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Global Health and Genomics
Full text linkAn increasing array of clinical applications has helped mainstream genomics into routine healthcare across the lifespan. Nurses and other health professionals need genomic competency to provide genomics-informed care and realize the potential of precision health. To date, the integration of genomics into nursing education, clinical practice, and research has been variable. Recent national and international efforts are helping to drive the genomic nursing agenda forward to propel precision health and improve outcomes for individuals, families, and populations
“Unseen strategies” what can the experience of Aphantasia teach us about cognitive strategies in memory?
Full text linkAphantasia, originally characterised by a deficit in visual mental imagery, has been expanded to included deficits in other modalities of mental imagery e.g., auditory imagery. As these forms of imagery are considered to be key components of memory rehearsal, encoding and recall, Aphantasia has inspired much quantitative research exploring its relationship with memory. A qualitative methodology is employed here to explore compensatory strategies which quantitative findings suggest. Through Thematic Analysis, three subordinate themes are identified (Semantic Reliance, Condensation of Inner Speech, and External Recoding) representing possible compensatory strategies for further investigation in quantitative research. Findings additionally include supporting evidence of memory deficits and refute claims of metacognitive deficits among Aphantasic individuals.</p
Utilisation of steelmaking waste gases in solid oxide cell technology: opportunities, challenges and future directions
Full text linkThis review investigates the potential of utilising steelmaking waste gases, specifically coke oven gas (COG) and blast furnace gas (BFG), in solid oxide cell (SOC) technology. It is shown that SOCs, which operate in fuel cell or electrolysis modes, offer promising pathways for energy recovery and chemical production from these underutilised byproducts. COG, with its high methane and hydrogen content, presents significant opportunities for power generation and hydrogen production, while the high CO₂ and CO concentrations of BFG make it more suitable for electrolysis applications. Key challenges, such as carbon deposition, sulfur poisoning and tar contamination, are discussed alongside strategies for mitigation. This review highlights the opportunities and challenges of integrating SOC technology with steelmaking processes, offering insights into future research directions to optimise the reuse of COG and BFG for sustainable steel production
The Fathom Trust World Café Event:Staff and service user reflections on the potential integration of health care and nature-based interventions
Full text linkDual-Band 802.11 RF Energy Harvesting Optimization for IoT Devices with Improved Patch Antenna Design and Impedance Matching
Full text linkThis paper investigates the feasibility of harvesting Radio Frequency (RF) energy from the Wi-Fi frequency band to power low-power Internet-of-Things (IoT) devices. With the increasing prevalence of IoT applications and wireless sensor networks (WSNs), there is a critical need for sustainable energy sources that can extend the operational lifespan of these devices, particularly in remote locations, where access to reliable power supplies is limited. The paper describes the design, simulation, and fabrication of a dual-band antenna capable of operating at 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz, the frequencies used by Wi-Fi. The simulation and experimental results show that the proposed design is efficient based on the reflection coefficient. Using a high-frequency simulator, we developed two C-shaped and an F-shaped microstrip antenna design, optimized for impedance matching and efficient RF–DC conversion.The captured RF energy is converted into usable electrical power that can be directly utilized by low-power IoT devices or stored in batteries for later use. The paper introduces an efficient design for dual-band antennas to maximize the reception of Wi-Fi signals. It also explains the construction of an impedance-matching network to reduce signal reflection and improve power transfer efficiency. The results indicate that the proposed antennas can effectively harvest Wi-Fi energy, providing a sustainable power source for IoT devices. The practical implementation of this system offers a promising solution to the energy supply challenges faced by remote and low-power IoT applications, paving the way for more efficient and longer-lasting wireless sensor networks
Understanding the Effect of Waiting for the Dissolution of Sodium Hydroxide in Geopolymer Concrete Mixes
Full text linkGeopolymer concrete (GPC) can be produced by the chemical activation of industrial by-products and processed natural minerals that contain aluminosilicates with the presence of an alkaline activator. Raw components are one of the critical parameters affecting geopolymer performance. On the other hand, the mixing procedure of geopolymer concrete is not any less important. Few demonstrative constructions have been built using GPC as a greener alternative to Portland cement concrete. Numerous variables affect GPC manufacture, such as raw material specification, activator type and dosage, and curing regimes. Despite the conventions of the building industry, the lack of proper mix design methods limits the wide acceptance of GPC in the industry. This report conducted experimental trials on GGBS-based GPC to optimize a mixing design procedure to achieve best mechanical strength and structural integrity. Geopolymer concrete properties were evaluated through slump and unconfined compressive strength tests. The laboratory trials in this report revealed that all geopolymer mixes, except SD0HV and 1W-SG, exhibited high workability values. Also, the presence of an alkaline activator was vital to attain satisfactory compressive strength values. The alkaline activator could be used when cooled and reached room temperature after two hours of preparation and was not necessary after 24 h. Mix G-(0.5W-S) with a 0.5A.A. (alkaline activator)/precursor (GGBS) ratio, SSA (sodium silicate alternative)/SH (sodium hydroxide with 10 M molarity) ratio of 1:1, and 0.55 W/B (water to binder) ratio is recommended to achieve best mechanical performance and structural integrity.</p
Implementing Anomaly-Based Intrusion Detection for Resource-Constrained Devices in IoMT Networks
Full text linkInternet of Medical Things (IoMT) technology has emerged from the introduction of the Internet of Things in the healthcare sector. However, the resource-constrained characteristics and heterogeneity of IoMT networks make these networks susceptible to various types of threats. Thus, it is necessary to develop novel security solutions (e.g., efficient and accurate Anomaly-based Intrusion Detection Systems), considering the inherent limitations of IoMT networks, before these networks reach their full potential in the market. In this paper, we propose an AIDS specifically designed for resource-constrained devices within IoMT networks. The proposed lightweight AIDS leverages novelty detection and outlier detection algorithms instead of conventional classification algorithms to achieve (a) enhanced detection performance against both known and unknown attack patterns and (b) minimal computational costs
Global status of chiropractic education research and scholarly publications: a scoping review
Full text linkObjective: This scoping review aimed to map the volume (number of studies) and nature (topics and designs) of chiropractic education research and scholarly publications on chiropractic learners and programs worldwide. Introduction: Despite the expansion of the chiropractic profession and its recognition by entities such as the World Health Organization, a gap exists in comprehending the international landscape of chiropractic education. No prior studies have systematically mapped the volume and nature of chiropractic education research and scholarly publications. A scoping review of chiropractic education research and scholarly publications is needed to guide future policy development, research agendas, and educational initiatives within the chiropractic profession.Inclusion criteria: Publications in the indexed literature on chiropractic students, graduates, academics, and programs in any chiropractic education setting were included. Studies focused on chiropractic programs and education for chiropractic students or chiropractors worldwide were considered for inclusion. All research designs, literature reviews, descriptive studies, and commentaries were included. Methods: This scoping review was conducted according to JBI methodology for scoping reviews and was reported in line with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR). The databases PubMed (NLM), Scopus, CINAHL via EBSCOhost, Index to Chiropractic Literature, Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde, and Educational Resources Information Center were searched from their inception to November 5 and 6, 2023, with no language limits. Data were extracted for primary topics, study designs, and regions of the included documents and entered in Covidence by paired independent reviewers. The findings were organized into figures and tables with a narrative description. Results: The search identified 7494 documents. After deduplication, 5041 were screened for relevance, of which 667 were selected for full-text review. From these, 598 were selected for data extraction. The chiropractic education topics included values/ethical competence (n=3), personal/behavioral competence (n=34), knowledge and cognitive competence (n=49), functional and clinical competence (n=93), and program-relevant research (n=419). Most designs were quantitative (n=391), followed by descriptive reports (n=91), qualitative (n=43), mixed methods (n=40), commentaries (n=22), and literature reviews (n=11). Chiropractic education was most studied in the United States (n=359), Australia (n=116), and Canada (n=106). Conclusions: This scoping review reports the volume and nature of indexed publications relating to chiropractic learners and programs worldwide. This body of literature contains learner competencies in knowledge, skills, and attitudes, as well as studies about chiropractic programs. The increasing number of publications and proportion of study designs over time show that chiropractic scholars and programs are engaged in collecting, analyzing, and distributing data relevant to education and training. The map of professional competencies in the chiropractic education literature shows that the profession possesses the fundamental traits needed to contribute to the global health care workforce.</p
Estimating inequality in alcohol-related liver disease burden in the UK, 2009 to 2020: a population-based study using routinely collected data
Full text linkBackgroundThere is a need to understand the preventable burden of alcohol-related liver disease (ARLD) and to improve the identification of individuals at high risk. We aimed to establish reliable and stratified epidemiological data to understand the burden of ARLD and the inequalities in this burden related to ethnicity, socioeconomic factors, and region in the UK.MethodsData were extracted from Clinical Practice Research Datalink Aurum, a primary care database that includes 20% of UK general practices. The study period was Jan 1, 2009, to Dec 31, 2020; all patients aged 18 years and older registered at a participating practice were eligible for inclusion. Hospital admission data were extracted from linked Hospital Episode Statistics (HES) and ARLD-specific mortality data were obtained from Office for National Statistics Death Registration Data. Several analytical approaches were used, as follows: yearly cross-sectional and cohort analyses to calculate the annual prevalence and incidence of ARLD, respectively; a retrospective, matched, open cohort study to assess all-cause mortality rates (in which patients without liver disease were matched with patients with ARLD on the basis of age, sex, ethnicity, and geographical region); and a retrospective, open cohort analysis to evaluate all-cause hospitalisation rates. Hospitalisation rates were calculated in those with ARLD only. We explored different definitions of ARLD, and our primary definition was definite ARLD (ie, a coded clinical record specifying ARLD). Incidence and prevalence were stratified by age, sex, ethnicity, deprivation (Index of Multiple Deprivation [IMD] quintile) and geographical region.FindingsDuring the study period, 19 534 887 patients from 1491 practices were eligible for inclusion in our study. For definite ARLD exposure, 257 544 patients were included in the all-cause mortality outcome analysis, of whom 51 510 were diagnosed with definite ARLD; while among the 50 409 patients with definite ARLD for whom HES-linked data were available, 37 142 had one or more hospital admissions. Prevalence of definite ARLD rose from 154 to 243 per 100 000 population from 2009 to 2020. Incidence increased from 18·6 to 30·3 per 100 000 person-years between 2009 and 2019, and then decreased to 24·7 per 100 000 person-years in 2020. Prevalence and incidence of ARLD by age, sex, ethnicity, geographical region, and IMD quintile increased between 2009 and 2020. The overall adjusted all-cause mortality hazard ratio (HR) for those with definite ARLD compared with no liver disease was 4·30 (95% CI 4·20–4·41). The effect of ARLD on mortality was more pronounced in younger than older age groups (eg, adjusted HR of 21·86 [95% CI 18·23–26·20]) in those aged 30–39 years vs 2·19 [2·09–2·29] in those ≥70 years) and in females than in males (5·61 [5·35–5·88] vs 3·93 [3·83–4·04]). The overall incidence rate for hospitalisations in patients with definite ARLD was 1·17 per person-year. Hospitalisation rates were higher in females (adjusted incidence rate ratio 1·03 [95% CI 1·01–1·06]) and in patients in more deprived groups (1·16 [1·10–1·21] in the most deprived IMD quintile vs the least deprived quintile).InterpretationOur findings indicate an increasing burden of ARLD in the UK. Raising awareness of disparities in health outcomes in affected groups could facilitate earlier and more targeted interventions
Autotrophic bacterial production of polyhydroxyalkanoates using carbon dioxide as a sustainable carbon source
Full text linkThe persistence of fossil fuel-based plastics poses significant environmental challenges, prompting increased research into biodegradable polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) polymers derived from cost-effective and sustainable resources. Different microorganisms can produce PHA amongst carbon dioxide (CO2)-assimilating autotrophic organisms, particularly noteworthy in carbon capture and utilization (CCU). Autotrophic bacteria have evolved to utilize either light (photoautotrophy) or inorganic chemicals (chemolithoautotrophy) to capture CO2, which powers their primary and secondary metabolic activities. This review explores the diversity of PHA-producing autotrophs, the metabolic pathways implicated in autotrophic PHA accumulation, and recent progress in photoautotrophs and chemolithoautotrophs regarding PHA synthesis using CO2. Additionally, microbial electrosynthesis for converting CO2 to PHA is also discussed. Genetic engineering strategies are also emphasized for the autotrophic synthesis of PHA. This review also addresses the challenges and prospects for sustainable PHA production using CO2