Now showing items 61-80 of 7430

    • Identity of the holotype and type locality of Rhabdophis leonardi (Wall, 1923) (Colubridae: Natricinae), with notes on the morphology and natural history of the species in southwestern China

      Yang, Shi-Jun; Savitzky, Alan H.; Gower, David J.; Veerappan, Deepak; Mori, Akira; Khot, Rahul; Shi, Jing-Song; Ding, Li; Hou, Mian; Xu, Hai-Yuan; et al. (Wiley, 2023-05-02)
      The original description of Natrix leonardi (currently Rhabdophis leonardi) by Frank Wall in 1923, based on a specimen from the “Upper Burma Hills,” lacked important morphological details that have complicated the assignment of recently collected material. Furthermore, although the holotype was never lost, its location has been misreported in one important taxonomic reference, leading to further confusion. We report the correct repository of the holotype (Natural History Museum, London), together with its current catalog number. We also describe key features of that specimen that were omitted from the original description, and provide new details on the morphology of the species, including sexual dichromatism unusual for the genus, based upon specimens from southern Sichuan, China. Rhabdophis leonardi is distinguished from its congeners by the following characters: 15 or 17 DSR at midbody and 6 supralabials; distinct annulus around the neck, broad and red in males, and narrow and orange with a black border in females; dorsal ground color light green or olive; some lateral and dorsal scales possessing black edges, the frequency of black edges gradually increasing from anterior to posterior, forming irregular and ill-defined transverse black bands; eye with prominent green iris; black ventral spots with a red edge, most numerous at midbody but extending halfway down the length of the tail. In southwestern China, this species is frequently found at 1730–2230 m elevation. It has been documented to prey upon anuran amphibians, including toads. A recently published phylogenetic analysis showed this species to be deeply nested with the genus Rhabdophis, as a member of the R. nuchalis Group. That analysis also revealed the existence of two closely related but geographically distinct subclades in the molecular analysis, one of which may represent an unnamed taxon.
    • Understanding the experiences of post-diagnostic dementia support for South Asians living in England: the need for co-production

      Jutlla, Karan; Arblaster, Kielan (Opast Publishing Group, 2023-04-19)
      Background: The increase in the numbers of South Asians in the United Kingdom (UK) is likely to lead to an increased need for dementia services yet; they are currently under-represented in dementia services. Furthermore, little is known about the prevalence, experience and treatment of dementia in the UK South Asian population, including their experiences of post-diagnostic support. Consequently, a project was commissioned by Alzheimer’s Society in the UK to gather insight into the experiences of post-diagnostic dementia support for the South Asian community in England to identify whether their post-diagnostic support needs were being met and what they needed from post-diagnostic support services. Methodology/Methods: As this project sought to understand experiences, a qualitative case-study approach was adopted. Twelve South Asian carers of a person with dementia and one South Asian person living with dementia took part in an on-line in-depth, topic-guided conversation. All conversations were audio recorded with consent and analysed using a thematic analysis. Findings: Analysis revealed that the South Asian community are doubly affected by dementia in relation to post-diagnostic support because 1) they received very little post-diagnostic support and 2) even when they did, it wasn’t culturally appropriate and therefore ineffective. Essentially, the lack of culturally inclusive care compounds the lack of access further. Consequently, people discussed current gaps in service provision, making recommendations that will result in better support, and more positive experiences for South Asians when diagnosed with dementia in England. In order to achieve this, South Asians in need of dementia support should be involved in the planning, development and delivery of post-diagnostic support services. Conclusions: This paper discusses findings that highlight the importance and benefits of co-production whereby people who use services and carers work with professionals in equal partnerships towards shared goals.
    • Additively manufactured aluminium auxetic architecture with targeted mechanical and energy absorption characteristics

      Arjunan, Arun; Baroutaji, Ahmad; Singh, Manpreet; Faculty of Science and Engineering (University of Wolverhampton, 2023-10)
      Auxetic materials offer unconventional properties owing to their negative Poisson’s ratio (−𝜐) leading to deformation modes and mechanical characteristics different to traditional porous architecture. This leads to favourable outcomes for lightweight applications where precise control of the mechanical and crashworthiness responses is required. In this regard, the thesis puts forward an open innovation framework for the selective laser melting (SLM) of auxetic architecture that offers stiffness (E), strength (𝜎𝑡) and energy absorption characteristics suitable for a targeted scenario. The primary objective is to create a framework that integrates numerical modelling, multi-criteria decision-making, and optimisation tools to generate scenario-based auxetic architectures that offer targeted performances. The selection of the five-unit cells were informed by the density and auxeticity criteria. A lower density is required to accommodate large deformation during loading, leading to a relative density range of 0.17-0.26 as suitable to achieve the required porosities. When it comes to unit-cell shape, all fundamental architectures that can lead to auxetic performance were considered. Experimental and numerical analysis is used to reveal the range of −𝜐, E, 𝜎𝑡, specific energy absorption (SEA), peak crush force (PCF), and crush force efficiency (CFE) of the auxetic architectures. The surrogate model developed in this thesis enables the manufacturing of auxetic structures with tailored stiffness (E), (𝜎𝑡) strength, and energy absorption characteristics (SEA, PCF, CFE) to meet specific requirements of the target scenario. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) found the central composite design (CCD) to be suitable for developing the surrogate model and capturing the influence of all design variables on–𝜐, 𝜎𝑦, E, SEA, PCF, CFE for AlSi10Mg metamaterial architecture informed by the sinusoidal ligament architecture (AUX5). When optimising the selected auxetic architecture AUX5 for lightweight application (Scenario 1) a stiffness and strength of 991-1023 MPa and 5.95-5.68 MPa can be expected at a strut thickness and length of 0.371 and 0.632 mm respectively. For crashworthiness performance (Scenario 2), CFE, SEA and PCF can be expected in the range of 69.10-71.62%, 14.48-14.14 kJ/kg and 1762-1850 kN respectively at a strut thickness and length of 0.304 and 1.268 mm. When the scenario changes to a balanced performance (Scenario 3) between targeted mechanical and crashworthiness behaviour can be obtained at 𝑡𝑠 and 𝑙𝑠 of 0.229 mm and 1.268 mm respectively. The resulting characteristics for −𝜐, E, 𝜎𝑦, CFE, SEA and PCF can be expected in the range of -0.21-0.125, 761-771 MPa, 5.53-5.69 MPa, 73.23-69.98%, 17.23-16.89 kJ/kg, 983-960 kN. The error percentage of three scenarios (S1-S3) was less than 5% which justifies the accuracy of the predicted model. The errors were minimised using a validated finite element model to predict the performance characteristics of the auxetic architectures considered. Furthermore, a mesh sensitivity analysis was carried out to ensure results were independent of the meshing strategies used. The results of this study provide a solid foundation for future research and applications in the field of auxetic Material. The thesis demonstrates the use of the analytical hierarchy process (AHP) and Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) methodology to select the best-performing architecture based on five criteria. Overall, this thesis offers a new direction in the development of scenario-based tuneable auxetic architectures.
    • Low back pain in ballet, modern, and hip-hop dancers

      Wyon, Matthew; Henn, Erica; Faculty of Education, Health and Wellbeing (University of Wolverhampton, 2023-06)
      Low back pain (LBP) is a global medical issue that continues to rise in the general population. However, the consequences of low back pain in dance populations have been difficult to quantify, in part due to varying injury definitions. Low back pain is a multifaceted problem that is anecdotally common, but more research is needed to understand how low back pain impacts dancers’ lives and movements. The key aim of this thesis was to investigate low back pain in ballet, modern, and hip-hop dancers, and provide practical recommendations based on the findings. The aims of this thesis were to: (a) investigate the dancers’ perspectives on low back pain and what aspects of their lives and dancing it affects, including a determination of what movements dancers associate with exacerbating their low back pain, and (b) to further examine these movements, through archival and biomechanical research, to provide recommendations to the dance community. Study 1 assessed the dancers’ perspective on the impact and management of low back pain through an online questionnaire disseminated to primarily ballet, modern, and hip-hop dance populations. The results showed that low back pain negatively impacted dancers’ dance movements and non-dance activities, with spinal extension movements being most frequently reported as a movement that increased the dancers’ low back pain. Therefore, Study 2 utilized archival dance videos from YouTube.com to identify how often dancers were exposed to the movements that they reported in Study 1 as exacerbating their low back pain. Results showed that the dance movements that exacerbate low back pain were present in all the dance environments studied: ballet class and performance, modern dance class and performance, and hip-hop breaking, cyphers, and battles. Ballet performance environments had the highest number of total spinal extension movements (77±69.8), and hip-hop cypher environments had the highest frequency of spinal extension movements per minute (7±9.6). Recommendations for training focuses, based on the complete movement profile for each dance genre, are also presented. Study 3 used a case study to examine the biomechanics of three spinal extension movements: the ballet arabesque, the modern dance attitude with body roll, and the hip-hop dolphin dive. The influence of speed on the forces of the spine in dance had not been studied previously. Results suggest that thoracic and lumbar spine joint angles, angular velocity, and angular acceleration increase all three dance genres when performing movements from slow to fast speeds. Collectively, the results in this thesis verified that low back pain is an impactful condition with significant negative consequences for those dancers who are afflicted. The results also revealed dancers are frequently exposed to movements that they report can increase their low back pain. The results show increased angular displacements, angular velocity, angular acceleration in spinal extension movements performed at progressively increasing speeds. However, further research is needed to confirm if the forces at the low back increase as speed increases, and to clarify the role of asymmetry in movements that increase dancer LBP
    • ‘Including us, talking to us and creating a safe environment’—youth patient and public involvement and the Walking In ScHools Study (WISH): lessons learned

      Gallagher, Alison M.; O'Kane, S. Maria; Doherty, Leanne C.; Faulkner, Maria; McDermott, Gary; Jago, Russell; Lahart, Ian; Murphy, Marie H.; Carlin, Angela (Wiley, 2023-10-06)
      Background: Young people have the right to be informed and consulted about decisions affecting their lives. Patient and public involvement (PPI) ensures that research is carried out ‘with’ or ‘by’ young people rather than ‘to’, ‘about’ or ‘for’ them. The aim of this paper is to outline how youth PPI can be embedded within a physical activity intervention, reflect on the impact of PPI and provide recommendations for future PPI in a similar context. Methods: A Youth Advisory Group (YAG) was set up within the Walking In ScHools (WISH) Study to involve adolescent girls in the delivery, implementation and dissemination of a physical activity intervention targeted at adolescents. Schools invited pupils aged 12–14 years and 15–18 years to YAG meetings (n3, from 2019 to 2023). Participative methods were used to inform recruitment strategies and data collection methods for the WISH Study. Results: Across the three YAG meetings, n51 pupils from n8 schools were involved. Pupils enjoyed the YAG meetings, felt that their feedback was valued and considered the meetings a good way to get young people involved in research. The YAG advised on specific issues and although measuring impact was not the primary aim of the YAG meetings, over the course of the study there were many examples of the impact of PPI. Recruitment targets for the WISH Study were exceeded, the attrition rate was low and pupils were engaged in data collection. Conclusion: Youth PPI is a developing field and there are few physical activity studies that report the PPI work undertaken. Within the WISH Study, three YAG meetings were held successfully, and the views of adolescent girls were central to the development of the study. Considering the specific issues that the YAG advised on (study recruitment, attrition and data collection), there was evidence of a positive impact of PPI. Patient or Public Contribution: Pupils from post-primary schools interested/participating in the WISH Study were invited to attend YAG meetings. YAG meetings were set up to consult adolescent girls on the delivery, implementation and dissemination of the WISH intervention.
    • Teaching professionalism during and posta pandemic to surgical trainees: A survey of the impact of a workshop on trainers and trainees

      Ashwood, Neil; Stanhope, Edward; Lahart, Ian; Dekker, Andrew; Hind, Jamie; Carmichael, Amtul Razzaq; University of Wolverhampton, Research Institute, Wulfruna St, Wolverhampton WV1 1LY, United Kingdom. (Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, 2023-10-31)
      Introduction: Focussed professionalism training improves surgical trainees’ communication, information gathering, and counselling skills. This study reviews the impact of a professionalism workshop for surgical trainees within a large trust in the United Kingdom developed during the pandemic to support the trainees and help them develop resilience and appropriate behaviours during the time of increased pressure. Methods: A workshop involving case-based discussions and reflections on professionalism was developed from the themes and methods of training noted to be effective on a literature search of Medline, EMBASE, and PsycINFO databases carried out in May 2020. The impact of Covid on surgical trainees and educator’s professionalism training and the techniques of training preferred by trainees was evaluated by a survey of trainees and trainers after the intervention to evolve future training initiatives. During the workshop, a behavioural marker checklist was used to improve feedback on the observed behaviours. Results: 83 trainers and trainees were surveyed following a professional behaviour workshop training 63 surgeons at various stages of training. Surgical list availability had reduced by at least 5-10 a month for all the trainees within the trust during the pandemic. Most trainees surveyed (49 (60%)) felt that this had reduced the opportunities to train technical skills and develop professional non-technical skills like teamwork and communication skills, adversely impacting the trainee’s clinical performance. The increased support offered by the workshop helped 50 trainees (80%) to improve non-technical skill performance objectively by referencing to behavioural markers and this was felt to have become embedded in practice when surveyed 4 weeks later in 38 trainees (60%). The majority of those surveyed (47 (75%)) felt trainers and trainees had acted professionally during the pandemic and subsequently. The workshop discussions also helped (56 (67%)) trainers and trainees to consider how best to engage professionally with new ways of working as work, and training switched to virtual or telemedicine platforms during the pandemic. Conclusion: Professionalism-based education facilitates surgical trainee development, making them stronger team members and helping to restore team working skills and embrace new working practices.
    • Designing of drug delivery systems to improve the antimicrobial efficacy in the periodontal pocket based on biodegradable polyesters

      Zięba, Magdalena; Sikorska, Wanda; Musioł, Marta; Janeczek, Henryk; Włodarczyk, Jakub; Pastusiak, Małgorzata; Gupta, Abhishek; Radecka, Iza; Parati, Mattia; Tylko, Grzegorz; et al. (MDPI, 2023-12-29)
      Delivery systems for biologically active substances such as proanthocyanidins (PCANs), produced in the form of electrospun nonwoven through the electrospinning method, were designed using a polymeric blend of poly(L-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA)and poly[(R,S)-3-hydroxybutyrate] ((R,S)-PHB). The studies involved the structural and thermal characteristics of the developed electrospun three-dimensional fibre matrices unloaded and loaded with PCANs. In the next step, the hydrolytic degradation tests of these systems were performed. The release profile of PCANs from the electrospun nonwoven was determined with the aid of UV–VIS spectroscopy. Approximately 30% of the PCANs were released from the tested electrospun nonwoven during the initial 15–20 days of incubation. The chemical structure of water-soluble oligomers that were formed after the hydrolytic degradation of the developed delivery system was identified through electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. Oligomers of lactic acid and OLAGA oligocopolyester, as well as oligo-3-hydroxybutyrate terminated with hydroxyl and carboxyl end groups, were recognized as degradation products released into the water during the incubation time. It was also demonstrated that variations in the degradation rate of individual mat components influenced the degradation pattern and the number of formed oligomers. The obtained results suggest that the incorporation of proanthocyanidins into the system slowed down the hydrolytic degradation process of the poly(L-lactide-co-glycolide)/poly[(R,S)-3-hydroxybutyrate] three-dimensional fibre matrix. In addition, in vitro cytotoxicity and antimicrobial studies advocate the use of PCANs for biomedical applications with promising antimicrobial activity.
    • ‘I’m not the same person now’: The psychological implications of online contact risk experiences for adults with intellectual disabilities

      Clements, Fiona; Chadwick, Darren; Orchard, Lisa (SAGE, 2023-12-22)
      Understanding online risk for adults with intellectual disabilities is important to improve digital inclusion in society. Perceptions of online risk can determine behaviours that obstruct or facilitate Internet access and use. This current study aimed to qualitatively investigate the psychological implications of online victimisation risks, including online negative comments and/or messages for adults with intellectual disabilities, as a novel area yet explored in-depth. Semi-structured interview data was collected remotely. Template analysis found there to be both negative and positive psychological implications experienced in response to online risks. Specifically, participants reported a wide range of negative emotions but also positive growth in the form of learning from the experience and increased confidence. The attribution of blame process in cybervictimisation can involve both blaming the perpetrator but also internalised victim-blaming which may be a consequence of the type of online risk (i.e. sexual risks). Implications for both practice and research are suggested.
    • The enrichment of whey protein isolate hydrogels with poly-γ-glutamic acid promotes the proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of preosteoblasts

      Baines, Daniel K.; Platania, Varvara; Tavernaraki, Nikoleta N.; Parati, Mattia; Wright, Karen; Radecka, Iza; Chatzinikolaidou, Maria; Douglas, Timothy E.L. (MDPI, 2023-12-23)
      Osseous disease accounts for over half of chronic pathologies, but there is a limited supply of autografts, the gold standard; hence, there is a demand for new synthetic biomaterials. Herein, we present the use of a promising, new dairy-derived biomaterial: whey protein isolate (WPI) in the form of hydrogels, modified with the addition of different concentrations of the biotechnologically produced protein-like polymeric substance poly-γ-glutamic acid (γ-PGA) as a potential scaffold for tissue regeneration. Raman spectroscopic analysis demonstrated the successful creation of WPI-γ-PGA hydrogels. A cytotoxicity assessment using preosteoblastic cells demonstrated that the hydrogels were noncytotoxic and supported cell proliferation from day 3 to 14. All γ-PGA-containing scaffold compositions strongly promoted cell attachment and the formation of dense interconnected cell layers. Cell viability was significantly increased on γ-PGA-containing scaffolds on day 14 compared to WPI control scaffolds. Significantly, the cells showed markers of osteogenic differentiation; they synthesised increasing amounts of collagen over time, and cells showed significantly enhanced alkaline phosphatase activity at day 7 and higher levels of calcium for matrix mineralization at days 14 and 21 on the γ-PGA-containing scaffolds. These results demonstrated the potential of WPI-γ-PGA hydrogels as scaffolds for bone regeneration.
    • Dementia: a call for a paradigm shift in pre-registration nurse education

      Tuffour, Isaac; Ganga, Griffin (Cambridge University Press, 2023-12-04)
      Dementia is a progressive brain disorder that affects memory, thinking, and behaviour. It is a major global public health concern, with an estimated 55 million people worldwide living with the condition. In the UK there is an estimated 944,000 people with dementia. This number is expected to double by 2050. Dementia is a major cause of disability and dependency, and it places a significant burden on families and carers. The current level of dementia education in pre-registration nursing programmes in the UK is inadequate. There are no pre-registration nursing educational programmes that offer dementia as a speciality. This is a major concern, as nurses are the primary providers of care to people with dementia. This paper argues that dementia should be established as a branch of pre-registration nursing education that leads to a Registered Nurse (RN) – Dementia. This could help to address the shortage of specialist dementia nurses in the country. This article provides an important suggestion for countries with a shortage of specialist dementia nurses to consider establishing a stand-alone pre-registration branch of dementia nurse education. This would result in a more specialised workforce with the skills and knowledge to provide high-quality care to people with dementia.
    • Enhancing the assessment and the feedback in higher education

      Gomis, Kasun; Saini, Mandeep; Arif, Mohammed; Pathirage, Chaminda (Emerald, 2023-12-18)
      Purpose Lack of appropriate student support and drawbacks in academic progression signify the importance of enhancing assessment and feedback in higher education (HE). Although assessment and feedback are significant in HE, minimal empirical research holistically explores the best practices. This study aims to address the niche and develop a decisive guideline for enhancing assessment setting and feedback provision within HE curricula. Design/methodology/approach A systematic approach was taken to obtain data for the study: a literature review underpinning the thematic content analysis of study documents, followed by semi-structured interviews. Document analysis contained mid-module reviews/student feedback; rubrics used in assessment; and formative/summative feedback provided for the graded work. Documental analysis informed the key attributes of the semi-structured interview. Interpretive structural modelling (ISM) analysis identified the influence and reliance of each driver. Findings This study revealed 15 drivers – 4 fundamental, 6 significant and 5 important – for enhancing assessment and feedback. The level partitioning from the ISM analysis established that all assessment and feedback needs to be underpinned by the university policy and fed into the assessment regime and marking scheme. This study identified that National Student Survey results were significantly improved due to implementing said drivers compared with the national and sector benchmarks. Practical implications The developed drivers enable the best practices in assessment setting and feedback provision. The level partition diagram can be used as a decisive guideline or a provisional framework in assessment and feedback provision for quality assurance in HE. Originality/value This study is one of, if not the only, to develop a guideline for signposting drivers and their influence and reliance to enhance assessment and feedback in a holistic HE setting. The developed drivers and the level partition diagram bring novelty and add to the current body of knowledge.
    • Best practice for safety management – case of major oil processing country in the Middle East

      Oduoza, Chike F.; Alamri, Reem; Oloke, David (Emerald, 2023-11-15)
      Purpose Deployment of health and safety standards in extremely hazardous work environments such as oil and gas sector, is essential to minimise accidents leaving employees permanently or temporarily incapacitated. The purpose of this research, is to understand why there are frequent accidents in case country's oil and gas sector, with a view to recommend solutions to mitigate problems. Design/methodology/approach Research methodology involved extensive review of the literature to appreciate background, and current research on typical accidents and safety measures taken at oil and gas construction sites to minimise accidents in a middle east country. Interviews, questionnaires and case stidies were deployed to acquire data which highlighted major reasons for accidents occurrence at oil and gas construction sites, and safety tools and techniques that could reduce accident rate if adopted by companies. Findings Findings, showed that oil and gas construction projects in case country were prone to health and safety related risks, challenges and accidents due to failure to comply with standards and legislation. Construction site teams and shop floor staff were rarely involved in development of safety policies, and some had no understanding of requirements and procedures underpinning safety during operations. Research recommended rapid application/adoption of international standards underpinned by ISO 45000 series and staff training at all levels. Deployment of robots and use of machine learning technology were suggested to implement risky tasks in the sector. Originality/value Research was based on rampant accidents occurring in hazardous oil and gas sector in country studied. Enforcement of health and safety standards, and use of modern tools and techniques were recommended to minimise accident rate.
    • Shattering the ceiling: exploring culture and religion's impact on female empowerment in the Nigerian hospitality industry

      Rahimi, Roya; Ukachukwu, Amarachukwu (Emerald, 2024-02-26)
      Purpose This study addresses the persistent impact of patriarchal societal structures on women's empowerment in Nigeria, where social power, political authority, and autonomy continue to elude them. Despite advancements made by women in workplaces worldwide, gender inequalities prevail, particularly in the Nigerian hotel industry. Existing qualitative evidence on the intersection of gender, culture, and religion in shaping gender diversity and career progression within this industry remains limited. To address this gap, this study employs intersectionality and hegemonic masculinity frameworks to explore the influence of local cultures, religion, and gender practices on gender imbalances in three distinct cultural settings in Nigeria. Design/methodology/approach Drawing from in-depth interviews with thirty-eight hotel workers, this research provides original insights into their lived experiences, offering a deeper understanding of the narratives underlying gender inequality statistics. By delving beyond surface-level observations, this study uncovers the multifaceted dynamics that perpetuate gender imbalances. By examining the interplay between gender, culture, and religion, this research contributes to a nuanced comprehension of the factors that shape career trajectories in the Nigerian hotel industry. Findings The findings of this study reveal the enduring influence of patriarchal societal structures, highlighting the challenges faced by women in accessing social power, political authority, and autonomy. By extending intersectionality and hegemonic masculinity approaches, this research unveils the intricate stories that illustrate the underlying complexities of gender imbalances. In doing so, it fills critical gaps in the qualitative evidence surrounding gender diversity and career progression in the Nigerian hotel industry. Originality This study is original in its comprehensive examination of the intersection of gender, culture, and religion in the Nigerian hotel industry. It offers unique insights by conducting indepth interviews with thirty-eight hotel workers, unravelling the underlying factors contributing to gender imbalances. By extending intersectionality and hegemonic masculinity frameworks, it provides a nuanced understanding of the challenges faced by women and highlights the need for tailored interventions to promote gender equality.
    • Written evidence submitted by Suresh Renukappa, Chandrashekar Subbarao, Subashini Suresh, Prashant Pillai, Panagiotis Georgakis, Kieran Fernando and Chandrashekar Rangaswamy (CYB0010)

      Renukappa, Suresh; Subbarao, Chandrashekar; Suresh, Subashini; Pillai, Prashant; Georgakis, Panagiotis; Fernando, Kieran; Rangaswamy, Chandrashekar (UK Parliament, 2023-12-13)
    • Survey of factors contributing to the happiness of older persons: A cross-sectional study of associated worries, anxiety, and depression

      Kar, Shreyan; Kumar, Prasanta; Rath, Namita; Kar, Brajaballav; Das, Tushar Kanti; Kar, Nilamadhab (Medknow Publications, 2023-11-09)
      BACKGROUND: Old age is associated with a greater prevalence of worry, anxiety, and depression when compared to the younger age groups. Age-specific stressors and comorbidities accumulate and negatively impact the well-being of older adults. AIMS/OBJECTIVES: In this context, we intended to study the factors influencing the happiness of older adults. METHODS: It was a survey through a questionnaire of older adults attending a public health conference on old age-related issues. We inquired about what makes them happy, their worries, and physical and mental health issues. We also assessed their depression through the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), anxiety through the General Anxiety Disorder 7 (GAD-7) scale, and quality of life (QoL) using a scale of 0 being worst to 10 being best. RESULTS: Factors that brought happiness to older adults were family and friends (25.7%), social activities (28.6%), traveling and sightseeing (11.4%), reading and writing (11.4%), meeting people (8.6%), and having time for self (8.6%). Besides these, 22.9% reported they enjoy working. A clinical level of anxiety (GAD-7 score of 10 or more) was present in 17.2% and depression (PHQ-9 score of 10 or more) in 28.6% of older adults. The anxiety and depression scores were positively correlated (P < 0.001) in the sample studied. There were no differences between genders related to concerns, health, finance, relationships, memory, needs for help, QoL, and severity of anxiety or depression. CONCLUSIONS: Older adults could identify various factors linked to their happiness, despite various concerns and mental health issues. The information might help family, informal, and professional caregivers to support activities that contribute to the well-being and happiness of older adults.
    • Use of hypnotics for the management of insomnia in psychiatric patients: A clinical audit and review on Z‑drugs

      Kar, Nilamadhab; Ohri, Lakshmi; Mahil, Jasmin; Merlici, Sorina (Medknow Publications, 2023-11-09)
      BACKGROUND: Insomnia is a common condition in patients with mental illness, for which hypnotic medications are regularly prescribed. AIM: It was intended to study the clinical practice of using hypnotic medications including Z-drugs for insomnia and compare it with treatment guidelines. METHODS: In this clinical audit, data were collected from the clinical records of patients who attended outpatient department in adult and old age psychiatric units in a mental health service. RESULTS: Out of the consecutive 203 patients screened, 50 (24.6%) were prescribed hypnotic/sedative drugs. It was observed that around half (54%) received nonpharmacological interventions for insomnia, 42% had psychoeducation, and 24% sleep hygiene. Zopiclone (56%) and promethazine (26%) were more commonly prescribed; however, lorazepam (14%) and diazepam (16%) were also used. In the majority of cases, these were prescribed on a “if required” basis. Duration of hypnotic prescription was specified in only 36%, whereas many patients continued these medications for months (26%) and years (26%). CONCLUSION: There is a scope to increase the use of nonpharmacological treatments for insomnia. Reviewing the period of use of hypnotic medications is essential as many patients continue them for longer durations than recommended. Treatment of insomnia needs focused attention in psychiatric clinics.
    • Translation and linguistic validation of recovering quality of life scale in Indian languages: a review of the process and challenges

      Kar, Nilamadhab; ReQoL Translation India Team (Medknow Publications, 2023-11-09)
      Quality of life (QOL) is affected by various factors including mental health. This is now commonly used in clinical assessments and as an outcome measure in research. However, there is a dearth of QOL scales in local languages in India for specific use in mental health settings. It was intended to review the translation process of the recovering QOL (ReQoL) scale in major Indian languages, the linguistic and cultural challenges in the translation process and to reflect on the findings on clinical usability of the scale. A review of the data and literature available on the translation of ReQoL was conducted. The relevant literature was searched using electronic databases such as Medline, Google Scholar, and ScienceDirect. The brief 10-item ReQoL has been translated into various Indian languages: Bengali, Gujarati, Hindi, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Odia, Punjabi, Tamil, and Telugu. The translation process has followed a structured method supported by clinicians, patients, and language experts. Specific focus was given to education level such that patients with primary or no formal education could comprehend the wordings. Cultural nuances and variations of expression were also looked into. There were a few words that needed extensive discussion and revision. The involvement of the patients and the incorporation of their feedback have improved the acceptability of the language versions. While there is a need for further clinical validation studies, the Indian language versions of the ReQoL scale appear suitable for clinical psychiatric practices and research.
    • The efficacy of strength and conditioning training on dance injury in pre-professional dancers

      Dang, Yanan; Koutedakis, Yiannis; Chen, Ruoling; Wyon, Matthew (Unpublished, 2023-10-13)
    • Navigating the tensions of dance and science in an emerging research field

      Clarke, Frances; Lefebvre-Sell, Naomi; Brown, Derrick; Wyon, Matthew (Unpublished, 2023-10-15)