ResearchOnline@ND (University of Notre Dame)
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Generalized framework for liquid neural network upon sequential and non-sequential tasks
No full textThis paper introduces a novel approach to neural networks: a Generalized Liquid Neural Network (GLNN) framework. This design excels at handling both sequential and non-sequential tasks. By leveraging the Runge Kutta DOPRI method, the GLNN enables dynamic simulation of complex systems across diverse fields. Our research demonstrates the framework’s capabilities through three key applications. In predicting damped sinusoidal trajectories, the Generalized LNN outperforms the neural ODE by approximately 46.03% and the conventional LNN by 57.88%. Modelling non-linear RLC circuits shows a 20% improvement in precision. Finally, in medical diagnosis through Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) image analysis, our approach achieves an F1 score of 0.98, surpassing the classical LNN by 10%. These advancements signify a significant shift, opening new possibilities for neural networks in complex system modelling and healthcare diagnostics. This research advances the field by introducing a versatile and reliable neural network architecture
Isokinetic knee strengthening impact on physical and functional performance, pain tolerance, and quality of life in overweight/obese women with patellofemoral pain syndrome
No full textBackground/Objectives: Patellofemoral syndrome is a common osteoarticular condition that affects many individuals. Various treatment options are available, with a significant emphasis on targeted muscle-strengthening exercises. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of isokinetic muscle strengthening on muscle strength, joint range of motion, quality of life, physical performance, and pain tolerance in overweight/obese women with patellofemoral syndrome.
Methods: Twenty-four overweight or obese women with patellofemoral syndrome participated in the study during September and October 2023 in a private medical facility for physical medicine and functional rehabilitation. They were randomly assigned to one of two groups for six weeks of isokinetic muscle strengthening. The first group (ISO.G) followed a rehabilitation program combined with isokinetic muscle strengthening. A second group (PCM.G) followed a rehabilitation program that includes an isokinetic protocol in passive compensation movement. The extensors’ peak torque was measured before and after training.
Results: The flexors’ peak torque, stair climbing test, 10 m walk, chair lift, monopodal support, goniometric knee flexion test, heel–buttock distance measurement, pain, and quality of life scores improved significantly in both groups. The ISO.G, on the other hand, benefited from a significant increase in quadriceps muscle strength revealed by the extensors’ peak torque.
Conclusions: For the treatment of patellofemoral syndrome, isokinetic muscle strengthening in concentric mode appears to have a significant advantage over the classic rehabilitation program with isokinetic passive compensation, particularly in muscle strength gain, in addition to the improvement of joint range of motion, quality of life, physical performance, and pain tolerance. Isokinetic training may be recommended as a beneficial approach for the rehabilitative treatment of patellofemoral pain syndrome in overweight/obese women
Construct validity of PROMIS pain interference, fatigue, and physical function as patient-reported outcomes in adults with idiopathic inflammatory myopathies: An international study from the OMERACT myositis working group
No full textBackground: Validated patient-reported outcome measures to assess disease impact in patients with adult idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIMs) are needed. The objective of this study was to assess the construct validity of PROMIS Pain Interference, Fatigue, and Physical Function measures in comparison with core disease activity measures.
Methods: Adults with IIM, excluding inclusion body myositis, from OMERACT Myositis Working Group (MWG) clinic sites completed PROMIS Short Form v1.0—Pain Interference 6a, PROMIS Short Form v1.0—Fatigue 7a, and PROMIS Short Form v2.0—Physical Function 8b measures. Core disease activity measures including patient and physician global disease activity assessments, manual muscle testing, serum creatine kinase activity, and Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability Index (HAQ-DI) were simultaneously assessed. To evaluate construct validity, a priori hypotheses for the expected correlations between PROMIS measures, age, and core disease measures were determined by \u3e70 % agreement among MWG members and were compared against observed Pearson’s correlations. Internal consistency of items and floor or ceiling effects for the PROMIS measures were also assessed. Subgroup analysis according to IIM subtype (dermatomyositis vs. non-dermatomyositis IIM) was performed.
Results: 135 adults with IIM from 5 countries across North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia were included. For construct validity, a priori hypotheses were confirmed for 5 of 6 (83 %) PROMIS Pain Interference, 4 of 5 (80 %) PROMIS Fatigue, and 3 of 4 (75 %) PROMIS Physical Function correlations. Internal consistency was high for each PROMIS measure (Cronbach’s alpha \u3e0.9). Ceiling effects were observed only for PROMIS Pain Interference, with low/no pain in 29 % of patients. Subgroup analysis between dermatomyositis (n = 65) and non-dermatomyositis (n = 70) subtypes demonstrated similar correlations between PROMIS measures and disease activity measures.
Conclusions: PROMIS Short Form v1.0—Pain Interference 6a, PROMIS Short Form v1.0—Fatigue 7a, and PROMIS Short Form v2.0—Physical Function 8b measures demonstrate strong construct validity when compared to core disease activity measures in IIM, with consistent results across IIM subtypes. These findings support the use of these selected PROMIS measures to assess core domains of interest for measuring life impact in IIMs
Predictors of mortality post-gastrostomy in motor neuron disease patients
No full textIntroduction/Aims: Motor neuron disease (MND) is a progressive neurodegenerative condition with a limited life expectancy. There is very little data on mortality and it sassociated factors beyond 30 days following gastrostomy. We explored the demo-graphic, clinical, and nutritional predictors for early mortality at 30, 90, and 180 days following gastrostomy in these patients.
Methods: This was a retrospective study involving 94 MND patients in Western Australia who underwent gastrostomy between 2015 and 2021. Patients were divided into two groups based on mortality at 30, 90, and 180 days post-gastrostomy. T-test (or Mann–Whitney), chi-square test and Fisher\u27s exact test were used for detecting between-group differences in various factors. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with post-gastrostomy mortality at90 and 180 days.
Results: No mortality was attributable to gastrostomy-related complications. Lowerforced vital capacity (FVC) (p = .039) and greater weight loss (%) (p = .022) fromdiagnosis to gastrostomy were observed in those who died within 30 days post-gastrostomy. Older age (p = .022), male sex (p = .041), lower FVC (p = .04), requiringbut not tolerating noninvasive ventilation (p = .035), and greater weight loss (%)(p = .012) were independent predictors of 90-day post-gastrostomy mortality. How-ever, only older age (p = .01) and greater weight loss (p = .009) were predictors ofmortality at 180 days post-gastrostom
Navigating the COVID-19 pandemic: Experiences and self-management approaches adopted by people with interstitial lung disease
No full textBackground: People with interstitial lung disease (ILD) were deemed more vulnerable to the SARS-CoV-2 virus and isolated as a means of reducing risk of infection. This study examined the impact of the pandemic on daily life, psychological wellbeing and access to healthcare and identified approaches undertaken to remain safe.
Methods: Four specialist clinics in tertiary centres in Australia (Victoria: two sites; New South Wales: one site; Western Australia: one site) recruited patients with ILD during an 8-week period from March 2021. Semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted with transcripts analysed using principles of grounded theory.
Results: Ninety participants were interviewed between April and December 2021. Participants were predominantly female, former smokers with an average age of 66 years. IPF and connective tissue-ILD being the most common subtypes. Five main themes were identified: vulnerability reduced social interaction and isolation, access to healthcare services and support, staying active, emotional and psychological impact. Self-management strategies included staying active both physically and mentally.
Discussion: Self-management was key to managing the impact of the pandemic. In combination with advances in technology, implementation of strategies for monitoring wellbeing and support for self-management provides an opportunity to leverage the lessons learnt to ensure a more individualised model of care for people with ILD
National Close the Gap Day.
No full textNational Close the Gap Day is observed on the third Thursday of March, falling on March 21 this year, and advocates for health equity of Australia’s indigenous people and educating the public about the health issues and barriers to well-being faced by them. Since 2007, National Close the Gap Day brings together Australians from all over the country to advocate for health equity and take meaningful action to create better and more equitable conditions for the indigenous people. The campaign encourages people and organizations to plan events that draw attention to the health issues of Australia’s indigenous people and to support legislation and programs for the improvement of their conditions
Internationally qualified nurses\u27 perspectives on transitioning specialty skills within Australia: A content analysis
No full textAim: To explore internationally qualified nurses\u27 perceptions regarding the facilitators and barriers to specialty skill transfer in Australia.
Design: The study utilised a descriptive research design with a cross-sectional survey. Data were collected from July to September 2022.
Methods: A self-designed survey was distributed through social media, snowballing and nursing professional organisations. The survey included six open-ended questions which were analysed using thematic content analysis.
Results: Sixty-three participants completed the open-ended questions in the survey.The findings identified a range of facilitators (support, previous experience, self-agency) and barriers (systems barriers, bias/discrimination, being undervalued, lack oftrust) to skill transition.
Conclusion: Recognising and addressing facilitators and barriers, coupled with crea-ing customised pathways for specialty skill integration, are essential for optimising the utilisation of specialised skills in internationally qualified nurses.
Impact: This study aims to explore the barriers and facilitators involved in maximising skill utilisation among internationally qualified nurses in Australia. Identifying these barriers and facilitators is essential for improving patient care, as it will guide the development of strategies for safe nursing service delivery and the optimisation of skill usage. These findings hold significant implications for policymakers, health-care organisations and nurses, providing valuable insights into how to address these obstacles and capitalise on the factors that make skill transfer smoother and more effective.
Patient or Public Contribution: Sixty-three internationally qualified nurses shared their experiences and opinions
Characteristics of a Josephite approach to education evident in the leadership practices of principals and their leadership teams
No full textConsidering the ageing and decreasing numbers in teaching religious orders, it is necessary for lay people to continue their mission within order-based Catholic schools. This study explores in what ways the characteristics of a Josephite approach to education were evident in the leadership practices of principals and their leadership teams in six Australian schools in the Josephite tradition. Literature is initially reviewed regarding three types of leadership models used by principals and their leadership teams –transactional, transformational and transcendental. The research design is then explained, including the epistemology of constructivism, the research participants, data collection and data analysis. Results are presented under four themes: coherency between mission tradition and practice; educational excellence and rig our; serving families and forming community; and the relevance of Josephite principles in 21st Century education. This research is significant as it examines the situation that a vast majority of teaching religious orders are experiencing and identifies ways to strengthen the principal and leadership team’s awareness of the tradition espoused by the order. The study also has wider relevance as other teaching religious orders transition to a lay leadership within schools