Specific Questions Research Articles

Charge for building rights: a puzzle to be solved

This paper proposes a methodology to assess the degree of understanding of the urban planning tool "charge for building rights" (CBR / outorga onerosa do direito de construir) by municipal governments in Brazil, based on the analysis of their master plans. The CBR is an urban planning tool which was nationally regulated by the City Statute in 2001 and included in a large number of master plans developed thereafter. Its conception is quite complex and its application depends on a distinguished technical capacity. Hence, the way the CBR is presented in the master plan text provides clues about how that administration intends (or not) to implement the instrument in its territory. It is inferred that the tool just cited or poorly specified in that regulation will probably not be used, or its applicability will be endangered. The proposed methodology involves the analysis of legal texts based on six groups of criteria. Specific questions were developed for each group, the answers were valued (1 or 0), and the numbers obtained were processed in a specific way for each criteria grouping. The combination of scores obtained per group provides an index per city. This index ranges from zero to one: the closer to one, the more detailed the instrument, and the more capable the municipality is to apply it, and vice versa. This methodology was applied to 159 master plans of municipalities in the State of São Paulo. The results show that, in general, the cities do not have a full understanding of this new urban planning tool. In other words, the instrument remains an enigma to be unraveled for a large portion of municipal administrations.

Contributing Factors to Adverse Events in Long-Term Care Facilities in Ireland, a Content Analysis

ObjectivesThere is substantial research on contributing factors to adverse events (AEs) in acute settings. Little is known about AEs in long-term care facilities (LTCFs). Our aim was to identify contributing factors to AEs from LTCFs for older persons and people with disability to inform quality improvement. DesignContent analysis of statutory notifications of AEs from LTCFs using a modified version of the Human Factors Analysis and Classifications System (HFACS) applied to health care. SettingA sample of high risk-rated notifications of AEs received by the regulator in 2018 and 2019 was drawn from the Database of Statutory Notifications from Social Care in Ireland (n = 156). MethodsTwo researchers independently analyzed notifications to identify contributing factors using our modified HFACS. The number of factors identified in each level, subcategory, and nanocode of the HFACS was calculated along with percentage representation of factors within notifications and percentage contribution of individual factors to the total number of factors identified. The number and percentage contributions of factors were also calculated, disaggregated by notification type. ResultsContributing factors from all levels of the HFACS were identified. The most common contributing factor was “Resident factors” followed by “Unsafe acts.” No contributing factors were attributed to 68 notifications (43.6%). Multiple contributing factors were attributed to 45 notifications (28.8%). The largest percentage of factors was identified in notifications of serious injuries (27.4%). Conclusion and ImplicationsIt is the responsibility of LTCFs to account for “Resident factors” in system design, risk management, and care plans. Developing systems and processes that identify where residents have higher risk of harm may reduce the occurrence of high-risk events and thus improve resident safety. The large proportion of notifications where no contributing factors were identified suggests the need for improved reflection and reporting from LTCFs and for more specific questions on notification forms.

How to Formulate a Research Question, Hypothesis and Objective for a Clinical Study?

A research study mainly addresses a specific research question (s) which is to be primarily answeredafter completion of that clinical study. As such, the considered research question decides the hypothesisof the study. Ultimately, the hypothesis of a study determines the objectives of that study. Generally, astudy’s planning also relies on the primary research question/objective of that study. Keeping in viewof the pivotal role of these facts, the present write-up aims to briefly address important issues whiledeciding the research question, hypothesis and objective (s) of a clinical study.

Literature search in systematic reviews: How much is good enough?

BackgroundSystematic reviews focus on performing exhaustive literature searches to address specific research questions. However, in practice, many reviews search a limited number of databases. ObjectiveThis analysis was undertaken to identify the potential impact of searching a limited number of databases in systematic reviews. MethodsTwo recently published systematic reviews addressing the same research question, but using different search strategies, were utilized as a case study. Both were published in 2023, less than 6 months apart. One of these searched Pubmed and Embase; whereas the other searched through Pubmed and the Cochrane Library. Information on the review characteristics, detailed methodology, search strategy, reviewers’ results and conclusions; were extracted. Both reviews were appraised for methodological quality using the AMSTAR-2 checklist. ResultsThe search output of the two reviews was vastly different. Using a step-wise screening process, the two reviews finally included 16 and 11 studies. Among these, only 4 studies were included in both reviews, suggesting that both reviews missed multiple eligible studies. The data on the primary outcomes were also very different in the two reviews, suggesting that neither could be considered completely reliable for decision-making by stakeholders. ConclusionThis analysis highlights the risk of bias arising in systematic reviews undertaking limited literature searches, especially limited number of databases for published literature. The commonly employed practice of searching two databases in systematic reviews, needs to be rectified urgently.

How, when, and who should ask about pregnancy intentions in primary care? A qualitative study of women's preferences.

For health services to help people plan for or prevent pregnancy, health professionals need an acceptable way to identify individuals' preferences. To assess women's views on the acceptability of specific questions about pregnancy preferences when asked by health professionals in a variety of primary care contexts. One-to-one in-depth interviews with 13 women aged 18-48 from across the UK, involving role-play scenarios and ranking exercises. Interviews covered a range of settings and health professionals, different question wording, and ways of asking (in person or digitally). We conducted a thematic Framework Analysis, focussing on themes relating to feelings and preferences. Women were generally open to being asked about pregnancy preferences if they understood the rationale, it was asked in a relevant context, such as in women's health-related consultations, and there was follow-up. After signposting, an open question, such as 'How would you feel about having a baby in the next year?' was preferred in a face-to-face context as it enabled discussion. While some women valued a face-to-face discussion with a health professional, for others the privacy and convenience of a digital option was preferred; methods should be tailored to the target population. Discussion of pregnancy preferences via a range of formats is acceptable to, and valued by, women in the UK across a range of primary care settings. Acceptability to health professionals and feasibility of implementation needs further exploration and would benefit from greater public awareness of the benefits of pregnancy planning.

Sovyet Sonrası Bağlamında Genç Bir Gagauzca Konuşuru Olmak

The concept of identity assumes great importance in the context of endangered languages. In this study, the identity perceptions of Gagauz adolescents were investigated using Bucholtz and Hall's (2005) sociocultural linguistic approach. To this end, semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with three adolescent Gagauz speakers who had distinctive profiles in terms of Gagauz identity. Bucholtz and Hall's indexicality principle, specifically the use of WE- and THEY- references, was taken into consideration in the analysis of interviews held with young Gagauz speakers. In the semi-structured interviews, the participants responded to specific questions that probed self-identification, the relationship between the Gagauz language and ethnicity, the future of Gagauz people and Gagauz language, and perceived linguistic (in)security when speaking Gagauz and Russian languages, as well as language choice at school. The findings show that the participants have different profiles and use various indexical references and linguistic strategies regarding group membership. The influence of Russia and the Russian language on Gagauz identity is salient in social life, bureaucracy, and politics. As a result, the strong identification with ethnic identity and perception of Gagauz identity does not help maintain the Gagauz language in Gagauzia.

A Comprehensive Review on Clinical Trials

A clinical trial is an inquiry carried out on human participants in order to investigate specific medical-related questions. The Clinical trials are the most efficient and secure way to improve a patient's health and find a medication that works for them. In a controlled environment, investigational studies determine the safety and effectiveness of new therapeutic modalities or experimental treatments. Health issues in large populations or groups in their natural settings are the focus of observational studies. A major and highly specialised kind of biological experiment used to gauge a treatment's effectiveness is called a clinical trial. Phase I pharmacokinetics, safety, and gross effects are investigated by clinical pharmacologists on human subjects. If the medication passes the test, it advances to phase II trials, where clinical pharmacologists examine the safety, therapeutic efficacy, and pharmacokinetics of the medication on a patient subset. Hundreds of these patients are subsequently examined in phase III trials, primarily for safety and therapeutic efficacy, if the drug is approved. The medication is now authorized and on the market if this is approved. Even after the treatment has been put on the market, doctors from various clinics and hospitals still offer their assessments of it, including how effective it is in phase. 4[1].

Manx speakers, language, and identity

Manx, the Goidelic language of the Isle of Man, has no extant traditional native speakers. However, thanks to the efforts of language activists and others involved in language revival, there exists a community of around 2200 people who claim competence in the language (Isle of Man Government 2021), of which a smaller portion will have advanced competence in Manx. All members of the Manx speaker community could be described as ‘new speakers’, having acquired this revitalized minority language primarily through means other than first language transmission in the home (O’Rourke, Pujolar, and Ramallo 2015: 1). The members of the Manx new speaker community, despite many having acquired “a socially and communicatively consequential level of competence” (Jaffe 2015: 25) in the traditional language of the Isle of Man, vary in terms of their national, ethnic, and linguistic backgrounds. Postmodern approaches to sociolinguistics challenge the assumption of a straightforward link between identity, especially national identity, and linguistic practice. The complexity of the elationship between language and identity is especially evident in cases of multilingual minority language communities – such as the extant Celtic-speaking communities. The present paper explores the relationship between identity and language use among Manx new speakers. It discusses the following specific question: How do new speakers of Manx understand and identify with ‘Manxness’? The paper uses a corpus of sociolinguistic interview and ethnographic observation data gathered from fieldwork among the Manx new speaker community as part of the author’s PhD thesis. The researcher, a Manx new speaker herself, spent six months gathering data, both through traditional sociolinguistic methods, such as interviews and questionnaires, and through ethnographic methods, namely participant observation in various contexts. The analysis of this novel spoken corpus offers a much-needed view into identity and language use in a 21st-century Celtic language community that lacks extant native speakers.

Pax7 reporter mouse models: a pocket guide for satellite cell research.

Since their discovery, satellite cells have showcased their need as primary contributors to skeletal muscle maintenance and repair. Satellite cells lay dormant, but when needed, activate, differentiate, fuse to fibres and self-renew, that has bestowed satellite cells with the title of muscle stem cells. The satellite cell specific transcription factor Pax7 has enabled researchers to develop animal models against the Pax7 locus in order to isolate and characterise satellite cell-mediated events. This review focuses specifically on describing Pax7 reporter mouse models. Here we describe how each model was generated and the key findings obtained. The strengths and limitations of each model are also discussed. The aim is to provide new and current satellite cell enthusiasts with a basic understanding of the available Pax7 reporter mice and hopefully guide selection of the most appropriate Pax7 model to answer a specific research question.

The Role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Vocational Education

<p><em>Artificial Intelligence is a technology that has rapidly developed in this decade. Its capability to perform tasks previously achievable only by humans has made this technology popular and utilized across various sectors, including vocational education. In vocational education, Artificial Intelligence plays a role in enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of teaching. One example is the development of adaptive learning programs that can adjust the curriculum according to students' abilities and needs. Additionally, Artificial Intelligence is also used to evaluate student performance and provide automatic feedback. This system can assist in assessing and monitoring student performance, enabling teachers to focus on teaching and student development. This study used the Systematic Literature Review (SLR) method. This method is used to identify, assess, evaluate, and interpret all available research within the field of the relevant phenomenon, guided by specific research questions. By using this method, a systematic review and identification of journals can be conducted, following predefined steps. The data for this study is obtained from relevant journals between the years 2013 to 2021, totaling 15 literature journals from various countries. The primary goal of this research is to provide a deeper understanding of the role of this technology in vocational education and to present a framework that can be used as a guide for the implementation of Artificial Intelligence. It is anticipated that this research will assist educators and decision-makers in effectively utilizing Artificial Intelligence to enhance learning, skills, and vocational student preparation for the continually evolving job market.</em></p>

The effect of clustering algorithms on question answering

Question answering (QA) is one of the essential fields in information retrieval where specific answers are provided instead of large documents. The relations among questions and answers are determined using natural language processing techniques while clustering algorithms can be helpful in improving the effectiveness of result retrieval by reducing the amount of required comparisons for a specific question or answer. In this work, we introduce a clustering-based approach for a QA system. This approach groups related questions into clusters using different clustering algorithms, specifies the appropriate answer using similarity methods between the answers and the generated clusters, and then assigns answers to their most related questions. Different clustering algorithms, such as k-means, spherical k-means, single-linkage hierarchical clustering (SLHA), unweighted pair group method with arithmetic mean (UPGMA), expectation–maximization (EM), and clustering Arabic documents based on bond energy (CADBE), are tested. The effectiveness of a clustering algorithm is investigated with respect to certain factors, including number of clusters, text representation, similarity measure between answers and clusters, and similarity measure between answers and questions in a selected cluster. In addition, a comprehensive ranking system is introduced to evaluate the performance of clustering algorithms. Evaluation is performed using the Dataset of Arabic Why Question Answering System (DAWQAS) and the Multilingual Question Answering (MLQA) dataset. Results show that CADBE achieves the highest accuracy and the first rank, followed by SLHA and UPGMA, while spherical k-means has the lowest rank. The performance of clustering algorithms for MLQA dataset is affected by its characteristics, such as short questions, long and varied answers, and diverse subject domains. Unigram and bigram intersection measures perform well in most cases. Term frequency inverse document frequency representation outperforms word embedding in DAWQAS. Overall, the experiments provide insights into the performance of clustering algorithms in QA systems.

A full-document analysis of the semantic relation between European Public Assessment Reports and EMA guidelines using a BERT language model

In the European Union, the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use of the European Medicines Agency (EMA) develop guidelines to guide drug development, supporting development of efficacious and safe medicines. A European Public Assessment Report (EPAR) is published for every medicine application that has been granted or refused marketing authorisation within the EU. In this work, we study the use of text embeddings and similarity metrics to investigate the semantic similarity between EPARs and EMA guidelines. All 1024 EPARs for initial marketing authorisations from 2008 to 2022 was compared to the 669 current EMA scientific guidelines. Documents were converted to plain text and split into overlapping chunks, generating 265,757 EPAR and 27,649 guideline text chunks. Using a Sentence BERT language model, the chunks were transformed into embeddings and fed into an in-house piecewise matching algorithm to estimate the full-document semantic distance. In an analysis of the document distance scores and product characteristics using a linear regression model, EPARs of anti-virals for systemic use (ATC code J05) and antihemorrhagic medicines (B02) present with statistically significant lower overall semantic distance to guidelines compared to other therapeutic areas, also when adjusting for product age and EPAR length. In conclusion, we believe our approach provides meaningful insight into the interplay between EMA scientific guidelines and the assessment made during regulatory review, and could potentially be used to answer more specific questions such as which therapeutic areas could benefit from additional regulatory guidance.

A generalization of the Taylor's theorem

In mathematics, Taylor's theorem is a formula that uses the information of a function to describe its proximity to a point. If the function is smooth enough, the conductive values can be used to construct a multiform to approximate the the function in the neighboring area of that point, which can even be extended to the convergence radius of the scale. Taylor’s theorem also gives the deviation between this multiform and the actual function value. The essay includes the proof and application of Taylor’s theorem and the Taylor’s theorem in multivariate functions. Special functions are set with unknown coefficients to deduce the Taylor’s theorem. Specific questions are solved by using the Taylor’s theorem as some examples. Taylor's theorem is frequently applied in real-world settings to solve problems. For instance, in engineering, it can be used to build a variety of numerical simulations and optimization algorithms. In physics, it can be used to analyze data from physical experiments. In finance, it can be used to manage risk and set prices for financial transactions.

Selection of Non-vitamin K Antagonist Oral Anticoagulant for Stroke Prevention in Atrial Fibrillation Based on Patient Profile: Perspectives from Vietnamese Experts. Part 2.

Part 1 of this review provided an overview of AF in Vietnam, with a particular focus on primary and secondary stroke prevention. Part 2 explores the management of AF in special, high-risk and clinically common patient populations, including those with renal impairment, diabetes, the elderly, and those with coronary artery disease. Furthermore, Part 2 addresses the challenges posed by patients with AF who have a bioprosthetic valve, a group situated in a grey area of consideration. Managing AF in these patient groups presents unique clinical challenges that require careful consideration. Physicians are tasked with addressing specific clinical questions to identify the optimal anticoagulation strategy for each individual. To inform these decisions, subgroup analyses from pivotal studies are presented alongside real-world data derived from clinical practice. By synthesising available information and considering the nuanced clinical context, the aim is to provide informed perspectives that align with current medical knowledge and contribute to the enhancement of patient care in these challenging scenarios.

Investigation of motor unit behavior in exercise and sports physiology: challenges and perspectives.

Several methods are in use to record and analyze neuronal activation, each with specific advantages and challenges. New developments like the decomposition of high-density surface electromyography (HDsEMG) have enabled novel insights into discharge characteristics noninvasively in laboratory settings but face certain challenges to be applied in sports physiology in a broader scope. Several challenges can be accounted for by methodological considerations, others require further technological developments to allow this technology to be used in more applied settings. This paper aims to describe the developments of surface electromyography and identify the challenges and perspectives of HDsEMG in the context of an application in sports physiology. We further discuss methodological possibilities to overcome some of the challenges to investigate specific research questions and identify areas that require further advancements.

Rational solutions and some interactions phenomena of a (3+1)-dimensional BLMP equation in incompressible fluids: A Hirota bilinear method and dimensionally reduction approach

This manuscript addresses the rational solutions of a (3+1)-dimensional Boiti–Leon–Manna–Pempinelli (BLMP) equation, emphasizing key aspects in response to specific questions. The study begins by elucidating the problem’s significance, highlighting the pursuit of rational solutions for the mentioned equation. The methodology involves obtaining the Hirota bilinear (HB) form through a transformative process. Furthermore, the analysis extends to the dimensionally reduced BLMP equation, specifically exploring lump and rogue wave-like (Rwl) solutions, along with the interaction between kink and lump solutions. The HB forms play a crucial role in this examination. Importantly, the solutions presented in this study are characterized as non-singular and localized. Visualizations of these solutions are instrumental in understanding the equation’s behavior, particularly how the solutions evolve under varying physical conditions. The outcomes are visually conveyed through 3D and surface graphs, offering a comprehensive representation for specific parameter values. In conclusion, this work contributes novel insights beyond previous efforts in the literature, showcasing the importance and advancements in the study of the (3+1)-dimensional BLMP equation.

Exposure Versus Cognitive Restructuring Techniques in Brief Internet-Based Cognitive Behavioral Treatment for Arabic-Speaking People With Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: Randomized Clinical Trial.

Cognitive behavioral interventions delivered via the internet are demonstrably efficacious treatment options for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in underserved, Arabic-speaking populations. However, the role of specific treatment components remains unclear, particularly in conflict-affected areas of the Middle East and North Africa. This study aims to evaluate 2 brief internet-based treatments in terms of efficacy, including change in PTSD symptom severity during treatment. Both treatments were developed in line with Interapy, an internet-based, therapist-assisted cognitive behavioral therapy protocol for PTSD and adapted to the specific research question. The first treatment comprised self-confrontation and social sharing (exposure treatment; 6 sessions); the second comprised cognitive restructuring and social sharing (cognitive restructuring treatment; 6 sessions). The 2 treatments were compared with each other and with a waitlist control group. In total, 365 Arabic-speaking participants from the Middle East and North Africa (mean age 25.49, SD 6.68 y) with PTSD were allocated to cognitive restructuring treatment (n=118, 32.3%), exposure treatment (n=122, 33.4%), or a waitlist control group (n=125, 34.2%) between February 2021 and December 2022. PTSD symptom severity, posttraumatic maladaptive cognitions, anxiety, depressive and somatoform symptom severity, and quality of life were assessed via self-report at baseline and after treatment or waiting time. PTSD symptom severity was also measured throughout treatment or waiting time. Treatment satisfaction was assessed after treatment completion. Treatment use and satisfaction were compared between the 2 treatment conditions using appropriate statistical tests (eg, chi-square and Welch tests). Multiple imputation was performed to address missing data and evaluate treatment-associated changes. These changes were analyzed using multigroup change modeling in the completer and intention-to-treat samples. Overall, 200 (N=240, 83.3%) participants started any of the treatments, of whom 123 (61.5%) completed the treatment. Treatment condition was not significantly associated with the proportion of participants who started versus did not start treatment (P=.20) or with treatment completion versus treatment dropout (P=.71). High treatment satisfaction was reported, with no significant differences between the treatment conditions (P=.48). In both treatment conditions, PTSD, anxiety, depressive and somatoform symptom severity, and posttraumatic maladaptive cognitions decreased, and quality of life improved significantly from baseline to the posttreatment time point (P≤.001 in all cases). Compared with the baseline assessment, overall PTSD symptom severity decreased significantly after 4 sessions in both treatment conditions (P<.001). Moreover, both treatment conditions were significantly superior to the waitlist control group regarding overall PTSD symptom severity (P<.001) and most other comorbid mental health symptoms (P<.001 to P=.03). Differences between the 2 conditions in the magnitude of change for all outcome measures were nonsignificant. Internet-based cognitive behavioral treatments for PTSD focusing primarily on either self-confrontation or cognitive restructuring are applicable and efficacious for Arabic-speaking participants. German Clinical Trials Register DRKS00010245; https://drks.de/search/de/trial/DRKS00010245.

The association between electronic health information usage and patient-centered communication: a cross sectional analysis from the Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS)

BackgroundPatient-provider communication can be assessed by the patient-centered communication (PCC) score. With rapid development of electronic health (eHealth) information usage, we are uncertain of their role in PCC. Our study aims to determine the association between PCC and eHealth usage with the analysis of national representative survey data.MethodsThis is a cross sectional analysis using the Health Information National Trends Survey 5 (HINTS 5) cycle 1 to cycle 4 data (2017–2020). Seven specific questions were used for PCC assessment, and eHealth usage was divided into two types (private-eHealth and public-eHealth usage). A multivariate logistic regression was performed to determine the association between PCC and eHealth usage after the adjustment of other social, demographic, and clinical variables.ResultsOur study analyzed a total of 13,055 unweighted participants representing a weighted population of 791,877,728. Approximately 43% of individuals used private eHealth and 19% used public eHealth. The adjusted odds ratio (AOR) of private-eHealth usage associated with positive PCC was 1.17 (95% CI 1.02–1.35, p = 0.027). The AOR of public-eHealth usage associated with positive PCC was 0.84 (95% CI 0.71–0.99, p = 0.043).ConclusionOur study found that eHealth usage association with PCC varies. Private-eHealth usage was positively associated with PCC, whereas public-eHealth usage was negatively associated with PCC.

Potential Impact of Using ChatGPT-3.5 in the Theoretical and Practical Multi-Level Approach to Open-Source Remote Sensing Archaeology, Preliminary Considerations

This study aimed to evaluate the impact of using an AI model, specifically ChatGPT-3.5, in remote sensing (RS) applied to archaeological research. It assessed the model’s abilities in several aspects, in accordance with a multi-level analysis of its usefulness: providing answers to both general and specific questions related to archaeological research; identifying and referencing the sources of information it uses; recommending appropriate tools based on the user’s desired outcome; assisting users in performing basic functions and processes in RS for archaeology (RSA); assisting users in carrying out complex processes for advanced RSA; and integrating with the tools and libraries commonly used in RSA. ChatGPT-3.5 was selected due to its availability as a free resource. The research also aimed to analyse the user’s prior skills, competencies, and language proficiency required to effectively utilise the model for achieving their research goals. Additionally, the study involved generating JavaScript code for interacting with the free Google Earth Engine tool as part of its research objectives. Use of these free tools, it was possible to demonstrate the impact that ChatGPT-3.5 can have when embedded in an archaeological RS flowchart on different levels. In particular, it was shown to be useful both for the theoretical part and for the generation of simple and complex processes and elaborations.

Characterization of two near-infrared genetically encoded voltage indicators.

Efforts starting more than 20 years ago led to increasingly well performing genetically encoded voltage indicators (GEVIs) for optical imaging at wavelengths . Although optical imaging in the wavelength range has many advantages over shorter wavelength approaches for mesoscopic in vivo monitoring of neuronal activity in the mammalian brain, the availability and evaluation of well performing near-infrared GEVIs are still limited. Here, we characterized two recent near-infrared GEVIs, Archon1 and nirButterfly, to support interested tool users in selecting a suitable near-infrared GEVI for their specific research question requirements. We characterized side-by-side the brightness, sensitivity, and kinetics of both near-infrared GEVIs in a setting focused on population imaging. We found that nirButterfly shows seven-fold higher brightness than Archon1 under the same conditions and faster kinetics than Archon1 for population imaging without cellular resolution. But Archon1 showed larger signals than nirButterfly. Neither GEVI characterized here surpasses in all three key parameters (brightness, kinetics, and sensitivity), so there is no unequivocal preference for one of the two. Our side-by-side characterization presented here provides new information for future in vitro and ex vivo experimental designs.