Participant Pool Research Articles

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health and quality of life in people living with and beyond breast, prostate and colorectal cancer – a qualitative study

BackgroundIndividuals living with and beyond cancer are at heightened risk of adverse psychological and social outcomes and experiences. In March 2020, the COVID-19 global pandemic presented a unique set of social circumstances with the potential to exacerbate the challenges faced by this population. The purpose of this study was to investigate the experiences of people living with and beyond cancer during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic and assess the impact on psychological and social aspects of their lives.MethodsFrom a pool of participants from a larger health behaviours study thirty participants were purposively sampled for characteristics including: diagnostic group (breast, prostate and colorectal cancers), gender, time since diagnosis and age. Semi-structured interviews were conducted via telephone to discuss their experience of living through the pandemic. A thematic analysis was conducted using a needs-based approach to detail the fundamental needs expressed by this population in relation to their mental health and quality of life during the pandemic.ResultsThree fundamental needs underpinned the experiences expressed by participants: the need to feel safe; particularly in relation to risk of contracting COVID-19 and their ongoing cancer monitoring; the need to feel connected; to the people, places, activities and practices of everyday life; and the need to make the most out of life; specifically in context of having already endured cancer and cancer treatment. Participant experiences are described in relation to how they impacted each of these three needs.ConclusionsPeople living with and beyond cancer have past and ongoing experiences that make them vulnerable to adverse psychosocial reactions and outcomes. Support for this population needs to provide greater clarity of risk, clearer guidelines specific to their personal circumstances, and regular updates on scheduling of important follow up care and monitoring.

In Case You Haven't Heard…

The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) and the nonprofit organization, The Many Brains Project, have partnered with the National Institutes of Health's (NIH) All of Us Research Program to adapt a series of new game‐like tasks that are part of the All of Us Research Program's participant experience, according to an NIMH news release. The quizzes, puzzles and other engaging exercises measure abilities like attention span, decision‐making and emotion recognition. The All of Us Research Program is a large‐scale effort spearheaded by NIH to collect and study data from at least one million people in the United States. People who participate in the program are asked to complete surveys on different topics, share data from their electronic health records, complete online tasks and provide biological samples (such as saliva). NIMH is interested in collecting data on some of the factors that are part of the RDoC [Research Domain Criteria] framework, such as cognition, social and reward processes from a large, diverse pool of participants — just the type of participant cohort being built through All of Us. When combined with the information learned from the new gamified tasks, this data could help researchers understand what leads to mental disorders, how they develop and the most effective ways to treat them.

The Influence of Using Congklak Media on Formation of Cooperation Attitude of Class IV Students SDN Perumnas 1 Makassar

The challenge addressed in this study revolves around the unfamiliarity of educators with the utilization of congklak as an educational tool to cultivate collaborative behaviors among students. The primary objective of this research was to acquire insights into the impact of integrating congklak-based teaching methods on the development of students’ cooperative attitudes. Employing a quantitative approach and adopting a quasi-experimental research design, this study focused on fourth-grade students from SDN Perumnas I in Makassar City. The participant pool encompassed 50 students, comprising 20 males and 30 females. Data collection encompassed both observations and questionnaire distribution. Subsequently, the acquired data underwent descriptive statistical analysis, and for inferential analysis, parametric statistics were employed, specifically the Independent Sample t-test, facilitated through the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) system.
 Keywords: congklak learning media, formation of student cooperation attitude

Diverse Preconception Cohort of Digital Health Platform Shows Promise for Addressing Fertility Care Gaps

About 10 percent of women (6.1 million) in the United States ages 15-44 have difficulty getting pregnant or staying pregnant. Addressing fertility challenges requires an understanding of not only the causes of infertility, but also modifiable risk factors that can impact the likelihood of pregnancy. However, current research on factors influencing conception is often conducted among people who are already engaged in medical fertility treatments. In addition, existing databases are not representative of the U.S. population demographically. This retrospective study describes the demographics of participants of a digital fertility platform who were seeking fertility guidance prior to conception. Demographic data collected from participants who enrolled in Doveras Fertility Inc. (Doveras)’s digital health offerings in 2023 and 2024 were analyzed. Doveras offers personalized preconception lifestyle and behavioral intervention programs, delivered through an innovative digital fertility health platform, for individuals and couples to improve various endpoints along the reproductive and maternal health journey. This paper reports on the inception cohort of the first 600 enrolled participants (Doveras Preconception Cohort I), a subset of a wider pool of Doveras participants enrolled. Doveras achieved this enrollment of a notably diverse and representative population: 65.9% of female-identifying participants identify as White and 34.1% as non-white; 60.5% of male-identifying participants identify as White and 39.5% identify as non-white. The cohort also demonstrates a wide geographical spread, with participants recruited from 46 U.S. states, and represents a population that may have limited access to preconception healthcare: more than half (61%) of participants live in states with 13 OBGYNS or fewer per 100,000 population. The Doveras digital fertility platform presented herein may provide an opportunity to reach a broader and more diverse U.S. population during the preconception period than currently has access to medical fertility care.

Assessing pharmacovigilance literacy: A study on knowledge and perception among undergraduate medical students

Background: Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) pose a significant challenge to global health care, contributing to morbidity and mortality. Pharmacovigilance (PV), defined by the World Health Organization, plays a crucial role in detecting, understanding, and preventing ADRs. However, underreporting in countries such as India hinders effective PV. Aims and Objectives: Recognizing the pivotal role of medical students in patient care, this study aims to assess PV literacy among undergraduate medical students, offering insights for curriculum development and educational interventions. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at Shantabaa Medical College, Gujarat, India. The questionnaire-based survey targeted MBBS Phase II and Phase III students, assessing knowledge and attitudes toward PV. Demographic data and responses were collected through Google Forms, ensuring a convenient and diverse participant pool. Ethical considerations were prioritized, and data underwent rigorous statistical analysis. Results: Analysis of participant distribution across academic years and genders revealed a balanced representation. Knowledge gaps, particularly in recognizing ADRs requiring reporting, were identified. Positive attitudes toward ADR reporting were prevalent, emphasizing its professional obligation and the need for detailed education. Comparisons with other studies highlighted curriculum-specific variations in knowledge levels. Conclusion: This research provides a nuanced understanding of PV literacy among undergraduate medical students, emphasizing knowledge and attitudes. Notable gaps necessitate targeted educational interventions, while positive attitudes indicate a strong ethical foundation. The study advocates for enhanced PV education in curricula, incorporating practical training and real-world applications. Acknowledging limitations, this study serves as a foundation for future research and underscores the evolving role of medical students in PV.

Visual scanning of social stimuli in preterm and autism spectrum disorder children.

To evaluate the pattern of eye-gaze of preterm (PT), autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and neurotypical (Ty) children. A cross-sectional study with eight preterm (born with ≤2000 g weight), nine ASD and five Ty male children, between six and nine years old, was performed. The eye gaze was evaluated presenting a board with a couple in social interaction, and a video with four children playing with blocks, projected in a screen computer, successively, evaluating the time that the children looked at each stimulus. Although all the groups focus on the central social figure with no significant differences, ASD presented significant differences in time fixation of the objects (p=0.021), while premature children fixated more time in the central social interaction than in the whole scene than typical children. Although this study found noteworthy differences in the eye-gaze patterns among the three groups, additional research with a more extensive participant pool is necessary to validate these preliminary results.

Data protection concerns are a statistically significant reason for refusal: Exploratory study of the patient perspective on telemedicine services based on 735 gynecological surgery patients.

Internet-based healthcare is a crucial facet of telemedicine. Here, we examine telemedicine methods in perioperative care for gynecological surgery from a patient's perspective. We aim to understand the patients' needs during perioperative gynecological care and suggest how to optimize telemedicine services based on these insights. The data were gathered via self-report questionnaires from patients who came in for preparatory consultations for gynecological surgery from May to November 2022. This process involved questioning 735 women about their past usage of internet-based services, personal information, and their views on telemedicine services. The study, which assured full anonymity, had voluntary participation. This participant pool consisted of 735 females. Around half (n = 365, 49.66%) were preparing for outpatient surgery, while a significant number (n = 322, 43.81%) were slated for inpatient surgery. Statistically, data protection concerns were the only significant factor influencing consent to telemedicine. While nonsignificant results were found for individuals with minimal concerns (b = 0.08; odds ratio [OR] = 1.09, p = 0.791), markedly significant results (p < 0.001) emerged for those expressing more concerns with b = 1.45 and OR = 4.28. This suggests that the likelihood of refusing consent to telemedicine is 4.28 times higher for those with significant data protection concerns compared with those with no concerns. The patient's perspective on telemedicine services for gynecological surgery is influenced by several factors. These include the patient's age, computer skills, travel distance, occupation, education level, severity of the disease, satisfaction with previous treatments, treatment location, and referral method. Of these, concerns about data security significantly impact patient satisfaction. Hence, it is critical to prioritize this factor when offering telemedical services to meet patients' needs.

Pelvic Floor Training, a Silent Enhancer of Pulmonary Function: An Integrative Literature Review

Objective: This review delves into the intricate relationship between pelvic floor training and its potential to enhance lung function across diverse health conditions. While the coordination between the pelvic floor and diaphragm is well-established, the specific advantages of pelvic floor strengthening in bolstering pulmonary health necessitate deeper investigation. Despite indications of pelvic floor training’s potential benefits for pulmonary issues, a comprehensive review is imperative to consolidate understanding. Aim: This review attempts to shed light on how pelvic floor activation influences various parameters of pulmonary function. Articles analysing pulmonary function improvements post pelvic floor activation constituted the participant pool for this review. Materials and Methods: An extensive search spanning from 2001 to 2024 across databases like PubMed, Ovid, Cochrane Review, and Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) unearthed experimental and observational studies. Primary outcome measures included forced expiratory volume in 1 second, forced vital capacity, Peak expiratory flow rate, forced expiratory flow, maximum voluntary ventilation and others. Results: Ten studies meeting inclusion criteria involved healthy subjects, individuals with pelvic floor weakness, and pulmonary impairment. Exercises like Kegels, hypopressive techniques and electrical stimulation, demonstrated positive impacts on pulmonary function parameters. Conclusion: This review underscores the significance of pelvic floor exercises in augmenting lung function. By exploring diverse interventions and their effects on pulmonary health outcomes, it addresses a critical gap in research, potentially informing recommendations for respiratory rehabilitation programs. Insights gleaned from this review hold promise for enhancing pulmonary rehabilitation programs by integrating pelvic floor exercises. Clinical recommendations could benefit from incorporating these findings, thereby optimising patient outcomes.

Preschool Educators’ Perspectives on Dialogic Literacy in Preschoolers

This research delves into the perceptions and expressions of dialogic literacy among preschool teachers, seeking to explore dimensions such as its definition, significance, strategies, assessment methods, and parental involvement. The study engaged a cohort of 15 educators, comprising 10 females and 5 males, selected based on their experience and qualifications in early childhood education. Through semi-structured interviews, these teachers provided rich and detailed insights, forming the basis for a thorough examination of dialogic literacy in the preschool setting. Intentionally diverse, the participant pool included educators from various preschool environments, both public and private, aiming to capture a broad spectrum of perspectives and approaches. This deliberate variation facilitated the exploration of potential disparities in understanding and implementing dialogic literacy across different contexts. Employing a qualitative research approach, the study emphasized semi-structured interviews as the primary method of data collection. The interview questions covered key aspects, including definitions, teacher strategies, classroom activities, assessment methods, and parental engagement. The design aimed to extract comprehensive responses, allowing participants to share their unique perspectives, experiences, and practices related to communicative proficiency in early childhood education. Thematic analysis was applied to categorize and organize the interview data, unveiling common patterns and themes. To enhance the study's reliability, methodologies such as member checking, peer debriefing, and triangulation were employed. The research maintained a strong ethical foundation, prioritizing participant privacy, confidentiality, and voluntary involvement throughout the entire process. The findings present a holistic understanding of dialogic literacy implementation in diverse preschool settings, enriched by the inclusion of educators with a minimum of two years of teaching experience. This study contributes valuable insights to the field of early childhood education, shedding light on the multifaceted nature of dialogic literacy and its versatile application across different educational contexts.

Inclusive Hiring through Technology: A Recruitment Platform for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities

The current world development has been characterised by an increase in technology as people are currently interacting at a very high pace, and this includes individuals who have neurological and intellectual disabilities, including Down’s Syndrome, Asperger, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Learning Disability and Mental Retardation. The project develops a digital job search product for individuals with ID. This study presents ‘Workability’, a digital platform designed to support individuals with intellectual disabilities (ID) in India, striving to create an inclusive environment and facilitate improved job placements and social participation. Applying User-Centered Design (UCD) principles, the research involved collaboration with ID individuals, corporate employers, and vocational training centres. The methodology encompassed a preliminary study, in-depth stakeholder interviews, and surveys, culminating in a digital interface that offers accessible, customisable features such as speech-to-text and image recognition capabilities. Feedback from a diverse participant pool of over 60 individuals in the initial phase and 25 in subsequent phases informed iterative design enhancements. Results indicate that ‘Workability’ significantly empowers ID individuals by enabling easier access to employment opportunities and fostering community integration. The project concludes that by leveraging technology to capitalise on the abilities and preferences of ID individuals, it is possible to reshape the scope of employment and social engagement for this demographic, advocating for a more inclusive society in India. The project’s core objective is to make the prevailing system more inclusive, where people with ID will not be marginalised solely based on their condition but fully integrated into societies through the provision of streamlined and specialised placement services for employment that capitalise on their abilities and preferences.

Development of Normative Data of the Athletic Skill Track and Development Coordination Disorder Questionnaire in Children

Background: The escalating prevalence of pediatric obesity and the concomitant decline in physical activity levels have underscored the imperative to rigorously assess motor competencies in the younger demographic. The Athletic Skill Track (AST) and Development Coordination Disorder Questionnaire (DCDQ) are pivotal instruments in this context. However, normative benchmarks for these tools, particularly within the Pakistani pediatric milieu, remain inadequately delineated. Objective: This investigation aimed to establish preliminary normative benchmarks for AST and DCDQ among a cohort of children aged 4 to 12 years in Lahore, Pakistan. A secondary objective involved delineating gender disparities in test performance and elucidating the correlation between Body Mass Index (BMI) and test outcomes. Methods: Adopting a cross-sectional study framework, data were collated from an urban-based private school in Lahore, utilizing convenience sampling methods. The participant pool comprised 500 healthy children within the 4-12 age bracket. The research protocol encompassed anthropometric measurements and subsequent administration of AST and DCDQ. Data analysis was executed utilizing SPSS software, version 28.0. Results: The study unveiled a marked gender-based disparity in AST performance, with boys manifesting superior rapidity across all AST tracks (AST 1: Mean=21.84, SD=4.99; AST 2: Mean=22.66, SD=5.083; AST 3: Mean=20.23, SD=4.76). An age-progressive enhancement in test performance was evident, as reflected in the linear decrement in completion times for AST-1 and AST-2 with advancing age. This trend, however, exhibited deviations from extant literature in specific cohorts, particularly in nine-year-old participants. In the realm of DCDQ outcomes, a significant positive correlation with age was observed, suggesting developmental advancements in coordination skills. The gender analysis revealed that boys outperformed girls in DCDQ assessments (Boys: Mean=60.17, SD=5.87; Girls: Mean=57.45, SD=7.09). Conclusion: The present study enriches the extant body of knowledge by providing essential normative data for AST and DCDQ within a Pakistani pediatric population. It underscores notable gender and age-related variances in motor skills and coordination, offering critical insights for the formulation of targeted interventions and early detection strategies in motor skill development.

Embracing Mobile Learning: Exploring the Acceptance Among Undergraduates in Sri Lankan Universities

This research explores the emerging trend of mobile learning in the higher education sector, with a focus on identifying key factors influencing its adoption in Sri Lanka. In this study, a quantitative approach was employed, encompassing a participant pool of 323 undergraduates drawn from Sri Lankan national universities. The study scrutinizes the factors that influence the acceptance of mobile learning by investigating performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, facilitating conditions, perceived playfulness, and self-management of learning employing mainly correlation and multiple regression data analysis techniques. A notable revelation emerges as the research highlights "self-management of learning" as the most influential factor, surpassing the conventional assumption regarding the significance of "performance expectancy," which surprisingly exhibits no direct impact on mobile learning acceptance. The model effectively explains an impressive almost sixty-eight percent of the variance in undergraduates' acceptance of mobile learning. Beyond the academic context, the insights that emerged from this study hold the potential to revolutionize educational practices in Sri Lanka, offering valuable guidance to educators, policymakers, and educational technology developers striving to seamlessly integrate mobile learning into the higher education landscape while contributing to the broader discourse on innovative pedagogical strategies.

Healing Voices: A Deep Dive into Doctor Perceptions on relation between Malpractice and Medical Legislation and Healthcare system in Romania. The results of a qualitative sociological research

This article presents findings from a comprehensive survey titled “Dimensions of Malpractice in Romania” addressing the negative aspects of the current legislation on professional liability. The data reveals a notable gap in doctors' knowledge of the legislative framework specific to the medical profession, emphasizing a high demand for formal, institutional training. The prevalence of "I don't know" responses suggests a conceptual gap, possibly stemming from ultra-specialized training that lacks trans-disciplinary education, particularly in legal matters. Medical malpractice emerges as a significant challenge for both the healthcare system and society at large. This survey delves into the complex social context of medical practice, exploring individual experiences and social influences. The large participant pool (8,121 participants, with 4,729 responses) enhances the research's scalability, allowing for the identification of prevalent themes and subsequent correlations through advanced statistical methods. The study, conducted through a questionnaire administered within a month to over 8,000 participants, highlights the cost-effectiveness and efficiency of survey research compared to interview-based approaches. Despite its advantages, the qualitative nature of the study presents limitations, such as the potential subjectivity in data interpretation. Limitations include the potential lack of generalizability, leading to the organization of data based on frequency rather than broad applicability. The findings may be more relevant for specific contexts, requiring further evaluations and independent assessments. This qualitative sociological research prioritizes an in-depth understanding of phenomena over quantitative aspects. The identified themes and sub-themes reflect negative conditions and vulnerabilities in medical practice, serving as a basis for potential amendments to legal texts. A legislative framework adapted to local social conditions is proposed to benefit both the healthcare system and broader society. The article concludes with a call for continued research, emphasizing the importance of refining the legislative framework to enhance the overall healthcare landscape in Romania.

Factors for choosing a pediatric dentist in Saudi Arabia.

The choice of a pediatric dentist is a crucial decision for parents, influenced by a variety of factors. This study aimed to investigate the key determinants that guide parents in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in their selection of a pediatric dentist. A cross-sectional survey was administered to a diverse participant pool. The survey captured demographic information, history of dental visits, parents' level of concern about dental treatment for their children, and the importance of specific factors in the choice of a pediatric dentist. The survey was completed by a balanced representation of different age groups and genders. Most participants from Riyadh and other regions had a history of dental visits. Parents' concern about dental treatment varied based on the number of children they had. The most significant factors influencing the choice of a pediatric dentist were the quality of the dental unit's disinfection process, the dentist's ability to communicate with the child and manage uncooperative behaviour, and the dentist's experience. The least influential factors were the proximity of the dental office to the child's school, the dentist's gender, and the number of pediatric dentists in the practice. This study provided valuable insights into the factors that influence parents' decision in choosing a pediatric dentist in The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Data helps dental professionals understand parents' priorities and improve their services accordingly to meet patient needs and expectations.

From Theory to Practice – Interior Design Education for More Sustainable Future

This article discusses the role interior design education plays in the development of greener buildings. Through the encouragement of making sustainable design choices along the design process, the education cultivates a sustainable mindset that contributes to the development of greener spaces, buildings and communities. Even though United Arab Emirates (UAE) shows relatively low per capita CO2 emissions, its building energy efficiency score lags behind that of other nations. This research applies a two-step methodology (qualitative and experimental) to investigate the nexus between interior design, education, and Leadership in Energy Efficient Design-Interior Design and Construction (LEED ID+C) in promoting sustainable buildings design in the UAE. Qualitative methods are applied for the review and analyses of the relevant literature, while experimental measures the efficiency of integrating the LEED ID+C framework into an interior design studio as a teaching method. This experimental teaching method challenges students to comply with LEED ID+C v.4.1 reference guide from the very beginning of the design project and throughout all phases until project completion. The success of the experimental teaching methods is measured through a set of criteria that include information acquisition, knowledge and skills development, and awareness enhancement. As the participant pool varies from level two to level four students, the experiment reflects a comprehensive educational perspective. The results of this study show that such experimental teaching methods contribute to bridging the gap between sustainable interior design theory and practice by instilling sustainability consciousness and skills in students. The results also demonstrate that the experimentation eradicates the barriers to sustainable interior design practice as it relates to Information, Knowledge, and Awareness. The study concludes by highlighting the benefits of the experimental teaching method and suggests how the method can be further improved.

Hacia embarazos más seguros

Introduction: Hypertensive disorders in pregnancy pose global health challenges. Maternal mortality rates in Panama due to preeclampsia and eclampsia have increased. A mobile application is introduced to monitor and control these disorders. Problem: Hypertensive disorders in pregnancy pose a risk to maternal health. Panama’s healthcare initiatives have shown progress, but there are still gaps in maternal care. Novel technologies may help address these gaps. Objective: The goal is to evaluate a prototype mobile app for managing hypertensive disorders in pregnancy. Research focuses on usability, including navigation, design-task correlation, acceptability, and user perspectives. Methodology: The Design Science Research Methodology (DSRM) guides the study through problem identification, motivation, and software artifact development. The evaluation involves 32 participants engaging in tasks and standardized questionnaires, including the System Usability Scale (SUS) and User Experience Questionnaire (UEQ). Tasks assess the app’s usability, while questionnaires provide comprehensive insights into user experiences. Results: Users generally have positive interactions and favorable perceptions. However, there are challenges with task completion, particularly with interface intuitiveness. Conclusion: The app for monitoring hypertensive disorders has shown positive user experiences and usability. However, there are challenges and user feedback that need to be addressed for refinement and effectiveness in supporting maternal health during pregnancy. Limitations: The study focuses only on the prototype evaluation phase and may need further iterations to address challenges. The participant pool’s limitations may impact generalizability. Ongoing improvements are crucial to meet evolving user needs and technological advancements. Originality: This article contributes originality by presenting a novel mobile application prototype for managing hypertensive disorders in pregnancy. The use of DSRM for development and comprehensive usability assessments with standardized tools adds to the originality, providing valuable insights for future advancements in maternal healthcare technology.

The Effect of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy on Reducing Blood Cortisol Levels in Individuals with Anxiety Disorders

This research pertains to developmental advancements in the health and maritime sectors, specifically focusing on diving and hyperbaric oxygen therapy's (HBO) application. The study holds the potential to enhance comprehension regarding the Effects of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBO) in addressing anxiety disorders, thus contributing significantly to the realms of health and maritime industries. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy involves subjecting patients to heightened pressure environments while administering pure oxygen at levels exceeding atmospheric pressure, with a minimum clinical threshold of 1.4 ATA. (HBO) interventions, utilized for countering hypoxia and cortisol reduction, exhibit promise in mitigating anxiety disorders. The research methodology commences with a systematic screening procedure employing an anxiety disorders questionnaire, ensuring the acquisition of a well-defined, credible, consistent, and unbiased participant pool. Employing a quasi-experimental design featuring a randomized pre-post control group arrangement, the study targets males aged 25-40 with anxiety disorders, drawn from Dr. Ramelan Surabaya's psychiatric clinic.

‘Crushed all over again’: the professional experiences of early career counselling psychologists in South Africa

Counselling psychology in South Africa has recently emerged from a tumultuous period, stemming from regulatory efforts in 2011, which negatively impacted on the profession’s status and viability. While the definition and scope of counselling psychology arguably demonstrate improvements in aligning with global practices, concerns persist surrounding the work opportunities and professional experiences of counselling psychologists, particularly those in the early stages of their careers. This study aimed to gain an in-depth understanding of the professional experiences of early career counselling psychologists in South Africa. The pool of participants were 10 early career counselling psychologists (females = 7, males = 3, period in service = 1–10 years). The participants completed semi-structured interviews on their early career professional experiences, as well as the meanings they attributed to these experiences. An interpretative phenomenological analysis of the data revealed three group experiential themes: (1) the complexity of finding and securing work; (2) navigating an array of personal, professional, and systemic challenges, and (3) self-acquiring support. The findings suggest that despite the unique and valuable skills and knowledge counselling psychologists possess, the participants struggled to successfully transition into the workforce, resulting in feelings of anxiety, frustration, and professional disillusionment. The findings indicate enhanced support is needed at various levels to address the needs and bolster the wellbeing, utilisation, and retention of counselling psychologists in their transition into the South African workforce.

Interpersonal Communication in Guidance and Counseling: The Role of Teachers' Empathy, Self-esteem, and Intrapersonal Peacefulness

The aim of the research is is to investigate the influence of empathy, self-esteem, and intrapersonal peacefulness on the development of interpersonal communication skills in teachers engaged in guidance and counseling. The study's sample comprises guidance and counseling teachers who are currently employed at the junior high school and high school levels within the South Sulawesi region. The participant pool for this research consisted of 74 teachers, who were selected by accidental sampling. The present study uses four specific scales: the Interpersonal Reactivity Index (IRI), the Rosenberg Self Esteem Scale (RSES), the Self Personal Scale (SPS), and the Interpersonal Communication Scale (ICS). The presence of empathy and intrapersonal peacefulness has the potential to act as indicators for improving interpersonal communication abilities among guidance and counseling teachers in South Sulawesi. Other findings derived from the data analysis indicate that there were no statistically significant disparities observed in the duration of employment among guidance and counseling teachers across various factors, including empathy, self-esteem, intrapersonal peacefulness, and interpersonal communication. Significant disparities in levels of empathy have been identified between those identifying as female and male. Research has shown that female guidance and counseling teachers exhibit higher levels of empathy compared to their male colleagues within the same professional field. This study is the initial research in Indonesia that aims to uncover the communication abilities of guidance and counseling teachers, focusing on their individual levels of peacefulness, empathy, and self-esteem. With an emphasis on peacefulness, it is anticipated that this research will serve as a foundation for the development of new training programs designed to enhance the communication abilities of guidance and counseling teachers.

Перспективы технологического развития нефтесервиса для освоения нефтегазовых месторождений арктического Севера

The article discusses the key challenges associated with the economic development of the oilfield service industry within the climatic, geological, and infrastructural conditions of the Arctic. The evaluation of the Arctic's contribution to the total hydrocarbon production in Russia is an important research problem, which is particularly relevant amidst the current international political tensions. The study aims to unveil aspects of research and development (R&amp;D) prospects of oilfield services in Russia's Arctic regions and adjacent territories. The research identifies characteristic features of economic development associated with economic activity risks. These include infrastructure and technological constraints linked to the distance from federal R&amp;D and industrial centers; insufficient financial resources and experience for large project implementation by local authorities; the intricacy and labor intensity of work, coupled with a shortage of specialists possessing the necessary skills. The study establishes that the complexity of developing Arctic oil and gas fields is mitigated by the application of innovations and highlights the vulnerability of domestic companies to import supplies, which are currently inaccessible due to Western sanctions. The results presented offer a comprehensive view of the promising facets of the innovation-driven and technological development of the oilfield services industry in the Arctic. They propose specific measures geared towards enhancing production efficiency in the oil and gas and oilfield services sectors for implementation by the government. The study's conclusions constitute its scientific novelty and affirm that the sector under consideration is characterized by the following aspects: 1) the demanding nature of work necessitating substantial financial assets and professional competencies of often scarce labor market participants, alongside the utilization of innovative technologies to curtail production costs; and 2) a constrained pool of oil and gas market participants diminishing competition in the oilfield services market and enabling vertically integrated oil companies to dictate prices to service organizations, thus limiting opportunities for the industry's innovation-driven and technological development. The study's conclusions hold significant practical potential and are recommended for incorporation into territorial, regional, and federal programs for the social and economic development of Arctic regions. These findings contribute to the innovation-driven and technological revitalization of the oilfield services industry, an integral element in developing the resource base of Northern territories. Additionally, they provide avenues for further scientific exploration, delving into logistic, financial, technological, corporate, and other economic aspects specific to participants in forthcoming development processes.