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Negotiating the caring role and carer identity over time: ‘living well’ and the longitudinal narratives of family members of people with dementia from the IDEAL cohort
No full textYesLongitudinal studies can provide insights into how family members negotiate the caring role and carer identity over time. The analyses of the longitudinal, qualitative interviews on ‘living well’ with dementia from the IDEAL cohort study aimed to identify the shifting, embedded narratives of family members of people with dementia as they negotiated the caring role and carer identity over time. Twenty semi-structured, qualitative interviews were conducted with family members of people with dementia and 14 were repeated one year later; these interviews were analysed using cross-sectional and longitudinal thematic and structural narrative analyses. Longitudinal, interrelated themes, including the care needs and decline of the person with dementia, relationship change and variable service support, framed the narrative types of family members. Six shifting narratives, apparent as dominant and secondary narrative types, characterized negotiating the caring role over time: absent/normalizing, active role adoption / carer identity, resistance, acceptance and resignation, hypervigilance/submergence and role entrapment, and foreshadowed future. The presence or absence of a carer identity was also evident from interviewees’ accounts, although, even where family members were overburdened by the caring role, they did not necessarily express a carer identity. Rather than considering transition into a carer identity, hearing different narratives within the caring role is important to understand how family members experience caring, whether they see themselves as ‘carers’, and when and how they need support. Timely and continued post-diagnostic support, where different caring narratives are recognized, is needed, as well as international initiatives for carer identification
Raman spectroscopy for the discrimination of tephras from the Hekla eruptions AD 1510 and 1947
No full textYesTephrochronology (the dating of sedimentary sequences using volcanic ash layers) is an important tool for the dating and correlation of sedimentary sequences containing archives and proxies of past environmental change. In addition, tephra layers provide valuable information on the frequency and nature of ash fallout from volcanic activity. Successful tephrochronology is usually reliant on the correct geochemical identification of the tephra which has, until now, been based primarily on the analysis of major element oxide composition of glass shards using electron probe microanalysis (EPMA). However, it is often impossible to differentiate key tephra layers using EPMA alone. For example, the Hekla AD 1947 and 1510 tephras (which are found as visible layers in Iceland and also as ‘crypto-tephra’ microscopic layers in NW Europe) are currently indistinguishable using EPMA. Therefore, other stratigraphic or chronological information is needed for their reliable identification. Raman spectroscopy is commonly used in chemistry, since vibrational information is specific to the chemical bonds and symmetry of molecules, and can provide a fingerprint by which these can be identified. Here, we demonstrate how Raman spectroscopy can be used for the successful discrimination of mineral species in tephra through the analysis of individual glass shards. In this study, we obtained spectra from minerals within the glass shards – we analysed the microlites and intratelluric mineral phases that can definitely be attributed to the tephra shards and the glass itself. Phenocrysts were not analysed as they could be sourced locally from near-site erosion. Raman spectroscopy can therefore be considered a valuable tool for both proximal and distal tephrochronology because of its non-destructive nature and can be used to discriminate Hekla 1510 from Hekla 1947
Implication of drug repurposing in the identification of antibacterial agents
No full textNoSignificant efforts have been made over the last decade with regards to the repurposing of existing drugs for new and unexplored therapeutic indications. In comparison to the conventional drug discovery process, which is time-consuming and expensive, drug repurposing is proven to be a cost-effective strategy due to pre-established pharmacokinetic profile of the existing candidates. With particular reference to antibacterial drug discovery, enormous challenges are nowadays seen due to the development of severe drug resistance with the use of antibiotics against both gram-positive and gramnegative bacteria such as multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) with isoniazid and rifampicin, methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA), and S. pseudintermedius (MRSP), vancomycin- resistant Enterococcus (VRE), etc. New and more effective ways are therefore needed to overcome the drug resistance associated with antibiotics. Drug repurposing, which is characterized by reduced risk, timeline, and cost to a drug discovery process, can be thus considered as a promising alternative strategy to combat multidrug-resistant bacterial infections (MDRBIs). Furthermore, drug repurposing opens an affordable opportunity for the growth of small-scale and medium-scale companies rather than just limiting it to the big pharmaceutical companies. In this review, we have discussed a broad category of existing drugs: anti-hyperlipidemia, anticancer, antiparasitic, antifungal, antimalarial and anti-inflammatory drugs that have been repurposed to treat bacterial infections. The authors believe that the notable outcomes from the case studies discussed in this work will further guide researchers working in the development of new antibacterial agents by drug repurposing approach
Association between dietary factors and health-related quality of life in adolescents longitudinally over three years from age 11-16 years
No full textYesBackground: Cross-sectional studies have linked adolescent food choices to health-related quality of life (HRQoL). This research sought to determine the degree to which adolescent food choices are linked to HRQoL longitudinally.
Methods: Data were collected in the UK as part of the Wellbeing in Schools (WiSe) survey. Adolescents (N=2241) (49% female, n=1112) were surveyed at age 11-12 (2014); 13-14 (2016); 15-16 years (2018). HRQoL was assessed using the Kidscreen10 and food intake using a 17-item short food frequency questionnaire (sFFQ). Confirmatory factor analysis of FFQ responses indicated five food factors (junk food; fruit and vegetables; bread and dairy; meat; protein). Using a bidirectional strategy the five food factors and HRQoL were examined at three points in time over a period of six years. This cross-lagged model was examined using a multigroup strategy to assess the stability of responses over time in boys and girls, thus accounting for temporal stability of the different constructs.
Results: Boys reported higher HRQoL than girls at age 13-14 and 15-16 years. Boys consumed ‘protein’ and ‘meat intake’ more frequently at all time-points. Girls reported more frequent consumption of ‘fruit and vegetables’ at all time points, while boys’ intake decreased progressively at ages 13-14 and 15-16 years. Cross-lagged panel modelling indicated that more frequent intake of ‘fruit and vegetables’, and ‘protein’ was associated with lower HRQoL scores at baseline (age 11-12 years) and that this association strengthened through ages 13-14 and 15-16 years. Lower HRQoL scores at baseline were associated with more frequent ‘bread and dairy’ intake at age 13-14 years but not at 15-16 years. No associations were observed over time between HRQoL and ‘junk food’ or ‘meat intake’.
Conclusions: These findings imply the importance of diet to quality of life during adolescence. Further research is required to understand why certain dietary factors were associated with lower HRQOL over the course of adolescence. Meanwhile, intervention to enhance HRQoL should target girls while efforts to enhance ‘fruit and vegetable’ intake should target boys
On the scour characteristics of submarine flexible cable in three-dimensional flow
No full textYesSubmarine flexible cables play a crucial role in transmitting global telecommunications and power. Failure of these flexible cables could cause significant economic loss. Most previous studies focused on scouring around the rigid pipelines and less attention has been paid to investigating the scouring around the flexible cable. In this study, fifty-six laboratory experiments, covering a wide range of flow and cable conditions, are conducted to investigate the scouring process around the submarine flexible cable. The experiments consider the perpendicular flow to the flexible cable. Results indicate that seepage is the vital factor for initiating sediment transport and scouring around the flexible cable. Opposing rotational and transverse vortices are formed downstream of the cable during scouring. When cable lays on the bed surface (i.e., the embedment depth is zero), an almost constant lateral scour development rate Vh is observed and measured. Experiments demonstrate that when the cable is buried, both Vh and scour depth are affected by the embedment depth and flow strength. Self-burial phenomenon may occur in the high flow strength with a small embedment depth ratio
Online cognitive stimulation intervention (CSI): A novel approach to improve cognitive functions in healthy older adults
No full textYesCognitive interventions demonstrate promising evidence for minimizing cognitive decline in older adults yet are often criticized for their lack of ecological validity. We designed a real-life intervention using mobile-based shopping applications over 22 weeks and examined its effects on cognitive function. We recruited 102 healthy Malaysian older adults (Mage = 66.18, SD = 4.95) who were randomly assigned to three conditions: experimental, active control, and passive control. The first two groups had weekly sessions but not the latter. The experimental group completed tasks designed to assess inhibition and working memory-updating using online shopping applications (trained applications) with varying difficulty levels, whereas active control participants freely interacted with the same applications without any training instructions. All groups completed assessment sessions in the baseline, posttest, and a 1-month follow-up, including noncomputerized versions of Stroop, Digit Span, and the Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test, and an untrained application (Tripadvisor) measuring inhibition and working memory-updating. Data were analyzed using Bayesian analysis of variance and multivariate multiple regression. Results showed that the experimental group performed better in the Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test–3 s compared to the passive control, suggesting training gains in working memory-updating. The experimental group performed better in inhibition and working memory-updating in the untrained application compared to both control groups, indicating a near transfer effect. In summary, our findings provide evidence that cognitive stimulation by tasks using online shopping activities on mobile phones is beneficial for older adults’ cognitive functionFundamental Research Grant Scheme oftheMalaysian Ministry of Higher Education (Grant FRGS/1/ 2019/SS05/SYUC/02/1
Project risk analysis and management guide
No full textNoThe third edition of the Project Risk Analysis and Management Guide brings together a diverse range of risk practitioners in terms of both their role (e.g. advisory, academic and delivery) and sector (e.g. transport, nuclear, aviation, finance and insurance, and oil and gas). It explains the key principles of project risk management, and also introduces the reader to some of the breadth of terminology and approaches used in the ‘real world’ of project risk management. It is not intended to replace or supersede other risk management frameworks, guidance or reference material (for example, HM Treasury Orange Book and ISO 31000:2018), but instead, is intended to supplement them. This book is intended to offer practical guidance on the principles of project risk management to three primary audiences: early-career risk practitioners who want to further their general knowledge and understanding of risk management within the context of projects; experienced risk professionals who may be transitioning from one sector to another; experienced project practitioners (e.g. project managers, planners and cost engineers), who are transitioning into a specific risk practitioner role. Since the previous 2010 edition all chapters have been refreshed and updated, and there are two main areas of major addition: a greater emphasis on quantitative risk analysis, particularly within the context of the effect of biases and heuristics on decision making and several new chapters outlining some of the nuances of risk management across different industry sectors
The individual and situational factors predicting unethical behaviour in the workplace: a direct and conceptual replication of Jones & Kavanagh (1996)
No full textYesIntentions to act unethically in the workplace are purported to be driven by a number of situational and individual factors. Across two seminal vignette experiments, Jones and Kavanagh reported inconsistent effect sizes for manager and peer influence and locus of control, consistent significant effects for work quality and Machiavellianism, and consistent non-significant effects for gender. Using an innovative multi-site collaboration, the current Registered Report represents a direct replication of these experiments (N = 2218), and adds a longitudinal conceptual replication capturing self-reported unethical work behaviour (N = 1747). Both replications found a consistent small effect of having a more external locus of control and male identity, and a consistent moderate effect of machiavellianism, for increasing unethical intentions and behaviour. The situational factors, whilst consistent in direction with that of the original study, varied more substantively in effect size. Our results highlight the value of multi-site collaborations and different replication types in developing conceptual, methodological, measurement and theoretical clarity to ensure future works can progress more rapidly to minimize the negative impacts of unethical workplace behaviour and improve individual’s working lives. All materials, code and data for this project can be found here: osf.io/d3arx
Opportunities for leadership development in radiography, a scoping review
No full textYesIntroduction
The last decade has seen healthcare experience an exponential growth in terms of technological advancements and patients requiring diagnosis and treatment. Effective leadership is seen as being key in the transformation of services and improvements in patient outcomes. The aim of this scoping review was to identify and evaluate where leadership opportunities exist for the radiographic workforce and how these are supported, valued and actioned.
Method
A systematic search of relevant databases was undertaken. Inclusion criteria included literature from the last twenty years, both diagnostic and therapeutic radiographers, primary and secondary research as well as grey literature. Specific areas discussing leadership opportunities for radiographers were identified and arranged into relevant themes.
Results
Leadership development for radiographers has largely been aligned to clinical roles at the higher levels of practice, or around supporting and empowering students. Confusion between management and leadership is apparent as is the impact of leaders within radiography. Expectations around leadership capabilities are clear at advanced and consultant levels of practice but outside this remit, there has been minimal research undertaken that focuses on specific leadership development opportunities.
Conclusion
The literature outlines the potential for designated leadership development opportunities for radiographers. However, this is clearly limited to very specific areas of the workforce such as those practitioners working at an advanced and consultant level of practice. Current pressures on healthcare services to transform services and support innovative practice, suggest that the potential to develop the wider radiographer workforce through focused leadership development is explored and evaluated further.
Implications for Practice
Limited focal leadership development is evident within the radiography profession. This article seeks to inform future development opportunities for leadership development. Non-clinical leadership development requires further investigation
The proof is in the pudding: public beliefs, emotions and sentiments on drone deliveries in extreme contexts
No full textYesPurpose
The rapid advancement of drone technology has opened up a new frontier in package delivery, presenting a promising solution for logistics and transportation challenges. However, there remains a significant gap in identifying the public’s belief structure regarding the adoption of this technology in extreme contexts, such as natural disasters or remote areas. This study aims to fill this research gap by investigating public beliefs, emotions and sentiments towards drone deliveries in these high-risk scenarios, where traditional delivery methods are often impractical or unavailable.
Design/methodology/approach
Using a big data approach, the authors applied machine learning to scrape comments made by social media users on recent popular posts or videos related to drone deliveries from Reddit and YouTube. The cleaning process narrowed down 6,403 comments to 2,337, which were then analysed using thematic, emotion and sentiment analysis techniques.
Findings
The thematic analysis revealed five key themes of the public’s belief structure: safety and security concerns, scepticism and distrust, ethical concerns, support for innovation and efficiency and concerns about practicality and feasibility. Sentiment analysis showed a predominantly negative outlook (53%), with confusion (19.32%) and disappointment (14.26%) being the most prevalent emotions. However, positive sentiments (45%) and emotions such as curiosity (9.08%) and approval (4.51%) indicate cautious optimism and interest in the potential benefits of drone deliveries.
Research limitations/implications
Future research should expand data sources to include Twitter, Facebook and Instagram for broader insights. Differentiating between extreme contexts, e.g. natural disasters, pandemics and conflict zones, can reveal varying public perceptions. Investigating how public beliefs, emotions and sentiments influence actual adoption behaviours through longitudinal designs or field experiments is essential. Developing new theoretical models that integrate unique factors like safety concerns and ethical implications with existing frameworks will enhance understanding. In addition, large-scale quantitative surveys or experiments are needed to generalise findings across different populations and contexts.
Practical implications
The findings have practical implications for policymakers, technology developers and marketers. Addressing public concerns about safety, security and ethical implications while highlighting the potential benefits of drone deliveries can help build trust and acceptance. Transparent communication and robust regulatory frameworks are essential for the successful adoption of drone delivery systems.
Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is one of the first to systematically analyse public discussions on drone deliveries in extreme contexts. It extends Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology 2 and Diffusion of Innovations theories, providing fresh insights into the factors influencing public acceptance of drone technologies. The results offer valuable guidance for developing effective policies and strategies for the adoption of drone delivery systems, contributing to the reinvention of marketing strategies in a disruptive economy