Intelligence Research Articles

Swarm Intelligence and Unmanned Systems: The Potentıal Impact of The Principles of Swarm Intelligence and Collective Behaviour in Nature On Unmanned Systems and Autonomous Organizational Structures

This paper examines the potential implications of the principles of swarm intelligence and collective behavior in nature for unmanned systems and autonomous organizational structures. Swarm intelligence is inspired by natural systems in which individual units interact according to simple rules to form a complex and organized whole. These principles can be observed in a wide range of situations, from the synchronized flight of flocks of birds to the harmonized swimming behavior of schools of fish. The study emphasizes that swarm intelligence principles have the potential to create more flexible, resilient and efficient systems with decentralized control mechanisms and autonomous decision-making processes. Furthermore, it is suggested that these approaches can find applications in many fields, from military operations to agricultural and environmental monitoring, from disaster response to urban planning. The study provides a detailed analysis of swarm behavior in nature and discusses how these behaviors can be emulated and optimized in unmanned systems. In this context, the potential impacts of swarm intelligence and collective behavior principles on unmanned systems are evaluated in terms of increasing their adaptability, optimizing energy efficiency and maximizing mission success. It is also argued that these principles can contribute to making unmanned systems more resilient to contingencies and changing environmental conditions. This theoretical study suggests that swarm intelligence principles can provide innovative solutions for future unmanned systems and autonomous organizational structures.

The weight of office? A scoping review of mental health issues and risk factors in elected politicians across democratic societies

Background: The mental health and capacity to govern of democratically-elected politicians have become burgeoning topics of interest. Notably, in fulfilling demanding and high-stress roles, political officeholders could encounter distinctive risk factors, yet existing research literature about these subpopulations remains underexplored. Aims: This scoping review aimed to systematically examine the breadth of available evidence on mental health issues and risk factors affecting democratically-elected politicians internationally and to identify future research needs. Methods: Using pre-defined eligibility criteria based on JBI guidelines, a systematic keyword search was conducted in May 2024 of MEDLINE, Scopus, and APA PsycNet, supplemented by snowballing techniques. Only those studies reporting primary, empirical evidence on mental ill-health or risk factors with psychological correlates from serving politicians in “Full” or “Flawed” democracies (per Democracy Index) were included from 1999 to 2024. Titles and abstracts were screened and the full-texts of potentially eligible literature were assessed before extraction and synthesis. Results: Eighteen sources met the eligibility criteria, cumulatively encompassing ~3,500 national, state, and municipal politicians across seven democracies (Australia, Canada, the Netherlands, Norway, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States). Cross-sectional surveys were predominantly utilized, with lesser use of mixed-methods approaches, qualitative interviews, and longitudinal cohorts. Violence emerged as a key concept, with twelve sources (66.7%) underlining its psychological toll and certain data indicating a disproportionate impact on female officeholders. Furthermore, four sources (22.2%) explored general psychopathology trends, revealing varying but sizeable mental ill-health and high-risk alcohol consumption rates, and two studies (11.1%) demonstrated adverse effects from specific occupational conditions. Conclusions: Current literature suggests that democratically-elected politicians can face complex mental health challenges. However, significant research gaps remain, including a paucity of prevalence estimates, longitudinal data, and intervention studies. Equally, the underrepresentation of most democratic countries accentuates the need for a more diverse evidence-base to better support the mental wellbeing of politicians worldwide.

Abstract 4137594: Intrinsic Capacity Trajectories and Cardiovascular Disease Among Chinese Older Adults: A Population-Based Longitudinal Study

Background: WHO defined intrinsic capacity (IC), a composite of physical and mental capacities, is a marker of healthy aging. Monitoring IC trajectories in older adults may guide preventative strategies and delay negative health outcomes. With the rapidly increasing proportion of older adults and the high prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in China, this study aimed to identify IC trajectories over time and determine whether IC trajectories can predict CVD outcomes. Hypothesis: The IC trajectory among Chinese older adults is heterogeneous; the decline of IC will be associated with increased CVD. Methods: The study used data from five waves (2011 to 2020) of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS). A total of 3,336 adults aged 60 years or older without CVD during the baseline survey in 2011 (T1), who completed the follow-ups in 2013 (T2) and 2015 (T3) were included to determine IC trajectory. IC was assessed through five domains (locomotion, sensory, vitality, cognition, and psychology) using the WHO framework. The CVD outcomes were determined by self-reported diagnoses of heart disease or stroke in the 2020 (T5) wave. A group-based trajectory model (GBTM) was used to identify IC trajectory, and logistic regression was employed to explore the association between IC trajectory groups and CVD outcomes adjusting for covariates. Results: Three IC trajectory groups were identified (Fig 1): high IC-stable group (13.40%), medium IC-stable group (56.12%), and low IC-decline group (30.48%). By the 2020 follow-up, 1204 participants (36.1%) reported CVD diagnosis. Adjusted for sociodemographic, lifestyle factors (smoking, drinking), and cardiovascular metabolic factors (hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia), compared to the high IC-stable group, the low IC-decline group had 63.7% higher odds of CVD (OR=1.637, 95%CI=1.268-2.114), and medium IC-stable group had 7.1% higher odds of CVD (OR=1.071, 95%CI=0.851-1.349). Conclusion: IC trajectory among Chinese older adults is heterogeneous, and IC declines predict higher odds of CVD onset. Regular monitoring of IC and tailored intervention to improve IC may facilitate CVD prevention.

Voices from the ground: Qualitative perspectives on Ugandan national mental health system strengths, challenges, and recommendations

Mental health capacity building is a growing priority in Ugandan healthcare systems. Despite increased governmental attention to community mental health and mental healthcare needs, no empirical assessments document qualitative perspectives from stakeholders in the Ugandan mental health system. The goal of the current needs assessment study was to systematically explore stakeholders’ perceptions of strengths, challenges, and recommendations for enhancing capacity in the national mental health system in Uganda. Using ethnographic research methods, data were collected from 15 key informant interviews and four community focus groups with a total of 44 stakeholders involved in mental healthcare in Uganda. Thematic analyses of data yielded several themes in each domain, including 1) system strengths reflected in the existing policy and action plan, free medications, growing private sector, and partnerships and collaborations; 2) system challenges including socioeconomic constraints, stigma, and limited family engagement; and 3) recommendations surrounding enhanced education and training, integrating systemic approaches, and policy advocacy. We describe clinical, research, and policy implications that can inform systemic mental health efforts in Uganda and comparable global settings.

FEITOS E PERFIL POPULACIONAL DE IDOSOS NA PRÁTICA DE ATIVIDADES FÍSICAS EM PORTO VELHO – RONDÔNIA

The elderly population has been growing significantly over the years, and with this, there has also been a growing concern about ensuring that these individuals have an active and healthy life. Physical activity is one of the main ways to promote health and quality of life in old age, as it can prevent and treat various health conditions, in addition to improving physical and cognitive function. Based on this, this article aims to analyze the importance of physical activity for health and the benefits that the activity provides to the elderly. The study is descriptive and quantitative in nature and was carried out in the city of Porto Velho, Rondônia, at the Physiotherapy Clinic of the São Lucas Educational Center and SESC/RO Social Service of Commerce Rondônia. It is important to note that the study included male and female elderly people, aged 60 years and older. In addition, two questionnaires were used to produce the data: one about general information based on daily habits and a description of physical exercises and the benefits achieved. Complementary data information about risk factors, weight, height and lifestyle changes. It is worth noting that a sociodemographic questionnaire was applied, along with a functional test scale to assess the physical fitness of the elderly, the Berg Balance Scale and the Modified Baecke Questionnaire for the Elderly. And the guardians signed the free and informed consent form (ICF). The data were collected through the evaluation instruments that were tabulated in the Microsoft Excel program for statistical analysis. The research evaluated 60 participants, predominantly women (93.3%), aged between 60 and 90 years, most living in the urban area. In terms of health, 31 of the participants reported regular perception and 62% had 2 to 3 comorbidities. The majority did not smoke (58 participants) and did not consume alcohol (52 of the 60 participants). Regarding Covid-19, 31 had been infected, but only 1 required intubation. On the Berg Scale, 98.3% of the elderly demonstrated good balance when standing for 2 minutes without support, and 44 of 60 were able to pick up objects from the floor independently. However, 60% suffered two or more falls and 40% reported moderate or extreme fear of falling, while 30% had difficulty standing on one leg for 3 seconds or more. These data reveal a predominance of good functional capacities, but with significant limitations in relation to falls and comorbidities. The completion of this study contributed to a greater understanding of the importance of physical activity in the lives of the elderly, considering that physical activity is an element that can contribute to the promotion of health, physical and mental well-being and functional capacity of the elderly, demonstrating that regular exercise not only improves muscle strength and balance, but also significantly reduces the risk of falls, one of the main challenges faced by this population. The data obtained highlight the need for interventions that encourage physical activity, since many elderly people consider themselves active, but only a minority performs exercises regularly. Therefore, the implementation of physical exercise programs is essential to prevent chronic diseases, improve quality of life and promote functional independence among the elderly, contributing to healthy and active aging.

Development of Psychological Course Based on Social Stories and 4MAT Method to Enhance Preschool Students’ Emotional Intelligence in Hancheng Jiada School

Background and Aim: The emotional intelligence of preschoolers has a significant impact on their social interactions, scholastic achievement, and general well-being, making it vital for their overall development. Developing emotional intelligence in young children can be challenging, especially in traditional school environments. The objective of this study was to (1) develop a psychological course based on social stories and the 4MAT method to enhance preschool students’ emotional intelligence, (2) compare preschool students’ emotional intelligence before and after implementing through psychological course based on social stories and 4MAT method, and (3) study the learning progression of preschool students’ emotional intelligence who learned through psychological course based on social stories and 4MAT method each time. Materials and Methods: This study used a cluster sampling method with 30 kindergarten students of Hancheng Jiaoda School, People’s Republic of China. The experimental design adopted in this study was a group pretest-posttest design and the equivalent time-sample design. The research instruments were 1) 8 lesson plans, 2) a Test for assessing preschool students’ emotional intelligence (Knowledge), and 3) an Observation form for assessing preschool students’ emotional intelligence (Behavior). The data were analyzed by using mean, standard deviation the t-test for a dependent sample, and one-way Repeated Measures ANOVA. Results: The results of the study were as follows: 1) The psychological course to enhance preschool students’ emotional intelligence consisted of the principle, objective, content, instructional strategy, materials, and evaluation. 2) After implementing social stories and 4MAT learning, the student’s emotional intelligence was higher than before (t=8.317 p = .001). 3) The students’ emotional intelligence increased in the four tests after the psychological course with the F-test statistic (F=6255.071, p=.001), which was less than .05, indicating that there were statistically significant differences in the mean values of the four times emotional intelligence tests. Conclusion: The innovation of this research was: 1) The course components consisted of six components. 2) The instructional strategy to enhance preschool students’ emotional intelligence had 7 steps: Step 1: personalization, step 2: engagement, step 3: application, step 4: creativity, step 5: visual Support, step 6: progress monitoring, and step 7: Inclusivity.

Research on the integrated application of machine learning in Unity

Abstract. In recent years, the introduction of Machine Learning Agents has enabled more individuals to apply machine learning within the renowned Unity game engine. As application development has become increasingly complex, traditional artificial intelligence (AI) struggles to keep pace with the growing demands of modern applications. However, machine learning offers new avenues for developing smarter, more dynamic game characters. This paper aims to provide a comprehensive review of the various applications of machine learning within the Unity ecosystem, including game AI, intelligent character behavior, and reinforcement learning. Through a literature review and case studies, this paper explores the specific applications of machine learning algorithms in the Unity engine and analyzes the current state of development in different fields. The research findings indicate that the application of machine learning in Unity exhibits numerous developmental trends and leaves ample room for further application development in its strong areas. This technology can be innovatively applied across many fields, from implementing advanced NPCs and third-person game agents to anti-cheat mechanisms, from image recognition-based health systems to the design of complex constrained environments. The integrated application model of machine learning and Unity3D will bring more innovation and possibilities to future application development.

Autism, intelligence, language, and adaptive behavior, disentangling a complex relationship

IntroductionAutism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by a range of intellectual and language abilities. Its heterogeneity is acknowledged in modern diagnostics, complicating research and necessitating precision medicine and a multidimensional approach for individualized treatment and accurate assessment. Intellectual and language functioning influence adaptive skills and symptomatology. Thus, assessing adaptive functioning in a multidimensional and multi-informant manner is crucial, highlighting the importance of comprehensive evaluations. This study explores the interplay between autistic traits, demographic variables, IQ, adaptive functioning, and the applicability of ICD-11 classifications.MethodsWe analyzed data from the initial global evaluation of 60 diverse autistic children (aged 35 to 120 months; IQ range 16 to 118). Parent-reports using the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scale (VABS-II) were compared with standardized assessments from the PsychoEducational Profile (PEP-3). Children’s intellectual levels were assessed using Griffiths Scales of Child Development (Griffiths III) and the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS-2) was used for autistic traits. They were further classified according to the ICD-11 diagnostic system, functional language, and intellectual functioning levels. Correlations among variables, group comparisons, and multivariate analyses were performed.ResultsThe analysis indicates a linear effect of IQ on all adaptive scales and the impact of autistic traits on directly measured adaptive functioning. A factorial effect was observed due to changes concerning specific age, intellectual, and linguistic levels, which do not completely align with ICD-11 categorization. Additionally, a negative correlation between intelligence and measured autistic traits was found. Parental age, education level, and age at childbirth were also found to affect various adaptive scales.DiscussionThe study questions the ICD-11’s proposed distinctions in IQ and language functioning for ASD, advocating for more refined categorization and developmental considerations. It underscores the intricate relationship between autistic traits, IQ, and communication skills, casting doubt on the precision of diagnostic tools across the spectrum. Parental reports and direct assessments are essential for comprehensive evaluation, with parental education and age influencing children’s behaviors and skills. The study calls for a nuanced approach to ASD assessment, integrating various metrics and sources of information for a detailed phenotyping necessary for personalized interventions and biological research.

Exercise training to preserve vitality capacity in ageing.

Ageing is an escalating global health issue, with the World Health Organization (WHO) reporting that one in six individuals will be 60years or older by the year 2030. Therefore, understanding the mechanisms of complex biological ageing processes and associated healthcare challenges has become increasingly important. Intrinsic capacity (IC), defined by WHO as the composite of all physical and mental capacities an individual possesses, can be used as a proxy for defining healthy ageing. IC has five key components: locomotion, cognition, psychological, sensory, and vitality capacity (VC). This review paper specifically focuses on exercise as an effective tool to preserve VC in ageing populations. The physiological domains of VC discussed include energy and metabolism, neuromuscular function, immune and stress response, mitochondrial function, and the methylation clock. Additionally, we highlight potential outcome measures for assessing each of these domains. This review also covers areas of focus for future research and possible interventions. We ultimately conclude that ageing is a complex, multifaceted process resulting in deficits across multiple VC components. However, regular exercise is capable of producing physiological adaptations that may be beneficial in the context of healthy ageing and improving or preserving the status of VC components.

The Synergistic Effect of Biomechanics and Psychological Feedback in Physical Education Teaching: Enhancing Motor Skills and Psychological Resilience

The combination of biomechanics and psychological feedback presents a unique approach to improving physical education outcomes. Biomechanics offers a detailed understanding of movement, allowing for the optimization of motor skills based on scientific principles. Meanwhile, psychological feedback helps students adapt mentally, fostering resilience and improving performance under pressure. This research explores how the dual application of biomechanical analysis and psychological feedback can enhance both physical and mental capacities in students during physical education. Through motion capture technology and real-time data analysis, motor skill performance is broken down into key components such as force, speed, and coordination. Students receive targeted feedback, allowing them to refine their techniques efficiently. Concurrently, psychological feedback mechanisms, such as self-reflection and stress management strategies, are introduced to help students build mental resilience and maintain focus. Results are a significant improvement in both motor skills and psychological well-being. Students displayed greater accuracy and efficiency in performing complex physical tasks and reported reduced anxiety and stress during physical education activities. The synergy between biomechanics and psychological feedback not only improved motor performance but also enhanced students' overall experience, making physical education more engaging and effective.

Frankenstein's Monster in the Metaverse: User Interaction With Customized Virtual Agents.

Enabled by the latest achievements in artificial intelligence (AI), computer graphics as well as virtual, augmented, and mixed reality (VR/AR/MR), virtual agents are increasingly resembling humans in both their appearance and intelligent behavior. This results in enormous potential for agents to support users in their daily lives, for example in customer service, healthcare, education or the envisioned all-encompassing metaverse. Today's technology would allow users to customize their conversation partners in the metaverse - as opposed to reality - according to their preferences, potentially improving the user experience. On the other hand, there is little research on how reshaping the head of a communication partner might affect the immediate interaction with them. In this paper, we investigate the user requirements for and the effects of agent customization. In a two-stage user study ($N=30$), we collected both self-reported evaluations (e.g., intrinsic motivation) and interaction metrics (e.g., interaction duration and number of tried out items) for the process of agent customization itself as well as data on how users perceived the subsequent human-agent interaction in VR. Our results indicate that users only wish to have full customization for agents in their personal social circle, while for general services, a selection or even a definite assignment of pre-configured agents is sufficient. When customization is offered, attributes such as gender, clothing or hair are subjectively more relevant to users than facial features such as skin or eye color. Although the customization of human interaction partners is beyond our control, customization of virtual agents significantly increases perceived social presence as well as rapport and trust. Further findings on user motivation and agent diversity are discussed in the paper.

Validation of intrinsic capacity and healthy sleep pattern in middle-aged and older adults: a longitudinal Chinese study assessing healthy ageing

ObjectivesIntrinsic capacity (IC), a multidimensional construct encompassing mental and physical capacities, has been established in the aging framework by the World Health Organization. However, the detailed relationship between IC and Chinese sleep patterns (nighttime sleep and post-lunch naps) remains inadequately elucidated. MethodsParticipants in this study were individuals aged ≥45 years residing in China, included in the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS). We analyzed 4 years of CHARLS data from the first wave (May 2011–March 2012) to the second wave (July 2015–January 2016). Data from these waves were utilized for longitudinal analysis. Self-reported data included nighttime sleep and nap duration, along with other baseline characteristics. The IC evaluation involved physical examinations and blood tests. Initially, linear regression was used to assess the relationship between total sleep duration, nighttime sleep duration, nap duration, and IC change between the two waves that were determined by marginal effects (ME) and their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Regression splines were employed to explore potential nonlinear associations. Subgroup and sensitivity analyses were conducted to investigate the heterogeneity of IC change under specific conditions and the robustness of our results. Mediation analysis was performed to identify potential factors mediating the relationship between sleep patterns and IC change. ResultsBoth excessive (>10 h) (total, ME: −1.12; 95% CI: −1.61, −0.64; nighttime, ME: −1.44; 95% CI: −2.29, −0.59) and insufficient (<6 h) sleep duration (total, ME: −0.43; 95% CI: −0.68, −0.18; nighttime, ME: −0.50; 95% CI: −0.73, −0.27) negatively impacted IC change. Moderate naps (≤60 min) mitigated the decline in IC change (ME: 0.28; 95% CI: 0.07, 0.49). IC values decreased at the slowest rate when nap time constituted one-seventh of total sleep time. The onset of dyslipidemia partially mediated the association between naps (≤60 min) and IC change (P = 0.02). ConclusionsThese findings suggest that maintaining a healthy sleep pattern of 6−8 h of nighttime or total sleep, along with a post-lunch nap of ≤60 min, helps preserve optimal IC or delay its decline. This is particularly beneficial for cognitive, psychological, and locomotion performance among middle-aged and older adults.

Comparative Analysis of Value Iteration and Policy Iteration in Robotic Decision-Making

This study focuses on Markov Decision Processes (MDPs) as a framework for decision-making in robotics. MDPs are crucial for enabling autonomous systems to operate in dynamic environments. MDPs enable the development of optimal strategies that balance immediate and future rewards, making them essential for intelligent robotic behavior. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the performance differences of value iteration and strategy iteration algorithms in different robot tasks. The study highlights the strengths and weaknesses of each algorithm. This comparative analysis uniquely addresses a gap in existing research by evaluating both Value Iteration and Policy Iteration side by side, offering critical insights into their respective performances across diverse robotic tasks. Results indicate that Policy Iteration converges faster and adapts better in complex environments, making it ideal for real-time applications, while Value Iteration is more efficient in smaller state spaces.These findings provide critical insights for selecting algorithms tailored to specific robotic applications, highlighting their role in advancing intelligent robotic systems.

Relationship of workload with fatigue and sleep quality in female exercisers

Fatigue is a critical issue for female exercisers that may lead to medical errors, degradation in performance, decreased mental acuity, and social problems. Poor sleep quality is also a contributing factor to the fatigue experienced by female exercisers. Overwork is a factor causing poor sleep quality in female exercisers. The present study aimed to investigate the relationship between workload, fatigue, and sleep quality among female exercisers in the Sleman Regency District. A cross-sectional study was conducted from December 2023 to March 2024 using a self-reported questionnaire. The questionnaire included the Workload questionnaire adapted from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Task Load Index, the Leeds Sleep Evaluation Questionnaire (LSEQ), and the Subjective Self Rating of Fatigue Assessment Scale (FAS) from the WHO Quality of Life Assessment Instrument (WHOQOL-EF) with 200 respondents in Sleman Regency. The PLS equation model was used to analyze the relationship between workload, sleep quality, fatigue, and the indicators of each instrument. The results showed that female exercisers who were over 40 years old, had children at home, had informal work, did daily exercise in the evening, and had a work schedule in the night had a higher risk of fatigue and poorer sleep quality than those below 40 years old who didn’t have children at home, had formal work, did daily exercise in the morning, and had a work schedule in the morning. A subjective self-rating test was used to measure fatigue, sleep quality, and workload. The training load and intensity of exercise programs influenced fatigue levels, which affected sleep quality. Female exercisers may face challenges balancing exercise with other commitments, such as family responsibilities, leading to overtraining and fatigue. The PLS model test showed a significant relationship between sleep quality and the level of perceived fatigue (p-value = 0.000). Workload significantly impacts sleep quality and fatigue risk in female exercisers. Therefore, managing workload is crucial to improving sleep quality and reducing fatigue risk.

Planning national potential: Israel defense forces and the question of the Arab minority during wartime

ABSTRACT Since modern warfare is not only tanks, planes and soldiers, but also a total war between nations, their current and potential economies, their material forces and mental capacities, planning a war comes down to the creation and organization of the country’s overall combatant potential for military use. After the end of the War of Independence and the establishment of the State of Israel, approximately 160,000 Arabs remained in its territory. This minority was perceived as a fifth column at that time that could endanger the security of the State. To devise proactive countermeasures, the IDF Planning Department began discussing what steps should be taken regarding the Arab minority in the case of future war to neutralize this potential threat. The basic principles, which were later formulated into strategic and operative plans of action, were also influenced by the understanding that Israel is a democratic State, and that there are constraints and political considerations bounding these steps. The Planning Department also considered that in some ways this minority could be used to strengthen the national potential.

Research progress on the application of virtual artificial intelligence in risk assessment and diagnosis of periodontal disease

Periodontal disease is a common and frequently-occurring disease in China. Early detection, diagnosis, and treatment of periodontal disease are of great significance for achieving universal oral health and even systemic health. Artificial intelligence endows machines with the ability to mimic human intelligent behavior, and is commonly used in medical field with both physical and virtual forms. Virtual artificial intelligence empowers traditional experience in the application of periodontal disease risk assessment and diagnosis, with the potential to develop a variety of oral health screening tools. It helps to provide new evidence for the prognosis of periodontal disease, improve the accuracy and efficiency of diagnosis, reduce technical sensitivity and further promote the periodontal treatment transformation from "treatment-oriented" to "prevention-oriented". This paper reviews the current applications and progresses of virtual artificial intelligence in periodontal risk assessment and diagnosis, as well as its limitations, providing ideas for future researches on the application of virtual artificial intelligence in this field.

Strengthening youth mental health capacities in Albania: Training primary healthcare professionals

Abstract Background Addressing mental health issues among children and adolescents globally is crucial, necessitating interventions at the primary healthcare (PHC) level. The training programme in Albania equipped PHC professionals with skills for early identification, support, and referral for youth mental health issues. Given the global prevalence of such challenges, our intervention serves as a valuable model for enhancing mental health services in communities. Objectives The training aimed to develop the capacities of Albanian PHC professionals in improving mental health and psychosocial wellbeing among youth. Through innovative training sessions using participatory action methods, it was sought to answer key questions: How can Albanian PHC professionals better identify and support youth mental health issues? What innovative approaches can enhance mental health training for Albanian healthcare personnel? How can community engagement be strengthened to support youth mental health initiatives in Albania? Results Following the programme, 525 healthcare professionals in Albania received training, showing improved knowledge and skills in youth mental health support. They emphasized the importance of community engagement, standardized documentation, and specialized mental health services. Preliminary results indicate increased awareness and readiness among Albanian PHC professionals to address youth mental health needs. Conclusions The programme underscores the significance of equipping Albanian PHC professionals with comprehensive skills to tackle youth mental health challenges. Lessons learned have broader implications for strengthening mental health services globally, emphasizing collaboration, standardized protocols, and targeted interventions. Key messages • Strengthening PHC capacity in Albania improves early identification and support for youth mental health, enhancing overall wellbeing. • Tailored training and community engagement are vital for effective mental health interventions at the grassroots level in Albania.

Knowledge and Skills Are Not Enough—Exploring the Determinants of Financial Behavior Formation

ABSTRACTUnderstanding how young people learn to manage their finances responsibly can guide interventions to improve their financial health and stability in the short and long term, yet merely increasing financial knowledge and skills is ineffective. Psychological and environmental factors appear to be important determinants of financial behavior, yet such factors have long been neglected in the literature. The present study appears to be the first to assess empirically the contribution of intuitive and rational mental capacity as well as opportunities and motivation to financial behavior formation. We surveyed 2299 young adults at 229 high schools and universities in Croatia. Through structural equation modeling, we found that intuitive and rational thinking as well as motivation and opportunity substantially influenced the formation of financial behavior, whereas financial knowledge played a negligible role. Rational thinking was a stronger determinant than intuitive thinking in the case of healthy financial behavior, while the opposite was true in the case of impulsive consumption. These insights may help develop effective interventions for promoting positive financial habits among young adults.

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

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

How Does Representational Mind-Mindedness Translate Into Observable Parenting Behaviors Among Parents of Six-Year-Olds?

Mind-Mindedness reflects parents' capacity to treat their child as an individual with a mind of their own. Research is lacking on how Representational Mind-Mindedness (RMM) translates into observable parenting behaviours beyond infancy. The present study examined how RMM was associated with parents' Acknowledging Behaviour (AB) and use of Mental State Talk (MST), and whether these associations were moderated by parents' educational level. The sample consisted of 133 Danish parents and their 6-year-old children, who were observed engaging in a challenging puzzle and in a shared reminiscing task during home visits. RMM was operationalized as parents' use of mental attributes when describing their child. There was no significant association between RMM and AB. RMM was significantly associated with MST, but only among parents with higher education level. The present study illuminates differences in how the representational measure of parents' mentalization capacity translates into observable parenting behaviors among early school-aged children.