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Sleep and stress in athletes with disabilities around the 2021 Tokyo Paralympic games during the pandemic
No full textOptimal sleep is indispensable for achieving peak athletic performance, playing a crucial role in reducing injury risks, alleviating fatigue, facilitating sport-specific recuperation, and enhancing skill development1–3 . Research indicates that various elements related to the sport itself, including the nature and intensity of training, the frequency and volume of exercises, travel demands, competitive pressures, and the rigorousness of athletes’ schedules, significantly influence key sleep metrics such as duration, onset, efficiency, overall quality, and the prevalence of sleep disturbances4,5 . Beyond the confines of sport, demographic and psychological factors, notably stress and anxiety, significantly influence sleep dynamics6,7 . Expanding on the foundational role of sleep in sports performance, existing literature elucidates the bidirectional relationship between sleep and stress. Physiologically, sleep disruptions can intensify stress via neuroendocrine imbalances, highlighting the complex interplay between sleep cycles and stress hormones8,9 . This dynamic is especially evident in competitive sports environments, where high-pressure situations can severely compromise sleep quality, leading to a cycle where stress begets poor sleep, which in turn further escalates stress levels10,11. The psychological dimension of this interplay is equally significant. The stress inherent in athletes’ lifestyles, marked by intense training schedules and competitive demands, can severely affect sleep quality, underscoring the importance of managing stress to promote better sleep. Recognizing the paramount importance of sleep, the International Olympic Committee advocates for optimal sleep practices, emphasizing the need for sufficient sleep duration, circadian rhythm alignment, and high-quality sleep, free from disorders like insomnia and sleep apnea12. Despite these guidelines, research consistently indicates that both emerging and established athletes grapple with maintaining optimal sleep quality and duration, frequently not meeting sleep standards5,13,14. This issue is particularly pronounced among young athletes, who not only have to contend with their developmental sleep needs but also face the dual pressures of sports and other life commitments10</p
A meshfree approach for the rennet-induced coagulation equation: Spline based multistage Bernstein collocation method and its convergence analysis
No full textThe initial phases of milk coagulation for cheese manufacturing can be tracked by an integro-differential equation known as a population balance equation. In this article, a new analytical approach using multistage Bernstein polynomials is presented to solve a rennet-induced coagulation equation for the first time. The existence of the solution and convergence analysis of the proposed approach are discussed in detail to support the mathematical formulation. Our main interest is in computing the integral moments, such as the number and total volume/mass of casein micelles over time. These moments are evaluated by approximating them with the linear combinations of Bernstein polynomials that involve unknown coefficients. Furthermore, the unknown coefficients are determined by selecting an appropriate number of collocation points, based on the considered time span of the process. To test the accuracy and efficiency of the new approach, the new analytical solutions for the integral moments are obtained for constant, sum and product coagulation kernels and results are verified by comparing with the existing finite volume scheme and Picard’s method.</p
Cost analysis of limb salvage: comparing limb revascularisation and amputation in patients with Chronic Limb‑Threatening Ischaemia (CLTI) at University Hospital Limerick
No full textBackground The prevalence of peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is increasing globally. An increase in PAD in an ageing population inevitably results in an increase in incidence of Chronic Limb Threatening Ischemia (CLTI). Loss of a limb is a life-changing event with immeasurable cost to the individual, while the potential financial benefit of saving a limb is not well documented. Aims The focus of this study was to estimate the cost associated with surgical interventions used in the treatment of CLTI compared with amputation. Methods The cost to treat a CLTI diagnosis in 124 patients was analysed in an acute tertiary referral hospital over a 13-month study period. The analysis included staffing, medical devices used, number of blood components used and the length of stay. Statistical methods included descriptive statistical data and the Mann–Whitney U test. Results The median cost, associated with length of stay, post-amputation and post-revascularisation (hybrid) was €61,313 [IQR=€44,417, €83,331] and €46,573 [IQR=€25,687, €58,554] respectively, p<0.001. The total median cost for length of stay for amputees in an acute hospital, rehabilitation and a prosthetic limb was €88,820 [IQR=€74,486, €110,248]. The median surgical cost of an amputation was €2,064 [IQR=€1,342, €2,866], whilst the median surgical cost of a revascularisation procedure (hybrid) was €5,966 [IQR=€4,380, €7,723], p<0.001, inclusive of total blood components transfused. Conclusion Revascularisation surgical interventions are more expensive than amputation, however, the length of stay, rehabilitation and prosthetic limb costs, for a patient undergoing a major limb amputation, is significantly more costly</p
At-Line Characterization of droplet size distributions using a simple, voltage-based sensor for continuous production of dense oil in water emulsions
No full textThere is a growing need for real-time characterization of droplet size distribution (DSD) for the continuously produced emulsions. In this study, we developed an at-line DSD characterization method using a turbidity-based soft sensor and demonstrated its application for continuously generated oil in water emulsions using a vortex-based hydrodynamic cavitation device. The concept of using an off-line turbidity meter and an ANN-based soft sensor for estimating DSD was recently demonstrated in our previous study. In this study, we further developed this concept for real-time characterization of DSD using an inexpensive, at-line turbidity meter providing an output in terms of voltage. Combined with the previously developed ANN-based soft sensor, the at-line voltage measurements were shown to be useful for the estimation of DSD and characteristic diameters. The emulsions of rapeseed oil (RO) in water with oil volume fractions of 0.15, 0.30, and 0.45 were produced in a continuous mode. Vortex-based cavitation device was used in a loop configuration with a key operating parameter being the ratio of the circulating flow rate through the loop (Q) and the net flow rate of emulsion (qnet). The influence of the Q/qnet ratio and volume fraction of oil on DSD, Sauter mean diameter (d32), other characteristic diameters, and droplet breakage efficiency (η) was investigated. The at-line turbidity measurements and ANN-based soft sensor were able to estimate the Sauter mean diameter within ±10% for oil volume fraction up to 0.45 and Q/qnet ratio up to 100. The developed methodology and results will be very useful for realizing decentralized and continuous emulsion production with at-line DSD measurements.</p
Musical form as a framing device: absolute music and Desiderius a Dó [The Second Desiderius] by Pádraig Ó Cíobháin
No full textThis paper undertakes a close reading of European classical music forms used as a framing device in the Irish language novel Desiderius a Dó (1995) by Pádraig Ó Cíobháin. Considered one of the seminal novels of modern Irish, Ó Cíobháin’s work contains what the scholar Irina Rajewsky describes as “intramedial references to visual arts, music, cinema, literature and architecture”. Classical music occupies a central place in the novel, and is essential for an understanding of its plot, characterization, narrative and its thematic concern with ideas of binaries and performance. The paper examines absolute music forms characteristic of the classical period in the novel, explores how Ó Cíobháin uses liturgical music and chant, and concludes that the overall effect of the writer’s approach is a reimagination of the Irish language novel within a European frame that is remarkable for the depth and scope it gives the characters and the narrative.</p
Home-Based comprehensive geriatric assessment for community-dwelling, at-risk, frail older adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis
No full textBackground: Comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA), an operational model of integrated care, has become a fundamental component of healthcare delivery models for older adults. It is a multidimensional diagnostic process intended to determine a frail elderly person's medical, psychosocial, and functional capabilities and limitations to develop an integrated care plan. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to update and synthesize the totality of research evidence related to the effectiveness of home-based CGA compared with usual care among community-dwelling at-risk older adults. A secondary aim of the review was to characterize the components of CGA delivered across the included studies. Methods: CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, trial registers (WHO ICTRP, ClinicalTrials.gov, and McMaster Aging Portal), and gray literature were searched. Two independent reviewers conducted screening, data extraction, quality appraisal, and applied the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations framework to quantify the certainty of evidence. Meta-analyses were performed in Review Manager 5.4. The primary outcome was functional status. Results: Twenty-two trials recruiting 7219 community-dwelling older adults were included. Home-based CGA resulted in improved functional status at 6–24 months (standardized mean difference [SMD] 0.17, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.09–0.25), at 12 months (SMD 0.24, 95% CI 0.02–0.47), and at 24 months (SMD 0.11, 95% CI 0.01–0.22); an increased health-related quality of life (HRQoL) at 6–24 and 12 months; a reduction in mortality at 36 months; a reduction in hospitalizations at 6–36months; and improved patient satisfaction with care at 6–12months. Home-based CGA resulted in little or no difference in nursing home admission, emergency department presentation, or adverse events. Intervention characteristics and multidisciplinary team composition varied across trials</p
An opportunity for streamlined computational fluid dynamics integration via a semi-analytical method for weighted finite volume fragmentation equations
No full textOver the past decade, finite volume schemes have significantly advanced, becoming well-regarded for solving linear and nonlinear population balance equations (PBEs). These schemes are highly accurate and efficient, making them ideal for applications like liquid–liquid dispersion, bubble and droplet fragmentation, in the chemical and pharmaceutical industries. Solving PBEs in continuous form remains challenging, particularly with complex fragmentation kernels and selection functions. Typically, these problems are tackled by forming discretized ordinary differential equations, with accuracy depending on the mesh type and cell count. To address these challenges, a new semi-analytical approach for solving the weighted finite volume scheme breakage equations has been developed [Kumar et al. (2015), “Development and convergence analysis of a finite volume scheme for solving breakage equation,” SIAM J. Numer. Anal. 53(4), 1672–1689]. This approach can replace traditional numerical schemes using the fourth order Runge-Kutta method. The mesh-independence with respect to time of finite volume schemes allows efficient coupling with computational fluid dynamics (CFD) tools. The accuracy and efficiency of the proposed method have been validated with analytically tractable and physically relevant fragmentation kernels and selection functions, demonstrating high accuracy in estimating number density functions and their integral moments. This new approach reduces computational time by approximately 60%, making it an excellent option for integration with CFD software due to its efficiency</p
The Insider’s Dilemma: Employed open source developers’ identification imbalance and intentions to leave
No full textIn corporate-sponsored open source software development, company-employed developers become “insiders” to the OSS community, and therefore have two roles: they serve as a representative of their employing company, but may also identify as a member of the open source community. This study investigates what happens when identification with the company exceeds identification with the community (and vice versa), and also focuses on consequences when these insider roles come in conflict. Informed by social identity theory and organization-profession conflict theory, we report on two studies that predict identification imbalance to affect company turnover intention. Our first study is based on a survey of employed Linux kernel developers and uses polynomial regression to assess the effect of identification imbalance (and congruence) on company turnover intention. The second study extends our investigation beyond Linux and demonstrates that the effect of identification imbalance on turnover intention is mediated by role conflict. The findings suggest that turn-over intention is lowest, when company and community identification match at high rather than low levels. We also find developers’ company career ambition influences how role conflict relates to company turnover intention. This study holds implications for theory and for managers in companies who engage with OSS communities.</p
School amalgamation and wellbeing for LGBTQ+ students: A scoping review protocol
No full textSchool amalgamations, or the merging of two or more pre-existing schools, are typically conducted in response to resource constraints. While merging existing schools can be financially beneficial, the wellbeing of marginalised students, such as those who identify as LGBTQ+, may be at risk. Evidence on the impact that school amalgamation may have for LGBTQ+ students’ wellbeing has not been consolidated in a review. The proposed scoping review aims to identify empirical studies which measure the impact of school amalgamation on the wellbeing of LGBTQ+ students, to document the methodologies they use, and to identify challenges faced by LGBTQ+ students in amalgamated schools. Methods This review will be conducted in line with the JBI Manual for Evidence Synthesis and PCC framework. Searches will be conducted in multidisciplinary databases and relevant citations exported to Covidence. Articles will be screened against inclusion and exclusion criteria by two independent reviewers. Results Relevant studies will be charted and synthesised for inclusion in the final scoping review. Particular attention will be given to the scope of existing literature relating to the review question, methodological trends, and areas for further study.</p
Gendered effect of well-being on likelihood of violence in Northern Irish adolescents
No full textRecent research demonstrates a rise in female-related violence. Associations between mental health and violence are well established, but the gender-specific impact remains under-evaluated. We explored how gender and well-being interact to affect likelihood of violence in a Northern Irish youth sample. A survey conducted as part of a wider evaluation asked respondents (N=125) their gender, self-reported well-being, and likelihood of violence. Results showed a moderating effect of gender. Higher well-being was linked to higher likelihood for violence for females, with no effects for males. This supports previous research and implies a gender-neutral approach may not reduce the risk of violence</p