Practical Network Research Articles

Governing in the digital age: The emergence of dynamic smart urban governance modes

There is growing concern that implementing effective governance constitutes a significant element in cities becoming ‘smart’ due to its multidisciplinarity, complexity of urban challenges and multi-stakeholder involvement. It is assumed that in smart city initiatives, new governance modes arise through the interplay of technological artefacts and political and social factors, viewed through a sociotechnical perspective. We also argue that traditional urban governance modes help explain emerging modes and the nature of citizen-government interactions. Thus, a combination of the sociotechnical view with the modes of urban governance as a theoretical approach was used to understand the dynamics of emerging governance modes in smart city initiatives. Two cases were studied using a longitudinal qualitative case study and temporal bracketing analysis for an in-depth understanding. Our findings evidenced that the configuration of the elements, governance mode, information and communication technology (ICT) and types of citizen-government interaction varies from one initiative to another and changes over time, across multiple sociotechnical networks in practice, which leads to emerging new governance modes. We highlight that a new understanding of smart urban governance for sustainable development in the digital age needs to be developed as a dynamic process. Moreover, we identified two emerging governance modes and proposed a dynamic approach to investigate smart urban governance in other contexts.

Telecom Networking with a Diamond Quantum Memory

Practical quantum networks require interfacing quantum memories with existing channels and systems that operate in the telecom band. Here we demonstrate low-noise, bidirectional quantum frequency conversion that enables a solid-state quantum memory to directly interface with telecom-band systems. In particular, we demonstrate conversion of visible-band single photons emitted from a silicon-vacancy (SiV) center in diamond to the telecom O band, maintaining low noise (g2(0)<0.1) and high indistinguishability (V=89±8%). We further demonstrate the utility of this system for quantum networking by converting telecom-band time-bin pulses, sent across a lossy and noisy 50-km deployed fiber link, to the visible band and entangling them with a diamond quantum memory with fidelity F≥87±2.5%. These results demonstrate the viability of SiV quantum memories integrated with telecom-band systems for scalable quantum networking applications. Published by the American Physical Society 2024

An efficient pavement distress detection scheme through drone–ground vehicle coordination

Efficient road maintenance is imperative for infrastructure longevity and safety. Conventional ground vehicle-based methods for detecting pavement distress, however, encounter limitations in practice when dealing with complex road structures. Drones, endowed with greater spatial freedom, can access road segments that are hard-to-reach to ground vehicles, thereby enhancing detection efficiency and expanding detection coverage. By harnessing the complementary strengths of both detection modalities, we propose a scheme that capitalizes on the cooperative coordination of drones and ground vehicles for effective pavement distress detection. Our proposed scheme is evaluated using realistic road networks in practice. Results reveal that the coordinated detection scheme strikes a favorable balance between fixed device-related expenses and detection efficiency. This scheme offers promising policy implications, streamlining maintenance across diverse road networks and meeting extensive infrastructure needs, offering policymakers an efficient and viable scheme for road infrastructure maintenance.

Availability of cancer survivorship support services across the National Cancer Institute Community Oncology Research Program network.

National cancer organizations recommend provision of nutrition, physical activity, and mental health supportive services to cancer survivors. However, the availability of these services across diverse community oncology settings remains unclear. The National Cancer Institute Community Oncology Research Program (NCORP) is a national network of community oncology practices engaged in cancer research. The 2022 NCORP Landscape Assessment (5UG1CA189824) assessed individual practices' establishment of survivorship clinics and nutrition, physical activity, and mental health services, resources, and/or referrals. Descriptive statistics summarized and logistic regression quantified the association between services, practice, and patient characteristics. Of 46 NCORP community sites, 45 (98%) responded to the survey, representing 259 adult practice groups. A total of 41% had a survivorship clinic; 96% offered mental health, 94% nutrition, and 53% physical activity services, resources, and/or referrals. All 3 services were offered in various formats (eg, in-house, referrals, education) by 51% and in-house only by 25% of practices. Practices with advanced practice providers were more likely to have a survivorship clinic (odds ratio [OR] = 3.19, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.04 to 9.76). Practices with at least 30% Medicare patients (OR = 2.54, 95% CI = 1.39 to 4.66) and more oncology providers (OR = 1.02, 95% CI = 1.01 to 1.04) were more likely to have all 3 services in any format. Practices with at least 30% Medicare patients (OR = 3.41, 95% CI = 1.50 to 7.77) and a survivorship clinic (OR = 2.84, 95% CI = 1.57 to 5.14) were more likely to have all 3 services in-house. Larger oncology practices and those caring for more survivors on Medicare provided more supportive services, resources, and/or referrals. Smaller practices and those without survivorship clinics may need strategies to address potential gaps in supportive services.

Performance assessment of full-duplex two-way Internet-of-vehicles relay networks under practical imperfect conditions

Contemporary Internet-of-Things (IoT) devices in general and Internet-of-Vehicles (IoV) networks in specific are taking the benefits from using full-duplex (FD) communication with the help of relay nodes to facilitate data transmission. However, self-interference between transmit and receive antennas at the relay node may cause big trouble if self-interference cancellation (SIC) is not applied. In this paper, a rigorous analysis on the performance of FD two-way relay networks (FDTWRNs) for IoV applications under imperfect conditions is provided. Different from earlier studies on the performance of FDTWRNs where one or two imperfect factors were considered, this work simultaneously takes into account many practical issues in the implementation of the IoV networks at the physical layer, including errors in channel state information at all channel links, imperfect SIC and transceiver hardware impairment at all nodes. For relaying protocol, we consider amplify-and-forward with both fixed-gain (FG) and variable-gain (VG) protocols. The exact closed-form expressions (in terms of the system parameters) of key performance factors such as signal-to-interference-plus-noise-distortion-and-error ratio (SINER), outage probability (OP), achievable data rate (ADR), and average symbol error probabilities (ASEP) of the considered system over Rayleigh fading channels and under the combined effect of imperfect CSI, SIC, and transceiver hardware are derived mathematically using probabilistic model analysis. The correctness of the analysis is then verified by Monte Carlo simulations. Drawing upon both analytical and numerical findings, the efficacy of the FDTWRNs under consideration is meticulously and comprehensively assessed in comparison to its performance in ideal conditions characterized by one or multiple critical factors. The disparity between perfect and imperfect scenarios serves as a valuable metric for appraising the practical viability of the considered FDTWRNs when deployed in practical IoV networks.

Expectations of general practitioners on a practice based research network in Germany- a qualitative study within the Bavarian Research Practice Network (BayFoNet)

BackgroundDespite general practitioners' (GPs') key role in Germany`s primary health care, clinical research in general practice is scarce. Clinical research is mainly conducted at inpatient facilities, although their results are rarely transferable. German GPs have no extra time or funding for research, as well as limited research training. To support clinical research in German primary health care, practice-based research networks (PBRNs) are developed. As they will be based on an active involvement of GPs, we need more information on GPs` participation-readiness. The aim of this study was to explore facilitators and barriers to participation in the Bavarian Research Practice Network (BayFoNet) from the GPs`perspective before clinical trials will be performed.MethodsWe have performed semi-structured qualitative interviews with a purposive sample of 20 Bavarian GPs in 2022 under the application of the consolidated framework for implementation research (CFIR). Transcriptions were analysed according to Kuckartz` qualitative content analysis. The five domains of the CFIR framework served as initial deductive codes.ResultsN = 14 interviewees already agreed to participate in BayFoNet, whereas n = 6 interviewees opted not to participate in BayFoNet at the time of data collection. Main facilitators to conduct clinical research within BayFoNet were the motivation to contribute to evidence strength and quality in general practice, professional development and training of practice staff, as well as networking. Barriers for an active participation were bad experiences with previous clinical studies and lack of resources.ConclusionsPBRNS in Germany have to be promoted and the entire practice team has to be involved at an early stage of development. Professional training of general practice staff and a living network might enhance engagement. Participatory approaches could help to develop acceptable and feasible study designs. Furthermore, PBRNs should support patient recruitment and data collection in general practices and disseminate the results of their research projects regularly to maintain GPs` engagement.Trial registrationDRKS00028805, NCT05667207.

How to Analyze and Enhance Participation in Electronic Networks of Practice

Abstract This study proposes an exploratory methodology for analyzing participation in Electronic Networks of Practice, focusing on a network of 500 specialists in breast cancer treatment as a case study. The research addresses a critical gap in understanding how conversational dynamics influence participation in professional forums. Conversation measures and participation measures reported in the literature are identified and categorized, and new ones are suggested. This study by correlation analysis reveals three key participation triggers: initiator features, timing of initiation, and feedback, while also identifying non-associated variables like conversation topic and expression. Clustering categorizes conversations into four types, each exhibiting participation patterns and attributes. Social network analysis further reveals the network’s structure and participants’ interrelations. These findings provide a comprehensive understanding of participation in Electronic Networks of Practice and show the methodology’s broader applicability in analyzing professional networks. The study’s insights are vital for practitioners and theorists by offering a perspective on fostering knowledge sharing.

Pharmacist dispensing of mifepristone: An opinion of the Women's Health Practice and Research Network of the American College of Clinical Pharmacy

AbstractA rising percentage of patients are electing medication abortion over procedural abortion for increased safety and privacy. Access to medication abortion is essential healthcare, but many Americans face unsurmountable barriers when pursuing this option. This has been in large part due to unnecessary restrictions imposed by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) for mifepristone, used in combination with misoprostol for medication abortion. Moreover, many states have imposed additional restrictions on abortion, further impeding access to care. Since its original approval in 2000, mifepristone can only be prescribed by certified prescribers. Until recently, mifepristone could only be dispensed by certified prescribers, whereby more accessible community and mail‐order pharmacies were prohibited from dispensing mifepristone. During the Coronavirus disease 2019 public health emergency, there was a temporary allowance for certified prescribers to utilize mail or mail‐order pharmacies to deliver medications to patients. In January 2023, the FDA approved modifications to the mifepristone REMS to allow certified pharmacies to dispense the medication. Given the established safety and effectiveness of mifepristone, the evidence supports its distribution via pharmacies and leveraging pharmacists to expand medication abortion access. Pharmacists are one of the most widely accessible healthcare providers and their responsibility centers on patient and medication safety and improving health outcomes. This article, an opinion of the American College of Clinical Pharmacy Women's Health Practice and Research Network, adds the voice of members of the pharmacy profession to the collective efforts to ensure access to medication abortion, including pharmacist dispensing of mifepristone. We encourage pharmacists to embrace this fresh opportunity to provide medication abortion care in their communities.

A CONSTRUÇÃO DA CULTURA ESCOLAR PRISIONAL COMO CATEGORIA DE ANÁLISE PARA A EDUCAÇÃO NO CÁRCERE

This article, the result of a doctoral thesis, presents itself as an excerpt from the case study of ethnographic inspiration in which we sought to understand how the relationships between school culture and prison culture occur, also considering the social cultures of reference of students, as relevant in the construction of the prison school culture analysis category. The understanding of the importance of dialogue between the cultures that cross the prison school context was the starting point for the research, for the reflection on the objectives of the prison sentence and prison education, in contemporary times. In this way, the concept of prison school culture was constructed to facilitate the understanding of the different networks of meaning, practices, values, customs and behaviors related to the school context constructed and experienced in prison. The research intended to discuss the concepts of school culture, school culture, prison culture and school routine, recognizing their intertwining, and using them as categories of analysis to understand the construction of memory of prison school culture, in relation to its pedagogical practices, to the organization of space and interactions between actors.

Radiographic Analysis of Scoliosis Using Convolutional Neural Network in Clinical Practice.

To assess the reliability and accuracy of an automated Cobb angle measurement (ACAM) using a convolutional neural network (CNN) for scoliosis evaluation and to compare measurement times. ACAM was applied to spine radiographs in 411 patients suspected of scoliosis. Observer 1 (consensus of two musculoskeletal radiologists) and observer 2 (a radiology resident) measured Cobb angle (CA). CA measurements were categorized using observer 1's measurements as the reference standard. Inter-observer reliability and correlation were assessed using intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and Spearman's rank correlation coefficient, respectively. Accuracy and measurement time of ACAM and observers were evaluated. ACAM demonstrated excellent reliability and very high correlation with observer 1 (ICC = 0.976, Spearman's rank correlation = 0.948), with a mean CA difference of 1.1. Overall accuracy was high (88.2%), particularly in mild (92.2%) and moderate (96%) scoliosis. Accuracy was lower in spinal asymmetry (77.1%) and higher in severe scoliosis (95%), although the CA was lower compared to the observers. ACAM significantly reduced measurement time by nearly half compared to the observers (p < 0.001). ACAM using CNN enhances CA measurement for assessing mild or moderate scoliosis, despite limitations in spinal asymmetry or severe scoliosis. Nonetheless, it substantially decreases measurement time.

Aunting in the network of family relations and practices. An analysis of the scientific literature

Aunting in the network of family relations and practices. An analysis of the scientific literature

For a Postmedial Image: The Challenge of Enunciation for the Digital Practices of the Contemporary Image

This paper aims to propose some suggestions on what role semiotic analysis of the visual can take in the postmediality environment. Taking a case study from the field of scientific research on biodiversity, that is, the INaturalist platform, what we wish to highlight is how, with the development of digital technologies and the proliferation of new practices of use related to visuality, the landscape of media has changed to such an extent that the need to revise certain semiotic categories developed from the principle of textual closure has become evident. Algorithms, datasets and computer vision technologies include images within complex and heterogeneous configurations in the realm of enunciation, which call for different planes of immanence beyond textuality that become particularly clear from the perspective of a material turn. Considered within the materiality of its substrate, a text becomes an object, and as an object it is included in a network of possible practices of use: scientific research represents in this sense a very accurate context for observing how digital visual texts, even in their apparent immateriality, display the process through which we do things with images.

Исполнять технонауку: Art &amp; Science с точки зрения современной метафизики

In the article the assumptions, strategies and possibilities of Art &amp; Science (A&amp;S) are considered through the prism of three types of metaphysical thinking. These types are defined by the answers to the question: why is there something rather than nothing. Thus, the analysis of classical metaphysics makes it possible to identify the basic assumptions of many A&amp;S projects. These assumptions are borrowed by art from the public self-presentation of science and from Western common sense: there is an autonomous and definite nature, it is successfully known and mastered by science. So nature is nature, and nothing more. These assumptions are disputed by post-Kantian transcendental ontology. It opens up for A&amp;S the opportunity to reflect upon the givenness of nature in the experience mediated by science, namely the constitution of science’s own objectivity, the social and political factors involved, as well as naturalization processes that turn scientific objects into nature things by way of erasing their origin. Nature is in the eye of the beholder. Empirical metaphysics (a number of projects from STS) sheds light on laboratory practices of nature enactment and the role of non-human actors in these processes. Nature is not only in the eye of the beholder, but also in the hands of the doer. It is assembled gathers, among other things, from the tissues of society, politics, culture, so does not oppose them from the outside. Among other things, this move allows us to define Art &amp; Science as the enactment or performance of technoscience, since the laboratory-technical aesthetics inherent in this art is a reenactment of the part of the technoscientific network of practices and actors. In conclusion, by means of Pierre Bourdieu’s critical sociology, a hypothesis is formulated explaining why an alliance with STS may be problematic for A&amp;S artists, and why posthumanism and new materialism are assimilated in this art in a cliched form. The technoscientifically formed world requires technoscientific enlightenment based on STS and philosophy, and A&amp;S in alliance with them can be its art.

Distributed Nonlinear Least-Squares Solver for Practical Network Determination

Distributed Nonlinear Least-Squares Solver for Practical Network Determination

Development and application of building intercom products

The article mainly describes the development of building intercom products and the overview of current products. It elaborates on the popularization of economical and practical network cable products, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of face brushing and door opening in terms of cost, performance, and construction. It is believed that network cable products still belong to the category of analogue intercom products. The clever combination of digital doorstep machines that support mobile WeChat mini programs and network cable products has led the use of building intercom into a new field.

Where are we heading? A network and collaborative workshop to design and shape future activities of the Emerging Researchers and Professionals in Integrated Care network (ERPIC)

ERPIC aims to provide opportunities for emerging researchers and professionals to network, collaborate and engage in peer-to-peer relationships and mentorships, with the aim of advancing the field of integrated and person-centred care, which can improve patient outcomes, experiences of care, efficiency and cost-effectiveness of care delivery and health systems, and the satisfaction of healthcare workforce. The next generation of students, academics, researchers and practitioners is essential in shaping tomorrow’s healthcare systems.&#x0D; Since the establishment of ERPIC in 2018, the network has mobilized about 500 followers, working and studying in about 33 countries worldwide and promoted opportunities to engage these early researchers and professionals in the field of integrated care. Aligned with its mission, ERPIC needs to be in continuous movement and adaptive to its members’ needs. &#x0D; During ICIC22, ERPIC initiated a process of continuous improvement by exploring the needs of emerging researchers and professionals. Building on the knowledge generated from the workshop at ICIC22, the ERPIC Executive team now wants to find out whether these needs are still relevant and how we, together, can take the next step in the desire to put the needs into action. &#x0D; Accordingly, this workshop aims to provide an opportunity for conference delegates to contribute to the future plans and activities of ERPIC and network with peers.&#x0D; The aims of this interactive workshop activity are to:&#x0D; - Meet and connect with other early career researchers and professionals in integrated care&#x0D; - Practice networking&#x0D; - Share ideas about the future of ERPIC&#x0D; - Get involved in designing future activities of ERPIC&#x0D; This workshop is designed for current ERPIC-network followers and emerging researchers and professionals in the integrated care field interested in joining a supportive network.&#x0D; Senior members of IFIC, professionals in the field of integrated care and participants of ICIC23 who are interested in meeting ERPIC-members are welcome to participate.&#x0D; &#x0D; Workshop hosts: Sebastian Lindblom, Mark Derks, Paul Wankah&#x0D; The workshop starts with a 5 min introduction, preparation and information about the workshop. This will be followed by a 10 min presentation on the result of our exploration of the expressed needs of our EPRIC members. Participants will be divided into groups and have the opportunity to get to know each other and familiarize themselves during a 30 min network session. This will be followed by a 30 min co-creative session where each group will brainstorm about early career researchers and professionals’ needs and how they can be addressed. Together, the group will develop concrete suggestions for activities and a plan to realize them. The session finishes with a 15-minute group presentation and summary.&#x0D; Learnings/Takeaway: Participants will:&#x0D; - Create new contacts and start building/expanding a network&#x0D; - Get insights on early career researchers and professionals’ needs and activities &#x0D; - Gain an understanding of ERPIC and its mission&#x0D; - Have the opportunity to influence the future direction and activities of ERPIC&#x0D; The results and findings from the workshop will be summarized in a short report and disseminated to the network.

A data-driven chance-constrained BESS planning in distribution networks by a decoupling solution method

In this study, a novel approach for the battery energy storage system (BESS) planning considering the integration of photovoltaic (PV) is proposed. A data-driven chance-constrained BESS programming model including the dynamic network reconfiguration (DNR) is developed. Then, a decoupling solution approach for sitting selection and sizing optimization is proposed to obtain optimal solution. According to the approach, comprehensive cost sensitivity factor (CCSF) is formulated for the sitting selection, and the particle swarm optimization (PSO) combined with the Minty algorithm and the switch operation time reduction algorithm is developed to obtain more accurate sizing. In addition, based on the scenarios generated by the spectral clustering approach, a continuous scenario increment approach is proposed to handle chance-constrained constraints. The numerical simulations on a practical 31-bus distribution network show the superiority of the proposed algorithm over existing methods.

Connectivity is the key to longer rural placement: Retaining students on rural longitudinal integrated clerkships

Purpose Recruitment and retention of medical practitioners to rural practice is an ongoing global issue. Rural longitudinal integrated clerkships (LIC) are an innovative solution to this problem, which are known to increase rural workforce. Crucially this association increases with time on rural placement. This study examines factors that promote retention in a Rural LIC. Methods A two-phased, sequential design qualitative study in a cohort of students enrolled in a rural LIC at Griffith University, Queensland, Australia. Phase I consisted of an open-ended questionnaire and phase II follow-up focus groups from the same cohort. Data was transcribed and analysed using an iterative, six-step thematic analysis process to identify salient themes. Results Twenty-four students were invited to participate, of which eight respond in phase I and thirteen participated in phase II. Participants described retention being driven by connectivity within three broad themes: current practice, future practice (immediate internship and career intention), and social networks. Participant proposals to increase connectivity were also suggested including peer-led solutions and short rotations in metropolitan hospitals. Conclusion Connectivity is key to retention on rural longitudinal integrated clerkships. Programs which enhance connectivity with current practice, future practice, and social networks will increase retention on rural medical programs.

Dual-layer peer-to-peer energy trading method with multiple SOPs pricing in distribution networks

With the decentralization and the development of power markets, different stakeholders are emerged in distribution networks. The unbalance of distributed generators (DGs) and demand-side response in each area leads to a power transfer demand with others. Peer-to-peer (P2P) energy trading has the potential to enable different stakeholders to complement each other. Soft open points (SOPs) provide a promising physical platform for power transfer and trading. However, determining the trading price with SOP participation is an urgent issue to be addressed. Aiming at improving fair and economic operation, this study proposes a P2P energy trading method with multiple SOPs pricing in distribution networks. First, a dual-layer P2P energy trading framework is established. In the upper layer, an optimal pricing model is formulated to maximize SOP profits. An optimal dispatch model is formulated in the lower layer to conduct the power transfer based on the upper layer price. Then, the dual-layer model is converted into a second-order cone programming (SOCP) model to achieve computational tractability. Finally, a practical distribution network is utilized to validate the proposed method. The results indicate that the proposed P2P energy method is effective in reducing the operating costs and increasing the operating profits of SOPs.

Deeper professional learning: how leaders design for teachers to share their deeper learning practices

PurposeA core challenge for leaders for deeper learning is scaling promising practices to provide students with systematic access to deeper learning experiences. This case illuminates how a group of researchers organized professional learning activities around conferring, a promising deeper learning practice.Design/methodology/approachThe author examines how the leaders of a Networked Improvement Community (NIC) created the conditions for teachers to share their deeper learning practices through a case study. The case study centers on one school team’s learning through their participation in the NIC activities, as evidenced by the artifacts they created and their exchanges with their team, participants from other schools and researchers.FindingsThe trajectory of one team through three NIC activities – a video club, a pitch and user testing – shows how they examined their own conferring practice, got ideas for change and shifted their thinking and practice toward a more student-centered approach. Insights from the case suggest three design principles – a common problem of practice, shared representations of practice and intentional network configurations – for deeper professional learning, or learning experiences that engage educators in purposeful and collaborative inquiry into deeper learning practices.Research limitations/implicationsTwo limitations of the case are a lack of data on the perceived experience of participants, which could speak to the depth of Irving’s shift toward student-centered conferring, and the narrow time scope of the NIC, which limits exploration of the sustainability of the changes to conferring.Practical implicationsThe design principles represent important features for researchers and leaders to consider in ongoing efforts to scale deeper learning. Leaders might use the principles to examine existing or future professional learning efforts.Originality/valueThis case study extends an understanding of one facet of leadership for deeper learning: fostering professional community. Future research is needed to examine the educator experience of participating in deeper professional learning and its sustained impact on practices.