Running a Production Grid Site at the London e-Science Centre

This paper describes how the London e-Science Centre cluster MARS, a production 400+ Opteron CPU cluster, was integrated into the production Large Hadron Collider Compute Grid. It describes the practical issues that we encountered when deploying and maintaining this system, and details the techniques that were applied to resolve them. Finally, we provide a set of recommendations based on our experiences for grid software development in general that we believe would make the technology more accessible. © 2006 IEEE

Self-regulated learning skill as a predictor of mathematics achievement: a focus on ability levels

This paper investigated self-regulated learning skills as a predictor of students’ achievement in mathematics based on ability level. The study is prediction-design research of correlational type. The subjects were 882 SSII students from the secondary schools in Owerri Education Zone of Imo State. The researchers adopted the multi-stage but simple random sampling technique to draw the sample. Two instruments were used to collect data for this study. They are the Self-regulated Learning Questionnaire (SRLQ) and Mathematics Achievement Proforma. The validity of the instruments was ensured through experts’ suggestions and guidance. Single-administration reliability and Cronbach Alpha ensured the reliability of SRLQ (0.89). The data collected were analyzed using regression analysis and coefficient of determination at 0.05 alpha level with the aid of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20. The results of the study revealed that self-regulated learning skill predicts 6.0% and 4.3% respectively to the variance observed in high and low achieving students in mathematics. This prediction is significant as attested to by the regression analysis carried out (p < 0.05). Therefore, secondary school students should regulate their learning to increase their mathematics achievement

Domain-specific metadata for model validation and performance optimisation

Domain-specific metadata for model validation and performance optimisation

Systematic review of the health-related quality of life issues facing adolescents and young adults with cancer

PURPOSE: For adolescents and young adults (AYAs), the impact of a cancer diagnosis and subsequent treatment is likely to be distinct from other age groups given the unique and complex psychosocial challenges of this developmental phase. In this review of the literature, we report the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) issues experienced by AYAs diagnosed with cancer and undergoing treatment. METHODS: MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsychINFO and the Cochrane Library Databases were searched for publications reporting HRQoL of AYAs. Issues generated from interviews with AYAs or from responses to patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) were extracted. RESULTS: 166 papers were reviewed in full and comprised 72 papers covering 69 primary studies, 49 measurement development or evaluation papers and 45 reviews. Of the 69 studies reviewed, 11 (16%) used interviews to elicit AYAs’ descriptions of HRQoL issues. The majority of the PROMs used in the studies represent adaptations of paediatric or adult measures. HRQoL issues were organised into the following categories: physical, cognitive, restricted activities, relationships with others, fertility, emotions, body image and spirituality/outlook on life. CONCLUSION: The HRQoL issues presented within this review are likely to be informative to health care professionals and AYAs. The extensive list of issues suggests that the impact of a cancer diagnosis and treatment during adolescence and young adulthood is widespread and reflects the complexities of this developmental phase

The public health impact of loneliness during the COVID-19 pandemic

Background: Social distancing measures have been effective in mitigating the spread of COVID-19; however, they have imposed a significant burden on population mental health and well-being. This study aimed to identify factors associated with loneliness during the COVID-19 pandemic, and to describe the relationship between loneliness and the risk of worsening health outcomes and behaviours. Methods: Data for 8,960 adults were drawn from a national cross-sectional survey undertaken in Wales between January and June 2021. Participants self-reported changes to health and behaviour since the start of the pandemic. Logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with loneliness, and the impact of loneliness on self-reported changes in physical health, physical fitness, mental health, weight, alcohol consumption and social relations in comparison with pre-pandemic experiences. Results: Groups most at risk of loneliness were those aged < 35 years, women (odds ratio [95% confidence interval]: 1.86 [1.70–2.05]), those with chronic health conditions (1.43 [1.29–1.58]) and the unemployed (2.18 [1.76–2.70]). Loneliness was a strong predictor of worsening health outcomes and behaviours, with those reporting often feeling lonely being at increased odds of worsening physical health (3.29 [2.80–3.86]), physical fitness (2.22 [1.90–2.60]), mental health (8.33 [6.95–9.99]), weight (1.39 [1.19–1.62]), alcohol consumption (1.37 [1.12,-1.66]) and social relations (2.45 [2.07–2.89]) during the pandemic. Conclusion: This study established an association between loneliness and self-reported worsening health during the pandemic, and identified factors increasing the risk of loneliness. The effect that social control measures have on loneliness should influence the design of future public health policy

Effect of ferric carboxymaltose on calculated plasma volume status and clinical congestion: a FAIR‐HF substudy

Iron deficiency worsens symptoms, quality of life, and exercise capacity in chronic heart failure (CHF) and might do so by promoting fluid retention. We assessed whether iron repletion improved congestion in CHF and appraised the prognostic utility of calculated plasma volume status (PVS), a novel index of congestion, in the FAIR‐HF data set. Methods and results In FAIR‐HF, 459 iron deficient CHF patients were randomized to intravenous ferric carboxymaltose (FCM) or saline and assessed at 4, 12, and 24 weeks. Using weight and haematocrit, we calculated PVS in 436 patients. At baseline, PVS and weight were −5.5 ± 7.7% and 76.9 ± 14.3 kg, with peripheral oedema evident in 35% of subjects. Higher PVS values correlated to other congestion surrogates such as lower serum albumin. At 4 weeks, FCM was associated with greater reductions in weight (0.02) and PVS (P −4% at baseline predicted worse outcomes even after adjustment for treatment assignment (hazard ratio 1.88, 95% confidence interval 1.01-3.51, 0.046). Conclusions Intravenous iron therapy with FCM is associated with early reductions in PVS and weight, implying that decongestion might be one mechanism via which iron repletion aids CHF patients. Calculated PVS is of prognostic utility in this cohort

Estimating the Value of New Antimicrobials in the Context of Antimicrobial Resistance: Development and Application of a Dynamic Disease Transmission Model

Objectives Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) represents a significant threat to patient and population health. The study aim was to develop and validate a model of AMR that defines and quantifies the value of new antibiotics. Methods A dynamic disease transmission and cost-effectiveness model of AMR consisting of three components (disease transmission, treatment pathway and optimisation) was developed to evaluate the health economic value of new antibiotics. The model is based on the relationship between AMR, antimicrobial availability and consumption. Model analysis explored the impact of different antibiotic treatment strategies on the development of AMR, patient and population estimates of health benefit, across three common treatment indications and pathogens in the UK. Results Population-level resistance to existing antimicrobials was estimated to increase from 10.3 to 16.1% over 10 years based on current antibiotic availability and consumption. In comparison, the diversified use of a new antibiotic was associated with significant reduction in AMR (12.8% vs. 16.1%) and quality-adjusted life year (QALY) gains at a patient (7.7–10.3, dependent on antimicrobial efficacy) and population level (3657–8197, dependent on antimicrobial efficacy and the prevalence of AMR). Validation across several real-world data sources showed that the model output does not tend to systematically under- or over-estimate observed data. Conclusions The development of new antibiotics and the appropriate use of existing antibiotics are key to addressing the threat of AMR. This study presents a validated model that quantifies the value of new antibiotics through clinical and economic outcomes of relevance, and accounts for disease transmission of infection and development of AMR. In this context, the model may be a useful tool that could contribute to the decision-making process alongside other potential models and expert advice

Health Problems and Health Seeking Behaviour of Hospital Cleaners in a Tertiary Health Facility in South West Nigeria

This study aimed to determine the prevalent health problems and also investigate the health seeking behavior among hospital cleaners of Federal Medical Center, Owo, Ondo State. Nigeria. A cross-sectional study of 249 hospital cleaning staff was conducted. Semi-structured interviewer administered questionnaires were used to obtain information. Descriptive statistics were done and associations were explored with the chi square test at 5% level of significance. The mean age of respondent was 34 ±7 years, 142(57.0%) attended secondary school. The workplace health problems of the cleaning staff in the month preceding the study included low back pains 63.1%, muscular and joint pains 38.6% and skin rashes 14.9%, 15.7% had eye problems. The chronic health problems reported among the cleaners were hypertension 5.6%, asthma (0.8%) and epilepsy (0.4%). Some ( 3.2%) of the respondents did not seek healthcare at FMC, Owo because they felt they were not being cared for while 3.6% believed they were healthy and others 4.4% believed the services were too expensive. Like other health workers, hospital cleaners as shown in this study, also have health needs which must be met. Services of the hospital can be made available to the cleaners at subsidized costs. DOI: 10.5901/ajis.2014.v3n6p18

Toward an economy of wellbeing: The economic impact of the Welsh healthcare sector

Population health and wellbeing is both a result, as well as a driver, of economic development and prosperity on global, European, national and sub-national (local) levels. Wales, one of the four United Kingdom (UK) nations, has shown a long-term commitment to sustainable development and achieving prosperity for all, providing a good example of both national and sub-national level, which can be useful for other European countries and regions. In this paper, the economic importance of the healthcare sector to the Welsh economy is explored. We use a large number of data sources for the UK and Welsh economy to derive an economic model for 2017. We estimate output, income, employment, value-added, and import multipliers of the healthcare sector. Results suggest that the healthcare sector has an above average contribution in four explored economic aspects of the Welsh economy (output, income, employment, value-added), according to its impact on the surrounding economic ecosystem. Also, it is below average regarding leaking through imports. The multipliers' values offer empirical evidence when deciding on alternative policy actions. Such actions can be used as a stimulus for encouraging regional development and post-COVID economic recovery. Our study refers to the Welsh healthcare sector's economic impact as a whole. Therefore, we suggest investigating the economic impact of individual healthcare providers in the future

Regional trajectories in life expectancy and lifespan variation: Persistent inequality in two Nordic welfare states

An important dimension of inequality in mortality is regional variation. However, studies that investigate regional mortality patterns within and between national and regional borders are rare. We carry out a comparative study of Finland and Sweden: two welfare states that share many attributes, with one exception being their mortality trajectories. Although Finland has risen rapidly in the global life expectancy rankings, Sweden has lost its historical place among the top 10. Using individual‐level register data, we study regional trends in life expectancy and lifespan variation by sex. Although all regions, in both countries, have experienced substantial improvements in life expectancy and lifespan inequality from 1990–2014, considerable differences between regions have remained unchanged, suggesting the existence of persistent inequality. In particular, Swedish‐speaking regions in Finland have maintained their mortality advantage over Finnish‐speaking regions. Nevertheless, there is some evidence of convergence between the regions of Finland and Sweden