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Altman RAE, Reser M, Tan EJ, Rossell SL. Cognitive remediation for schizophrenia: Clinician perspectives on implementation barriers and facilitators. Rehabil Psychol 2024; 69:171-183. [PMID: 38512182 DOI: 10.1037/rep0000552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Neurocognitive deficits in schizophrenia have a major impact on functioning; however, they remain poorly targeted by available treatment offerings. Cognitive remediation (CR) is effective in improving neurocognition and functioning. Despite clinical guidelines for schizophrenia recommending CR, it is still not readily available in clinical services and sizeable attrition rates are reported in clinical trials. METHOD To elucidate the barriers and facilitators of CR access and engagement, we conducted a mixed methods qualitative-dominant study with 12 clinicians in Australia, in 2021, with 1 hr interviews and additional rating scales completed. RESULTS Thematic analysis highlighted four themes (cognitive symptoms, CR intervention, motivation and engagement in CR, and CR implementation), and 14 subthemes. Clinicians emphasized the broad impact of cognitive deficits and outlined pros and cons of different CR approaches. Several factors were suggested as impacting engagement, including motivation assessments/techniques, neurocognitive insight, illness, and demographic factors. Lack of routine implementation in Australia was unanimously espoused and partly explained by a need for cost-effectiveness analyses, remote and flexible delivery, and increasing service resource provision and staff training in CR. CONCLUSIONS This study offers key insights into CR access, while recommending methods for optimizing CR implementation and dissemination to improve recovery outcomes of people diagnosed with schizophrenia. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosalie Ariane Eva Altman
- Centre for Mental Health and Brain Sciences, School of Health Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology
| | - Maree Reser
- Psychology and Specialist Services, Monash Health
| | - Eric Josiah Tan
- Centre for Mental Health and Brain Sciences, School of Health Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology
| | - Susan Lee Rossell
- Centre for Mental Health and Brain Sciences, School of Health Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology
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2
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Li Y, Yolland COB, Rossell SL, Sommer IEC, Toh WL. Multisensory hallucinations and other unusual sensory experiences in the context of migraine: a systematic review. J Neurol 2024; 271:1717-1746. [PMID: 38236395 PMCID: PMC10972994 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-023-12144-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE AND BACKGROUND Visual auras in migraine have been extensively studied, but less is known about multisensory hallucinations or other unusual sensory experiences, including whether these should be diagnostically considered as part of aura symptoms. The current study aimed to conduct a systematic review and synthesis to bring together existing empirical evidence on these non-visual perceptual experiences, focusing on their phenomenological descriptions and clinical correlates. METHODS Forty-eight relevant studies were included based on a systematic search across PsycINFO APA and Web of Science, for peer-reviewed publications in the English language, from 1980 to the present. These comprised a mix of case reports/series (n = 19) and group design studies (n = 29). RESULTS Reports of complex multisensory hallucinations, beyond typical established aura symptoms, were numerous and varied in nature. Yet there were limited data on how this related to patient distress and functional interference. Other sensory distortions or hypersensitivities across non-visual domains were also evident, and generally more common in those with established aura symptoms. CONCLUSION Our findings provide preliminary evidence that multisensory hallucinations and other unusual perceptual experiences in migraine are likely more common than previously believed. Further investigations are needed to appropriately account for these symptoms within current nosological systems. Increased clinician-patient awareness is important for managing distress (where necessary), and potentially for offering a holistic therapeutic approach to migraine management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yixuan Li
- Centre for Mental Health & Brain Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology, P.O. Box 218, Hawthorn, VIC, 3122, Australia
| | - Caitlin O B Yolland
- Centre for Mental Health & Brain Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology, P.O. Box 218, Hawthorn, VIC, 3122, Australia.
- Academic Services, Boundless Learning, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
| | - Susan L Rossell
- Centre for Mental Health & Brain Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology, P.O. Box 218, Hawthorn, VIC, 3122, Australia
- Department of Psychiatry, St Vincent's Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Iris E C Sommer
- Department of Biomedical Sciences of Cells and Systems, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
- Graduate School of Medical Sciences (Research School of Behavioural and Cognitive Neurosciences), University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Wei Lin Toh
- Centre for Mental Health & Brain Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology, P.O. Box 218, Hawthorn, VIC, 3122, Australia
- Department of Psychiatry, St Vincent's Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Psychology, Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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3
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Xiao J. Improving student learning and performance through a continuous flipped anatomy teaching model. Anat Sci Educ 2024; 17:219-226. [PMID: 37916536 DOI: 10.1002/ase.2351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 10/15/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
The flipped classroom teaching model has been widely used in anatomy education to embrace a blended learning strategy. However, the impact that a continuous flipped classroom teaching model exerts on student learning of human topographic anatomy remains unclear. To address this question, student learning experience and performance were compared between third-year undergraduate students who participated in a continuous flipped anatomy classroom teaching since their first year (n = 65, experimental group) and those under the flipped anatomy teaching model only in their third year (n = 45, control group). A five-point Likert scale learning and teaching survey was conducted to evaluate students' perceptions of the flipped classroom model. Students under a continuous flipped classroom teaching model rated significantly higher on the impact of the flipped model on learning difficult anatomy concepts than the control group (*p = 0.0346). The rating on independent learning remained not statistically different between the two groups, although a trend difference was detected (p = 0.0604). Analysis of learning performance revealed that the experimental group significantly outperformed the control group when answering questions focusing on regional anatomy (*p = 0.0207). No significant difference was identified in students' marks of case-based studies between the two groups. In summary, the results of this study indicate that the flipped classroom model implemented over a long term continues to advance students' learning experience and performance in anatomy, indicating a "dose" effect on active learning. The findings of this study will assist the best practices of the flipped anatomy classroom and develop evidence-informed approaches to advance anatomy education in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junhua Xiao
- Department of Health Sciences and Biostatistics, School of Health Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, Victoria, Australia
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4
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Tjan TE, Wong LY, Rixon A. Conflict in emergency medicine: A systematic review. Acad Emerg Med 2024. [PMID: 38415363 DOI: 10.1111/acem.14874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Revised: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 01/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The emergency department (ED) is a demanding and time-pressured environment where doctors must navigate numerous team interactions. Conflicts between health care professionals frequently arise in these settings. We aim to synthesize the individual-, team-, and systemic-level factors that contribute to conflict between clinicians within the ED and explore strategies and opportunities for future research. METHODS Online databases PubMed and Web of Science were systematically searched for relevant peer-reviewed journal articles in English with keywords relating to "conflict" and "emergency department," yielding a total of 29 articles. RESULTS Narrative analysis showed that conflict often occurred during referrals or admissions from ED to inpatient or admitting units. Individual-level contributors to conflict include a lack of trust in ED workup and staff inexperience. Team-level contributors include perceptions of bias between groups, patient complexity, communication errors, and difference in practice. Systems-level contributors include high workload/time pressures, ambiguities around patient responsibility, power imbalances, and workplace culture. Among identified solutions to mitigate conflict are better communication training, standardizing admission guidelines, and improving interdepartmental relationships. CONCLUSIONS In emergency medicine, conflict is common and occurs at multiple levels, reflecting the complex interface of tasks and relationships within ED.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy Edward Tjan
- Melbourne Medical School, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Lee Yung Wong
- Emergency Department, Austin Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- School of Business, Law and Entrepreneurship, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Andrew Rixon
- Department of Business, Strategy and Innovation, Griffith Business School, Griffith University, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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Hislop J, Tirosh O, Isaksson M, McCormick J, Hensman C. Perceived comfort and tool usability during robot-assisted and traditional laparoscopic surgery: a survey study. J Robot Surg 2024; 18:15. [PMID: 38217625 PMCID: PMC10787683 DOI: 10.1007/s11701-023-01785-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2024]
Abstract
It is known that over half of previously surveyed surgeons performing Robot-Assisted Laparoscopic Surgery (RALS) and three-quarters of those performing Traditional Laparoscopic Surgery (TLS) experience intraoperative pain. This survey study aimed to expand upon the ongoing impact of that pain as well as perceived tool usability associated with TLS and RALS, for which considerably less documentation exists. A survey regarding the presence and impact, either immediate or ongoing, of intraoperative pain and Likert scale questions regarding tool usability was administered to TLS and RALS surgeons on the European Association for Endoscopic Surgery (EAES) mailing list. Prevalence statistics as well as trends based on biological sex and glove size were obtained from the 323 responses. Most respondents were right-handed European males (83-88%) with a medium glove size (55.8%). Moderate or severe shoulder symptoms were experienced by one-third of TLS surgeons. Twenty-one percent of RALS surgeons experienced neck symptoms that impacted their concentration. Small-handed surgeons experienced wrist symptoms significantly more frequently than large-handed surgeons, regardless of modality. RALS was associated with a significantly more optimal back and wrist posture compared to TLS. TLS surgeons reported increased ease with applying and moderating force while operating. These results suggest that intraoperative pain may be severe enough in many cases to interfere with surgeon concentration, negatively impacting patient care. Continuing to understand the relationship between tool usability and comfort is crucial in guaranteeing the health and well-being of both surgeons and patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaime Hislop
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Product Design Engineering, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Oren Tirosh
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT, Melbourne, Australia
- School of Health Science, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Australia
- Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Mats Isaksson
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Product Design Engineering, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Australia
| | - John McCormick
- Centre for Transformative Media Technologies, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Australia.
| | - Chrys Hensman
- Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Surgery, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
- University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
- LapSurgery Australia, Melbourne, Australia
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Huynh PA, Miles S, Nedeljkovic M. Perfectionism as a moderator of the relationship between orthorexia nervosa and obsessive-compulsive symptoms. Eat Weight Disord 2024; 29:6. [PMID: 38198059 PMCID: PMC10781834 DOI: 10.1007/s40519-023-01629-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Orthorexia nervosa (ON), a proposed disorder describing an obsessive focus on "healthy" eating, is characterised as having overlapping symptoms with obsessive-compulsive disorder. However, ON/obsessive-compulsive (OC) symptom relationships are inconsistently reported. The current study aimed to investigate if the contribution of OC symptoms and beliefs explain variability in ON symptoms and determine if perfectionism, a transdiagnostic factor, moderates the ON/OC symptom relationship. METHODS The study comprised 190 participants (Mage = 28.63, SDage = 9.88; 80% female) recruited via an undergraduate research programme, social media, advocacy organisations, and a participant registry. Participants completed an online questionnaire assessing ON, OC, and perfectionism symptoms. RESULTS A linear regression analysis found OC symptoms and beliefs explained 22.9% variability in ON symptoms (p < 0.001, f2 = 0.38) and perfectionism moderated the ON/OC symptom relationship, where higher levels of perfectionism with higher levels of OC symptoms was associated with higher levels of ON symptoms, explaining 2.2% variability (p = .01, f2 = 0.03). CONCLUSION OC symptoms appear more common in ON than previous studies indicate. However, the interaction between perfectionism and OC symptoms may drive obsessions in ON. Findings help refine our current understanding of ON phenomenology with implications for ON treatment development. Future research should further explore perfectionism in ON phenomenology. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level V (Opinions of respected authorities, based on descriptive studies, narrative reviews, clinical experience, or reports of expert committees).
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Affiliation(s)
- Phillipa Ann Huynh
- Centre for Mental Health and Brain Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn Campus, PO Box 218, Hawthorn, VIC, 3122, Australia.
| | - Stephanie Miles
- Centre for Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
- Orygen, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Maja Nedeljkovic
- Centre for Mental Health and Brain Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn Campus, PO Box 218, Hawthorn, VIC, 3122, Australia
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7
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Iqbal H, Zheng J, Chai R, Chandrasekaran S. Electric powered wheelchair control using user-independent classification methods based on surface electromyography signals. Med Biol Eng Comput 2024; 62:167-182. [PMID: 37749368 PMCID: PMC10758377 DOI: 10.1007/s11517-023-02921-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023]
Abstract
Wheelchairs are one of the most popular assistive technology (AT) among individuals with motor impairments due to their comfort and mobility. People with finger problems may find it difficult to operate wheelchairs using the conventional joystick control method. Therefore, in this research study, a hand gesture-based control method is developed for operating an electric-powered wheelchair (EPW). This study selected a comfort-based hand position to determine the stop maneuver. An additional exploration was undertaken to investigate four gesture recognition methods: linear regression (LR), regularized linear regression (RLR), decision tree (DT), and multi-class support vector machine (MC-SVM). The first two methods, LR and RLR, have promising accuracy values of 94.85% and 95.88%, respectively, but each new user must be trained. To overcome this limitation, this study explored two user-independent classification methods: MC-SVM and DT. These methods effectively addressed the finger dependency issue and demonstrated remarkable success in recognizing gestures across different users. MC-SVM has about 99.05% of both precision and accuracy, and the DT has about 97.77% accuracy and precision. All six participants were successful in controlling the EPW without any collisions. According to the experimental results, the proposed approach has high accuracy and can address finger dependency issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hassam Iqbal
- Department of Engineering Technologies, Swinburne University of Technology, John Street, 3122, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Jinchuan Zheng
- Department of Engineering Technologies, Swinburne University of Technology, John Street, 3122, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Rifai Chai
- Department of Engineering Technologies, Swinburne University of Technology, John Street, 3122, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Xiao J. Integrating digital literacies and scientific communication in a multimedia anatomy group assignment to advance contextual learning. Anat Sci Educ 2024; 17:55-65. [PMID: 37614080 DOI: 10.1002/ase.2331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2023] [Revised: 07/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023]
Abstract
Anatomists are facing a new generation of learners who will study and work in a technology-rich environment. Indeed, digital technologies are tremendously changing how information and knowledge are communicated and retrieved. However, it remains unclear whether an anatomy assessment can be designed to promote contextual learning through integrating a digital communication strategy. To investigate this, assessment methods were diversified in the first-year neuroanatomy and third-year regional anatomy curricula through implementing a multimedia human anatomy group assignment integrating digital literacies and scientific communication. Through completing this multimedia assignment, students demonstrated their anatomy knowledge transfer using a range of approaches. The main mode of presentations chosen in the two anatomy units were non-animated video presentations (~50%), animated video presentations (~30%), storyboards (~10%), podcasts (~3%), and filmed videos (~3%). A 5-point Likert scale learning and teaching survey was conducted for a total of 195 undergraduate health science students to evaluate students' perception of this group assignment. The majority of students (70-80%) strongly agreed or agreed that the multimedia group assignment helped their teamwork skills. Students who produced animated videos significantly outperformed those who adopted the non-animated presentations during the end-of-semester theory examination (p < 0.05). This study demonstrates that an anatomy group assignment integrating digital literacy and scientific communication is an effective assessment strategy associated with a positive learning experience and outcome. This inquiry-based assignment promotes learning through assessment, allowing students to not only consolidate and extend anatomy knowledge but also developing effective digital communication skills, providing new insights into non-didactic anatomy assessments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junhua Xiao
- Department of Health Sciences and Biostatistics, School of Health Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, Victoria, Australia
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9
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Xiao J. Sphingosine 1-Phosphate Lyase in the Developing and Injured Nervous System: a Dichotomy? Mol Neurobiol 2023; 60:6869-6882. [PMID: 37507574 PMCID: PMC10657793 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-023-03524-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
Sphingosine 1-phosphate lyase (SPL) is the terminal enzyme that controls the degradation of the bioactive lipid sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) within an interconnected sphingolipid metabolic network. The unique metabolic position of SPL in maintaining S1P levels implies SPL could be an emerging new therapeutic target. Over the past decade, an evolving effort has been made to unravel the role of SPL in the nervous system; however, to what extent SPL influences the developing and mature nervous system through altering S1P biosynthesis remains opaque. While congenital SPL deletion is associated with deficits in the developing nervous system, the loss of SPL activity in adults appears to be neuroprotective in acquired neurological disorders. The controversial findings concerning SPL's role in the nervous system are further constrained by the current genetic and pharmacological tools. This review attempts to focus on the multi-faceted nature of SPL function in the mammalian nervous systems, implying its dichotomy in the developing and adult central nervous system (CNS). This article also highlights SPL is emerging as a therapeutic molecule that can be selectively targeted to modulate S1P for the treatment of acquired neurodegenerative diseases, raising new questions for future investigation. The development of cell-specific inducible conditional SPL mutants and selective pharmacological tools will allow the precise understanding of SPL's function in the adult CNS, which will aid the development of a new strategy focusing on S1P-based therapies for neuroprotection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junhua Xiao
- Department of Health Sciences and Biostatistics, School of Health Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology, John Street, Hawthorn, VIC, 3022, Australia.
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Gunarathne L, Bhowmik J, Apputhurai P, Nedeljkovic M. Factors and consequences associated with intimate partner violence against women in low- and middle-income countries: A systematic review. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0293295. [PMID: 37939106 PMCID: PMC10631698 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0293295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) is a global public health issue, with notably high prevalence rates observed within Low-and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs). This systematic review aimed to examine the risk factors and consequences associated with IPV against women in LMICs. Following PRISMA guidelines, we conducted a systematic review using three databases: Web of Science, ProQuest Central, and Scopus, covering the period from January 2010 to January 2022. The study included only peer-reviewed journal articles in English that investigated IPV against women in LMICs. Out of 167 articles screened, 30 met the inclusion criteria, comprising both quantitative and mixed-method studies. Risk factors of IPV were categorised as: demographic risk factors (23 studies), family risk factors (9 studies), community-level factors (1 studies), and behavioural risk factors (14 studies), while consequences of IPV were categorised as mental health impacts (13 studies), physical impacts (5 studies), and societal impacts (4 studies). In this study, several risk factors were identified including lower levels of education, marriage at a young age, poor wealth indices, rural residential areas, and acceptance of gender norms that contribute to the prevalence of IPV in LMICs. It is essential to address these factors through effective preventive policies and programs. Moreover, this review highlights the necessity of large-scale, high-quality policy-driven research to further examine risk factors and consequences, ultimately guiding the development of interventions aimed at preventing IPV against women in LMICs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lakma Gunarathne
- Department of Health Science and Biostatistics, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jahar Bhowmik
- Department of Health Science and Biostatistics, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, Victoria, Australia
| | - Pragalathan Apputhurai
- Department of Health Science and Biostatistics, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, Victoria, Australia
| | - Maja Nedeljkovic
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, Victoria, Australia
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Dang TH, O'Callaghan C, Alexander M, Burbury K, Jayaraman PP, Wickramasinghe N, Schofield P. "Take the tablet or don't take the tablet?"-A qualitative study of patients' experiences of self-administering anti-cancer medications related to adherence and managing side effects. Support Care Cancer 2023; 31:680. [PMID: 37934298 PMCID: PMC10630231 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-023-08122-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Medication non-adherence is a well-recognised problem in cancer care, negatively impacting health outcomes and healthcare resources. Patient-related factors influencing medication adherence (MA) are complicated and interrelated. There is a need for qualitative research to better understand their underlying interaction processes and patients' needs to facilitate the development of effective patient-tailored complex interventions. This study aimed to explore experiences, perceptions, and needs relating to MA and side effect management of patients who are self-administering anti-cancer treatment. METHODS Semi-structured audio-recorded interviews with patients who have haematological cancer were conducted. A comparative, iterative, and predominantly inductive thematic analysis approach was employed. RESULTS Twenty-five patients from a specialist cancer hospital were interviewed. While self-administering cancer medications at home, patients' motivation to adhere was affected by cancer-related physical reactions, fears, cancer literacy and beliefs, and healthcare professional (HCP) and informal support. Patients desired need for regular follow-ups from respectful, encouraging, informative, responsive, and consistent HCPs as part of routine care. Motivated patients can develop high adherence and side effect self-management over time, especially when being supported by HCPs and informal networks. CONCLUSION Patients with cancer need varied support to medically adhere to and manage side effects at home. HCPs should adapt their practices to meet the patients' expectations to further support them during treatment. We propose a multi-dimensional and technology- and theory-based intervention, which incorporates regular HCP consultations providing tailored education and support to facilitate and maintain patient MA and side effect self-management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thu Ha Dang
- Department of Psychological Sciences, School of Health Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
- Department of Health Services Research and Implementation Science, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
- Digital Health Cooperative Research Centre, Sydney, Australia.
| | - Clare O'Callaghan
- Caritas Christi and Psychosocial Cancer Care, St Vincent's Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Medicine, St Vincent's Hospital, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Marliese Alexander
- Pharmacy Department, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Kate Burbury
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Digital and Healthcare Innovation, Peter McCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Prem Prakash Jayaraman
- Factory of the Future and Digital Innovation Lab, School of Science, Computing and Engineering Technologies, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Nilmini Wickramasinghe
- Optus Digital Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Health and Bio Statistics, School of Health Sciences and Iverson Health Innovation Research Institute, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Epworth Healthcare, Victoria, Australia
| | - Penelope Schofield
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Psychological Sciences and Iverson Health Innovation Research Institute, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Digital Cancer Care Innovation, Department of Health Services Research, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Australia
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Arkell TR, Manning B, Downey LA, Hayley AC. A Semi-Naturalistic, Open-Label Trial Examining the Effect of Prescribed Medical Cannabis on Neurocognitive Performance. CNS Drugs 2023; 37:981-992. [PMID: 37945917 PMCID: PMC10667416 DOI: 10.1007/s40263-023-01046-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Medical cannabis use is increasing in Australia and other jurisdictions, yet little is known about the effects of medical cannabis on cognitive function. Findings from studies of non-medical ('recreational') cannabis may not be applicable to patients using prescribed medical cannabis to manage a health condition. METHODS In this semi-naturalistic, open-label trial, patients with various health conditions attended a single laboratory session in which they self-administered a standard dose of prescribed medical cannabis as per instructions on the pharmacy label. We assessed cognitive performance using the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB) and Druid application (app) prior to and following (CANTAB: + 3 h; Druid: + 3 and 5.5 h) medical cannabis self-administration. We also assessed subjective drug effects prior to and following (1, 2 and 4 h) medical cannabis self-administration using a range of 0-10 cm visual analogue scales ('stoned', 'sedated', 'relaxed', 'comfortable', 'anxious' and 'confident'). Data were analyzed using linear fixed-effect models. RESULTS Participants (N = 40; 22 females) were prescribed a range of products including orally administered oils (n = 23) and flower for vaporization (n = 17). Participants had a mean (standard deviation [SD]) age of 41.38 (12.66) years and had been using medical cannabis for a mean (SD) of 10.18 (8.73) months. Chronic non-cancer pain was the most common indication for medical cannabis use (n = 20), followed by sleep disorder (n = 18) and anxiety (n = 11). The mean (SD) delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)/cannabidiol (CBD) dose administered by participants was 9.61 (8.52) mg/9.15 (10.11) mg among those using an oil, and 37.00 (24.53) mg/0.38 (1.58) mg among those who vaporized flower, respectively. Participants' performance improved over time on the CANTAB Multitasking Test and Rapid Visual Information Processing test (both p-values <0.001). All other changes in cognitive performance measures over time were non-significant (p > 0.05). Vaporization of flower was associated with significantly stronger subjective feelings of 'stoned' and 'sedated' relative to oils (both p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that prescribed medical cannabis may have minimal acute impact on cognitive function among patients with chronic health conditions, although larger and controlled trials are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas R Arkell
- Centre for Mental Health and Brain Sciences, School of Health Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology, m 1009, ATC Building, 427-451 Burwood Rd, Hawthorn, Melbourne, VIC, 3122, Australia
| | - Brooke Manning
- Centre for Mental Health and Brain Sciences, School of Health Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology, m 1009, ATC Building, 427-451 Burwood Rd, Hawthorn, Melbourne, VIC, 3122, Australia
| | - Luke A Downey
- Centre for Mental Health and Brain Sciences, School of Health Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology, m 1009, ATC Building, 427-451 Burwood Rd, Hawthorn, Melbourne, VIC, 3122, Australia
- Institute for Breathing and Sleep (IBAS), Austin Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Amie C Hayley
- Centre for Mental Health and Brain Sciences, School of Health Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology, m 1009, ATC Building, 427-451 Burwood Rd, Hawthorn, Melbourne, VIC, 3122, Australia.
- Institute for Breathing and Sleep (IBAS), Austin Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
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13
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Papalia N, Spivak BL, Ashford L, Guha A, Luebbers S, Ogloff JR. Sexual abuse during childhood and all-cause mortality into middle adulthood: an Australian cohort study. Med J Aust 2023; 219:310-315. [PMID: 37612256 DOI: 10.5694/mja2.52089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To compare mortality from all causes, internal causes (eg, cancers, circulatory and respiratory system diseases), and external causes (eg, suicide, accidents, assault) among people who were sexually abused during childhood with mortality for the general population. DESIGN Historical cohort study. SETTING, PARTICIPANTS 2759 people (2201 women, 79.8%) who had experienced medically assessed contact sexual abuse in Victoria while aged 16 years or younger during 1964-1995, as recorded in Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine records. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Mortality rate, based on linked National Death Index data (1980-2020), by five-year age group; sex- and age-standardised mortality ratios; comparison of rates with age- and sex-adjusted rates for the general Victorian population (incident rate ratio [IRR]). RESULTS We included 115 deaths of people under 50 years of age in our analysis (4.2% of people sexually abused as children; 79 women, 36 men); 56 deaths were attributed to external, 56 to internal causes (cause of death information missing in three cases). In each age group from 15-19 years, the mortality rates for people sexually abused as children were higher than for the general population; age- and sex-standardised all-cause mortality ratios were highest for people aged 25-29 years (men: 16.5; 95% confidence interval [CI], 11.0-22.0; women: 19.2; 95% CI, 14.3-24.2). The age- and sex-adjusted mortality rate for people sexually abused as children was higher than in the general population for all-cause (IRR, 8.25; 95% CI, 5.92-11.5), internal cause (IRR, 5.92; 95% CI, 3.89-9.01), and external cause deaths (IRR, 12.6; 95% CI, 9.61-16.6); the differences in external cause mortality were greater for people who had experienced penetrative (IRR, 14.9; 95% CI, 10.9-20.5) than for those who had experienced non-penetrative sexual abuse as children (IRR, 8.92; 95% CI, 5.35-14.9). CONCLUSIONS Sexual abuse during childhood is associated with higher mortality rates into mid-adulthood. Preventing child sexual abuse and intervening early to reduce the damage it inflicts is not only essential for the welfare of the child, but could also help reduce avoidable deaths later in life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina Papalia
- Centre for Forensic Behavioural Science, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, VIC
- Victorian Institute of Forensic Mental Health (Forensicare), Melbourne, VIC
| | - Benjamin L Spivak
- Centre for Forensic Behavioural Science, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, VIC
- Victorian Institute of Forensic Mental Health (Forensicare), Melbourne, VIC
| | - Linda Ashford
- Centre for Forensic Behavioural Science, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, VIC
- Victorian Institute of Forensic Mental Health (Forensicare), Melbourne, VIC
| | - Ahona Guha
- Victorian Institute of Forensic Mental Health (Forensicare), Melbourne, VIC
| | - Stefan Luebbers
- Centre for Forensic Behavioural Science, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, VIC
- Victorian Institute of Forensic Mental Health (Forensicare), Melbourne, VIC
- Youth Forensic Specialist Services, Alfred Health, Melbourne, VIC
| | - James Rp Ogloff
- Centre for Forensic Behavioural Science, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, VIC
- Victorian Institute of Forensic Mental Health (Forensicare), Melbourne, VIC
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14
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Hislop J, Orth D, Tirosh O, Isaksson M, Hensman C, McCormick J. Does surgeon sex and anthropometry matter for tool usability in traditional laparoscopic surgery? A systematic review and meta-analysis. Surg Endosc 2023; 37:6640-6659. [PMID: 37433911 PMCID: PMC10462557 DOI: 10.1007/s00464-023-10228-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Hand size, strength, and stature all impact a surgeon's ability to perform Traditional Laparoscopic Surgery (TLS) comfortably and effectively. This is due to limitations in instrument and operating room design. This article aims to review performance, pain, and tool usability data based on biological sex and anthropometry. METHODS PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases were searched in May 2023. Retrieved articles were screened based on whether a full-text, English article was available in which original results were stratified by biological sex or physical proportions. Article quality was discussed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT). Data were summarized in three main themes: task performance, physical discomfort, and tool usability and fit. Task completion times, pain prevalence, and grip style results between male and female surgeons formed three meta-analyses. RESULTS A total of 1354 articles were sourced, and 54 were deemed suitable for inclusion. The collated results showed that female participants, predominantly novices, took 2.6-30.1 s longer to perform standardized laparoscopic tasks. Female surgeons reported pain at double the frequency of their male colleagues. Female surgeons and those with a smaller glove size were consistently more likely to report difficulty and require modified (potentially suboptimal) grip techniques with standard laparoscopic tools. CONCLUSIONS The pain and stress reported by female or small-handed surgeons when using laparoscopic tools demonstrates the need for currently available instrument handles, including robotic hand controls, to become more size-inclusive. However, this study is limited by reporting bias and inconsistencies; furthermore, most data was collected in a simulated environment. Additional research into how anthropometric tool design impacts the live operating performance of experienced female surgeons would further inform this area of investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaime Hislop
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Product Design Engineering, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Dominic Orth
- School of Health Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Oren Tirosh
- School of Health Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Footscray, VIC, Australia.
| | - Mats Isaksson
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Product Design Engineering, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Chris Hensman
- Department of Surgery, Monash University,, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Surgery, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- LapSurgery Australia, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - John McCormick
- Centre for Transformative Media Technologies, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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15
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Wong LY. Enigmatic Medicine: a proposed rebranding of emergency medicine. CAN J EMERG MED 2023; 25:547-549. [PMID: 37171704 PMCID: PMC10333352 DOI: 10.1007/s43678-023-00519-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Lee Yung Wong
- Emergency Department, Austin Hospital, Heidelberg, VIC, Australia.
- School of Business, Law and Entrepreneurship, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, VIC, Australia.
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16
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Wong LY, Wheeler MA. Relax into the tension: Paradoxes experienced by emerging leaders in emergency medicine. Emerg Med Australas 2023. [PMID: 37321844 DOI: 10.1111/1742-6723.14266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Lee Yung Wong
- Emergency Department, Austin Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- School of Business, Law and Entrepreneurship, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Melissa A Wheeler
- School of Business, Law and Entrepreneurship, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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17
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Lucas NA, Bates GW, Buzwell S. I Am More than HIV: A Qualitative Exploration of Factors That Can Strengthen Resilience Among HIV-Positive Gay Men in Australia. Sex Res Social Policy 2023:1-16. [PMID: 37363353 PMCID: PMC10257188 DOI: 10.1007/s13178-023-00829-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
Introduction HIV-positive gay men continue to experience stigma related to sexual orientation and HIV status. Although resilience toward such stressors can be achieved, limited Australian research exists that examines how resilience is strengthened toward these dual stigmas. Methods A total of 20 men from Melbourne, Australia, participated in semi-structured interviews between March and October 2019 to explore ways in which they manage such stigmas. Results Reflexive thematic analysis identified two primary themes: (1) "intrapersonal control," which relates to individual mind set and lifestyle changes that participants utilized to strengthen resilience; (2) "systemic change," which includes participants' needs for better public health messaging. Findings show resilience was enhanced when proactive approaches to sexual orientation, HIV health appraisal, lifestyle changes, and social support were made. Further, outdated HIV awareness campaigns and a lack of current messaging regarding HIV transmission in the wider community were identified as inhibiting resilience development and promoting stigma among gay men. Conclusion The results from this study show ways that Australian gay men strengthen their resilience through both intrapersonal (e.g., self-awareness, reappraisal, and self-efficacy) and external resources (e.g., education and public awareness) and how health care providers and social policy makers could better support the men to achieve this. Social-Policy Implications Findings suggest that targeted public health responses are required to compliment the advances made in biomedicine and viral suppression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neil A. Lucas
- Department of Psychology, School of Health Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology, John Street, Hawthorn, 3122 Melbourne, Australia
| | - Glen W. Bates
- Department of Psychology, School of Health Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology, John Street, Hawthorn, 3122 Melbourne, Australia
| | - Simone Buzwell
- Department of Psychology, School of Health Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology, John Street, Hawthorn, 3122 Melbourne, Australia
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18
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Veeroja P, Goodall Z, Guity-Zapata NA, Stone W. Private renters in shared housing: investigating housing conditions and mental well-being in Australia during COVID-19. J Hous Built Environ 2023; 38:1-22. [PMID: 37360071 PMCID: PMC10199738 DOI: 10.1007/s10901-023-10038-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
Lockdowns were the major policy response to COVID-19 containment in many countries, and subsequently many people spent abnormal amounts of time at home. Research has found that housing conditions affected more peoples' mental health during the COVID-19 crisis than prior to it, and vulnerable groups were especially affected. One group that may be particularly vulnerable is private renters in shared housing. Using a socio-economic lens, our research examined to what extent mental well-being outcomes were associated with housing conditions in shared housing under COVID-19 restrictions in Australia. Data about private renters were obtained from the Australian Rental Housing Conditions Dataset (n = 1908), collected in mid-2020 during the easing of the first lockdown restrictions. Respondents living in shared arrangements reported higher levels of worry and anxiety (8.5-13.2%) and loneliness and isolation (3.7-18.3%) compared to other household types. Binary logistic regressions showed that COVID-19-related mental and financial well-being variables were the main contributors in COVID-19-related worry/anxiety and loneliness/isolation models. Accumulated housing problems were the only housing condition measure that was significant in the worry/anxiety model. Participants who had more than two people living in a household felt 1.4 times lonelier/isolated compared to those who lived with four or more people. Males and participants who reported good mental health were less likely to feel COVID-19-related worry/anxiety and loneliness/isolation. Our analysis demonstrates the importance of measures for mental health and income during a pandemic and concludes with recommendations of support for shared housing renters during and beyond crisis events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piret Veeroja
- Centre for Urban Transitions, School of Social Sciences, Media, Film and Education, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Zoë Goodall
- Centre for Urban Transitions, School of Social Sciences, Media, Film and Education, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Nestor Agustin Guity-Zapata
- Centre for Urban Transitions, School of Social Sciences, Media, Film and Education, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Wendy Stone
- Centre for Urban Transitions, School of Social Sciences, Media, Film and Education, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Australia
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Deighton K, Kuys B, Tyagi S. Industrial Design education in Australia: a competence analysis across primary, secondary and tertiary education levels. Int J Technol Des Educ 2023:1-34. [PMID: 37359820 PMCID: PMC10029774 DOI: 10.1007/s10798-023-09822-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
Industrial Design education is poorly understood by laypeople but is present in Australian curricula from primary through to tertiary education levels. Designers and design researchers have long recognised the value of the broad-ranging skills, knowledge fields, and personal qualities design education imparts, but this understanding is generally not shared by the wider community who may see design as surface decoration. This research identifies indicators of value and relevance taken from the twenty-first century competences literature, then measures their presence in four different Industrial Design education settings. Two studies were undertaken. First, Industrial Design educators from primary, secondary, and tertiary levels were surveyed. Then diverse Industrial Design education stakeholders from education and non-education settings were interviewed. The studies gathered both quantitative and qualitative data on the value and relevance of current Industrial Design education in Australia. The result is a comprehensive analysis of the twenty-first century competences present in Australian Industrial Design education, which concludes with recommendations for ways Industrial Design education can benefit twenty-first century learners, as well as ways it should evolve to remain relevant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn Deighton
- Centre for Design Innovation, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Blair Kuys
- School of Design and Architecture, Swinburne University of Technology, John Street, Hawthorn, VIC 3122 Australia
| | - Shivani Tyagi
- School of Design and Architecture, Swinburne University of Technology, John Street, Hawthorn, VIC 3122 Australia
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20
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Bhavsar P, Bhave M, Webb HK. Solving the plastic dilemma: the fungal and bacterial biodegradability of polyurethanes. World J Microbiol Biotechnol 2023; 39:122. [PMID: 36929307 PMCID: PMC10020256 DOI: 10.1007/s11274-023-03558-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
Polyurethane (PU) is a plastic polymer which, due to its various desirable characteristics, has been applied extensively in domestic, industrial and medical fields for the past 50 years. Subsequently, an increasing amount of PU waste is generated annually. PU, like many other plastics, is highly resistant to degradation and is a substantial threat to our environment. Currently PU wastes are handled through conventional disposal techniques such as landfill, incineration and recycling. Due to the many drawbacks of these techniques, a 'greener' alternative is necessary, and biodegradation appears to be the most promising option. Biodegradation has the potential to completely mineralise plastic waste or recover the input materials and better enable recycling. There are hurdles to overcome however, primarily the efficiency of the process and the presence of waste plastics with inherently different chemical structures. This review will focus on polyurethanes and their biodegradation, outlining the difficulty of degrading different versions of the same material and strategies for achieving more efficient biodegradation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parth Bhavsar
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Swinburne University of Technology, John St, Hawthorn, VIC, 3122, Australia
| | - Mrinal Bhave
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Swinburne University of Technology, John St, Hawthorn, VIC, 3122, Australia
| | - Hayden K Webb
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Swinburne University of Technology, John St, Hawthorn, VIC, 3122, Australia.
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21
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Ballantyne G, Giarrusso V. Asian Australian Experiences of Racism During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Victoria: a Preliminary Analysis. J Int Migr Integr 2023; 24:1-17. [PMID: 37360634 PMCID: PMC9976652 DOI: 10.1007/s12134-023-01018-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/11/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2023]
Abstract
Since the outbreak of COVID-19, reports of racism and racial discrimination towards those of an Asian cultural background have increased in culturally diverse countries around the world. The current study sought to gain clarity about Asian Australian experiences of racism by conducting inferential and descriptive analysis of cross-sectional survey data collected from the Australian state of Victoria (n = 436). Building on previous studies which have identified a range of modalities and consequences of COVID-19-related racism, participants were prompted to consider their experiences of racism in the year prior to the outbreak of COVID-19 as well as their experiences during the pandemic on four measures-Direct Experiences of Racism, Vicarious Experiences of Racism (online and in-person), Everyday Racism and Hypervigilance. For the target group (participants with an East or Southeast Asian cultural background resident in Victoria), analysis showed an increase in experiences across three of the four measures, with small to moderate effect sizes, Everyday Racism (r = 0.22), Vicarious Experiences of Racism (r = 0.19) and Hypervigilance (r = 0.43). Analysis demonstrated that the target group experienced a significant increase in online experiences of racism (r = 0.28). These findings shed light on the contradictory findings of previous research on pandemic-related racism in Australia. We show that the pandemic impacted Victorians likely to be perceived as of Chinese background more than other Asian Australians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Glenda Ballantyne
- School of Social Sciences, Media, Film, and Education, Swinburne University of Technology, John St, Hawthorn, 3122 Australia
| | - Vincent Giarrusso
- School of Social Sciences, Media, Film, and Education, Swinburne University of Technology, John St, Hawthorn, 3122 Australia
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22
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Altman RAE, Tan EJ, Rossell SL. Factors Impacting Access and Engagement of Cognitive Remediation Therapy for People with Schizophrenia: A Systematic Review. Can J Psychiatry 2023; 68:139-151. [PMID: 36448242 PMCID: PMC9974655 DOI: 10.1177/07067437221129073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Neurocognitive deficits are central in schizophrenia. Cognitive remediation has proven effective in alleviating these deficits, with medium effect sizes. However, sizeable attrition rates are reported, with the reasons still uncertain. Furthermore, cognitive remediation is not part of routine mental health care. We conducted a systematic review to investigate factors that influence access and engagement of cognitive remediation in schizophrenia. METHODS We systematically searched the PubMed, Web of Science, and PsycINFO databases for peer-reviewed articles including a cognitive remediation arm, access, and engagement data, and participants with schizophrenia spectrum disorders aged 17-65 years old. Duplicates and studies without a distinct cognitive remediation component, protocol papers, single case studies, case series, and reviews/meta-analyses were excluded. RESULTS We included 67 studies that reported data on access and engagement, and extracted quantitative and qualitative data. Access data were limited, with most interventions delivered on-site, to outpatients, and in middle- to high-income countries. We found a median dropout rate of 14.29%. Only a small number of studies explored differences between dropouts and completers (n = 5), and engagement factors (n = 13). Dropouts had higher negative symptomatology and baseline self-efficacy, and lower baseline neurocognitive functioning and intrinsic motivation compared to completers. The engagement was positively associated with intrinsic motivation, self-efficacy, perceived usefulness, educational level, premorbid intelligence quotient, baseline neurocognitive functioning, some neurocognitive outcomes, and therapeutic alliance; and negatively associated with subjective cognitive complaints. Qualitative results showed good acceptability of cognitive remediation, with some areas for improvement. CONCLUSIONS Overall, access and engagement results are scarce and heterogeneous. Further investigations of cognitive remediation for inpatients, as well as remote delivery, are needed. Future clinical trials should systematically explore attrition and related factors. Determining influential factors of access and engagement will help improve the implementation and efficacy of cognitive remediation, and thus the recovery of people with schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosalie Ariane Eva Altman
- Centre for Mental Health, School of Health Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Eric Josiah Tan
- Centre for Mental Health, School of Health Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Mental Health, St Vincent's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Susan Lee Rossell
- Centre for Mental Health, School of Health Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Mental Health, St Vincent's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
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23
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Tee CCL, Cooke MB, Chong MC, Yeo WK, Camera DM. Mechanisms for Combined Hypoxic Conditioning and Divergent Exercise Modes to Regulate Inflammation, Body Composition, Appetite, and Blood Glucose Homeostasis in Overweight and Obese Adults: A Narrative Review. Sports Med 2023; 53:327-348. [PMID: 36441492 PMCID: PMC9877079 DOI: 10.1007/s40279-022-01782-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Obesity is a major global health issue and a primary risk factor for metabolic-related disorders. While physical inactivity is one of the main contributors to obesity, it is a modifiable risk factor with exercise training as an established non-pharmacological treatment to prevent the onset of metabolic-related disorders, including obesity. Exposure to hypoxia via normobaric hypoxia (simulated altitude via reduced inspired oxygen fraction), termed hypoxic conditioning, in combination with exercise has been increasingly shown in the last decade to enhance blood glucose regulation and decrease the body mass index, providing a feasible strategy to treat obesity. However, there is no current consensus in the literature regarding the optimal combination of exercise variables such as the mode, duration, and intensity of exercise, as well as the level of hypoxia to maximize fat loss and overall body compositional changes with hypoxic conditioning. In this narrative review, we discuss the effects of such diverse exercise and hypoxic variables on the systematic and myocellular mechanisms, along with physiological responses, implicated in the development of obesity. These include markers of appetite regulation and inflammation, body conformational changes, and blood glucose regulation. As such, we consolidate findings from human studies to provide greater clarity for implementing hypoxic conditioning with exercise as a safe, practical, and effective treatment strategy for obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chris Chow Li Tee
- Division of Research and Innovation, National Sports Institute of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Sport and Exercise Medicine Group, Swinburne University, Room SPW224, Mail H21, PO Box 218, Hawthorn, VIC, 3122, Australia
| | - Matthew B Cooke
- Sport and Exercise Medicine Group, Swinburne University, Room SPW224, Mail H21, PO Box 218, Hawthorn, VIC, 3122, Australia
| | - Mee Chee Chong
- Sport and Exercise Medicine Group, Swinburne University, Room SPW224, Mail H21, PO Box 218, Hawthorn, VIC, 3122, Australia
| | - Wee Kian Yeo
- Division of Research and Innovation, National Sports Institute of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Donny M Camera
- Sport and Exercise Medicine Group, Swinburne University, Room SPW224, Mail H21, PO Box 218, Hawthorn, VIC, 3122, Australia.
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Yadav MP, Kumar S, Mukherjee D, Rao P. Do green bonds offer a diversification opportunity during COVID-19?-an empirical evidence from energy, crypto, and carbon markets. Environ Sci Pollut Res Int 2023; 30:7625-7639. [PMID: 36044138 PMCID: PMC9428382 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-22492-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The present study is a novel attempt to unravel the connectedness of the green bond with energy, crypto, and carbon markets using the S&P green bond index (RSPGB). We consider MAC global solar energy index (RMGS) and ISE global wind energy index (RIGW) as proxies of the energy market and use bitcoin and the European energy exchange carbon index (REEX) for the cryptocurrency and carbon market. Employing the Diebold and Yilmaz (2012), Baruník and Krehlík (2018), and wavelet coherence econometric techniques, we find that the energy market (RMGS) has the highest connectedness derived from other asset classes, and bitcoin (RBTC) has the least connectedness. Concurrently, we find that the risk transmission is heterogeneous in different scales as the short period has less connectedness than the medium and long run. We conclude that the overall diversification opportunity among green bonds, energy stock, bitcoin, and the carbon market is more in the short-run than in the medium and long-run. In summary, our findings on the green bond market will provide investors, portfolio managers, and policymakers with critical insight into ensuring a sustainable financial market.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Satish Kumar
- Department of Management Studies, Malviya National Institute of Technology Jaipur, Jaipur, India
| | - Deepraj Mukherjee
- Department of Economics, Ambassador Crawford College of Business and Entrepreneurship, Kent State University, Kent, OH 44240 USA
| | - Purnima Rao
- Fortune Institute of International Business, New Delhi, Delhi, 110057 India
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Kumar S, Lim WM, Sivarajah U, Kaur J. Artificial Intelligence and Blockchain Integration in Business: Trends from a Bibliometric-Content Analysis. Inf Syst Front 2023; 25:871-896. [PMID: 35431617 PMCID: PMC9005027 DOI: 10.1007/s10796-022-10279-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Artificial intelligence (AI) and blockchain are the two disruptive technologies emerging from the Fourth Industrial Revolution (IR4.0) that have introduced radical shifts in the industry. The amalgamation of AI and blockchain holds tremendous potential to create new business models enabled through digitalization. Although research on the application and convergence of AI and blockchain exists, our understanding of the utility of its integration for business remains fragmented. To address this gap, this study aims to characterize the applications and benefits of integrated AI and blockchain platforms across different verticals of business. Using bibliometric analysis, this study reveals the most influential articles on the subject based on their publications, citations, and importance in the intellectual network. Using content analysis, this study sheds light on the subject's intellectual structure, which is underpinned by four major thematic clusters focusing on supply chains, healthcare, secure transactions, and finance and accounting. The study concludes with 10 application areas in business that can benefit from these technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satish Kumar
- Department of Management Studies, Malaviya National Institute of Technology, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302017 India
- Faculty of Business, Design and Arts, Swinburne University of Technology, Jalan Simpang Tiga, 93350 Kuching, Sarawak Malaysia
| | - Weng Marc Lim
- Faculty of Business, Design and Arts, Swinburne University of Technology, Jalan Simpang Tiga, 93350 Kuching, Sarawak Malaysia
- School of Business, Law and Entrepreneurship, Swinburne University of Technology, John Street, Hawthorn, Victoria 3122 Australia
| | - Uthayasankar Sivarajah
- School of Management, Faculty of Management, Law and Social Sciences, University of Bradford, Richmond Road, Bradford, BD7 1DP UK
| | - Jaspreet Kaur
- Department of Management Studies, Malaviya National Institute of Technology, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302017 India
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26
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Sarhan AAR, Naser P, Naser J. Numerical study of when and who will get infected by coronavirus in passenger car. Environ Sci Pollut Res Int 2022; 29:57232-57247. [PMID: 35349056 PMCID: PMC8960670 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-19824-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is becoming extremely necessary to assess respiratory disease transmission in passenger cars. This study numerically investigated the human respiration activities' effects, such as breathing and speaking, on the transport characteristics of respiratory-induced contaminants in passenger car. The main objective of the present study is to accurately predict when and who will get infected by coronavirus while sharing a passenger car with a patient of COVID-19 or similar viruses. To achieve this goal, transient simulations were conducted in passenger car. We conducted a 3D computational fluid dynamics (CFD)-based investigation of indoor airflow and the associated aerosol transport in a passenger car. The Eulerian-Eulerian flow model coupled with k-ε turbulence approach was used to track respiratory contaminants with diameter ≥ 1 μm that were released by different passengers within the passenger car. The results showed that around 6.38 min, this is all that you need to get infected with COVID-19 when sharing a poorly ventilated car with a driver who got coronavirus. It also has been found that enhancing the ventilation system of the passenger car will reduce the risk of contracting Coronavirus. The predicted results could be useful for future engineering studies aimed at designing public transport and passenger cars to face the spread of droplets that may be contaminated with pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abd Alhamid R Sarhan
- Department of Mechanical and Product Design Engineering, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, VIC, 3122, Australia.
| | - Parisa Naser
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Jamal Naser
- Department of Mechanical and Product Design Engineering, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, VIC, 3122, Australia
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27
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Kaur J, Kumar S, Narkhede BE, Dabić M, Rathore APS, Joshi R. Barriers to blockchain adoption for supply chain finance: the case of Indian SMEs. Electron Commer Res 2022. [PMCID: PMC9299411 DOI: 10.1007/s10660-022-09566-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in India are suffering from the long-standing challenges related to asymmetric information, high transaction costs, SMEs’ opacity and limited access to credit. Blockchain technology, which is still in its infancy in terms of adoption in India, can facilitate SMEs to counter these challenges. Fuelled by this motivation, the study aims to investigate the significant barriers to blockchain adoption in supply chain finance practices by Indian SMEs. Using fuzzy-analytic hierarchy process, sensitivity analysis, and fuzzy-decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory this paper identifies the blockchain barriers, prioritises them and examine their cause and effect relationships. The results of the study indicate that technology barriers are the most influential barriers that impede blockchain adoption. The findings will help the policymakers and practitioners to take suitable measures to overcome these barriers and fuel the adoption of blockchain in Indian SMEs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaspreet Kaur
- Department of Management Studies, Malaviya National Institute of Technology, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302017 India
| | - Satish Kumar
- Department of Management Studies, Malaviya National Institute of Technology, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302017 India
- Faculty of Business, Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak, Kuching, Malaysia
| | - Balkrishna E. Narkhede
- Department of Operations and Supply Chain Management, National Institute of Industrial Engineering (NITIE), Vihar Lake, Powai, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400087 India
| | - Marina Dabić
- Faculty of Economics and Business, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
- Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, UK
| | - Ajay Pal Singh Rathore
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Malaviya National Institute of Technology, Jaipur, Rajasthan India
| | - Rohit Joshi
- Operations and Quantitative Techniques Area, Indian Institute of Management Shillong, Mayurbhanj Complex, Nongthymmai, Shillong, 793 014 India
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28
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Woldegiorgis MA, Meyer D, Hiller JE, Mekonnen W, Bhowmik J. Inter-relationships among key reproductive health indicators in sub-Saharan Africa focusing on the central role of maternal literacy. Int Health 2022; 14:421-433. [PMID: 32043526 PMCID: PMC9248058 DOI: 10.1093/inthealth/ihz117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2019] [Revised: 10/21/2019] [Accepted: 11/08/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Indicators of reproductive health (RH) are expected to be both inter-related and associated with key social determinants. As the provision of RH services is usually integrated, the effort to improve one RH component should influence the other components. However, there is a lack of evidence-based models demonstrating the inter-relationships. The purpose of this study was to examine the inter-relationships among key RH indicators and their relationship with women's literacy in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). METHODS Data were sourced from the most recent demographic and health survey conducted between 2010 and 2016 in 391 provinces of 29 SSA countries. We examined seven RH indicators along with women's literacy. The unit of analysis was at the provincial level. Structural equation modelling was used to examine the strength of relationships among these indicators and with women's literacy, using the total standardized effect sizes. Significance tests and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for these effects were calculated using a bias-corrected bootstrap method. RESULTS RH indicators are strongly interrelated and are associated with women's literacy. The strongest relationship is observed between women's literacy rate and the contraception prevalence rate, with a total standardized effect size of 0.79 (95% CI 0.74-0.83). The model of inter-relationships developed in this study may guide the design, implementation and evaluation of RH policies and programmes. CONCLUSIONS The key challenge in reducing fertility in SSA is to reduce people fertility desire. This could mainly be addressed by enhancing integrated approaches especially between the education and health sectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mulu Abraha Woldegiorgis
- Burnet Institute, Public Health, Melbourne, Australia
- Swinburne University of Technology, School of Health Sciences, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Denny Meyer
- Swinburne University of Technology, School of Health Sciences, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Janet E Hiller
- Swinburne University of Technology, School of Health Sciences, Melbourne, Australia
- University of Adelaide, School of Public Health, Adelaide, Australia
| | | | - Jahar Bhowmik
- Swinburne University of Technology, School of Health Sciences, Melbourne, Australia
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Sahoo S, Kumar S, Sivarajah U, Lim WM, Westland JC, Kumar A. Blockchain for sustainable supply chain management: trends and ways forward. Electron Commer Res 2022. [PMCID: PMC9136812 DOI: 10.1007/s10660-022-09569-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Blockchain operates on a highly secured framework, and its decentralized consensus has benefits for supply chain sustainability. Scholars have recognized the growing importance of sustainability in supply chains and studied the potential of blockchain for sustainable supply chain management. However, no study has taken stock of high-quality research in this area. To address this gap, this paper aims to provide a state-of-the-art overview of high-quality research on blockchain for sustainable supply chain management. To do so, this paper conducts a systematic literature review using a bibliometric analysis of 146 high-quality articles on blockchain for sustainable supply chain management that have been published in journals ranked “A*”, “A”, and “B” by the Australian Business Deans Council and retrieved from the Scopus database. In doing so, this paper unpacks the most prominent journals, authors, institutions, and countries that have contributed to three major themes in the field, namely blockchain for sustainable business activities, decision support systems using blockchain, and blockchain for intelligent transportation system. This paper also reveals the use of blockchain for sustainable supply chain management across four major sectors, namely food, healthcare, manufacturing, and infrastructure, and concludes with suggestions for future research in each sector.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Satish Kumar
- Department of Management Studies, Malaviya National Institute of Technology Jaipur, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302017 India
- Faculty of Business, Design and Arts, Swinburne University of Technology, Jalan Simpang Tiga, 93350 Kuching, Sarawak Malaysia
| | - Uthayasankar Sivarajah
- School of Management, Faculty of Management, Law and Social Sciences, University of Bradford, Richmond Road, Bradford, BD7 1DP UK
| | - Weng Marc Lim
- School of Business, Law and Entrepreneurship, Swinburne University of Technology, John Street, 3122, Hawthorn, Victoria Australia
- Faculty of Business, Design and Arts, Swinburne University of Technology, Jalan Simpang Tiga, 93350 Kuching, Sarawak Malaysia
| | - J. Christopher Westland
- Department of Information and Decision Sciences, University of Illinois – Chicago, 601, S. Morgan Street, Chicago, IL 60607-7124 USA
| | - Ashwani Kumar
- Indian Institute of Management, Rohtak, Haryana India
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Sarker IH. AI-Based Modeling: Techniques, Applications and Research Issues Towards Automation, Intelligent and Smart Systems. SN Comput Sci 2022; 3:158. [PMID: 35194580 PMCID: PMC8830986 DOI: 10.1007/s42979-022-01043-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Artificial intelligence (AI) is a leading technology of the current age of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (Industry 4.0 or 4IR), with the capability of incorporating human behavior and intelligence into machines or systems. Thus, AI-based modeling is the key to build automated, intelligent, and smart systems according to today’s needs. To solve real-world issues, various types of AI such as analytical, functional, interactive, textual, and visual AI can be applied to enhance the intelligence and capabilities of an application. However, developing an effective AI model is a challenging task due to the dynamic nature and variation in real-world problems and data. In this paper, we present a comprehensive view on “AI-based Modeling” with the principles and capabilities of potential AI techniques that can play an important role in developing intelligent and smart systems in various real-world application areas including business, finance, healthcare, agriculture, smart cities, cybersecurity and many more. We also emphasize and highlight the research issues within the scope of our study. Overall, the goal of this paper is to provide a broad overview of AI-based modeling that can be used as a reference guide by academics and industry people as well as decision-makers in various real-world scenarios and application domains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iqbal H. Sarker
- Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, VIC 3122 Australia
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Chittagong University of Engineering & Technology, Chittagong, 4349 Bangladesh
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31
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Batterham D, Cigdem-Bayram M, Parkinson S, Reynolds M, Wood G. The Spatial Dynamics of Homelessness in Australia: Urbanisation, Intra-City Dynamics and Affordable Housing. Appl Spat Anal Policy 2022; 15:1021-1043. [PMID: 35126781 PMCID: PMC8800545 DOI: 10.1007/s12061-022-09435-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
While homelessness in Australia has remained relatively stable at the national level, its spatial distribution is becoming more nuanced. This paper draws on homelessness estimates produced by the Australian Bureau of Statistics to explore the spatial dynamics of homelessness in Australia over a fifteen-year period. Building on existing work, we show that homelessness is becoming more urbanised with evidence of spatial convergence, mainly driven by a surge in severe crowding in our major cities. However, when exploring intra-city patterns, we find distinctive intra-city spatial dynamics featuring strong suburbanisation of 'couch surfing' in state capital cities, contrasting with shifts in severe crowding numbers toward middle and inner regions of most state capitals. We argue that these dynamics reflect the retreat of affordable rental housing supply to the outer suburban fringe, and the coping strategies that 'couch surfers' and those aspiring to live in the inner cities are compelled to follow in response to the changing spatial configuration of affordable housing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deb Batterham
- Centre for Urban Transitions, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Australia
- Launch Housing, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Melek Cigdem-Bayram
- Centre for Just Places, Jesuit Social Services, Melbourne, Australia
- Social and Global Studies Centre, School of Global, Urban and Social Studies, RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Sharon Parkinson
- Centre for Social Impact, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Margaret Reynolds
- Centre for Urban Transitions, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Gavin Wood
- Centre for Urban Research, RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia
- School of Economic and Finance, Curtin Business School, Curtin University, Perth, Australia
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Garrisson H, Scholey A, Verster JC, Shiferaw B, Benson S. Effects of alcohol intoxication on driving performance, confidence in driving ability, and psychomotor function: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2022; 239:3893-3902. [PMID: 36322184 PMCID: PMC9671988 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-022-06260-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Alcohol-induced driving impairment can occur with any departure from a zero-blood alcohol concentration (BAC). Because intoxication is characterised by impaired judgement, drivers under the influence of alcohol may overestimate their capacity to safely operate a vehicle. OBJECTIVES This study examined the effects of alcohol on driving performance, four-choice reaction time (FCRT), and self-rated confidence in driving ability. It specifically focused on alcohol doses equal to commonly enforced legal BAC limits (i.e. 0.05% and 0.08%). METHODS A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled design was utilised. Seventeen participants were tested in three conditions: placebo and two alcohol conditions aiming for BACs of 0.05% and 0.08%. Participants underwent a baseline FCRT task and a 1-h simulated highway driving task before completing another FCRT task and rated their confidence in their driving ability. RESULTS The high and low alcohol dose conditions resulted in a mean BAC of 0.07%, and 0.04%, respectively (n = 17). The high BAC treatment significantly increased standard deviation of lateral position (SDLP) by 4.06 ± 5.21 cm and standard deviation of speed (SDS) by 0.69 ± 0.17 km/h relative to placebo, while confidence in driving ability remained unchanged across treatments. FCRT performance was impaired by the high BAC treatment (all < 0.01), but there we no significant differences between placebo and low BAC conditions. CONCLUSIONS The findings of this study show that driving performance and associated psychomotor functioning become significantly impaired below legally permissible driving limits in some jurisdictions. We identified a dissociation between driving performance and subjective awareness of impairment. Despite a significantly diminished driving ability at 0.07% BAC, drivers were unaware of their impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harriet Garrisson
- Centre for Human Psychopharmacology, Faculty of Health, Arts and Design, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, VIC, 3122, Australia.
| | - Andrew Scholey
- Centre for Human Psychopharmacology, Faculty of Health, Arts and Design, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, VIC, 3122, Australia
- Nutrition Dietetics and Food, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Joris C Verster
- Centre for Human Psychopharmacology, Faculty of Health, Arts and Design, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, VIC, 3122, Australia
- Division of Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Brook Shiferaw
- Centre for Human Psychopharmacology, Faculty of Health, Arts and Design, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, VIC, 3122, Australia
- Seeing Machines Ltd, ACT, Canberra, Australia
| | - Sarah Benson
- Centre for Human Psychopharmacology, Faculty of Health, Arts and Design, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, VIC, 3122, Australia
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Guntur RD, Kingsley J, Islam FMA. Malaria awareness of adults in high, moderate and low transmission settings: A cross-sectional study in rural East Nusa Tenggara Province, Indonesia. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0259950. [PMID: 34780554 PMCID: PMC8592438 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0259950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction The 2009 Indonesian roadmap to malaria elimination indicated that the nation had been progressing towards achieving malaria elimination by 2030. Currently, most of the districts in the western part of Indonesia have eliminated malaria; however, none of the districts in the East Nusa Tenggara Province (ENTP) have met these set targets. This study aimed to investigate the status of malaria awareness of rural adults in the ENTP. Methods A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted between October and December 2019 in high, moderate, and low malaria-endemic settings (MESs) in the ENTP. After obtaining informed consent, data were collected using an interviewer-administered structure questionnaire among 1503 participants recruited by a multi-stage cluster sampling method. A malaria awareness index was developed based on ten questions. A binary logistic regression method was applied to investigate the significance of any association between malaria awareness and the different MESs. Results The participation rate of the study was 99.5%. Of this number, 51.4% were female and 45.5% had completed primary education. The malaria awareness index was significantly low (48.8%, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 45.2–52.4). Malaria awareness of rural adults residing in low endemic settings was two times higher than for those living in high endemic settings (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 2.41, 95% CI: 1.81–3.21) and the basic malaria knowledge of participants living in low malaria-endemic settings was almost four times higher than that in high endemic settings (AOR: 3.75, 95% CI: 2.75–5.11). Of the total participants, 81.3% (95% CI: 79.1–83.5) were aware that malaria could be prevented and 75.1% (95% CI: 72.6–77.6) knew at least one prevention measure. Overall, the awareness of fever as the main symptom of malaria, mosquito bites as the transmission mode of malaria, and seeking treatment within 24 hours of suffering from malaria was poor at 37.9% (95% CI: 33.9–41.9), 59.1% (95% CI: 55.9–62.3), and 46.0% (95% CI: 42.3–49.7), respectively. The poor level of awareness was significantly different amongst the three MESs, with the lowest levels of awareness in the high endemic setting. Conclusion Malaria awareness of rural adults needs to be improved to address Indonesia’s national roadmap for malaria elimination. Results indicated that public health programs at a local government level should incorporate the malaria awareness index in their key strategic intervention to address malaria awareness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robertus Dole Guntur
- Department of Health Science and Biostatistics, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Nusa Cendana University, Kupang, NTT, Indonesia
- * E-mail:
| | - Jonathan Kingsley
- Department of Health and Medical Science, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, Victoria, Australia
- Centre of Urban Transitions, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, Victoria, Australia
| | - Fakir M. Amirul Islam
- Department of Health Science and Biostatistics, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, Victoria, Australia
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Chan C, Müller B. A Novel multidimensional Boltzmann neutrino transport scheme for core-collapse supernovae. Mon Not R Astron Soc 2020; 496:2000-2020. [PMID: 32624624 PMCID: PMC7324140 DOI: 10.1093/mnras/staa1666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2020] [Revised: 06/09/2020] [Accepted: 06/09/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
We introduce a new discrete-ordinate scheme for solving the general relativistic (GR) Boltzmann transport equation in the context of core-collapse supernovae (CCSNe). Our algorithm avoids the need to spell out the complicated advection terms in energy and angle that arise when the transport equation is formulated in spherical polar coordinates, in the comoving frame, or in a GR space-time. We instead approach the problem by calculating the advection of neutrinos across momentum space using an intuitive particle-like approach that has excellent conservation properties and fully accounts for Lorentz boosts, GR effects, and grid geometry terms. In order to avoid the need for a global implicit solution, time integration is performed using a locally implicit Lax-Wendroff scheme that correctly reproduces the diffusion limit. This will facilitate the use of our method on massively parallel distributed-memory architectures. We have verified the accuracy and stability of our scheme with a suite of test problems in spherical symmetry and axisymmetry. To demonstrate that the new algorithm works stably in CCSN simulations, we have coupled it to the GR hydrodynamics code coconut and present a first demonstration run of a [Formula: see text] progenitor with a reduced set of neutrino opacities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Conrad Chan
- School of Physics and Astronomy, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Bernhard Müller
- School of Physics and Astronomy, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
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Uddin MN, Amirul Islam FM. Psychometric evaluation of the modified 19-item Bengali version of WHOQOL scale using Rasch analysis: a cross-sectional study of a rural district in Bangladesh. BMC Psychol 2020; 8:44. [PMID: 32357921 PMCID: PMC7195788 DOI: 10.1186/s40359-020-00411-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2020] [Accepted: 04/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This investigation aims to validate the psychometric properties of the modified 19-item Bengali version World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQOL) instrument in a typical healthy rural population in Bangladesh. METHOD The cross-sectional investigation collected 300 adults aged 18-85 years from Narail, a rural district of Bangladesh using a multi-stage cluster random sampling technique. Face-to-face interviews were conducted between July and August 2018 using an Android phone installed with a mobile data collection application CommCare. SPSS version 25; IBM. and a Rasch analysis software RUMM2030 were used for analyses. RESULTS Results showed good overall fit, as indicated by a significant item-trait interaction with Bonferroni corrected p values, for physical ([Formula: see text] =32.13, p = 0.041), psychological ([Formula: see text] =14.93, p = 0.529), social ([Formula: see text] =12.62, p = 0.397), and environmental ([Formula: see text] =22.01, p = 0.339) domains. Item fit residual (IFR) values for all domains were within the desired limits, indicating no deviation from the expected relationship between the individual items and the rest of the items of the scale. Person fit residual (PFR) values also showed no person misfit among the samples, indicating item threshold are suitable for Rasch analysis. Reliability of the three domains of the 19-item WHOQOL scale was very good as indicated by a person separation index (PSI) = 0.873 and Cronbach's Alpha (CA) = 0.881 for physical domain, PSI = 0.739 and CA = 0.746 for psychological domain, and PSI = 0.753 and CA = 0.781 for environmental domain. The social domain (PSI = 0.650 and CA = 0.669) had below acceptable reliability. All items in each domain had ordered thresholds except one item of the environmental domain. All four domains of the 19-item WHOQOL scale showed unidimensionality and was free from local dependency. Each domain also showed similar functioning for adults and older adults, males and females, no education and at least primary level of education, low and high socio-economic conditions. CONCLUSION The 19-item modified WHOQOL scale is confirmed as an efficient screening tool for measuring QoL among healthy rural Bangladeshi people. The scale could be implemented more widely. In particular, validations are required for diseases-specific population in Bangladesh to measure the Health Related Quality of life (HR-QoL) assessments for people suffering from chronic or other diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed Nazim Uddin
- Department of Statistics, Data Science and Epidemiology; Faculty of Health, Arts and Design, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, VIC 3122 Australia
| | - Fakir M. Amirul Islam
- Department of Statistics, Data Science and Epidemiology; Faculty of Health, Arts and Design, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, VIC 3122 Australia
- Organisation for Rural Community Development (ORCD), Dariapur, Narail Bangladesh
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Hartoyo A, Cadusch PJ, Liley DTJ, Hicks DG. Inferring a simple mechanism for alpha-blocking by fitting a neural population model to EEG spectra. PLoS Comput Biol 2020; 16:e1007662. [PMID: 32352973 PMCID: PMC7217488 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1007662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2020] [Revised: 05/12/2020] [Accepted: 04/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Alpha blocking, a phenomenon where the alpha rhythm is reduced by attention to a visual, auditory, tactile or cognitive stimulus, is one of the most prominent features of human electroencephalography (EEG) signals. Here we identify a simple physiological mechanism by which opening of the eyes causes attenuation of the alpha rhythm. We fit a neural population model to EEG spectra from 82 subjects, each showing a different degree of alpha blocking upon opening of their eyes. Though it has been notoriously difficult to estimate parameters by fitting such models, we show how, by regularizing the differences in parameter estimates between eyes-closed and eyes-open states, we can reduce the uncertainties in these differences without significantly compromising fit quality. From this emerges a parsimonious explanation for the spectral differences between states: Changes to just a single parameter, pei, corresponding to the strength of a tonic excitatory input to the inhibitory cortical population, are sufficient to explain the reduction in alpha rhythm upon opening of the eyes. We detect this by comparing the shift in each model parameter between eyes-closed and eyes-open states. Whereas changes in most parameters are weak or negligible and do not scale with the degree of alpha attenuation across subjects, the change in pei increases monotonically with the degree of alpha blocking observed. These results indicate that opening of the eyes reduces alpha activity by increasing external input to the inhibitory cortical population. One of the most striking features of the human electroencephalogram (EEG) is the presence of neural oscillations in the range of 8-13 Hz. It is well known that attenuation of these alpha oscillations, a process known as alpha blocking, arises from opening of the eyes, though the cause has remained obscure. In this study we infer the mechanism underlying alpha blocking by fitting a neural population model to EEG spectra from 82 different individuals. Although such models have long held the promise of being able to relate macroscopic recordings of brain activity to microscopic neural parameters, their utility has been limited by the difficulty of inferring these parameters from fits to data. Our approach involves fitting eyes-open and eyes-closed EEG spectra in a way that minimizes unnecessary differences in model parameters between the two states. Surprisingly, we find that changes in just one parameter, the level of external input to the inhibitory neurons in cortex, is sufficient to explain the attenuation of alpha oscillations. This indicates that opening of the eyes reduces alpha activity simply by increasing external inputs to the inhibitory neurons in the cortex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agus Hartoyo
- Optical Sciences Centre, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, Victoria, Australia
- * E-mail: (AH); (DGH)
| | - Peter J. Cadusch
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, Victoria, Australia
| | - David T. J. Liley
- Centre for Human Psychopharmacology, School of Health Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Damien G. Hicks
- Optical Sciences Centre, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, Victoria, Australia
- Bioinformatics Division, Walter & Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- * E-mail: (AH); (DGH)
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Uddin MN, Islam FMA, Al Mahmud A. Psychometric evaluation of an interview-administered version of the Kessler 10-item questionnaire (K10) for measuring psychological distress in rural Bangladesh. BMJ Open 2018; 8:e022967. [PMID: 29961041 PMCID: PMC6042570 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2018-022967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to translate, adapt and validate the Kessler 10-item questionnaire (K10) for measuring psychological distress in rural Bangladesh. DESIGN Cohort study. SETTING Narail district, Bangladesh. PARTICIPANTS A random sample of 2425 adults of age 18-90 years was recruited. OUTCOME MEASURE Validation of the K10 was the major outcome. Sociodemographic factors were measured to assess if the K10 needed adjustment for factors such as age or gender. The Rasch measurement model was used for the validation, and RUMM 2030 and SPSS V.24 software were used for analyses. RESULTS Initial inspection of the total sample showed poor overall fit. A sample size of 300, which is more satiated for Rasch analysis, also showed poor overall fit, as indicated by a significant item-trait interaction (χ2= 262.27, df=40, p<0.001) and item fit residual values (mean=-0.25, SD=2.49). Of 10 items, five items were disordered thresholds, and seven items showed misfit, suggesting problems with the response format and items. After removing three items ('feel tired', 'depressed' and 'worthless') and changing the Likert scale categories from five to four categories, the remaining seven items showed ordered threshold. A revised seven-item scale has shown adequate internal consistency, with no evidence of multidimensionality, no differential item functioning on age and gender, and no signs of local dependency. CONCLUSIONS Analysis of the psychometric validity of K10 using the Rasch model showed that 10 items are not appropriate for measuring psychological distress in rural Bangladesh. A modified version of seven items (K7) with four response categories would provide a psychometrically more robust scale than the original K10. The study findings suggest repeating the K7 version in other remote areas for further validation can substantiate an efficient screening tool for measuring psychological distress among the general Bangladeshi population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed Nazim Uddin
- Department of Statistics, Data Science and Epidemiology, Faculty of Health, Arts and Design, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, Victoria, Australia
| | - Fakir M Amirul Islam
- Department of Statistics, Data Science and Epidemiology, Faculty of Health, Arts and Design, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, Victoria, Australia
- Organisation for Rural Community Development, Dariapur, Bangladesh
| | - Abdullah Al Mahmud
- Centre for Design Innovation, School of Design, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, Victoria, Australia
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Uddin MN, Bhar S, Al Mahmud A, Islam FMA. Psychological distress and quality of life: rationale and protocol of a prospective cohort study in a rural district in Bangaladesh. BMJ Open 2017; 7:e016745. [PMID: 28864700 PMCID: PMC5588978 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2017-016745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2017] [Revised: 05/26/2017] [Accepted: 06/27/2017] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION A significant proportion of the global burden of disease has been attributed to mental and behavioural disorders. People with mental disorders (MDs) have lower levels of health-related quality of life than those without MDs. Several studies have shown that in low-resource countries, a range of social determinants including poor health literacy is critical in the epidemiological transition of disease outcome. There is a lack of evidence of MDs literacy, the prevalence and risk factors of common mental health conditions, or any validated instruments to measure psychological distress or evaluate the quality of life in rural areas of Bangladesh. AIMS The aims of this study are: (1) report the awareness, knowledge, attitudes and practice (KAP) of MDs; (2) estimate the prevalence of and risk factors for psychological distress; (3) measure association of psychological distress and other socio-demographic factors with quality of life and (4) test the feasibility to use Kessler 10-item (K10) and WHO Quality Of Life-BREF (WHOQOL-BREF) questionnaires in rural Bangladesh for measuring psychological distress and quality of life. METHODS AND ANALYSIS A sample of 1500 adults aged 18-59 years and 1200 older adults aged 60-90 years will be interviewed from a multistage cluster random sample. Each participant will go through a face-to-face interview to assess their awareness and KAP of MDs. Information about the participant's sociodemographic and socioeconomic status will be collected along with the psychological distress (K10) and quality of life (WHOQOL-BREF) questionnaires. Internal consistency, validity, reliability and item discrimination of K10 and WHOQOL-BREF instruments will be determined by using Rasch analysis and regression techniques. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION Human Ethics Approval was received from the Swinburne University of Technology Human Ethics Committee. Results of this research will be disseminated via scientific forums including peer-reviewed publications and presentations at national and international conferences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed Nazim Uddin
- Department of Statistics, Data Science and Epidemiology, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sunil Bhar
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, Victoria, Australia
| | - Abdullah Al Mahmud
- Centre for Design Innovation (CDI), School of Design, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, Victoria, Australia
| | - Fakir M Amirul Islam
- Department of Statistics, Data Science and Epidemiology, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, Victoria, Australia
- Organisation for Rural Community Development (ORCD), Narail, Bangladesh
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Ford TC, Nibbs R, Crewther DP. Glutamate/GABA+ ratio is associated with the psychosocial domain of autistic and schizotypal traits. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0181961. [PMID: 28759626 PMCID: PMC5536272 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0181961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2016] [Accepted: 07/10/2017] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The autism and schizophrenia spectra overlap to a large degree in the social and interpersonal domains. Similarly, abnormal excitatory glutamate and inhibitory γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) neurotransmitter concentrations have been reported for both spectra, with the interplay of these neurotransmitters important for cortical excitation to inhibition regulation. This study investigates whether these neurotransmitter abnormalities are specific to the shared symptomatology, and whether the degree of abnormality increases with increasing symptom severity. Hence, the relationship between the glutamate/GABA ratio and autism and schizophrenia spectrum traits in an unmedicated, subclinical population was investigated. METHODS A total of 37 adults (19 female, 18 male) aged 18-38 years completed the Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ) and Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire (SPQ), and participated in the resting state proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy study in which sequences specific for quantification of glutamate and GABA+ concentration were applied to a right and left superior temporal voxel. RESULTS There were significant, moderate, positive relationships between right superior temporal glutamate/GABA+ ratio and AQ, SPQ and AQ+SPQ total scores (p<0.05), SPQ subscales Social Anxiety, No Close Friend, Constricted Affect, Odd Behaviour, Odd Speech, Ideas of Reference and Suspiciousness, and AQ subscales Social Skills, Communication and Attention Switching (p<0.05); increased glutamate/GABA+ coinciding with higher scores on these subscales. Only the relationships between glutamate/GABA+ ratio and Social Anxiety, Constricted Affect, Social Skills and Communication survived multiple comparison correction (p< 0.004). Left superior temporal glutamate/GABA+ ratio reduced with increasing restricted imagination (p<0.05). CONCLUSION These findings demonstrate evidence for an association between excitatory/inhibitory neurotransmitter concentrations and symptoms that are shared between the autism and schizophrenia spectra.
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Affiliation(s)
- Talitha C. Ford
- Centre for Human Psychopharmacology, Faculty of Heath, Arts and Design, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Richard Nibbs
- Swinburne Neuroimaging, Faculty of Heath, Arts and Design, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - David P. Crewther
- Centre for Human Psychopharmacology, Faculty of Heath, Arts and Design, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Ramanathan B, Poh CL, Kirk K, McBride WJH, Aaskov J, Grollo L. Synthetic B-Cell Epitopes Eliciting Cross-Neutralizing Antibodies: Strategies for Future Dengue Vaccine. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0155900. [PMID: 27223692 PMCID: PMC4880327 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0155900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2016] [Accepted: 05/05/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Dengue virus (DENV) is a major public health threat worldwide. A key element in protection from dengue fever is the neutralising antibody response. Anti-dengue IgG purified from DENV-2 infected human sera showed reactivity against several peptides when evaluated by ELISA and epitope extraction techniques. A multi-step computational approach predicted six antigenic regions within the E protein of DENV-2 that concur with the 6 epitopes identified by the combined ELISA and epitope extraction approach. The selected peptides representing B-cell epitopes were attached to a known dengue T-helper epitope and evaluated for their vaccine potency. Immunization of mice revealed two novel synthetic vaccine constructs that elicited good humoral immune responses and produced cross-reactive neutralising antibodies against DENV-1, 2 and 3. The findings indicate new directions for epitope mapping and contribute towards the future development of multi-epitope based synthetic peptide vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Babu Ramanathan
- Research Centre for Biomedical Sciences, Sunway University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- * E-mail:
| | - Chit Laa Poh
- Research Centre for Biomedical Sciences, Sunway University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Kristin Kirk
- Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Australia
| | | | - John Aaskov
- Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Lara Grollo
- Australian Catholic University, Melbourne, Australia
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