Personal Contact Research Articles

Interest of the Algerian diaspora for entrepreneurship in homeland: proposal of a model for its concretisation

In the era of globalisation, diaspora is seen as a driving force for economic development in the countries of origin and for positive changes in the host countries. The Algerian diaspora represents a real opportunity and potential of entrepreneurs that are not exploited. This article attempts to explore the factors that encourage or hinder the entrepreneurial activities of the Algerian diaspora in its country of origin through a field survey based on 142 entrepreneurs from the studied diaspora. To do this, a logistic econometric modelling has been implemented to explain the entrepreneurial event (business creation), and the explanatory variables are the following factors: psychological (experience, training), contextual (discrimination, opportunities, and patriotism) sociological (help of relatives and other contacts) and economic (personal resources and those of the state). It appears that the probability of the project in Algeria is stronger as its leader from the Algerian diaspora has a great entrepreneurial potential and financial means, is an opportunist and patriot, benefits from the help of the state and knows how to activate, in case of difficulties, their personal contacts.

Conformed to Gender Conformity? Gender Nonconformity Stigma is Buffered by Personal Contact

Research has shown that individuals from sexual and gender minorities are more likely to be stigmatized. Taking the perceiver’s perspective, we conducted two experimental studies to examine gender nonconformity stigma and the conditions under which such stigma is more (or less) likely to emerge. In both studies, participants were asked to read descriptions of targets varying in gender (non)conformity and assigned sex (Study 1; N = 337) or sexual identity (Study 2; N = 406). Results from both studies showed that participants preferred more social distance from gender nonconforming (vs. conforming) targets, tended to dehumanize them (i.e., attributed them more primary and less secondary emotions), and reported less anti-violence behavioral intentions and justifications. In both studies, results further showed that having more frequent and positive personal contact with gender nonconforming individuals helps buffer against gender nonconformity bias. Unexpectedly, results from Study 2 showed that humanizing gender nonconforming targets (rather than dehumanizing them) was associated with more violence predispositions for participants who reported having more negative personal contact with gender nonconforming individuals. No differences were found according to the targets’ assigned sex or sexual identity. Taken together, our findings highlight the need to understand the causes and boundaries of gender nonconformity bias.

Current Radiotherapy Management of Extensive-Stage Small-Cell Lung Cancer in the Immunotherapy Era: An Italian National Survey on Behalf of the Italian Association of Radiotherapy and Clinical Oncology (AIRO)

Background: Extensive-stage small-cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC) treatment has recently been revolutionized by the advent of immune checkpoint inhibitors. This survey was conducted to evaluate the current pattern of care among Italian clinicians, in particular about the integration with radiation therapy (RT). Methods: In June 2023, 225 Italian cancer care professionals were invited to complete a 21-question web-based survey about ES-SCLC management through personal contacts and the Italian Association for Radiotherapy and Clinical Oncology (AIRO) network. Results: We received 90 responses; the majority were radiation oncologists (89%) with more than 10 years of experience (51%). The preferred management of ES-SCLC in patients with a good performance status was concomitant chemo-immunotherapy (84%). Almost all respondents recommended prophylactic cranial irradiation (PCI) (85%), taking into account age and thoracic response; PCI was performed mainly between the end of chemotherapy and before starting immunotherapy (37%), with a three-dimensional conformal technique (46%). Furthermore, 83% of respondents choose to deliver thoracic RT in the case of both an intrathoracic and extrathoracic response, with an RT schedule of 30 Gy/10 fractions. Stereotactic RT is increasingly being used in oligoprogressions. Conclusions: Our analysis showed the variability of real-world management of ES-SCLC. Future clinical trials and developments are needed to improve the multidisciplinary treatment of these patients.

Peer Review Statement

All papers published in this volume have been reviewed through processes administered by the Editors. Reviews were conducted by expert referees to the professional and scientific standards expected of a proceedings journal published by IOP Publishing. 1. Type of peer review: Double anonymous 2. Conference submission management system: Morressier 3. Number of submissions received: 56 4. Number of submissions sent for review: 22 5. Number of submissions accepted: 12 6. Acceptance Rate (Submissions Accepted / Submissions Received × 100): 21.4 % 7. Average number of reviews per paper: 2.00 8. Total number of reviewers involved: 14 9. Contact person for queries: Name: Cherry Wu Affiliation: Wuhan Textile University, China Email: mme2021@163.com

Contact person intervention in Nordic countries: A comparative integrative review

Contact person intervention in Nordic countries: A comparative integrative review

Triggerpunkt-Behandlungs-Tool zur Selbsttherapie von Myogelosen im Berufsumfeld – eine Anwendungsbeobachtung

Trigger point treatment tool for self-therapy of myogelosis in the professional environment – An observational study Aim: There is a large number of occupations where workplace-associated movement patterns and/or forced postures lead to muscle tension in the shoulders and back. These tensions have a direct detrimental impact on the quality of life and capacity for work of those affected. In the medium to long term, they also promote the development of structural degeneration of the musculoskeletal system. If employees in the healthcare sector are affected, this impairs high-quality patient care. The trigger point self-treatment tool “TensionTerminator” (ErgoPhysion, Innsbruck, Austria) was developed for the self-therapy of such tension conditions in the workplace. The use of this device was evaluated as part of an application observation in six departments at Vienna General Hospital (AKH). Methods: Six departments at Vienna General Hospital from the areas of surgery, laboratory medicine, internal medicine and radiology were each provided with a “TensionTerminator” device for independent use for 4 months between May 2023 and March 2024. A contact person in each department was trained in the use of the device and how to handle the documentation. As part of the observation, users were asked to independently enter their user ID, the duration of use and their subjective assessment of the effect (“better”/”worse”/”no change”) in a list each time they used the device. Results: During the test period, a total of 430 uses by 145 users were documented in the six departments, i.e. an average of almost 3 uses per person. The average application duration was 6.5 minutes. In 85.1% of all uses, the patient’s condition after use was described as “better”, and in 14% of all cases as “no change”. One of the 430 uses received a negative rating (“worse”). Conclusion: The trigger point self-treatment tool “TensionTerminator” has proven to be an effective device against workplace-associated muscle tension. It was received very well in the hospital setting and was used regularly. Keywords: workplace health promotion – back pain – myogelosis – myofascial trigger points

Losses and support in the grieving process –– pastoral and media context

The loss of a close person is accompanied by various emotional, cognitive, behavioural, physical, spiritual and social reactions. The process of grieving therefore has an impact not only on the course of grief, bereavement itself, and the perception of losses, but also on the human being generally. In accordance with experts, grieving after a loved one who died of the virus that causes COVID-19 is specific. In most cases, it is characterized by a lack of personal contact with a seriously ill person due to infection and quarantine measures during hospitalization, and later a characteristic ban on personal farewells or touching due to the potential threat of infection. In addition, this specifics is accompanied by reflections on how the infection occurred in the first place, or anger at the lost person for not being careful enough, or anger at the health system that provided help to the sick loved one. The paper takes into account the aforementioned as a starting point for the presentation of grief and bereavement, which also takes place in the space of social media during the pandemic. The article seeks to contribute to the overall concept of pastoral bereavement support and contemporary digital support for grief and bereavement. It can be achieved by presenting the possibilities of online support for mourners in the context of the French philosopher Vladimir Jankélévitch's (1977) relational model of death. Rabatel and eventually Floréa referred to this issue and started the research on the announcement of death in the media. The goal of such studies was to show that the conventional media focuses on the death of distant people that "doesn’t concern us" (i.e., "third person death"), whereas new technologies give the opportunity and space to talk about the death of close people (i.e., "second person death") as well as one's own death (i.e., "first person death"). The text presents the online space as a place where pastoral care and accompanying the mourners or grieving men is not only possible but also beneficial.

Perspectives of patients, partners, primary and hospital-based health care professionals on living with advanced cancer and systemic treatment

Abstract Purpose An emerging group of patients lives longer with advanced cancer while receiving systemic treatment. This study aimed to investigate psychosocial aspects of living longer with advanced cancer, and experiences with psychosocial care, from the perspectives of patients, partners, and health care professionals (HCPs). Methods From May to December 2020, participants were purposively selected. In-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted by video or phone call, containing open questions regarding psychosocial aspects and psychosocial care in oncology. The data was analysed following thematic analysis, leading to overarching psychosocial themes and indications for optimal organisation of psycho-oncological care. Results Fifteen patients, seven partners and eleven HCPs were interviewed. The main psychosocial aspects were increasing loss in several life domains, complexity of making life choices, ongoing uncertainty, and fluctuating fear and hope. Partners were affected by their loved ones’ condition and reported to put themselves second for longer periods of time, while sometimes missing adequate support. HCPs were challenged by addressing the altering psychosocial needs of patients, and tools to identify those in need for psychosocial support are currently lacking. Conclusions Living longer with advanced cancer presents unique challenges for patients and their partners, as well as for HCPs in delivering optimal psychosocial care. Implications for Cancer Survivors Identifying and addressing patients’ psychosocial needs from an early stage on, appointing a central hospital-based contact person, limiting the waiting time between scans and consultations, and addressing the partners’ wellbeing are suggestions to organise optimal psychosocial support in advanced cancer.

Animal Welfare Perspectives Against the Backdrop of Animal Cruelty in Nigeria

Knowledge is crucial for improving animal welfare. People's perceptions, attitudes, and understanding may be a hindrance to adopting animal welfare-improving ideas which is crucial for developing effective animal welfare policies and advocacy in Nigeria. This study evaluates the current knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of animal welfare among Nigerian residents. A cross-sectional survey using a structured questionnaire distributed via emails, social media platforms, and by personal contact. The survey collected data from 694 respondents across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory of Nigeria over 6 months (November 2023 and June 2024). Descriptive statistics, reliability testing, and inferential statistical tests were performed using SPSS for windows. The result revealed that majority (60-87.3%) of the respondents had a good knowledge of what constitutes cruelty to animals. Also, 88.8% were aware that animals have right to freedoms that could enhance their welfare, and 96.1% agreed that freedom from hunger and thirst is reasonable for animals. The standard deviations were relatively low, suggesting consistent responses among participants. Respondents (87.3%) also supported the enforcement of animal cruelty laws and the enactment of comprehensive animal welfare laws in Nigeria. The high knowledge scores among Nigerian residents suggest a strong foundational understanding of animal welfare principles. It is recommended that despite the result continual advocacy and policy development are still necessary to shape the public attitudes, and perceptions to animal.

Franklin Leopoldo e Silva: o Filósofo e o Professor

In this paper I develop a reflection on Franklin Leopoldo e Silva's work and performance as a philosopher and as an educator, based on the study of his writings and personal contact with the author.

Clinical coordination in cancer diagnosis: healthcare stakeholders’ viewpoints in Latin America

Abstract Background Delays in diagnosis contribute to increasing cancer mortality rates in Latin American countries due to, among others, highly fragmented healthcare systems. The objective of this study, part of a larger research project (EquityCancer-LA), was to analyze cross-level coordination during cancer diagnosis and factors influencing it from healthcare stakeholders’ perspectives in Chile, Colombia, and Ecuador. Methods This descriptive-interpretative qualitative study was based on 114 semi-structured individual interviews in 2022-23 using a criterion sample of health professionals from primary care (PC) (n = 40) and secondary care (SC) (n = 44) as well as managers and policy makers (n = 30) from two public healthcare networks in each country. Sample reached saturation. A thematic analysis was conducted first by country and then comparatively, guided by the theoretical framework of clinical coordination. Results In all countries, informants highlighted limited cross-level exchange of information and limited coordination of clinical management, delays in referral, and long waiting times after referral, leading to diagnostic delays. Factors hindering coordination differed across countries: structural (insufficient personnel, access to diagnostic tests in PC); organizational (limited/inadequate coordination mechanisms, e.g. shared clinical records; poor working conditions); and health professional characteristics (limited knowledge and skills among PC doctors). Direct feedback was emphasized to facilitate coordination of cancer diagnosis: virtual joint clinical conferences in Chile, co-location of PC and SC in Colombia, and informal networks (based on personal contacts) in Ecuador. Conclusions The findings underscore the critical coordination problems contributing to delays in cancer diagnosis. Addressing these challenges requires strategic interventions aimed at strengthening primary care and fostering cross-level coordination. Key messages • Cancer diagnosis in Latin America suffers from coordination deficits due to structural, organizational, and professional factors. • Strengthening primary care and cross-level coordination is needed.

Overcoming non-usage of e-mental health: A qualitative study in a Dutch general practice

Abstract Background Worldwide percentages of people with mental health problems are substantial and increased during the COVID pandemic (to about 25 % in the general population). E-mental health has potential to help with waiting lists, rising health care costs and work pressure. To reach the desired effects, participants need to use the technology as intended. Non-usage though is a common problem. Research question is: what elements obstruct the intention to use e-mental Health interventions, plus what are barriers to bridging the intention-behaviour gap? Methods In a qualitative study, semi-structured interviews were conducted (interview guide). We recruited patients who were invited for an e-mental health intervention in a Dutch general practice but did not start the intervention. Data saturation occurred with 11 patients. Open, axial and selective coding was done on the transcribed interviews using the software ATLAS.ti. Results Five main themes were associated with non-use: 1) ‘Expectations about the eHealth in general’ were neutral to positive. 2) ‘thresholds to start e-mental health’ were: negative expectations about the content, lacking mental capacity due to mental problems, missing personal contact, the therapy with the mental health professional in general did not fit their needs or aversion towards more screen time. 3) ‘lack of planning’. 4) lacking encouragement from mental health professional 5) ‘Expectations from therapy in general’. (a.o. face-to-face contact and tailoring) Conclusions Embedding the e-mental health more into regular therapy has potential to overcome non-usage. The mental health care professional has social influence to increase usage, by a clear and convincing introduction plus joint review of the exercises during consultations. This study needs to be repeated in other clinical settings. Future research should also include age (computer use) and disease prognosis to define when e-mental health is a suitable solution for patients. Key messages • E-mental health interventions have potential to help with waiting lists, rising health care costs and workload, but non usage is a problem. • Embedding the e-mental health more into regular therapy has potential to overcome non-usage.

What Makes Customers Choose Certain Courier Services Over the Others?

The COVID-19 pandemic has proliferated courier service companies due to increasing customer demand. Customers prefer some courier service companies over others because of certain factors, including timeliness, order discrepancy, personal contact quality, order condition, and operational information sharing. The study investigates the factors contributing to customer satisfaction when choosing courier services. A survey questionnaire was distributed to customers to gauge their overall level of satisfaction and assessment of potential contributing factors. Respondents were selected from those who have experience using the courier service. From the results of multiple regression analysis, four factors, timeliness, personal contact quality, order condition, and operational information sharing, significantly influence customer satisfaction when choosing courier service. Order discrepancy does not significantly influence customer satisfaction because customers trust the courier service providers to provide the service as expected. The implications of the study are discussed in the paper.

A comprehensive summary of eponymous awards and scholarships in sexual medicine.

Numerous eponymous awards and scholarships exist within sexual medicine. This comprehensive review is intended to summarize these awards and highlight the esteemed sexual medicine experts for whom these awards are named. To provide historical background and context for the various eponymous awards in sexual medicine. The websites of the International Society for Sexual Medicine (ISSM) and the regional affiliate societies, including the Sexual Medicine Society of North America (SMSNA), International Society for the Study of Women's Sexual Health (ISSWSH), and various regional societies were identified, and all awards associated with a member of note were documented. In cases where no awards were identified within a regional society and a contact person was available, inquiries were made regarding the existence of awards. Several documents on the history of the ISSM were utilized for background on awards. A comprehensive list of current awards and their history was compiled. This is the first comprehensive history of eponymous awards and scholarships available in sexual medicine.

Post COVID-19 – Students’ Expectations of HyFlex Learning Opportunities

Posterior to COVID-19, many universities have returned to ordinary classroom education. Recognizing the impact of the isolation in the form of psychological strain, one of the takes were to return to on campus education to secure follow up and the personal contact with lecturers and fellow students. However, in some studies, the COVID-19 paved the way for combinations of ways of studying that many students had been waiting for. Hence, returning to an on-campus solution is not an option. Each year after the COVID-19 we have done investigations into “if” and “why” the students prefer a HyFlex solution and many of the same answers keeps being repeated: home situation, work situation and travel costs. The last investigations have also included “sustainability” as a reason for not attending classes physically. Through our mixed methods approach to collecting data, we will present and discuss our findings and the trend in the longitudinal study.

Telesimulation Use in Emergency Medicine Residency Programs: National Survey of Residency Simulation Leaders

Introduction: Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) accelerated the need for virtual learning including telesimulation. Many emergency medicine (EM) programs halted in-person simulation and trialed telesimulation, but specifics on its utilization and plans for future use are unknown. Telesimulation has been defined as “a process by which telecommunication and simulation resources are utilized to provide education, training, and/or assessment to learners at an off-site location.” Our objective in this study was to describe the patterns of telesimulation usage in EM residency programs during COVID-19-induced learning restrictions as well as its anticipated future utility. Methods: We identified EM simulation leaders via the EMRA Match website, institutional websites, or personal contact with residency coordinators and directors, and invited them to participate by email. Participants completed a confidential, web-based survey consisting of multiple-choice items and one free-response question, developed by our study team with consideration of survey research best practices and Messick’s validity framework. We collected data between January–February 2022. We calculated descriptive statistics for multiple-choice items and examined the free-response answers for common themes. Results: We obtained contact information for simulation leaders at 139 EM residency programs. Survey response rate was 65% (91/139). During in-person restrictions, 62% (56/91) of programs used telesimulation. Assuming all restrictions lifted, 38% (34/90) of respondents planned to continue to use telesimulation, compared to 9% (8/91) using telesimulation before COVID-19. Most respondents planned to use telesimulation for medical knowledge (26/34, 76%) and communication/teamwork-focused cases (23/34, 68%). In response to the free-response question regarding experience with and plans for use, we identified three major themes: 1) telesimulation is a valuable alternative to in-person learning; 2) telesimulation is an option for learners unable to participate in person; and 3) telesimulation is challenging for procedural education. Conclusion: Despite the relatively limited use of telesimulation in EM residencies prior to COVID-19, an increased number of programs have plans to continue incorporating telesimulation into their curricula. This plan for continued use opens opportunities for further innovation and scholarship within simulation education.

Strategies and Measures to Strengthen the Health Literacy of Migrants: An Online Survey of Primary Care Providers in Hessen

Adequate health literacy is crucial for active participation in health-related decisions. Migrants are one of the population groups that can have more difficulties in finding and using relevant information to make their own decisions. Primary care providers in Germany are the main point of contact for health and disease-related questions and can therefore make an important contribution to strengthening the health literacy of this population group. It remains unclear which specific approaches they use for that purpose. This study aimed to examine which strategies and measures primary care providers in Hessen, Germany, use to strengthen the health literacy of migrants and which additional measures of support they consider important for that purpose. 2,784 primary care providers in Hessen were invited by email between August 1, 2023 and October 24, 2023 to take part in a quantitative online survey. The data were analyzed descriptively. The majority of respondents used multilingual information material, referred to reliable sources of information and contact persons and predominantly used native-speaking staff or digital translation tools to improve the health literacy of migrants. Resources to improve communication and information and an increase in staff were considered by healthcare providers to be helpful in promoting the health literacy of those affected. At the same time, it was emphasized that efforts should also be made on the part of migrant patients to acquire health literacy. Although primary care providers already use strategies to support migrants in communication and decision-making, there is still room for improvement by taking steps to improve access and navigation within the doctor's office, by increasing collaboration with other stakeholders, and by integrating health literacy into the organizational structures of the office.

Socio-demographic portrait of the applicant and the main motives for choosing the "Therapy and rehabilitation" speciality

Rehabilitation and psychological support are becoming today's most urgent issues due to russian armed aggression. These needs will be long-lasting and increasingly significant. Since 2023, the Program of Medical Guarantees in Ukraine has been expanded regarding rehabilitation assistance. Additionally, volumes of the state-commissioned training of bachelors and masters in the speciality of "Therapy and rehabilitation" have been increased. It is well known that the quality of specialists trained by higher educational institutions largely depends on the motives behind the career choice. Knowledge about a student's socio-demographic status and his/her motivations to become a physical therapy and occupational therapy specialist can help understand future challenges and opportunities for the profession's development. This information can aid in elaborating strategies to promote the profession in the educational services market and to attract more applicants to choose the speciality 227 "Therapy and rehabilitation". The research aimed to compose the socio-demographic characteristics of the applicant for training in the speciality 227 "Therapy and rehabilitation", to investigate the motivational aspects of career choice and to establish the factors significant for motivation formation. To achieve this goal, a voluntary anonymous survey of 39 domestic applicants enrolled to complete the bachelor's degree program in speciality 227 "Therapy and rehabilitation" at Dnipro State Medical University was conducted. It was determined that the contingent of applicants is represented mainly by persons aged 16-18 (74%) with an active life position (90%). Additionally, most are familiar with the specifics of medical professions (62%) and have had previous personal or professional contact with physical therapy and occupational therapy (78%). The future career decision was mostly independent (84%), conscious, and influenced by the balance of internal and external motivational factors. It was typically made one to two years before taking degree course (72%). The primary motives for choosing the speciality 227 "Therapy and rehabilitation" while understanding its demand in today's conditions by applicants (82%) were "interest in medical science" (95%), "the desire to help others" (95%), "the opportunity to obtain a prestigious profession" (90%), "possibility of guaranteed employment" (90%) and "material interest/financial independence" (87%). Future specialists are aware of the importance of controlled acquisition of knowledge and skills (90%), the need for daily independent work (80%), and the significance of gaining practical experience during training (95%). They aim to achieve professionalism (59%), enhance communication skills (31%), build endurance (31%), and cultivate persistence (28%) and empathy (28%). Most applicants entering the speciality 227 "Therapy and rehabilitation" are goal-oriented, highly motivated, and prepared for rigorous study, which is the key to developing into competent and competitive specialists.

A Red Alert for Eye Conjunctivitis in Pakistan: A Call for Action and Awareness

For the recent upsurge in the cases of conjunctivitis particularly in Punjab, Pakistan has reached an alarming level. Till September 2023, almost 395,929 cases have been reported only in Punjab because of such an endemic condition schools have been temporarily closed. About 17000 cases were reported alone in Bahawalpur nearly doubling the figures from the previous month but currently, the epicenter of the break is Lahore as the recent outbreaks have also been seen worldwide like Malaysia, Taiwan, Japan, Brazil, and India. The primary cause of the epidemic is coxsackievirusA24 confirmed through genomic analysis. Coxsackievirus A24 is a non-enveloped, positive-stranded RNA virus which produces a polyprotein that forms a structural and non-structural component. This is responsible for acute hemorrhage conjunctivitis which is a viral disease and can spread rapidly as the virus belongs to a highly contagious genotype 4. Its symptoms are redness, pain, irritation discharge from the eye, and light sensitivity with an incubation period of 24 to 48 hours. Transmission can occur through hand-to-eye and eye-to-hand contact of the infected person as well as through contaminated surfaces. As the virus has the belated to evolved rapidly preventive measures are a necessity which include prevention from touching the eyes, practicing regular hand washing, cleaning contact lenses frequently, avoiding the sharing of personal items and using protective eyewear.

Social contact and ethnic identity: Experimental evidence from West Africa

AbstractWhat determines one's ethnic identity? I argue that contact with a co‐ethnic encourages an enhanced ethnic identity compared to contact with a non‐co‐ethnic. This is most likely to hold where identities are more ethnic and less national, as in many African countries, thus creating a sense of trust among co‐ethnics. To test this claim, I conducted a field experiment with participants from the West African countries of Côte d'Ivoire and Senegal using two designs to test my claims including if enumerators and participants share an ethnic identity established directly with face‐to‐face contact, and indirectly with enumerators employing ethnic sounding names. Social contact in which ethnicity is shared increases identification with one's ethnic group. Not sharing an ethnic identity does not increase the chances of a national identity. Variation by ethnic groups is strongest for members of groups who have recently lost political power or are marginalized. Sharing an ethnic identity affects political views. These findings contribute to our understanding about the potential for contact to affect prejudice and bias, and they raise issues about data collection done with personal contact.