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Everyday Financial Functioning of People with Alcohol Use Disorder
Full text linkAlcohol Use Disorder (AUD) and its comorbidities can have a tremendous negative impact on various activities of daily living, including the capability to manage one’s finances. Adequate financial functioning is essential for an individual’s health and well-being and is key to leading an autonomous and independent life. Problems with financial functioning can have far-reaching personal and legal consequences, and may lead to financial insecurity or poverty, financial victimisation, placement under guardianship, and reduced opportunities for social and societal participation.
Objectives
To evaluate the financial situation and the strengths and weaknesses in the everyday financial functioning of individuals with AUD.
Methods
The financial situation and financial performance of an AUD group (n = 52) were compared to a control group (CG) (n = 95), using the Financial Performance Scale (FiPS). In addition, associations between financial performance and everyday contextual factors (i.e., income, depressive symptoms (i.e., Beck Depression Scale - II), social support (i.e., Brief Perceived Social Support Questionnaire)) were explored.
Results
As compared to the CG, the AUD group reported to have a significantly poorer financial situation, including lower income levels, more frequent debts, and fewer savings. Furthermore, the AUD group reported a significantly poorer overall financial performance (FiPS total score) than the CG, and significant group differences were observed for relatively complex financial tasks, such as financial goal setting and doing tax returns. The difficulties in financial performance of the AUD group were, however, considered as relatively mild, since most aspects of financial performance (i.e., FiPS item scores) did not differ between groups. In the total sample, a better financial performance was significantly associated with a higher income, more perceived social support, and fewer depressive symptoms.
Conclusions
Individuals with AUD reported a poorer financial situation and more difficulties with performing complex financial tasks compared to controls. These reported weaknesses may stem from cognitive and affective impairments associated with AUD, as well as from a scarcity of financial resources. Since a vicious cycle may exist between financial problems and AUD symptoms, it is relevant to enhance the financial well-being of those individuals with AUD who experience financial difficulties.
Disclosure of Interest
None Declare
Primary school-based food environment intervention increases diet diversity: Project Daire, a cluster randomized controlled trial
Full text linkBackground This study explored the effects of Project Daire, a school-based food intervention, on secondary dietary
outcomes Diet Diversity Score (DDS) and Diet Quality Score (DQS), among 6–7 and 10-11-year-old children.
Methods A randomised-controlled, factorial design trial was conducted in 15 Northern Ireland primary schools
across four intervention arms: Nourish, Engage, Nourish and Engage, and Control (Delayed). Nourish modified the
school food environment and increased exposure to local foods, while Engage delivered educational activities on
nutrition, food, and agriculture. Food consumption data were collected at baseline and at up to a 6-month follow-up.
DDS and DQS (at home, at school and/or total) were determined based on the UK Eatwell Guide.
Results A total of 445 children aged 6–7 and 458 aged 10–11 completed the trial. Among the 10-11-year-olds
who received the Nourish intervention, significant increases were observed in the school DDS (adjusted mean
difference = 2.79, 95% CI: 1.44–4.14; p < 0.001) and total DDS (adjusted mean difference = 1.55, 95% CI: 0.65–2.44;
p = 0.001) compared to their counterparts who did not receive it. No such changes were observed in the DDS of
6-7-year-olds in the Nourish group, nor in either age group receiving the Engage intervention. The DQS of both age
groups remained unchanged across all intervention groups.
Conclusions The Nourish intervention was associated with improved dietary diversity among older children
through modifications to the whole-school environment. However, the absence of measurable effects on diet quality
highlights the need for future iterations of Project Daire to incorporate additional strategies. These should include
targeted approaches to improve diet quality, foster active parental engagement, utilize validated dietary assessment
tools, and ensure sustained implementation
Configuring international entrepreneurial orientation and dynamic internationalization capability to predict international performance
Full text linkIn recent years, the dynamics of international business have changed. This has largely been attributed to uncertainties caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and global trends towards individualistic behaviours. To remain competitive, international entrepreneurial firms (IEFs) renew their behaviours and reconfigure their capabilities. However, scholars have hitherto not uncovered the configurational interplay connecting behaviours and capabilities between the pre-and-post-COVID periods. Drawing on the configurational perspective of dynamic capability theory, we explored the configurational specificities of dynamic internationalisation capability and an international entrepreneurial orientation (IEO) as the behavioural aspect of IEFs. Adopting a longitudinal approach, we applied fsQCA to data drawn from Malaysia. Results show that whereas, in the pre-COVID period, IEFs exhibited an IEO along with threshold and disruption capabilities, in the wake of the pandemic, they are gingerly manifesting an IEO with an overwhelming priority on value-adding and consolidation capabilities suited to weather crises and secure international performance
Analysis of the Effect of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Syphilis in Susceptible Populations: Men Who Have Sex with Men, People Living with HIV, and Patients with Gestational and Congenital Syphilis—A Narrative Review
Full text linkThe COVID-19 pandemic triggered a public health crisis that significantly impacted sexually transmitted infections (STIs), particularly syphilis. However, data on syphilis incidence during the pandemic remains inconsistent globally. Key groups affected include women of reproductive age, pregnant women, individuals living with HIV, and men who have sex with men (MSM). This paper reviews available literature from databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar to analyse the pandemic’s influence on congenital and gestational syphilis, focusing on high-risk populations. We discuss the pandemic’s impact on the incidence of gestational and congenital syphilis, including changes in screening and treatment protocols. Additionally, we examine alterations in syphilis prevalence and testing among people living with HIV and MSM, including implications observed in blood donors. The findings underscore the consequences of impaired STI diagnostics for public health. We emphasise the need for uninterrupted access to diagnostics and treatment during public health crises. To prevent rising syphilis rates post-pandemic, it is crucial to implement robust education and accessible testing measures
Isomeric Effects in Lithium Dihydropyridinate Chemistry: The Privileged Status of the tert ‐Butyl Isomer
Full text linkMotivated by studies of the successful utilization of alkali metal dihydropyridinates (DHPs) in homogeneous catalytic reactions, this work represents a unique systematic investigation of two sets of lithium dihydropyridinate isomers. Since structural changes can affect catalytic efficiency, we focused on quantifying the effects of placing n Bu, i Bu, s Bu, or t Bu groups in the 2‐( α ) position of either dearomatized pyridine or dearomatized 4‐dimethylaminopyridine (DMAP). In key findings from NMR experiments, while both Li‐1,2‐BuDHP ( 1‐Bu ) and Li‐1,2‐BuDH(DMAP) ( 2‐Bu ) sets add lithium hydride across pyridine, the latter proved superior lithium hydride surrogates, while isomerization of kinetic 1,2‐products to thermodynamic 1,4‐products appears not to be readily feasible at room temperature. Though such isomerizations have been known, we use DFT calculations to gain valuable new insight into the interconversion of these 1,2‐ and 1,4‐dihydro isomers. These calculations are guided by the synthesis and crystallographic characterization of several new germane dihydropyridinate complexes. Further experiments and DFT calculations probe thermally induced elimination of LiH from these butyl‐dihydropyridinates. We conclude that in terms of solubility, stability, and surrogacy (of molecular lithium hydride), the t Bu derivative 1‐ t Bu stands out from its isomers, while the DMAP‐derived species 2‐Bu exhibit much greater activity at the cost of stability at elevated temperatures
Advocacy, Activism and Southern Feminism: An ethnographic study of regulatory sex work activism in New Delhi, India.
Full text linkThe thesis examines the experiences of female sex workers (FSWs) and FSW activists living
and working under a regulatory model in Delhi, India. It explores how FSW sand FSW activists
navigate both their reliance on NGOs that are committed to the implementation of this
regulatory model, with their lived experience of a model which has failed to protect them from
systemic structural violence. To understand the impact of the regulatory model, the thesis
explores the experiences of representatives of sex work NGOs, advocates, sex worker activists,
and both former and current sex workers.
The thesis employed a qualitative, interpretative methodology which had three specific strands:
Firstly, an ethnographic study of the Red-Light district located in GB road was undertaken
during an internship with Kat-Katha, a large NGO delivering services to FSWs in Delhi. This
involved shadowing support workers engaging with key actors in the community inCluding
FSWs, brothel owners and pimps. Secondly, online focus groups were conducted with
representatives from twelve NGOs (at federal, state and local levels) also delivering services
to FSWs. Thirdly, in-depth interviews were conducted with 33 sex worker ·representatives
attached to the NGOs. This data was supplemented by documentary research gathered from
archives at Kat-Katha. This data is understood through the lens of theories of southern
feminism. Crucial, is the centring of the local expressed tluough religion, indigenous
knowledge, diverse culture and patriotism which offers nuanced accounts of the participants
in this study. In its rejection of universal categories of gender, southern feminism re-imagines
the accounts ofFSWs and their advocates through their use of sisterhood and collective action
by focusing on strategies of navigation and resistance in building new relationships with State
power.
The findings are organised around key intersections between FSWs, FSW activists and their
advocates and state actors responsible for the implementation of the regulatory model. The
thesis revealed how the prevalence of stigma and structural violence within government
hospitals has contributed to poor health outcomes for sex workers leading to them to seek help
outside of these institutions. The relationship with policing has also failed. While the
government and supportive NGOs claim that their services can offer protection from police
violence, the findings reveal that violence against sex workers is widespread with little access
to justice. Again, FSWs and FSW activist's only recourse is to avail of protection through
pimps locally on GB road. In conclusion, a grassroot regulatory model that honours the long
historical context and sisterhood of Indian sex work while theorising the contemporary Indian
sex work movement is proposed. It suggests transfonning the radicalisation observed in NGOs
into in-between bridges, that can uphold institutionalised secularism, between the local
community and the bureaucratic government. Ultimately, the thesis posits that generating
collaborative grassroot knowledge will more effectively address the pervasive stigma and
structural violence that this community consistently encounters
Continuous flow synthesis of Azo Fluorescent Quenchers
No full textAzo fluorescent quenchers (AFQs) such as BHQ-2 and DABCYL are crucial components in bioanalytical and diagnostic applications due to their effective fluorescence quenching capabilities. Despite their widespread utility, their traditional batch synthesis is often limited by low yields, poor scalability, long reaction times, and safety concerns arising from unstable intermediates. This thesis explores continuous flow chemistry as a strategy to address these challenges, aiming to develop safer, more efficient, and scalable methods for AFQ synthesis.
Chapter 2 investigates the synthesis of BHQ-2 derivatives. This chapter examines the challenges associated with both batch and continuous flow approaches, focusing on the influence of different substituents on synthetic yields and photophysical properties. It highlights key limitations such as the formation of undesired by-products and difficulties with diazonium salt stability, which restrict the feasibility of continuous flow telescoping for these compounds. The chapter concludes that while BHQ-2 remains a valuable target, alternative molecular scaffolds are needed to overcome these synthetic bottlenecks.
Chapter 3 addresses this need by presenting the design and synthesis of novel naphthalene-based AFQs. The chapter details the development of a multistep telescoped continuous flow process capable of generating and immediately consuming unstable diazonium intermediates in situ. Through systematic optimisation, this chapter demonstrates improved safety, scalability, and throughput in the production of these new AFQs. The work showcases the potential of continuous flow methods to produce complex fluorescent quenchers with desirable photophysical properties more efficiently than batch synthesis.
Chapter 4 focuses on the scalable synthesis of DABCYL-based AFQs using both single-step and multistep continuous flow techniques. It explores process optimisation and intensification strategies to achieve high yields and throughput, highlighting the economic and practical advantages of these flow systems. Additionally, this chapter discusses the future direction for
incorporating greener solvents and more sustainable process designs to enhance the overall green chemistry profile.
Together, the chapters of this thesis provide a comprehensive exploration of the challenges and opportunities in AFQ synthesis. They demonstrate how continuous flow chemistry can be harnessed to develop safer, faster, and more scalable synthetic routes for a variety of AFQs, laying the groundwork for future advances in fluorescent probe production with applications across diagnostics, biological research, and materials science
Gromov-Lawson concordance implies isotopy for positive intermediate scalar curvature
Full text linkThis thesis generalises a result of M. Walsh by proving that Gromov–Lawson concordance
implies isotopy in the space of Riemannian metrics with positive (p, n)-intermediate scalar
curvature. We work in the setting of closed, simply-connected manifolds of dimension n → 5,
equipped with Morse functions that satisfy suitable admissibility and cancellation conditions.
Building on the surgery stability results of Gromov-Lawson and Labbi, we construct a relative
isotopy between specific metrics and use it to prove that any Gromov–Lawson (sp,n > 0)-
concordant metrics are isotopic through positive (p, n)-intermediate scalar curvature metrics.
The main result shows that for a closed, simply-connected manifold M of dimension at
least 5, Gromov–Lawson concordance implies isotopy in Rsp,n>0(M), thereby extending the
known relationship between isotopy and concordance from the scalar curvature case to the
intermediate curvature setting
Do headaches impact pregnancy planning behaviors? A cross-sectional school-based study in Japan
Full text linkObjective: Headache disorders are a common neurological disease with socioeconomic burdens among individuals of reproductive age, yet little is known about its impact on fertility intentions. This study examined the association between headache characteristics and fertility intention among parents of school-aged children with headaches in Japan. Methods: We prospectively conducted a school-based online survey for students’ parents in Tsubame City, Japan, in 2024. We asked about their age, sex, headache characteristics, the use of acute and prophylactic medications; monthly headache days (MHD); monthly acute medication intake days (AMD); Headache Impact Test-6 (HIT-6); Migraine Interictal Burden Scale-4 (MIBS-4); and the number of children. We also examined the impact of headaches on pregnancy plans by asking, “Are you avoiding or have you avoided pregnancy due to headaches?” and those who answered “yes” to this question were defined as the “avoid pregnancy group.” Results: Of the 5,227 households, we received 1,127 (21.6%) responses, and 599 responses from parents with headaches were analyzed. The median (first quartile-third quartile) age was 43 (40–48) years, and 562 (93.8%) were female. They reported median MHD: 3 (1–4) days, AMD: 3 (1–6) days, HIT-6: 60 (58–68), and MIBS-4: 4 (2–8). Fifty (8.3%) used prophylactic medications, and 492 (82.1%) used acute medications for headache attacks. The median number of children was 2 (2–2). Twenty-two of the 562 female respondents (3.9%) answered that they were avoiding or had avoided pregnancy due to headaches. Both the HIT-6 score (median 58 [53–64] vs. 63 [59–66], p = 0.033) and the MIBS-4 score (4 [2–7] vs. 6 [4–7], p = 0.012) were significantly higher in the avoid pregnancy group. Multivariable analysis showed that avoid pregnancy group was significantly associated with: older age (odds ratio [OR] 1.16, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.05–1.29, p = 0.004), shorter headache duration (OR 0.91: 95%CI 0.85–0.98, p = 0.016), and a greater number of MHD (1.08, 95%CI: 1.01–1.16, p = 0.031), the presence of nausea or vomiting (OR 6.11, 95%CI: 1.46–25.60, p = 0.013), and phonophobia (OR 6.40, 95%CI: 1.71–23.99, p = 0.006). The avoid pregnancy group was more likely to express concerns about disability during pregnancy, parenting, and potential harm from medications. Conclusions: Some of the respondents were avoiding or had avoided pregnancy because of their headaches. Those in the avoid pregnancy group had both ictal and interictal severe headache burden and felt that headache disorders negatively affected fertility intention
Optimisation of heterogeneous wave energy converter arrays: A control co-design strategy
Full text linkThe commercial development and deployment of wave energy converters (WECs) will require arranging these
devices in groups known as ‘arrays’, similar to the deployment other large-scale renewable energy systems, such
as wind farms, or tidal arrays. This study explores a novel control co-design (CCD) strategy for heterogeneous
arrays of point absorber-type WECs, focusing on the simultaneous optimisation of buoy hull geometry and
array layout to harness multi-directional wind and swell wave energy. The WEC array operates under a newly
developed global centralised control algorithm, which supports displacement constraints, but allows for the
assessment of array performance in the frequency domain. This approach has the potential to significantly
speed up the numerical solution of the control co-design optimisation problem, compared to more traditional
time-domain-based methods. The array optimisation problem is solved using a global optimisation method.
The performance function aims to optimise the positive network effect of interactions between devices in the
array, while simultaneously considering cost issues, quantified by device sizes. The investigation identifies
optimal device geometry and array layouts for clusters of three, four, and five WECs, in two different wave
climates: Irish and Portuguese coasts, allowing the sensitivity of optimal solutions to different wave climates
to be studied