50716 research outputs found
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IVF sonification:making music to the rhythm of life
No full textThis study explores the use of sonification in improving the In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) experience for expectant parents. The authors propose that the sonification of IVF videos, depicting the division of embryonic cells, can aid in enhancing understanding of embryonic development and foster emotional connections with medical imagery. To demonstrate this concept, the authors developed a system for creating emotional music synchronized with IVF videos, using a combination of rule-based methods and a neural network. The system was evaluated through two studies, including an online survey and a semi-structured interview, with participants being shown the sonified IVF videos. Results indicated a strong preference for videos with sonification among expectant mothers and a perceived relationship between the sonification and the video. The study supports previous findings on the trade-off between aesthetics and information conveyed through sonification, and suggests that sonification can improve the overall experience and stimulate curiosity without necessarily imparting new information about the embryos.</p
Beyond ‘Eat-Pray-Love’: Designing transformative CX for self-discovery in extended service encounters
No full textTransformative experiences are considered to be the most impactful of all customer experience (CX) types. Many consumers seek service experiences that facilitate extraordinary personal revelations, like those depicted in the ‘Eat-Pray-Love’ self-discovery pilgrimage. However, there has been limited research on the design of transformative CX in more accessible, long-term services. Using a service co-design method of three workshops (n = 36), we develop an empirically-based framework for the design of transformative CX in extended service contexts (e.g. fitness, tertiary education, aged care, employee onboarding). Three stages were identified: the Foundation stage, Fortification stage and Fruition stage. This study makes a theoretical contribution presenting the criticality of designing discomfort into the service for transformative CX, and evidences the importance of ordinary, frequent moments (rather than peak-end intense moments) to support self-discovery over time. Managers involved in the design of extended services must highlight the relationship between involvement and expected degree of transformation
Shifts in seasonal influenza patterns in Australia during and after COVID-19:A comprehensive analysis
No full textBACKGROUND: During the COVID-19 pandemic, seasonal influenza virus circulation was heavily suppressed worldwide. In Australia, since the virus re-emerged in 2022, shifts in seasonal influenza patterns have been observed. Both the 2022 and 2023 seasons started earlier than pre-pandemic norms and were categorised as moderate to severe, highlighting the renewed importance of prevention strategies for seasonal influenza.METHODS: We analysed influenza notification data from the Australian National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System (2012-2022) and virological surveillance data from the FluNet database (2012-2023). Using generalised additive models, we compared predicted weekly influenza case counts during 2020-2022 with observed counts. Epidemic weeks were detected using a negative binomial threshold, and epidemic onset was estimated with a Bayesian Poisson count detection algorithm. Trends in epidemic magnitude and onset timing across influenza virus types and subtypes were compared for pre-, during, and post-COVID-19 periods.RESULTS: Seasonal influenza activity was nearly absent in 2020 and 2021 but rebounded significantly in 2022 and 2023. Epidemic detection confirmed suppressed seasonal influenza circulation during the pandemic. While influenza A subtypes returned to pre-pandemic onset timings in 2022, influenza B exhibited a significantly delayed onset. The 2022 and 2023 seasons were moderate to severe, with earlier-than-average season starts, underscoring the ongoing changes in influenza dynamics post-pandemic.CONCLUSIONS: This study provided a detailed analysis of the disruptions and subsequent shifts in seasonal influenza patterns in Australia during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. The rapid resurgence of influenza activity in 2022 and 2023, combined with altered onset timings, highlights the importance of ongoing surveillance and adaptive forecasting models to address the evolving complexity of influenza epidemiology in the post-pandemic era.</p
Reconceptualizing vaccine nationalism: A multi-perspective analysis on security, technology, and global competition
No full textIn this perspective paper, we argue that the broader economic, political, and geo-strategic considerations leading to a nationalist approach in the development, deployment, and use of COVID-19 vaccines remain largely unexplored in the existing literature. We propose to expand and reframe the current discourse on vaccine nationalism (VN). This involves examining nationalist practices and policies beyond merely securing vaccine access during the global COVID-19 vaccine shortage. We seek to identify the core characteristics of this nationalist approach to COVID-19 vaccines by drawing on existing nationalism literature. We then examine the root causes of vaccine nationalism from three distinctive yet interrelated perspectives, each aimed at uncovering its root causes: national security, technological catch-up, and rising geo-strategic competition in technology and ideology. Notably, our analysis of VN draws extensively on the vaccine-related policies and practices observed in China. By considering these perspectives and their interplay, we contend that a more holistic and nuanced understanding of vaccine nationalism can be achieved
Understanding Factors Influencing Whole-Process Consulting Service Quality: Based on a Mixed Research Method
No full textTo address the fragmentation in the engineering consulting industry, whole-process consulting (WPC) has undergone rapid development in China. Engineering consulting companies are actively transitioning towards WPC and aiming to enhance whole-process consulting service quality (WPCSQ). However, research on WPCSQ and its influencing factors is still lacking. This paper adopts a mixed research approach combining qualitative and quantitative methods. Initially, the grounded theory (GT) method is used to determine the influencing factors of WPCSQ, and the TEOK model is constructed. Then, Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) is utilized for model validation. The results show that WPCSQ is most affected by knowledge management and least affected by organizational factors. Based on the above analyses, recommendations for improving WPCSQ are provided from the viewpoints of engineering consulting companies and governments. These suggestions are aimed at fostering the healthy and sustainable progression of WPC
Editorial:Writing from the Fringes
No full textThis piece is the introduction to a special issue of a journal, Text: journal and writing and writing programs, focused on marginal voices and creative practice
Performance-based design synthesis and analysis of a 6-4 UPS parallel mechanism based virtual biomechanical shoulder robot model
No full textThe human shoulder complex provides a broad range of motions for the upper arm and existing in-silico musculoskeletal models can be used to study the associated kinematic parameters. These models are also quite useful in the design of suitable control systems for rehabilitation robots. However, to save the time consumed in the control-related computations, normally these musculoskeletal models are required to be simplified compromising their versatility. In this article, a Virtual 6-4 Parallel Biomechanical Shoulder Robot Model (VBSRM) is proposed to be used as a musculoskeletal model for a shoulder rehabilitation robot. The kinematic model of the proposed VBSRM is developed and validated by a case study. A singularity analysis of the robot’s Jacobian matrix was carried out to avoid a possible singular VBSRM design. Wrench analysis and structural design analysis were conducted to obtain actuator forces and dynamic stiffness behavior of the VBSRM respectively. Finally, an optimal design of the parallel mechanism of the VBSRM was obtained using genetic algorithm (GA), while establishing a tradeoff between various performance indices. This optimal design is that used to evaluate the workspace of the proposed VBSRM. This optimal design can further be used in studying the dynamics of the proposed VBSRM and shoulder functioning evaluations
A Genomic-Based Workflow for eDNA Assay Development for a Critically Endangered Turtle, Myuchelys georgesi
Get PDFEnvironmental DNA (eDNA) analysis has become a popular conservation tool for detecting rare and elusive species. eDNA assays typically target mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) due to its high copy number per cell and its ability to persist in the environment longer than nuclear DNA. Consequently, the development of eDNA assays has relied on mitochondrial reference sequences available in online databases, or in cases where such data are unavailable, de novo DNA extraction and sequencing of mtDNA. In this study, we designed eDNA primers for the critically endangered Bellinger River turtle (Myuchelys georgesi) using a bioinformatically assembled mitochondrial genome (mitogenome) derived from a reference genome. We confirmed the accuracy of this assembled mitogenome by comparing it to a Sanger-sequenced mitogenome of the same species, and no base pair mismatches were detected. Using the bioinformatically extracted mitogenome, we designed two 20 bp primers that target a 152-base-pair-long fragment of the cytochrome oxidase 1 (CO1) gene and a 186-base-pair-long fragment of the cytochrome B (CytB) gene. Both primers were successfully validated in silico, in vitro, and in situ.</p