Potential Interactions Research Articles

Crossover in densities of confined particles with finite range of interaction

We study a one-dimensional classical system of N particles confined within a harmonic trap. Interactions among these particles are dictated by a pairwise potential V(x), where x is the separation between two particles. Each particle can interact with a maximum of d neighbouring particles on either side (left or right), if available. By adjusting the parameter d, the system can be made nearest neighbour (d=1) to all-to-all (d=N−1) interacting. As suggested by prior studies, the equilibrium density profile of these particles is expected to undergo shape variations as d is changed. In this paper, we investigate this crossover by tuning the parameter f(=d/N) from 1 to 0 in the large N limit for two distinct choices of interaction potentials, V(x)=−|x| and V(x)=−log⁡(|x|) which correspond to 1d one-component plasma and the log-gas model, respectively. For both models, the system size scaling of the density profile for fixed f turns out to be the same as in their respective all-to-all case. However, the scaling function exhibits diverse shapes as f varies. We explicitly compute the average density profile for any f∈(0,1] in the 1d plasma model, while for the log-gas model, we provide approximate calculations for large (close to 1) and small (close to 0) f. Additionally, we present simulation results to numerically demonstrate the crossover and compare these findings with our theoretical results.

Experimental and theoretical investigation of the effect of physical and chemical compatibilization on the properties of thermoplastic elastomers derived from natural rubber and polypropylene blends

The objective of this research was to improve the compatibility between Natural Rubber/Polypropylene NR/PP blends through physical and chemical compatibilization methods. The physical compatibilization involved the use of epoxidized natural rubber/maleic anhydride-grafted polypropylene (ENR50/PP-g-MA) as a dual compatibilizing agent (CA50), while the process of reactive compatibilization entailed chemically modifying NR and PP phases through the grafting maleic anhydride (MA). Several formulations were prepared by melt mixing using a Brabender plasti-corder. The effects of physical and chemical compatibilization on the technical properties were investigated. FTIR analysis revealed the emergence of two distinctive peaks corresponding to the CO group of MA grafted onto PP and NR chains. FTIR analysis has also confirmed the taking place of reactions between the polar functional groups of PP-g-MA and ENR50. The rheological properties indicated that the viscosity of the NR-g-MA/PP-g-MA is lower than those of the control blend and CA50-based NR/PP system. The mechanical and dynamic mechanical findings corroborated the improvement of interfacial adhesion between NR/PP phases, especially for the NR/PP/CA50 system. SEM examination demonstrated a more uniform dispersion of the PP phase in the CA50-based NR/PP, compared to the control blend and NR-g-MA/PP-MA. NR-g-MA/PP-g-MA exhibits greater miscibility and interaction potential compared to the control NR/PP, and less than NR/(ENR50/PP-g-MA)/PP system. DFT calculations further validate the effect of compatibilization methods on TPE blends. Specifically, Quantum molecular descriptors revealed the role of ENR50/PP-g-MA as an intermediary in facilitating compatibility between NR/PP. These findings indicate that the physical compatibilization method approach using ENR50/PP-g-MA as a dual compatibilizer is a potential compatibilizer for NR/PP.

Interactional Potential of Imitation Activities for Literature Lessons

Interactional Potential of Imitation Activities for Literature Lessons

From many-body quantum dynamics to the Hartree–Fock and Vlasov equations with singular potentials

In a combined mean-field and semiclassical regime, we consider the time evolution of N fermions interacting through singular pair interaction potentials of the form \pm |x-y|^{-a} , which includes the Coulomb and gravitational interactions. We prove that the many-body dynamics of mixed states are well approximated by solutions of the Hartree–Fock and Vlasov equations in terms of Schatten norms. The errors in these approximations are expressed in terms of the expected number of particles, N , and the Planck constant, h . For cases where a\in(0,1/2) , we obtain local-in-time results when N^{-1/2}\ll h \leq N^{-1/3} . Notably, this leads to the derivation of the Vlasov equation with singular potentials. For cases where a\in[1/2,1] , our results hold only within a small time scale or require an N -dependent cut-off. A fundamental ingredient in our analysis is the propagation of regularity for solutions to the Hartree–Fock equation uniformly in the Planck constant, which holds for a\in(0,1] .

Modeling of Lane Changing Behavior of Connected Driving Based on Vehicle Interaction Potential

Aiming at the interactive behavior of vehicles changing lanes in the intelligent network traffic environment, the relative position of vehicle, speed, acceleration, and steering angle are introduced to correct the molecular interaction potential, and the vehicle interaction potential model is established. The spatial distribution map of the vehicle interaction potential field under different motion states was drawn, and the changing law of the vehicle interaction potential field was described. By analyzing the longitudinal critical distance of the lane changing safe critical time, the expression of acceptable clearance for lane changing is defined, and the relationship between acceptable clearance and the speed and acceleration of the interactive vehicle is verified by simulation. Combined with the acceptable clearance of lane changing, a lane changing behavior model based on the vehicle interaction potential is established, and the situation of lane changing vehicles subjected to the interaction potential and potential field forces generated by the surrounding vehicles is analyzed, and the driving decision of lane changing vehicles under the action of different potential field forces is given. Compared with the molecular dynamics lane changing model and LS2015 lane changing model, the results show that the vehicle action potential lane changing model can effectively improve the running speed and stability of traffic flow. The research has theoretical significance for the lane changing behavior decisions of networked autonomous vehicles in the future.

Transcriptomic Profiling of Bean Aphid Megoura crassicauda upon Exposure to the Aphid-Obligate Entomopathogen Conidiobolus obscurus (Entomophthoromycotina) and Screening of CytCo-Binding Aphid Proteins through a Pull-Down Assay.

Prolonged periods of host-lethal infection by entomopathogenic fungi pose challenges to the development of biological control agents. The obligate entomopathogen C. obscurus, however, rapidly kills aphid hosts, warranting investigation. This study investigated the interaction between C. obscurus and a bean aphid Megoura crassicauda during the incubation period of infection, using transcriptome analysis to map host gene expression profiles. Results indicate C. obscurus-inoculated aphid activation of the wound healing immune responses, alongside suppression of the key molecules involved in Toll signaling, melanization, and metabolism. Furthermore, neuromotor system-related genes were upregulated, paralleling the intoxication observed in a nematode pest treated with C. obscurus-derived CytCo protein. To deepen interaction insights, a His-tag pull-down assay coupled with mass spectrometry analysis was conducted using CytCo as a bait to screen for potential aphid protein interactors. The proteins were identified based on the assembled transcriptome, and eleven transmembrane proteins were predicted to bind to CytCo. Notably, a protein of putatively calcium-transporting ATPase stood out with the highest confidence. This suggests that CytCo plays a vital role in C. obscurus killing aphid hosts, implicating calcium imbalance. In conclusion, C. obscurus effectively inhibits aphid immunity and exhibits neurotoxic potential, expediting the infection process. This finding facilitates our understanding of the complex host-pathogen interactions and opens new avenues for exploring biological pest management strategies in agroforestry.

Mixtures of legacy and replacement perfluorosulphonic acids (PFSAs) demonstrate ratio-, concentration- and endpoint-dependent synergistic interactions in vitro

The extensive use of poly- and per-fluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) has les to their widespread presence in the environment, raising concerns about potential toxicity. While certain PFASs of concern have been phased-out or banned, new PFASs continue to be produced. Two such substances are perfluoroethylcyclohexane sulphonate (PFECHS) and perfluorobutane sulphamide (FBSA), replacements of perfluoroctanesulphonic acid (PFOS) that have recently been detected in multiple environmental media around the globe. Despite PFASs generally occurring in the environment as mixtures, few data are available outlining the effects of PFAS mixtures. Therefore, this research investigated the interaction potential of binary and ternary mixtures of emerging and legacy PFASs. The immortalized rainbow trout gill cell line (RTgill-W1) was chosen as the experimental model to investigate two apical endpoints: cytotoxicity and phospholipidosis. RTgill-W1 cells were exposed for 24 h to each compound to obtain endpoint-specific effect concentrations (LCx; ECx). These values were then applied to formulate mixture predictions following the Loewes Additivity and Steel and Peckham methods. Based on cytotoxicity, relative potencies of individual compounds were: PFOS > PFECHS > FSBA. PFOS and PFECHS had nearly identical effects on phospholipidosis, while FSBA did not have any effects. Most mixtures had a synergistic effect on cytotoxicity, but the effect was both dose- and ratio-dependent. PFOS and PFECHS were additive at lower concentrations (LC10) and synergistic at higher concentrations (LC50; 3:1, 1:1, and 1:3). PFECHS and FSBA mixtures were synergistic at all doses and ratios (3:1, 1:1, 1:3), while FBSA and PFOS were mainly synergistic at higher concentrations and at ratios favouring PFOS (1:1, 1:3). Tertiary combinations were mainly synergistic. For phospholipidosis, mixtures were strictly additive. These results are strongly suggestive of synergism between emerging PFAS replacements and highlight that independent apical mechanisms of different PFASs could combine to induce unexpected toxicity. Considering that emerging replacements are continuing to increase in concentration in the environment, such mixture scenarios are also likely to continue to increase in probability.

Density‐dependent trophic consequences of invasive mrigal carp on native mud carp in Chinese fresh waters

Abstract Understanding the strength, direction and consequences of the trophic impacts of invasive fish on functionally analogous native fishes is important in invasion impact assessment and for informing management programmes. As functionally analogous native and invasive fishes can share prey resources, there is high potential for competitive interactions, which could affect trophic niche sizes and positions. The highly invasive mrigal carp Cirrhinus mrigala and native mud carp Cirrhinus molitorella now co‐exist in many freshwaters in southern China, raising concern on the consequences for mud carp. The trophic interactions of the two species and their consequences (for growth rates and trophic niche sizes as the isotopic niche, calculated using δ13C and δ15N) were tested in a pond enclosure experiment based on additive and substitutive treatments using fish in allopatric and sympatric contexts, with results compared with invaded wild communities. In the experiment, specific growth rates decreased significantly as fish abundance in treatments increased. These density‐dependent effects were observed in both species and were independent of whether the treatment was allopatric or sympatric. In allopatric treatments, isotopic niches of mud carp increased in size with fish number. Conversely, in sympatric treatments, mud carp isotopic niche size decreased with increased mrigal carp number. For mrigal carp, isotopic niche sizes decreased as fish number increased in both allopatric and sympatric treatments. In sympatric experiment treatments, the isotopic niches of mud carp and mrigal carp were always divergent. This was, however, in contrast to four invaded wild communities, where the isotopic niches of the two fishes always had some overlap. Experimental and field data suggest that although native mud carp could be impacted by mrigal carp, these impacts might only manifest when the species are at very high abundances and inter‐specific competitive interactions could be intense. These results also suggest the two species have mechanisms that reduce their inter‐specific interactions to minimise their competitive interactions, thus any ecological impacts from mrigal carp might manifest more from indirect than direct processes.

Psychometric Characteristics of the Intergroup Anxiety Scale among International Students in Indonesia

When someone perceives significant differences in others, they may feel anxious about the potential for negative interactions or undesirable outcomes that may arise from such interactions. This is referred to as intergroup anxiety. It is important to research the validity and reliability of the intergroup anxiety scale for international students in Indonesia because intergroup anxiety affects various psychological variables in them. One of the most commonly used instruments to measure intergroup anxiety is the Intergroup Anxiety Scale (IAS) by Walter G. Stephan and Cookie White Stephan, developed since 1985. This study aims to evaluate the psychometric properties of the IAS in the context of international students in Indonesia. From the analysis of 100 collected data points, the results show that the IAS used in this study meets the criteria for content validity, construct validity, and reliability. The results indicate that the IAS meets four Goodness of Fit criteria, with RMSEA = 0.079, SRMR = 0.074, NFI = 0.90, and CFI = 0.95. Furthermore, the reliability of the IAS was evaluated with an Average Variance Extracted (AVE) value of 0.57. The overall Composite Reliability (CR) value reached 0.93. Therefore, it can be concluded that the IAS is a valid and reliable tool for measuring self-construal among international students in Indonesia.

Stiffness calibration of qPlus sensors at low temperature through thermal noise measurements.

Non-contact atomic force microscopy (nc-AFM) offers a unique experimental framework for topographical imaging of surfaces with atomic and/or sub-molecular resolution. The technique also permits to perform frequency shift spectroscopy to quantitatively evaluate the tip-sample interaction forces and potentials above individual atoms or molecules. The stiffness of the probe, k, is then required to perform the frequency shift-to-force conversion. However, this quantity is generally known with little precision. An accurate stiffness calibration is therefore mandatory if accurate force measurements are targeted. In nc-AFM, the probe may either be a silicon cantilever, a quartz tuning fork (QTF), or a length extensional resonator (LER). When used in ultrahigh vacuum (UHV) and at low temperature, the technique mostly employs QTFs, based on the so-called qPlus design, which actually covers different types of sensors in terms of size and design of the electrodes. They all have in common a QTF featuring a metallic tip glued at the free end of one of its prongs. In this study, we report the stiffness calibration of a particular type of qPlus sensor in UHV and at 9.8 K by means of thermal noise measurements. The stiffness calibration of such high-k sensors, featuring high quality factors (Q) as well, requires to master both the acquisition parameters and the data post-processing. Our approach relies both on numerical simulations and experimental results. A thorough analysis of the thermal noise power spectral density of the qPlus fluctuations leads to an estimated stiffness of the first flexural eigenmode of ≃2000 N/m, with a maximum uncertainty of 10%, whereas the static stiffness of the sensor without tip is expected to be ≃3300 N/m. The former value must not be considered as being representative of a generic value for any qPlus, as our study stresses the influence of the tip on the estimated stiffness and points towards the need for the individual calibration of these probes. Although the framework focuses on a particular kind of sensor, it may be adapted to any high-k, high-Q nc-AFM probe used under similar conditions, such as silicon cantilevers and LERs.

Intermolecular interactions probed by rotational dynamics in gas-phase clusters

The rotational dynamics of a molecule is sensitive to neighboring atoms or molecules, which can be used to probe the intermolecular interactions in the gas phase. Here, we real-time track the laser-driven rotational dynamics of a single N2 molecule affected by neighboring Ar atoms using coincident Coulomb explosion imaging. We find that the alignment trace of N-N axis decays fast and only persists for a few picoseconds when an Ar atom is nearby. We show that the decay rate depends on the rotational geometry of whether the Ar atom stays in or out of the rotational plane of the N2 molecule. Additionally, the vibration of the van der Waals bond is found to be excited through coupling with the rotational N-N axis. The observations are well reproduced by solving the time-dependent Schrödinger equation after taking the interaction potential between the N2 and Ar into consideration. Our results demonstrate that environmental effects on a molecular level can be probed by directly visualizing the rotational dynamics.

Bifurcation of solutions of Ornstein–Zernike equation in the gas–liquid coexistence region of simple fluids

One objective of this paper is to investigate bifurcation of solutions of Ornstein–Zernike equation in liquid state theory for the gas–liquid coexistence region of simple fluids. The analysis uses a discrete form of the Ornstein–Zernike equation in real space, together with a closure relation which provides nearly self consistent thermodynamic properties of fluids governed by interaction potentials like the Lennard-Jones potential. Accurate asymptotic forms of correlation functions are incorporated in the real space algorithm so as to mitigate the influence of cutoff length used in the discrete approximations. The global error reduction of this algorithm is similar to that of Simpson’s rule. It is found that there is no spinodal on the vapor side on a sub-critical isotherm. However, there is a density at which compressibility vanishes, but this lies on a nonphysical branch. There are fold bifurcation points on the vapor and liquid sides together with a ‘no-real-solution-region’ in between. This is followed by a region of negative compressibility extending up to the spinodal on the liquid side. Importantly, it is found that in regions where compressibility is non-positive, there are infinite number of solutions to OZE which violate an integral constraint that is needed for applications to thermodynamics. The emerging picture is somewhat similar to that in the case of the hypernetted-chain-closure. It is also found that complex solutions connect the physical solutions that exist outside the ‘no-real-solution-region’ as well as in region of negative compressibility. The second objective of the paper, in the light of bifurcation scenario, is to evolve an interpretation of the coupling-parameter expansion of correlation functions pertaining to the region of negative compressibility. It is shown that the expansion provides an accurate description of results of the restricted ensembles, implied in mean field theories and simulation methods. Bifurcation of singlet density to an in-homogeneous distribution at a spinodal is also established using a simple equation, which uses the direct correlation function. Thus the paper re-establishes the fact that restriction to a homogeneous singlet density is the root cause of all inconsistencies found in the gas–liquid coexistence region.

Capacitive PVC gel pressure sensors with various interlinked microstructural dielectric middle layers

Our sharp tactile sense is largely attributable to an undulating layer of microstructures between the epidermis and dermis, amplifying tactile signals. Taking inspiration from the biological template, we propose a design of flexible capacitive pressure sensors with various microstructural dielectric middle layers, fabricated using a casting-based approach. This is the first confirmed use of microstructural polyvinyl chloride (PVC) gel in dielectric layers and the first example of casting in the fabrication of capacitive sensors. Notably, on account of its flexibility, the sensor also addresses the problem of microstructure fracture and misalignment during sensor bending. These sensors can achieve a maximum sensitivity of 1.34 kPa−1 (under 10 kPa) with a fast response time (50 ms), good cyclic stability (> 1000 cycles), and a wide pressure sensing range (0 ∼ 290 kPa). When attached to a cup or balloon, this study reveals that these sensors can detect the weight and rigidity of the objects, demonstrating their potential in human-machine interaction, as well as in wearable applications.

A comparative lattice analysis of SU(2) dark glueballs* *Supported in part by the Natural Science Foundation of China (12125503, 12335003), and the Natural Science Foundation of Shandong Province, China (ZR2022ZD26)

We study the mass and scattering cross section of glueballs as dark matter candidates using lattice simulations. We employ both naive and improved gauge actions in dimensions with several β values, and we adopt both the traditional Monte Carlo method and flow-based model based on machine learning techniques to generate lattice configurations. The mass of a dark scalar glueball with and the Nambu-Bethe-Salpeter wave function are calculated. Using a coupling constant of as an illustration, we compare the dark glueball mass calculated from the configurations generated from the two methods. While consistent results can be achieved, the two methods demonstrate distinct advantages. Using the Runge-Kutta method, we extract the glueball interaction potential and two-body scattering cross section. From the observational constraints, we obtain the lower bound of the mass of scalar glueballs as candidates of dark matter.

Pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics and CYP3A4 interaction potential of the selective P2X3 receptor antagonist filapixant: A randomized multiple ascending-dose study in healthy young men.

We report on investigations exploring the P2X3-receptor antagonist filapixant's effect on taste perception and cough-reflex sensitivity and describe its pharmacokinetics, including its CYP3A4-interaction potential. In a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study, 3 × 12 healthy men (18-45 years) were assigned (3:1) to filapixant (20, 80 or 250 mg by mouth) or placebo twice daily over 2weeks. A single dose of midazolam (1mg), a CYP3A4 substrate, was administered with and without filapixant. Assessments included a taste-strips test, a taste questionnaire, cough challenge with adenosine triphosphate, adverse event reports and standard safety assessments. Taste disturbances were observed mainly in the 250-mg group: six of nine participants (67%) in this group reported hypo- or dysgeusia in the questionnaire; eight participants (89%) reported taste-related adverse events. Five participants (56%) had a decrease in overall taste-strips-test scores ≥2 points (point estimate -1.1 points, 90% confidence interval [-3.3; 1.1]). Cough counts increased with adenosine triphosphate concentration but without major differences between treatments. Filapixant exposure increased proportionally to dose. Co-administration of filapixant had no clinically relevant effect on midazolam pharmacokinetics. Area under the concentration-time curve ratios and 90% confidence intervals were within 80-125%. No serious or severe adverse events were reported. Overall, filapixant was safe and well tolerated, apart from mild, transient taste disturbances. Such disturbances occurred more frequently than expected based on (in vitro) receptor-selectivity data, suggesting that other factors than P2X3:P2X2/3 selectivity might also play an important role in this context. The cough-challenge test showed no clear treatment effect. Filapixant has no clinically relevant CYP3A4 interaction potential.

All-Textile Piezoelectric Nanogenerator Based on 3D Knitted Fabric Electrode for Wearable Applications.

Flexible, air permeable and elastic self-powered sensors for human motion monitoring and assisted medical rehabilitation have recently become a hot research topic. However, most current piezoelectric sensors can not account for many characteristics. Addressing this challenge, an all-textile piezoelectric sensor (ATPS) based on 3D structured knitted fabric electrodes is reported. The ATPS consists of a piezoelectric element polyvinylidene fluoride nanofiber membrane, flexible knitted fabric electrodes, and an elastic self-adhesive bandage. Based on the flexible and efficient knitting technology, the sensor has the advantages of low cost, flexibility, simple structure, and convenient large-area manufacturing. Experimental and finite element simulation results show that the knitting pattern of fabric electrodes can enhance the piezoelectric output of ATPS. The optimal ATPS has a high voltage response sensitivity of up to 0.68 V/kPa. The proposed ATPS responds to a wide range of input forces from 0.098 to 724 N in self-powered mode, verifying its feasibility as a tactile sensor for human motion detection and recognition (throat swallowing, wrist bending, elbow bending, knee bending, walking slowly, running fast) and as a pressure sensor (Morse code, digit recognition) and demonstrating its potential for motion tracking, medical rehabilitation, and human-computer interaction.

In silico and in vivo analysis reveal impact of c-Myc tag in FMC63 scFv-CD19 protein interface and CAR-T cell efficacy

Anti-CD19 CAR-T cell therapy represents a breakthrough in the treatment of B-cell malignancies, and it is expected that this therapy modality will soon cover a range of solid tumors as well. Therefore, a universal cheap and sensitive method to detect CAR expression is of foremost importance. One possibility is the use of epitope tags such as c-Myc, HA or FLAG tags attached to the CAR extracellular domain, however, it is important to determine whether these tags can influence binding of the CAR with its target molecule. Here, we conducted in-silico structural modelling of an FMC63-based anti-CD19 single-chain variable fragment (scFv) with and without a c-Myc peptide tag added to the N-terminus portion and performed molecular dynamics simulation of the scFv with the CD19 target. We show that the c-Myc tag presence in the N-terminus portion does not affect the scFv’s structural equilibrium and grants more stability to the scFv. However, intermolecular interaction potential (IIP) analysis reveals that the tag can approximate the complementarity-determining regions (CDRs) present in the scFv and cause steric impediment, potentially disturbing interaction with the CD19 protein. We then tested this possibility with CAR-T cells generated from human donors in a Nalm-6 leukemia model, showing that CAR-T cells with the c-Myc tag have overall worse antitumor activity, which was also observed when the tag was added to the C-terminus position. Ultimately, our results suggest that tag addition is an important aspect of CAR design and can influence CAR-T cell function, therefore its use should be carefully considered.

Investigation of molten fuel coolant interaction with simulated corium in sodium

In case of a hypothetical core meltdown accident in Sodium cooled Fast Reactor (SFR), corium interacts with cold pool sodium and results in Molten Fuel Coolant Interaction (MFCI). During MFCI, the corium fragments and resultant debris settle on the core catcher as a bed and continue to generate decay heat. The size and state of fragmented debris play a crucial role in post-accident heat transfer. An experimental study has been undertaken to investigate the fragmentation of simulated corium in sodium using real-time X-ray imaging. Experiments were conducted by releasing ∼400 g of molten mixture of alumina and iron at ∼2400 °C into ∼4 kg of sodium at various temperatures. The fragmentation phenomenon was acquired using a digital flat panel detector and the captured images were subjected to image analysis to extract information on melt fragmentation. Post-experiment, fragmented debris was retrieved and subjected to sieve analysis to obtain characteristics towards assessing the dominant fragmentation mechanism. Experiments were also conducted with water for identifying key differences in the fragmentation and debris characteristics. Non-energetic fragmentation, generation of fine debris, and relatively minor sodium vaporization observed in the small-scale experiments present a reduced potential for energetic interaction in sodium than that of water.

Inverse design of a pyrochlore lattice of DNA origami through model-driven experiments.

Sophisticated statistical mechanics approaches and human intuition have demonstrated the possibility of self-assembling complex lattices or finite-size constructs. However, attempts so far have mostly only been successful in silico and often fail in experiment because of unpredicted traps associated with kinetic slowing down (gelation, glass transition) and competing ordered structures. Theoretical predictions also face the difficulty of encoding the desired interparticle interaction potential with the experimentally available nano- and micrometer-sized particles. To overcome these issues, we combine SAT assembly (a patchy-particle interaction design algorithm based on constrained optimization) with coarse-grained simulations of DNA nanotechnology to experimentally realize trap-free self-assembly pathways. We use this approach to assemble a pyrochlore three-dimensional lattice, coveted for its promise in the construction of optical metamaterials, and characterize it with small-angle x-ray scattering and scanning electron microscopy visualization.

Playing online videogames-more than just entertainment? A qualitative study of virtual social participation in persons with spinal cord injury.

Spinal cord injury (SCI) affects many aspects of life, physically, emotionally and socially. Engaging in online videogames holds the potential to facilitate increased social interactions for individuals with SCI. The aim of this study is to increase our understanding of the experiences people with SCI have with using online videogames as an arena for social participation. A focus group interview was conducted with seven participants with SCI, aged 15-35, all experienced in using online videogames as a method of socializing. The data was analyzed using thematic analysis. The participants highlighted that playing online videogames way of maintaining social connections and expanding their social network. However, they faced challenges due to limited knowledge and negative attitudes from others regarding use of videogames as a social arena. Three main themes were developed from the findings: "Disabling social barriers", "Attitudes towards gaming" and "Gaming-connecting people". Healthcare professionals should consider videogames as a leisure activity and facilitate their use, recognizing their potential for social interaction and well-being. Prioritizing activities that promote social interaction is crucial for good health.