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A child-centred research checklist to improve the design and reporting of paediatric research studies: A descriptive mixed methods study
Get PDFBackground: No internationally developed child-centred research checklist is currently available to enhance the quality and transparency of the development, reporting and evaluation of research undertaken with children. Objective: To develop an internationally relevant, expert informed child-centred research checklist. Design: A descriptive mixed methods study was undertaken in five sequential phases, including a Delphi component. Setting(s): Academic/international context. Methods: This study involved five sequential stages: 1. Literature review using four databases (CINAHL, MEDLINE, Scopus, PsycINFO) and analysis to identify key themes in child-centred research (January 2020). 2. Generate a questionnaire based on the key themes for international experts in child research to provide their opinions on what should be included in a child-centred research checklist (March 2020). 3. Inductive thematic analysis of the experts\u27 responses to generate the initial draft checklist (June 2020). 4. The checklist progressed through three rounds of Delphi study for a wider range of experts to provide their consensus on what a child-centred research checklist should contain (August 2020–February 2021). 5. Refinement of the child-centred research checklist based on the Delphi study (March 2021–November 2022). Results: A total of 160 articles met the inclusion criteria for review and were considered in the development of a 10-item open-ended questionnaire, adapted for four age-brackets (0-1 yrs., 2-4 yrs., 5-10 yrs., \u3e 11 yrs). Responses from 14 experts across 10 countries generated 205 generic statements and 76 examples to inform a child-centred research checklist. Following this, 158 experts from eleven disciplines across 18 countries participated in the three round Delphi study (38 % retention rate over the three rounds). The final checklist includes 11 statements and 17 examples represented under three categories of “child-parent consent, assent and dissent”, “code of conduct” and “child focused methods”. Conclusion: The child-centred research checklist was generated from a mixed methods study undertaken in five sequential phases, with input by 172 experts from 11 disciplines across 19 countries. The child-centred research checklist is the first international, expert informed tool to support good quality and transparent child-centred research. We call on researchers, clinicians, journal editors, organisations, and ethics committees to use this checklist for future research with children. The next phase of this project is engagement with children and their families to refine the checklist. Tweetable abstract: New checklist to support good quality child research practices @IFNAorg
Forecasting data-driven system strength level for inverter-based resources-integrated weak grid systems using multi-objective machine learning algorithms
Get PDFShortage of grid-fault level, known as system strength inadequacy, impacts on grid instability and can lead to blackouts. System strength is generally measured by short circuit ratio index at point of coupling (POC) of inverter-based resources (IBRs) and the grid system. Nowadays, accurate knowledge of system strength forecasting for ‘next day’ to ‘next week’ duration is essential to power system operators, owing to the higher-growth of IBRs. However, releavant publications about this subject remain limited when compared with load demand, active and reactive power prediction. Therefore, a data-driven system strength forecasting scheme is presented in this paper to surmount these issues. Multi-objective machine learning (MOML) algorithms are used to obtain the best result. The designed model uses energy management system (EMS) to collect historical online data and complete the training and testing procedures via learning frameworks such as Hedge-backpropagation neural network-based tangent function (Hedge-BPNNT), support vector machine (SVM) and long short-term memory (LSTM). The methodology is developed to predict up to seven days of system strength forecasting levels by using the last thirty-days data status. The designed model is tested on both simulated and experimented cases, confirming higher accuracy performance with reduced computational time when compared to existing literature
Impact of multidimensional presence on user well-being in metaverse communities
Get PDFIn metaverse communities, users engage in various activities, such as socializing, gaming, and exploration. Presence in such communities refers to the feeling of being there and being fully immersed. This study examines the role of various dimensions of presence (e.g., social, spatial, and self) in driving user well-being in metaverse communities. Moreover, the study tests the mediating roles of social connectedness and social support. The data set comprised responses from 357 metaverse users. Data were analyzed using multigroup analysis (MGA), necessary condition analysis, partial least squares path modeling, and artificial neural network analysis. Results show that social presence, spatial presence, and self-presence affect users\u27 well-being in metaverse communities. Further, they indicate that spatial presence has a particularly strong impact on user well-being among extroverts and introverts. This study is one of the first to investigate how aspects of presence and user well-being interact inside metaverse communities. The practical implications of the results are discussed
The influence of project managing capability, IT integration, supply coordination, and process innovation to improve organizational performance of educational institutions
Get PDFThe organization strives to provide timely service according to customer needs. Organizations must communicate and make the right decisions quickly to improve performance. The research aims to assess the influence of project management capability, integration, and coordination in improving organizational performance. Data is collected using a questionnaire designed with a five-point Likert scale. The respondents are all suppliers or vendors of high school educational Institutions in East Java. The organization has a project manager responsible for all procurement and projects. The criteria of suppliers or vendors are those who have paid taxes, have a taxpayer number, and have an adequate bank account. Data analysis used the SEM-PLS approach employing SmartPLS software version 4.0. The data processing results showed that project management capability positively affected information technology integration by 0.712, supply coordination by 0.432, and process innovation by 0.250. Information technology integration positively impacted supply coordination by 0.445, process innovation by 0.254, and organizational performance by 0.304. Supply coordination positively affected process innovation by 0.366 and organizational performance by 0.385. Finally, process innovation had a positive effect on organizational performance by 0.234. The research provides insights for foundations to optimize the role of departments in building supply coordination using information technology. Project managers must optimize integrated information technology by maintaining investment and upgrading equipment, making a theoretical contribution to supply chain enrichment, and using a resource-based view
The work of midwives: The socio-institutional theory of the meaning of midwives’ work-life balance
Get PDFBackground: Globally, midwifery is facing a potential workforce crisis. A significant number of midwives intending to leave the profession often cite burnout as contributing to this decision. While it has been reported that work-life balance is a key element in deciding to stay in midwifery, little is known about what constitutes work-life balance and the barriers to achieving this. Aim: The aim of this study was to explore what work-life balance means to Australian midwives, and to determine its crucial features. Methods: Qualitative Description methodology was used for this study. Data were collected from 31 midwives in Australia working in hospital settings, and different models of care. Data were collected using open ended questions via an online survey. Thematic analysis with a socio-institutional lens was applied to the data. Findings: The findings were organised to three themes: ‘Tipping the balance: The socio-institutional factors that shape midwives’ work-life balance; ‘Taking it home: The unique occupational characteristics of midwifery emotion work’ and ‘Finding harmony: Midwifery agency fosters presence and joy’. Together these explain the macro-, meso- and micro- level factors that characterise midwives’ work-life balance. Conclusion: The concept of work-life ‘blending’ is proposed as a more accurate depiction for midwifery than ‘balance’, where integration of work and life can be beneficial if autonomy and midwifery role and professional identity are valued. The majority of midwives are women who carry a significant domestic burden outside of work, and gender affirming structural changes to better support the role and full scope of the midwives to facilitate blending of work and life in a way that works for them are recommended
Zero day ransomware detection with Pulse: Function classification with Transformer models and assembly language
Get PDFFinding automated AI techniques to proactively defend against malware has become increasingly critical. The ability of an AI model to correctly classify novel malware is dependent on the quality of the features it is trained with and the authenticity of the features is dependent on the analysis tool. Peekaboo, a Dynamic Binary Instrumentation tool defeats evasive malware to capture its genuine behaviour. The ransomware Assembly instructions captured by Peekaboo, follow Zipf\u27s law, a principle also observed in natural languages, indicating Transformer models are particularly well-suited to binary classification. We propose Pulse, a novel framework for zero day ransomware detection with Transformer models and Assembly language. Pulse, trained with the Peekaboo ransomware and benign software data, uniquely identify truly new samples with high accuracy. Pulse eliminates any familiar functionality across the test and training samples, forcing the Transformer model to detect malicious behaviour based solely on context and novel Assembly instruction combinations
Preharvest methyl jasmonate application regulates ripening, colour development and improves phytochemical quality of fruits: A review
Get PDFJasmonic acid (JA) and its methyl ester, methyl jasmonate (MeJA), are increasingly being recognised as unique phytohormones, linked to a variety of physiological and molecular functions. Endogenous concentrations of jasmonates (JAs) vary among plant parts, stages of fruit development, maturity, ripening and during the postharvest period. MeJA expresses prime cellular responses, where as an elicitor of secondary metabolite production, aids in inter-plant communications, regulates the biosynthesis of associated phytohormones, supports plant defence systems against pathogenic infections, and helps in abiotic stress conditions. The potential of MeJA has been extensively studied in modulating fruit ripening, enhancing colour development, and improving the phytochemical profile, particularly for antioxidants in fruit crops. Preharvest application of MeJA regulates ethylene biosynthesis during fruit maturation and ripening. Preharvest MeJA sprays have been shown to significantly increase the biosynthesis of phytochemicals such as phenolics, flavonoids, anthocyanins, carotenoids, enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants, as well as essential nutrients. Preharvest MeJA application also upregulates the production of aroma volatiles in fruits. Preharvest spray of MeJA is reported to alleviate chilling injury in cold-stored fruits. This review explores: the biosynthesis of JAs, their influence on tree growth; fruit ripening physiology; colour development; regulation of biosynthesis of pigments; fruit firmness and modulation of biochemical attributes, including antioxidant compounds, during the ripening process, at harvest, and during postharvest periods; therby bridging gaps towards a more comprehensive understanding
S-methyl-L-cysteine sulfoxide and glucosinolate levels in Australian-sourced Brassica vegetables before and after domestic cooking
Get PDFCurrently no data exists on S-methyl-L-cysteine sulfoxide (SMCSO) levels in Australian-sourced vegetables and limited data exists for glucosinolates. The effect of various cooking methods on the retention of SMCSO and glucosinolates in Australian-sourced vegetables is also limited. This study measured SMCSO and ten glucosinolates in a selection of Australian-sourced Brassica vegetables, both raw and after steaming. We additionally measured SMCSO and glucosinolate levels in broccoli after microwaving, stir-frying and boiling. SMCSO contributed greater dry weight (0.6–1.9 %) than total glucosinolates combined (0.3–1.2 %) in these raw cruciferous vegetables. SMCSO levels from highest to lowest were: Brussels sprouts \u3e broccoli \u3e red cabbage \u3e kale \u3e cauliflower \u3e white cabbage \u3e Chinese cabbage; and glucosinolate levels were: Brussels sprouts \u3e white cabbage \u3e broccoli \u3e kale \u3e red cabbage \u3e Chinese cabbage \u3e cauliflower. Both SMCSO and the ten main glucosinolates quantified were relatively stable after light steaming across all vegetables measured, and after microwaving broccoli. Boiling and stir-frying broccoli led to significant losses in SMCSO and the two dominant glucosinolates, glucoraphanin and glucobrassicin (all p \u3c 0.05). Mild steaming and/or microwaving were preferable in retaining SMCSO and glucosinolates, whilst boiling and stir-frying were least favorable
Catching on: Work stress, employee wellbeing, and the moderating role of team-level emotional contagion
Get PDFWork stress and employee wellbeing have gained heightened attention since the COVID-19 pandemic. Until now, organizations have primarily sought to conceptualize these variables as an individual-level phenomenon; thereby neglecting the potential influence of social dynamics within the workplace. Drawing on conservation of resources and emotional contagion theories, this study examines the extent to which team-level emotional contagion moderates the impact of stress on wellbeing, factoring in multilevel effects. Data from 237 professional services employees nested within 41 teams was analyzed. The results show support for emotional contagion as a team-level moderator between individual-level work stress and employee wellbeing. The role of organizational resources in shaping stress and wellbeing outcomes was also significant. This study underscores the significance of team dynamics and organizational resources in shaping employee wellbeing. Well-targeted, stress alleviation, and team-contagion enhancing initiatives will have a more positive impact on wellbeing, than individually targeted stress alleviation initiatives in isolation
Optimal bag valve mask ventilation efficacy of SMART bag ventilation compared to traditional adult and paediatric bag valve ventilation during cardiopulmonary resuscitation
No full textBackground: Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest (OHCA) is one of the world’s leading causes of mortality. Survival rates are low, ranging from 3.1–20.4% internationally. The most effective oxygenation method for patients during pre-hospital cardiac arrest is ventilating using a self- inflating Bag-Valve-Mask (BVM). Yet, extensive research has identified a lack of compliance with ventilator guidelines during OHCA cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). As a result, clinicians often ventilate patients too aggressively using the BVM, delivering breaths excessively higher than the International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation (ILCOR) recommended rate of 10 breaths per minute (BPM). Hyperventilation can lead to complications such as aspiration, barotrauma, and increased intracranial pressure.
Nevertheless, when utilised correctly, the BVM provides lifesaving respiratory assistance for oxygenation and gaseous exchange and has been the mainstay of prehospital ventilation since its creation in 1956. The Paediatric BVM has been trialled in in-hospital and tabletop studies to assess if the reduced inspired tidal volume decreases inadvertent hyperventilation within adult OHCA, with results indicating the Paediatric BVM may well provide more efficacious ventilations compared to the traditional Adult BVM. The Synchronous Manual Actuation Response Technology (SMART) BVM was subsequently designed with an actuating mechanism inside the neck bushing of the bag to intentionally limit the potential for excessive gas flow into the patient\u27s airway. In-hospital tabletop studies suggest the SMART BVM, on average, provides ventilations and tidal volumes closer to recommended guidelines than other traditional Adult BVMs.
Yet, ILCOR states additional research is required to best inform clinicians on optimal airway practices, ventilation rates and tidal volumes, particularly in prehospital environments. In addition, improvements in CPR outcomes need a high-quality chain of survival from basic to advanced life support, in which clinicians from prehospital and in-hospital provide ventilations from a BVM. The present research investigates which of three established BVMs (SMART, Paediatric and Adult) provides more effective ventilations that align closely with ILCOR guidelines during a simulated OHCA.
Aim: To compare mean ventilation rates, singular inspired tidal volume and one-minute volume of asynchronous ventilations between the SMART BVM, traditional Adult and Paediatric BVM during an OHCA CPR simulation.
Methods: Thirty first-year paramedic students completed three simulated exercises (SIMEXs) utilising each BVM lasting four minutes each. Order of BVM exposure was randomised and participants were given six-minute rest breaks between each SIMEX. Each SIMEX comprised one participant providing two minutes of asynchronous ventilations having been informed the defined efficacy rate was 10–12 BPM, ~500 mLs per singular tidal volume ventilation, and 5,000–6,000 mLs total per one-minute volume, whilst the second participant provided chest compressions at a rate of 100–120 per minute. Participants undertook tasks for two minutes before cardiac defibrillation, then alternating roles for a further two minutes of asynchronous ventilations. All clinical guidelines were in accordance with ILCOR recommendations.
Results: The Adult BVM and SMART BVM mean ventilation rates were within recommended guidelines. While Adult BVM mean singular tidal volume (524 mLs) and one-minute volume (5,894 mLs) were no different to ILCOR recommendations, mean singular tidal volumes for the SMART BVM (443 mLs) and Paediatric BVM (280 mLs) were below ILCOR recommendations, as was the Paediatric mean one-minute volume (2,992 mLs).
Conclusion: Through our contemporary experiment with first-year undergraduate paramedical science students, the SMART BVMs incorporated pressure-response valve designed to limit excessive gas flow produced a singular tidal volume below established ventilatory recommendations. Similarly, the Paediatric BVM produced mean tidal volumes and one-minute volumes that were significantly lower than the recommendations set forth by ILCOR. By comparison, the traditional Adult BVM delivered tidal and one-minute volume more aligned with ILCOR recommendations.
Implications: According to the ILCOR 2015–2020 guidelines, patients experiencing OHCA should receive effective BVM ventilations at a rate of 10 BPM. The recommended tidal volume is approximately ~500 mLs, which equates to a total volume of 5,000–6,000 mLs delivered over one minute. During CPR, supplemental oxygen should be administered at a flow rate of 15,000 mLs/min. Achieving the appropriate one-minute volume and oxygen administration during CPR has been associated with increased rates of return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) and improved long-term neurological outcomes for patients with OHCA.
Our research presents findings that challenge the conclusions of previous studies, particularly regarding the SMART BVM. The implications of our study could improve ventilatory strategies for BVMs, ultimately enhancing patient outcomes for those experiencing OHCA. We recommend conducting further investigations before ambulance services and other organizations allocate financial resources to alternative BVMs. Such a cautious approach could lead to substantial cost savings and prevent health organisations from making large-scale investments that do not improve OHCA outcomes. Therefore, additional specific research is necessary, comparing BVMs available on the market during adult OHCA CPR and enhancing our understanding of ventilatory parameters. Study findings may contribute to the further development of improved evidence-based guidelines