Development of a design specification for a context-appropriate passive adjustable wrist prosthesis: A Uganda-based study.

Most research into upper limb prosthetics has focused on the design and control of hands. However, research has suggested that addition of a functional wrist to a simple hand may yield better results for persons with upper limb absence (PWULA) than a highly dexterous hand without a wrist. Attempting tasks in the absence of an adjustable wrist leads to compensatory movements in proximal joints and a reduced overall functionality. While a small number of studies have investigated passive prosthetic wrists and some devices are available commercially, their design rationale is rarely reported, and no consensus exists on which type of device performs best. Furthermore, except for a growing number of manufacturers in China, most devices on the market are designed in Europe or the USA for high income contexts. There are, therefore, very few studies of the needs of PWULA in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC), and to the author’s knowledge, none that directly informs wrist prosthesis design in such settings.This PhD aimed to develop a design specification for a passive prosthetic wrist suitable for PWULA in LMIC. The first study, a secondary analysis of interviews with participants in Uganda and Jordan identified priority activities of daily living (ADLs): hand washing clothes, sweeping, peeling, driving, lifting objects and reading and writing, these studies strongly informed consecutive studies and highlighted the underrepresentation of LMIC user needs. The second study evaluated the reliability of different setup procedures to wrist and forearm kinematics measurement equipment (electro-goniometers and torsiometers), setup procedure 2 provided the highest reliability. This provided a protocol for using electro-goniometers and torsiometers to measure wrist and forearm kinematics in LMIC that have no access to equipped gait laboratories. The third study used the validated setup procedure in study 2 to capture wrist and forearm kinematics while performing a select ADLs identified in study 1. The results reported functional range(s) of motion (FROM) of: Fl/Ex: ~85°, Rd/Ud: ~50° and ~Pr/Su: 50°. Using the virtual neutral concept, we identified task specific optimal and worst orientations that were validated using a movement quality scale. The findings further showed that tasks were performed with the wrist biased towards Ex, Rd and Pr.Together, these studies provide three main contributions: (1) the identification of LMIC relevant ADLs to inform UL kinematics studies (ii) a reliable wrist and forearm kinematics measurement protocol (iii) a virtual neutral concept that can be used to determine optimal wrist and forearm orientations, (iv) functional ranges of motion and a normative database of wrist and forearm kinematics. These findings establish the first evidence-based design framework and recommendations for passive prosthetic wrists tailored to the needs of PWULA

Dancing with Douyin: An Exploration of Content Marketing in Douyin’s Fashion Community.

Over the past six years, Douyin has become one of China’s most popular social media platforms (Zheng, 2023) yet academic work on it is still in its relative infancy. Many fashion brands have started marketing on Douyin, but there is a gap in knowledge on the extent to which traditional content marketing strategies are effective on this platform, not least given its unique content recommendation system (Su & Valdovinos Kaye, 2023). Previous research on content marketing has also lacked a focus on communication effects and customer perspectives. This thesis makes a contribution to the development of content marketing theory for Douyin by examining communication effects and customer motivations and, in the process, develops a new fashion brand content marketing model for Douyin. Using agenda-setting theory, it examines the impact of community content on customer engagement behaviour (CEB) to establish content marketing effectiveness. Thereafter, it employs uses and gratifications theory (Katz et al., 1973) to analyse the relationship between different levels of CEB and customer needs in the selected community. Finally, it develops a content marketing model for fashion brands on Douyin. The research contributes to the body of work on content marketing by developing its explanatory features in relation to Douyin as follows. First, the application of agenda-setting and uses and gratifications theories from communication scholarship confirms the effectiveness of content marketing and demonstrates the influence of community content perceptions on CEB. The research finds that different motivations drive different levels of CEB, and branded content can significantly influence user perceptions and brand engagement. Second, the research refines the brand content marketing strategy of De Plessis (2015) to establish the Douyin Content Marketing Loop Model (DCMLM) more precisely suited to Douyin’s fashion community. Third, in relation to commercial practice on Douyin, the research puts forward three models to assist fashion brands in: understanding Douyin’s characteristics as a content marketing platform; devising content strategies for different marketing objectives; and comprehending a holistic content marketing process within the Douyin fashion community.The research employs a mixed-method approach, including netnography and an online survey. The netnographic work includes generating observational data (popular video content and field notes) and conducting interviews with 12 Douyin content creation experts and 12 fashion community users. Qualitative data generated was analysed using a netnography-based method (Kozinets, 2019). Online survey data consisted of 607 questionnaire responses from community users and was analysed using partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM). Keywords: Douyin, Content Marketing, Agenda Setting, Uses and Gratifications, Customer Engagemen

A New Project Portfolio Strategic Objective Promoting Model Considering Existing Resource Synergies in the Enterprises

Monitoring and optimizing the objectives of the Project Portfolio (PP) in an enterprise is a critical step toward to achieve the strategic goals. The implementation of PP objectives heavily relies on resources available in the enterprise and the synergies among resources that will further affect the realization of the strategic goals. However, the existing studies neglect the impact of resources on the achievement of strategic goals and the effects of synergies among resources are not considered effectively when implementing PP in the enterprise. This paper presents a new model to quantify and optimize the implementation of PP objectives by taking effects of the synergies among resources into account to promote the realization of the strategic goals. In this method, a goal-resource network is first developed to take strategic goals and resources into consideration. Then, PP objective achievement values are quantified by considering the synergies among resources through the analysis of such a goal-resource network. If the PP objective achievement values fail to meet the enterprise’s requirements, the realization of PP objectives will be promoted by optimizing the identified key resources. A case study is presented to demonstrate the application of the proposed methodology. The results show that the proposed model can quantify the achievement value of strategic goals and identify key resources by clarifying the influence of resources on strategic goals, which provides a useful method and tool to analyze the synergies among resources and to promote strategic goals effectively and efficiently in the enterprise

Design, Modeling, and Optimization of Hydraulically Powered Double-Joint Soft Robotic Fish

This article explores a hydraulically powered double-joint soft robotic fish called HyperTuna and a set of locomotion optimization methods. HyperTuna has an innovative, highly efficient actuation structure that includes a four-cylinder piston pump and a double-joint soft actuator with self-sensing. We conducted deformation analysis on the actuator and established a finite element model to predict its performance. A closed-loop strategy combining a central pattern generator controller and a proportional–integral–derivative controller was developed to control the swimming posture accurately. Next, a dynamic model for the robotic fish was established considering the soft actuator, and the model parameters were identified via data-driven methods. Then, a particle swarm optimization algorithm was adopted to optimize the control parameters and improve the locomotion performance. Experimental results showed that the maximum speed increased by 3.6% and the cost of transport (COT) decreased by up to 13.9% at 0.4 m/s after optimization. The proposed robotic fish achieved a maximum speed of 1.12 BL/s and a minimum COT of 12.1 J/(kg·m), which are outstanding relative to those of similar soft robotic fish. Finally, HyperTuna completed turning and diving–floating movements and long-distance continuous swimming in open water, which confirmed its potential for practical application

Revitalizing Pastoral Care: Leveraging Stupa Learning Management System in Diocese of Maumere

The Catholic Church of the Diocese of Maumere is developing a learning management system (LMS) for its pastoral training program called the Weekend Pastoral Study, which is also abbreviated in Indonesian as Stupa. The aim of this LMS development is to enhance access and flexibility in pastoral education. Utilizing Design science research methodology (DSRM), the LMS was designed and developed using the Moodle platform along with various technologies such as PHP, MariaDB with MySQLi extension, HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. The performance of the Stupa LMS was evaluated through Black Box Testing based on ISO 25010 standards, focusing on pastoral ministers as the end users. The research findings indicate that this LMS has the potential to enrich spiritual experiences and enhance the effectiveness of learning for pastoral ministers at Diocese of Maumere, helping the Catholic Church address challenges in the digital era

Enhancing Laboratory Education through Collaborative Online International Learning: A Case Study between USA and UK Students

Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) has emerged in recent years as an effective and viable alternative to increase the international opportunities within taught curricula. Through recent innovations in online collaboration tools, and elevated demand for international opportunities, there has been a global increase in the development of COIL opportunities across a range of health aligned disciplines. This style of learning has been described to positively develop student’s internationality and enhance their transferable skills. However, there have been no reported COIL opportunities described in the fields of laboratory medicine and biomedicine, likely due to the emphasis on practical techniques associated with the subjects making them difficult to disseminate virtually. This study therefore aimed to develop a COIL project that incorporates practical laboratory elements and evaluates the efficacy of this teaching and learning approach. A laboratory-based COIL was developed and delivered across two days between the University of Salford, United Kingdom, and Wayne State University, United States of America. Day one was composed of asynchronous livestreamed laboratory demonstrations, micro-teaching sessions of practical activities, with day two focused on the completion of a time-dependent team-based task. The pedagogical impact of this laboratory-based COIL was evaluated through 1) pre and post surveys and 2) an overall survey utilising Likert scales to evaluate experience, transferable skill enhancement and international development. The laboratory-based COIL was well received among students with most students stating they enjoyed the session (94.1%) and learnt a lot by participating in it (94.1%). COIL learning opportunity also produced highly positive benefits to student confidence (97.1%), teamworking (100%), and communication (97.1%). Pre and Post-analysis revealed significant enhancement of students’ international medical practice knowledge (p<0.0001), cultural intelligence (p<0.0001), social initiative (P=0.0373), and work-based flexibility (P=0.0047). Further stratification based on participants’ international institution revealed significant differences in questions relating to cultural intelligence (P=0.0062) and their confidence of working with cultures unfamiliar to themselves (P=0.0390). We are the first to report that implementation of laboratory-based COIL opportunities enhances students' international, cultural and transferable competencies within medical laboratory and biomedicine education. These data suggest that practical-based COIL is an effective method for preparing students to thrive in a globalized healthcare environment

Optimizing the Temperature Sensitivity of the Isoprene Emission Model MEGAN in Different Ecosystems Using a Metropolis-Hastings Markov Chain Monte Carlo Method

Isoprene is a reactive hydrocarbon emitted to the atmosphere in large quantities by terrestrial vegetation. Annual total isoprene emissions exceed 300 Tg a−1, but emission rates vary widely among plant species and are sensitive to meteorological and environmental conditions including temperature, sunlight, and soil moisture. Due to its high reactivity, isoprene has a large impact on air quality and climate pollutants such as ozone and aerosols. It is also an important sink for the hydroxyl radical which impacts the lifetime of the important greenhouse gas methane along with many other trace gas species. Modeling the impacts of isoprene emissions on atmospheric chemistry and climate requires accurate isoprene emission estimates. These can be obtained using the empirical Model of Emissions of Gases and Aerosols from Nature (MEGAN), but the parameterization of this model is uncertain due in part to limited field observations. In this study, we use ground-based measurements of isoprene concentrations and fluxes from 11 field sites to assess the variability of the isoprene emission temperature response across ecosystems. We then use these observations in a Metropolis-Hastings Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MHMCMC) data assimilation framework to optimize the MEGAN temperature response function. We find that the performance of MEGAN can be significantly improved at several high-latitude field sites by increasing the modeled sensitivity of isoprene emissions to past temperatures. At some sites, the optimized model was nearly four times more sensitive to temperature than the unoptimized model. This has implications for air quality modeling in a warming climate

Exploring the Role of Physical Activity in Individuals with Comorbid Cancer and Dementia: A Scoping Review.

BackgroundComorbid cancer and dementia, which share common risk factors and significantly burden the healthcare system, affect a growing number of individuals, especially the ageing population. As both conditions place a substantial burden on healthcare systems and may be underdiagnosed, there is an urgent need to explore effective management strategies, including the potential benefits of physical activity, which has shown promise in mitigating cognitive decline and improving physical function in both cancer and dementia populations. This scoping review aimed to explore the current knowledge of physical activity for individuals with comorbid cancer and dementia, identifying gaps in understanding and highlighting the need for future research in this area.SummaryThis scoping review followed the 5-stage framework outlined by Arksey and O'Malley, with a focus on identifying the effects of physical activity on individuals with comorbid cancer and dementia. The review involved a comprehensive search across multiple databases, selecting relevant studies based on predefined criteria, and summarizing key findings to highlight research gaps and inform future studies. Out of 263 records identified from multiple databases, none were retained for full-text screening due to exclusions based on review articles, non-human participants, lack of comorbid cancer-dementia, and absence of a physical activity/exercise component.Key messagesThere is a significant gap in research on physical activity in individuals with comorbid cancer and dementia. Future studies are essential to explore the impact of exercise on the development and outcomes of these conditions, which could improve preventative strategies and care pathways for this growing population

Simulating Magneto-Convective Radiative Nanofluid Flow from a Non-Isothermal Rotating Cone with Heat Generation and Chemical Reaction

A computational investigation is presented for steady-state laminar boundary layer flow of a magnetized Buon-giorno nanofluid from a rotating non-isothermal conical body. Thermal convection, radiative heat transfer and mass transfer of nanoparticles are considered as are first order chemical reaction and heat generation effects. The study is motivated by emerging applications in smart functional magnetic nano-materials spin coating processes. The resilient second-order accurate implicit finite-difference Keller Box approach is used to solve the nondimensional nonlinear boundary value problem with related wall and free stream boundary constraints. Using prior special instances from literature, verification is established. Axial and tangential velocity components, temperature, and concentration distributions of nanoparticles are graphically represented for the effects of the following parameters: buoyancy ratio (Nr), magnetic interaction parameter (M), chemical reaction parameter (Kr), Brownian motion parameter (Nb), thermophoresis parameter (Nt), and Rosseland radiation parameter (R). Additionally, Nusselt number values for certain parameters and axial and tangential (circumferential) skin friction are given in tables. The novelties of the current study thus lies in the concurrent analysis of incompressible laminar steady chemically radiative magneto-convection flow, as well as heat, mass transfer of nanofluid from a rotating non-isothermal cone. Increasing Brownian motion (Nb) accelerates axial flow near the cone surface whereas it suppresses tangential velocity and nanoparticle concentration throughout the boundary layer regime and elevates temperatures. Increasing thermophoretic parameter reduces the axial velocity near the cone surface, elevates the tangential velocity, temperature and nanoparticle concentration from the wall to the free stream. Increasing positive buoyancy ratio (Nr) i.e., assisting species and thermal buoyancy forces decreases axial velocity near the cone surface, weakly enhances tangential velocity, slightly depletes temperature and elevates the nanoparticle concentration, whereas negative buoyancy ratio (opposing species and thermal buoyancy forces) produces the opposite trends. An increase in magnetic interaction parameter (M), substantially damps the axial velocity, tangential velocity, enhances temperature and suppresses nanoparticle concentration profile. An elevation in Rosseland radiation parameter (R) enhances axial velocity near the cone surface, consistently suppresses tangential velocity, elevates temperature and depletes the nanoparticle concentration. Increasing chemical reaction (Kr) strongly enhances axial velocity at all locations, weakly depleting the tangential velocity and temperature and strongly reduces the nanoparticle concentration

BioTIME 2.0: Expanding and Improving a Database of Biodiversity Time Series

Motivation: Here, we make available a second version of the BioTIME database, which compiles records of abundance estimates for species in sample events of ecological assemblages through time. The updated version expands version 1.0 of the database by doubling the number of studies and includes substantial additional curation to the taxonomic accuracy of the records, as well as the metadata. Moreover, we now provide an R package (BioTIMEr) to facilitate use of the database. Main Types of Variables Included: The database is composed of one main data table containing the abundance records and 11 metadata tables. The data are organised in a hierarchy of scales where 11,989,233 records are nested in 1,603,067 sample events, from 553,253 sampling locations, which are nested in 708 studies. A study is defined as a sampling methodology applied to an assemblage for a minimum of 2 years. Spatial Location and Grain: Sampling locations in BioTIME are distributed across the planet, including marine, terrestrial and freshwater realms. Spatial grain size and extent vary across studies depending on sampling methodology. We recommend gridding of sampling locations into areas of consistent size. Time Period and Grain: The earliest time series in BioTIME start in 1874, and the most recent records are from 2023. Temporal grain and duration vary across studies. We recommend doing sample‐level rarefaction to ensure consistent sampling effort through time before calculating any diversity metric. Major Taxa and Level of Measurement: The database includes any eukaryotic taxa, with a combined total of 56,400 taxa. Software Format: csv and. SQL