Quality Factor Research Articles

Impact of anthropometric factors on chest compression depth during CPR provided by children aged 11–14 in a community-wide study

ObjectiveTo assess the depth of chest compressions (CC) provided by schoolchildren and their relation with providers’s anthropometric characteristics. MethodsWe organized 1-hour hands-on training sessions for 11-14y.o. in volunteering schools. After training, willing subjects performed 2 min of recorded continuous CCs by means of Laerdal Resusci Anne® with CPRMeter2®, with visual feedback. Compression pace was given by metronome; instructors supervised the correct body position. Collected data included age, sex, as well as measured body weight and height. ResultsWe analyzed records from N = 702 children (mean age: 12.76 ± 1.02 years, 379 (51.63%) boys) out of 761 participating in the study. Their mean median compression depth (MCD) was 46.70 ± 7.74 mm, which was below minimal effective CC depth advised by current guidelines (50 mm). This corresponded to low mean fraction of CCs ≥ 50 mm (CCF ≥ 50 mm, 42.86 ± 33.67%), and only 42.88% of children achieving at least 50% of compressions ≥ 50 mm. Boys had significantly higher mean MCD and CCF ≥ 50 mm than girls (MCD: 49.34 ± 7.05 mm vs 45.97 ± 8.07 mm, p < 0.0001; CCF ≥ 50 mm: 50.23 ± 32.90% vs 40.40 ± 34.97%, p < 0.0001). Age differentiated children who achieved at least 50% of compressions ≥50 mm from those who did not with AUC of 0.69 (for cut-off of 12.1 years: 85% sensitivity, 41% specificity), whereas weight offered an improved prediction (AUC 0.74; for cut-off 44.8 kg: 77.4% sensitivity, 61.1% specificity). ConclusionsSex, age and anthropometric factors are significant CC quality factors. Children with higher body weight are more likely to deliver CCF50%≥50 mm. Among the studied population, children ≥12 years old provided more effective chest compressions.

Experimental demonstration of merging quasi-BICs in photonic crystal slabs

Merging bound states in the continuum (BICs) and avoided crossing of resonances (ACR) are promising theoretical approaches to greatly enhance the quality (Q) factors of quasi-BICs in reciprocal space. We observe the phenomena of merging BICs and ACR in millimeter-sized C4v symmetry photonic crystal structures. The ACR at Γ point is obtained in the variation of the structural parameter. In off-Γ region, the merging BICs at arbitrary locations are observed in the experimental measurements. The findings offer a pathway to high-performance photonic devices with potential applications in optoelectronics and microwave experimentation.

Understanding quality-of-life determinants in coronary arterial disease patients

The study aimed to examine the correlation of determinant factors of quality of life in coronary arterial disease (CAD) patients, including knowledge of disease, smoking cessation, physical activity, and dietary regulation. A quantitative, cross-sectional study using convenience was conducted among 216 CAD patients from the West Sumatra, Indonesia, outpatient cardiovascular center. Data were collected using the cardiovascular disease knowledge assessment questionnaire, smoking cessation, physical activity, diet questionnaire, and self-assessment questionnaire to measure knowledge of the disease, smoking cessation, physical activity, diet, and quality of life, respectively data analysis using Chi-square, Pearson correlation, and multivariate linear regression test. The result showed that dietary regulation was the most influential variable on the quality of life of CAD patients (B=1.670, SE=0.341), followed by smoking cessation, physical activity, and knowledge about the disease. Our data suggest that dietary regulation, smoking cessation, and regular physical activity as modifiable CAD risk factors and disease knowledge improve the quality of life of CAD patients. Future research and clinician intervention for CAD awareness of lifestyle modification should be expanded to focus on barriers and their challenges during cardiac rehabilitation.

Investigation and Analysis of the Current Status of Health-Related Quality of Life in Adolescents with Hemophilia in Hubei Province.

Aims/Background Reliable health-related quality of life data are critical in developing countries, in order to advocate for government agencies to develop national hemophilia care programmes. This study aims to explore the current status and influencing factors of health-related quality of life among adolescents with hemophilia in Hubei Province, so as to provide empirical data for professionals. Methods A total of 84 children with hemophilia aged 8 to 18, who were registered in Tongji Hemophilia Treatment Center and Hubei Hemophilia Home, were selected using a cluster sampling method. The "General Situation Questionnaire of Hemophiliac Adolescents", designed by Tongji Hemophilia Treatment Center, and "the Chinese version of Canadian hemophilia outcomes-kid's life assessment tool (CHO-KLAT)", were used for this study conducted from June 1, 2022 to December 30, 2022. Results 82 completed questionnaires were included. The average age of the 82 adolescents was 13.04 ± 3.29 years and all were males. Among them, 67 were hemophilia A and 15 were hemophilia B. 61 cases were severe type, 19 were moderate type and 2 cases were mild type. The average total score of the CHO-KLAT for adolescents with hemophilia in Hubei Province was 49.49, which was lower than their counterparts in developed countries. The statistically significant influencing factors included residence, annual family income, and disease type. Conclusion This study provides empirical data support for the health management of adolescents with hemophilia, highlighting the importance of improving medical resource access, transfusion convenience, and psychological support in enhancing the quality of life for this group. The results emphasize the need for healthcare systems and policymakers to take specific measures to address these factors to improve the treatment and care conditions for adolescents with hemophilia.

The effects of shift work on sleep quality, diet quality, and obesity-related factors: A male population study

ABSTRACT Recent studies suggest that shift working may trigger health issues through disrupted circadian rhythms and altered eating habits. This study aimed to examine the possible associations of shift work with sleep quality, diet quality and obesity-related parameters. This study was conducted with 150 males (75 shift and daytime workers) aged 24–50 years. Dietary intake was determined using the 24-hour recall method, and dietary quality was evaluated using the Healthy Eating Index-2010 (HEI-2010). Anthropometrical measurements and body composition were assessed. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index was used to evaluate sleep quality. Fasting and postprandial glucose and insulin, and fasting lipid levels were analyzed. HOMA-IR was calculated, and blood pressure was measured. The total HEI-2010 score of shift workers (52.6 [45.4–58.8]) was lower than the daytime workers (55.9 [49.1–64.9]) (p = 0.016). Among individuals with good sleep quality, the total HEI-2010 score, seafood and plant proteins, fatty acids, and sodium scores were lower in shift workers compared to others (p < 0.05 for each). Non-obese shift workers had higher body weight, waist circumference, waist/hip ratio, VLDL-cholesterol, triglyceride, postprandial glucose, and insulin levels compared to daytime workers (p < 0.05 for each). This study demonstrates that shift working is associated with lower diet quality independent of sleep quality.

Optical whispering gallery mode resonators: analysing thermo-optic tuning in a silicon sphere

ABSTRACT In this work, we discuss and experimentally investigate the whispering gallery modes (WGMs) in a 500 μm radius silicon sphere. We begin by reviewing the basics of WGM resonators, followed by simulations and experimental results obtained with the aforementioned silicon spherical WGM resonator. The recorded WGM signatures in the transmission and scattering spectra excited, in the near-infrared (near-IR) region, agree well with the simulations. Thermo-optic tuning of these WGMs is achieved by introducing a pump laser in the violet-blue region. Red-shifts in wavelength are observed, which increase with the increase in the pump power. A shift of 0.63 nm is observed at a pump power of 6.32 mW. We also study switching by analysing the transient response of the WGM spectra. The measured WGMs exhibit high quality factors ( Q ∼ 10 5 ), which along with the aforesaid tunability, demonstrates the potential of spherical silicon resonator as a platform for photonic applications, e.g. sensing and communication. In summary, this work contributes towards the understanding of the fundamental physics of WGMs and provides insights into silicon WGM resonators.

Design and simulation of an enhanced optical demultiplexer using photonic crystal resonators

The purpose of this paper is to examine the design, simulation, and optimization of a demultiplexer optical system using photonic crystal resonators. Utilizing the distinct properties of photonic crystals, the proposed device achieves high-quality resonances, efficient wavelength separation, and minimal crosstalk. These characteristics are crucial for enhancing the performance of dense wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM) systems, which require precise and efficient channel separation to manage increasing data traffic. Extensive simulations conducted with the RSoft CAD tool explore the impact of varying resonator parameters such as refractive index, geometric dimensions, and material composition on the device's performance. The results indicate substantial improvements in transmission efficiency and quality factor, with average values of 98.675% and 3131.125, respectively. Furthermore, the ability to fine-tune these parameters allows for the customization of the demultiplexer to specific wavelength ranges, making it highly adaptable for various telecommunications applications. This research aims to propel the development of compact, high-performance photonic devices that meet the growing demands of modern communication networks, ultimately contributing to more efficient and reliable optical communication systems.

Enhanced recovery and reduced conversion rates in robotic rectal cancer surgery: a single-center retrospective cohort study.

This study aimed to compare the outcomes of robotic-assisted rectal resection with conventional laparoscopic and open approaches, focusing on complication rates, conversion rates, length of hospital stay, and oncologic outcomes. A retrospective single-center cohort study included 106 patients with non-metastatic rectal cancer (UICC stages I-III) who underwent rectal resection from January 2013 to December 2023. Patients were assigned to open surgery (n = 23), conventional laparoscopic surgery (n = 55), or robotic-assisted surgery (n = 28). Robotic surgery demonstrated significantly lower conversion rates compared to minimal-invasive surgeries (p = 0.047) and shorter hospital stays (11.5 ± 8days) compared to open (17.91 ± 12days) and laparoscopic (17.2 ± 14days) surgeries (p = 0.001). The quality of the specimen was significantly better (Score 1) in robotic (85.71%) and open (89.09%) cases compared to laparoscopic approaches (47.83%) (p < 0.001). Laparoscopic surgery was identified as a risk factor for worse specimen quality (p < 0.001). Older patients (> 63years) had a higher risk for conversion in univariate analysis (p = 0.049). Morbidity was comparable between the groups (p = 0.131), and the anastomotic leakage rate did not differ significantly (laparoscopic: 18.18%, open: 13.04%, robotic: 17.86%). Kaplan-Meier survival curves showed no significant differences in overall survival probabilities among the groups. Robotic-assisted rectal resection provides significant advantages in terms of lower conversion rates, better specimen quality, and shorter hospital stays while maintaining comparable complication rates and oncologic outcomes to conventional laparoscopic and open approaches. These findings support robotic surgery as a standard treatment option for rectal cancer.

Corrigendum: Design of GaAs microcavity on SiN waveguide for efficient single-photon generation by resonant excitation (2024 Mater. Quantum. Technol. 4 026201)

Abstract This corrigendum resolves an error in the plot of quality factors as a function of number of air holes in figure 5(a) and its caption. In the original version, the symbols for the plot of quality factors before and after optimization were mistakenly interchanged, and the caption mentioned a wrong symbol. In the correct version below, blue rectangles have been replaced with blue stars and vice versa. The caption ‘Figure 5. (a)Plot of coupling efficiency (left) and quality factor (right) as a function of number of air holes for the cavity-waveguide system before (solid rectangles) and after (hollow triangles) optimizing the termination region.’ has been changed to ‘Figure 5. (a) Plot of coupling efficiency (left) and quality factor (right) as a function of number of air holes for the cavity-waveguide system before (solid rectangles) and after (solid stars) optimizing the termination region.’ Their interpretation remains unchanged.

Tailoring of Circularly Polarized Beams Employing Bound States in the Continuum in a Designed Photonic Crystal Metasurface Nanostructure

We propose a photonic crystal (PC) nanostructure that combines bound states In the continuum (BIC) with a high-quality factor up to 107 for emitting circularly polarized beams. We break the in-plane inversion symmetry of the unit cell by tilting the triangular hole of the hexagonal lattice, resulting in the conversion of a symmetrically protected BIC to a quasi-BIC. High-quality circularly polarized light is obtained efficiently by adjusting the tilt angles of the hole and the thickness of the PC layer. By changing the hole’s geometry in the unit cell, the Q-factor of circularly polarized light is further improved. The quality factor can be adjusted from 6.0 × 103 to 1.7 × 107 by deliberately changing the shape of the holes. Notably, the proposed nanostructure exhibits a large bandgap, which significantly facilitates the generation of stable single-mode resonance. The proposed structure is anticipated to have practical applications in the field of laser technology, particularly in the advancement of low-threshold PC surface emitting lasers (PCSELs).

Improvement of SAW Resonator Performance by Petal-like Topological Insulator

This article introduces a novel petal-like SAW topology insulator, which can transmit sound waves with low loss and high flexibility in an ultra-wide frequency band by simultaneously adjusting multiple structural parameters of phononic crystals. Using finite element analysis, it was found that adjusting these parameters can generate a broadband gap of 55.8–65.7 MHz. This structure can also achieve defect immunity and sharp bending in waveguide transmission. When this topology insulator is applied to resonators, compared to traditional designs, the insertion loss is reduced by 22 dB, the on-load quality factor is increased by 227%, the off-load quality factor is increased by 1024.5%, and the quality sensitivity is improved by 3.7 times compared to bare devices.

Design and Optimization of Refractive Index Biosensor for MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 Breast Cancer Biomarker Detection

Abstract Breast cancer is the leading malignancy in women and the second most frequent cancer globally. Earlier identification of breast cancer can improve treatment outcomes and prevent metastasis beyond the breast. Traditional screening tests are not sensitive enough for early diagnosis and have extended detection periods. Recent studies have explored several Breast cancer biosensor techniques, including optical, electrical, electrochemical, and mechanical biosensors. This paper proposes a circle with a large plus sign refractive index biosensor for the identification of two distinct breast cancer cells namely, MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7. The highest sensitivity has been observed 1714.28 nm/RIU for the MDA-MB-231 and 1714.28 nm/RIU for the MCF-7. The highest quality factor (QF) value for NC1(normal cell of MDA-MB-231) is 10.52, for CC1(cancer cell of MDA-MB-231) is 11.94, for NC2 (normal cell of MCF-7) is 10.64, and for CC2 (cancer cell of MCF-7) is 12.09. The value of detection limits (DL) for NC1 is 0.1573, for CC1 is 0.1360, for NC2 is 0.1554, and for CC2 is 0.1341. This proposed sensor can highly sense the breast cancer biomarkers.&amp;#xD;

Performance Analysis of LLC Resonant and Pulse Width Modulation Direct Current- Direct Current Converters for Buck and Boost Operation

Performance Analysis of LLC Resonant and Pulse Width Modulation Direct Current- Direct Current Converters for Buck and Boost Operation

Parameters Identification Related to Design of Customer Relationship Management Structure for Health Tourism Facilitators in Iran: A Case Study of Iran

The Health Tourism Industry is burgeoning within Iran, presenting promising opportunities. Despite its relative infancy in the country, this sector predominantly comprises Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). These entities encounter a spectrum of challenges as they navigate the path to growth, with Customer Relationship Management (CRM) emerging as a prominent concern. Effective management of customer relations necessitates a comprehensive understanding of their diverse needs and challenges, spanning from initial engagement to the culmination of the relationship. Designing an effective CRM structure requires a meticulous exploration of these facets throughout the customer journey. In our study, we conducted a literature review to explore these challenges and employed a qualitative approach, conducting semi-structured interviews with seven Iranian health tourism facilitators. Through framework analysis, we identified key insights into CRM challenges and strategies. Our thematic analysis revealed seven pivotal themes germane to CRM within Iranian health tourism facilitation: Initial customer engagement; Transformation of information between customers and health tourism facilitator; Data assessment and Challenges in information exchange; Perception of service quality factors; Cultural and national considerations; Monitoring and oversight; and Stress mitigation strategies Keywords: customer relationship management, health tourism, health tourism facilitators, health care, customer journey

A near-infrared metastructure to realizing polarization conversion and sensing based on the electromagnetic induced reflection

A multifunctional metastructure (MS) working in the near-infrared band is proposed that achieves linear to circular polarization conversion (LTCPC) and electromagnetically induced reflection (EIR). In addition, due to the use of reflected electric fields to overcome the influences of near-infrared band thermal radiation, MS has a good multifunctional sensing detection. The given MS is composed of a four-layer stacked structure. From the substrate to the top layer (along the +z-direction), it consists of silver, a silicon dioxide layer, and two layers of silicon (Si) resonators. Each layer of the Si resonator has four holes created by rotation. By breaking the symmetry of the upper and lower Si layers of MS, the deviation of the rotation angle of the upper and lower holes is introduced, so the MS achieved a near-infrared EIR with an ultrahigh quality factor (Q-factor). Under electromagnetic wave incidence, at 187.89 THz, the Q-factor of MS's reflection peak reaches 2441.25. Due to the unique shapes of the two resonator layers' holes, the axial ratio (AR) is less than 3 dB between 187.844 THz and 187.871 THz, realizing LTCPC. Utilizing the relationship between the optimal polarization conversion frequency point (the frequency corresponding to the lowest AR) and the environmental refractive index, the MS can be used for detecting cancer cells with a sensing sensitivity (S) of 37.24 THz/RIU (36.06 THz/RIU). By introducing the alcohol into the MS, the refractive index of the alcohol to be measured. MS achieved the detection function of the alcohol solution volume fraction, with an S reaching 33.32 THz/RIU, and a figure of merit as high as 154.202. Finally, the related parameters and polarization angle are discussed. The effects of different parameters on EIR and AR also are analyzed. The innovation of this paper lies in the realization of EIR, and a method to improve the Q-factor of near-infrared EIR by rotating the structure is proposed. The combination of a high Q-factor and polarization conversion overcomes the disadvantage that both are difficult to achieve together, and the EIR is easier to detect than the electromagnetically induced transparency. The design also has potential applications in biomedical sensors and industrial production.

Dual-band terahertz metamaterials with electromagnetically induced transparency-like enabling high-performance sensing

In this paper, a high-performance metamaterial sensor with a square split-ring resonator and a double circular split-ring resonator is proposed, which can simultaneously excite broad-band and narrow-band electromagnetically induced transparency-like (EIT-like) effects in the terahertz band. First, the mechanisms of the dual-band EIT-like effects have been revealed by the analyses of the transmission spectra and surface current distributions in the metamaterial. Then, the influences of structural parameters on the dual-band EIT-like are discussed further. Finally, the metamaterial is very sensitive to the change of the refractive index of the surrounding media, and the sensitivity of the dual-band EIT-like resonances can reach 150 GHz/RIU and 237.5 GHz/RIU and the quality factor values are 1.67 and 7.92, respectively. The proposed metamaterial broadens the pathway for the excitation of multi-band EIT-like effects and offers promising applications in multi-frequency sensors, filters and many other aspects.

The Impact of Interactivity on Customer Purchase Intention in Social Media Marketing: The Mediating Role of Social Presence

This research utilizes the S-O-R (stimulus-organism-response) framework to investigate how essential quality factors impact consumer behavior in social media marketing. Specifically, it assesses the impact of information quality, which includes believability, usefulness, and vividness, on social presence and customer purchase intention. Additionally, it evaluates interaction quality, characterized by responsiveness, real-time interaction, and empathy, and its influence on these variables. Data were obtained from 652 Chinese consumers engaged in live broadcasts through an online survey. Employing PLS-SEM with SPSS and SmartPLS software, the analysis revealed significant impacts from both information and interaction quality on the results of the study. These factors were found to enhance customers' perception of social presence, significantly affecting their intent to purchase on social media live platforms. The findings offer crucial theoretical and practical insights for merchants to refine marketing strategies, underlining the importance of high-quality information and interaction in boosting consumer engagement and driving purchase decisions.

Service Quality Factors of Argobazar Online Adoption among Customers

Service Quality Factors of Argobazar Online Adoption among Customers

Chemotherapy induced alopecia in breast cancer patients: A monocentric prospective study.

Alopecia is one of the main adverse events of chemotherapy in breast cancer. However, its impact is often ignored and underestimated by clinicians. Our aim was to evaluate the quality of life of breast cancer patients with chemotherapy induced alopecia. We conducted a prospective study including 72 breast cancer patients who developed alopecia on or after stopping chemotherapy in the last 6 months. Clinical information and characteristics of alopecia were assessed using a self-prepared questionnaire. DLQI score was used to evaluate patients' quality of life. We interviewed a total of 72 women with a mean age of 53.5 ± 6 years. Alopecia appeared soon after the first course in 62.5%. All patients actively tried to hide induced hair fall (either by a hat in 6.9% or by a headscarf in 93.1%). Quality of life was impacted in 97.2% of patients with a median DLQI score of 6.5. Women who did not underwent mastectomy were significantly more bothered by hair loss than those who had radical surgery (78.1% vs 55%, p = 0.04). Working status was a significant predictor factor of a bad quality of life due to alopecia (100% in working women vs 58.3% in homemaker or retired patients, p = 0.006). Chemotherapy induced alopecia had a negative impact on quality of life of patients with breast cancer, especially in working women and those who did not have radical surgery. Prior wearing of headscarves did not impact significantly the DLQI score.

Revealing the distribution characteristics and key driving factors of dissolved organic matter in Baiyangdian Lake inflow rivers from different seasons and sources

The river course is a transitional area connecting the source and receiving water bodies. The dissolved organic matter (DOM) in the river course is an important factor affecting the aquatic environment and ecological health. However, there are shortcomings in studying the differences and quantitative contributions of river DOM in different seasons and sources. In this study, ultraviolet-visible (UV–vis) and three-dimensional fluorescence spectra were used to characterize the optical properties, analyze the spatiotemporal changes, and establish the quantitative relationship between environmental factors and DOM in the inflow rivers of Baiyangdian Lake. The results showed that the relative DOM concentrations in summer and autumn were significantly higher than those in the other seasons (P < 0.001) and that the DOM source (SR < 1) was mainly exogenous. The fluorescence abundance of protein-like substances (C1 + C2 + C3) was the highest in spring, whereas that of humus C4 was the highest in autumn. Moreover, the inflow rivers exhibited strong autogenetic characteristics (BIX > 1) throughout the year. Self-organizing maps (SOM) indicated that the main driving factors of water quality were NO3−-N in spring, autumn, and winter and DO, pH, and chemical oxygen demand (COD) in summer. Random forest analysis showed that the fluorescent components (C1–C4) were closely related to the migration and transformation of nitrogen, and pH and nitrogen were the main predictors of each component. The Mantel test and structural equation model (SEM) showed that temperature and NO3−-N significantly influenced the DOM concentration, components, and molecular properties in different seasons. Moreover, the river source also affected the distribution mechanism of DOM in the water body. Our study comprehensively analyzed the response of DOM in inflow rivers in different seasons and water sources, providing a basis for further understanding the driving mechanisms of water quality.