Evaluation Of Benefits Research Articles

A 360° video as visual training support for independent movement acquisition—benefit evaluation with the TAM

A 360° video combines the potential of conventional video technology with immersive–interactive design opportunities. The multi-perspective viewing option within a 360° video also enables possible applications as visual training support for motor learning. There are already first methodological–didactic approaches to movement learning; nevertheless, research on 360° video technology can largely be classified as exploratory. This article presents the use of 360° video as a visual training aid for the independent movement acquisition of various fascial movement exercises. In an intervention study, two randomized groups (N = 48) were used to evaluate the subjective benefit. Following the technology acceptance model, subjective benefit perception and rating of format were compared after two crossover interventions with 360° videos and/or conventional training videos. No significant differences were found for perceived usefulness (z = −1.014, p = 0.31, r = 0.105) or perceived ease of use (z = −1.278, p = 0.201, r = 0.132). The same applies for intensity of use (z = −0.247, p = 0.805, r = 0.025) and overall subjective rating (z = −1.745, p = 0.081, r = 0.18). Although no significant differences were found in the evaluation of benefits, the participants tended to use 360° videos as visual training support (M = 3.4, SD = 1.581) on a 7-point scale (1 = 360° videos). Although a generalized statement on 360° videos as visual training support is not possible due to low effect strengths, it can be stated that 360° videos are perceived at least as useful as visual training tools.

Research on the evaluation of land use around urban rail stations based on the Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) mode

The Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) model is suitable for urban land use development, with its main concept being to efficiently develop and utilize the limited urban land resources based on public transportation. In China, as urban public transportation, primarily rail transit, is being developed, there are some issues surrounding the land use around urban rail transit stations. Therefore, this research takes different types of urban rail transit stations as the research objects, conducts differentiated evaluations of the comprehensive benefits of land use around different types of stations, and provides relevant suggestions. This study classifies urban rail transit stations according to land use functions and establishes a three-level comprehensive benefit evaluation index system from four dimensions: land use, transportation system, economic benefits, and environmental benefits. It uses expert scoring, fuzzy analytic hierarchy process, and fuzzy comprehensive evaluation methods to conduct differentiated evaluations of the comprehensive benefits of land use around different types of rail transit stations and provides empirical analysis using a station in Chongqing as an example.

Evaluation of the double-cycle benefits of international engineering cooperation and the Western economy - based on the SFA methodology

Abstract In the era of globalization and development, international engineering cooperation is crucial to the improvement of economic efficiency in the West. This paper selects panel data from six regions in the West from 2019-2022 and selects reasonable input-output indicators and environmental variable indicators. At the first stage of the three-stage DEA model, the static measurement of Western economic efficiency is first measured using the variable scale compensation (BCC) model. The SFA model is utilized to decompose the slack variables during the first stage and adjust the input variables without affecting environmental variables. In addition, the Malmquist index model is used to analyze the efficiency of the Western economy dynamically in order to have a more comprehensive evaluation of the double-cycle efficiency of the Western economy from the perspective of dynamic and static. The results of the study show that after removing the effects of environmental factors and random errors, the average values of technical efficiency, pure technical efficiency, and scale efficiency in the third stage of all western regions have increased by 0.0175, 0.0193, and 0.0194 compared with those in the first stage, and the annual average total factor productivity index has shown a decreasing and then increasing trend. The SFA method used in the study can effectively eliminate the influence of environmental factors and random factors and evaluate the double-cycle efficiency situation of international engineering cooperation and the Western economy more comprehensively.

Evaluation of urban ecological benefits utilizing vegetated areas metrics in Nanjing, China

Vegetation areas are vital for enhancing the sustainability of urban ecosystems. However, ongoing urbanization gradually reduces these areas in cities, leading to a decline in ecological benefits. This study integrates fractional vegetation cover and land surface temperature in understanding the changes in vegetated areas and ecological benefits from 1990 to 2020 in eight central districts of Nanjing using the CITYgreen model and geographically weighted regression. The findings show that human intervention resulted in a reduction of urban vegetated areas by 22.84%, while non-vegetated areas have increased by 1.24 times. The total value of ecological benefits was reduced by approximately 57.41%. The landscape pattern experienced gradual fragmentation, evidenced by a decrease of approximately 62% in the largest patch index (LPI). Both the mean shape index (SHAPE-MN) and landscape shape index (LSI) showed significant increases, indicating a rise in the complexity of landscape patches due to human intervention.

Integration of Solar Energy in Agriculture Leads to Green Energy and Golden Crop Production

The incorporation of solar energy in agriculture presents a multitude of advantageous economic and environmental outcomes. This chapter examines the basic principles of solar energy, including its mechanisms and many technologies. The text explores practical implementations such as solar-powered irrigation systems, climate regulation in greenhouses, and solar-powered farm machinery. The potential of advanced technology such as agrivoltaics, solar-powered sensors, and vertical farming with solar integration is being investigated to optimize land usage, improve precision farming, and promote resource efficiency. The economic feasibility of utilizing solar energy in agriculture is proven by doing a comprehensive evaluation of costs and benefits, while also taking into account any available incentives. The focus is on the environmental benefits, such as the reduction of carbon emissions and the conservation of resources. Case studies from prominent nations and local examples of achievement demonstrate the wide range of uses for solar-integrated agriculture. Promising future possibilities encompass the development of advanced solar technology and improved efficiency.

Dual Carbon Trading and Evaluation of Electric Energy Benefit Based on Blockchain Technology

Dual Carbon Trading and Evaluation of Electric Energy Benefit Based on Blockchain Technology

Risk factors for methotrexate resistance in low-risk gestational trophoblastic neoplasia patients (FIGO score 0-4).

The challenge of methotrexate (MTX) resistance among low-risk gestational trophoblastic neoplasia (GTN) patients has always been prominent. Despite the International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) score of 0-4 patients comprising the majority of low-risk GTN patients, a comprehensive exploration of the prevalence and risk factors associated with MTX resistance has been limited. Therefore, we aimed to identify associated risk factors in GTN patients with a FIGO score of 0-4. Between January 2005 and December 2020, 310 low-risk GTN patients received primary MTX chemotherapy in two hospitals, with 265 having a FIGO score of 0-4. In the FIGO 0-4 subgroup, 94 (35.5%) were resistant to MTX chemotherapy, and 34 (12.8%) needed multi-agent chemotherapy. Clinicopathologic diagnosis of postmolar choriocarcinoma (OR = 17.18, 95% CI: 4.64-63.70, P < 0.001) and higher pretreatment human chorionic gonadotropin concentration on a logarithmic scale (log-hCG concentration) (OR = 18.11, 95% CI: 3.72-88.15, P < 0.001) were identified as independent risk factors associated with MTX resistance according to multivariable logistic regression. The decision tree model and regression model were developed to predict the risk of MTX resistance in GTN patients with a FIGO score of 0-4. Evaluation of model discrimination, calibration and net benefit revealed the superiority of the decision tree model, which comprised clinicopathologic diagnosis and pretreatment hCG concentration. The patients in the high- and medium-risk groups of the decision tree model had a higher probability of MTX resistance. This study represents the investigation into MTX resistance in GTN patients with a FIGO score of 0-4 and disclosed a remission rate of approximately 65% with MTX chemotherapy. Higher pretreatment hCG concentration and clinicopathologic diagnosis of postmolar choriocarcinoma were independent risk factors associated with resistance to MTX chemotherapy. The decision tree model demonstrated enhanced predictive capabilities regarding the risk of MTX resistance and can serve as a valuable tool to guide the clinical treatment decisions for GTN patients with a FIGO score of 0-4.

ACTIV trials: cross-trial lessons learned for master protocol implementation.

The United States Government (USG) public-private partnership "Accelerating COVID-19 Treatment Interventions and Vaccines" (ACTIV) was launched to identify safe, effective therapeutics to treat patients with Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and prevent hospitalization, progression of disease, and death. Eleven original master protocols were developed by ACTIV, and thirty-seven therapeutic agents entered evaluation for treatment benefit. Challenges encountered during trial implementation led to innovations enabling initiation and enrollment of over 26,000 participants in the trials. While only two ACTIV trials continue to enroll, the recommendations here reflect information from all the trials as of May 2023. We review clinical trial implementation challenges and corresponding lessons learned to inform future therapeutic clinical trials implemented in response to a public health emergency and the conduct of complex clinical trials during "peacetime," as well.

Modelling of the flow and sediment regulation processes before flood seasons in the Xiao-langdi Reservoir and evaluation of comprehensive benefits

Modelling of the flow and sediment regulation processes before flood seasons in the Xiao-langdi Reservoir and evaluation of comprehensive benefits

Decision-Making for Adolescents with Gender Dysphoria.

Legislation banning gender-affirming medical care (GAMC) for minors is inconsistent with the Consensus Recommendations for Pediatric Decision-Making (Salter et al. 2023). Gender dysphoria is a medical condition, and GAMC promotes adolescents' health interests. The evidence for GAMC is comparable to the evidence for other types of pediatric medical care. Parents are permitted to consent for similar risks in the treatment of other conditions. Evaluation of the potential benefits, risks, and treatment alternatives is contingent on individual patients' clinical conditions and adolescents' and their parents' values and preferences. Such decisions are within the scope of parental discretion and should be made through shared decision-making with health-care providers. Parents' declining GAMC does not inherently create a significant risk of serious imminent harm required to justify state intervention. Usurping parental discretion for GAMC is unjust: it treats this medical care differently than other comparable types of medical care without sufficient justification.

Circular Economy Implementation in Dutch Agriculture: Assessing Sustainable Practices and Economic Impact

The implementation of circular economy principles in Dutch agriculture is a critical endeavor, requiring a thorough assessment of sustainable practices and economic impacts. This paper explores the landscape of circular agriculture, emphasizing principles such as resource efficiency, closed-loop systems, biodiversity conservation, and circular design in farming practices. It investigates the current sustainable practices in Dutch agriculture, providing insights into the adoption rates, successes, and challenges associated with these practices. A literature synthesis navigates global research on circular economy applications in agriculture, with a specific focus on Dutch practices, highlighting gaps and challenges in the existing literature. The methodological framework details the research design, criteria for evaluating sustainable practices, and a comprehensive approach for assessing economic impacts. In-depth analyses unveil specific circular practices in Dutch agriculture, assessing their adoption rates and exploring potential synergies with traditional farming methods. The economic impact section delves into a comprehensive evaluation of circular practices, considering short-term and long-term benefits and costs, job creation, market competitiveness, and sector resilience. Identifying challenges inhibiting circular agriculture adoption, including policy limitations, technological constraints, and cultural factors, precedes actionable strategies for seamless integration. Recommendations for policymakers, farmers, and stakeholders aim to address these challenges, fostering a balanced transition towards circularity. This paper provides a holistic perspective on circular agriculture in the Netherlands, contributing insights into sustainable practices, economic implications, and strategies for overcoming barriers. It underscores the importance of aligning environmental and economic dimensions for the successful advancement of circular agriculture.

Magnetorheological Damper with Variable Displacement Permanent Magnet for Assisting the Transfer of Load in Lower Limb Exoskeleton.

Magnetorheological (MR) fluid exhibits the ability to modulate its shear state through variations in magnetic field intensity, and is widely used for applications requiring damping. Traditional MR dampers use the current in the coil to adjust the magnetic field strength, but the accumulated heat can cause the magnetic field strength to decay if it works for a long time. In order to deal with this shortcoming, a novel MR damper is proposed in this paper, which is based on a variable displacement permanent magnet to adjust the output resistance torque and applied to an exoskeleton joint for human load transfer assistance. A finite element model is used to determine the size parameters of the magnet and separator, so that the maximum output torque is optimal and the torque is uniformly distributed with the magnet displacement. The MR damper was characterized and calibrated on the experimental bench to make it controllable. The novel design enables the torque mass density of the MR damper to reach 8.83Nmm/g, the torque volume density to reach 48.7N/mm2, and has stability for long-term operation. Based on the torque control method proposed, a preliminary human experiment is conducted. The ground reaction force (GRF) data of the subjects is analyzed here, which represents the effect of load transfer to the exoskeleton. Compared with no exoskeleton, the GRF with exoskeleton is significantly reduced: the peak GRF in early stance phase is reduced by 24.14%, and in late stance phase is reduced by 19.77%. Based on our net load benefit (NLB) and net force benefit (NFB) evaluation indicators, the effectiveness of the proposed MR damper exoskeleton for human weight bearing assistance is established.

Comprehensive Benefit Evaluation Method of Mountain Flood Disaster Prevention and Control in Jiangxi Province Based on Matter-Element Extension Model

Comprehensive Benefit Evaluation Method of Mountain Flood Disaster Prevention and Control in Jiangxi Province Based on Matter-Element Extension Model

Comprehensive benefit evaluation study of agricultural photovoltaic projects: a case study

Comprehensive benefit evaluation study of agricultural photovoltaic projects: a case study

Application and Benefits of Building Information Modeling (BIM) in Intelligent Engineering Construction

Abstract Currently, in China, intelligent construction research predominantly targets engineering projects, with limited focus on the benefits of Building Information Modeling (BIM) technology. This paper advocates for integrating BIM with cutting-edge engineering construction techniques, adhering to four intelligent construction level assessment principles. We introduce a benefit evaluation model for innovative construction, combining the two-dimensional cloud model with the Analytic Network Process (ANP) hierarchy method. Our findings highlight the significant role of BIM in enhancing operation and maintenance efficiency and in the deepening of design, evidenced by average scores of 4.0868 and 4.0691, respectively. Early stages of innovative construction projects benefit from BIM’s effective material usage control, reducing initial material consumption below planned levels. Furthermore, our analysis reveals BIM’s capacity to simultaneously optimize quality cost provision and additive cost, with Project 1 showcasing optimization indexes of 7.91% and 73.38%, respectively. These results underscore BIM’s substantial impact on improving the economic benefits of intelligent construction.

Quantification of In Vivo Epidermal Keratinocyte Architecture Associated with the Signs of Skin Aging and the Skin Benefit Evaluation by Application of Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate (Pitera)-Containing Skin Care Product

Quantification of In Vivo Epidermal Keratinocyte Architecture Associated with the Signs of Skin Aging and the Skin Benefit Evaluation by Application of Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate (Pitera)-Containing Skin Care Product

Comparative Analysis of Leaf Vegetable Productivity, Quality, and Profitability among Different Cultivation Modes: A Case Study

In recent years, vegetable production has been in the transitional stage from traditional cultivation mode to modern cultivation mode. Therefore, evaluating the actual productivity and economic benefits of different cultivation modes is instructive for leafy vegetable production. This research chose a vegetable production company (Shanghai, China) as a demonstration case to cultivate various leaf vegetables under different cultivation modes (hydroponic, substrate, and soil cultivation). By investigating the yield and quality of vegetables, as well as all production costs and selling prices, we drive a comparative evaluation of comprehensive features and economic benefits of different cultivation modes. The results showed that leafy vegetables cultivated by hydroponic mode gain the highest fresh weight at the early growth stage, but the greatest unit yield (0.98~1.21 kg·m−2) emerged under the soil cultivation mode. Vegetables grown under substrate mode had the best comprehensive quality with high soluble solids content and low nitrate content. The unit costs of the soilless cultivation modes (8.26~10.3 CNY·m−2) were 3–4-fold higher than that of soil cultivation, mainly due to the high fixed costs and input costs, especially for substrate mode. According to actual prices, the soil cultivation mode had the highest economic benefits as a whole (4.83~8.83 CNY·m−2), and only hydroponic cabbage which had comparable yield gained considerable benefits (8.94 CNY·m−2). Quality-based pricing scheme can make substrate mode achieve profitability. The pricing scheme that guarantees a 40% revenue is within acceptable limits for consumers. Based on this actual production case, it can be concluded that a low unit yield of hydroponic mode and a high unit cost of substrate mode are the predominant factors affecting their profitability and economic viability.

Evaluation of therapeutic benefits of botulinum toxin for foot dystonia associated with Parkinson's disease

BackgroundFoot dystonia occurs in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) and leads to pain, malformation, and difficulty with walking. Botulinum toxin injections may be effective for foot dystonia, but the extent of improvement and effects on motor function are unclear. MethodsIn this study, we performed botulinum toxin injections for foot dystonia in 25 patients with PD. At 3 weeks and 3 months post-infection, we assessed changes in plantar pressure distribution utilizing the Pressure Plate system; dystonia using the Modified Ashworth Spasm score; pain using the visual analog scale (VAS) score; and lower extremity function using the Calf-raise Senior (CRS) test, Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, and gait parameters (eg, stride length, step length). ResultsWe found improved Modified Ashworth Spasm score (p < 0.01) and VAS score (p < 0.01) post-injection. CRS test score (3 weeks, p = 0.006; 3 months, p = 0.068), stride length (3 weeks, p = 0.012; 3 months, p = 0.715), and step length (3 weeks, p = 0.011; 3 months, p = 0.803) also improved. Plantar pressure distribution improved after botulinum toxin injection (metatarsal 1, 3 weeks, p = 0.031; 3 months, p = 0.144; metatarsal 2, 3 weeks, p = 0.049; 3 months, p = 0.065; metatarsal 3, 3 weeks, p = 0.002; 3 months, p = 0.017; metatarsal 4, 3 weeks, p = 0.017; 3 months, p = 0.144; medial heel, 3 weeks, p = 0.01; 3 months, p = 0.395; lateral heel, 3 weeks, p = 0.035; 3 months, p = 0.109). ConclusionBotulinum toxin injection for foot dystonia in patients with PD can reduce spasms and pain and normalize plantar pressure distribution, which improves balance and lower extremity function.

Techno-economic integration evaluation in shale gas development based on ensemble learning

For the development of shale gas, the accurate prediction of estimated ultimate recovery (EUR) has invariably been a hot and arduous issue that has attracted abundant attention from researchers. However, the intricate relationship between EUR and economic benefits of shale gas wells is frequently disregarded. Therefore, based on the basic geological and engineering parameters, this study carried out a joint multi-task modeling of investment cost and EUR evaluation, and creatively constituted a techno-economic integration evaluation framework for shale gas wells with internal rate of return (IRR) as the economic benefit evaluation target. Furthermore, the interaction graphs of investment cost and EUR on IRR are delineated to intuitively exemplify the relationship between EUR and economic benefits (IRR). The validity of the model is verified by the field data from 231 wells. The results show that the techno-economic integration evaluation framework of Blendstacking, which integrates multi-task joint modeling and integrated learning, can reliably evaluate investment costs and EUR. Concurrently, based on the evaluation results, the accurate prediction of IRR is realized. The mean prediction errors of investment cost and EUR are inferior to 50 ×104USD and 1400 ×104m3, respectively, and the mean error of IRR is regulated within 2.0%. This work can quickly and effectively predict the economic benefits of gas wells under complex geological and engineering factors, which facilitates expeditiously developing decision making. The research method can be extended to the economic benefit evaluation of other instance well datasets.

Metabolomic profiling of health‐benefit compounds in fresh and preserved mustard greens

SummaryIn today's consumer landscape, the health benefits of preserved foods, particularly pickled and salted mustard greens, are gaining recognition on a global scale. To compare health‐promoting compounds between fresh and preserved mustard greens, a comprehensive assessment using proximate composition analysis and untargeted metabolomics was conducted. The sub‐metabolome data revealed distinct profiles for each type of mustard greens, clearly seen in their separation through principal component analysis. The metabolite profiling identified 37 metabolites with significant differences (P‐value &lt; 0.05, −log10 P‐value &gt; 4). Fresh mustard greens were found to be rich in 16 identified metabolites, including sulfonic acids, purines, oxepanes, monosaccharides, fatty acids, amino acids and tripeptides, offering antioxidants, gut enhancers and immune boosters. In contrast, pickled mustard greens exhibited an abundance of 20 identified metabolites in the classes of flavonoids, amino acids and dipeptides, providing antioxidant properties. Salted mustard greens, on the other hand, primarily showcased a high level of uridine diphosphate glucose (a pyrimidine class metabolite), supporting glycoconjugate synthesis among all samples. This study highlights the prominent presence of various classes of metabolites associated with health‐benefit compounds in fresh and preserved mustard greens. These insights contribute to the evaluation of health benefits in the food industry when choosing between pickled and salted preservation methods.