Functional Variables Research Articles

Nursing diagnoses and hospital readmission of patients with respiratory diseases: Findings from a case-control study.

The rate of readmission after hospitalisation for respiratory diseases has become a common and challenging clinical problem. Social and functional patient variables could help identify cases at high risk of readmission. The aim was to identify the nursing diagnoses that were associated with readmission after hospitalisation for respiratory disease in Spain. Case-control study within the cohort of patients admitted for respiratory disease during 2016-19 in a tertiary public hospital in Spain (n = 3781). Cases were patients who were readmitted within the first 30 days of discharge, and their controls were the remaining patients. All nursing diagnoses (n = 130) were collected from the electronic health record. They were then grouped into 29 informative diagnostic categories. Clinical confounder-adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were calculated using logistic regression models. The readmission rate was 13.1%. The nursing diagnoses categories 'knowledge deficit' (OR: 1.61; 95%CI: 1.13-2.31), 'impaired skin integrity and risk of ulcer infection' (OR: 1.45; 95%CI: 1.06-1.97) and 'activity intolerance associated with fatigue' (OR: 1.56; 95%CI: 1.21-2.01) were associated with an increased risk of suffering an episode of hospital readmission rate at 30% after hospital discharge, and this was independent of sociodemographic background, care variables and comorbidity. The nursing diagnoses assigned as part of the care plan of patients during hospital admission may be useful for predicting readmissions.

Association between the executive dysfunction and balance function in patients with stroke.

A previous study has shown an association between executive dysfunction (ED) and balance function in patients with stroke. However, it is unclear what factors mediate the association between ED and balance function. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the association between ED and balance function and to identify mediating factors using mediation analysis. This study had a cross-sectional design. The study included 107 patients with stroke. This study was divided into two groups (ED and non-ED) using trail making test (TMT) part B. Two groups were compared for balance function (timed up and go test [TUGT] and Berg balance scale [BBS]) and other variables using paired test. In addition, partial correlation analysis with age, cognitive function as a control factor, and mediation analysis were also performed. The ED group (N=55) had significantly lower TUGT and BBS scores than the non-ED group (N=52). TMT part B correlated with TUGT (ρ=0.41), BBS (ρ=-0.33), and Brunnstrom recovery stage (BRS) lower limb (ρ=-0.22). The TUGT model of mediation analysis showed a significant indirect effect as a result of mediation of the BRS lower limb between TMT part B and TUGT. The BBS model showed a significant indirect effect as a result of mediation of the activities of daily living (ADL) motor function between TMT part B and BBS. ED and balance function were associated, and the degree of paralysis and ADL motor function were associated with them in patients with stroke.

Traveling Wave Solutions of Nonlinear Wave Equation Based on Functional Analysis and Multiple Variables as Applied to IoT

Abstract In applied mathematics, physics, and mechanics, many mathematical models are established in the form of nonlinear wave equations. Therefore, a method for studying traveling wave solutions of nonlinear wave equations based on functional analysis is proposed. The boundary value stability of the nonlinear second order nonlinear wave equation is modified by using functional analysis of multiple variables. In this paper, a new integral term is introduced into the organization mapping functional, the concept and construction of the nonlinear wave equation are analyzed, and its continuity is proved. According to the growth order of the traveling wave solution of nonlinear wave equation, the method of finding the traveling wave solution and its stability are studied.

The effect of special exercises on some functional variables and cognitive abilities and their relationship to the level of performance of second-class referees in the game of football

ان معرفة تأثير تمرينات خاصة (بدنية ، مهارية ، معرفية) لحكام كرة القدم في الناقل العصبي (السيروتونين) وسكر الدم والقدرات المعرفية، هو ما تلخصت اليه هذه الدراسة وهدفت الى اعداد تمرينات خاصة للياقة الفسيولوجية وتحركات ومواقف تحكيمية، والتعرف على مستوى تراكيز السيروتونين وسكر الدم والقدرات المعرفية ومستوى الاداء لحكام الدرجة الثانية بكرة القدم وتأثير التمرينات عليهما، في حين تبلورت مشكلة البحث حول عدم التوحيد بين قرارات الحكام وانخفاض مؤشرات اللياقة البدنية والفسيولوجية والفشل في الاختبارات العملية والمعرفية المؤهلة لتحكيم الدوريات الاعلى درجة، ومن اجل توحيد القرار بين طاقم التحكيم وتحسين او تطوير اتخاذ القرار التحكيمي الصحيح المبني على منظومة وظيفية منسجمة متكاملة في قيادة مباريات كرة القدم في مختلف الظروف التي يتعرض لها الحكام ومستوى ادائهم , دون حصر مجريات التدريب بالجوانب البدنية فقط وانما معرفياً وبدنيا ومهارياً وفسيولوجياً وخططياً ونفسياً ،وان المنهجية لحل مشكلة البحث كانت من خلال البحث التجريبي، وتمثلت عينة البحث في حكام كرة القدم الدرجة الثانية في محافظة كركوك، وان التمرينات الخاصة تنوعت بين بدنية ، مهارية ، لياقة فسيولوجية، معرفية ، خططية وتمرينات مركبة بين بدني مهاري خططي معرفي لتوجيه نظر السادة المسؤولين عن التحكيم إلى أهمية ادخال التمارين اللياقية الفسيولوجية اعلاه، ما يشكل إضافة للمفاهيم الخاصة بتحكيم كرة القدم وان اهم الاستنتاجات كانت ان زيادة نسبة السيروتونين تؤدي الى حدوث التعب المركزي نتيجة الجهد الفسيولوجي البدني الطويل ، وان انخفاض نسبة السكر بالدم نتيجة الجهد الفسيولوجي البدني هو مؤشر طبيعي ، ويوصي الباحثان الى وضع مناهج تدريبية علمية معززة بالاهتمام باللياقة الفسيولوجية والاستعانة بالأجهزة الفسيولوجية الحديثة،من اهداف التنمية المستدامة التي يدعمها البحث هو حفظ الصحة واللياقة البدنية الفسيولوجية وتعزيزها لحكام كرة القدم وهو أمر أساسي من مواصفات الحكم لإدارة وتحكيم المباريات ولتحقيق تنمية رياضية ، اقتصادية واجتماعية مستدامة.

Effects of 12 Weeks of Moderate-intensity Continuous Exercise and High-intensity Interval Exercise on Cognitive Function in Elderly Subjects

OBJECTIVES This study analyzed the possibility of brain function activation after exercise training of high-intensity interval exercise and moderate-intensity continuous exercise in elderly people.METHODS The subjects of the study were elderly female people aged 65 years or older and were divided into three groups : control group, moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT), and high-intensity interval training (HIIT). Changes of body composition, physical fitness, cognitive function, and cognitive function-related blood variables were compared between before and after 12 weeks of exercise training.RESULTS Body weight, BMI (body mass index), and WHR (waist hip ratio) of body composition in HIIT group decreased significantly (p<0.05) after exercise training, and there was no significant difference in MICT group and the control group. HIIT group significantly (p<0.05) improved in grip strength, muscular endurance, flexibility, balance, cardiorespiratory endurance, and walking ability after exercise training, while MICT group showed significant (p<0.05) improvements only in flexibility, balance, and cardiorespiratory endurance. Regarding blood variables, HIIT group showed significant (p<0.05) differences in BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor), irisin, and β-amyloid after exercise training, MICT group showed significant (p<0.05) differences only in β-amyloid. Cognitive function in HIIT group and MICT group significantly (p<0.05) improved in terms of temporal and spatial orientation, memory, and total scores after exercise training. During the recovery phase after one session of high-intensity interval exercise, blood lactic acid concentration increased significantly.CONCLUSIONS This study was confirmed the possibility of giving that high-intensity interval exercise for the elderly not only produces positive changes in body composition and improves physical fitness and cognitive function, but also frequently stimulates lactate production, helping to activate brain function through changes in BDNF and irisin in the blood.

Hypotension prediction index guided goal-directed therapy to reduce postoperative acute kidney injury during major abdominal surgery: study protocol for a multicenter randomized controlled clinical trial

BackgroundAcute kidney injury (AKI) is a significant postoperative complication associated with increased mortality and hospital costs. Hemodynamic strategies, such as goal-directed therapy, might reduce AKI risk. Predicting and proactively managing intraoperative hypotension may be helpful. This trial aims to investigate if a preemptive hemodynamic strategy guided by the hypotension prediction index (HPI) can decrease the incidence of moderate-to-severe AKI within 30 days following major elective abdominal surgery.MethodsThis is an open-label, controlled, multicenter, randomized clinical trial that involves daily patient follow-up until hospital discharge. Inclusion criteria are patients aged over 65 and/or categorized as ASA III or IV physical status, undergoing major elective abdominal surgery (general, urological, or gynecological procedures) via laparoscopic or open approach under general or combined anesthesia.InterventionIn the intervention group, hemodynamic management will be based on the HPI and the advanced functional hemodynamic variables provided by the Hemosphere platform and the AcumenIQ® sensor (Edwards Lifesciences). The primary outcome is the incidence of moderate-to-severe AKI within 7 days post-surgery. Secondary outcomes include postoperative complications and 30-day mortality.DiscussionThis study explores the potential of HPI-guided hemodynamic management in reducing AKI after major elective abdominal surgery, with implications for postoperative outcomes and patient care.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT05569265. Registered on October 6, 2022.

ADAR Family Proteins: A Structural Review.

This review aims to highlight the structures of ADAR proteins that have been crucial in the discernment of their functions and are relevant to future therapeutic development. ADAR proteins can correct or diversify genetic information, underscoring their pivotal contribution to protein diversity and the sophistication of neuronal networks. ADAR proteins have numerous functions in RNA editing independent roles and through the mechanisms of A-I RNA editing that continue to be revealed. Provided is a detailed examination of the ADAR family members-ADAR1, ADAR2, and ADAR3-each characterized by distinct isoforms that offer both structural diversity and functional variability, significantly affecting RNA editing mechanisms and exhibiting tissue-specific regulatory patterns, highlighting their shared features, such as double-stranded RNA binding domains (dsRBD) and a catalytic deaminase domain (CDD). Moreover, it explores ADARs' extensive roles in immunity, RNA interference, and disease modulation, demonstrating their ambivalent nature in both the advancement and inhibition of diseases. Through this comprehensive analysis, the review seeks to underline the potential of targeting ADAR proteins in therapeutic strategies, urging continued investigation into their biological mechanisms and health implications.

The Tail Mean–Variance optimal capital allocation under the extended skew-elliptical distribution

In this paper we introduce a novel Tail Mean-Variance (TMV) model intended to optimize capital allocation in financial decision-making. The TMV model has many intriguing properties, such as considering the variability and tail risk of the loss function simultaneously. We specifically consider the multivariate extended skew-elliptical (ESE) distributions, which are widely applicable in financial and insurance data modeling. Additionally, we explore the probabilistic properties of the multivariate extended skew-elliptical (ESE) distributions and present explicit formulas for the TMV model within this distribution. Finally, a numerical example is provided to illustrate the results.

The Influence of Functional Movement and Strength upon Linear and Change of Direction Speed in Male and Female Basketball Players.

The present study aimed to analyse the relationship between functional movement and strength variables upon linear speed (Ls) and change of direction (COD) based on gender. It also aimed to identify the determinants of performance of Ls and COD according to gender. Fifty basketball players (54% female) completed the assessment in which the weight-bearing dorsiflexion test, the Y-balance test, the unilateral countermovement jump, the unilateral drop jump, the unilateral triple hop test, Ls and CODs were performed. Speed variables were divided according to time execution into "low-performance" and "high-performance" to establish a comparison between performance groups. Strength variables significantly influenced speed tests' performance in both genders (p < 0.05). For males, the greater the Ls, the higher the change of direction deficit (p < 0.001). Multiple regression analysis revealed that a long and vertical stretch-shortening cycle (SSC) was the most influential physical ability for speed performance in females (45-65% variance explained; p < 0.001), while in males, a short and horizontal SSC played a significant role (30-61% variance explained; p < 0.022). These results suggest that gender should be considered in programming strength training to improve speed, as each gender will benefit most from the application of different force-orientations and different SSC. Also, the faster the male players were in Ls, the less efficient they were in the COD performance. This is why for men, it would be recommended to perform eccentric exercises along with deceleration and technique drills to improve COD speed.

An approach to nonlinear optimisation via set stabilisation of dynamical systems with an application to synchronous machines

An approach to constraint nonlinear optimisation is proposed, where the variables of the objective function and of the constraint function belong to the state of a nonlinear dynamical system. A nonlinear closed-loop feedback system is designed, whose solutions converge to a target set consisting of the optimal points of the underlying optimisation problem. The feedback law for the control input of the nonlinear dynamical system is designed by exact linearisation of a dynamical formulation of a first-order optimality condition. For the problem formulation and the stability analysis of the nonlinear closed-loop feedback system, the notion of V-detectability is considered. An application to energy-optimal feed-forward torque control for different types of synchronous machines is presented, which demonstrates the usefulness of the method. In this regard, anisotropic permanent magnet synchronous machines and electrically excited synchronous machines are covered.

Correlation between risk factors of cognitive dysfunction and blood pressure variability after acute ischemic stroke in northwest Shanghai

： Objective: To explore the relationship between risk factors of cognitive dysfunction and blood pressure variability after acute ischemic stroke in northwest Shanghai to establish a model for early identification of high-risk groups of cognitive dysfunction and formulation of more targeted prevention and treatment measures. Methods: Spearman test was used to evaluate the correlation between blood pressure variability and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) score in patients with acute ischemic stroke and the partial regression coefficient model was constructed based on the above independent risk factors, and the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was described to analyze the relevant independent risk factors. Results: ROC curve analysis results showed that the clinical prediction model was significantly more effective than a single factor in predicting the risk of cognitive impairment after acute ischemic stroke in northwest Shanghai（P < 0.05）. Conclusion: Cognitive dysfunction after acute ischemic stroke was closely related to high Homocysteine (Hcy) levels, high standard deviation of systolic blood pressure, previous infarction history and infarction of cognitive function area in northwest Shanghai. The prediction model based on the above factors showed satisfactory value in predicting of cognitive dysfunction risk after acute ischemic stroke and there was also the correlation between cognitive function and blood pressure variability.

Testing distributional equality for functional random variables

In this article, we present a nonparametric method for the general two-sample problem involving functional random variables modeled as elements of a separable Hilbert space H. First, we present a general recipe based on linear projections to construct a measure of dissimilarity between two probability distributions on H. In particular, we consider a measure based on the energy statistic and present some of its nice theoretical properties. A plug-in estimator of this measure is used as the test statistic to construct a general two-sample test. Large sample distribution of this statistic is derived both under null and alternative hypotheses. However, since the quantiles of the limiting null distribution are analytically intractable, the test is calibrated using the permutation method. We prove the large sample consistency of the resulting permutation test under fairly general assumptions. We also study the efficiency of the proposed test by establishing a new local asymptotic normality result for functional random variables. Using that result, we derive the asymptotic distribution of the permuted test statistic and the asymptotic power of the permutation test under local contiguous alternatives. This establishes that the permutation test is statistically efficient in the Pitman sense. Extensive simulation studies are carried out and a real data set is analyzed to compare the performance of our proposed test with some state-of-the-art methods.

Impact of renal function variability on long-term prognosis in ischemic stroke patients with atrial fibrillation.

Although renal dysfunction is associated with adverse clinical outcomes in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) following stroke, the impact of renal function variability is unclear. This study aimed to assess the association between renal function variability and various adverse clinical outcomes in patients with transient ischemic attack (TIA)/ischemic stroke and atrial fibrillation (AF). We conducted a population-based study and retrospectively identified patients hospitalized with a diagnosis of TIA/ischemic stroke and AF during 2016-2020 using the Clinical Data Analysis and Reporting System of Hong Kong. Serial serum creatinine tested upon the onset of TIA/ischemic stroke and during their subsequent follow-up was collected. Renal function variability was calculated using the coefficient of variation of the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Clinical endpoints that occurred during the study period were captured and included ischemic stroke/systemic embolism, intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), total bleeding, major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), cardiovascular, non-cardiovascular, and all-cause mortality. Competing risk regression and Cox proportional hazard regression models were used to assess the associations of renal function variability with the outcomes of interest. A total of 3,809 patients (mean age 80 ± 10 years, 43% men) who satisfied the inclusion and exclusion criteria were followed up for a mean of 2.5 ± 1.5 years (9,523 patient-years). The mean eGFR was 66 ± 22 mL/min/1.73 m2 at baseline, and the median number of renal function tests per patient during the follow-up period was 20 (interquartile range 11-35). After accounting for potential confounders, a greater eGFR variability was associated with increased risks of recurrent ischemic stroke/systemic embolism [fully adjusted subdistribution hazard ratio 1.11, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.03-1.20], ICH (1.17, 1.01-1.36), total bleeding (1.13, 1.06-1.21), MACE (1.22, 1.15-1.30), cardiovascular (1.49, 1.32-1.69), non-cardiovascular (1.43, 1.35-1.52), and all-cause mortality (fully adjusted hazard ratio 1.44, 1.39-1.50). Visit-to-visit renal function variability is independently associated with adverse clinical outcomes in TIA/ischemic stroke patients with AF. Further large-scale studies are needed to validate our results.

Meta-analysis of the global distribution of clinically relevant CYP2C8 alleles and their inferred functional consequences.

CYP2C8 is responsible for the metabolism of 5% of clinically prescribed drugs, including antimalarials, anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory drugs. Genetic variability is an important factor that influences CYP2C8 activity and modulates the pharmacokinetics, efficacy and safety of its substrates. We profiled the genetic landscape of CYP2C8 variability using data from 96 original studies and data repositories that included a total of 33,185 unrelated participants across 44 countries and 43 ethnic groups. The reduced function allele CYP2C8*2 was most common in West and Central Africa with frequencies of 16-36.9%, whereas it was rare in Europe and Asia (< 2%). In contrast, CYP2C8*3 and CYP2C8*4 were common throughout Europe and the Americas (6.9-19.8% for *3 and 2.3-7.5% for *4), but rare in African and East Asian populations. Importantly, we observe pronounced differences (> 2.3-fold) between neighboring countries and even between geographically overlapping populations. Overall, we found that 20-60% of individuals in Africa and Europe carry at least one CYP2C8 allele associated with reduced metabolism and increased adverse event risk of the anti-malarial amodiaquine. Furthermore, up to 60% of individuals of West African ancestry harbored variants that reduced the clearance of pioglitazone, repaglinide, paclitaxel and ibuprofen. In contrast, reduced function alleles are only found in < 2% of East Asian and 8.3-12.8% of South and West Asian individuals. Combined, the presented analyses mapped the genetic and inferred functional variability of CYP2C8 with high ethnogeographic resolution. These results can serve as a valuable resource for CYP2C8 allele frequencies and distribution estimates of CYP2C8 phenotypes that could help identify populations at risk upon treatment with CYP2C8 substrates. The high variability between ethnic groups incentivizes high-resolution pharmacogenetic profiling to guide precision medicine and maximize its socioeconomic benefits, particularly for understudied populations with distinct genetic profiles.

Effect of inspiratory muscle training on pulmonary function, respiratory muscle strength, aerobic performance, sports skills, and quality of life in wheelchair rugby athletes

IntroductionInspiratory muscle training (IMT) has been used in sports to improve factors that can positively influence sports performance. However, the effects of IMT on athletes with disabilities are less well explored. This study aimed to investigate the effects of IMT on the pulmonary function, respiratory muscle strength, aerobic performance, sports skills, and quality of life (QoL) of wheelchair rugby (WCR) athletes. MethodsA pre–post-intervention case series study of IMT was carried out with six WCR athletes. Pulmonary function (spirometry), respiratory muscle strength (manovacuometry), aerobic (cardiopulmonary exercise test) and WCR skills (Beck Battery) performance and QoL (WHOQOL-DIS) were investigated. Participants were submitted to a six-week IMT with a linear load resistor involving 30 dynamic inspiratory maneuvers twice daily for five days/week. ResultsIncreases in maximum load (+14.6%; p = 0.03), maximum effort time (+19.4%; p = 0.03), absolute and percent of predicted maximal expiratory muscle pressure (both +13.2%; p = 0.04) and absolute and percent of predicted maximal inspiratory muscle pressure (both +28.6%; p = 0.04) were observed. No significant differences were observed for pulmonary function variables, WCR skills performance or QoL. ConclusionIMT seemed to be effective at improving the respiratory muscle strength and aerobic performance of WCR players but there was no impact on pulmonary function, sports skills or QoL.

Synthetic Leaves Based on Crystalline Olefin-Linked Covalent Organic Frameworks for Efficient CO2 Photoreduction with Water.

We report, for the first time, a new synthetic strategy for the preparation of crystalline two-dimensional olefin-linked covalent organic frameworks (COFs) based on aldol condensation between benzodifurandione and aromatic aldehydes. Olefin-linked COFs can be facilely crystallized through either a pyridine-promoted solvothermal process or a benzoic anhydride-mediated organic flux synthesis. The resultant COF leaf with high in-plane π-conjugation exhibits efficient visible-light-driven photoreduction of carbon dioxide (CO2) with water (H2O) in the absence of any photosensitizer, sacrificial agents, or cocatalysts. The production rate of carbon monoxide (CO) reaches as high as 158.1 μmol g-1 h-1 with near 100% CO selectivity, which is accompanied by the oxidation of H2O to oxygen. Both theoretical and experimental results confirm that the key lies in achieving exceptional photoinduced charge separation and low exciton binding. We anticipate that our findings will facilitate new possibilities for the development of semiconducting COFs with structural diversity and functional variability.

The Impact of Social Vulnerability on Structural and Functional Glaucoma Severity, Worsening, and Variability

To determine the associations between social vulnerability index (SVI) and baseline severity, worsening, and variability of glaucoma, as assessed by visual field (VF) and OCT. Retrospective longitudinal cohort study. Adults with glaucoma or glaucoma suspect status in 1 or both eyes. Visual fields were derived from 7897 eyes from 4482 patients, while OCTs were derived from 6271 eyes from 3976 patients. All eyes had a minimum of 5 tests over follow-up using either the Humphrey Field Analyzer or the Cirrus HD-OCT. Social vulnerability index, which measures neighborhood-level environmental factors, was linked to patients' addresses at the census tract level. Rates of change in mean deviation (MD) and retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness were computed using linear regression. The slope of the regression line was used to assess worsening, while the standard deviation of residuals was used as a measure of variability. Multivariable linear mixed-effects models were used to investigate the impact of SVI on baseline, worsening, and variability in both MD and RNFL. We further explored the interaction effect of mean intraocular pressure (IOP) and SVI on worsening in MD and RNFL. Glaucoma severity defined based on baseline MD and RNFL thickness. Worsening defined as MD and RNFL slope. Variability defined as the standard deviation of the residuals obtained from MD and RNFL slopes. Increased (worse) SVI was significantly associated with worse baseline MD (β=-1.07 dB, 95% confidence interval [CI]: [-1.54, -0.60]), thicker baseline RNFL (β=2.46 μm, 95% CI: [0.75, 4.17]), greater rates of RNFL loss (β=-0.12 μm, 95% CI: [-0.23, -0.02]), and greater VF variability (β=0.16 dB, 95% CI: [0.07, 0.24]). Having worse SVI was associated with worse RNFL loss with increases in IOP (βinteraction=-0.07, 95% CI: [-0.12, -0.02]). Increased SVI score is associated with worse functional (VF) loss at baseline, higher rates of structural (OCT) worsening over time, higher VF variability, and a greater effect of IOP on RNFL loss. Further studies are needed to enhance our understanding of these relationships and establish their cause. Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found in the Footnotes and Disclosures at the end of this article.

Inter- and intra-athlete technique variability of conventional new ball swing bowling in elite and pre-elite Australian male fast bowlers

ABSTRACT This study aimed to investigate inter- and intra-athlete technique variability in pre-elite and elite Australian fast bowlers delivering new ball conventional swing bowling. Ball grip angle and pelvis, torso, shoulder, elbow, wrist, upper arm, forearm, and hand kinematics were investigated at the point of ball release for inswing and outswing deliveries. Descriptive evaluations of group and individual data and k-means cluster analyses were used to assess inter- and intra-bowler technique variability. Inter-athlete technique and ball grip variability were identified, demonstrating that skilled bowlers use individualised strategies to generate swing. Functional movement variability was demonstrated by intra-athlete variability in successful swing bowling trials. Bowlers demonstrated stable technique parameters in large proximal body segments of the pelvis and torso, providing a level of repeatability to their bowling action. Greater variation was observed in bowling arm kinematics, allowing athletes to manipulate the finger and ball position to achieve the desired seam orientation at the point of ball release. This study demonstrates that skilled bowlers use individualised techniques and grips to generate swing and employ technique variations in successive deliveries. Coaches should employ individualised training strategies and use constraints-led approaches in training environments to encourage bowlers to seek adaptive movement solutions to generate swing.

Economic globalization and unemployment: Evidence from high‐, middle‐ and low‐income countries

AbstractThis study intends to empirically evaluate the effects of economic globalization and its components (i.e. trade and financial openness) on unemployment in high‐, middle‐ and low‐income countries from 1991 to 2020. Further, it considers real GDP per capita (sectoral divisions of income, i.e. agriculture, industry and service sector) and urbanization as control variables in the unemployment function. On the empirical front, this study employs the Panel Dynamic Simulated ARDL model and the Kernel‐Based Regularized Least Squares for long‐run influence estimations. The emanating outcome of these analyses states that economic globalization destroys employment opportunities for low‐income countries as it enhances unemployment in the long run. However, in high‐ and middle‐income countries, economic globalization creates employment, which implies reducing unemployment in the long run. The result also indicates that trade and financial openness destroy employment opportunities in low‐income countries. Although trade openness in middle‐income countries shows the same effect, financial openness does not mimic the same. For high‐income countries, trade openness reduces unemployment, but financial openness fosters it. Therefore, these findings indicate that to keep unemployment at a low level, policies related to the opening up of the economy in terms of factor mobility, offshoring, outsourcing and international trade need to be implemented in low‐income countries. Moreover, a similar consideration is needed for high and middle‐income countries to avoid faraway repercussions on unemployment due to becoming a peripheral country.

Predicting the Outcome of First Episode Psychosis Subjects by Assessing Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex Volume

Aim: Dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), Neurological Soft Signs (NSS) and Cognitive impairment have been described as predictors of outcome of First Episode Psychosis (FEP), therefore we aimed to find the predictors of clinical, social and functional outcome variables in a cohort of first episode non affective psychotic subjects. Subjects and Methods: A prospective follow up study was conducted from August 2018 to August 2020 in a tertiary care hospital of South India. A semi-structured questionnaire was given to all subjects for socio-demographic details. All subjects were assessed with Heidelberg scale, Bender Gestalt Test (BGT) and underwent MRI Brain 3D volumetric scan to examine NSS, cognitive impairment, and DLPFC volume at baseline respectively. Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS) and Social and Occupational Functioning Assessment Scale scales (SOFAS) were administered at baseline, 1 month and at three month follow up. At 3 months, clinical and socio-functional outcome was defined by BPRS scores and SOFAS scores. Pearson’s correlation was found between DLPFC volume of all subjects, BPRS, BGT scores at baseline with BPRS and SOFAS at 3 months. To test the statistical significance of the comparison of mean values of all continuous clinical and demographic parameters between two groups of BPRS and SOFAS, Mann Whitney U test was used. Results: Smaller DLPFC volume predicted clinical, socio-functional outcome significantly. A significant moderate correlation was found between NSS and BPRS scores at baseline. Conclusion: Baseline right DLPFC volume can be an important predictor of clinical and socio-functional outcome in FEP.