Individual Goals Research Articles

DOSIMETRIC COMPARISON OF INTENSITY-MODULATED RADIATION THERAPY (IMRT) AND VOLUMETRIC-MODULATED ARC THERAPY (VMAT) IN RECTAL CANCER PATIENTS: A COMPREHENSIVE ANALYSIS

This study aimed to conduct a thorough dosimetric comparison between two advanced radiotherapy techniques, Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) and Volumetric-Modulated Arc Therapy (VMAT), to ascertain the superior modality in terms of dose distribution and organ-at-risk sparing for rectal cancer patients. Thirty-three patients with ECOG performance status 1, aged between 18 to 60 years, diagnosed with Stage II to III rectal cancer, were included in this prospective study. Each patient underwent treatment planning with IMRT and VMAT techniques using Varian system simulation computed tomography scans. The dosimetric analysis encompassed the evaluation of target volume dose homogeneity, conformity, and doses to at-risk organs. The dosimetric comparison was conducted utilizing seven-field IMRT and dual arc VMAT plans. Statistical analysis was performed using paired t-tests and SPSS 20 software. Treatment plan constraints adhered to the RTOG 9406 guidelines, ensuring adequate planning target volume (PTV) coverage, homogeneity index, conformity index, and dose limits for organs at risk, including small bowel V20 (<200cc), bladder V45 (<21Gy), and femoral head V50 (≤30 Gy). Volumetric arc therapy plans demonstrated superior dose homogeneity to fixed-field intensity-modulated plans (p-value = 0.04), particularly in femoral head dose-limiting toxicity (p-value = 0.00). However, intensity-modulated therapy exhibited equivalent or superior performance in other evaluated parameters. Our findings suggest that while VMAT offers advantages in PTV coverage homogeneity and femoral head dose-limiting toxicity, IMRT remains competitive and potentially preferable in certain dosimetric aspects. The choice between IMRT and VMAT should be carefully considered based on individual patient characteristics and treatment goals. This comprehensive dosimetric comparison contributes valuable insights into optimizing radiotherapy planning for rectal cancer patients, potentially guiding clinical decision-making and improving treatment outcomes.

Narrowing lab‐to‐market gaps: Device innovations in fuel generation, solar‐cell, and photodetection

AbstractAcademic translational research efforts to industry are often an underlying sought‐after goal among various researchers. Through the interchanges of research endeavors between academia‐industry, great innovations can/has been achieved that cater to the real‐world application by bridging “industrially relevant” problem solving with pursuing fundamental studies. It is pertinent that most of the studies from university‐level research works may not translate into demonstrable market products due to various reasons. Funding support, individual researcher goals, socioeconomic factors, and most importantly the technical know‐how of generating revenue strategies for startups, are a few of the factors that have slowed the pace of collaborative efforts. However, we believe that the most crucial component is the identification of the critical parameters that solve long‐standing problems that hinder the scale‐up of the lab scale research into marketable products considering the techno‐economic analysis. To illustrate this, we take the three most relevant examples of devices for fuel generation, devices to utilize solar radiation, and devices for detection and other related applications. In this perspective, we provide an in‐depth case study of each of these critical parameters to comment on the direction of research avenues that can serve as step‐stones for the commercialization of university‐level lab research studies.

Acute type a aortic dissection: when not to operate, a review

Acute type A aortic dissection (ATAAD) is a surgical emergency with a nonoperative mortality rate of up to 1% per hour and an operative mortality rate as high as 24%. Therefore, evaluation of comorbidities and patient presentation characteristics prompts a pause for risk stratification before proceeding to the operating room, as emergent surgery may not always be the optimal approach. This comprehensive review explores key considerations in ATAAD management, emphasizing the need for nuanced decision making, by considering medical management and delayed surgery as an alternative management approach for high-risk populations such as the frail or patients who have a history of cardiac surgery. Beyond the immediate threat of aortic rupture, organ malperfusion stands out as the most feared complication of ATAAD, also elevating perioperative risk significantly. In such cases, careful assessment of patient’s hemodynamic status is paramount. For stable patients, a thorough preoperative strategy and multidisciplinary discussions are encouraged. Notably, the advent of endovascular techniques provides viable lower-risk alternatives to the traditional open approach. The consequences of ATAAD surgical intervention extend beyond the immediate procedural concerns, with a substantial impact on the patient’s overall function. Prioritizing patient-centered care becomes imperative in aligning management with individual goals of care. This review seeks to provide insights into these considerations by offering a stepwise approach to patient-centered decision-making in ATAAD management.

Continuous Glucose Monitoring Alarms in Adults with Type 1 Diabetes: User Characteristics and the Impact of Hypoglycemia and Hyperglycemia Alarm Thresholds on Glycemic Control.

Background: Few studies have evaluated the implications of the alarm thresholds of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems for individuals with diabetes. The present study aimed to investigate the influence of hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia alarm thresholds on glycemic control in adults with type 1 diabetes (T1DM) and the characteristics of patients who use these alarms more frequently. Methods: This observational cross-sectional study included 873 users of the FreeStyle Libre 2 system (501 men, median age 48 years, range 18-90 years) with T1DM from a single center. We investigated the role of demographic and metabolic factors on the use of alarms and the impact of hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia alarms and their thresholds on glycemic control. Results: Alarm users were older than nonusers (median age 49 vs. 43 years, respectively; P < 0.001). The hypoglycemia alarms were set by 76.1% of women and by 69.1% of men (P = 0.022). The hypoglycemia alarms reduced hypoglycemia features and glucose variability, although at the expense of shorter time in range. The higher the hypoglycemia alarm threshold, the greater these effects. The hyperglycemia alarms were effective in reducing hyperglycemia and lowering the glucose management indicator, although at the expense of a greater tendency to hypoglycemia. The lower the hyperglycemia alarm threshold, the greater these effects. Conclusions: CGM alarms contribute to better glycemic control. However, hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia alarms have advantages and disadvantages. Adults with T1DM should explore, under medical supervision, which alarm thresholds will best help them achieve their individual glycemic goals.

Motivation and preferences for learning of patients with COPD or asthma and their significant others in pulmonary rehabilitation: a qualitative study.

An in-depth understanding of educational needs from the perspective of learners in pulmonary rehabilitation is lacking. To improve learning in pulmonary rehabilitation, understanding of factors that induce or enhance intrinsic motivation in both patients and their significant others is needed. Therefore, this study aims to gain in-depth understanding of what motivates patients with COPD or asthma referred for pulmonary rehabilitation and their significant others to learn and what their preferences are for education. For this qualitative study, a sample was taken from a previous quantitative study. Data was collected through one-time face-to-face semi-structured interviews. The interviews were transcribed and independently analysed by two researchers using thematic analyses. Twelve patients and four significant others (56% female; age: 63±11 years) were interviewed. Participants expressed a variety of information needs and learning preferences. Subthemes that emerged within the theme of motivation for learning were: 1) curiosity, such as knowledge gaps and hope for new information; and 2) values and goals, such as own health, caring for loved ones and spending time with family. To enhance intrinsic motivation for learning within pulmonary rehabilitation, autonomy of individuals should be supported by offering several learning topics and education adapted to preferences, while curiosity should be fostered by targeting information needs. Moreover, health education programmes should match with the personal values and goals of individuals, such as own health, caring for loved ones and spending time with family.

ESPRAS Survey: National and European Societies for Plastic Surgeons.

The European Society of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery (ESPRAS) comprises 40 national societies across Europe. In addition to ESPRAS, there are 8 different European Plastic Surgery societies representing Plastic Surgeons in Europe. The 4th European Leadership Forum (ELF) of ESPRAS, held under the motto "Stronger together in Europe" in Munich in 2023, aimed to collect and disseminate information regarding the national member societies of ESPRAS and European societies for Plastic Surgeons. The purpose was to identify synergies and redundancies and promote improved cooperation and exchange to enhance coordinated decision-making at the European level. An online survey was conducted regarding the organisational structures, objectives and challenges of national and European societies for Plastic Surgeons in Europe. This survey was distributed to official representatives (Presidents, Vice Presidents and General Secretaries) and delegates of national and European societies at the ELF meeting. Missing information was completed using data obtained from the official websites of the respective European societies. Preliminary results were discussed during the 4th ELF meeting in Munich in March 2023. The ESPRAS survey included 22 national and 9 European Plastic Surgery societies representing more than 7000 Plastic Surgeons in Europe. Most national societies consist of less than 500 full members (median 182 members (interquartile range (IQR) 54-400); n=22). European societies, which covered the full spectrum or subspecialities, differed in membership types and congress cycles, with some requiring applications by individuals and others including national societies. The main purposes of the societies include research, representation against other disciplines, specialisation and education as well as more individual goals like patient care and policy regulation. This ESPRAS survey offers key insights into the structures, requirements and challenges of national and European societies for Plastic Surgeons, highlighting the relevance of ongoing close exchange between the societies to foster professional advancement and reduce redundancies. Future efforts of the ELF will continue to further explore strategies for enhancing collaboration and harmonisation within the European Plastic Surgery landscape.

Evaluating Post-Graduate Curricula for Emerging Professionals: A Case Study of the National Library of Medicine's Associate Fellowship Program

The Associate Fellowship Program (AFP) at the National Library of Medicine (NLM), a post-graduate training residency for early career librarians, incorporates a curriculum component introducing participants to the operational areas of the NLM. Recent organizational shifts catalyzed a curriculum evaluation to examine its alignment with the mission of the AFP and the NLM. This article outlines the evaluation process and offers recommendations on designing post-graduate curricula to serve the needs of emerging professionals. Furthermore, this study highlights one way in which professional standards can be incorporated into institutional training and orientation programs to further both individual and organizational professional development goals.

Study on the Path of Developing Sports Lifestyle among College Students

The "Opinions on Promoting National Fitness and Sports Consumption to Promote the High-quality Development of the Sports Industry" for the first time combines "promoting national fitness" with "promoting sports consumption". Sports are the dream of national strength and national rejuvenation, as well as a healthy lifestyle for the people. College students, as the fresh force of reform and innovation, and the main force of the country's future, are the main implementers of the goal of becoming a strong sports country. Their health level is related to whether the country's strategic goals can be achieved. Cultivating a healthy sports lifestyle among college students and paying attention to the health of each individual are the ultimate goals pursued by school physical education, while providing a strong human resource for the country's sustainable development. Strengthening the concept of a healthy sports lifestyle among college students helps promote their practice of physical activity. This is not only related to the realization of individual and school sports goals, but also to the construction and development of higher education in China. College students are the pillars of the country and shoulder the responsibility of national construction. Their health level is related to the destiny of the country. Therefore, understanding the health status of college students in sports life and exploring ways to improve their sports lifestyle development are of great significance to both individuals and the country.

Patients’ experience of a novel interdisciplinary nurse-led self-management intervention (INSELMA)—a qualitative evaluation

BackgroundDespite continuous improvements in anti-rheumatic pharmacological treatment, people with chronic inflammatory arthritis still report substantial disease impact. Based on the framework for complex interventions, we thus developed INSELMA, a novel nurse-coordinated multidisciplinary self-management intervention for patients with rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis or axial spondyloarthritis. Based on individual biopsychosocial assessments, a rheumatology nurse facilitated goal setting and coordinated interdisciplinary support. The aim of this study was to explore the patients’ experience of participating in the six-months INSELMA intervention.MethodsIndividual semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 of the participants after their final follow-up. Thematic analysis was applied.ResultsThe analysis derived four overall themes. (1) A new opportunity at the right time. The participants’ disease impacted all areas of daily life. Participation in INSELMA was experienced as an opportunity to improve symptoms and together reduce long-held challenges they had fought alone, until now. (2) The importance of person-centred goals. The participants found it meaningful to work with their individual goals, which encompassed physical, psychological, and social factors. Having time between consultations to work with goals at home was important. (3) Empathy, partnership and a little nudging from health professionals are essential. The empathic nurses’ continuous support and coaching helped participants become aware of their own resources. The participants highlighted having access to support from a physiotherapist and occupational therapist with rheumatology experience as important. (4) I got more than I could have hoped for. Most of the participants experienced decreased symptom load and improvement in physical strength, mobility, sleep, and mood as well as increased energy, knowledge, and self-management ability. The participants expressed new hope for the future with an improved ability to manage their symptoms and work towards new goals.ConclusionThe participants found the INSELMA intervention meaningful and feasible. They experienced decreased disease impact and increased activity levels, facilitated by empathy and self-management support from health professionals.

Upward convergence patterns in chosen environmental-related SDGs

Sustainable development is a challenge facing humanity. EU countries not only strive to reach their specific objectives, but they also work collaboratively towards shared goals. There is a need to balance synergies and compromises to address these objectives effectively. When discussing countries' development and people's well-being, one often focuses on socio-economic development. However, it is crucial not to overlook the environmental repercussions and the need to care for the planet. Thus, our article pays attention to the sustainable development objectives of the “planets” group.We analysed upward convergence in the scope of the “Planet” goals, i.e. the analysis of improving the results of Member States and, at the same time, reducing the differences between them. Convergence trends were examined individually for each variable and then for all variables combined (Planet). Our article fills a research gap because, to our knowledge, analyses of the trajectories of achieving individual goals in such a context have not been analysed so far. The results of our study indicate a favourable situation in the case of six out of eight examined variables. Areas in which intensification of activities is necessary for some EU countries are an increase in energy productivity and a reduction in net greenhouse gas emissions of land use. The second stage of the study concerned the development paths of individual countries. The most challenging situation concerns the variable sdg_07_20 (final energy consumption in households per capita). In this case, as many as 12 countries belong to the weak group.

Considerations Regarding Management of Heart Failure in Older Adults.

Understanding noncardiovascular comorbidities and geriatric syndromes in elderly patients with heart failure (HF) is important as the average age of the population increases. Healthcare professionals need to consider these complex dynamics when managing older adults with HF, especially those older than 80. A number of small studies have described associations between HF and major geriatric domains. With information on patients' cognitive, functional decline, and ability to adhere to therapy, physicians can plan for individualized treatment goals and recommendations for these patients.

A sustainable trajectory for the 2030 Agenda: Targeting historical lock‐ins to accelerate progress on all SDGs

AbstractThe 2030 Agenda states that the 17 sustainable development goals (SDGs) make parts of an indivisible whole, and research on SDG implementation highlights how managing goal interactions—synergies and trade‐offs—is key for implementation to be successful. Here, we present an empirically based and transparent method for developing “consistent scenarios” that identifies which SDGs will be unattainable if historical patterns of interaction between SDGs are maintained. Using historical data on SDG indicators and correlation analysis together with cross‐impact balance analysis, we identify such scenarios for a set of high‐ to low‐income countries. Finding no consistent scenario where progress can be made on all 17 SDGs for any of the countries, our findings demonstrate the importance of policies that target interactions and resolve trade‐offs rather than individual goals to unlock a sustainable future trajectory. This reflects what was novel about the SDGs as a framework for global development; that the goals are indivisible and achieving them all require systemic changes that alter how social and economic processes interact with the environment.

Perceptions of Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV prevention among men living with HIV in the context of reproductive goals in South Africa: a qualitative study

BackgroundPre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) and Treatment as Prevention (TasP) are effective strategies to prevent HIV transmission within serodifferent couples. However, limited usage of PrEP, knowledge and interest has been amongst the barriers for men, alongside testing and treatment adherence. We explored the perceptions of PreP for HIV prevention with Men living with HIV (MWH) who have reproductive goals, to understand awareness and experiences related to PrEP use in the context of HIV prevention with their partners.MethodsWe undertook a qualitative study with 25 MWH aged 18 to 65 between April and September 2021 in South Africa. Potential participants were screened for eligibility and scheduled to participate in telephonic interviews. Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed, translated and thematically analysed.ResultsThemes were organized into opportunities and barriers that men with HIV articulate as important for using PrEP to meet individual, couple, and community reproductive goals. At the individual level, some men were willing to discuss PrEP with their partners to protect their partners and babies from acquiring HIV. Lack of knowledge about PrEP among men was a potential barrier to promoting PrEP among their female partners. At the couple level, PrEP use was seen as a way to strengthen relationships between partners, signifying care, trust, and protection and was seen as a tool to help serodifferent couples meet their reproductive goals safely. At the community level, PrEP was viewed as a tool to promote HIV testing and prevention efforts, especially among men, but participants emphasized the need for more education and awareness.ConclusionDespite PrEP implementation in South Africa, awareness of PrEP among men with HIV in rural areas remains low. Engaging MWH to support their partners in accessing PrEP could be an innovative strategy to promote HIV prevention. Additionally, providing men with comprehensive reproductive health information can empower them to make more informed decisions, adopt safer sexual practices, and challenge societal norms and stigmas around HIV.

McDonald's food target recognition and calorie display based on YOLOv5 algorithm

This research paper delves into the development and assessment of a novel food recognition and evaluation system tailored for McDonald's menu items, leveraging the capabilities of the YOLOv5 algorithm. The study demonstrates that the system can successfully identify McDonald's food items from images and seamlessly query calorie and nutritional information from a backend database. The data is then presented to the user, aiding in more informed dietary choices and promoting public health awareness. The system has particular utility for McDonald's customers, facilitating real-time decisions that align with individual health goals and nutritional requirements. Our experimental findings show a high degree of accuracy and efficiency, although the system's scope is currently limited to five key menu items. Future directions for this work include expanding the range of recognizable food categories and implementing user feedback mechanisms to refine recognition accuracy. Moreover, the paper discusses potential optimizations for reducing system response time and further enhancing the practical utility of the technology. This research serves as a significant step towards utilizing computer vision technologies for public health interventions, aiming to combat the rise of obesity and related diseases.

Minimizing Low-Value, Uncompensated Work in Academic Infectious Diseases: A 6-Step Program.

Uncompensated work in academic infectious diseases (ID) may be high value (eg, important for academic promotion or necessary for advancement to leadership roles) or low value (eg, not aligning with or contributing to professional goals and aspirations). "Curbside" consultations, participation in hospital committees outside of professional interests, and other "citizenship" tasks are common examples of threats to our valuable time as ID providers. Herein, we define the scope of the problem of low-value uncompensated work in academic ID and outline a 6-step program to minimize these threats. Collaboration with professional sponsors, such as division chiefs, to align individual and team goals and use of a "value-versus-compensation" matrix to prioritize activities may help us establish our own agendas and reclaim our professional autonomy.

To what extent did implementing a community-embedded intervention align with the goals and roles of stakeholders in adolescent sexual and reproductive health?

Adolescents' sexual and reproductive health (SRH) needs are largely unmet due to poor access to SRH information and services. A multicomponent community-embedded intervention, comprising advocacy to policymakers and community leaders, training of health workers on the provision of youth-friendly SRH services, and establishment of school health clubs, was implemented in Ebonyi State, Nigeria, to improve access to SRH information and services for adolescents aged 13-18years in selected communities and secondary schools. This study explored the extent to which the intervention aligned with goals and roles of stakeholders in the State. Qualitative in-depth interviews (30) were conducted with key stakeholders in adolescent health programming in the State, and community gatekeepers (traditional and religious leaders) in the intervention communities. Sex-disaggregated focus group discussions (10) were conducted with health service providers, parents/guardians of adolescents. Data was analyzed deductively based on fit of strategy and two constructs of the Theoretical Framework for Acceptability - burden, and opportunity cost. The transcripts were coded in NVivo 12, and the subthemes that emerged from each construct were identified. Stakeholders perceived the ASRH intervention activities to align with their individual goals of sense of purpose from serving the community and organizational goals of improving the visibility of adolescent reproductive health programs and aligned with their routine work. Hence, implementing or participating in the interventions was not considered a burden by many. Although the delivery of the interventions constituted additional workload and time commitment for the implementers, the benefits of partaking in the intervention were perceived to outweigh the inputs that they were required to make. Some of the community health workers in the intervention felt that provision of financial incentive will help with making the intervention less burdensome. To participate in the intervention, opportunity cost included forgoing work and business activities as well as family commitments. Findings from the study show that the intervention aligned with individual/organizational goals of stakeholders. To improve acceptability of the ASRH interventions, interventions should leverage on existing programs and routine work of people who will deliver the interventions.

Goal Attainment Scaling in Patients With Burning Mouth Syndrome: A Real-World Clinical Study Protocol.

Introduction Burning mouth syndrome (BMS) is characterized by persistent chronic burning pain. Because BMS shows various symptoms, levels of severity, and treatment outcomes, measuring recovery is difficult in this patient population. Goal attainment scaling (GAS),a flexible and responsive technique for assessing outcomes in complex interventions, assimilates the achievement of individual goals into a single standardized "goal attainment scale." To our knowledge, this is the first clinical study protocol to investigate the effectiveness of adopting GASin patients with BMS. Methods This study will involve two phases. In phase 1, the suitability of GAS for BMS will be examined in 30 patients. All practitioners will be trained to support patients in setting their clinical goals. In phase 2, all 155 patients with BMS will set two clinical goals emphasizingspecific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and timed (SMART) goals at the initiation of psychopharmacotherapy for BMS. During the follow-up at weeks four, 8, 12, and 24, the GAS T-scores for each patient will be derived from the result of the individual goal attainment scores multiplied by goal weighting. Other clinical rating scales, including the visual analog scale (VAS), oral dysesthesia rating scale, pain catastrophizing scale, patient's global impression of change, and clinical global improvement will be assessed simultaneously with the assessment of goal attainment. The interactions between GAS T-scores and other clinical scales or clinical characteristics, including baseline age and sex, will be analyzed, followed by a discussion on the effectiveness of adopting the GAS for BMS. Results The information gleaned from phase 1 will help train practitioners and develop the use of GAS for BMS. In phase 2, analyzing the GAS T-score, a quantitative assessment, will accurately reveal patient outcomes and satisfaction. The effectiveness of using the GAS and some factors contributing to patient satisfaction will be revealed by analyzing the interaction between the T-score and other clinical scales. Conclusions In addition to revealing the usefulness of GAS for BMS, we believe this studywill prompt further investigations to clarify the factors contributing to patient satisfaction and shed light on a new treatment strategy that reinforces theprevious treatments for BMS.

Effects of transsectoral long-term neurorehabilitation

BackgroundAcquired brain injuries are among the most common causes of disability in adulthood. An intensive rehabilitation phase is crucial for recovery. However, there is a lack of concepts to further expand the therapeutic success after the standard rehabilitation period. Hereafter, the characteristics of a transsectoral, multiprofessional long-term neurorehabilitation concept and its effects on outcome at different ICF levels are described.MethodsThe P.A.N. Center for Post-Acute Neurorehabilitation combines living with 24/7 support of pedagogical staff with on-site outpatient therapy and medical care. A secondary data analysis was conducted on the records of all patients with completeted P.A.N. treatment between 01.01.2015 and 09.04.2022. Outcome parameters included demographic characteristics, diagnostics, Barthel Index (BI), the German scale „Hilfebedarf von Menschen mit Behinderung für den Lebensbereich Wohnen “ (HMBW), the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM) and the destination after discharge. For BI and discharge destination, potential determinants of therapy success are evaluated.Results168 patients were enrolled in the analyses. Significant improvements were observed in the BI (p < .001), with median values increasing from 55 to 80 points. The HMBW showed a significant decrease in the need for assistance in everyday living (p < .001), individual basic care (p < .001), shaping social relationship (p = .003) and communication (p < .001). Significant improvements were reported in the COPM total score for performance (p < .001) and satisfaction (p < .001). 72% of the patients were able to move in a community living arrangement with moderate need for support. Main predictive factor for discharge destination was the initial cognitive deficit. The comparison of the third-person scales BI and HMBW with the self-reported COPM showed that individually formulated patient goals are only insufficiently reflected in these global scales.DiscussionThe data show that a highly coordinated, trans-sectoral 24/7 approach of goal-oriented practice as pursued at P.A.N. is feasible and effective. We assume that the success of the intervention is due to the high intensity of therapies delivered over a long time and its interlink with real world practice. For a comprehensive analysis of rehabilitation success, it is necessary to record and evaluate individual patient goals, as these are not always reflected in the commonly used global scales.

Comparison of Different Modes of Exercise on Cognitive Function and Mood among Older Adults in Mexico

Purpose: The aim of the study was to investigate comparison of different modes of exercise on cognitive function and mood among older adults in Mexico&#x0D; Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries.&#x0D; Findings: The study on older adults in Mexico found that regular physical exercise, regardless of the mode, improved cognitive function, particularly memory and executive functions. Aerobic exercises like walking and swimming were effective in enhancing mood by reducing depression and anxiety symptoms. Resistance training benefited attention and concentration. Group exercise sessions and personalized programs boosted adherence and motivation, contributing to improved cognitive outcomes and mood among older adults in Mexico.&#x0D; Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The cognitive reserve theory, the neurotrophic theory &amp; the socioemotional selectivity theory may be used to anchor future studies comparison of different modes of exercise on cognitive function and mood among older adults in Mexico Develop practical guidelines for creating customized workout playlists based on individual preferences and exercise goals. Collaborate with workplace wellness programs to incorporate music into physical fitness initiatives. Advocate for policies that support the use of music in corporate fitness centers and wellness activities to improve employee engagement and well-being.

Better Together: 14-Month-Old Infants Expect Agents to Cooperate.

Humans engage in cooperative activities from early on and the breadth of human cooperation is unparalleled. Human preference for cooperation might reflect cognitive and motivational mechanisms that drive engagement in cooperative activities. Here we investigate early indices of humans' cooperative abilities and test whether 14-month-old infants expect agents to prefer cooperative over individual goal achievement. Three groups of infants saw videos of agents facing a choice between two actions that led to identical rewards but differed in the individual costs. Our results show that, in line with prior research, infants expect agents to make instrumentally rational choices and prefer the less costly of two individual action alternatives. In contrast, when one of the action alternatives is cooperative, infants expect agents to choose cooperation over individual action, even though the cooperative action demands more effort from each agent to achieve the same outcome. Finally, we do not find evidence that infants expect agents to choose the less costly alternative when both options entail cooperative action. Combined, these results indicate an ontogenetically early expectation of cooperation, and raise interesting implications and questions regarding the nature of infants' representations of cooperative actions and their utility.