11913 research outputs found
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Distributional and Tail‐Dependent Perspectives in Economic Relationships: A Review of Quantile Regression Application
Get PDFThere is an increased proportion of studies using quantile‐based regression methodology (QR) in economics. They offer a robust alternative to classical mean regressions, which can estimate non‐normal variables with distributional heterogeneity in the dependent variable. This study synthesizes the theoretical foundations, methodological advancements, and empirical application of QR in economics that traces the evolution from the foundational work of Koenker and Basset. The targeted studies are from Scopus. Bibliometrix library in R is used for bibliometric analysis, and Structured Literature Revie (SLR) is conducted on selected studies. The Scopus query started with 250 studies and was finalized at 53 studies that focused on the motivation of using QR, comparison of ordinary least squares (OLS), and QR in economics. The systematic review has spanned the past decade. The consolidation of fragmented evidence showed that QR can advance econometric debates by providing superior data insights. The insights presented in this review are aimed at bridging the gap between econometric development and applied economic policy research. This paper contributes to a deeper understanding of distribution‐sensitive modeling strategies, offering valuable implications for economists in academia, government, and industry
Are digital spaces designed to facilitate hate?
No full textIn the latest episode of the British Society of Criminology Hate Crime Network Podcast, hosts Dr. Rachel Keighley and Simone Taghavi explore the dark side of digital body politics.
They are joined by Dr. Lauren Steckles-Young (University of Sunderland) to discuss her groundbreaking digital ethnographic research into platforms like Reddit and Tattle Life. They tackle the tough questions:
How does technology facilitate new forms of violence?
Why is fatphobia so normalized in online health and fitness spaces?
Where are moderation systems failing to protect users from online hate?
This is a must-listen for anyone interested in criminology, digital harm, and the fight for safer online communities
A Comparison of Fear of Childbirth and Labor Pain Intensity among Primiparous and Multiparous Women: A Cross-Sectional Study
Get PDFBackground & aim: Fear of Childbirth (FOC) can be seen as an anxiety disorder or as a phobia that women experience in relation to pregnancy and childbirth. We conducted this study to compare the intensity of labor pain with the FOC in multiparous and primiparous women.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted using convenience sampling on 432 pregnant women in Babol, Iran, between 2018 and 2019. All pregnant women completed the demographic and FOC questionnaires, as well as labor pain intensity, four times measured using a visual analog scale (VAS). Data were analyzed using SPSS version 16 software and descriptive and analytical indices.
Results: FOC in primiparous women was significantly higher than in multiparous mothers (MD: 12.08<0.001, P). The multivariate linear regression test showed that after adjusting the intervening and obstetric variables, in terms of the intensity of pain in the active phase of labor (MD: 0.07; CI 95% -0.32, 0.47; P=0.71) and the expulsion of the fetus (MD: 0.02; CI 95% -0.38, 0.44; P=0.89), there was no statistically significant difference between primiparous and multiparous women. However, a statistically significant difference was found in placental discharge (MD: 0.52; CI 95% 0.01, 1.02; P = 0.043).
Conclusion: FOC in primiparous women was significantly higher than that of multiparous women after adjusting the intervening variables. The results of this study provide basic information for policy makers to pay more attention to reducing the fear of childbirth, especially in primiparous women
A Novel Group-based Framework for Nature-inspired Optimization Algorithms with Adaptive Movement Behavior
Get PDFThis paper proposes two novel group-based frameworks that can be implemented into almost any nature-inspired optimization algorithm. The proposed Group-Based (GB) and Cross Group-Based (XGB) framework implements a strategy which modifies the attraction and movement behaviors of base nature-inspired optimization algorithms and a mechanism that creates a continuing variance within population groupings, while attempting to maintain levels of computational simplicity that have helped nature-inspired optimization algorithms gain notoriety within the field of feature selection. Through this functionality, the proposed framework seeks to increase search diversity within the population swarm to address issues such as premature convergence, and oscillations within the swarm. The proposed frameworks have shown promising results when implemented into the Bat algorithm (BA), Firefly algorithm (FA), and Particle Swarm Optimization algorithm (PSO), all of which are popular when applied to the field of feature selection, and have been shown to perform well in a variety of domains, gaining notoriety due to their powerful search capabilities
Searching for Justice: New Reform – Sentencing of Children//Young People Convicted of Murder
No full textMultimorbidity in dementia: Current perspectives and future challenges
Get PDFMultimorbidity—the co‐occurrence of two or more chronic health conditions—affects > 86% of people with dementia. It is associated with cognitive and functional decline, reduced health‐related quality of life, increased health‐care use, and higher mortality. The relationship between multimorbidity and dementia is potentially bidirectional; conditions such as hypertension and diabetes increase the risk of developing dementia, and cognitive impairment can complicate their management. This complexity presents challenges in health care and research, affecting treatment decisions and often leading to the exclusion of these individuals from clinical trials. Understanding multimorbidity through long‐term prospective studies is crucial to clarify its relationship with dementia. Investigating specific disease combinations, environmental and genetic factors, and their impacts on cognitive health will guide the development of effective prediction models and inclusive intervention strategies for diverse global populations across the life course.
Highlights
Multimorbidity affects > 86% of individuals with dementia, worsening outcomes.
The relationship between multimorbidity and dementia is potentially bidirectional.
Chronic conditions hinder dementia management and clinical trial inclusion.
Life‐course multimorbidity research is key to dementia risk reduction strategies.
Prospective studies are needed to improve prediction models and interventions.
Keywords: all‐cause dementia, comorbidity, multimorbidity, multiple long‐term condition
Optimal Bilio-Pancreatic Limb (BPL) Length in One Anastomosis Gastric Bypass (OAGB) Surgery
No full textOne Anastomosis Gastric Bypass (OAGB) is a modification of Mason's loop bypass procedure, which has become a well-established procedure in the field of Bariatric and Metabolic surgery (BMS). However, the optimal length of Biliopancreatic Limb (BPL) in OAGB remains an ongoing debate. This review aims to analyse the current trends and evidence regarding different BPL lengths in OAGB and their impact on outcomes. A comprehensive literature search using search terms, 'One Anastomosis Gastric Bypass', 'Mini-Gastric Bypass', 'Biliopancreatic Limb', and 'Small bowel limb' was conducted. The articles were extracted and critically appraised for various outcomes including weight loss, comorbidities resolution, nutritional deficiencies, complications and quality of life. There appears to be a direct relationship between length of the BPL and the incidence of malnutrition. Longer BPL lengths (> 200 cm) are associated with a higher risk of malnutrition. Shorter BPL lengths (150-200 cm), particularly 150 cm, have shown promising outcomes. Shorter BPL lengths offer potential advantages by reducing nutritional risks associated with OAGB. Further research with long-term follow-up is needed to investigate the efficacy of even shorter BPL lengths (< 150 cm). [Abstract copyright: © 2025. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.
The risks, benefits, and resource implications of different diets in gastrostomy-fed children: The YourTube mixed method study.
Get PDFMany children receive some or all their nutritional intake via a gastrostomy. More parents are using home-blended meals to feed their children, reporting beneficial effects, such as improved gastro-oesophageal reflux and less distress. To compare safety, outcomes and resource use of those on home-blended diets compared to formula diets. A mixed-methods study of gastrostomy-fed children. Qualitative study involving semistructured interviews with parents ( ≈ 20) and young people ( ≈ 2) and focus groups with health professionals ( ≈ 41). Cohort study; data were collected on 180 children at months 0, 12 and 18 from parents and clinicians using standardised measures. Data included gastrointestinal symptoms, quality of life, sleep (child and parent), dietary intake, anthropometry, healthcare usage, safety outcomes and resource use. Outcomes were compared using propensity scored weighted multiple regression analyses. Participants believed the type of diet would most likely affect gastrointestinal symptoms, time spent on feeding, sleep and physical health. : Children receiving a home-blended diet and those receiving a formula diet were similar in terms of diagnoses and age, but those receiving a home-blended diet were more likely to live in areas of lower deprivation and their parents had higher levels of education. They also had a higher dietary fibre intake and demonstrated significantly better gastrointestinal symptom scores compared to those receiving a formula diet (beta 13.8, < 0.001). The number of gut infections and tube blockages were similar between the two groups, but stoma site infections were lower in those receiving a home-blended diet. : There were 134 (74%) and 105 (58%) children who provided follow-up data at 12 and 18 months. Gastrointestinal symptoms were lower at all time points in the home-blended diet group, but there was no difference in change over time within or between the groups. The nutritional intake of those on a home-blended diet had higher calories/kg and fibre, and both home-blended and formula-fed children have values above the Dietary Reference Values for most micronutrients. Safety outcomes were similar between groups and over time. Total costs to the statutory sector were higher among children who were formula fed, but costs of purchasing special equipment for home-blended food and the total time spent on child care were higher for families with home-blended diet. Findings show that home-blended diets for children who are gastrostomy fed should be seen as a safe alternative to formula feeding for children unless there is a clinical contraindication. The target sample for children in workstream 1 was not achieved. The observational study design means unmeasured confounding may still be an issue. Children in this cohort had been on their home-blended diets for different periods of time. A lack of good reference data for nutritional and anthropometric data for disabled children does hinder further interpretation of nutritional adequacy. Future research on: impact of a home-blended diet on the gut microbiome in children who are gastrostomy fed and equality of access. Children's experiences of living with a gastrostomy, nutritional requirements and quality of life should also be prioritised. This synopsis presents independent research funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Health Technology Assessment programme as award number 17/76/06
Psychological Factors in Talent Identification and Development: Frameworks and Strategies for Youth Athlete Success
No full textIdentifying and developing talent in youth sports is a complex challenge that goes beyond just physical abilities and technical skills; it also includes important psychological factors vital for athlete growth and success. This chapter highlights the evolution of talent identification methods, shifting from a focus on observable physical traits like speed and strength to incorporating psychological characteristics that influence long- term performance. Current systems struggle with challenges such as prioritizing immediate results and relying too heavily on subjective assessments, often overlooking the psychological aspects essential for nurturing young athletes. By exploring frameworks that integrate psychological evaluations into talent identification, this chapter aims to enhance the effectiveness and fairness of talent development systems. Furthermore, it emphasises the need for practices that support not only athletic excellence but also the overall well- being and motivation of youth athletes, ultimately promoting healthier, more inclusive talent development strategies in sports
Exploring the Barriers to Clinical Reasoning in High-Fidelity Simulation for Undergraduate Medical Students: A Phenomenological Study
No full textIntroduction
There is a growing imperative to integrate clinical reasoning (CR) training more centrally into medical school curricula. As a pedagogical tool that facilitates explicit CR teaching, high-fidelity simulation (HFS) is perhaps uniquely situated to meet this need. While barriers to CR for medical students on clinical placement are well-documented, a comprehensive understanding of barriers specific to HFS was previously lacking.
Methods
Fourth-year medical students at the University of Sunderland were purposively sampled. Data were gathered via semistructured videoconferencing interviews between April and May 2023. A reflexive, data-driven, inductive thematic analysis was undertaken, and a thematic framework was generated. Data collection ceased upon thematic saturation after 14 interviews.
Results
Barriers to CR during HFS were identified across student and simulation domains. Students reported barriers to (1) information synthesis—due to inadequate knowledge and difficulty interpreting clinical findings—and (2) engaging in metacognition—due to procedural rigidity, stress, and cognitive bias. Simulation-related barriers arose from (3) case design—including excessive case complexity and cognitive overload—and (4) the simulation environment—such as inadequate prebriefing, technological limitations, and overreliance on facilitators. Some findings, such as the impact of cognitive bias, align with existing literature on barriers to CR in other contexts. Others, including the limitations of technology, appear unique to the HFS setting.
Conclusions
Barriers to CR identified within this context contribute novel findings to the existing body of educational research. We advocate that educators should carefully consider these barriers when designing HFS sessions, and when optimizing students for learning through simulation, to enhance CR training