The Shenzhou-18 mission crew has carried out their work in an orderly manner this week in preparation for the handover with the Shenzhou-19 members at China's Tiangong space station later this month.
On April 25 this year, China launched the Shenzhou-18 manned spacecraft, sending three astronauts into the space station for a six-month mission, and the three astronauts are expected to return to Earth later this month.
Over the past week, the Shenzhou-18 crew carried out the rendezvous and docking operation training as planned, using the remote-operated rendezvous and docking in-orbit training system to conduct operational skills training such as image recognition, manual docking, and manual evacuation under different initial conditions.
In terms of the study of astronauts' behavioral capabilities, the crew recorded their mental workload measurements and fatigue levels after the in-orbit training of rendezvous and docking, which will help ground scientific researchers explore the characteristics and patterns of changes in astronauts' flight mission operational skills.
The mission crew carried out a series of microgravity-based experiments in the high-temperature material experimental cabinet in the Mengtian lab module, which are of great significance for understanding the inherent laws of material physics and chemical processes, enriching and improving the basic theories of material science, guiding and promoting the preparation process and production of basic materials, improving material performance, and promoting the development of related ground-based material industries.
The mission crew also conducted personal noise exposure dose measurement, acoustic environment monitoring, air cleanliness testing, and wind speed and temperature measurements.
The mission crew also examined their cardiopulmonary functions, hearing capabilities, bone densities, and masses, and used neuromuscular stimulators, acupoint stimulation suits, bone loss countermeasures and other equipment for weightlessness protection to maintain their health during their long-term stay in orbit.
In addition, the crew also completed daily tasks including cabin equipment inspection and maintenance and carefully maintaining the space vegetable garden.
Shenzhou-18 crew gears up for entry of Shenzhou-19 members into Tiangong
Shenzhou-18 crew gears up for entry of Shenzhou-19 members into Tiangong
Shenzhou-18 crew gears up for entry of Shenzhou-19 members into Tiangong
Shanghai, a leading medical hub in China, is endeavoring to develop a comprehensive hospice care service system to offer enhanced medical treatment and more attentive emotional support to patients in their final stages of life.
World Hospice and Palliative Care Day is observed annually on the second Saturday in October. More and more people have come to understand that hospice care is not synonymous with giving up treatment. Instead, it refers to an approach that aims to improve the quality of life for patients struggling with life-limiting illnesses, enabling them to live with increased dignity.
Putuo District in Shanghai is among the first pilot areas in China to carry out hospice care services, which has established an integrated hospice service system since 2017 involving 12 community healthcare centers and technical assistance from local hospitals.
Wang, a 94-year-old patient with cerebral infarction, has received professional medical treatment and attentive emotional care in the hospice ward at the healthcare center of Changzheng Town Community in the district since mid-March this year.
"In terms of medical treatment, this center offers a whole set of professional programs that I find effective. Even if I could afford to hire a caregiver for my mom at home, she is not equipped with the right medical facilities and expertise as like here, and I still cannot help it and have to send her to the hospital. So I think the hospice care here is very desirable," said Wang's son.
The palliative care team at the healthcare center of Changzheng Town Community is made up of various professionals such as doctors, nurses, social workers, volunteers, and even psychological counselors. They can provide personalized services to patients in the late stages of serious illnesses where the chances of a cure are limited.
Over the past year, the community healthcare center saw a notable increase in admissions, with 268 patients against 150 the previous year. Patients can access medical services at affordable rates at the center.
"The daily treatment cost for each patient is about 400 yuan (about 57 U.S. dollars), with most of these expenses covered by medical insurance. Patients and their families only need to pay for caregiver services and meals as extra charges," said Hua Zhijia, deputy director of the community healthcare center.
Patients receiving palliative care within communities can be transferred to larger hospitals for advanced medical treatment if their condition deteriorates and becomes more complex, and they can return to community healthcare centers once their symptoms improve.
"Each year, there are usually 500 to 600 cases of patient referrals to larger hospitals or back to community centers, which means that about 50 to 60 patients require referral services each month," said Wu Ying, deputy director of Liqun Hospital in Putuo District.
Shanghai improves hospice care service system
