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Optimizing topical delivery to the ostiomeatal complex after functional endoscopic sinus surgery using a bidirectional delivery method
Get PDFQuantification of inhaled cigarette smoke movement and deposition in human nasal airways
No full textTwo Decades of the International Journal of Global Business and Competitiveness: A Retrospective Review and Future Research Agenda
No full textQuantifying taxon-specific habitat connectivity requirements of urban wildlife using structured expert judgement
No full textAdaptive-parameter memetic algorithm for privacy-preserving trajectory data publishing: A multi-objective optimization approach
Get PDFTrajectory data has grown pervasive, benefiting practical applications, including transportation administration and location-based operations. Nevertheless, trajectories may reveal extremely sensitive information about an individual, including movement patterns, personal profiles, geographical locations, and social contacts, necessitating privacy protection while disseminating trajectory data. Therefore, prioritizing privacy protection is crucial while analyzing trajectory data. Current methods of protecting privacy concentrate on single objective optimizing techniques such as maximizing data utility but often disregard various privacy constraints. To overcome this challenge, this study aims to improve both data privacy and usability by balancing competing goals-maximizing privacy while maintaining useful information-through a Multi-Objective Optimization (MOO) approach in trajectory data publishing. We provide a unique algorithm named Adaptive-Parameter Memetic Algorithm (APMA) that employs a non-dominated sorting multi-objective technique and a Memetic Algorithm (MA). This algorithm utilizes adaptive memory-based mutation and crossover strategies to dynamically adjust the mutation and crossover parameters and improve the solution’s quality. The proposed innovative local search strategy helps to achieve better population diversity and solution quality. Comprehensive studies illustrate the efficacy of the proposed method regarding solution quality and convergence outcomes
'Finding their voice': Exploring female adolescents' perspectives and experiences of a youth leadership programme
No full textThe Acute Effects of Compression Garments on Muscle Protein Synthesis Markers, Blood Flow, Performance, and Perceived Recovery after Resistance Exercise
No full textIntroduction/Purpose: Compression garments are a commonly used recovery aid following resistance exercise, which may improve muscle blood flow and perceived recovery. However, there has been limited insight into the underlying molecular mechanisms that may mediate the physiological effects of compression garments. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of compression tights on markers of muscle protein synthesis, muscle blood flow, and indices of recovery following a bout of resistance exercise. Methods: Twenty resistance-trained participants (5 females, 15 males) completed a leg-press exercise session followed by a 5-h recovery period wearing either commercially available compression tights (COMP, n = 10) or no tights (CON, n = 10). Physiological (markers of muscle protein synthesis, muscle blood flow, blood lactate, blood glucose), perceptual (total quality of recovery, perceived muscle soreness and subjective wellbeing), and performance measures (countermovement jump and isometric mid-thigh pull) were collected at baseline, immediately post-exercise (performance and perceptual only), and at 1-h (physiological and perceptual only), 5-h and 24-h post-exercise. Results: No significant (p < 0.05) interactions were observed between groups in physiological, performance, and perceptual measures. There were main effects of time for post-exercise measures compared to baseline (p < 0.05), with increased markers of muscle protein synthesis, muscle blood flow, blood lactate, muscle soreness, and reduced blood glucose, total quality of recovery, subjective wellbeing, and countermovement jump height for both groups. CONCLUSIONS: Commercially available compression tights used post-resistance exercise did not influence muscle protein synthesis markers, muscle blood flow or indices of exercise recovery following resistance exercise in the current study
Development and Validation of Child Observation Checklist for Early Screening of Young Children with Special Needs
Get PDFBackground: Families with young children with developmental disabilities often express concerns about delays in the identification of these and extended waiting times for obtaining assessments, learning support, and rehabilitation services. The identification process must and can be enhanced if preschool teachers have instrumental measures to detect early-stage developmental disabilities and adjustment difficulties in preschool children and, if necessary, to provide these children with prompt and effective support services. Aims: The aim with this study was to develop and validate a screening checklist for teachers to detect developmental delays and adjustment difficulties in Chinese preschool children in Hong Kong. Methods: The participants included 1085 children aged two to six years (including 365 children who were receiving rehabilitation services at the time of the study) and their preschool teachers. The teachers were requested to complete the screening checklist and the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire. Results: The results of the Rasch and Confirmatory Factor Analyses supported the unidimensionality of the checklist, with the validated version consisting of fifteen items and five factors. The checklist score was negatively correlated with children’s behavioral problems and effectively differentiated children of different ages and between children receiving and not receiving rehabilitation services. The reliability estimates (internal consistency and test–retest) of this revised checklist were above 0.70. Conclusions: The 15-item checklist is a promising screening instrument for the identification of developmental disabilities and adjustment problems among Chinese preschool children. The use of the checklist has accelerated access to rehabilitation services for children and family caregivers
Removing the straight jacket in practice approach: An investigation into coach learning and development in Australian female tennis
Get PDFObjectives: Applying an ecological dynamics perspective with the Skilled Intentionality Framework, this study examined whether an integrated coach learning and development framework could be successfully implemented in Australian female tennis coaching. Methods: Participants were all females: qualified coaches (N = 4), coach developers (N = 2) and athletes, aged 15–18 years (N = 7). Participants completed an online survey, examining socio-demographics, playing/coaching history and learning outcomes. An ethnographic and action research approach utilising the Learning in Development Research Framework (LDRF) was undertaken over 20 weeks of coach learning and development. Coaches followed two female coach developers (one as the primary investigator) for a minimum of two hours per week (in situ learning), while the coaches worked directly with athletes. To identify influential factors, multiple data collection strategies were employed, including surveys, semi-structured interviews, observations, critical reflections and focus groups. Results: Perceived program benefits (e.g., coach self-confidence and reassurance) and on-court/off-court support were verified within qualitative interview-derived data. Conclusion: Findings identify the positive influence of an integrated coach learning and development framework on continued Australian female coaching career progression, highlighting coach development implications