Active Choice Research Articles

Pre-simulation Preparation Preferences of Senior Nursing Students: Virtual Simulation Games Versus Traditional Case Studies

BackgroundPresimulation preparation is critical to prepare learners to participate fully in clinical simulations; however, many do not complete assigned presimulation activities. Research QuestionWhich presimulation preparation activities will senior nursing students choose and perceive as helpful? MethodsA quasi-experimental study evaluated senior nursing student (n = 115) pre-simulation preparation preferences. Students had access to eight activities including a case study and a virtual simulation game (VSG). Participants indicated which activities they completed, and rated the case study and VSG in terms of usability, engagement, and impact on learning. ResultsOverall, 57% of participants completed the paper-based case study and 37% played the VSG. Participation in any preparation resulted in significant improvements in competence (t = 2.3; p = .02). Learners rated VSG higher than case study in terms of usability (t = 2.6; p = .01), engagement (t = 2.8; p = .01) and impact on learning (t = 2.4; p = .02). ConclusionResults revealed nursing students have different preferences for pre-simulation preparation. Although more students completed the case study than the VSG, those who played the game rated it higher. This supports providing a choice in presimulation preparation activities.

Role of maternal non-transport pro-environmental behaviors in adolescents’ travel-to-school mode choices

This study investigates in UK context the relationship between adolescents’ choice of sustainable transport modes (e.g. active transport like walking or cycling and public transport like buses or subways) for their journey to school and maternal non-transport pro-environmental behaviors, such as energy conservation and environmentally friendly purchases, as well as its temporal changes. Data from waves 4 and 10 of the UK Understanding Society survey were separately analyzed using multinomial logistic regression to explore the relationship between frequency of mothers’ non-transport pro-environmental behaviors and adolescents’ sustainable transport to school. Additionally, to understand changes in the strength of this relationship over time, a regression analysis was conducted examining the interaction of mothers’ non-transport pro-environmental behaviors with the survey year. Findings indicate substantial correlations between an array of variables including adolescents’ age, ethnicity, mothers’ occupational and transport behaviors, the number of cars owned by the household, and the nature of residence (urban vs rural), with the adolescents’ active or public transport choice to school, consistently across both waves. As the primary focus of the study, a positive relationship between mothers’ non-transport pro-environmental behaviors and adolescents’ public transport to school is found, although the strength of this relationship declined over time. Importantly, more easily observable mothers’ non-transport pro-environmental behaviors holds a stronger strength of correlation with adolescents’ use of public transport to school, compared to maternal psychological factors like pro-environmental attitudes. Hence, encouraging a range of sustainable behaviors among mothers is crucial to promote adolescents’ public transport to school.

Pupil voice in physical education and the desire for (in)visibility

ABSTRACT The importance of children is a universally accepted concept in schools. However, do we actually listen to what children have to say? Rudduck and Fielding [2002. The transformative potential of student voice: Confronting the power issues. Paper presented at BERA Annual Conference, University of Exeter, p. 2] argue that the voices of pupils are ‘silent’ or ‘silenced’. The aim of this study was to listen to the voice of pupils, concerning their experiences in Physical Education (PE) in schools, with the direction of the study being driven (although not co-designed) by pupils and thereafter following the issues that they raised. It involved 154, 14–16-year-old pupils across the two schools, one an independent school and the other a state academy. A focus group in each school (6 pupils per study) drove the direction of the study which then sort breadth through a questionnaire to the whole year group in both schools (154 respondents) and finally depth through 12 individual interviews. A theoretical framework (Social Field Theory) was selected post findings to ensure that it best represented the emergent data. Through this Pupil voice method, five themes emerged, those being Participation, Choice, Pressure, Ability and Development, and Health. These indicated that pupils have vastly different experiences in the PE lesson, in particular, if they are at either end of the ability spectrum. For some it is that of humiliation and censure, and for others it is about success and achievement. The uniqueness of the lesson with regard to physique and the exposure of both skill and body can affect this duality, negatively and positively. This can lead to the desire for, or coerced, (in)visibility for many pupils. Solutions from pupils, at both ends of the ability spectrum, to counter issues in PE involved giving choice of activity and having ability setting for classes.

PEDAGOGICAL POTENTIAL OF CHILDREN'S ASSOCIATIONS OF INTERESTS

The article reveals the pedagogical potential of children’s associations of interests. The priority approaches to the organization of activities in children’s associations of interests were described: personality-oriented, environmental and systemic; principles underlying the activities of the association: socialization, individualization, humanization, harmonization, collectivism, choice of activities, amateurism, initiative, independence, creativity, variability, and involvement in public activities. An algorithm for creating children’s associations of interest was proposed. An algorithm for creating children’s associations of interests and requirements for organizing educational activities in them was developed. The pedagogical potential of children’s associations of interest was determined, namely in: saturation of the life of children’s associations of interest with events that allow children to participate in personally significant activities of various kinds; collective and creative nature of the activity; intensifying informal communication between children and their peers, older and younger children, and adults; reflection; creating an atmosphere of mutual understanding, mutual assistance, trust, and empathy in the children’s association.

Legal Evolution: Analyzing Minerba Law No. 3/2020 Amendments on Reclamation and Post-Mining Responsibilities

This study analyzes shifting norms in Indonesian mining law, focusing on the phrases "and/or" in Article 96 and "guaranteed" in Article 169A paragraph (1) of Law no. 3 of 2020 Minerba. Using a normative method with a statutory approach and historical interpretation, it finds that "and/or" offers flexibility for mining companies in choosing reclamation or post-mining activities, while "guaranteed" is replaced with "can be given," implying stricter conditions for operating permit extensions. This research underscores a redefined responsibility framework, emphasizing adaptability and stringent criteria in mining operations. Highlights : Flexibility in Activity Choice: "And/or" offers mining companies the flexibility to choose between reclamation and post-mining activities, enhancing efficiency. Stricter Permit Conditions: "Guaranteed" replaced with "can be given" implies stricter terms for operating permit extensions, ensuring compliance. Redefined Responsibility Framework: The study reveals a redefined framework emphasizing adaptability and stringent criteria in Indonesian mining law. Keywords: Indonesian mining law, shifting norms, responsibility, reclamation, operating permits

EVALUATION OF THE HEALING MENTAL HEALTH PROGRAM

INTRODUCTION & AIMS The HEALTMing Mental Health (HEALTM-MH) program was a free community-based program offered by Exercise & Sport Science Australia, supported by the Australian Sports Commission, Sport Australia Participation Grants program. HEALTM-MH was targeted at Australians living with mental health conditions in rural or remote areas. Our aim is to present an evaluation of the program effectiveness. METHODS The standard program included one-hour of supervised group exercise per week and a one-hour lifestyle education session for 8-weeks. All outcome data, including The Stages of Behaviour Change, were collected by the site facilitators and was provided in an anonymised format for analysis and reporting. Participants were included in the analysis if they had completed more than 50% of the sessions. RESULTS A total of 182 participants were recruited which included 117 who were enrolled in the adult mental health program, 32 in the standard adult program and 33 in a teen mental health program. All programs were delivered between May and October 2022 by trained HEALTM providers, with 18 sites having AEPs leading the program, and one site was led by a registered nurse. Included in analysis were 99 participants (31 males, 68 females) with a mean age of 59.5 years. There was a statistically significant change toward the desired outcome for fourteen of fifteen measures from pre- to post-testing. Twelve of these measures recorded the desired target change at the population (grouped) level. CONCLUSION The targeted behaviour change was for a one stage shift which was achieved with most participants in the action or maintenance stage by the end of the program. The provision of the HEALTM-MH program was beneficial for those who attended more than 50% of the sessions. The program may increase physical activity and healthy lifestyle choices in individuals who selfreport a mental health disorder.

Does subjective wellbeing modify travel behaviour changes among older people in response to a new metro line?

This research aims to estimate how subjective wellbeing at baseline would affect the changes in travel behaviour among older people due to a new public transport infrastructure. Cross-sectional studies have begun to establish the connection between subjective wellbeing and travel behaviour, indicating that a high level of wellbeing can lead to beneficial outcomes such as active mode choice, frequent transport use, and social engagement. To explore this connection further, we conducted a natural experiment with a cohort of 449 older people before and after a new metro line in Hong Kong. Our sample was assigned to the treatment and control groups, with the treatment group exposed to the metro intervention. Difference-in-difference (DID) models were applied to estimate the treatment effects of the metro intervention on travel behaviour changes. Then, we fitted the DID models for wellbeing subgroups to test the effects of three wellbeing dimensions (evaluative, hedonic, and eudaimonic wellbeing) at baseline on the pathways from the new metro to travel behaviour changes. We found the treatment effects of the new metro on travel behaviours were more profound for participants with better subjective wellbeing (p < 0.001). Among the three wellbeing dimensions, eudaimonic wellbeing has the most significant impact on the effectiveness of the metro intervention in producing travel behaviour changes. Our findings revealed that subjective wellbeing might modify the causal link between new transport infrastructure and travel behaviour changes among older people.

A Randomized Trial of Choice Architecture and Mailed Colorectal Cancer Screening Outreach in a Community Health Setting

Mailed outreach for colorectal cancer (CRC) screening increases uptake but it is unclear how to offer the choice of testing. We evaluated if the active choice between colonoscopy and fecal immunochemical test (FIT), or FIT alone, increased response compared with colonoscopy alone. This pragmatic, randomized, controlled trial at a community health center included patients between ages 50 and 74 who were not up to date with CRC screening. Patients were randomized 1:1:1 to the following: (1) colonoscopy only, (2) active choice of colonoscopy or FIT, or (3) FIT only. Patients received an outreach letter with instructions for testing (colonoscopy referral and/or an enclosed FIT kit), a reminder letter at 2 months, and another reminder at 3 to 5 months via text message or automated voice recording. The primary outcome was CRC screening completion within 6 months. Among 738 patients in the final analysis, the mean age was 58.7 years (SD, 6.2 y); 48.6% were insured by Medicaid and 24.3% were insured by Medicare; and 71.7% were White, 16.9% were Black, and 7.3% were Hispanic/Latino. At 6 months, 5.6% (95% CI, 2.8-8.5) completed screening in the colonoscopy-only arm, 12.8% (95% CI, 8.6-17.0) in the active-choice arm, and 11.3% (95% CI, 7.4-15.3) in the FIT-only arm. Compared with colonoscopy only, there was a significant increase in screening in active choice (absolute difference, 7.1%; 95% CI, 2.0-12.2; P= .006) and FIT only (absolute difference, 5.7%; 95% CI, 0.8-10.6; P= .02). Both choice of testing and FIT alone increased response and may align with patient preferences. clinicaltrials.gov NCT04711473.

Atrocity’s Glass Booth

Abstract This paper foregrounds the defendant as a central actor in trials for mass atrocity. It excavates the practices and scripts of these trials to argue that they are driven by an impulse to construct flat perpetrator portraits. Perpetrators who enter into atrocity’s glass booth are transformed into defendants who are hostis humani generis. Perpetrators who escape this mythification are still viewed as perpetual perpetrators, the moment of their participation in atrocity radiating outwards to demarcate the juridical bookends of their lives. These lives, moreover, are seen as consisting of active choices representing uncompromised agency. The paper suggests that these portraits are tied to international criminal law’s attempt to justify itself as a normative project that claims to act in the name of humanity. It concludes that international criminal law’s aims would be better realized by viewing defendants as equal and engaged members of the community of humanity.

Motivations, Needs, and Perceived Risks of Middle-Aged and Senior Solo Travelling Women: A Study of Brazilian Female Travellers

AbstractThe trend of senior women travelling alone is increasing as they feel empowered and independent. With more resources available at this stage of life, they choose to travel without the company of acquaintances, but rather with strangers in similar circumstances. Although senior women travelling solo is an important market segment in tourism, few studies have been conducted to better understand this group. This study aims to address the gap in knowledge by exploring the motivations, needs, and perceived risks of senior women who travel alone or with other women. We conducted a qualitative empirical investigation using semi-structured interviews with a group of Brazilian senior women who travel solo. The results demonstrate that travellers’ motivations and needs have a significant impact on their choice of accommodation and activities. Meanwhile, their choice of destination is influenced by perceived risks, with safety and health being prioritised. Additionally, this demographic is more demanding in terms of services offered and prioritises comfort, amenities, and accessibility. Furthermore, our findings demonstrate that female solo travellers of advanced age are more affected by gender-related concerns than by their age during their journeys

Fisting Subjectivity: Narratives of Sexual Subjectivity Among Gay Fist-Fuckers

ABSTRACT Studies of sexuality have long been interested in understanding the construction of sexual subjectivity, especially amongst people whose participation in more nonnormative and kinkier forms of sex/uality have been discursively framed in terms of sexual and health “risk.” Here sexual subjectivity refers to a person’s sense of themself “as a sexual being who feels entitled to sexual pleasure and sexual safety, who makes active sexual choices, and who has an identity as a sexual being” (p. 6). This study explored what meanings fist-fuckers narratively draw on in understanding and interpreting their sexual subjectivity. Unstructured individual interviews were conducted with 32 gay South African men who fist-fuck. Guided by narrative theory and a thematic narrative analysis, six narratives were identified through which this sample of fist-fuckers constructed their sexual subjectivity as: kinkster, explorer, athlete, expert, lover, and community member. The results highlight that fist-fuckers construct and understand their sexual subjectivity through multiple and overlapping narratives of erotic desire and practice. These narratives not only work to affirmatively constitute the pursuit of fist-fucking as a personally meaningful, sexually fulfilling, and erotically legitimate form of satisfaction and play but, furthermore, facilitate identification with and membership of a distinct community of kink.

“Your child will have a bird brain!”: Vaccination choices and stigma among vaccine enquirers in Sweden: A qualitative study

BackgroundSubstantial research has explored reasons for vaccination delay or refusal. However, little attention has been paid to the process and implications of the choices. The aim of this research was to understand parent's vaccination choices and implications of their choices through the lens of the concept of stigma and health behaviours. MethodsThis is a qualitative study drawing on five focus group discussions and 17 in-depth interviews. Data was collected in an area South of Stockholm that has experienced lower rates of vaccination and is home to some people who are partly inspired by anthroposophical values. The data was analysed following reflexive thematic analysis. Results(1) Vaccine enquirers make an informed decision about their vaccination choices. They negotiate different sources, question science, ask for more information and are largely content with their decision. (2) Values and norms influence vaccination decisions; these include anthroposophical health beliefs, and they partly influence the way in which risk is balanced. Trust influences vaccination decisions but trust expresses itself in complex ways. (3) Vaccination related stigma; expressed through fear of being labelled, conflicts with family and friends, feeling lonely with the decision, and avoidance to discuss vaccination choice. (4) Vaccination related stigma was found in the healthcare setting too, expressed by participants working in the health system as well as parents who experienced disrespect and labelling when expressing vaccine choices or seeking healthcare with an unvaccinated child. Participants describe their community as a safe haven where different vaccination choices are respected. ConclusionThe study found that vaccine enquirers are individuals who make an active choice to delay or decline vaccination. They are not uncertain or hesitant but rather consider themselves well-informed. The study also found different forms of stigma related to vaccination choices. Further research may be helpful to understand implications of vaccination related stigma on health and other vaccination decisions.

Foxp1 suppresses cortical angiogenesis and attenuates HIF-1alpha signaling to promote neural progenitor cell maintenance

Neural progenitor cells within the cerebral cortex undergo a characteristic switch between symmetric self-renewing cell divisions early in development and asymmetric neurogenic divisions later. Yet, the mechanisms controlling this transition remain unclear. Previous work has shown that early but not late neural progenitor cells (NPCs) endogenously express the autism-linked transcription factor Foxp1, and both loss and gain of Foxp1 function can alter NPC activity and fate choices. Here, we show that premature loss of Foxp1 upregulates transcriptional programs regulating angiogenesis, glycolysis, and cellular responses to hypoxia. These changes coincide with a premature destabilization of HIF-1α, an elevation in HIF-1α target genes, including Vegfa in NPCs, and precocious vascular network development. In vitro experiments demonstrate that stabilization of HIF-1α in Foxp1-deficient NPCs rescues the premature differentiation phenotype and restores NPC maintenance. Our data indicate that the endogenous decline in Foxp1 expression activates the HIF-1α transcriptional program leading to changes in the tissue environment adjacent to NPCs, which, in turn, might alter their self-renewal and neurogenic capacities.

‘Every day we’d have an arranged activity, so she’d have football, swimming, dance, gymnastics’: A sociological analysis of parenting and sports-based enrichment activities for the under-fives

In this article we provide a sociological analysis of parental choice in pre-school sports and physical activity, as a form of concerted cultivation, to understand the uptake of sports-based physical activity (PA) enrichment activities in England. Despite a growth in the under-five pre-school enrichment market, little is known about why parents pay for their under-five child(ren) to participate in sport and/or PA enrichment or how this relates to wider patterns seen in contemporary parenting. 24 semi-structured interviews with parents of early years children from across England were conducted. Findings suggest the reasons why parents enrol their child(ren) in sports-based enrichment activities can be considered a form of concerted cultivation. In particular, parents value routine and socialisation for themselves and their children. Parents look for paid-for activities that enhance their child's social and academic skills but do not emphasise the health benefits of being physically active as important in their decision making. Instead, they prioritise opportunities to enhance their child's social and cultural skills in ways that enable the child(ren) to be accepted and interact positively with adults and other children in key institutional settings. Parents also valued spaces where their young child(ren) could expend energy, although the importance of this was distinctly gendered. We conclude by outlining that paying for under-fives sport-based enrichment is linked to wider social and cultural expectations on parenting, and highlighting that more needs to be understood about the gendered, racialised and ableist spaces of commercial pre-school sport and PA.

A STUDY ON THE PREVALENCE OF OVERWEIGHT AND OBESITY AMONG WOMEN AGED 20 YEARS AND ABOVE IN RURAL FIELD PRACTICE AREA OF SIMS, HAPUR

Objectives: The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence of overweight as well as obesity among women aged 20 years and above in a rural covered area of SIMS, Hapur, and to assess the risk factors for overweight and obesity in the above study population. Methods: This research was carried out in the rural field practice area of SIMS, Hapur, spanning from July 2022 to July 2023. The study focused on women aged 20 years and older who were residents of the SIMS field practice area. The following criteria were used to select the study participants: Women who were pregnant at the time of the study, those who could not be reached after two home visits, individuals taking chronic medications that might lead to weight gain, and those who were uncooperative were excluded from the study. Results: Out of the 500 participants in the study, 18.6% were categorized as underweight, 53.6% fell within the normal weight range, and 27.8% were considered overweight. Within the group of overweight individuals, a substantial 70.5% were classified as obese. The study revealed that the overall prevalence of overweight (defined as BMI&gt;23) was 27.7%, while the prevalence of obesity (defined as BMI&gt;25) stood at 19.8%. Furthermore, 29.9% of the women had a waist circumference exceeding 80 cm. Conclusion: Based on the findings from our current research, it can be deduced that women with higher levels of education and socioeconomic status, a family history of excess weight, a higher number of pregnancies, a lack of physical activity, insufficient sleep, and poor dietary choices are more likely to be at risk of becoming overweight or obese. To prevent the rising prevalence of excess fat and obesity, it is imperative to implement lifestyle and dietary modifications.

Participation in everyday activities among young adult relatives of parents with dementia - A qualitative study.

Previous research has shown that young adult relatives of parents with dementia experience strain through increased responsibility and changed relationships in the family with potential consequences for their emotional, mental and physical well-being. Less is known about how young adult relatives experience their participation in everyday activities typically associated with young adulthood and how their participation is affected by the parent´s dementia. This study explores young adult relatives' experiences of participation in everyday activities and how their participation was affected by having a parent with dementia. The study followed a qualitative, descriptive approach. Semi-structured individual interviews with 11 young adult relatives (aged 21 - 31) of parents with dementia were conducted. The interviews were analysed using Kirsti Malterud's iterative cross case analysis method 'Systematic text condensation'. The analysis identified three categories: Dilemmas of choosing, Not having a choice and Reversal of roles. The young adult relatives experienced dilemmas and constraints regarding participation in everyday activities usually related to young adulthood. They navigated situations where they were to choose between the parent with dementia and their own everyday activities and they often downgraded or cancelled participation in own activities related to leisure time, school, job and career. Moreover, their participation seemed affected by chores and responsibilities resulting in a lack of energy leading them to forego social activities in particular or change their choice of activities. The young adult relatives need help and support in their everyday lives. Health care professionals are encouraged to focus on relieving them from some of the responsibilities and practical tasks enabling them to live their own lives as young adults, while being part of the family and contributing towards the responsibilities and tasks with which they can cope.

Cartoons: Source of Construction or Destruction?

The current study deals with the ramifications of cartoons on children's behavior, burgeoning, personality development, and learning processes. The focus was on the role of cartoons in the development of constructive or destructive cognition and behavioral changes. The study was conducted in Multan- a developing city in Pakistan- by using a mixed approach. Data has been analyzed in an explanatory style. A sample of 105 respondents including children from ages 5-16 years and their mothers were selected through purposive sampling. Data was collected by observation and structured interviews as well as probing and prompting techniques. Study reveals that boys were much affected by cartoons having violent and technological stuff while girls led in understanding themes. On one side they enhance Cognition, knowledge, thinking, and criticizing capability and social behavior; on the other, it affect their behavior, creativity, attention disorder, sensitivity, exhilaration preference, confidence, and choices of leisure time activity.

Exploring the Influence of a Physical Activity and Healthy Eating Program on Childhood Well-Being: A Comparative Study in Primary School Students.

Childhood is a crucial stage of human development in which the lifestyles children adopt can have a significant impact on their well-being throughout their lives. The aim of this study was to analyze and compare the healthy habits and Body Mass Index (BMI) of students from a primary school that participated in a program to promote physical activity and healthy eating one year earlier with other students from two schools that had not participated in this type of program. We analyzed a sample of 287 Spanish students, aged between 8 and 12 years. A survey of healthy habits was completed, and anthropometric data were taken to determine their Body Mass Index (BMI). The questionnaire data indicated that there are some significant differences (p = ≤ 0.05) in the consumption of some unhealthy foods between the evaluated groups. An amount of 11% of the sample was considered obese and 26% were overweight; no significant differences were found between the groups. This study suggests that the healthy habits strategy implemented by a school improves pupils' habits, especially in reducing the consumption of unhealthy foods. Despite the positive effects, the data indicate that these programs fall short of government recommendations, particularly in areas such as physical activity and certain dietary choices.

Strategy practitioners and the procedural legitimacy of strategic planning in nonprofit community sport

ABSTRACT This study examines how leaders of community sport organizations (CSOs) engage in a strategic planning process through the intersection of institutional work and the strategy-as-practice (SAP) approach. The SAP approach focuses on the micro-level social activities, processes, and practices that inform how organizational leaders engage in strategic planning. A multiple-case study of four CSOs with contrasting approaches to the practice of strategy provides insight into the role of strategy practitioners and their choice of strategy activities. The study also examines how these activities contribute to the procedural legitimacy of strategic planning. The findings highlight four roles that strategy practitioners hold within their clubs (i.e. consultant, board member, staff member, facilitator) and three general types of activities that indicate varying levels of stakeholder involvement in planning. The findings provide evidence of the need for a granular approach to the study of strategic planning and a focus on how organizational leaders’ roles and choice of activities shape strategic planning and its legitimacy.

Human-centered participatory co-design with children and adults for a prototype lifestyle intervention and implementation strategy in a rural middle school

PurposeThe significance of regular physical activity (PA) in reducing cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk is widely acknowledged. However, children in rural areas encounter specific barriers to PA compared to their urban counterparts. This study employs human-centered participatory co-design, involving community stakeholders in developing a multi-level PA intervention named Hoosier Sport. The primary hypothesis is the co-design sessions leading to the development of a testable intervention protocol.MethodsTwo co-design teams, each consisting of six children and six adults, were formed using human-centered participatory co-design facilitated by research faculty and graduate students. The process involved five co-design sessions addressing problem identification, solution generation, solution evaluation, operationalization, and prototype evaluation. Thematic analysis was employed to identify key themes and intervention components.ResultsChild co-designers (n = 6) ranged from 6th to 8th grade, averaging 12.6 years (SD = 1.8), while adult co-designers (n = 6) averaged 43.3 years (SD = 8.08). Thematic analysis revealed children emphasizing autonomy, the freedom to choose physical and non-physical activities, and the importance of building peer relationships during PA. Adult interviews echoed the importance of autonomy and choice in activities, with a focus on relatedness through positive role modeling.ConclusionThe prototype intervention and implementation strategies developed constitute a testable intervention aligned with Phase 1 of the ORBIT model. This testable prototype lays the groundwork for a collaborative campus-community partnership between the university and the local community, ensuring mutual benefits and sustainable impact.