50716 research outputs found
Sort by
COVID-19 Mis/Disinformation in Online Wellness Communities: Narratives of Individualism and Practices of Networked Resistance
No full textWidespread news coverage, politicised debate and social media commentary have given prominence to COVID-19 as an unparalleled threat to global health and mortality, intensifying panic and insecurity worldwide. In response, the endorsement and amplification of false claims about the pandemic has proliferated, in many cases, by public figures in the online 'wellness' realm. Using COVID-19 as a case study, this chapter interrogates observed connections between digital wellness cultures and informational disorders in times of crisis. The authors discuss the bourgeois liberal-individualist ideals that increasingly underpin much of this communication, exemplified through the co-option of social justice rhetoric and narratives of the 'persecuted hero'. The authors also recognise the growing number of wellness influencers openly resisting pandemic-related mis/disinformation, and note the forms of anti-individualist, mutual care demonstrated in these 'debunking' efforts. The authors argue that these practices reflect a form of networked solidarity - enacted alongside a discursive distancing from individualist modes of thinking - that can be understood by applying a social ecological framework for understanding 'resilience'.</p
Authoritarian Fantasies and Democratic Aspirations: The Philippines After Duterte
No full textFormer Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte defied established political norms in the Philippines. Beyond his inflammatory rhetoric and authoritarian posturing, Duterte actively undermined institutions of liberal democracy including due process, gender rights, and freedom of the press. These developments may give observers the impression that democratic political norms in the Philippines have made a turn for the worse. After all, President Duterte, as his presidential term came to an end, continued to enjoy an excellent public satisfaction rating. We seek to challenge these impressions in this chapter. We argue that the President's popularity must not be conflated with public support for his democratic transgressions. Instead, we argue that Filipinos, for the most part, remain committed to the norms of (1) due process; (2) gender equality, and (3) press freedom. We further argue that rather than signalling a shift of political norms in the Philippines, what President Duterte exhibited was a vulgar articulation of the worst norms of longstanding elite democracy in a highly unequal society
Effects of a vibrotactile biofeedback protocol on gait performance among older adults
No full textPurpose: Gait functions decline with aging, characterized by shorter strides, reduced hip range of motion and increased cadence and variability. Wearable biofeedback devices have been shown to improve gait, such as lengthening strides in older adults. While these devices attempted to improve the entire gait by suggesting changes in one gait parameter, it was not known if this approach could change gait patterns differently among elderly people. This study explored how a smart insole providing biofeedback on swing time only could produce different gait patterns. Methods: Thirteen older adults walked on a flat walkway with and without biofeedback from a smart insole to increase the swing time. Gait analyses were recorded immediately after each condition using the GaitRite and Xsens systems. The sample was then divided into Group A (n = 7) who increased their stride length and Group B (n = 6) who did not to analyze within-group gait changes. Results: Baseline analysis confirmed no significant gait differences between the two groups. Upon using the biofeedback devices, all participants increased over 5% their swing time and Group A significantly increased their hip extension (18.01%), hip flexion (5.1%) and stride length (5.5%). Conversely, the device caused Group B to significantly reduce their stride length (3.6%), velocity (13%), and increased gait variability (stance time COV 112%). Conclusions: Biofeedback suggesting instant modifications in one gait parameter could produce two distinct walking patterns in participants with similar walking characteristics. Caution in biofeedback device design and gait analysis should be taken as gait outcomes could vary among users.</p
Blockchain bias:Future and unintended usage of blockchain technology research agenda
No full textThis chapter outlines a comprehensive research agenda on governance, usage, and privacy aspects in blockchain-based cryptocurrencies. The chapter initiates by examining the historical trajectory of information tracking, contrasting conventional banking with contemporary authentication techniques in blockchain. Notably, the study delves into the enduring implications of biometric authentication, raising concerns about data governance and introducing the concept of cancellable biometrics to uphold privacy. This chapter concludes its commentary by presenting a research agenda looking at the governance, policy, and usage of cryptocurrency going forward.</p
Assessing Locomotive Syndrome Through Instrumented Five-Time Sit-to-Stand Test and Machine Learning †
Get PDFLocomotive syndrome (LS) refers to a condition where individuals face challenges in performing activities of daily living. Early detection of such deterioration is crucial to reduce the need for nursing care. The Geriatric Locomotive Function Scale (GLFS-25), a 25-question assessment, has been proposed for categorizing individuals into different stages of LS. However, its subjectivity has prompted interest in technology-based quantitative assessments. In this study, we utilized machine learning and an instrumented five-time sit-to-stand test (FTSTS) to assess LS stages. Younger and older participants were recruited, with older individuals classified into LS stages 0–2 based on their GLFS-25 scores. Equipped with a single inertial measurement unit at the pelvis level, participants performed the FTSTS. Using acceleration data, 144 features were extracted, and seven distinct machine learning models were developed using the features. Remarkably, the multilayer perceptron (MLP) model demonstrated superior performance. Following data augmentation and principal component analysis (PCA), the MLP+PCA model achieved an accuracy of 0.9, a precision of 0.92, a recall of 0.9, and an F1 score of 0.91. This underscores the efficacy of the approach for LS assessment. This study lays the foundation for the future development of a remote LS assessment system using commonplace devices like smartphones.</p
Effects of Holistically Conceptualised School-Based Interventions on Children’s Physical Literacy, Physical Activity, and Other Outcomes:A Systematic Review
Get PDFBackground: Schools are a key setting for promoting children’s physical literacy development. This review aimed to identify school-based interventions that adopted a holistic conceptualisation of physical literacy and examine the effects on children’s physical literacy and any other outcomes, including physical activity (PA). Methods: Searches were conducted in seven databases (APA PsycINFO, EMBASE, ERIC, CINAHL, Global Health, MEDLINE Complete, SPORTDiscus with Full Text), and Google and Google Scholar, to identify articles published since 1/1/2017. Studies were included if they (i) adopted a holistic conception of physical literacy as represented by the Australian Physical Literacy Framework (APLF), (ii) were grounded in movement, (iii) assessed three or more domains of learning (either quantitatively or qualitatively), and (iv) included children aged 5–14 years. Quantitative research designs needed to provide pre-and post-intervention measures, whereas qualitative designs (e.g. post-intervention interviews) did not. Study selection, data extraction and quality assessment were conducted independently by teams of two authors. For intervention effects, quantitative and qualitative data were synthesised separately. For quantitative data, level of evidence for intervention effects was assessed by physical literacy domain and/or elements/items by examining the proportion of tests with a significant change in the expected direction. Qualitative data were synthesised using the framework synthesis method and mapped to a framework that included APLF domains/elements, PA, and additional outcomes. Results: Twelve interventions with 1,427 participants from seven countries were identified: six physical education-based, three afterschool, one structured recess, and two multicomponent. All studies assessed the physical domain quantitatively, with strong positive evidence of intervention effects for the controlled designs (10 of 15 tests). For the affective and cognitive domains, evidence was mixed, and there was no evidence for interventions improving the social components of children’s physical literacy (although this was understudied). Most studies assessed PA and one measured cognitive performance; however, there was no evidence for positive intervention effects (i.e. ≥35% of tests reporting an improvement) for either outcome. Five studies assessed intervention effects qualitatively, with positive results reported for all physical literacy domains, PA, and cognitive performance. Conclusions: Holistic interventions in schools can improve the physical domain of children’s physical literacy. For wider benefits, future interventions should aim to develop all facets of physical literacy, especially domains of learning less frequently targeted and examined. Trial Registration: PROSPERO CRD42022351317.</p
Ankle sprains in male Israeli infantry soldiers during training:Prevalence and risk factors
No full textBackground: Given the high incidence and heavy burden of ankle sprains in recruits, large-scale, multifactorial investigations into potential risk factors are warranted. This study aimed to identify the incidence of ankle sprains and associated risk factors among new military recruits during their infantry training. Methods: The study included 365 infantry recruits (aged 18-21 years), who were inducted into service in March 2022. These recruits were monitored for ankle sprains throughout their basicy and advanced infantry training by a physiotherapist. Preinduction smoking habits, physical fitness preparation and recurrent ankle sprains were recorded. Anthropometric measures, lower-extremity functional movement, Achilles tendon structure, perceived ankle instability, and mechanical ankle instability were assessed at the onset of both training periods. Results: Ankle sprains were diagnosed in 109 trainees (29.9%) during both the basic and the advanced training periods. Preinduction recurrent ankle sprains were reported by 28.2% of the participants. The relative risk of a recruit with preinduction ankle sprains suffering a subsequent sprain during training was 1.66 (p=0.001). Logistic regression analysis indicated that reduced proprioception ability (OR=0.002), higher body mass index (OR=1.08), preinduction recurrent sprains (OR=1.95) and lack of physical fitness preparation (OR=3.12) were related to ankle sprains throughout the complete basic-and-advanced training period. Preinduction recurrent ankle sprains (OR=3.37) and reduced Achilles tendon quality (OR=1.30) were associated with ankle sprains during the advanced training period. Conclusions: Lower-extremity functional movement, body mass index, preinduction recurrent sprains, physical preparation and reduced Achilles tendon quality were associated with the risk of ankle sprains during training. These findings could contribute to developing prevention and intervention programmes for reducing ankle sprains in military trainees.</p
Mixed-Methods Consultation Study of Family and Friends Supporting a Paramedic Experiencing Mental Ill-Health or Suicidal Distress
No full textSupporting paramedics experiencing mental ill-health or suicidal distress is rewarding yet challenging for family, friends, and colleagues, but little is known about these carers’ specific experiences and needs. This study explores carers’ experiences of providing support and their requirements for online support programs. Seventy-two carers completed an online survey, with 14 participating in interviews. Survey data is presented using descriptive statistics and content analysis was applied to open-ended survey responses, while thematic analysis was conducted on interview transcripts. Carers provide significant emotional and practical support to paramedics facing mental health concerns or suicidal distress, emphasizing the importance of self-care despite accompanying guilt. Positive views were expressed regarding online programs offering confidentiality, accessibility, and information on paramedics’ challenges. The study highlights the necessity for accessible online interventions, ensuring confidentiality and equipping carers with tools to address paramedics’ mental health needs while prioritizing self-care.</p
RUNX1 regulates promoter activity in the absence of cognate DNA binding motifs
Get PDFRunt-related transcription factor 1 (RUNX1) plays an important role in normal haematopoietic cell development and function, and its function is frequently disrupted in leukaemia. RUNX1 is widely recognised as a sequence-specific DNA binding factor that recognises the motif 5′-TG(T/C)GGT-3′ in promoter and enhancer regions of its target genes. Moreover, RUNX1 fusion proteins, such as RUNX1-ETO formed by the t(8;21) translocation, retain the ability to recognise and bind to this sequence to elicit atypical gene regulatory effects on bona fide RUNX1 targets. However, our analysis of publicly available RUNX1 chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing (ChIP-Seq) data has provided evidence challenging this dogma, revealing that this motif-specific model of RUNX1 recruitment and function is incomplete. Our analyses revealed that the majority of RUNX1 genomic localisation occurs outside of promoters, that 20% of RUNX1 binding sites lack consensus RUNX motifs, and that binding in the absence of a cognate binding site is more common in promoter regions compared to distal sites. Reporter assays demonstrate that RUNX1 can drive promoter activity in the absence of a recognised DNA binding motif, in contrast to RUNX1-ETO. RUNX1-ETO supresses activity when it is recruited to promoters containing a sequence specific motif, while interestingly, it binds but does not repress promoters devoid of a RUNX1 recognition site. These data suggest that RUNX1 regulation of target genes occurs through multiple mechanisms depending on genomic location, the type of regulatory element and mode of recruitment.</p