1,721,102 research outputs found
Going Beyond Counting First Authors in Author Co-citation Analysis
Full text linkThe present study examines one of the fundamental aspects of author co-citation analysis (ACA) - the way co-citation
counts are defined. Co-citation counting provides the data on which all subsequent statistical analyses and mappings
are based, and we compare ACA results based on two different types of co-citation counting - the traditional type that
only counts the first one among a cited work's authors on the one hand and a non-traditional type that takes into
account the first 5 authors of a cited work on the other hand. Results indicate that the picture produced through this non-traditional author co-citation counting contains more coherent author groups and is therefore considerably clearer. However, this picture represents fewer specialties in the research field being studied than that produced through the traditional first-author co-citation counting when the same number of top-ranked authors is selected and analyzed. Reasons for these effects are discussed
Variations on the Author
Full text link“Variations on the Author” discusses two of Eduardo Coutinho’s recent films (Um Dia na Vida, from 2010, and Últimas Conversas, posthumously released in 2015) and their contribution to the general question of documentary authorship. The director’s filmography is characterized by a consistent yet self-effacing form of authorial self-inscription: Coutinho often features as an interviewer that rather than express opinions propels discourses; an interviewer that is good at listening. This mode of self-inscription characterizes him as an author who is not expressive but who is nonetheless markedly present on the screen. In Um Dia na Vida, however, Coutinho is completely absent form the image, while Últimas Conversas, on the contrary, includes a confessional prologue that moves the director from the margins to the center of his films. This article examines the ways in which these works stand out in the filmography of a director who offers new insights into the notion of cinematic authorship
Appropriate Similarity Measures for Author Cocitation Analysis
Full text linkWe provide a number of new insights into the methodological discussion about author cocitation analysis. We first argue that the use of the Pearson correlation for measuring the similarity between authors’ cocitation profiles is not very satisfactory. We then discuss what kind of similarity measures may be used as an alternative to the Pearson correlation. We consider three similarity measures in particular. One is the well-known cosine. The other two similarity measures have not been used before in the bibliometric literature. Finally, we show by means of an example that our findings have a high practical relevance.information science;Pearson correlation;cosine;similarity measure;author cocitation analysis
Microneedle Arrays for Pain-Free Transdermal Drug Delivery: Formulation and Characterisation
No full textBackground: Dissolvable microneedle (MN) arrays have emerged as a promising transdermal drug delivery system offering pain-free, minimally invasive, patient compliance, and self-administration. Enabling efficient and precise systemic drug delivery, these polymer-based systems can bypass the stratum corneum barrier and avoid first-pass metabolism. Dexmedetomidine, a selective α2-adrenergic receptor agonist, is widely used for procedural sedation due to its sedative, analgesic, and anxiolytic properties without significant respiratory depression. However, its current intravenous (IV) route of administration is invasive, requires trained personnel, and is not suitable for outpatient care. This emphasises the need for a more patient-centric method to sedation delivery, and MN arrays represent a viable alternative for the transdermal administration of Dexmedetomidine.
Aims: This study aimed to develop, characterise, and evaluate a polymeric dissolvable MN array for the transdermal delivery of Dexmedetomidine, alongside the establishment of sensitive and validated analytical methods to determine the drug content, release profile, and skin drug deposition.
Methods: MN arrays were fabricated using a solvent casting technique with varying ratios of PVP and PVA (1:1, 1:2, 1:4). Comprehensive characterisation was performed, including morphological and mechanical strength testing, insertion studies using Parafilm M®, ex vivo mouse and porcine skin, and dissolution time assessment. Initially a validated RP-HPLC analytical method and later a LC-MS/MS method were developed for high-sensitivity quantification of Dexmedetomidine in samples obtained from drug content, in vitro drug release, and skin deposition studies.
Results and Discussion: All fabricated MN arrays exhibited sharp, well-defined geometry and adequate mechanical strength and insertion capability into the skin. The MN arrays prepared from PVP: PVA (1:4) were identified as optimal, offering superior mechanical integrity and consistent in vitro performance. Drug content analysis confirmed uniform loading (108.97 ± 16.45 %), while in vitro release studies revealed time-dependent release from MN arrays (24.91 ± 5.57 % up to 24 hrs). Skin drug deposition studies indicated 30 % drug retention at 3 hours post-application.
Conclusion: This research confirms the feasibility of using dissolvable MN arrays for the controlled, minimally invasive transdermal delivery of Dexmedetomidine. The integration of analytical validation and formulation strategies provides a foundation for future translational research, with potential applications in outpatient sedation, paediatric care, and patient self-administration
Dispelling the Myths Behind First-author Citation Counts
Full text linkWe conducted a full-scale evaluative citation analysis study of scholars in the XML research field to explore just how different from each other author rankings resulting from different citation counting methods actually are, and to demonstrate the capability of emerging data and tools on the Web in supporting more realistic citation counting methods. Our results contest some common arguments for the continued
use of first-author citation counts in the evaluation of scholars, such as high correlations between author rankings by first-author citation counts and other citation
counting methods, and high costs of using more realistic citation counting methods that are not well-supported by the ISI databases. It is argued that increasingly available digital full text research papers make it possible for citation analysis studies to go beyond what the ISI databases have directly supported and to employ more
sophisticated methods
koamabayili/VECTRON-author-checklist: VECTRON author checklist
No full textWe have done our best to complete the author checklist relating to the use of animals in the hut study. Note that the objective for the hut study was to evaluate the IRS treatment applications for residual efficacy against Anopheles mosquitoes, including the local An. coluzzii mosquito population. Cows were only used to attract mosquitoes into the huts and no tests were carried out directly on the cows. The author checklist is intended for use with studies where experiments are carried out on animals, which is why we have had such difficulty in completing this for the hut study, as many of the questions do not relate to how the cows were used
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Intergenerational Child-Directed Artmaking
No full textThroughout this study, I investigate the interaction that occurs between a parent and her child when creating a collaborative drawing. The purpose of this study is to find ways in which to change common images of children and their capabilities in forming and making decisions, problem solving and communication skills, and imaginative story telling abilities. This research seeks to answer some of the following questions: In what ways are children and adults influenced by the child taking ownership of the artmaking experience and how does giving the child ownership and control over the experience change the experience for the adult? I observe two mothers as they collaborate with their young sons (ages 3 and 4) to create a drawing, discuss their experience with them and analyze their final images. Utilizing these methods, I uncover common themes and ideas about the view that adults have of children and ways of shifting these ideas of power and control over to children. I provide my recommendations and implications for the field of early childhood art education and offer a guide for parents when working with their young children
The Influence of Ethnic and Prevailing Cultures on the Dietary Practices of Adult Immigrant Nigerians Living in the UK: A Phenomenological Study Using the Bourdiuesian Lens
No full textIntroduction: Morbidity and mortality from preventable diseases among ethnic minority groups, including the Nigerian community, are higher when compared with the white population group in the UK. Evidence suggests that diet is a major modifiable disease risk factor for many chronic diseases, such as diabetes, heart disease, and dementia. Diet depends on several other factors, including culture, affordability, availability of food, particularly those commonly consumed by the community. Changes to diet (a process known as dietary acculturation) are reported to negatively impact the health of ethnic minority groups post-migration. However, published models of dietary acculturation only explain the changes and processes and not the underlying reasons for dietary change post-migration. Furthermore, understanding of the reasons for dietary change, the influence of culture, and other factors on the dietary practices and health of the Nigerian community and other ethnic minority populations in the UK is limited. This study explores the impact of dietary choices in the immigrant Nigerian community living in the UK, within the context of culture and other factors. Exploring the reasons for dietary change and the influence of culture using a sociological lens, namely Bourdieu’s theory of practice, is useful to better understand the development of health inequalities among ethnic communities. Methods: This thesis is situated within the interpretivism paradigm, driven by Heidegger’s phenomenological existentialism as a theoretical framework, with Bourdieu’s theory of practice used as the conceptual framework. iv Integrating existential phenomenology and Bourdieu’s theory enhanced the assumptions about the nature of existence or reality and helped to extend knowledge and understanding of the topic researched. Using a Hermeneutic phenomenological design, a qualitative research methodology that entails exploring individuals lived experiences, and with the aid of purposive sampling, community networks, and snowballing, were leveraged to assist in recruiting participants, based on socioeconomic factors, from the adult Nigerian population in Manchester and London. Using an informed consent process, seventeen one-to-one telephone semi-structured interviews were undertaken, enabling detailed information about culture, dietary choices, and finances to be collected. Audio-recorded interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed using Braun and Clark’s six-step guide reflexive thematic analysis approach, and Bourdieu’s theory of practice to guide and extend further the meaning of the data. Results: Viewing findings through the lens of Bourdieu's theory of practice, interactions between the concepts of habitus, field, and capital assist in explaining the retention of the Nigerian traditional dietary practice and the adoption of food regarded as unhealthy as a direct response to the increasing cost-of-living crisis. Other findings that were not the focus of the thesis were revealed. For example, most participants had limited knowledge of health-related diseases, healthy diets, and an understanding of health promotion resources. Furthermore, participants report what they now eat, and activities adopted to support eating in response to the increasing cost-of-living crisis. Conclusion: Dietary acculturation is inevitable among immigrant population. Embedding sociological theory in understanding diet related phenomenon is important to better understand health inequalities related to diet. Holding on to ethnic and cultural diets and the adoption of unhealthy dietary practices cause concern since energy-dense and nutrient-poor, low-quality diets are high-risk factors for chronic diseases. The need to develop culturally appropriate strategies to support healthy eating on a budget for this ethnic group is paramount to prevent poor health outcomes. Findings can be used for developing strategies and interventions aimed at reducing the widening ethnic health inequalities v concerning known diet-related disease risk factor
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