Convenient Time Research Articles

When is “convenient time” for residents?: a trial of Resident Study Log as asynchronous learning tool for residents

ABSTRACT Introduction The integration of online learning in health professions education has grown rapidly, offering flexibility to learners worldwide. Asynchronous online learning allows residents to engage with educational content at a time convenient for them, accommodating their demanding schedules. This study aims to reveal how residents approach asynchronous online learning during their residency training. Methods The Resident Study Log, an asynchronous learning tool, was introduced in a teaching hospital in Japan. This tool facilitated residents to share daily reflections on their learning experiences, allowing supervising physicians outside of their regular clinical teams to provide feedback. Posts shared between April 2020 and July 2021 were reviewed. The outcome measured included the frequency and timing of posts as well as residents’ satisfaction and perceived burden, which were assessed through anonymous surveys. Results A total of 31 residents participated during the study period, posting 599 entries on the Resident Study Log, averaging one post per resident every two days. Participants reported an average satisfaction score of 5.3 out of 6.0 (6-point Likert scale, where 1 indicated ‘not satisfied at all’ and 6 indicated ‘very satisfied’), while the perceived burden averaged 4.0 out of 6.0 (6-point Likert scale, where 1 indicated ‘not burdensome at all’ and 6 indicated ‘very burdensome’). Notably, posting activity peaked at around 23:00, with 17.4% of posts created between midnight and 5:00. Conclusion The Resident Study Log was a simple, low-cost tool, with high satisfaction levels among residents. However, the late-night posting pattern raises concerns about resident well-being and sleep hygiene. As asynchronous learning is increasingly more prevalent, it is crucial to ensure it does not inadvertently impose hidden burdens on learners’ overall well-being.

Characterization and Targeting of the Main Drivers of Elective Imaging Utilization: A Cross-sectional Study Applying Conjoint Analysis.

To characterize patient and referring physician preferences when selecting where to have elective imaging performed METHODS: In this Institutional Research Board approved survey-based study, online surveys were completed by 393 patients who had recently had a non-contrast MRI of the shoulder, lumbar spine, or knee within the past 2 years and 168 physicians who had ordered at least 12 such MRIs in the past year. The survey data included explicit questions about preferences as well as a set of conjoint choice screens. Conjoint analysis utilized a logistic model estimated using maximum likelihood estimation. Additionally, latent class analysis was performed to evaluate segmentation of the market. Both patients and referring physicians placed most value upon copay/cost, with both groups containing a large segment that places almost all value on low costs. Patients also valued the recommendation of their referring physician and convenient appointment time and location. Overall, physicians also valued image quality and a trusted radiologist, with one physician segment placing more value on these traits than cost. As expected, there was some variation between the relative importance of traits depending on whether respondents were ranking, rating, or implicitly valuing characteristics. Overall, both patients and referring physicians place greatest importance on copay/cost but other non-monetary characteristics have significant utility values, which could be leveraged to help radiology practices offer better services for their patients and referring physicians.

Wanderlust on a warming planet: young adults’ journey towards climate-friendly vacation practices

This article explores possibilities and impediments for climate-friendly practice change in the vacation practices of Danish young adults. Going on vacation is often a highly carbon-intensive practice and has been described as notoriously hard to integrate with climate concerns—especially in the context of young adults. With a practice theoretical approach and based on interviews and focus groups with 36 Danish 18-29-year-olds, the article finds climate-friendly practice change to be scarce. Exploring potentials and impediments for further change, it identifies two distinct practices: vacationing and journeying. Both practice configurations pose challenges for climate-friendly practice change, but both practices are also performed in less carbon-intensive ways which indicates potential for wider climate-friendly practice change. Vacationing is characterized by notions of convenience and quality time with loved ones to rewind from busy everyday lives, relying on carbon-intensive infrastructures, and characterized by a perceived minimum of competences. Journeying, on the other hand, is configured by notions of adventure and formative experiences, by mobility infrastructures seen as local and cheap, and by a more explicit range of competences. In vacationing, the central impediment to climate-friendly practice change is the experienced need for relaxation, convenience, and sunny destinations, calling for more convenient surface transport to such destinations or reconfiguring everyday-life demands to enable less convenient vacations. For journeying, the main impediment is the association of adventure and formative experiences to distant locations. Furthering climate-friendly journeying requires connecting social norms of formative experiences with nearby destinations or rendering long-haul surface transport cheaper.

The perspectives of stakeholders on the National Medicine Policy of Pakistan: a qualitative study

IntroductionThe National Medicine Policy (NMP) is crucial for setting the direction of a country’s action plan to achieve targeted healthcare goals.ObjectiveThis study aimed to explore the perceptions of different stakeholders regarding the current NMP of Pakistan.MethodsA qualitative study design was employed using purposive sampling to identify respondents. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with regulators (n = 6), manufacturers (n = 8), healthcare professionals (n = 9), and academicians (n = 7) until saturation was reached. Interviews were conducted at convenient times and locations, recorded, transcribed verbatim, and subjected to thematic analysis.ResultsMost stakeholders demonstrated expertise in policy-making and understood the basic concepts, need, and importance of the NMP. Six key themes were identified: general understanding of the NMP, existing regulatory framework and NMP, essential medicines and the current healthcare system, comparison of NMP with international standards, focus of NMP for better provision of healthcare, and recommendations for an effective NMP for Pakistan. Stakeholders emphasized the need for policies to set Standard Operating Procedures and direction, and noted that some frameworks require revision. There was consensus that the availability of essential medicines needs improvement and that the current healthcare system requires revamping, as the National Essential Medicine List is not fully implemented.ConclusionThe study concludes that NMP is integral to a robust healthcare system. However, Pakistan lacks an effective NMP despite extensive efforts in recent years. This deficiency is attributed to scarce resources, lack of political will and ownership, and inadequate compliance with performance-based indicators.

Using an SMS to improve bowel cancer screening: the acceptability and feasibility of a multifaceted intervention.

The Australian National Bowel Cancer Screening Program sends an immunochemical faecal occult blood test to Australians aged 50-74 years to screen for bowel cancer, but uptake is low (40.9%). The SMARTscreen trial demonstrated that sending a short messaging services (SMS) prompt from the participant's general practitioner (GP) increased the proportion of kit returns by 16.5%. This research aimed to determine the acceptability and feasibility of implementing SMARTscreen. SMARTscreen was a cluster randomized controlled trial set in 21 Australian general practices in regional Australia. Participants and general practice staff involved in the trial were included in this study. Acceptability and feasibility were measured quantitatively by calculating proportions of the SMS received, viewed, or opted out of, and qualitatively by interviewing people who sent and received the SMS. Of 2914 SMS sent, 2645 SMS (91%) were received by participants, 1128 (43%) people opened the weblink, and 59 (2%) people opted out of receiving future SMS. Interviews with general practice staff (n = 17) and participants (n = 18) found that sending and receiving the SMS was acceptable and feasible. The SMS was considered a low-burden activity that easily integrated into the clinic's workflow without impacting clinicians' time. Participants reported an increased intention to participate in screening, but some people worried the weblink was spam, and some suggested sending it out of working hours. The SMS-based intervention was widely accepted by GP staff and participants. Future research should test the SMS with and without the weblink, and send the SMS at a more convenient time of the day/week.

FORMATION OF DIGITAL COMPETENCE OF A FUTURE PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHER

The article examines the essence of the concept of "digital competence" and establishes that it is an important component of the general professional competence of a modern teacher. Its components and content are outlined, it is stated that digital competence includes interaction with digital devices and modern technologies for learning, work and social activities. Particular attention is paid to the conditions for future elementary school teachers to acquire digital competence in the modern digital informational educational environment. The main advantages of the modern digital information educational environment are: ensuring wide access to learning at a convenient time and, accordingly, increasing the speed of passing the educational program by individual students; creation of conditions for implementation of differentiated and complex training; changing the main role of designing educational tasks from the role of the teacher; transformation of the organization, management and evaluation of education, presentation of educational materials and management of the educational process. It has been proven that digital competence requires constant development for effective professional activity in today's changing environment. Acquiring digital competence contributes to the general development of the competencies of the future primary school teacher, increases his professional skills, ensures competitiveness in the labor market, promotes personal development, continuous education, develops the ability to apply acquired knowledge and integrate it into existing knowledge, actively use digital technologies in the educational process, increases the quality of education. The formation and development of digital competence is considered as a process of acquiring stable, integrated and systematized knowledge in pedagogy, psychology, informatics, computer technologies, teaching methods, the ability to apply them in new situations, personal qualities and the ability to achieve significant results in professional activities. It can be concluded that the implementation of digital technologies in education is not only the use of new digital tools, but above all the creation of an environment that offers innovative learning opportunities, designing individual educational routes and creating unique educational electronic/digital products.

ON THE ISSUE OF ASSESSING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF DESIGN SOLUTIONS TO ENSURE THE SUSTAINABILITY OF THE URBAN TRANSPORT SYSTEM

Modern transport problems in many cities around the world are caused by the high level of motorisation of their population and the high frequency of private car use. Despite a number of advantages of using private cars as a means of transport (high speed of communication, the ability to choose a route and travel at a convenient time, high comfort, etc.), the mismatch between the development of motorisation and the existing transport infrastructure leads to traffic congestion, which has a number of negative consequences that make the use of private cars less efficient. These consequences include increased transport delays, reduced traffic speeds and, consequently, increased travel time, and more intensive consumption of non-renewable energy sources. Equally urgent are the issues of road safety and improving the environmental situation in cities. At present, a promising way to solve urban transport problems is to apply the concept of sustainable development of urban transport systems and the methodology of transport demand management. The justification of design solutions to ensure the sustainability of urban transport systems should be based on a model approach and include a comprehensive assessment of a number of social, economic and environmental performance indicators. The adequacy of transport models and the accuracy of the assessment of the consequences of design decisions are crucial for choosing the most appropriate set of measures to ensure the sustainability of transport systems. The article proposes an efficiency criterion for evaluating design solutions to ensure the sustainability of the city's transport system, which contribute to reducing the use of private car. This criterion provides for a comprehensive assessment of the effectiveness of design solutions in terms of economic, social and environmental performance indicators. Based on the analysis of statistical data, it was found that the following distribution of passenger cars by type of fuel consumed is typical for Kharkiv: cars with petrol engines - 48.58%; diesel cars - 14.63%; cars with gas cylinder equipment - 33.58%; electric cars - 3.21%. The established distribution of passenger cars by type of fuel consumed is the basis for establishing average values of variable and fixed operating costs of private car owners and should be taken into account when assessing the environmental impact of the transport process. This is the direction of further research.

Empowering youth and ensuring health: utilization of youth friendly service among preparatory school students in Gambella, Southwest Ethiopia.

Youth is a period with exposure to high risk of reproductive health (RH) problems. Despite, several strategies designed to solve these problems, youths are experiencing unsafe abortion, unintended pregnancy, and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) so far. The utilization of Youth Friendly Services (YFS) and its determinants has not been well studied in Gambella so far. This study aimed to assess YFS utilization and associated factors among preparatory school students in Gambella town, Southwest Ethiopia. Institution based cross-sectional study was conducted on 394 randomly selected preparatory school students in Gambella town from June 1-30/2023. Data were collected through self-administered questionnaire, entered to EpiData version 4.6, and exported to Stata version 17.0 statistical software for analysis. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were employed. The p-value of <0.05 with 95% CI was used to declare statistical significance of association between YFS utilization and explanatory variables. Less than one third (31.2%) of preparatory school students utilized YFS in Gambella town. Being married (AOR: 4.94, CI: 2.14, 11.38), having pocket money (AOR: 2.02, CI: 1.15, 3.56), no payment for YFS (AOR: 2.13, CI: 1.01, 4.50), having knowledge about YFS (AOR: 2.27, CI: 1.29, 4.00), convenient working time (AOR: 2.50, CI: 1.08, 5.83), and sexual experience (AOR: 3.38, CI: 1.90, 6.01) were the factors significantly associated with utilization of YFS in Gambella town. The study found that utilization of YFS in Gambella town was low. Being married, having pocket money, not asked payment for YFS, knowledge about YFS, convenient working time, and sexual experience were the factors positively affecting utilization of YFS in Gambella town. Therefore, the health decision makers better to design policies aimed to increase youths knowledge about YFS.

Truck‐Drone Pickup and Delivery Service Optimization With Availability Profiles

ABSTRACTThe absence of customers at the time of a pickup or delivery service not only results in additional costs associated with the failed service attempt but also decreases customer satisfaction. Thus, it is crucial to account for the possible convenient times of customers when designing the pickup and delivery service scheme. With the advantages of the drone in delivery speed and transport costs, we investigate the truck‐drone pickup and delivery problem with availability profiles, in which each node has an availability profile that consists of a set of service time windows, each of which has an availability probability such that the pickup or delivery service can be carried out at the node within the time window. The pickup and delivery services are collaboratively performed by a set of trucks and drones, in which each truck carries a drone. The truck can simultaneously perform the pickup and delivery services and act as an intermediate mobile warehouse, which must wait at the parking location for the return of the drone associated with it once it has dispatched the drone for performing services. The drone can independently provide the pickup and delivery services after taking off from the truck that carries it, and finally return to the truck after finishing the services. The goal is to find the optimal collaborative service scheme of the trucks and drones with the objective of minimizing the sum of the operational cost and expected service failure cost. To solve the problem, we devise an exact branch‐and‐price‐and‐cut (BPC) algorithm that incorporates a novel column‐and‐cut generation (CCG) scheme and a specialized bi‐directional labeling algorithm based on some structural properties for the intractable pricing problem, and introduce some improvement strategies to improve the performance of the solution algorithm. The numerical studies on random instances illustrate that the developed BPC algorithm performs significantly better than the CPLEX solver and two existing BPC algorithms, in which the service time window dominance rule in the developed structural properties and the improvement strategies significantly enhance the performance of the developed BPC algorithm, and the in‐out CCG scheme can efficiently overcome the degenerate behaviors of the classical column generation and cutting‐plane methods. The numerical studies on a case study of Cainiao intra‐city online‐to‐offline order delivery highlight the benefits of the truck‐drone collaborative pattern, which achieves about 10.32% cost savings and a 3.43% service failure rate decrease on average compared to the truck‐only pattern, and quantify the potential benefits of accounting for availability profiles, which can effectively make a trade‐off between the operational cost and service failure ratio.

Challenges Faced by Family Caregivers of Individuals Living with Dementia in Japan During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

This study investigates the challenges faced by family caregivers of individuals with dementia in Japan, particularly in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. We conducted a cross-sectional survey of 500 family caregivers of patients with dementia. 56.4% of caregivers reported an increased caregiving burden, primarily due to extended caregiving hours, reduced access to public services, and restrictions on social interactions. This study found a strong preference for formal support, with 75.4% of caregivers desiring access to more comprehensive services. However, 19.4% of dementia patients were not utilizing any public services, largely due to a mismatch between available services and caregivers' actual needs, as well as societal resistance to inviting formal support into the home. Informal support systems, such as dementia family groups and cafes, were well-known, but participation rates remained low (5.4% and 5.8%, respectively), despite the potential benefits for reducing stress and providing emotional support. Key barriers included privacy concerns, reluctance to engage, and logistical challenges such as inconvenient access and time constraints. To mitigate the above challenges, this study recommends expanding telemedicine and remote support services, improving awareness of available resources, and offering flexible, tailored solutions to meet diverse caregiving needs. Additionally, increasing financial support, enhancing public recognition of caregiver roles, and providing psychological counseling and stress management programs are essential to alleviating both the emotional and economic burdens placed on family caregivers during the pandemic.

Pengaruh Fleksibilitas Jam Kerja dan Work Life Balance terhadap Peningkatan Produktivitas Karyawan Gen Z

Generation Z, with unique characteristics such as technological savvy, preference for work flexibility, and need for work life balance, brings a new paradigm in human resource management. Their dominance in the workforce creates challenges as well as opportunities for companies to create a work environment that supports employee productivity and well-being. This study aims to analyze the effect of flexible working hours and work life balance on the productivity of Gen Z employees through a literature study approach. The results show that flexible working hours allow employees to work more efficiently according to their convenient time and place, while work life balance helps reduce stress, increase motivation, and drive productivity. Generation Z highly values ​​this balance, which not only improves their mental and physical well-being but also contributes to the success of the company.

Comparing telesimulation-based learning and e-learning as remote education delivery methods in pre-hospital practice

Introduction: Pre-hospital practitioners based at rural and geographically spread-out regions often find it difficult to access education and training for continuous professional development. Distance learning can resolve the dilemma of how to provide high-quality education where the number of participants is small and widely scattered. E-learning is an established teaching modality that has been widely used, whereas telesimulation is a novel teaching tool that has been evolving throughout the past decade. This study aimed to evaluate the experience of e-learning compared to telesimulation for pre-hospital practitioners.Methods: This study was conducted from January to June 2021. Twenty-six pre-hospital responders were randomly allocated to complete either an e-learning module or a telesimulation session based on acute paediatric asthma. Each participant completed a post-session satisfaction questionnaire for quantitative and qualitative analysis. For the telesimulation session, all participants attended remotely, while the faculty were based on site. The e-learning module was accessed by the participants via the internet.Results: Both modalities were positively received, with participants agreeing that the learning objectives were met. However, telesimulation was rated significantly higher in terms of engagement (p = 0.044) and suitability (p = 0.033). Qualitative feedback highlighted the immersive and realistic nature of telesimulation as key advantages, while e-learning was appreciated for its flow and stimulating questions.Conclusion: Telesimulation and e-learning can help learners with restricted availability and geographical challenges. Telesimulation allows learners to work as a multi-disciplinary team despite being scattered across a large geographical area, while e-learning gives learners the flexibility to access education at a convenient time.

Infrared thermographic assessment of cutaneous temperature changes during labour epidural analgesia initiation: An observational pilot study

BackgroundInadequate labour epidural analgesia within 30––45 min of insertion is typically considered primary epidural failure and deemed unsuccessful. Early prediction of analgesic success would have clinical benefit, enabling corrective interventions. Sympathectomy accompanying a successful epidural block can cause foot temperature changes. We sought to evaluate the relationship between foot temperature changes and successful epidural, defined as adequate analgesia in 45 min of epidural administration. For the purpose of this study, we defined primary epidural failure as inadequate analgesia within 45 min of administration. MethodsFollowing ethical committee approval, this observational study was conducted in a tertiary level obstetric centre between January 2021 and March 2024. Patients attending for induction of labour were included; with labour epidural analgesia comprised the epidural study group and without acted as a control group. A FlirT540 infrared thermography camera was used to take bilateral foot images every 5 min for 30 min. Images were taken following epidural administration in the epidural group and at any convenient time once in established labour in the control group. We studied temperature changes over time in the epidural and control groups and compared the temperature changes in patients with successful and failed epidurals. ResultsThirty eight patients were included in the epidural group and eleven in the control group. 29 patients (76.3 %) had successful analgesia and 9 patients (23.7 %) had primary epidural failure. Patients with successful analgesia had a statistically significant rise in temperature after 10 min. The maximum rate of rise was between 5 and 15 min and was 0.5 (0.1)°C per minute on both sides. Primary epidural failure was associated with minimal temperature changes, while all patients who had a 2 °C rise in hallux temperature at 10 min had successful analgesia. ConclusionsSympathetic blockade associated with a successful analgesic epidural block produces cutaneous temperature elevation at the plantar surface of the hallux. These can be detected within ten minutes of instituting an epidural and have a potential role in guiding timely troubleshooting of an epidural.

IPA분석을 활용한 배드민턴 경기장의 서비스품질 개선 방안 연구: 2024 코리아오픈 배드민턴 대회를 중심으로

This study aims to identify and clarify the importance and satisfaction through IPA analysis and provide basic data for the purpose of providing high-level service quality of badminton stadiums and revitalizing the local sports industry. First, in Quadrant I, there are five factors for service quality of badminton stadiums: stadium size and track, sufficient management staff, latest equipment and facilities, consideration of spectators’ position, and competition expertise. Second, in Quadrant II, there are five factors for service quality: interest in problem solving, differentiated competition, immediate service provision, friendliness of management staff, and provision of promised service. Third, in Quadrant III, there are three factors for service quality: trust and dependence, courtesy of management staff, and facility safety. Fourth, in Quadrant IV, there are three factors for service quality: provision of guidebooks, sufficient auxiliary facilities, and convenient time.

Self-directed learning in Orthopaedic trainees and contextualisation of knowledge gaps, an exploratory study

BackgroundSelf-Directed Learning (SDL) is a subjective concept with no universally agreed definition. The aim of this project was to obtain the perspectives of Orthopaedic trainee registrars on SDL.MethodsSeven Orthopaedic trainees in the Southwest Peninsula region were recruited in person by the primary author as an Orthopaedic trainee on the same programme as the participants. A one-hour Microsoft teams video interview was arranged at a mutually convenient time exploring several topics including learning resources, experiential learning, learning strategies, training programme requirements and assessment. The interviews were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. Transcripts were coded using Corbin’s and Strauss’s published coding method and analysed to develop a model of SDL in this training context.ResultsSix learning stages were identified from the coded transcripts and these stages were like Knowles’s stages of SDL. Participants felt less autonomous during the identification of knowledge gaps, goal setting and evaluation of learning stages. Participants perceived to have more control over the selection of strategies, and learning stages of SDL. The factors which influenced autonomy at various stages of SDL included supervisors, experiential learning opportunities, service provision competing with learning opportunities, training programme requirements and the power dynamic between trainees and supervisors. Self-advocacy by the trainees for experiential learning opportunities and for their progression was an additional action relevant to SDL that was evident. Online learning resources such as Orthobullets.com, YouTube videos, external revision courses, collaboration and webinars encouraged more autonomy with SDL.ConclusionsAlthough the United kingdom’s Trauma and Orthopaedic curriculum is described as trainee led and SDL is encouraged, in practice Orthopaedic trainees felt limited autonomy with the various stages of SDL due to external factors including their level of experience and the training environment. Trainees’ experiences around self-advocacy highlighted the importance of a collaborative and supportive learning culture emphasising dialogue, receiving high quality feedback, and openness for successful progression.

Abstract B007: A qualitative research study on hematology and oncology consultants’ experiences and opinions on using minimal residual disease (MRD) as a fast-track approval endpoint in early-phase clinical trials in multiple myeloma in Saudi Arabia

Abstract Introduction: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently considered the minimal residual disease (MRD) as an acceptable accelerated approval endpoint in multiple myeloma (MM). The data from the meta-analysis studies established the clinical benefit of MRD negativity in certain hematological cancers such as MM. Objectives: The primary objective of this qualitative research study is to assess hematology and oncology consultants’ opinions and experiences on the adequacy of using minimal residual disease (MRD) as an intermediate endpoint in early- phase clinical trials in multiple myeloma (MM) for fast-track approval of drugs and biological products in the Saudi Food and Drug Authority. That may include using MRD in MM in both settings: newly diagnosed and relapsed/refractory MM. The secondary objective is to gather information about the feasibility and availability of sensitive methods for detecting MRD in the context of real-world medical practice and clinical trials in Saudi Arabia. Study Design: The study design is a qualitative approach to interviewing 30 registered male, or female physicians specialized in hematology and oncology in Saudi Arabia. The interviews will be conducted in two ways: a single focus group and several face-to-face interviews. The participants should have more than 1 year of experience post-fellowship training. The participants will be invited for an interview via email or phone. A predetermined set of semi-structured questions is to be asked in the same order to each participant. The topic of questions will include the definition of MRD, clinical and research significance of MRD, MRD detection thresholds (e.g., 10^-5 vs. 10^-6), duration of MRD negativity at the complete response, correlation with other clinical endpoints such as progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). The interviews will be conducted by scientific oncology and hematology evaluation experts at the Saudi Food and Drug Authority who have considerable experience in engaging in personal discussion. This qualitative study has about 5–10 semi-structured one-to-one interviews of hematology and oncology consultants performed at a convenient time for each doctor. Moreover, the discussions in focus groups can be as small as four participants. Qualitative data will be prepared and analyzed by an expert in data analysis. Citation Format: Tariq Hassan Alqurayshah, Albandari Alnasser, Tariq Alqurayshah. A qualitative research study on hematology and oncology consultants’ experiences and opinions on using minimal residual disease (MRD) as a fast-track approval endpoint in early-phase clinical trials in multiple myeloma in Saudi Arabia [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference: Liquid Biopsy: From Discovery to Clinical Implementation; 2024 Nov 13-16; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Clin Cancer Res 2024;30(21_Suppl):Abstract nr B007.

Perception of parents on barriers and facilitators of treatment outcomes among children and adolescents attending psychotherapy services in a primary health care centre in Belize

Background: The study assessed the perception of parents on barriers and facilitators treatment outcomes among children and adolescents attending psychotherapy services in a primary health care centre. Methods: A cross sectional descriptive study using both quantitative and qualitative methods. The quantitative method used retrospective review of records of 65 children and adolescent clients who accessed psychotherapy services between January 2022 and December 2023 at Port Loyola Health Centre in Belize city. The qualitative method used in-depth interviews of twenty parents of the patients randomly selected from the clinic registers. Univariate and bivariate analyses was used for the quantitative data while thematic analysis was used for the qualitative data. Results: 25 (38.5%) of the patients completed their treatment and 34 (52.3%) dropped out, with half dropped out after the first visit. The identified parental perceived barriers and facilitators are organized into four main themes. The first theme was related to knowledge and understanding of mental health problems by the parents which showed that respondents had good knowledge about mental health problems. The second theme identified attitudes towards treatment as a major factor to completion of treatment. The third theme was related to structural factors like transportation cost and parents’ work schedule identified as key barriers. The fourth theme was related to inconvenient appointment time and lack of flexibility in the scheduling of appointment at the clinic. Conclusions: The study highlights key areas of interventions to minimize barriers to completion of treatment among children accessing mental health services.

YouTube channel as a component of convergent media: role, influence and perspectives

The article aims to analyze the role of local media in shaping the public agenda during large-scale military actions in Ukraine and how to increase audience loyalty and engagement through convergent practices. In particular, the content, growth dynamics, target audience characteristics, and specific features of the YouTube channel Dnipro TV as a convergent media are considered. The city television channel has successfully transformed from a traditional broadcaster into a convergent media through its YouTube channel and other social networks. This has allowed it to expand its audience, maintain influence, and adapt to changes in the media landscape. It is noted that during two years of full-scale aggression, the number of subscribers to the Dnipro TV YouTube channel has nearly tripled. The channel hosts all the content produced by the creative team of Dnipro TV. The videos can be accessed directly from the YouTube page or via the respective section on the website. The chosen research period is characterized by, on the one hand, increased demand for local content from the city's TV channel audience due to the hostilities and security threats to the population. On the other hand, there is the involvement of the global community in events in Ukraine and the interest of displaced persons, with local content on the YouTube channel being accessible from any country. Thus, only 64.7 % of users watch videos on the YouTube channel from within Ukraine, while over 35 % view local content from other countries. The analysis also highlights changes in the audience's gender composition: before the war, women constituted the majority, while in 2023 and 2024, the male audience made up 54 %, compared to 45.9 % female. The convergent local media Dnipro TV attracts its audience with news broadcasts, a series of original programs, and talk shows, all of which can be found on YouTube and watched at a convenient time. We believe that the development of this channel as a convergent media with multiplatform content representation holds great promise.

Development and Initial Evaluation of a Digital Phenotype Collection System for Adolescents: Proof-of-Concept Study.

The growing concern on adolescent mental health calls for proactive early detection and intervention strategies. There is a recognition of the link between digital phenotypes and mental health, drawing attention to their potential use. However, the process of collecting digital phenotype data presents challenges despite its promising prospects. This study aims to develop and validate system concepts for collecting adolescent digital phenotypes that effectively manage inherent challenges in the process. In a formative investigation (N=34), we observed adolescent self-recording behaviors and conducted interviews to develop design goals. These goals were then translated into system concepts, which included planners resembling interfaces, simplified data input with tags, visual reports on behaviors and moods, and supportive ecological momentary assessment (EMA) prompts. A proof-of-concept study was conducted over 2 weeks (n=16), using tools that simulated the concepts to record daily activities and complete EMA surveys. The effectiveness of the system was evaluated through semistructured interviews, supplemented by an analysis of the frequency of records and responses. The interview findings revealed overall satisfaction with the system concepts, emphasizing strong support for self-recording. Participants consistently maintained daily records throughout the study period, with no missing data. They particularly valued the recording procedures that aligned well with their self-recording goal of time management, facilitated by the interface design and simplified recording procedures. Visualizations during recording and subsequent report viewing further enhanced engagement by identifying missing data and encouraging deeper self-reflection. The average EMA compliance reached 72%, attributed to a design that faithfully reflected adolescents' lives, with surveys scheduled at convenient times and supportive messages tailored to their daily routines. The high compliance rates observed and positive feedback from participants underscore the potential of our approach in addressing the challenges of collecting digital phenotypes among adolescents. Integrating observations of adolescents' recording behavior into the design process proved to be beneficial for developing an effective and highly compliant digital phenotype collection system.

Life cycle assessment and yield to optimize extraction time and solvent: Comparing deep eutectic solvents vs conventional ones

Deep eutectic solvents (DES) are gaining interest as eco-friendly alternatives for extracting bioactive compounds, but their environmental benefits remain unclear and need further evaluation. In this work, a case study of total polyphenols (TPC) extraction from spent coffee grounds (SCG) was environmentally evaluated using life cycle assessment (LCA). First, the most convenient extraction time (1, 10, 20, or 40 min) for water and acetone 20 % from an environmental perspective was identified. Second, a comparison of different solvents—DES (choline chloride-1,6-hexanediol), water, and ethanol 20 %—under their optimal extraction yield conditions was performed using literature data. Results from the first study revealed that the environmentally optimal extraction time (10 min) was not the one leading to the highest yield. The main contributors to the impacts were the use of acetone and electricity consumption.For the second study, DES performed worse in all studied environmental impact categories compared to both ethanol 20 % and water. Ethanol 20 % was the better option compared to water due to its higher extraction yield (9.2 mg vs. 6.5 mg TPC/g SCG, respectively). The environmental impacts associated with the DES system were primarily attributed to the DES preparation step, which requires virgin raw materials (e.g., dimethyl hexanediol), and the adsorption stage involving the use of resins. A sensitivity analysis was also conducted by optimizing the DES system to the best possible described conditions (90 % reuse of DES and maximum reduction of the macroporous resin used to adsorb the TPC after extraction). Nevertheless, the DES system still performed worse than water or ethanol 20 % systems, in 11 out of 16 impact categories.The study highlights the importance to consider environmental impacts and yield when optimizing extraction processes, especially at the laboratory scale, as the insights gained are valuable for improving eco-efficiency on an industrial scale.