Trajectory of health-related quality of life during and after hospitalisation due to worsening of heart failure

This study aimed to examine the trajectory in health-related quality of life (HRQoL) during and after hospitalisation for worsening of heart failure (HF) in Malaysia. 200 patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) admitted into two hospitals in Malaysia due to worsening of HF were surveyed using the EQ-5D-5 L questionnaire. The primary outcomes were utility values at admission, discharge and 1-month post-discharge (1MPD). Secondary outcomes included the visual analogue scores (VAS) and the proportion of patients reporting each EQ-5D-5 L dimension levels. Missing data were imputed using multiple imputation, and generalised linear mixed models were fitted. At admission, the unadjusted mean utility values and VAS scores for HFrEF patients in Malaysia were as low as 0.150 ± 0.393 and 38.2 ± 20.8, respectively. After a median hospital stay of 4 days, there was a significant improvement in utility values and VAS scores by 0.510 (95% CI: 0.455-0.564) and 28.8 (95% CI: 25.5-32.1), respectively. The utility value and VAS score at 1-month post-discharge were not significantly different from discharge. The proportion of HFrEF patients reporting problems and severe problems in mobility, self-care, usual activities, and anxiety/depression, pain/discomfort reduced at varying degree from admission to discharge and 1MPD. HF is a progressive condition with substantial variation in HRQoL during the disease trajectory. During hospitalisation due to worsening of HF, HFrEF population has unfavourable HRQoL. Rapid and significant HRQoL improvement was observed at discharge, which sustained over one month. The study findings can inform future cost-effectiveness analyses and policies

Methodological reflections on tracing networked images

Purpose: Many scholars highlight a need for reflexive methodological accounts to support visual research. Therefore, this paper offers detailed reflection on the methods involved in tracing and analysing 248 commercial images of entrepreneurship. This account supports our published work examining entrepreneurial masculinities and femininities, which conceptualised the gendering of entrepreneurial aesthetics, and proposed the significance of image networks in the reproduction of neoliberal ideals. Design/Methodology/Approach:Now based on further methodological reflexivity we offer insights on both the possibilities and challenges of tracing networked images by reviewing four methodological complexities: reflexive engagement with online images; working with and across platforms; tracing as a potentially never-ending process; and montage approaches to analysis. Findings: Our account focuses on a specific form of imagery – commercial images – on a certain representation – the gendered entrepreneur – and on a particular complex site of encounter – online. This work mapped a visual repertoire of gendered entrepreneurship online by tracing visual constructions of entrepreneurial masculinity and femininity. In this paper we open the methodological ‘black box’ of our study and explain our belief that methodological advances can only be built through exposing our working practice. Originality: Through our detailed reflective account we aim to open discussions to aid development and use of complex visual methods online

Oxygen isotope dendrochronology allows dating of historical timbers across a wide geographical region

We explore the applicability and geographic reach of two northwest European stable oxygen isotope (δ18O) chronologies for the precision dating of annually resolved δ18O series developed from late 15th-century oak (Quercus sp.) roof timbers from St. James’ Church in Bruges, Belgium. In doing so this study assesses ring-width dendrochronology and provenance analysis alongside oxygen isotope dendrochronology in Belgium and its surrounding regions.The δ18O-series of the historical timbers display a high internal coherence, allowing the construction of a mean isotope series (1325 to 1468 CE). Cross-dating against master chronologies for Central England, U.K. and Fontainebleau, France, provide reliable matches that surpass statistical thresholds and quality control measures, corroborating the dating results obtained from conventional ring-width dating.Oxygen stable isotope dendrochronology emerges as a valuable tool for precise dating of historical timber structures. This pilot study demonstrates the applicability of existing reference chronologies beyond their core regions and underscores its significance in cultural heritage studies. Despite the demanding nature of the technique in terms of time and expertise, the potential benefits warrant continued investment in expanding the temporal and geographic coverage of well-replicated oxygen isotope reference chronologies

Route Planning Process by the Endangered Black Lion Tamarin in Different Environmental Contexts

Daily, primates take a variety of decisions to establish why, when, and where to move. However, little is known about the factors influencing and shaping primate daily routes. We investigated the decision-making processes linked to route planning in four groups of black lion tamarins (BLT—Leontopithecus chrysopygus). We studied these endangered platyrrhines within four distinct environmental contexts across their natural distribution (i.e., a continuous forest, a 500-ha forest fragment, a 100-ha forest fragment, and a riparian forest). We used the Change Point Test to identify the points of significant direction change (CPs), which can be considered travel goals along BLT daily trajectories and are key components of travel planning. Considering the high importance of fruits and gum in BLT's diet, we predicted that feeding trees would be the main factor shaping their paths (feeding CPs-FCPs). Also, given previous evidence that platyrrhines use landmarks (i.e., characteristic features from the terrain) as nodes in route network systems (i.e., points of intersection connecting habitual route segments), we expected part of CPs to be located close to the intersection points and to be associated with “locomotion” behavior (LCPs). Analyzing 61 daily paths in four forest fragments, our results showed that BLTs planned routes to reach feeding trees, which primarily determined path orientation. As hypothesized, locomotion was the most frequent behavior observed in CPs, but only in the continuous and riparian forests, with LCPs located as close to intersections as FCPs. Interestingly, these two areas presented the most extreme values (i.e., higher and lower values, respectively) in terms of used area, richness of resources and distances traveled between fruit-feeding trees. Our results suggest that BLTs plan daily routes conditional on the environmental context to reach travel goals, likely to maximize route efficiency to reach out of sight feeding trees

Conceptualising Programming Language Semantics

The semantics of programming languages tend to be discussed with high levels of formality; much of the previous research—both philosophical and historical—has investigated them from this perspective. In this paper, I draw on the philosophical and cognitive theories of metaphor and use the early work of Adriaan van Wijngaarden as a historical case study to explore the conceptual and discursive surroundings of semantics. I investigate the relationships between the texts of semantics, the abstract entities they denote, and the metaphors, analogies, and illustrative language used to accompany or explain the same. This serves to further understanding of the historical developments of work in this area, the nature of programming languages and their semantics, and the importance of the communicative methods used in dissemination and education of computer science

How to get physiologically relevant data with students using <i>Lumbriculus variegatus</i>

The decline of in vivo teaching in higher education has resulted in graduates lacking essential experimental skills. To address this gap, we present an easy and cost-effective practical class using the emerging invertebrate model organism Lumbriculus variegatus as an additional in vivo model for education. This practical class enables students to observe the effects of pharmacologically active compounds on the stereotypical behaviors of body reversal and helical swimming in L. variegatus through tactile stimulation. During this class, students will conduct drug dilution calculations, administer test compounds, and conduct an in vivo behavioral experiment. Results from this class demonstrate drug effects in vivo and enable students to observe reversible or irreversible behavioral effects, depending on the compound tested. This class demonstrates L. variegatus as a model for hands-on in vivo teaching, providing students with critical laboratory experience without the need for vertebrate or higher-order mammal models. Furthermore, the approach outlined here is scalable and an adaptable teaching methodology that enhances student engagement with in vivo teaching without costly equipment or complex animal husbandry

High Streets Task Force Post-Programme: Technical Data

The High Streets Task Force (HSTF) was established in 2019 by the Ministry for Housing, Communities, and Local Government to provide essential tools and expertise to local authorities for revitalising high streets in England. This report, authored by the project team at Manchester Metropolitan University and Cardiff University, documents the approach taken by the HSTF to monitor and evaluate its interventions. Aims and Objectives The primary aim of this report is to explain how the HSTF operated and to document the full approach taken to monitoring and evaluation (M&E). The objectives include: 1. Detailing the operational model: To provide a clear understanding of the HSTF's structure, governance, and the roles of various consortium partners. 1. Summarising research and data utilised: To outline the underpinning research, methodologies, and data sources used by the HSTF. 2. Evaluating interventions: To assess the success of various interventions through qualitative and quantitative data, documenting both process and outcome evaluations. 3. Providing method and analysis for legacy and recommendations. To show how insights that will inform future policy and practice in high street management and regeneration have been generated. This report is designed to be read in conjunction with the Findings report, which summarises the results and provides additional insight and interpretation

High Streets Task Force Post-Programme: Findings

The High Streets Task Force (HSTF) was commissioned as an innovative response to the growing challenges facing the England’s high streets and town centres. Commissioned in 2019 by the Ministry of Housing, Communities, and Local Government, the HSTF was a consortium of thirteen partners, led by the Institute of Place Management at Manchester Metropolitan University. It was designed to bring together world-class research, expert knowledge, and targeted support to revitalise high streets across England. High streets have long been at the heart of local communities, yet they have faced significant disruption due to changing consumer behaviour, the rise of online shopping, and, more recently, the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Against this backdrop, the HSTF was created to tackle these complex challenges by empowering local authorities and communities with the tools, strategies, and expertise they need to drive sustainable high street regeneration. Process evaluation Tender compliance - HSTF successfully developed 91% of the products and services promised in the original tender. The adjustments due to COVID-19 introduced additional flexibility, such as shifting to online delivery and running more regular meetings with project partners and government, to provide evidence and insight for pandemic-focussed policy. Project timeframes - The project faced delays due to COVID-19, and other factors, which doubled delivery time. The average time to complete the program was 16-18 months, excluding the 6-month COVID-19 pause. To mitigate this, a 3-month extension was agreed upon in January 2024, resulting in a new project end date of September 30th, 2024. This extension allowed 135 local authorities to complete their support journeys, with 99% of products delivered by the end of September 2024. Satisfaction and product delivery - Most products scored between 4.25 and 4.45 on a 5-point scale, indicating that participants were satisfied or very satisfied. Outcome evaluation Success of expert recommendations - 79% of the recommendations made by HSTF experts were acted on by places, with restructuring of governance (39%) and reinventing activities (26%) being the most common. The Place Making Programme was the highest-rated initiative of the HSTF. Across England, 40 multi-sectoral workshops were conducted, with 532 participants giving the programme an impressive rating of 4.45 out of 5. For many attendees, it marked the first occasion where passionate place makers from diverse backgrounds came together. While the initial stages involved some challenges, including navigating differing viewpoints, these were effectively addressed. Thanks to expert facilitation, the workshops concluded with a shared understanding of the issues at hand and a clear action plan. This plan included a set of quick wins and was collectively owned by the group, ensuring commitment to its implementation.   Impact evaluation Impact on Local Authorities - From a sample of 80 local authorities that have completed the HSTF journey, 79% demonstrated increased capacity, but most of this capacity came from improvements in internal (67%) and external collaboration (59%), rather than partnership development, or the creation of new place management roles (6%) or place-based partnerships (14%). Statistical analysis revealed a significant relationship between the amount of HSTF support a local authority received and the level of capacity-building achieved, indicating that more intensive support (in the form of more HSTF products and interventions) was associated with higher capacity outcomes in local authorities. Legacy evaluation Despite the challenges of the pandemic the HSTF had a significant impact on policy, practice, and public perceptions and has uncovered some key challenges for future policy. • Partnerships and governance: HSTF demonstrated the benefits of effective place partnerships that leverage capacity and capability from the business and community sectors outside the local authority. • Place leadership and management capacity: The HSTF programme took an average of 453 days to complete, compared to the expected 270 days, with more deprived areas experiencing longer delays. These delays were primarily due to a lack of staff resources to engage with the programme. • Youth engagement: Young people were significantly underrepresented in high street transformation efforts, pointing to a need for far more inclusive engagement strategies to involve young people in place decision making. Only 1% of stakeholders invited to attend the Unlocking Your Place Potential meetings were under the age of 25. • High street experience and identity: Across England, the HSTF found high streets that had lost their purpose. Unattractive and unappealing, the HSTF initiative focused on implementing quick wins, enhancing the public realm, fostering local events and activities, and improving branding, marketing, and communications. Through implementing visible changes, and fostering a stronger sense of identity, the HSTF programme has showed high streets can become vibrant hubs for both community life and business activity. Conclusion and recommendations The High Street Task Force has had a demonstrable and positive impact on the revitalisation of England’s high streets. It has shown how a collaborative and structured approach to high street regeneration, underpinned by high quality research and independent assessment and advice, can lead to improvements in capacity, capability as well as high street performance. Four key areas—investing in place management and leadership, building inclusive partnerships, improving the high street experience, and fostering place leadership and hyperlocal governance structures —represent the inputs and activities that can lead to transformative outcomes for high streets, and which future policies should encourage