Infective Native Aortic Aneurysms : A Delphi Consensus Document on Terminology, Definition, Classification, Diagnosis, and Reporting Standards

Publisher Copyright: © 2022 The Author(s)Objective: There is no consensus regarding the terminology, definition, classification, diagnostic criteria, and algorithm, or reporting standards for the disease of infective native aortic aneurysm (INAA), previously known as mycotic aneurysm. The aim of this study was to establish this by performing a consensus study. Methods: The Delphi methodology was used. Thirty-seven international experts were invited via mail to participate. Four two week Delphi rounds were performed, using an online questionnaire, initially with 22 statements and nine reporting items. The panellists rated the statements on a five point Likert scale. Comments on statements were analysed, statements revised, and results presented in iterative rounds. Consensus was defined as ≥ 75% of the panel selecting “strongly agree” or “agree” on the Likert scale, and consensus on the final assessment was defined as Cronbach's alpha coefficient > .80. Results: All 38 panellists completed all four rounds, resulting in 100% participation and agreement that this study was necessary, and the term INAA was agreed to be optimal. Three more statements were added based on the results and comments of the panel, resulting in a final 25 statements and nine reporting items. All 25 statements reached an agreement of ≥ 87%, and all nine reporting items reached an agreement of 100%. The Cronbach's alpha increased for each consecutive round (round 1 = .84, round 2 = .87, round 3 = .90, and round 4 = .92). Thus, consensus was reached for all statements and reporting items. Conclusion: This Delphi study established the first consensus document on INAA regarding terminology, definition, classification, diagnostic criteria, and algorithm, as well as reporting standards. The results of this study create essential conditions for scientific research on this disease. The presented consensus will need future amendments in accordance with newly acquired knowledge.Peer reviewe

Reducing Alaska Native paediatric oral health disparities: a systematic review of oral health interventions and a case study on multilevel strategies to reduce sugar-sweetened beverage intake

Background. Tooth decay is the most common paediatric disease and there is a serious paediatric tooth decay epidemic in Alaska Native communities. When untreated, tooth decay can lead to pain, infection, systemic health problems, hospitalisations and in rare cases death, as well as school absenteeism, poor grades and low quality-of-life. The extent to which population-based oral health interventions have been conducted in Alaska Native paediatric populations is unknown. Objective. To conduct a systematic review of oral health interventions aimed at Alaska Native children below age 18 and to present a case study and conceptual model on multilevel intervention strategies aimed at reducing sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) intake among Alaska Native children. Design. Based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) Statement, the terms “Alaska Native”, “children” and “oral health” were used to search Medline, Embase, Web of Science, GoogleScholar and health foundation websites (1970–2012) for relevant clinical trials and evaluation studies. Results. Eighty-five studies were found in Medline, Embase and Web of Science databases and there were 663 hits in GoogleScholar. A total of 9 publications were included in the qualitative review. These publications describe 3 interventions that focused on: reducing paediatric tooth decay by educating families and communities; providing dental chemotherapeutics to pregnant women; and training mid-level dental care providers. While these approaches have the potential to improve the oral health of Alaska Native children, there are unique challenges regarding intervention acceptability, reach and sustainability. A case study and conceptual model are presented on multilevel strategies to reduce SSB intake among Alaska Native children. Conclusions. Few oral health interventions have been tested within Alaska Native communities. Community-centred multilevel interventions are promising approaches to improve the oral and systemic health of Alaska Native children. Future investigators should evaluate the feasibility of implementing multilevel interventions and policies within Alaska Native communities as a way to reduce children's health disparities

Public, private and personal: Qualitative research on policymakers' opinions on smokefree interventions to protect children in 'private' spaces

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Governments use law to constrain aspects of private activities for purposes of protecting health and social wellbeing. Policymakers have a range of perceptions and beliefs about what is public or private. An understanding of the possible drivers of policymaker decisions about where government can or should intervene for health is important, as one way to better guide appropriate policy formation. Our aim was to identify obstacles to, and opportunities for, government smokefree regulation of private and public spaces to protect children. In particular, to seek policymaker opinions on the regulation of smoking in homes, cars and public parks and playgrounds in a country with incomplete smokefree laws (New Zealand).</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Case study, using structured interviews to ask policymakers (62 politicians and senior officials) about their opinions on new smokefree legislation for public and private places. Supplementary data was obtained from the Factiva media database, on the views of New Zealand local authority councillors about policies for smokefree outdoor public places.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Overall, interviewees thought that government regulation of smoking in private places was impractical and unwise. However, there were some differences on what <it>was </it>defined as 'private', particularly for cars. Even in public parks, smoking was seen by some as a 'personal' decision, and unlikely to be amenable to regulation. Most participants believed that educative, supportive and community-based measures were better and more practical means of reducing smoking in private places, compared to regulation.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>The constrained view of the role of regulation of smoking in public and private domains may be in keeping with current political discourse in New Zealand and similar Anglo-American countries. Policy and advocacy options to promote additional smokefree measures include providing a better voice for childrens' views, increasing information to policymakers about the harms to children from secondhand smoke and the example of adult smoking, and changing the culture for smoking around children.</p

Biology and conservation of freshwater bivalves : past, present and future perspectives

Freshwater bivalves have been highly threatened by human activities, and recently their global decline has been causing conservational and social concern. In this paper, we review the most important research events in freshwater bivalve biology calling attention to the main scientific achievements. A great bias exists in the research effort, with much more information available for bivalve species belonging to the Unionida in comparison to other groups. The same is true for the origin of these studies, since the publishing pattern does not always correspond to the hotspots of biodiversity but is concentrated in the northern hemisphere mainly in North America, Europe and Russia, with regions such as Africa and Southeast Asia being quite understudied. We also summarize information about past, present and future perspectives concerning the most important research topics that include taxonomy, systematics, anatomy, physiology, ecology and conservation of freshwater bivalves. Finally, we introduce the articles published in this Hydrobiologia special issue related with the International Meeting on Biology and Conservation of Freshwater Bivalves held in 2012 in Braganc¸a, Portugal.We would like to express our gratitude to our sponsors and institutions, especially to the Polytechnic Institute of Braganca for all the logistic support. We acknowledge all keynote speakers, authors, session chairpersons and especially to all attendees whose contributions were fundamental for the success of this meeting. We would also like to thank all referees of this special issue and to Koen Martens, Editor-in-Chief of Hydrobiologia, for all the valuable comments and suggestions. The chronogram was built with the help of the expert opinion of fellow colleagues Rafael Araujo, Arthur Bogan, Kevin Cummings, Dan Graf, Wendell Haag, Karl-Otto Nagel and David Strayer to whom we are very grateful. The authors acknowledge the support provided by Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) and COMPETE funds-projects CONBI (Contract: PTDC/AAC-AMB/117688/2010) and ECO-IAS (Contract: PTDC/AAC-AMB/116685/2010), and by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) through the COMPETE, under the project "PEst-C/MAR/LA0015/2011"

The Evolution of Virtual Reality: A Historical Perspective

DOI: 10.17605/OSF.IO/H3BQP The Evolution of Virtual Reality: A Historical Perspective. Dr. Sivarethinamohan R, Associate Professor, Department of Professional Studies, Christ University, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India. ORCID iD: 0000-0003-1918-8931 Abstract: Virtual reality (VR) technology has progressed significantly since its inception in the 1960s. Beginning with Ivan Sutherland's invention of the first head-mounted display in the 1960s, this article provides a historical perspective on the evolution of virtual reality. The article describes significant developments in the evolution of VR technology, including the DataGlove by VPL Research and the Sega VR headset. The article also examines the technological advancements in virtual reality in the 21st century, including Palmer Luckey's creation of the Oculus Rift and its applications in healthcare, education, and entertainment. VR has enormous potential, and as technology advances, we can anticipate even more innovative applications of this technology. Keywords: Virtual Reality, VR, Historical Perspective, Evolution, Healthcare, Education, Entertainment, Immersion, Interaction. Spanish: La tecnología de realidad virtual (VR) ha avanzado significativamente desde su creación en la década de 1960. A partir de la invención del primer display montado en la cabeza por Ivan Sutherland en los años 60, este artículo ofrece una perspectiva histórica sobre la evolución de la realidad virtual. El artículo describe desarrollos significativos en la evolución de la tecnología VR, como el DataGlove de VPL Research y el casco Sega VR. También examina los avances tecnológicos en realidad virtual del siglo XXI, incluyendo la creación del Oculus Rift por Palmer Luckey y sus aplicaciones en cuidados de salud, educación y entretenimiento. La VR tiene un enorme potencial y, a medida que la tecnología avanza, podemos anticipar aún más aplicaciones innovadoras de esta tecnología. Palabras clave: Realidad Virtual, VR, Perspectiva Histórica, Evolución, Cuidado de la Salud, Educación, Entretenimiento, Inmersión, Interacción. Introduction: Since its inception in the 1960s, virtual reality (VR) technology has advanced dramatically. Ivan Sutherland invented the first head-mounted display (HMD) in 1968, but it was cumbersome and expensive. In the 1980s, the military and NASA began using virtual reality (VR) for training purposes, and VPL Research introduced DataGlove, which enabled users to interact with virtual objects using hand gestures. In the 1990s, SEGA released the Sega VR headset for home use, but technical problems plagued it, and it quickly pulled from the market. VR technology has advanced significantly in recent years. In 2010, Palmer Luckey created the Oculus Rift, the first virtual reality headset designed specifically for gaming, paving the way for the current generation of VR headsets. Several industries, such as healthcare, education, and entertainment, have implemented VR technology. VR is used in healthcare for pain management, surgical training, and rehabilitation, among other applications. In the education sector, VR is used for immersive learning experiences and simulations, while in the entertainment sector, VR is used for gaming and virtual experiences. VR's potential to revolutionise how we interact with digital content is one of its most alluring characteristics. Users can interact with digital content more naturally and intuitively than traditional interfaces such as computer monitors and touchscreens. In architecture and design, architects and designers can create immersive 3D models of their designs using virtual reality. Virtual reality improves mental health by providing a safe, regulated environment for exposure therapy and anxiety disorder treatment. Immersive and interactive learning environments can ultimately transform education. The development of virtual reality has been a fascinating journey with limitless potential. We can anticipate even more impressive VR applications as hardware and software advance. VR can transform how we interact with digital content, collaborate with others, design spaces, treat mental disorders, and learn. Early Developments of Virtual Reality: The history of virtual reality technology dates back to the 1960s. In 1968, computer scientist Ivan Sutherland developed the first head-mounted display (HMD), also known as the "Sword of Damocles." It was a significant technological advancement that allowed users to experience a basic form of virtual reality, despite the device's size and cost. Virtual reality gained popularity in the 1980s as new hardware and software were developed. The military and NASA began utilising VR for training purposes, and the technology's potential became apparent. 1985 saw the introduction of DataGlove by Jaron Lanier's company, VPL Research, which allowed users to interact with virtual objects using hand gestures. This was a significant step forward in the evolution of virtual reality. In the 1990s, virtual reality (VR) technology expanded. The Sega VR headset was released commercially by SEGA in 1991, but it was plagued by technical issues and quickly withdrawn from the market. Nevertheless, it was a significant development in the evolution of virtual reality. Virtual Boy, a portable gaming console released by Nintendo in 1995, featured a red monochrome display that created the illusion of three dimensions. It was not commercially successful, but it was an essential step in developing portable VR technology. Due to films such as The Lawnmower Man and The Matrix, the entertainment industry developed an interest in virtual reality technology in the late 1990s. This increased awareness and interest in virtual reality technology. Through their innovations and breakthroughs, the early pioneers of virtual reality technology, such as Ivan Sutherland and Jaron Lanier, paved the way for today's highly advanced and sophisticated VR technology. Advancements in the 21st Century: The history of virtual reality (VR) dates back to the 1960s when Ivan Sutherland created the first head-mounted display (HMD). Since then, virtual reality (VR) technology has rapidly advanced, and in recent years, it has been utilised extensively across numerous industries. The development of the Oculus Rift by Palmer Luckey in 2010 was a significant breakthrough that led to the current generation of virtual reality (VR) headsets. In healthcare, virtual reality is used for pain management, surgical training, and rehabilitation. In education, virtual reality is used for immersive learning experiences and simulations. The entertainment industry utilises virtual reality for gaming and virtual experiences such as virtual travel and concerts. Also, VR technology, architecture, engineering, and construction have provided clients and stakeholders with a more immersive and interactive experience. Social VR has been implemented for teamwork, socialisation, and therapy, allowing individuals with social anxiety to practise social situations in a safe setting. Virtual reality (VR) technology can be combined with other technologies, such as augmented reality (AR) and artificial intelligence (AI), to create mixed reality, enabling users to interact with virtual and real-world objects. AI can be used to create more responsive and realistic virtual environments, resulting in more individualised and adaptable learning environments. The development of virtual reality (VR) technology has spawned numerous opportunities and applications in various industries, thereby transforming how we interact with the world. As new opportunities are created, and the world continues to evolve, the future of VR technology combined with other emerging technologies will be fascinating to observe. Conclusion: Since the 1960s, virtual reality has advanced significantly. Virtual reality (VR) has become a valuable tool for various industries due to the development of new hardware and software that has enabled greater immersion and interactivity. VR has tremendous potential, and as the technology continues to advance, we will likely see even more innovative uses of this technology in the future. References: Ambrosio, A. P., &amp; Fidalgo, M. I. R. (2020). Past, present and future of Virtual Reality: Analysis of its technological variables and definitions. Culture &amp; History Digital Journal, 9(1), e010-e010. Anthes, C., García-Hernández, R. J., Wiedemann, M., &amp; Kranzlmüller, D. (2016, March). State of the art of virtual reality technology. In 2016 IEEE aerospace conference (pp. 1-19). IEEE. Balzerkiewitz, H. P., &amp; Stechert, C. (2020, May). The evolution of virtual reality towards the usage in early design phases. In Proceedings of the Design Society: DESIGN Conference (Vol. 1, p Biocca, F., &amp; Levy, M. R. (1995). Virtual reality as a communication system. Communication in the age of virtual reality, 15-31.p. 91-100). Cambridge University Press. Coleman, J., Nduka, C. C., &amp; Darzi, A. (1994). Virtual reality and laparoscopic surgery. Journal of British Surgery, 81(12), 1709-1711. Lawson, G., Salanitri, D., &amp; Waterfield, B. (2016). Future directions for the development of virtual reality within an automotive manufacturer. Applied ergonomics, 53, 323-330. Mandal, S. (2013). Brief introduction of virtual reality &amp; its challenges. International Journal of Scientific &amp; Engineering Research, 4(4), 304-309. Standen, P. J., &amp; Brown, D. J. (2006). Virtual reality and its role in removing the barriers that turn cognitive impairments into intellectual disability. Virtual Reality, 10, 241-252. Stone, R. J. (2001, July). Haptic feedback: A brief history from telepresence to virtual reality. In Haptic Human-Computer Interaction: First International Workshop Glasgow, UK, August 31—September 1, 2000 Proceedings (pp. 1-16). Berlin, Heidelberg: Springer Berlin Heidelberg. Schmitt, P. J., Agarwal, N., &amp; Prestigiacomo, C. J. (2012). From planes to brains: parallels between military development of virtual reality environments and virtual neurological surgery. World neurosurgery, 78(3-4), 214-219. Yoh, M. S. (2001, October). The reality of virtual reality. In Proceedings seventh international conference on virtual systems and multimedia (pp. 666-674). IEEE. Ramsey, E. (2017). Virtual Wolverhampton: Recreating the historic city in virtual reality. ArchNet-IJAR: International Journal of Architectural Research, 11(3), 42-57. Slater, M. (2017). Immersion and the illusion of presence in virtual reality. British Journal of Psychology, 108(3), 1-18. Sutherland, I. E. (1968). A head-mounted three-dimensional display. Proceedings of the December 9-11, 1968, fall joint computer conference, part I, 757-764

Sustainability Packaging: A Buyer’s Perspective In Urban Bengaluru

ABSTRACT Sustainable packaging, in its essence, ensures that the waste eliminated in the production of any product is reduced. Such packaging is beneficial to society and helps the business control the usage of resources, hence generating more profits. The chapter focuses on many different industries and how those industries can incorporate sustainable resources to reduce waste and energy ultimately. Due to the complexity of the supply chain and the social and environmental demands associated with sustainable packaging, it can be challenging for companies to implement more sustainable products. This chapter explores the various facets of sustainable packaging and consumer behavior theories. It also reviews the current practices related to sustainable packaging and consumer testing methods. It also presents case studies that discuss the various facets of sustainable packaging and consumer preference. Due to the increasing environmental issues, people tend to become more eco-conscious. This is a conscious behavior change that can help minimize the harmful effects of climate change and other natural disasters. The information was gathered using an interview schedule. Data were collected from 120 respondents and analyzed to fulfill the objectives. This study, too, makes a few recommendations to regulators, manufacturers, and end-users on how to conduct sustainable management through green packaging. Keywords: Consumer Behaviour, Eco Packaging, Green Marketing, Sustainability, Waste Managemen

A Study on Valuation of Unpaid Care and Shared Responsibilities through Social Marketing amongst Public in Urban Bengaluru

ABSTRACT This research brings insights into the valuation of unpaid care and shared responsibilities. With the help of social marketing, one can create awareness regarding the possible ways of implementing payment of unpaid care in households and the essence of sharing the household responsibilities. This will help us analyze the state of gender equality in the households. This will ensure an understanding of the difference between equality and equity. The main objective is to suggest sharing responsibilities and paying for unpaid care. The data for this research is collected using primary sources through a questionnaire format from 145 Urban Bengaluru residents. The study observed the functioning in households regarding shared responsibilities and unpaid care work. Keywords: Social Marketing, Sustainability, Unpaid Care, Shared Responsibilities, Urban Bengaluru, Equalit