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Comparison of Clinical Outcomes of Two Hydraulic Calcium Silicate Cements for Pulpotomy in Cariously Exposed Permanent Teeth—A Systematic Review
No full textABSTRACT
This systematic review analysed clinical studies to determine if Biodentine offers improved outcomes for pulpotomy in cariously exposed permanent teeth compared to MTA, supporting its potential recommendation. A systematic search of MEDLINE, Oral and Dental Sciences Source, and EMBASE was conducted. Inclusion and exclusion criteria identified clinical studies comparing MTA and Biodentine for pulpotomy. The outcome measured was ‘overall success,’ based on clinical and radiographic evaluations. Two independent reviewers performed data extraction and quality assessment using the Risk of Bias 2 tool. Four randomised controlled trials with 265 teeth and follow‐up up to 6 years met the inclusion criteria. One study had a high risk of bias, whereas only one study was deemed to have a low risk of bias. No statistically significant differences were found between Biodentine and MTA. Based on our findings, Biodentine is a viable alternative to MTA, showing similar outcomes. Further long‐term clinical studies are needed to determine optimal biomaterials to improve clinical outcomes
Infrared Spectroscopy of V838 Monocerotis in 2015 and 2022
No full textWe report medium-resolution m spectroscopy obtained in 2015 and 2022 and high resolution m and m spectroscopy obtained in 2015 of V838 Monocerotis, along with modeling of the spectrum. V838 Mon underwent a series of eruptions and extreme brightenings in 2002, which are thought to have occured as a result of a stellar merger. The new spectra and modelling of them reveal a disturbed red giant photosphere that is probably continuing to contract and ejecta that are cooling and continuing to disperse at velocities up to 200kms
“Getting Back on the Bike”: Risk, Injury, and Sport-Related Concussion in Competitive Road Cycling
Get PDFA clear and consistent finding across three decades of sociological work focused on performance sports is that various sports can be considered social spaces in which risk, pain, and injury are accepted, normalized, and valorized. In recent years, the emergent scientific and popular concern around the short- and long-term consequences of sport-related concussion has seen a resurgence in the use of classic sociological ideas to help understand why athletes appear to downplay, continue competing, and sometimes ignore potential brain injuries. Using data from interviews, this paper explores these social processes in the sport of road cycling in Britain. We present the argument that the enduring utility of classic sociological concepts in explaining athlete behaviors toward risk, pain, and injury may be indicative of the obdurate nature of the cultural norms which circulate in performance sport settings. With regard to the ongoing problems with concussion in sport, we show the continued need to understand the social context in which much sport is imagined and practiced. This leads to our suggestion that sociocultural and interactional processes in many sporting subcultures that support the normative acceptance of behaviors which often prioritize performance over health need to be more readily challenged if we wish to achieve comprehensive change toward improved athlete welfare
Auditory Distraction During Reading: Investigating the Effects of Background Sounds on Parafoveal Processing
Get PDFPrevious research suggests that unexpected (deviant) sounds negatively affect reading performance by inhibiting saccadic planning, which models of reading agree takes place simultaneous to parafoveal processing. The present study examined the effect of deviant sounds on foveal and parafoveal processing. Participants read single sentences in quiet, standard (repeated sounds), or deviant sound conditions (a new sound within a repeated sound sequence). Sounds were presented with a variable delay coincident with the onset of fixations on target words during a period when saccadic programming and parafoveal processing occurred. We used the moving window paradigm (McConkie & Rayner, 1975) to manipulate the amount of information readers could extract from the parafovea (the entire sentence or a 13-character window of text). Global, sentence-level analyses showed typical disruption to reading by the window, and under quiet conditions similar effects were observed at the target and post-target word in the local analyses. Standard and deviant sounds also produced clear distraction effects of differing magnitudes at the target and post-target words, though at both regions, these effects were qualified by interactions. Effects at the target word suggested that with sounds, readers engaged in less effective parafoveal processing than under quiet. Similar patterns of effects due to standard and deviant sounds, each with a different time course, occurred at the post-target word. We conclude that distraction via auditory deviation causes disruption to parafoveal processing during reading, with such effects being modulated by the degree to which a sound’s characteristics are more or less unique
Strategic scaling initiatives and client networking dynamics for small and medium-sized enterprises growth: a comprehensive case study analysis
Get PDFPurpose
The research investigates scaling and client networking in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), using ABCD, an Indonesian telecom tower provider, as a case study. Key findings underscore the importance of strategic planning, human resource management, networking and customer-centric approaches for successful scaling. ABCD's experiences inform practical guidance for SMEs, advocating strategic scaling, leveraging personal networks, implementing customer relationship management (CRM), fostering adaptability and prioritizing customer satisfaction. Theoretical implications enrich discussions on demand-driven scaling, network dynamics and CRM application. Overall, the study offers concise insights into SME growth strategies, drawing from ABCD's experiences and broader literature.
Design/methodology/approach
The methodology employed in this study adopts a case study approach, focusing on ABCD, a telecom tower provider in Indonesia. Qualitative analysis of textual data is conducted, combining deductive reasoning to establish theoretical frameworks from existing literature and inductive reasoning to identify emergent themes. Interviews, structured around four thematic domains, were conducted with a diverse cohort of participants selected through convenience and snowball sampling techniques. Ethical considerations were paramount, with written consent obtained and interviews conducted in Bahasa Indonesia to ensure linguistic alignment. Grounded Theory was applied to analyse data, seeking to enrich theoretical frameworks and inform managerial practices in SMEs.
Findings
The findings illuminate strategies applicable to all SMEs in scaling up and fortifying client networks. Emphasizing demand-driven scaling and strategic client acquisition, SMEs are encouraged to leverage personal networks and exhibit adaptability in response to market trends. Implementing CRM principles fosters lasting client relationships and profitability. Practical implications underscore the importance of strategic planning, proactive networking and customer-centric approaches for SMEs aiming to navigate growth complexities. Theoretical insights contribute to scholarly discourse on SME growth strategies, network dynamics, CRM application and organizational strategies, enriching understanding of SMEs' journey in scaling up and client networking.
Research limitations/implications
The study's limitations encompass its reliance on a single case study, necessitating caution in generalizing findings to diverse SME contexts. Further empirical validation is warranted to enhance the study's robustness. However, the study offers exciting implications for both academia and practice, shedding light on the intricate dynamics of scaling strategies and client networking in SMEs. Its critical appraisal of conventional notions challenges prevailing wisdom, paving the way for future research to explore innovative approaches and enrich scholarly discourse.
Practical implications
The practical implications underscore the transformative potential for SMEs, urging strategic adoption of scaling strategies and client networking dynamics. Emphasizing proactive planning and adaptive approaches, SMEs can navigate growth complexities and fortify client relationships. By prioritizing human capital, leveraging personal networks and embracing customer-centricity, SMEs can enhance profitability and sustainability. These insights serve as a roadmap for SMEs, guiding them towards strategic growth and success in a dynamic business landscape.
Social implications
The research unfolds critical insights with profound social implications for SMEs worldwide. By illuminating effective strategies in scaling up and nurturing client networks, it empowers SMEs to thrive in competitive landscapes, fostering economic growth and job creation. Additionally, its emphasis on leveraging personal networks and adopting customer-centric approaches underscores the importance of social capital and community engagement in business success. This not only strengthens SME resilience but also cultivates a culture of collaboration and innovation within local communities. Ultimately, the research serves as a catalyst for social transformation, empowering SMEs to become engines of prosperity and positive change.
Originality/value
The findings critically appraise strategies imperative for all SMEs, challenging conventional notions and offering pragmatic insights into scaling and client networking dynamics. By juxtaposing empirical evidence from ABCD's experiences with existing theoretical frameworks, the study exposes nuances often overlooked in scholarly discourse. Its value lies in bridging the gap between theory and practice, shedding light on the intricate challenges facing SMEs in navigating growth complexities
Student Working Lives
No full textStudent Working Lives (HEPI Report 195), written by Professor Adrian Wright, Dr Mark Wilding, Mary Lawler, Martin Lowe, draws on extensive research to show how students are juggling study, employment and caring responsibilities in the midst of a deepening cost-of-living crisis. The findings paint a striking picture of students for whom paid work has become a necessity, not a choice. Findings suggest two-thirds of students work to cover their basic living costs, and 26% of students work to support their families.
The report looks at the type of work students are employed in, as well as the impact this has on their study. It calls for systemic reform across the higher education sector to design a higher education that moves away from assuming a full-time residential model, and supports student realities
Stem Cell therapy for Hair Loss
No full textStem cell research has made significant strides since its inception, with applications expanding into regenerative medicine and therapeutic treatments for various conditions, including hair loss. The discovery of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) in the 1960s and the advent of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) in 2006 have propelled the field into new frontiers. Stem cell-based therapies for hair loss focus on regenerating hair follicles, with sources ranging from adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) to hair follicle mesenchymal stem cells. These approaches leverage the unique properties of stem cells, including self-renewal and differentiation, to address androgenetic alopecia and other conditions. Stem cells promote hair growth by activating dermal papilla cells, stimulating follicular regeneration, and enhancing hair density. Techniques such as intradermal injections combined with growth factors and vitamins further optimize therapeutic outcomes. This review highlights the mechanisms, sources, and applications of stem cells in hair loss treatment, emphasizing their potential to revolutionize hair restoration therapies
P-170 It was like living in the dark: motivations and challenges of digital technology use in palliative care from caregivers perspective
No full textBackground Digital technologies are increasingly used in palliative care, yet caregivers, who often manage care day-to-day, providing not only physical support but emotional strength and advocacy, are rarely asked how helpful these tools truly are. This study centres their voices, exploring what supports, frustrates, and matters most to them.
Aims To explore the motivations and perceived limitations of digital technology use in palliative care from the perspective of caregivers, and to capture their ideas for practical and meaningful innovation.
Methods Semi-structured interviews (n=20) were conducted with multiple stakeholders including caregivers and the bereaved from inpatient and community-based palliative care services at a hospice, in the North West of England. A hybrid inductive and deductive thematic analysis was conducted, and resulting in eleven overarching themes, including ethics, technology implementation, and physical needs.
Results Technology played a double-edged role: when simple and intuitive like a panic button, wearable or a WhatsApp group, it brought confidence and connection. But when confusing or inaccessible, it deepened distress, often leading to feelings of anxiety. One carer reported, ‘We’re all worn out. We’re all stressed, we’re all emotional.’ Caregivers described the emotional and physical demands of providing care, often while managing their own health and grief. Many suggested a family-facing app for information sharing and symptom tracking could have made a significant difference. Other ideas included direct messaging with nurses for reassurance, and digital tools to prepare families for the stages of dying. These suggestions were grounded in lived experience and offered as opportunities for compassionate innovation.
Conclusion Caregivers are not asking for more technology; they are asking for the right technology. Their voices offer powerful insights into how digital technologies can extend, rather than replace, connection. By listening closely, we can design future technologies that respond with caregiver needs
Challenges and Opportunities in Delivering and Providing Culturally and Linguistically Tailored Cardiovascular Disease and Stroke Prevention Education: A Qualitative Exploratory Study
No full textBackground: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) and stroke disproportionately affect culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities, where access to prevention programmes is often limited by cultural, language, and systemic barriers. Understanding the experiences of healthcare professionals and nongovernment organisations in delivering and providing education to these communities is essential for developing effective, culturally tailored strategies that support equitable cardiovascular outcomes. Objectives: To explore (i) healthcare professionals', key health networks' and non‐government organisations' experiences of delivering CVD or stroke prevention education; (ii) the context i.e., barriers and enablers to delivering education; and (iii) and identify core components and ideal approach to deliver a CVD and stroke prevention education and behaviour change programme for CALD communities. Design: A qualitative exploratory study using semi‐structured interviews. Deductive thematic analysis was completed using NVivo 15. Setting and Participants: Fourteen participants were recruited and interviewed via Zoom; seven cardiovascular and stroke healthcare professionals and seven representatives from a range of federal‐ and state‐level cardiovascular and stroke nongovernment organisations and multicultural health networks. Results: Two key themes were identified: (1) challenges when providing and delivering culturally and linguistically tailored education and (2) components of an ideal education programme. Challenges in delivering CVD and stroke prevention education include the need to navigate diverse cultural health beliefs and worldviews, limited access to qualified interpreters and a lack of culturally relevant and translated resources. An ideal education programme was considered one that is simple, evidence‐based, culturally appropriate, and delivered in accessible, preferred formats. Key to sustained behaviour change beyond the programme are family and community engagement, the use of codesign approach to foster ownership and relevance from the inception, trust‐building, and ongoing reinforcement of educational content through reminders. Discussion and Conclusion: While systemic barriers such as interpreter shortages and limited funding persist, engaging families, empowering individuals, tailoring delivery methods, and embracing community‐specific strategies offer clear pathways for improving engagement and reach of CVD and stroke prevention education. Incorporating these components, particularly through codesign, will be essential in ensuring equitable cardiovascular outcomes for people from CALD communities. Patient or Public Contribution: Adults with lived experience of cardiovascular disease and stroke were engaged during the conceptualisation of this study through informal discussions. Clinicians and representatives from end‐user organisations were involved as participants in the study
Mapping of Clustering, Partners, and Geographic Distribution of Biotech SME Clusters Across the UK: A Case Study
No full textThe purpose of this paper is to evaluate which universities spinout biotechnology SMEs, and why some do this successfully while others do not. The research question is: how do institutional, contextual and geographic factors shape biotechnology spinout activity among UK universities? A systematic review was carried out which examined data from the websites of 26 UK universities in 10 geographic regions and 4 industry bodies. To supplement this review a questionnaire was used to evaluate the factors which encourage universities to spinout. The results show that biotechnology spinouts tend to be clustered around certain geographical locations. This clustering activity is not deliberate and exists as a by-product of activity. Interestingly, certain universities with good research backgrounds have been shown to produce little to no biotechnology spinouts. 6 themes were noted as drivers for the creation of biotechnology university spinouts: increased support from universities; funding opportunities; Research Excellence Framework & Knowledge Exchange Framework metric and impact; geographical location of universities; revenue and profit; and push on technology transfer Intellectual Property.
Implications to policy: the geographical advantage of being near a biotechnology cluster is clear. However, by building a solid research base with an international reputation, a supportive Technology Transfer Office, education for academic staff in entrepreneurial attributes and behaviours and engaging with biotechnology accelerators, a university can enhance its spinout success rate even when that university does not have the benefit of geography and a close regional cluster