Activity Monitoring Research Articles

From hype to strategy: navigating the reality of experimental strategic adoption of AI technologies in libraries

PurposeThe article highlights the value of adopting an experimental strategy for artificial intelligence (AI) adoption in libraries, with a specific focus on the University of Toronto (UofT) libraries as a case study. The experimental approach entails carrying out small-scale, effective, quick, and reversible experiments to increase awareness, reduce risks with adoption of incorrect, ineffective, or full-scale adoption; increase flexibility in adopting new technologies in the rapidly evolving AI industry; and increase open-mindedness to consider diverse perspectives even though they go against one’s held perceptions, and develop dynamic capabilities to innovate. To fully realize the revolutionary potential of AI technologies in libraries, it is crucial to adopt new technologies strategically, driven by experimentation, collaboration, and knowledge sharing.Design/methodology/approachMixed-model research involving case study of UofT libraries and the author’s professional experiences in digitally transforming libraries is used to answer the research question. AI is an emerging area and hence its applications in libraries. Leveraging the author’s professional and research expertise, the findings from the case study are enriched, offering broader perspectives and more nuanced implications.FindingsLibraries can recognize emerging opportunities, adapt to the shifting AI landscape, and effectively exploit AI technologies because of the development of dynamic capabilities and a focus on innovation. The UofT instance sheds light on the experimental strategy and acts as a lens to comprehend how to strategically think about the complete AI spectrum rather than keeping an eye on a few technologies that otherwise might just be overhyped in media outlets. A mix of centralization and decentralization of AI technology adoption experimentation is evident at UOT, where any librarian is free to test out a new tool and share their findings with their peers in the expectation that other libraries will embrace it as well. The reverse scenario is also conceivable (top management to individual libraries). UofT’s culture fosters collaboration and knowledge-sharing among librarians, promoting experimentation and innovation. Cocreation with patrons, including student entrepreneurs, enhances dynamic capabilities and informs rational adoption decisions. Looking at the results, some future research directions emerge that could strengthen the library’s focus on AI. The future research directions indicate the need for further investigation into experiment design, particularly focusing on experimentation policies, monitoring and evaluation of experimentation activities, and fostering greater collaboration with patrons. Additionally, exploring AI adoption factors at both organizational and individual levels is essential to create a supportive environment for these experiments. Conducting continuous AI experiments enables librarians to critically assess AI technologies by leveraging their experiences with various applications, allowing them to distinguish practical solutions from market hype and concentrate on options that truly enhance their library operations.Practical implicationsThe article contributes to the knowledge of strategic AI technology adoption and the role of experimentation in libraries’ adoption of AI technologies. This paper offers practical guidance for libraries of all sizes and resource levels seeking to experiment with AI technologies. It encourages the creation of a collaborative environment where patrons and peers can come together to experiment and share knowledge. Additionally, it encourages libraries to explore various research directions—such as defining experimentation policies, integrating monitoring and evaluation (M&E) to assess the effectiveness of experiments, fostering collaboration, and leveraging AI adoption factors—to cultivate a culture of experimentation. This approach aims to increase the number of experiments and, consequently, the adoption of valuable AI technologies.Originality/valueAI in libraries is rapidly evolving, but current literature remains underdeveloped and lacks comprehensive adoption frameworks. Investigating individual libraries’ AI practices and sharing these insights will enable collaborative learning, helping them improve overall adoption process, fostering further innovation with emerging technologies, and helping in development of a theoretical foundation or maturity of AI domain. The research outcomes hold significant value for a wide range of libraries, from those hesitant to adopt AI due to ethical concerns to those actively experimenting with AI technologies. The article uniquely recommends further research at the intersection of library AI-driven digital transformations, cocreation, monitoring and evaluation (M&E), adoption models, and AI experimentation policies that ethically balances library innovation focus and data privacies.

Abstract 4122840: Patient activation improves with a multi-component personalized mHealth intervention in older adults at risk of cardiovascular disease

Background: Patient activation, a person’s level of confidence, comprehension, and autonomy toward their health, is an essential goal of cardiovascular disease therapy. Previous research has shown a link between high levels of patient activation and better patient outcomes and experiences. However, whether individualized interventions such as a text-based mobile health (mHealth), improve patient activation is unclear. Research on patient activation in people at risk for cardiovascular disease and influential factors is minimal. Aims: This study aimed to 1) determine the effect of a multi-component mHealth intervention on patient activation and 2) examine its predictors among older adults at risk for cardiovascular disease. Methods: In this pilot randomized controlled trial, community-dwelling older adults with poor eating behaviors and reduced physical activity (n=54) were randomly assigned to the GetFIT (control) or GetFIT+ (intervention) groups, with three- and six-month follow-up periods. The GetFIT group received healthy lifestyle counseling from a licensed health coach, a free commercial mHealth app with push alerts on physical activity, and an activity tracker for physical activity monitoring. The GetFIT + group received the same components but had personalized text messages instead of push alerts. The 13-item Patient Activation Measure assessed patient activation; higher scores indicate better activation. Linear mixed-effects models were used to investigate between-group changes in outcomes across time. Results: The mean age was 65.4 ± 6.0 years; 61% were females and 61% were married. Baseline characteristics were comparable between groups. Significant improvements were observed in the GetFIT+ group at three months (mean 3.53, 95% CI 0.11, 6.96; p=0.043) and six months (mean 4.37, 95% CI 0.91, 7.83; p=0.014), whereas improvements in the GetFIT group were non-significant. Adjusting for age, gender, education, employment, marital status, social support, smartphone confidence, and self-perceived health did not alter the results. Nevertheless, only social support was associated with higher patient activation overall (B=5.14, 95% CI 1.00, 9.27; p=0.015). Conclusions: People at risk for cardiovascular disease can improve their self-management abilities, knowledge, and confidence through personalized text messaging. Possessing social support is critical for maximizing the benefits of mHealth interventions.

Quality Management in Spanish Community Pharmacy: Implementation of ISO 9001.

Spanish community pharmacy has been incorporating some methods and approaches in the evaluation and improvement of quality, with the ISO 9001 standard being the most used reference. The experience of a community pharmacy in Spain is presented. The pharmacy implemented a management system based on the ISO 9001 standard in 2020, using the Deming cycle with the aim of enhancing the quality of pharmaceutical care. The results obtained in the processes over the following 2 years are also presented. The ISO 9001 standard was reviewed to ensure compliance. The Quality Management System control documentation was updated and included the following documents: quality manual, process map, operational processes and procedures, quality indicators and incident records. The pharmacy has planned and implemented a process of monitoring, measurement, analysis of results and continuous improvement for operational, strategic and support processes during the time period of the study. The main operational processes were associated with a set of indicators which permitted to know the results obtained, analyse deviations and implement improvements. The planning and development of the project encompassed approximately 1 year and involved several key stages: (1) diagnosis and assessment of quality situation, (2) analysis of processes, (3) preparation of documentation, (4) implementation of the Quality Management System, (5) internal audit, (6) monitoring of activities and continuous improvement, (7) follow-up audit by the certifying body, (8) obtaining the ISO 9001:2015 quality certificate. The planned schedule was adhered and the documents were successfully drafted. In total, eight operational processes, nine support processes and six strategic processes were reviewed and included in the Quality Management System. Twenty indicators were established to monitor and analyse the performance of these processes. During audits, deviations in the system or nonconformances were identified and analysed. In the first year of system implementation, five nonconformances were identified, decreasing to two in the subsequent two periods. In 2020, three improvement actions were implemented with the objective of: (1) implementing a medication reconciliation service, (2) developing a medication dose adjustment service for polymedicated patients, and (3) implementing a service to measure and improve inhalation technique in patients using inhalers. The implementation of a methodology based on the ISO 9001 standard has facilitated: (1) Integrating process management as a regular working methodology, (2) A focus on the continuous improvement of services, (3) Achieving recognition of the staff efforts and involvement.

Be digital to be sustainable! The mediating role of sustainable supply chain practices in triggering the effects of digitalisation on Sustainable Development Goals in the European Union

Research background: European Union (EU) economies need to enhance sustainable supply chains (SSCs) through digitalisation to realise sustainable development goals (SDGs). However, the impact of digitalisation on the SDGs is complex and multifaceted, and the role of SSCs in mediating this relationship is not fully understood. While extant research has delved into the influence of digitalisation on SSCs, predominantly within specific industries or geographic regions, a research gap persists concerning large-N samples and the generalisability of results. Purpose of the article: This study evaluates the role of digitalisation in achieving SDGs along with the mediation of SSCs based on the resource-based view, the triple-bottom-line, and dynamic capabilities theories. Methods: The study has extracted panel data from Eurostat from 2013 to 2022 and evaluated these data through partial least squares structural equation modelling to estimate the association among constructs. The sample covers the EU–27 countries and consists of 270 observations. Digitalisation is operationalised as the use of digital technologies to, for instance, innovate business models, provide new revenue streams and value-producing opportunities, and enhance, streamline, and make supply chain processes more efficient and environmentally sustainable. SSC practices encompass the design, planning, execution, and monitoring of supply chain activities to create value, optimise resources, and minimise environmental impact. Findings & value-added: The findings indicate that digitalisation has a positive association with SDGs and SSC practices. The study also noted that SSC initiatives play a mediating role between digitalisation and SDGs among the EU economies. These interesting insights could direct policymakers to enforce the initiative of digitalisation in SSCs to boost SDGs in EU economies. Although the literature on digitalisation and SSCs has gained significant attention, this is the first study in these domains.

Public, Private and Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) to Implement a One Health Approach to Combat Antimicrobial Resistance in Colombia

Abstract The establishment of public-private partnerships (PPPs) within Colombia, Latin America, is a recent, innovative effort within the nation’s agricultural industry to tackle antimicrobial resistance (AMR) under a One Health approach. PPPs are a formal alliance between representatives from the public and private sectors that aim to promote cross-sectoral collaboration, stewardship and accountability. Members agree on shared objectives and responsibilities, resources and risks to establish monitoring, prevention and mitigation activities against AMR within the farming industry. Key learnings of this initiative within the context of Colombia include: maximisation of results when monitoring is assigned to the private sector, and this may apply to other lower-middle-income countries (LMICs); objectives are better achieved when they are pre-defined according to time, budget and human resource constraints of member institutions; and confidentiality agreements must be consistent with the sensitive nature of surveillance information. Barriers to implementation were also identified, such as frequent changes of government personnel at decision making levels that make governance planning and adaptation challenging, while legal formalities and bureaucracy hinder formalisation of agreements. The success of this PPP is a useful example for other LMICs to aid in the control and prevention of animal diseases, promotion of food safety and reduction in poor animal health which limit commerce, while at the same time, minimising production loss and ensuring the provision of a fair income for producers. Information © The Authors 2024

TMOD-24. DEVELOPMENT OF A 3D ORGANOTYPIC EXPLANT PLATFORM TO STUDY ONCOLYTIC VIRUS TREATMENT RESPONSE IN GLIOBLASTOMA

Abstract BACKGROUND Oncolytic viruses (OVs) are a promising strategy to induce an anti-tumor immune response in the lymphocyte-depleted environment of glioblastoma (GBM), however the mechanism of their oncolytic function is not well understood. Immune-intact experimental systems would be highly valuable in dissecting immune versus direct viral contribution to oncolysis. Here, we report on the development of an immune-intact organotypic explant (OE) model, amenable to perturbations and T-cell activity monitoring. METHODS OEs were made from fresh tumor samples and cultured in groups of 4-5. CAN-3310 OVs and T-cells were injected into each OE under a dissecting microscope. Cultured OEs were either fixed for immunofluorescence (IF) or dissociated into single-cell suspensions for flow cytometry and 5’ single-cell RNA (scRNA) and TCR sequencing. RESULTS Cultured OEs maintain the cellular density of the original tumor in both short- and long-term cultures. Ki67 IF shows that tumor cells retain their proliferative potential, allowing for renewal and repopulation. The TME, mainly microglia and macrophages, is maintained throughout culture. IF imaging of OV-treated OEs, 7 days post-treatment, shows significant GFP positivity in tumor cells demonstrating the feasibility of using OEs as an ex vivo model with OV. Additionally, autologous T-cells from the patient’s blood can survive in OEs, completing the TME with the equivalent of circulating T-cells. Finally, scRNA-seq of the original tumor and cultured OEs showed that the different cell types were represented at all time points. Tumor cell meta-module analysis showed an increase in hypoxic signatures recapitulating features of in vivo tumor cell growth. CONCLUSIONS OEs maintain tumor architecture and TME. OE co-culture with autologous T-cells allows us to better understand the oncolytic mechanisms of OVs. Future endeavors will include identifying expanded T-cell clones to create an OV-specific TCR repertoire. This OE system provides a new tool as an ex vivo platform to dissect glioma responses to therapy in a purely human system.

Enhancing Performance in Physical Activity Monitoring: Leveraging Wi-Fi Channel State Information (CSI)

Enhancing Performance in Physical Activity Monitoring: Leveraging Wi-Fi Channel State Information (CSI)

CTNI-64. TRIAL IN PROGRESS: DIET2TREAT -- A RANDOMIZED MULTICENTER PHASE 2 TRIAL OF A KETOGENIC DIET VS STANDARD DIETARY GUIDANCE IN COMBINATION WITH STANDARD-OF-CARE TREATMENT FOR PATIENTS WITH NEWLY DIAGNOSED GLIOBLASTOMA

Abstract BACKGROUND Many glioblastoma (GBM) patients inquire about the potential therapeutic benefits of a high fat / low carbohydrate ketogenic diet (KD). Preclinical models and early-phase trials have shown encouraging results, but definitive evidence of clinical efficacy is lacking. METHODS We are conducting a multicenter randomized controlled phase 2 clinical trial (NCT05708352) of KD vs standard dietary guidance (SD) for patients with newly diagnosed GBM. All patients receive standard-of-care chemoradiation. Inclusion criteria: newly diagnosed GBM, age ≥ 18 years, Karnofsky Performance Status ≥ 70. Exclusion criteria: inability to wean steroids below 8 mg dexamethasone/day, Body Mass Index < 21 kg/m2, food preferences incompatible with KD. Patients are randomized 1:1 to implement either KD or SD for a study period of 18 weeks, starting alongside chemoradiation. The primary outcome is overall survival for patients randomized to the KD arm compared to those randomized to the SD arm. Secondary outcomes include progression-free survival, health-related quality-of-life (FACT-BR, FACIT-F), cognitive performance (HVLT-R, Trail-Making Test A/B), and physical activity (modified Godin leisure questionnaire, continuous activity monitoring (Fitbit)). Patients randomized to the KD arm will be provided a fingerstick monitor to check blood ketone and glucose levels twice daily. Glucose and ketone levels are also periodically monitored for patients on the SD arm. Blood, tumor, and stool samples are being collected for high throughput profiling to assess the effects of KD on metabolic markers and immune response. Target accrual is 170 patients over 5 years. Enrollment began in July 2023 and is ongoing. As of May 2024, the trial is open for enrollment at Cedars-Sinai and UCSF, and will be opening soon at Duke, St. John’s Cancer Institute, and the Medical College of Wisconsin. 13 patients have been randomized to date. Funding provided by NIH R01CA276919 and the Foundation for Metabolic Cancer Therapies.

Accelerating Stunting Reduction by Empowering Posyandu Cadres and Village Officials in Monitoring Nutritional Status and Providing Additional Food to Pregnant Women

The low nutritional status of pregnant mother during pregnancy can result various adverse effects for mother and baby. Poor nutritional status in toddlers possible happen problems/delays development. In Dairi Regency has 189 toddlers (0.2 %) living in Bottom of the Line Red (BGM). Prevalence stunted toddlers in Dairi Regency in 2018 amounted to 23.3 %. That's why it's done empowerment cadres and village officials to monitor nutritional status and giving complementary food for pregnant mother and toddler to prevent stunting. Through increasing the knowledge and skills of cadres and village officials for achievement reducing the incidence of stunting in improving the nutritional status of pregnant women and toddlers can be done with nutritional surveillance by monitoring activities: recovery food complementary, administration of vitamin A, TTD, taburia, zinc, stimulation. This activity was attended by pregnant women, mothers of toddlers, cadres and village officials who were very enthusiastic about listening to the presentation by the service team about what is meant by stunting, its causes, treatment, and the role of cadres and village officials regarding the stunting problem. Discussions and questions and answers were also very interactive, showing the great attention paid to service activities. Apart from that, this service activity also provides complementary food to pregnant women and toddlers. Based on this, community service activities empowering the role of cadres and village officials to monitor nutritional status of pregnant mother and toddler for prevent stunting can increase knowledge and skills of partner in give knowledge and skills to pregnant and toddler for increase their nutritional status. It is hoped that this service activity can reduce the prevalence of stunting and other malnutrition problems.

Defect-Engineering-Induced Vacancy-Rich Bi2S3-x@AuNPs with Enhanced Photothermal Activity for Sensitive Bimodal-Type Gentamicin Monitoring.

One of the most promising approaches to effectively modulate the performance of immunochromatography (ICA) is the rational design of nanomaterials. It is anticipated to facilitate highly sensitive ICA analysis by introducing and controlling the internal defect structures of nanomaterials. Herein, we designed Bi2S3-x@AuNPs with deep-level defect properties, revealing that these deep defects act as electron-hole nonradiative complex centers to promote phonon production, ultimately leading to photothermal analytical performance in ICA. By effectively regulating the defect density, the assay showed extraordinary colorimetric intensity, photothermal performance, and stability, which were conducive to constructing sensitive ICA. With a proof-of-concept for gentamicin (Gen), the limit of detection (LOD) was determined to be 0.0358 ng mL-1, with overall recoveries ranging from 84.40% to 108.30% in both milk and milk powder samples. It demonstrates the importance of the rational design of internal defect structures to improve analytical performance and broaden the application of ICA.

Discovery of anti-tumor agent targeted MetAP-2 using a special turn-on fluorescent probe

Methionine aminopeptidase 2 (MetAP-2) catalyzes the removal of methionine from the amino-terminus of proteins or peptides and is a known target for anti-tumor therapy. In this study, we developed an enzyme-activated fluorescent probe, DDAO-BMT, specifically for the real-time detection of endogenous MetAP-2. This probe enables the determination of extracellular MetAP-2 activity and visual monitoring of intracellular MetAP-2. Additionally, Sappan Lignum was identified as an active herbal medicine against MetAP-2, with brazilin identified as its key active constituent. Brazilin also exhibited a significant anti-tumor effect, including the inhibition on proliferation, migration, and invasion of tumor cells, and the preliminary mechanism of its activity against cancer has been elucidated. The use of this probe facilitates the monitoring of endogenous MetAP-2 in complex biological system, aiding in the discovery of novel active compounds for cancer treatment.

Citizens’ Political Knowledge and Participation in Monitoring Local Government Programs in Two Districts of Uganda

Broad political knowledge better equips citizens to discharge the responsibilities of good citizenship, such as monitoring local government programs. Empirical studies show a connection between citizens’ political knowledge and their participation in monitoring activities in contexts other than a decentralized local government system in a developing country. Thus, in this paper, we set out to provide new empirical evidence by assessing the link between citizens’ political knowledge and their participation in monitoring local government programs in Buliisa and Kampala districts of Uganda. We employed a convergent parallel research design. We gathered data using survey questionnaire, key informant interviews, and focus group discussions. We analyzed quantitative data using STATA and performed thematic analysis for the qualitative data. Generally, results showed that the level of political participation of citizens in monitoring local government programs was significantly and positively associated with their level of knowledge of local political affairs. This was especially marked in Kampala compared to Buliisa district. Conclusively, the nature of the association between the aforesaid variables could differ depending on the form of local political knowledge and/or the nature of political participation being measured.

Biomechanical perspectives on college students’ psychological well-being and their impact on academic performance

Academic performance among college students is prejudiced by a complex interplay of psychological well-being, physical activity, and biomechanical health. While previous research has often focused on individual factors such as mental health or physical activity, there is a growing need for an integrative approach to understand how these elements interact and collectively impact academic performance. This study aims to explore these relationships among 126 students from four universities in China, using a comprehensive methodology that includes psychological assessments (GHQ-28, PSS, MHI), wearable activity trackers for physical activity and sleep monitoring, and biomechanical evaluations through motion capture and electromyography (EMG). The study adopts a multi-faceted analytical approach, including hierarchical regression, path analysis, and latent variable modelling. Hierarchical regression revealed that psychological factors alone explained 21.1% of the variance in GPA (R2 = 0.211), while adding biomechanical and physical activity factors increased the explanatory power to 35.0% (R2 = 0.350). Path analysis indicated that psychological well-being had a direct negative effect on academic performance (β = −0.41, p < 0.001) and an indirect effect mediated through physical activity (indirect β = −0.089, p = 0.0021). Latent variable modelling demonstrated that psychological well-being, physical activity, and biomechanical health constructs collectively explained 52% of the variance in academic performance.

Noninvasive, Multimodal Inflammatory Biomarker Discovery for Systemic Inflammation (NOVA Study): Protocol for a Cross-Sectional Study.

Prolonged systemic inflammation is recognized as a major contributor to the development of various chronic inflammatory diseases. Daily measurements of inflammatory biomarkers can significantly improve disease monitoring of systemic inflammation, thus contributing to reducing the burden on patients and the health care system. There exists, however, no scalable, cost-efficient, and noninvasive biomarker for remote assessment of systemic inflammation. To this end, we propose a novel, multimodal, and noninvasive approach for measuring inflammatory biomarkers. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between the levels of inflammatory biomarkers in serum (gold standard) and those measured noninvasively in urine, sweat, saliva, exhaled breath, stool, and core body temperature in patients with systemic inflammation. This study is a single-center, cross-sectional study and includes a total of 20 participants (10 patients with systemic inflammation and 10 control patients). Eligible participants provide serum, urine, sweat, saliva, exhaled breath, and stool samples for biomarker analyses. Core body temperature is measured using a sensor. The primary end point is the level of C-reactive protein (CRP). The secondary end points are interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, and tumor necrosis factor-α levels. The tertiary end points are fractional exhaled nitric oxide, calprotectin, and core body temperature. Samples will be collected in 2 batches, enabling preliminary analysis of the first batch (patients 1-5 from each group). The full analysis will include both batches. CRP and cytokine levels will be measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and electrochemiluminescence immunoassay. For statistical analysis, the Shapiro-Wilk test will be used to evaluate the normality of the distribution in each variable. We will perform the 2-tailed t test or Wilcoxon rank sum test to compare the levels of inflammatory biomarkers between patients with systemic inflammations and control patients. Pearson and Spearman correlation coefficients will assess the relationship between inflammatory biomarkers from noninvasive methods and serum biomarkers. Using all-subset regression analysis, we will determine the combination of noninvasive methods yielding the highest predictive accuracy for serum CRP levels. Participants' preferences for sampling methods will be assessed through a questionnaire. The study received ethics approval from the independent research ethics committee of Canton Zurich on October 28, 2022. A total of 20 participants participated in the study measurements. Data collection started on February 22, 2023, and was completed on September 22, 2023. Participants were on average 52.8 (SD 14.4; range 24-82) years of age, and 70% (14/20) of them were women. The analysis results reporting findings are expected to be published in 2025. This study aims to evaluate the feasibility of noninvasive, multimodal assessment of inflammatory biomarkers in patients with systemic inflammation. Promising results could lead to the creation of noninvasive and potentially digital biomarkers for systemic inflammation, enabling continuous monitoring and early diagnosis of inflammatory activity in a remote setting. DERR1-10.2196/62877.

Monitoring materialities: Anthropocene landscapes of environing technologies in the High North

An increased interest in Arctic regions as places of data generation to inform climate models, reports, and policies on environmental change has created a distinct kind of landscape, transformed by the material legacy of short and long-term monitoring and other scientific activities. Drawing from fieldwork in four key areas for environmental monitoring in the High North of Norway, Sweden, and Greenland, we investigate the intentional and unintentional materialities of environing technologies and other anthropogenic impacts that form a particular kind of Anthropocene landscape related to knowing global environmental change. We conclude that such distinctive monitoring landscapes contribute to work investigating shifting conceptualisations of heritage and the emergence of unintentional landscapes in the Anthropocene, and suggest that as co-creators of the global environment, they provide an interesting insight into the material legacies of natural scientific knowledge production.

Typology of Business Incubators in Spain According to the Stages of Startups Incubation

The aim of this work was to classify the business incubators in Spain according to the four phases of the startup’s incubation process. Considering that the graduation rate implies greater survival and business success of the incubated companies, they have been identified at each stage of the incubation (spread of entrepreneurship, pre-incubation, advanced incubation, and graduation). The activities that present higher impacts on the success of the incubated companies and the activities carried out by the business incubator that have a greater relevance on the graduation of the companies have concretely been considered. Principal component (PC) cluster analysis has been applied. All the incubation variables were used simultaneously, reducing their number and grouping them into factors. Finally, the cases were grouped according to these latent variables. Principal component analysis reduced dimensionality to eight factors with a 74% explained variance. Factor 1 was positively related to pre-incubation variables; factor 2 was linked to training and collaboration variables within the entrepreneurship diffusion phase. Factor 3, named activity monitoring and control, was related to phase 3, or basic incubation variables. Cluster analysis facilitates the grouping of business incubators into three clusters: Group 1 (16% of the total), incubators with strong deficits in incubation phases 1, 2, and 3. They are small-sized business incubators, often located in rural areas or cities, with a low graduation rate. Group 2 (30%), business incubators with a very high graduation rate and strongly positive values in factors 1 and 2. Factor 3, although positive, is susceptible to improvement. They are the largest group of business incubators and usually located in industrial and technological parks. Group 3 (54%) is the majority, with values close to clusters 2 and 3.

Changes in diagnostics and treatment pathways for developmental dysplasia of the hip after the introduction of national guidelines: An updated questionnaire amongst paediatric orthopaedic surgeons in The Netherlands.

Diagnostics and treatment pathways for developmental dysplasia of the hip are highly variable in clinical practice. Recently, two national guidelines were developed in the Netherlands, providing a uniform protocol for the diagnosis and treatment of developmental dysplasia of the hip in children under the age of 1 year. The aim of this survey study was to assess whether diagnostic and treatment strategies have changed amongst paediatric orthopaedic surgeons in the Netherlands compared to a similar survey study in 2011, after the introduction of the guidelines. A web-based online questionnaire was developed and shared amongst the members of the Dutch Paediatric Orthopaedic Society. The questions concerned the diagnosis and treatment of developmental dysplasia of the hip, ranging from mildly dysplastic to dislocated hips, in children under the age of 1 year. We used a questionnaire similar to the previous study and evaluated the results. Thirty-four participants completed the survey. Regarding diagnosis and follow-up, ultrasonography was generally applied for children younger than 6 months, while radiography was more frequently used for children aged 6-12 months. In 2011, radiography was more widely applied in all age groups. Initial treatment for dysplastic, stable hips was mostly active monitoring, while this was generally a rigid splint in 2011. For dislocated unstable hips, the first step in treatment was generally the Pavlik harness, as in 2011. The diagnostic and treatment pathways of developmental dysplasia of the hip in children under the age of 1 year seem to have partially changed amongst Dutch paediatric orthopaedic surgeons compared to 2011, after the publication of new guidelines.

Respiratory frequency and activity monitoring using Fibre Bragg Grating arrays

Respiratory frequency and activity monitoring using Fibre Bragg Grating arrays

Development of Pupils', Students' and Cadets Value Attitude to Health-Preserving Activities by Means of Combat Horting

The co-authors of the scientific publication carried out the research and described the results by means of a survey of 9th grade athletes from 34 sports clubs in Ukraine (n=807), research students of the State Institution Luhansk Taras Shevchenko National University (n=92), and practicing students of the State Tax University (n=32), who were involved in the development of mini-projects on health promotion activities, conducting training in combat horting in natural conditions, experimental extracurricular health activities, writing qualification papers on the topic of research and participating in conferences of various levels, including international ones, monitoring activities during combat horting classes and extracurricular activities). The aim of the study is to practically test the efficiency of educating pupils', students' and cadets value attitude to health-preserving activities by means of combat horting. The basis of the study was the development of research skills through the method of analyzing student researchers; improvement of practical skills of pupils and students who participated as combat sport athletes and student practitioners, assistant coaches from 2020 to 2024. Results of the research. The co-authors of the research group developed and implemented a set of goals for educating pupils', students' and cadets to cultivate a value-based attitude to health promotion; developed questionnaires and conducted a survey among pupils and students; identified components, criteria and indicators for developing a value-based attitude of pupils', students' and cadets to health promotion; and presented practical recommendations. Moreover, the respondents acted as coaches, which promoted the development of soft skills and the ability of teamwork. Conclusions: This study contributed to the coordination of teamwork between pupils, students, teachers/coaches; aimed at improving the quality of professional and practical training of higher education students and their career development. Consequently, it is necessary to focus on the practical component of educational and research activities in higher education institutions, improvement of the educational and training process in sports clubs of Ukraine, based on the domestic and foreign experience of prominent experts.

Multi‐Scenario Applications of Multi‐Dimensional Yarn‐Based Wearable Integrated Sensors

Abstract1D yarn sensors, crucial for smart textiles, face challenges in achieving diverse functionalities, multiple applications, and durability in harsh environments. Herein, a simple strategy is proposed to prepare reduced graphene oxide‐polyimide yarns (rGO‐PYs), constructing functional and multi‐dimensional sensors for multi‐scenario applications. rGO‐PYs can detect multiple mechanical stimuli, and exhibit a broad bending and pressure response range (0°–180° and 0.12–62.39 KPa), quick response and recovery time (both <100 ms), and excellent cyclic stability. It features real‐time monitoring of human activities, such as joint movements, speech, writing, respiratory, pulse, and heart rate. rGO‐PYs exhibit a remarkable resilience to harsh environments, whether in liquid nitrogen (−196 °C), high temperature (300 °C), acid, or base. Crucially, expanded into an integrated 2D fabric, rGO‐PYs maintain their exceptional multi‐dimensional sensing. The point contact pressure sensor (PCPS) and pressure sensing array showed remarkable sensing performance in identifying pressure and its distribution. This work establishes a comprehensive system from preparation to application, encompassing 1D yarns large‐scale fabrication, functional sensing validation, integration into multi‐dimensional sensors, and diverse cross‐scenario applications. The innovative system would transform traditional yarns into intelligent fabrics, further advancing functional yarns into multi‐dimensional sensors (1D to 2D and 3D), enabling their diverse multi‐scenario applications.