Management Program Research Articles

Effectiveness of early and intensive intervention on suicide prevention: CARS programme

The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of the Programme for Management of Suicidal Behaviour and Suicide Prevention (CARS). Individuals treated in the emergency department of University Hospital Marqués de Valdecilla for suicidal thoughts or attempts (N = 401) between 1-March-2016 and 31-December-2018 were considered. No randomization by patients or groups was performed. Student's t-test, chi-square and repeated measure analysis of variance were used. Kaplan-Meier survival function and Cox proportional hazard regression models were employed to estimate the risks of relapse. Outcome of those who voluntary enrol CARS were compared with treatment as usual (TAU) at 6- and 12-months follow-up. The results indicate a significant reduction and delayed occurrence of suicidal behaviour over a 12-month follow-up period with the CARS programme compared to TAU, along with a decreased frequency of hospital admissions. CARS programme demonstrates a substantial impact, significantly reducing the risk of recurrent suicidal behaviour by 35.5 % and the risk of repeated suicidal attempts by 47.2 % at the 12-month follow-up. The programme exhibits a dual protective effect, diminishing suicidal behaviour and fostering improved long-term outcomes. In conclusion, CARS effectively reduced suicidal behaviour recurrence, achieving significant decreases in suicidal thoughts, plans and attempts.

Extending Character Education (PPK) as the Basis for Curriculum Management to Improve the Quality of Learning at SDN 2 Rimo

Character is the "soul" of education as a whole, encompassing all phases of planning, carrying out, supervising, and evaluating instruction. In order to raise the standard of instruction at SDN 2 Rimo, this study tries to explain how curriculum management based on strengthening character education (PPK) is implemented. This study combines a case study methodology with a qualitative approach. While documentation studies were used to gather secondary data, interviews and observation were used to collect primary research data. The study's findings indicate that SD Negeri 2 Rimo's curriculum management program has a significant positive impact on character education that is delivered in the classroom, in the school's culture, and in the community. This is evident from the classroom activities, which include the students' behavior in adhering to the rules and the teacher's increased attention to detail when presenting the lesson plan. Additionally, children have demonstrated excellent attitudes and character in extracurricular activities and are able to interact cordially with peers and parents. Therefore, enhancing character education has a significant impact on raising learning standards.

Genomic diversity of the locally developed Latvian Darkheaded sheep breed

The Latvian Darkheaded is the only locally developed sheep breed. The breed was formed at the beginning of the 20th century by crossing local coarse-wooled sheep with the British Shropshire and Oxfordshire breeds. The breed was later improved by adding Ile-de-France, Texel, German blackheads, and Finnsheep to achieve higher prolificacy and better meat quality. Previous studies have reported the Latvian Darkheaded sheep to be closely related to Estonian and Lithuanian Blackface breeds, according to microsatellite data. To expand our knowledge of the genetic resources of the Latvian Darkheaded breed, we conducted a whole-genome resequencing analysis on 40 native sheep. The investigation showed that local sheep harbor genetic diversity levels similar to those observed among other improved breeds of European origin, including Charollais and Suffolk. Genome-wide nucleotide diversity (π) in Latvian Darkheaded sheep was 3.91 × 10−3, whereas the average observed heterozygosity among the 40 animals was 0.267 and 0.438 within the subsample of unrelated individuals. The Ne has rapidly decreased to 200 ten generations ago with a recent drop to Ne 73 four generations ago. However, inbreeding levels based on runs of homozygosity were, on average, low, with FROH ranging between 0.016 and 0.059. The analysis of the genomic composition of the breed confirmed shared ancestry with sheep of British origin, reflecting the history of the breed. Nevertheless, Latvian Darkheaded sheep were genetically separable. The contemporary Latvian Darkheaded sheep population is genetically diverse with a low inbreeding rate. However, further development of breed management programs is necessary to prevent an increase in inbreeding, loss of genetic diversity, and depletion of breed-specific genetic resources, ensuring the preservation of the native Latvian Darkheaded sheep.

Mineral composition of the processed forming mixture of the Kryvyi Rih Mechanical Repair Plant

Currently, Ukraine and developed countries have developed and are constantly updating national waste management programs. Industrial waste as a raw material potential can replace primary sources of natural resources, significantly reduce resource consumption and help ensure the raw material independence of territories and individual countries. The spent molding compound of the Kryvyi Rih Mechanical Repair Plant is a multi-ton solid waste from foundry production. A part of the spent molding mixture is reused as a recyclable material, but the bulk of it is disposed of at municipal solid waste landfills. In this paper, the mineral composition of the spent molding compound is studied in detail, which reveals the possibilities of its reuse. Based on the results obtained, the mineral composition of the spent molding mixture was determined, and mineralogical recommendations were given for the technology of processing the spent mixture. Its involvement in reuse will make it possible to obtain conditioned reconstituted molding sands, free up part of the solid waste landfills, and reduce the negative technogenic load.

Role of Information, Education, Communication and Training in Disaster Management

Information, Education and Communication (IEC) are of vital significance for disaster preparedness, prevention and mitigation. It promotes an alert community which is sine -qua non for any successful activity. IEC are the essential constituents of any programme especially in a disaster related scenario. IEC requires the administrative machinery, Non Governmental Organizations (NGOs), Community-based Organizations (CBOs), other agencies and the community to be prompt, active and well informed to carry out the activities confidently. Hence IEC should be given top priority in any disaster management programme. Creation of awareness is an integral part of the process of social development, communication has the power to liberate the minds and potential of people. Critical awareness is needed in every field linked to human development. The generation of an alert public will hinge on effective communication of information and ideas that relate to people’s needs, aspirations and capacities. In this sense, getting the: development process initiated is largely the task of information, education and communication. This research paper attempt to study the nature and significance of IEC and training, and the concept of community awareness. The important components and strategies of IEC and training shall also be focused.

Developing agricultural pest management strategies with reduced-risks to surface water: An economic case study of California's Central Coast region

Pesticides are critical for protecting agricultural crops, but the off-site transport of these materials via spray drift and runoff poses risks to surface waters and aquatic life. California's Central Coast region is a major agricultural hub in the United States characterized by year-round production and intensive use of pesticides and other chemical inputs. As a result, the quality of many waterbodies in the region has been degraded. A recent regulatory program enacted by the Central Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board set new pesticide limits for waterways and imposed enhanced enforcement mechanisms to help ensure that water quality targets are met by specific dates. This regulatory program, however, does not mandate specific changes to pest management programs. In this study, we evaluate the economic, environmental, and pest management impacts of adopting two alternative pest management programs with reduced risks to surface water: 1) replacing currently used insecticide active ingredients (AIs) that pose the greatest risk to surface water with lower-risk alternatives and 2) converting conventional arthropod pest management programs to organic ones. We utilize pesticide use and toxicity data from California's Department of Pesticide Regulation to develop our baseline and two alternative scenarios. We focus on three crop groups (cole crops, lettuce and strawberry) due to their economic importance to the Central Coast and use of high-risk AIs. For Scenario 1, we estimate that implementing the alternative program in the years 2017–2019 would have reduced annual net returns on average by $90.26 – $190.54/ha, depending on the crop. Increased material costs accounted for the greatest share of this effect (71.9%–95.6%). In contrast, Scenario 2 would have reduced annual net returns on average by $5,628.12 – $18,708.28/ha during the study period, with yield loss accounting for the greatest share (92.8–97.9%). Both alternative programs would have reduced the associated toxic units by at least 98.1% compared to the baseline scenario. Our analysis provides important guidance for policymakers and agricultural producers looking to achieve environmental protection goals while minimizing economic impacts.

A Pilot Study of a Family Management Program for Parents of Children with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

ObjectivesThe aim of this completed pilot study was to evaluate the feasibility of implementing a family management program (FMP) for parents of children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Data SourcesA convenience sample of 11 parents of preschool-aged children with ALL were recruited from an ambulatory chemotherapy-care clinic at a tertiary hospital in Thailand. Participants received three FMP sessions over 3 weeks. The FMP is based on two established family programs (ie, FMP-style framework and building on family strengths) and reviewed literature. The following measures were used to evaluate parents’ responses at baseline, postintervention, and follow-up: Family Management Measure, Beach-Center Family Quality-of-Life Scale, and Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory. Data were analyzed using one-way repeated-measures analysis of variance. ConclusionThe study results provide promising evidence that the FMP is feasible and improves family management and quality of life for parents of enrolled children with ALL. Implications for Nursing PracticeEducating pediatric oncology nurses and other healthcare professionals to replicate the FMP may help to provide better family management, and child quality of life support to future parents and other family members of young children diagnosed with ALL. This support should focus on educating parents about the potential effects of caring for a child with ALL on the family and fostering positive relationships within the family and offering guidance on effective family communications and decision-making processes.

SPECIAL ISSUE: Male-Female Differences in Psychophysiological Stress Profiles Before and After a Group Relaxation/Biofeedback Stress Management Program

This study used stress profiles to assess whether a biofeedback-assisted stress management program that previously documented decreased anxiety, stress symptoms, medication use, and increased well-being also had physiological effects. Psychophysiological stress profiles are used in quantifying an individual’s responses under stress and during recovery from stressors by looking at their degree of response, pattern of response, and degree of recovery. A stress profile measuring surface electromyography (sEMG), heart rate, and skin temperature was performed on 141 adults before and after their participation in a group relaxation and stress management program. After 10 sessions of skills training, the only significant change in physical parameters was warmer hand temperatures in both males and females. Temperature was also the only modality that was included as biofeedback training within the program. Trait anxiety (STAI) was significantly positively correlated with females’ sEMG before and after the program. Females had significantly colder hands, higher heart rate, and a pattern of higher sEMG than males did throughout all profiles. The responses and recovery from different stressors showed some significant male-female differences. Future psychophysiological and psychological studies should further investigate male-female differences.

Efficacy of internal and external teat sealants on cure and new infection risk in dry-off protocols for Holstein cows

Internal teat sealant products have been used alone or in combination with antibiotic dry cow treatment to prevent new IMI over the dry period in dairy cows. Conversely, knowledge about the efficacy of external teat sealants in the prevention of IMI is scarce. The objective of our study was to investigate the effect of 2 different teat sealants, one internal teat sealant and one external teat sealant, on the (1) risk of new IMI during the dry period, (2) risk of IMI cure, (3) first test day linear somatic cell score, (4) first test day milk yield, (5) incidence of farm-diagnosed clinical mastitis ≤ 30 DIM, and (6) incidence of culling ≤ 30 DIM. In a randomized clinical trial, Holstein cows (n = 1,500) from one commercial dairy were assigned to treatment and control groups. At dry off, cows in the treatment groups received an antibiotic dry cow treatment in combination with either an internal teat sealant (INT) or a single application of an external teat sealant (EXT). Control (CON) cows received the antibiotic dry cow treatment alone. Data on linear somatic cell score from the last DHI test day before dry off and the first test after calving, first test day milk yield, and the occurrence of farm-diagnosed clinical mastitis and culling ≤ 30 DIM were obtained from the farm management program. New IMI and cure of IMI during the dry period were calculated. Linear somatic cell score (mean ± SD) at first test day after calving differed among groups and was 3.2 ± 2.2 in CON, 2.8 ± 2.0 in INT, and 3.0 ± 2.1 in EXT groups. The risk of new IMI differed among groups and was 30.2% for CON cows, 18.2% for INT cows, and 22.6% for EXT cows. A Poisson regression analysis revealed that, compared with CON cows, the risks of new IMI were 40% lower for INT cows (risk ratio (RR) = 0.60, 95% CI = 0.41 to 0.88) and 25% lower for EXT cows (RR = 0.75, 95% CI = 0.52 to 1.07). By contrast, no meaningful differences were documented for cure risk, clinical mastitis risk during the first 30 DIM, or culling risk within the first 30 DIM. In summary, cows dried off with an INT in combination with antibiotic dry cow treatment had a lower linear somatic cell score at first test day after calving and reduced risk of new IMI than cows dried off with an EXT in addition to antibiotic dry cow treatment or cows dried off using antibiotic dry cow treatment alone. Further, we found supporting evidence that cows dried off with an EXT in addition to antibiotic dry cow treatment might have an advantage in reduced new IMI over cows dried off with an antibiotic dry cow treatment alone.

Patient-Reported Experience in Colorectal Disease is Predicted by Cleanliness

BackgroundChildren with colorectal diseases such as anorectal malformations (ARM), Hirschsprung disease (HD), and functional constipation (FC) undergo bowel management programs (BMPs) to achieve cleanliness. While patient outcomes, such as cleanliness and quality of life, are well understood, patient experience, such as relationships, ability to participate in sports, and independence and self-confidence is less well understood. We aimed to assess the relationship between BMP and patient experience. MethodsA cross-sectional survey was administered to 295 patients ≥3 years old with ARM, HD, and FC completing BMP. The survey contains 22 questions regarding patient-reported experience measures (PREMs) and 11 regarding patient-reported outcomes measures (PROMs). Each was graded on a Likert scale, with higher scores meaning better experience. Scores were compared by demographics and clinical characteristics and logistic regression was performed controlling for clinically significant variables. A p-value of ≤0.05 was significant. ResultsThere were 205 eligible respondents (69.5%) with a median age of 8.9 years [IQR: 6.1–12.4]. ARM was most common (51.2%) and most achieved cleanliness on BMP (69.3%). There were no differences in experience scores by age, diagnosis, or bowel regimen. Patients that were clean had significantly higher PREM scores (67.7 [IQR: 64.0–83.0] vs. 64.8 [IQR: 55.0–70.1], p = 0.0002) and PROM scores (36.8 [IQR: 33.0–41.0] vs. 34.0 [31.0–38.5], p = 0.005). On regression analysis, cleanliness remained a strongly significant predictor of positive experience scores (β 7.37, SE 1.86, p < 0.0001). ConclusionsAchieving cleanliness was associated with positive patient experience of bowel management programs. This finding suggests that achieving cleanliness, regardless of regimen, may allow patients the best functional and experiential outcomes.

Comparison of blood ΒHBA measurement devices for diagnosis of subclinical pregnancy toxaemia in sheep: A field study.

Pregnancy toxaemia is a serious disease that occurs during the last trimester of pregnancy in sheep. Yet, in most cases, the disease may have a subclinical course. This study was aimed at comparing blood βHBA measurement devices for diagnosis of subclinical pregnancy toxaemia in late pregnant sheep. In the study, a total of 50 blood samples were collected from Romanov (n = 30) and cross-bred Hamdani (n = 20) sheep. Blood βHBA levels were measured using TaiDoc TD-4235 and CentriVet βHBA hand-held meter. Randox βHBA (Ranbut) assay was used as a reference laboratory method to compare hand-held meters. βHBA value of 0.8 mmol/L was set as the cut-off value for diagnosis of subclinical pregnancy toxaemia. Statistical analyses were carried out using Minitab 21 and Jamovi software. In the study, the correlation of Randox-TaiDoc TD-4235 and Randox-CentriVet was .822 (p < .001) and .728 (p < .001), respectively. Based on the Ranbut assay, nine ewes out of 50 were diagnosed with subclinical pregnancy toxaemia. Specificity (detection of healthy ewes) and sensitivity (detection of ewes with subclinical pregnancy toxaemia) for TaiDoc TD-4235 and CentriVet hand-held meters were 100%, 77.8%, and 100%, 66.7%, respectively. In the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis, areas under the ROC curve (AUC) were 0.976 and 0.920 for TaiDoc and CentriVet, respectively. Bland-Altman analysis revealed a bias of 0.092 mmol/L for TaiDoc and a bias of 0.132 mmol/L for CentriVet. TaiDoc hand-held meter shows a better correlation with the Randox Ranbut assay and greater sensitivity compared to the CentriVet hand-held meter. In conclusion, both TaiDoc and CentriVet hand-held meters can be securely used in the diagnosis of subclinical pregnancy toxaemia in sheep. For these reasons, subclinical pregnancy toxaemia and these devices will be evaluated within the scope of herd management programme in the sheep industry. It should also be taken into account that these conditions will affect the future fertility of the mother and offspring.

A new model for selecting valued components in environmental assessment: Lessons from an Indigenous-led cumulative effects management program

Valued components (VCs) are at the core of impact assessment (IA), cumulative effects management (CEM), and other environmental planning and management processes. However, the research that exists on VC selection identifies major conceptual and methodological flaws in the conventional approaches used in most project-based IAs, including poor understanding, inadequate guidance, insufficient engagement with local stakeholders and Indigenous communities, and failure to incorporate local and Indigenous perspectives, knowledge, and values in decision-making. To address these flaws, this paper proposes a new community-based method for selecting VCs, which was developed in the Indigenous-led CEM program of the Metlakatla First Nation (located on the northwest coast of Canada). The new VC selection method is grounded in Indigenous values and informed by Indigenous and local knowledge as well as scientific research. It uses a six-step approach to identify VCs and prioritize them, based on clear decision-making criteria, deliberative community dialogue, and explicit consideration of implementation constraints. The Metlakatla First Nation used this method to identify high-priority VCs for their CEM program, but the method could also be adapted for use in project-based IA and other planning and management processes to improve VC selection. A comparison of the results of the application of the new method in the Metlakatla CEM Program with the results of a recent conventional proponent-led IA of a large industrial project in Metlakatla territory shows that the new method addresses many of the deficiencies in the conventional model and generates a substantially different set of high-priority VCs that better reflect Indigenous values and knowledge.

Looking Beyond Mortality Prediction: Primary Care Physician Views of Patients' Palliative Care Needs Predicted by a Machine Learning Tool.

To assess primary care physicians' (PCPs) perception of the need for serious illness conversations (SIC) or other palliative care interventions in patients flagged by a machine learning tool for high 1-year mortality risk. We surveyed PCPs from four Brigham and Women's Hospital primary care practice sites. Multiple mortality prediction algorithms were ensembled to assess adult patients of these PCPs who were either enrolled in the hospital's integrated care management program or had one of several chronic conditions. The patients were classified as high or low risk of 1-year mortality. A blinded survey had PCPs evaluate these patients for palliative care needs. We measured PCP and machine learning tool agreement regarding patients' need for an SIC/elevated risk of mortality. Of 66 PCPs, 20 (30.3%) participated in the survey. Out of 312 patients evaluated, 60.6% were female, with a mean (standard deviation [SD]) age of 69.3 (17.5) years, and a mean (SD) Charlson Comorbidity Index of 2.80 (2.89). The machine learning tool identified 162 (51.9%) patients as high risk. Excluding deceased or unfamiliar patients, PCPs felt that an SIC was appropriate for 179 patients; the machine learning tool flagged 123 of these patients as high risk (68.7% concordance). For 105 patients whom PCPs deemed SIC unnecessary, the tool classified 83 as low risk (79.1% concordance). There was substantial agreement between PCPs and the tool (Gwet's agreement coefficient of 0.640). A machine learning mortality prediction tool offers promise as a clinical decision aid, helping clinicians pinpoint patients needing palliative care interventions.

Thermal scanners versus spotlighting: New opportunities for monitoring threatened small endotherms

AbstractThreatened species monitoring is challenging for small, cryptic endotherms that are most effectively detected at night. Low detectability is a challenge for monitoring programmes, resulting in low statistical power and sparse or zero‐inflated datasets. To advance conservation management programmes, efforts to address this are required. In recent years thermal scanners have emerged as an effective tool for detecting small endotherms, but the diversity of available thermal tools, focal habitats and target species mean that their applicability in many key scenarios remain untested. We directly compared vehicle‐mounted thermal surveys with vehicle‐based spotlighting targeting small endotherms in Australian native grasslands. Our targets included both common species that occur at high densities, and species that are notoriously difficult to detect with spotlights, which may occur at very low densities. We completed paired surveys of roosting grassland birds, and nocturnally active small mammals at 22 sites, once using thermal scanners and once using spotlights. Ultimately, distance sampling was conducted across 136 km of transects. Thermal scanners facilitated greater detection distances and higher total detections for small endotherms when compared with spotlighting. Species of greatest conservation concern, the Plains‐wanderer (Pedionomus torquatus—Pedionomidae) and Fat‐tailed Dunnart (Sminthopsis crassicaudata—Dasyuridae) were only detected using thermal scanners. Detection distances generated for thermal scanners were reduced by higher vegetation density; however, thermal scanners continued to outperform spotlights under this scenario. Observers also detected more stationary animals and fewer birds were flushed upon detection using thermal scanners when compared with spotlighting. Thermal scanners have the potential to improve the quality of monitoring datasets by increasing detection probabilities for small endotherms. We recommend the adoption of thermal scanners as a best‐practice tool for monitoring small endotherms in open grassland habitats at night, offering new opportunities to monitor endotherms where monitoring has historically been challenging, inadequate or impossible.

Severity of Termites (Microcerotermes diversus Silvestri) Infestation on Date Palms

Objective: This study was aimed to evaluate intensity of infestation and annual distribution of termite community in palm orchards in southern governorates of Iraq (Basra and Maysan) to develop appropriate integrated management programs to control termite (Microcerotermis diversus Selvestry) in palm groves. Methods: A field survey was conducted for a whole year(October 2022- September 2023) to evaluate termite community, also relationship between intensity of termite infestation with some palm varieties was studied, and a correlation was made with some important contents for termite vitality in tissues of the frond bases such as Proteins, carbohydrates, phenols, and lignin were estimated to determine which varieties are more tolerant to termite infestation and the most sensitive. Results: Survey showed that palm varieties Khadrawi and Shakkar most susceptible to invasion, with rates of 52.19 and 48.4 termites/frond base, respectively. As for the Barhi and Al-Maktoum cultivars, they had lowest percentage of termite infestation, with 0 and 10.0 termites/frond base, respectively. Conclusions: Termite (Microcerotermis diversus Selvestry) prefers to invade some palm varieties that have a suitable content of carbohydrates and proteins (Khadrawi and Shakkar), especially in the moderate and cold months of the year. Termite community decrease in hot months of the year; therefore we recommend carrying out integrated termite management operations at the beginning of October and November in palm groves in arid and semi-arid areas similar to the areas of southern Iraq.

Pengembangan Kompetensi Sumber Daya Manusia Berkarakter Technopreneurship pada UMKM di Kelurahan Meruya Utara

In the current context of global market competition, it is crucial for human resources in micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to be able to compete with large corporations that have already adopted digital technologies. MSMEs in North Meruya Village face several challenges, including limited production capabilities, suboptimal workforce performance, and inadequate mastery of digital technology. To address these issues, a community service program has been initiated. This program is conducted through face-to-face sessions, where a team of lecturers from Mercu Buana University, Management program, delivers training materials. The program aims to enhance the quality and competence of the MSME participants, broaden their knowledge and perspectives, and strengthen their ability to compete in both domestic and international markets. All of these goals are underpinned by the foundational values of entrepreneurship and technopreneurship that guide the teaching.

LIFE HISTORY PARAMETERS OF MELON FRUIT FLY, BACTROCERA CUCURBITAE (COQUILLETT) (DIPTERA: TEPHRITIDAE) ON FOUR ECONOMICALLY IMPORTANT VEGETABLES

The majority of plant species that are used for consumption and medicinal purposes belongs to Cucurbitaceae. These vegetables are attacked by several insect pests including Tephritid flies. Keeping in view, four economically important cucurbit vegetables such as sponge gourd; Luffa aegyptiaca, bitter gourd; Momordica charantia, musk melon; Cucumis melo, and bottle gourd; Lagenaria siceraria were selected to investigate the life-history parameters of Bactrocera cucurbitae (Coq.) (Diptera: Tephritidae) under laboratory conditions. For this purpose, B. cucurbitae was reared in the laboratory on each host vegetable and egg hatchability %, egg incubation period, larval survival (%), duration (days), length and width of larvae, pupal parameters, male-female ratio, and age-specific fecundity were recorded. The results showedno statistical difference in hatchability percentages, larval duration, and pupal survival (%) in all tested vegetables. However, greater length and width of larvae were recorded when the B. cucurbitae larvae were provided with bottle gourd. Moreover, maximum pupal recovery was recorded in bottle and sponge gourd among all the tested vegetables. Maximum females were also recorded in bottle gourd. Adult longevity and fecundity were significantly affected by the host. Maximum female longevity (52 days) was recorded when B. cucurbitae were provided with bottle gourd and minimum (41 days) on sponge gourd. Similarly, maximum fecundity (823 eggs) was also recorded when maggots were fed on bottle gourd and the lowest (611 eggs) on a sponge gourd. In conclusion, Bottle gourd is the most preferable and nutritious host among all the tested vegetables and needs effective management strategies for B. cucurbitae. The output of the present studies would be helpful for the development of an effective integrated pest management (IPM) program for B. cucurbitae in a variety of vegetables.

Clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of a multicomponent frailty management program “Say No To Frailty” in Singapore: A cluster-randomized controlled trial protocol

BackgroundA 12-week multicomponent frailty management program - Say No To Frailty (SNTF) consisting of interactive talks and fitness exercises led by a trained program leader has shown feasibility and positive health outcomes in community-living older adults with frailty and pre-frailty in Singapore. This study aims to evaluate the clinical- and cost-effectiveness of SNTF on physical functions, self-confidence, community participation, quality of life and fall reduction in the local community setting. MethodsThis study will use the cluster-randomization method to randomly allocate 12 participating centres into three arms. Centres under two intervention arms will conduct the same SNTF program but led by a program leader with different training backgrounds (an Allied Health Professional (AHP) v.s. a non-AHP), whereas centres under the control arm will continue their usual care without an additional intervention. Eligible participants at each participating centre will be recruited via the convenience sampling method in the community setting. Primary outcome measure (frailty level) and secondary outcome measures (e.g., physical functions, self-confidence, community participation, quality of life) will be conducted by the blinded assessors at baseline, immediate, 3 months and 9 months post-intervention. Fall data will be collected during the one-year study period. Outcomes between and within groups will be compared and analysed using STATA to evaluate the clinical effectiveness. Program costs and relevant healthcare costs during the follow-up phase will be recorded for cost-effectiveness analysis. ConclusionThis study will provide significant insights into conducting SNTF for Singapore community-living older adults with frailty and pre-frailty on clinical- and cost-effectiveness.Australia New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry: ACTRN12621001673831.

A Study on Personalized Beauty Care for the Elderly Using an AI-based Digital Skin Analysis System

This study aims to provide customized skin care services for the elderly living alone. To this end, an AI-based digital skin analysis system using deep learning technology and skin analysis algorithms was used to measure skin and analyze skin features according to skin type. The results of the study are summarized below. First, the skin condition of the elderly varies depending on the age, gender, and lifestyle of the subjects, so it is necessary to accurately diagnose and analyze the skin in advance to support customized beauty care. Second, aging skin is more likely to have an imbalance of oil and moisture compared to other ages, so a care program that can restore it is necessary. Third, a special care program should be implemented for wrinkles, elasticity, and pigmentation. In conclusion, in order to manage aging skin healthily, digital technology should be used to diagnose skin types more accurately and build management programs accordingly. The elderly living alone are often emotionally depressed and have low self-esteem. They need customized beauty care, but currently, beauty care services are mainly centered on hair care, so it is necessary to activate service support in the area of skin care. It is expected that it will be possible to properly diagnose their skin condition, find problems and provide solutions, and establish a series of customized skin care programs to help them age well.

학령기 아동의 비만관리 프로그램 효과에 대한 체계적 고찰

학령기 아동의 비만관리 프로그램 효과에 대한 체계적 고찰