Feasibility Study Research Articles

The Effect of Increasing Aggregation Levels of Electrical Consumption Data on Renewable Energy Community (REC) Analyses

The growing number of renewable energy communities (RECs) exemplifies the potential of citizen-driven actions towards a more sustainable future. However, obtaining hourly measured consumption data from REC members remains challenging, hindering accurate feasibility studies for the development of communities. This study examines the impact of estimating hourly consumption from aggregated data on REC analysis results. A case study with real consumption data from diverse users, representative of a typical community in Tuscany, Italy, was analysed to investigate various influencing factors. Multiple scenarios were simulated: two open-source tools estimated energy production from the community’s PV plants, and two REC configurations were considered—one with consumers and prosumers and another with consumers and a producer (with the same total installed power). Additionally, three locations were evaluated to consider the importance of geographical positioning. The study revealed that the impact of consumption data aggregation is more significant in scenarios with low energy sharing, such as the scenario where prosumers were replaced with a producer. Geographical positioning showed no major discrepancies in energy and economic outcomes, implying that using estimated hourly consumption data from aggregated data has a relevant impact regardless of location. Furthermore, different weather files did not affect the impact of aggregated consumption data.

Feasibility study of carbon-fiber reinforced polymer linerless pressure vessel tank

Composite pressure vessels are used in aerospace engineering for storing fluids such as propellants, nitrogen, and oxygen. They are also used in life-support systems, High-performance pressure suits for astronauts, Helium Tanks for Balloons and Airships. Among many types of composites, Carbon fiber composites uses have been increasing due to its high strength to weight ratio, high thermal expansion, corrosion, fatigue and impact resistance and design flexibility. In order to improve the volume of the pressure vessel, the liner-less concept is tried. This increased volume efficiency is crucial in aerospace applications where space is at a premium and maximizing storage capacity within limited dimensions is important. Not only the volume efficiency, but also the Reduced Permeability Concerns, Enhanced Durability and Longevity, better thermal continuity and simplified manufacturing process make this research significant in the area of pressure vessel. This research paper deals with the fabrication and development of a cylinder without a lining. The test sample was subjected to several tests: tensile test, impact, shear test (3P Bending), leak test and Pressure test. The test sample was capable of withstanding 20 Bars without failure. The numerical results were also performed and compared with the experimental results. The difference was only 3%. Unsymmetrical dimethyl hydrazine (UDMH) AND red-fuming nitric acid can both be stored in this cylinder (RFNA). Unlike traditional composite overwrapped pressure vessels, the liner-less composite tanks rely completely on the composite shell to act as a permeation barrier as well as handling all pressure and environmental loads. The absence of a liner eliminates the potential for delamination or failure at the interface between the liner and the composite material.

Feasibility study of floating solar photovoltaic systems using techno-economic assessment and multi-criteria decision-making method: A case study of Bangladesh

Many developing countries with abundant solar resources and rich history of agriculture, face overpopulation and land shortage issues. Floating solar photovoltaics (FSPVs) do not compete with agriculture for land and offer higher energy potential than land-based photovoltaics (LBPVs). For feasibility and site suitability evaluation of FSPVs, this study proposes an integrated approach of techno-economic assessment (TEA) and multi-criteria decision making (MCDM), based on a case study of Bangladesh. The system advisor model (SAM) was used to conduct TEA, evaluating the potential of nine FSPV sites on a regional scale using ten criteria. Combined compromise solution (CoCoSo) was implemented to determine the optimum site. Bergobindopur lake was ranked top, with the highest energy yield and lowest cost of energy of 1564 kWh/kW and $0.055/kWh respectively. Case study of Bergobindopur revealed buy-all-sell-all electricity tariff was more profitable than net billing and net metering. Energy generation was found to be influenced by tilt angle and soiling. Sensitivity analyses demonstrated the superiority of FSPVs over LBPVs for varying electricity prices, degradation and discount rates, project durations, and investor's equities. Longer project durations and lower equities resulted in higher profits for investors. The proposed approach contributes to the expansion of FSPV in land-constrained areas.

Semaglutide intervention in overweight people with schizophrenia: the road back to better physical health - preliminary results from a feasibility study

Semaglutide intervention in overweight people with schizophrenia: the road back to better physical health - preliminary results from a feasibility study

Cardiac ultrasomics for acute myocardial infarction risk stratification and prediction of all-cause mortality: a feasibility study

BackgroundCurrent risk stratification tools for acute myocardial infarction (AMI) have limitations, particularly in predicting mortality. This study utilizes cardiac ultrasound radiomics (i.e., ultrasomics) to risk stratify AMI patients when predicting all-cause mortality.ResultsThe study included 197 patients: (a) retrospective internal cohort (n = 155) of non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (n = 63) and ST-elevation myocardial infarction (n = 92) patients, and (b) external cohort from the multicenter Door-To-Unload in ST-segment–elevation myocardial infarction [DTU-STEMI] Pilot Trial (n = 42). Echocardiography images of apical 2, 3, and 4-chamber were processed through an automated deep-learning pipeline to extract ultrasomic features. Unsupervised machine learning (topological data analysis) generated AMI clusters followed by a supervised classifier to generate individual predicted probabilities. Validation included assessing the incremental value of predicted probabilities over the Global Registry of Acute Coronary Events (GRACE) risk score 2.0 to predict 1-year all-cause mortality in the internal cohort and infarct size in the external cohort. Three phenogroups were identified: Cluster A (high-risk), Cluster B (intermediate-risk), and Cluster C (low-risk). Cluster A patients had decreased LV ejection fraction (P < 0.01) and global longitudinal strain (P = 0.03) and increased mortality at 1-year (log rank P = 0.05). Ultrasomics features alone (C-Index: 0.74 vs. 0.70, P = 0.04) and combined with global longitudinal strain (C-Index: 0.81 vs. 0.70, P < 0.01) increased prediction of mortality beyond the GRACE 2.0 score. In the DTU-STEMI clinical trial, Cluster A was associated with larger infarct size (> 10% LV mass, P < 0.01), compared to remaining clusters.ConclusionsUltrasomics-based phenogroup clustering, augmented by TDA and supervised machine learning, provides a novel approach for AMI risk stratification.

A Suicide Prevention Digital Technology for Individuals Experiencing an Acute Suicide Crisis in Emergency Departments: Naturalistic Observational Study of Real-World Acceptability, Feasibility, and Safety.

Emergency departments (EDs) are the front line in providing suicide care. Expert consensus recommends the delivery of several suicide prevention evidence-based interventions for individuals with acute suicidal ideation in the ED. ED personnel demands and staff shortages compromise delivery and contribute to long wait times and unnecessary hospitalization. Digital technologies can play an important role in helping EDs deliver suicide care without placing further demands on the care team if their use is safe to patients in a routine care context. This study evaluates the safety and effectiveness of an evidence-based digital technology (Jaspr Health) designed for persons with acute suicidal ideation seeking psychiatric crisis ED services when used as part of routine ED-based suicide care. This study deployed Jaspr Health for real-world use in 2 large health care systems in the United States and aimed to evaluate (1) how and whether Jaspr Health could be safely and effectively used outside the context of a researcher-facilitated clinical trial, and (2) that Jaspr's use would be associated with improved patient agitation and distress. Under the auspices of a nonsignificant risk device study, ED patients with acute suicidal ideation (N=962) from 2 health care systems representing 10 EDs received access to Jaspr Health as part of their routine suicide care. Primary outcome measures included how many eligible patients were assigned Jaspr Health, which modules were assigned and completed, and finally, the number of adverse events reported by patients or by medical staff. Secondary outcome measures were patient agitation, distress, and satisfaction. The most frequent modules assigned were Comfort and Skills (98% of users; n=942) and lethal means assessment (90% of patient users; n=870). Patient task completion rates for all modules ranged from 51% to 79%. No adverse events were reported, suggesting that digital technologies can be safely used for people seeking ED-based psychiatric services. Statistically significant (P<.001) reductions in agitation and distress were reported after using the app. Average patient satisfaction ratings by site were 7.81 (SD 2.22) and 7.10 (SD 2.65), with 88.8% (n=325) and 84% (n=90) of patients recommending the app to others. Digital technologies such as Jaspr Health may be safely and effectively integrated into existing workflows to help deliver evidence-based suicide care in EDs. These findings hold promise for the use of digital technologies in delivering evidence-based care to other vulnerable populations in complex environments.

What is known about the challenges people with Parkinson's disease experience with their medicines and what solutions have been explored to overcome them? A scoping review.

The symptomatic management of Parkinson's disease (PD) relies heavily on medications, which increase in complexity as the disease progresses. To describe (i) the extent, range, and nature of research describing the experience and challenges people with PD and their carers have with their medicines for symptomatic treatment, and (ii) any interventions that have been reported in a community setting that address medicine-related challenges experienced by people with PD. The scoping review searched electronic databases (EMBASE, PubMed, and CINAHL). The studies included were full-text articles in English only, including conference abstracts that focussed on patients with PD or their carers and discussed medicines in the primary care setting, even where this was not the primary focus. Thirty-nine papers were taken forward for data extraction. Twenty described patient experience and challenges. Although none were explicitly focussed on medications, they did highlight challenges including the work of taking multiple medications and a desire for non-oral formulations. Nineteen described or tested interventions to support people with PD with their medication including community pharmacist-led reviews, medication compliance aids, and the use of text message reminders. These were all small-scale feasibility and pilot studies, and none were grounded in a methodological framework. Positive outcomes were reported against various scales, but no evidence of scaling up any of the interventions was found. There is very little published research surrounding the challenges people with PD have with their medicines. The published research that does exist alludes to challenges with medicines taking in people with PD but identifies a gap in the detail and understanding. Further work is required to improve our understanding and allow the development of sustainable interventions that support people with PD and their carers.

Optimization of a proposed biomass generator: Harnessing citizen waste with electric vehicle charging infrastructure

Global municipal solid waste production is rising, causing significant environmental, health, and economic issues. Developed countries have advanced recycling technologies, but cities like Dhaka, Bangladesh—among the most densely populated-struggle with inadequate waste management. This feasibility study aims to improve environmental protection and create new energy sources by proposing a waste management system across Dhaka, focusing on waste valorization for bioenergy with optimized efficiency and minimal impact. The study includes design and optimization of a biomass-based power plant to meet the energy needs of EV charging stations and the national grid, evaluating its economic performance through discounted cash flow and payback period analyses. The paper explores the integration of an EV charging station powered by biogas, addressing the growing need for EV infrastructure in Dhaka. By evaluating biomass generators as a greener alternative to fossil fuels, the study analyzes the technical, economic, and environmental feasibility, including CO2 emissions, using HOMER Pro.

Becoming a team player: Evaluating a simulation interprofessional activity between third year nursing students and second year medical radiation science students - A feasibility study

BackgroundSimulation activities allow students to engage in interprofessional learning in safe, low-risk environments conducive to learning. This enables students to make connections between different health professionals outside of the clinical setting to help improve their practical patient centered care. SampleThird year nursing and second year medical radiation sciences students. MethodParticipants were invited to take part in an interprofessional simulation activity. Participants could then choose to complete an online survey after the practical simulation activity. ResultsSurvey results showed that most participants found the simulation IPL activity to be useful. ConclusionSimulation education can be implemented to raise awareness of the roles of nursing and medical radiation science student practitioners by other student practitioners. There is scope to incorporate interprofessional simulation activities in future curriculum educational design to aid student interprofessional awareness, communication and collaboration.

Early feasibility and usability study of a novel obstetric blood loss quantifying device

ObjectiveTo study the accuracy and usability of a novel obstetric blood loss quantifying tool in clinical settings. MethodsA mixed-methods study was conducted in an Irish tertiary maternity unit. The accuracy of measuring the blood content (hemoglobin concentration) of elective Caesarean section birth waste with a novel obstetric blood loss quantifying device was compared, using Bland-Altman and correlation analysis, with staff volumetry and a reference hemoglobinometer. Hospital staff (nurses, midwives and doctors) opinion of the usability of the device was studied by an anonymous questionnaire which generated a System Usability Scale (SUS) score. SUS scores range from 0 to 100 with higher scores reflecting greater usability. ResultsThe device was used by 19 different hospital staff members (nine nurses, four midwives and six doctors) in 19 elective Caesarean deliveries that had varying levels of PPH risk. Bland-Altman analysis produced mean biases of −0.7 ± 1.5 g/dL and 0.2 ± 1.2 g/dL for the device and staff measurements respectively. The width of the limits of agreement was narrower for device measurements than for staff measurements (4.5 g/dL and 5.7 g/dL respectively). The device’s measurements of hemoglobin content correlated more strongly with the hemoglobinometer rather than with hospital staff measurements (Spearman correlation coefficients of 0.9 and 0.6 respectively). This suggests that the device is more accurate in determining the blood content of the birth waste than hospital staff volumetric measurements. Hospital staff members assigned the device a mean SUS score of 82 which suggests that the device is highly usable. ConclusionAn early feasibility study in clinical settings suggests that a novel device for quantifying obstetric blood loss was more accurate than volumetry in measuring the hemoglobin content of birth waste. Health professionals also found the device highly usable. This data suggests that there is much potential in transitioning from a “human-made” to a “machine-made” assessment of blood loss. Future studies will entail additional testing of the device to assess its impact on the morbidities associated with postpartum hemorrhage.

Techno-Economic Feasibility Study of Tractor Pto Operated Shredder Cum Pulverizer

India's agricultural sector faces a challenge of widespread crop residue burning. An estimated 90-140 million tonnes of crop residues are burned annually by farmers across the country. The shredder cum pulverizer focuses on the shredding and pulverizing of coconut husks and fronds (Cocos nucifera), corn stalks (Zea mays L.) and subabul branches (Leucaena leucocephala). This shredded and pulverized crop residue is used to prepare the vermin compost, biomass production and various other purposes. The experiment was conducted at the IGKV, Raipur (C.G.). The detailed specifications parameters were optimized for each unit of the shredder cum pulverier. This study was conducted with four levels of feed rate varies with four levels of different speeds of operation at four moisture content) as the independent parameters. Their effects were studied on dependent parameters. The detailed data were analyzed statistically by SPD (Split Plot Design) with the three replications. The various performance parameters were also calculated. The result of the experiments showed that the shredding capacity and size of reduction of the shredder cum pulverizer with different feed rates of crop residues of coconut husks, coconut fronds, corn stalks, and subabul branches at different feed rates are 79.65 kg/h, 86.98 kg/h, 82.65 kg/h, and 94.64 kg/h, respectively, and the resultant size reductions of crop residues are 1.26mm, 2.66mm, 1.73mm, and 2.57mm, respectively. The result showed that the maximum shredding capacity 94.64kg/h was found on subabul branches were observed at 400kg/h feed rate, 40m/s speed of operation and 24% moisture content and the maximum size of reduction 1.26mm was found on coconut husks were observed at 600kg/h feed rate, 70m/s speed of operation and 24% moisture content. The cost of operation of shredder cum pulverizer was observed to be 983.25 Rs/h.

Point-of-Care Lung Ultrasound to Evaluate Lung Isolation During One-Lung Ventilation in Children: A Blinded Observational Feasibility Study.

Minimally invasive thoracic surgical techniques require effective lung isolation using one-lung ventilation (OLV). Verification of lung isolation may be confirmed by auscultation, visual confirmation using fiberoptic bronchoscopy (FOB), or more recently, point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS). The aim of this study was to prospectively compare lung ultrasound with clinical auscultation to confirm OLV before thoracic surgery in pediatric patients. This prospectively blinded feasibility study included 40 patients ranging in age from 0 to 20 years. After confirmation of lung separation by the primary anesthesia team using FOB, the sonographer and the auscultator, both blinded to the laterality of surgery and lung separation, entered the operating room. The sonographer evaluated for pleural lung sliding and the auscultator listened for breath sounds. Successful lung separation was definitively confirmed by direct visualization of lung collapse during the operation. In confirming effective single-lung ventilation, lung ultrasound had a diagnostic accuracy of 95% (95% confidence interval [CI], 82.7%-98.5%). In contrast, auscultation could only reliably confirm lung isolation with 68% accuracy (95% CI, 51.5%-80.4%). The McNemar test showed a statistically significant difference between the use of lung ultrasound and auscultation (P < .001). The median time to perform ultrasonography was 67 seconds (interquartile range [IQR], 46-142) and the median time to perform auscultation was 21 seconds (IQR, 10-32). Based on the initial results of our feasibility trial, lung ultrasound proved to be a fast and reliable method to verify single-lung ventilation in pediatric patients presenting for thoracic surgery with a high degree of diagnostic accuracy.

Exploring the validity of perceived velocity in lower-limb resistance exercises with a cluster-set configuration

This feasibility study aimed to explore the relationship between mean propulsive velocity (MPV) and a scale of perceived velocity (SPV) in back-squat and deadlift exercises performed with heavy loads during a cluster-sets resistance training (CS-RT). Twelve resistance trained males (24.1[2.94] years; 80.7[9.05] kg; 172[4.7] cm; 19.1[6.17] %BF; 4.71[2.72] years of training experience) participated. Participants visited the laboratory three times, spaced 72 to 96 hours. Load-velocity profiles for each exercise were measured in first visit. During the second and third visits, participants engaged in CS-RT sessions with different intra-set rest period (20 vs 40 seconds, randomly), and consisted of three sets of squat and deadlift exercises at 80%1-RM. Each set concluded upon reaching a 10% velocity loss on two occasions. Bayesian Pearson correlation coefficients (r), 95% credible intervals (95%CrI) and Bayes factors (BF10) were computed to assess the relationship between variables. A low positive correlation was observed between MPV and SPV in deadlift (r=0.368, 95%CrI [0.144, 0.544]), with strong evidence supporting the alternative hypothesis (BF10=20.7). Interestingly, moderate correlation values were observed in the 40-second CS-RT configuration (r=0.47, 95%CrI [0.144, 0.544]) and in the first set of the deadlift (r=0.44, 95%CrI [0.118, 0.654]). Conversely, a negligible Bayesian correlation was identified for squat (r=0.101, 95%CrI [-0.132, 0.319]), with substantial evidence favoring the null hypothesis (BF10=0.208). In conclusion, a positive correlation between MPV and SPV in deadlift during a CS-RT configuration, indicating potential utility for perceived velocity. However, velocity feedback prior SPV use and validity for squatting warrants further investigation. Keywords: Strength training, Perception, Powerlifting, Physical performance, Cluster training.

Self-calibratable absolute modular rotary encoder: a theoretical feasibility study

Abstract This paper introduces a self-calibratable absolute modular rotary encoder based on the Equal Division Average (EDA) method, designed to significantly enhance measurement accuracy and simplify installation. The proposed design integrates multiple optical sensors into the encoder stator Printed Circuit Board (PCB), enabling precise absolute position measurement through the averaging of sensors data. This multi-sensor approach compensates for alignment and installation inaccuracies, which are common issues in conventional modular encoders. To validate the design and predict encoder behaviour prior to manufacturing, a theoretical modelling of virtual optical sensors is performed. Based on experimentally collected cross-calibration data from a real optical encoder, this modelling framework enables to estimate the efficiency of self-calibration algorithm with sufficient accuracy and optimize the design and performance of the encoder. The obtained results confirm that the proposed measurement system significantly reduces error margin, improving the reliability and precision of position feedback. The initial position deviation of several hundreds of arcseconds might be reduced and kept below 8 arcseconds by using two or more additional optical sensors, even with the 0.5 mm misalignment of the encoder stator.

Evaluation of the usability and acceptability of the P-STEP® mobile app: feasibility study protocol

BackgroundThe new P-STEP® (Personalised Space Technology Exercise Platform) app is designed to bring together tailored exercise guidance and up-to-date air quality information. The app allows individuals to plan outdoor exercise walking routes while minimising their exposure to air pollution. Individuals with chronic long-term conditions, particularly respiratory and cardiovascular conditions, can use the app in order to minimise the risk of their symptoms being exacerbated by pollution, while still gaining the benefits of outdoor exercise.MethodsThis study will measure the usability and acceptability of the P-STEP® app. The study will take the form of a single-arm 12-week app pilot study based in Leicestershire, United Kingdom (UK). We will recruit a maximum of 380 participants from an existing cohort study to pilot the app for 12 weeks. Questionnaire data will be collected at three timepoints, baseline, 6 weeks and 12 weeks. The primary outcome is the System Usability Scale at 12 weeks. Secondary outcomes include the User Engagement Scale Short Form, SF-12, Recent Physical Activity Questionnaire (RPAQ), bespoke, app specific usability questions, and feasibility outcomes. Additional data collected includes participant demographic information, technology self-efficacy and adverse events. Weekly anonymised usage data from the app will also be collected by the app team and analysed separately to complement the questionnaire data.DiscussionThis study will help us better understand the feasibility and acceptability of using the P-STEP® in the community. The results will also help inform future studies.Ethics and disseminationThis study has received ethical approval from the South West Frenchay Research Ethics (23/SW/0060) Committee. There is no need for further approval from the Health Research Authority as the study is not taking place in the NHS. The ClinicalTrials.gov ID number is NCT05830318.

Cocreative Development of Robotic Interaction Systems for Health Care: Scoping Review.

Robotic technologies present challenges to health care professionals and are therefore rarely used. Barriers such as lack of controllability and adaptability and complex control functions affect the human-robot relationship. In addition to educational opportunities, the possibility of individual adaptation can improve the usability and practical implementation of robotics. Previous work has focused on developments from a technology-centered perspective and has included user interests too late in the process. This study addresses the following research question: What cocreative research approaches are used in the field of nursing robotics to improve the usability, intended use, and goal-directed application of robotic developments for nurses and to support the nursing process? This scoping review provides an overview of the topic and the research activities taking place within it. Five databases and the reference lists of the identified publications were searched for studies without further restrictions. Studies were included if they developed and evaluated interaction and control platforms for robotic systems in health care in a cocreative way with end users. The search resulted in 419 hits, of which 3 publications were included. All publications were feasibility or user studies that were mainly carried out in the European Union. The 3 interaction and control platforms presented were all prototypes and not commercially available. In addition to those in need of care, all studies also included family carers and health care professionals. Robotic interaction and control platforms in health care are rarely, if ever, developed and evaluated with feasibility or user studies that include prototypes and end users. While the involvement of end users is crucial, this review emphasizes that all stakeholders, including health care professionals, should participate in the development process to ensure a holistic understanding of application needs and a focus on user experiences and practical health care needs. It is emphasized that the active involvement of end users in the development process is critical to effectively meeting the needs of the target group.

Physical Activity Mobile App (CareFit) for Informal Carers of People With Dementia: Protocol for a Feasibility and Adaptation Study.

Physical activity is a critical component of both well-being and preventative health, reducing the risk of both chronic mental and physical conditions and early death. Yet, there are numerous groups in society who are not able to undertake as much physical activity as they would like to. This includes informal (unpaid) carers, with the United Kingdom national survey data suggesting that 81% would like to do more physical activity on a regular basis. There is a clear need to develop innovations, including digital interventions that hold implementation potential to support regular physical activity in groups such as carers. This study aims to expand and personalize a cross-platform digital health app designed to support regular physical activity in carers of people with dementia for a period of 8 weeks and evaluate the potential for implementation. The CareFit for dementia carers study was a mixed methods co-design, development, and evaluation of a novel motivational smartphone app to support home-based regular physical activity for unpaid dementia carers. The study was planned to take place across 16 months in total (September 1, 2022, to December 31, 2023). The first phase included iterative design sprints to redesign an initial prototype for widespread use, supported through a bespoke content management system. The second phase included the release of the "CareFit" app across Scotland through invitations on the Apple and Google stores where we aimed to recruit 50 carers and up to 20 professionals to support the delivery in total. Partnerships for the work included a range of stakeholders across charities, health and social care partnerships, physical activity groups, and carers' organizations. We explored the implementation of CareFit, guided by both Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, and Maintenance (RE-AIM) and the Complex Intervention Frameworks. Project processes and outcomes were evaluated using mixed methods. The barriers and enablers for professional staff to signpost and use CareFit with clients were assessed through interviews or focus groups and round stakeholder meetings. The usability of CareFit was explored through qualitative interviews with carers and a system usability scale. We examined how CareFit could add value to carers by examining "in-app" data, pre-post questionnaire responses, and qualitative work, including interviews and focus groups. We also explored how CareFit could add value to the landscape of other online resources for dementia carers. Results from this study will contribute new knowledge including identifying (1) suitable pathways to identify and support carers through digital innovations; (2) future design of definitive studies in carer populations; and (3) an improved understanding of the Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, and Maintenance across a range of key stakeholders. DERR1-10.2196/53727.

The clinical and cost effectiveness of internet-delivered self-help Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for family carers of people with dementia (iACT4CARERS): Study protocol for a randomised controlled trial with ethnically diverse family carers

BackgroundFollowing the successful completion of feasibility and acceptability studies of internet-delivered self-help Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for family carers of people with dementia (iACT4CARERS), a full-scale randomised controlled trial (RCT) evaluating its clinical and cost effectiveness will be conducted. This paper describes the design and protocol for a multi-site, parallel, single-blind, 2-arm RCT evaluating the clinical and cost effectiveness of iACT4CARERS plus treatment-as-usual (TAU) in comparison to TAU alone for reducing anxiety in family carers of people with dementia. Methods496 family carers aged ≥18 years, who are caring for a person with dementia, will be recruited from national healthcare services, general practices and community groups in England. Participants randomised to the intervention arm will receive iACT4CARERS over 12 weeks. Participants will complete outcome measures at baseline (0 weeks) and at 12-weeks and 24-weeks post-randomisation. The primary outcome and timepoint will be anxiety at 12 weeks. Secondary outcomes will include psychological flexibility, depression, and cost-effectiveness (cost per quality adjusted life years). Primary analyses will be by intention-to-treat and data will be analysed using linear mixed models. Fidelity and quality of implementation will be assessed and contextual factors associated with variation in outcomes identified in a process evaluation. ConclusionIf iACT4CARERS is found to be effective and affordable, this self-help intervention, including minimal contact with minimally trained therapists, has the potential to be rolled out widely within healthcare services in the UK, reducing inequality in access to psychological services among this population.Clinical trials registration: ISRCTN registry identifier ISRCTN45995725.

Community Health Workers as Mental Health Paraprofessionals: Protocol for a Mixed-Methods Pilot Feasibility Study.

Community health workers (CHWs) are effective in delivering behavioral activation (BA), especially in low-resource settings. In an area with a lack of Spanish-speaking mental health counselors, such as southwest Montana, CHWs can provide needed care. The goal of this pilot study protocol is to test the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of a model of care that engages CHWs as providers of BA. We will train 2 CHWs in BA methodology. We will enroll 20 participants who screen positive for depression in a 12-week telephone intervention for BA. Preliminary efficacy will be tested in pre- and postscores of the Beck Depression Inventory and semistructured interviews. Feasibility and acceptability will be measured through participant retention and treatment adherence. The Therapeutic Alliance with Clinician Scale will be used to measure the strength of the therapeutic relationship. Descriptive statistics will measure alliances and repeated measures ANOVA will measure trends and changes in depression scores. Enrollment began in October 2023. A total of 12 participants completed at least 10 BA sessions and all study measures by the time the study concluded in May 2024. In August 2024, data analysis occurred with an anticipated manuscript to be submitted for publication in October 2024. Results from this study will inform future studies into the implementation of an evidence-based mental health intervention in a limited resource setting for Latino people with limited English proficiency. DERR1-10.2196/57343.

Novel additive lamination manufacturing system for rapid fabrication of large-scale reinforced structural members

Purpose Additive lamination manufacturing (ALM), as a novel additive manufacturing technology, builds up the geometry via the lamination of fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) fabric laterally, rendering it suitable for fabricating large-scale Stay-in-Place concrete formwork. This paper aims to investigate the control parameters and structure performance of ALM and assess its application for the fabrication of large-scale concrete formwork. Design/methodology/approach Based on previous feasibility studies, this research systematically investigates the control and material parameters that influence horizontal and vertical extrusion speeds, as well as the overall quality of ALM. Once the system parameters are established, a series of prototypes are fabricated and tested to validate the tensile strength of the formwork and its reinforcement capabilities. In addition, this study assesses the potential geometric freedom and implementation constraints of ALM. Findings This research identifies the essential control parameters for path planning in ALM and examines their impact on fabrication. In addition, this paper evaluates ALM’s strengths and limitations in producing concrete formwork for large-scale concrete structures, comparing these to industry benchmarks. Originality/value A critical challenge in additive manufacturing lies in its scalability and compatibility with existing construction processes. In comparison to concrete, FRP offers advantages such as being lighter, easier to handle and providing surface protection and reinforcement. These qualities make FRP superior for formwork and compatible with existing building standards. Despite its advantages and potential, the current path planning and control model in 3D printing do not apply to ALM due to its novel build-up process. Also, the performance of fabricated parts as part of integrated large-scale structures is yet to be studied.