scholarly journals Potential Hazard of Lanthanides and Lanthanide-Based Nanoparticles to Aquatic Ecosystems: Data Gaps, Challenges and Future Research Needs Derived from Bibliometric Analysis

Nanomaterials ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 328 ◽  
Author(s):  
Irina Blinova ◽  
Marge Muna ◽  
Margit Heinlaan ◽  
Aljona Lukjanova ◽  
Anne Kahru
Keyword(s):  
Emerging Contaminants ◽  
Biological Effects ◽  
Green Energy ◽  
Future Research ◽  
High Tech ◽  
Aquatic Biota ◽  
Potential Hazard ◽  
Research Needs ◽  
Data Gaps

Lanthanides (Ln), applied mostly in the form of nanoparticles (NPs), are critical to emerging high-tech and green energy industries due to their distinct physicochemical properties. The resulting anthropogenic input of Ln and Ln-based NPs into aquatic environment might create a problem of emerging contaminants. Thus, information on the biological effects of Ln and Ln-based NPs is urgently needed for relevant environmental risk assessment. In this mini-review, we made a bibliometric survey on existing scientific literature with the main aim of identifying the most important data gaps on Ln and Ln-based nanoparticles’ toxicity to aquatic biota. We report that the most studied Ln for ecotoxicity are Ce and Ln, whereas practically no information was found for Nd, Tb, Tm, and Yb. We also discuss the challenges of the research on Ln ecotoxicity, such as relevance of nominal versus bioavailable concentrations of Ln, and point out future research needs (long-term toxicity to aquatic biota and toxic effects of Ln to bottom-dwelling species).

scholarly journals Animal-Visitor Interactions and the Visitor Experience: Visitor Behaviors, Attitudes, Perceptions, and Learning in the Modern Zoo

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 632-649
Author(s):  
Mark James Learmonth ◽  
Samantha J. Chiew ◽  
Andrea Godinez ◽  
Eduardo J. Fernandez
Keyword(s):  
Future Research ◽  
Research Needs ◽  
Visitor Experience ◽  
Daily Lives ◽  
Financial Investment ◽  
Indirect Measures ◽  
Zoo Animals ◽  
Knowledge Gains ◽  
Beliefs And Attitudes

Animal-Visitor Interactions (AVIs) have become commonplace in zoological institutions and facilities globally. However, most AVI research focuses on the effects of visitors on the welfare of animals, with considerably fewer studies examining the visitor experience itself. Furthermore, robust evaluations of the efficacy of zoo education programs and engagements for increasing visitor awareness of conservation issues, and for fostering long-term pro-conservation behavior changes in them, are under-researched. This paper reviews the current literature that pertains to the effects of zoo visitation and AVIs on visitor perceptions, beliefs, and attitudes. We briefly note some of the known effects that zoo visitors have on zoo animals, then explore the effects that factors such as enclosure design, animal visibility and behaviors, and AVIs can have on visitors’ overall experience whilst attending the zoo. We suggest that future research needs to more closely examine the relationships and interactions between zoo visitors and zoo animals; why some zoo visitors over others repeat visitation; what the differences in beliefs and attitudes may be between “zoo visitors” and “non-zoo visitors” (i.e., other general public); and to make a concerted effort to understand: (1) what visitors do after they leave the zoo, and (2) whether visitors adopt long-term pro-conservation behaviors into their daily lives. We further suggest that future research needs to start investigating indirect measures related to the visitor experience, such as: (a) individual conservation support outside of the zoo; (b) internet activity; (c) changes in sustainable purchasing practices related to knowledge gains; (d) financial investment in sustainable or ethical companies after knowledge gains; (e) and the longitudinal effects of zoo visits.

Future Directions in Adult Bereavement Research

1997 ◽  
Vol 36 (4) ◽  
pp. 287-303 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dale A. Lund ◽  
Michael S. Caserta
Keyword(s):  
Theory And Practice ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Research Needs ◽  
Future Directions ◽  
Future Studies ◽  
Conducting Research ◽  
Multidimensional Process ◽  
Bereavement Research

The primary purpose of this article is to stimulate interest in conducting research related to adult bereavement and provide suggestions for improving the quality of these studies and the application of their findings. Future research needs to generate new knowledge about grief and bereavement but it also needs to examine issues and questions that will make us more confident about what we already believe. Three general suggestions deal with the importance of integrating both theory and practice into future studies, issues related to types and designs of studies, and measurement issues that should be considered. Bereavement is a long-term, multidimensional process of adjustment and future research needs to be consistent with these defining features.

Global challenges and trends in agriculture: impacts on Russia and possible strategies for adaptation

foresight ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
pp. 218-250 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ozcan Saritas ◽  
Ilya Kuzminov
Keyword(s):  
Structural Changes ◽  
Agricultural Sector ◽  
Labour Productivity ◽  
Future Research ◽  
High Tech ◽  
Structural Factors ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Agriculture Sector ◽  
Global Challenges

Purpose This paper aims to analyse the mainstream and emerging global challenges and trends in the global agriculture sector. The analysis leads to a discussion on the present state of the Russian agroindustry and possible future strategies for adaptation in the context of the rapidly changing global environment. Design/methodology/approach The design of this study is based on the application of the core methods of Foresight. First, a trend analysis is undertaken using reviews and expert methods. Trends identified are mapped using a social, technological, economic, environmental, political and value (STEEPV) framework to ensure that a broad range of trends are covered, which may be stemming from various factors affecting the agriculture sector. The analysis of the big picture of global trends and challenges, interacting with country-specific structural factors, translates are translated into the opportunities and threats, which will in turn help to develop possible strategies for adaptation. Findings This study develops two adaptive strategies for the development of the Russian agroindustry that are feasible in different short- and long–term time horizons. The first strategy is considered to be the most likely choice for the period before 2020. It includes radical imports’ substitution (of commodities as well as machinery and high-tech components) for ensuring national food security with inevitable temporary setbacks in efficiency and labour productivity. The second strategy, which becomes feasible after 2020, considers re-integrating Russia into global supply chains and expanding commodities exports (volumes and nomenclature) based on full-scale technological modernization with the use of international capital. Research limitations/implications The study design is based on the assumption that Russia’s position as a country, which is highly self-sufficient on basic agricultural products and large exporter of crop commodities and fertilizers, will remain unchanged in the horizon of at least 20 years. However, long-term forecasts should also scrutinize the possibility of radical structural changes. Therefore, future research should concentrate on wild cards that can completely disrupt and transform the Russian agriculture industry and as well as the whole economy. Practical implications This paper suggests a number of recommendations on national science and technology policy for the three main industries of the Russian agricultural sector: crop husbandry, animal breeding and food processing (the fisheries sector is excluded from the scope of this paper). In addition, this paper proposes a number of measures towards alleviating the institutional barriers to raise the investment attractiveness of the sector. Originality/value The novelty of this paper lies in the originality of the research topic and methodology. The Russian agricultural sector has rarely been studied in the context of global agricultural challenges and threats taken on the highest level of aggregation beyond commodity market analysis or agro-climatic and logistics factors. There are few or no studies that lay out a map of possible long-term strategies of Russian agroindustry adaptive development. The Foresight methodology applied in this study is customized to better fit the practical purposes of the study.

User Experience in Social Human-Robot Interaction

2017 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 12-31 ◽  
Author(s):  
Beatrice Alenljung ◽  
Jessica Lindblom ◽  
Rebecca Andreasson ◽  
Tom Ziemke
Keyword(s):  
User Experience ◽  
Interdisciplinary Research ◽  
Human Robot Interaction ◽  
Added Value ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Human Society ◽  
Research Needs ◽  
Robot Interaction ◽  
Socially Interactive Robots

Socially interactive robots are expected to have an increasing importance in human society. For social robots to provide long-term added value to people's lives, it is of major importance to stress the need for positive user experience (UX) of such robots. The human-centered view emphasizes various aspects that emerge in the interaction between humans and robots. However, a positive UX does not appear by itself but has to be designed for and evaluated systematically. In this paper, the focus is on the role and relevance of UX in human-robot interaction (HRI) and four trends concerning the role and relevance of UX related to socially interactive robots are identified, and three challenges related to its evaluation are also presented. It is argued that current research efforts and directions are not sufficient in HRI research, and that future research needs to further address interdisciplinary research in order to achieve long-term success of socially interactive robots.

User Experience in Social Human-Robot Interaction

2019 ◽  
pp. 1468-1490 ◽  
Author(s):  
Beatrice Alenljung ◽  
Jessica Lindblom ◽  
Rebecca Andreasson ◽  
Tom Ziemke
Keyword(s):  
User Experience ◽  
Interdisciplinary Research ◽  
Human Robot Interaction ◽  
Added Value ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Human Society ◽  
Research Needs ◽  
Robot Interaction ◽  
Socially Interactive Robots

Socially interactive robots are expected to have an increasing importance in human society. For social robots to provide long-term added value to people's lives, it is of major importance to stress the need for positive user experience (UX) of such robots. The human-centered view emphasizes various aspects that emerge in the interaction between humans and robots. However, a positive UX does not appear by itself but has to be designed for and evaluated systematically. In this paper, the focus is on the role and relevance of UX in human-robot interaction (HRI) and four trends concerning the role and relevance of UX related to socially interactive robots are identified, and three challenges related to its evaluation are also presented. It is argued that current research efforts and directions are not sufficient in HRI research, and that future research needs to further address interdisciplinary research in order to achieve long-term success of socially interactive robots.

scholarly journals Space Radiation Biology for “Living in Space”

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-25 ◽  
Author(s):  
Satoshi Furukawa ◽  
Aiko Nagamatsu ◽  
Mitsuru Nenoi ◽  
Akira Fujimori ◽  
Shizuko Kakinuma ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cell Cycle ◽  
Biological Effects ◽  
Space Station ◽  
Space Radiation ◽  
Living Environment ◽  
Radiation Environment ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Space Travel ◽  
Novel Technologies

Space travel has advanced significantly over the last six decades with astronauts spending up to 6 months at the International Space Station. Nonetheless, the living environment while in outer space is extremely challenging to astronauts. In particular, exposure to space radiation represents a serious potential long-term threat to the health of astronauts because the amount of radiation exposure accumulates during their time in space. Therefore, health risks associated with exposure to space radiation are an important topic in space travel, and characterizing space radiation in detail is essential for improving the safety of space missions. In the first part of this review, we provide an overview of the space radiation environment and briefly present current and future endeavors that monitor different space radiation environments. We then present research evaluating adverse biological effects caused by exposure to various space radiation environments and how these can be reduced. We especially consider the deleterious effects on cellular DNA and how cells activate DNA repair mechanisms. The latest technologies being developed, e.g., a fluorescent ubiquitination-based cell cycle indicator, to measure real-time cell cycle progression and DNA damage caused by exposure to ultraviolet radiation are presented. Progress in examining the combined effects of microgravity and radiation to animals and plants are summarized, and our current understanding of the relationship between psychological stress and radiation is presented. Finally, we provide details about protective agents and the study of organisms that are highly resistant to radiation and how their biological mechanisms may aid developing novel technologies that alleviate biological damage caused by radiation. Future research that furthers our understanding of the effects of space radiation on human health will facilitate risk-mitigating strategies to enable long-term space and planetary exploration.

Comparative Effects of High-Tech Visual Scene Displays and Low-Tech Isolated Picture Symbols on Engagement From Students With Multiple Disabilities

2019 ◽  
Vol 50 (4) ◽  
pp. 693-702 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christine Holyfield ◽  
Sydney Brooks ◽  
Allison Schluterman
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Augmentative And Alternative Communication ◽  
Visual Analysis ◽  
Multiple Disabilities ◽  
Visual Scene ◽  
Future Research ◽  
High Tech ◽  
Single Subject ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
The Difference

Purpose Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) is an intervention approach that can promote communication and language in children with multiple disabilities who are beginning communicators. While a wide range of AAC technologies are available, little is known about the comparative effects of specific technology options. Given that engagement can be low for beginning communicators with multiple disabilities, the current study provides initial information about the comparative effects of 2 AAC technology options—high-tech visual scene displays (VSDs) and low-tech isolated picture symbols—on engagement. Method Three elementary-age beginning communicators with multiple disabilities participated. The study used a single-subject, alternating treatment design with each technology serving as a condition. Participants interacted with their school speech-language pathologists using each of the 2 technologies across 5 sessions in a block randomized order. Results According to visual analysis and nonoverlap of all pairs calculations, all 3 participants demonstrated more engagement with the high-tech VSDs than the low-tech isolated picture symbols as measured by their seconds of gaze toward each technology option. Despite the difference in engagement observed, there was no clear difference across the 2 conditions in engagement toward the communication partner or use of the AAC. Conclusions Clinicians can consider measuring engagement when evaluating AAC technology options for children with multiple disabilities and should consider evaluating high-tech VSDs as 1 technology option for them. Future research must explore the extent to which differences in engagement to particular AAC technologies result in differences in communication and language learning over time as might be expected.

Understanding Limited Use of Amplification in Infants and Children Who Are Hard of Hearing

2015 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 15-23 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ryan W. McCreery ◽  
Elizabeth A. Walker ◽  
Meredith Spratford
Keyword(s):  
Hard Of Hearing ◽  
Hearing Aid ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Infants And Children ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Research Needs ◽  
Case Examples ◽  
Hearing Aid Use ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
In Infants And Children

The effectiveness of amplification for infants and children can be mediated by how much the child uses the device. Existing research suggests that establishing hearing aid use can be challenging. A wide range of factors can influence hearing aid use in children, including the child's age, degree of hearing loss, and socioeconomic status. Audiological interventions, including using validated prescriptive approaches and verification, performing on-going training and orientation, and communicating with caregivers about hearing aid use can also increase hearing aid use by infants and children. Case examples are used to highlight the factors that influence hearing aid use. Potential management strategies and future research needs are also discussed.

Physical and Psychological Benefits of Written Emotional Expression

2015 ◽  
Vol 20 (4) ◽  
pp. 242-251 ◽  
Author(s):  
Éva Kállay
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Expressive Writing ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Psychological Benefits ◽  
Cost Effective Treatment ◽  
Meta Analyses

Abstract. The last several decades have witnessed a substantial increase in the number of individuals suffering from both diagnosable and subsyndromal mental health problems. Consequently, the development of cost-effective treatment methods, accessible to large populations suffering from different forms of mental health problems, became imperative. A very promising intervention is the method of expressive writing (EW), which may be used in both clinically diagnosable cases and subthreshold symptomatology. This method, in which people express their feelings and thoughts related to stressful situations in writing, has been found to improve participants’ long-term psychological, physiological, behavioral, and social functioning. Based on a thorough analysis and synthesis of the published literature (also including most recent meta-analyses), the present paper presents the expressive writing method, its short- and long-term, intra-and interpersonal effects, different situations and conditions in which it has been proven to be effective, the most important mechanisms implied in the process of recovery, advantages, disadvantages, and possible pitfalls of the method, as well as variants of the original technique and future research directions.

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