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Background: The establishment of mental health facilities in the community has been hindered by opposition from local residents in Hong Kong. Through a comparative review, this study aimed to compare the issues related to the process of establishment of community-based mental health facilities between Hong Kong and selected overseas countries and regions. It will better inform the strategies and best practices that can be adopted for the establishment of mental health facilities in Hong Kong. Methods: Three electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, and PsycINFO) were used to examine literature on nine jurisdictions in Asia and western societies from 2005 to 2019. In addition, we conducted a number of in-depth interviews with overseas experts to gain in-depth insights and clarify information that was unavailable or unclear. A total of 19,248 articles were identified through the initial search. 71 of them met the inclusion criteria. In addition, 20 articles about the establishment of other types of community facilities or sensitive facilities were identified from supplementary sources. Results: Most Western countries and Singapore have adopted regulations or laws to reduce public discrimination against particular groups, giving them corresponding human rights and legislating to demarcate the use of land in the community. Regions close to Hong Kong emphasize communication with community leaders to obtain support for sensitive services or facilities. Conclusions: Hong Kong may consider strengthening the land zoning ordinance in relation to community sensitive facilities, as well as increasing communication with the community and considering the possibility of locating facilities in government buildings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cultural competence training plays an effective role in improving cultural competence for healthcare professionals, but cultural competence training was found to be insufficient in Hong Kong. Aim: This study aims to explore receptivity and readiness of Hong Kong healthcare professionals (nurses, occupational therapists (OTs), and physiotherapists (PTs)) towards cultural competence training. Methods: Twenty-three semi-structured interviews were conducted with 7 educators/trainers from tertiary institutions, 2 representatives of professional groups, and 14 managerial and frontline workers. Data were analysed using theoretical thematic analysis. Findings: Results show that nurses and PTs have lower levels of cultural competence than OTs owing to insufficient in-depth training and the nature of professional practice, and they expressed lower willingness to receive the training than OTs. However, the staff in these three professions encounter various challenges in serving ethnoculturally diverse groups. Therefore, barriers in receiving cultural competence training and best practice for providing cultural competence training were identified and discussed for these three professions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This qualitative evaluation study examined the impact of unstructured intervention on people with depression in a community mental health centre in Hong Kong. In the intervention, service users initiated groups and designed group activities by themselves, with social workers as facilitators. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with service users enrolled in unstructured intervention, their family members, and service providers in 2019. Overall, 32 participants were recruited through purposive sampling. The results revealed that peer interactions helped participants to feel accepted and understood. Participants also acquired experience with emotional coping strategies and practised their interpersonal skills, and by learning new skills from peers, they were able to rebuild their self‐esteem and improve their relationships with friends and family. To cater to clients' different needs and concerns, unstructured activities should be diversified. Family and social functioning should also be emphasised in the development of unstructured intervention because the generic skills and knowledge acquired from unstructured activities with peers could help to enhance family relationships, self‐confidence, and the ability to manage issues related to working and socialising. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Integrated Community Centres for Mental Wellness (ICCMWs) provide district-based community support services for patients discharged from mental health facilities and other residents in Hong Kong. However, selecting locations for these community centres is challenging primarily because of community opposition, which has introduced barriers to responses to service users' interests and the operations of individual centres. This study examines public preferences for conflict resolution options, evaluates the feasibility of different consultation approaches, identifies effective methods for reducing public opposition and recommends possible approaches to public consultation and location selection. Methods: A total of 74 individual interviews were conducted with key informants, including government personnel, service operators, politicians, resident representatives, community activists and service users. These interviewees were asked about their knowledge, experiences and perspectives of centre location selection processes. Results: Interviews revealed that neighbourhood consultations for establishing community centres for mental wellness are time-consuming and did not yield a consensus of support from residents. In some instances, the government may decide to delay or withdraw location selection plans because of strong public opposition mainly because of bias and misunderstanding towards service users. However, the role of local politicians in mediating neighbourhood opinions and the government's determination in planning location selection are essential for successfully selecting ICCMW locations. Conclusion: Government departments should develop stronger collaboration to study target neighbourhoods and lobby stakeholders at earlier stages. Such investigations should involve identifying key stakeholders, the political and social dynamics of controversies and community demographics. A protocol specifying a time frame should be implemented to facilitate smooth and effective public consultation and community mental health service location selection processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The subject of in-plane soil-structure interaction of a shear wall on a rigid circular foundation embedded in a linear elastic half-space under an incident plane P wave is revisited. It is known that satisfying the zero stress condition on the ground surface has been the major obstacle when developing an analytic solution of this model. Early solution procedures approximated the ground surface by the surface of a large cylinder. In this paper, two sets of closed-form solutions are derived based on the new approaches: one approach neglects the boundary conditions on the ground surface, while the other includes all boundary conditions by means of the weighted residue method. The objective of this work is to study the relative importance of these boundary conditions and evaluate the results generated from these two solution procedures. Foundation and building responses, as well as surface displacement and stress are compared for the two solutions and to previously published approximate solutions. Highlights • Dynamic soil-structure interaction in homogeneous half-space. • Shear beam building on semi-cylindrical foundation. • In-plane excitation by plane P waves. • Significance of surface boundary conditions on amplitudes of scattered waves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In-plane soil-structure-interaction of a shear wall on a rigid circular foundation embedded in a linear elastic half-space, excited by an incident plane SV wave, is solved by relaxing the zero-stress boundary conditions on the ground surface. An approximate solution of this model was previously presented for the cylindrical approximation of the ground surface. This paper formally neglects such boundary conditions, and as a result, the complexity of the formulation is significantly reduced. Solutions for foundation and building motions in frequency space are compared to the previous results and it is shown that the present approximate solution provides excellent and almost identical results. The objective of this paper is to provide further insight on the role and the effects of surface boundary conditions for this type of problem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents an analytic solution of a three-dimensional Soil-Structural Interaction (3D SSI) model in which the building and foundation are idealized as cylindrical thin-rod and rigid hemisphere. The ground is a stress-free elastic, isotropic, homogenous half-space, and excitation is vertically incident plane P-wave. Analytic three-dimensional (3D) solutions are presented which satisfy the stress-free boundary conditions at the half-space surface. Foundation motions, relative responses of building and surface displacement of soil around building are analyzed and discussed. A comparison with related two-dimensional (2D) SSI close-form solution is also described. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper is the second of the two papers, discussing the rocking and resultant component of rotations, with the torsional components of motions presented earlier in the first paper for the case of out-of-plane SH waves excitation on a semi-parabolic canyon. The rotational motions are gaining importance in recent years in the field of strong-motion seismology and earthquake engineering. Many previous papers on out-of-plane SH waves excitation presented the associated torsion rotational motions, when in fact there is also a rocking rotational component of motions. Both the rocking and torsion rotational motions, in as much as the translational motions, had shown to play an important role in structural responses, even though rotations are not incorporated into building design codes at present. Studying the rotational motions can thus help to a better understanding of the behavior of surface topographies that are in the vicinity of structures in the event of seismic excitation. This paper included, besides the additional rocking motions, also the resultant rotational motions combining torsion and rocking. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The analytical solution of a two-dimensional moon-shaped alluvial valley embedded in an elastic half-space is analyzed for incident plane SH waves, using the wave function expansion and the Discrete Cosine Transform (DCT). A series of solutions with different depth-to-radius ratios have been computed, analyzed, and discussed. It is shown that amplification of incident motions along the thinning valley segment can be significant. The phenomena of combined action of the waves resulting from (a) turning (reversing the direction of propagation), (b) focusing, and (c) diffraction from the half space into the valley have been examined with an emphasis on the significance for surface-motion amplification and the power to damage man-made structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To investigate the association of falling insulin requirements (FIR) among women with preexisting diabetes with adverse obstetric outcomes and maternal biomarkers longitudinally in pregnancy.Research Design and Methods: A multicenter prospective cohort study of 158 women (41 with type 1 diabetes and 117 with type 2 diabetes) was conducted. Women with FIR of ≥15% from the peak total daily dose after 20 weeks' gestation were considered case subjects (n = 32). The primary outcome was a composite of clinical markers of placental dysfunction (preeclampsia, small for gestational age [≤5th centile], stillbirth, premature delivery [<30 weeks], and placental abruption). Maternal circulating angiogenic markers (placental growth factor [PlGF] and soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase 1 [sFlt-1]), placental hormones (human placental lactogen, progesterone, and tumor necrosis factor-α), HbA1c, and creatinine were studied serially during pregnancy.Results: FIR ≥15% were associated with an increased risk of the composite primary outcome (odds ratio [OR] 4.38 [95% CI 1.9-10.3]; P < 0.001), preeclampsia (OR 6.76 [95% CI 2.7-16.7]; P < 0.001), and was more common among women with type 1 diabetes (36.6 vs. 14.5%; P = 0.002). Creatinine was modestly elevated among women with FIR ≥15%; however, there was no difference in HbA1c. The ratio of sFlt-1 to PlGF was significantly higher among women with FIR at 25, 30, and 36 weeks, with differences maintained in the subgroup that developed preeclampsia. There was no difference in placental hormones between the groups.Conclusions: This is the first prospective study to associate FIR with altered expression of placental antiangiogenic factors and preeclampsia. FIR are an important clinical sign, among women with preexisting diabetes, that should alert the clinician to investigate underlying placental dysfunction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An indirect boundary element method (IBEM) is developed to study the scattering and diffraction of plane qP- and qSV-waves by a canyon in a multi-layered transversely isotropic (TI) half-space. First, the exact dynamic stiffness matrix for in-plane motion is constructed to determine the free fields of the multi-layered TI half-space for incident plane qP- and qSV-waves. Dynamic Green's functions for uniformly distributed loads acting on an inclined line are then derived and the scattered fields are expressed as the summation of dynamic responses of a set of fictitious distributed loads applied on the canyon surface. Finally, the boundary condition is introduced to determine the densities of the distributed loads and the total dynamic responses are recovered by adding the free fields to the scattered fields. The proposed IBEM has the merits of distributed loads being directly applied on the real boundary of the irregularity without the problem of singularity, and the discretization effort being restricted to the surface of the canyon. Comparisons with existing numerical solutions for the isotropic (special) case are conducted to confirm the validity of the proposed formulations. And parametric studies are performed in both the frequency and time domains to investigate the influence of material anisotropy, frequency of excitation, incident angle and layering on the surface motions. Numerical results show that the surface motions for the TI medium can be significantly different from those of the isotropic case and that the responses are highly dependent on the TI parameters, especially for the layered TI half-space. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article examines the issue of parental self-efficacy in guiding and supervising children to use mobile devices in Hong Kong. Data were collected from a sample of 1,561 students and 1,233 of their parents. Multiple hierarchical regression analyses showed that the frequency with which parents adopted involvement as a parenting method and the frequency of minor parent–child conflicts triggered by parental supervision were significantly associated with parental self-efficacy in supervising children to use mobile devices. Findings suggest that support for parents to adopt involvement methods more frequently and better manage parent–child conflicts are crucial in enhancing their self-efficacy. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The surface displacement in the vicinity of a semi-parabolic canyon was solved over 20 years ago. Previous study presented results only for a range of low frequencies, with computational difficulty coming from convergence of the Weber wave functions. We revisit this problem and employ new algorithm computing results at much higher frequencies for surface spectral displacements on the parabolic canyon by incident SH-waves. A transformation with the Wronskian allows computing displacement up to dimensionless frequency ofthen tonow! In terms of wavelength, the displacements were computed for waves with wavelengths five times smaller, or frequencies five times higher, a great improvement! [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The model studied in this paper presents an extension of previous work for a shear wall on a semi-circular rigid foundation in an isotropic homogeneous and elastic half-space. The objective is to develop a soil-structure interaction model that can later be applied to the case of a flexible foundation. As shown in the Introduction below, Luco considered the case of a rigid foundation subjected to vertical incident plane SH waves, and Trifunac extended the solution for the same rigid foundation subjected to SH waves but for arbitrary angles of the incidence. In this paper, a new approach and model are presented for the same semi-circular rigid foundation with a tapered-shape (instead of rectangular) superstructure. The analytical expression for the deformation of the semi-circular rigid foundation below this tapered shear wall with soil-structure interaction in an isotropic homogeneous and elastic half-space is thus derived. Results are then compared with those of Trifunac discussed in the section below. This problem formulation can and will later be extended in the case of a flexible foundation that is semi-circular or arbitrarily shaped. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A well-defined boundary-valued problem of wave scattering and diffraction in elastic half-space should have closed-form analytic solutions. This two-dimensional (2-D) scattering around a semi-circular canyon in elastic half-space subjected to seismic plane and cylindrical waves has long been a challenging boundary-value problem. In all cases, the diffracted waves will consist of both longitudinal (P-) and shear (S-) rotational waves. Together at the half-space surface, these in-plane longitudinal P- and shear SV-waves are not orthogonal over the infinite half-space flat-plane boundary. Thus, to simultaneously satisfy both the zero normal and shear stresses at the flat-plane boundary, some approximation of the geometry and/or wave functions often has to be made, or in some cases, relaxed (disregarded). This paper re-examines this two-dimensional (2-D) boundary-value problem from an applied mathematics points of view and redefines the proper form of the orthogonal cylindrical-wave functions for both the longitudinal P- and shear SV-waves so that they can together simultaneously satisfy the zero-stress boundary conditions at the half-space surface. With the zero-stress boundary conditions satisfied at the half-space surface, the most difficult part of the problem will be solved, and the remaining boundary conditions at the finite-canyon surface are then comparatively less complicated to solve. This is now a closed-form analytic solution of the 2-D boundary-valued problem satisfying the half-space zero-stress boundary conditions exactly. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The three-dimensional scattering by a hemi-spherical canyon in an elastic half-space subjected to seismic plane and spherical waves has long been a challenging boundary-value problem. It has been studied by earthquake engineers and strong-motion seismologists to understand the amplification effects caused by surface topography. The scattered and diffracted waves will, in all cases, consist of both longitudinal (P-) and shear (S-) shear waves. Together, at the half-space surface, these waves are not orthogonal over the infinite plane boundary of the half-space. Thus, to simultaneously satisfy both zero normal and shear stresses on the plane boundary numerical approximation of the geometry and/or wave functions were required, or in some cases, relaxed (disregarded). This paper re-examines this boundary-value problem from the applied mathematics point of view, and aims to redefine the proper form of the orthogonal spherical-wave functions for both the longitudinal and shear waves, so that they can together simultaneously satisfy the zero-stress boundary conditions at the half-space surface. With the zero-stress boundary conditions satisfied at the half-space surface, the most difficult part of the problem will be solved, and the remaining boundary conditions at the finite canyon surface will be easy to satisfy. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A closed-form wave function analytic solution is presented in this article regarding the two-dimensional scattering and diffraction of a flexible wall sitting on a rigid shallow circular foundation embedded in an elastic half-space that is activated by a nearby anti-plane line source such as a blast caused by underground construction or mineral exploration or a near-field fault rupture, using similar methodology as the other paper in a series [Lee and Luo, 2013]. These wave propagation influences, although often treated as a transient process, may be simulated as linear combinations of steady-simple harmonic responses as studied in this article. Ground surface displacements spectra for wide-band of incident wave frequencies are calculated. Based on the spectra obtained, the dependence of near-field ground displacements are shown with respect to the rise-to-span ratio of foundation profile, frequency of incident waves, distance of source from the foundation, and mass ratios of various media (foundation-structure-soil). The screening effect of rigid foundation upon ground motions behind grazing incident waves is also presented. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Abstract: The paper presents an exact, analytical solution to the boundary-valued problem of the two-dimensional scattering of anti-plane (SH) waves by a shallow, semi-elliptical hill on an elastic half-space, based on the method of wave-function expansion in elliptical coordinate and elliptical cosine half-range expansion. It is expressed in terms of an infinite system of simultaneous linear equations that is later truncated for numerical computation. Some numerical results when semi-elliptical tends to semi-circular are compared with the existing results presented by Lee et al. (2006) [12]. Complicated effects on ground motion due to the existence of an elliptical hill at various aspect ratios and angles of wave incidence are illustrated. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The ground motion and wave propagation resulting from the scattering of anti-plane (SH) waves by a deep semi-elliptical hill on an elastic half-space are investigated. The solution is the closed-form one based on the method of wave-function expansion, and the expansion of elliptical sine and cosine over the half-range [−π/2, π/2]. The analysis shows that the interference of ground motion depends on several factors such as frequency of the incident waves, incident angle, and the aspect ratio of elliptical hills. Similar to part I: Shallow Hill, numerical results when semi-elliptical tends to semi-circular are compared with the work done by Lee et al. [17]. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper presents a closed-form wave function analytic solution of two-dimensional scattering and diffraction of anti-plane SH-waves by a two-dimensional foundationless structure that corresponds to a shear wall on an elastic half-space. A wave-function expansion method is used to solve this model by first prescribing a set of wave functions with undetermined coefficients and then assembling them together based on the stress and displacement boundary conditions on the surface between the structure and half space. This results in a set of infinite equations to be solved by truncating to a finite set. The amplitudes and residuals of the displacement and stress distributions around the structure and nearby ground surface will be discussed carefully. While the solution is analytical, the computation of the numerical results involves the evaluation of complicated integrals. This analytic solution will be helpful to the understanding of propagation of seismic or other stress waves within the superstructure(s) undergoing earthquakes or other blast loads. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The average velocity of shear waves in the top 30m of soil, ν L , has become the parameter used by many engineering design codes and most recently by published empirical-scaling equations to estimate the amplitudes of strong ground motion. Yet there are few studies to determine whether this is a meaningful parameter to use—and whether estimates that do use it are reliable. In 1995, the authors studied this problem and concluded that ν L should not be used. We reported then that an older site characterization in terms of the soil site parameter proposed by Seed et al. , s L , worked better because it included a measure of the thickness of the soil layers to considerably greater depths. Our report, however, made no difference; numerous papers continued to be published based only on scaling in terms of ν L , and worse, they also ignored the geological site conditions. The purpose of this paper is to emphasize that the average shear-wave velocity in the top 30m of soil should not be the only site parameter used to scale strong-motion amplitudes. While the search continues for the more meaningful site parameters to use in empirical scaling of strong earthquake ground motion, it is better to use s L to describe the amplification of seismic waves by soil deposits near the surface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cost of caring for an aging population is a growing concern in many societies. Although information and communication technologies (ICTs) like computers and the Internet are seen as new tools which offer some potential to help, unfortunately older adults are generally the age group with the lowest level of skill and utilization of these technologies. Although nongovernmental organizations have attempted to address this digital gap, limited staff resources are a concern. One approach for generating additional staff to provide more technology training to older adults is a 'peer-tutor' model. This study examined the perspectives of 101 technology peer tutors for older adults in a nonprofit program in Hong Kong. Topics included preparation and training, perceived benefits and challenges, side effects on their lives, the perceived value of their work as tutors, and suggestions for personal and program improvement. The influence of demographic factors was examined. Results show which tutors felt prepared for their roles, perceived considerably more benefits than challenges, saw value in their tutor work, and overwhelming plan to continue as volunteer tutors in this program. There were few differences linked with demographic variables. Implications for practice and for future research are considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The zero-stress boundary conditions at the surface of the half-space in the presence of surface and sub-surface cavities for in-plane, incident cylindrical P- and SV-waves have always posed challenging problems. The outgoing cylindrical P- and SV-waves can be represented by Hankel functions of radial distance coupled with the sine and cosine functions of angle. Together, at the half-space surface the P- and SV-wave functions are not orthogonal over the semi-infinite radial distance from 0 to infinity. Thus, to simultaneously satisfy the zero in-plane, normal, and shear stresses, an approximation of the geometry is often made. This paper presents an analytical formulation of the boundary-valued problem, where the Hankel wave functions are expressed in integral form, changing the representation from cylindrical to rectangular coordinates, so that the zero-stress boundary conditions at the half-space surface can be applied in a more straightforward way. It is sometimes desirable to use alternate, simpler, or approximate solutions to the boundary-valued problems, without going to great lengths to have all of the boundary conditions satisfied. The free-stress boundary conditions at the half-space surface to be solved here are among the most complicated boundary conditions to be satisfied in the present class of problems. It is thus of interest to illustrate what the solution would be like if the half-space boundary conditions are not imposed—in other words, if they are “relaxed.” A section of this paper is devoted to this approach, and the results of the solutions with the half-spaced, stress-free boundary conditions “imposed” and “relaxed” are presented and compared. The method introduced here may also be applied to more complicated wave-propagation problems, like the diffraction problems involving surface and sub-surface inhomogeneities in a poroelastic half-space medium. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Diffraction of a two-dimensional (2D) semi-circular cavity in a half-space under incident SH-waves is studied using the classic wave function expansion method with a new de-coupling technique. This so-called 'improved cosine halfrange expansion' algorithm exhibits an excellent performance in reducing displacement residual errors at two rim points of concern. The governing equations are developed in a manner that minimizes the residues of the boundary conditions. Detailed derivation and analysis procedures as well as truncation of infinite linear governing equations are presented. The semi-circular cavity model presented in this paper, due to its simple profile, is expected to be used in seismic wave propagation studies as a benchmark for examining the accuracies of various analytical or numerical methods for mixed-boundary wave propagation problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An improved accurate closed-form wave function analytic solution of two-dimensional scattering and diffraction of antiplane SH waves by a semicircular cylindrical hill on an elastic half space is presented. In the previous solution, stress and displacement residual auxiliary functions were defined at the circular interface above and below the circular hill. The method of weighted residues (moment method) was used to solve for the unknown scattered and transmitted waves by requiring each term of Fourier series expansion of these auxiliary residual functions to vanish. It was found that the stress residual amplitudes on both (left and right) rims of the hill (ideally should be zero) are not numerically insignificant, irrespective of how many terms used. It was pointed out that the shear stress at the rim is infinite, and that the stress auxiliary function is discontinuous at both rims of the hill, exhibiting a problem for the numerical solution that is more complicated than Gibbs’ phenomenon. The problem with the overshoot of the stress residual amplitudes at the rim was most likely numerical. In this paper, all displacement and stress waves were expressed as cosine functions, and the solution of the circular hill problem was reformulated in this paper, and, for the solution to be correct, the computed stress and displacement residual amplitudes were shown to be numerically negligible everywhere, including those at both rims of the hill. Displacements at higher frequencies are also computed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sirolimus (Rapamycin, Wyeth Pharmaceuticals Australia Pty Ltd, Baulkham Hills, NSW, Australia) (SRL) has received increasing attention as an immunosuppressant in renal and other solid organ transplantation. Sirolimus is the first marketed agent in a new class of drugs with a novel mechanism of action. Sirolimus binds, like tacrolimus, to a member of the FK binding protein (FKBP) family. The SRL/FKBP complex binds to the protein kinase mTOR. Binding to mTOR blocks activation of signal transduction pathways causing arrest of the cell cycle in the G1 phase. It is now known that mTOR is a central regulator of cell growth and proliferation. The immunosuppressive properties of SRL are due primarily to blockade of interleukin-2 (IL-2)-induced proliferation of T cells. There is still much to be learnt about how best to use the drug. The key advantage over the current choice of immunosuppressive agents is the ability to preserve renal function and pathology while producing excellent rejection-free, graft survival rates. Thus, SRL may find its pivotal role as a calcineurin inhibitors replacement in patients whose grafts are affected by chronic allograft nephropathy. A second major driver for use may prove to be the impact of SRL on cancer incidence and prognosis. Studies still need to be performed to evaluate the best timing for commencement of SRL and the optimal dosage to minimize side-effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This paper discusses surface displacements, surface strain, rocking, and energy partitioning during reflection-of-plane waves in a fluid-saturated poroelastic half-space. The medium is modeled by Biot''s theory, and is assumed to be saturated with inviscid fluid. A linear porosity-modulus relation based on experimental data on sandstones is used to determine the material parameters for Biot''s model. Numerical results in terms of angle of incident waves and Poisson''s ratio are illustrated for various porosities and degrees of solid frame stiffness. The results show that the amount of solid frame stiffness controls the response of a fluid-saturated porous system. A poroelastic medium with essentially dry-frame stiffness behaves like an elastic medium, and the influence of pore fluid increases as dry-frame stiffness is reduced. The effects of a second P-wave become noticeable in poroelastic media with low dry-frame stiffness. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Non‐adherence to medications is a critical challenge in the management of people with chronic kidney disease (CKD). This review explores the complexities of adherence in this population, the unique barriers and enablers of good adherence behaviours, and the role of emerging digital health technologies in bridging the gap between evidence‐based treatment plans and the real‐world standard of care. We present the current evidence supporting the use of digital health interventions among CKD populations, identifying the key research questions that remain unanswered, and providing practical strategies for clinicians to support medication adherence in a digital age. Summary at a glance: This manuscript reviews the current evidence for the use of digital health technologies to enhance medication adherence in chronic kidney disease populations. Practical strategies and considerations for integrating technologies into clinical practice are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although most analytical research on soil-structure interaction (SSI) has assumed a rigid building foundation, numerical and experimental studies have shown that the dynamic response of a structure supported on flexible foundation will differ significantly from the same response on a rigid foundation. The analytical solutions have provided physical insights into the nature of the SSI problems and offered benchmarks to verify the approximate and numerical methods, among others. To this end, in this paper, we present an analytical solution of a tapered shear beam on an elastic semi-circular foundation excited by incident plane SH waves. • Two-dimensional Soil-structure interaction with flexible foundation. • Compared to rigid foundation elastic foundation scatters less of incident wave energy back into half space. • Elastic foundation allows more of the incident wave energy to enter the structure. • Response spectrum method cannot be used for incident waves shorter than twice the foundation width. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The weighted residual method was applied to the problem of scattering and diffraction of plane SH-waves by an underground inclusion of a different elastic medium and of arbitrary shape in a two-dimensional half-space. Results from the application of the weighted residual approach to the case of an underground circular inclusion closely approximate those obtained using the closed-form solution for underground inclusions. To demonstrate the versatility of the method, it was applied to inclusions of elliptical and square shape. It was shown that significant ground-motion amplification, with respect to the amplitude of the incident waves, occurred due to the presence of an inclusion or cavity. Amplifications were dependent on the size, shape, and depth of the inclusion as well as the frequency and angle of incidence of the incident waves. Amplification profiles for the lower-frequency incident waves were simple with peak values that did not differ significantly from 2, the value expected on the surface of a uniform half-space. As the frequency is increased, amplification profiles become more complicated with worst-case values exceeding 7 for elliptical-shaped inclusions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The aim of this study was to determine the long-term effect of increasing water intake in patients with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) on longitudinal changes in health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in the setting of a clinical trial. Methods Self-completed HRQoL (using the KDQoL-SF, v.1.3 questionnaire) was assessed annually in participants of a 3-year randomized controlled clinical trial (n  = 187), allocated (1:1) either to increase water intake to reduce urine osmolality to ≤270 mosmol/kg (implemented by dietetic coaching, self-monitoring tools, text messaging) or continue usual water intake. Results Overall, 96% and 81.8% of participants (n  = 187) completed the questionnaire at the baseline and final study visits, respectively. At baseline, the physical component summary score (PCS) and mental component summary score (MCS) were similar in the two groups (P > 0.05) and the five dimensions with the lowest scores in both groups were: energy and fatigue; general and overall health; sleep; emotional well-being; and pain. Within each group, there were no longitudinal changes over time. At the final visit, the PCS was higher in the increased water intake group (51.3 ± 7.6, mean ± standard deviation) compared to the usual water intake group 48.8 ± 9.3; P = 0.037) whereas the MCS was numerically similar. The improvement in the PCS was due to higher sub-scale values for physical functioning and pain (both P < 0.05). By multivariate analysis, only baseline PCS and height-corrected total kidney volume were associated with the final PCS (P < 0.05). Conclusion HRQoL scores remained stable over a 3 year period, and were not adversely affected by the intervention to increase water intake. Future studies should evaluate the clinical significance of the higher PCS in the increased water intake group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The vibrations of a ground-track system subjected to moving train loads are investigated by using a semi-analytical method combining with the substructure technique. In the coupled system, the ground is modeled as a multi-layered transversely isotropic (TI) half-space, and the track is modeled as a three-layered beam structure, which consists of the rails, sleepers and ballast. The two substructures are coupled by the compatibility condition of vertical displacement at the ballast centerline. The displacement and stress responses of the layered TI ground due to the reaction of the track are then obtained by employing the stiffness method. And solutions in the physical domain are recovered by Fourier synthesis of the frequency-wavenumber domain responses. The proposed semi-analytical model has the merits of all parameters having explicit physical meaning, which is very convenient for engineering application, and of the accuracy being not affected by the layers' thickness because of the exact dynamic stiffness matrix. The derived formulations are verified by comparison with the existing solutions for the isotropic medium that is a special case of the more general problem addressed. Numerical calculations are first performed for the case of a single wheel axle load moving at subsonic, transonic and supersonic speeds, and then for the case of the X-2000 high speed train of the Swedish National Railway travelling at a speed of 200 km/h. Numeric results show that the vibrations of the ground-track system can be very different when soil anisotropy is considered. And the variation of the TI parameters alters the resonance frequencies of the ground, which in turn alters the interaction between the track and ground. • A semi-analytical method is proposed to study vibrations of a Transversely Isotropic (TI) ground-track system. • The method gives accurate results and is very convenient for engineering application. • The method can serve as benchmark for the much more complex numerical methods. • Soil anisotropy should be considered to assess the train-induced vibrations accurately. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The scattering and reflection of SH waves by a slope on an elastic wedged space is investigated. A series solution is obtained by using the wave function expansion method. The slope on a wedged space is divided into two subregions by an artificial, auxiliary circular arc. The wave fields with unknown complex coefficients within each sub-region are derived. Applying Graf addition theorem, the scattered waves in the sub-regions are expressed in a global coordinate system. Fourier transform is adopted to derive a consistent form of standing waves in the inner region using the orthogonality of the cosine functions. The boundary-valued problem is solved by stress and displacement continuity along the artificial, auxiliary arc to obtain the unknown complex coefficients. Parametric studies are next performed to investigate how the topography from the slope on the wedged space will affect the scattering and diffraction, and hence the amplification and de-amplification of the SH waves. Numerical results show that the surface motions on the slope of the wedged space is influenced greatly by the topography. Amplification of the surface motions near the slope vertex is significant. The corresponding phases along the wedged space surfaces are consistent with the direction that the SH waves are propagating. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives. Given the continuing COVID-19 pandemic and the associated prevention and control measures implemented, the psychological burden brought by the pandemic on citizens is expected to increase. This study is aimed at exploring the predictors of depressive symptoms among Hong Kong people during the epidemic, as well as factors that could potentially alleviate the negative effects of the epidemic. Methods. The third wave follow-up survey (December 2021 to January 2022) from a longitudinal prospective survey study conducted in Hong Kong was used for a cross-sectional analysis. The participants (n = 803) are adults aged 18 and above in Hong Kong. Logistic and linear regression were performed to test the predictors and moderating effects, respectively, with depression as the outcome variable. Results. With minimized confounding effects of demographic variables, higher levels of concern about infection, experience with COVID-19 infection and previous epidemics, hassles, and trust in authority increased the odds of being depressed, while a higher level of trust in medical professionals reduced the odds of depression. Moreover, greater trust in medical professionals, as a moderator, lessened the positive associations between the levels of depression and hassles and concern about infection. Conclusions. Even though the threats of COVID-19 seem to have lowered, this study shows that a few factors associated with the pandemic continue to threaten people's mental health. However, developing greater trust in medical experts may be an effective way to relieve psychological burden. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An indirect boundary element method (IBEM) is developed to study the dynamic impedance functions (stiffness coefficients) of a rigid strip foundation embedded in a multi-layered viscoelastic transversely isotropic (TI) half-space. The proposed IBEM using half-space Green’s functions of distributed loads as fundamental solutions have the merits of fictitious loads being directly applied on the real boundaries without the problem of singularity and of the discretization effort restricted to local boundaries. In addition, the accuracy of the proposed method is not affected by the thickness of the discrete TI layers, as the exact dynamic stiffness matrix is employed. The presented algorithm is verified via comparisons with published results for the isotropic medium. By taking a rigid strip foundation embedded in a homogeneous half-space, a single-layered half-space, and a multi-layered half-space as examples, the effects of material anisotropy, frequency of excitation, and soil layer on the impedance functions are studied in detail. Numerical results show that impedance functions for the TI medium can be significantly different from those of the isotropic case. The variation of TI parameters alters the dynamic characteristics of the TI layered site, which in turn alters the dynamic interaction between the soil and foundation. In addition, the soil sedimentary sequence also has a remarkable influence on the impedance functions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies disrupting the chemokine pathway CX3CL1 (fractalkine)/ CX3CR1 have shown decreased atherosclerosis in animal models but the techniques used to interrupt the pathway have not been easily translatable into human trials. DNA vaccination potentially overcomes the translational difficulties. We evaluated the effect of a DNA vaccine, targeted to CX3CR1, on atherosclerosis in a murine model and examined possible mechanisms of action. DNA vaccination against CX3CR1, enhanced by dendritic cell targeting using DEC-205 single chain variable region fragment (scFv), was performed in 8 week old ApoE-/- mice, fed a normal chow diet. High levels of anti-CX3CR1 antibodies were induced in vaccinated mice. There were no apparent adverse reactions to the vaccine. Arterial vessels of 34 week old mice were examined histologically for atherosclerotic plaque size, macrophage infiltration, smooth muscle cell infiltration and lipid deposition. Vaccinated mice had significantly reduced atherosclerotic plaque in the brachiocephalic artery. There was less macrophage infiltration but no significant change to the macrophage phenotype in the plaques. There was less lipid deposition in the lesions, but there was no effect on smooth muscle cell migration. Targeted DNA vaccination to CX3CR1 was well tolerated, induced a strong immune response and resulted in attenuated atherosclerotic lesions with reduced macrophage infiltration. DNA vaccination against chemokine pathways potentially offers a potential therapeutic option for the treatment of atherosclerosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Empirical evidence about the heightened risks of elder abuse and age discrimination during the COVID‐19 pandemic is scarce. This study aimed to track the changes in rates of both, and investigated their associated factors in the community‐dwelling older population in Hong Kong. Methods: In this two‐wave, cross‐sectional telephone survey, we interviewed a population‐based sample of individuals (≥55 years), and captured the situation of elder abuse and age discrimination before the COVID‐19 outbreak (n = 1209, Wave 1: October–December 2019) and during the pandemic (n = 891, Wave 2: December 2020–January 2021). Participants reported their experiences of different types of abuse and discrimination, financial health, subjective well‐being, satisfaction with environment, health and social services, and resilience. Results: Abuse was reported by 20.2% of the sample before the outbreak and 17.8% during the pandemic; while discrimination was reported by 24.6% and 29.8% at the two time points, respectively. A drop in physical abuse was observed, but it was accompanied by a rise in discrimination in the form of harassment or refusal of services. Findings of logistic regression analysis show that abuse during the pandemic was associated with younger age, poorer subjective well‐being, and lower resilience; while discrimination was associated with female gender, being married, and poorer subjective well‐being. Conclusions: Elder abuse and discrimination were prevalent across time points. The pandemic has highlighted the marginalization of older persons in our communities. There is an urgent need for development of effective interventions to end abuse and discrimination. Key points: The prevalence of elder abuse in Hong Kong dropped from 20.2% before the onset of the COVID‐19 pandemic to 17.8% during the pandemic.Older persons with younger age, poorer well‐being, and lower resilience were more likely to report elder abuse.The prevalence of age discrimination against older persons increased from 24.6% to 29.8% after the outbreak of the pandemic.Women, married individuals, and those with poorer well‐being were more likely to report age discrimination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The surface displacement amplitudes excited by out-of-plane SH waves on and around a semi-parabolic canyon had solution that was introduced over twenty years ago. In 2015, such solution was updated to much (5 times) higher frequencies, using a transformation involving the Wronskian. The same excitations also introduce rotations on and around the parabolic canyon. This article is the first of two that discuss the torsional component of rotations, with the rocking components discussed in the subsequent article. The rotational amplitudes of motions, as much as the displacement amplitudes, play an important role in studying the surface responses of structures, and can lead to a better understanding of the behavior of surface topographies in the event of seismic excitation. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The steady-state dynamic response of a multi-layered transversely isotropic (TI) half-space generated by a point load moving along a horizontal straight line with constant speed is investigated in this paper. To solve this problem, the direct stiffness method combined with the inverse Fourier transform is employed. First, the dynamic equilibrium equations for the TI medium are solved in the frequency and wavenumber domains and the exact three-dimensional (3D) dynamic stiffness matrix for the layered TI half-space is established. Then, the solution in the frequency and wavenumber domains is obtained through the direct stiffness method. Finally, the dynamic response in the time and space domains is obtained using the double inverse Fourier transform with respect to the frequency and one horizontal wavenumber. The accuracy of the method is verified through comparisons with the results for the limiting isotropic case ( de Barros and Luco, 1994 ) as well as the results for the non-moving 3D point load being applied in a multi-layered TI half-space ( Khojasteh et al., 2011 ). Numerical results for both the uniform TI half-space and multi-layered TI half-space are presented, and the effects of the moving speed and especially the material anisotropy on the dynamic response are analyzed. Numerical results show that the dynamic response in a TI medium can be significantly different from that in an isotropic medium, and material anisotropy is very important for the accurate assessment of the dynamic response due to a point load moving in a TI half-space. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The association of smoking with new‐onset cardiovascular disease, chronic lung disease, malignancy and mortality in dialysis is well‐known. The smoking prevalence and its association with clinical outcome was assessed. Methods: Multicentre cohort study using 'ANZDATA' Registry, 57 838 adults who commenced dialysis (>3 months) between 1990 and 2016 were included. Patients' demographics, initial dialysis modality, presence of comorbidities and smoking history are predictors. The primary outcome was all‐cause mortality. Secondary outcomes were smoking prevalence, cause‐specific mortality, non‐skin cancers, cardiovascular and chronic lung diseases. Results: Of the 57 838 patients, 56 512 (mean age of 58.9 ± 15.1 years, 40.1% female, 43% diabetic), had data on smoking history with 13.6% current, 40.7% former and 45.6% never smokers. Former and current smokers had 10% (HR 1.10; 95% CI: 1.08, 1.13) and 22%(HR 1.22; 95% CI: 1.18, 1.26) higher risk of all‐cause mortality. They were 13% (HR 1.13; 95% CI: 1.09, 1.18) and 23% (HR 1.23; 95% CI: 1.17, 1.29) for CVD mortality. Smoking was associated with higher mortality from respiratory failure (HR 1.59; 95% CI: 1.13, 2.23, p =.073 and HR 1.33; 95% CI: 1.01, 1.74, p =.042) for current and former smokers. Current and former smokers had higher risk for non‐skin cancer (HR 1.30; 95% CI: 1.19, 1.42 and HR 1.24; 95% CI: 1.17, 1.32). Smoking was associated with a higher rate of death from cancer (HR 1.26; 95% CI 1.19–1.33) and chronic lung disease (HR 1.48; 95% CI 1.15–1.92). Former and current smokers had a higher adjusted risk for de novo vascular disease (PVD, CVD), CAD (adjusted RR 1.1; 95% Cl: 1.09–1.12). Conclusions: In dialysis patients, smoking was associated with higher rates of all‐cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality, respiratory failure, chronic lung disease and malignancy along with higher risks of non‐skin cancers, de novo vascular disease and chronic lung disease. Summary at glance: Cigarette smoking is a very well‐known risk factor for mortality in dialysis patients. This is the first manuscript analysing hazardous effects of smoking by using the ANZDATA Registry. Besides well‐known negative impact on all‐cause mortality and chronic diseases, smoking trends in different age groups and time periods were reported in this study. This study underlines the negative impact of smoking in dialysis population. New guidelines and preventive measures should be designed according to different age groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Few studies have investigated the wave propagation of spherical sources in a layered half-space. In this paper, based on Biot's theory of poroelastic media, the exact anti-axisymmetric (cylindrical SH-waves) and axisymmetric (cylindrical P1-P2-SV waves) stiffness matrices for a layered poroelastic half-space are derived. Then the dynamic responses due to buried spherical SH-, P1-, P2- and SV-waves in a layered poroelastic half-space are studied by using the direct stiffness method combined with the Hankel transform. The present solutions are in good agreements with those in a uniform pure elastic half-space as well as a uniform poroelastic half-space. These solutions have the advantages that all of the parameters in the solutions have explicit physical meanings and the thickness of discrete layers does not affect the precision of calculation; thus, the presented formulations are very convenient for engineering applications. Numerical calculations are performed in both the frequency and time domains by taking buried spherical SH-, P1- and SV- waves in a uniform poroelastic half-space and in a single poroelastic layer over a poroelastic half-space as examples. The numerical results show that wave propagation of spherical sources in a layered half-space can be significantly different from that in a uniform half-space; the dynamic responses are highly dependent on the saturated parameters, vibration frequency and the surface drained condition; the presence of the underlying half-space makes the time histories of the dynamic responses in a single layered half-space much more complicated with much longer duration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A closed-form wave function analytic solution of two-dimensional scattering and diffraction of incident plane SH-waves by a shallow semi-elliptical hill with a concentric elliptical tunnel on an elastic half-space is presented. This research extends the previous solution by authors in 2013 which addressed only the semi-elliptical hill, to a hill-tunnel system. Ground surface displacement near the hill are studied and exhibited. It was observed from the results that the aspect ratio of hill and tunnel profiles, frequency of incident waves, and incident angles are the primary factors that may affect the surface ground motion amplitudes near the hill-tunnel system. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Background: There is little information available to inform the cost‐effectiveness of eHealth interventions in improving patient health outcomes. A trial‐based economic evaluation was undertaken aiming to inform the feasibility of conducting a mobile phone text messaging programme targeting dietary behaviours in people receiving haemodialysis. Methods: A trial‐based economic evaluation from a health system perspective of a 6‐month pilot randomised controlled trial was undertaken. One hundred and thirty patients receiving haemodialysis from six dialysis units across Sydney, Australia, were enrolled into the KIDNEYTEXT study. Usual care (inperson dietary counselling) was compared with usual care plus three semi‐personalised dietary mobile phone text messages per week over a 6‐month period. The outcomes of this economic evaluation included: cost of intervention, cost‐effectiveness and marginal effects on total costs. Results: The cost of developing and maintaining the KIDNEYTEXT intervention was US $110 per participant. Total costs were US $1418 higher in the usual care arm compared to the intervention arm. The incremental benefits for quality‐adjusted life adjusted years were 0.01 [95% confidence interval (CI) = −0.03 to 0.06] and dietary adherence (i.e., adherent to three or more dietary guidelines at 6 months) being 0.04 (95% CI = −0.15 to 0.24). The largest component of total costs was related to unplanned admissions to hospital. Conclusions: Mobile phone text messages targeting dietary behaviours may be cost saving, at the same time as maintaining similar or improved dietary behaviours. A larger trial with a longer follow‐up time is warranted. Highlights: Mobile phone text messaging is a low‐cost intervention.Mobile phone text messaging targeting dietary behaviours shows potential in being cost saving and resulting in similar or improved dietary behaviours.This simple text messaging intervention may be used as an additional tool to enhance patients' nutrition care.There may be a cost‐saving for dialysis units in using text messages, in addition to individualised dietary counselling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There is a lack of evidence for pre‐eclampsia prophylaxis with aspirin in women with pre‐existing diabetes mellitus (DM). Aims: To examine the evidence for aspirin in pre‐eclampsia prophylaxis in women with pre‐existing DM. Material and Methods: An electronic search using Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, CinicalTrials.gov and the Cochrane CENTRAL register of controlled trials through to February 2021 was performed. Reference lists of identified studies, previous review articles, clinical practice guidelines and government reports were manually searched. Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of aspirin vs placebo for pre‐eclampsia prophylaxis were included. Articles were manually reviewed to determine if cohorts included women with DM. The systematic review was performed following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses statement. Data from included trials were extracted independently by two authors who also independently assessed risk of bias as per the Cochrane Handbook criteria version 5.1.0. Data were analysed using Rev‐Man 5.4. Results: Forty RCTs were identified, of which 11 included a confirmed subset of women with DM; however, data were insufficient for meta‐analysis. Meta‐analysis of 930 women with DM, from individual patient data included in a systematic review and unpublished data from one of the 11 RCTs, showed a non‐significant difference in the outcome of pre‐eclampsia in participants treated with aspirin compared to placebo (odds ratio 0.58; 95% CI 0.20–1.71; P = 0.33). Conclusions: Pre‐eclampsia risk reduction with aspirin prophylaxis in women with pre‐existing DM may be similar to women without pre‐existing DM. However, randomised data within this meta‐analysis were insufficient, warranting the need for further studies within this high‐risk group of women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Considering the fluid-soil coupling of saturated soil and seawater-saturated soil-structure dynamic interaction, the Hankel function integral transformation method is employed herein to obtain an analytical solution to the scattering and diffraction problem posed by the plane SV-waves in an undersea lined tunnel. This study is based on the porous medium wave function theory of saturated soil proposed by Biot and the ideal fluid medium wave theory. The impact of factors, such as the incident angle, frequency, water depth, buried depth of tunnel, porosity, and Poisson's ratio of the saturated soil, on the horizontal and vertical displacement at the seawater–saturated soil interface, and on the pore water pressure and total circumferential stress at the saturated soil–tunnel interface, are computed and analyzed. • Analytical solution to scattering of plane SV waves by a circular lined tunnel in an undersea saturated half-space is obtained. • The Hankel function integral transformation method is employed herein. • The effects of water depth, saturated soil parameters and wave characters on the seismic responses of the tunnel and undersea layer are analyzed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Linear and especially non-linear analyses of spatially extended structures, such as pipelines and bridges, often requires specification of time histories of ground motion at an array of closely spaced points. As the number of dense accelerograph arrays worldwide is small, and the number of earthquake observations is limited, synthetic motions with desired characteristics become necessary. This paper presents a method for synthesizing such motions, which is an extension of the SYNACC method, developed first in the early 1970s for synthetic accelerations, velocities and displacements at a point, and later extended to synthetic near surface strains, rotations and curvatures of ground motion at a point. It consists of unfolding in time a site specific Fourier amplitude spectrum of ground acceleration, obtained by an empirical scaling model, by representing the ground motion as a superposition of traveling wavelets of Love and Rayleigh waves and body waves, which propagate with phase and group velocities consistent with the dispersion characteristic of the site geology, approximated by parallel layers. Uniform hazard Fourier spectra or any specified target Fourier spectrum can also be used. Derivations of the point strains, rotations and curvatures are also presented. The method is illustrated for scenario M6.5 and M7.5 earthquakes and three dispersion models. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]