bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Formation cooperative trajectory tracking control for unmanned aerial vehicles via differential game and reinforcement learning
Authors: Wang Xiaoheng , Xiao Zhihe , Ren Ziming , Dong Chunzhu , Tian Xuan Dan
Published: August 2024

In this paper, a formation cooperative tracking control problem for unmanned aerial vehicles is investigated via non–zero-sum game theory and reinforcement learning. The formation cooperative tracking control problem is converted to a multi-player non–zero-sum game problem to attain the team optimality of multiple unmanned aerial vehicles. The desired trajectory can be achieved via a game-based feedback controller to minimize the global cost function involving all control policies. The Nash equilibrium control laws are learned based on only the collected system data, without knowledge of the vehicle dynamics. The asymptotic convergence of the constructed global closed-loop control system is proven via theoretical analysis. Simulation results validate the effectiveness of the proposed control method.
Sliding-mode-like secure event-triggered lateral stabilization of actuator-attacked autonomous vehicles
Authors: Sun Hong-Tao , Chen Xinran , Peng Chen , Chen Zhi
Published: August 2024

This paper investigates the secure lateral stabilization control problem of autonomous vehicles subject to actuator attacks. By considering a class of arbitrary bounded actuator attacks, a secure lateral control model of autonomous vehicles is established to characterize the influences of actuator attacks on steer actions. Based on the established attacked model, the event-based transmission scheme is used to save communication resources, and the sliding-model-like control scheme is developed to counteract the effects of actuator attacks. By exploiting the input delay approach, the periodic sampling and network-induced time delay are considered and thus the provided secure control scheme is beneficial to realize the secure control under networked environment. All theory results are well derived by Lyapunov–Kraskovskii method and some linear matrix inequality operations. In addition, Zeno behaviors are naturally excluded due to the adoption of discrete-time period sampling fashion. The effectiveness of the proposed secure control scheme is verified by a comparative simulation example.
Examining Relationships Among Nursing Students’ Views of Suffering, Positive Thinking, and Professional Quality of Life
Authors: Engbers Ruth A. , Bekhet Abir K. , Jerofke-Owen Teresa , Johnson Norah L. , Singh Maharaj
Published: August 2024

Background:

Exposure to suffering can lead to compassion fatigue in undergraduate nursing students.

Objective:

Guided by resilience theory, a cross-sectional, correlational design was used to investigate the potential moderating effect of positive thinking skills on the relationships between views of suffering, compassion fatigue, and compassion satisfaction.

Results:

In 157 undergraduate nursing students, multiple regressions revealed that views of suffering and positive thinking explained 23.8% of the variance in compassion satisfaction ( F11,145 = 4.121, P < .001), and 21.9% of the variance in burnout ( F11,144 = 3.786, P < .001). The Suffering God view, which stresses the presence of a compassionate deity amid suffering, and positive thinking had significant main effects on compassion satisfaction (β = 0.349, P = .025; and β = 0.309, P < .001, respectively). Positive thinking, the Suffering God view, and the Random view, in which the occurrence of suffering is random and purposeless, had significant main effects on burnout (β = −0.280, P < .001; β = −0.392, P = .014; and β = −0.206, P = .014, respectively). The Unorthodox view, in which a deity exists that allows suffering, had a significant main effect on secondary traumatic stress (β = 0.232, P = .027). Positive thinking did not moderate any of the relationships between the views of suffering and the dependent variables.

Conclusions:

Knowledge of these relationships can aid in the assessment of nursing students at risk for poor outcomes and guide intervention development to promote professional quality of life.
New optimal robust control for maximum power point tracking and electromagnetic torque ripple minimization of wind energy conversion system
Authors: Brahmi Oussama , Bouchemha Amel , Kahla Sami
Published: August 2024

The aim of this paper is to present a new Improved On-Off controller for a wind energy conversion system (WECS) based on a squirrel cage induction generator (SCIG) using the COOT optimization algorithm. The conventional On-Off system’s control rule has a sign function, which causes chattering and can shorten the wind turbine life span. By including a first-order filter in the non-continuous part of the control, an improved on-off controller was suggested as a solution to this issue. Despite the effectiveness of the improved On-Off controller, the chattering issue persisted. To tackle this problem, an improvement idea was proposed in the design of the internal controller structure by substituting the sign (σ) with the hysteresis function, which will lengthen the lifespan of the wind power conversion system. Although the improved On-Off controller was able to reduce the electromagnetic torque ripple, a new issue emerged in the form of a significant decrease in the power coefficient relative to the value of the optimal power coefficient needed, which prevented wind turbines from producing their maximum amount of power. In view of the extreme importance of the power produced, which cannot be sacrificed, and also the importance of eliminating the problem of chattering, we propose in this work a new improved control method in which we use the COOT optimization algorithm in order to improve the performance of the improved on-off controller by targeting to maximize the power coefficient value. Thus, we will produce the maximum amount of required power, and in order to simultaneously lessen the impact of the chattering problem, an improvement idea is proposed in the design of the internal controller structure by substituting the sign (σ) with the hysteresis function. This novel controller’s outcomes are compared with those of the conventional on-off controller and the improved On-Off controller based on sign function.
Regional citrate anticoagulation versus LMWH anticoagulation for CRRT in liver failure patients without increased bleeding risk
Authors: Tang Siyan , Yu Yan , Tang Siwei , Liu Tong , Wu Hao , Liu Yi , Zhao Lijuan , Lu Rui , Zhang Peng , Bai Ming
Published: August 2024

Background:

The optimal anticoagulation regimen for continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) in liver failure (LF) patients without increased bleeding risk remains controversial. Therefore, we conducted a monocentric retrospective study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the regional citrate anticoagulation (RCA) versus low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) anticoagulation for CRRT in LF without increased bleeding risk.

Method:

According to the anticoagulation strategy for CRRT, patients were divided into the RCA and LMWH-anticoagulation groups. The evaluated endpoints were patient survival, filter lifespan, bleeding, citrate accumulation, and totCa/ionCa ratio.

Result:

Totally 167 and 164 filters were used in the RCA and LMWH group, respectively. The median filter lifespan was significantly longer in the RCA group (34 h (IQR = 24–54) versus 24 h (IQR = 18–45.5) [95%CI, 24.5–33]; p < 0.001). The 4-week mortality rate was significantly higher in the LMWH-anticoagulation group (71 (57.72%) vs 53 (40.46%); p = 0.006). After adjusted the important parameters in the multivariate COX regression model, the mortality risk was significantly reduced in the RCA group (HR = 0.668 [95%CI, 0.468–0.955]; p = 0.027). In the LMWH group, 30 bleeding episodes (24,19%) were observed, whereas only 7 (5.34%) occurred in the RCA group ( p < 0.001). Two patients (1.5%) in the RCA group occurred citrate accumulation.

Conclusions:

In LF patients without increased bleeding risk who underwent CRRT, RCA significantly extended the filter lifespan and improved patient survival rate. There was no significant difference in the rate of adverse events between the two groups.
Retinol dehydrogenase 10 promotes epithelial-mesenchymal transition in spinal cord gliomas via PI3K/AKT pathway
Authors: Zhao Zijun , Song Zihan , Wang Zairan , Zhang Fan , Ding Ze , Zhao Zongmao , Liu Liqiang , Fan Tao
Published: August 2024

Background: Spinal cord glioma (SCG), a rare subset of central nervous system (CNS) glioma, represents a complex challenge in neuro-oncology. There has been research showing that Retinol Dehydrogenase 10 (RDH10) may be a tumor promoting factor in brain glioma, but the biological effects of RDH10 remain undefined in SCG. Methods: We performed gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) and unsupervised clustering analysis to investigate the roles of EMT (epithelial-mesenchymal transition) in glioma. DEG (differently expressed gene) screening and correlation analysis were conducted to filter the candidate genes which were closely associated with EMT process in SCG. Enrichment analysis and GSVA (Gene Set Variation Analysis) were conducted to investigate the potential mechanism of RDH10 for SCG. Trans-well and healing assay were performed to explore the role of RDH10 in the invasion of SCG. Western blotting was performed to evaluate the levels of markers in PI3K-AKT and EMT pathway. In vivo tests were conducted to verify the role of RDH10 in EMT process. Results: Bioinformatic analysis demonstrated the EMT pathway was associated with dismal prognosis of glioma. Further analysis demonstrated that RDH10 showed the strongest correlation with the EMT process. Retinol Dehydrogenase 10 expression was significantly increased in SCG tissues, correlating with advanced tumor grade and unfavorable prognosis. Functional analysis indicated that decreasing RDH10 levels impeded the invasive and migratory abilities of SCG cells, whereas increasing RDH10 levels augmented them. Enrichment analysis and western blot revealed that RDH10 regulated EMT process of SCG by PI3K-AKT pathway. We observed that the enhanced invasion ability and increased EMT-related protein induced by RDH10 overexpression can be suppressed by PI3K-AKT pathway inhibitor (LY294002). Conclusion: Our research found that RDH10 was an effective biomarker associated with tumor grade and prognosis of SCG. RDH10 could regulate EMT process of SCG through PI3K-AKT pathway.
A Systematic Literature Review of Digital Payments
Authors: Chauhan Yash , Sharma Pramod
Published: August 2024

Digital payment is one of the payment methods that is used for exchanging currency digitally without the use of actual cash. Digital payments have revolutionized the way people spend their money. The present study aims to provide an extensive literature review of emerging digital payment technologies. The authors have gathered data from different databases, which include Scopus, Web of Science, EBSCO, and Elsevier using the keywords “Digital Payments”, “Internet Banking”, “Mobile Banking”, “E-payments”, “Electronic Payments”, “Online Payments”, and “Virtual Payments”. The research papers have been selected using certain selection criteria that have been discussed in this article. The present study has been divided into many sections including top contributing countries in the field of digital payments, trends of citation, prominent author’s citations, and prominent research methodologies of research papers. It highlights the worldwide spread of research on digital payments, including notable contributions from India, China, the United States of America, Malaysia, and Indonesia, among other nations. Regarding research methodology, surveys and quantitative approaches are often used, and one common data analysis tool is structural equation modelling. The present study highlighted themes such as adoption, usage, engagements, and infrastructure that dominate in most research. Also, many researchers did not use any research models and theoretical frameworks in their studies, with the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) and the technology acceptance model (TAM) being the most favoured models and theoretical frameworks when utilized. The present study also provides the factors affecting digital payment adoption. This study provides academic contribution by providing global research trends, methodological preferences, and theoretical frameworks. Future directions and thrust areas in the field of digital payments have also been discussed, which guides academicians in the direction of more thorough studies.
Composite or Component-wise ESG Reporting: A Tangle
Authors: Deb Rajat , Behra Anita
Published: August 2024

Non-financial reporting, mainly called environmental, social, and governance (ESG) disclosures, depicts the future corporate plan apart from current corporate actions and is getting substantial attention amongst the corporate world, policymakers, and academics. ESG disclosures indicate how companies can address environmental and social challenges, setting a high standard of governance mechanism. Due to increased ESG awareness, stakeholders expect companies to engage in sustainable practices that could even exceed the mandatory disclosure requirements. Such pressure has compelled companies worldwide to improve their ESG disclosures. ESG rating providers attempt to measure companies’ ESG performance against the benchmark, focusing on the influence of ESG disclosures on financial performance. Although the composite ESG scores have a broader preference in assessing the companies’ comparative performance, those scores are unlikely to depict their real impacts on the stakeholders. Considering the inherent limitations of the composite ESG scores, the present qualitative study motivates the exploration of whether component-wise ESG scores could better address the limitations of the composite ESG scores.
Dealing With Temporality in Patients With Life-Limiting Disease: An International Qualitative Study
Authors: Joshi Melanie , Ásgeirsdóttir Guðlaug Helga , Bakan Miša , Kodba Čeh Hana , Haugen Dagny Renata Faksvåg , Lunder Urška , Víbora Martín Eva , Morris Beth , Rasmussen Birgit H. , Romarheim Elisabeth , Tripodoro Vilma , van der Heide Agnes , Veloso Verónica , Yildiz Berivan , Zambrano Sofía , Strupp Julia , Voltz Raymond ,   on behalf of the iLIVE Consortium
Published: August 2024

The prospect of death influences people’s thoughts about and how they deal with their remaining time. We aimed to understand whether patients with progressive, life-limiting diseases are oriented in the past, present, or future and how they deal with temporality. We conducted 57 in-depth interviews with end-of-life patients in 10 countries using thematic analysis at three levels (i.e., locally in three countries, with codes shared in the three-country subgroup, and in all 10 countries with a codebook that we developed). We found that the patients’ thoughts were oriented toward all three time levels (i.e., past, present, and future). Complementing these levels, we identified another, namely, the future after death. Each time level included patients actively and passively dealing with their thoughts. Past themes were remorse and regret, nostalgia, and coming to terms with past choices; present themes were feeling grateful for being alive, a time for farewells, and living for the day; future themes were worries about the future, to miss out, hope, ideas about death and dying, and planning the near future; and future after death themes were not being there, worries about loved ones, and preparations for a future after death. A changed view on lifetime and avoidance of thinking about a certain time level related to several time levels, while desire to die fluctuated between levels and between acting on and feeling about it. Living for the day, worries about the future, and worries about the well-being of loved ones were common themes in all countries.
Designing for Learnability: Improvement Through Layered Interfaces
Authors: Forsey Helen , Leahy David , Fields Bob , Minocha Shailey , Attfield Simon , Snell Tom
Published: August 2024

A significant cost of system operation is the training required for the end users to achieve and maintain competence. The training need is partially determined by user interface properties that make it harder or easier to learn. This article explores improving system learnability through human-machine interface design. A design pattern of Progressive Disclosure through Layered Interfaces is proposed to improve learnability (time taken to learn) by presenting users with a subset of functionality. An experimental study supported tentative conclusions. Interesting differences between experiment participants suggest a customised approach, including Progressive Disclosure, to reduce the training burden.
From Early Trauma to Cardiovascular Risk Among a Nationally Representative Sample of Young Adults
Authors: Parker Vanessa L. , La Manna Anna
Published: August 2024

This study aimed to investigate the connection between childhood abuse history and cardiovascular health indicators among a nationally representative sample of young adults aged 24–32. Using data from waves three and four of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health ( n = 4, 164) multivariate logistic regression was employed to investigate childhood trauma (i.e., childhood physical abuse, sexual abuse, and neglect) as predictors for cardiovascular disease, hypertension, high cholesterol, diabetes, and obesity. Results showed that adults who reported history of sexual abuse were 4.3 times more likely to report diagnosis of cardiovascular disease and those who reported childhood physical abuse at wave three had 1.4 times the odds of reporting high cholesterol diagnosis. Although trauma history is often calculated as a composite, some forms of childhood abuse may have greater impacts on cardiovascular risk than others.
Queer Masculinity and Global Palestine Solidarity: The Art of Yusef Audeh
Authors: Atshan Sa’ed
Published: August 2024

This article explores the relationship between art, queer masculinity, and transnational solidarity with Palestine. In particular, I examine the political thought of Jean Genet and Guy Hocquenghem, two leading gay historical French intellectuals who vocally supported Palestinian freedom. As their ideas continue to reverberate in the present, Yusef Audeh—a young queer Palestinian artist— articulates how the legacies of Genet and Hocquenghem inspire his paintings. I argue that Audeh’s work demonstrates how queer Palestinian masculinity can be manifested through art and transnational solidarity. Critical reflection on the “disturbing attachments,” a phrase borrowed from scholar Kadji Amin, that undergird such solidarity is also foundational to queer politics and scholarship on Palestine and beyond.
A state-constrained safety adaptive trajectory tracking control scheme for a hovercraft with enhanced prescribed performance
Authors: Wang Qiusu , Fu Mingyu , Xu Yujie , Wang Yuchao
Published: August 2024

In this paper, a state-constrained safety adaptive trajectory tracking control scheme for a hovercraft with enhanced prescribed performance is studied. Firstly, considering the position error, a novel pair of prescribed monotone tube boundary functions combined with a sliding mode is introduced to obtain virtual velocity control laws, and the position error is simplified into an equivalent unconstrained control system by adopting the transformed error function. Unlike traditional prescribed performance control, the new function has a quantitative relationship between (transient and steady-state) control performance and some practical user-defined metrics such as overshoot, precision, and convergence time, and is less conservative. Therefore, this method is convenient for design and engineering practice. Secondly, in order to solve problems of velocity safety constraints, a novel asymmetric integral barrier Lyapunov function (AIBLF) has been adopted to limit velocities of hovercraft within the asymmetric safety constraints. Moreover, a bioinspired neurodynamic model is introduced to handle differential explosion of virtual control laws. For the sake of estimating the unknown terms such as the control system uncertainties, the neural networks (NNs) are utilized. Total control system is ultimately uniformly bounded according to Lyapunov stability theories. Effectiveness and superiority of the proposed control scheme are verified by comparative simulation.
Researchers convening dialogue to address grand challenges: Affordances, tensions, and the shift to deep dialogue
Authors: Hamann Ralph , Nilsson Warren , Drimie Scott , Freeth Rebecca
Published: August 2024

In seeking concrete and meaningful practical impact on addressing grand challenges, some management scholars have demonstrated the possibility of researchers convening multi-stakeholder dialogue. But this has not been explored in much detail, and furthermore scholars have pointed to important constraints and tensions that may discourage such engagement. We thus ask, what are the affordances and tensions associated with researchers convening multi-stakeholder dialogue processes? We address this question by critically reflecting on our roles and experiences as we convened a 15-year dialogue initiative focused on addressing hunger and malnutrition in South Africa. As affordances, we identify researchers’ convening power as especially salient in the context of the evaluative and contested nature of grand challenges, and we highlight researcher-convenors’ staying power as important for bridging periods of resource scarcity between propaedeutic and institutionally generative dialogue processes. We also identify convening tensions based on opposing expectations regarding our role as convenors and regarding our orientation towards social change, yet these tensions may be ameliorated as part of a conceptual and embodied shift from shallow to deep dialogue.
Challenging Conventional Treatment: Retrograde Implantation of a Covered Stent in Superior Mensenteric Artery Occlusion Case
Authors: Jie Zhang , Zhao Zeyi
Published: August 2024

Background: This case report describes a novel endovascular technique for treating superior mesenteric artery (SMA) occlusion, a condition leading to chronic mesenteric ischemia (CMI). Traditional treatment methods for CMI, primarily due to SMA stenosis, are often complex and risky, particularly for patients unsuitable for conventional surgery. Objective: This study details the application of retrograde recanalization followed by the deployment of a VIABAHN covered stent in a patient with complete SMA ostium occlusion. Methods: The procedure’s success in re-establishing mesenteric blood flow demonstrates its potential as a less invasive, safer alternative to traditional surgical approaches. This technique’s innovation lies in its retrograde approach, allowing for effective treatment in cases where antegrade access is unfeasible. Results: The patient showed significant symptom improvement without procedural complications, underscoring the method’s efficacy and safety. Conclusion: These findings suggest that retrograde stent implantation can be a viable option for managing SMA occlusions, especially in high-risk surgical cases. The successful application of this technique in this case contributes to the evolving landscape of endovascular interventions in vascular surgery and offers a promising direction for future research and clinical practice in treating SMA-related conditions.
Predictive factors for iliac vein compression syndrome in patients with varicose veins
Authors: Guo Chao , Gao ShuTing , Hu Longqing , Shang Dan , Li Yiqing
Published: August 2024

Objective

This study aimed to identify predictors of iliac vein compression syndrome (IVCS) in patients with varicose veins and to evaluate the necessity of routine lower extremity venography for preoperative assessment of these patients.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was conducted on data from 1165 patients with lower-limb varicose veins who underwent preoperative venography at Wuhan Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, China, between January 2019 and September 2023. Logistic regression analyses identified factors associated with concurrent IVCS, and a nomogram was constructed based on these findings.

Results

Out of 1165 patients, 75 (6.4%) had IVCS according to venography and 769 had iliac vein ultrasound and found 2 (0.17%) positives. Multivariate analysis revealed the independent predictive value of left-sided involvement (odds ratio (OR) = 3.22, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.24–8.33, p = 0.016), history of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in the affected limb (OR = 3.11, 95% CI: 1.21–8.00, p = 0.018), pain (OR = 2.24, 95% CI: 1.17–4.26, p = 0.014), and positive results on iliac vein ultrasound (OR = 25.56, 95% CI: 2.10–311.26, p = 0.011) for the presence of IVCS in patients with lower-limb varicose veins. A nomogram incorporating these predictors demonstrated moderate predictive ability (AUV = 0.689, 95% CI: 0.607–0.771), with good calibration upon validation.

Conclusions

Patients with left lower extremity varicose veins, pain symptoms, history of DVT in the affected limb, and positive iliac vein ultrasound findings are at a higher risk of concurrent IVCS. Patients with varicose veins who have the aforementioned risk factors may need to undergo preoperative angiography.
The immediate post-operative impact of infrarenal aortic endografts on renal arterial flow dynamics: Insights from four-dimensional flow magnetic resonance imaging analysis
Authors: Sugimoto Masayuki , Horiguchi Ryota , Ikeda Shuta , Kawai Yohei , Niimi Kiyoaki , Hyodo Ryota , Banno Hiroshi
Published: August 2024

Objectives

This study aims to quantify changes in renal blood flow before and after endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) using four-dimensional (4D) flow magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and evaluate its correlation with renal impairment.

Methods

In this retrospective analysis, 18 patients underwent elective EVAR for infrarenal fusiform abdominal aortic aneurysms using Excluder or Endurant endografts. 4D flow MRI scans were conducted before and 1–4 days after EVAR. Hemodynamics were quantified at the suprarenal aorta (SupAo), bilateral renal arteries (RRA and LRA), and infrarenal aorta (InfAo). Cardiac phase-resolved blood flow values (BFVs), relative flow distribution (RFD), and flow change rates (FCRs) were assessed. Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was measured pre- and postoperatively.

Results

A total of 16 patients were analyzed after excluding two outliers. Pre-EVAR BFVs were 23.1 ± 8.3, 3.7 ± 1.3, 3.4 ± 1.2, and 15.1 ± 5.9 mL/cycle, while post-EVAR BFVs were 20.9 ± 6.9, 3.8 ± 1.1, 3.2 ± 0.9, and 12.1 ± 4.3 mL/cycle in SupAo, RRA, LRA, and InfAo, respectively. Comparing Excluder (N = 8) and Endurant (N = 8), the total renal FCR was 121.8% [106.6–144.7] versus 101.3% [63.8–121.8] ( p = 0.110), suggesting a potential improvement in renal blood flow with the Excluder, although not statistically significant. A significant correlation was found between the total renal FCR and the relative eGFR at 6 months (Spearman correlation coefficient, 0.789; p < 0.001).

Conclusions

The endografts, particularly the Excluder, showed potential in improving renal artery blood flow in some patients. The significant correlation between the total renal FCR and the relative eGFR at 6 months suggests that acute hemodynamic alterations induced by EVAR may impact post-operative renal function. Further research is needed to confirm these findings and assess their clinical implications.
A qualitative analysis of expert interviews on safety and risk
Authors: Driscoll Natalie M. , Gerhardt Peter F. , Weiss Mary Jane , Tereshko Lisa M. , Dixon Mark R. , Kazemi Ellie , Cox David J.
Published: August 2024

Safety is a significant clinical challenge in settings serving adults with developmental disabilities. Few resources exist to guide clinical teams in this realm; this study explored safety elements through interviews with experts in critical areas of safety management. The present study aimed to gather knowledge and insights regarding assessing risk among individuals with disabilities. Due to gaps in the available safety literature in adult services, interviews in related areas were conducted and analyzed for thematic content. This paper focuses on the extracted safety themes' categorization, summarization, and implications. The safety themes extracted from the interviews included environmental arrangements, medical, independent living skills, historical indicators of risk, family life skills, challenging behavior, and communication. The interviews identified areas of concern that might guide assessment and inform providers about the most individually relevant contexts to consider when supporting clients.
Does Social Support Buffer the Effect of Negative Life Events on Mental Health Outcomes?
Authors: Uddin Shahad , Adhikari Nabaraj
Published: August 2024

Older adults play a significant role in society. They make valuable contributions to their families, communities, and economies. However, their mental health is often overlooked, and this can have consequences for their functioning, the societies in which they live, and those who depend on them. Social support’s beneficial role on mental health is well studied. However, the mechanism of social support’s beneficial role is often debated, with a wide range of studies showing varying result. This paper aims to contribute to understanding older adults’ mental health drivers in the Norwegian context, in particular focusing on the stress buffering effect of social support on negative life events’ effect on mental health. Data from the third wave of the Norwegian study on the life course, aging and generation study (NorLAG) were used, focusing on those aged 67 or over. Multiple regression analyses showed no evidence for the buffering effect of social support.
Fintech Innovation Adoption in the Digital Payments Landscape Amidst the Pandemic: Empirical Evidence and Future Outlook
Authors: Shalini Velappan , Sabitha Devarajulu
Published: August 2024

This research evaluates the adoption of digital payment products launched by the National Payments Corporation of India using the Bass diffusion model. The study contributes to Fintech adoption literature and provides empirical and theoretical insights based on historical digital payments data. The findings show that imitation plays a significant role in adoption, with a slow initial adoption followed by acceleration. Among several payment products, UPI (Unified Payments Interface) stands out as the most successfully adopted product. The study highlights the relevance of the Bass diffusion model for estimating adoption rates and offers insights for international regions considering UPI-based payment systems. The results indicate varying adoption rates for different payment products and pronounced impact of imitations, with some experiencing slower adoption post-COVID-19 and others yet to achieve widespread adoption. The results aid business planning in estimating market potential, resource allocation, product development and strategic direction. Regulatory authorities can use this insight to enhance financial inclusion and promote lesser paper cash transactions which lead to socio-economic and business transformation.
Reading the Agrarian, National, and Ecological Questions in Contemporary Kisan Politics in Pakistan
Authors: Rashid Hashim bin
Published: August 2024

In the 2010s, the Pakistan Kissan Ittehad (PKI) emerged in Punjab as a militant movement that brought together different fractions of agrarian producers against the IMF-proposed removal of electricity subsidies for agricultural tube wells. The article draws on fieldwork with the PKI in 2018–2019 to understand its trajectories since its contestation of one aspect of the agenda of structural reform. I argue that the analytical framework of “agrarian populism,” which has recently come back into use to understand agrarian politics, poses limitations in differentiating agrarian movements from each other. By focusing on how the PKI navigates the intersection between the agrarian, national, and ecological questions, the article shows how the movement has approached agrarian market reform, ecological crisis, and national development. Through this discussion, it undertakes a critical assessment of the PKI and situates it with longer histories of class differentiation, agrarian change, and ecological transformation.
Rail journey cost calculator for Great Britain
Authors: Botta Federico
Published: August 2024

Accessibility of different places, such as hospitals or areas with jobs, is important in understanding transportation systems, urban environments, and potential inequalities in what services and opportunities different people can reach. Often, research in this area is framed around the question of whether people living in an area are able to reach certain destinations within a prespecified time frame. However, the cost of such journeys, and whether they are affordable, is often omitted or not considered to the same level. Here, we present a Python package and an associated data set which allows to analyse the cost of train journeys in Great Britain. We present the original data set we used to construct this, the Python package we developed to analyse it, and the output data set which we generated. We envisage our work to allow researchers, policy makers, and other stakeholders, to investigate questions around the cost of train journeys, any geographical or social inequalities arising from this, and how the transport system could be improved.
Analysis of Vibration Characteristics of Electro-hydraulic Driven 3-UPS/S Parallel Stabilization Platform
Authors: Yuan Xiaoming , Wang Weiqi , Pang Haodong , Zhang Lijie
Published: August 2024

With the development of fluid-power transmission and control technology, electro-hydraulic-driven technology can significantly improve the load-carrying capacity, stiffness, and control accuracy of stabilization platforms. However, compared with mechanically driven platforms, the stiffness and damping of the fluid, as well as the coupling effect between the fluid and the structure need to be considered for electro-hydraulic-driven parallel stabilization platforms, making the modal and dynamic response characteristics of the mechanism more complex. With the aim of solving the aforementioned issues, we research the electro-hydraulic driven 3-UPS/S parallel stabilization platform considering the hinge stiffness. Moreover, the characteristic vibration equation of the mechanism is established using the virtual work principle. Subsequently, the variation characteristics of the natural frequency and the vibration response according to the position of the mechanism are analyzed based on the dynamic equation. Finally, the correctness of the model is verified by a modal test and Runge-Kutta methods. This study provides a theoretical basis for the dynamic design of electrohydraulic-driven parallel mechanisms.
User engagement in clinical trials of digital mental health interventions: a systematic review
Authors: Elkes Jack , Cro Suzie , Batchelor Rachel , O’Connor Siobhan , Yu Ly-Mee , Bell Lauren , Harris Victoria , Sin Jacqueline , Cornelius Victoria
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Digital mental health interventions (DMHIs) overcome traditional barriers enabling wider access to mental health support and allowing individuals to manage their treatment. How individuals engage with DMHIs impacts the intervention effect. This review determined whether the impact of user engagement was assessed in the intervention effect in Randomised Controlled Trials (RCTs) evaluating DMHIs targeting common mental disorders (CMDs).

Methods

This systematic review was registered on Prospero (CRD42021249503). RCTs published between 01/01/2016 and 17/09/2021 were included if evaluated DMHIs were delivered by app or website; targeted patients with a CMD without non-CMD comorbidities (e.g., diabetes); and were self-guided. Databases searched: Medline; PsycInfo; Embase; and CENTRAL. All data was double extracted. A meta-analysis compared intervention effect estimates when accounting for engagement and when engagement was ignored.

Results

We identified 184 articles randomising 43,529 participants. Interventions were delivered predominantly via websites (145, 78.8%) and 140 (76.1%) articles reported engagement data. All primary analyses adopted treatment policy strategies, ignoring engagement levels. Only 19 (10.3%) articles provided additional intervention effect estimates accounting for user engagement: 2 (10.5%) conducted a complier-average-causal effect (CACE) analysis (principal stratum strategy) and 17 (89.5%) used a less-preferred per-protocol (PP) population excluding individuals failing to meet engagement criteria (estimand strategies unclear). Meta-analysis for PP estimates, when accounting for user engagement, changed the standardised effect to -0.18 95% CI (-0.32, -0.04) from − 0.14 95% CI (-0.24, -0.03) and sample sizes reduced by 33% decreasing precision, whereas meta-analysis for CACE estimates were − 0.19 95% CI (-0.42, 0.03) from − 0.16 95% CI (-0.38, 0.06) with no sample size decrease and less impact on precision.

Discussio﻿n

Many articles report user engagement metrics but few assessed the impact on the intervention effect missing opportunities to answer important patient centred questions for how well DMHIs work for engaged users. Defining engagement in this area is complex, more research is needed to obtain ways to categorise this into groups. However, the majority that considered engagement in analysis used approaches most likely to induce bias.
Palliative care in small-scale living facilities: a scoping review
Authors: DeGraves Brittany S. , Meijers Judith M. M. , Estabrooks Carole A. , Verbeek Hilde
Published: August 2024

Background

Innovative small-scale facilities for dementia focus on providing quality of life and maintaining the functional abilities of residents while offering residents a home for life. To fulfill the home-for-life principle, palliative care approaches are necessary to maintain quality of life in these facilities. Few studies have reported on how palliative care is provided to residents in small-scale facilities. The aim of our review is to determine the extent to which palliative care approaches are reported in small-scale facilities.

Methods

A scoping review of the literature using recommended methods from the Joanna Briggs Institute. Four databases, CINAHL, PubMed, PsycINFO, and Web of Science, were searched for studies published from 1995 to 2023. One reviewer completed the title, abstract and full-text screening and data extraction; two additional team members piloted the screening and extraction process and met with the main reviewer to make decisions about article inclusion and ensure consistency and accuracy in the review process. The extracted data was open-coded and analyzed using thematic analysis. The data was then synthesized into themes using palliative care domains for dementia.

Results

Of the 800 articles obtained in the search, only ten met the inclusion criteria: six from Japan, two from the Netherlands, and one each from Austria and the United States. In most small-scale facilities, palliative care is important, with facilities prioritizing family involvement and person-centred care, minimizing resident discomfort and enhancing residents’ remaining abilities until the end of life. The included studies did not discuss palliative care policies or professional staff training in depth.

Conclusions

This study provides an overview of the literature on palliative care in small-scale facilities for individuals with dementia. Most facilities focus on residents’ wishes at the end of life to enhance comfort and provide a home-like environment. However, more research is needed to further understand the quality of palliative care approaches in these homes.
Improving prognostication of pneumonia among elderly patients: usefulness of suPAR
Authors: Ulaj Artida , Ibsen Arni , Azurmendi Leire , Sanchez Jean-Charles , Prendki Virginie , Roux Xavier
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Elderly patients with suspected pneumonia represent a significant proportion of hospital admissions, which is a prognostic challenge for physicians. Our research aimed to assess the prognosis of patients with pneumonia using soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR) combined with clinical data.

Methods

In a prospective observational study including 164 patients > 65 years (mean age 84.2 (+/-7.64) years) who were hospitalized for a suspicion of pneumonia, suPAR was assessed for each patient, as was the prognosis score (PSI, CURB65) and inflammatory biomarkers (C-reactive protein, procalcitonin, white blood cells). The prognostic value of the suPAR for 30-day mortality was assessed using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses. Optimal cut-offs with corresponding sensitivity (SE) and specificity (SP) were determined using the Youden index.

Results

A suPAR > 5.1 ng/mL was predictive of 30-day mortality with a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 40.4%. A combination of the following parameters exhibited an SE of 100% (95% CI, 100–100) for an SP value of 64.9% (95% CI, 57.6–72.2) when at least two of them were above or below the following cut-off threshold values: suPAR > 9.8 ng/mL, BMI < 29.3 kg/m2 and PSI > 106.5.

Conclusion

The suPAR seems to be a promising biomarker that can be combined with the PSI and BMI to improve the prognosis of pneumonia among elderly patients. Prospective studies with larger populations are needed to confirm whether this new approach can improve patient outcomes.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02467192), 27th may 2015.
Feasibility of hand grip tests during and after hospitalization in geriatric patients: an observational study
Authors: Swart Myrthe M , Smetsers Ligaya , Bautmans Ivan , Plácido da Silva Hugo , Geerds Merle , Tielemans Rudi , Melis René , Peeters Geeske
Published: August 2024

Background

Monitoring the recovery trajectory during and after hospitalization can be a valuable method to observe whether additional care is needed to optimize recovery. Hand grip strength tests are commonly used to measure an individual’s physical condition. Eforto® is a system to monitor hand grip strength and grip work as measures of recovery. We examined the feasibility of daily repeated hand grip tests measured with Eforto® in geriatric inpatients, during hospitalization and at home after discharge.

Methods

Geriatric inpatients (n = 191) were evaluated for grip strength and grip work with Eforto®, twice daily during their admission. We calculated attempt and success rates. Participants were divided into complete, high, moderate, and low attempt/success rate groups to study differences in patient characteristics. Reasons for non-attempt and unsuccessful tests were categorized and analyzed. Nine participants were interviewed about acceptability and user experience within the hospital setting. Four out of twenty participants accepted the invitation to continue the measurements after discharge at home for 4 weeks and were interviewed about acceptability and user experience.

Results

Across the 191 participants, the attempt rate was 85% and 86% of the attempted tests was successful. The main reasons for non-attempt were that the patient felt physically unwell (41%), and that the patient was otherwise engaged, for example receiving care or undergoing medical tests (40%). Measurements were unsuccessful mostly because of the patient not having enough strength to reach the 80% threshold needed for the grip work test (60%). Participants in the complete and high attempt/success rate groups had a shorter length of stay (p<0.05) and a lower mortality (p<0.05) than participants in the moderate/low groups. The interview data showed good acceptability and user experience during hospitalization. The acceptability was strengthened by experienced usefulness. Self-monitoring at home resulted in low inclusion rate (20%) and low success rate (25%), with the uncertain time after discharge from the hospital as the main barrier.

Conclusions

For most patients, the tests were feasible in the supervised hospital setting. At-home testing with Eforto® is challenging, primarily because of the uncertain time after discharge from the hospital.
Strategies used to reduce harms associated with fentanyl exposure among rural people who use drugs: multi-site qualitative findings from the rural opioid initiative
Authors: Walters Suzan M. , Baker Robin , Frank David , Fadanelli Monica , Rudolph Abby E. , Zule William , Fredericksen Rob J. , Bolinski Rebecca , Sibley Adams L. , Go Vivian F. , Ouellet Lawrence J. , Pho Mai T. , Seal David W. , Feinberg Judith , Smith Gordon , Young April M. , Stopka Thomas J.
Published: August 2024

Aim

Illicitly manufactured fentanyl and its analogs are the primary drivers of opioid overdose deaths in the United States (U.S.). People who use drugs may be exposed to fentanyl or its analogs intentionally or unintentionally. This study sought to identify strategies used by rural people who use drugs to reduce harms associated with unintentional fentanyl exposure.

Methods

This analysis focused on 349 semi-structured qualitative interviews across 10 states and 58 rural counties in the U.S conducted between 2018 and 2020. Interview guides were collaboratively standardized across sites and included questions about drug use history (including drugs currently used, frequency of use, mode of administration) and questions specific to fentanyl. Deductive coding was used to code all data, then inductive coding of overdose and fentanyl codes was conducted by an interdisciplinary writing team.

Results

Participants described being concerned that fentanyl had saturated the drug market, in both stimulant and opioid supplies. Participants utilized strategies including: (1) avoiding drugs that were perceived to contain fentanyl, (2) buying drugs from trusted sources, (3) using fentanyl test strips, 4) using small doses and non-injection routes, (5) using with other people, (6) tasting, smelling, and looking at drugs before use, and (7) carrying and using naloxone. Most people who used drugs used a combination of these strategies as there was an overwhelming fear of fatal overdose.

Conclusion

People who use drugs living in rural areas of the U.S. are aware that fentanyl is in their drug supply and use several strategies to prevent associated harms, including fatal overdose. Increasing access to harm reduction tools (e.g., fentanyl test strips, naloxone) and services (e.g., community drug checking, syringe services programs, overdose prevention centers) should be prioritized to address the polysubstance-involved overdose crisis. These efforts should target persons who use opioids and other drugs that may contain fentanyl.