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Pharmaceutics Nov 2022Carbon dots (CDs), a new member of carbon nanostructures, rely on surface modification and functionalization for their good fluorescence phosphorescence and excellent... (Review)
Review
Carbon dots (CDs), a new member of carbon nanostructures, rely on surface modification and functionalization for their good fluorescence phosphorescence and excellent physical and chemical properties, including small size (<10 nm), high chemical stability, biocompatibility, non-toxicity, low cost, and easy synthesis. In the field of medical research on cancer (IARC), CDs, a new material with unique optical properties as a photosensitizer, are being applied to heating local apoptosis induction of cancer cells. In addition, imaging tools can also be combined with a drug to form the nanometer complex compound, the imaging guidance for multi-function dosage, so as to improve the efficiency of drug delivery, which also plays a big role in genetic diagnosis. This paper mainly includes three parts: The first part briefly introduces the synthesis and preparation of carbon dots, and summarizes the advantages and disadvantages of different preparation methods; The second part introduces the preparation methods of carbon dot composites. Finally, the application status of carbon dot composites in biomedicine, cancer theranostics, drug delivery, electrochemistry, and photocatalysis is summarized.
PubMed: 36432673
DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14112482 -
Frontiers in Psychology 2022With the continuous development and improvement of Internet media technologies in China, the influence of livestream e-commerce is becoming increasingly prominent, and...
With the continuous development and improvement of Internet media technologies in China, the influence of livestream e-commerce is becoming increasingly prominent, and an increasing number of people are engaging in consumption activities in this field. It is important to study consumer stickiness in livestream e-commerce to promote economic structure adjustment and innovation-driven development. Therefore, in this study, we adopted the expectation confirmation theory (ECT) as the theoretical framework and analyzed the ECT and stickiness. The study considered satisfaction as the previous influencing factor of user and consumer stickiness, replaced the continuance intention in the expectation confirmation model with consumer stickiness as the explanatory variable, introduced the variable of perceived playfulness as the value perception after user experience, and established a consumer stickiness factors model. A total of 262 valid questionnaires were collected in this study, and SmartPLS analysis along with interviews were used to justify the limitations of data analysis. The results of the study demonstrated a significant effect of perceived usefulness and confirmation on satisfaction, a significant effect of confirmation on perceived usefulness, a significant effect of satisfaction on stickiness, and a significant effect of confirmation on perceived playfulness. Based on findings from the data analysis and interviews, we further proposed rationalized recommendations, and aimed to provide some theoretical guidance for future research on live streaming.
PubMed: 36118462
DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.962786 -
Polymers Aug 2023For rubber-like materials, there are three popular methods of equibiaxial tension available: inflation tension, equibiaxial planar tension, and radial tension. However,...
For rubber-like materials, there are three popular methods of equibiaxial tension available: inflation tension, equibiaxial planar tension, and radial tension. However, no studies have addressed the accuracy and comparability of these tests. In this work, we model the tension tests for a hyperelastic electroactive polymer (EAP) membrane material using finite element method (FEM) and investigate their experimental accuracy. This study also analyzes the impact of apparatus structure parameters and specimen dimensions on experimental performances. Additionally, a tensile efficiency is proposed to assess non-uniform deformation in equibiaxial planar tension and radial tension tests. The sample points for calculating deformation in inflation tensions should be taken near the top of the inflated balloon to obtain a more accurate characteristic curve; the deformation simulation range will be constrained by the material model and its parameters within a specific limit ( ≈ 1.9); if the inflation hole size is halved, the required air pressure must be doubled to maintain equivalent stress and strain values, resulting in a reduction in half in inflation height and decreased accuracy. The equibiaxial planar tension test can enhance uniform deformation and reduce stress errors to as low as 2.1% (at = 4) with single-corner-point tension. For circular diaphragm specimens in radial tension tests, increasing the number of cuts and using larger punched holes results in more uniform deformation and less stress error, with a minimum value of 3.83% achieved for a specimen with 24 cuts and a 5 mm punched hole. In terms of tensile efficiency, increasing the number of tensile points in the equibiaxial planar tension test can improve it; under radial tension, increasing the number of cuts and decreasing the diameter of the punched hole on the specimen has a hedging effect. The findings of this study are valuable for accurately evaluating various equibiaxial tension methods and analyzing their precision, as well as providing sound guidance for the effective design of testing apparatus and test plans.
PubMed: 37688187
DOI: 10.3390/polym15173561 -
Plants (Basel, Switzerland) Dec 2023The legacy effects of invasive plant species can hinder the recovery of native communities, especially under nitrogen deposition conditions, where invasive species show...
The legacy effects of invasive plant species can hinder the recovery of native communities, especially under nitrogen deposition conditions, where invasive species show growth advantages and trigger secondary invasions in controlled areas. Therefore, it is crucial to thoroughly investigate the effects of nitrogen deposition on the legacy effects of plant invasions and their mechanisms. The hypotheses of this study are as follows: (1) Nitrogen deposition amplifies the legacy effects of plant invasion. This phenomenon was investigated by analysing four potential mechanisms covering community system structure, nitrogen metabolism, geochemical cycles, and microbial mechanisms. The results suggest that microorganisms drive plant-soil feedback processes, even regulating or limiting other factors. (2) The impact of nitrogen deposition on the legacy effects of plant invasions may be intensified primarily through enhanced nitrogen metabolism via microbial anaerobes bacteria. Essential insights into invasion ecology and ecological management have been provided by analysing how nitrogen-fixing bacteria improve nitrogen metabolism and establish sustainable methods for controlling invasive plant species. This in-depth study contributes to our better understanding of the lasting effects of plant invasions on ecosystems and provides valuable guidance for future ecological management.
PubMed: 38202380
DOI: 10.3390/plants13010072 -
Patient Education and Counseling Jul 2023To identify and synthesise the experiences and benefits of addressing vocational issues in the provision of healthcare for young people (YP) with long-term conditions... (Review)
Review
Addressing education and employment outcomes in the provision of healthcare for young people with physical long-term conditions: A systematic review and mixed methods synthesis.
OBJECTIVE
To identify and synthesise the experiences and benefits of addressing vocational issues in the provision of healthcare for young people (YP) with long-term conditions (LTCs).
METHODS
We searched 10 bibliographic databases. Restrictions were applied on publication date (1996-2020) and language (English). Two reviewers independently screened records against eligibility criteria. Articles reporting relevant qualitative and/or quantitative research were included. Quality appraisal was undertaken following study selection. Qualitative data were synthesised thematically, and quantitative data narratively. A cross-study synthesis integrated qualitative and quantitative findings.
RESULTS
43 articles were included. Thematic synthesis of qualitative studies (n = 23) resulted in seven recommendations for intervention (psychological support; information/signposting; skills training; career advice; healthcare-school/workplace collaboration; social support; flexible/responsive care). The narrative synthesis summarised results of 17 interventions (n = 20 quantitative studies). The cross-study synthesis mapped interventions against recommendations. Transitional care was the intervention type that most comprehensively met our proposed recommendations.
CONCLUSIONS
Evidence from YP perspectives highlights that vocational development is an important area to address in healthcare provision. Robust intervention studies in this area are lacking.
PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS
Our evidence-based recommendations for intervention can support health professionals to better address vocational issues/outcomes. With minimal adaptations, transitional care interventions would be particularly well suited to deliver this.
Topics: Humans; Adolescent; Health Personnel; Educational Status; Social Support; Workplace; Delivery of Health Care
PubMed: 37086594
DOI: 10.1016/j.pec.2023.107765 -
Materials (Basel, Switzerland) Dec 2022In concrete structures, replacing conventional steel bars with high-strength steel reinforcement (HSSR) can effectively save the use of materials. However, the...
In concrete structures, replacing conventional steel bars with high-strength steel reinforcement (HSSR) can effectively save the use of materials. However, the deformation properties and strength dispersion of HSSR are different from those of conventional steel reinforcement, which restricts or conservatively uses them in practical applications. For example, the partial safety factor of HRB500 grade steel bars (the yield strength is 500 MPa) in guideline GB50010-2010 is larger than that of conventional steel bars, and there is no relevant guidance for HRB600 grade steel bars (the yield strength is 600 MPa). Based on this, this paper will propose the limit state design method of high-strength steel reinforced concrete beam (HSSRCB) based on reliability analysis, which is convenient for the popularization and use of HSSR. Firstly, the flexural performance test of HSSRCBs was introduced, and the flexural capacity of HSSRCB was analyzed based on the existing prediction model. Second, a sectional numerical analysis model was established, where the section was discretized into several points, and then the curvature was gradually increased to obtain the corresponding bending moment through integration. A large number of samples were calculated to obtain statistical characteristics of the error of prediction model. Then, the limit state functions were established for two kinds of format, including partial safety factor format (PSSF) and resistance reduction factor format (RRFF), respectively, and the reliability of HSSRCBs was analyzed based on Monte Carlo simulation. Finally, the recommended values of partial safety factor of material and reduction factor of bearing capacity were proposed, in which the design strength of HRB500 and HRB600 reinforcement was 454 MPa and 545 MPa for PSSF, respectively, and the resistance reduction factor for the flexural capacity of HSSRCB was 0.8 and 0.75 for RRFF, respectively.
PubMed: 36556805
DOI: 10.3390/ma15248999 -
Pilot and Feasibility Studies Nov 2022Despite growing numbers of studies reporting the efficacy of complex interventions and their implementation, many studies fail to report information on implementation...
BACKGROUND
Despite growing numbers of studies reporting the efficacy of complex interventions and their implementation, many studies fail to report information on implementation fidelity or describe how fidelity measures used within the study were developed. This study aimed to develop a fidelity checklist for measuring the implementation fidelity of an early, stroke-specialist vocational rehabilitation intervention (ESSVR) in the RETAKE trial.
METHODS
To develop the fidelity measure, previous checklists were reviewed to inform the assessment structure, and core intervention components were extracted from intervention descriptions into a checklist, which was ratified by eight experts in fidelity measurement and complex interventions. Guidance notes were generated to assist with checklist completion. To test the measure, two researchers independently applied the checklist to fifteen stroke survivor intervention case notes using retrospective observational case review. The scoring was assessed for interrater reliability.
RESULTS
A fidelity checklist containing 21 core components and 6 desirable components across 4 stages of intervention delivery was developed with corresponding guidance notes. Interrater reliability of each checklist item ranged from moderate to perfect (Cohen's kappa 0.69-1).
CONCLUSIONS
The resulting checklist to assess implementation fidelity is fit for assessing the delivery of vocational rehabilitation for stroke survivors using retrospective observational case review. The checklist proved its utility as a measure of fidelity and may be used to inform the design of future implementation strategies.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
ISRCTN, ISRCTN12464275. Registered on 13 March 2018.
PubMed: 36324137
DOI: 10.1186/s40814-022-01194-x -
Frontiers in Pediatrics 2022While the association between father absence and youth hostility has been well-documented among depressed youths, there is a lack of research on the potential mechanism...
BACKGROUND
While the association between father absence and youth hostility has been well-documented among depressed youths, there is a lack of research on the potential mechanism underlying such an association. This study aimed to test a serial mediation model of self-esteem and frustration tolerance on the link between father absence and youth hostility.
METHODS
A total of 137 Chinese youths with major depressive disorder were recruited from Wuhan Mental Health Center. They completed a survey including the Father Absence Questionnaire to measure father absence, the Chinese Hostility Inventory (CHI) to measure hostility, the Psychological Endurance Questionnaire to measure frustration tolerance, and the Self-esteem Scale (SES) to measure self-esteem. A series of multiple linear regression models were employed to assess the associations among father absence, self-esteem, frustration tolerance, and hostility.
RESULTS
Although father absence was modestly associated with hostility ( = 0.30, < 0.001), subsequent serial mediation analysis showed that father absence was not directly related to hostility (= 0.06, = 0.29) when self-esteem and frustration tolerance were included in the model. High levels of father absence had an adverse effect on levels of self-esteem, which decreased levels of frustration tolerance, and thus higher levels of hostility among depressed youths. The indirect effects of father absence on hostility through self-esteem, frustration tolerance, as well as through self-esteem and frustration tolerance serially accounted for 28%, 24%, and 24% of the total effect, respectively.
CONCLUSION
Our study tested a serial mediation model of self-esteem and frustration tolerance as mediators between father absence and hostility among depressed youths. The findings strengthened our understanding of the potential mechanism underlying the association between self-esteem and frustration tolerance, which may provide useful guidance for future intervention programs.
PubMed: 36776682
DOI: 10.3389/fped.2022.711241 -
PloS One 2024The rapid growth of on-demand ride service platforms has made it increasingly important for these platforms to efficiently match services by understanding driver...
The rapid growth of on-demand ride service platforms has made it increasingly important for these platforms to efficiently match services by understanding driver characteristics and consumer preferences. This paper aims to investigate the pricing strategy by considering the impact of consumer preference heterogeneity and the different service types offered by drivers. The findings of this study reveal the need for the platform to strike a balance between service cost and the benefits of high-quality drivers, which can be referred to as the "cost-performance ratio". If the "cost-performance ratio" that attracts high-quality drivers is high, the platform will attract high-quality drivers or drivers of all types to participate while offering differentiated services. Otherwise, the platform will only provide services through low-quality drivers. Furthermore, the platform will also consider when to offer differentiated services based on network externalities and service quality. When the network externalities of the two types of services are similar, the platform will differentiate them based on service quality differences. Overall, considering consumer preference heterogeneity, drivers of service types, and network externalities, this paper provides guidance for platforms to make optimal decisions that enhance their service offerings and improve overall customer satisfaction.
PubMed: 38215078
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0296732 -
PloS One 2021In pursuing optimal health care, an adequate medical workforce is crucial. However, many countries are struggling with a misalignment of students' specialty preferences...
INTRODUCTION
In pursuing optimal health care, an adequate medical workforce is crucial. However, many countries are struggling with a misalignment of students' specialty preferences and societal needs regarding the future medical workforce. In order to bridge this gap, it is relevant to gain a better understanding of the medical career choice processes. We explored career orientations among medical students in the Netherlands and their implications for future career choices.
METHODS
We used Q-methodology, a hybrid qualitative-quantitative method, to explore career orientations of medical students. Medical students from two universities in the Netherlands, varying in year of progression of medical school, ranked 62 statements with regard to importance for their future career choice. Participants explained their ranking in an interview and completed a questionnaire regarding demographics. Using by-person factor analysis we identified groups of individuals with similar orientations.
RESULTS
Twenty-four students participated in this study, resulting in three distinct orientations towards future careers: a first career orientation that highly values lifelong self-development; a second that values work-life balance, and a third that was more concerned with achievement and recognition of their work.
CONCLUSION
Medical students' career orientations differed in the importance of challenge, work-life balance, and need for recognition. This knowledge can help to design interventions to shift career choices of medical students closer towards future needs in society. Offering career coaching to students that challenges them to explore and prioritise their values, needs and motivations, for example using the materials form this study as a tool, and stimulates them to consider specialties accordingly, could be a promising strategy for guiding students to more long-term satisfying careers.
Topics: Career Choice; Female; Humans; Male; Motivation; Psychometrics; Students, Medical; Surveys and Questionnaires; Vocational Guidance; Young Adult
PubMed: 34019546
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0249092