can improve consistency, communication, innovation and quality in clinical trials.

Integration Tree and the Interconnectivity of Science and Religion

This article is a kind of introductory explanation of how Islamic epistemology does not and cannot separate religion from the general knowledge and science in general. The idea will begin from the anxiety of some prominent people in religions of the world on the facts happening nowadays at western universities and higher-education institutions. Based on that, this article tries to introduce the classification of knowledge as far as Islam is concerned. It will be elaborated that by recognizing the senses alone, western scientists are only developing a research method, the observation method, or sensory experiments. This observation method is further developed to a very sophisticated method, but it still empties into the absorption of sense-perception. Sense process in the form of reasoning is used, but only to choose, to decide and to reason, not as another instrument in capturing realities. Contrary to Western scientists, as can be seen further, Muslim scientists recognize that the legitimacy of science is not based only on the observation method, but also rational and intuitive methods. In other words, the science does not only recognize the sensory perception in the process of knowledge, but also the sense and perception of the voice of the heart. This has brought about changes and inventions in many fields of knowledge in the early development of Islam. The dichotomy and separation of religion from the general knowledge in Islam as far as history proved had made Islam fail to shine until the time being.

“SWARMing” to Improve Patient Care: A Novel Approach to Root Cause Analysis

When errors occur with adverse events or near misses, root cause analysis (RCA) is the standard approach to investigate the "how" and "why" of system vulnerabilities. However, even for facilities experienced in conducting RCAs, the process can be fraught with inconsistencies; provoke discomfort for participants; and fail to lead to meaningful, focused discussions of system issues that may have contributed to events. In 2009 University of Kentucky HealthCare Lexington developed a novel rapid approach to RCAs-colloquially called "SWARMing"--to establish a consistent approach to investigate adverse or other undesirable events. In SWARMs, which are conducted without unnecessary delay after an event, an interdisciplinary team undertakes thoughtful analysis of events reported by frontline staff. The SWARM process consist of five key steps: (1) introductory explanation of the process; (2) introduction of everyone in the room; (3) review of the facts that prompted the SWARM; (4) discussion of what happened, with investigation of the underlying systems factors; and (5) conclusion, with proposed focus areas for action and assignment of task leaders with specific deliverables and completion dates. Since its implementation, incident reporting increased by 52%-from an average of 608 incidents per month (June-December 2011) to an average of 923 per month (January-May 2014). The overall health system experienced a 37% decrease in the observed-to-expected mortality ratio-from 1.17 (October 2010) to 0.74 (April 2015). SWARMs, more than an error-analysis exercise or simple RCA, represent an organizational-messaging, culture-changing, and capacity-building effort to address the challenges of creating and implementing processes that serve to promote transparency and a culture of safety.

Prispevek k poznavanju repertoarja starejših muzikalij cerkvene glasbe v Sloveniji

The article, consisting of a schema and an introductory explanation, summarises a part of the findings of research done in nine archives of music (one in Celje, one in Komenda, one in Maribor, one in Ptuj, two in Novo mesto, and three in Ljubljana); these findings are important for our knowledge about the sacred music of the 18th and 19th century on Slovenian soil. The subject of the findings are the types and corresponding numbers of various sacred compositions written by composers who – as far as is known today – were never active in the territory of what is Slovenia now; their works have been preserved in the mentioned archives either as handwritten copies or as printed works, in several cases even as both.

Editorial: The production of speech sounds across languages

Editorial: The production of speech sounds across languages

Artist at work - 160 years ago

Abstract Courbet's 'The Painter's Studio' opens the whole field of modernist art's mission. After an introductory explanation of the painting, we enter its immediate context: the year 1855, when it was exhibited on the opposite side of the entrance to the Universal Exposition. There is another context, that of the atelier as such: the atelier was a common name for artisans' workshops and studios. But during this period, it became more than that. It was Louis Blanc's proposal for a solution to society's disorders: without ateliers as free associations of workers, the free market deteriorates into crisis. He had strong opponents. Their ideologue was Michel Chevalier, who claimed that only a free market without associationism could save modern society from its instabilities. Courbet's painting is an allegory of capitalist society and an image of the artist's atelier as a place from which a critical political economy of the world is revealed.

Benefit of using a “bundled” consent for intensive care unit procedures as part of an early family meeting

PurposeRelatives of patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) are often dissatisfied with family-physician communication. Our prospective preintervention and postintervention study tested the hypothesis that introducing this informed consent process would improve family satisfaction with the ICU process of care. Materials and methodsWe developed a consent form that included an introductory explanation of the main ICU interventions and a description of 8 common procedures in a surgical ICU. We administered it early in the ICU course during a scheduled family meeting. The study was a prospective preintervention and postintervention design. ResultsThe “Family Satisfaction in the Intensive Care Unit” (FS-ICU) score was higher in the intervention than in the control group (95.4 ± 4 vs 78.2 ± 22, P < .001). The nursing perception of satisfaction with care was also higher in the intervention group (95.8 ± 13 vs 71.9 ± 28, P < .001). ConclusionA bundled informed consent resulted in higher family satisfaction with the process of care in ICU.

Orchestrating semiotic resources in explicit strategy instruction

Research and pedagogical information provided to teachers on implementing explicit strategy instruction has primarily focused on teachers’ speech, with limited attention to other modes of communication, such as gesture and artefacts. This interpretive case study investigates two teachers’ use of different semiotic resources when introducing second-grade readers to specific reading strategies. We analysed two teachers’ use of speech, gesture and artefacts in their introductory explanation of the declarative, procedural and conditional knowledge necessary to be strategic readers. The importance of this article lies in reconciling the narrow focus on what teachers say during explicit strategy instruction with the repertoire of semiotic resources that the teachers actually use to enact multimodal communication during their explanation of the strategy.