Interactive Program Research Articles

Effect of virtual reality intervention on hospitalized patients with acute pain after thoracoscopic surgery: a pilot randomized clinical trial.

The study investigates the effectiveness of immersive virtual reality (VR) as a nonpharmaceutical approach to manage postoperative pain in patients following thoracoscopic surgery. In this single-center, triple-arm pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT), 61 postsurgical patients with a postoperative pain numerical rating scale (NRS) score ≥4 after receiving standard analgesia were included and assigned to either a quantum clinics-VR (QTC-VR) group, a Placebo-VR group, or a control group. The QTC-VR group engaged in a daily 10-minute interactive pain relief 3D-VR program, while the Placebo-VR group watched a daily 10-minute relaxation-based 2D film through VR headsets for three days following surgery. 61 postsurgical patients were randomized and allocated (21 in the QTC-VR group, 20 in the Placebo-VR group, and 20 in the control group) in the final intention-to-treat (ITT) analyses. Compared with patients receiving Placebo-VR intervention, patients reported significantly lower pain scores following the daily QTC-VR intervention on postoperative days 1 (mean difference,-0.889; 95% CI,-1.464 to -0.314; P < 0.001), 2 (mean difference,-0.631; 95% CI,-1.211 to -0.051; P =0.014), and 3 (mean difference,-0.798; 95% CI,-1.345 to -0.251; P < 0.001), respectively. Additionally, patients receiving QTC-VR intervention also reported high satisfaction and tolerable adverse events with their treatment. In conclusion, this pilot RCT demonstrates that QTC-VR might be a promising intervention for pain management post-thoracoscopic surgery, warranting further validation in ongoing phase III trials.

"No Matter the Age or Medical Complexity, People Benefit From That Intensity of Exercise": A Mixed-Methods Study Describing Rehabilitation Provider Perceptions of High-Intensity Resistance Training Among Veterans Receiving Post-Acute Care.

In skilled nursing facilities (SNFs), i-STRONGER is a novel, high-intensity resistance training approach that incorporates progressive resistance training to promote greater improvements in patient function compared to usual care. To inform large-scale expansion of i-STRONGER as standard-of-care in SNFs, this mixed-methods study assessed rehabilitation providers' perceptions of i-STRONGER and purported needs for its adoption. Forty-three rehabilitation providers participated in an 18-week, interactive i-STRONGER training program. Post-training, the validated Perceived Characteristics of Intervention Scale was used to evaluate i-STRONGER relative advantage, compatibility with practice, complexity, potential for reinvention (ie, adaptability), trialability, and risk. Providers reported the top 3 needs for successful i-STRONGER adoption and described i-STRONGER perceptions in training modules and focus groups. A convergent mixed-methods design was used to evaluate and describe clinician perceptions of i-STRONGER. i-STRONGER program conceptually aligned with providers' practice. The patterns and was endorsed as feasible and adaptable as part of patient care; however, initial hesitancies surrounding patients' physical abilities and motivation were noted as barriers and appeared to reflect negative age-related beliefs and attitudes within SNF cultures. Providers feared patients would be unwilling or unable to engage with i-STRONGER activities due to their age, deconditioning, medical complexity, or expectation that rehabilitation should feel "easier." As providers began implementing i-STRONGER in real-time, concerns surrounding i-STRONGER's potential risks lessened as providers observed improvements in patient function and motivation, and patients were described as "embracing" i-STRONGER principles. Patient acceptance and satisfaction, equipment, time, and clear communication among providers were cited as critical needs for i-STRONGER adoption. With i-STRONGER, a safe and effective approach for delivering resistance training to older adults in SNF settings, "seeing is believing." Real-time implementation of i-STRONGER facilitated an evolution of perspective among providers, fueled by observable, positive changes in patient function and affect as well as unexpected patient participation. Findings support i-STRONGER use in SNF settings, provided that specific training strategies showcase older adults with medical complexity participating in progressive resistance training.

ANALISIS MEDIA MONITORING PUBLIK TERHADAP FENOMENA BOIKOT PRODUK MENGGUNAKAN BRAND24

The pro-Israel product boycott movement is a very popular and hotly discussed topic on social media, both in Indonesia and internationally. This study aims to identify the atmosphere, trends, and variations of opinions that develop among social media users regarding the issue of product boycotts. This research uses a media monitoring method with a quantitative approach. This research explores data with Brand24 media monitoring with research subjects in the form of social media content, mass media, and non-media. The object of this research is a discussion related to the product boycott phenomenon within a certain time span. Based on the results of the analysis conducted, it is concluded that on the topic of product boycott, the mention volume data was obtained 1337 times. Where the most media is on social media, namely X (Twitter) as many as 551. Meanwhile, in mass media such as Web, News, and Blogs have fewer parts discussing the topic of product boycotts. Based on the analysis of product boycott topics, accounts such as info_hidup.sehat, Talk Show tvOne RELOAD, Awal Hanan, AnwarOjat, pituturid_, and YRUHIYAT200 are the most active profiles responding, with Talk Show tvOne RELOAD acting as an interactive program presenting public figures related to the theme of the show. In addition, based on top profile data on non-social media, the okezonenews account has the highest influence with the largest audience and often presents the latest news. The majority of conversations were sourced from Twitter, with a dominance of negative sentiment of 298, compared to positive sentiment of only 37. Negative sentiment experienced several significant peaks, indicating an increased interest in product boycotts at several points in time, while positive sentiment tended to fluctuate with an increasing trend towards the end of the period.

Effects of Different Exercise Interventions on Fall Risk and Gait Parameters in Frail Patients After Open Heart Surgery: A Pilot Study

Background and Objectives: Research on the effectiveness of different exercise programs on reducing fall risk and improving gait parameters among frail patients after open heart surgery is scarce. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the effects of different exercise interventions on fall risk and gait parameters in frail patients after open heart surgery during inpatient rehabilitation. Materials and Methods: A prospective randomized study was conducted at Kulautuva Hospital of Rehabilitation, Hospital of Lithuanian University of Health Sciences Kauno Klinikos, from July 2021 to November 2023. A total of 105 pre-frail and frail patients were randomized into three groups: control (CG, n = 35), intervention 1 (IG-1, n = 35), and intervention 2 (IG-2, n = 35). All three groups completed a conventional rehabilitation program that included aerobic training tailored based on each person’s health status six times/week. The IG-1 additionally received multicomponent dynamic aerobic balance and strength training three times/week, and the IG-2 received a combined computer-based interactive program three times/week. The overall stability index, as an outcome of fall risk, Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) score, and gait parameters (geometry, stance, and timing) were assessed before and after rehabilitation. Results: Of the 105 patients, 87 completed the study. The median age of the patients was 71 years (range: 65–88); 64.76% were male. After rehabilitation, within-group comparisons showed a significant improvement in the overall stability index, SPPB, and all phase gait parameters in all groups. Of all geometry gait parameters, none of the groups showed a significant improvement in step width, and foot rotation was significantly reduced only in the IG-2. All timing gait parameters improved in the CG and IG-2 after rehabilitation, while in the IG-1, only gait speed was significantly improved. Between-group comparisons after rehabilitation revealed significant differences in the overall stability index among the groups and in all phase gait parameters except for stance phase between the IG-1 and the IG-2. The greatest significant difference was documented for the double stance phase between the IG-1 and the IG-2, and the smallest was recorded for the single limb support phase. Significantly greater differences in step time and stride time were found in the IG-1 and the IG-2 than in the CG. Conclusions: All applied interventions were effective in reducing fall risk based on the overall stability index. However, interactive exercise interventions decreased fall risk based on the overall stability index by one-fifth as compared to the conventional rehabilitation program. The incorporation of interactive exercise interventions in rehabilitation resulted in improved double stance phase, stride time, and step time parameters, but did not have any effect on gait speed as compared to other exercise interventions.

An interactive course program on nutrition for medical students: interdisciplinary development and mixed-methods evaluation

Nutrition plays a crucial role in human and planetary health, as prevailing nutritional patterns significantly contribute to the global non-communicable disease pandemic. Moreover, the global food system is inextricably linked to planetary health deterioration. The relevance of nutrition for individual and planetary health is insufficiently addressed in German medical schools. Here, we present a two-week course for medical students in the 8th semester at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin on nutrition and fasting in the context of human and planetary health. The course was developed iteratively along the Kern cycle for medical curricula and underwent evaluation through a mixed-methods design spanning across two consecutive semesters. Assessment involved quantitative questionnaires and qualitative interviews. The main exploratory outcome was the overall module rating. Further outcomes encompassed in-depth evaluations of specific aspects, including content, teaching methods, instructor performance, and subjective experiential aspects. The conceptualisation resulted in a highly participative two-week course of 37.5 h. The main learning objectives aimed at the acquisition of technical competences and personal competencies in four areas: (1) the role of nutrition in health and disease; (2) the exploration of global food systems; (3) communication on subjects of nutrition; (4) culinary medicine. Various interactive didactic methodologies were used. 77.8% (n = 27) of the participants rated the course as very good or good. The conviction that nutrition influences health and disease increased over the course (Wilcoxon signed rank test, z = -2.82, p = 0.005, r = 0.57). In the qualitative interviews (n = 8) the course content, its didactical diversity and the positive group experience were appreciated. Our results indicate that it could be worthwhile to further incorporate nutrition curricula in medical education.

Roleplay Based English Language Learning Strategies and Interactive Programs to Improve the Speaking Skills and Interest of Elementary School Students in Rural Areas in Indonesia - Systematic Literature Review

This study aims to analyze the effectiveness of roleplay-based English learning strategies and interactive programs in improving the speaking skills and interest of elementary school students in rural areas in Indonesia. Through a systematic literature review, various community service activities conducted by the team from the Nursing Study Program at STIKes Mitra Husada Medan have shown positive responses from various parties, including religious leaders, community leaders, and local government. These activities combine theory (60%) and direct practice (40%), where the roleplay method has proven effective in improving the English-speaking skills of children aged 10-13 in Bangun Sari Village, Silau Laut District. The findings of this study emphasize the importance of early English language learning in the era of globalization. Interactive, media-based, and game-based methods have been proven to increase students' interest, motivation, and speaking skills. These innovations are expected to address challenges such as limited resources and learning support in rural areas, reducing the quality gap in language education between urban and rural regions. Thus, children in villages will have greater opportunities to compete globally.

Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors Among Health Care Trainees, Staff and Faculty at an Academic Medical Center.

Background/Objectives: Health care workers are at greater risk for death by suicide compared to the general population and are less likely to seek assistance. More information about correlates of suicidality and treatment-seeking behavior are needed to reduce risk. Methods: The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention developed an Interactive Screening Program to identify and engage at-risk staff and trainees in health care settings. The study reports on the prevalence and demographic and clinical predictors of current suicidal thoughts, behaviors and mental health treatment at a single site (n = 5898) from 2009 to 2024. Results: The study found that 18.2% of respondents reported current suicidal thoughts and behaviors. These were more common among respondents who were younger, male, and who identified as a race/ethnicity other than non-Hispanic White. Suicidal thoughts and behaviors were more likely among those with higher PHQ-8 scores (OR = 1.23, p < 0.01) and those who endorsed maladaptive coping behaviors, hopelessness, loneliness, stress and nervousness (ORs 1.36-3.04, ps < 0.01). Current mental health treatment was more likely among women, non-Hispanic White respondents compared with Asian or Pacific Islander respondents, and nurses relative to physicians. Mental health treatment was also associated with higher PHQ-8 scores, lifetime suicide attempts, difficulty controlling eating and alcohol consumption, and recent feelings of anxiety, stress and nervousness. Conclusions: Findings suggest a continued need to identify and engage health care trainees and staff who are at risk for suicide and to establish new approaches to linking these individuals to resources or interventions aimed at reducing risk. The study identified male and/or Asian/Pacific Islander-identifying health care workers who reported intense loneliness and/or hopelessness, use of non-prescription drugs and recent suicidal thoughts and/or behaviors as high-risk individuals who may require enhanced methods of outreach, identification, acceptance and accessibility of treatment.

A comparative analysis of the drug interaction programmes amongst geriatric outpatients

Objectives: Drug interaction programmes are considered imperative tools utilised by healthcare professionals to screen potential risks that may occur from drug combinations. However, the outcomes of analysing drug–drug interactions (DDIs) differ across each programme. It is crucial for clinician to be aware of the varying results from each database and their limitations before utilising them. This study aimed to compare drug interaction programmes in geriatric patients at an outpatient clinic of a tertiary care hospital. Materials and Methods: A retrospective study was performed at a tertiary care hospital in Thailand. This study collected all prescriptions for patients from the outpatient clinic during November 2021 and 2022. The drug interaction programs using Micromedex, Medscape and Lexicomp were used to detect and assess the severity of DDIs. Results: The participants were recruited using electronic medical records in the enrolment of a total of 10,877 individuals. The majority of these patients were male, with an average age of 74.3 (standard deviation 6.8) years. The prevalence of major DDIs using Lexicomp, Micromedex and Medscape was 28.1%, 57.9% and 18.2%, respectively. Only 1700 major DDIs (15.6%) were observed to be consistent across all three programmes. The strength of agreement amongst these drug interaction programmes using Kappa statistics was 0.15, 0.35 and 0.61 (P &lt;0.01) in major, moderate and minor + no interaction groups, respectively. Conclusion: The degree of agreement of major DDIs among the three-drug programmes, Lexicomp, Micromedex and Medscape, was minimal. To maintain uniformity in drug information sources, it is essential to apply measures for the standardisation of DDIs documentation.

Investigation of the effect of interactive art activity program on repetitive behaviors, social skills and parents’ emotions in children with autism spectrum disorder

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to examine the effects of an interactive art activity program on repetitive behaviors, social skills and parents’ emotions in children with autism spectrum disorder.Design/methodology/approachThe research was carried out in autism classes and special education and rehabilitation centers of children diagnosed with autism in Batman city center between September 2021 and March 2022. The study was concluded with 28 children with Autism spectrum disorder (5–17 years old) and their mothers (13 experiments, 15 controls). Data were collected using the Personal Information Form, the ASSP-T Form, the Quality of Life in Autism Questionnaire-Parent Edition and the Social Impact Form of the Repetitive Behaviors in Children with Autism Scale. In the analysis, in the comparison of the pretest, posttest and retention data in the application group, repeated measures ANOVA was used if the data were suitable for normal distribution, and Friedman analysis was used if not. In the comparison of the data in the control group, the Paired T test was used if the data were suitable for normal distribution, and the Wilcoxon test was used if it was not.FindingsAfter the training, it was concluded that there was a significant difference p < 0.05 on social skills, repetitive behaviors and quality of life of the children and mothers in the experimental group, and there was no significant difference in the control group in general.Research limitations/implicationsIt was determined that the interactive art activity program of children with autism had a positive effect on repetitive behaviors, social skills and parents’ emotions.Originality/valueConsidering the positive effect of art activities on children’s social skills and repetitive behaviors, educational programs for children with autism can be integrated with art and sports activities, and the use of different areas of art and sports can be expanded, taking into account the interests and readiness of the children.

Drug interactions in patients with alcohol use disorder: results from a real-world study on an addiction-specific ward.

The majority of patients with alcohol use disorder (AUD) regularly take medication. Alcohol interacts negatively with many commonly prescribed drugs. However, little is known about the characteristics and frequency of potential alcohol-medication and drug-drug interactions in patients with AUD. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and characteristics of drug interactions in patients with AUD during withdrawal therapy on an addiction-specific ward. Retrospective cohort study. Medication charts were analyzed and screened for potential alcohol-medication and drug-drug interactions. For the screening of potential alcohol-medication interactions, the drugs.com classification was utilized and potential drug-drug interactions were identified using the mediQ electronic interaction program. In our study, almost two-thirds (66.3%; 1089/1643) of all patient cases were prescribed at least one drug that could potentially interact with alcohol. Four percent of all alcohol-medication interactions were classified as severe, 91.8% as moderate, and 4.3% as mild. Drug classes commonly involved in serious interactions with alcohol were analgesics and drugs used in diabetes. A total of 811 potential drug-drug interactions were identified, of which 3.3% were classified as severe and 96.5% as moderate. Psychoanaleptics (ATC N06) and psycholeptics (ATC N05) were most frequently associated with moderate to severe interactions. Potential alcohol-medication and drug-drug interactions are common in hospitalized patients with AUD. Improvements in the quality of prescribing should focus on the use of psychotropic drugs.

유아-교사 관계 증진 훈련(CTRT)을 적용한 유아-교사 상호작용 중심 놀이지원역량 프로그램의 효과성 연구

The purpose of this study is to develop a child-teacher play interaction program to enhance the play-supporting competence of early childhood teachers and to examine its effects on teacher-child interaction, teaching efficacy, and ego resilience. The participants were 27 classroom teachers and 27 children in their classes from 4 kindergartens in Daegu. Among 27 teachers, 13 teachers and their classes’ 13 children were selected as the experimental group, and 14 teachers and their classes’ 14 children were selected as the control group. Research instruments include teacher-child interaction, teaching efficacy, and ego resilience. Teachers in the experimental group participated in the program, consisting of 10 sessions 10 sessions held once a week. Data were analyzed using the SPSS 21.0 program, and effectiveness was examined through covariate analysis(ranked ANCOVA). The results of the teacher training program are as follows. First, this program is found to increase positive interactions between teachers and children. Second, teaching efficacy is found to be increased by this program. Finally, the teacher training program is also found to increase teachers ego resilience as well. The results of this study demonstrate the effectiveness of a play-supporting competency program in improving teacher’s interactions, teaching efficacy, and ego resilience.

НЕМАТЕРИАЛЬНЫЕ СТИМУЛЫ И МОТИВАЦИЯ РАБОТНИКОВ ПРЕДПРИЯТИЙ В СОВРЕМЕННЫХ УСЛОВИЯХ

In today’s dynamic economy, when global processes and digitalization are radically changing the conditions of enterprises, the problem of employee incentives comes to the fore. The desire to increase productivity and retain key personnel is of particular importance for management and HR professionals who are looking for mechanisms to strengthen the incentives of their teams. Within the framework of the aspects developed in this article, the subject of analysis is the relationship between employee motivation and changes in generally accepted value orientations caused by universal transformations such as globalization. The influence of various factors, including the amount of remuneration, the quality of the work environment, career opportunities, as well as the degree of attention provided by management, on the degree of motivation of employees is documented in this study, with special emphasis on their role in increasing or decreasing active participation and productivity of staff. The questions of how modern theoretical approaches to motivation correlate with the practice of business organizations are also raised. For the teams of enterprises operating in the changing environment of modernity, the author offers unique strategic guidelines that allow optimizing internal motivation. Workshops based on relevant research designed to increase employee engagement and dedication are described taking into account the global challenges of today. Subject of the study — determining the degree of influence of non-material motivation and incentive tools for employees of enterprises in Russia. Scientific novelty and conclusions: The conducted research confirms the hypothesis that the stimulating aspect of an intangible nature has a significant impact on the performance of employees. This influence is reflected in increased productivity due to better discipline, an increased degree of satisfaction from performing work duties and, as a result, in reducing staff fluctuations. The effects of non-material labor stimulation are becoming significant factors in strengthening corporate culture and creating a favorable climate within organizations. Area of application: The results of the study may be useful for organizations with increased staff turnover and limited payroll. The practical value of labor market research in the aging phase of workers with an emphasis on the analysis of theories, concepts and models of active longevity may lie in rethinking personnel management strategies, improving employment policies and creating intergenerational interaction programs.

The impact of an online, lifestyle intervention programme on the lives of patients with a rheumatic and musculoskeletal disease: a pilot study

Abstract Objectives To evaluate the short- and long-term effects of an online, interactive, multifactorial lifestyle intervention programme (Leef! Met Reuma) on health risk and all ICHOM-recommended patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) in patients with an inflammatory arthritis (IA), osteoarthritis (OA) or fibromyalgia (FM). Methods Patients with an IA, OA or FM could register for the lifestyle intervention programme. The programme consists of a 3-month intensive part followed by a 21-month aftercare period and focuses on four pillars, namely nutrition, exercise, relaxation and sleep. Health risk and PROMs are collected 3-monthly during the first 6 months and 6-monthly during the next 18 months. Health risk includes self-reported weight, waist circumference and BMI. Following PROMs were included: pain, morning stiffness severity, fatigue, Health Assessment Questionnaire, quality of life, perceived stress, sleep disturbance and impact on life. Descriptive statistics were used to assess the change in health risk and PROMs during the intensive part of the programme and aftercare period. Results Of the 264 patients studied, 88, 105 and 71 were diagnosed with IA, OA and FM, respectively. Health risk significantly improved in all three diagnosis groups during the intensive part of the programme. The mean BMI reduction was −1.36 (0.26), −1.22 (0.23) and −1.48 (0.33), whereafter it stabilized in the aftercare period. All PROMs showed a similar trend. Conclusion An online, interactive lifestyle intervention programme has a positive long-term effect, even after 2 years of follow-up, on health risk and all PRO domains in patients with an IA, OA and FM.

In Situ Programmable, Active, and Interactive Crystallization by Localized Polymerization.

Additive manufacturing has sought active and interactive means of creating predictable structures with diverse materials. Compared to such active manufacturing tools, current crystallization strategies remain in statistical and passive programs of crystals via macroscale thermodynamic controllers, commonly lacking active means to intervene in crystal growth in a spatiotemporal manner. Herein, a strategy toward active and interactive programming and reprogramming of crystals, realized by real-time tangible feedback on growing crystals by delicately controlling the degree of in-situ, localized photopolymerization of polymeric structures via additive manufacturing is presented. Using this strategy, crystals can be seeded, guided, and even reprogrammed in a supersaturated liquid resin. In principle, the localized formation of sparse polymeric networks within supercooled resins can induce density fluctuation to trigger seed nucleation instantaneously, whereas the formation of dense networks can lower molecules' mobilities to inhibit crystal growth. Assisted by these active triggers and deterministic procedural aspects in additive manufacturing, growing crystals can be tangibly interacted through programmed polymeric structures, strengthening deterministic characteristics in crystal growth. It is suggested that crystal growth can be programmable with deterministic hierarchies within the created crystal's morphologies within the background of inherent stochasticity in crystallization, launching an era of convolutional growth of crystals.

Методы оптимизации обучающего процесса в цифровой среде

The article analyzes the existing possibilities of informatization in education, particularly during a period of socio-economic transformation. Several scenarios have been developed on the AnyLogic platform for the education of individuals with disabilities (IWD) under conditions of unpredictability in their behavior, physical limitations, and emotional well-being. The article raises the problem of the influence of electronic pedagogical didactics on the educational process. It examines and proposes methods for motivating learners to engage in education via an electronic platform, interactive programs for interaction among all participants in the educational process, as well as initiatives aimed at optimizing the execution of tasks in group projects, case-based learning, and the application of other active learning methods amidst digitalization. The article substantiates and describes a range of possibilities for forming individual learning track during the digital transformation of socio-economic processes. Furthermore, the work outlines the potential applications of neural networks (artificial intelligence) for the formation of intelligent competency diagnostics.

Library Local Historical Video Content on the YouTube Channel

The aim of the article is to analyse the local historical component of library video materials on YouTube video hosting, as well as to identify the specifics of local historical library activities in this multimedia environment. Research methods. The study grounds on the application of general scientific methods of cognition (description, analysis, synthesis, comparison, generalisation) and special methods (content analysis of library YouTube channels, in particular local historical video data) at the empirical and theoretical levels. Scientific novelty. For the first time, the process of using video hosting by libraries in the context of adaptation to new media realities is summarised. The role of library YouTube channels in promoting local history, culture and traditions is studied. Peculiarities and common features of local historical video content of libraries are identified, and new approaches to preserving local identity are clarified. The prospects for the further development of local historical library activities are outlined according to the process of integrating the library into the digital environment, including involving the public to participate in creating multimedia products. Main conclusions. Digital transformations of libraries have a great potential for preserving and popularising historical, cultural and local historical heritage. It is important that libraries not only preserve this heritage, but also actively integrate it into the wider public circulation through the availability and use of innovative technologies. YouTube opens perspectives for libraries in expanding their local historical activities. It is important that libraries use these opportunities effectively, in such a way creating qualitative, useful and interesting content for their audience. Local historical YouTube channels not only contribute to the formation of certain historical and cultural identity, but also expand the area for studying and research activities. The intensive development of local historical video content provides libraries with new possibilities in increasing access to local historical sources and maximise their potential use. Due to interactive formats, educational programmes, documentary films and active interaction with the audience, libraries can provide a deeper understanding and interest in local historical issues, while increasing the effectiveness of their own local historical activities.

ExerG – an exergame-based training device for the rehabilitation of older adults: a functional model usability study

BackgroundExergames are interactive technology-based exercise programs. By combining physical and cognitive training components, they aim to preserve independence in older adults and reduce their risk of falling. This study explored whether primary end users (PEU, healthy older adults and patients with neurological and geriatric diagnoses) and secondary end users (SEU, health professionals) evaluated the ExerG functional model to be usable, providing a positive experience and therefore acceptable.MethodsWe conducted a multi-methods study using several assessments to quantify usability and enjoyment outcomes, along with semi-structured interviews to gain an in-depth understanding of the users’ experiences. Descriptive statistics were used for quantitative outcome measures. For qualitative data, a thematic analysis (TA) using an inductive, data-driven approach was carried out to develop themes for each user group.ResultsWe interviewed 20 PEUs (13 healthy older adults, 7 patients) and 22 SEUs at two rehabilitation centres in Austria and Switzerland. Users' scores of over 70 on the System Usability Scale denoted good usability. On the Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale-16, both PEU groups rated the ExerG highly. Our TA approach identified four themes per user group. Themes from both PEU groups confirmed their enjoyment of training with the ExerG, however more variety and greater challenges were requested. Whilst the patient group appreciated the security given by the harness system, the healthy older adults reported feeling restricted. SEU themes reflected their approval of this novel training device, although a desire for increased difficulty and more individualisation was expressed. Clear instructions and an easy-to-use harness system were acknowledged and useful feedback for the developers emerged.ConclusionsThe ExerG is usable, offers a positive experience, and can therefore be regarded as an acceptable solution for the combined physical and mental training of older adults. Our findings contribute to the ongoing development of the ExerG, which will be a welcome addition to current training options for this target group. Further research is needed to confirm its effectiveness in preserving or improving functional independence in daily life and reducing the risk of falling.

Mobile STEM Programming

Abstract This mixed-methods study investigated the effectiveness of a STEM Carnival program in enhancing STEM understanding among 2,108 middle school students across five rural East Texas campuses. The study aimed to assess students’ perceptions of the carnival activities, their learning gains, and their recommendations for future events. Results indicated a high level of student engagement, particularly in hands-on and interactive activities, highlighting the value of experiential and context-based learning. Notably, 98% of the students, including those from underrepresented ethnic groups and across genders, reported knowledge gains. These findings suggest that such interactive programs can significantly enhance STEM learning and foster a sense of community and collaboration. This study underscores the potential of STEM carnivals to promote interest in STEM careers and offers recommendations for future educational programming in rural settings.

РЫНОК ТРУДА В ФАЗЕ СТАРЕНИЯ РАБОТНИКОВ: АНАЛИЗ ТЕОРИЙ, КОНЦЕПЦИЙ И МОДЕЛЕЙ АКТИВНОГО ДОЛГОЛЕТИЯ

This paper examines the relevance of the topic related to changes in the labor market caused by demographic and social factors. Changes in the demographic structure of the workforce can lead to the following transformations: First, there is a shortage of labor in various industries. The emigration of workers abroad and the shortage of incoming migrants lead to this phenomenon. In addition, the shortage of workers is influenced by low activity among young people due to changes in their values, mobility and the desire for a work-life balance. Secondly, the aging phase in the context of theories of models of successful aging is an important aspect that is being investigated within the framework of various approaches to understanding the aging process and its impact on society and the labor market. Thirdly, the predominance of older workers. The influence of the process of social aging, which leads to an increase in the number of older workers in the labor sphere, is considered. According to Rosstat, more than half of the employed in Russia are people over 40 years old. The study offers a comprehensive approach to the classification of social theories, concepts and models of active longevity for a deeper understanding of the aging phase. The practical value of labor market research in the aging phase of workers with an emphasis on the analysis of theories, concepts and models of active longevity may lie in rethinking personnel management strategies, improving employment policies and creating intergenerational interaction programs.

Framework nucleic acid strategy enables closer microbial contact for programming short-range interaction.

Programming precise and specific microbial intraspecies or interspecies interaction would be powerful for microbial metabolic regulation, signal pathway mechanism understanding, and therapeutic application. However, it is still of great challenge to develop a simple and universal method to artificially encode the microbial interactions without interfering with the intrinsic cell metabolism. Here, we proposed an extensible and flexible framework nucleic acid strategy for encoding the specific and precise microbial interactions upon self-assembly. With this spatial manipulation tool, we propose the microbial spatial heterogeneity and short-range interaction mechanism that the microbial assembly facilitates the gene expressions of the surface sensors including flagella and pili in Pseudomonas aeruginosa, leading to a more sensitive response to quorum sensing. The microbial interaction programming strategy proposed in this work is expected to provide a powerful and designable nanoplatform for better understanding of distance-dependent bacterial communication networks.