bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Biodegradable nanofiber-based piezoelectric transducer
Authors: Curry Eli J. , Le Thinh T. , Das Ritopa , Ke Kai , Santorella Elise M. , Paul Debayon , Chorsi Meysam T. , Tran Khanh T. M. , Baroody Jeffrey , Borges Emily R. , Ko Brian , Golabchi Asiyeh , Xin Xiaonan , Rowe David , Yue Lixia , Feng Jianlin , Morales-Acosta M. Daniela , Wu Qian , Chen I-Ping , Cui X. Tracy , Pachter Joel , Nguyen Thanh D. 
Published: December 2019

Significance
This paper describes a powerful biodegradable and biocompatible piezoelectric nanofiber platform for significant medical implant applications, including a highly sensitive, wireless, biodegradable force sensor for the monitoring of physiological pressures, and a biodegradable ultrasonic transducer for the delivery of drugs across the blood–brain barrier. Built upon materials commonly utilized in medical implants, the devices can self-degrade, causing no harm to the body, and avoid any invasive removal surgeries.
Growth-rate dependent resource investment in bacterial motile behavior quantitatively follows potential benefit of chemotaxis
Authors: Ni Bin , Colin Remy , Link Hannes , Endres Robert G. , Sourjik Victor 
Published: December 2019

Significance
To which extent gene regulatory programs are optimized by evolution is one of the fundamental biological questions. Swimming motility is one of the costliest bacterial behaviors, but expression of motility genes nevertheless increases when bacteria grow slower on poor carbon sources. Here, we show that competitive fitness benefit provided by the ability of motile bacteria to follow gradients of secondary nutrients shows similar negative dependence on the growth rate as the investment in motility. Thus, bacteria appear to pre-invest into the motile behavior in proportion to the anticipated benefit that can be provided by chemotaxis when nutrient gradients become available in their environment.
Hidden similarities in the dynamics of a weakly synchronous marine metapopulation
Authors: Rogers Tanya L. , Munch Stephan B. 
Published: December 2019

Significance
Our ability to predict and manage metapopulations depends on our understanding of their underlying population dynamics. Differences in local dynamics and environmental stochasticity can result in independent population fluctuations but have vastly different implications for population management and predicting how populations will respond to environmental change. Quantifying heterogeneity in local dynamics is particularly challenging because many factors can contribute to differences in local dynamics. Using blue crabs as a case study, we present an approach which can differentiate dissimilar local dynamics from similar local dynamics driven by disparate environmental conditions. This methodology can help us differentiate among mechanisms that decorrelate population trajectories and provide insight into the spatial structure of population dynamics.
02 Which of the Acceleration value and a Performance Test is more Likely to Predict the Fall History of the Elderly?
Authors: Kimura Akira , Koyama Masaru , Tanabe Masaya 
Published: December 2019

Abstract

Backgrounds
The Berg Balance score and others are used internationally to assess fall risk, but there are few reports of performance tests based on objective biomechanical data.

Purpose
The purpose of this study is to determine if acceleration values can be used to predict falls in elderly people compared to the results of performance tests.

Subjective and Methods
The subjects were 10 people. The age was 70 to 80 years. The male-female ratio was 3 to 7. A target is a group of at-home elderly people near Japan. The selection criterion was to be able to stand up without speech operation support understanding/ support. The study design was a cross-sectional study. The main evaluation item is the presence or absence of a fall history. The result is a composite vector of 3D accelerations at the center of the body using BBS and steps (28 cm long, 40 cm wide, 7 cm high). The acceleration was calculated by Kinect (Microsoft), Pi Recorder 4.1.0.69. Statistical analysis used IBM-SPSS. The effect of BBS and 3D acceleration data on the fall history estimation was evaluated with C statistics.

Results
The effect of the composite vector of the three-dimensional acceleration data on the estimation of the fall history showed a C statistic of 0.82, and significant relevance was recognized. The influence of BBS was C statistic 0.64.

Conclusion
By using the absolute value of the three-dimensional synthetic vector at the time of the vertical load of the elderly, it is considered that the probability of estimating the fall history may be higher than the existing performance test.
04 Verification of Balance Function on Exercise using a New Wearable Device with Pneumatic Gel Muscles
Authors: Yamamoto Masataka , Kishishita Yusuke , Shimatani Koji , Tadayon Ramin , Kurita Yuichi 
Published: December 2019

Abstract

Brief Introduction
Decrease in the ability to control posture correlates with the risk of falls in the elderly. Exercises for reactive postural control and dynamic stability can improve postural control ability. However, balance exercises for reactive postural control are difficult because they require expensive therapeutic instruments or an expert skill level to generate the proper disturbance. The purpose of this study is to design a new wearable device using pneumatic artificial muscles for balance exercises. Furthermore, we investigated the effect of using this device on balance function.

Methods Used
We used a pneumatic gel muscle (PGM) for the wearable balance exercise device. The balance exercise device consists of two PGMs, a soft supporter, a small air tank, and a hand switch. The PGMs were attached to both sides of the acromion processes and pointed vertically down to the height of the iliac crest. Therefore, these PGMs generated a force in the direction of lateral trunk bending. Eight healthy adult males participated in this study. The participants received balance exercise using this device. We compared center of pressure (COP) data between the pre-test and post-test of exercise.

Key Results
Using this device, the rectangle area, boundary length, and medio-lateral length of COP significantly decreased in the post-test, compared to the pre-test (p = 0.031, p = 0.031, and p = 0.049, respectively).

Brief Discussion and Conclusion
The balance exercises with disturbances have the effect of improving balance function. This device was able to add unexpected medio-lateral disturbances during balance exercises. Therefore, participants were able to learn reactive postural control and stability more effectively. Our results suggest that this device could immediately improve postural control by creating small disturbances.

Funding
This research was based on results obtained from a project commissioned by the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO).
10 Quality of Live and Muscle Strength in Adults with Low and Moderate to High Risk of Osteoporotic Fracture
Authors: Chua Siew Kuan , Singh Devinder K A , Rajaratnam Bala S , Mokhtar Sabarul Afian , Raymond Lee Y W 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Osteoporotic fracture is known contributor to decline quality of life (QoL) and muscle strength. We aimed to examine the association between quality of life and muscle strength in adults at risk of osteoporotic fracture. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 105 adults aged 50 years and above (69.3 ± 8.5 years) at a spine orthopaedic clinic. Upper and lower limb muscle strength were measured using dominant hand grip strength test (HGS) and 5-sit to stand test (5STS). Quality of life and osteoporotic fracture risk were assessed using EQ5DVAS questionnaire and fracture risk calculator (FRAX®). Approximately 38% of the participants had moderate to high risk of major osteoporotic fracture. Although lower, the total mean score of EQ5DVAS in adults with low (80.54 ± 13.20) and moderate to high (76.88 ± 16.90) risk of osteoporotic fracture was not significantly different (p = 0.77). Adults with risk of osteoporotic fracture had slight to severe problems in EQ5D subdomains (mobility: 30%, self-care:10%, usual activities: 14%, pain discomfort: 60%, anxiety/depression: 46%). After adjusting for femoral neck bone mineral density and education level, higher HGS score (ß = 0.79, 95% C.I: 0.07-1.52, p &lt; 0.05) and shorter time to complete 5STS (ß =-1.02, 95% C.I:-1.86 - -0.19, p &lt; 0.05) were associated with higher QoL scores. Our study results suggest that muscle strength is positively associated with QoL among adults at risk of osteoporotic fracture. Muscle strength training should be emphasised among adults with risk of osteoporotic fracture in view of improving QOL.
102 Why Aren’t Malaysian Elderly Attending a Falls Prevention Education Intervention (FPEI)? An Exploratory Study.
Authors: Loganathan Annaletchumy , Low Wah Yun , Ng Chirk Jenn 
Published: December 2019

Abstract

Background
Recent studies on barriers and facilitators to implementation of falls prevention education interventions (FPEIs) are conducted in the developed countries. Hence, the findings may limit its transferability when implementing FPEI for elderlies in countries of different culture and healthcare systems. This study explored barriers and facilitators which have impacted the elderlies who have attended a locally developed FPEI.

Methods
A qualitative methodology was adopted. Seventeen individuals aged 60 years and over with at least one fall in the preceding 12 months and have attended FPEI were recruited. Three focus group discussions were conducted at the Primary Care Clinic, University Malaya Medical Center (UMMC), Kuala Lumpur. With the aid of a semi-structured interview guide, interviews were conducted immediately after attending the FPEI. The interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and analyzed using a thematic approach using the Weft QDA software.

Results
Participants were predominantly females (n=12) in their mid-70s, consisting of seven Indians, four Malays and six Chinese. Five themes emerged, and they were the accessibility of the infrastructures, favorable timing, the involvement of interprofessional, FPEI content, and stretching and balance exercises. The FPEI attendees interviewed did not prefer the venue which was located far from the hospital entrance, some claimed that the FPEI should be held together with their hospital consultation visit, while others felt that the involvement of interprofessional improved their engagement with the FPEI. Some elderlies felt that the information on falls risks, falls preventions, and stretching and balance exercises informed by the FPEI imparted new knowledge; however, others perceived that they already undertake strenuous exercises.

Conclusions
When implementing FPEI, it is crucial to consider the elderlies’ logistics and the existence of falls knowledge particularly in developing countries such as Malaysia where concepts of FPEI are still novel.
105 Physical Activity Level and its Association with Risk of Fall and Fear of Fall among the Elderly
Authors: Osundiya Oladunni , Adeagbo Caleb , Giwa Toyosi , Adepoju Faderera , Oyedemi Jeremiah 
Published: December 2019

Abstract

Introduction
Falls are major public health concern and the leading cause of non-fatal injuries among community-dwelling older adults. Though exercise has been identified as a single intervention, and potentially most cost-effective for fall prevention, the role of physical activity is less clear. This study was aimed at finding the association between physical activity, risk of fall and fear of fall in the elderly.

Methods
Three hundred and ten apparently healthy community dwelling elderly (202 females and 118 males) aged 60 years and above participated in this study. Physical activity was assessed with the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly, Fear of fall with Fall Efficacy Scale while Risk of fall was determined with Morse fall scale. Chi-square test was used to find the association between physical activity and risk of fall.

Results
Most participants 241(77.7%) had normal physical activity and only 3.5% had high physical activity. There was a significant association among physical activity and risk of fall in the elderly. Fifteen (4.8%) participants had a high risk of fall. All participants had no fear of falling.

Discussion
This study showed physical activity level increased with age until a certain age during which it starts to spiral down. A significant association was found in between age groups and level of Physical Activity. Most of the participants in this study had normal physical activity in line with previous opinion that participants over 60 years spend more time engaging in more overall physical activity. Elderly females were found to be more active than men.

Conclusion
There is a significant association between among physical activity and risk of fall in the elderly. Hence, the more physically active elderly are, the less their likelihood to a fall.
107 Falls among Middle-Aged Community Dwelling Women in a Rural Territory of Sri Lanka
Authors: Rathnayake Nirmala , Lekamwasam Sarath , Alwis Gayani , Lenora Janaka 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Fall among middle-aged women is an understudied area worldwide including Sri Lanka. This study evaluated the prevalence and associated clinical risk factors of falls among middle-aged community dwelling women in a rural area of Southern Sri Lanka. A community based cross-sectional study was carried out with the participation of randomly selected 285 middle-aged women (age range; 40-60 years) in Galle district, Sri Lanka. History of non-accidental falls within the previous 12 months was inquired and those who reported two or more falls were considered as recurrent fallers. Clinical factors including age, menopausal status, weight (kg), height (m), waist-circumference (WC, cm), appendicular-skeletal-muscle-mass (ASMM, kg by DEXA), hand-grip-strength (HGS, kg) and gait-speed (GS, m/s) were evaluated. Body-mass-index (BMI, kg/m2) and relative ASMM index (RSMI, kg/m2) were calculated. Chi-square test and Multivariate logistic regression analysis were performed. The risk was expressed as adjusted Odds Ratios (OR). The Mean±SD age of participants was 51.7±6.1years. The prevalence of recurrent falls was 13% (95%CI; 9.4%-17.5%) (n=37). Number of women according to number of falls were; two falls (n=25, 8.8%), three falls (n=6, 2.1%), four falls (n=4, 1.4%) and five falls (n=2, 0.7%). The recurrent falls were higher among postmenopausal women (p&lt;0.001) compared to premenopausal women, advanced age (51-60years) (p&lt;0.001) compared to young age (40-50years), low RSMI (p=0.002) compared to normal RSMI, low HGS (p&lt;0.001) compared to normal HGS and low GS (p=0.001) compared to normal GS. BMI and WC did not show significant associations with recurrent falls. Clinical risk factors associated with recurrent falls were age (OR; 7.41, 95%CI; 1.23-44.43, p=0.02), RSMI (OR; 3.21, 95%CI; 1.00-10.32, p=0.04) and HGS (OR; 3.19, 95%CI; 1.26-8.09, p=0.01). The prevalence of falls among middle-aged women was considerably high. Falls were associated with advanced age, low muscle mass and muscle strength.
108 Factors Associated with Hand Grip Strength of a Group of Pre and Postmenopausal Women from Sri Lanka
Authors: Rathnayake Nirmala , Lekamwasam Sarath , Alwis Gayani , Lenora Janaka 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Hand grip strength (HGS) is a component of sarcopenia and provides an estimate on muscle strength and overall health status. This cross-sectional study examined the factors associated with HGS in community dwelling healthy premenopausal women (PrMW) and postmenopausal women (PMW). Randomly selected 184 PrMW (42.4±6.0years) and 166 PMW (55.8±3.8years) from Galle, Sri Lanka were studied. HGS (kg) of dominant side was evaluated using a hand-held-dynamometer. Body composition; Appendicular-skeletal-muscle-mass (ASMM, kg), total-body-fat-mass (TBFM, kg), total body bone-mineral-density (TBBMD, g/cm3) and total-body-bone mineral-content (TBBMC, g) were measured with DXA. Anthropometry indices; weight (kg), height (m), waist-circumference (WC, cm) and hip-circumference (HC, cm) were measured. Body-mass-index (BMI, kg/m2) and waist-to-hip-ratio (WHR) were calculated. Gait speed (GS, m/s) was evaluated. Consumption of nutrients; carbohydrate, protein, fats and total energy and physical activity (PA) pattern; walking, moderate, vigorous and total PA score were evaluated. Serum sample was analyzed for 25-hydroxy-vitamin-D (n/mol), estradiol (mlU/L), fasting insulin (μU/mL). Variables significantly correlated with HGS of PrMW and PMW were separately entered in to multiple linear regression models to extract the associated factors. Mean±SD HGS of PrMW and PMW were 19.06±6.06 kg and 15.27±4.86 kg (p&lt;0.001) respectively. In multiple regression analysis, factors that showed significant association with HGS in PrMW were ASMM (β=0.57), TBBMC (β=0.31), vigorous PA score (β=0.12), age (β=-0.19) and weight (β=0.42) (R=0.58, adjusted R2=0.33). In the same analysis, the factors associated with HGS in PMW were ASMM (β=0.31) and height (β=0.22) (R=0.48, adjusted R2=0.22). The most significant factor associated with HGS was ASMM in both PrMW (R=0.44, R2=0.20) and PMW (R=0.44, R2=0.19). Age, anthropometry indices, PA and ASMM showed significant associations with HGS among middle-aged women, while ASMM was the main predictor of HGS irrespective of menopausal status.
11 What Physiotherapists do in Rehabilitation of Degenerative Arthropathies: A Focus Group Discussion
Authors: Adepoju Faderera A , Kehinde Oyinlola F , Osundiya Oladunni C 
Published: December 2019

Abstract

Background
Degenerative arthropathies (DA) are pathological changes in joints mainly due to wear and tear. These often affect weight bearing joints and are commoner in the elderly (American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation AAPMR, 2019). More than 50% of adults above 65 years suffer from DA (AAPMR, 2019) with a large number presenting with combination of lumbar spondylosis (LS) and knee osteoarthritis (KOA). Physiotherapists in Nigeria use various management approaches which results in variable efficacy; standardised protocols are rarely used.

Objectives
This study was aimed at evaluating knowledge and rehabilitation approaches of Physiotherapists (PTs) working at a Geriatric Centre in Nigeria in managing LS and KOA.

Method
A focused group discussion (FGD) was carried out among the ten Physiotherapists working at the geriatric center of the University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria using a questionnaire specifically designed for the purpose.

Results
All PTs had basic qualifications; four had postgraduate degrees in Physiotherapy. Five Physiotherapists had worked for at least two and half years at the center, while the work experience of the remaining five ranged between two and eleven weeks. Each PT demonstrated adequate knowledge of DA. They used combination of techniques to improve functional outcomes. Each PT listed precautions in management of DA but the more experienced PTs (≥ 2.5 years) were more specific. They all opined that standards operating protocols (SOPs) that allows for flexibility would enhance management but none is presently in use. Better efficacy was reported when rehabilitation is combined with medications such as chondroitin sulphate, diclofenac sodium, and potassium chloride. Continuous rehabilitation with reducing frequency as symptoms subsided was unanimously advocated.

Conclusion
Techniques employed by Physiotherapists in rehabilitation of DA though evidence-based, vary depending on individual preferences and experience. Standardised, culture-specific protocols to enhance uniformity of care should be developed.

Reference
1. American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (AAPMR) 2019: Degenerative Joint Disease. https://www.aapmr.org/about-physiatry/ assessed on 29/07/2019; 10.30pm.
115 How does Model Identity Influence Observational Learning in Information Technology? Insights from Older Adults
Authors: Ma Qi , Teh Pei-Lee , Chan Alan H S 
Published: December 2019

Abstract

Introduction
Older people are known as digital immigrants who are not born in the digital age and face many difficulties to effectively use information technology (IT). Therefore, the role of behavioral intervention such as observational learning becomes increasingly salient to assist older people to learn IT skills for better technology adoption. This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of observational learning through behavior modeling in enhancing older adults’ IT acceptance. It is also expected that model identity from generational perspective (i.e., child, young, peer) would moderate the observational learning outcomes.

Method
Drawing from the social cognitive theory, observational learning experiment was conducted using a between-group design, wherein 59 community-dwelling Chinese older adults from Hong Kong completed all tasks. Three learning groups with different behavior models were set, viz, a child model group (21 older learners), a young model group (19 older learners), and a peer model group (19 older learners). Training outcomes were measured through objective quiz and subjective questionnaire. The pre and post learning differences, between group differences, and the effects of learning outcomes on usage intention were analyzed using paired t-test, ANOVA test, and multiple linear regression, respectively.

Results
This study affirmed the effectiveness of observational learning in improving older adults’ technology knowledge, self-efficacy, outcome expectations, and sense of social connectedness of using IT (all with p &lt; 0.01). From generational perspectives, peer model is more influential than young or child model in increasing older adults’ self-efficacy (F = 3.878; p &lt; 0.05) and willingness regarding using IT (F = 6.031; p &lt; 0.01).

Conclusion
Results of this study contribute to the innovation of behavior intervention techniques for older adults to enhance their IT adoption. From the practical aspect, the results offer fresh insights for practitioners and trainers who design and deliver technology training programs for older adults.