Study on the multifunctional spatial-temporal evolution and coupling coordination of cultivated land: A case study of Hebei Province, China.

The rational use of cultivated land can guarantee food security and thus is highly important for ensuring social stability, economic development and national security. The current study investigated the multifunctional temporal and spatial variation characteristics of cultivated land and explored the spatial and temporal characteristics of the multifunction and coupling coordination degrees of cultivated land throughout Hebei Province. Based on the administrative division data, statistical yearbook data and land use status data of the impacted areas, a multifunctional evaluation index system of cultivated land was established. The CRITIC weight method and entropy weight method were used to determine the weight of the index, the comprehensive index model was used to determine the production, social security, ecology and landscape functions of cultivated land of Hebei Province in different periods, the coupling coordination model was used to explore the multifunctional coupling coordination degree of cultivated land in each county, and spatial autocorrelation analysis was performed to determine the correlation of the multifunctional coupling coordination degrees. From 2000 to 2020, the production, social security and landscape function of cultivated land in Hebei Province trended upward; the ecological function trended slightly downward. The multifunctional coupling coordination degree of cultivated land in Hebei Province trended significantly upward and changed from limited coordination to intermediate coordination. Furthermore, it exhibited strong agglomeration and a significant positive spatial correlation, forming a 'V'-type change rule of first decreasing and then increasing. Hebei Province exhibited remarkable spatial and temporal characteristics of the multifunction and coupling coordination degrees of cultivated land. Regions could thus customize different cultivated land functions to maximize the benefits of cultivated land use. The findings of this study may provide a scientific basis and theoretical support for sustainably using and managing cultivated land resources in areas with similar human geographical environments.

Methodology exploration and reproducibility evaluation of TAI and TSI for quantitative ultrasound assessment of hepatic steatosis.

Background and aim: New quantitative ultrasound techniques can be used to quantify hepatic steatosis, including tissue attenuation imaging (TAI), tissue scatter -distribution imaging (TSI), and the hepatorenal index (HRI). However, the measurement norms and the effects of fasting on these measurements remain unclear. The present study performed a methodological exploration and investigated the reliability of these measurements. Methods: In total, 103 participants were prospectively recruited for ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans. For the TAI and TSI data, the upper (2 cm), middle (4 cm) and lower (6 cm) areas determined according to the depth of the region of interest from the liver capsule, were sampled three times. Correlation analyses were performed to compare the measurements of TAI, TSI, and HRI with the controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) or MRI-proton density fat fraction (MRI-PDFF). Intra- and inter-operator repeatability was assessed using intraclass correlation coefficients. The effects of fasting on these measurements were then compared. Results: The TAI and TSI measurements obtained from the upper and middle depths exhibited stronger correlations with the CAP measurements than those obtained from the lower depth. Specifically, the mean TAI had a significant positive correlation with MRI-PDFF (r = 0.753, P < 0.0001). TAI and TSI measurements exhibited excellent intra- (0.933 and 0.925, respectively) and inter- (0.896 and 0.766, respectively) examiner reliability. However, the correlation between HRI and CAP measurements was only 0.281, with no significant correlation with MRI-PDFF, and intra- and inter-examiner reproducibility of 0.458 and 0.343, respectively. Fasting did not affect these measurements. Conclusions: TAI and TSI measurements demonstrated good intra- and interobserver reliability and correlated well with CAP and MRI-PDFF measurements. However, in practice-based clinical applications, the sampling depth should be controlled within 2-4 cm of the hepatic capsule; no fasting is required before the examination.

Health economics study of paliperidone palmitate in the treatment of schizophrenia: a 12-month cohort study.

BACKGROUND: To analyze the economic benefits of paliperidone palmitate in the treatment of schizophrenia. METHODS: We collected 546 patients who met the diagnostic criteria for schizophrenia according to the 《International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems,10th》(ICD-10). We gathered general population data such as gender, age, marital status, and education level, then initiated treatment with paliperidone palmitate. Then Follow-up evaluations were conducted at 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months after the start of treatment to assess clinical efficacy, adverse reactions, and injection doses. We also collected information on the economic burden before and after 12 months of treatment, as well as the number of outpatient visits and hospitalizations in the past year to analyze economic benefits. RESULTS: The baseline patients totaled 546, with 239 still receiving treatment with paliperidone palmitate 12 months later. After 12 months of treatment, the number of outpatient visits per year increased compared to before (4 (2,10) vs. 12 (4,12), Z=-5.949, P < 0.001), while the number of hospitalizations decreased (1 (1,3) vs. 1 (1,2), Z = 5.625, P < 0.001). The inpatient costs in the direct medical expenses of patients after 12 months of treatment decreased compared to before (5000(2000,12000) vs. 3000 (1000,8050), P < 0.05), while there was no significant change in outpatient expenses and direct non-medical expenses (transportation, accommodation, meal, and family accompanying expenses, etc.) (P > 0.05); the indirect costs of patients after 12 months of treatment (lost productivity costs for patients and families, economic costs due to destructive behavior, costs of seeking non-medical assistance) decreased compared to before (300(150,600) vs. 150(100,200), P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Palmatine palmitate reduces the number of hospitalizations for patients, as well as their direct and indirect economic burdens, and has good economic benefits.

Prevalence and Burden of Multiple Sclerosis in China, 1990-2019: Findings From the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the leading cause of neurologic disability in young adults, but the burden caused by MS in China is lacking. We aimed to comprehensively describe the prevalence and health loss due to MS by demographic and geographical variables from 1990 to 2019 across China. METHODS: Data were obtained from the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study 2019 (GBD 2019). We used GBD methodology to systematically analyze the prevalence, disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs), years of life lost (YLLs), and years lived with disability (YLDs) due to MS by age, sex, and location from 1990 to 2019 in mainland China and its provinces. We also compared the MS burden in China with the world and other Group of 20 (G20) countries. RESULTS: In 2019, 42,571 (95% uncertainty interval [UI] 33,001-53,329) individuals in China had MS, which doubled from 1990. The age-standardized prevalence rate of MS was 2.32 per 100,000 (95% UI 1.78-2.91), which increased by 23.31% (95% UI 20.50-25.89) from 1990, with most of the growth occurring after 2010. There was a positive latitudinal gradient with the increasing prevalence from south to north across China. The total DALYs caused by MS were 71,439 (95% UI 58,360-92,254) in 2019, ranking China third among G20 countries. Most of the MS burden in China derived from premature mortality, with the higher fraction of YLLs than that at the global level and most other G20 countries. From 1990 to 2019, the age-standardized DALY and YLL rate had nonsignificant changes; however, the age-standardized YLD rate substantially increased by 23.33% (95% UI 20.50-25.89). The geographic distribution of MS burden varied at the provincial level in China, with a slight downward trend in the age-standardized DALY rates along with increasing Socio-Demographic Index over the study period. DISCUSSION: Although China has a low risk of MS, the substantial and increasing prevalent cases should not be underestimated. The high burden due to premature death and geographic disparity of MS burden reveals insufficient management of MS in China, highlighting the needs for increased awareness and effective intervention.

Decision analysis of PPP project's parties based on deep consumer participation.

Although PPP(Public-private partnership) mode has been applied for a long time in infrastructural project, the success rate is not very high. The sustainability of PPP projects is still influenced by many factors. In order to examine the evolutionary stable strategies (ESSs) of social capital, government, and paying consumers, a tripartite evolutionary game model is established in this work. In order to further promote consumer participation, it is necessary to make the assumption that customer oversight and review can have an impact on service prices. The results show: i)The strategy choice of consumer depends on the comparison between supervision cost of consumer and price coefficient for consumer to social capital. ii)Consumer supervision can promote the provision of high-quality services by social capital. iii)The difference between high-quality cost and low-quality cost, subsidy coefficient, price coefficient and supervision cost of consumer are critical factors influencing both evolutionary results and trajectories. This paper also puts forward policy implications for the three stakeholders to promote social capital's high-quality strategy so as to maintain the sustainability of PPP projects.

Spatiotemporal distribution of ecological risk of antibiotics in seven major river basins of China: An optimized multilevel assessment approach.

Antibiotics have been recognized as emerging pollutants due to their ecological and human health risks. This paper aims to enhance the ecological risk assessment (ERA) framework for antibiotics, to illustrate the distribution of these risks across different locations and seasons, and to identify the antibiotics that pose high ecological risk. This paper focuses on 52 antibiotics in seven major basins of China. Relying on the optimized approach of ERA and antibiotic monitoring data published from 2017 to 2021, the results of ERA are presented in multilevel. Across the study area, there are marked variations in the spatial distribution of antibiotics' ecological risks. The Huaihe River Basin, the Haihe River Basin, and the Liaohe River Basin are the top three in the ranking of present ecological risks. The research results also reveal significant differences in temporal variation, underscoring the need for increased attention during certain seasons. Ten antibiotics with high contribution rates to ecological risk are identified, which is an important reference to formulate an antibiotic control list. The multilevel results provided both risk values and their ubiquities across a broad study region, which is a powerful support for developing ecological risk management of antibiotics.

Assessment of spilled oil dispersion affected by dispersant: Characteristic, stability, and related mechanism.

Oil dispersion, a crucial process in oil transport, involves the detachment of oil droplets from slicks and their introduction into the water column, influencing subsequent oil migration and transformation. This study examines oil dispersion, considering characteristics, stability, and mechanisms, while evaluating the impact of dispersants and salinity. Results show the significant role of surfactant type in dispersants on oil dispersion characteristics, with anionic surfactants exhibiting higher sensitivity to salinity changes compared to nonionic surfactants. The dispersion efficiency varies with salinity, with anionic surfactants performing better in low salinity (<20‰) and nonionic surfactants showing superior performance at 30-35‰ salinities. Rheological analysis illustrates the breakup and coalescence of oil droplets within the shear rates of breaking waves. An increase in interfacial film rigidity impedes the coalescence of oil droplets, contributing to the dynamic stability of the oil-water hybrid system. The use of GM-2, a nonionic dispersant, results in the formation of a solid-like interface, characterized by increased elastic modulus, notably at 20‰ salinity. However, stable droplet size distribution (DSD) at 35‰ salinity for 60 h suggests droplets can remain dispersed in seawater. The enhancement of stability of oil dispersion is interpreted as the result of two mechanisms: stabilizing DSD and developing the strength of viscoelastic interfacial film. These findings offer insights into oil dispersion dynamics, highlighting the importance of surfactant selection and salinity in governing dispersion behavior, and elucidating mechanisms underlying dispersion stability.

The global distribution and the risk prediction of relapsing fever group Borrelia: a data review with modelling analysis.

BACKGROUND: The recent discovery of emerging relapsing fever group Borrelia (RFGB) species, such as Borrelia miyamotoi, poses a growing threat to public health. However, the global distribution and associated risk burden of these species remain uncertain. We aimed to map the diversity, distribution, and potential infection risk of RFGB. METHODS: We searched PubMed, Web of Science, GenBank, CNKI, and eLibrary from Jan 1, 1874, to Dec 31, 2022, for published articles without language restriction to extract distribution data for RFGB detection in vectors, animals, and humans, and clinical information about human patients. Only articles documenting RFGB infection events were included in this study, and data for RFGB detection in vectors, animals, or humans were composed into a dataset. We used three machine learning algorithms (boosted regression trees, random forest, and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator logistic regression) to assess the environmental, ecoclimatic, biological, and socioeconomic factors associated with the occurrence of four major RFGB species: Borrelia miyamotoi, Borrelia lonestari, Borrelia crocidurae, and Borrelia hermsii; and mapped their worldwide risk level. FINDINGS: We retrieved 13 959 unique studies, among which 697 met the selection criteria and were used for data extraction. 29 RFGB species have been recorded worldwide, of which 27 have been identified from 63 tick species, 12 from 61 wild animals, and ten from domestic animals. 16 RFGB species caused human infection, with a cumulative count of 26 583 cases reported from Jan 1, 1874, to Dec 31, 2022. Borrelia recurrentis (17 084 cases) and Borrelia persica (2045 cases) accounted for the highest proportion of human infection. B miyamotoi showed the widest distribution among all RFGB, with a predicted environmentally suitable area of 6·92 million km2, followed by B lonestari (1·69 million km2), B crocidurae (1·67 million km2), and B hermsii (1·48 million km2). The habitat suitability index of vector ticks and climatic factors, such as the annual mean temperature, have the most significant effect among all predictive models for the geographical distribution of the four major RFGB species. INTERPRETATION: The predicted high-risk regions are considerably larger than in previous reports. Identification, surveillance, and diagnosis of RFGB infections should be prioritised in high-risk areas, especially within low-income regions. FUNDING: National Key Research and Development Program of China.

Multiparametric MRI subregion radiomics for preoperative assessment of high-risk subregions in microsatellite instability of rectal cancer patients: a multicenter study.

BACKGROUND: Microsatellite instability (MSI) is associated with treatment response and prognosis in patients with rectal cancer (RC). However, intratumoral heterogeneity limits MSI testing in patients with RC. The authors developed a subregion radiomics model based on multiparametric MRI to preoperatively assess high-risk subregions with MSI and predict the MSI status of patients with RC. METHODS: This retrospective study included 475 patients (training cohort, 382; external test cohort, 93) with RC from two participating hospitals between April 2017 and June 2023. In the training cohort, subregion radiomic features were extracted from multiparametric MRI, which included T2-weighted, T1-weighted, diffusion-weighted, and contrast-enhanced T1-weighted imaging. MSI-related subregion radiomic features, classical radiomic features, and clinicoradiological variables were gathered to build five predictive models using logistic regression. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was conducted to explore the prognostic information. RESULTS: Among the 475 patients [median age, 64 years (interquartile range, IQR: 55-70 years); 304 men and 171 women], the prevalence of MSI was 11.16% (53/475). The subregion radiomics model outperformed the classical radiomics and clinicoradiological models in both training [area under the curve (AUC)=0.86, 0.72, and 0.59, respectively] and external test cohorts (AUC=0.83, 0.73, and 0.62, respectively). The subregion-clinicoradiological model combining clinicoradiological variables and subregion radiomic features performed the optimal, with AUCs of 0.87 and 0.85 in the training and external test cohorts, respectively. The 3-year disease-free survival rate of MSI groups predicted based on the model was higher than that of the predicted microsatellite stability groups in both patient cohorts (training, P =0.032; external test, P =0.046). CONCLUSIONS: The authors developed and validated a model based on subregion radiomic features of multiparametric MRI to evaluate high-risk subregions with MSI and predict the MSI status of RC preoperatively, which may assist in individualized treatment decisions and positioning for biopsy.

Extending the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM): The GRADE-TCM.

AIM: To extend and form the "Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation in Traditional Chinese Medicine" (GRADE-TCM). METHODS: Methodologies were systematically reviewed and analyzed concerning evidence-based TCM guidelines worldwide. A survey questionnaire was developed based on the literature review and open-end expert interviews. Then, we performed expert consensus, discussion meeting, opinion collection, external examination, and the GRADE-TCM was formed eventually. RESULTS: 265 Chinese and English TCM guidelines were included and analyzed. Five experts completed the open-end interviews. Ten methodological entries were summarized, screened and selected. One round of consensus was conducted, including a total of 22 experts and 220 valid questionnaire entries, concerning 1) selection of the GRADE, 2) GRADE-TCM upgrading criteria, 3) GRADE-TCM evaluation standard, 4) principles of consensus and recommendation, and 5) presentation of the GRADE-TCM and recommendation. Finally, consensus was reached on the above 10 entries, and the results were of high importance (with voting percentages ranging from 50 % to 81.82 % for "very important" rating) and strong reliability (with the Cr ranging from 0.93 to 0.99). Expert discussion meeting (with 40 experts), opinion collection (in two online platforms) and external examination (with 14 third-party experts) were conducted, and the GRADE-TCM was established eventually. CONCLUSION: GRADE-TCM provides a new extended evidence-based evaluation standard for TCM guidelines. In GRADE-TCM, international evidence-based norms, characteristics of TCM intervention, and inheritance of TCM culture were combined organically and followed. This is helpful for localization of the GRADE in TCM and internationalization of TCM guidelines.

An IoT-based low-cost architecture for smart libraries using SDN.

In the evolving landscape of smart libraries, this research pioneers an IoT-based low-cost architecture utilizing Software-Defined Networking (SDN). The increasing demand for more efficient and economical solutions in library management, particularly in the realm of RFID-based processes such as authentication, property circulation, and book loans, underscores the significance of this study. Leveraging the collaborative potential of IoT and SDN technologies, our proposed system introduces a fresh perspective to tackle these challenges and advance intelligent library management. In response to the evolving landscape of smart libraries, our research presents an Internet of Things (IoT)-based low-cost architecture utilizing SDN. The exploration of this architectural paradigm arises from a recognized gap in the existing literature, pointing towards the necessity for more efficient and cost-effective solutions in managing library processes. Our proposed algorithm integrates IoT and SDN technologies to intelligently oversee various library activities, specifically targeting RFID-based processes such as authentication, property circulation management, and book loan management. The system's architecture, encompasses components like the data center, SDN controllers, RFID tags, tag readers, and other network sensors. By leveraging the synergy between RFID and SDN, our innovative approach reduces the need for constant operator supervision in libraries. The scalability and software-oriented nature of the architecture cater to extensive library environments. Our study includes a two-phase investigation, combining practical implementation in a small-scale library with a simulation environment using MATLAB 2021. This research not only fills a crucial gap in current knowledge but also lays the foundation for future advancements in the integration of IoT and SDN technologies for intelligent library management.

Impact of uncertain demand and channel power on dual channel supply chain decisions.

The paper aims to conduct an analysis of pricing strategies in a dual channel supply chain under external uncertainty, utilizing Interval numbers theory and Game theory as the theoretical basis. The focus is on maximizing the expected profits of manufacturers and retailers. Four models are considered: centralized decision-making, manufacturer's Stackelberg, retailer's Stackelberg strategy, and vertical Nash model, with the decision variable being the product price. By solving the game model, the paper compares the optimal decisions under the four models and conducts sensitivity analysis to reflect the influence of key parameters and analyze their relationships. The ultimate goal is to optimize profits under various circumstances by adjusting market potential and price parameters to determine the best price level. The findings suggest that decision-maker's risk indicators have a greater impact on decision results when market demand is less sensitive to price, and that the size of the market has a negative correlation with the impact of decision-maker's risk indicators on decision results.

Prevalence of aggressive care among patients with cancer near the end of life: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Aggressive care near patients' end-of-life (EOL) entails limited therapeutic values, high costs, and compromised quality of life (QoL). In this study, we aimed to estimate the global prevalence of aggressive care in patients with cancer and explore potential subgroup differences. Methods: We searched PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library from database inception to Feb 16, 2024. Eligible studies reported the prevalence of aggressive EOL care using at least one quantifiable measure. Random-effects models were used to derive the pooled prevalence and subgroup analyses were performed to investigate differences in the prevalence of aggressive care across regions, the country's level of economic development, tumor types, ages, and sample sizes. This review is registered with PROSPERO, number CRD42023467839. Findings: A total of 129 studies were included in this systematic review, of which 118 (91.5%) were from high-income countries. Studies were mostly conducted in the Americas (60, 46.5%), Europe (34, 26.4%), and Western Pacific (31, 24.0%). Measures of aggressive care were inconsistent across studies, with the most commonly used measure being the use of chemotherapy in the last 14 days of life (DOLs) (n = 87, 67.4%) and intensive care unit (ICU) stay in the last 30 DOLs (n = 87, 67.4%). The prevalence of the five claims-based measures of aggressive care, i.e., chemotherapy in the last 14 DOLs, ICU stay in the last 30 DOLs, repeated hospital admission in the last 30 DOLs, repeated emergency room (ER) visit in the last 30 DOLs, and hospice care <3 days before death were 11.6% (95% CI, 9.8%-13.4%), 14.4% (95% CI, 11.8%-17.0%), 17.9% (95% CI, 14.4%-21.4%), 14.8% (95% CI, 12.0%-17.6%), and 14.4% (95% CI, 11.2%-17.6%), respectively. Regional differences were statistically significant in the prevalence of ICU stay and repeated hospital admission in the last 30 DOLs (p < 0.01; p = 0.03). Patients with hematologic malignancies were more likely to receive aggressive care than those with solid tumors, as seen in their higher rates of chemotherapy in the last 14 DOLs (21.7% versus 11.6%; p = 0.03), ICU stay in the last 30 DOLs (25.5% versus 10.8%; p < 0.01), and hospice care <3 days before death (26.7% versus 14.2%; p < 0.01). In addition, the prevalence of chemotherapy in the last 14 DOLs (26.2%; p < 0.01) and repeated hospital admission in the last 30 DOLs (31.4%; p < 0.01) were highest among pediatric patients with cancer. Interpretation: This meta-analysis found that aggressive EOL care was common in patients with cancer, regardless of the definition used, and varied by regions and populations. It is necessary to be aware of the global burden of aggressive care for patients with cancer near their EOL and take prompt action to address it. Funding: National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 72274004).

Product innovation design process combined Kano and TRIZ with AD: Case study.

In the era of rapid product iteration, companies need simple and effective methods to guide the entire process of product innovation design and enhance their product innovation capabilities. Most research focused on improving one or several steps in the product design process. Although some scholars have proposed methods that guided the entire process, they combined more than three different theories, which increased the difficulty of theoretical learning and the complexity of practical implementation. This paper proposed a product innovation design process composed of three theoretical methods: Kano, Axiomatic Design (AD), and Theory of the Solution of Inventive Problems (TRIZ). This new process guided the entire product design process with fewer theoretical methods, reducing the difficulty of learning and implementation. The paper demonstrated the effectiveness of this method through the design practice of a portable two-wheeled self-balancing vehicle. Additionally, the discussion section explored the method's potential from the design management perspective.

Chitosan oligosaccharide improves intestinal homeostasis to achieve the protection for the epithelial barrier of female Drosophila melanogaster via regulating intestinal microflora.

Chitosan oligosaccharide (COS) is a new type of marine functional oligosaccharide with biological activities such as regulating intestinal microflora and improving intestinal immunity. In this study, female Drosophila melanogaster was used as a model organism to evaluate the effect of COS on intestinal injury by H2O2 induction, and its mechanism was explored through the analysis of intestinal homeostasis. The results showed that 0.25% of COS could effectively prolong the lifespan of stressed female D. melanogaster by increasing its antioxidant capacity and maintaining intestinal homeostasis, which included protecting the mechanical barrier, promoting the chemical barrier, and regulating the biological barrier by affecting its autophagy and the antioxidant signaling pathway. Additionally, the protective effect of COS on the intestinal barrier and homeostasis of D. melanogaster under oxidative stress status is directly related to its regulation of the intestinal microflora, which could decrease excessive autophagy and activate the antioxidant system to promote health. IMPORTANCE: The epithelial barrier plays an important role in the organism's health. Chitosan oligosaccharide (COS), a new potential prebiotic, exhibits excellent antioxidant capacity and anti-inflammatory effects. Our study elucidated the protective mechanisms of COS on the intestinal barrier of Drosophila melanogaster under oxidative stress, which could provide new insights into COS application in various industries, such as food, agriculture, and medicine.

Examining behaviour change techniques (BCTs) in technology-based interventions for enhancing social participation in people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or dementia: a scoping review protocol.

INTRODUCTION: Technology-based interventions have improved the social participation of older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or dementia. Nevertheless, how these interventions modify social participation remains to be seen, and what efficient behaviour change techniques (BCTs) have been used. As such, this study aims to conduct a scoping review, identifying the features and BCTs behind technology-based interventions that improve social participation for individuals with MCI or dementia. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: The scoping review method will be used to search journal articles from electronic databases, such as PsycINFO, PubMed, MEDLINE, Web of Science, Scopus and reference lists. Following the population, concept and context structure, this study focuses on adults over 60 diagnosed with MCI or dementia. It delves into technology-based interventions, specifically focusing on BCTs, features and overall effectiveness for improving social participation. The research considers contextual factors, exploring the diverse settings where these interventions are used, including homes, healthcare facilities and community centres. This approach aims to provide nuanced insights into the impact of technology-based interventions on social participation in the targeted demographic. Two authors will independently screen titles, abstracts and full texts using Covidence software. Disagreements will be resolved through consensus or a third reviewer, and reasons for exclusion will be documented. We will conduct a detailed analysis of BCTs to pinpoint effective strategies applicable to future technology-based intervention designs. Through this scoping review, we aim to provide valuable insights that guide the direction of future research. Specifically, we seek to inform the development of effective technology-based interventions tailored to support social participation for people with MCI or dementia. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Ethical approval is not necessary, as this review will use available articles from electronic databases. The outcome of the study will be published in a peer-reviewed journal. PROTOCOL REGISTRATION NUMBER: https://osf.io/tkzuf/.

Carbon reduction and cost control of container shipping in response to the European Union Emission Trading System.

In response to the EU ETS, we propose a cost model considering carbon emissions for container shipping, calculating fuel consumption, carbon emissions, EUA cost, and total cost of container shipping. We take a container ship operating on a route from the Far East to Northwest Europe as a case study. Environmental and economic impacts of including maritime transport activities in the EU ETS on container shipping are assessed. Results show that carbon emissions from the selected container ship using methanol are the smallest, and total cost of the selected container ship using methanol is the lowest. Among MGO, HFO, LNG, and methanol, methanol is the most environmentally and cost-effective option. Using LNG has greater environmental benefit, while using HFO has greater economic benefit. Compared to MGO, carbon reduction effects of LNG and methanol are 14.2% and 57.1%, and their cost control effects are 7.8% and 26.5%. Compared to HFO, carbon reduction effects of LNG and methanol are 11.7% and 55.8%, and the cost control effect of methanol is 9.3%. Speed reduction is effective in achieving carbon reduction and cost control of container shipping only when the sailing speed of the selected container ship is greater than 8.36 knots. Once the sailing speed is less than this threshold, speed reduction will increase carbon emissions and total cost of container shipping. This model can assess the environmental and economic impacts of including maritime transport activities in the EU ETS on container shipping and explore the measures to achieve carbon reduction and cost control of container shipping in response to the EU ETS.

Controlling desertification brings positive socioeconomic benefits beyond regional environmental improvement: Evidence from China's Gonghe Basin.

Large-scale desertification combatting programs (DCPs) are crucial tools for addressing climate change and improving the ecological environment. Despite existing research having predominantly focused on assessing the ecological benefits of DCPs, the understanding of their impacts on surrounding socioeconomic aspects remains limited, particularly at the household level. To comprehensively evaluate the returns of DCPs, this study chose the representative desertification control area of the Gonghe Basin on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau as the research region and identified the dual benefits in terms of ecological environment and socioeconomic gains. Firstly, two essential ecosystem services, carbon sequestration (CS) and wind erosion prevention (WEP), were assessed using the MODIS NPP dataset and the RWEQ model from 2001 to 2021. Household surveys were conducted in 36 villages across 14 townships within the Gonghe Basin to gain a deeper understanding of the residents' socioeconomic conditions. Through regression analysis, the study assessed the impact of DCPs on the regional ecological environment and household socioeconomic status. The research findings revealed significant improvements in CS and WEP across a significant portion of the study area from 2001 to 2021. Upon analyzing data from 401 household questionnaires, it was generally perceived by residents in the Gonghe Basin that the implementation of DCPs led to environmental improvements and increased their income levels. Further regression analysis revealed a significant impact of both natural factors and the extent of resident participation in the projects on the ecological environment surrounding the villages and on household socioeconomic aspects. With increased resident engagement in the projects, the likelihood of increased household income and life satisfaction was higher. The diverse array of DCPs implemented in the Gonghe Basin not only improved the regional ecological environment but also stimulated socioeconomic development. In future projects, it is imperative to consider regional characteristics, align ecological effects, ensure the sustainability of livelihoods, and maximize the role of social capital.

Leptin receptor deficiency impedes metabolic surgery related-weight loss through inhibition of energy expenditure in db/db mice.

BACKGROUND: Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) surgery is an effective metabolic surgery against diabetes and obesity. Clinical evidence indicates that patients with severe obesity have a poor curative effect in losing weight if they suffer from leptin or its receptor deficiency, but the underlying mechanism remains elusive. Here, we investigated the effect of leptin receptor deficiency on metabolic dysfunction in db/db mice treated by RYGB surgery. METHODS: The db/db mice and their heterozygote control db/m mice were subjected to RYGB or sham surgery. Body weight, blood glucose, food intake and glucose tolerance were evaluated. Micro-PET/CT and histological analysis were performed to examine the glucose uptake of tissues and the fat changes in mice. The key factors in glucose and fatty acid metabolism were detected by western blot analysis. RESULTS: Compared with the sham group, the db/db mice in the RYGB group showed more significant weight regain after surgical recovery and improvement in hyperinsulinemia and glucose tolerance. However, the total body fat and multiple organ lipid deposition of RYGB-treated db/db mice was increased. The underlying mechanism studies suggested that the activation of AMPK regulated GLUT4 to increase glucose uptake, but AMPK could not promote fatty acid oxidation through the JAK2/STAT3 pathway under leptin receptor deficiency in db/db mice. CONCLUSION: We conclude that leptin receptor deficiency impedes the AMPK activation-mediated fat catabolism but does not affect AMPK-related glucose utilization after metabolic surgery in db/db mice. This result helps select surgical indications for patients with obesity and diabetes.

Development of a Cost-Effective 3D-Printed Airway Suction Simulator for Respiratory Therapy Students.

BACKGROUND: Three-dimensional (3D)-printed models are cost-effective and can be customized by trainers. This study designed a 3D-printed airway suction simulator for use by respiratory therapy (RT) students. The objective was to demonstrate the cost-effectiveness and application of 3D-printed models in respiratory care training, aiming to enhance the educational experience for RT students. METHODS: This study developed a 3D-printed airway suction simulator that was cost-effective. A randomized controlled trial was conducted involving RT students to compare effectiveness in a 3D-model group and a control group. Skill assessments and written examinations were used to evaluate the participants' knowledge and skills. RESULTS: A total of 38 second-year RT students were randomly assigned to either the 3D-model group (n = 19) or the control group (n = 19). One participant in the 3D-model group was lost to follow-up during the planned direct observation of procedural skills (DOPS) assessment and satisfaction questionnaire completion. The posttest written examination scores were significantly higher in the 3D-model group than in the control group (100% vs 80%, P = .02). The scores from the DOPS and satisfaction questionnaire were comparable in the 2 groups. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that 3D printing can be used to create a safe and cost-effective airway suction simulator for use by RT students, with potential to enhance training methods. Further research is necessary.