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A path analysis disentangling determinants of natal dispersal in a cooperatively breeding bird
Get PDFDelayed offspring dispersal, the prolonged residence in the natal territory after reaching independence and before dispersing to breed elsewhere, is an important aspect of the evolution of cooperative breeding. By applying a path analysis approach to the long-term Seychelles warbler (Acrocephalus sechellensis) dataset, we studied whether and how delayed dispersal is affected by territory quality, the presence of helpers and non-helping subordinates, maternal breeding status, age and fecundity, and offspring sex ratio. We found that offspring are more likely to disperse when their genetic mothers are co-breeders, helpers are absent, and territory quality is high, highlighting that a complex interplay of ecological and social factors shapes dispersal decisions. In contrast to earlier findings, our analysis does not support the idea that the offspring sex ratio is affected by territory quality and helper presence. Collectively, this study underscores the importance of considering proximate factors in understanding cooperative breeding dynamics, and it shows that path analyses offer valuable insights into dissecting the intricate relationships influencing dispersal in wild populations
Measurement of neutron production in atmospheric neutrino interactions at Super-Kamiokande
Get PDFWe present measurements of total neutron production from atmospheric neutrino interactions in water, analyzed as a function of electron-equivalent visible energy over a range of 30 MeV to 10 GeV. These results are based on 4,270 days of data collected by Super-Kamiokande, including 564 days with 0.011 wt% gadolinium added to enhance neutron detection. Neutron signal selection is based on a neural network trained on simulation, with its performance validated using an Am/Be neutron point source. The measurements are compared to predictions from neutrino event generators combined with various hadron-nucleus interaction models, which include an intranuclear cascade model and a nuclear deexcitation model. We observe significant variations in the predictions depending on the choice of hadron-nucleus interaction model. We discuss key factors that contribute to describing our data, such as in-medium effects in the intranuclear cascade and the accuracy of statistical evaporation modeling
Description of the combined evidence-based, theory-based and person-based approaches used to develop a behavioural intervention package to support non-allergist healthcare workers to remove incorrect penicillin allergy records from medical and surgical adult inpatients in a UK hospital
Get PDFObjectives To develop a behavioural intervention package to support non-allergist healthcare workers (HCWs) to remove incorrect penA records from medical and surgical adult inpatients. This paper describes the development of the penicillin allergy de-labelling (PADL) intervention and the implementation intervention that will support non-allergist-delivered PADL.
Design We combined evidence-based, theory-based and person-based approaches. Qualitative research with healthcare professionals and patients explored barriers and enablers to implementation of the proposed PADL pathway. Key intervention design objectives and the key features of the implementation intervention required to achieve each objective were then developed and captured as guiding principles. We produced a logic model, integrating the theoretical domains framework to identify the behavioural influences on PADL and the behaviour change wheel to show how the implementation intervention is hypothesised to address the target behaviours. The implementation intervention package was then reviewed by stakeholders and topic experts for further refinement and optimisation. Finally, we outline how the implementation intervention will be evaluated.
Setting Single-centre District General Hospital in the SW England servicing a rural community of 575 000 people without local allergy services.
Results HCWs reported PADL needed to be structured, standardised, evidence based and supported by hospital approved guidelines with easy to access patient information leaflets, supported by a sustained programme of education and training with named PADL leaders and visible PADL champions. Patients wanted a good explanation of the benefits and risks of testing and the benefits of having their ‘penA’ record removed. The identified HCW target behaviours were: taking a penA allergy focused history and to risk assess the patient’s penA history; to then either de-label the patient on history alone (direct de-label; DDL) or prescribe a direct oral challenge (DOC) dose; to perform baseline and post-test observations and counsel the patient on the risks of penA records and on the risks and the benefits of PADL. We identified barriers to target behaviours that we considered both important and modifiable, which included: lack of confidence in taking a penA focused history, PADL not viewed as a priority, low confidence with differentiating low-risk and high-risk penA histories, concerns about the safety of DOC, a requirement for senior support for nurses to deliver the observations and senior support for the other HCWs to deliver PADL, access to an expert for advice when required, a lack of PADL champions to promote PADL, and PADL not being supported by the organisation. The identified patient target behaviours were acceptance of the opportunity to be de-labelled via either DDL or DOC and willingness to take penicillin when prescribed. We developed intervention components to target the HCW and patient target behaviours which included: Education, expert advice made available from Infection specialists, a named PADL champion, hospital endorsed PADL guideline with necessary tools to enable PADL and patient information leaflets. The implementation intervention was further optimised through workshops with PADL researchers and stakeholders. The Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research outcome addendum was used to define both implementation intervention and PADL intervention outcomes.
Conclusions We have developed a theory-based and stakeholder-developed implementation intervention to support inpatient PADL delivered by a multiprofession workforce. The intervention will be tested in a single hospital and scalability explored
Understanding the use of thermography and its ability to predict ultrasound-detected joint inflammation at the metacarpophalangeal joint in patients with rheumatoid arthritis
Get PDFObjectives
To study the correlation of thermography with ultrasonography, and whether thermography can help to predict ultrasound-detected joint inflammation at the metacarpophalangeal joints (MCPJs) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
Method
Maximum, average, and minimum temperatures were recorded by thermography and summed for the MCPJs of each hand. Their relationship with the summed power Doppler (PD) and grey-scale (GS) scores was explored using correlation analysis and simple linear regression. The ability of summed thermographic temperatures to predict summed PD score ≥ 1 and summed GS score ≥ 18 (median score) was studied using receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve analysis. Intraobserver reliability (single observer) was analysed using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs).
Results
This cross-sectional study examined 810 joints from 81 RA patients. At both right and left MCPJs, all summed thermographic temperatures correlated significantly (p 2 weeks apart) were excellent (all > 0.90).
Conclusion
Thermographic temperatures reflect ultrasound-detected joint inflammation, and appear useful in predicting PD vascularity at the MCPJs of patients with RA
RefugeeUK: Supporting the wellbeing of refugees and asylum seekers through the pandemic
No full textThe ‘hostile environment’ created by UK migration policy has put increased pressure on voluntary sector organisations to provide integration and employment support to refugees and asylum seekers. RefugeeUK provides essential support to these groups in a small UK city. Owing to the isolation and disconnection of these groups generally from the wider community, it was essential that the organisation continue to provide services throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. This meant shifting delivery of wellbeing activities to in-person checks and when possible, to socially distanced spaces. The organisation was able to exploit its small size to quickly pivot its service delivery and it drew on a wide network of relationships to help extend the reach of its services to more groups during this crisis
Preparing preservice teachers to teach with digital technologies: An update of effective SQD-strategies
Get PDFThis systematic review responds to the critical need to equip preservice teachers with the competencies to use technologies within an increasingly digital educational landscape. Given the fact that new ways to learn digitally are constantly emerging, new strategies are needed to support future teachers' digital practices in a different context. This replication study builds upon the Synthesis of Qualitative Data (SQD) model, offering an updated synthesis of effective strategies. Using the PRISMA-methodology, the study critically analyses qualitative evidence from the past 12 years, identifying both persisting and emerging strategies for preservice teacher preparation in the digital age. Findings from the updated SQD-model (SQD2) introduce new themes, including “Digital Identity”, “Instructional Design Models”, and “Affective Dimensions.” These new themes complement the original SQD-model by addressing diverse experiences and technology-specific pedagogical approaches. The discussion section explores the implications and practical applications of these findings, highlighting pathways to enhance digital competency in preservice teacher education
The Newsmongers: a history of tabloid journalism by Terry Kirby, London, Reaktion Books, 2024, 392 pp., £20 (hardback), ISBN: 9781789149418
Get PDFTitanium-Zirconia abutment-implant assemblies: Are they alternatives for single material implants?
Get PDFObjectives
To compare the biomechanical performance of titanium, zirconia, and titanium-zirconia hybrid abutment-implant assemblies using finite element analysis (FEA).
Methods
Four three-dimensional finite element models of implant-abutment-crown assemblies were developed using Solid Works 2022 SP3.1 and Abaqus 2022 (Dassault Systèmes), based on the abutment-implant systems: (1) Titanium abutment and implant - Ti-Ti, (2) Zirconia abutment and implant - ZrO2-ZrO2, (3) hybrid - titanium abutment with zirconia implant - Ti-ZrO2, and (4) hybrid - zirconia abutment with titanium implant - ZrO2-Ti. A cemented-retained zirconia crown and a 5-mm diameter abutment, with no inclination, were used in all models. The fit between the abutment and the implant was performed by a 9-mm length and 1-mm diameter titanium abutment screw. Volumetric finite elements with a linear tetrahedral shape (C3D4) and “tie” interactions represented 100 % of osteointegration. A distributed load of 200 N was applied to the crown, while the bone was fully constrained. For linear analysis, all materials were assumed to be linear, elastic, isotropic, and homogeneous. The FEA focused on evaluating the stress distribution within the implant, abutment, and surrounding tissues.
Results
The hybrid zirconia-titanium assembly exhibited lower peak stress at the gingiva compared to the titanium-zirconia model and the full titanium or zirconia implant models. The hybrid titanium-zirconia and the full titanium assembly demonstrated the lowest peak stress in the bone, whereas the zirconia-titanium model and the full zirconia implant models exhibited higher stresses. The full titanium and the titanium-zirconia assemblies exhibited the highest stress concentration at the implant-abutment interface, highlighting potential areas for mechanical failure.
Significance
Finite element analysis indicates that the hybrid zirconia-titanium abutment-implant assembly offers a viable alternative to single-material implants. The hybrid configurations combine the advantages of both materials, promoting balanced stress distribution and favourable biomechanical performance. The findings suggests that titanium-zirconia hybrid implants may enhance implant longevity and success rates, making them a promising option for clinical applications
Thin and ephemeral snow shapes melt and runoff dynamics in the Peruvian Andes
Get PDFThe snow and glaciers of the Peruvian Andes provide vital water supplies in a region facing water scarcity and substantial glacier change. However, there remains a lack of understanding of snow processes and quantification of the contribution of melt to runoff. Here we apply a distributed glacio-hydrological model over the Rio Santa basin to disentangle the role of the cryosphere in the Andean water cycle. Only at the highest elevations (>5000 m a.s.l.) is the snow cover continuous; at lower elevations, the snowpack is thin and ephemeral, with rapid cycles of snowfall and melt. Due to the large catchment area affected by ephemeral snow, its contribution to catchment inputs is substantial (23% and 38% in the wet and dry season, respectively). Ice melt is crucial in the mid-dry season (up to 44% of inputs). Our results improve estimates of water fluxes and call for further process-based modelling across the Andes
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