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Investigating the effect of screen-printed structured graphite electrodes with low tortuosity for high-capacity and fast-charging lithium-ion batteries
Future geographical distribution of Aedes albopictus in China under climate change scenarios
Amidst the escalating global threat of dengue fever, the distribution of its primary vector, Aedes albopictus, is undergoing significant shifts due to climate change. This study utilized Biomod2 to simulate the distribution changes of Ae. albopictus in China under future climate scenarios, providing critical insights for public health preparedness. Results showed that, the ensemble model achieved an ROC value of 0.968, a TSS value of 0.81, and a KAPPA value of 0.789, indicating high accuracy. Under current climate condition, the highly suitability regions were predominantly in the southern and eastern coastal areas of China. Guangdong, Guangxi, and Hunan possessed the largest areas of highly suitability, measuring 15.61 × 104 km2, 20.84 × 104 km2 and 11.71 × 104 km2, respectively. Under SSP1–2.6 in the 2050s, highly suitability regions were projected to expand significantly, particularly in central Guangxi, northern Guangdong, and central Fujian. Centroids of the total suitability regions were predicted to shift southeast under SSP1–2.6 and SSP5–8.5, and northeast under SSP2–4.5 and SSP3–7.0, reflecting the dynamic response of Ae. albopictus to climate change. These findings underscore the imperative for climate-adaptive strategies in public health policies to mitigate the risks of dengue fever transmission in China.
Selective Photochemical Conversion of Carbon Dioxide to Formic Acid at Gas–Water Interface of Microbubbles
A latent profile analysis of cancer survivors’ return to work adaptability and the associations between its’ categories and financial toxicity
Blending electronic techniques with traditional teaching methods to enhance chest X-ray interpretation in medical students
Introduction Medical students must possess the skill of interpreting chest X-rays, as it is vital for accurately diagnosing patients and determining the correct treatment methods. However, there is a lack of adequate reporting on satisfactory radiology interpretation skills. This study aims to examine the impact of an electronic educational program on the ability of medical students to interpret chest radiographs. Method The study is a quasi-experimental intervention involving a pre-test and post-test. It was conducted on 4th-year medical students from two academic hospitals in Yazd (from January 20, 2024, to April 20, 2024). The students were randomly assigned to either a control group or an intervention group. First, the skill level of the participants in both groups was assessed in chest radiographic interpretation using an electronic test. The training was carried out with two intervention(N = 40) and control groups(N = 38) through a 3-hour workshop held over two consecutive weeks. Following the initial training, the intervention group received an electronic educational package consisting of 59 chest radiographs. 15 chest X-rays and educational slides were sent to the students daily via Google Forms over two weeks. A month later, the student’s skills in interpreting chest X-rays were evaluated in both groups. Results In area of knowledge, the mean pre-test score for the intervention group was 2.7 (± 2.3), which increased to 14.13 (± 2.66) after the intervention. In the control group, the pre-test score rose from 3.26 (± 2.44) to 6.58 (± 3.44). These results indicate a significant increase in the knowledge score for the intervention group when compared to the control group (p < 0.001). In the need for a CT scan, the mean score for the intervention group increased significantly from 1.38 (± 1.4) in the pre-test to 9.63 (± 2.82) in the post-test. In contrast, the control group showed an increase from 1.53 (± 1.17) to 4.08(± 2.82). This indicates that the intervention had a significant effect on improving the ability to detect the need for a CT scan (p < 0.001). In the area of self-confidence, the intervention group demonstrated an increase from an average score of 26.83 (±10.23) in the pre-test to 73.9 (±18.38) in the post-test. In contrast, the control group experienced an increase from 30.37 (±11.5) to 46.18 (±18.38). These findings indicate a significant improvement in self-confidence within the intervention group following the implementation of the training program (p < 0.001). Conclusion Both traditional and blended E-learning improved students’ chest x-ray interpretation skills. However, the study found that the group receiving electronic training showed more noticeable positive changes, significantly increasing students’ self-confidence. A combination of E-learning and traditional methods significantly improves chest radiograph interpretation among young students. Early integration of E-learning for CXR interpretation in the educational curriculum is recommended.
PEYOLO a perception efficient network for multiscale surface defects detection
Sport-specific variability in the energy cost of constant speed running: Implications for metabolic power estimations
Introduction Metabolic power is essential for assessing the physical demands of team sports. Accurately determining the energy cost of constant speed running (EC0), is crucial for refining these. EC0 depends on factors like running velocity and V̇O₂max and varies between athlete groups due to training adaptations and sport-specific body characteristics. To ensure accurate energy expenditure, EC0 should be individually determined based on the specific team sport, improving player monitoring, recovery, and load management. Materials and Methods An experimental cohort study collected data from 339 incremental treadmill tests in elite team sports athletes: 11 male handball players, 120 male soccer players, 23 male and 185 female field hockey players. Athletes performed a treadmill protocol to exhaustion while O2-uptake, CO2-output, respiratory exchange ratio and ventilation were measured breath-by-breath. Data processing verified steady-state conditions. Net EC0 was calculated as energy expenditure above rest divided by velocity. Sport, speed, sex and V̇O2max were defined as fixed effect variables. Results Our random intercept and slope model with all predictors performed best. Handball players had the highest EC0 (estimated total mean) with 4.04 J/kg/m (CI95% 3.88, 4.20), field hockey players with 3.95 J/kg/m (CI95% 3.90, 4.00) and soccer players with 3.79 J/kg/m (CI95% 3.73, 3.85). For the whole group, EC0 showed a curvilinear dependence on speed: increasing with speed up to ~3.5 m/s and then remaining relatively constant at higher velocities. However, grouping athletes by similar treadmill performance, EC0 remained constant across speeds. Discussion Our data show multiple predictors must be considered to determine an appropriate EC₀ for each athlete. Although EC₀ remains stable across velocities for individuals, it varies significantly between sports and V̇O₂max levels, highlighting the need for individualized assessment. Calculating EC₀ per athlete may improve energy cost estimations, enhance the metabolic power approach and allow for more accurate analysis of metabolic data based on positional tracking.
Enzymatic Stereodivergent Synthesis of Azaspiro[2.y]alkanes
Feasibility of an unsupervised aerobic exercise training program for participants with persistent symptoms after SARS-CoV-2 infection
Abstract Aim of the randomized controlled pilot study was to investigate general feasibility in terms of adherence to a 12-week unsupervised aerobic exercise training program in participants with persistent symptoms (fatigue, concentration problems, breathing problems or headache) > 12 months after SARS-CoV-2 infection. Multiple symptom-related, psychosocial, spiroergometric and body composition parameters were collected at baseline and follow-up examination. The intervention group underwent a 12-week unsupervised aerobic exercise training program. The control group kept their regular physical activity. Both groups maintained an online training diary. Data was evaluated descriptively using intention-to-treat, per protocol and as-treated analysis. Feasibility of an unsupervised aerobic exercise training intervention was limited, as a large number of participants in the intervention group did not strictly adhere to the training plan. Therefore, statements about the efficacy were restricted. However, there was some weak indication for efficacy of the intervention to reduce self-rated severity of symptoms and to improve overall wellbeing. In the present study, an unsupervised aerobic exercise training intervention can be recommended only to a limited extend. The study results can be used to inform future studies designed to evaluate the efficacy of unsupervised aerobic exercise training programs in participants with persistent symptoms after SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Economics of vaccination against diarrhoea and respiratory diseases in French cow calves’ systems: A modelling approach
To assess the economic benefits of vaccination against diarrhoea and respiratory diseases in cow-calf systems, a stochastic mechanistic mathematical programming bio-economic model was developed for a beef Charolais breed farm. The model reproduced herd dynamics on a weekly basis over a 10-year period, including animal growth, reproduction and diseases risks and control (treatments and vaccination). Three baseline risk levels of diarrhoea and respiratory disease were considered to simulate low, average, and high infection risks on the farm. The results demonstrated the model’s ability to reproduce average farm dynamics, with diarrhoea prevalence ranging from 8% to 33% and respiratory diseases from 13% to 79%. On average, prevalences were decreased by 24% and 50%, respectively, due to vaccination, which also reduced the 2-day to 1-month mortality rates by 2–3% and 15–17%, respectively. The net value of vaccination was positive except in cases of low infection risk of diarrhoea and respiratory diseases: the return on investment (ROI) of vaccination was 0.4–0.5 (€1 invested yields €0.4–0.5) in the baseline scenario (middle infection risks), negative under low infection risks, and reached 1 (€1 invested yields €1) for high infection risks. The results also showed that farmers may earn €58–75 in additional revenue per extra hour of labour dedicated to vaccination in the medium-risk scenario. Despite the limited availability of data for cow-calf systems, this study demonstrated the economic benefit of vaccination in most combinations of scenarios and risks. The profitability of vaccination was challenged when low disease risks were considered, but in such cases, vaccination may serve as insurance against financial losses in case of health status deterioration.
Spinning Top-like Nanoprobes for Direct Visualization of Cooperative Ca<sup>2+</sup>-Binding-Induced Conformational Switching in Single Calmodulin Molecules
Explore the role of CBS in stomach adenocarcinoma based on the sulfur-containing amino acid metabolism network
Exploring the participant experience in controlled human infection model (CHIM) trials: A modified grounded theory study
Background Controlled human infection model (CHIM) trials are useful tools for accelerating vaccine development through the deliberate infection of healthy volunteers in a controlled environment to study the course of disease in humans. CHIM trials may pose physical, psychological, and social harms to participants. Participants are subjected to long inpatient stays and daily sample collection, which may be uncomfortable. Very little is known about the CHIM trial participant experience and decision-making process. Methods We conducted a modified grounded theory study, embedded within the Canadian Center for Vaccinology (CCfV)’s Bordetella pertussis CHIM trial. Twenty six participants engaged in semi-structured interviews at four time periods throughout their year-long involvement in the CHIM trial, using a constant comparative approach of simultaneous data collection and analysis. This process continued until saturation was reached and an emerging theoretical model was constructed depicting the CHIM trial participant experience over time. Results The emergent conceptual model centered around the core category “A Trusting Partnership”, depicting the evolution of the participant-researcher relationship throughout the experience. Establishing trust was critical during the decision-making phase, facilitated through transparent researcher-participant communication and consideration of past experiences and values. Supporting the trusting partnership during the inpatient isolation phase was facilitated through ongoing researcher-participant engagement and emotional support. During outpatient participation, maintaining the trusting partnership was achieved through effective communication, consistent follow-up care, and recognition of participants’ contributions. Quality improvement (QI) recommendations were identified across all phases of CHIM trial participation. Conclusions Researcher-participant trust is an integral component of the CHIM trial participant experience. QI recommendations should be taken into consideration when planning and coordinating future CHIM trials.
Clinical characteristics of thyroid eye disease and expression profile of peripheral blood immune cells
Strategies and responses to the effects of Climate Change on health systems in Sub-Saharan Africa: A scoping review protocol
Background Climate change is recognized as the greatest global health threat of the 21st century. Projections suggest that the Sub-Saharan African region will face more consequences of climate change than any other region globally. The health systems within the region have been affected by the negative effects of climate change. Mapping strategies and responses used in the region to address the effects of climate change on health systems in Sub-Saharan Africa could be a starting point for understanding evidence-based decision-making to inform best practices. Methods This scoping review will follow the methodological framework by Arksey & O’Malley. A wide range of databases will be searched to identify articles published on the strategies and responses to the effects of climate change on the health systems in Sub-Saharan Africa. Only peer-reviewed articles (original quantitative and qualitative studies, mixed methods, systematic reviews, editorials, and commentaries) published in English Language between 2010 and 2024 will be reviewed. All Book chapters and the grey literature (dissertations, conference proceedings, abstracts, reports) and publications primarily focusing on climate change strategies and responses without effects on health systems will be excluded. Covidence software will be used during study selection, data extraction, and summary. Deductive thematic analysis will be performed using predetermined themes from the objectives. Dissemination The results of this scoping review will be disseminated at local and international research conferences. Furthermore, the findings will be published in open-access journals targeting different audiences. The findings will also be shared with the Ministry of Health in Malawi for possible policy considerations.
Regression machine learning-based highly efficient dual band MIMO antenna design for mm-Wave 5G application and gain prediction
Exploring influences of health and wellbeing in Sydney’s apartment living: A qualitative study of residents’ perceptions
In Australia, and internationally, a shift is occurring towards high-density apartment living with initiatives and research showing an increased interest in the relations between health, wellbeing and apartment buildings. This study explores the complex associations between residents’ perceptions of their health and wellbeing and the apartment buildings where they live within the context of Sydney, Australia, as the case study. It challenges the fragmented approach previously used to study healthy apartment living and their underlying assumptions that do not account for a coupled human-environment systems view of health and wellbeing concerning apartment living. Qualitative research was used, which included in-depth, semi-structured interviews with 17 residents living in different apartment buildings, supplemented by fieldwork and narrated photographs. Using a structured iterative thematic analysis process, 20 areas of health and wellbeing influence (themes) were identified and further categorised using synthetic thinking into diverse, context-dependent, multilevel, and pervading influences. The findings from this exploratory study suggest a complex view of health and wellbeing by residents of apartment buildings and provide novel and important insights that have not been previously reported in such breadth.