Readiness Level Research Articles

Wear mechanisms and failure analysis of a tool used in refill friction stir spot welding of AA6061-T6

Investigating tool wear in refill friction stir spot welding (RFSSW) is essential for understanding its limitations and improving its efficiency. Increasing the tool's service life is important to push the technology's readiness level and transfer the technology from the laboratory to industrial applications. In this study, the quasi-static lap shear performance of AA6061-T6 similar welded spots was investigated and tool wear was continuously monitored until tool failure at 3450 welding cycles. Furthermore, the fundamentals of the wear mechanisms in RFSSW were further elucidated. The investigation shows that it is possible to achieve steady quasi-static lap shear performance of the spot welds over advancing tool wear by adjusting the heat input to compensate for losses in frictional heat generation efficiency (related to tool profile changes by abrasion). A subsequent tool failure case analysis showed the main causes for the continuous wear degradation of the shoulder. Tool wear was driven by plastic deformation of the hot-work tool steel and subsequent break-out of tool steel ridges, introducing big hard particles into the contact region between the moving and rotating tools. In addition, the formation and detachment of Fe-Al intermetallic compounds counteract with the rotating tools and increase tool wear.

The role of generative AI in education: Perceptions of Saudi students

<b>Purpose:</b> This study aims to provide an analysis of students’ perceptions of the role of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools in education, through five axes: (1) level of knowledge and awareness, (2) level of acceptance and readiness, (3) the role of GenAI in education, (4 (level of awareness of potential concerns and challenges, and (5) The impact of GenAI tools on achieving the sustainable development goals in education.<br /> <b>Materials and methods:</b> The study followed a descriptive quantitative methodology based on surveying through a questionnaire. The sample consisted of 1390 students from 15 Saudi universities.<br /> <b>Results:</b> The students have positive perceptions towards the role of GenAI tools in education, as students have a high level of awareness and acceptance of adopting these tools. In addition, students are highly aware of the role of GenAI tools in improving their understanding of complex concepts, developing skills, improving their self-efficacy, learning outcomes, providing feedback, and making learning meaningful. The results also confirm their general awareness of the concerns and challenges. A relationship exists between students’ perceptions of GenAI and their scientific specializations, as students in computer sciences showed greater awareness regarding concerns and challenges, whereas students in agricultural sciences showed greater awareness of the impact of GenAI tools on achieving sustainable development goals.<br /> <b>Conclusions:</b> The study offers valuable insights on GenAI adoption in higher education, also there is an urgent need to consider developing appropriate use policies, spreading awareness, and creating systems capable of detecting unethical cases.

Preparedness, Challenges, and Opportunities for Digital Intervention for Chronic Disease Management: A Qualitative Study in Rural Areas of South Korea

ABSTRACT Motivated by the prevalence of an aging population and the associated increase in chronic diseases, coupled with rising medical expenditure, the Korean government initiated a pilot project in Pyeongchang-gun, Gangwon-do, a rural area, to implement a “smart online-to-offline (O2O) digital health care model” aimed at managing and preventing chronic diseases. However, there is limited understanding regarding perspectives and levels of preparedness for digital health among stakeholders at various levels. In-depth focus group interviews were conducted with elderly and non-elderly community members, health care providers, and staff members at Pyeongchang Health and Medical Center. The study found the presence of both positive and negative perceptions and a lack of preparedness across different levels. At the end-user level, it was observed that community members, especially the elderly, have low levels of health and digital literacy, compounded by limited access to social support. At the health care provider level, there was uncertainty about the acceptance of the digital health program. At the area level, the need to bolster health staff members and enhance their capacity was observed. Recommendations include: customizing the design of the online and offline service components by considering end-user factors (such as age, occupation, and household type) that may contribute to disparities in health; establishing a platform for providers to share their experiences to facilitate the effective incorporation of digital health into their practices; and preparing an appropriate provider payment mechanism.

Orna face analysis

Aim: Facial aesthetics is a dynamic field requiring precise professional assessment, considering beauty concepts, variability in cultural and ethnic facial features, and patient perception. This study aimed to develop the Orna Face Analysis (OFA), an integrated tool for detailed facial evaluation to improve the planning of aesthetic treatments. Methods: The OFA integrates multiple analysis methods, considering key aspects such as youthfulness, average appearance, symmetry, and dimorphic features to create a comprehensive evaluation protocol based on a critical review of the scientific literature searched through PubMed, Scielo, Web of Science, and Scopus databases without language or time restrictions. Results: The OFA was designed as an electronic form that can generate a printed file, allowing for a deep understanding of patients faces by highlighting these essential aspects. This approach enables detailed and personalized diagnostics essential for effectively planning facial aesthetic treatments and meeting patient expectations. The OFA emerges as a complementary and integrative tool in facial aesthetics, promoting a personalized and evidence-based approach to facial harmonization. After constructing the OFA prototype in electronic and printed formats, the tool was tested in a clinical setting (TRL 6 – technology readiness level) to assess its objectivity, clarity, coherence, precision, and usability. TRL 6 indicates that the system has been demonstrated in a relevant environment but requires further testing for full validation. Conclusion: A preliminary evaluation by a facial harmonization specialist confirmed that the OFA enables the creation of highly personalized treatment plans, accurately reflecting a range of aesthetic outcomes. Further validation will solidify its applicability across diverse patient populations and settings.

Pre-vocational education as a factor in the development of human resources in the healthcare system

Pre-professional medical education in high school provides not only a more in-depth study of individual subjects of general education programs, but also expands the opportunities for self-determination of students, ensures continuity of the educational process, allows boys and girls to adapt more successfully mastering higher medical professional education programs and is the basis for a successful career.Aim. To evaluate the results of the introduction and implementation of the model of pre-professional medical and pharmaceutical education using the example of the Resource Center «Medical Sechenov Pre-University» of the Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University) (hereinafter referred to as the Pre-University) as a means of developing the human resources potential of the healthcare system on the territory of the Russian Federation.Materials and methods. During the work, a theoretical analysis of domestic and foreign literature on the problem of developing the human resources potential of the healthcare system was carried out. A study was conducted in the comparative aspect of the basic readiness of students in grades 8-11 at the Pre-University and specialized medical and biological classes of regional educational institutions to the choice of medical specialties using a test questionnaire with the identification of three key aspects: readiness to master medical specialties; self-assessment of capabilities and erudition in the field of modern medicine. 1465 people took part in the survey. The reliability of the results was carried using the Mann-Whitney U test. Assessment of the statistical significance of differences between the means was carried out at a critical level of p = 0.05.Results. Studying at the Pre-University of Sechenov University allowed the majority of adolescents to achieve higher levels of formation of the main indicators of basic readiness to choose medical specialties. The share of students with a high level of readiness to master medical specialties at the Pre-University is 13.8 % higher compared to students of specialized medical and biological classes, with high erudition – 13.8 % and 6.7 % higher those who highly assess their prospects for entering a medical university.Conclusion. Pre-professional education based on close interaction between the Pre-University and Sechenov University allows students to develop motivation to choose a medical profession, as well as a clear understanding of the learning process in the chosen profession and is an important link in the system of continuous educational trajectory «pre-university–university–clinic».

Challenges and opportunities in high efficiency scalable and stable perovskite solar cells

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) are the fastest-growing photovoltaic (PV) technology and hold great promise for the photovoltaic industry due to their low-cost fabrication and excellent efficiency. To achieve commercial readiness level, the most important factor would be yield beyond 95% at the PSC module levels. The current essential requirements for PSCs are reproducibility of high efficiency devices, scalability, and stability. The reported certified high efficiency (24–26%) results are based on the use of FAPbI3 perovskites with a bandgap of Eg≈ 1.5 eV, and the typical device's active area ranges from ≈ 0.1 cm2 to a maximum of 1 cm2. However, relatively higher bandgap PSCs are essential, especially in tandem solar cell applications. Hence, optimization of higher bandgap PSCs is a necessity. As the bandgap of the perovskites increases, the efficiency goes down due to reduced JSC and increased VOC loss. Therefore, understanding the loss mechanism and corresponding solutions need to be developed. Scaling up the device's active area without compromising the fill factor and, hence, efficiency is non-trivial. So, understanding the loss mechanism in large area devices is crucial. The stability analysis reported in the literature is inconsistent, preventing data comparison and identifying various degradation factors or failure mechanisms. Moreover, how the accelerated tests would be useful in predicting the real lifetime of the solar cells is yet to be developed. So, understanding the knowledge and the technological gaps between laboratory and industry-scale production is crucial for further development. Therefore, in this review article, we discuss the challenges and opportunities for scalable and stable high efficiency PSCs.

Selectivity Descriptors of Methanol-to-Aromatics Process over 3-Dimensional Zeolites.

The zeolite-catalyzed methanol-to-aromatics (MTA) process is a promising avenue for industrial decarbonization. This process predominantly utilizes 3-dimensional 10-member ring (10-MR) zeolites like ZSM-5 and ZSM-11, chosen for their confinement effect essential for aromatization. Current research mainly focuses on enhancing selectivity and mitigating catalyst deactivation by modulating zeolites' physicochemical properties. Despite the potential, the MTA technology is at a low Technology Readiness Level, hindered by mechanistic complexities in achieving the desired selectivity towards liquid aromatics. To bridge this knowledge gap, this study proposes a roadmap for MTA catalysis by strategically combining controlled catalytic experiments with advanced characterization methods (including operando conditions and "mobility-dependent" solid-state NMR spectroscopy). It identifies the descriptor-role of Koch-carbonylated intermediates, longer-chain hydrocarbons, and the zeolites' intersectional cavities in yielding preferential liquid aromatics selectivity. Understanding these selectivity descriptors and architectural impacts is vital, potentially advancing other zeolite-catalyzed emerging technologies.

Death Preparation and Quality of Life amongst Family Caregivers of Terminal Cancer Patients: A Multicentre Cross-sectional Study

Objectives: Caring for ill cancer patients imposes a considerable burden on families, significantly reducing quality of life (QoL). This study examined the association between death preparation and QoL amongst family caregivers (FCs) of terminally ill patients with cancer in South Korea. Materials and Methods: A multicentre cross-sectional survey using questionnaires was conducted in nine inpatient palliative care units in South Korea. Data from 170 FCs who answered questions about preparedness for death were analysed. A stepwise multivariate logistic model was used to identify the factors associated with FCs’ QoL. The estimated QoL scores were also compared between the groups according to preparedness level. Results: Factors associated with high QoL included old age, fewer daily caregiving hours, fewer caregiving durations and practical preparedness for death. The well-prepared group had significantly higher QoL scores in the burdensome domain. This significant association remained robust in FCs with low educational or social support levels, poor resilience and dysfunctional families. Conclusion: Practically, well-prepared FCs experienced a high QoL in hospice care settings. FCs are likely to benefit from assessment and encouragement of their preparedness for death.

Concept, content and structure of the phenomenon of professional adaptation of military servicemen to military service through physical training and sports

The article is devoted to the analysis of the concept, content and structure of professional adaptation of military personnel to military service using means of physical training and sports. It was determined that the professional adaptation of military personnel is a complex process that includes psychophysiological, social and professional components. Special attention is paid to the role of physical training and sports in ensuring the effective adaptation of servicemen to the conditions of service, in particular in the context of the formation of the necessary physical, moral and willpower qualities and professional skills. On the basis of a systemic approach, the main elements and stages of the adaptation process, as well as their interrelationship and influence on the general level of combat readiness of servicemen, are revealed. Means of physical training and sports play an important role in the professional adaptation of military personnel. They contribute to increasing physical endurance, strengthening health, developing mental stability and forming teamwork skills. Thus, the professional adaptation of military personnel is the result of the complex influence of physical, psychological and social factors. Means of physical training and sports are important tools that contribute to a successful adaptation process, providing recruits with not only physical strength, but also psychological readiness for service, as well as integration into the military team.

Technologies for ensuring the unity of physical and military-patriotic education of high school students

The article examines the content and technologies of the unity of physical and military-patriotic education of high school students. It is highlighted that the relevance of the research is determined by society's need for a self-sufficient, goal-oriented, decisive, self-confident individual who is able to realize his role in the life of the state, to take an active part in applied physical training, physical culture and health activities and social life, to be ready to protect the Motherland , devoted to her interests. The article mentions the study of modern psychological and pedagogical literature on the studied category. The results of the analysis of the practice of educational work of general secondary education institutions confirm that the levels of physical and military-patriotic education of high school students do not meet modern requirements in the conditions of martial law. It is highlighted that the content of applied physical training consists in the fact that high school students (future soldiers of the Armed Forces of Ukraine) during the lessons of physical culture and "Defense of Ukraine" acquire the necessary knowledge, skills and abilities about physical and tactical-technical training, physical, the need to overcome significant physical exertion and adverse factors of combat activity. In our opinion, using the unity of physical and military-patriotic education in the process of applied physical training helps high school students to gain the necessary knowledge and ideas, new interesting practical experience; try yourself in various physical and mass activities and military-patriotic roles; to acquire the necessary skills and abilities to work in a team. Also, the benefit of this research lies in the actualization of important functions of education, namely: increasing the levels of physical fitness, physical and military-patriotic upbringing of schoolchildren in conditions of armed and informational aggression; increasing the level of readiness of students to serve in the Armed Forces, other military formations and the defense of Ukraine; protection of high school students from hostile information and propaganda influence.

Closed Circuit of 3-Dimensional Polymer Powders

This article describes the most important stages of testing the levels of innovative readiness of a new machine and material construction solutions for closed loops of polymer powders in 3D additive manufacturing. The aim of this study was to indicate the state and directions of development of the technology of geometric recycling of polymer powders in 3D additive manufacturing, the need to control the geometric quality of the powders, and the quality of the design of machines for their processing in a closed circuit. The method was aimed at creating a strategy and verifying the stages of development of a new idea for stabilizing the geometric and dynamic design features of polymer powders for additive manufacturing (3D printing). Connections and relationships of the variable design features of powders, machines and devices with variable postulated states of products and processes allowed for the analysis, knowledge, description and development of variables for stabilizing geometric features of polymer powders in recycling. The results show the possibilities of supporting innovative creativity according to the adopted method, allow for determining the level of compliance of the quality of the products of the technical system, the effectiveness of preparatory processes for recycling and the non-toxicity of the products and processes of the new technology and their closed loop. The goal of developing useful design values, according to an integrated method of analysis, assessment and environmental development, was achieved, including the proposal of design features of razor blade shredders, supported by genetic algorithms, and devices for stabilizing polymer powders in additive manufacturing with recycling.

Exploring the Readiness of the Hospitality Industries in Sorsogon City for Halal Tourism

This study utilized a mixed method research design to evaluate the readiness of hospitality industries in Sorsogon City for halal tourism. Hotel owners, managers, and staff from 14 DOT-accredited establishments served as primary respondents. The research assessed the hospitality industry’s preparedness to cater to the growing Muslim tourist market. It examined stakeholders’ awareness of halal principles, focusing on food, amenities, and facilities. Challenges and strategies for halal tourism adoption were also explored. Findings revealed a fair level of readiness among hotel owners in providing halal food and alcohol- free environments, but a lower capacity to offer diverse halal amenities and facilities. Hotel staff demonstrated fair readiness in accommodating Muslim guests. Key challenges included infrastructure limitations, staff training needs, and operational complexities. Based on these findings, an action plan for promoting halal tourism in Sorsogon City was developed. This study contributes to fostering inclusivity and cultural diversity within the Philippine tourism industry.

English-medium instruction as an internationalisation strategy at a second-tier Chinese University: instructors’ challenges and their shaping factors

Joining the tide of global internationalisation of higher education, Chinese universities have embraced English-medium instruction (EMI) as a strategic response. The adoption of EMI is to comply with government mandates and for institutional survival, as it will increase the international ranking and bring in more income from international students. The switch of medium of instruction and pedagogical issues arising therefrom have drawn considerable scholarly attention. However, little attention has been paid to the implementation of EMI in second- or mid-tier universities, and, particularly, to the attendant pedagogical issues. In comparison to top-tier universities, second-tier universities’ instructors must deal with amplified tensions created between the pedagogical needs and institutional requirements brought by the EMI policy. This study seeks to shed light on the challenges, and their contributing factors, confronted by educators in these universities. Employing a language policy analysis framework informed by policy enactment theory, the research draws upon an examination of both national and institutional policy documents, as well as interviews conducted with nine educators and administrative leaders across three distinct faculties. The investigation reveals that the emergent challenges in implementing EMI stem from several sources, including lax admission standards for international students and the divergent backgrounds and requirements of local versus international student populations. These findings underscore the imperative for a thorough appraisal of contextual nuances before the formulation and implementation of language-in-education policies. This is particularly salient in second-tier academic institutions, which often grapple with limited resources and may not possess the same level of preparedness to adapt their systems as swiftly as their more resourced counterparts.

Design and Manufacture of SiC/SiC Nozzle Guide Vanes With Environmental Barrier Coatings for High-Pressure Turbines

Abstract Increasing the efficiency of jet engines is essential to meet the demanded climate targets. Ceramic matrix composites (CMCs) are strong candidates for aircraft applications because they withstand high temperatures, while their density is two-thirds lower than that of conventional nickel-based alloys. This leads to cooling air savings and a lower overall engine weight, resulting in a potential reduction of emissions. To investigate the potential benefits and manufacturing techniques required for the introduction of CMC to the high-pressure turbine (HPT) of a modern jet engine, the geometry of a nozzle guide vane of an existing turbine was redesigned considering ceramic specific constraints. Then, the liquid silicon infiltration (LSI) process was used to manufacture silicon carbide fiber-reinforced silicon carbide (SiC/SiC) nozzle guide vanes (NGV). Hi-Nicalon S woven fabric was used together with a chemical vapor infiltration (CVI)-based fiber coating. The outer surface of the vane was ground to meet the requirements for surface roughness, and geometric and positional tolerances. Cylindrical, laser-drilled cooling holes were introduced for trailing edge cooling. In the final step, an environmental barrier coating (EBC) system consisting of yttrium disilicate (Y-DS) and yttrium monosilicate (Y-MS) layers was applied using physical vapor deposition (PVD) processing. Wind tunnel testing under technology readiness level (TRL) 4 will be performed and vane performance will be evaluated.

The Green Indium Patented Technology SCRIPT, for Indium Recovery from Liquid Crystal Displays: Bench Scale Validation Driven by Sustainability Assessment

Indium is considered a valuable and irreplaceable material for a variety of applications that improve the quality of human life. Due to its limited availability and the growing demand, it is mandatory to find sustainable solutions for indium recovery from end-of-life devices. The green indium patented technology SCRIPT (ITA202018000008207) focuses on recovering indium from ground LCD panels, developed through laboratory scale investigation. The process ensures high recovery efficiencies of indium (>90%), features a simple design, and fully exploits the solid residue with the production of a concrete for building applications. This manuscript presents a study focused on the validation and optimization of the patented SCRIPT technology at the bench scale, driven by sustainability assessment. Bench scale experiments successfully validated the technology, improving its technology readiness level. Furthermore, an environmental sustainability assessment highlighted the importance of treating the finest fraction, which has the highest indium concentration. Optimization tests at the bench scale demonstrated that water could be recirculated for more than five cycles. The economic sustainability tests highlighted that when the indium concentration in the material fed into the recycling plant is above 1000 mg/kg, the technology is cost effective and worth investment. Our study is fundamental for boosting indium recycling in the world. Moreover, our methodological approach represents a guideline for achieving sustainability goals within circular economy approaches for strategic metals in complex matrices.

Fundamental Understanding of Marine Applications of Molten Salt Reactors: Progress, Case Studies, and Safety

Marine sources contribute approximately 2% of global energy-related CO₂ emissions, with the shipping industry accounting for 87% of this total, making it the fifth-largest emitter globally. Environmental regulations by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), such as the MARPOL (International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships) treaty, have driven the exploration of alternative green energy solutions, including nuclear-powered ships. These ships offer advantages like long operational periods without refueling and increased cargo space, with around 200 reactors already in use on naval vessels worldwide. Among advanced reactor concepts, the molten salt reactor (MSR) is particularly suited for marine applications due to its inherent safety features, compact design, high energy density, and potential to mitigate nuclear waste and proliferation concerns. However, MSR systems face significant challenges, including tritium production, corrosion issues, and complex behavior of volatile fission products. Understanding the impact of marine-induced motion on the thermal–hydraulic behavior of MSRs is crucial, as it can lead to transient design basis accident scenarios. Furthermore, the adoption of MSR technology in the shipping industry requires overcoming regulatory hurdles and achieving global consensus on safety and environmental standards. This review assesses the current progress, challenges, and technological readiness of MSRs for marine applications, highlighting future research directions. The overall technology readiness level (TRL) of MSRs is currently at 3. Achieving TRL 6 is essential for progress, with individual components needing TRLs of 4–8 for a demonstration reactor. Community Readiness Levels (CRLs) must also be addressed, focusing on public acceptance, safety, sustainability, and alignment with decarbonization goals.

Legal Support of Artificial Intelligence in Countering Anti-Money Laundering and Terrorism Financing Regimes in the BRICS Plus Countries

The increasing integration of artificial intelligence technologies into the financial structures of the BRICS Plus countries (comprising the original member countries of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa as well as the four new member countries of Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates) presents both opportunities and challenges in combating economic crimes, which include money laundering and terrorism financing. This article explores the complex regulatory landscape that governs the application of artificial intelligence in these efforts. It examines how artificial intelligence can enhance the performance of anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing frameworks by enabling the evaluation of massive datasets, the identification of anomalous transaction patterns, and the automation of compliance procedures. Simultaneously, the article addresses the highly challenging situations that arise when using artificial intelligence. For instance, these technologies can make it difficult to understand the fluctuation of illicit price ranges, thereby complicating efforts to determine their origins and destinations. Through a comparative analysis of the frameworks throughout the BRICS Plus countries, this research highlights the varying levels of regulatory readiness of these frameworks and proposes pathways for harmonizing artificial intelligence-driven economic security measures. The overarching goal of an artificial intelligence model is to enhance both the effectiveness and the integrity of the financial sectors in the BRICS Plus consortium, necessitating a collaborative approach to combating financial crimes in an increasing number of digital economies across the world.

Assessing health technology implementation during academic research and early-stage development: support tools for awareness and guidance: a review.

For successful health technology innovation and implementation it is key to, in an early phase, understand the problem and whether a proposed innovation is the best way to solve the problem. This review performed an initial exploration of published tools that support innovators in academic research and early stage development with awareness and guidance along the end-to-end process of development, evaluation and implementation of health technology innovations. Tools were identified from scientific literature as well as in grey literature by non-systematic searches in public research databases and search engines, and based on expert referral. A total number of 14 tools were included. Tools were classified as either readiness level tool (n = 6), questionnaire/checklist tool (n = 5) or guidance tool (n = 3). A qualitative analysis of the tools identified 5 key domains, 5 innovation phases and 3 implementation principles. All tools were mapped for (partially) addressing the identified domains, phases, and principles. The present review provides awareness of available tools and of important aspects of health technology innovation and implementation (vs. non-technological or non-health related technological innovations). Considerations for tool selection include for example the purpose of use (awareness or guidance) and the type of health technology innovation. Considerations for novel tool development include the specific challenges in academic and early stage development settings, the translation of implementation to early innovation phases, and the importance of multi-disciplinary strategic decision-making. A remaining attention point for future studies is the validation and effectiveness of (self-assessment) tools, especially in the context of support preferences and available support alternatives.

Organizational readiness to implement bundled interventions to increase HIV linkage and retention in care and treatment: results from the Black Women First (BWF) initiative

BackgroundEvidence-based and evidence-informed interventions designed to address gaps in the HIV care continuum have the potential to improve HIV care and treatment. However, inadequate organizational readiness can derail intervention uptake, prevent the integration of interventions, and contribute to suboptimal HIV treatment outcomes. This study sought to understand organizational readiness to implement bundled interventions for Black women with HIV and inform facilitators and barriers to implementation.MethodsWe conducted a mixed methods readiness assessment across 12 sites participating in the Black Women First (BWF) initiative to gauge preparedness to implement bundled interventions. Readiness was assessed using the organizational readiness for implementing change (ORIC) scale, and two open-ended questions examined facilitators and barriers. Associations between participant and organizational level factors were evaluated using linear models with clustering by site at baseline, 6- and 12-months. Pre-implementation interviews were conducted with staff virtually and transcripts were managed in NVivo. Directed content analysis was used to explore implementation barriers and facilitators.FindingsSites demonstrated high levels of organizational readiness at baseline; overall organizational readiness for implementing change (ORIC) (mean 56.4, median 59, interquartile range [IQR] 5) and subscales of the ORIC change efficacy (mean 32.4, median 35, IQR 4), change commitment (mean 24, median 25, IQR 1), which is consistent with willingness and capability to implement bundled interventions for Black women with HIV. Organizational readiness remained high at 6- and 12-month follow-up periods. Staff role was significantly associated with organizational readiness (p = 0.007), change efficacy (p = 0.006), and change commitment (p = 0.020) at 6 months. Qualitative analysis indicated strategic planning and assessment (e.g., team coordination and the development of workflows to support implementation); organizational change through network weaving across silos within the organization, and communications systems that engage external partners, as well as resources available for hiring and training, supported readiness. Collaborative leadership and organizational buy-in, staff motivation, and partnerships facilitated implementation processes.ConclusionsOrganizations in the BWF initiative have high levels of organizational readiness reflecting willingness and capability to implement bundled interventions for Black women with HIV. Future research should examine the relationship between readiness and clinical outcomes.

A scoping review on advancements in noninvasive wearable technology for heart failure management

Wearables offer a promising solution for enhancing remote monitoring (RM) of heart failure (HF) patients by tracking key physiological parameters. Despite their potential, their clinical integration faces challenges due to the lack of rigorous evaluations. This review aims to summarize the current evidence and assess the readiness of wearables for clinical practice using the Medical Device Readiness Level (MDRL). A systematic search identified 99 studies from 3112 found articles, with only eight being randomized controlled trials. Accelerometery was the most used measurement technique. Consumer-grade wearables, repurposed for HF monitoring, dominated the studies with most of them in the feasibility testing stage (MDRL 6). Only two of the described wearables were specifically designed for HF RM, and received FDA approval. Consequently, the actual impact of wearables on HF management remains uncertain due to limited robust evidence, posing a significant barrier to their integration into HF care.