bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fretting Dynamic Contact Analysis of Planetary Gear-Bearing Interference Fit Surface Considering Non-Uniform Interference
Authors: Fan Linfang , Xu Xiangyang , Zhao Zijin , Wu Yi , Xiang Lulu , Zhang Lang
Published: November 2024

The planetary gear-bearing interference fit surface is prone to fretting slip under alternating torque, which can lead to fretting wear and fatigue failure. However, the current studies often ignore the influence of non-uniform interference on the stress and strain of the fit surface. In this paper, the force analysis of the planetary gear-bearing interference fit surface is carried out based on thick cylinders theory and planetary gear dynamics, and the fretting slip mechanism is explained in detail. Based on the assumption of plane stress, the equation for interference distribution in the circumferential direction of the fit surface is derived. On this basis, a three-dimensional fretting contact model considering non-uniform interference is established and solved by the conjugate gradient method (CGM). The results show that under the action of alternating torque, the fit surface interference is non-uniformly distributed in the circumferential direction, which shows a trend of increasing first and then decreasing. The fretting slip distance decreases first and then increases in the circumferential direction, but the fretting slip curve considering non-uniform interference shows a slip distance of nil in the range where the interference value exceeds the initial value. The model in this paper is more in line with the actual situation, and can provide more accurate theoretical calculation for the planetary gear-bearing interference fit design.
A scalable, symmetric atom interferometer for infrasound gravitational wave detection
Authors: Schubert C. , Schlippert D. , Gersemann M. , Abend S. , Giese E. , Roura A. , Schleich W. P. , Ertmer W. , Rasel E. M.
Published: November 2024

We propose a terrestrial detector for gravitational waves with frequencies between 0.3 and 5 Hz based on atom interferometry. As key elements, we discuss two symmetric matter-wave interferometers, the first one with a single loop and the second one featuring a folded triple-loop geometry. The latter eliminates the need for atomic ensembles at femtokelvin energies imposed by the Sagnac effect in other atom interferometric detectors. The folded triple-loop geometry also combines several advantages of current vertical and horizontal matter wave antennas and enhances the scalability in order to achieve a peak strain sensitivity of 2×10−21/Hz.
Li2B4O7 XPS using monochromatic Ag Lα x rays
Authors: Zahra Khadisha M. , Moulton Benjamin J. A. , Soomary Liam A. J. , Counsell Jonathan D. P.
Published: November 2024

XPS spectra of lithium tetraborate (Li2B4O7) were obtained using an Ag Lα (2984.3 eV) source and a quartz (1010) crystal monochromator through second order diffraction. Irradiation occurs on the sample at 54.7° to the surface normal. Spectra of the principal lines include O 1s, C 1s, B 1s and Li 1s. Spectra of O KLL, O 2s and Valence band were also acquired. Quantitative analysis was performed using Cant sensitivity factors.
Comparative studies of metamorphic and strained InGaAs p-type semiconductor - intrinsic absorption layer - n-type semiconductor photodetector for low-temperature CH4 detection
Authors: Du Xueting , Niu Kai , Mi Wei , Wang Di , Zhu Yan , He Lin’an , Zhou Liwei , Wang Juan , Zhang Xingcheng , Zhao Jinshi
Published: November 2024

This paper proposes two wavelength-extended InGaAs p-type semiconductor - intrinsic absorption layer - n-type semiconductor structures to achieve methane detection at low temperatures. The responsivity of the strained and metamorphic structures is 0.98 and 1.09 A/W at 20 °C. The strained structure detector can achieve a response level of 0.7 A/W in low-temperature environments above −10 °C. The metamorphic structure shows a responsivity not less than 0.8 A/W within the temperature span of −40 to 85 °C. The dark current of both devices is at the nA level at −10 V. The saturation optical power of the strained structure and the metamorphic structure is 13 and 17 mW at −0.5 V, respectively. The cut-off wavelength is 1690 and 1730 nm for the strained structure and the metamorphic structure. These two structures tested by x-ray diffraction have high crystalline quality. The strained structure has a root mean square roughness of 0.13 nm, while the metamorphic structure's roughness is 0.39 nm. These results suggest that both strained and metamorphic structures have promising applications in low-temperature probes.
Role of sputtered atom and ion energy distribution in films deposited by physical vapor deposition: A molecular dynamics approach
Authors: Atmane Soumya , Maroussiak Alexandre , Caillard Amaël , Thomann Anne-Lise , Kateb Movaffaq , Gudmundsson Jon Tomas , Brault Pascal
Published: November 2024

We present a comparative molecular dynamics simulation study of copper film growth between various physical vapor deposition (PVD) techniques: a constant energy neutral beam, thermal evaporation, dc magnetron sputtering, high-power impulse magnetron sputtering (HiPIMS), and bipolar HiPIMS. Experimentally determined energy distribution functions were utilized to model the deposition processes. Our results indicate significant differences in the film quality, growth rate, and substrate erosion. Bipolar HiPIMS shows the potential for an improved film structure under certain conditions, albeit with increased substrate erosion. Bipolar HiPIMS (+180 V and 10% Cu+ ions) exhibited the best film properties in terms of crystallinity and atomic stress among the PVD processes investigated.
Effects of Different Inertial Measurement Unit Sensor-to-Segment Calibrations on Clinical 3-Dimensional Humerothoracic Joint Angles Estimation
Authors: Bonfiglio Alessandro , Farella Elisabetta , Tacconi David , Bongers Raoul M.
Published: November 2024

Calibrating inertial measurement units (IMUs) involves converting orientation data from a local reference frame into a clinically meaningful reference system. Several solutions exist but little work has been done to compare different calibration methods with each other and an optical motion capture system. Thirteen healthy subjects with no signs of upper limb injury were recruited for this study and instrumented with IMU sensors and optical markers. Three IMU calibration methods were compared: N-pose calibration, functional calibration, and manual alignment. Subjects executed simple single-plane single-joint tasks for each upper limb joint as well as more complex multijoint tasks. We performed a 3-way analysis of variance on range of motion error, root mean squared error, and offset to assess differences between calibrations, tasks, and anatomical axes. Differences in the 3 IMU calibrations are minor and not statistically significant for most tasks and anatomical axes, with the exception of the offset interaction calibration × axes (P < .001, ). Specifically, manual alignment gives the best offset estimation on the abduction/adduction and internal/external rotation axes. Therefore, we recommend the use of a static N-pose calibration procedure as the preferred IMU calibration method to model the humerothoracic joint, as this setup is the simplest as it only requires accurate positioning of the trunk sensor.
Validity and Reliability of an Integrated Smartphone Measurement Approach for Balance
Authors: Prato Thomas A. , Lynall Robert C. , Howell David R. , Lugade Vipul
Published: November 2024

Context: Clinical balance assessments vary in reliability due to subjectivity in their scoring. A valid and objective accelerometer-based smartphone evaluation could benefit patients, clinicians, and researchers. Objective: Our objective was to assess the validity and reliability of smartphone-based standing balance. Design: A repeated-measures study was conducted with 23 healthy young adult participants across 2 sessions ∼7 days apart. Methods: Participants completed 30-second standing trials during tandem-stance eyes-open, tandem-stance eyes-closed, single-leg eyes-open, and single-leg eyes-closed conditions. Android and iOS smartphones were placed vertically on the lower back via a belt with 3 retroreflective markers attached and tracked by an 8-camera motion capture system. Sway path, range, and area were calculated from smartphone accelerometer and marker data. We assessed reliability using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC[2,k]) and validity using Pearson r correlations between the marker and smartphones from visit 1. Results: Across eyes-open conditions, Android (ICC = .84–.96), iOS (ICC = .82–.98), and marker-based (ICC = .84–.95) assessments demonstrated good to excellent reliability. Across eyes-closed conditions, Android (ICC = .41–.87), iOS (ICC = .34–.79), and marker-based (ICC = .31–.87) assessments demonstrated poor to good reliability. Correlations between smartphones and the marker data were moderate to very high (r = .56–.97). Conclusions: The smartphone-based assessment was valid and reliable, indicating that clinicians and researchers can implement this method to measure balance with the opportunity for remote administration and increased patient tracking across various recovery timepoints.
Hidden allies: how extracellular vesicles drive biofilm formation, stress adaptation, and host–immune interactions in human fungal pathogens
Authors: Brandt Philipp , Singha Rima , Ene Iuliana V.
Published: November 2024

Pathogenic fungi pose a significant threat to human health, especially given the rising incidence of invasive fungal infections and the emergence of drug-resistant strains. This requires the development of vaccines and the advancement of antifungal strategies. Recent studies have focused on the roles of fungal extracellular vesicles (EVs) in intercellular communication and host-pathogen interactions. EVs are nanosized, lipid membrane-bound particles that facilitate the transfer of proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids. Here, we review the multifaceted functions of EVs produced by different human fungal pathogens, highlighting their importance in the response of fungal cells to different environmental cues and their interactions with host immune cells. We summarize the current state of research on EVs and how leveraging this knowledge can lead to innovative approaches in vaccine development and antifungal treatment.
Genome sequences of recombinant
African swine fever virus
isolated from domestic pigs in Vietnam
Authors: Van Nguyen Diep , Thi Nguyen Ngoc , Van Nguyen Duc , Thi Bui Tham , Ngoc Tran Tiep
Published: November 2024

African swine fever is a highly contagious and devastating disease of pigs. Here, we present the draft genome assemblies of three Vietnamese
African
s
wine fever virus
(ASFV) isolates: rASF1/2-avac02, rASF1/2-avac03, and rASF1/2-avac07. All isolates were closely related to the Chinese recombinant ASFV strains of genotypes I and II.
Dispersal shapes compositional and functional diversity in aquatic microbial communities
Authors: Rain-Franco Angel , Le Moigne Alizée , Serra Moncadas Lucas , Silva Marisa O. D. , Andrei Adrian-Stefan , Pernthaler Jakob
Published: November 2024

Segregation and mixing shape the structure and functioning of aquatic microbial communities, but their respective roles are challenging to disentangle in field studies. We explored the hypothesis that functional differences and beta diversity among stochastically assembled communities would increase in the absence of dispersal. Contrariwise, we expected biotic selection during homogenizing dispersal to reduce beta and gamma diversity as well as functional variability. This was experimentally addressed by examining the compositional and functional changes of 20 freshwater bacterial assemblages maintained at identical conditions over seven growth cycles for 34 days and subjected to two consecutive dispersal regimes. Initial dispersal limitation generated high beta diversity and led to the repeated emergence of community types that were dominated by particular taxa. Compositional stability and evenness of the community types varied over successive growth cycles, reflecting differences in functional properties. Carbon use efficiency increased during cultivation, with some communities of unique composition outperforming the replicate community types. Homogenizing dispersal led to high compositional similarity and reduced gamma diversity. While a neutral and a competition-based (Elo-rating) model together largely explained community assembly, a pseudomonad disproportionally dominated across communities, possibly due to interaction-related genomic traits. In conclusion, microbial assemblages stochastically generated by dispersal limitation can be gradually “refined” into distinct community types by subsequent deterministic processes. Segregation of communities represented an insurance mechanism for highly productive but competitively weak microbial taxa that were excluded during community coalescence.

IMPORTANCE

We experimentally assessed the compositional and functional responses of freshwater bacterial assemblages exposed to two consecutive dispersal-related events (dispersal limitation and homogenizing dispersal) under identical growth conditions. While segregation led to a decreased local diversity, high beta diversity sustained regional diversity and functional variability. In contrast, homogenizing dispersal reduced the species pool and functional variability of the metacommunity. Our findings highlight the role of dispersal in regulating both diversity and functional variability of aquatic microbial metacommunities, thereby providing crucial insight to predict changes in ecosystem functioning.
Supplemental Material: Geochronology and provenance of the Huangyangling Formation in the East Kunlun orogen, NW China: Insight from detrital zircon and calcite cement records
Authors: Qi Nan , LI NUO , al. et
Published: November 2024

Tables S1–S3 and Supplemental Data S1. 
Supplemental Material: Common metamorphic P-T-t history of metabasite and metapelite in the Danba Barrovian sequence (SW China): Implications for the Mesozoic tectono-thermal evolution of the eastern Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Li Zhen , Wu Chun-Ming , al. et
Published: November 2024

Figure S1: Plot of amphibole and plagioclase compositions. Figure S2: Cathodoluminescence images of the dated zircon grains. Figure S3: Chondrite normalized REE patterns of dated zircon grains. Table S1: Data of standard materials for bulk-rock chemical analyses. Table S2: Representative mineral compositions of the studied samples. Table S3: SHRIMP zircon U-Pb dating results. Table S4: Trace element concentrations of zircon grains of the selected samples. Table S5: SIMS monazite U-Pb dating results for sample 21DB89. Table S6: Matrix-type biotite compositions and temperature results from Ti-in-biotite thermometry. Table S7: Ti contents in zircon and temperatures from Ti-in-zircon thermometry.
Unexpected normal ROTEM results in protein C deficiency with IVC thrombosis
Authors: Kim Rachel Seunah , Yoon Uzung
Published: November 2024

Protein C deficiency is a hereditary disorder that increases the risk of thrombotic events but has unclear effects on rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM) analysis. A man in his 60s with a history of protein C deficiency and multiple thrombotic events underwent inferior vena cava (IVC) filter removal, iliocaval thrombectomy and infrarenal IVC placement for IVC-related complete iliocaval and common femoral vein thromboses. A ROTEM analysis showed normal coagulation in NATEM and EXTEM and only a slight shortening in A10 and A20 in INTEM, which was unexpected given his diagnosis of protein C deficiency. Normal results indicate that there is complexity and variability of coagulation to maintain a balanced state even in individuals with underlying coagulation disorders.
Health impact and cost-effectiveness of vaccination using potential next-generation influenza vaccines in Thailand: a modelling study
Authors: Procter Simon R , Waterlow Naomi R , Radhakrishnan Sreejith , van Leeuwen Edwin , Meeyai Aronrag , Cooper Ben S , Chuenkitmongkol Sunate , Teerawattananon Yot , Eggo Rosalind M , Jit Mark
Published: November 2024

Introduction

Thailand was one of the first low- and middle-income countries to publicly fund seasonal influenza vaccines, but the lack of predictability in the timing of epidemics and difficulty in predicting the dominant influenza subtypes present a challenge for existing vaccines. Next-generation influenza vaccines (NGIVs) are being developed with the dual aims of broadening the strain coverage and conferring longer-lasting immunity. However, there are no economic evaluations of NGIVs in Thailand.

Methods

We estimated the health impact and cost-effectiveness of NGIVs in Thailand between 2005 and 2009 using a combined epidemiological and economic model. We fitted the model to data on laboratory-confirmed influenza cases and then simulated the number of influenza infections, symptomatic cases, hospitalisations and deaths under different vaccination scenarios based on WHO-preferred product characteristics for NGIVs. We used previous estimates of costs and disability adjusted life years (DALYs) for influenza health outcomes to estimate incremental net monetary benefit, vaccine threshold prices and budget impact.

Results

With the current vaccine programme, there were an estimated 61 million influenza infections. Increasing coverage to 50% using improved vaccines reduced infections to between 23 and 57 million, and with universal vaccines to between 21 and 49 million, depending on the age groups targeted. Depending on the comparator, threshold prices for NGIVs ranged from US$2.80 to US$12.90 per dose for minimally improved vaccines and US$24.60 to US$69.90 for universal vaccines.

Conclusion

Influenza immunisation programmes using NGIVs are anticipated to provide considerable health benefits and be cost-effective in Thailand. However, although NGIVs might even be cost-saving in the long run, there could be significant budget implications for the Thai government even if the vaccines can be procured at a substantial discount to the maximum threshold price.
Immunogenicity of adalimumab reference product and adalimumab-adbm in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s disease and chronic plaque psoriasis: a pooled analysis of the VOLTAIRE trials
Authors: Strand Vibeke , McCabe Dorothy , Bender Shaun
Published: November 2024

Objective

This post hoc analysis compared the immunogenicity of the biosimilar adalimumab-adbm (Cyltezo) with the adalimumab reference product (RP; Humira) across indications, including rheumatoid arthritis (RA), Crohn’s disease (CD) and plaque psoriasis (PsO), and by patient sex in the VOLTAIRE trials programme.

Methods

In each active-comparator randomised controlled trial (RCT), immunogenicity was assessed at various time points by the proportion of patients with antidrug antibodies (ADAs) and neutralising antibodies (nAbs), using acid dissociation followed by electrochemiluminescence assay. Assay sensitivity was 50 ng/mL, and drug tolerance was ≥30 µg/mL (free drug) at the low positive control level.

Results

Minor differences in immunogenicity parameters (ADAs, ADA titres and nAbs) were evident between adalimumab-adbm and adalimumab RP across these three immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (IMIDs). The proportion of ADA-positive and nAb-positive patients increased from baseline over time in all three RCTs, as expected, and was similar in the RA and CD RCTs but with higher numbers of ADA-positive and nAb-positive patients reported in the PsO trial. Subgroup analysis by patient sex showed the same trend.

Conclusions

Differences among the RCTs may partially be explained by concomitant background therapy (methotrexate) in the RA trial, stable doses of azathioprine, 6-mercaptopurine or methotrexate in 36% of patients with CD and absence of background therapy in the PsO RCT. The analyses further confirm the biosimilarity of adalimumab-adbm with the adalimumab RP across IMIDs and provide supporting evidence that adalimumab-adbm is an interchangeable biosimilar with consistent clinical results in patients originally treated with the RP.

Trial registration numbers

VOLTAIRE-RA (NCT02137226; EudraCT 2012-002945-40); VOLTAIRE-CD (NCT02871635; EudraCT 2016-000612-14); VOLTAIRE-PsO (NCT02850965; EudraCT 2016-000613-79).
Which reference groups matter for Taiwanese high school adolescent smoking? A card sorting study
Authors: Tsai Han-Yi , Shih Shu-Fang , Tsai Tzu-I
Published: November 2024

Background

Adolescence represents a pivotal period for the initiation of smoking behaviours. While family, peer and social groups serve as significant reference groups influencing adolescents’ decision-making process, there remains a paucity of research that examines how diversified reference groups influence their smoking decisions.

Objective

The objective is to compare normative and informative influences given by different reference groups on adolescents’ smoking decision-making.

Design

This study applied reference group theory and used the card sorting technique. Adolescents were presented with 16 cards portraying various reference groups and 27 cards portraying different types of reference group influences. They were asked to construct sentences as smoking-elicited and smoking-inhibited cues and ranked these influences based on their relevance to their smoking decision-making.

Participants

The participants were recruited from four cities in the North, Central, South and East regions of Taiwan. The study sample consisted of 297 Taiwanese 11th graders drawn from high schools, vocational high schools and night schools.

Primary outcome measures

The most influential reference group among smokers, former smokers and never smokers.

Results

Our results of multivariable logistic regression show that for current smokers, having a smoking best friend (aOR=7.58,p<0.01), having a smoking colleague (aOR=3.83,p<0.01) and participating in ceremonial dance performances (aOR=4.62,p<0.01) are more likely to smoke. Peers play an important role in providing smoking-elicited cues for current smokers. Families provided the most smoking-inhibited cues for former and never smokers. Normative influences such as encouraging adolescent smoking provided more cues for adolescents than informative influences such as releasing stress by smoking.

Conclusions

Adolescent smoking behaviour was influenced by peer norms, while former and non-smoking behaviours are associated with family norms. Therefore, tobacco prevention efforts should focus more on family-level interventions to discourage smoking initiation. Smoking cessation programmes for current smokers should address the reduction of peer pressure to smoke. Moreover, schools and community partners should collaborate to develop effective smoking cessation strategies, particularly for high-risk groups such as adolescents who involved in ceremonial dance performance.
Inappropriate antibiotic prescription for acute tonsillitis in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs): a systematic review and meta-analysis protocol
Authors: Bola Siafa Antoine , Choffor-Nchinda Emmanuel , Andjock-Nkouo Yves Christian
Published: November 2024

Introduction

Tonsillitis is a self-limiting inflammatory process of the tonsils. In high-income countries, guidelines have been developed to decide if a patient needs an antibiotic or not. These guidelines help to reduce unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions and prevent the development of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). In low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), medical practitioners have the tendency to prescribe antibiotics in all cases of tonsillitis; there is an overprescription of antibiotics. These prescriptions are probably unjustified and seem to be responsible for the increased AMR seen in developing countries. The aim of this review will be to estimate the proportion of unjustified antibiotic prescriptions in LMICs.

Methods and analysis

We will conduct a systematic review of all observational studies on the diagnosis and treatment of tonsillitis in LMICs. The selected database will include PubMed, Web of Sciences Global Index Medicus and the Grey literature. The search will include studies published from January 2012 until December 2024. Study selection will follow the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, and bias will be assessed by a Risk of Bias Assessment Tool for observational studies by Hoyet al. A meta-analysis will be conducted for homogeneous studies, eventually using the random effect model. Subgroup analysis will include a period of study, study quality, countries and/or subregions of LMICs involved, study setting, age of participants, tools and definition used.

Ethics and dissemination

Formal ethical approval is not required, as primary data will not be collected. The results will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications and presented at scientific conferences.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD 42022384957
Development and validation of a clinical prediction tool to estimate survival in community-dwelling adults living with dementia: a protocol
Authors: Bonares Michael , Fisher Stacey , Clarke Anna , Dover Katie , Quinn Kieran , Stall Nathan , Isenberg Sarina , Tanuseputro Peter , Li Wenshan
Published: November 2024

Introduction

A clinical prediction tool to estimate life expectancy in community-dwelling individuals living with dementia could inform healthcare decision-making and prompt future planning. An existing Ontario-based tool for community-dwelling elderly individuals does not perform well in people living with dementia specifically. This study seeks to develop and validate a clinical prediction tool to estimate survival in community-dwelling individuals living with dementia receiving home care in Ontario, Canada.

Methods and analysis

This will be a population-level retrospective cohort study that will use data in linked healthcare administrative databases at ICES. Specifically, data that are routinely collected from regularly administered assessments for home care will be used. Community-dwelling individuals living with dementia receiving home care at any point between April 2010 and March 2020 will be included (N≈200 000). The model will be developed in the derivation cohort (N≈140 000), which includes individuals with a randomly selected home care assessment between 2010 and 2017. The outcome variable will be survival time from index assessment. The selection of predictor variables will be fully prespecified and literature/expert-informed. The model will be estimated using a Cox proportional hazards model. The model’s performance will be assessed in a temporally distinct validation cohort (N≈60 000), which includes individuals with an assessment between 2018 and 2020. Overall performance will be assessed using Nagelkerke’s R2, discrimination using the concordance statistic and calibration using the calibration curve. Overfitting will be assessed visually and statistically. Model performance will be assessed in the validation cohort and in prespecified subgroups.

Ethics and dissemination

The study received research ethics board approval from the Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre (SUN-6138). Abstracts of the project will be submitted to academic conferences, and a manuscript thereof will be submitted to a peer-reviewed journal for publication. The model will be disseminated on a publicly accessible website (www.projectbiglife.com).

Trial registration number

NCT06266325(clinicaltrials.gov).
Post-traumatic growth, moral sensitivity and service behaviour among healthcare workers in the post-pandemic era of COVID-19 in mainland China: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Wei Liwen , Li Dianjiang , Hu Longjun , Wang Kuanlei , Wang Qin , Zhao Haijing , Wang Miaomiao , Chai Xuejiao , Wei Haibin , Yu Fenglan , Qian Mingping , Liu Xuechun , Hou Lengchen , Fan Hong , Xiaoxu Zhi , Zhang Youran
Published: November 2024

Objectives

To investigate how post-traumatic growth (PTG) and moral sensitivity influence service behaviour among healthcare workers (HCWs) in mainland China post-COVID-19, with a focus on the mediating role of moral sensitivity.

Design

Cross- sectional survey design.

Setting

This study was conducted in 27 provinces across mainland China, from 16 March to 2 April 2023.

Participants

1,193 HCWs, including 378 physicians and 815 nurses, were selected using convenience and snowball sampling methods.

Methods

The survey included the Post-traumatic Growth Inventory-Chinese version (PTGI-C), the Moral Sensitivity Questionnaire-Revised Chinese Version (MSQ-R-CV) and a service behaviour scale. Structural equation modelling was employed to analyse the data, focusing on the associations between PTG, moral sensitivity, and service behaviours.

Results

The study found significant associations between PTG and moral sensitivity (r=0.49, p<0.01), with both factors positively influencing HCWs’ service behaviours. Specifically, PTG had a direct effect on service behaviours (β=0.172, p<0.01) and an indirect effect through moral sensitivity (β=0.333, p<0.01), with moral sensitivity mediating 65.8% of PTG’s impact on service behaviours. The model explained 56.0% of the variance in service behaviours, indicating a substantial influence of these psychological factors on professional conduct.

Conclusions

The findings highlight the significant role of PTG and moral sensitivity in shaping the service behaviours of HCWs in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. The study suggests that enhancing PTG and moral sensitivity through targeted interventions could improve HCWs’ service delivery and resilience, emphasising the importance of incorporating psychological and ethical training into healthcare practices to prepare for future public health crises.
Determinants of inpatient satisfaction and hospital recommendation: experiences from a cross-sectional study of a tertiary general hospital in China
Authors: Liu Xuedong , Lai Chenghong , Ye Mengliang , Xie Jiali
Published: November 2024

Objectives

This study aims to investigate the satisfaction levels of inpatients and identify the determinants of inpatient satisfaction and hospital recommendations.

Design

A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2022.

Setting

A tertiary general hospital in Sichuan Province, China.

Participants

271 inpatients were randomly selected and studied.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

A tailored questionnaire was developed to measure inpatient satisfaction and hospital recommendation. T-test and analysis of variance were employed to compare the differences in inpatients’ demographic characteristics across five satisfaction domains. Multivariate binary logistic regression was performed to identify determinants associated with inpatient satisfaction and hospital recommendation.

Results

The mean inpatient satisfaction score was 4.27 and the mean hospital recommendation score was 3.96. Inpatients showed the highest satisfaction with the physician care domain and the lowest satisfaction with the hospital environment domain. Statistically significant differences were observed in inpatient demographic characteristics among specific satisfaction domains. Older inpatients, those with Urban Employees and Residents Medical Insurance, from the internal medicine department, and inpatients from the hospital’s older region reported the highest levels of satisfaction. Multivariate binary logistic regression revealed that the nursing care domain was the strongest positive predictor of both inpatient overall satisfaction and hospital recommendation. Additionally, the medical procedure and hospital environment domains were strong positive predictors for hospital recommendation and inpatient overall satisfaction respectively. The hospital region domain was a strong negative predictor for inpatient overall satisfaction.

Conclusions

Higher satisfaction levels do not necessarily correlate with an increased likelihood of hospital recommendation. Inpatient satisfaction levels vary significantly based on factors such as age, gender, insurance type, hospital clinical department and region. The domains of nursing care and medical procedure are the influencing factors associated with inpatient overall satisfaction. The domains of nursing care, hospital environment and hospital region are the influencing factors of inpatient hospital recommendation.
Economic effects of priority setting in healthcare: a scoping review of current evidence
Authors: Leskelä Riikka-Leena , Vanhala Antero , Gehrmann Katariina , Haapatalo Erik , Ranta Jussi , Patja Kristiina , Kousa Ilona , Tapanainen Pasi , Mika Pantzar , Tikkinen K , Ignatius Eveliina , Ojanen Tuomas , Torkki Paulus
Published: November 2024

Objectives

Study objective was to map the current literature on the economic effects of priority setting at the system level in healthcare.

Design

The study was conducted as a scoping review.

Data sources

Scopus electronic database was searched in June 2023.

Eligibility criteria

We included peer-reviewed articles published 1 January 2020–1 January 2023. All study designs that contained empirical evidence on the financial effects or opportunity costs of healthcare priority setting were included excluding disease, condition, treatment, or patient group-specific studies.

Data extraction and synthesis

Two independent researchers screened the articles, and two additional researchers reviewed the full texts and extracted data. We used Joanna Briggs Institute checklists to assess the quality of qualitative, quasi-experimental and economic evaluations and the mixed methods appraisal tool for the mixed method studies. Synthesis was done qualitatively and through descriptive statistics.

Results

8869 articles were screened and 15 fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The most common study focus was health technology assessment (7/15). Other contexts were opportunity costs, effects of programme budgeting and marginal analysis, and disinvestment initiatives. Priority setting activities analysed in the studies did not achieve cost savings or cost containment (4/15) or have mixed findings at best (8/15). Only five studies found some indication of cost savings, cost containment or increased efficiency. Also, many of the studies consider costs only indirectly or qualitatively.

Conclusions

All in all, there is very little research addressing the pressing question of whether explicit priority setting and priority-setting methods can support cost containment on a health service system level (regional or national). There is limited evidence of the economic effects of priority setting.
Factors influencing blood donation among university students in Vojvodina, Serbia: cross-sectional study
Authors: Kocic Neda , Bujandric Nevenka , Budakov Obradovic Zorana , Grujic Jasmina , Bezanovic Milomir , Kolarovic Jovanka
Published: November 2024

Background and objectives

The aim of the present study was to assess the effect of sociodemographic factors on knowledge, attitudes, motivation and potential barriers of university students towards blood donation in the order to more effective donation promotion.

Design

The cross-sectional study was conducted on 1000 participants (500 non-blood donors—NBD, 276 first time blood donors—FTBD and 224 regular blood donors—RBD) from the 14 faculties of the University of Novi Sad, Serbia. The measurement tool used was a pretested survey questionnaire that included 22 questions focused on the factors influencing blood donation.

Results

Males accounted for 61.5% of participants. Average age of participants was 23.19 years, and over 80% were pursuing basic academic studies. University students: (1) correctly answered 65% of the questions about blood donation (NBD 59.2%, FTBD 59.7%, RBD 84.3%); (2) expressed 70.5% positive attitude towards donating blood (NBD 58.6%, FTBD 76.9%, RBD 89.1%), in both cases statistically significantly higher in RBD. Helping others who need blood (47.5%) was the main reason for donating blood and fear of needles (41.4%) was the most common potential barrier, with a significant statistical difference among the other factors.

Conclusions

The study demonstrates that university students show good knowledge and philanthropic attitude towards blood donation. Donation promotion should be focused on addressing potential barriers.
Health economic value of postacute oral nutritional supplementation in older adult medical patients at risk for malnutrition: a US-based modelling approach
Authors: Wang Shanshan , Shafrin Jason , Kerr Kirk W. , Schuetz Philipp
Published: November 2024

Objective

To estimate the health economic value of postdischarge oral nutrition supplement (ONS) consumption among elderly adults who were malnourished during hospitalisation.

Design

A cost-effectiveness model was developed from a US payer perspective based on a recent meta-analysis of randomised trials of nutritional support following hospital discharge and studies of US hospital mortality, readmission rates and costs.

Participants and setting

The target population of this study was postacute care US patients aged ≥65 years who were identified as malnourished during hospitalisation.

Intervention and outcome measures

A decision-tree model was used to evaluate the impact of postacute care daily consumption of ONS compared with no ONS. Outcomes were evaluated over a 1-year time interval. Clinical outcomes of interest included readmission and mortality rates. Economic value of ONS was quantified using three different metrics: cost per death averted, cost per readmission avoided and direct cost savings resulting from changes in postacute mortality and readmission rates. The economic value of ONS was also measured by gains in quality-adjusted life-years.

Results

Compared with patients not receiving ONS after hospital discharge, use of ONS during the postacute phase reduced mortality by 36.3% and readmissions by 11.0%. Reductions in readmissions resulted in annual savings of US$1113 per person. When extrapolating the results to the estimated 1 693 034 hospitalised elderly US adults at risk of malnutrition, the use of ONS after hospital discharge would prevent 67 747 deaths and 116 570 hospital readmissions per year. With the estimated cost of nutritional support at US$175 per patient per month corresponding to two servings ONS per day, the ONS cost per death and readmission avoided was estimated at US$4380 and US$2546, respectively.

Conclusions

Postdischarge use of ONS among patients at risk for malnutrition is highly cost-effective with important reductions in mortality and readmission rates.
Mechanistic role of long non-coding RNAs in the pathogenesis of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease and fibrosis
Authors: Wade Henry , Pan Kaichao , Zhang Bingrui , Zheng Wenhua , Su Qiaozhu
Published: November 2024

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), previously referred to as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, encompasses a broad range of hepatic metabolic disorders primarily characterised by the disruption of hepatic lipid metabolism, hepatic lipid accumulation and steatosis. Severe cases of MASLD might progress to metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis, characterised by hepatic inflammation, hepatocyte ballooning degeneration, activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and fibrogenesis. It may further progress to hepatocellular carcinoma. In the liver, long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) target multiple metabolic pathways in hepatocytes, HSCs, and Kupffer cells at different stages of MASLD and liver fibrosis. In this study, we overview recent ﬁndings on the potential role of lncRNAs in the pathogenesis of MASLD and liver fibrosis via modulation of de novo lipid synthesis, fatty acid β-oxidation, lipotoxicity, oxidative stress, metabolic inﬂammation, mammalian target of rapamycin signalling, apoptosis, ubiquitination and ﬁbrogenesis. We critically assess the literature reports that investigate the complex interplay between lncRNA, microRNA and key mediators in liver injury, in both human participants and animal models of MASLD and liver ﬁbrosis. We also highlight the therapeutic potential of lncRNAs in chronic liver diseases.
Recent development on doubler or collar plate reinforced square hollow section joints under brace axial load
Authors: Li Zhaowei , Chang Hongfei , Song Xinyi , Xia Junwu , Zhang Haochen , Huang Yuner
Published: November 2024

Tubular joints are crucial structural components in steel tubular truss structure. Doubler or collar plate reinforcement has gained popularity in strengthening square hollow section (SHS) joints on the chord. But the existing design rules for the reinforced tubular joints require improvement. This paper reviews literature on SHS joints strengthened by doubler or collar plate. Key geometrical parameters, structural behaviour and failure modes of reinforced SHS joints reported in literature were discussed. Design methods in specifications and literature were evaluated by comparing the design values with experimental results. It was shown that the approach using linear fitting coefficients obtained by key parameters is able to provide a more accurate prediction. The SHS joint strengthening process with doubler plate or collar plate is discussed, highlighting some construction restrains. Finally, the trend and development direction of this field are proposed.
Exploring the photoproduction of $$\rho $$ and $$\phi $$ in hadronic heavy-ion collisions
Authors: Shen Kaifeng , Wu Xin , Tang Zebo , Zha Wangmei
Published: November 2024

Significant enhancements of J/$$\psi $$
ψ
production have been observed by various experiments at RHIC and LHC for very low transverse momenta in peripheral heavy-ion collisions, which has ignited a surge of investigations into photon-induced processes in hadronic heavy-ion collisions (HHICs). Within this wave of research enthusiasm, the search for more photon induced products in HHICs becomes paramount. In this paper, we perform the calculation of the $$\rho $$
ρ
and $$\phi $$
ϕ
production resulting from photon-nucleus interactions in HHICs, which are crucial probes for studying the properties of quark-gluon plasma (QGP) in HHICs. Our study reveals that, in comparison to hadronic production, the photon-induced production of $$\rho $$
ρ
and $$\phi $$
ϕ
does not reach the same level of significance as that observed in J/$$\psi $$
ψ
production. Nevertheless, it remains substantial, especially in peripheral collisions, holding great promise for experimental verification in the imminent future.
Electromagnetic side-channel attack risk assessment on a practical quantum-key-distribution receiver based on multi-class classification
Authors: Pantoja John J. , Bucheli Victor A. , Donaldson Ross
Published: November 2024

While quantum key distribution (QKD) is a theoretically secure way of growing quantum-safe encryption keys, many practical implementations are challenged due to various open attack vectors, resulting in many variations of QKD protocols. Side channels are one such vector that allows a passive or active eavesdropper to obtain QKD information leaked through practical devices. This paper assesses the feasibility and implications of extracting the raw secret key from far-field radiated emissions from the single-photon avalanche diodes used in a BB84 QKD quad-detector receiver. Enhancement of the attack was also demonstrated through the use of deep-learning model to distinguish radiated emissions due to the four polarized encoding states. To evaluate the severity of such side-channel attack, multi-class classification based on raw-data and pre-processed data is implemented and assessed. Results show that classifiers based on both raw-data and pre-processed features can discern variations of the electromagnetic emissions caused by specific orientations of the detectors within the receiver with an accuracy higher than 90%. This research proposes machine learning models as a technique to assess EM information leakage risk of QKD and highlights the feasibility of side-channel attacks in the far-field region, further emphasizing the need to utilise mechanisms to avoid electromagnetic radiation information leaks and measurement-device-independent QKD protocols.
Research on Oriental Artistic Conception of Architectural Space of Suzhou Garden Ecology Based on Interactive Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Xu Zhenli , Lyu Yuan , Wang Wei
Published: November 2024

Ancient Chinese gardening has a long history, and the culture contained in it is extensive and profound. If it is analyzed with today’s spatial characteristics, it still conforms to the norms of scale, proportion, perspective relationship, spatial sequence, etc., so it is well-deserved as a classic. Suzhou gardens enjoy a good reputation in the history of gardens in the world. They have the artistic characteristics and culture of typical oriental gardens. Suzhou gardens have unique poetic and picturesque meanings. They are unique and beautiful humanistic landscapes among gardens in the world. The world cultural heritage with scientific value has far-reaching significance for contemporary Chinese architectural practice. Although many gardening theories in ancient China are different from today’s design methods, we can still find common ground by analyzing and comparing classical gardens according to the rules of scale, proportion, perspective relationship, and spatial sequence in modern design. Therefore, this paper will take Suzhou classical gardens as the research object, and construct a garden architectural space optimization model based on interactive genetic algorithm, and use quantitative means to find the rules of spatial scale and the oriental artistic conception in the garden architectural space. The information fusion model is used to quantify the garden landscape, in order to enhance the intuitive perception to a rational level, so that the means and methods of creating a comfortable and beautiful space in Suzhou classical gardens in the past can be continued in today’s garden design.
The Application of Computer-Aided Film and Television Art Design Elements in Exhibition Space Design
Authors: Du Jiao
Published: November 2024

Exhibition spaces are where human civilization is passed along, science and culture are disseminated, and new design concepts and techniques are assimilated to better them over time. Several offline and online exhibitions have been affected, stopped, postponed, or relocated online due to the effect of the outbreak. Presently, the development and enhancement of virtual exhibition halls is underway. Visitors to exposition halls are no longer limited to those from the immediate area; rather, an increasing number of people come from all over the nation and even from other countries. Due to this, pavilions that are equipped with remote tour features become very influential. The cloud exhibition of the film and television art design elements is the focus of this study, and it additionally builds a virtual display platform and presents 3D Imaging and Virtual Reality Technology (3DIVRT). Through the lens of 3D modeling technology and virtual exhibition hall building, this study first investigates the application trend and preliminary practice of digital design in virtual exhibition halls domestically and internationally. A comparison is made between virtual exhibition halls and conventional exhibition halls to summarize the benefits and possibilities of virtual exhibition halls. Second, it elaborates on the features of the 3D experience found in virtual exhibition halls from immersion, interaction, and conceivability perspectives. A fundamental examination and comparison of 3D modeling software is carried out, and Blender and Unity’s impact on the execution of the virtual exhibition hall is detailed. Synchronizing virtual reflection by computational capabilities, which will be identified with certain examples from across the globe, requires multimedia to be successful. Various methods to exhibit activity that uses computer-aided technologies are brought to light in this research study. According to the findings and conclusions, manual presentation and technical distinctions are how artistic and reflective features can be achieved.