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The Pain-Invalidation Scale: Measuring patient perceptions of invalidation toward chronic pain
No full textIncreasing evidence reveals the damaging impact of having one's chronic pain symptoms invalidated through disbelief, discrediting, and critical judgement. In other instances, a caregiver's over-attentiveness to the daily tasks of individuals with pain can be problematic, potentially undermining rehabilitation. The aim of this study was to develop an instrument to measure different aspects of invalidation perceived by people with chronic pain. Item generation was informed through literature review and a thematic analysis of narratives from 431 peer-reviewed articles. The crowdsourcing platform Prolific was used to distribute survey items to participants. In Study 1A, Principal Component Analysis was performed on data from 302 respondents, giving rise to 4 subscales, including: Invalidation by the Self, Invalidation by Immediate Others, Invalidation by Healthcare Professionals, and Invalidation by Over-attentive Others. Confirmatory Factor Analysis of data collected from another 308 individuals in Study 1B supported the 4-factor model of the Pain-Invalidation Scale (Pain-IS) and identified a best-fit model with 24 items. The Pain-IS was further validated in another 300 individuals in Study 2. The Pain-IS demonstrates sound psychometric properties and may serve as a valuable tool for use by clinicians in the detection of pain-invalidation issues, as a first step in patient pain management
Goals, challenges, and next steps in transdisciplinary fisheries research: perspectives and experiences from early-career researchers
No full textFisheries are highly complex social-ecological systems that often face ‘wicked’ problems from unsustainable resource management to climate change. Addressing these challenges requires transdisciplinary approaches that integrate perspectives across scientific disciplines and knowledge systems. Despite widespread calls for transdisciplinary fisheries research (TFR), there are still limitations in personal and institutional capacity to conduct and support this work to the highest potential. The viewpoints of early career researchers (ECRs) in this field can illuminate challenges and promote systemic change within fisheries research. This paper presents the perspectives of ECRs from across the globe, gathered through a virtual workshop held during the 2021 World Fisheries Congress, on goals, challenges, and future potential for TFR. Big picture goals for TFR were guided by principles of co-production and included (i) integrating transdisciplinary thinking at all stages of the research process, (ii) ensuring that research is inclusive and equitable, (iii) co-creating knowledge that is credible, relevant, actionable, and impactful, and (iv) consistently communicating with partners. Institutional inertia, lack of recognition of the extra time and labour required for TFR, and lack of skill development opportunities were identified as three key barriers in conducting TFR. Several critical actions were identified to help ECRs, established researchers, and institutions reach these goals. We encourage ECRs to form peer-mentorship networks to guide each other along the way. We suggest that established researchers ensure consistent mentorship while also giving space to ECR voices. Actions for institutions include retooling education programs, developing and implementing new metrics of impact, and critically examining individualism and privilege in academia. We suggest that the opportunities and actions identified here, if widely embraced now, can enable research that addresses complex challenges facing fishery systems contributing to a healthier future for fish and humans alike
Selective Hydrogenation of 1,3-Butadiene over Ceria Catalyst: A Molecular Insight
No full textDistinctive redox properties and structural defects have made ceria a desirable choice for selective hydrogenation reactions for a wide array of hydrocarbons. In this work, we have studied – via density functional theory (DFT) calculations - selective hydrogenation of 1,3-butadiene into 1-butene over ceria catalyst. This reaction entails strategic applications in petroleum industries. Adsorption and surface energies for various co-adsorbed 1,3-butadaiene/hydrogen configurations were computed based on the ab initio atomistic thermodynamic formalism. The thermodynamically most stable configurations correspond to surfaces with high hydrogen surface coverage. This finding coincides with the commonly deployed high ratio of hydrogen to hydrocarbons in hydrogenation reactions over ceria. A consistent decrease in binding energies of multiple 1,3-butadiene adsorptions (per adsorbed molecule) is ascribed to a noticeable surface relaxation effects rather than to lateral interactions between adjacent adsorbed molecules. The partial hydrogenation route 1,3-butadiene →1-butene proceeds via accessible energy barriers and involves hydrogen transfer from OH* groups to surface-unbounded carbon sites. Desorption of the formed 1-butene constitutes a bottleneck in the partial hydrogenation route. The occurrence of full hydrogenation into n-butane is unfeasible in view of the high energy barrier encountered in the final hydrogen migration step to a surface-bounded carbon atom
Fuzzy-Based adaptive optimization of unknown Discrete-Time Nonlinear Markov jump systems with Off-Policy reinforcement learning
No full textThis paper explores a novel adaptive optimal control strategy for a class of sophisticated discrete-time nonlinear Markov jump systems (DTNMJSs) via Takagi-Sugeno (T-S) fuzzy models and reinforcement learning (RL) techniques. Firstly, the original nonlinear system model is represented by fuzzy approximation, while the relevant optimal control problem is equivalent to designing fuzzy controllers for linear fuzzy systems with Markov jumping parameters. Subsequently, we derive the fuzzy coupled algebraic Riccati equations (FCAREs) for the fuzzy-based discrete-time linear Markov jump systems by using Hamiltonian-Bellman methods. Following this, an online fuzzy optimization algorithm for DTNMJSs as well as the associated equivalence proof is given. Then, a fully model-free off-policy fuzzy RL algorithm is derived with proved convergence for the DTNMJSs without using the information of system dynamics and transition probability. Finally, two simulation examples respectively related to the single-link robotic arm and the half-car active suspension are given to verify the effectiveness and good performance of the proposed approach
Does the application of blood flow restriction during walking exercise influence the accuracy of indirect calorimetry?
No full textObjectives
Identify whether the application of blood flow restriction (BFR) during walking influences fraction of expired oxygen (FeO2) and carbon dioxide (FeCO2) measures, key variables in the calculation of oxygen consumption (V̇O2) via indirect calorimetry.
Design
Randomised cross-over.
Methods
On separate visits, sixteen participants completed four experimental sessions (order randomised), each comprising 10 min of treadmill exercise; i.e., with or without BFR (60% arterial occlusion pressure) combined with two different intensity levels (100% or 120% comfortable walking speed). For data analysis, walking speeds within the same condition (with or without BFR) were pooled, and the speed variance was controlled within the statistical model. The FeO2, FeCO2, V̇O2, volume of carbon dioxide production, minute ventilation (V̇E) and respiratory exchange ratio were extracted from the metabolic cart from the fifth min of the exercise period to the 3 min post-exercise. Measures were averaged across 2 min increments during exercise and 1 min increments post-exercise.
Results
Condition × time interactions were observed for FeO2 (p < 0.01) and FeCO2 (p < 0.01). Post hoc analysis identified within the BFR condition an increase in FeO2 (p < 0.01) during the exercise period and for 2 min post-exercise, while FeCO2 was decreased (p < 0.01) during the exercise period and 1 min post-exercise. A main effect of BFR and time was observed for V̇E (p ≤ 0.044) and V̇O2 (p ≤ 0.01).
Conclusions
The increase of FeO2 and decrease of FeCO2 during BFR walking likely reduces the validity of V̇O2 values calculated via indirect calorimetry
Maximization of fitness by phenological and phenotypic plasticity in range expanding rabbitfishes (Siganidae)
Get PDFGlobal warming is modifying the phenology, life-history traits and biogeography of species around the world. Evidence of these effects have increased over recent decades; however, we still have a poor understanding of the possible outcomes of their interplay across global climatic gradients, hindering our ability to accurately predict the consequences of climate change in populations and ecosystems.
We examined the effect that changes in biogeography can have on the life-history traits of two of the most successful range-extending fish species in the world: the tropical rabbitfishes Siganus fuscescens and Siganus rivulatus. Both species have established abundant populations at higher latitudes in the northern and southern hemispheres and have been identified as important ecological engineers with the potential to alter the community structure of seaweed forests (Laminariales and Fucales) in temperate regions.
Life-history trait information from across their global distribution was compiled from the published literature and meta-analyses were conducted to assess changes in (i) the onset and duration of reproductive periods, (ii) size at maturity, (iii) fecundity, (iv) growth rates, (v) maximum body sizes and (vi) longevity in populations at the leading edge of range expansion in relation to sea surface temperature and primary productivity (a common proxy for nutritional resource levels).
Populations at highest latitudes had shortened their reproductive periods and reduced growth rates, taking longer to reach sexual maturity and maximum sizes, but compensated this with higher fecundity per length class and longer lifespans than populations in warmer environments. Low primary productivity and temperature in the Mediterranean Sea resulted in lower growth rates and body sizes for S. rivulatus, but also lower length at maturity, increasing life-time reproductive output.
The results suggest that plasticity in the phenology and life-history traits of range-expanding species would be important to enhance their fitness in high latitude environments, facilitating their persistence and possible further poleward expansions. Quantifying the magnitude and direction of these responses can improve our understanding and ability to forecast species redistributions and its repercussions in the functioning of temperate ecosystems
Morphological and molecular identification of Diceratocephala boschmai Baer, 1953 and Decadidymus sp. Cannon, 1991 on wild and cultured environment of Cherax quadricarinatus in Malaysia
Get PDFThe introduction of Australian Cherax quadricarinatus into Malaysia as an aquaculture species has resulted in wild populations in several Malaysian states, and it is now considered an invasive species. The introduction coincidentally co-introduced Diceratocephalid, flatworms that externally inhabit C. quadricarinatus. Thirty-three wild C. quadricarinatus were caught alive in Tasik Ayer Keroh, Melaka; while 32 cultured C. quadricarinatus were bought in Bandar Tenggara, Johor. Two species of ecto-symbiont (Diceratocephala boschmai and Decadidymus sp.) were morphologically identified and genetically 18S rDNA sequenced. Currently, only one 18S rDNA sequence is available for Decadidymus sp. in the GenBank, isolated from redclaw crayfish, C. quadricarinatus in Australia. This D. boschmai 18S rDNA phylogenetic analysis was consistent with the data from previous studies
Grain-Filling rate improves physical grain quality in barley under heat stress conditions during the Grain-Filling period
Get PDFHeat stress is a primary constraint to Australia's barley production. In addition to impacting grain yield, it adversely affects physical grain quality (weight and plumpness) and market value. The incidence of heat stress during grain filling is rising with global warming. However, breeding for new superior heat-tolerant genotypes has been challenging due to the narrow window of sensitivity, the unpredictable nature of heat stress, and its frequent co-occurrence with drought stress. Greater scientific knowledge regarding traits and mechanisms associated with heat tolerance would help develop more efficient selection methods. Our objective was to assess 157 barley varieties of contrasting genetic backgrounds for various developmental, agro-morphological, and physiological traits to examine the effects of heat stress on physical grain quality. Delayed sowing (i.e., July and August) increased the likelihood of daytime temperatures above 30°C during grain-filling. Supplementary irrigation of field trials ensured a reduced impact of drought stress. Heat tolerance appeared to be the primary factor determining grain plumpness. A wide variation was observed for heat tolerance, particularly among the Australian varieties. Genotypic variation was also observed for grain weight, plumpness, grain growth components, stay-green and stem water-soluble carbohydrates (WSC) content, and mobilisation under normal and delayed sown conditions. Compared to normal sowing, delayed sowing reduced duration of developmental phases, plant height, leaf size, head length, head weight, grain number, plumpness, grain width and thickness, stem WSC content, green leaf area retention, and harvest index (HI), and increased screenings, grain length, grain-filling rate (GFR), WSC mobilisation efficiency (WSCME), and grain protein content. Overall, genotypes with heavier and plumper grains under high temperatures had higher GFR, longer grain-filling duration, longer green leaf area retention, higher WSCME, taller stature, smaller leaf size, greater HI, higher grain weight/plumpness potentials, and earlier flowering. GFR played a significant role in determining barley grain weight and plumpness under heat-stress conditions. Enhancing GFR may provide a new avenue for improving heat tolerance in barley
Changes to the bacterial microbiome in the rhizosphere and root Endosphere of Persea americana (Avocado) treated with organic mulch and a Silicate-Based mulch or phosphite, and infested with Phytophthora cinnamomi
Get PDFPlant growth and responses of the microbial profile of the rhizosphere soil and root endosphere were investigated for avocado plants infested or not infested with Phytophthora cinnamomi and the changes were compared in plants grown with various soil additives or by spraying plants with phosphite. Soil treatments were organic mulches or silica-based mineral mulch. Reduction of root growth and visible root damage was least in the infested plants treated with phosphite or mineral mulch applied to the soil. Rhizosphere soils and root endospheres were analyzed for bacterial communities using metabarcoding. Bacterial abundance and diversity were reduced in infested rhizospheres and root endospheres. The presence or absence of mineral mulch resulted in greater diversity and larger differences in rhizosphere community composition between infested and non-infested pots than any other treatment. Some rhizosphere bacterial groups, especially Actinobacteria and Proteobacteria, had significantly higher relative abundance in the presence of Phytophthora. The bacterial communities of root endospheres were lower in abundance than rhizosphere communities and not affected by soil treatments or phosphite but increased in abundance after infection with P. cinnamomi. These findings suggested that the addition of silicate-based mineral mulch protects against Phytophthora root rot, which may be partly mediated through changes in rhizosphere bacterial community composition. However, the changes to the microbiome induced by spraying plants with phosphite are different from those resulting from the application of mineral mulch to the soil
Towards the knowledge-smart professional service firms: How high-performance work systems support the transformation
No full textThe Professional Service Firms (PSFs) have gained widespread attention owing to their enormous contribution to the growth of global service economies. PSFs being knowledge-intensive firms frequently encounter a challenge of continually enhancing the knowledge competencies of their staff that forms the basis of organizational Intellectual Capital (IC) and derives competitive advantage for them. Nevertheless, a little research has been done governing the development of knowledge capital in the PSFs. This makes the role of High Performance Work Systems (HPWS) indispensible towards managing intellectual capital resources in these firms. However, the systematic application of HPWS in PSF context is still lacking the empirical basis. Therefore, by presenting a qualitative conceptual framework, this research offers a linking mechanism on how HPWS guide IC development in the service firms. By empirically testing these HPWS as (Ability, Motivation, and Opportunity)-enhancing practices via face-face interviews, the results demonstrate that HPWS play strategically significant role in building knowledge capital in the PSFs. Overall, this research offers practical insights to the KM and HR managers in service firms on achieving client service quality and satisfaction through a knowledge-smart workforce and perpetuate a sustainable competitive advantage