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Improving Motor Proficiency in Children with Developmental Delays: A Meta-Analysis Evaluating the Impact of Motor Skills Interventions
Get PDFThis study investigated the impact of motor skill interventions in improving motor proficiency among children with developmental delays following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis “PRISMA” recommendations. The included studies were searched on four databases: Google Scholar, PEDro, MEDLINE, and Cochrane Library. Studies published during the year 2012 to 2022 were selected. The data was extracted by defining the publication year, type of study design, targeted population, and type of physical therapy intervention. The outcome measures included four components of motor proficiency: bilateral coordination, balance, speed and agility, and strength. The results revealed statistically significant findings and a large effect size for bilateral coordination (SMD=1.003, CI=95%) and speed and agility (SMD=0.854, CI=95%). However, a smaller effect size with significant findings was observed in the balance domains (SMD=0.333, CI=95%) and strength (SMD=0.337, CI=95%). Despite the promising results of the analyzed interventions, some of the included studies observed a high risk of bias. However, it is evident from the analysis that protocols directed toward advanced approaches have shown more promising results than traditional physical exercise regimens
Customary Deprivation: Perceptions of Legatee in Igbo land and Female Property Crimes amongst Enugu Urban Inhabitants
Get PDFThis study aims to garner perceptions of Enugu inhabitants on the customary practice of property transfer to inheritors and its nexus to female property crimes (FPCs). Inheritance is an age-old practice which tends to favour male folks. Women have often been relegated to the kitchen. This practice is embedded in most African cultures where the birth of a male is valued over the birth of a female child. Denial of female rights of inheritance, denial of ownership of landed property, and female marginalization in almost all social institutions seem to stem from patriarchy which in turn tend to predispose women to property crimes. This study anchored on Relative Deprivation theory. Mixed method approach was adopted. Sampling of participant was based on multi-stage sampling procedure and purposive sampling. The sample size is 1015 for the quantitative part of the study and nine key informants for the qualitative aspect. This study found that the customary practice of legatee in Igbo land is embedded in patriarchy and this holds adverse economic effects for women, culminating in FPCs which involve women of youthful age who are mostly in full blown exposure of the existing privileges and cover offered to women in patriarchal societies especially when married. This study concludes that patriarchy understood as domination of vital social and political positions by men and exclusion of women from inheriting family lands and properties is implicit to FPCs
Synthesis and Applications of Onium Salts for Photopolymerization Reactions
Get PDFThe synthesis and characterization of phosphonium and arsonium salts having anthraquinone and anthracene moiety was carried out by reacting equimolar amounts of halomethyl anthracene or anthraquinone with triphenylphosphine or triphenyl arsine in toluene solvent. The halide counter (Cl or Br) ion was exchanged with hexafluoro antimonate (SbF6-) which proved to be a useful photoinitiator for polymerizing cyclohexene oxide, styrene, p-methyl styrene, and N-vinylcarbazole. The experimental results demonstrate the effects of salt, monomer structures, and the photolysis time on the rate of polymerization and the number average molecular weight of the obtained polymer. These salts are easy to handle, nonhygroscopic under laboratory conditions, and they have good solubility in halogenated solvents such as dichloromethane and chloroform
Algorithmic Decision Making: Can Artificial Intelligence and the Metaverse Provide Technological Solutions to Modernise the United Kingdom’s Legal Services and Criminal Justice?
Get PDFArtificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL) have had a profound impact on various sectors including Banking (Fin Tech), Health (HealthTech) and Charitable Fundraising (Charity Tech). The ‘natural’ ability of an AI system to independently perform and, often, outthink its human-counter parts by developing ‘intelligence’(simulating human intelligence) through its own experiences and processing deep layers of information i.e., complex representations of data, and learn has resulted in astounding improvements in the completion of tasks that are complex and technical, time-consuming.AI, with the ease of working with the most granular level of detail, can identify people and objects, recognise voices, uncover patterns and, in advance, screen for problems. Yet, RegTech (or LawTech/LegalTech) has not seen the same level of advancement. AI can provide solutions and enormous economic, political, and social benefits – in terms of public service administration. The purpose of this article is to explore advents in AI (ML and DL) and whether the criminal justice system, in the United Kingdom (UK), which is heavily overburdened, could benefit from some of the advances that have taken place in other sectors and jurisdictions, and whether automation and algorithmic decision making could be used to modernise it. This research draws on domestic and international published law, regulation, and literature, and isset out in six parts, the first partre views the position of the criminal justice system i.e., issues, part two then looks at relative technological advancements in AI, and the Metaverse. Part three explores current advents in AI relating to RegTech (LawTech/LegalTech) and how, if at all, the CJS can use this technology. Part four explores what aspects of the U.K.’s CJS would be fit for automation. Part five focuses on those matters pertaining to AI that pose problems in relation to matters in part 4 i.e., AI discrimination and bias, and explores safeguarding and mitigation including the requirement for explanation as set out in the GDPR. Part six concludes the discussion with some recommendations, as at, January 2024. It is suggested that AI and algorithmic decision making, with the correct legal framework and safeguards in place, could assist in modernising the CJS focussed legal functions, services in law firms, innovating for the next decade. This work is original and timely given the increased debate relating to how AI can assist in modernising the U.K.’s CJS, the global criminal justice challenges, solutions, and what, if any, role the Metaverse can play
Sustainability Modelling for Employment-focused Training Ecosystems for Young Adults with Disabilities
No full textBackground: Neurodivergent young adults face significant employment challenges globally, with unemployment rates reaching 80% in India. This study examines an innovative employment-focused training ecosystem for neurodivergent individuals, incorporating technological interventions and a gig economy model. Neurodivergent individuals are those whose brain functions differently in one or more ways than is considered standard or typical.
Methods: A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining quantitative analysis of program outcomes with qualitative insights from stakeholders. The study utilized technology interventions for skill assessment, implemented a 5D clarity process-based training curriculum, and integrated a gig economy framework.
Results: The study demonstrated notable success in employment outcomes, with a significant proportion of participants securing work within months of completion. Participants reported substantial gains in digital skills acquisition. Technological interventions for assessments revealed unique strengths in individuals that were not apparent through traditional methods. The gig economy model showed promise in providing flexible, suitable employment options for neurodivergent individuals.
Conclusions: The innovative ecosystem demonstrates significant potential in creating sustainable employment opportunities for neurodivergent individuals, addressing key gaps in traditional training and employment models.
 
Assessment of Psychological Impact among Hospitalized Children; Single Centre Study
No full textBackground: The goal of the contemporary hospital setting is to give patients suffering from a range of diseases a secure and therapeutic space. Aim: Psychosocial and mental health assessment among hospitalized children between 7 to 12 years of age.
Methods: This Cross-Sectional Study was carried out at the Children's Hospital Faculty of Medicine for 1-year duration.
Results: Higher statistically significant positive results were found in cases than in control regarding all Vanderbilt subscales except in the conduct subscale. Higher results were found in chronic cases than control in all subscales except for oppositional defiant disorder results.
Conclusion: Hospitalized Children, due to chronic or acute conditions, are at a higher risk for Psychosocial and mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, ADHD, PTSD, and pain in comparison with healthy children
Sample Size and Statistical Power Calculation in Multivariable Analyses: Development and Implementation of "SampleSizeMulti" Packages in R
Get PDFThis paper presents advanced methodological approaches and practical tools for sample size calculation in epidemiological studies involving multivariable analyses. Traditional sample size calculation methods often fail to account for the complexity of modern statistical analyses, particularly regarding the correlation between covariates in multivariable models.
We introduce a series of R packages (SampleSizeMulti) designed to address these limitations. These packages offer two distinct calculation approaches: one based on the multiple correlation coefficient between covariates (rho-based method) and another utilizing standard errors from previous studies (SE-based method). These complementary approaches provide comprehensive solutions for different association measures commonly used in epidemiological research: prevalence ratios, odds ratios, risk ratios, and hazard ratios.
The rho-based method innovatively incorporates the explicit consideration of the multiple correlation coefficient between covariates, significantly impacting required sample sizes in multivariable analyses. The SE-based method leverages information from previous studies through their confidence intervals, offering an alternative when correlation estimates are unavailable but published results exist. Furthermore, both approaches integrate crucial logistical considerations, including rejection rates, eligibility criteria, and expected losses to follow-up, providing researchers with realistic estimates of recruitment requirements and timelines.
Seven detailed case studies covering various epidemiological study designs and analytical scenarios demonstrate the practical application of these methods. These examples illustrate how correlation values, standard errors, and logistical factors influence sample size calculations and study planning.
The implementation in R ensures accessibility and reproducibility, while the incorporation of logistical planning tools bridges the gap between theoretical calculations and practical research requirements. These methods represent a significant advancement in study design methodology, potentially improving the quality and efficiency of epidemiological research by ensuring adequate statistical power while optimizing resource utilization
The Interaction between Self-Esteem, Perceived Gender Discrimination and Employment Motivation: A Log-Linear Analysis
Get PDFThis study analyzes the relationships between self-esteem, perceived gender discrimination, and employment motivation. Results show that individuals not perceiving gender discrimination are 3.66 times more prevalent than those who do. Individuals who see the purpose of employment as a way to improve themselves are 1.8 times more motivated than those who want to contribute meaningfully to society. Self-improvement is a stronger motivator than contributing to society, and income-focused individuals show 2.8 times higher motivation. Those with low self-esteem aspiring to contribute to society are 2.6 times more likely to be motivated than those focusing on self-improvement. Achieving gender equality and preventing discrimination can enhance personal development and societal contributions, leading to increased individual success and social welfare. The motivations of self-development and usefulness to society make the strongest contribution to an individual's self-esteem. These motives are related to inner satisfaction and social recognition
Patients’ Perception on Clinical Training and Informed Consent Towards Medical Students in Jazan Hospitals: A Cross-Sectional Study
Get PDFBackground: Bedside teaching offers many advantages for medical education. When real patients are involved in the clinical practice, teaching medicine often involves difficult ethical dilemmas so it must be precisely detected and properly dealt with.
Objective: to evaluate patients' perspectives on clinical training and informed consent within teaching hospitals in Jazan.
Method: This cross-sectional observational study targeted all adult who previously met a medical student. A self-administered questionnaire to assess the patient’s perspective on clinical training and informed consent towards medical students were answered by the participants. T-tests and chi-square tests, along with multiple logistic regression, were used for analysis.
Results: 200 participants were selected for this study with a mean age of 32.52 years. 51.3% of the participants were female, and 55.3% of the participants were married. 59.6% of the patients reported that the doctor asked for their permission for the student to be present. Only 31.1 % stated that they felt uncomfortable and 70% of the participants reported that they received more explanation about their illness when medical students were present. Almost all patients felt pleased that they had contributed to the students’ medical education.
Conclusion: The research has demonstrated that patients' acceptability of medical students appeared to be influenced by the nature of the interaction between the patient and the student, the education level, and the student-patient gender. In general, most patients were pleased that they were able to help in the students' medical education. In order to enhance the learning process for medical students, clinical tutors must benefit from patients who accept medical students
Catalytic Degradation and Antibacterial Activity of Cinnamon-Mediated Green Synthesized Silver Nanoparticles Loaded on Alginate Beads
Get PDFAlginate-silver nanocomposites in the form of spherical beads were prepared using a green approach by using the aqueous extract of cinnamon bark. The nanocomposites were fabricated by a three-step process involving gelation by ionotropic crosslinking, adsorption, and in situ chemical reduction in solution. The rich phytochemicals of the cinnamon bark extract played a dual role as reducing and stabilizing agent in the synthesis of silver nanoparticles of average size of 16 nm. The presence of silver nanoparticles in the nanocomposite was studied using UV-Vis absorption spectroscopy, electron microscopy and energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy. The morphology of the nanocomposite beads was dense and compact with random distribution of silver nanoclusters. The catalytic property of the nanocomposite beads was evaluated for the degradation of Congo-red dye in the presence of sodium borohydride. The degradation followed pseudo-first order kinetics with a rate constant of 0.012 min-1 at 23 °C. The activation energy for the degradation process was 27.57 ± 1.5 kJ mol-1. The thermodynamic parameters such as the enthalpy and entropy changes were evaluated using the Eyring equation and were determined to be 0.123 ± 0.05 kJ mol-1 and -197.25 ± 2 J mol-1 K-1, respectively. The nanocomposite exhibited antibacterial properties against the two strains of bacteria, Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus