Scientific Criteria Research Articles

Science Metrics Systems and Academic Promotion: Bosnian Reality

Societal importance and the quality of scientific research highly depend on the usefulness of the results of research for the societal and scientific community. The wish to allocate the funds to high-quali-ty research and to establish right criteria for scientific evaluation and academic career progression, make scientific criteria increasingly important to measure the quality of research and knowledge valorization. However, it is very difficult to apply the right criteria which can objectively assess scientific research. For many years, there has been a great interest in scientific ranking and evaluation of scientific journals, but also of sci-entific contribution of scientists. It is generally accepted that the IF (WoS) and the total number of citations of articles published in the journal, are the most relevant parameters of the journal's significance. However, the significance of a scientist and the value of their scientific production are much more complicated to evaluate and they cannot be directly reflected by the importance of the journals in which their articles are published. In this article, the authors describe and evaluate the most known scientific databases which are used in science. The majority of existing science metric systems, which evaluate the achievement of scientists are focused solely on the number of citations of their articles. For example, H-index, which is calculated as the lowest ranked ar-ticle which number of citations matches its ranking number, has considerable shortcoming because it does not take into account the individual contribution of each author and allows expanding author lists with authors whose contribution may be insignificant or none. Therefore, the authors propose Z-score, as a new science met-ric system, which takes into account the author's contribution to the scientific article and greatly remedy major discrepancies in evaluating scientific production of individual authors and institutions.

Systematic evaluation of the evidence for identification of endocrine disrupting properties of Bisphenol F

Identification of endocrine disruptors (EDs) is a highly prioritized issue in the EU. However, scientific criteria to identify EDs have so far only been implemented for biocidal and plant protection products. The European Commission is working on developing a horizontal approach to the identification of EDs across legislations, based on these scientific criteria. With this study, our aim was to evaluate evidence on endocrine disrupting properties of Bisphenol F (BPF) by applying the process set out for biocidal and plant protection products in Europe. BPF is not registered under REACH and therefore assumed not to be produced in the EU > 1 ton/year, yet the substance has been detected in urine, serum, and breast milk in populations from different countries in Europe. BPF is raising concern since it is an analogue of the known ED and reproductive toxicant Bisphenol A. Relevant evidence on endocrine disrupting properties of BPF from the open literature was collected using systematic review methodology. Pre-defined inclusion criteria were developed to select relevant studies, and data was extracted. The reliability of included studies was evaluated by the Science in Risk Assessment and Policy tool, and results were converted into Klimisch categories to allow for categorization of study reliability. A weight-of-evidence approach was used to analyze the evidence and draw conclusions on endocrine-related activity and/or endocrine adversity. We found that there is sufficient evidence to conclude on an endocrine mechanism, and while evidence for adversity was not considered sufficient, we still conclude that BPF could also cause endocrine-mediated adversity. Two modes of action were postulated based on the collected data for BPF. Challenges of performing the ED assessment for data-poor chemicals and the importance of adequate reporting of studies in the open literature, especially for new approach methods, are discussed.

‘Would you dare to jump?’ Fostering a scientific approach to secondary physics inquiry

ABSTRACT Secondary school students often only use the rules for doing scientific inquiry when prompted, as if they fail to see the point of doing so. This qualitative design study explores conditions to address this problem in school science inquiry. Dutch students (N = 22, aged 14–15) repeatedly consider the quality of their work: in a conventional, guided inquiry approach; by evaluating their conclusion in terms of the contextual purpose of the investigation; as consumers of knowledge facing the (hypothetical) risk of applying the findings in the real world. By gauging students’ confidence in the inquiry’s trustworthiness, we established that, while each confrontation instigated some students to (re)consider the quality of their inquiry, the final stage had the greatest impact. Students came to see that finding trustworthy results is essential, requiring scientific standards. The scientific quality of their inquiries was described, weaknesses identified and compared with the improvements students themselves proposed for their inquiries. While the improvemens were expressed in non-specific terms these align with a scientific perspective. Students now wanted to find trustworthy answers by exploiting scientific standards. In enabling students to engage successfully in basic scientific inquiry, finding ways to establish students’ mental readiness for attending to the quality of their scientific claims, and of personalised scientific criteria for their assessment, is indispensable.

Personality in Soccer: Investigation of the Five-Factor Model of Personality in High-Level Athletes.

BackgroundIn high-level sports, rapid screening and diagnostic instruments are necessary considering limited access that researchers have to these athletes. In the area of sport psychological diagnostics, the NEO-FFI is a promising tool to gain information about an athlete's personality traits. The current study investigated the NEO-FFI's scientific quality criteria and general application to elite-level soccer.MethodsPersonality traits of 378 elite-level soccer athletes were assessed using the NEO-FFI. Analysis focused on internal consistency, factor structure and gender differences. Additionally, a second measurement with a 6-week interval was conducted with a sub-sample of 86 athletes to analyse test-retest reliability.ResultsOverall, the results are in line with previous findings outside high-level sports. For the total sample, alpha-levels from 0.68 to 0.84 and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) for test-retest measures from 0.86 to 0.91 could be found. Item-level principal component analysis using both oblimin and oblique rotation showed better stability in neuroticism (N) and conscientiousness (C) than in extraversion (E), openness (O), and agreeableness (A). Gender differences could be found in values of internal consistency, ICC and NEO-FFI traits.ConclusionThe results of this study demonstrate good transferability of the NEO-FFI from settings outside high-level sports into this specific niche of sport psychological assessment. However, the same weaknesses of the applied instrument in general populations were also replicated in the sporting population.

Which Functional Tests and Self-Reported Questionnaires Can Help Clinicians Make Valid Return to Sport Decisions in Patients With Chronic Ankle Instability? A Narrative Review and Expert Opinion.

Lateral ankle sprain is the most common injury in sports, with up to 40% of patients developing chronic ankle instability (CAI). One possible cause underlying this high rate of recurrence or feeling of giving way may be a premature return to sport (RTS). Indeed, except for time-based parameters, there are no specific criteria to guide clinicians in their RTS decisions in patients with CAI. A recent international consensus highlighted the relevance and importance of including patient-reported ankle function questionnaires combined with functional tests targeting ankle impairments in this population. Thus, the aim of this narrative review and expert opinion was to identify the most relevant functional performance tests and self-reported questionnaires to help clinicians in their RTS decision-making process following recurrent ankle sprains or surgical ankle stabilization. The PubMed (MEDLINE), PEDro, Cochrane Library and ScienceDirect databases were searched to identify published articles. Results showed that the single leg stance test on firm surfaces, the modified version of the star excursion balance test, the side hop test and the figure-of-8 test appeared to be the most relevant functional performance tests to target ankle impairments in patients with CAI. A combination of the Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM) and the Ankle Ligament Reconstruction-Return to Sport after Injury (ALR-RSI) questionnaires were the most relevant self-reported questionnaires to assess patient function in the context of CAI. Although these functional tests and questionnaires provide a solid foundation for clinicians to validate their RTS decisions in patient with CAI, objective scientific criteria with cut-off scores are still lacking. In addition to the proposed test cluster, an analysis of the context, in particular characteristics related to sports (e.g., fatigue, cognitive constraints), to obtain more information about the patient's risk of recurrent injury could be of added value when making a RTS decision in patients with CAI. In order to evaluate the strength of evertors under ecological conditions, it would also be interesting to assess the ability to control weight-bearing ankle inversion in a unipodal stance. Further studies are needed to assess the relevance of this proposed test cluster in RTS decision-making following lateral ankle sprain injury and CAI.

Perinatal stroke: modelling and the potential of neurovisualization

Perinatal stroke (PS), characterized by sudden disappearance or impairment of brain functions, is a socially significant form of pathology that leads to the death and/or disability of children. Depending on the extent of the lesion, the severity of the consequences of a PS varies from a slight lag in learning to lifelong disability and inability to independently take care of yourself. The most common complications are cerebral palsy and epilepsy. Since the possibilities of diagnosis and therapy in the acute period are extremely limited, the efforts of health care providers and scientists are aimed at improving approaches to the rehabilitation of such patients. The authors presented an overview of modern methods of modelling PS in various experimental conditions. It is established that the modelling of PS is continuously being improved, new ways of forming ischemic brain damage are being created, each of which is necessary for the development of new scientific criteria for its early diagnosis and prediction of outcomes in standardized conditions. It is shown that a special place in the diagnosis of ischemic brain damage is occupied by wide-field optical visualization, which allows determining the formation of neural networks and functional maps of the cortex of the developing brain, provides an opportunity to analyze the spatiotemporal activity of neurons in large areas of the cerebral cortex and the processes of restoring cortical functions in the post-traumatic period. With the advent of genetically encoded ion sensor proteins and technologies for obtaining transgenic animal lines that specifically express sensors directly in neurons, opportunities have been created for optical registration of neural activity by analyzing changes in spontaneous activity of calcium signals and other mechanisms, which allows us to study brain neuroplasticity at a new level and create new ways to correct ischemic brain damage.

Epidemiological Analysis of Determinants in ICU Mortality in the State of Tocantins in Brazil

The availability of places in intensive care units in Tocantins has become a serious public health problem, in this sense, through the identification of studies and data collection of works that resulted from the analysis of variables that generated better quality indicators in intensive care, such as the reduction of length of stay, care costs and the mortality rate, aiming to explain scientific criteria and technocracy as a public policy for patient admission, and infection control as a direct or indirect way of guaranteeing a greater supply of ICU beds. To analyze hospitalization, demand and mortality data in ICUs through the DATASUS website and identify which epidemiological determinants have the highest mortality rate among patients admitted to hospitals in the State of Tocantins. The work consists of retrospective, quantitative documentary research and a statistical method of data collection and correlation. Data from all patients over 18 years of age admitted to public ICUs during the last 5 years will be included in the survey. All data related to COVID-19 ICUs that were implemented in 2020 will be excluded. Infectious and parasitic diseases along with neoplasia are the most prevalent in the mortality rate of the eight regions, corroborating the promotion of new research for the prevention and treatment of tropical diseases in the state of Tocantins.

Seed pathway for pest dissemination: The ISTA Reference Pest List, a bibliographic resource in non‐vegetable crops

AbstractFood security is threatened by harmful pests whose impact may strongly differ among crops, agricultural practices and world regions. International movement of seed can be a pathway for pest dissemination into new geographic areas. The most damaging pests are regulated in some countries and/or regions of the world. Scientific evidence is crucial in taking such decisions. Seed testing is key in preventing movement of pests by seeds. It should target pests which have been selected based on defined scientific criteria. The International Seed Testing Association (ISTA) Reference Pest List summarizes scientific knowledge on the possible dissemination of pests through seeds in non‐vegetable plant species. Released as an evolving, free online tool, it currently contains 255 seed‐borne or seed‐contaminating pests in 11 plant species, including 126 host–pest combinations where seed is a pathway of spread (v7.0, Feb. 2021; https://www.seedtest.org/en/pest‐list‐tool‐_content‐‐‐1‐‐3477.html). The ISTA Reference Pest List should become a valuable source for risk assessors and policy makers.

Демаркация категорий целеполагания в контексте стратегического планирования устойчивого развития регионов России

The article reviewed the regional system of goal-setting, studied the strategies of social and economic development of the constituent entities of the Russian Federation. To analyze the use of various categories of goal-setting by the constituent entities of the Russian Federation, the method of content analysis was applied, SMART analysis of development goals, as well as analysis of territorial development missions according to established criteria. The experience of taking into account global trends, such as the concept of sustainable development and the digital economy, were studied. As a result of the study, only 16 out of 85 constituent entities of the Russian Federation set their development goals within the framework of the concept of sustainable development, and they mention the importance and need for the development of “green” technologies. There is a higher percentage of provisions of the digital economy in regional strategic documents. 37 out of 85 constituent entities of the Russian Federation use digital technologies as priorities. There is a relationship between the level of social and economic development of regions and the quality of mission formulation. The best missions of the regions that meet scientific criteria and reflect the specifics of a particular territory are identified. A criteria analysis of the goals of regional development was carried out, and the need to improve the existing assessment methods was identified. The conducted analysis proves that most of the strategic goals of regional development are vague and do not take into account the region’s ability to achieve them. The specific concepts of goal-setting are identified and compared with the established definitions in scientific practice. The author suggests to fix in law the concept of “mission” as the purpose of the region from the point of view of the people inhabiting it, as well as the competitive advantages that make it possible to designate the position taken in relation to the external environment. As part of ensuring internal development, it is also suggested to make SMART technology as the main principle of formulating strategic goals and subgoals. It is advisable to use the improved method SMART-PURE-CLEAR, which reflects aspects of greening the economy.

Lecturers' perspectives on how physical spaces are used in higher education for talent development of students

This article details the findings of a study done at a Gauteng Higher Education Institution in South Africa. It's part of a bigger study called "The Dynamics of Higher Education Space and Place in Sub-Saharan Africa." The volunteers were chosen at random and were all freely available. The study's goal was to look at the perspectives and experiences of 17 lecturers. Lecturers were expected to match their exigence variables to their eventuality spaces. Interviews were employed to acquire data for this interpretive qualitative study. The participants' perspectives are discussed during the discussion. The selected institution is concerned about the lack of space at South African higher education institutions. One of the issues that exacerbate the poor academic performance of lecturers at the institution is space use in higher education settings. In order to alleviate the challenges of space, the research organization needed to use space and policy. There is pressure on higher education institutions and and lecturers to deliver continuous improvement in systems and performances. The results of the investigation of lecturers' opinions about the way physical spaces are used in higher education for talent tevelopment of students showed that most of the lecturers, in addition to being overworked, faced various obstacles, such as insufficient resources and physical space, which are repeatedly mentioned in similar studies, and inadequate manpower support. Therefore, in this regard, the establishment of collaborative networks between lecturers and students, the dynamism of university administrators, especially the Chairs of Departments to support lecturers with adequate office space to support talented students is very important which is consistent with several studies. The identification of gifted students in the educational system should be based on accurate and scientific criteria. It is recommended that lecturers should be provided with adequate space (offices) in performing their official responsibilities.

Ideological productions in human geography as an apparatus of the state/power

ABSTRACT … ‘Humanity’ is an apparatus that could be used ideologically (Schmitt 1963, 55). This study analyses the ideological practices of the state/power -including panoptic surveillance and organic integrity practices- in the discipline of human geography through the lenses of curriculum, scientific freedom, and autonomy. Human geographers have long analysed the sociospatial traits of societies using scientific perspectives. However, in many socioeconomically less-developed countries like Turkey, human geography and other social sciences, portray social issues through the meticulously designed ideological expectations of powers, rather than universal scientific criteria. This ideological structure damages the scientific development of human geography and hinders students’ abilities to practice coexistence with other groups by instilling a dependent consciousness.

A Statistical Analysis Model of Big Data for Precise Poverty Alleviation Based on Multisource Data Fusion

This paper adopts the method of multisource big data fusion to conduct an in-depth study and analysis of precision poverty alleviation and uses big data statistical analysis model to explore and analyze it. Combining the characteristics of big data itself and the development of precision poverty alleviation, it focuses on the exploration of big data and introduces the background, development status, and achieved results of poverty alleviation with typical cases, followed by the analysis of the problems in the process of big data precision poverty alleviation and the study of the improvement path of big data technology precision poverty alleviation. Through the comparative analysis of the simulation accuracy of three models, the results show that the random forest model has the lowest error rate, after which the importance degree of indicators is derived using the model. In addition, the empirical analysis of the preprocessed sample data for multidimensional identification of poor households yields the contribution rate of each dimensional indicator that leads to multidimensional poverty of farm households, establishing scientific judging criteria to accurately judge whether farm households are poor on the one hand and selecting accurate identification methods to achieve accurate identification of poor households on the other hand. The tenfold crossover method is used to verify the errors in the test sample set. When the number of classification trees is greater than 100, it will gradually increase. Therefore, it is most appropriate to select the number of trees as 100. The multidimensional accurate identification model of farm household poverty constructed in this paper has an accuracy rate of 90.26% for the identification of poor households. By analyzing the accuracy rate of model identification and the contribution rate of multidimensional indicators leading to the poverty of farm households at the same time, the poverty degree of farm households under each dimensional indicator is derived, to accurately identify the poor households and their poverty status. The results show that the multidimensional accurate identification model of farm household poverty has the accurate identification ability and application value in the identification problem of poor households, and through the implementation of the model algorithm, a good application environment of accurate identification of poverty is created, which provides technical support to help poverty alleviation work and improve the accuracy of identification of poor households.

Graphic representation of the degree of historical-archaeological evidence: the 3D reconstruction of the \u201cBaker\u2019s House\u201d

Over the years, the methodologies used for graphic representation in archaeology have evolved. The substantial change in representation was achieved with the use of computer software. Currently, 3D sketch scanning and photogrammetry are predominating tools used in this field. A new methodology, i.e., the use of the historical-archaeological evidence level scale, has entered this discipline to show the veracity of archaeological studies, as well as that of the vestiges found. The present study is focused on the virtual reconstruction of the ‘Baker’s House’ in the archaeological site of Torreparedones (Córdoba, Spain). The main aim of this study was to show and identify the veracity of the obtained reconstruction, through the use of the historical-archaeological evidence scale and the elaboration of a typological rank. The methodology used shows the evidence level employed by experts in the creation of virtual representations. The dissemination of the proposed historical-archaeological evidence scale entails the graphical identification of the veracity of reconstructions in this type of representations, always complying with the scientific quality criteria established by the Seville Letter.

Preface

We are pleased to introduce the Proceedings of the III conference Personnel training and legal support for the implementation of research projects of the MegaScience class (June 17, 2021) organized by the National Research Nuclear University MEPhI (Moscow Engineering Physics Institute) and the Kutafin Moscow State Law University (MSAL).The purpose of the conference is to discuss issues of personnel training and legal regulations of implementing research projects of the “MegaScience” class. The conference participants presented both positive and negative experiences in implementing scientific projects of the “MegaScience” class, their status, problems of their legal regulation, and problems of international scientific cooperation. The participants also proposed ideas for improving the regulations of the organization of these projects.Due to the current restrictions caused by the coronavirus infection COVID-19, the conference was held online with the help of video communication systems.The received papers were reviewed according to the Journal of Physics: Conference Series standards and to the scientific criteria developed by organizers. This journal volume includes 22 papers devoted to various aspects of cooperation in the field of “MegaScience” class projects. The organizing committee is very grateful to the following:• Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation, National Research Center «Kurchatov Institute», ROSATOM, Russian Foundation for Basic Research• Participants of the conference for their valuable contribution with the delivered presentations and interesting papers• Conference program committee co-chairman: Strikhanov M.N., rector of National Research Nuclear University MEPhI, and Blazheev V.V., rector of the Kutafin Moscow State Law University• Personnel of Journal of Physics for the support and communicationThis volume of the Journal of Physics: Conference Series was issued with the financial support provided by the Russian Foundation for Basic Research (grant. 18-29-15036 mk «Models of legal regulations of unique scientific facilities of “MegaScience” class at the national and international levels in the context of technological development of the Russian Federation»).Editors: Anatoly Petrukhin (MEPhI), Daria Moshkova (MSAL), Dmitry Lozovskij (MEPhI).

Efficacy and safety of activated prothrombin complex concentrate for the reversal of vitamin K antagonist major bleeding

Data on the use of activated prothrombin complex concentrate (aPCC) for the management of warfarin associated major bleeding is sparse. The objective of the study was to assess the achievement of effective clinical hemostasis using aPCC in patients presenting with major bleeding while on warfarin. We also assessed the safety of the drug. This retrospective study was conducted at a tertiary care teaching center in the USA where patients with major bleeding while receiving warfarin, and received aPCC were included. Efficacy of aPCC in achieving effective hemostasis was assessed according to the International Society of Thrombosis and Hemostasis Scientific and Standardization Subcommittee criteria. Efficacy was also assessed by achieving INR < 1.5 after treatment. The primary safety endpoint was the occurrence of any thromboembolic complications. A total of 67 patients were included in the study. The most common site for bleeding was intracerebral hemorrhage (n = 37, 55.2%), followed by gastrointestinal bleed (n = 26, 38.8%). Clinical hemostasis was achieved in 46 (68.7%) patients and of the 21 (31.3%) patients who did not achieve clinical hemostasis, 16 died. Thirty nine (58.2%) patients achieved INR < 1.5. Five (7.5%) patients developed thromboembolic complications. This study suggests that the use of aPCCs is effective in achieving effective hemostasis in patients on warfarin presenting with major bleeding.

Prothrombin complex concentrate in the management of major bleeding induced by oral anticoagulant therapy.

Objectives:To share clinical data on the efficacy of 4F-PCC in the treatment of major bleeding caused by warfarin, dabigatran, and rivaroxaban.Methods:This is a retrospective study of patients admitted to King Fahad Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia with major bleeding caused by oral anticoagulants and treated with 4-factor prothrombin complex concentrate (4F-PCC). The International Society of Thrombosis and Hemostasis Scientific and Standardization Subcommittee criteria were used to evaluate the effectiveness of PCCs.Results:A total of 22 patients were included in the study. Ten of the events were caused by gastrointestinal bleeding (46%). In the majority of patients, anticoagulation was prescribed for stroke prevention, atrial fibrillation, and venous thromboembolism. The median international normalized ratio was significantly lower before and after PCC administration (p<0.001). In patients treated with 4-factor PCC, the rate of thromboembolic events was 0%. The hemostatic effectiveness of PCC was effective in 19 patients. During treatment, no clinically significant bleeding complications occurred.Conclusion:Prothrombin complex concentrate can effectively reverse the effects of warfarin and rivaroxaban in patients with major bleeding, but only partially reverses the effect of dabigatran.

ARTIGO DE REVISÃOVISÃO MÉDICO LEGAL A RESPEITO DAS CHUVAS E DESLIZAMENTOS NA REGIÃO SERRANA DO RIO DE JANEIRO: UMA REVISÃO BIBLIOGRÁFICA

Introduction: The article is a literature review that aims to analyze, from the perspective of Legal Medicine, the consequences of rains and landslides in the Serrana region of Rio de Janeiro in 2011, with an emphasis on the work of medical examiners with regard to medical expertise in large-scale disasters. Method: The bibliographic databases used to search the National Library of Medicine (PUBMED) and Scientific Electronic Library Online (SCIELO), in addition to manuals, magazines, and a literature listed in the Fundamentals of Legal Medicine by Genival Veloso de França. All the selected bibliography was published between the years 2008 to 2022. Conclusão: After the discussion and analysis of the data, it was possible to conclude that in calamitous events, sudden and of harmful proportions, it is essential that the process of identification of the human bodies be carried out by a qualified team of medical experts, followed by scientific forensic identification criterion, thus avoiding inaccuracies in this process.

Geoheritage in the Minett UNESCO Biosphere (Southern Luxembourg): Inventory, Evaluation, and Conservation Aspects of Representative Geosites

The southwestern part of Luxembourg, known as Minett in the local language use, exposes an exceptionally high diversity of marine near-shore sediment rocks from the Early to Middle Jurassic, owing to its proximal position at the north-eastern margins of the Paris Basin. The iconic Minette ironstone formation is known as the worldwide largest oolitic ironstone deposit from the last 500 my and the abandoned open cast mines are nowadays protected sites with a high biodiversity, intrinsically linked to geodiversity. The schistes bitumineux unit, a lateral equivalent of the well-known Posidonienschiefer of the Holzmaden region (South Germany), is frequently studied for its exceptionally preserved fossils of marine vertebrates, cephalopods, and insect remains, deserving its status as a Fossil-Lagerstätte of international relevance. Of regional importance are the Rumelange limestones, with coral patch-reef paleo-environments. The geomorphological main feature of the region is the Cuesta of the Middle Jurassic (‘Dogger-Schichtstufe’), with several outliers (‘Zeugenberge’) that represent widely visible landmarks in the landscape. In this paper, 16 geosites, representative of the geological, palaeontological, geomorphological, and hydrogeological heritage in the Minett UNESCO biosphere, are presented and evaluated according to scientific, educational, and geotouristic criteria.

Peer review declaration for IC-MAME 2021

All papers published in this volume of IOP Conference Series: Materials Science and Engineering have been peer reviewed through processes administered by the Editors. Reviews were conducted by expert referees to the professional and scientific standards expected of a proceedings journal published by IOP Publishing.• Type of peer review : Single-blind• Conference submission management system : Easy Chair(https://easychair.org/cfp/icmame2021)• Number of submissions received : 150 (One hundred fifty)• Number of submissions sent for review : 140 (One hundred fourty)• Number of submissions accepted : 67 (Sixtyseven)• Number of submissions accepted for IOP : 67 (Sixty seven)• Acceptance Rate : 44.66%• Average number of reviews per paper : 02 (Two)• Total number of reviewers involved : 197 (One ninety seven)• Any additional info on review process: Manuscripts submitted to the IC-MAME 2021 conference were initially screened by the editorial team. After initial screening, manuscripts were sent to at least two experts for peer review. All manuscripts submitted to the conference were single-blind peer-reviewed and were carried out to meet the scientific criteria of novelty and academic excellence. The review process was conducted according to the review policy of IOP conference series. Peer reviewers independently made a recommendation to the conference editors as to whether the manuscript should be rejected or accepted (with or without revisions). Manuscripts with revision were submitted again, accompanied by a file describing the changes wherever needed, and finally decision were made by the editors. The editors informed decision to accept or reject the manuscript.• Contact person for queries: Dr. Rajesh Kumar(+91 9501019371; rajeshmadan@gmail.com.)Dr. Gaurav Sapra(+919815858051; gaurav.sapra@pu.ac.in)

The PLATO field selection process

PLAnetary Transits and Oscillations of stars is an ESA M-class satellite planned for launch by the end of 2026 and dedicated to the wide-field search of transiting planets around bright and nearby stars, with a strong focus on discovering habitable rocky planets hosted by solar-like stars. The choice of the fields to be pointed at is a crucial task since it has a direct impact on the scientific return of the mission. In this paper, we describe and discuss the formal requirements and the key scientific prioritization criteria that have to be taken into account in the Long-duration Observation Phase (LOP) field selection, and apply a quantitative metric to guide us in this complex optimization process. We identify two provisional LOP fields, one for each hemisphere (LOPS1 and LOPN1), and we discuss their properties and stellar content. While additional fine-tuning shall be applied to LOP selection before the definitive choice, which is set to be made two years before launch, we expect that their position will not move by more than a few degrees with respect to what is proposed in this paper.