Unique Environment Research Articles

The interplay of parasocial interaction, source credibility and homophily for influencer marketing success in the Middle East

While there are many studies on social media influencers, research that considers cultural contexts is rare. This paper aims to fill this research gap by analysing the success factors of influencer marketing in the unique environment of women in the Middle Eastern beauty market. Data were collected via an online survey (n = 892). Partial least square structural equation modelling (PLS-PM) was conducted to test hypotheses. The findings reveal significant positive relationships between parasocial interaction and purchase intention, indicating that Middle Eastern women who engage in parasocial interaction with influencers demonstrate a higher intention to purchase. The results also support direct positive effects of perceived source credibility and homophily on purchase intention. Furthermore, source credibility moderates the relationship between parasocial interaction and purchase intention. This paper presents theoretical and practical implications which have been derived from the study.

Demilitarization, security, and democracy in Panama

ABSTRACT Demilitarization always occurs as a result of critical historical junctures. Panama is one of only two states in the post-World War II era, however, that – having experienced such a formative moment – abolished its military and stood by that decision. The lustre of this extraordinary achievement may have faded in past decades, but it should not have. This article makes four arguments: (1) Panama had a more difficult task in eliminating its military than Costa Rica; (2) it has also faced more trying security challenges than its neighbour to the north; (3) despite some setbacks and problems, it has managed the obstacles posed by its unique environment well; and (4) Panamanians enjoy the benefits and strongly support their country’s demilitarized status.

A new approach to assessment of supergene geochemical gold anomalies, exemplified by the Soldat massif (Murun massif of the Aldan shield)

Lithochemical prospecting by secondary scattering halos is considered in practice as attempts to locate ore body outcrops or to significantly reduce the search area. Even when all commonly accepted methodological principles are followed, the researchers rarely show interest in the identified anomalies, for which the vast majority of forecast resources are calculated. The problem lies in the fact that the calculated resources are usually not confirmed, and many anomalies are recognized as false or related to elevated Clarkes of the elements in the rocks. At the phase preceding the exploration drilling and mining workings, the main task is to determine the prospectivity of a certain anomaly. A methodological approach allowing one to justify the prospectivity of identified anomalies was developed using the Soldat massif as an example. Its essence consists in clarifying the contact interaction between the rocks of the massif and the host rocks by analyzing their covering hypergene analogues. Using factor analysis, based on the division of the main rock-forming elements, the spatial position is determined of the main rock types that make up the geological structure of the area. Within a zone of overlapping factors of the rock-forming elements, anomalies of Au, As, Cu, W, Co, Ni, and other elements are established. The localization of these anomalies within the contour of superposition of the rock-forming factors is considered a potential reflection of specific features of the contact interaction between rocks of different types and compositions. The main goal of the article is to attract the attention of researchers to similar situations so as not to miss weak anomalies. For example, positive significant correlations of ore elements are established in samples taken from the zone of overlapping rock-forming factors, while no correlations are observed in samples taken outside this zone. This indicates a unique geochemical environment that needs to be considered and used to predict potential mineralization. All subsequent constructions are related to geometrizing a detailed area in accordance with the identified zone where the main associations of chemical elements were established and the zonal structure of the secondary geochemical field of the massif was studied.

The genetic origins of species boundaries at subtropical and temperate ecoregions in the North American racers (Coluber constrictor).

Phylogeographically structured lineages are a common outcome of range-wide population genetic studies. In the southeastern United States, disconnection between populations found at the intersection of the southeastern coastal plains of peninsular Florida and the southeastern plains of the adjacent continent is readily apparent among many plants and animals. However, the timing and maintenance of species boundaries between these distinctly different subtropical and temperate regions remains unknown for all organisms studied there. Using genome-scale data, we examine the timing of origins, gene flow, and the movement of genes under selection in unique ecoregions within the North American racers (Coluber constrictor). Isolation-migration models along with tests of genome-wide selection, locus-environment associations, and spatial and genomic clines demonstrate that two unrecognized species are present and are in contact at the boundary of these two ecoregions. We show that selection at several loci associated with unique environments have maintained species boundaries despite constant levels of gene flow between these lineages over thousands of generations. This research provides a new avenue of research to examine speciation processes in poorly studied biodiversity hotspots.

Governance challenges to protect globally important ecosystem services of the Antarctic and Southern Ocean

Abstract Antarctica and the Southern Ocean (A&SO) has a unique environment that plays an important role in the Earth’s life-support systems. It has no indigenous human population but hosts around 5000 researchers and is visited by more than 100 000 tourists per year. In this paper, we describe the biophysical processes that create the region’s ecosystem services, outlining their related governance systems within the Antarctic Treaty System (ATS), and show the global distribution of the ecosystem service beneficiaries. These services clearly support populations across the world but are endangered by anthropogenic activities, which the current place-based ATS is not empowered to control. We discuss whether it is possible to use insights from Elinor Ostrom’s work on managing the commons, including her eight core design principles and the idea of Common Asset Trusts, to better harness efforts to protect ALL of the region’s ecosystem services. We note that many existing arrangements associated with the ATS are already well-aligned with Ostrom’s design principles but need to be expanded to better protect the globally important ecosystem services produced by A&SO.

How Different Training Types and Computer Anxiety Influence Performance and Experiences in Virtual Reality

Virtual reality (VR) can place people in unique environments and facilitate engagement, making it a compelling tool for storytelling and learning. However, experiencing narratives requires immersion, which can be difficult for those who are anxious about technology. Prior research has shown that training new users on how to use VR before they engage in learning tasks housed in VR is critical. The right kind of training and targeted guidance may help people, including those with computer anxiety, better navigate virtual experiences. However, best practices for how training should be administered remain unclear. This study examined how training type (paper, video, and VR) and computer anxiety influenced outcomes using a large sample size (<em>n</em> = 284). We measured performance and self-reported outcomes while participants navigated computer-graphic scenes, manipulated three-dimensional objects, and watched a narrative 360° video. Results showed that participants who received training via video or VR mastered more VR functions than those who received training via paper. Additionally, those who trained directly in VR had less of a negative experience using VR for completing tasks. Furthermore, participants who trained in VR perceived the training as more useful and found the VR tasks to be easier compared to those who received training in paper or video. Finally, those with high levels of computer anxiety, regardless of training, had more negative outcomes than those with low computer anxiety, including having less mastery of VR functions and engagement with the 360° video content, perceiving the training as being less useful, completing tasks with more difficulty, and having more of a negative experience. Our results suggest that keeping the medium the same both during training and doing is ideal. We discuss implications for theories of information processing in VR, as well as implications for scaled engagement with narratives and learning in VR.

A Hybrid Miniaturized Modular Probe for Minimally Invasive Neural Intervention

AbstractBrain's unique anatomical structure and physiological environment make it difficult to deliver therapeutic agents such as drug or light to a focal volume in brain for disease treatment. Physically targeting a fine structure in brain with a micro‐neural probe is an effective solution. Here, we present a hybrid miniaturized neural probe designed with micro‐fluidic channel(s) for drug delivery, micro‐electrode(s) for neural sensing and an optical fiber for optical‐related treatment. These functional components are integrated in a micro‐cannula (diameter <300 µm) with modular design and fabrication properties which can be conveniently adjusted for diverse applications. In vitro and in vivo tests confirm that this probe can precisely deliver drug to a focal volume in brain bypassing the blood brain barrier, and on‐site neural sensing can be achieved with the integrated neural electrode. Leveraging near infrared light’s scattering properties in brain, we demonstrate in vivo with rat glioblastoma model that this hybrid neural probe can be a platform for photothermal treatment of brain tumor. With these merits, the hybrid miniaturized neural probe will be an effective tool with great translational potentials for minimally invasive neural intervention such as drug delivery or combination treatment of brain diseases.

An integrated multi-omics analysis identifies novel regulators of circadian rhythm and sleep disruptions under unique light environment in Antarctica.

Light is the dominant zeitgeber for biological clocks, and its regulatory mechanism for sleep-wake activity has been extensively studied. However, the molecular pathways through which the unique Antarctic light environment, with polar days in summer and polar nights in winter, affects human sleep and circadian rhythm remain largely unidentified, although previous studies have observed delayed circadian rhythm and sleep disruptions among expeditioners during polar nights. In this study, we conducted comprehensive dynamic research on the expeditioners residing in Antarctica for over one year. By integrating the phenotypic changes with multi-omics data, we tried to identify the novel candidate regulators and their correlation networks involved in circadian and sleep disorders under abnormal light exposure. We found that during the austral winter, expeditioners exhibited delayed bedtime and getting up time, reduced sleep efficiency, and increased sleep fragmentation. Meanwhile, serum dopamine metabolite levels significantly increased, while serotonin metabolites and antioxidants decreased. These changes were accompanied by altered expression of genes and proteins associated with neural functions, cellular activities, transcriptional regulation, and so on. Through the correlation and causal mediation analysis, we identified several potential pathways modulating human sleep-wake activity, involving genes and proteins related to neural function, glucose metabolism, extracellular matrix homeostasis, and some uncharacterized lncRNAs. Based on the identified causal mediators, LASSO regression analysis further revealed a novel candidate gene, Shisa Family Member 8 (SHISA8), as a potential key regulatory hub in this process. These findings shed light on the probable molecular mechanisms of sleep disorders in Antarctica and suggest SHISA8 as a novel candidate target for medical intervention in sleep disorders under unique light environments.

The Role of Saudi Environmental Laws and Regulations in Protecting the Environment, and Achieving the goals of sustainability: The Case of Hail City

Saudi Arabia, a nation rich in natural resources and economic potential, faces significant environmental challenges. Rapid industrialization, urbanization, and a heavy reliance on oil have led to issues such as air and water pollution, desertification, and biodiversity loss. To address these challenges, Saudi Arabia has developed a framework of environmental laws and regulations designed to protect its unique ecosystems and promote sustainable development. In order to apply these rules and regulations locally, many cities and municipalities in Saudi Arabia have adopted initiatives and strategies aiming at applying the national rules. Among these cities is the city of Hail. Hail, a city in north-central Saudi Arabia, is distinguished by its rich history and unique ecological environment. However, the region faces significant environmental challenges, including water scarcity, desertification, and pollution, largely driven by rapid urbanization and agricultural practices. To address these issues, Hail is implementing various initiatives aimed at promoting environmental protection and sustainable development. This essay explores the current state of environmental efforts in Saudi Arabia in general and Hail in particular, supported by practical examples, along with reliable sources for further reading.

Medical skin camouflage for women in prison with self-harm scars (COVER): randomised feasibility study

ABSTRACT Far more women prisoners self-harm than women in the community or men in prison. There has been little focus on the effects on prisoners of living with self-harm scars. Medical skin camouflage (MSC), designed to cover skin disfigurement, improves quality of life for people in the community with dermatological, burn, surgical or accidental scars or marks. Its use in prison for self-harm scars has not been evaluated. COVER tested the feasibility and acceptability of a wait-list control RCT of peer-delivered MSC for women prisoners with self-harm scars, at one prison. We provide evidence of feasibility to recruit, randomise and retain women in prison in an RCT design using strategies minimising attrition from transfer between prisons or release (51 recruited, 11.8% attrition). We successfully randomised women prisoners and collected outcome measures over 12 weeks from baseline. We report improvements in the primary outcome, the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-Being Scale at follow-up for intervention and control groups and valuable information to inform an economic analysis. Important lessons were learnt, applicable to other research within this unique environment, about minimising attrition and successfully involving prisoners in peer-delivered interventions. Participants and staff found the intervention acceptable and suggested it improves women’s confidence and self-esteem.

Deciphering Evolutionary Patterns and Multifaceted Drivers of Tibetan Buddhist Monasteries in Amdo's Tibetan Inhabited Area, China

ABSTRACTTibetan Buddhism, which has been nurtured and developed within the unique geographical environment of the Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau, represents a religious and cultural phenomenon that exhibits distinct regional and ethnic characteristics. Investigating the spatiotemporal evolution of Tibetan Buddhism is essential for a comprehensive understanding of this religious practice. Traditional research has largely concentrated on qualitative descriptions derived from historical data compilation, neglecting the quantitative analysis of its spatiotemporal evolution and underlying mechanisms. This study seeks to quantitatively explore evolutionary patterns and various factors influencing the historical development of Tibetan Buddhist culture within Amdo Tibetan cultural heartland in China. Utilizing Tibetan Buddhist monasteries as cultural carriers, the research employed spatiotemporal data mining and machine learning methods to uncover these dynamics. The results show that: (1) The quantity of Tibetan Buddhist monasteries in the Amdo region has substantially grown over time, exhibiting increasingly noticeable spatial clustering characteristics; (2) Factors such as the concentration of population and economic activities, accessibility to water resources, climate and agricultural production conditions, and convenience of transportation significantly impact the spatiotemporal evolution of Tibetan Buddhism; (3) Under the combined influence of macro‐geographical environment factors and micro‐level religious heritage history, the Amdo Tibetan inhabited area has gradually developed a spatial pattern characterized by clusters of monasteries centered in the Hehuang Valley, with widespread distribution throughout the eastern region. The quantitative research framework proposed in this paper offers an academic reference for exploring the spatiotemporal evolution of complex religious and cultural phenomena across long historical periods.

Mechanical properties and damage characterization of cracked granite after cyclic temperature action

Due to the unique geographical environment of the plateau, large-scale damage and destruction of fractured surrounding rock often occur during geotechnical engineering construction as a result of high-temperature cycles. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the mechanical properties and damage characteristics of fractured granite under the influence of cyclic temperature, uniaxial compression tests were conducted on granite specimens with pre-existing fractures at cyclic temperatures of 30 °C, 50 °C, 70 °C, 100 °C, and 130 °C. The study integrated analyses of characteristic stress, acoustic emission parameters, damage variables, fractal dimensions, and SEM to explore the mechanical properties and damage features of granite. The results indicated that at a 45° fracture inclination and a temperature of 70 °C, granite exhibited a distinct turning point in mechanical properties and damage characteristics. At the same cyclic temperature, granite with a 45° pre-existing fracture showed significant decreases in peak stress, elastic modulus, and σci/σm ratios, with the AE b-value drop point noticeably earlier, and both cumulative AE ring count and total energy reduced. The damage variable quickly reached its maximum, and the development of internal microcracks in the specimen is highly orderly. At the same fracture inclination, peak stress, elastic modulus, and σci/σm slightly increased at 70 °C, while AE ring counts and total energy were lower, indicating the degree of internal thermal damage in the specimen has significantly decreased, and the development of internal microcracks in the specimen has shown a marked reduction in orderliness. These findings provide theoretical insight into the meso-damage and failure mechanisms of granite influenced by different cyclic temperatures and fracture inclinations.

Genome assembly of an endemic butterfly (Minois aurata) shed light on the genetic mechanisms underlying ecological adaptation to arid valley habitat

BackgroundThe Hengduan Mountains, one of the global biodiversity hotspots with exceptional species richness and high endemism, contains numerous arid valleys that create a distinctive geographical and ecological landscape. However, the adaptive evolutionary mechanisms of organism in the arid valley remain poorly understood. Minois aurata, an endemic butterfly species found exclusively in the arid valley of the upper Minjiang River, represents an attractive model system for studying adaptive evolutionary mechanisms to arid valley environments.ResultsHere, we present the first chromosome-level genome assembly for Minois aurata, with a total size of approximately 609.17 Mb, and a scaffold N50 size of 23.88 Mb. These scaffolds were further clustered and anchored onto 29 chromosomes based on Hi-C data. A total of 16,163 protein-coding genes were predicted, of which 91.83% were functionally annotated. The expansion of transposable elements (TEs) accounts for the relatively large genome size of M. aurata, potentially aiding its adaptation to environmental conditions. Phylogenomic analyses based on 3,785 single-copy genes revealed that M. aurata is most closely related to Hipparchia semele. Further mitochondrial genome analysis of four Minois species placed M. aurata in a basal position within the genus, supporting it as an independent species. A total of 185 rapidly evolving and 232 specific gene families were identified in M. aurata. Functional enrichment analysis indicated that these gene families were mainly associated with ultraviolet radiation, heat and hypoxia responses. We also identified 234 positive selected genes in M. aurata, some of which are related to compound eye photoreceptor development, osmotic stress, and light stimulus response. Demographic analysis indicated that the effective population size of M. aurata decreased around 0.4 and 0.04 million years ago, respectively, coinciding with the localized sub-glaciation.ConclusionThe chromosome-level genome offers a comprehensive genomic basis for understanding the evolutionary and adaptive strategies of Minois aurata in the unique arid valley environment of the Hengduan Mountains, while also providing valuable insights into the broader mechanisms of organism adaptation to such habitats.

(Invited) Faradaic Electron Transfer in Inner Helmholtz Plane

Since the electrical double layer (EDL) is where heterogeneous electron transfer occurs, understanding the effects of the electrode-electrolyte interface structure on electrocatalysis is important. The strong electric field in the EDL offers unique environment for electrochemical reactions by altering the solvation structure and mass transport of redox species. Yet, it is challenging to evaluate the physicochemical properties of the matter within EDL, especially for the inner Helmholtz plane (IHP), where most electrochemical reactions occur. This is largely because of the lack of an appropriate model system for experiments. In this talk, the microscopic environment in the IHP of ionic liquids (ILs) is investigated through the reorganization energy reflecting the solvation structure. Exceptionally fast mass transport of Br2 in N-methyl-N-ethyl-pyrrolidinium polybromide allows to obtain bromine reduction voltammograms in which the current plateau is governed by electron-transfer kinetic and to evaluate the reorganization energy based on the Marcus-Hush-Chidsey model. This enables investigation of the microscopic environment in the IHP of the IL affecting electrocatalytic reactions through reorganization energy. As a demonstration, titanium oxide-modified Pt was employed to show pH-dependent reorganization energy, which suggests the switch of major ions at the IHP as a function of surface charges of electrodes. On the other hand, regulating the potential of zero charge (PZC) of electrodes by surface modification and preparation of alloys with various elemental compositions, the surface charge sensitive-ionic structure in ILs is introduced. References Kim, M.; Park, S.; Chung, T. D., Heterogeneous electron transfer reorganization energy at the inner Helmholtz plane in a polybromide redox-active ionic liquid. Chem. Sci. 2022, 13(30), 8821-8828. Kim, M.; Tetteh, E. B.; Savan, A.; Xiao, B.; Ludwig, A.; Schuhmann, W.; Chung, T. D., Reorganization energy in a polybromide ionic liquid measured by scanning electrochemical cell microscopy. J. Chem. Phys. 2023, 158(13), 134707. Kim, M.; Tetteh, E. B.; Krysiak, O. A.; Savan, A.; Xiao, B.; Piotrowiak, T. H.; Andronescu, C.; Ludwig, A.; Chung, T. D.; Schuhmann, W., Acidic Hydrogen Evolution Electrocatalysis at High-Entropy Alloys Correlates with its Composition-Dependent Potential of Zero Charge. Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2023, 62(39), e2023100.

Impact of microgravity and lunar gravity on murine skeletal and immune systems during space travel

Long-duration spaceflight creates a variety of stresses due to the unique environment, which can lead to compromised functioning of the skeletal and immune systems. However, the mechanisms by which organisms respond to this stress remain unclear. The present study aimed to investigate the impact of three different gravitational loadings (microgravity, 1/6 g [lunar gravity], and 1 g) on the behavior, bone, thymus, and spleen of mice housed for 25–35 days in the International Space Station. The bone density reduction under microgravity was mostly recovered by 1 g but only partially recovered by 1/6 g. Both 1 g and 1/6 g suppressed microgravity-induced changes in some osteoblast and osteoclast marker gene expression. Thymus atrophy induced by microgravity was half recovered by both 1 g and 1/6 g, but gene expression changes were not fully recovered by 1/6 g. While no histological changes were observed due to low gravity, alterations in gene expression were noted in the spleen. We found that in bone and thymus, lunar gravity reduced microgravity-induced histological alterations and partially reversed gene expression changes. This study highlighted organ-specific variations in responsiveness to gravity, serving as an animal test for establishing a molecular-level gravity threshold for maintaining a healthy state during future spaceflight.

The impact of the military factor on the condition of the infrastructure and natural environment of the regions of Ukraine after the Russian aggression

The article is devoted to the study of the impact of the military factor in the conditions of full-scale aggression of the Russian Federation on the infrastructure and natural environment of the regions of Ukraine and the determination of priority ways of their reconstruction and reproduction.On the basis of monographic, statistical and cartographic methods, the damage caused by hostilities in the socio-industrial sphere, transport infrastructure, energy and housing and communal services, the financial sector and their localization by administrative regions were analyzed. The negative impact of the military factor and the damage caused in physical and cost terms to such components of the environment as air, water resources, ground cover, nature reserve fund, forests are considered. Zoning of the territory of Ukraine was carried out according to the consequences of military actions due to the full-scale aggression of the Russian Federation according to the following criteria: the amount of negative impact on the infrastructure and the main components of the natural environment; possibilities of their safe reconstruction and restoration in our time; duration of occupation of temporarily occupied territories; the intensity of hostilities and the scale of the military’s impact on the economy and the natural environment today.According to the specified criteria, five regions were selected, two of which already have the opportunity to restore the necessary facilities for the life of the population and assistance to the Armed Forces. Prerequisites and priority directions for infrastructure reconstruction and restoration of the natural environment have been determined for territories where hostilities are not taking place and the risk of negative military impact has decreased. In the territories liberated from the occupiers, it is urgently necessary to create a comprehensive program of reproduction of the Red Book species of flora and fauna of our country, preservation of biodiversity, and in the reconstruction of the infrastructure destroyed by the war, a nature conservation approach, which will allow us to preserve our unique environment, is especially important.

“The Last Waterfront in Pearl River Delta”: Space Generation and Cultural Ecological Characteristics of Traditional Village in Gulao Waterfront

Lingnan waterfront is a relatively complete cultural ecosystem formed under the influence of unique natural environment, social economy and regional culture. However, the existing researches on Lingnan waterfront pay more attention to the physical space of traditional settlements than the overall natural environment surrounding the settlements. Taking Gulao Waterfront as an example, this paper analyzes it from the perspective of interactions between human and natural environment, social economy and regional culture by using the theory of cultural ecology. This paper also analyzes the spatial generation process of Gulao Waterfront, systematically sorts out the overall village pattern, water network and water conservancy space, settlement space, agriculture and fairs space, folk beliefs and ritual space, and conclude that the cultural ecological characteristics of Gulao Waterfront is under the law of water. The important value in Gulao Waterfront of the cultural ecological characteristics and integrated historical heritage protection for the Pearl River Delta has been excavated, which enriches and deepens the cultural heritage research of traditional village in Lingnan waterfront.

Prebiotic Nucleoside Phosphorylation in a Simulated Deep-Sea Supercritical Carbon Dioxide-Water Two-Phase Environment.

Prebiotic synthesis of complex organic molecules in water-rich environments has been a long-standing challenge. In the modern deep sea, emission of liquid CO2 has been observed in multiple locations, which indicates the existence of benthic CO2 pools. Recently, a liquid/supercritical CO2 (ScCO2) hypothesis has been proposed that a two-phase ScCO2-water environment could lead to efficient dehydration and condensation of organics. To confirm this hypothesis, we conducted a nucleoside phosphorylation reaction in a hydrothermal reactor creating ScCO2-water two-phase environment. After 120 h of uridine, cytosine, guanosine, and adenosine phosphorylation at 68.9°C, various nucleoside monophosphates (NMPs), nucleotide diphosphates, and carbamoyl nucleosides were produced. The addition of urea enhanced the overall production of phosphorylated species with 5'-NMPs, the major products that reached over 10% yield. As predicted, phosphorylation did not proceed in the fully aqueous environment without ScCO2. Further, a glass window reactor was introduced for direct observation of the two-phase environment, where the escape of water into the ScCO2 phase was observed. These results are similar to those of a wet-dry cycle experiment simulating the terrestrial hot spring environment, indicating that the presence of ScCO2 can create a comparatively dry condition in the deep sea. In addition, the high acidity present in the aqueous phase further supports nucleotide synthesis by enabling the release of orthophosphate from the hydroxyapatite mineral solving the phosphate problem. Thus, the present study highlights the potential of the unique ScCO2-water two-phase environment to drive prebiotic nucleotide synthesis and likely induce condensation reactions of various organic and inorganic compounds in the deep-sea CO2 pool on Earth and potentially other ocean worlds.

Lessons Learned for Developing an Effective High-Speed Research Compressor Facility

Few universities in the world conduct experimental research on high-speed, high-power turbomachinery. The Purdue High-Speed Compressor Research Laboratory has a longstanding tradition of partnering with industry sponsors to perform high-TRL (technology readiness level) experiments on axial and radial compressors for aerospace applications. Early work in the laboratory with Professor Sanford Fleeter and Professor Patrick Lawless involved aeromechanics and the addition of a multistage axial compressor facility to support compressor performance studies. This work continues today under the guidance of Professor Nicole Key. While other universities may operate a single-stage transonic compressor or a low-speed multistage compressor, the Purdue 3-Stage (P3S) Axial Compressor Research Facility provides a unique environment to understand multistage effects at speeds where compressibility is important. Over the last two decades, several areas of important research within the gas-turbine engine industry have been explored: vane clocking, stall/surge inception, tip-leakage/stator-leakage (cavity leakage) flow characterization, and forced response, to name a few. This paper addresses the different configurations of the facility chronologically so that existing datasets can be matched with correct boundary conditions and provides an overview of the different upgrades in the facility as it has developed in preparation for the next generation of small-core compressor research.

Advancing clinical MRI exams with artificial intelligence: Japan's contributions and future prospects.

In this narrative review, we review the applications of artificial intelligence (AI) into clinical magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) exams, with a particular focus on Japan's contributions to this field. In the first part of the review, we introduce the various applications of AI in optimizing different aspects of the MRI process, including scan protocols, patient preparation, image acquisition, image reconstruction, and postprocessing techniques. Additionally, we examine AI's growing influence in clinical decision-making, particularly in areas such as segmentation, radiation therapy planning, and reporting assistance. By emphasizing studies conducted in Japan, we highlight the nation's contributions to the advancement of AI in MRI. In the latter part of the review, we highlight the characteristics that make Japan a unique environment for the development and implementation of AI in MRI examinations. Japan's healthcare landscape is distinguished by several key factors that collectively create a fertile ground for AI research and development. Notably, Japan boasts one of the highest densities of MRI scanners per capita globally, ensuring widespread access to the exam. Japan's national health insurance system plays a pivotal role by providing MRI scans to all citizens irrespective of socioeconomic status, which facilitates the collection of inclusive and unbiased imaging data across a diverse population. Japan's extensive health screening programs, coupled with collaborative research initiatives like the Japan Medical Imaging Database (J-MID), enable the aggregation and sharing of large, high-quality datasets. With its technological expertise and healthcare infrastructure, Japan is well-positioned to make meaningful contributions to the MRI-AI domain. The collaborative efforts of researchers, clinicians, and technology experts, including those in Japan, will continue to advance the future of AI in clinical MRI, potentially leading to improvements in patient care and healthcare efficiency.