bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Numerical Analysis of Guided Wave Transmission Through a Rail Containing Numerous Small Cracks
Authors: Loveday Philip W.
Published: January 2023

Guided wave ultrasound is used to monitor continuously welded rail track in a system which transmits guided wave ultrasound between alternate transmit and receive stations along the rail and triggers an alarm if the signal is not received. During field testing, a section of rail was encountered where transmission through one rail was poor. Visual inspection showed that there was considerable flank wear and numerous gauge corner cracks. These cracks, while small, occurred roughly every 5 mm over a length of a few meters so the total number of cracks would be of the order of 1000 cracks. The scattering from the numerous small cracks was investigated using the hybrid 3D finite element - semi-analytical finite element technique. A substructuring approach was used, with reduction of internal degrees of freedom, to enable the analysis of a long section of rail with numerous cracks. The numerical analysis was used to investigate the transmission coefficient of the operational mode used in the monitoring system to determine if the presence of the small cracks could cause the observed poor transmission. It was found that significant transmission loss can occur but the transmission coefficient did not decrease monotonically with increasing number of cracks. This unexpected behavior requires further investigation.
Surface Acoustic Wave Suppression for Near-Surface Defect Imaging Using Laser Induced Phased Arrays
Authors: Davis Geo , Fuwaires Ahmed Al , Kamintzis Panagiotis , Lukacs Peter , Keenan Alan , Pieris Don , Stratoudaki Theodosia
Published: January 2023

Laser induced phased arrays (LIPAs) offer fast and efficient remote ultrasonic imaging for processes operating in extreme environments and restricted access such as additive manufacturing and welding. In this work, LIPAs are synthesized in the non-destructive thermoelastic regime using an 8 ns pulsed 1064 nm generation laser and a 532 nm continuous wave detection laser. The acquired Full Matrix data is post-processed using the Total Focusing Method (TFM) to image near-surface side-drilled holes inside an Aluminium sample. The images generated, however, contain contribution from the surface acoustic wave (SAW). In laser ultrasonics, SAW is the strongest wave mode generated, and consequently, a region of the image generated is saturated by the SAW arrival (SAW cross-talk). The SAW cross-talk region extends into the sample starting at the scan surface and hence masks any features/defects within this region. This study explores and compares various signal processing techniques such as frequency-wavenumber filtering, phase coherence imaging and amplitude thresholding of ultrasonic signals in order to suppress/remove the SAW cross-talk from the ultrasonic data captured using LIPA for successful imaging of near-surface defects. The mode suppression is achieved by targeting the characteristics of the SAW: its velocity, amplitude and phase. The different methods of wave suppression are compared, and relative merits of each technique are discussed.
Directionally Dependent Guided Wave Scattering for the Monitoring of Anisotropic Composite Structures
Authors: Hervin Flora , Fromme Paul
Published: January 2023

Carbon fiber composite laminates, consisting of highly anisotropic ply layers, are widely used in aerospace structures due to their good strength to weight ratio. However, due to poor interlaminar strength, composite components are prone to barely visible impact damage during aircraft operation. Sparse array guided wave imaging, using a network of distributed sensors, is an important Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) tool for the detection and localization of in-service damage in composite structures. However, the anisotropy of composite laminates influences guided wave scattering, impacting imaging performance. Defect characterization can be improved by considering the scattering characteristics of various damage types for the sparse array signal processing. Guided wave scattering (A0 Lamb wave mode) was investigated around an artificial insert delamination in a quasi-isotropic carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) panel. Permanent magnets, mounted on an undamaged region of the plate, were also used as scattering targets and compared to the delamination case. Full 3D Finite Element (FE) simulations were performed for both the delamination and magnet cases and compared to wavefield data obtained from non-contact laser measurements. Good agreement was found between the experimental measurements and simulations. Scattered guided wave amplitudes around each damage type show strong directional dependency with energy focusing along the fiber directions of the outer ply layers of the laminate. Distinct scattering behavior was observed for each damage type. A forward scattered wave was observed for the delamination, whereas the magnet blocked forward wave transmission. Implications of anisotropy and angular scattering on sparse array SHM of different defect types are discussed.
Towards Robust Multi-Casing Evaluation Using Pulsed Eddy Current Sensors
Authors: Omar Saad
Published: January 2023

Electromagnetic Pulsed Eddy Current (PEC) sensing, for multi-casing corrosion evaluation in Oil and Gas industry, can be categorized as either collocated or non-collocated methods. Our recent 3D finite-element modeling- and advanced processing-based studies [7-8] showed that although collocated sensors, having localized sensitivities, give an intuitive time-to-depth (qualitative) corrosion display, they lack the sensitivity to fully resolve casings behind the second pipe in addition to suffering badly from eccentering and changing pipe properties. Inversion of multiple spacings and multi-frequency non-collocated measurements in centralized settings [2] gives good results for up to four centered pipes but the quality of results is severely compromised by casing and tool eccentering (limiting maximum utilizable frequency for interpretation), and by ghosting effect (double indication of same heterogeneity – limiting reliability near casing collars).

In this work, the impact of approaching anomalies and eccentering, as typically encountered while logging a multi-casing oil and gas well, will be analyzed in detail through 3D modeling studies and advanced processing schemes introduced to address these issues.
Application of Temperature Compensation Strategies for Ultrasonic Guided Waves to Distributed Sensor Networks
Authors: Memmolo Vittorio , Lugovtsova Yevgeniya , Olino Massimiliano , Prager Jens
Published: January 2023

Temperature compensation strategies play a key role in the implementation of guided wave based structural health monitoring approaches. The varying temperature influences the performance of the inspection system inducing false alarms or missed detection, with a consequent reduction of reliability. This paper quantitatively assesses two temperature compensation methods, namely the optimal baseline selection (OBS) and the baseline signal stretch (BSS), with the aim to extend their use to the case of distributed sensor networks (DSN). The effect of temperature separation between baseline time-traces in OBS and BSS are investigated considering multiple couples of sensors employed in the DSN. A decision strategy that uses frequent value warning to define the optimal baseline or stretching parameter is found to be effective analyzing data from two several experiments, which use different frequency analysis with either predominantly A0 mode or S0 mode data or both. The focus is given on the fact that different paths are available in a sensor network and several possible combinations of results are available. Nonetheless, introducing a frequent value warning it is possible to increase the efficiency of the OBS and BSS approach making use of fewer signal processing algorithms. In addition, the effectiveness of those approach is quantified using damage indicators as metric, which confirms that the performance of OBS and BSS quantitatively agree with predictions and also demonstrate that the use of compensation strategies improve detectability of damage with a higher reliability of the system.
A Generic Numerical Solver for Modeling the Influence of Stress Conditions on Guided Wave Propagation for SHM Applications
Authors: Dalmora André , Imperiale Alexandre , Imperiale Sébastien , Moireau Philippe
Published: January 2023

In leading-edge industrial applications, assessing structure integrity is an important aspect of safety requirements. Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) proposes to use sensors and signal processing units in situ. One of the most attractive SHM techniques relies on ultrasonic guided waves. Modeling and simulation can be helpful tools for the design or the reliability assessment of SHM solutions. Currently available models developed for that purpose do not take into account effects of operational conditions such as internal stresses. These conditions can change wave propagation and therefore affect the interpretation of recorded signals. The objective of this work is to propose a model that fills this gap, and to derive corresponding numerical methods for elastic wave propagation in an arbitrarily deformed medium. Any hyperelastic constitutive law can be considered. As the structures considered are usually thin, we avoid shear-locking by using a shell formulation to solve the quasi-static problem representing the effects of structure loading. The computed displacement is then fed into a spectral elements method (SFEM) kernel to solve the time-domain linearized 3D elastodynamics problem representing the wave propagation. We validate our model against experimental data in the literature for an isotropic aluminium plate under tensile forces. Additionally, we apply these numerical procedures to a realistic bending experiment of a steel pipe. These validations steps show that our generic approach is able to capture the effects of stresses on ultrasonic guided wave propagation such as changes in wave velocity and induced anisotropy.
Maintaining patient-centredness in Australian medical students: Culture, curriculum and selection criteria
Authors: Harding Catherine , Seal Alexa , Vlok Ruan , Doyle Zelda , Dean Andrew , McGirr Joe
Published: January 2023

Introduction: Previous studies have shown that patient-centredness may become eroded as students progress through medical training. The primary objective of this study was to explore the differences in patient-centred attitudes between first- and final-year students in the context of an Australian medical school. The secondary objective was to determine whether student factors such as age, gender, background (rural/urban), discipline of previous degree and specialty of interest were associated with patient-centred attitudes.

Methods: This cross-sectional study surveyed 214 first-year and 141 final-year Australian medical students in 2016 and 2017 (total n = 355). Score on the Patient–Practitioner Orientation Scale (PPOS) was the main outcome measure.

Results: Anonymous questionnaires were completed by 355 students (76.2%). Mean PPOS score was 4.51 (SD 0.46). Although there was no difference in mean PPOS between first-year and fourth-year students, female respondents were significantly more patient-centred than male respondents (4.58 vs 4.42, p = 0.002). Students with an interest in a surgical specialty had significantly lower patient-centredness than students with a non-surgical specialty of interest (4.36 vs 4.55, p = 0.002). Having general practice intentions was not associated with higher patient-centredness. Students with a previous humanities-based degree had higher patient-centredness than students with previous degrees in different areas (4.67 vs 4.49, p = 0.025). 

Conclusions:
There appears to be no erosion of patient-centredness between first-year and fourth/final-year students. Medical student selection and university culture may have influenced this finding.
Co-designing an educational escape room: Integrating the knowledge and perspective of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with the design of an educational activity for healthcare students
Authors: Moore Leigh , Campbell Narelle , Bower Maddy , Stothers Kylie , Kennedy Emma
Published: January 2023

Introduction: Healthcare students undertaking placements in the Northern Territory come from many different universities. Having previously and successfully used an educational escape room to teach students about interprofessional practice and teamwork, we aimed to co-design a new escape room activity with a scenario that would support students on their cultural learning journey.
Methods: There were three stages involved in the development of the escape room session: 1) train Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to facilitate a consultative workshop, 2) design and deliver a consultative workshop that enabled Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander participants to contribute to, and decide on, the new escape room scenario and learning objectives and 3) develop the complete educational activity, including props, session plan and evaluation. Each stage was evaluated by both participants and researchers to ensure that it aligned with the core ethical values of spirit and integrity, cultural continuity, equity, reciprocity, respect and responsibility. The final education session was trialled and reviewed with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander participants providing feedback and ensuring the integrity of the co-design.
Outcomes and evaluation: Each of the project objectives were met, with the final educational escape room being offered to students undertaking a healthcare placement in Darwin.
Conclusion: The co-design process took significant time and effort but meant responsible and responsive engagement, which strengthened relationships, provided opportunities for skill development and produced an educational session that will continue to improve healthcare students’ understanding of working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Predictors of stress, anxiety, depression, study engagement and academic performance in physiotherapy students, including a subgroup receiving a mindfulness training program
Authors: McConville Janet , Chambers Richard , Hassed Craig , Morris Eric , Hahne Andrew
Published: January 2023

Introduction: Student wellbeing is a growing concern for physiotherapy and other health professional students, with potential impacts on academic success, patient care and future personal wellbeing. The purpose of this study was to determine the predictors of future stress, anxiety, depression, study engagement and academic performance in physiotherapy students, including a subgroup who undertook a mindfulness training program.
Methods: Predictors of outcome were obtained from a prospective cohort study involving 83 penultimate-year physiotherapy students, who could volunteer to participate in a 6-week mindfulness training program during semester (n = 17) or complete outcome measures without mindfulness training (n = 66). Baseline predictors of outcome were obtained at the start of Semester 1: age, gender, trait mindfulness, study engagement, training (mindfulness training or no training), stress, anxiety and depression. Outcomes were measured at the end of Semester 1 (study engagement, stress, anxiety, depression, grade point average) and at the end of the course (grade point average). Multiple regression was used to determine the ability of baseline characteristics to predict outcomes.
Results: Psychological distress (stress, anxiety and depression) increased across the full study cohort between the start and end of the semester as exams approached (p < .05). Completion of mindfulness training was significantly associated with better academic performance and lower levels of depression at follow-up. Female gender, lower baseline depression scores and higher study engagement were also significant predictors of superior academic performance, while older age and higher trait mindfulness predicted greater study engagement at end of semester (p < .05).
Conclusions: Potentially modifiable factors (study engagement, depression and mindfulness training) were associated with future wellbeing and academic success in physiotherapy students. Further research is warranted to explore interventions to address these outcomes in randomised controlled trials.
“We’re all there to learn”: The experience of novice workplace-based assessors in anaesthesia training
Authors: Marshall Laura , Castanelli Damian
Published: January 2023

Introduction: Workplace-based assessments (WBAs) are used in competency-based training programs to facilitate learning and inform decisions on trainees’ progression. Competency in assessing WBAs is generally assumed; how assessors develop these skills remains largely unknown. This study explored how novice assessors acquire WBA skills to generate insights to inform future faculty development.
Methods: We conducted seven semi-structured interviews with provisional fellows, who are final-year trainees of the Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists. Provisional fellows assess junior trainees as part of their preparation for consultant practice. We used constructivist grounded theory methods to analyse their experience of learning to perform WBAs.
Results: Participants primarily learned WBA skills through experiential learning and self-reflection on their practice. They developed practical skills to accommodate WBA into clinical practice, including finding time to facilitate WBAs and selecting appropriate cases. Simultaneously, participants developed expertise in the critical aspects of the assessment, particularly learning to determine the standard required of trainees and improving their feedback skills. This learning engendered an increased appreciation of the purpose of WBA, helped participants develop their clinical expertise and prompted them to envision themselves in the consultant role. Participants felt underprepared for their assessor role and appreciated access to the “safety net” ongoing supervision provided.
Conclusion: This study provides valuable insights into what is learned in becoming a WBA assessor and how it is learned. These insights could inform future faculty development initiatives to help improve graduating consultants’ development in this important area of consultant practice.
Integrating a fiber cavity into a wheel trap for strong ion–cavity coupling
Authors: Teller Markus , Messerer Viktor , Schüppert Klemens , Zou Yueyang , Fioretto Dario A. , Galli Maria , Holz Philip C. , Reichel Jakob , Northup Tracy E.
Published: January 2023

We present an ion trap with an integrated fiber cavity, designed for strong coupling at the level of single ions and photons. The cavity is aligned to the axis of a miniature linear Paul trap, enabling simultaneous coupling of multiple ions to the cavity field. We simulate how charges on the fiber mirrors affect the trap potential, and we test these predictions with an ion trapped in the cavity. Furthermore, we measure micromotion and heating rates in the setup.
Fabrication of ultrahigh aspect ratio Si nanopillar and nanocone arrays
Authors: Pan Aixi , Samaan Medhat , Yan Zheng , Hu Wenhan , Cui Bo
Published: January 2023

High aspect ratio (HAR) structures have many promising applications such as biomedical detection, optical spectroscopy, and material characterization. Bottom-up self-assembly is a low-cost method to fabricate HAR structures, but it remains challenging to control the structure dimension, shape, density, and location. In this paper, an optimized top-down method using a combination of pseudo-Bosch etching and wet isotropic thinning/sharpening is presented to fabricate HAR silicon (Si) nanopillar and nanocone arrays. To achieve these structure profiles, electron beam lithography and reactive ion etching were carried out to fabricate silicon pillars having a nearly vertical sidewall, followed by thinning or sharpening by wet etching with a mixture of hydrofluoric (HF) acid and nitric acid (HNO3). For the dry etching step using the pseudo-Bosch process, the sidewall angle is largely dependent on the SF6/C4F8 gas flow ratio, and it was found that a vertical profile can be attained with a ratio of 22/38. For the wet etching process, a very large HNO3/HF volume ratio is shown to give smooth etching with a slow and controllable etching rate. The final structure profile also depends on the pattern density/array periodicity. When the array period is large, silicon nanopillar is thinned down, and its aspect ratio can reach 1:135 with a sub-100 nm apex. When the pillar array becomes very dense (periodicity much smaller than height), a very sharp nanocone structure is obtained after wet etching with an apex diameter under 20 nm.
Discovery of a polymer resistant to bacterial biofilm, swarming, and encrustation
Authors: Dubern Jean-Frédéric , Hook Andrew L. , Carabelli Alessandro M. , Chang Chien-Yi , Lewis-Lloyd Christopher A. , Luckett Jeni C. , Burroughs Laurence , Dundas Adam A. , Humes David J. , Irvine Derek J. , Alexander Morgan R. , Williams Paul
Published: January 2023

Innovative approaches to prevent catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) are urgently required. Here, we describe the discovery of an acrylate copolymer capable of resisting single- and multispecies bacterial biofilm formation, swarming, encrustation, and host protein deposition, which are major challenges associated with preventing CAUTIs. After screening ~400 acrylate polymers, poly(
tert
-butyl cyclohexyl acrylate) was selected for its biofilm- and encrustation-resistant properties. When combined with the swarming inhibitory poly(2-hydroxy-3-phenoxypropyl acrylate), the copolymer retained the bioinstructive properties of the respective homopolymers when challenged with
Proteus mirabilis
,
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
,
Staphylococcus aureus
, and
Escherichia coli
. Urinary tract catheterization causes the release of host proteins that are exploited by pathogens to colonize catheters. After preconditioning the copolymer with urine collected from patients before and after catheterization, reduced host fibrinogen deposition was observed, and resistance to diverse uropathogens was maintained. These data highlight the potential of the copolymer as a urinary catheter coating for preventing CAUTIs.
Quantifying stiffness and forces of tumor colonies and embryos using a magnetic microrobot
Authors: Mohagheghian Erfan , Luo Junyu , Yavitt F. Max , Wei Fuxiang , Bhala Parth , Amar Kshitij , Rashid Fazlur , Wang Yuzheng , Liu Xingchen , Ji Chenyang , Chen Junwei , Arnold David P. , Liu Zhen , Anseth Kristi S. , Wang Ning
Published: January 2023

Stiffness and forces are two fundamental quantities essential to living cells and tissues. However, it has been a challenge to quantify both 3D traction forces and stiffness (or modulus) using the same probe in vivo. Here, we describe an approach that overcomes this challenge by creating a magnetic microrobot probe with controllable functionality. Biocompatible ferromagnetic cobalt-platinum microcrosses were fabricated, and each microcross (about 30 micrometers) was trapped inside an arginine–glycine–aspartic acid–conjugated stiff poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) round microgel (about 50 micrometers) using a microfluidic device. The stiff magnetic microrobot was seeded inside a cell colony and acted as a stiffness probe by rigidly rotating in response to an oscillatory magnetic field. Then, brief episodes of ultraviolet light exposure were applied to dynamically photodegrade and soften the fluorescent nanoparticle–embedded PEG microgel, whose deformation and 3D traction forces were quantified. Using the microrobot probe, we show that malignant tumor–repopulating cell colonies altered their modulus but not traction forces in response to different 3D substrate elasticities. Stiffness and 3D traction forces were measured, and both normal and shear traction force oscillations were observed in zebrafish embryos from blastula to gastrula. Mouse embryos generated larger tensile and compressive traction force oscillations than shear traction force oscillations during blastocyst. The microrobot probe with controllable functionality via magnetic fields could potentially be useful for studying the mechanoregulation of cells, tissues, and embryos.
Erratum to: Role of Supports in Ni Nanoparticles Ti-Promoted Composite Catalysts for the Total Hydrogenation of Benzene
Authors: Mohammadian Z. , Parsafard N. , Peyrovi M. H.
Published: January 2023

Erratum
Patient activation, adherence to hypertension treatment plans and blood pressure control in Saudi Arabia: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Innab Adnan , Kerari Ali , Alqahtani Naji , Albloushi Monirah , Alshammari Alkadi
Published: January 2023

Objectives

To explore the relationship between patient activation, adherence to hypertension treatment plans, blood pressure control and other important demographic factors.

Design

A cross-sectional study.

Setting

Primary healthcare centres in Riyadh province, Saudi Arabia.

Participants

A total of 114 adults with hypertension, including 68 men and 46 women.

Outcome measurements

Blood pressure control is achieved if (a) patients under 80 years of age with treated hypertension have blood pressure under 140/90 mm Hg or (b) patients aged 80 years or over with treated hypertension have blood pressure under 150/90 mm Hg. Secondary outcomes included patient activation, adherence to hypertension treatment plans and demographic factors (age, gender, education, income and comorbidity). Data were analysed using Pearson’s correlation and multiple regression models.

Results

57% (n=66) of participants did not achieve the ideal blood pressure target. Perfect adherence to hypertension treatment plans was significantly associated with lower systolic (r=−0.38, p<0.01) and diastolic blood pressure (r=−0.50, p<0.01). Age was significantly correlated with patient activation (r=−0.20, p<0.05) and diastolic blood pressure (r=−0.33, p<0.01). There was no statistically significant association between Patient Activation Measure, systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure. In the hierarchical regression analysis, adherence to hypertension treatment plans was found to be a significant predictor and explained 15% of the variance in systolic blood pressure (β=−0.36, p<0.001) and 26% of the variance in diastolic blood pressure (β=−0.51, p<0.001).

Conclusion

The individual and family self-management theory can serve as an effective theory for understanding the key factors in achieving ideal blood pressure target. The majority of patients with hypertension reported lower levels of activation and poor blood pressure control. Inadequate adherence to treatment plans was related to poor blood pressure control. This work is pivotal in devising self-management interventions to assist patients in the management of hypertension disease, especially in Saudi Arabia.
Health-related quality of life and its determinants among patients with diabetes mellitus: a multicentre cross-sectional study in Northwest Ethiopia
Authors: Sendekie Ashenafi Kibret , Dagnew Ephrem Mebratu , Tefera Bereket Bahiru , Belachew Eyayaw Ashete
Published: January 2023

Objectives

This study assessed the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and its determinants in patients with diabetes.

Design and setting

An institutional-based multicentre prospective cross-sectional study design was conducted in diabetes follow-up clinics of selected hospitals in Northwest Ethiopia from April to July 2022.

Participants

All eligible adult patients with diabetes at the selected facilities.

Main outcome measures

HRQoL was measured using EuroQol 5-dimensions 5-levels (EQ-5D-5L) and the EuroQol-Visual Analogue Scales (EQ-VAS) instruments. A lower EQ-5D-5L utility mean score for each dimension and/or an overall lower utility score of EQ-5D-5L and EQ-VAS scores are intended to show poor HRQoL. Linear regression analysis was used to identify the association of HRQoL and other variables.

Results

Out of the 422 samples approached, 402 (95.3%) participated in the study. Most of the participants (>85%) reported having moderate-to-severe problems in all five EQ dimensions. The overall EQ-5D-5L utility and EQ-VAS scores were 0.56 (±0.11) and 56.7 (±10.1), respectively. A higher body mass index (BMI) (p < 0.001), a higher number of medications (p = 0.037), a high level of blood glucose (p < 0.001), the presence of comorbidities and/or complications (p = 0.031), hypoglycaemia (p = 0.043) and taking insulin (p < 0.001) were associated with worsened HRQoL, whereas practicing self-monitoring of blood glucose (p = 0.002) and taking aspirin (p = 0.008) had a significant association with increased HRQoL.

Conclusion

This study concluded that the HRQoL of patients was compromised in all five measuring dimensions. The EQ-5D-5L utility and EQ-VAS scores were far lower than other findings. Clinical and medication-related variables, such as a higher BMI, a higher number of medications, the presence of comorbidities and/or complications, hypoglycaemia and insulin use were associated with poor HRQoL in patients with diabetes. As a result, interventions should be individualised and focused on determinant factors.
Effects of a blended multimedia teaching approach on self-efficacy and skills in over-the-counter medication counselling versus a lecture-based approach: protocol for a prospective cohort study of undergraduate students from a pharmacy school in Taiwan
Authors: Huang Yen-Ming , Chan Hsun-Yu , Wang Yao-Hsing , Ho Yunn-Fang
Published: January 2023

Introduction

Addressing communication skills in pharmacy curricula is one of the effective tactics to equip future pharmacists with better skillsets for medication counselling. To achieve this, blended teaching of PowerPoint slides and videos holds great potential for undergraduate pharmacy education majors by integrating multimedia and performance feedback into instruction. This study will develop a blended teaching programme featuring didactic lectures with video-based materials to improve students’ self-efficacy and skills in medication counselling.

Methods and analysis

This study applies critical principles and effects outlined in multimedia learning by Richard Mayeret alto develop teaching materials and perform skill evaluation for two undergraduate cohorts (class of 2025 and 2026) enrolled in Introduction to Community Pharmacy separately in 2022 and 2023. Students will receive different teaching approaches to medication counselling. In the control cohort (ie, class of 2025), students will receive a 4-week PowerPoint slides-based instruction in communication skills. We will develop six videos illustrating common scenarios of over-the-counter (OTC) medication counselling in community pharmacies. In the intervention cohort (ie, class of 2026), students will receive a 3-week PowerPoint slides-based instruction and a week-long video-based instruction in communication skills. A pre-and-post survey will be administered to evaluate students’ self-efficacy in OTC counselling. In addition, each student will be evaluated through one-on-one role-playing with standardised patients in the final to demonstrate their skills in OTC counselling. A structured checklist will be used to assess students’ counselling skills. T-tests will be applied to examine differences in self-efficacy of OTC counselling. Multivariate regression analyses will determine which teaching approach better facilitates the development of self-efficacy and performance in OTC counselling.

Ethics and dissemination

The Research Ethics Committee of the National Taiwan University Hospital approved this study. The findings will be shared with pharmacy educators and contribute to existing instructional methods to facilitate the competence of pharmacy students in OTC counselling.
The Natural Helper approach to culturally responsive disease management: protocol for a type 1 effectiveness-implementation cluster randomised controlled trial of a cultural mentor programme
Authors: Brady Bernadette , Sidhu Balwinder , Jennings Matthew , Saberi Golsa , Tang Clarice , Hassett Geraldine , Boland Robert , Dennis Sarah , Ashton-James Claire , Refshauge Kathryn , Descallar Joseph , Lim David , Said Catherine M , Williams Gavin , Sayed Samia , Naylor Justine M
Published: January 2023

Introduction

Chronic disease is a leading cause of death and disability that disproportionately burdens culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities. Self-management is a cornerstone of effective chronic disease management. However, research suggests that patients from CALD communities may be less likely to engage with self-management approaches. The Natural Helper Programme aims to facilitate patient engagement with self-management approaches (ie, ‘activation’) by embedding cultural mentors with lived experience of chronic disease into chronic disease clinics/programmes. The Natural Helper Trial will explore the effect of cultural mentors on patient activation, health self-efficacy, coping efforts and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) while also evaluating the implementation strategy.

Methods and analysis

A hybrid type-1 effectiveness-implementation cluster-randomised controlled trial (phase one) and a mixed-method controlled before-and-after cohort extension of the trial (phase 2). Hospital clinics in highly multicultural regions in Australia that provide healthcare for patients with chronic and/or complex conditions, will participate. A minimum of 16 chronic disease clinics (clusters) will be randomised to immediate (active arm) or delayed implementation (control arm). In phase 1, the active arm will receive a multifaceted strategy supporting them to embed cultural mentors in their services while the control arm continues with usual care. Each cluster will recruit an average of 15 patients, assessed at baseline and 6 months (n=240). In phase 2, clusters in the control arm will receive the implementation strategy and evaluate the intervention on an additional 15 patients per cluster, while sustainability in active arm clusters will be assessed qualitatively. Change in activation over 6 months, measured using the Patient Activation Measure will be the primary effectiveness outcome, while secondary effectiveness outcomes will explore changes in chronic disease self-efficacy, coping strategies and HRQoL. Secondary implementation outcomes will be collected from patient–participants, mentors and healthcare providers using validated questionnaires, customised surveys and interviews aligning with the Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, Maintenance framework to evaluate acceptability, reach, dose delivered, sustainability, cost-utility and healthcare provider determinants.

Ethics and dissemination

This trial has full ethical approval (2021/ETH12279). The results from this hybrid trial will be presented at scientific meetings and published in peer-reviewed journals.

Trial registration number

ACTRN12622000697785.
Feasibility and acceptability of perioperative application of biofeedback-based virtual reality versus active control for pain and anxiety in children and adolescents undergoing surgery: protocol for a pilot randomised controlled trial
Authors: Orgil Zandantsetseg , Johnson Leah , Karthic Anitra , Williams Sara E , Ding Lili , Kashikar-Zuck Susmita , King Christopher D , Olbrecht Vanessa A
Published: January 2023

Introduction

Current clinical applications of virtual reality (VR) provide patients with transient pain relief during acutely painful events by redirecting attention. Biofeedback (BF) is a mind–body therapy that effectively produces sustained pain reduction, but there are obstacles to its routine use. Combined, BF-based VR (VR-BF) may increase accessibility while enhancing the benefits of BF. VR-BF has yet to be employed in perioperative care, and as such, no defined treatment protocol for VR-BF exists. The primary aim of this study is to assess the feasibility of the perioperative use of VR-BF in children and adolescents. The secondary aims are to assess the acceptability of VR-BF and to collect pilot efficacy data.

Methods and analysis

This is a single-centre, randomised controlled pilot clinical trial. A total of 70 patients (12–18 years) scheduled for surgery anticipated to cause moderate to severe pain with ≥1 night of hospital admission will be randomised to one of two study arms (VR-BF or control). Participants randomised to VR-BF (n=35) will use the ForeVR VR platform to engage their breathing in gamified VR applications. Participants randomised to control (n=35) will interact with a pain reflection app,Manage My Pain. The primary outcome is feasibility of VR-BF use in adolescents undergoing surgery as assessed through recruitment, enrolment, retention and adherence to the protocol. Secondary outcomes are acceptability of VR-BF and pilot efficacy measures, including pain, anxiety and opioid consumption.

Ethics and dissemination

The protocol was approved by the Nationwide Children’s Hospital Institutional Review Board (IRB #STUDY00002080). Patient recruitment begins in March 2023. Written informed consent is obtained for all participants. All information acquired will be disseminated via scientific meetings and published in peer-reviewed journals. Data will be available per request and results will be posted on ClinicalTrials.gov.

Trial registration number

ClinicalTrials.gov Registry (NCT04943874).
Behavioural and environmental risk factors for household injuries: semistructured interviews with health professionals and mothers in Iran
Authors: Lael-Monfared Elaheh , Rakhshanderou Sakineh , Ramezankhani Ali , Ghaffari Mohtasham
Published: January 2023

Background

Injuries are increasing global public health problems, causing disability and death among children. This has considerable financial, emotional and social eﬀects on families and society. This study aimed to investigate the behavioural and environmental factors leading to unintentional home injuries and attempts to highlight the pivotal role of mothers’ behaviour and performance to provide a safe place for children at home.

Methods

The current research is a qualitative study of a directed content analysis type. The data were gathered through semistructured interviews conducted in participants’ workplaces, namely universities, research centres and health centres. In some cases, telephone interviews were conducted within 3 months, from February 2021 to May 2021 in Tehran, Iran. The participants were selected through non-probability and purposive sampling. All the recorded interviews and notes were accurately evaluated, and data analysis was performed based on the content analysis. There were 29 interviews in total: 12 interviews with mothers, 9 with treatment and prevention specialists, and 8 with researchers.

Results

A total of 66 factors, 6 subcategories and 2 main categories were extracted after analysing the interviews. The main categories included environmental and behavioural factors. The subcategories included house infrastructure, house equipment/furniture, children’s equipment/furniture, provision of precarious conditions, access to hazardous substances and appliances, and unsafe arrangement of furniture.

Conclusion

Despite the existing obstacles such as the long-term implementation, financial difficulties and overcomplicated policy-making process, health interventions can make it possible for mothers of children under the age of seven to adopt preventive measures through appropriately designed instructions and optimal use of existing facilities.
Integrating unmanned and manned UAVs data network based on combined Bayesian belief network and multi-objective reinforcement learning algorithm
Authors: Millar Richard C. , Hashemi Leila , Mahmoodi Armin , Meyer Robert Walter , Laliberte Jeremy
Published: January 2023

This paper presents and assesses the feasibility and potential of a novel concept: the operation of multiple Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) commanded and supported by a manned “Tender” air vehicle carrying a pilot and flight manager(s). The “Tender” is equipped to flexibly and economically monitor and manage multiple diverse UAVs over otherwise inaccessible terrain through wireless communication. The proposed architecture enables operations and analysis supported by the means to detect, assess, and accommodate change and hazards on the spot with effective human observation and coordination. Further, this paper seeks to find the optimal trajectories for UAVs to collect data from sensors in a predefined continuous space. We formulate the path-planning problem for a cooperative, and a diverse swarm of UAVs tasked with optimizing multiple objectives simultaneously with the goal of maximizing accumulated data within a given flight time within cloud data processing constraints as well as minimizing the probable imposed risk during UAVs mission. The risk assessment model determines risk indicators using an integrated Specific Operation Risk Assessment—Bayesian belief network approach, while its resultant analysis is weighted through the analytic hierarchy process ranking model. To this end, as the problem is formulated as a convex optimization model, and we propose a low complexity multi-objective reinforcement learning (MORL) algorithm with a provable performance guarantee to solve the problem efficiently. We show that the MORL architecture can be successfully trained and allows each UAV to map each observation of the network state to an action to make optimal movement decisions. This proposed network architecture enables the UAVs to balance multiple objectives. Estimated MSE measures show that the algorithm produced decreasing errors in the learning process with increasing epoch number.
Bilinear character correlators in superintegrable theory
Authors: Mironov A. , Morozov A.
Published: January 2023

We continue investigating the superintegrability property of matrix models, i.e. factorization of the matrix model averages of characters. This paper focuses on the Gaussian Hermitian example, where the role of characters is played by the Schur functions. We find a new intriguing corollary of superintegrability: factorization of an infinite set of correlatorsbilinearin the Schur functions. More exactly, these are correlators of products of the Schur functions and polynomials$$K_\Delta $$KΔthat form a complete basis in the space of invariant matrix polynomials. Factorization of these correlators with a small subset of these$$K_\Delta $$KΔfollow from the fact that the Schur functions are eigenfunctions of the generalized cut-an-join operators, but the full set of$$K_\Delta $$KΔis generated by another infinite commutative set of operators, which we manifestly describe.
Barrow holographic dark energy in the Brans–Dicke cosmology
Authors: Ghaffari S. , Luciano Giuseppe Gaetano , Capozziello S.
Published: January 2023

We construct a holographic model for dark energy in the Brans–Dicke cosmology by using the holographic principle considering the Barrow entropy instead of the standard Bekenstein–Hawking one. The former arises from the effort to account for quantum gravitational effects in black hole physics and, according to the gravity–thermodynamic conjecture, in the cosmological framework. In order to explore the cosmological consequences of our model, we consider the Hubble horizon as the IR cutoff. We investigate both the non-interacting and interacting cases with the sign-changeable and linear interactions, showing that they can explain the present accelerated phase of the Universe expansion, in contrast to the standard holographic dark energy model. We then perform the stability analysis according to the squared sound speed. We find that, while the non-interacting model is unstable against small perturbations, the sign-changeable interacting one can be stable only for suitable values of the model parameters. On the other hand, the linear interacting model always predicts a stable Universe. The consistency of the model with respect to cosmological observations is discussed.
Selection of solitons coinciding the numerical solutions for uniquely solvable physical problems: A comparative study for the nonlinear stochastic Gross–Pitaevskii equation in dispersive media
Authors: Baber Muhammad Z. , Seadway Aly R. , Ahmed Nauman , Iqbal Muhammad S. , Yasin Muhammad W.
Published: January 2023

In this study, the Gross–Pitaevskii equation perturbed with multiplicative time noise is under consideration numerically and analytically. The NLSE is a universal governing model that helps in evolution of complex fields that are used in dispersive media. For the numerical solution, we used the stochastic forward Euler (SFE) scheme. To find the exact solutions, we chose the techniques namely [Formula: see text]-model expansion. For the analysis of the proposed scheme, we checked the stability of the scheme with the help of Von-Neumann criteria and the consistency of the scheme with the mean of Ito’s sense. The exact solutions of the model are constructed successfully in the Jacobi elliptic function in the form of trigonometric and hyperbolic functions. Last, we compared the graphical behavior of the proposed scheme with some exact solutions by using the unique selection of initial and boundary conditions. The plots are constructed in the form of 3D, line, and contour representation by choosing the different values of parameters.
Conformation-dependent photophysical properties of butadiyne-linked π-extended BODIPY dimers
Authors: Sato Yuma , Shimada Takahide , Mori Shigeki , Yasutake Yuhsuke , Fukatsu Susumu , Furuta Hiroyuki , Ishida Masatoshi
Published: January 2023

A hitherto unknown butadiyne-linked BODIPY dimer (4) has been synthesized under the conventional Glaser coupling reaction conditions using the ethynyl-substituted pyrrolyl-BODIPY (2) prepared by gold-catalyzed C-H alkynylation. Due to the [Formula: see text]-extended structure of the BODIPY chromophore in 4, a characteristic broad absorption band in the near-infrared (NIR) region has emerged. Upon photoexcitation, the environment-dependent fluorescence spectral features were observed. The fluorescent response varied with solvents, viscosity, and temperature, which was found to originate from the conformational changes between the coplanar and twisted conformers in the otherwise rigid butadiyne-bridged dimer 4. Therefore, the BODIPY dimer 4 would be a potential NIR fluorescence material for use in the probes responding to the distinct viscous environment in biological tissues.
Soft Homotopy Classes and Their Fundamental Group
Authors: Nazmul Sk. , Biswas Golam
Published: January 2023

In this paper, our prime aim is to develop the concept of fundamental group structure in soft set theoretic approach. To execute this, first, we have defined soft homotopy of maps, soft path, soft loop, soft path homotopy, soft loop homotopy, product of soft loops, soft homotopy class, etc., at a soft element using generalized soft mappings and their important behaviors are studied. Finally, we have introduced the notion of fundamental group whose members are soft homotopy classes. Some examples are also discussed in different soft topological spaces.