Anonymous Questions Research Articles

An online workshop to raise awareness of pelvic floor in track and field female athletes: a quasi-experimental study.

Track and field is a high-impact sport that may facilitate pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) of females. Although increasing the information may reduce deleterious habits, the traditional workshops to date did not motivate and engage the female athletes. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of an online educational workshop about pelvic floor awareness on knowledge and habits of track and field female athletes. A total of 49 track and field athletes participated in this quasi-experimental study: 38 attended an educational workshop and 11 did not. The workshop included innovative resources, such as 3D anatomic models, practical proprioceptive exercises guided by physiotherapists, and an anonymous questions and answers section. Before and 1month later, all the athletes fulfilled an anonymous questionnaire to assess their knowledge about urinary incontinence (UI), ano-rectal incontinence (ARI), pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and female sexual dysfunction (FSD), as well as toileting and sports habits. After attending the workshop, athletes obtained higher scores in knowledge about ARI (p = 0.019), POP (p < 0.001), and FSD (p = 0.018) compared to baseline and athletes who did not attend it. No improvements were observed in habits and knowledge about UI (p > 0.05). The athletes who reached 70% of correct responses about POP had greater number of healthy habits than the rest of the athletes. An innovative educational workshop about pelvic floor increases knowledge of track and field female athletes but is insufficient to modify their habits. Sports and health professionals should design educational strategies to manage the most unknown topics about pelvic floor care, considering that the proposed methodology and innovative resources are effective to increase knowledge.

Subsurface Geosciences Learning in Virtual Reality: A Case Study in Central Luconia Province, Malaysia

The recent proliferation of Extended Reality (XR) applications in geoscience education and research has opened new avenues for the enhanced visualization and analysis of the Earth’s geodata. This study specifically explores the benefits for teaching when supplementing industry standard software packages, such as Paleoscan, Petrel, and JewelSuite, with 3D visualization in XR. The teaching focuses on but is not limited to an understanding of subsurface seismic and well data. During this study, the undergraduate Petroleum Geoscience students transitioned from 2D computer screen visualizations to immersive XR tools. The dataset selected for teaching focuses on the subsurface carbonate EX field in the South China Sea. The EX-field in Central Luconia is located 100–300 km from Sarawak’s coastline in water depths of 60–140 m. It includes a post-stacked time- 3D seismic cube linked to wells, allowing students to work with seismic data, adjust scales, and conduct preliminary seismic analysis. The findings revealed a significant improvement in respondents’ skills in comprehending and analysing seismic and core data, enhancing the overall learning experience in Petroleum Geoscience. This paper also examines the students’ feedback on their learning experiences during virtual subsurface visualization throughout their university degree in geoscience. For evaluating learning success, we used an approach that merges quantitative and qualitative data, The students’ perceptions were assessed through anonymous quantitative surveys and questions. The analysis of student responses emphasizes the valuable learning experience offered by 3D virtual environments designed for realistic first-person navigation and freedom of movement, like a real field experience. The results highlight the potential of virtual subsurface visualization for imparting essential skills to geosciences.

Gamification approach to addiction education for internal medicine residents

Background: People with a substance use disorder (SUD) outnumber the trained provider workforce. The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) recognized this gap in 2022 and now requires addiction education for internal medicine (IM) residents. However, traditional lecture formats struggle to deliver education on this stigmatized condition with meaningful retention and changes in attitudes. Gamification is an evidence-based educational strategy with positive outcomes in graduate medical education, but to our knowledge, has not been used for an entire addiction curriculum. Intervention: This six session IM-focused, stigma-free, interactive curriculum used published physician competencies for content selection. Games were matched to topics based on complexity and need for skill practice. Each hourly session included 10 minutes on introduction, 45 minutes on gameplay, and 5 minutes on feedback. This addiction curriculum was incorporated into existing didactics for IM residents where participants’ comfort, psychological safety, and learning expectations were pre-established. Methods: Sixteen IM residents participated in the curriculum. Curriculum evaluation was conducted using Kirkpatrick’s four levels of evaluation. Resident feedback was obtained via online survey software at the conclusion of each session and behavior impact through an anonymous single question prompt. We used descriptive statistics and summative content analysis to evaluate findings, respectively. Results: All residents were highly satisfied with the curriculum design and use of gamification. Residents reported high levels of engagement and learning, despite use of various games. Findings support an increase in medication prescribing and utilization of harm reduction strategies following curriculum implementation. Conclusion: Gamification may be a preferred educational strategy for addiction curriculum for IM residents. We plan to distribute our curriculum widely for further evaluation in health professions’ programs.

Parenthood intentions of 16–18-year-olds in England: a survey of school students

There is a need to understand teenagers’ views towards having children to better tailor sexuality and reproductive health education. We conducted a survey of parenthood intentions for 16–18-year-old students. The survey was anonymous, contained open-ended and multiple-choice questions and was live from 10 May 2021 to 18 July 2022. The sample size was n = 931. Quantitative data were analysed descriptively and using chi-squared tests; qualitative data were analysed thematically. The majority of students (64%) indicated they wanted to have children in the future, with 49% desiring to have two children. Students who opted against having children cited the turbulent state of the world, concerns about parenthood, and, for many females, negative associations to pregnancy and childbirth. Many students felt concern about the possibility of having children in the future (45%), expressing concerns about their ability to have healthy children and worries about the lives their children might lead. Six themes were identified in their responses to the question ‘What are your concerns about the possibility of having children in the future?’: Fears; Self-doubt; Health and wellbeing; Big investment; Hinderance to personal aspirations; and Non-inclusive LGBTQ+ education. We conclude by making recommendations as to how school reproductive health and sex education might be improved.

Medical student experiences of equality, diversity, and inclusion: content analysis of student feedback using Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems theory

BackgroundIssues relating to equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) significantly impact on medical student achievement and wellbeing. Interventions have been introduced at curricular and organisational levels, yet progress in addressing these issues remains limited. Timely evaluation is needed to assess effectiveness of interventions, and to explore issues and interactions in learning environments impacting on student experience. We introduced an anonymous question concerning students’ experiences of EDI into routine online student feedback questionnaires, to scope the nature of ongoing issues and develop greater understanding of students’ experiences in our programme environment. Ecological systems theory, which conceptualizes learning as a function of complex social interactions, determined by characteristics of individual learners and their environment, provides a framework for understanding.MethodsFree-text responses regarding experiences of EDI gathered over 20 months from all programme years (n = 760) were pooled for analysis, providing a holistic overview of experiences in the learning environment. A counting exercise identified broad categories reported by students. Content analysis of the qualitative dataset was undertaken. Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems theory was applied as a framework to demonstrate interdependencies between respondents’ experiences and environments, and associated impacts.ResultsThree hundred and seventy-six responses were received relating to wide-ranging EDI issues, most frequently gender or ethnicity. Responses mapped onto all areas of the ecological systems model, with frequent links between subsystems, indicating considerable complexity and interdependencies. Interpersonal interactions and associated impacts like exclusion were frequently discussed. Differential experiences of EDI-related issues in medical school compared to clinical settings were reported. Impacts of institutional leadership and wider societal norms were considered by respondents. Respondents discussed their need for awareness of EDI with reference to future professional practice.ConclusionsImplementation of a regular free-text evaluation question allowed data-gathering across cohorts and throughout several stages of the curriculum, illuminating student experience. Connections established demonstrated intersectionality, and how environment and other factors interact, impacting on student experiences. Students experience EDI-related issues on multiple levels within the educational environment, with consequent impacts on learning. Any successful approach towards tackling issues and promoting equity of opportunity for all requires multi-level actions and widespread culture change. Students can offer fresh and distinct perspectives regarding change needed, to complement and diversify perspectives provided by staff and organisational leadership. Student voice should be enabled to shape change.

Psychická záťaž sestier a pracovisko dlhodobo chorých

Introduction: The article deals with the psychological workload of nurses working at the workplace of long-term patients. Goal: The goal of the work is to determine the level of psychological burden of nurses and its management at the workplace of long-term sick ward.patients. Methodology: In the study, a quantitative form of survey was chosen through a standardized questionnaire, which was supplemented with its own anonymous questions. The survey sample consisted of 216 respondents who worked in the position of a nurse in long-term care, while the condition was at least 1 year of experience at the given workplace. Results: It was found that 56% of the respondents decided on the given job because it was their dream job goal. The incidence of feeling stressed less than every week due to work was reported by 43% of respondents. Up to 58% of respondents felt mental and physical stress to the same degree. Psychological stress was caused by cooperation and communication with nurses in up to 49%. For 21% of respondents, the stressful situations were urgent, and in 16% the nurses‘ behavior played a role. Conclusion: From the results, it is possible to clearly recommend a higher level of education, preventive programs, an increase in the frequency of education and an expansion of educational resources related to burnout syndrome and psychological stress.

Factors associated with mental health burdens in physical therapists during the late stage of the COVID-19 pandemic

IntroductionIt has been a long time since the emergence of COVID-19 in China and its spread worldwide. Vaccines are a promising solution to overcome COVID-19 infection. Still, vaccine hesitancy is the only barrier to controlling the pandemic, as thinking about its side effects induces psychological exhaustion. There is still a lack of research targeting the mental health of Physical Therapists (PTs), especially during the late stage of the COVID-19 pandemic, so the study’s main aim was to identify the prevalence of anxiety, depression and insomnia and identify risk factors that influence anxiety and depression.MethodsA cross-sectional online survey via anonymous questionnaires and questions about socio-demographic information was launched on social media in the second half of February 2021.ResultsPrevalence of anxiety, depression, and insomnia was 42.7%, 50.10%, and 89.30%, respectively, among physical therapists. Common factors that induce anxiety and depression were having children and needing psychological support. Other risk factors for anxiety only were working in a quarantine hospital, being infected with COVID-19, self-isolation after return from the hospital, and hesitance about vaccine effectiveness. Treating COVID-19 patients and having a family member who had died from COVID-19 were risk factors for depression. Consulting a psychiatrist reduced this risk of depression.ConclusionsElevated mental health disturbances triggered the alarm for urgent psychological rehabilitation to prevent the failure of health care systems in this critical period. Additionally, fighting the anti-vaccine movement should be a priority along with enhancing telerehabilitation programs in hospitals.

The Politics of Presence Revisited

Abstract Almost three decades after its first publication, Anne Phillips reflects on the Politics of Presence in the context of contemporary developments from #MeToo to Black Lives Matter. Granting the importance of a contingent and intersectional understanding of presence, she reemphasizes the necessity of descriptive representation. Phillips reflects on questions of anonymity, essentialism, the multiple self, unconditional equality, and the current role of feminist research in democratic theory. She also opens perspectives toward mending the divide between a politics of recognition and a politics of distribution.

Influence of medical and social factors on parents' attitude to specific prevention of infectious diseases in children of the Saratov region during the new coronavirus infection pandemic

Objective: to analyze the influence of medical and social factors on the attitude of parents to the specific prevention of infectious diseases in children during the pandemic of a new coronavirus infection. Material and methods. Anonymous questioning of parents on the attitude to vaccination was conducted. A specially designed questionnaire included questions about attitudes towards vaccines included in the National Immunization Schedule, as well as those not included in it, in particular, the desire of parents to vaccinate their children against COVID-19 was assessed. In total, 153 people aged 17 to 42 took part in the survey — parents of children aged 1 to 14 years. Results. All parents under 18 years of age support vaccination in accordance with the National Vaccination Calendar; 52.1% of parents aged 18—25 years (p &lt; 0.001), 55.6% of parents aged 26—35 years (p &lt; 0.001 compared to parents under 18 years old), and 66.7% of parents over 35 years old (p &lt; 0.001 compared to parents under 18 years old and parents 18—35 years old). Conclusion. The main medical and social factors associated with the refusal to carry out preventive vaccinations for their children are: the age of parents under 35, incomplete higher education and trust in information received on the Internet. The results obtained indicate the need to determine the «risk group» among parents who express doubts about the need for vaccination. It is necessary to conduct educational programs for them in order to form a positive attitude towards the specific prevention of infectious diseases.

Impact of the Dobbs v Jackson Women's Health Organization decision on retention of Indiana medical students for residency

As medical students consider residency training programs, access to comprehensive training in abortion care and the legal climate influencing abortion care provision are likely to affect their decision process. This study aimed to determine medical students' desire to stay in a state with an abortion ban for residency. A cross-sectional survey was distributed to all medical students at a large allopathic medical school. Anonymous survey questions investigated the likelihood of seeking residency training in states with abortion restrictions and the likelihood of considering obstetrics and gynecology as a specialty. Qualitative responses were also captured. The survey was distributed to 1424 students, and 473 responses yielded a 33.2% completion rate; 66.8% of students were less likely to pursue residency training in Indiana following a proposed abortion ban. Moreover, 70.0% of students were less likely to pursue residency in a state with abortion restrictions. Approximately half of respondents (52.2%) were less likely to pursue obstetrics and gynecology as a specialty after proposed abortion restrictions. Qualitative remarks encompassed 6 themes: comprehensive health care access, frustration with the political climate, impact on health care providers, relocation, advocacy, and personal beliefs and ethical considerations. Most medical students expressed decreased likelihood of remaining in Indiana or in states with abortion restrictions for residency training. The field of obstetrics and gynecology has been negatively affected, with medical students indicating lower likelihood to pursue obstetrics and gynecology. Regardless of specialty, the physician shortage may be exacerbated in states with abortion restrictions. The overturn of Roe v Wade has the potential for significant effects on medical student plans for residency training location, thereby shaping the future of the physician workforce.

МОНИТОРИНГ ОТНОШЕНИЯ ШКОЛЬНИКОВ К ЗДОРОВОМУ ОБРАЗУ ЖИЗНИ И ОРГАНИЗАЦИИ ЗДОРОВЬЕСБЕРЕГАЮЩЕЙ ДЕЯТЕЛЬНОСТИ

The article presents the research conducted to identify the attitude of schoolchildren to a healthy lifestyle, the analysis of the depth of their knowledge regarding this concept and the use in practice of the basic dogmas of healthy lifestyle. A comparative analysis of the knowledge of the concept of a healthy lifestyle in the urban and rural ecosystem of the school is carried out. Anonymous questioning of students on specific diverse issues related to the creation of conditions at the school level, locality, state for a healthy lifestyle, as well as the preservation and enhancement of the health of schoolchildren allowed to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the promotion of healthy lifestyle, in turn, expanded the understanding of young people about the possibilities of a competent and competent approach to these issues. The purpose of the study has been achieved, which makes it possible for future more detailed study of this issue, the development of the concept ofpromoting a healthy lifestyle. Respondents of the city school pay great attention to sports, compliance with the principles of proper nutrition, and are distinguished by the absence of bad habits. Rural schoolchildren consider the hardening of the body, spot training to be a priority in maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and highlight the special role of proper nutrition in maintaining health. A high degree of satisfaction of young people in the organization of sports complexes, their accessibility, including for people with disabilities, was revealed. In their opinion, state support for all areas of healthy lifestyle and social networks as the main tool for knowledge of this issue should be crucial in the promotion of healthy lifestyle. All respondents see the huge role of psycho-emotional, spiritual, social and political aspects of influencing human health.

Sustainable management and comprehensive administrative control of asphalt pavements case study, Perú

The management of asphalt pavements is of great importance for the development of road, motorway and airport runway infrastructures. For the company to achieve its goals, the use of administrative control instruments or tools such as evaluations and follow-ups of employees. Such control begins with the design by the company of an organizational structure where activities are planned and their effectiveness with their subsequent evaluations. The study aimed to analyze the management of asphalt maintenance and its administration process in a pavement and construction company in the Lima region, Peru. The methodology used was the hypothetical deductivo. Thedesign was non-experimental and cross-sectional deliberating the variables in a single time of study in a descriptive way, the sample population was the administrative workers and workers to perform the research technique, the type of instrument used was the survey with anonymous questions and closed questions, or at least all those questions that best respond to the situation we want to know. An analysis of frequencies and weighting of percentages was made from which it obtained, the values that allowed us to know the problems of the company with respect to the variables under study such as administrative control and maintenance, the validity of the instrument had a degree of reliability of Cronbach’s alpha of 0.879 for the variable Administrative control and maintenance of 0.849. In the research regarding the dimensions of asphalt pavement have a relationship with the administrative management of the company, having a positive significance.

“Why do people do sex?” an analysis of middle school students’ anonymous questions about sexual health

ABSTRACT Sexual health education should meet the needs of all students. One strategy educators can use to ensure instruction meets students’ needs is to encourage the submission of anonymous questions, allowing students to gain information without fear of instructor or peer reactions. We investigated anonymous questions submitted by middle school (7th-grade, ages 12-13) students during a sexual health education curriculum in Ohio, USA. Questions (n=893) were organised into 12 categories: reproductive anatomy (n=186), LGBTQ+ topics (n=130), sexual behaviour (n=120), class-related questions (n=99), pregnancy (n=78), slang (n=52), STIs (n=44), protection/birth control (n=33), relationships (n=19), consent (n=14), health services (n=9), abstinence (n=1), and unrelated questions/comments (n=108). After categorising questions, we conducted thematic analysis with the three largest categories (reproductive anatomy, LGBTQ+ topics, sexual behaviour). Results revealed students wanted to know about the normality of the processes and functions of their bodies. Students also expressed concern and had internalised social norms about LGBTQ+ topics. Student questions about sexual behaviour suggested they wanted to learn more about the purposes and processes of sex, e.g., how people have intercourse. Findings underscore the need for inclusive, comprehensive and medically accurate sexual health education for early adolescents. We discuss implications for student health/well-being, educator development, and school staff.

Use of combined hormonal contraceptives in women with uterine fibroids: opinions of practitioners

BACKGROUND:Uterine fibroids are increasingly diagnosed in patients of reproductive age. Combined hormonal contraceptives provide reliable protection against unwanted pregnancy and help to reduce or eliminate various clinical manifestations of uterine fibroids. In practice, obstetrician-gynecologists have barriers to prescribing combined hormonal contraceptives to patients with uterine fibroids.&#x0D; AIM:The aim of this work was to study the features of the clinical approach of obstetrician-gynecologists to the management of patients with uterine fibroids interested in combined hormonal contraception.&#x0D; MATERIALS AND METHODS:The method of voluntary anonymous questioning was applied to 366 obstetrician-gynecologists. The work experience of 62.1% (n= 227) of doctors was 10 years or more. The questionnaire included questions about various aspects of the use of combined hormonal contraceptives for contraception in women with uterine fibroids.&#x0D; RESULTS:Only every second (47.5%;n= 174) obstetrician-gynecologist correctly assigns uterine fibroids to the first category of acceptability for combined hormonal contraceptives. The presence of an asymptomatic submucous myomatous node (FIGO 12) or dysmenorrhea in women with uterine fibroids is considered by 29.0% (n= 106) and 5.7% (n= 21) of obstetrician-gynecologists, respectively, as a contraindication to the use of combined hormonal contraceptives. Every ninth participant (11.4%;n= 42) believes that the presence of uterine fibroids limits the duration of use of combined hormonal contraceptives for contraception to 15 years. Almost half (45.6%;n= 167) of the respondents believe that combined hormonal contraceptives have various effects on uterine fibroids (cause regression or growth of fibroids, increase the risk of new fibroids). More than half (53.3%;n= 195) of the respondents are not informed about the reduction in the risk of developing uterine fibroids when using combined hormonal contraceptives for five years or more.&#x0D; CONCLUSIONS:In the analyzed cohort of experienced obstetrician-gynecologists, we identified their barriers to prescribing combined hormonal contraceptives for contraception for women with uterine fibroids. Those are incomplete awareness of the acceptance criteria for combined hormonal contraceptives and insufficient awareness of the lack of effect of combined hormonal contraceptives on the size of existing myomatous nodes and a decrease in the risk of developing uterine fibroids when using combined hormonal contraceptives for five or more years.

Inclusivity in transitioning to medical school.

Inclusivity in transitioning to medical school.

A Survey of Parental Leave Academic Faculty Experiences Identifies an Overlooked Need (P7-7.005)

<h3>Objective:</h3> This study sought to understand academic neurology faculty experiences undertaking parental leave (PL). <h3>Background:</h3> PL and disproportionate childcare may play a role in the gender disparity in senior leadership in academic neurology. There are a dearth of publications analyzing the experiences of PL in academic medicine. <h3>Design/Methods:</h3> An online, anonymous 34 question survey was developed to evaluate neurology faculty experiences with PL. Questions pertained to demographics, faculty rank, support for PL, coverage, lactation resources, and post-PL depression/anxiety. <h3>Results:</h3> 40 of 81 (49%) neurology faculty completed the survey. 60% of respondents were age 35–44 years. 49.5% identified as assistant professor or instructor level. 61% had taken PL. 60% had provided coverage for a colleague on PL, with 60% rating the coverage as “fair”. For support, colleagues were considered the primary resource to assist in preparation of PL, followed by FMLA/department coordinators and then supervisors. 47.83% of respondents took 8–12 weeks. 30% of respondents took less than 4 weeks. Primary reasons to return from PL included obligation to patients, financial constraints, call responsibility and ran out of paid time leave. Peer pressure and employer pressure were cited by only 10% of respondents. 40% felt that PL would hinder advancement in the department. Although depression “baby blues” and anxiety were self-identified symptoms post-PL, very few faculty sought professional help. Overall, support for PL during and planning leave were rated highly for department and colleagues. However, support for lactation accommodations was identified as an opportunity for improvement. <h3>Conclusions:</h3> Faculty respondents in our survey rated support planning and during PL favorably. However, opportunities for improvement occurred during return to work including lactation accommodations/resources, self-identified depression and anxiety and feelings that advancement in the department would be hindered by PL. Lack of support during return to work following PL could lead to burnout and attrition in young academic neurologists. <b>Disclosure:</b> Dr. Nguyen has received personal compensation in the range of $0-$499 for serving on a Scientific Advisory or Data Safety Monitoring board for Argenx. Dr. Nguyen has received personal compensation in the range of $5,000-$9,999 for serving on a Speakers Bureau for ArgenX. Dr. Nguyen has received publishing royalties from a publication relating to health care. Dr. Williams has received research support from UTHealth at Houston. The institution of Dr. Sharrief has received research support from NIH. The institution of Dr. Sharrief has received research support from University of Houston . Dr. Sharrief has a non-compensated relationship as a Consultant with Abbot that is relevant to AAN interests or activities.

Advancing Access to Care through Digital Health: Perspectives from Youth on a Novel Platform to Increase Access to Sexual and Reproductive Health Care and Education for Adolescents and Young Adults

Study ObjectiveYouth account for half of new sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the United States annually. Barriers to STI prevention include a lack of accurate sexual and reproductive health (SRH) education and low STI testing. We sought to obtain youth feedback on a digital health platform prototype designed to address these barriers. MethodsThe platform prototype included SRH content, free STI testing and treatment, and anonymous question submission. Five focus group discussions, each lasting 45-60 minutes with 5-6 youth living in a high-prevalence STI region (Baltimore, Maryland), were conducted. Thematic analysis was conducted. ResultsThere were 28 participants with a mean age of 15.9 years (range 14-19), among whom 89% self-identified as female, 57% Black/African American, 29% Asian American, 14% White, and 7% Hispanic/Latino. Youth felt that the prototype platform was comprehensive and understandable. They suggested adding peer reviews to increase trustworthiness. ConclusionYouth reported that the platform (violetproject.org) was an acceptable tool for SRH education and STI testing. Participants expressed enthusiasm and willingness to use the platform as a reliable SRH educational tool to combat medical misinformation on the Internet and a non-clinic-based source of STI testing. This platform could fill gaps in access to SRH care and education for youth.

The principle of operation of a decentralized money transfer information system

The article is devoted to reviewing the concept of blockchain in the implementation of a decentralized money transfer system. The concept of fault tolerance of cryptocurrency technology is considered and some aspects of the fault tolerance solution are given. The analysis of information security of enterprises was carried out. The questions of anonymity of banking systems are touched upon. The dependence of the anonymity of the banking system on the quality of the software and on the security policy is shown. Recommendations are given for solving the problem of anonymity, in particular, generating a private key or embedding an algorithm for connecting transactions. Approaches to creating transactions are considered. Examples of algorithms that allow protecting user transactions are given. The description of the blockchain structure and the consensus algorithm has been carried out. The issues of generating a chain of blocks of an honest user and a chain of blocks of an attacker are considered. Formalization of the estimate of the probability of transaction break-even has been carried out. Binomial random walk was used for estimation. The end of the transaction process is just as justified as waiting for new blocks to be added to the chain of an honest user. A digital signature is used to identify whether a transaction belongs to a public key. The processes of signing a transaction and verifying a signature are considered. Separately, the approaches used in the design of cryptocurrencies are highlighted. The network stores the entire history of transactions, it is possible to calculate the balance of the total amount of incoming funds and spending money. These approaches are software solutions based on game theory and cryptography. The main attention is drawn to the business values of cryptocurrencies and ways to achieve them. As a result, the necessary functionality of the software client is formulated. The article provides a thorough analysis of a new financial and settlement instrument - electronic money. The task of developing a virtual payment system has recently received much attention.

N31 Nothing about us, without us: Developing a reliable IBD information source on sexual well-being by patients and for patients

Abstract Background Patients with IBD have knowledge and expertise regarding their disease and can contribute to research and information for other patients. Research suggests that despite IBD having a significant impact on the sexual well-being (SWB) of patients, there is a lack of reliable sources of information on this topic, and it is rarely discussed in clinical consultations. 1. This patient engagement project aimed to cover some of the information deemed important to patients. Methods This project was a co-production with patients to provide a reliable source of information for the previously neglected topic of SWB and IBD. Four volunteers living with IBD from a diverse population, collaborated with researchers over four months. They had 6 online group discussion sessions lasting approximately one hour each. They highlighted themes (fig 1) within the broader topic of sex and relationships that they thought should be addressed in an information resource, based on their own past experiences, or what was missing from reliable websites. Volunteers produced a document that was vetted by researchers, and this became the website content. Results The outcome of the project was a free to access website which contains SWB information. Patient experience quotes were considered by volunteers as important. A selection of anonymous patient quotations which provided experiences of IBD impact on SWB were also chosen by the volunteers to be included in the information resource. A psycho-sexual therapist reviewed the content and provided an additional information resource in a PDF form, useful for both patients and healthcare professionals, which can be downloaded. A feedback function is included, where users can ask anonymous questions or make suggestions to be incorporated on the website. Website traffic metrics were collected and showed that within the first two weeks of the website being launched, 511 people engaged with the content and 41 downloaded the information leaflet. This data was used as an initial testing for the platform. Website will be updated yearly based on the feedback received. Conclusion This project highlighted the importance of resources on the often-neglected topic of SWB in IBD, to improve quality of life for people with IBD. Co-production with patients to create an information resource corroborates their valuable contribution to the topics important to patients. It also demonstrates how this partnership is necessary to create relatable and needed information for patients. The feedback function of the website provides the opportunity for further input from patients, ensuring that research can continue to be informed by them.

Этнокультурные особенности невербального коммуникативного поведения русских и киргизов

The article characterizes some features of non-verbal communicative behavior of representatives of the Russian and Kyrgyz peoples. The material of the study was the oral and written answers of the participants in the experiment, collected by using direct observation, oral questioning, conversation-interviewing, associative experiment and anonymous questioning, as well as data from dictionaries, encyclopedias and examples from works of art. Data processing made it possible to identify dominant features - typified communicative features that were subjected to written and oral verification. According to the degree of recurrence of communicative features, the content of the components of non-verbal communicative behavior was determined, and gerontological, gender and socio-psychological features of non-verbal communication of representatives of Russian and Kyrgyz ethnic cultures were identified. Based on the results of experiments carried out in a contrastive aspect, the concept of "non-verbal signal" is clarified, criteria for its differentiation are identified, and historical facts of non-verbal communication are analyzed and interpreted to classify its types. It has been established that the ethno-specific content of the non-verbal communicative behavior of the Russian and Kyrgyz peoples covers similar and supranational features, and the differences are associated with socio-economic, cultural-historical and emotional-psychological factors.