7 research outputs found
Impact of COVID-19 on Physical Activity, Fatigue, and Frailty in Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study
No full textThe authors would like to thank Lien de Greve and Ann van den Eynde for review of and help with the data collection. This study was partly funded by an "Interdisciplinary Research Program" grant from the research council of the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Belgium. Sponsor's role in the preparation of data or the manuscript: none. Members of the Gerontopole Brussels Study group include the following author groups: Frailty in Aging (FRIA) Research department, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB): Ivan Bautmans. Belgian Aging Studies (BAST), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB): Dominque Verte and Nico de Witte. Geriatric Medicine Department, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel: Ingo Beyer. ReFrail, UGent: Mirko Petrovic. Leerstoel Bevordering Active Aging, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB): Tinie Kardol. Clinical and Lifespan Psychology KLEP, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB): Gina Rossi. Physical Activity and Nutrition PANU, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB): Peter Clarys. Experimental Anatomy EXAN, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB): Aldo Scafoglieri and Erik Cattrysse. Fundamental Rights and Constitutionalism Research group FRC, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB): Paul de Hert. Department of Electronics and Informatics ETRO, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB): Bart Jansen
The impact of the strong euro on the real effective exchange rates of the two Francophone African CFA Zones
No full textThe author estimates the degree of misalignment of the CFA franc since the introduction of the euro in 1999. Using a relative purchasing power parity-based methodology, he develops a monthly panel time series dataset for both the Economic and Monetary Community of Central Africa (CEMAC) zone and the West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA) zone to compute a trade-weighted real effective exchange rate indexed series from January 1999 to December 2004. The author's main finding is that the real effective exchange rate appreciated by close to 8 percent in UEMOA and 7 percent in CEMAC, influenced by volatility in the euro-dollar bilateral exchange rate and conservative monetary policies in the two zones, resulting in a partial loss of competitiveness in export markets. The lower appreciation in Central Africa can be explained by lower inflation in CEMAC than in UEMOA and by the greater trade with higher inflation East Asian countries, partially offset by the peg to the dollar. However, the inclusion of"unrecorded trade"results in an appreciation of only 6 percent in the UEMOA zone and 6 percent in the CEMAC zone due to higher inflation in the two countries with unmonitored cross-border flows, Ghana and Nigeria. Using time series econometrics, an Engle-Granger two stage procedure for cointegration, and an error correction framework, a single equation modeling of the real exchange rate from 1970 to 2005 as a function of terms of trade, economic openness, aid inflows, and a dummy representing the 1994 devaluation, the author finds little statistical evidence of a long-run equilibrium exchange rate that is a vector of economic fundamentals. The dummy explains most of the real exchange rate behavior in the two zones, while openness in UEMOA has contributed to an appreciation of the real effective exchange rate.Economic Stabilization,Economic Theory&Research,Macroeconomic Management,Fiscal&Monetary Policy,Free Trade
A standardized protocol for reporting methods when using drones for wildlife research
No full textDrones are increasingly popular tools for wildlife research, but it is important that the use of these tools does not overshadow reporting of methodological details required for evaluation of study designs. The diversity in drone platforms, sensors, and applications necessitates the reporting of specific details for replication, but there is little guidance available on how to detail drone use in peer-reviewed articles. Here, we present a standardized protocol to assist researchers in reporting of their drone use in wildlife research. The protocol is delivered in six sections: Project Overview; Drone System and Operation Details; Payload, Sensor, and Data Collection; Field Operation Details; Data Post-Processing; and Permits, Regulations, Training, and Logistics. Each section outlines the details that should be included, along with justifications for their inclusion. To facilitate ease of use, we have provided two example protocols, retroactively produced for published drone-based studies by the authors of this protocol. Our hopes are that the current version of this protocol should assist with the communication, dissemination, and adoption of drone technology for wildlife research and management.The presentation of the authors' names and (or) special characters in the title of the pdf file of the accepted manuscript may differ slightly from what is displayed on the item page. The information in the pdf file of the accepted manuscript reflects the original submission by the author
Trends in stroke incidence, death, and disability outcomes in a multi-ethnic population: Auckland regional community stroke studies (1981-2022).
No full textBACKGROUND: Reliable data on trends of stroke incidence and outcomes over time are necessary for assessing the effectiveness of public health and clinical strategies, and for allocating healthcare resources. We assessed the levels and trends in incidence, mortality, early case fatality and disability for stroke in a defined, ethnically mixed population over 40 years. METHODS: To analyse data from five population-based stroke incidence studies in adult residents (age ≥15 years) of the Greater Auckland Region of New Zealand (NZ) (1.35 million) over 12-month calendar periods for 1981-1982, 1991-1992, 2002-2003, 2011-2012, and 2021-2022. Fatal and non-fatal, hospitalised and non-hospitalised stroke events (first-ever and recurrent) were identified through multiple overlapping sources using clinical World Health Organization (WHO) diagnostic criteria and neuroimaging to define three major pathological types of stroke: ischaemic stroke (IS), primary intracerebral haemorrhage (PICH), subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH), and stroke of undetermined type (SUT). Crude and age-standardised annual incidence, mortality, 28-day case fatality and disability level, and 40-year trends were calculated by age, sex, and ethnicity assuming a Poisson distribution. For comparison of our findings, we carried out a pooled analysis of methodologically comparable population-based stroke epidemiology estimates in high-income countries over the last two decades. FINDINGS: Overall, there were 7462 first-ever strokes (9917 events) over the 40-year period (4,682,012 person-years). From 1981-1982 to 2021-2022, age-standardised stroke incidence rates decreased from 156/100,000 (95% confidence interval [CI] 143; 170) to 124/100,000 (119; 130) and mortality rates from 98/100,000 (88; 110) to 28/100,000 (26; 31) in nearly all age, sex, and ethnic groups. Moreover, from 2002-2003 to 2021-2022, there was an increase in stroke incidence of 1.28% per year (95% CI 0.38-2.17) in people aged 15-54 years, with the mean age of people with stroke decreasing from 73.0 (SD ± 13.8) in 2002-2003 to 71.6 (SD ± 14.9) in 2011-2012 and 70.7 (SD ± 15.2) years in 2021-2022 (p for trend <0.0001). The risk of stroke in Māori and Pacific people in 2021-2022 was almost 1.5 and 2.0 times greater than that in NZ Europeans. Ethnic disparities in the risk of stroke and age of stroke onset remained stable over the study period. From 1981-1982 to 2021-2022, 28-day stroke case fatality declined from 33.1% to 12.1% (p < 0.0001). There was a trend towards reducing 28-day case-fatality (from 31.6% [95% CI 27.6; 35.7] in 1981-1982 to 11.4% [10.0; 12.7] in 2021-2022) and an increasing proportion of stroke survivors with good functional outcome at discharge/28-days post-stroke (increased from 45.7% (95% CI 41.3; 50.0) in 1981-1982 to 60.2% (58.1; 62.3) in 2021-2022). INTERPRETATION: Stroke incidence, 1-year mortality and 28-day case-fatality and disability have decreased in Auckland, NZ over the last 4 decades. However, over the last decade (2011-2022) there was a stagnation in the decline in the age-standardised stroke incidence rates. The absolute numbers of people with strokes, and those who have died or remained disabled from stroke, have significantly increased from 1981 to 2022. Ethnic disparities in the risk and burden of stroke persist. Effective prevention strategies for stroke must remain a high priority. FUNDING: Health Research Council of New Zealand
International Conference on Industry, Engineering, and Management Systems (2008 : Cocoa Beach, Fla.)
No full textDigitized and published in SOAR: Shocker Open Access Repository by Wichita State University Libraries Technical Services, May 2022.The IEMS'08 conference committee: California State University Stanislaus Department of Management, Operations, and Marketing Department (Sponsor); Nael Aly (Conference Co-Chair); Ahmad Elshennawy (Conference Co-Chair); Alfred Petrosky (Program Chair); Adel Ali (Program Coordinator); Nabeel Yousef (Publications Editor)Includes author index.This book features the proceedings of the 14th Annual International Conference on Industry, Engineering and Management Systems (IEMS'08) held March 10-12, 2008 in Cocoa Beach, Florida. Proceedings includes 32 papers presented at the conference.Sponsor: Management, Operations, and Marketing Department, California State University, StanislausEvaluating the Security Vulnerabilities in Milk Collection and Transport / Shalini Jajpuria and Suraj M. Alexander -- Improving the Logistics of Milk Collection and Transport / Praveen Janjirala and Suraj M. Alexander -- A Look at Closing Loop in the Undergraduate Project Management Class / Stephen Allen -- Information and Telecommunications Technology: Blueprint for Social-Economic Growth in Developing Nations / Shahram Amiri -- Dedicated Account Teams: Worth the Costs? / Gordon Arbogast -- Process Focus and Commitment: The Key to ISO 9001 Implementation / Michael Bell and Vincent Omachonu -- Hydrographic Mission Planning Prototype Combing GIS and AutoSurvey / Donald Brandon, Brian Bourgeois, Ashley Morris -- Supply Chain Management: Past, Present, and Future / John J. Burbridge, Jr. and Coleman Rich -- Changing the Human Dimension in Information Security / Deborah S. Carstens and Stephanie M. Rockfield -- The New Approach Based on RSM and Ants Colony System for Multiobjective Optimization Problem: A Case Study / Thien-My Dao -- Barthelemy H.Ateme-Nguema, and Victor Songmene -- Process Improvement in the Emergency Department at Moses Cone Hospital / Y. Desai, E. Park, P. Demattos, J. Park -- Development of a Web-Based Manufacturing Education Tool / Daniel J. Fonseca, Terry Brumback, Christopher M. Greene, Matthew E. Elam -- Minimizing Line of Duty Deaths (LODD) for Firefighters through Proposing a Tracking System to Track Fire Fighters at Fire Scenes / Nabeel Yousef and Tarig Ali -- Addressing the Engineering Needs of the Nuclear Power Industry / Wei Zhan, Jacob Schulz, John Crenshaw and Tim Hurst -- Partial Discharge (PD): PSPICE Simulations / Andrzej Gapinski -- On Learning Performance Analogy Between Some Psycho-Learning Experiment Work and Ant Colony System Optimization / H.M. Hassan and Saleh M. Al-Saleem -- A Multivariate Statistical Approach to Analyze Nursing Errors / Xiaochun Jiang, BaaSheba Rice, Gerald Watson, and Eui Park / Implementing Innovative Performance Improvement Practices: Effects of Workplace Deception / Jerry W. Koehler and Thomas W. Philippe -- Developing an Information Strategy for Civil Aviation Competitiveness: The Joint Technical Data Integration (JTDI) Project at Morgan State University / Cynthia Brown-LaVeist, S.K. Hargrove, J. Doswell, Deborah Ihezie -- Dimensions of Service Quality for TV Satellite Channel Programs - A Framework for Quality Improvement / Ashraf H. Galal and Tamer A. Mohamed -- An Intelligent Expert System for Those Who Wish to Become Billionaires / Robert L. Mullen -- An Intelligent Expert System for Those Entering the Internet/Web Industry / Robert L. Mullen -- Asessing Six Sigma Project Improvements - A Statistical Perspective / Ali Ahmad and Isabelina Nahmens -- A Novel Method to Investigate the Possible Locations of Human Body Injuries During a Vertical Fall / Imshaan Somani, Ha Van Vo, and R. Radharamanan -- Product and Process Improvement in Electronic Manufacturing / Angela P. Ansuj and R. Radharamanan -- Determining the Most Effective Midsole Material Thickness in Preventing Calcaneal Fractures / Jonathan B. Ksor, Ha Van Vo, and R. Radharamanan -- Developing a Database that Executes Comprehensive Comparative Analysis Among Undergraduate Industrial Engineering Programs Nationwide -- / Federica Robinson, Mario Marin, Serge Sala-Diakanda, Jose Sepulveda, Luis Rabelo, Kent Williams -- Applying Six Sigma to Service Organizations: A Case for the Florida Department of Children and Families / Alicia Combs, Mihaela Petrova-Bolli, Eric Tucker, and Dana Johnston -- Resource Utilizations: A Study on How to Implement a Communication System / Kendra Lee, LaShaveria Keeton, Carsolina Walton, Tiki L. Suarez-Brown -- The Revolution of Six-Sigma: An Analysis of its Theory and Application / Dominque Drake and J.S. Sutterfield -- The Use of Taguchi Methods to Optimize Shape Factors for Maximum Water Jet Stability / J.S. Sutterfield, Sade L. Chaney, and Tiffany R. Davis -- In's and Out's of Produce Placement / Kaylene C. Williams, Al. Petrosky, Edward H. Hernandez and Robert Pag
The International Stroke Recovery and Rehabilitation Alliance
No full textThe global burden of disability after stroke is increasing1 despite therapeutic advances. One in four adults will have a stroke and about 63 % of these events will occur in people younger than 70 years of age. Increasing access to effective rehabilitation is a global health priority,2 particularly in low-income and middle-income countries. Optimising recovery requires both new, biologically informed treatment approaches and enhanced (high-dose and high-quality) delivery of training-based treatments. Patient-centred research priority setting exercises can highlight knowledge gaps.3 Advances have been difficult to achieve because stroke recovery and rehabilitation practice is complex, with multiple interacting domains (eg, motor, language, and cognitive), disability levels (impairment, activity, and participation), and individuals involved (eg, patient, family members, and multidisciplinary team). Our shared vision is a world where global collaboration brings breakthroughs for people living with stroke. Succeeding will require highly coordinated research efforts by international, interdisciplinary teams
Mapping the Future of Scholarly Publishing
No full textThe Open Science Initiative (OSI) is a working group convened by the National Science Communication Institute (nSCI) in October 2014 to discuss the issues regarding improving open access for the betterment of science and to recommend possible solutions. The following document summarizes the wide range of issues, perspectives and recommendations from this group’s online conversation during November and December 2014 and January 2015. The 112 participants who signed up to participate in this conversation were drawn mostly from the academic, research, and library communities. Most of these 112 were not active in this conversation, but a healthy diversity of key perspectives was still represented. Individual participants may not agree with all of the viewpoints described herein, but participants agree that this document reflects the spirit and content of the conversation. This main body of this document was written by Glenn Hampson and edited by Joyce Ogburn and Laura Ada Emmett. Additional editorial input was provided by many members of the OSI working group. Kathleen Shearer is the author of Annex 5, with editing by Dominque Bambini and Richard Poynder.
Why journals? Scholarly journals are the backbone of science communication and discovery, and have been for centuries. However, for the past 20 years or so—roughly coinciding with the growth of the Internet— the scholarly publishing system has been under a tremendous and increasing amount of stress due to rapidly increasing subscription prices, rapid proliferation in the number of journals being published, distorted publishing incentives in academia, lax editorial oversight, massive escalation in the global rate of knowledge production, changing communication patterns and expectations in our society, the emergence of open access as a compelling model of free and open information access, and a wide array of other important factors. This stress is particularly affecting access to medical research information today, and particularly in the developing world.
The National Science Communication Institute (nSCI) hosted a conference in late 2013 to explore the broad outlines of this issue. The proceedings of this conference are available online at bit.ly/1zkx6PJ.
In early September of 2014, nSCI recruited and organized over 100 thought-leaders from around the world into a three month long online conversation— named the Open Science Initiative (OSI) working group—to begin looking into viable ways to reform the scholarly publishing system. The transcripts of this conversation have been preserved and are summarized herein.
What are the problems with the current system of scholarly publishing? What are the different perspectives on these problems? What are some possible solutions? What should our goals and our guiding objectives be regarding improving access to research information? Should we even bother worrying about this issue (is the current state of affairs adequate)? What would a future with more open science look like? What might a future without more open science look like? How do we get from where we are now to where we need to be, considering there are so many competing interests and entrenched positions? Why might it be important to act now?
The OSI working group discussed these issues and many others at length. The group also made these three important recommendations (the first two being majority viewpoints):
1. Convene an annual series of high-level conferences between all key stakeholders over the next 10 years to discuss, implement, adjust, and track major reforms to the scholarly publishing system. The first conference is currently being planned for early 2016. The delegate list will be an invited group of 200 decision-makers representing every major stakeholder group in scholarly publishing, participating with the understanding that they will try to reach an agreement on the future of scholarly publishing and will then work to help implement this agreement. The United Nations will be backing these conferences (through UNESCO) and will help mobilize broad and ongoing international support, participation, and funding. Very broad participation from US stakeholders—publishers, authors, federal agencies, companies who use research, institutions that produce research, and more—is critical to getting this effort up and running. While scientific research is certainly a global interest and enterprise, the US is the largest single producer and consumer of this research information, so without strong US participation, global adoption will be difficult to achieve.
2. Find answers to key questions related to reform, as detailed in the summary document. What do we really mean by “publishing” today? Are selfarchiving mandates practical? Are impact factors accurate? Do embargoes serve the public interest? Are there better ways to conduct peer review? Why isn’t open access growing faster? These and many other questions have been identified in this report as starting points for discussion.
3. Investigate the possibility of constructing the world’s first all-scholarship repository (ASR). Our initial discussion regarding this repository is included in Annex 4. Conversations are currently ongoing on this matter. The Department of Energy’s Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) will explore building the prototype ASR (LANL also created arXiv). We are currently preparing a briefing paper for the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy so they can align upcoming federal compliance efforts with this repository. A number of OSI working group members feel that creating the world’s first all-scholarship repository will need to be a precursor to truly comprehensive journal reform, and creating it the right way may end up having a greater impact on science discovery than anything ever attempted to date.
As we push forward with this initiative, the OSI group will need the following kinds of help: Broad buy-in and participation from research agencies, companies and institutions; more input and perspective from publishers, research institutions, government agencies, the public, and other stakeholders; subject matter expertise (such as programming, database construction, user interface design, customer experience, and so on), hardware/hosting support, data integration support, conference support (facility support, logistics, etc.); outreach/PR expertise; and finally, backing by policymakers and major funders. Building this support base will be the only way to achieve effective and long-term sustainable reform.
The budget for the first conference will range between 500k depending on how many of the costs we can cover for participants (more coverage is better—we don’t want people declining our invite on account of budget reasons). The repository effort can begin modestly but will eventually require millions of dollars annually, although much of the eventual operating cost can be recouped through sponsor support, advertising, and value-added services. A start-up budget of $10 million would help get a critical mass of experts working full-time on this project right away.
This initiative already has a broad range of stakeholder support, but as we move forward we want to make sure that everyone has a seat at the table and also make it clear that we’re not just spinning our wheels to produce another white paper for discussion. OSI, nSCI, UNESCO, LANL, and others have committed to undertake an effort to actually shape the future of how we as a society value, share and use science. Care to join us
