Abstract
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Say Keat Ooi, Jasmine A.L. Yeap, Shir Li Lam and Gabriel C.W. Gim
Mobile health (mHealth) technologies, in particular, have been sought after and advocated as a means of dealing with the pandemic situation. Despite the obvious advantages of…
Abstract
Purpose
Mobile health (mHealth) technologies, in particular, have been sought after and advocated as a means of dealing with the pandemic situation. Despite the obvious advantages of mHealth, which include monitoring and exchanging health information via mobile applications, mHealth adoption has yet to take off exponentially. Expanding on the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) model, this study aims to better comprehend consumers’ receptivity to mHealth even after the pandemic has subsided.
Design/methodology/approach
Through purposive sampling, data were collected from a sample of 345 mobile phone users and analysed using partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) and artificial neural networks (ANN) capture both linear and nonlinear relationships.
Findings
Effort expectancy, performance expectancy, social influence, pandemic fear and trustworthiness positively influenced mHealth adoption intention, with the model demonstrating high predictive power from both the PLSpredict and ANN assessments.
Research limitations/implications
The importance–performance map analysis (IPMA) results showed that social influence had great importance for mHealth uptake, but demonstrated low performance.
Practical implications
Referrals are an alternative that policymakers and mHealth service providers should think about to increase uptake. Overall, this study provides theoretical and practical insights that contribute to the advancement of digital healthcare, aligning with the pursuit of Sustainable Development Goal 3 (SDG 3) (good health and well-being).
Originality/value
This study has clarified both linear and nonlinear relationships among the factors influencing intentions to adopt mHealth. The findings from both PLS and ANN were juxtaposed, demonstrating consistent findings.
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Laiq Khan, Tariq Saeed and K.L. Lo
Modern power systems suffer from a well‐known problem of low‐frequency oscillations. Flexible AC transmission systems devices are used to overcome this problem. The aim of this…
Abstract
Purpose
Modern power systems suffer from a well‐known problem of low‐frequency oscillations. Flexible AC transmission systems devices are used to overcome this problem. The aim of this paper is to develop a particle swarm optimization (PSO) based supplementary damping control system design for thyristor control series compensator (TCSC).
Design/methodology/approach
The problem is formulated as an optimization problem with an eigenvalue‐based multi‐objective function. PSO is then used to find optimal set of controller parameters by minimizing the objective function.
Findings
The performance and robustness of the proposed approach is validated through small signal and large signal for different loading conditions of a multi‐machine power system.
Originality/value
The paper presents a novel PSO‐based control system design that exhibits robustness and excellent damping performance.
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Jeremy D. Davey, Patricia L. Obst and Mary C. Sheehan
This study examined aspects of the work environment, which may impact on individual police officers’ risk of harm from alcohol consumption. A self report survey containing…
Abstract
This study examined aspects of the work environment, which may impact on individual police officers’ risk of harm from alcohol consumption. A self report survey containing demographic questions, the AUDIT and questions relating to perceived control over the job, overtime, pressure, boredom and job satisfaction was completed by 67 per cent of officers in an Australian state police service. The results of the current study indicate that gender, age and marital status, are individual risk factors for problem drinking, as has been shown in previous research. Within the policing context, years of service, job satisfaction, perceived control within the job and being an operational officer, also emerged as significant predictors of at risk alcohol consumption patterns. Findings further suggest that there is a strong norm of drinking at work or after a shift, which suggests a culture of acceptance of drinking within the workplace. This acceptance is strongly predictive of both risk of alcohol dependency and negative consequences from drinking within the police service. This study suggests directions for future research, which may lead to the introduction of informed interventions within the police service that could reduce officers’ risk of harm from alcohol consumption.
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Mengyan Dai, Xiaochen Hu, Lindsey Thomas and Robert Kenter
This study examines the short- and long-term changes in officers' attitudes toward four elements of procedural justice (i.e. trustworthiness, respect, neutrality and voice) after a…
Abstract
Purpose
This study examines the short- and long-term changes in officers' attitudes toward four elements of procedural justice (i.e. trustworthiness, respect, neutrality and voice) after a department-wide procedural justice training program.
Design/methodology/approach
This study utilized the pretest–posttest, single-group design to evaluate the training with two waves of officer surveys and conducted multivariate analyses to assess the factors that could have an impact on the training effects.
Findings
The training was effective in increasing officers' support for all four elements of procedural justice immediately, and the effects remained significant over 18 months. In addition, the analyses found that there were racial differences in officers' attitudes before and after the training, and the immediate supervisors' priority played an important role in the training effects.
Originality/value
There has been limited systematic research on police training. This study contributes to the understanding of how procedural justice training can help improve police-community relations and reduce the attitudinal differences between White officers and minority officers.
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Elizabeth Delbreil and Gilbert Zvobgo
The purpose of this paper is to empirically examine health professionals’ recognition of sensor technology as a means to enhance quality of life (QoL) of care recipients with…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to empirically examine health professionals’ recognition of sensor technology as a means to enhance quality of life (QoL) of care recipients with dementia, in Switzerland and France. In light of this research, the authors suggest potential vectors of development for wireless sensor technology (WSN) businesses working in gerontechnology. Information and communication technology (ICT) for the aging is a high‐potential, nascent market in which the technology‐enabled solutions lack business models to make them readily available and easily‐accepted.
Design/methodology/approach
To enhance the contribution of the study to both theory and practice, a mixed methodology combined qualitative and quantitative approaches. Similarly, the data collection techniques included interviews, a case study and an online questionnaire. Multiple regression analysis was used to analyse the quantitative data to examine the relationships between elements of WSN‐adoption and QoL aspects.
Findings
Positive respondent attitude towards gerontechnology as a means to enhance QoL led to the consideration of possible value propositions and innovations at the centre of future business models, channel development and multidisciplinary collaboration that could overcome major social and political obstacles.
Originality/value
This study's originality lies in its intention to survey professional caregiver perceptions in order to identify value creation potential.
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Steve Iliffe and Jill Manthorpe
The purpose of this paper is to consider the potential of public health perspectives to “come to the aid” of dementia research and practice.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to consider the potential of public health perspectives to “come to the aid” of dementia research and practice.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper draws on research and policy papers.
Findings
This paper outlines some potential preventive interventions, focussing particularly on life-course phenomena like child poverty, diet and pollution, on the biological mechanisms that enable psychosocial interventions, and on the status of dementia as a syndemic disorder.
Research limitations/implications
This paper presents the opinions of the authors alone. It is based on recent research evidence and the authors’ experiences of dementia research, education and services. The implications for social scientists and for dementia research funders are contained in discussion of the need for research on prevention and social support for people with dementia and their families. While the evidence to guide primary prevention using psychosocial methods is less secure, the paper outlines a large secondary prevention research agenda in dementia.
Practical implications
Methodological approaches that facilitate harmonisation, pooling and comparison of data, are needed. In practical terms the paper argues that there is a need to know if and how psychosocial interventions work, and improve quality of life or even influence harder outcomes.
Originality/value
Few papers have considered the implications of a public health approach to dementia other than taking an epidemiological approach and focusing on the problems of dementia and rising numbers. This paper argues that a wider view of public health may be of particular relevance to dementia syndrome.
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Seyedeh Narjes Marashi, Shirin Amini and Setayesh Ebrahimian
Cognitive decline and dementia are major causes of disability. Research has suggested a relationship between dietary intake and memory problems in individuals. This study aims to…
Abstract
Purpose
Cognitive decline and dementia are major causes of disability. Research has suggested a relationship between dietary intake and memory problems in individuals. This study aims to examine the dietary histories of participants with newly diagnosed memory problems.
Design/methodology/approach
A total of 285 subjects (129 cases and 156 controls) were included in this retrospective case−control study. This paper used a food frequency questionnaire to determine the intake of dietary food groups in the previous year and a general questionnaire to assess food habits. The strength of the association between dietary history and memory problems was assessed using logistic regression and Pearson’s tests.
Findings
In this study, 73% of participants had a lower middle income and consumed less than the recommended number of meats, fruits and vegetables (1.2, 1.8 and 0.99 units/day, respectively). Participants with memory problems were more likely to take supplements than those without (P = 0.01). There was no significant difference in energy intake between the case and control groups (1634 Kcal vs 1656 Kcal). The results of the logistic regression showed that consuming any of the food groups in the previous nine months was not associated with memory problems. However, the Pearson test showed that an increase in the consumption of high-quality protein and vegetables had a slightly nonsignificant relationship with a decrease in the severity of memory disorder.
Originality/value
It is safe to suggest consuming adequate amounts of high-quality protein and affordable protein from sources such as dairy products, meats and vegetables. Research is insufficient to recommend the use of dietary supplements as a means of preventing memory disorders.
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Jennifer Seddon, Sarah Wadd, Lawrie Elliott and Iolo Madoc-Jones
No studies have evaluated the relationship between cognitive impairment and alcohol treatment outcomes amongst older drinkers. This study aims to explore the extent of cognitive…
Abstract
Purpose
No studies have evaluated the relationship between cognitive impairment and alcohol treatment outcomes amongst older drinkers. This study aims to explore the extent of cognitive impairment amongst older adults seeking alcohol treatment and examine the relationship between cognitive impairment, treatment retention and alcohol use following treatment.
Design/methodology/approach
The study used data from the Drink Wise Age Well programme; an alcohol intervention service for older adults (aged 50+). The Montreal Cognitive Assessment was used to screen for cognitive impairment; alcohol use was assessed using the alcohol use disorders identification test.
Findings
In total, 531 participants completed the assessment at treatment entry. Over half the sample were male (57%), with a mean age of 60 years (Standard deviation: 7.09). Almost half (48.4%) had cognitive impairment at the entry to treatment: 51.6% had a normal cognitive function, 41.4% had mild cognitive impairment, 5.8% had moderate cognitive impairment and 1.1% had severe cognitive impairment. Cognitive impairment was not associated with increased treatment drop-out and was not predictive of alcohol use following treatment. Alcohol treatment was associated with a significant improvement in cognitive functioning.
Originality/value
This study suggests there may be a significant amount of unidentified cognitive impairment amongst older adults attending alcohol treatment. Assessment and routine screening for cognitive impairment in drug and alcohol services may help in care planning and setting treatment goals; in the absence of routine screening opportunities for treatment planning and intervention may be missed.
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Kamonthip Tanglakmankhong, Benjamin M Hampstead, Robert J Ploutz-Snyder and Kathleen Potempa
The purpose of this paper is to examine the reliability and validity of the Abbreviated Mental Test (AMT) and the agreement with the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE).
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine the reliability and validity of the Abbreviated Mental Test (AMT) and the agreement with the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE).
Design/methodology/approach
This cross-sectional study included 446 older adults who were recruited by cluster sampling from 200,481 adults aged more than 60 years. For each participant, the AMT was administered by village health volunteers and, on a separate day, by a trained professional who also administered the MMSE. Descriptive statistics, Bland and Altman levels of agreement, and Receiver Operator Curves (ROCs) were used to analyze data.
Findings
Administration of the AMT by village health volunteers during the annual health screening found cognitive impairment in only 1.12% of the sample. When the AMT was given to these same individuals by trained professionals, the rate of cognitive impairment was almost 24 times greater. Two items in the Thai AMT may require modification due to markedly elevated failure rates. At the cut score of 8, the sensitivity and specificity of the AMT relative to the MMSE were moderate (78.83 and 66.67%, respectively). The degree of agreement between AMT and MMSE was 0.49 (p < 0.001) and the correlation between the difference scores and the mean is exceptionally low (0.048).
Originality/value
Reliable and valid cognitive screening assessment requires the administrator to be well trained and the tools to be appropriate for the population. Although AMT is short and easy for a nonprofessional to administer, some items were not suitable due to construct validity and contextual issues.