Science Program Research Articles

Nonconvex Factorization and Manifold Formulations Are Almost Equivalent in Low-Rank Matrix Optimization

In this paper, we consider the geometric landscape connection of the widely studied manifold and factorization formulations in low-rank positive semidefinite (PSD) and general matrix optimization. We establish a sandwich relation on the spectrum of Riemannian and Euclidean Hessians at first-order stationary points (FOSPs). As a result of that, we obtain an equivalence on the set of FOSPs, second-order stationary points, and strict saddles between the manifold and factorization formulations. In addition, we show that the sandwich relation can be used to transfer more quantitative geometric properties from one formulation to another. Similarities and differences in the landscape connection under the PSD case and the general case are discussed. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first geometric landscape connection between the manifold and factorization formulations for handling rank constraints, and it provides a geometric explanation for the similar empirical performance of factorization and manifold approaches in low-rank matrix optimization observed in the literature. In the general low-rank matrix optimization, the landscape connection of two factorization formulations (unregularized and regularized ones) is also provided. By applying these geometric landscape connections (in particular, the sandwich relation), we are able to solve unanswered questions in the literature and establish stronger results in the applications on geometric analysis of phase retrieval, well-conditioned low-rank matrix optimization, and the role of regularization in factorization arising from machine learning and signal processing. Funding: This work was supported by the National Key R&D Program of China [Grants 2020YFA0711900 and 2020YFA0711901], the National Natural Science Foundation of China [Grants 12271107 and 62141407], and the Shanghai Science and Technology Program [Grant 21JC1400600]. Supplemental Material: The online appendix is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/ijoo.2022.0030 .

Forecasting Urban Traffic States with Sparse Data Using Hankel Temporal Matrix Factorization

Forecasting urban traffic states is crucial to transportation network monitoring and management, playing an important role in the decision-making process. Despite the substantial progress that has been made in developing accurate, efficient, and reliable algorithms for traffic forecasting, most existing approaches fail to handle sparsity, high-dimensionality, and nonstationarity in traffic time series and seldom consider the temporal dependence between traffic states. To address these issues, this work presents a Hankel temporal matrix factorization (HTMF) model using the Hankel matrix in the lower dimensional spaces under a matrix factorization framework. In particular, we consider an alternating minimization scheme to optimize the factor matrices in matrix factorization and the Hankel matrix in the lower dimensional spaces simultaneously. To perform traffic state forecasting, we introduce two efficient estimation processes on real-time incremental data, including an online imputation (i.e., reconstruct missing values) and an online forecasting (i.e., estimate future data points). Through extensive experiments on the real-world Uber movement speed data set in Seattle, Washington, we empirically demonstrate the superior forecasting performance of HTMF over several baseline models and highlight the advantages of HTMF for addressing sparsity, nonstationarity, and short time series. History: Accepted by Ram Ramesh, Area Editor for Data Science & Machine Learning. Funding: This research was supported by the Institute for Data Valorisation, the Interuniversity Research Centre on Enterprise Networks, Logistics and Transportation, the National Natural Science Foundation of China [Grants 12371456, 72101049, 72232001], the Sichuan Science and Technology Program [Grant 2024NSFJQ0038], and the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities [Grant DUT23RC(3)045].

THE CORRELATION OF NOCTURIA INCIDENCE AND ANXIETY LEVELS DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

Objective: This study aims to examine the relationship between nocturia and anxiety levels as precipitating factors in related study population. Material & Methods: This study used a survey facilitated via Google Form, using the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire Nocturia, Zung Self-Rating Anxiety Scale, and a Demographic Data Questionnaire to obtain corresponding data. The descriptive-analytic method was applied, and Chi-square statistical analysis was performed. Results: From 270 participants, 240 exhibited normal anxiety levels, 28 demonstrated mild to moderate anxiety levels, and two presented severe anxiety levels. Furthermore, 148 participants reported experiencing nocturia, while 122 participants did not exhibit nocturia. Conclusion: This study showed no correlation between anxiety levels and nocturia in students from the Nutritional Science and Nursing Science Programs at Universitas Brawijaya, batches 2019, 2020, and 2021. Keywords: Anxiety level, nocturia, covid-19.

STEM Outside of School: a Meta-Analysis of the Effects of Informal Science Education on Students' Interests and Attitudes for STEM

AbstractThis meta-analysis explores the impact of informal science education experiences (such as after-school programs, enrichment activities, etc.) on students' attitudes towards, and interest in, STEM disciplines (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). The research addresses two primary questions: (1) What is the overall effect size of informal science learning experiences on students' attitudes towards and interest in STEM? (2) How do various moderating factors (e.g., types of informal learning experience, student grade level, academic subjects, etc.) impact student attitudes and interests in STEM? The studies included in this analysis were conducted within the United States in K-12 educational settings, over a span of thirty years (1992–2022). The findings indicate a positive association between informal science education programs and student interest in STEM. Moreover, the variability in these effects is contingent upon several moderating factors, including the nature of the informal science program, student grade level, STEM subjects, publication type, and publication year. Summarized effects of informal science education on STEM interest are delineated, and the implications for research, pedagogy, and practice are discussed.

Evolving Perceptions of Intellectual Freedom and the Right to Read in Library Science Students: An MLS Program Self-Study

To understand the effect of library science coursework on student perceptions of issues related to intellectual freedom, researchers surveyed students at the start and end of their enrollment in a Master of Library Science program. When the results were compared, the percentage of graduating students who indicated that they might rethink purchasing a resource because of non–age-appropriate content and potential parent objection was significantly higher than that of beginning students. The percentage of graduating students who identified sexual content and profanity as potential reasons not to acquire an item was also significantly higher than that of beginning students. On the other hand, graduating students were less likely to classify their own personal views as potential reasons to avoid collecting a title. Finally, a greater percentage of graduating students were uncertain about the appropriateness of restricted collections for potentially controversial items than beginning students. In the second phase of the study, researchers interviewed program graduates with at least five years of professional experience in libraries to ascertain how their work experiences and environments had affected their perception of intellectual freedom, censorship, and the right of access to information regardless of age. These librarians were strong advocates for diverse collections despite increasing external pressure to censor resources, particularly items with LGBTQ content and characters. Most felt it necessary to have some type of restricted collections so that children did not check out material above their grade or age level.

Tracer Study of the Bachelor of Arts Graduates of the University of Cebu-Main Campus from 2019-2024

This study determined the factors influencing job placement among graduates of the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Cebu-Main Campus between 2019 and 2024, serving as a basis for proposed curriculum enhancements. The study used descriptive research design methods with the adopted-modified questionnaire, with frequency counts and percentages applied to analyze the results. Findings reveal that graduates, particularly those from the Psychology, Political Science, and English programs, are highly employable, whether through direct applications or referrals. Key factors influencing job choices include career challenges, salary, and benefits. The study also highlights a notable gender disparity, with most female graduates and a steady increase in graduates during the study period, peaking in 2024. Although the employment rate is high, most graduates occupy rank-and-file positions, with fewer advancing to managerial roles. Also, many graduates eventually shift to fields unrelated to their studies, indicating a potential mismatch between education and career progression. Graduates identify communication, human relations, problem-solving, and critical thinking as essential skills in their professional roles. These insights suggest the need for curriculum adjustments to align education with long-term career success better.

An Overview of Dr. Keith Thompson’s Contributions to Science Programs and High-Quality Training in Marine Prediction and Environmental Statistics

Dr. Keith Thompson was a highly influential scientist in marine prediction and environmental statistics in Canada and abroad. He was also exceptionally successful for providing high-quality mentorship to graduate students and early-career scientists. In this article, we provide an overview of Dr. Thompson’s career contributions to marine science programs and training for graduate students and other highly qualified personnel.

PSLBI-4 Influence of gender on animal science research funding from the National Institute of Food and Agriculture

Abstract According to the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, females and males in science disciplines obtain bachelor’s degrees at or near parity, yet females are not equally represented in academic faculty positions. This is true for agricultural fields including the animal sciences. The USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) administers the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI), a flagship competitive grants program that funds research, education, and extension efforts with a total appropriation of $445 million in 2024. Our objective was to determine the difference between genders for submission rates (i.e., number of standard and seed grant applications submitted), peer reviewers of grant applications, and success rates (i.e., number of grant awards/number of applications submitted) in the main animal related AFRI program area priorities. All applications submitted to AFRI programs in animal genomics, reproduction, health, nutrition and growth, and welfare during yr 2013-2022 were evaluated. Gender was assigned to Project Directors (PD) and peer reviewers using first names as input into Gender API software (Gender-API.com; Passau, Germany) with ≥ 95% accuracy and ≥ 20 database occurrences used as quality filters and binary outcomes only (i.e., male or female). Effect of gender on submission rates, peer review panel compositions, and success rates were then analyzed using Pearson’s Chi-squared tests with P ≤ 0.05 considered significant. Results: A total of 3,757 applications were submitted, of which 2,761 (73%) PD genders were assigned and analyzed further. Overall, the proportional submission rate for females was 28% and for males was 72%. Submission rates for females increased (P = 0.0614) over time ranging from 22% in 2013 to 33% in 2021. Submission rates differed by gender across programs (P < 0.0001) and ranged from 23% female in animal reproduction to 48% female in animal welfare. Across 48 panels, 41% of panelists were female; no differences were identified for the proportion of female panelists over time (P = 0.9509) or by program (P = 0.9298). Overall, the funding success rate for females was 23% and for males was 22%. Success rates did not differ between genders over time (P = 0.9080) or by program (P = 0.9094). Females submitted less than one-half as many applications as did males, but the proportion of submissions by females increased over time. This trend remained consistent despite challenges of relocation of NIFA and COVID-19 during this time. Overall, the proportion of NIFA panelists who were female exceeded the proportion of applications submitted by females. Funding success rates did not differ by gender and increased for both genders over time. These results indicate that although differences in gender existed for application submission rate and panel composition, these differences did not impact funding success rate of applications in animal science programs at NIFA, which did not differ between genders.

Learning outcomes for participants in citizen science mosquito surveillance.

Although citizen science initiatives have been increasing globally, there is still a gap in understanding how they can result in sustainable benefits for citizen scientists. This article addresses dual goals of (i) collecting relevant data on potential vector mosquitoes and (ii) delivering learning outcomes among participants in a citizen science mosquito surveillance program. Mozzie Monitors uses an e-entomology approach to collect and identify mosquitoes of medical importance. This study used quantitative, qualitative, and mixed method approaches, comprised of before and after longitudinal surveys, in-depth interviews and descriptive assessment of mosquito attributes to assess participants' educational gains and data collection scalability. Results showed that mosquito abundance and diversity differed in each study location, with Aedes notoscriptus (Skuse) being the most common mosquito reported in all areas. Citizen scientists were predominantly women over 50 and highly educated. The before-and-after analysis showed that participants learned how to identify the most common mosquito species after participating in the program. They also improved their technical skills in mosquito photography, increasing the rates of identifiable photos. Finally, participating in this citizen science program resulted in behavior changes, with participants starting to look for mosquito eggs and larvae in their backyards to manage mosquito populations. The mixed methods used in this research showed increased participants' confidence, self-efficacy, and engagement throughout the trial. Overall, this study demonstrated the potential of Mozzie Monitors to contribute to the dual goals of mosquito data contribution and citizen scientists' educational outcomes for improved public health.

412 Awardee Talk: Implementing student-centered teaching and learning strategies in undergraduate animal science

Abstract Student-centered teaching and learning strategies enhance active engagement, foster critical thinking, and promote the practical application of knowledge gained from undergraduate animal science courses. The scholarship of teaching and learning (SOTL) has evolved within the animal science community, with a recent focus on adopting evidence-based teaching activities in college classrooms. We discuss documented SOTL approaches utilized in our program for the development of student-centered teaching and learning. In addition to traditional internships and student research projects, capstone projects utilizing a design thinking approach to solving animal industry problems have proven significantly effective. This problem-based learning program enables students to develop industry networks, understand problems within the industry, and develop creative ways to address the problems. Non-conventional and innovative designs of course assignments can foster student interest and enhance learning experiences. For example, by incorporating engaging and novel resources such as animal industry webinars and podcasts as classroom materials, instructors can reinforce course content and captivate students’ attention to the topic. Specifically, students have appreciated the opportunity to learn from experts not available locally at the university. Developing and utilizing real-world case studies exposes students to farm practices and related decision-making. Involving students in competitive team activities like the Dairy Challenge and Academic Quadrathlon contests develops marketable skills for students while training them to implement the knowledge acquired in the classrooms on a commercial farm. Field trips, short courses, and summer schools provide hands-on training opportunities, enhancing students’ exposure to the industry and opportunities after graduation. Students have identified that animal science topics are relevant beyond the classroom walls in everyday life including grocery store and kitchen, as demonstrated by a significant increase in enrollment of non-animal science major students in the animal science courses. The student-centered programs like Cross-training students in data-driven decision support tools help to develop strong day-one competency of graduates through training and networking within and outside the discipline. With the advent of new technologies and tools, training programs surrounding data management and interpretation should integrate systems knowledge across plant science, animal science, and computer science disciplines. These interdisciplinary and cross-disciplinary training activities promote the exchange of ideas while developing systems-level understanding. Furthermore, initiatives like Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) provide students with exposure to diverse thoughts and situations, broadening their horizons and perspectives. For students not able to participate in study abroad and international programs due to time and financial constraints, COIL delivers cost-effective virtual opportunities to develop global understanding and cultural competency. By incorporating these student-centered teaching and learning strategies, undergraduate animal science programs can effectively prepare students for real-world challenges for the next generation of agriculture leaders.

Cometary Activity from Minor Planet 2015 VP51 Discovered with Citizen Science

We report the discovery of cometary activity emanating from minor planet 2015 VP51 outbound from its recent perihelion passage. The activity, in the form of a diffuse tail, was first identified by volunteers of our Citizen Science program Active Asteroids, a NASA Partner program hosted on the Zooniverse platform. This discovery was aided by the recently implemented TailNet artificial intelligence assistant which filters out images with a low likelihood of showing cometary activity. The tail is present in nine images of 2015 VP51 from the Dark Energy Camera and OmegaCAM between UT 2015 August 2 and UT 2015 October 18. We classify 2015 VP51 as a Jupiter-family comet based on its Tisserand parameter with respect to Jupiter T J = 2.931.

Additional observational features of the thin-shell wormhole by considering quantum corrections* *Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (11903025), the Science and Technology Program of Sichuan Province, China (2023ZYD0023), the Youth Science and Technology Innovation Research Team of Sichuan Province, China (21CXTD0038), the Natural Science Foundation of Sichuan Province, China (2022NSFSC1833), and by the Central Guidance on the

By considering an asymmetric thin-shell wormhole (ATSW) surrounded by an optically and geometrically thin disk, we investigate the luminosity distribution of this ATSW with the spacetime on two sides encoded with the renormalization group improved (RGI) parameters (Ω, γ). Although some light rays are absorbed into the throat in the vicinity of the wormhole, they return through the throat with certain conditions, unlike in the case of black holes. The spacetime on one side of the wormhole can capture the additional photons emitted from the thin disk, resulting in several interesting observable features of the wormhole. The results in this paper show that there are two additional orbit numbers n in the ATSW and six transfer functions, rather than three as in the black hole case. In this case, the ATSW indeed has a more complex observable structure, where some additional light rings arise naturally. For instance, there are two additional photon rings for the emitted Model 1. Moreover, we also find a new wide hump between the first and second additional photon rings in Model 2. The effects of Ω and γ on the observed images are clearly addressed throughout this study, and the influence of Ω is found to be larger. Finally, we conclude that the observations of the RGI-ATSW can help further distinguish it from other ATSWs and black holes when a thin accretion disk exists around it.

Welcome to Information Science

Inspired by CAIS’ conference theme of “Imagining Information,” the participants of this panel will enact the following scenario: At an orientation event for an information science program, a spokesperson gives incoming students a brief address on the theme, “Welcome to information science.” Six imaginative versions of that talk are offered here. Each disquisition is inspired by a luminary or paradigm, namely: S. R. Ranganathan, Elfreda Chatman, Marcia Bates, Chinese Information Science, Indigenous Ways of Knowing, and Queering Sociotechnical Systems. Everyone in attendance will have six opportunities to imagine information science at its best, that is, a wide-ranging and multi-perspective discipline.

Theories for Understanding the Effect of Impact Assessment and Project Evaluation on the Practice of Science

We examine the phenomenon of impact assessment in the practice of scientific research, paying attention to the context in which project evaluation is used in federally funded research on plant health in the United States. Our analysis, which is derived from systems theory, carries out a particular view of the research process. For the purposes of this review, our use of the term systems theory references the body of interdisciplinary work that deals with the organization and function of complex structures in nature and human society. Key concepts in this body of theory are that both the components and the interactions among components are important in understanding behavior and that, frequently, systems are seen to be hierarchical in structure. The aim of our analysis is to bring to the attention of the plant health community several concepts from the social sciences that might help in understanding how researchers have responded to the increased expectations from funders to provide project evaluations and impact assessments. We generate a synthesis of these theories, which have not previously been used in a unified way, to explain choices in response to newly imposed goals. Although our analysis is motivated by a specific disciplinary focus on plant health, the issues we discuss are general. Thus, we hope the review is useful to a wide range of scientists, science program managers, and policymakers.

Racial/ethnic disparities in all-cause and cause-specific death among children with malignant central nervous system tumours: a registry-based cohort retrospective analysis

It is generally recognized that there is unequal mortality in childhood central nervous system (CNS) malignancy in the United States (US), but little is known about the trends and contributors of racial/ethnic disparities in death. We assessed the trends of racial/ethnic disparities in all-cause and cause-specific death, and the contributions of tumour, treatment and socioeconomic factors to this disparity. This registry-based cohort study included children (aged ≤19 years) diagnosed with malignant CNS tumours, using data from the US population-based cancer registry in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) Program. The clinical outcomes were all-cause and cause-specific death for each racial/ethnic group (White, Black, Hispanic, non-Hispanic Asian/Pacific Islander [API], and non-Hispanic American Indian/Alaska Native [AI/AN] children). We quantified absolute disparities using absolute rate difference in 5-year cumulative incidence of death. Cox proportion risk models were used to estimate the relative racial/ethnic disparities, and the contribution of factors to disparities in death. In this study, data from 14,510 children with malignant CNS tumours (mean [SD] age, 8.5 [5.7]; 7988 [55.1%] male) were analysed. Overall, the cumulative incidence of death from CNS tumours across four racial/ethnic groups decreased from 2001 to 2020. Black patients had the highest risk of death from all causes and CNS tumours between 2001 and 2020, with adjusted hazard ratios (HR) of 1.52 (1.38-1.68) and 1.47 (1.31-1.64), respectively. The absolute disparity in all-cause death between Hispanic and White patients increased slightly (from 8.2 percentage points [ppt] to 9.4ppt), and the relative disparity in death from CNS tumours increased from 1.33 (1.15-1.55) in 2001-2005 to 1.78 (1.44-2.20) in 2016-2020. The absolute disparities in death from CNS tumours between Black and White patients (from 11.8ppt to 4.3ppt) and between API and White patients (from 10.1ppt to 5.1ppt) decreased from 2001-2005 to 2011-2015. Race/ethnicity disparities in death from CNS tumours among childhood malignant CNS tumours had reduced from 2001 to 2020, and quantifying the contribution of factors to this disparity in death could provide a basis for decreasing mortality among racial/ethnic minority patients. Shenyang Young and Middle-aged Science and Technology Innovation Talent Support Program.

Association between alcohol consumption and incidence of dementia in current drinkers: linear and non-linear mendelian randomization analysis

Previous conventional epidemiological studies found a J-shape relationship between alcohol consumption and dementia, but this result was subject to confounding biases and reverse causation. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the potential linear or non-linear causal association between alcohol consumption and the incident risk of dementia in current drinkers. This study used data from the UK Biobank to investigate the relationship between alcohol consumption and dementia risk. 313,958 White British current drinkers, who were free of dementia during 2006-2010, were followed up until 2021. Alcohol consumption was self-reported and calculated according to the National Health Service guideline. The primary outcome was all-cause dementia identified through hospital and mortality records. We used multivariable Cox models with restricted cubic splines for conventional analysis and both non-linear and linear Mendelian Randomization (MR) analyses to assess causal relationships, employing a genetic score based on 95 SNPs identified from a meta-genome-wide association study of 941,280 people from Europe. 313,958 current drinkers consumed an average of 13.6 [IQR: 7.1-25.2] units/week alcohol (men averaged 20.2 [11.1-33.9] units/week and women 9.5 [5.3-16.7] units/week). During a mean follow-up of 13.2 years, 5394 (1.7%) developed dementia. Multivariable Cox model with restricted cubic spline functions identified a J-shaped relationship between alcohol consumption and dementia risk, with the lowest risk at 12.2 units/week. The non-linear MR failed to identify a significant non-linear causal relationship (p=0.45). Both individual-level (HR: 2.22 95%CI [1.06-4.66]) and summary-level (1.89 [1.53-2.32]) linear MR analyses indicated that higher genetically predicted alcohol consumption increased dementia risk. This study identified a positive linear causal relationship between alcohol consumption and dementia among current drinkers. The J-shaped association found in conventional epidemiological analysis was not supported by non-linear MR analyses. Our findings suggested that there was no safe level of alcohol consumption for dementia. The Shenzhen Science and Technology Program and the Strategic Priority Research Program of Chinese Academy of Sciences.

The economic displacement of thousands of fishers in the Pantanal, Brazil: A telling story of small‐scale fisheries marginalization worldwide.

AbstractA new policy in the Pantanal wetland, Brazil, aims to economically displace thousands of artisanal fishers from one‐third of the region. The legislation disregards several FAO Voluntary Guidelines for Securing Sustainability in Small‐Scale Fisheries' guiding principles (SSF guidelines). Considering that 2024 marks the 10th anniversary of these guidelines, this policy represents a significant setback for fish and fisheries worldwide. In this paper, we show that the legislation is part of long‐term agenda against small‐scale fishers in the Pantanal, aiming to use narratives around overfishing to justify physical and economic displacements—albeit no empirical evidence showing impact on fish stocks. We also show that, as in many other small‐scale fisheries worldwide, overfishing narratives are, in fact, used to open space for industrial activities and large infrastructure projects. The Pantanal is a telling story of that, since the new legislation will likely open space for the construction of over 50 small hydroelectric dams in the Pantanal and surrounding area. We argue that, first, it is urgent to abolish the new legislation and promote a pro‐fishers agenda in the Pantanal to protect the region. However, since this is not unique for the region, it is critical to implement international programmes that celebrate and support local fisheries worlwide and avoid physical and economic displacements. Stands out turning SSF guidelines into international agreements, implementing citizens science programmes and expanding the fisher's tenure rights through innovative mechanizes of ownership. By better protecting local small‐scale fishers in the Pantanal and worldwide we are more likely to guarantee a sustainable future for ecosystems and its peoples.

Pre-Admission Standardized Tests and the Relationship with Anesthesiologist Assistant Student Performance: A Retrospective Analysis.

The Anesthesiologist Assistant (AA) profession is gaining popularity, and as such, the number of applicants and the number of AA programs are also increasing. There is no published data on what makes a good AA student - multiple studies exist in this regard for anesthesiology residents and medical students. The Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT) and the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) have shown to have some correlation with student success in other health professions. There is no data to suggest that they can indicate potential success or academic problems during AA school. As such, this study evaluated the impact of these standardized test scores and student success in both the preclinical and clinical curricula at the Emory AA program. A retrospective analysis of MCAT scores and GRE scores was performed. 2-tailed Pearson coefficients were calculated to see if there was a relationship between higher MCAT and GRE scores and performance in our program. 2- tailed Pearson coefficients showed a moderately strong correlation between MCAT scores and our AA program's science curriculum. There was a weak correlation as well between GRE scores here. The correlation dropped slightly for the MCAT and performance during our clinical curriculum, and a similar drop was noted for the GRE. Our study shows that the MCAT appears to more strongly correlated with better performance in both the science curriculum of our program and also with our clinical program. The study likely implies that the MCAT appears to be a better gauge as to how a student will do in an AA program in comparison to the GRE. Further studies are needed to understand how to appropriately admit students who will successfully complete the rigorous AA program curriculum both at Emory and beyond.

Motivators and barriers for studying podiatry in Australia and New Zealand: A mixed methods study.

Podiatry enrolments at Australian and New Zealand universities have decreased by 17.3% since 2015, which threatens the profession's sustainability and the health and wellbeing of Australian and New Zealand people and communities. Reasons for this decline remain unclear due to insufficient evidence on factors influencing career choices. The overarching aim of this study was to identify motivators and barriers for studying podiatry in Australia and New Zealand. This study used a convergent mixed methods design. Students enrolled in (i) podiatry and (ii) relevant non-podiatry health, sport or science programs at nine Australian and one New Zealand university, were invited to participate in an online survey. First-year podiatry students were also invited to participate in an online workshop. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics and linear/logistic regression models. Three independent assessors used inductive thematic analysis for the qualitative data. Overall, 278 podiatry students (mean age 24.9±8.5years, 65.1% female) and 553 non-podiatry students (mean age 24.8±8.2years, 75.4% female; 32.2% from physiotherapy and 29.1% from occupational therapy) responded to the survey. Interest in a health-related career, wanting to make a difference to people's health, and opportunity to care for people from different backgrounds/age groups were key motivating factors among podiatry students. Barriers to studying podiatry were encountered by 28.1% of podiatry students. Thematic analysis identified seven themes concerning career choice, which are as follows: (i) awareness of profession and scope of practice; (ii) stereotypes and negative perceptions of the profession; (iii) awareness of career pathways; (iv) job prospects and earning potential; (v) working with people and building relationships; (vi) podiatry is not the first preference; and (vii) barriers which limit student enrolment. There are a variety of factors that motivate and influence students to study podiatry, however, altruistic reasons are most highly rated. Allied health students have limited understanding of the scope of practice and career opportunities in podiatry. Additionally, the podiatry profession often faces negative stereotypes. Further work is required to reverse the negative stereotypes and perceptions of podiatry and build knowledge of the profession's scope of practice, career pathways/opportunities, job prospects and earning potential.

Strategies for Liberation: A Conversation with Katherine McKittrick

Abstract: This is an interview with Katherine McKittrick, Canada Research Chair in Black Studies at Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario, and member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and the Royal Society of Canada’s College of New Scholars, Artists and Scientists program. McKittrick discusses Demonic Grounds , her pathbreaking study of Black women’s geographies, on the advent of the twentieth anniversary of its publication.