Pivotal Moment Research Articles

AI Can Be a Powerful Social Innovation for Public Health if Community Engagement Is at the Core.

There is a critical need for community engagement in the process of adopting artificial intelligence (AI) technologies in public health. Public health practitioners and researchers have historically innovated in areas like vaccination and sanitation but have been slower in adopting emerging technologies such as generative AI. However, with increasingly complex funding, programming, and research requirements, the field now faces a pivotal moment to enhance its agility and responsiveness to evolving health challenges. Participatory methods and community engagement are key components of many current public health programs and research. The field of public health is well positioned to ensure community engagement is part of AI technologies applied to population health issues. Without such engagement, the adoption of these technologies in public health may exclude significant portions of the population, particularly those with the fewest resources, with the potential to exacerbate health inequities. Risks to privacy and perpetuation of bias are more likely to be avoided if AI technologies in public health are designed with knowledge of community engagement, existing health disparities, and strategies for improving equity. This viewpoint proposes a multifaceted approach to ensure safer and more effective integration of AI in public health with the following call to action: (1) include the basics of AI technology in public health training and professional development; (2) use a community engagement approach to co-design AI technologies in public health; and (3) introduce governance and best practice mechanisms that can guide the use of AI in public health to prevent or mitigate potential harms. These actions will support the application of AI to varied public health domains through a framework for more transparent, responsive, and equitable use of this evolving technology, augmenting the work of public health practitioners and researchers to improve health outcomes while minimizing risks and unintended consequences.

Generation Z in Plastic Surgery: Challenges, Solutions and New Horizons - A European and transatlantic overview.

The entrance of Generation Z (born 1997-2012) into professional life, including the practice of medicine, marks a transformational shift in priorities and values. This generation, shaped by digital immersion and a strong focus on work-life balance, is redefining the landscape of Plastic Surgery. Their preferences for inclusivity, innovation, and structured working hours challenge traditional models of mentorship, patient care, and surgical training. The aim of this survey was to explore the impact of Generation Z on the field of Plastic Surgery through insights offered by leaders of major Plastic Surgery societies in Europe and the United States, who together provide a comprehensive perspective on generational change and its implications for clinical practice, education, and healthcare systems in Plastic Surgery. In October 2024 eight leaders of national Plastic Surgery societies and associations were invited to complete a structured questionnaire with five open-ended questions. They provided detailed responses on challenges, opportunities, and structural changes needed to address Generation Z's influence. Key findings highlight a generational shift in the approach to professional life, with an emphasis on digital innovation, work-life balance, and the interaction with social media. Respondents noted an increased interest in aesthetic over reconstructive surgery and a preference for private practice among younger surgeons, raising concerns about workforce shortages in public healthcare. Advances in digital learning and simulation-based training were identified as opportunities to facilitate medical education. However, the ethical challenges of misinformation on social media and a decline in hierarchical mentorship were emphasized as critical concerns. Despite generational tensions, the integration of Generation Z's strengths in technology and advocacy for systemic reform holds promise for addressing burnout and enhancing healthcare delivery. The arrival of Generation Z in Plastic Surgery represents a possible pivotal moment to reimagine traditional models of surgical education, patient care, and professional priorities. Collaboration between generations and proactive adaptation to these changes is an imperative to ensure a dynamic, inclusive, and sustainable future for the specialty.

“I wanted to be proud of myself, not ashamed”: A qualitative investigation of suicide and self-injury inflection points

Inflection points are pivotal moments immediately preceding self-directed violence (SDV; i.e., self-injury and suicide). This study qualitatively examined factors that contributed to halting SDV during inflection points. Participants (N = 166) completing an online survey were community-dwelling adults in the United Kingdom with some form of SDV lived experience. Thematic analysis yielded the following results. The most common themes across SDV inflection points were (in descending order): concern for the negative impact on others (e.g., fear of hurting loved ones), use of adaptive coping methods (e.g., general use of coping skills), physical deterrents (e.g., scarring, pain), social contact (sense of connection in the moment), and concern for negative consequences on oneself (e.g., fear of punishment). Healthy coping skill use contributed to halting both self-injury and suicide. Self-injury inflection points were largely characterized by intrapersonal factors, whereas suicide inflection points were highly interpersonal in nature. Implications for clinical practice, theory, and research are discussed.

‘Who am I?’ Evolutionary perspectives of African ethnic identity

ABSTRACT The journey of identity is a lifelong odyssey, marked by distinct milestones and transformative experiences that shape and redefine one’s sense of self. By theorizing ethnic identities across developmental milestones, this paper highlights the intricate interplay between hereditary perspectives, cultural affiliations, individual development, societal dynamics, and rational choice. This exploration delves into the multifaceted dimensions of ethnic identity construction, acknowledging that these identities are not static but evolve in response to the dynamic interplay of life’s pivotal moments. From the formative years of childhood, through adolescence, to the complexities of adulthood, this narrative provides an understanding of the landscape that underpins the theorization of ethnic identities across these diverse and interconnected milestones of the human lifespan.

Military influences on the evolution of clinical trials throughout history.

Clinical trials of drugs, procedures, and other therapies play a crucial role in advancing medical science by evaluating the safety, efficacy, and optimal use of medical interventions. The design and implementation of these trials have evolved significantly over time, reflecting advancements in medicine, ethics, and methodology. Early historical examples, such as King Nebuchadnezzar II's and his captives' dietary experiment and Ambroise Paré's treatment of gunshot wounds, laid some foundational principles of trial design. The momentum of clinical trial development increased notably with James Lind's 1747 trial for scurvy and continued to progress during World War I with innovations in blood transfusion techniques. World War II (WWII) marked a pivotal moment with breakthroughs in oncology, including the development of the first modern chemotherapeutic agents derived from mustard gas and the introduction of the randomized controlled trial, credited to British epidemiologist Austin Bradford Hill, which revolutionized trial design. More recent conflicts, such as those in Vietnam, Iraq, and Afghanistan, have driven advancements in trauma care, heroin addiction treatment, and hemorrhage management. In response to historical abuses committed by the Nazis during WWII, the evolution of clinical trials has increasingly emphasized ethical standards, particularly informed consent, starting with the Doctors' Trial and the Nuremberg Code. This article discusses how military needs and wartime innovations have shaped modern clinical research, highlighting the interplay between military imperatives and medical progress. Ultimately, clinical trials play an essential role in advancing medical science and improving patient outcomes.

Artificial intelligence contributes to the creative transformation and innovative development of traditional Chinese culture

In recent years, artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a transformative force in various fields, including the arts and culture. This is particularly evident in the context of traditional Chinese culture, where AI has become a powerful tool in its creative transformation and innovative development. With its advanced capabilities in data processing and generating new ideas, AI is not only helping to preserve the rich heritage of Chinese culture but is also playing a crucial role in its evolution. This study aims to delve into how AI is reshaping the traditional elements of Chinese culture, such as calligraphy, Chinese paintings and traditional artworks, and assess its impact on both conservation and modern reinterpretation. We also examine real-world applications and projects that utilize AI technologies, such as machine learning, natural language processing, and computer vision. Our findings indicate that AI's contribution to traditional Chinese culture is multifaceted. One of the key areas where AI has made a significant impact is in the preservation and restoration of cultural artifacts. AI algorithms have demonstrated remarkable proficiency in analyzing large datasets of historical texts and artworks, uncovering previously unknown patterns and facilitating the restoration of ancient texts and relics. The integration of artificial intelligence into the realm of traditional Chinese culture signifies a pivotal moment in its history. AI's role extends beyond mere preservation; it is a catalyst for innovation, fostering new forms of artistic expression and promoting a dynamic cross-cultural exchange. As AI technology continues to evolve, it is expected to further revolutionize the way we interact with and understand traditional Chinese culture, opening up new avenues for creative exploration and cultural dialogue. This study underscores the potential of AI as a tool for cultural enrichment and highlights the exciting prospects for future developments in this area.

Exploring Changing People's Perceptions on Local Elections

The article explores changing people perceptions of political parties during local elections in Nepal, highlighting the different factors of recent socio-political changes. Following the restructuring of local governance in the 2022 elections, political parties have increased direct involvement with their communities, changing public perceptions. Using a constructivist interpretivist paradigm with multiple realities ontology, the study employs both structured and unstructured questionnaires and interviews to gather narrative experiences from the public. The research utilizes a convergent design, integrating exploratory and descriptive methods, and employs both qualitative and quantitative techniques, including interviews and focus groups, to capture diverse people sentiments across various respondents. The sampling of 120 respondent in convenience sampling reveals that educational changes, political disillusionment, and grassroots engagement are key drivers of these changing perceptions. With all these changes the people are increasingly evaluating political parties based on local issues such as infrastructure, education, health, and social equity, rather than national political manifesto. The findings indicated a growing trend toward electing leaders who are less affiliated with traditional parties, often younger and perceived as neutral. This shift reflects declining trust in established political parties and highlights the need for greater accountability and transparency. The study underscores a pivotal moment in Nepal’s democratic institutionalization, urging political entities to adapt strategically to maintain their relevance. By exploring these changing voter perceptions, the article contributes to a deeper understanding of political accountability and voter behavior in developing democracies, offering insights for policymakers and political strategists.

Pivotal moments in mentorship: using arts-based reflective practice to explore the impact of mentorship on women in higher education

ABSTRACT Mentoring programs have been identified as a way of advancing women’s career opportunities in many organisations, including higher education, by assigning a mentor who provides known measures of success to develop the knowledge and confidence of their mentee. The Australasian Society for Computers in Learning in Tertiary Education (ASCILITE) has instigated programs that aim to provide mentorship to support leadership opportunities and develop confidence in mentees. An arts-based reflective practice methodology is used in this collaborative autoethnographic study to examine the experiences of five women in academia who each engaged and connected with each other in the ASCILITE Community Mentoring and Women in Academic Leadership programs. The results showed mentoring provided opportunities for mentees to develop academic identity and the positive influence of mentoring in fostering women’s leadership opportunities in academia. The paper additionally confirms that digital technology mediated practices can facilitate connections and long-lasting relationships between mentees and mentors.

An Unpublished Inscription From the ʾAwām Sanctuary of ʾAlmaqah: New Evidence for a Royal mqtwy and Sabaean Campaigns in the ‘Land of the Abyssinians’

ABSTRACTThis article presents an unpublished Sabaic inscription from the ʾAwām sanctuary of ʾAlmaqah, near Maʾrib. The inscription sheds new light on the mid‐third century ad adventures of a mqtwy (‘officer’) of the Sabaean kings already known from epigraphic evidence: Whbʾwm Yʾḏf. It attests to him waging previously unknown campaigns in ‘the land of the Abyssinians’ (ʾrḍ Ḥbs2t) alongside his own mqtwy, who subsequently dedicated the inscription, with a bronze statue, in thanksgiving to the deity. This is the only military, rather than diplomatic, Sabaean mission abroad to the land (ʾrḍ) of the Abyssinians so far attested. Wider evidence invites us to reconstruct Whbʾwm's extraordinary career and identify an overlooked religious dimension to the mqtwy's function. The inscription shows that divine thanksgiving from mqtwy for monarch took identical form lower down the social hierarchy, adumbrating not only the reciprocity and ritual that underpinned Sabaean elite society, but also the impact of Abyssinian hostilities at a pivotal moment in the twilight of Sabaean history.

Beyond de Patient: A Lesson in Vigilance and Care.

A neurology resident reflects on a pivotal moment during the assessment of an elderly patient, when attention shifts unexpectedly to the patient's caregiver, his wife. The resident quickly recognizes a neurological deficit that could potentially be treated. Sensing the urgency, the resident rushes her to the emergency department, where immediate treatment enables the caregiver to regain her ability to continue caring for her husband. This experience teaches the resident a profound lesson about the importance of vigilance not only toward primary patients but also toward those quietly supporting them. It highlights how timely intervention can preserve the connections that bind families, emphasizing the role of healthcare providers in maintaining these bonds.

A Study on the Marketing Strategies of Mainstream Film and Television Companies: Taking Marvel as an Example

Marvel Entertainment, initially established in 1939 as Timely Publications, underwent a significant transformation in the 1960s under the creative guidance of Stan Lee, Jack Kirby, and Steve Ditko. The introduction of relatable superheroes such as Spider-Man, the X-Men, and the Avengers propelled Marvel to global recognition. These characters’ relatability, combined with their extraordinary abilities, allowed Marvel to transcend the comic book medium and expand into various entertainment domains. The pivotal moment in Marvel’s evolution came in 2009 when it was acquired by Disney for $4 billion, marking the beginning of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). This strategic move was financed by a daring $525 million loan from Merrill Lynch, enabling Marvel to bring its film production in-house and maintain creative autonomy. This decision not only allowed for a more cohesive storytelling approach but also resulted in a significant share of profits, contributing to the creation of blockbuster films that shattered box office records and cultivated a devoted fan following. Central to Marvel’s enduring success is its business model, which hinges on cross-media integration. This approach has allowed Marvel to weave a rich tapestry of stories and characters across different platforms, including movies, television series, video games, and an extensive range of merchandise. The interconnected nature of the MCU has fostered a sense of continuity and depth, encouraging fans to engage with the brand across multiple touchpoints.

Jewish Women’s Experiences and Emotions During the Enlightenment Period

The Enlightenment period marked transformative era in Jewish history, characterized by profound social, cultural, and intellectual shifts. Within this context, Jewish women navigated complex emotional landscapes shaped by changing gender norms, religious ideologies, and socio-political dynamics. Drawing on a diverse range of primary sources and interdisciplinary methodologies, this study explores the multifaceted experiences and emotions of Jewish women during the Enlightenment period. By examining themes, such as migration, acculturation, and identity formation the study sheds light on the ways in which Jewish women negotiated their agency, resilience and sense of belonging within rapidly evolving societies. Through a nuanced analyzes of historical narratives, personal testimonies, and cultural artefacts, this study illuminates the intersections of gender, religion, and emotion in shaping Jewish women’s lives in this pivotal moment in history. By centering the voices and experiences of Jewish women, this study contributes to a more comprehensive understanding of the complexities of Jewish history and the enduring legacies of women’s emotional world in the Enlightenment period. Keywords: Jewish women, Enlightenment, Emotions of emancipation, Acculturation, Socio-political dynamics

‘Finally making sense’: graphic medicine and ADHD diagnosis in adulthood

This article aims to examine the lived experiences of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) diagnosis in adulthood, emphasising its revelatory nature and diverse emotional responses it provokes. The diagnosis serves as a...

The Future of Trucking: Trends Shaping the Industry Over the Next Five Years

The trucking industry in the United States is at a pivotal moment, driven by advancements in technology, regulatory pressures, and evolving market demands. This paper examines key trends poised to shape the industry over the next five years, including the rise of autonomous vehicles, electrification of fleets, and digital innovations in logistics and dispatching. The discussion also delves into the impact of stricter environmental regulations, workforce challenges, and shifting customer expectations in a rapidly growing e-commerce landscape. By analyzing recent data and insights, this research provides a forward-looking perspective on how stakeholders can prepare for an increasingly complex and dynamic trucking ecosystem. Recommendations are offered for businesses, policymakers, and industry professionals to capitalize on emerging opportunities while addressing challenges. Keywords: Trucking industry, Autonomous vehicles, Fleet electrification, Digital freight platforms, E-commerce logistics, U.S. trucking trends

FIFA World Cup 2022 Qatar Corner Kicks: An Analysis on Effectiveness and Match Context

This paper presents an in-depth analysis of the tactical and technical attributes of corner kicks during the 2022 World Cup, aiming to elucidate their effectiveness and impact on match outcomes. Sequential analysis was employed to scrutinize a total of 570 corner kicks observed throughout the entirety of the tournament, with subsequent descriptive analysis of the dataset revealing significant findings. Despite a relatively low goal conversion rate (2.6%), corner kicks emerged as pivotal moments in matches, influencing match status in 73.3% of cases. Examination of the area of delivery and first contact identified PA 1/2 as the most effective zone for generating goal attempts and scoring goals, a trend observed across both successful and unsuccessful teams. Notably, direct out-swinging corner kicks exhibited superior efficacy in terms of goal-scoring opportunities. Defensive strategies were also scrutinized, with a mixed zonal dominance approach proving most effective in limiting goals conceded, while a mixed individual dominance structure was optimal for reducing goal attempts, albeit resulting in heightened defensive engagements. Common actions observed during corner kicks included defender interventions and short passes, consistent across both successful and unsuccessful teams. Additionally, analysis of action zones revealed W1/2 and PA1/2 as the most prevalent areas, with successful teams exhibiting a preference for W1/2 and AFGM zones. These findings offer valuable insights for football professionals seeking to refine their tactical and technical strategies, potentially providing a competitive edge in elite-level competition.

The Centenary of the International Association of Penal Law (AIDP/IAPL)

The centennial of the International Association of Penal Law (Association Internationale de Droit Pénal / International Association of Penal Law, AIDP/IAPL) is the topic of this article. The anniversary was celebrated in Paris during the 21st Congress of the Association, held from June 25 to 28, 2024. This event became a pivotal moment in the history of the AIDP, marking a century of the organization's contributions to the advancement of national and international criminal law frameworks, while also fostering broader opportunities for academic, diplomatic, and legal collaboration on a global scale. The author scrutinizes the primary moments and symbolism of the celebrations and focuses on exploring the significance of the Association's contribution to shaping legal standards and approaches in the field of criminal justice policy, as well as its role in supporting legal institutions in the global arena. Honoring the Association's history and its connection with the traditions of the International Union of Penal Law, the author outlines the historical factors, characteristics, and key stages of the Association's evolution. The analysis points out its influence on the advancement of international criminal law, the promotion of the rule of law, efforts to combat international crimes, the protection of human rights, and explores the prospects for its future growth. Through an analysis of initiatives carried out within the organization and its structural network, which includes individual, collective, and national membership, the article emphasizes the importance of the diversity of legal systems and visions and the significance of international cooperation in criminal law science and practice. Drawing on the study of the Association’s achievements and scholarly biographies of its Presidents, the author underscores the importance of influential figures who laid the foundations for the development of criminal law in both comparative and international contexts. These figures played active roles in humanizing criminal justice policy, supported and promoted the creation of the international criminal justice system, contributed to the development of important international conventions and other mechanisms for human rights protection, worked on expanding institutions and strengthening the role of AIDP, advanced interdisciplinary approaches in legal scholarship, and enriched international cooperation among associations in the field of criminal sciences. An examination of the key areas of the Association's work – such as criminal justice policy, comparative criminal justice, international criminal law, and human rights in criminal justice administration – demonstrates that the Association’s congresses and other platforms have become vital spaces for exchanging ideas. These forums play a crucial role in shaping and refining criminal justice policies at various levels, fostering the development of more substantiated, inclusive, and effective approaches. As a result, they contribute to enhancing legal education, advancing legal science, and improving legal practice. AIDP continues to serve as an organization of strategic importance for addressing challenges such as the marginalization of international criminal law, jurisdictional conflicts, and global, climate, and digital issues of the modern world, contributing to the foundation of legal ideas that may eventually lead to significant social transformations.

What happened before the “kremlin meeting”? formation of the soviet leadership’s “new deal” policy towards the Russian orthodox church in 1941–1943

In the article, the author examines the formation of the “New Deal” policy towards the Russian Orthodox Church during the initial two years of the Great Patriotic War. From the author’s perspective, the conventional interpretation of the Soviet authorities’ ‘new deal’ policy towards the country’s religious associations entails the rejection of mass repression against believers (with the potential for targeted repression against hierarchs and church activists) and the consideration of the interests of religious organisations by the Soviet authorities. In the initial two years of the war, elements of the new religious policy existed concurrently with repression. The author examines three pivotal moments in the crystallisation of this policy, drawing on the correspondence of the rector of the Catholic parish in Moscow, Fr. Leopold Braun, and his communications with the United States and the Vatican. The first of them occurred in the autumn of 1941 and was connected with the efforts of the anti-Hitler coalition allies to demonstrate to the Soviet leadership the necessity of implementing changes in the religious sphere in order to address the issue of the USSR joining the Lend-Lease programme. The second occurred in the spring of 1942, when Soviet diplomacy explored the potential for improving relations with the Vatican. The third took place in 1943 and was characterised by public actions undertaken by the Soviet authorities towards the Orthodox Church. The author concludes that the mechanisms of instrumentalisation of the religious factor were known to the Soviet political system; however, the consistent replacement of the repressive course by a course of instrumentalisation became possible only in the context of the military-political crisis of 1941–1942. The forced mobilisation of religious leaders by the Soviet authorities was accompanied by steps towards the church from the second half of 1942 onwards. These steps became public in early 1943, in connection with the collection of church funds for a tank column named after Dmitry Donskoy. From the autumn of 1943, the “new deal” entered the public sphere and became a conscious strategy of the Soviet leadership.

Behind the facade of ceremonial diplomacy: the results of Khosrow Mirza’s “Redemption” mission of 1829

This study examines a pivotal moment in the history of Russian-Iranian relations in the early nineteenth century, when the experience of Russian state-building was adopted by the high-ranking Iranian bureaucracy. The initial phase of this turn was marked by the arrival in Russia in 1829 of the Iranian “Redemption” mission following the Tehran massacre of the Russian embassy, which included its leader, the Minister Plenipotentiary Alexander Griboyedov. The ceremonial aspects of this visit are fully reflected in the travel accounts of Mustafa Afshar, secretary of the Iranian mission, and the Russian escort reports related to the event. These have informed Iranian studies since 1970 and 2003, respectively. Nevertheless, a substantial portion of the original Persian text from Mustafa Afshar’s travelogue has yet to be examined by scholars, and is introduced here for the first time as a source for this study. This part of the diary comprises a collection of discrete narratives, collectively assembled by Iranian and Russian officials with the objective of fostering a positive image of Russia. The analysis of this text enables a reassessment of the historical significance, tangible outcomes, and political implications of the visit in the context of interstate relations between Russia and Iran.

From Clicks to Carts: Mapping the E-Commerce Decision-Making Odyssey

In recent years, the exploration of consumer behavior and the intricacies of decision-making processes have gained paramount significance within the realm of marketing research and literature. This paper seeks to propel this research further by providing an extensive review of academic publications delving into the purchasing decision-making processes in marketing and their current status. Additionally, it unveils the latest trends and emerging themes within this domain. Drawing insights from 24 journal articles, reports, and marketing books, the paper critically evaluates and discusses the fundamental models and theories in this field. Furthermore, it constructs a framework highlighting "pivotal moments" in the consumer decision-making process, elucidating the influential factors and their potential impact on steering consumer behavior towards a company's offerings. The paper also offers recommendations for marketers to gain a deeper understanding of consumer behavior and purchasing strategies, thereby empowering their marketing campaigns for success in the market. In addition, it proposes several avenues for future research exploration in the realm of buying behavior.

Greek Lyric Fragments in Margaret Goldsmith’s Sappho of Lesbos

Sappho of Lesbos. A Psychological Reconstruction of Her Life (1938) by Margaret Leland Goldsmith (1894-1971) receives little attention in accounts of Sappho’s modern reception. This is despite the novel’s close engagement with Sappho’s corpus at a pivotal moment in the transmission of her text, when for the first time a substantial number of papyri containing her poetry had been published, edited, and translated. After contextualising and summarising the novel, this article examines Goldsmith’s relationship with the chief source of the many fragments of Greek lyric poetry which she cites (chiefly, but not exclusively, by Sappho): J.M. Edmonds’s Loeb edition. Goldsmith’s divergences from this source are analysed; so too is the impact on her novel of Edmonds’s liberal approach to the supplementation of fragmentary papyri. A codicil considers Goldsmith’s depiction of the lyric poet Stesichorus, a rare instance of the reception of that poet, which is compared to the use of his works, decades later, by Anne Carson; again, the publication and supplementation of papyri plays a crucial role.