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Examining well-being and cognitive function in people with long Covid and ME/CFS, and age-matched healthy controls: A Case-Case-Control Study
No full textPurposeWell-being and cognitive function had not previously been compared between people with long COVID and people with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS). Therefore, this study examined well-being and cognitive function in people with long COVID (∼16 months illness duration; n= 17) and ME/CFS (∼16 years illness duration; n=24), versus age-matched healthy controls (n=16).MethodsWell-being was examined using several questionnaires, namely the Health Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), Post-exertional malaise (PEM), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), European Quality of Life-5 Domains (EQ-5D), MRC Dyspnoea, Self-Efficacy (SELTC), The Edinburgh Neurosymptoms Questionnaire (ENS), General Anxiety Disorder 7 (GAD-7), and Patient Health Questionnaire 9 (PHQ-9). Cognitive function was examined using Single Digit Modalities Test (SDMT), Stroop test, and Trails A and B. These were delivered via a mobile application (app) built specifically for this remote data collection.ResultsThe main findings of the present investigation were that people with ME/CFS and people with long COVID were generally comparable on all well-being and cognitive function measures, but self-reported worse values for pain, fatigue, Post-exertional malaise, sleep quality, general well-being in relation to mobility, usual activities, self-care, breathlessness, neurological symptoms, self-efficacy, and other well-being such as anxiety and depression, compared to controls. There was no effect of group for cognitive function measures.ConclusionsThese data suggest that both people with long COVID and people with ME/CFS have similar impairment on well-being measures examined herein. Therefore, interventions that target well-being of people with ME/CFS and long COVID are required
A scoping survey for the UK rheumatology occupational therapy capabilities framework
Get PDFLay Summary: What does this mean for patients? Occupational therapists (OTs) help people with rheumatic and musculoskeletal conditions manage daily activities and employment, improving their quality of life. However, there are no clear guidelines to ensure they have the proper training to support their roles in rheumatology teams and guide career progression. To better understand their roles and developmental needs, an online survey was launched nationally and 88 OTs working in rheumatology completed this survey. Most OTs in the survey worked full time in hospitals, mainly at Band 6 or Band 7 levels. In the National Health Service, the Agenda for Change pay system groups most jobs into numbered bands based on responsibility and experience. Band 6 usually includes experienced or specialist OTs, while Band 7 typically covers more senior roles such as enhanced specialists or team leaders. They spent 75–90% of their time with patients, but almost a quarter (23%) felt they had not received enough formal training for their role in rheumatology. Participants carried out various tasks at work, such as evaluating and giving advice on daily activities, hand function and self-care skills. While most felt confident in their skills, some found it harder to understand medications, surgical treatments, patient education and choosing the right outcome measures. The results show a need for clear training and career development pathways to help OTs in rheumatology gain the right skills and provide better care. This could improve their professional growth and the support they offer to patients. A British Society for Rheumatology audit showed that not all rheumatology departments have OTs. However, this survey highlights just how important OTs are as part of the team and supports the case for having OTs in every rheumatology department across the UK
The Performance Projection Paradigm: An Exploration of a Dialogue Between the Moving Body and Projected Image, Through Improvisation
Get PDFThe key contribution of my research lies in the development of a practical methodology for transdisciplinary and intermedial dance practice, which I have termed the Performance Projection Paradigm (PPP). This methodology is designed to enable a real-time interactive feed between the moving body and projected images, which is rooted in improvisation and is therefore bidirectional, with influence from both parties. Rooted in technologies of Extended Realities, this “cyborgian” (Haraway, 1985:65) perspective, is in accordance with Donna Haraway's (1985) theory that the technological and the human are inextricably imbricated. I have developed a methodology that focuses on the live interplay between dance and electronic image projection as a co-creative practice through mutual influence. In developing a bidirectional model of intermediality, the PPP investigates a lacuna in intermedial dance. I argue that existing practices in the field reduce the initiating agency to the performer or technology alone, proposing a one-way interaction. In contrast, my methodology facilitates continuous co-creation and mutual evolution of the body and projection in performance, which I also analyse in relation to Deleuze & Guattari’s notions of becoming and “deterritorialization” ((Deleuze and Guattari, 1980:9),) and Haraway’s theory of sympoiesis. Drawing on these concepts, I argue that my methodology allows for a dynamic, ‘dialogic’ exchange between the Performer-participant and the Visualist in a continual feedback loop. My thesis, therefore, follows a “PaR” (Nelson, 2013:4) approach, originally informed by Robin Nelsons’ (2013) triangulation model, which connects practical insights, theoretical framing and critical reflection to create embodied knowledge. Ben Spatz (2015, 2018) expands this to included embodied technique which itself constitutes research. Spatz puts forward that technique is a site of inquiry, where knowledge is produced through practice. This then means that the performer’s body is a reflective tool and a living archive. The practical component of my thesis was structured through three phases, or Waves, of exploration and experimentation. Through the Waves participants contributed through feedback but also through practice, therefore actively co-creating embodied knowledge through interactivity. This highlights Spatz practice-led theory of technique as a site of embodied inquiry, as my research also acknowledges that knowledge and meaning reside in the practice itself.The PPP is composed of three connective techniques: the Suggestive Spectrum, concerning colour associations, Shifting Shape System, which uses abstract shapes; and the Choice Method, which leads decision-making during improvisation. These techniques were developed through each stage of the Waves and prepared participants for, what I term the Performance-play, the interactive, improvisational phase where feedback loops of (re)action and (inter)action between body and projection occur. Ultimately, the PPP establishes a novel bidirectional model within intermedial practice, providing an original toolkit consisting of ideal environmental needs, technical set-up, immersive specifics, performer requirements and a bespoke ECP warm-up, that other practitioners can adopt to explore and create intermedial performance through kinesthetic play, which advances the field of intermedial dance practice.I have included a glossary of terms to define terminology I developed through the practice which explain their purpose and use
Compliant actuators that mimic biological muscle performance with applications in a highly biomimetic robotic arm
Get PDFThis paper endeavours to bridge the existing gap in muscular actuator design for ligament-skeletal-inspired robots, thereby fostering the evolution of these robotic systems. We introduce two novel compliant actuators, namely the Internal Torsion Spring Compliant Actuator (ICA) and the External Spring Compliant Actuator (ECA), and present a comparative analysis against the previously conceived Magnet Integrated Soft Actuator (MISA) through computational and experimental results. These actuators, employing a motor-tendon system, emulate biological muscle-like forms, enhancing artificial muscle technology. Then, applications of the proposed ac-tuators in a robotic arm inspired by the human musculoskeletal system are presented. Experiments demonstrate satisfactory power in tasks like lifting dumbbells (peak power: 36 W), playing table tennis (end-effector speed: 3.2 m/s), and door opening, without compromising biomimetic aesthetics. Compared to other linear stiffness serial elastic actuators (SEAs), ECA and ICA exhibit high power-to-volume (361 × 10 3 W/m 3) and power-to-mass (111.6 W/kg) ratios respectively, endorsing the biomimetic design's promise in robotic development
The Meloni government: consolidation and a return to politics
Get PDFThe Meloni government during 2024 was characterized by unexpected stability and consolidation of its political dominance. The year 2024 marked a return to ’politics in the strict sense’, following years of anti-politics and technocratic governance, but with a government embodying a sui generis coalition, characterized by limited competition both within and outside government. Factors contributing to the government’s stability included Meloni’s firm grip over her party, Fratelli d’Italia’s electoral dominance, the strategic pursuit of major reforms that were vital to each of the coalition parties, and a pragmatic approach to foreign policy and societal demands. However, by year’s end there were several challenges emerging that could yet test the coalition’s unity, including: the return of austerity measures, the uncertain fate of reforms, the underperformance of major investment programmes, and the pressure from upcoming elections
Innovative Investigation of the Resilience of EV Charging Infrastructure Under Cyber‐Physical Threats Based on a Real‐Time Co‐Simulation Testbed
Get PDFThe rapid expansion of electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure has introduced significant vulnerabilities to cyber-physical threats, raising concerns about the resilience of both charging and smart power grid systems. This paper presents an innovative investigation into the resilience of EV charging infrastructure using a real-time co-simulation testbed, integrating both power network models and communication protocols such as IEC 61850. The study addresses gaps in existing research by implementing a realistic smart grid environment that incorporates EVs, charging stations and communication networks to simulate cyber-physical interactions. Key cyber-attacks, such as remote charging station status and configuration manipulations and their impact on it, are analysed in real-time simulations. Results show that even a relatively small attack utilising an IEEE 9-bus system with two EV charging stations can severely disrupt grid stability. The paper also explores various attacks targeting EV infrastructure, including charging stations, communication protocols, and management systems. The combined effects of cyber-attacks on power consumption and current variation highlight the critical importance of ensuring that charging infrastructure can adapt to sudden changes in demand while maintaining operational integrity
Reducing Tonal Noise of Contra-Rotating Unmanned Aerial System Rotors via Blade Rake Angle Adjustment
No full textThis paper investigates the effect of blade rake angle on the tonal noise produced by contra-rotating rotor systems suitable for use on small multi-rotor unmanned aerial systems (UAS). This investigation utilises semi-analytical, numerical, and experimental methods to investigate the physics of the noise generation mechanisms, generated noise levels and the psychoacoustic characteristics of this noise. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations and semi-analytical models are employed to predict the periodic unsteady loading on the rotor blades, and the loading data are used to predict the radiated noise for rotor systems with different blade rake angles. Experimental measurements of the noise produced by a rotor system with no blade rake angle were used as a baseline case, and predictions were used to synthesise and auralise the sound produced by rotor systems with different rake angles for psychoacoustic analysis. The results show that increasing the blade rake angle generally reduces the amplitude of prominent interaction tones due to the reduction in the unsteady loading along the blade span caused by bound potential field interactions as the blade rake angle increases. This causes a reduction in the perceived tonal noise level
An Empirical Examination of Confabulation in Adolescents with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)
Get PDFIntroductionConfabulation is when missing memories are unwittingly filled in with distorted or fabricated information. This has been shown to lead to incorrect information in legal cases involving suspects, witnesses or victims of crime. This study is the first to experimentally explore confabulation in adolescents with fetal alcohol spectrumdisorders (FASD).MethodsFifty-two participants aged 11-16 years (27 FASD; 25 controls) completed the Gudjonsson Suggestibility Scale (GSS 2) immediately, after 50 minutes, and after oneweek. The Behaviour Rating of Executive Function-2 (BRIEF-2) scales and the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC-V) were used as predictor variables in a multiple regression model to predict confabulation and its components, distortion and fabrication.ResultsUpon immediate recall, there was no difference in confabulation between individuals with FASD (mean score 0.96±SD1.13) and controls (1.06±1.43; z=-0.01, P>0.05). After 50 minutes delay, the FASD group had significantly higher total confabulation scores(1.37±2.71 vs 1.28±1.67; z=-3.65; P<0.01), and at 1 week they fabricated significantly more stories (1.65±2.21 vs 0.26±0.66, z= -3.55, P<0.01). The FASD population had lower IQ, higher impulsivity, and poorer memory recall. In those with FASD, memorywas a significant predictor of confabulation at all three timepoints (immediate, β=0.74, p=0.02; 50min β=-0.82, P<.001, 1 week β=-0.63, P=0.01).ConclusionFASD is a common condition, especially in criminal justice settings. While not all individuals with FASD may confabulate, there should be corroboration of testimony provided by individuals who have/suspected to have FASD. This is because confabulation may lead to false confessions and/or miscarriage of justice
Comparison of physical characteristics among english professional and semi-professional soccer players across different leagues
Get PDFThe purpose of the present study was to investigate if differences exist in neuromuscular qualities between different leagues in English male soccer. Twenty soccer players (age: 23.3 ± 5.2 years, stature: 180.3 ± 7.0 cm, mass: 82.5 ± 7.7 kg) from English football league two (EFL2). 34 soccer players (age: 25.8 ± 4.3 years, stature: 180.9 ± 5.6 cm, mass: 81.4 ± 8.6 kg) from National league (NL) and 23 soccer players (age: 27.5 ± 4.3 years, stature: 182.1 ± 5.5 cm, mass: 84.1 ± 8.0 kg) from National league North (NLN). Each player completed three to five repetitions of the countermovement jump (CMJ), countermovement rebound jump (CMJRJ) and isometric mid-thigh pull (IMTP). Trivial to small differences were observed in CMJ jump height, CMJ momentum, relative average braking and propulsion force, time to take-off and modified reactive strength index (RSI) (p > 0.265, d = 0.05–0.55). However, moderate to large (p ≤ 0.009, d = 0.94–1.25) differences were observed in countermovement depth. Trivial to moderate differences were observed in absolute and relative peak net force and force at 100 and 250 ms (p ≥ 0.092, d = 0.13–0.63). Trivial to moderate differences were observed in CMJRJ rebound jump height and rebound jump momentum (p ≥ 0.440, d = 0.17–0.41). NLN players had longer rebound contact time and lower rebound RSI, rebound average relative braking and propulsion forces to a large magnitude (p ≤ 0.001, d = 1.18–1.85), with small differences between ELF2 and NL (p > 0.536, d = 0.11–0.39). Lower reactive qualities of NLN players could explain observed leagues, considering their relationship with match scoring situations. All players would be considered weak (<30 N/kg) and practitioners should prioritise lower limb strength across all leagues
Sowing Sustainability: How does Fintech Mitigate Agricultural Financial Risk from Climate Change Vulnerability
Get PDFThis study examines the impact of climate vulnerability on agricultural finance and explores the moderating role of fintech in this nexus. Using a sample of 1,017 firms from 24 countries, we find that climate vulnerability is positively associated with agricultural finance, indicating that climate change exacerbates financial constraints for firms. Interestingly, our analysis of fintech's moderating effect reveals that fintech mitigates the negative impact of climate vulnerability on agricultural finance by promoting climate-smart agricultural practices and encouraging the adoption of insurance by farmers. Furthermore, our findings highlight that the Fourth Industrial Revolution, strong institutional quality, higher levels of innovation, and a country's readiness for technological adoption play critical roles in reducing the effects of climate vulnerability. Digital technologies, by improving operational efficiency and enabling better measurement and tracking of climate impacts, help reduce carbon emissions. These insights offer important managerial and policy implications, emphasising the need for integrating fintech and digital solutions to enhance resilience in agricultural finance
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