Search Results (63)

AI-powered health assistants offer promising opportunities to enhance health management among older adults. However, real-world uptake remains limited, not only due to individual hesitation, but also because of complex interactions among users, platforms, and public policies. This study investigates the dynamic behavioral mechanisms behind adoption in aging populations using a tripartite evolutionary game model. Based on replicator dynamics, the model simulates the strategic behaviors of older adults, platforms, and government. It identifies evolutionarily stable strategies, examines convergence patterns, and evaluates parameter sensitivity through a Jacobian matrix analysis. Results show that when adoption costs are high, platform trust is low, and government support is limited, the system tends to converge to a low-adoption equilibrium with poor service quality. In contrast, sufficient policy incentives, platform investment, and user trust can shift the system toward a high-adoption state. Trust coefficients and incentive intensity are especially influential in shaping system dynamics. This study proposes a novel framework for understanding the co-evolution of trust, service optimization, and institutional support. It emphasizes the importance of coordinated trust-building strategies and layered policy incentives to promote sustainable engagement with AI health technologies in aging societies. Full article

The reliability and safety of five-axis CNC abrasive water jet machining are critical for many industries. This study employs Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) to identify and mitigate potential failures in this machining system. Traditional FMEA, which relies on crisp numerical values, often struggles with handling uncertainty in risk assessment. To address this limitation, this paper introduces an Interval-Valued Spherical Fuzzy FMEA (IVSF-FMEA) approach, which enhances risk evaluation by incorporating membership, non-membership, and hesitancy degrees. The IVSF-FMEA method leverages the inherent rotational symmetry of interval-valued spherical fuzzy sets and the permutation symmetry among severity, occurrence, and detectability criteria, resulting in a transformation-invariant and unbiased risk assessment framework. Applying IVSF-FMEA to seven periodic failure (PF) modes in five-axis CNC water jet machining achieves a more precise prioritization of risks, leading to improved decision-making and resource allocation. The findings highlight improper fixturing of the workpiece (PF6) as the most critical failure mode, with the highest RPN value of −0.54, followed by mechanical vibrations (PF2) and tool wear and breakage (PF1). This indicates that ensuring proper fixturing stability is essential for maintaining machining accuracy and preventing defects. Comparative analysis with traditional FMEA demonstrates the superiority of the proposed fuzzy-based approach in handling subjective assessments and reducing ambiguity. The findings highlight improper fixturing, mechanical vibrations, and tool wear as the most critical failure modes, necessitating targeted risk mitigation strategies. This research contributes to advancing risk assessment methodologies in complex manufacturing environments. Full article

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a leading cause of several cancers, most notably cervical cancer, but also anal, penile, vulvar, vaginal, and oropharyngeal malignancies. While vaccines and screening technologies offer highly effective prevention, the global burden of HPV-induced cancers remains disproportionately high in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). This literature review provides a comprehensive synthesis of the types, mechanisms, treatments, and prevention strategies associated with HPV-related cancers, while also highlighting regional disparities in healthcare access and infrastructure. It critically examines the barriers LMICs face in adopting life-saving interventions, such as limited healthcare infrastructure, vaccine hesitancy, funding gaps, and cultural stigma. The review further explores recent scientific and policy advances—including single-dose vaccination, self-sampling HPV tests, and senolytic therapies—that have the potential to reduce global health inequities. By connecting molecular biology with public health systems, this paper underscores the need for interdisciplinary solutions and equity-centered approaches to combat HPV-induced cancers worldwide. The findings emphasize that eliminating cervical cancer and other HPV-related diseases is not only a scientific goal but also a moral imperative requiring global collaboration and local action. Full article

(1) Background: With the deep integration of e-commerce and video technology, live-streaming marketing has emerged globally and maintained rapid growth. However, most of the current research on live-streaming e-commerce marketing focuses on merchants’ sales strategies and consumers’ purchase intentions, and there is relatively little research related to the risks of live-streaming e-commerce marketing. Nevertheless, with the development of live-streaming e-commerce marketing and its integration with technologies such as artificial intelligence and virtual reality (VR), live-streaming e-commerce marketing still faces challenges such as unclear subject responsibility, difficulty in verifying the authenticity of marketing information, and uneven product quality. It also harbors problems such as the ethical misbehavior of AI anchors and the excessive beautification of products by VR technology. (2) Methods: This study systematically analyzes the scenarios of live-streaming marketing to elucidate the mechanisms of risk formation. Utilizing fault tree analysis (FTA) and risk checklist methods, risks are identified based on the three core elements of live-streaming marketing: “people–products–scenes”. Subsequently, the Delphi method is employed to refine the initial risk indicator system, resulting in the construction of a comprehensive risk indicator system comprising three first-level indicators, six second-level indicators, and 16 third-level indicators. A hesitant fuzzy multi-attribute group decision-making method (HFMGDM) is then applied to calculate the weights of the risk indicators and comprehensively assess the live-streaming marketing risks in live broadcast rooms of three prominent celebrity anchors in China. Furthermore, a detailed analysis is conducted on the risks associated with the six secondary indicators. Based on the risk evaluation results, targeted recommendations are proposed. This study aims to enhance consumers’ awareness of risk prevention when conducting live-streaming transactions and pay attention to related risks, thereby safeguarding consumer rights and fostering the healthy and sustainable development of the live-streaming marketing industry. (3) Conclusions: The results show that the top five risk indicators in terms of weight ranking are: Ethical Risk of the AI Anchor (A4), VR Technology Promotion Risk (F3), Anchor Reputation (A1), Product Quality (D1), and Logistics Distribution Service Quality (D2). The comprehensive live-streaming marketing risk of each live broadcast room is Y > L > D. Based on the analysis results, targeted recommendations are provided for anchors, MCN institutions, merchants, supply chains, and live-streaming platforms to improve consumer satisfaction and promote sustainable development of the live-streaming marketing industry. Full article

Background: Vaccine hesitancy (VH) is a significant public health challenge, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite extensive research on the psychological and socio-political determinants of VH, its psychophysiological mechanisms remain unexplored. Grounded in the Somatic Marker Hypothesis, this study aims to investigate the neurophysiological and affective processes underlying VH. Methods: Two experiments will assess sensorimotor resonance and affective processes in VH. In the first experiment, motor-evoked potentials (MEPs) will be recorded from the deltoid and extensor carpi radialis muscles while participants view images of people receiving COVID-19 and influenza vaccines, as well as blood injections (Block 1), and images of vial containing the same substances (Block 2). Facial electromyographic (EMG) activity will measure disgust and fear responses. In the second experiment, skin conductance response (SCR) will be recorded during a virtual reality-based fear conditioning and extinction paradigm. Expected Outcomes: We hypothesize that vaccine-hesitant individuals will exhibit altered sensorimotor resonance, higher affective responses to vaccination stimuli, and impaired fear extinction learning. Psychological traits such as disgust sensitivity, paranoia, anxiety, and dogmatism are expected to be associated with VH. Conclusions: By identifying the psychophysiological mechanisms of VH, this study will contribute to developing effective vaccine promotion strategies to address future public health emergencies. Full article

By aggregating intelligence on emerging threats, attack techniques, and vulnerabilities, organizations can establish a more comprehensive threat landscape awareness and proactively identify potential risks. However, in the process of sharing threat intelligence, companies often hesitate due to concerns over information leakage, which reduces their willingness to collaborate. Furthermore, the lack of transparency and credibility in intelligence sources has negatively impacted the quality and trustworthiness of shared data. To address these issues, authors aim to leverage blockchain technology, utilizing its decentralized and tamper-proof properties to ensure corporate privacy and the reliability of intelligence sources. Additionally, a dual blockchain architecture is implemented to enhance operational efficiency and reduce storage burdens. However, with the advent of large-scale quantum computing, traditional cryptographic mechanisms used in blockchain systems face potential vulnerabilities due to Shor’s algorithm, which threatens widely adopted public key cryptographic schemes. To ensure long-term security and resilience in a quantum-enabled threat landscape, quantum-resistant cryptographic technologies, including SPHINCS+ and CRYSTALS-KYBER, are integrated to facilitate quantum-safe migration in blockchain applications, ensuring system security and resilience in future environments of quantum computing. Full article

Currently, young populations (individuals under 26 years old) face unprecedented challenges, including climate change, environmental degradation, and the management of public health crises such as vaccine hesitancy. In this complex environment, social media plays a crucial role in shaping youth attitudes and behaviors, presenting both significant opportunities and risks. Social media platforms have become essential in shaping public opinion on general topics and health-related issues, particularly vaccination. Understanding how digital platforms influence youth behavior regarding vaccination can offer valuable insights into psychosocial mechanisms capable of stimulating sustainable behaviors among the same demographic. This study explores a novel intersection between public health and environmental communication, proposing that the same psychosocial and communicative mechanisms influencing pro-vaccination behaviors—such as trust, social influence, and emotional resonance—also underpin pro-environmental engagement among youth. Understanding this overlap allows for cross-domain strategies in digital communication campaigns. This paper examines how digital communication strategies effective in promoting vaccination can be adapted to foster pro-environmental behavior among youth. By identifying shared psychosocial mechanisms—such as fear, trust, and social influence—the study proposes a conceptual framework for leveraging social media to support sustainable behaviors. This study explores how social media influences youth attitudes towards vaccination and pro-environmental behavior. Using a structured questionnaire distributed among 450 young participants (aged 18–26) and analyzed through Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) via WarpPLS, the research identifies key psychosocial mechanisms such as fear, trust, and social influence. Results show that social media exposure and peer environment are strong predictors of both vaccination and environmental behaviors (R² = 0.70 for vaccination attitude; R² = 0.50 for environmental attitude). The proposed conceptual model highlights the importance of emotionally resonant, science-based communication strategies in promoting sustainable behaviors among youth. Practical implications for strategic digital campaigns are discussed. Full article

Harmonic distortion caused by phase jumps in the phase-locked loop (PLL) during asymmetric faults poses a significant threat to the secure operation of renewable energy grid-connected systems. A harmonic suppression strategy based on Vague set theory is proposed for offshore wind power AC transmission systems. By employing the three-dimensional membership framework of Vague sets—comprising true, false, and hesitation degrees—phase-locked errors are characterized, and dynamic, real-time PLL proportional-integral (PI) parameters are derived. This approach addresses the inadequacy of harmonic suppression in conventional PLL, where fixed PI parameters limit performance under asymmetric faults. The significance of this research is reflected in the improved power quality of offshore wind power grid integration, the provision of technical solutions supporting efficient clean energy utilization in alignment with “Dual Carbon” objectives, and the introduction of innovative approaches to harmonic suppression in complex grid environments. Firstly, an equivalent circuit model of the offshore wind power AC transmission system is established, and the impact of PLL phase jumps on grid harmonics during asymmetric faults is analyzed in conjunction with PLL locking mechanisms. Secondly, Vague sets are employed to model the phase-locked error interval across three dimensions, enabling adaptive PI parameter tuning to suppress harmonic content during such faults. Finally, time-domain simulations conducted in PSCAD indicate that the proposed Vague set-based control strategy reduces total harmonic distortion (THD) to 1.08%, 1.12%, and 0.97% for single-phase-to-ground, two-phase-to-ground, and two-phase short-circuit faults, respectively. These values correspond to relative reductions of 13.6%, 33.7%, and 80.87% compared to conventional control strategies, thereby confirming the efficacy of the proposed method in minimizing grid-connected harmonic distortions. Full article

Maternal immunization is a key strategy for protecting pregnant individuals and newborns from infectious diseases. This review examines the mechanisms and benefits of maternal immunization, with a focus on transplacental IgG transfer and immune system interactions. We provide an overview of current recommendations and the safety and efficacy profiles of maternal vaccines, including influenza, tetanus–diphtheria–acellular pertussis (Tdap), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), COVID-19, and hepatitis B. Additionally, we analyze the barriers to maternal immunization, such as misinformation, vaccine hesitancy, and disparities in healthcare access, while exploring potential strategies to overcome these challenges through targeted educational initiatives, improved provider communication, and policy-driven interventions aimed at increasing vaccine confidence and accessibility. Finally, this review highlights recent innovations and future directions in maternal immunization, including emerging vaccines for Group B Streptococcus and cytomegalovirus. Expanding immunization programs and advancing research on maternal–fetal immunity are essential to optimizing vaccination strategies, improving public health outcomes, and reducing the global burden of infectious diseases. Full article

This study examines the psychological and psychodynamic factors influencing vaccine hesitancy, focusing on body image and emotional processing. A cross-sectional observational design was used. Participants from five European countries completed the Body Image and Schema Test (BIST). ANOVA analyses compared cognitive, affective, and behavioral traits between pro- and anti-vaccine individuals. Findings indicate that anti-vaccine individuals exhibit higher levels of autonomy, distrust of authority, and emotional intensity, particularly in the form of heightened fear and anger. Their resistance to vaccination is linked to concerns about bodily integrity and a strong sense of self-protection, reflecting deep-seated psychological dispositions. This study highlights the role of defense mechanisms, personality traits, and social influences in shaping vaccine attitudes. By understanding these psychodynamic underpinnings, public health strategies can be better tailored to address vaccine resistance through targeted communication and interventions. The findings provide valuable insights for policymakers and healthcare professionals in designing more effective public health campaigns. The repository Open Science Framework link contains data, a complete presentation of the BIST theoretical framework, and a full description of the meaning of BIST Factors and Items. Full article

Based on para-social interaction (PSI) theory and social identity perspective, this study explores the mechanisms driving consumers’ impulse buying in social live shopping. It examines how live content design, namely information comprehensiveness (INFCOM) and interactivity (INT), affects consumer cognition and affective experiences, namely perceived usefulness (PU), PSI, and sense of belonging (SOB), to generate the influence of the urge to buy impulsively (UBI), and further explores the moderating role of the consumer–broadcaster para-social relationship (PSR) between live content design and consumer experience. Findings indicate that in an accumulative social live shopping environment, comprehensive information and strong interactivity enhance consumer social identity, reduce shopping hesitations and obstacles, and encourage UBI. Forming a close consumer–broadcaster relationship is crucial for promoting social identity and increasing UBI. Even without interactive engagement, consumers who feel a close connection with the broadcaster still experience interaction and SOB. PSR influences impulse buying by enhancing consumer perceptions and thereby promoting UBI. This study advances the understanding of impulse buying from a social identity perspective and suggests that merchants and livestream designers can improve quality and sales by providing comprehensive product information and incorporating diverse interactive elements in live broadcasts. Full article

The emergence and popularity of social media have made large-scale group decision-making (LSGDM) problems increasingly common, resulting in significant research interest in this field. LSGDM involves numerous evaluators, which can lead to disagreements and hesitancy among them. Hesitant fuzzy sets (HFSs) become crucial in this context as they capture the uncertainty and hesitancy among evaluators. On the other hand, research on the Consensus Reaching Process (CRP) becomes particularly important in dealing with the inevitable differences among the great number of evaluators. Ways to mitigate these differences to reach an agreement are a crucial area of study. For this reason, this paper presents a new CRP model to deal with LSGDM problems in hesitant fuzzy environments. First, HFSs and Normal-type Hesitant Fuzzy Sets (N-HFSs) are introduced to integrate evaluators’ subgroup and collective opinions, aiming to preserve as much decision information as possible while reducing computational complexity. Subsequently, a CRP with a detailed feedback suggestion generation mechanism is developed, which considers the willingness of evaluators to modify their opinions, thereby improving the effectiveness of reaching an agreement. Finally, a LSGDM framework that does not require any normalization process is proposed, and its feasibility and robustness are demonstrated through a numerical example. Full article

Background: Since 1974, Essential Programme on Immunisation managers from ten Central African countries meet yearly with partners to review progress made and share experiences and lessons learned from the implementation of immunization programmes. The 2024 meeting occurred in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, in September 2024. This conference report summarizes the key takeaways from discussions on using immunization data for decision-making, the implementation of the Big Catch-Up (BCU) initiative to reduce the burden of zero-dose children, and progress and challenges in introducing selected new vaccines. Conference Takeaways: Inaccurate administrative data on routine immunization observed in most countries, compared to WHO/UNICEF Estimates of National Immunization Coverage and national survey estimates, affect timely decisions to improve the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) performance. Five countries in Central Africa are among the priority countries of the BCU initiative but, as of the end of August 2024, are yet to formally start its implementation. Cameroon and Central African Republic introduced the malaria vaccine in January 2024 and August 2024, respectively, while the Democratic Republic of Congo, Chad, and Burundi have planned to do so by 2025. Conclusions and Recommendations: Meeting participants put forward several recommendations for countries and immunization partners, including but not limited to (i) investing more in routine immunization data quality assurance to better use data to inform decisions, (ii) accelerating the implementation of the BCU initiative to close the immunity gap resulting from routine immunization disruptions due to the COVID-19 pandemic, (iii) updating malaria vaccine introduction plans to invest more in demand generation and community engagement, and (iv) learning from Cameroon’s experience in tackling hesitancy to human papilloma virus vaccine. It is critical to set up an appropriate mechanism for monitoring the implementation of these recommendations. Full article

Introduction: The Delta variant of SARS-CoV-2 dominated Montenegro from July 2020 until early 2022, when Omicron took over. COVID-19 vaccination began on 20 February 2021, two months later than in the EU. The study aimed to investigate the impact of vaccination on mortality rates in Montenegro during Delta’s predominance. Methods: A descriptive study was conducted using data from the Montenegrin Institute of Public Health COVID-19 database, the Population Electronic Immunization Register, which provides data for all administrated COVID-19 vaccines in Montenegro, and EUROSTAT mortality data. Results: COVID-19 accounted for 17.8% of total deaths in Montenegro during the period of study. Crude mortality rate among unvaccinated was almost four times higher compared to those who received at least one vaccine dose. Inactivated vaccines were predominantly administered to those aged 60 and over, while RNA vaccines were mainly given to those under 60. The median interval between the last vaccine dose and death was significantly higher for vector vaccines compared to inactivated vaccines. Discussion: The delayed start of vaccination and limited vaccine choices in Montenegro likely contributed to prolonged high mortality due to COVID-19. Our findings reveal disparities in vaccine distribution and effectiveness, highlighting the need for timely and equitable access to effective vaccines, especially for vulnerable populations. Conclusions: The study underscores the importance of prompt vaccine distribution and the option to choose vaccine types in building public trust and reducing mortality rates. It emphasizes the need for strengthening global mechanisms COVAX and continuing educational activities to address vaccine hesitancy and ensure equitable access to effective vaccines. Full article

This study introduces BagStacking, an innovative ensemble learning framework designed to enhance the detection of freezing of gait (FOG) in Parkinson’s disease (PD) using accelerometer data. By synergistically combining bagging’s variance reduction with stacking’s sophisticated blending mechanisms, BagStacking achieves superior predictive performance. Evaluated on a comprehensive PD dataset provided by the Michael J. Fox Foundation, BagStacking attained a mean average precision (MAP) of 0.306, surpassing standalone LightGBM and traditional stacking methods. Furthermore, BagStacking demonstrated superior area under the curve (AUC) metrics across key FOG event classes. Specifically, it achieved AUCs of 0.88 for start hesitation, 0.90 for turning, and 0.84 for walking events, outperforming multistrategy ensemble, regular stacking, and LightGBM baselines. Additionally, BagStacking exhibited reduced runtime compared to other ensemble approaches, making it suitable for real-time clinical monitoring. These results underscore BagStacking’s effectiveness in addressing the variability inherent in FOG detection, thereby contributing to improved patient care in PD. Full article