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Comparisons of Urinary Bladder Responses to Common Antimuscarinics Reveals Unique Effects of Darifenacin - Beyond the Abstract
No full textAbout 16-21% of patients suffer from overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms.1,2 The first line pharmaceutical treatments for OAB are antimuscarinics, with the most recent novel antimuscarinic for this purpose being approved by the US Food and Drug Administration in 2008
Life-course biographical method in tourism and healthy ageing research: a structural guide for application
No full textPurpose: Building on the principles and theoretical perspectives of developmental psychology, the research aims to provide a structural guide for effectively applying the life-course biographical method to reveal seniors’ evolving psychological well-being in the context of tourism. Design/methodology/approach:Through the case study of senior tourist well-being involving 33 in-depth biographical interviews, with integrating criteria applied in conceptually related qualitative studies, this research focuses on the key issues of the quality of data, analysis procedure and trustworthiness strategies. Findings: Drawing on the life-course paradigm and hermeneutic phenomenology, this research contributes to a structural guide for applying the life-course biographical method in advancing the conceptual understanding of senior tourist well-being through a developmental lens. The guide includes strategies for information power, a three-stage interview procedure and a rigorous analytical framework to ensure data quality and trustworthiness. Using this guide, the study proposes an integrative framework for senior tourist well-being across the life course, highlighting the nuanced and evolving psychological needs and well-being derived from tourism experiences.Originality/value: This research advocates moving beyond traditional cross-sectional approaches in tourism studies by emphasizing the dynamic interplay between life-course events and the psychological well-being of senior tourists. It provides valuable insights for tourism managers and marketers, offering strategies to harness the therapeutic potential of tourism and contribute to the global healthy ageing agenda
Travel constraints and coping mechanisms of healthy ageing senior solo travellers: a netnographic user-generated content analysis of video travel blogs
No full textPurpose:This study investigates the emerging trend of solo travel among seniors, a segment that has been underexplored in tourism research. As part of the healthy ageing movement, many seniors are opting to travel alone, yet little is known about the travel constraints they face and how they navigate these challenges. This research aims to fill this gap by analysing video travel blogs (vlogs) from senior solo travellers to uncover key themes related to their travel constraints and the strategies they use to negotiate these travel barriers.Design/methodology/approach:Using the Hierarchy of Constraints Model (HCM) as the theoretical framework, this study conducted a content analysis of 15 travel vlogs by senior solo travellers. These vlogs provide direct and authentic insights into the constraints experienced during their journeys, as well as the coping mechanisms they adopt. The analysis focuses on the barriers encountered at the intrapersonal, interpersonal and structural levels.Findings:The results indicate that the concept of healthy ageing is integral to understanding the travel constraints of senior solo travellers. A total of eight distinctive travel constraints were identified, categorised into Intrapersonal (Health and Physical Limitations; Emotional Challenges; and Psychological Barriers, Fear and Anxiety), Interpersonal (Social Interaction and Boundaries; and Family Support, Companionship, and Responsibility), and Structural (Safety and Security Measures, Medical Assistance; Accessibility and Logistic Challenges; and Financial Restrictions).Practical implications:The findings provide an in-depth perspective on the challenges and coping strategies of senior solo travellers. These insights can inform tourism stakeholders and hospitality businesses, enabling them to create more inclusive and supportive environments that address the specific needs of this growing market segment.Originality/value:This pioneering study introduces the nomenclature of senior solo travel within the context of healthy ageing and is the first to explore the unique travel constraints faced by this market segment. It offers valuable insights that expand the current understanding of solo travel and senior tourism
Upper-Body Strength and Range of Motion Are Associated With Sprint-Paddling Force and Performance in Competitive Female and Male Surfers
No full textGreater upper-body strength has been linked to superior sprint-paddling performance; however, this relationship in female surfers, and the implications of isolated shoulder strength and range of motion, alongside tethered force, are yet to be explored. Thirty-two competitive Australian surfboard riders (i.e., n = 16 female and n = 16 male surfers) considered "Highly Trained/National,""Elite/International"or "World Class"completed water-based and dryland testing protocols. Water-based testing consisted of 15-m sprint-paddling efforts and 12-second stationary sprint-paddling tethered force efforts, whereas dryland testing consisted of upper-body strength testing (i.e., 1 repetition maximum [1RM] pull-up and isometric internal [IR] and external rotation [ER] shoulder strength) and shoulder range of motion (ROM). Tethered force and upper-body strength measures were expressed as absolute values and relative to surfers' bodyweight. Lasso regression and machine learning analyses determined the tethered force and upper-body strength and ROM variables that indicated faster 5-, 10-, and 15-m sprint-paddling split times (p < 0.05). Analyses revealed that relative measures were superior in identifying variables significantly contributing to sprint-paddling split times and were better at predicting these split times. Greater relative mean tethered force, isometric shoulder strength and ROM ER:IR ratios, as well as relative and absolute 1RM pull-up significantly contributed to faster split times for all surfers. Greater isometric shoulder strength ratios were more indicative of faster split times for male surfers, whereas greater shoulder ROM ratios were more indicative for female surfers. These findings may allow coaches to better implement evidence-informed training strategies into the daily training environment to optimize sprint-paddling performance for female and male surfers.</p
A CRITICAL EXAMINATION OF CONTEXTS AND ISSUES FOR DESIGNING AN ONLINE COURSE IN PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION
No full textDespite online courses gaining momentum in all spheres of education, their usefulness and acceptance in professional courses is still not satisfactory. This article briefly locates the online courses within teaching-learning theory and describes why their importance in changing social, economic context of learners. Furthermore, a few examples are given to show their usefulness as well as limitations to engineering and management courses. We have discussed some challenges and problems like assessment in designing an online professional course. It is concluded that more work and innovative online pedagogies are needed to ensure that quality of online courses in mathematical and experimental studies of the curriculum are comparable or better than class room teaching
Enhanced recovery pathways improve early outcomes and reduce length of stay in primary hip and knee arthroplasty: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials
Get PDFBackground: Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols represent an evidence-based approach to perioperative care, though evidence from randomized controlled trials in primary hip and knee arthroplasty remains limited. Objective: This systematic review aims to synthesize evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing ERAS protocols with standard care for primary hip and knee arthroplasty. Methods: Four databases were searched following PRISMA guidelines. RCTs comparing ERAS protocols with standard care for primary hip or knee arthroplasty were included. Primary outcome was length of stay (LOS), with secondary outcomes including patient-reported outcomes, functional measures, and complications. Results: Five RCTs (710 patients) met inclusion criteria. ERAS pathways reduced LOS by an average of 4.7 days compared to standard care. Patients in ERAS protocols demonstrated superior early functional recovery, particularly in the first postoperative week, with improved performance in mobility tests and daily activities. Patient-reported outcomes generally favoured ERAS protocols, though measurement heterogeneity limited synthesis. No studies reported increased complications with ERAS implementation. The role of multidisciplinary teams, particularly nurse coordinators, was identified as an important for protocol success. Conclusion: This systematic review of RCTs provides strong evidence that ERAS pathways reduce length of stay following primary hip and knee arthroplasty without compromising patient outcomes or safety. While ERAS protocols were associated with improved early functional recovery, heterogeneity in assessment methods limits definitive conclusions
Pharmacists’ Experiences on Adverse Drug Reactions in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study
Get PDFBackground and objectives: As part of Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia aims to strengthen its healthcare system by enhancing efficiency, reducing medical errors, and ensuring drug safety. Evidence on pharmacists’ experiences with adverse drug reactions (ADRs) in daily practice remains limited. Gaining insight into their perspectives is essential for improving patient safety and optimizing pharmaceutical care. Therefore, we aimed to assess pharmacists’ ability to identify ADRs in daily practice and the subsequent actions taken upon identification. Methods:Between July and August 2024, an email-based invitation was sent to randomly selected registered community and hospital pharmacists in Saudi Arabia to participate in the study, which employed a piloted questionnaire. Results: The study involved 305 pharmacists, including 169 hospital/clinical pharmacists (HCPs, 55.4%) and 136 community pharmacists (CPs, 44.6%). A majority (n = 251, 82.3%) indicated direct patient encounters, while 67.2% (n = 205) reported observing suspected ADRs in the preceding 12 months. Most respondents filed ADR reports to the Saudi Food and Drug Administration/National Pharmacovigilance Centre (HCP = 103, CP = 60) and hospital drug information centers (HCP = 89, CP = 64), with online forms being the favored mode (HCP = 122, CP = 96). Awareness of ADR reporting procedures was reported by 128 HCPs and 80 CPs. Conclusions: More than two-thirds of participants reported having participated in ADR reporting, with greater adherence observed in hospital settings. Pharmacists predominantly depend on the Saudi Food and Drug Administration/National Pharmacovigilance Centre and hospital drug information centers for reporting, with a preference for online submission methods. Targeted educational interventions addressing gaps in knowledge, reporting procedures, and form complexity could improve ADR reporting practices. These findings support the need for structured training and policy measures to strengthen pharmacovigilance system
Design, implementation, and student feedback on a numerical-themed escape room for a data analytics subject
Get PDFPurpose:The importance of essential skills like critical thinking, effective communication and collaboration can be overlooked in content-heavy curriculums like an actuarial science degree. Educational escape rooms provide an opportunity for a group of learners to work together and solve puzzles and tasks to harness these skills. The present manuscript aims to outline the design and implementation of a physical, numerical-themed escape room tailored for actuarial science students to promote active learning and engagement and assesses student perceptions of the escape room in terms of skills development and enjoyment.Design/methodology/approach:The escape room was offered as a team-building activity to students undertaking the subject prior to completing a group assignment. Following the game, the participants were invited to fill a printed survey questionnaire providing feedback in relation to two main aspects: skills development and enjoyment. Out of the 125 students who completed the activity, 116 students completed the post-game survey. Majority of participants agreed that the activity facilitated critical and creative thinking and problem-solving skills. Additionally, students reported with a strong consensus that the activity promoted teamwork and communication in their groups.Findings:The present findings suggest escape rooms can in a brief period, encourage development of these crucial skills in actuarial science students. It allowed the learners the opportunity and flexibility to construct their own knowledge and actively engage in the process.Originality/value:To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to explore the use of an educational escape room in an actuarial science program, a field traditionally dominated by theoretical and quantitative assessments. By integrating game-based learning, this research demonstrates how escape rooms can effectively foster teamwork, problem-solving and communication – critical skills for actuarial professionals. The findings provide empirical evidence on student perceptions, contributing to the growing literature on active learning strategies in higher education. This study offers practical insights for educators seeking innovative, engaging and scalable methods to enhance soft skills development in content-heavy disciplines, bridging the gap between academic training and professional demands
Architectural Perspectives on the Prevention through Design Concept: Navigating Worldview of Barriers, Opportunities and Implementation Strategies
No full textPurpose—Architects must ensure safety and health in the built environment. This review seeks to emphasise the importance of Prevention through Design (PtD) in the context of Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) concerns from the architectural perspective.Design/methodology/approach – The study employs a systematic review of 29 peer-reviewed journal articles. The selected articles were analysed using qualitative software, ATLAS.ti 8, to conduct a thematic analysis.Findings—The findings present the benefits of PtD, such as the viability of the approach, barriers, opportunities, and implementation strategies in the future. Findings reveal that architectural design has the potential to mitigate accidents by examining opportunities and implementing design strategies.Research limitations/implications—This study relies on knowledge synthesis and evidence analysis of peer-reviewed journals published between 2011 and 2024. The study does not offer empirical findings, nor may it represent perspectives published before and after the identified dates.Practical implications—This review's findings have practical implications for architects and serve as a centralised repository of knowledge, providing a comprehensive understanding of PtD. This emphasis on practicality for architects to incorporate safety and health in design.Social implications— It provides a valuable resource for architects, aiding in the integration of safety and health through the practice of PtD for the entire life cycle of building projects, particularly during the end-user stage, which has the most extended lifespan.Originality/value—This systematic literature review is a unique contribution to the field, designed to generate a shared understanding of the benefits and viability of PtD as an Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) strategy
Artificial Intelligence and Geopolitics: Middle Powers in the Age of Algorithmic Power
Get PDFArtificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming geopolitics by shifting power from physical assets to digital infrastructure, data, and algorithms. This article examines how middle powers, particularly Australia, navigate an era of algorithmic competition across four domains: compute infrastructure, data governance, talent and research, and regulatory standards. It highlights the strategic imperative for sovereign AI capabilities, robust R&D ecosystems, and active participation in global governance to mitigate systemic risks and shape norms. With great powers driving divergent regulatory approaches, middle powers must balance technological advancement with ethical governance to secure influence and resilience in a rapidly evolving global AI landscape