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Institutionalising Multispecies Justice
No full textMultispecies Justice (MSJ) is a theory and practice seeking to correct the defects making dominant theories of justice incapable of responding to current and emerging planetary disruptions and extinctions. Multispecies Justice starts with the assumption that justice is not limited to humans but includes all Earth others, and the relationships that enable their functioning and flourishing. This Element describes and imagines a set of institutions, across all scales and in different spheres, that respect, revere, and care for the relationships that make life on Earth possible and allow all natural entities, humans included, to flourish. It draws attention to the prefigurative work happening within societies otherwise dominated by institutions characterised by Multispecies Injustice, demonstrating historical and ongoing practices of MSJ in different contexts. It then sketches speculative possibilities that expand on existing institutional reforms and are more fundamentally transformational. This title is also available as Open Access on Cambridge Core
Chronic kidney disease management in general practice: preventing overdiagnosis and underdiagnosis
No full textAdherence to Compression Stockings for Venous Leg Ulcer Prevention: A Pilot Randomised Controlled Trial and Health Economic Analysis, Evaluating a New Multidimensional Tool (PAMCAI)
Get PDFVenous leg ulcer recurrence can be prevented with daily compression stocking wear; however, stocking effectiveness is often hindered by poor patient adherence. The 'Personalised and Multi-dimensional Compression Assessment and Intervention' (PAMCAI) is a multidimensional decision aid, delivered by clinicians via an iPad application, designed to improve adherence. This study piloted the methodology and feasibility of PAMCAI's efficacy and cost-effectiveness for evaluation in a larger randomised controlled trial (RCT). Using a two-arm, single-blinded pilot RCT with cost-utility analysis, PAMCAI was compared with usual care in a tertiary hospital occupational therapy outpatient clinic. The primary outcome was adherence to wearing compression stockings, measured on a 4-point scale. Twenty participants were randomised to receive PAMCAI (n = 10) or usual care (n = 10). Recruitment and pilot methodology appear feasible for use in a larger study. Compression stocking adherence was greater with PAMCAI compared to usual care (p = 0.002) and PAMCAI is likely cost-effective, with an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of $3379.36 per quality-adjusted life year (QALY) gained. Resolution of identified barriers to stocking adherence was positively associated with improvements in patient adherence. These findings support further investigation of PAMCAI in a larger RCT and its potential to improve patient adherence and the cost-effectiveness of compression therapy for venous leg ulcer prevention.</p
Towards Clinical Diagnoses: Classifying Alzheimer's Disease Using Single fMRI, Small Datasets, and Transfer Learning
Get PDFPurpose: Deep learning and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) are two unique methodologies that can be combined to diagnose Alzheimer's disease (AD). Multiple studies have harnessed these methods to diagnose AD with high accuracy. However, there are difficulties in adapting this research to real-world diagnoses. For example, the two key issues of data availability and model usability limit clinical applications. These two areas are concerned with problems of accessibility, generalizability, and methodology that may limit model adoption. For example, fMRI deep learning models require a large amount of training data, which is not widely available. Contemporary models are also not typically formatted for clinical data or created for use by non-specialized populations. In this study, we develop a deep-learning fMRI pipeline that addresses some of these issues. Method: We use transfer learning to address problems with data availability. We also use semi-automated and single-image techniques (i.e., one fMRI volume per participant) to make a model that is usable for non-specialized populations. Our model was initially trained on 524 participants from the Autism Brain Imaging Data Exchange (ABIDE; Autism and controls). Our model was then transferred and fine-tuned to a small sample of 64 participants from the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI; AD and controls). Findings and Conclusion: This transfer learning model achieved an AD classification accuracy of 77% and outperformed the same model without transfer learning by approximately 30%. Accordingly, our model showed that small AD samples can be accurately classified in a clinically friendly manner
Long-term lived experiences of patients with chronic pain or angina pectoris treated with spinal cord stimulation: A qualitative study
Get PDFObjective:To explore the short-term and long-term lived experiences of patients with chronic pain and angina pectoris with spinal cord stimulation. Design:An interpretive qualitative study with thematic analysis of one-off, semistructured interviews, following Braun and Clarke (2006). Setting:A multidisciplinary, publicly funded pain service in Auckland, New Zealand. Patients usually undergo a comprehensive medical, psychological and functional assessment and an in-house pain management programme before proceeding to spinal cord stimulator implantation. Participants Participants implanted with a spinal cord stimulator between 1998 and 2019 who had their stimulator for ≥1 year, purposively sampled to increase the range of ethnicities. Main outcome:The themes identified from the interviews. Results:24 participants with chronic pain of varied aetiology and a median (range) of 5.2 (2.4-23.2) years since stimulator implantation participated. 22 participants had the device in situ, and 2 had been explanted. Five main themes were identified: (1) embodiment: stimulator and body as one; (2) technical factors: batteries and type of stimulation; (3) improved well-being; (4) social connection and (5) healthcare system interaction. Most participants reported pain relief, but many had experienced complications and discomfort. They emphasised the importance of ongoing support from the pain service. Acceptance of pain, coping and embodiment emerged as common motifs across these themes. 21 participants were satisfied with their treatment. Conclusion:Within the context of a multidisciplinary pain clinic, despite some discomfort and various complications, most participants valued the ongoing reduction of pain achieved with spinal cord stimulation. Timely access to support from the pain service influenced their experience and satisfaction with their stimulators. Acceptance of pain and embodiment of the stimulator helped participants adapt to living with their stimulator, often over many years
Enhancing Effectiveness of Public Service Advertisements: The Role of Mortality Salience and Negative Message Framing
Get PDFPurpose:This research addresses a gap in the literature that encourages more inquiries to enhance the effectiveness of negative public service advertisements (PSAs).Design/methodology/approach:The research engages two laboratory experiments (N = 179 and N = 219) and a field study (N = 216) to test our hypotheses.Findings:Under mortality salience, negatively (vs positively) framed messages were found to be more effective in encouraging positive health compliant behaviours (follow covid safety rules, flu vaccination intention) and this effect was mediated by message effectiveness.Practical implications:Policy makers at various levels (local, state and federal government) should consider the strategies discussed in this study to make PSAs more effective.Originality/value:The current study makes significant original contributions to theories of PSAs and negative framing
CONSORT 2025 statement: updated guideline for reporting randomized trials
No full textWell-designed and properly executed randomized trials are considered the most reliable evidence on the benefits of healthcare interventions. However, there is overwhelming evidence that the quality of reporting is not optimal. The CONSORT (Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials) statement was designed to improve the quality of reporting and provides a minimum set of items to be included in a report of a randomized trial. CONSORT was first published in 1996, then updated in 2001 and 2010. Here, we present the updated CONSORT 2025 statement, which aims to account for recent methodological advancements and feedback from end users. We conducted a scoping review of the literature and developed a project-specific database of empirical and theoretical evidence related to CONSORT, to generate a list of potential changes to the checklist. The list was enriched with recommendations provided by the lead authors of existing CONSORT extensions (Harms, Outcomes, Non-Pharmacological Treatment), other related reporting guidelines (TIDieR) and recommendations from other sources (such as personal communications). The list of potential changes to the checklist was assessed in a large, international, online, three-round Delphi survey involving 317 participants and discussed at a two-day online expert consensus meeting of 30 invited international experts. We have made substantive changes to the CONSORT checklist. We added seven new checklist items, revised three items, deleted one item, and integrated several items from key CONSORT extensions. We also restructured the CONSORT checklist, with a new section on open science. The CONSORT 2025 statement consists of a 30-item checklist of essential items that should be included when reporting the results of a randomized trial and a diagram for documenting the flow of participants through the trial. To facilitate implementation of CONSORT 2025, we have also developed an expanded version of the CONSORT 2025 checklist, with bullet points eliciting critical elements of each item. Authors, editors, reviewers, and other potential users should use CONSORT 2025 when writing and evaluating manuscripts of randomized trials to ensure that trial reports are clear and transparent.</p
Strategies for improving supply chain efficiency in public-private partnership infrastructure projects
No full textPurpose:The research objectives were clearly defined to guide the literature search and selection process. The objectives were (1) to identify factors impacting efficient public-private partnerships (PPPs) infrastructure projects supply chains and (2) to develop strategies and insights for enhancing efficiency in PPPs infrastructure projects supply chains.Design/methodology/approach:To gain a comprehensive understanding of the strategies and insights for enhancing efficiency in PPP infrastructure projects supply chains, this study employed a comprehensive review of the recent literature to synthesize existing knowledge and identify gaps.Findings:Findings highlight the importance of leveraging technologies like artificial intelligence and data analytics to enhance supply chain visibility and efficiency. Additionally, adopting strategic approaches with clear goals and metrics is crucial for performance tracking and optimization. Implementing best practices in risk management and continual improvement further prevents and mitigates risks and issues and improves the probability of providing the right levels of quality. Findings of this study emphasize collaboration, innovation and a focus on best practices as critical success factors for optimizing operations and realizing the full potential of PPPs. The study concludes with recommendations to implement continuous improvement strategies and feedback mechanisms throughout the project lifecycle. Policymakers, project managers and supply chain professionals may gain practical insights, contributing to the advancement of supply chain efficiency in PPP projects and potentially enhancing industry competitiveness and sustainability. Therefore, this research serves as a crucial resource for stakeholders seeking to comprehend and navigate the complexities inherent in managing supply chains within the context of PPP infrastructure projects.Originality/value:The originality of this paper lies in its focus on optimizing efficiency within PPP infrastructure supply chains. By delving into strategies and insights, it offers actionable recommendations for policymakers, project managers and supply chain professionals. This research not only fills a gap in existing literature but also provides practical solutions to enhance performance and value delivery in public-private infrastructure initiatives. Its unique perspective and practical implications position it as a valuable contribution to the field, paving the way for improved practices and outcomes in the realm of infrastructure development
Quantum Cybersecurity Program Management
No full textThe research, development, and implementation of quantum technologies through projects are accelerating for two key reasons: first, quantum technologies promise transformative capabilities to a broad range of industries, functions, and applications. Indeed, quantum computing is seen as a strategic necessity by the world’s leading economies. Second, experts unanimously agree that a cryptographically-relevant quantum computer will have the capability to break classical encryption that keeps our data and transactions private. Thus, organizations are challenged to protect their most sensitive information data and systems before a cryptographically-relevant quantum computer is accessible to hackers despite already over-burdened cybersecurity teams. Quantum Cybersecurity Program Management is part of a series of books: Shields Up: Cybersecurity Project Management outlines a risk-based approach to cybersecurity project management including technology and process improvement projects. Cybersecurity Training: A Pathway to Readiness outlines best practices in training and instructional design to upskill the organization’s people. Quantum Cybersecurity builds upon Shields Up (technology and process) and Cybersecurity Training (people) to provide a program approach to deliver the diversity of quantum projects and initiatives organizations encounter.The authors of Quantum Cybersecurity bring together best practices found in international standards and frameworks in a risk-based project management approach to implementing a quantum program. The authors review best practices for implementing quantum technologies and migrating to new cryptographic schemes including cybersecurity, project and service management frameworks and standards.Tailored for quantum champions, IT security architects, business leaders, project managers, digital leadership, and board members, Quantum Cybersecurity offers actionable guidance. Urgent and early adopters find a practical guide for a quick start to their quantum projects. This book includes microlearning opportunities and concludes with appendices, a glossary, and references.<br/
An Overview of the State of the Art of Mobile XR and Lessons Learnt So Far
No full textMobile extended reality, encompassing augmented reality, virtual reality, and mixed reality, has advanced significantly over the past decade. Transitioning from high-cost, tethered systems into increasingly accessible, mobile-first platforms, these technologies have been integrated into education, training, and cultural sectors with varied results. As smartphones, head-mounted displays, and web-based frameworks evolved, so too did the opportunities and constraints of delivering extended reality experiences at scale. This presentation provides a structured overview of the current state of mobile extended reality. It is organised around five key developmental phases, beginning with early mobile visualisation and simple three degrees of freedom experiences, followed by the emergence of marker-based augmented reality and physical-digital hybrid approaches using 3D printing. Subsequent phases focus on mobile-first immersive learning, collaborative virtual environments, affective biometric feedback, and the recent shift toward spatial computing with artificial intelligence integration.The presentation draws on over twenty published case studies in education, health, construction, design, and cultural heritage. These include simulations for remote paramedic skill development, mobile augmented reality heritage tours, immersive cinema projects using heart rate and brainwave data, and international comparisons of mobile web-based augmented reality access and usability. Each case study is used to identify specific design challenges and pedagogical implications, including issues of onboarding, user interface complexity, physical discomfort, and cultural and ethical sensitivity. Lessons from these implementations are critically examined. Key successes include measurable skill transfer, high learner engagement, and the development of comparative visualisation pedagogy. Challenges include limited scalability beyond pilot deployments, insufficient inclusion of diverse learner needs, and difficulty sustaining cross-institutional collaboration. Design-based research and multimodal evaluation approaches have played an essential role in identifying these factors. The presentation also reflects on how mobile extended reality intersects with policy and standards. It includes examples from international safety guidelines, ethical design frameworks, and institutional deployment models. These considerations are used to inform a broader discussion of where mobile extended reality currently stands and where future development is needed. Participants will leave with a comprehensive understanding of the trajectory of mobile extended reality technologies and their application in real-world contexts. The session will be of particular relevance to educators, researchers, designers, and institutional leaders seeking evidence-informed guidance for designing, evaluating, or scaling mobile immersive learning environments. It will also identify future directions for research and development, including the need for longitudinal studies, integration of cognitive and emotional data, and improved accessibility for all learners