bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Volume of fluid-discrete element method based the simulation of floating object motion characteristics in complex terrain
Authors: Nan Xuan , Shen Zhihao , Li Guodong , Zhang Huimei
Published: October 2023

To investigate the dynamics of floating objects, such as ships, amidst complex terrain channels, a multi-sphere volume of fluid-discrete element method solver has been developed. This solver combines an open-source computing code (OpenFOAM, LIGGGHTS, and CFDEM) to offer a comprehensive solution. Through rigorous validation against modeling experiments, the solver has demonstrated its accuracy. For instance, during particle drop, the error between the theoretical and experimental traction coefficient and Reynolds number variation curves is only 3.81%. Similarly, for the descent of a multi-sphere cube, the error is a mere 3.64%. Additionally, the solver successfully replicates the uplifting process of a cube in water, with an error of just 2.81%. Another notable advantage of this solver is its ability to perform computational simulations on large-scale complex terrain models. It enables numerical analysis of flotation problems in expansive rivers, providing valuable guidance for engineering design. Consequently, the solver holds significant potential for development in various other engineering applications.
Effect of device size on conduction channel effective width and polarization Coulomb field scattering intensity of split-gate AlGaN/GaN heterostructure field-effect transistors
Authors: Liu Yang , Fu Chen , Jiang Guangyuan , Zhang Guangyuan , Yang Guang , Lv Yuanjie , Lin Zhaojun
Published: October 2023

In this study, the ungated AlGaN/GaN devices with special mesa structures were designed. The hypothesis of effective width expansion was tested experimentally by using ungated samples with different sizes, and an empirical expression for calculating the conduction channel effective width was given according to the experimental results. Finally, split-gate AlGaN/GaN heterostructure field-effect transistors (HFETs) with different gate lengths were prepared, and the channel electron mobility of split-gate samples was calculated by using the empirical expression and polarization Coulomb field (PCF) scattering theoretical model. The results showed that, for split-gate AlGaN/GaN HFETs, with the increase in the gate length, the total amount of additional polarization charges underneath the gate increases, resulting in the enhancement of the PCF scattering intensity.
Completely switchable multi-mode narrowband terahertz absorber: Monolayer graphene, coupled topological interface states, and Rabi splitting
Authors: Mahesh Pulimi , Panigrahy Damodar , Nayak Chittaranjan
Published: October 2023

In the present study, we have explored the absorption properties of a monolayer graphene-based photonic heterostructure, which consists of topological photonic configurations, graphene, and a Bragg mirror. The optical attributes were computed by using the 4×4 transfer matrix method. The results indicate that the creation of topological interface states and strong coupling between these resonant modes result in mode splitting, leading to the formation of hybrid modes known as coupled topological interface states with unity transmittance. The number of absorption modes can be modulated with an appropriate selection of cascaded photonic structures. Our proposed design with 1, 3, 5, and 7 cascaded topological photonic structures provides 1, 5, 9, and 13 absorption modes with greater than 90% absorption. The findings also reveal that absorption peak strength is greatly influenced by Fermi-level and magnetic fields; switching of the modes from absorption to reflection and vice versa is achieved by suitable electrical and magnetic biasing. Our proposed design offers various applications, such as switchable filters, absorbers, and modulators.
Significant non-adiabatic effects of the K(4s2S) + H2 reaction
Authors: Li Wentao , Wen Li , Niu Xianghong , Xing Wei
Published: October 2023

The non-adiabatic dynamical calculations of the K(4s2S) + H2(v
0 = 1, 2, j
0 = 0) reaction are carried out using the time-dependent wave packet method. The non-adiabatic dynamics results, such as reaction probabilities and integral cross sections, are calculated and compared with previous adiabatic values. The adiabatic values are several tens of times larger than those of the non-adiabatic results. The non-adiabatic effect becomes stronger with the increase in the number of excited vibrational states. In addition, the excitation of the vibrational states of H2 can increase the reaction probability of the reaction channel. However, the KH product is still barely formed through the K(4s2S) + H2 reaction, even if the H2 molecule is excited to a high vibrational excited state, which also leads to the opposite conclusion from the adiabatic results. The forward-biased differential cross sections indicate that a direct stripping mechanism plays a dominant role in the reaction.
Transfer learning-based multiple digital twin-assisted intelligent mechanical fault diagnosis
Authors: Liu Sizhe , Qi Yongsheng , Gao Xuejin , Liu Liqiang , Ma Ran
Published: October 2023

With the advancement of complex system diagnosis, prediction, and health management technologies, digital twin technology has become a prominent research area in the fields of intelligent manufacturing and system operation and maintenance. However, due to the high complexity of practical systems, the difficulty of data acquisition, and the low accuracy of modeling techniques, current digital twin modeling suffers from low accuracy, and the generalization ability of models is poor when applied in model transfer. To address this issue, a novel fault diagnosis method is proposed, which integrates a digital twin model based on transfer learning. The framework introduces an innovative approach to construct multiple digital twin models using both mechanistic and data-driven models. The mechanism twin constructs a universal simulation model based on physical equipment and updates it with system response measurement data. The data twin consists of a high-dimensional fully connected-generative adversarial network twin for extracting deep features from data and an long- and short-term memory twin for extracting time series features. Subsequently, transfer learning is introduced to achieve deep fusion in the multiple digital twins system. The mechanism twin is used to obtain source domain samples to construct a diagnostic network, and the data twin is used to extract target domain features to correct the diagnostic network, thereby improving the accuracy and reliability of fault diagnosis. Finally, the proposed framework is applied to the fault diagnosis of triplex pump equipment. The accuracy of diagnosis continuously improves as the system is updated and ultimately reaches 89.28%, demonstrating the effectiveness of the algorithm and providing a novel solution for the generalization limitations of current digital twin models.
Acceleration of the frequency-shift demodulation in phase-sensitive OTDR
Authors: Pu Zhengyu , He Haijun , Zhou Yin , Jiang Lin , Pan Wei , Yan Lianshan
Published: October 2023

The frequency-shift demodulation is a primary demodulation method in phase-sensitive optical time domain reflectometry (Φ-OTDR) with intrinsic resistance to interference fading. So far, the least mean squares (LMS) estimation method has the optimal demodulation accuracy and robustness. However, it takes much processing time due to the step-by-step sliding operation. In this work, we propose a fast LMS estimation method based on cross-correlation calculation to accelerate the demodulation while maintaining accuracy. Experiments are performed along a 9 km sensing fiber with a 4 m spatial resolution. The performance of the fast LMS, LMS, and cross-correlation methods are compared by using the same parameters. Compared with the LMS method, the fast LMS achieves a 12-time improvement in processing speed while remaining the same demodulation accuracy. Although the proposed fast LMS method takes slightly more time than the cross-correlation method (1.6 times), it improves the demodulation accuracy ∼6 dB for the vibration signal and ∼2.1 dB for the overall demodulation accuracy.
An improved fault diagnosis method for rolling bearings based on wavelet packet decomposition and network parameter optimization
Authors: Zhao Fangyuan , Jiang Yulian , Cheng Chao , Wang Shenquan
Published: October 2023

The diagnosis of faults in rolling bearings plays a critical role in monitoring the condition and maintaining the performance of rotating machinery, while also preventing major accidents. In this article, a new approach to diagnosing faults in rolling bearings is proposed, using wavelet packet decomposition (WPD) for features extraction and the chaotic sparrow search optimization algorithms (CSSOAs) to optimize the parameters of a deep belief network (DBN). Firstly, the WPD method is used for the decomposition of vibration signals in rolling bearings, which are decomposed into three layers, and reconstruction is performed on the nodes of the last layer based on the decomposition. Furthermore, the energy characteristics of the reconstructed nodes are then utilized as inputs to DBN, and the CSSOA is employed to optimize the hyperparameters of DBN. Ultimately, a fault diagnosis model combining WPD with optimizing parameters is presented. This model is validated on bearing datasets from Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) and Jiangnan University (JNU). Experimental results indicate that the average accuracy achieved when modeling with WPD-CSSOA-DBN on the CWRU dataset is

98.24
%

, with a root mean square error of 0.0713. On the JNU bearing dataset, the modeling achieves an average accuracy of

95.15
%

with a root mean square error of 0.1018. Compared to other methods, this approach demonstrates stronger feature extraction capabilities and outstanding rolling bearing fault diagnosis abilities.
A Rendezvous Mission to the Second Earth Trojan Asteroid 2020 XL5 with Low-Thrust Multi-Gravity Assist Techniques
Authors: Yang Shi-Hai , Xu Bo , Li Xin
Published: October 2023

As the second of Earth’s Trojan asteroids, 2020 XL5 is worthy of rendezvous and even sample return missions in many aspects. In this paper, a rendezvous mission to Earth’s second Trojan asteroid 2020 XL5 is proposed. However, due to its high inclination and large eccentricity, direct impulsive transfer requires large amounts of fuel consumption. To address this challenge, we explore the benefits of electric propulsion and multi-gravity assist techniques for interplanetary missions. These two techniques are integrated in this mission design. The design of a low-thrust gravity-assist (LTGA) trajectory in multi-body dynamics is thoroughly investigated, which is a complex process. A comprehensive framework including three steps is presented here for optimization of LTGA trajectories in multi-body dynamics. The rendezvous mission to 2020 XL5 is designed with this three-step approach. The most effective transfer sequence among the outcomes involves Earth–Venus–Earth–Venus-2020 XL5. Numerical results indicate that the combination of electric propulsion and multi-gravity assists can greatly reduce the fuel consumption, with fuel consumption of 9.03%, making it a highly favorable choice for this rendezvous mission.
Low temperature synthesis of BiNi0.6Mn0.4O3 nanostructures via citric acid and ethylene glycol assisted hydrothermal process for energy storage applications
Authors: Nagpal Deeksha , Singh Anup , Vasishth Ajay , Devi Manju , Nayyar Ved Prakash , Maurya Bhagwat Prasad , Kumar Ashok
Published: October 2023

Present study reports the electrochemical behavior of BiNi0.6Mn0.4O3 nanostructures synthesized via citric acid and ethylene glycol assisted hydrothermal process at low temperature calcination of 400oC. Raman spectroscopy and Rietveld refinement have confirmed BiNi0.6Mn0.4O3 to crystallize in tetragonal phase with

P

4

̅

21c space group symmetry. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopic analysis showed the presence of ‘B’ cations, Ni and Mn in (+2) and (+4) oxidation states, respectively, which mainly contributed to faradaic reactions as observed in CV curves. The specific capacitance of BiNi0.6Mn0.4O3 electrodes has been found to be ∼243 F g−1 at the current density of 1 A g−1 in a 6 M KOH aqueous solution. The nanostructured electrodes showed a cyclic stability of ∼70% after 4000 charge–discharge cycles at the current density of 6 A g−1 .
Refined Selmer equations for the thrice-punctured line in depth two
Authors: Best Alex , Betts L. , Kumpitsch Theresa , Lüdtke Martin , McAndrew Angus , Qian Lie , Studnia Elie , Xu Yujie
Published: October 2023

Kim gave a new proof of Siegel’s Theorem that there are only finitely many

S
S

-integral points on

P

Z

1

∖
{
0
,
1
,
∞
}

\mathbb {P}^1_\mathbb {Z}\setminus \{0,1,\infty \}

. One advantage of Kim’s method is that it in principle allows one to actually find these points, but the calculations grow vastly more complicated as the size of

S
S

increases. In this paper, we implement a refinement of Kim’s method to explicitly compute various examples where

S
S

has size 

2
2

which has been introduced by Betts and Dogra. In so doing, we exhibit new examples of a natural generalization of a conjecture of Kim.
Depression in Uveal Melanoma Survivorship: Examining Psychological Predictors of Adjustment in the First Year Following Diagnosis
Authors: Hoch Megan M , MacDonald James J , Jorge-Miller Alexandra , McCannel Tara A , Beran Tammy M , Stanton Annette L
Published: October 2023

Background

A rare cancer, uveal melanoma (UM) affects 5 in 1 million adults annually. Research on predictors of mental health in UM survivors is scarce.

Purpose

In this prospective study, we tested models that postulate interactions between illness perceptions and coping processes in predicting depressive symptoms 1 year following UM diagnosis.

Methods

Participants’ approach- and avoidance-oriented coping processes and illness perceptions specific to control and chronicity were assessed. Participants (N = 107) completed assessments prior to diagnosis (T0), and 1 week (T1), 3 months (T2), and 12 months after UM diagnosis (T3).

Results

At T1, a significant avoidance coping × chronicity perception interaction (b = 1.84, p = .03) indicated that the link between higher avoidance coping and greater T3 depressive symptoms was stronger for participants with prolonged chronicity perceptions (b = 17.13, p < .001). Chronicity perceptions at T2 interacted significantly with approach-oriented coping at all time points; the link between higher approach coping and lower T3 depressive symptoms was stronger for participants with prolonged chronicity perceptions at T2. Interactions between control perceptions and coping did not significantly predict T3 depressive symptoms.

Conclusions

Findings lend partial support to predictive models that consider the combined, interacting influence of chronicity perceptions and coping processes on depressive symptoms in survivors of eye cancer.
Does Intention Strength Moderate the Intention–Health Behavior Relationship for Covid-19 Protection Behaviors?
Authors: Conner Mark , Wilding Sarah , Norman Paul
Published: October 2023

Background and Purpose

The present research tests whether intention strength moderates intention–health behavior relations and the extent to which this is accounted for by the moderating effects of intention stability, goal priority, and goal conflict.

Methods

In a prospective multi-behavior study, a representative sample of UK adults (N = 503) completed measures of past behavior, intention, intention strength, goal priority, and goal conflict in relation to eight Covid-19 protection behaviors at time 1. Intention and self-reported behavior were assessed at time 2 (2 months later). Intention stability was assessed over 2 months.

Results

Intention strength was a significant moderator of the intention–behavior relationship (controlling for past behavior). Controlling for the moderating effects of intention stability attenuated the moderating effect of intention strength, while also controlling for the moderating effects of goal priority and goal conflict reduced the moderating effects of intention strength to nonsignificance.

Conclusions

The present findings indicate that intention strength is a significant moderator of the intention–health behavior relationship. They also suggest that the moderating effect of intention strength is explained by effects on intention stability, goal priority, and goal conflict. Tests of interventions to manipulate intention strength as a means to strengthen intention stability and intention–behavior relations are warranted.
Accuracy of transdermal alcohol monitoring devices in a laboratory setting
Authors: Brobbin Eileen , Deluca Paolo , Coulton Simon , Drummond Colin
Published: October 2023

The development of transdermal alcohol sensors (TASs) presents a new method to monitor alcohol consumption with the ability to objectively measure data 24/7. We aimed to evaluate the accuracy of two TASs (BACtrack Skyn and Smart Start BARE) in a laboratory setting. Thirty-two adults received a dose of ethanol 0.56 g/kg body weight as a 20% solution while wearing the two TASs and provided Breath Alcohol Concentration (BrAC) measurements for 3.5 h postalcohol consumption. Pearson’s correlations and repeated measures analysis of variance tests were conducted on the peak, time-to-peak, and area under the curve data. Bland–Altman plots were derived. A time series analysis and cross-correlations were conducted to adjust for time lag. Both TASs were able to detect alcohol and increase within 20 min. BrAC peaked significantly quicker than Skyn and BARE. BrAC and Skyn peaks were negatively significantly correlated (r = −0.381, P = .035, n = 31), while Skyn and BARE peaks were positively significantly correlated (r = 0.380, P = .038, n = 30). Repeated measures analysis of variance found a significant difference between BrAC, Skyn, and BARE (F(1.946, 852.301) = 459.873, P < .001)). A time series analysis found when BrAC-Skyn and BrAC-BARE were adjusted for the delay to peak, and there was still a significant difference. Failure rates: 1.7% (Skyn) and 4.8% (BARE). Some evidence was obtained for TAS validity as both consistently detected alcohol. Failure rates and time lag show improvements in older device generations. However, neither TAS presented strong equivalence to the breathalyser even when the lag time was adjusted. With further testing and technology advancements, TAS could be a potential alcohol monitoring tool. Two of the newest TAS devices were worn in laboratory conditions for one afternoon to compare their accuracy of alcohol monitoring to a breathalyser. Findings suggest that the two TASs (BACtrack Skyn and SmartStart BARE) recorded significantly similar data postalcohol consumption, but not with the breathalyser.
Urinary biomarkers for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: candidates, opportunities and considerations
Authors: Rogers Mary-Louise , Schultz David W , Karnaros Vassilios , Shepheard Stephanie R
Published: October 2023

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a relentless neurodegenerative disease that is mostly fatal within 3–5 years and is diagnosed on evidence of progressive upper and lower motor neuron degeneration. Around 15% of those with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis also have frontotemporal degeneration, and gene mutations account for ∼10%. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a variable heterogeneous disease, and it is becoming increasingly clear that numerous different disease processes culminate in the final degeneration of motor neurons. There is a profound need to clearly articulate and measure pathological process that occurs. Such information is needed to tailor treatments to individuals with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis according to an individual’s pathological fingerprint. For new candidate therapies, there is also a need for methods to select patients according to expected treatment outcomes and measure the success, or not, of treatments. Biomarkers are essential tools to fulfil these needs, and urine is a rich source for candidate biofluid biomarkers. This review will describe promising candidate urinary biomarkers of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and other possible urinary candidates in future areas of investigation as well as the limitations of urinary biomarkers.
The characteristics of audiovisual temporal integration in streaming-bouncing bistable motion perception: considering both implicit and explicit processing perspectives
Authors: Wang Luning , Lin Liyue , Ren Jie
Published: October 2023

This study explored the behavioral and neural activity characteristics of audiovisual temporal integration in motion perception from both implicit and explicit perspectives. The streaming-bouncing bistable paradigm (SB task) was employed to investigate implicit temporal integration, while the corresponding simultaneity judgment task (SJ task) was used to examine explicit temporal integration. The behavioral results revealed a negative correlation between implicit and explicit temporal processing. In the ERP results of both tasks, three neural phases (PD100, ND180, and PD290) in the fronto-central region were identified as reflecting integration effects and the auditory-evoked multisensory N1 component may serve as a primary component responsible for cross-modal temporal processing. However, there were significant differences between the VA ERPs in the SB and SJ tasks and the influence of speed on implicit and explicit integration effects also varied. The aforementioned results, building upon the validation of previous temporal renormalization theory, suggest that implicit and explicit temporal integration operate under distinct processing modes within a shared neural network. This underscores the brain’s flexibility and adaptability in cross-modal temporal processing.
Knowledge and Attitude of Inflammatory Bowel Disease Patients Toward Colorectal Cancer Risk, Its Management, and the Role of Healthcare Providers: A Cross-Sectional Study in the UK
Authors: Khan Fiza , Norton Christine , Czuber-Dochan Wladyslawa
Published: October 2023

Background

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) increases the risk for colorectal cancer (CRC). Limited literature exists on patients’ knowledge of CRC risk and management. Attitude toward doctor-recommended management and the role of healthcare providers (HCPs) in CRC risk awareness remain unexplored. This study aimed to fill the gap in knowledge about CRC risk awareness and management in IBD patients in the UK.

Methods

This cross-sectional internet-based study was conducted in April–July 2019. Adult (>18 years) IBD patients with a confirmed diagnosis for 2 years and adequate command of English language were invited from non-Natinal Health Services sources. A self-designed and piloted questionnaire with open- and closed-ended questions was used. Closed-ended data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and open-ended responses were analyzed using content analysis.

Results

Ninety-two participants (52.5% Crohn’s disease and 67.5% females) responded. Around 88% knew that IBD increased CRC risk. Only 20.7% were aware of colonoscopy as the best screening tool; 88% were unaware of screening initiation time. Almost 90% would agree to a doctor’s recommendation of colonoscopy. For dysplasia with 10% risk of CRC, 46.7% would not agree with colectomy. Some 48% reported to have never had a discussion about the risk of CRC in IBD with their HCPs, while 58% were not informed of the role of screening and surveillance in managing CRC risk.

Conclusions

IBD patients were poorly aware of CRC risk management and had mixed willingness to comply with a doctor’s recommendation. HCP’s role in cancer knowledge dissemination was suboptimal and patients desired more information.
Noncommunicable diseases, risk factors, commercial determinants
Authors:   Organised by: EUPHA, European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies
Published: October 2023

Unhealthy diet is an important risk factor for chronic diseases. Often this is seen as an individual level problem, but what we eat to a large extent is determined by complex, external factors, that lie outside the direct scope of control of individuals. In this plenary, the link between the commercial determinants of health, diet, and chronic diseases will be explored with a focus on positive action and what can be done concretely to improve our food systems and diets and thereby our health. The topic will be addressed from several angles, looking e.g., at what policy and legislation can achieve, how civil society can contribute, and how we can empower individuals through improved health literacy.

Moderators:

Josep Figueras, Director European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies

Nicole Mauer, European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies

Introductory keynote speaker:

Iveta Nagyova, President EUPHA and Head of the Department of Social and Behavioural Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, PJ Safarik University, Kosice, Slovakia

Speakers/Panellists:

Mark Petticrew, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK

Amandine Garde, Public Health and School of Law and Social Justice, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK

Simon Bacon, Concordia University, Montreal, Canada
Safeguarding health together: preparing the European Union's health priorities
Authors:   Organised by: European Commission, European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies
Published: October 2023

The European Commission has launched a public debate on health priorities of the European Union in partnership with the European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies. Earlier during the EPH Conference (Thursday), a workshop was held in which these matters were discussed. This plenary session is a follow-up to the workshop and takes the debate a step further. In the debate that has taken place so far, various stakeholders expressed their views on the actions and results of the current health programme. This short review is followed by in-depth discussions about the future. This plenary session will allow participants to dig deeper into policy-relevant topics. How do we keep health at the forefront of political agendas? How do we tackle current challenges such as climate change and ageing, as well as strengthening and promoting the sustainable transformation of health systems in the digital age? Panellists will provide expert knowledge and opinions to steer the debate. The audience is invited to share their perspectives. The ultimate aim of this public debate is to generate ideas, gather perspectives and to establish a meaningful dialogue that can support the European Union in carving out health priorities for the future.

Moderator:

Josep Figueras, Director European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies

Speakers/Panelists:

Isabel de la Mata, Principal Adviser for Health and Crisis Management, Health and Food Safety Directorate General, European Commission

Martin McKee, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, UK

Matthias Wismar, European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies
Climate Smart Chefs for LIFE: an evaluation of the Foodprint tool for reformulating menus
Authors: Martin S , Castaldi S , Nicholson W , Magnani A , Antonelli M , O'Brien K , Kirwan L B
Published: October 2023

The food system is a significant contributor to anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions, and foodservice has a substantial environmental impact. Chefs can drive the transition to sustainable and climate-resilient food systems by designing healthy and sustainable menus. The LIFE Climate Smart Chef project provides chefs with education and resources to reduce the carbon and water foodprints of their menus. This study provides a quantitative analysis of recipes by chefs before and after completing the first Climate Smart Chef (CSC) training course. The carbon and water foodprint of recipes were analysed using the SuEatable LIFE database and the Nutritics Foodprint system. Recipes created by chefs were batch exported from Nutritics and this was repeated once the recipes had been reformulated (n 63). The environmental impact of the recipes was analysed using the Nutritics Foodprint system and Excel. Reformulation resulted in an average carbon foodprint reduction of 1.34kg CO2eq/serving (mean 49%; range 0% to -99%) and a water foodprint reduction of 789.233L/serving (mean 34%; range -181% to -90%).There was a reduction of -232.19kcal/serving in energy, -15.79g/serving in fat (with saturated fat reduced by an average of -6.73g/serving), - 12.4g/serving in protein, - 8.84g/serving in carbohydrate, and - 0.68g/serving in fibre. The average reduction in salt was 0.07g/serving, while the sugar content increased by an average of 0.15g/serving. The CSC project used Nutritics Foodprint to reformulate 63 recipes, reducing carbon and water foodprints. Estimating the impact of reformulation can contribute to evidence based action. Impact on nutrients needs to be considered in reformulation. Further research is needed on affordability, scalability, and consumer behaviour.

Key messages

• Chefs reduced their carbon foodprint by 1.34kg CO2eq/serving (49%) and water foodprint by 789L/serving (34%).

• Education and reformulation tools such as Foodprint may contribute to a sustainable foodservice.
1.B. Workshop: Exploring vaccine hesitancy in Europe: understanding complexities and determinants
Authors:   Organised by: EUPHA-EPI, EUPHA-ETH, EUPHA-IDC, UK Faculty of Public Health,   Chair persons: Angelo Maria Pezzullo (EUPHA-EPI), Farhang Tahzib (EUPHA-ETH)
Published: October 2023

Vaccination is a cornerstone of public health, yet vaccine hesitancy continues to pose significant challenges in Europe, impacting vaccination rates and, consequently, infectious disease control. Vaccine hesitancy has been defined as “the delay in acceptance or refusal of vaccines despite availability of vaccination services” and as a complex and context-specific phenomenon that varies across time, place, and vaccines. Unpacking the complexity and underlying issues that drive vaccine hesitancy across different populations and settings might prove crucial to address this issue effectively. For this reason, this workshop aims to provide information on the spatiotemporal magnitude, trends and patterns of vaccine hesitancy and its determinants in different European populations and settings. It will do that by delving into the socioeconomic, political, and commercial factors that influence vaccine hesitancy in Western and Eastern Europe, among migrants and refugees, and ethnic minorities, as well as healthcare workers. By exploring these aspects from various perspectives, participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of the complexities of vaccine hesitancy/acceptance and the importance of trust and engagement in promoting public health. The workshop will consist of five presentations, each focusing on a specific aspect of vaccine hesitancy, to provide insights into the multifaceted nature of the problem. The cohesive structure, and a moderated Q&A session, will facilitate meaningful discussions and collaboration, ultimately supporting international, intergenerational, and multi-professional exchange of information that may lead to the development of more evidence-informed strategies to tackle vaccine hesitancy.

Key messages

• Comprehending vaccine hesitancy complexities is vital for crafting evidence-based interventions, enhancing public health in Europe.

• Address trust, engagement, and socio-political factors to combat vaccine hesitancy, boost coverage, and prep for future pandemics in Europe.
Effect of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Well-Being of Middle-Aged and Older Adults from 27 European Countries: Evidence from a Longitudinal Analysis of Population-Based Surveys
Authors: Wilk P , Cuschieri S
Published: October 2023

Background

Containment and restriction measures introduced during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic have had a negative effect on the health and well-being of individuals, regardless of whether or not they were infected by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. We assessed how the pandemic impacted the overall well-being of middle-aged and older adults residing in 27 European countries. In particular, we assessed how having COVID-19 illness or experiencing symptoms associated with Long COVID impacted change in the level of well-being.

Methods

We used data from the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe's Corona Surveys collected in 2020 and 2021. The sample consisted of 47,964 respondents aged 50 years and older. The outcome variable was the across-time change in the repeated measures of well-being which were operationalized as two latent variables. We used structural equation modeling techniques (i.e., latent change score models) to assess the effects of the relevant risk factors (demographics, socio-economic, chronic conditions, social support) on change in the level of well-being.

Results

Overall, 8% or respondents were infected by the SARS-CoV-2 virus and 73% of those who were infected reported at least one persistent symptom associated with Long COVID. The results from the analyses indicate that individuals who were affected by COVID-19 illness had a significantly larger decline in the level of well-being than those not affected by this illness and that this decline was more pronounced among those who had Long COVID. We also observed that the degree of change in the level of well-being was associated with the risk factors.

Conclusions

The COVID-19 pandemic impacted the well-being of Europeans and its effects were more pronounced among those directly affected by COVID-19 illness. However, the magnitude of this effect differed across sub-groups of individuals.
Local approach to attributable disease burden: case study for air pollution and mortality in Belgium
Authors: Pauwels A , De Clercq E M , Demoury C , Devleesschauwer B
Published: October 2023

Comparative risk assessment is commonly applied to derive the share of the burden of disease attributable to specific risk factors, including air pollution. This method is usually conducted at national level, meaning areas and population groups within the country cannot be compared. We propose a novel approach, where the burden attributable to air pollution is derived locally. Mortality in Belgium due to long-term exposure to particulate matter with diameter <2.5 µm (PM2.5) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) is derived for the year 2019. In the local method, the attributable burden is calculated at the statistical sector, the smallest territorial unit. Results for individual sectors with small populations are potentially biased when using a concentration-response function (CRF) for the general population. Therefore, the local method is validated by comparing the results, summed to the Belgian total, to estimates derived with a ‘global’ national-scale approach. The discrepancy between the two methods is compared with the uncertainty related to exposure (5th and 95th concentration percentiles) and to the CRF (95% confidence interval of the relative risk), where the central global estimate acts as a baseline. The difference due to methods is limited to under 2% for both pollutants: 8665 deaths derived globally vs. 8588 (-77) locally for PM2.5, and 3688 globally vs. 3633 (-55) locally for NO2. For PM2.5, the method discrepancy and exposure uncertainty (-128, +236) are comparable in magnitude, while both are severely outweighed by CRF uncertainty (-2039, +990). For NO2, the exposure uncertainty (-300, +735) is substantially higher, which could be expected given its greater spatial variability, although CRF uncertainty (-1819, +3495) is again greatest. The local attributable burden method shows potential for comparing areas and population groups at subnational level, on the condition that the results are aggregated to a sufficiently large scale to compensate for possible bias.

Key messages

• A local burden of disease method offers possibilities for comparing areas and population groups at subnational level.

• Validation by comparison with global results shows that potential local bias is mitigated after sufficient aggregation.
Effects of digitalisation on preventive care and time pressure of primary care physicians
Authors: Virtanen L , Lääveri T , Kaihlanen A M , Kainiemi E , Vehko T , Heponiemi T
Published: October 2023

Background

Excessive workload and waiting times in primary care, along with problems in information flow, can hamper the achievement of the public health benefits of preventive care. Digitalisation aims to promote prevention by expediting access to care and advancing self-care and seamless care, which might also streamline work. This study examined whether perceived changes in patient care due to digitalisation (teleconsultations, patient activity, and interprofessional collaboration) were associated with perceived a) improvement in preventive care and b) reduction in time pressure among primary care physicians.

Methods

We used national survey data on Finnish primary care physicians (N = 1538) from spring 2021. We conducted multivariable logistic and linear regression analyses, adjusted for gender, sector, and technology-related stress. We present odds ratios (OR), unstandardised b values, and their confidence intervals (CI) for statistical significance.

Results

Physicians who reported performing many teleconsultations (OR = 1.56, 95% CI 1.16-2.12) and perceived improvements in patient activity (OR = 5.02, 95% CI 3.73-6.75) or interprofessional collaboration (OR = 4.33, 95% CI 3.31-5.66) had greater odds of perceiving enhanced preventive care compared to their counterparts. Many teleconsultations (b=.26, 95% CI .14-.37) and perceived improvements in patient activity (b=.11, 95% CI .01-.21) or interprofessional collaboration (b=.12, 95% CI .02-.23) were also associated with higher time pressure (scale 1-5) among physicians.

Conclusions

Physicians may perceive that digitalisation improves preventive care when teleconsultations are frequently used, patients are encouraged to digital self-care, and practices for interprofessional collaboration are developed. Despite the patient benefits, the new tasks seem to increase physicians’ time pressure. Allocation of physicians’ working time to digital encounters and training of new tasks could help improve working conditions in primary care.

Key messages

• Primary care physicians who frequently utilise teleconsultations and see progress in patient activity or interprofessional collaboration due to digitalisation may find improvements in preventive care.

• Digital tasks that promote preventive care may increase physicians’ constant rush and pressure to perform their duties, which should be recognised in work planning to ensure high-quality patient care.
Current status and changes in sports club participation between 2016-2022 among 9-15 year olds in Finland
Authors: Kokko S , Blomqvist M , Mononen K , Koski P , Martin L , Villberg J
Published: October 2023

Sports clubs attain a lot of children and adolescents in many countries and contributes to physical activity (PA) and physical education (PE), and further to public health (PH). In Finland, sports club participation has been monitored nationally in The Finnish School-aged Physical Activity (FSPA) study. The purpose of this study is to describe the current status and changes in sports club participation in given age groups over time and with regards to age and gender. Nationally representative samples of 9-15 year olds were collected by electronic questionnaire in 2016 (n = 6956), in 2018 (n = 5683) and in 2022 (n = 7936). Sports club participation was asked by four category question: 1) No current nor previous participation; 2) No current, but yes previous participation (drop out); 3) Occasional current participation; and 4) Regular and active current participation. Results are presented through percentage distributions and changes in proportions. The proportion of regularly participating children and adolescents was smaller in 2022 (46%) than in 2018 (50%) and in 2016 (51%) and among both genders. The proportions of the participation over time remained stable among 9 and 11 year olds, but were smaller among 13 and 15 year olds. The largest change was observed among 13 year olds, in which the proportion of regular participants had dropped 10% from 2016 to 2022. Regarding to gender, the proportion of dropouts had increased among both genders, but more among girls. As low levels of PA among school-aged has been one of the major public health concerns in Finland, the decrease in sports club participation steepen this concern further. This is especially true among girls. Actions to induce more participants and prevention of drop out are needed. The negative trend in sports club participation is a public health concern as with wide coverage club activities contribute to physical activity and education. This trend needs to be changed.
Football Cooperative, a Community Based Physical Activity Social Intervention for Men: Protocol Paper for a Pragmatic Feasibility Trial
Authors: Caroll P , Daly S , Egan T , Harrisson M , Richardson N , Finnegan L , McGrath A , Krustrup P
Published: October 2023

The case for a focus men's health is unequivocal; men, and poorer men in particular, continue to experience an excess burden of ill-health, mortality and premature death and both national and European policy has called for gender competent service provision to address this fundamental inequality in health. While lessons have been learned in recent years with respect to developing gender competency in service provision, there is value in considering how they can be applied to other settings, other sub populations of men and other types of initiatives (beyond the limitations of structured programme). Such initiatives may appeal beyond the ‘worried well’ to more ‘hard to reach’ (HTR) groups of men who are in most in need of such initiatives thereby ensuring that all men are reached in health promotion and preventative efforts. Football Cooperative (FC) is uniquely Irish and is a community-based initiative that provides social ‘pick up football’ games for men aimed at improving their overall health and wellbeing. In a series of papers, we propose to evaluate FC, however, we are not proposing to create something to be trialled but rather to use research to assess the social return on investment (SROI) and health and economic impact of a ‘real world’ organic initiative so that the feasibility for scale up can be determined. If feasible, plans will be put in place to upscale the FC initiative to improve reach (population and geographical access) and equitable access to the games and the games benefits. The purpose of this paper is to detail the protocols used in the evaluation of the FC initiative and by doing so, others engaged in translational research may be supported to ensure that efficacious initiatives translate into practice for the benefit of population health.
Critical health literacy: conceptualization and settings-based development
Authors: Sykes S , Jenkins C L
Published: October 2023

Background

Health literacy is conceptualized as a continuum of social practices spanning functional, interactive and critical domains. Critical health literacy enables individuals and communities to reflect on the wider health determinants and engage in social and political processes towards health equity. This project introduces the Oxford Bibliographies (OB) entry and illustrates through an empirical case study of critical health literacy in a community-based setting.

Methods

The OB entry provides a literature review of critical health literacy conceptualization, measurement and interventions. An institutional ethnography of critical health literacy in libraries, models a settings-based approach to critical health literacy development in children.

Results

Barriers to critical health literacy development include the lack of validated instruments and evaluation of interventions. Common settings for development with children are schools, but institutional settings face challenges in developing the political action element of critical health literacy. There is a need to move beyond single settings to consider multiple settings working in partnership where children can learn, live, and play. A coordinated supersetting approach leverages the strengths of different settings to promote critical health literacy. A model proposes four antecedents to a supersetting in which sub-settings collectively support (1) a determinants-based perspective, (2) open access to information and resources, (3) involvement of community stakeholders and (4) informed action on health.

Conclusions

Although conceptualized over two decades ago, it is only recently that research on critical health literacy has normalized the consolidation of both its cognitive and social dimensions into a joint strategy of critical thinking and empowerment. A supersetting approach can combine community-based and school-based support to embed critical health literacy development opportunities early in the life course.
Bigdata is breaking new grounds
Authors: Le Meur-Rouillard N
Published: October 2023

Health services research (HSR) must now integrate the technological and methodological developments of ‘Big Data’ that are transforming health research as a whole. E-health devices, social networks, and electronic medical records (EHR) are all sources that can enrich HSR. For example, social networks have become tools for hospital evaluation (ranking) and patient experience, as well as strategies for the dissemination of prevention messages by health authorities. Electronic medical records make it possible to carry out ‘real-life’ longitudinal studies on the entire population of a territory, offering a vision of the health care pathways in health care services. This cross-sectional view of the use of healthcare services renders possible the description and analysis of the evolution of healthcare networks in space and time. These sources also make offer a better understanding of the disparities in access to and use of healthcare services on various geographical scales. Finally, E-health devices can be used to help organize and optimize care. However, we must remain cautious in the face of this acceleration of information flows and the mass of data that are only of interest if they bring value to our research and do not endanger the users of healthcare services: respect for ethical rules, respect for the rights of individuals, or rights, duties and responsibilities in the use of artificial intelligence tools that can be used in big data.
Health Services Research: an Irish perspective
Authors: Perrotta C
Published: October 2023

Tapping into her rich experience of health services research in Argentina, Ireland and as a consultant for UNICEF, the World Bank and the Iberoamerican Fund Bank, Carla Perrota will provide an insightful perspective on the elements presented during the workshop. She will conclude by presenting her vision of the challenges and opportunities facing Health Services Research in Europe.