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Energy Sector Digitalisation, Green Transition and Regulatory Trade-offs
No full textThe green transition relies on electricity generation from intermittent renewable energy sources and the electrification of end-consumption such as heating, cooling, or mobility. At the same time, an increasing number of previously passive consumers are becoming active actors in the energy system, while the quantity of electric devices connected to the grid increases. These trends pose new operational, economic, and regulatory questions as the traditional roles of certain agents are mutating and multiplying. Digitalisation offers the possibility of implementing innovative solutions to the new challenges faced by grid operators, especially at the distribution grid level. In the EU Grid Action Plan, investments in grid digitalisation and real-time monitoring are deemed as crucial to achieve an efficient and fast energy transition. In this paper we present potential digital solutions to overcome the operational challenges posed by the ‘future-proof’ energy systems currently being devised and we address their economic implications. We also address some key aspects related to the digitalisation of the energy sector (efficiency and innovation, interoperability and standardisation, centralised vs decentralised solutions) from an economic perspective. Finally, a successful digitalisation of the sector requires adjustments in the regulatory frameworks. In the conclusion, we detail some recommendations needed for regulatory improvements.</p
Investigating the impact of asymmetric macular sensitivity on visual acuity chart reading in choroideraemia
No full textIntroduction:Degeneration in choroideremia, unlike typical centripetal photoreceptor degenerations, is centred temporal to the fovea. Once the fovea is affected, the nasal visual field (temporal retina) is relatively spared, and the preferred retinal locus shifts temporally. Therefore, when reading left to right, only the right eye reads into a scotoma. We investigate how this unique property affects the ability to read an eye chart.
Methods: Standard- and low-luminance visual acuity (VA) for right and left eyes were measured with the Early Treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) chart. Letters in each line were labelled by column position. The numbers of letter errors for each position across the whole chart were summed to produce total column error scores for each participant. Macular sensitivity was assessed using microperimetry. Central sensitivity asymmetry was determined by the temporal-versus-nasal central macular difference and subsequently correlated to a weighted ETDRS column error score. Healthy volunteers and participants with X-linked retinitis pigmentosa GTPase regulator associated retinitis pigmentosa (RPGR-RP) were used as controls.
Results: Thirty-nine choroideremia participants (median age 44.9 years [IQR 35.7–53.5]), 23 RPGR-RP participants (median age 30.8 years [IQR 26.5–40.5]) and 35 healthy controls (median age 23.8 years [IQR 20.3–29.0]) were examined. In choroideremia, standard VA in the right eye showed significantly greater ETDRS column errors on the temporal side compared with the nasal side (p = 0.002). This significantly correlated with greater asymmetry in temporal-versus-nasal central macular sensitivity (p = 0.04). No significant patterns in ETDRS column errors or central macular sensitivity were seen in the choroideremia left eyes, nor in RPGR-RP and control eyes.
Conclusion: Difficulty in tracking across lines during ETDRS VA testing may cause excess errors independent of true VA. VA assessment with single-letter optotype systems may be more suitable, particularly for patients with choroideremia, and potentially other retinal diseases with asymmetric central macular sensitivity or large central scotomas including geographic atrophy.</p
Creativity in education: Bite-size video’s impact on student engagement and satisfaction
No full textThis paper explores the impact of creative methods within active learning frameworks on student engagement, knowledge acquisition, and satisfaction. It suggests that adopting creativity into course design can significantly enhance learning outcomes, particularly in complex subject areas such as Supply Chain Management. To support this claim, a survey of 300 students in a UK higher education institution received 160 responses Furthermore, I analysed engagement metrics from the course’s Canvas module page. The findings reveal that creative design strategies not only improve understanding but also increase student engagement and satisfaction. This paper will discuss specific creative techniques that can be easily adopted by educators across various disciplines, demonstrating creativity's role as a crucial component in enhancing educational effectiveness.</p
Clock gene dysregulation in epilepsy: A systematic review
No full textObjective: Epileptic seizures show a rhythmic pattern, being more frequent at particular times of the day (e.g., only occurring during sleep), suggesting a role of the circadian rhythm. Clock genes regulate the circadian rhythm and might be involved in the pathophysiology of epilepsy. This systematic review sought to answer the research question: what is the relationship between clock genes and the pathophysiology of epilepsy? Methods For this, we used Scopus, Embase, Medline, CINHAL, and Web of Sciences to summarize the up‐to‐date literature on this topic and included 26 articles out of the 6364 articles identified. Results We describe three distinct approaches to this research: (a) the effect of clock genes knockout on the severity of epilepsy, (b) the expression of clock genes in different types of epilepsy (humans and/or animal models) and (c) the variants of clock genes in different types of epilepsy (humans). Our results show a paucity of studies with very heterogeneous methodology and outcomes, with conflicting results. Most studies suggest a protective role of clock genes in epilepsy, particularly of Clock and Bmal1 , showing lowered clock gene expression in different animal models of epilepsy, in line with the increased severity of epilepsy after knockout of clock genes. There are, though, other studies with conflicting results, making this interpretation relatively weak. A few clock gene variants were also identified in epilepsy cases (humans). Significance This suggests the need to further clarify the implications of the dysregulation of the clock genes and of the genes encoding interacting proteins, as this might offer new insights into the circadian patterning of certain epilepsies.</p
Gods wall to wall: gods in fantasy 1989-2020
No full textThis thesis examines how fantasy writers utilize gods and the divine to explore power dynamics and individual agency within sacred concepts upheld by society. It investigates how fantasy authors, working in the period from 1989 to 2020, have depicted gods engaging with humanity, allowing for cross-readings of their roles in relation to power dynamics. Building on previous studies, this thesis provides, for the first time, a comprehensive view of how deities in fantasy literature reflect societal needs and how authors use gods to shape and challenge contemporary ideologies.Chapter 1 explores the role of belief in imbuing concepts with power and the responsibility and agency people have in exercising belief's generative power. The relationship of that belief with mortal expectation is further considered in Chapter 2 which focuses on divine manifestations, analysing how gods' appearances are shaped by perceptions and biases and how power dynamics influence these manifestations. The shift from manifestation/ projection to flesh limited reality is the focus of Chapter 3 which delves into the implications of divine incarnation, examining how gods' embodiment in flesh reshapes power dynamics and understanding. While Chapters 2 and 3 consider the divine being as physically separate from the mortal, Chapter 4 investigates possession as a method of mortal-divine interaction, considering issues of consent and agency, when the boundaries of self-hood are breached in this manner. The final chapter, Chapter 5, reflects on the waning of belief and how shifts in belief are mirrored in the portrayal of gods and divine power, emphasizing the need to embrace change and remain engaged with power structures.Throughout this thesis, the significance of fantasy literature as a space for critical analysis and the reimagining of societal values and structures is highlighted. It argues that fantasy provides a unique platform to challenge and transform our understanding of the real world by presenting alternative realities that encourage reflection and change. Ultimately, this thesis contributes to a deeper understanding of how fantasy literature engages with the complex interplay of power, belief, and agency in society.</p
Changes in mental health stigma among healthcare professionals and community representatives in Northern Sri Lanka during an mhGAP intervention study
No full textPurpose: Research indicates that exposure to conflict, natural disasters, and internal displacement can increase mental health conditions. Since the end of the civil conflict within Sri Lanka, the country has worked to increase access to mental health services to meet the needs of conflict-affected populations, however, gaps remain. To address this, integration of mental health services into primary care can reduce the strain on growing specialized care. As part of a larger study primary care practitioners (doctors), public health professionals (nurses, midwives), and community representatives (teachers, social workers) were trained to deliver mental health services in primary care across the heavily impacted Northern Province. The aim was to reduce mental health stigma among enrolled healthcare workers and community representatives by 50%. Methods: Stigma was measured across all participant groups at six time points: pre- and post- initial training at baseline, pre- and post- refresher training 3-months after initial training, and pre- and post- refresher training 6-months after initial training. Results Results indicate a small improvement in average stigma scores at the 6-month refresher point for primary care practitioners, and no meaningful difference in average scores across time points for public health professionals or community representatives. Conclusion: World Health Organization mhGAP training appears to reduce stigma among primary care practitioners and could be an effective strategy to counteract mental health stigma in low resource settings. Future research should investigate underlying mechanisms of stigma reduction to improve delivery of mental health services in primary care and community settings..</p
Student Nurses’ Perceptions of the Role of High-Fidelity Simulation in Developing Decision-Making Skills for Clinical Practice: A Qualitative Research Study
No full textIntroductionThe integration of high-fidelity simulation (HFS) in nursing education has increased, but its effect on students’ clinical decision-making skills and their ability to transfer these skills to clinical practice remains unclear.AimThis qualitative study aimed to explore nursing students’ perceptions of simulation's role in developing decision-making skills for clinical practice.MethodsTwenty-three self-selected final-year nursing students participated in an HFS exercise in 2016. They engaged in “think-aloud” activities during the simulation, reviewed videos of their performance, and attended a structured debriefing session. Four to six weeks later, face-to-face semistructured interviews were conducted to gather their views on the application of learning from simulation into practice. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the interview data.ResultsFour themes emerged from the analysis: “enhancing clinical decision-making skills,” “recognition of the types of clinical decision-making,” “recognition of cognitive biases,” and “transferability and integrating theory into practice.” Simulation improved student self-awareness, decision-making skills, and recognition of cognitive biases applied in practice. Overall, students found that the simulation improved their ability to apply theoretical knowledge gained through simulation to practice. The students’ perception of the authenticity of activities in relation to real-world scenarios played a crucial role in enhancing the transferability and application of acquired knowledge from simulation to clinical practice.ConclusionThe findings provide valuable insights into how simulation optimizes learning and decision-making skills, ultimately promoting effective care in clinical settings.</p
The Intuitive Eating Scale-3: Development and Psychometric Evaluation
No full textIntuitive eating has been found to protect against disordered eating and preserve well-being. Yet, there are methodological (length), conceptual (inconsideration of medical, value-based, and access-related reasons for food consumption), and psychometric (item wording) concerns with its most common measure, the Intuitive Eating Scale-2 (IES-2). To address these concerns, we developed the IES-3 and investigated its psychometric properties with U.S. community adults. Across three online studies, we evaluated the IES-3’s factorial validity using exploratory factor analysis (EFA; Study 1; N=957; Mage=36.30), as well as confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), exploratory structural equation modeling (ESEM), bifactor-CFA, and bifactor-ESEM (Study 2; N=1152; Mage=40.95), and cross-validated the optimal model (Study 3; N=884; Mage=38.54). We examined measurement invariance across samples and time, differential item functioning (age, body mass index [BMI], gender), composite reliability, and validity. Study 1 revealed a 12-item, 4-factor structure (unconditional permission to eat, eating for physical reasons, reliance on hunger and satiety cues, body-food choice congruence). In Study 2, a bifactor-ESEM model with a global intuitive eating factor and four specific factors best fit the data, which was temporally stable across three weeks. This model also had good fit in Study 3 and, across Studies 2 and 3, and was fully invariant and lacked measurement bias in terms of age, gender, and BMI. Associations between latent IES-3 factors and age, gender, and BMI were invariant across Studies 2 and 3. Composite reliability and validity (relationships with disordered eating, embodiment, body image, well-being, and distress; negligible relationship with impression management) of the retained model were also supported. The 12-item IES-3 demonstrates strong psychometric properties in U.S. community adults. Research is now needed using the IES-3 in other cultural contexts and social identity groups.</p
Prenatal opioid exposure and subsequent risk of neuropsychiatric disorders in children: a nationwide birth cohort study in South Korea
No full textObjective: To investigate the potential association between prenatal opioid exposure and the risk of neuropsychiatric disorders in children.
Design: Nationwide birth cohort study.
Setting: From 1 January 2009 to 31 December 2020, birth cohort data of pregnant women in South Korea linked to their liveborn infants from the National Health Insurance Service of South Korea were collected.
Participants: All 3 251 594 infants (paired mothers, n=2 369 322; age 32.1 years (standard deviation 4.2)) in South Korea from the start of 2010 to the end of 2017, with follow-up from the date of birth until the date of death or 31 December 2020, were included.
Main outcome measures: Diagnosis of neuropsychiatric disorders in liveborn infants with mental and behaviour disorders (International Classification of Diseases 10th edition codes F00-99). Follow-up continued until the first diagnosis of neuropsychiatric disorder, 31 December 2020 (end of the study period), or the date of death, whichever occurred first. Eight cohorts were created: three cohorts (full unmatched, propensity score matched, and child screening cohorts) were formed, all of which were paired with sibling comparison cohorts, in addition to two more propensity score groups. Multiple subgroup analyses were performed.
Results: Of the 3 128 571 infants included (from 2 299 664 mothers), we identified 2 912 559 (51.3% male, 48.7% female) infants with no prenatal opioid exposure and 216 012 (51.2% male, 48.8% female) infants with prenatal opioid exposure. The risk of neuropsychiatric disorders in the child with prenatal opioid exposure was 1.07 (95% confidence interval 1.05 to 1.10) for fully adjusted hazard ratio in the matched cohort, but no significant association was noted in the sibling comparison cohort (hazard ratio 1.00 (0.93 to 1.07)). Prenatal opioid exposure during the first trimester (1.11 (1.07 to 1.15)), higher opioid doses (1.15 (1.09 to 1.21)), and long term opioid use of 60 days or more (1.95 (1.24 to 3.06)) were associated with an increased risk of neuropsychiatric disorders in the child. Prenatal opioid exposure modestly increased the risk of severe neuropsychiatric disorders (1.30 (1.15 to 1.46)), mood disorders, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and intellectual disability in the child.
Conclusions: Opioid use during pregnancy was not associated with a substantial increase in the risk of neuropsychiatric disorders in the offspring. A slightly increased risk of neuropsychiatric disorders was observed, but this should not be considered clinically meaningful given the observational nature of the study, and limited to high opioid dose, more than one opioid used, longer duration of exposure, opioid exposure during early pregnancy, and only to some neuropsychiatric disorders.</p
A scientometric analysis of drone-based structural health monitoring and new technologies
No full textCritical global challenges, such as climate change and the insufficient availability of resources, mean that it is a pivotal time to make cities more intelligent, efficient, and sustainable in a drive towards a net-zero carbon future. This requires intelligent, interactive, and responsive structural health monitoring (SHM) to assure the longevity and safety of ageing infrastructure. Drones have the potential to revolutionise SHM. Drone-based SHM (as a potential fly-by technique) involves equipping drones with various sensors, or using inbuilt sensors, to capture data and images of structures from different angles and perspectives. The data is then processed and analysed to facilitate accurate assessment of the structure’s health and early diagnosis of damage. Although the use of fly-by is relatively new, the speedy advances in various technologies that could be integrated with it, such as computer vision with artificial intelligence, deep learning, and links to digital twins, put these systems on the verge of a potential breakthrough. This paper provides an overview of fly-by SHM technique using both scientometric and qualitative systematic literature review processes, in order to provide a distinct understanding of the state of the art of research. As an original contribution, our research identified four main clusters of research within the field of fly-by SHM: (1) the application of UAV-enabled vision-based monitoring; (2) the integration of drones, advanced sensor technologies, and artificial intelligence; (3) drone-based SHM integrating modal analysis, energy harvesting, and deep learning; and (4) automation and robotics in drone-based SHM. The paper highlights the integration of new technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and sensors with the fly-by technique for SHM, identifies the gaps in current fly-by SHM research, and suggests new directions for research.</p
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