Support Center Research Articles

Effect of a Logotherapy-Based Empowerment Program for Achieving Self-Reliance Among Persons Living Houseless

The lives of houseless individuals are characterized by powerlessness, meaninglessness, hopelessness, and despair, yet they have a desire to escape homelessness. While the economic aspect is essential for escaping homelessness, psychological resources are crucial, as they form the basis of the strength needed to achieve independence. The study aimed to examine the effectiveness of a logotherapy-based empowerment program developed to strengthen the capabilities of persons living houseless and ultimately develop competencies that serve as a foundation for self-reliance. The study was performed in a homeless support center for men living houseless in South Korea using a repeated-measures design with a control group. The experimental group received an eight-session empowerment program over 8 weeks. The participants were assessed at three intervals: pretest, posttest immediately after the program, and follow-up test 4 weeks after the posttest. The follow-up tests were completed by 22 and 16 participants in the experimental and control groups, respectively. We found that the empowerment program significantly enhanced the meaning of life, hope, and empowerment of houseless individuals. Community mental health nurses, who are in a position to interact with persons living houseless, must empower them to escape homelessness and achieve self-reliance, an important goal for this population.

Prognostic thresholds of outcome predictors in severe accidental hypothermia.

Hemodynamically unstable patients with severe hypothermia and preserved circulation should be transported to dedicated extracorporeal life support (ECLS) centers, but not all are eligible for extracorporeal therapy. In this group of patients, the outcome of rewarming may sometimes be unfavorable. It is, therefore, crucial to identify potential risk factors for death. Furthermore, it is unclear what criterion for hemodynamic stability should be adopted for patients with severe hypothermia. The aim of this study is to identify pre-rewarming predictors of death and their threshold values in hypothermic patients with core temperature ≤ 28°C and preserved circulation, who were treated without extracorporeal rewarming. We conducted a multicenter retrospective study involving patients in accidental hypothermia with core temperature 28°C or lower, and preserved spontaneous circulation on rewarming initiation. The data were collected from the International Hypothermia Registry, HELP Registry, and additional hospital data. The primary outcome was survival to hospital discharge. We conducted a multivariable logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis. In the multivariate analysis of laboratory tests and vital signs, systolic blood pressure (SBP) adjusted for cooling circumstances and base excess (BE) were identified as the best predictor of death (OR 0.974 95% CI 0.952-0.996), AUC ROC 0.79 (0.70-0.88). The clinically relevant cutoff for SBP was identified at 90mmHg with a sensitivity of 0.74 (0.54-0.89) and a specificity of 0.70 (0.60-0.79). The increased risk of death among hypothermic patients with preserved circulation occurs among those with an SBP below 90mmHg and in those who developed hypothermia in their homes.

Development of a Enhanced System Review for Public Agency Multi-Sectoral Integrated Data Systems

While traditional security assessments (such as mandated external security reviews which include a penetration test tied to a security framework) are a critical component to securing your data infrastructure, the complexities and governance structures around integrated data systems that involve multiple public sector agencies require a more comprehensive framework to address comprehensive risk, regulatory, and governance considerations that are critical to the confidentiality of the data within these systems. In January of 2024, the Data Integration Support Center (DISC) created and piloted an enhanced system review that includes components that are often overlooked or oversimplified when working with today's technologies such as cloud-based secure enclaves. By following up on a mandated security review, an enhanced system review can help a maturing Integrated Data System (IDS) address both security and privacy risks as it moves forward. An enhanced system review looks primarily, though not necessarily exclusively, at the following aspects of an IDS, principally in the interest of ensuring privacy: IDS alignment with its legal framework and other structuring documents (e.g., policies, procedures, interagency agreements) Training to support privacy and security Use of technology to prevent or mitigate human error The results of the review are provided directly to the IDS leadership and generally include a list of recommendations in the areas of improved legal agreements, leveraging privacy enhancing technologies to mitigate or reduce errors, procedural/policy gap identification and/or architectural recommendations to improve the security.

Progress report of the Tohoku Medical Megabank Community-Based Cohort Study: Study profile of the repeated center-based survey during second period in Miyagi Prefecture.

The purpose of this study was to report the basic profile of the Miyagi Prefecture part of a repeated center-based survey during the second period (2nd period survey) of the Tohoku Medical Megabank Community-Based Cohort Study (TMM CommCohort Study), as well as the participants' characteristics based on their participation type in the baseline survey. The 2nd period survey, conducted from June 2017 to March 2021, included participants of the TMM CommCohort Study (May 2013 to March 2016). In addition to the questionnaire, blood, urine, and physiological function tests were performed during the 2nd period survey. There were three main ways of participation in the baseline survey: Type 1, Type 1 additional, or Type 2 survey. The 2nd period survey was conducted in the same manner as the Type 2 survey, which was based on the community support center (CSC). In Miyagi Prefecture, 29,383 (57.7%) of 50,967 participants participated in the 2nd period survey. The participation rate among individuals who had visited the CSC was approximately 80%. Although some factors differed depending on the participation type in the baseline survey, the 2nd period survey respondents in the Type 1 and Type 2 survey groups at baseline had similar traits. The 2nd period survey of the TMM CommCohort Study provided detailed follow-up information. Following up on the health conditions of the participants will clarify the long-term effects of disasters and contribute to personalized prevention.

E-Learning Support Centers in Higher Education: Characteristics, Advantages and Challenges

e-Learning Support Centers in Higher Education: Characteristics, Advantages and Challenges

Turnover Intention among Staff Who Support Older Adults Living Alone in Japan: A Cross-Sectional Study

Older adults in Japan traditionally rely on family members for care. However, the growing number of older people living alone has increased staff burden in community general support centers (CGSCs), which provide care for older people in Japan. This study aimed to identify factors linked to turnover intention among CGSC staff. Of 1002 staff invited to participate, 283 completed a survey (response rate: 28.2%). Logistic regression analysis of 183 valid questionnaires examined demographic, job-related, and attitudinal factors associated with turnover intention. The results showed that the perceived difficulty of supporting older adults living alone was the main predictor of turnover intention. Staff reporting high perceived difficulty levels were more likely to consider leaving. Negative attitudes toward supporting this population also increased turnover risk. These findings highlight a pressing need for targeted interventions to strengthen the ability of CGSC staff to manage the challenges of caring for isolated older individuals. Addressing staff perceptions and providing essential training and resources could reduce turnover rates and increase the quality of care for this vulnerable group.

Creation and functioning of the information-rich space of biological and ecological education of the Technopark "Quantorium" in the conditions of integration of interaction between schools and pedagogical University

The publication reflects the solution of the task of creating a Technopark space functioning on the basis of the latest information, communication and IT technologies for the implementation of modern biological and environmental education in the school-university system using the resources of the Quantorium Technopark. The authors of the study discuss the importance of integrating modern technologies and resources into the educational process in order to increase the effectiveness of learning and the practical applicability of knowledge in this field. The purpose of the article is to describe the concept of an information–rich technological space of biological and environmental education and the principles of its implementation on the basis of the Technopark “Quantorium”. The research methodology is based on the principles of developing training courses and educational and methodological support for them, involving the preparation of educational programs designed to implement innovative methods and the latest technologies in the field of biology, bioengineering, biotechnology and ecology; the use of laboratory and practical work, as well as large-scale application of biological and environmental experiments based on the use of technical resources of the Technopark. The results of the study. The paper analyzes in detail the main components of the technological information-rich space, including information systems, equipment and software used to develop training courses and laboratory work on environmental and biological topics. The role of the Technopark “Quantorium” as a center for innovation and support of educational projects, contributing to the introduction of modern educational technologies, is also considered. In their article, the researchers present the concept of an innovative information-rich space for the practical implementation of biological and environmental education. It is based on the multidisciplinary integrated application of all the resources of the Technopark “Quantorium”. The implementation of this concept will create an effective and innovative information and educational environment for school students and pedagogical university students, contributing to the development of environmental awareness and the training of qualified specialists in the field of ecology and biology.

The multilingual digits-in-noise (DIN) test: development and evaluation

Objective To develop a methodologically uniform digits-in-noise (DIN) test in 17 different languages. Design The DIN test was developed for Android devices as an extension to the open-access Hearing Test™ app, available on the Google Play store. It utilised professionally recorded female speech, speech-shaped noise, a digit scoring method and a variable step size. The test was adaptively optimised and evaluated as the results of tests taken online by users of the app became available. Study sample Optimisation using 35,534 ears, evaluation using 6012 ears. Results Optimisation improved the slopes of the psychometric functions for all languages by an average of 6.8%/dB. Evaluation included calculation of normative speech reception thresholds (SRTs) and estimation of test-retest standard deviations. Normative values for SRTs ranged from −14.2 dB SNR (95% CI −14.3 to −14.0) for Chinese to −11.2 dB SNR (95% CI −11.3 to −11.1) for Japanese, with reliability estimates ranging from 0.48 dB (95% CI 0.36–0.64) for Portuguese to 0.91 dB (95% CI 0.73–1.21) for Romanian. Conclusions The optimisation of each language version was confirmed by the improvement in the slopes of the psychometric functions. The normative values obtained from the test evaluation were in agreement with literature data. Trial Registration Science Support Centre of Wroclaw Medical University BW-59/2020

Elucidating the selective adsorption of heavy rare earth by phosphate modified silica: The cooperation of pore confinement and surface structure regulating

Rare earths are considered strategic metals, with heavy rare earth elements of greater importance due to their supply and utilization field. However, efficient separation of heavy rare earth elements is a great challenge as the similar physicochemical properties between light and heavy rare earths. In this study, the highly efficient adsorbents with confinement effect are synthesized by the modification of MCM-41 materials with dimethyl clodronate (NP2) and methylene dichlorophosphate (NDP2). The adsorbents were characterized by XRD, TEM, SEM-EDS, N2 adsorption–desorption, FTIR, TG, 13C NMR, and XPS. It was discovered that the pore size of MCM-41 affected markedly the adsorption selectivity, and the cooperation of the organic adsorption center and pore confinement of MCM-41 support enabled the selective adsorption of heavy rare earth ion. The adsorbent modified by NP2 exhibited high adsorption selectivity toward heavy rare earth ions (Lu3+) with the increase in pore size of MCM-41. In contrast, the expanded pore of MCM-41 enhanced the selectivity of light rare earth ions for the NDP2 modified adsorbents. The distribution coefficient of Lu3+ adsorption over NP2-MCM-41(III) adsorbent reached 20,132 mL g−1 and the separation factor of Lu to La reached 82.17. DFT calculations revealed that a vital driving force for the selective adsorption of Lu was the gap of binding energy between Lu and La complexes with the surface NP2/NDP2 groups. The synergy of pore confinement and organic functional groups in adsorbents in this paper offers a valuable strategy for designing efficient materials in the separation of rare earth elements.

Finnish professionals’ views on the position and agency of children in helping processes concerning cases of post-separation parental stalking and coercive control: A child’s right perspective

The purpose of this qualitative study is to examine the position and agency of children in helping processes and professional encounters in cases where one parent targets the other with stalking and coercive and controlling behaviors after separation. The research question is: What kinds of positions and agency are ascribed to children in helping processes and professional encounters in cases of post-separation parental stalking and coercive control? The data analyzed here are professionals’ responses to a qualitative survey collected in connection with a national webinar on stalking and coercive control organized by the Finnish Stalking Support Center. There were 74 respondents to the survey. Three main categories for children’s positions and agency were formed: 1) The child caught in the middle, 2) The neglected child and 3) The child as a questioned knowledgeable agent. The positions and agency ascribed to children are discussed in the light of the children’s right to provision, protection and participation classified in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. To enable greater access to support for children and better realization of their rights, there is a need to include the children’s perspective in the helping processes of post-separation parental stalking and coercive control and regard children as agents with particular rights and needs for help.

Sexual Health Implications of Return Migration for Women and Their Partners in Rural Mexico: A Critical Ethnography.

The return of a migrant partner can negatively impact the sexual health of women who stayed in their communities. Understanding their sexual health needs is crucial for developing targeted interventions and support systems. Our study used a critical ethnographic approach in Agua Dulce, a rural community in Mexico, involving 50 key informants: women who stayed behind (n = 20), returnees (n = 12), community leaders (n = 12), and health care professionals (n = 6). We used participant observation, policy analysis, and interviews, using purposeful and snowball sampling methods. A gender-based thematic analysis revealed economic hardships and early separations affect the sexual well-being of women who stay behind. Infidelity, discovered through social media or calls, causes emotional distress and family disruptions. Male migrants spend an average of 8.85 years abroad, leading to fears of risky sexual behaviors. Our study highlights the urgent need for specialized support centers and comprehensive health interventions.

Addressing Systemic Barriers to Timely Degree Completion through the Establishment of a Graduation Help Desk

This practice report details a large, four-year, public, research 1 (very high research activity), Hispanic Serving Institution’s (HSI) approach to tackling barriers to timely graduation through the implementation of a virtual support center, the Graduation Help Desk (GHD). The GHD, established in late 2017, operates at the level of the provost’s office and tackles graduation obstacles through individual referral cases, proactive outreach, and institutional policy review. By collaborating with academic departments, colleges, and support services, the GHD ensures solutions align with degree integrity and institutional standards of excellence. Its organizational position allows it to quickly elevate institution-wide issues and make recommendations for systemic changes. The GHD’s impact, specifically the number of referral cases, students served, institutional policies changed, cost savings to students, and increased graduation rates is provided. As a successful, cost-effective, virtual service model, the GHD is instrumental in supporting undergraduate students, specifically at-risk and difficult-to-reach student populations, preventing graduation delays and lowering student costs. GHDs are a scalable intervention with a high return on investment for both students and institutions through improved operations and student success outcomes.

The Importance of Measures Undertaken to Improve the Quality of Life in the Problem Areas: A Case Study in Warmia and Mazury Region in Poland

State agencies set up to manage the agricultural properties of the State Treasury, in subsequent years of their operation, have been implementing programs that are also intended to improve the social and living situation of the inhabitants of former state-owned farm villages. Such measures include non-refundable financial support distributed by the National Support Centre for Agriculture (NSCA). The research aimed to assess whether non-refundable financial aid improves the quality of life of local communities living in rural areas, particularly in former state-owned farm areas identified as problem areas. Another objective aspect of the research was to indicate the importance of this assistance in the opinion of the beneficiaries of this form of support (district authorities) and local communities. Improvement of the quality of life of rural inhabitants and support for the development of rural areas by local governments can be achieved by taking advantage of potential development factors and opportunities emerging in the environment and by being able to establish effective cooperation with various institutions. For local development to proceed smoothly, especially in rural areas, various institutions and economic players need to reach a consensus, become involved, and work together efficiently. A possible instrument to achieve this is the non-repayable financial support distributed by the National Support Centre for Agriculture (NSCA), which-according to the research-brings measurable effects.

Products of time: Matchboxes as scientific containers and the social lives of archaeological ephemera

Archaeological work leaves material histories, from archival notes to containers that used to store artifacts. Rarely, however, are these containers preserved or valued as technologies that codified and organized archaeological information. This paper analyzes a collection of matchboxes that were formerly used as artifact containers in a 1940s excavation in Coahuila, Mexico. The matchboxes, never formally accessioned and yet still saved by collections staff, are housed In the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History (NMNH) Museum Support Center. By tracing the labor regimes the matchboxes passed through, the specimens they once contained, and the hands that used them in a multitude of ways, this project uses the matchboxes’ microhistories to reveal how archaeological containers influenced archaeological science. This research argues for a treatment of the matchboxes as artifacts themselves, worthy of formal accession and of value for their role in the history of archaeological science.

Comparison of characteristic competencies of public health nurses working at a community general support center and health and welfare in public administration in Japan.

To compare the characteristic competencies of public health nurses working for the older adult's health and welfare in public administration ("PA") with those at community general support centers ("CGSC") in Japan. We conducted a questionnaire survey by mail for PA and CGSC public health nurses. A competency list that was developed to compare three groups (PA, CGSC experts with ≥5 years of experience, and CGSC newcomers with ≤2 years of experience) was used. The following characteristics were examined: (1) competencies acquired early after arriving at the CGSC, (2) competencies acquired through a certain amount of CGSC experience, (3) common competencies, (4) competencies that even experts lacked, and (5) competencies that the newcomers lacked. We examined the responses of 171 PA nurses, 185 CGSC expert public health nurses, and 165 CGSC newcomer public health nurses. The results of comparison of the three groups showed that (1) had no applicable items; (2) had nine items for individual support associated with preventive care management; (3) had 14 items including teamwork among three professionals (social workers, senior care manager, public health nurse)/other professionals and self-improvement; (4) had three items for community development, (5) had two items for individual support and 16 items for community development. Initiatives for preventive care and coordination of care teams should be supported and suggested as characteristic competencies for CGSC public health nurses.

Evaluate a comprehensive geriatric assessment service framework targeting frail older people who had high risk of requiring long-term care services in Japan: a community-based pilot study

BackgroundFrailty has become a key concern in an aging population. A comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) service framework was developed and evaluated aiming to target and connect frail older adults who are at high risk of requiring long-term care services.MethodsA community-based pilot study was conducted in fiscal year 2016 and 2017 in Kure city, Hiroshima, Japan. Participants aged 65 and over living in Kure city, and 393 persons were extracted from the Kihon Check List (KCL) responses. Among the eligible individuals, 101 consented to participate and received CGA and referred to services based on individual health needs. The efficacy was evaluated by referral rate of services, continuity of the service usage, evaluation of participant’s health condition and the quality of life (QoL) after the 6-month follow-up.ResultsNinety-nine (98.0%) participants needed support for the instrumental activity of daily living, 97 (96.0%) were categorized as locomotive syndrome, and 64 (63.4%) had a depressive tendency. Afterward, 60 participants (59.4%) subsequently accepted the referral services, however, 34 (33.7%) used the services and the remaining 26 (25.7%) did not use the services. The health condition improvements in the service-uses group were statistically significant (p < 0.001), however, QoL score did not change between the baseline and 6th -month.ConclusionKCL extracted high-risks older people, and CGA revealed related diseases and health conditions. However, the high refusal rate of referral services indicates a necessity to modify the service framework such as by collaborating with community general support centers, which could increase the efficacy of service framework.

Knowledge, Attitudes, and Cultural Beliefs of Afghan Refugee Women Toward Gynecological Cancer: A Qualitative Study.

Gynecological cancers constitute an important global health problem with increasing incidence and prevalence. The aim of this study was to explain gynecologic cancer knowledge, attitudes, and cultural beliefs of Afghan refugee women living in Türkiye. This research was carried out as a descriptive phenomenological design for qualitative research. The study was conducted at the Refugee Support Center Association in Eskişehir, Türkiye, and data were collected between January and April 2023, guided by a semi-structured interview guide. Nineteen Afghan refugee women were interviewed. A purposive sampling method was used to recruit participants. Content analysis method was used for data analysis. Four overarching themes that described Afghan women's gynecologic cancer knowledge, attitudes, and cultural beliefs were identified: (a) limited awareness and knowledge of gynecological cancer among women, (b) women's attitudes toward gynecological cancers, (c) women's cultural beliefs regarding gynecological cancer, and (d) healthcare system factors. In line with the main themes, subthemes were created for each main theme. Afghan refugee women, who were in the double risk group as both women and refugees, had insufficient knowledge of gynecological cancers, and their cultural beliefs and attitudes played an essential role in their access to gynecological cancer-related preventive healthcare services. It is recommended that training be planned to increase the awareness and knowledge of Afghan women on gynecological cancers, considering their cultural characteristics.

Rehabilitation for spinal muscular atrophy patients in China: a national cross-sectional study

BackgroundThe management of Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) requires a multidisciplinary treatment approach, wherein rehabilitation constitutes an integral element. In this study, we examined the effects of rehabilitation among Chinese SMA patients and assessed the real-world efficacy of rehabilitation interventions.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional online survey on SMA patients from June 9, 2023, to June 30, 2023, through the Meier Advocacy & Support Center using data from the Center’s database and electronic questionnaires. The rehabilitation situation of the participants over the past 14 months were investigated. Logistic binary regression was used to analyze the relationship between Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory(PedsQL™) scores and rehabilitation.ResultA total of 186 questionnaires were finally analyzed. Only 29 patients did not rehabilitated in the past 14 months. A significant correlation between age and type of rehabilitation, as well as between age and duration of rehabilitation. Patients receiving no rehabilitation or solely home-based rehabilitation exhibited a higher median age of 8.4 compared to those undergoing standard rehabilitation or a combination of standard and home-based rehabilitation, with a median age of 4.9 (z-score = -4.49, p-value < 0.001). In addition, long-term rehabilitation (OR = 0.314, 95%CI = 0.106–0.927, p = 0.04) were negatively correlated with lower PedsQL™ Neuromuscular Module scores, and PedsQL scores in the long-term rehabilitation group were higher than those in the short-term and no-rehabilitation groups (54.2 ± 15.1 vs. 45.9 ± 14.4 and 42.3 ± 14.3, p = 0.01), with the most significant difference observed in the physical function section (59.0 ± 15.8 vs. 46.8 ± 15.2 and 45.6 ± 15.9, p < 0.01). Mobility and exercise (OR = 0.26, 95%CI = 0.08–0.81, p = 0.02), as well as assistive technology (OR = 0.28, 95%CI = 0.10–0.82, p = 0.02), were independently associated with a lower score in a negative direction.ConclusionThe study found that long-term rehabilitation was linked to higher PedsQL scores in SMA patients, highlighting the need for standardized rehabilitation programs to enhance function and quality of life.

Experimental investigation of Catalan vault structures based on earthen materials

The Catalan vaulting have succeeded in reducing reliance on support centers, resulting in lowered costs and expedited construction processes. This research advances the study of Catalan vaulting by exploring innovative, environmentally friendly earth-based materials. The study conducts a comprehensive comparative analysis of load-bearing behaviors across distinct vault elements: those fabricated from terracotta, raw-earth tiles, and shot-earth. Constructed and tested at a 4-meter span, full-scale vault specimens are subjected to varying distributed load configuration, followed by rupture testing employing a linear load at a quarter of the span. Experimental evidence, corroborated by FE results, indicates that both terracotta and raw earth tile vaults offer commendable performance, yet their failure loads are surpassed by vaults constructed using shot-earth. Therefore, shot-earth emerges as a sustainable alternative for constructing vault elements. Furthermore, the study demonstrates that incorporating reinforcement within shot-earth vaults increases their strength and ductility.

Implementing Pega Collections Command Center for Real-Time Monitoring and Decision Support

The Pega Collections Command Center (PCCC) represents a significant advancement in financial institutions' capabilities for real-time monitoring and decision support. By integrating dynamic dashboards, alerting mechanisms, and predictive analytics, PCCC offers a comprehensive solution for managing collections operations. This technical paper explores the implementation of PCCC, detailing its features and the benefits it provides to financial institutions. The study discusses the rationale behind this technological adoption, the methodologies employed, the results observed, and the broader implications of this implementation. The findings contribute to the existing knowledge base by demonstrating the effectiveness of PCCC in enhancing operational efficiency and decision-making processes.