Different Groups Of Participants Research Articles

Culture for Health – Example from Serbia

Abstract Using the possibility of social prescribing at the community level integrates several sectors, primarily the health sector and the culture sector. The goal of this project was to strengthen intersectoral cooperation (culture and health) and consider the possibility of providing conditions in the local community for continuous prescribing of the culture ‘on prescription’. Institute for Public Health of Vojvodina invited Matica Srpska Gallery to participate together with the Novi Sad Healthcare Center in a unique project that connects culture and health. The ‘Culture on prescription - culture for health’ consisted of two phases: curatorial guidance and group workshops. Curatorial guidance means the selection of individual works of art whose narration is planned and methodologically adapted to different groups of participants and which evokes different feelings related to quality of life and health. The second part of the program consisted of workshops in the Museum, enriched with works of art and a pleasant atmosphere.The workshops are based on group analytical methods and participants had the opportunity to reflect their observations, experiences and feelings on individual works of art, and they often reflected with personal life experiences that were not only aesthetic, but also pleasant and therapeutic. Participants came in two sessions, with two different curatorial guides, carefully thematically prepared, and which were later the source for substantive reflection. The positive outcomes of these innovative workshops was confirmed through written and oral facts, through which the participants emphasized that the stay in the museum space was therapeutic in itself. The possibility of the so-called ‘depot’ or prolonged effect of the unique prescription was observed, emphasizing that the participation in the workshops left an impression on the participants and that they will stay with a positive feeling and pleasantness after receiving a ‘dose’ of culture for health.

Effectiveness of chatbots in improving learning experience in an online course

ABSTRACT This study analyzes the effectiveness of a chatbot in enhancing online learning, addressing the lack of support in traditional online courses. Two questionnaires were administered to participants, providing qualitative data on various aspects of the learning experience. The first questionnaire measured satisfaction, engagement, self-regulation and usefulness in three different groups of participants. The second questionnaire included open-ended questions and Likert scale items, gathering qualitative feedback and perceptions specifically from the group that used the chatbot. Additionally, this study incorporates quantitative analysis to evaluate the chatbot's impact on learning outcomes and student engagement. We used ANOVA to test whether there is a significant difference in learning outcomes among the three experimental groups. To determine which groups have significantly different means, we performed the Tukey post hoc test. Analysis of the data collected aims to measure the impact of chatbot integration on learner satisfaction, engagement, self-regulation, learning outcomes, usefulness and usability. The results contribute to the understanding of chatbots as support tools in e-learning environments, and indicate that the integration of chatbots within e-learning platforms aims to improve the learning experience and foster learner success.

Prior coordination solutions shape motor learning and transfer in redundant tasks

Motor learning does not occur on a ‘blank slate’, but in the context of prior coordination solutions. The role of prior coordination solutions is likely critical in redundant tasks where there are multiple solutions to achieve the task goal – yet their influence on subsequent learning is currently not well understood. Here we addressed this issue by having human participants learn a redundant virtual shuffleboard task, where they held a bimanual manipulandum and made a discrete throwing motion to slide a virtual puck towards a target. The task was redundant because the distance traveled by the puck was determined by the sum of the left- and right-hand speeds at the time of release. On the first day, 37 participants in different groups practiced symmetric or asymmetric solutions. On the second day, all participants transferred to a common criterion task, which required an asymmetric solution. Results showed that: (i) the symmetry of the practiced solution affected motor variability during practice, with more asymmetric solutions showing higher exploration of the null space, (ii) when transferring to the common criterion task, participants in the symmetric group showed much higher null space exploration, and (iii) when no constraints were placed on the solution, participants tended to return to the symmetric solution regardless of the solution originally practiced. Overall, these results suggest that the stability of prior coordination solutions plays an important role in shaping learning in redundant motor tasks.

Application of Deep Learning Model and Machine Learning Detection Algorithm for Gastric Cancer Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy

This work focused on exploring the application value of machine learning detection (MLD) algorithm and evidence-based nursing (EBN) in the chemotherapy (CHET) for gastric cancer (GC) patients. 100 GC patients who were treated in the Guang’an Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital and needed postoperative CHET were recruited and randomly assigned to experimental (Exp) and control (Ctrl) groups, each including 50 patients. All participants received adjuvant CHET after gastrectomy. During CHET, participants in the Ctrl group were given routine nursing, while the experimental were given EBN in addition to routine nursing. Differences in self-rating anxiety scale (SAS), self-rating depress scale (SDS), QLQ-C30 life core questionnaire, and adverse reaction (AR) evaluation criteria were compared for participants in different groups after nursing. At the same time, all patients underwent computed tomography (CT) examination and all images were detected by MLD algorithm. After intervention, the SAS and SDS scores of patients in the Exp and Ctrl groups were 26.7±5.3 versus 33.6±6.61 and 30.07±5.58 versus 36.11±8.83, respectively. The total health status (THS) score of patients was 5.59±1.17 in Exp group and 4.53±0.96 in Ctrl group, showing P < 0.05. After intervention, great differences were observed in nausea/vomiting, decreased white blood cells (WBC), decreased haemoglobin (Hb), peripheral nerve paraesthesia (PNP), muscle and joint pain (MJP), hair loss, and other indicators between patients received EBN and routine nursing methods (P < 0.05). The MLD algorithm and EBN were of high application value in the nursing of CHET treatment for GC patients.

Investigating the structure of disordered eating symptoms in adult men: A network analysis.

Eating disorders (EDs) increasingly emerge as a health risk in men, but there is concern that men's symptoms go unnoticed due to stereotypical perceptions and gender-related differences in symptom presentation. Novel assessments focused particularly on attitudes and behaviours towards increasing muscle size and definition. Using network analysis, this study aimed to corroborate and extend previous findings on disordered eating presentation in men by examining the role of muscularity concerns among an extended range of disordered eating symptoms. N=294 adult men (18years or older) completed muscularity-related and disordered eating assessments, among which we included assessments for orthorexic eating and Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder for the first time. We selected symptoms empirically, estimated a regularised network, identified symptom communities, evaluated network loadings and bridge centrality estimates, and compared network structures between different groups of participants. We identified five symptom communities related to muscularity-related concerns, features of core ED psychopathology, and selective eating. Symptoms regarding ruminating about healthy eating, guilt for unhealthy eating, weight overvaluation, concerns about muscularity, and selective eating emerged as highly central. The results largely corroborate previous observations but suggest that muscle-building behaviours are part of a broader cluster of male body shaping and rule-based dieting behaviours.

Management training programs in healthcare: effectiveness factors, challenges and outcomes

BackgroundDifferent professionals working in healthcare organizations (e.g., physicians, veterinarians, pharmacists, biologists, engineers, etc.) must be able to properly manage scarce resources to meet increasingly complex needs and demands. Due to the lack of specific courses in curricular university education, particularly in the field of medicine, management training programs have become an essential element in preparing health professionals to cope with global challenges. This study aims to examine factors influencing the effectiveness of management training programs and their outcomes in healthcare settings, at middle-management level, in general and by different groups of participants: physicians and non-physicians, participants with or without management positions.MethodsA survey was used for gathering information from a purposive sample of professionals in the healthcare field attending management training programs in Italy. Factor analysis, a set of ordinal logistic regressions and an unpaired two-sample t-test were used for data elaboration.ResultsThe findings show the importance of diversity of pedagogical approaches and tools and debate, and class homogeneity, as effectiveness factors. Lower competencies held before the training programs and problems of dialogue and discussion during the course are conducive to innovative practice introduction. Interpersonal and career outcomes are greater for those holding management positions.ConclusionsThe study reveals four profiles of participants with different gaps and needs. Training programs should be tailored based on participants’ profiles, in terms of pedagogical approaches and tools, and preserve class homogeneity in terms of professional backgrounds and management levels to facilitate constructive dialogue and solution finding approach.

Optimizing task-analysis instruction: Effects of descriptions and pictures of antecedent stimuli and outcomes.

Little research has examined specific instructional variables that influence the development and effectiveness of task-analysis instruction. We conducted two experiments using text-based task analyses to teach college students to create single-subject reversal design graphs. In Experiment 1, we tested the effects of presenting antecedent and outcome stimuli on graphing performance (accuracy, yield, time to completion). Different groups of participants experienced graphing tutorials with descriptions and pictures of (a) responses; (b) antecedent stimuli and responses; (c) responses and outcomes of correct responses; and (d) antecedent stimuli, responses, and outcomes. In Experiment 2, we compared tutorials with and without pictures. Collectively, the results suggest that graphing accuracy was positively affected by task analyses that included pictures and descriptions of antecedent stimuli and that adding outcome stimuli further benefited graphing accuracy. These results suggest critical instructional elements that should be included in future task analyses of graphing or other complex behavior chains.

Multidisciplinary patient-centered approach to the management of skin cancer.

In recent years, new approaches for optimal patient management of cancer have focused on patient-centered care, with integration of tumour-directed treatment and patient-directed supportive and palliative care throughout the disease journey from prevention through screening, diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up. In 2022, at the International Forum of Dermatology (IFD), a scientific session was entirely dedicated to highlight recent developments on patient-centered approaches in skin cancer. An international panel of different groups of participants involved in a patient's journey on the management of skin cancer presented and discussed challenges and barriers that persist in the field of skin cancer prevention and care pathways. Although primary prevention remains a crucial step in the prevention of melanoma, the different surveys performed during the last 20 years demonstrate that the use of sunscreen increases very slowly. Secondary prevention that includes skin screening and diagnostic measures may benefit from the development of digital tools. To improve adherence, patients need accurate, reliable information about their disease and the treatment options, and this type of content that can also be made available on digital tools. Shared decision-making is a hallmark of a patient-centered approach and requires health care providers who can communicate well to patients and their families, underscoring the pivotal role of health care professionals all through the patient journey. Health care providers have a crucial role in supporting patients through their journey in skin cancer. They will benefit from mobile apps and technologies that have been developed recently to address challenges in skin cancer prevention, detection and care, including those that are primarily directed to the patient. However, more peer-reviewed studies are needed as well as regulations to ensure that apps are accurate, reliable, and up to date.

Current perception and barriers to implementing lung ultrasound in Canadian neonatal intensive care units: a national survey.

Despite the growing body of literature supporting the use of point-of-care lung ultrasound (POC-LU) in neonates, its adoption in Canadian neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) remains limited. This study aimed to identify healthcare providers' perceptions and barriers to implementing POC-LU in Canadian NICUs. We conducted an electronic survey targeting neonatologists, neonatal fellows, neonatal nurse practitioners, and registered respiratory therapists in 20 Canadian NICUs. The survey comprised a 28-item questionnaire divided into four sections: (1) participants' demographics and availability of POC-LU equipment, (2) experience and interest in POC-LU learning, (3) perception of POC-LU as a diagnostic tool, and (4) barriers to POC-LU implementation in NICUs.A total of 194 participants completed the survey, with neonatologists comprising the majority (45%). Nearly half of the participants (48%) reported prior experience with POC-LU. The most prevalent indications for POC-LU use were diagnosis of pleural effusion (90%), pneumothorax (87%), and respiratory distress syndrome (76%). Participants identified the primary barrier to POC-LU adoption as the lack of trained providers available for both training and clinical integration. Notably, most respondents (87%) expressed keen interest in learning neonatal POC-LU. A subgroup analysis based on the responses collected from NICU-directors of 12 institutions yielded results consistent with those of the overall participant pool. Conclusion: This survey underscores the perceived importance of POC-LU among NICU healthcare providers. A Canadian consensus is required to facilitate the development of widespread training programs as well as standardized clinical practice guideline for its implementation. What is Known: • In recent years, point-of-care lung ultrasound (POC-LU) has emerged as an important tool in neonatology, revolutionizing the assessment and management of critically ill infants. However, its adoption in Canadian Neonatal Intensive Care Units remains limited. What is New: • Most Canadian healthcare providers showed high level of interest in learning POC-LU techniques. Additionally, POC-LU was perceived as a useful tool for diagnosis and guiding intervention in various neonatal respiratory diseases. Nonetheless, the lack of expertise emerged as the primary barrier to its adoption and practice across different groups of participants regardless of their clinical experience level.

Differences in knee flexor and extensor force and kinematic variables in rural versus urban area female students in Romania.

The study aimed to identify and explain the typical differences in low-intensity high-volume resistance training (LIHV-RT) performances for major muscle groups between rural versus urban young female students to establish the relevant set of quantitative and qualitative resistance training parameters. The study sample included 46 recreational active female students at the Transilvania University of Brașov, (mean ± SD age, 20 ± 1year; body mass, 60 ± 3kg; height, 160 ± 4cm) grouped urban vs. rural. The study used modified resistance exercise machines for the hamstring- and quadricep-group muscles, equipped with a dynamometer and sensors for identifying developed forces and accelerations. A number of 368 tests were performed, representing two attempts for each subject, for knee flexion and knee extension exercises, with two different loads. For the performance analysis some variables were considered: the maximum number of repetition until failure, maximum force developed, maximum acceleration, the duration of the set and the mean time per repetition. The maximum number of repetition to failure shows a significant higher value for rural than urban in case of knee flexion (d = 0.98 [0.32, 1.54] for load 1(L1) and d = 0.65 [0.03, 1.21] for load 2(L2)) and in case of knee extension (d = 1.89 [1.11, 2.48] for L1 and d = 1.67 [0.92, 2.25] for L2). The total duration of the sets shows a significant higher value for rural than urban in case of knee flexion (d = 0.84 [0.19, 1.39] for L2) and in case of knee extension (d = 1.46 [0.74, 2.03] for L1 and d = 1.56 [0.98, 2.14] for L2). Additionally we found differences in the quality of the relevant repetitions execution and in the impulse developed during the LIHV- MNRF sets. The study's main finding was that there are differences in LIHV-RT performances knee flexion and knee extension antagonistic exercises, between rural and urban female students. We concluded that the obtained results allow teachers to understand the optimal design of RT programs for the different groups of participants, in order to adapt their teaching techniques so that their final objectives are achieved, insisting on particular aspects of the theoretical or practical contents.

Performance of PBFT Consensus under Voting by Groups

Practical Byzantine Fault Tolerance (PBFT) is the protocol of choice for many applications that require distributed consensus between a number of participant nodes. While PBFT assumes a single voting committee, many applications recognize different groups of participants that need to reach a consensus separately before accepting a proposal. To this end, we propose to count the votes by separate groups or committees of participating nodes, instead of all together as in the original PBFT. We then investigate the performance impact of this approach on the mean time to accept a data block and the number of nodes involved in making the final decision. Our results indicate that the proposed solutions impose a slight performance penalty which may be countermanded by reducing the quorum numbers needed in different subsets of the original committee.

Habits of healthy living in adults former athletes of federated competition in the modality of volleyball in the province of Jaen

The main objective of this research is to know the healthy lifestyle habits of people who participated in federated competitions in volleyball in the province of Jaén once their competitive stage has ended. Therefore, to investigate whether people who in their adolescence and youth practiced a federated competitive sport in volleyball, maintain healthy lifestyle habits, referring to diet, quality of sleep, level of physical activity practice and their physical condition, in their stage of adulthood and seniority. This research has been carried out though a descriptive, cross-sectional, single measurement (Ato et al., 2013), and interpretive research; in which former athletes responded to a questionnaire about their daily habits related to health; In addition, to know the information through self-completed surveys by those who were captains and technicians of the volleyball clubs, in order to better understand their current healthy habits. The total number of subjects studied was 199 people, of which 18 were captains and 21 were coaches. When asking people about their eating habits, the majority values correspond to the response option “good”, both in women (61.5%) and in men (48.8%). The different groups of participants in the research state that they attach great importance to eating habits, nutrition, and diet quality in their daily lives. 84.6% of women and 91.9% of men consider that their current level of physical fitness is based on the sports practice of their youth. Physical-sports practice as a healthy lifestyle habit is incorporated as a healthy lifestyle habit mostly in the former athletes and sports technicians participating in this research.

Effects of Task-Induced Involvement and Time on Task on Incidental L2 Vocabulary Acquisition

This study investigates the impact of task-induced involvement and time on task on incidental second language (L2) vocabulary acquisition. Utilizing a 3 (task-induced involvement) × 2 (time on task) × 2 (post-test time) research design, three task-induced involvement conditions were employed based on the Involvement Load Hypothesis (ILH): reading and gap-fill task, reading and sentence-making task, and reading and translation task, with corresponding involvement load (IL) indices of 2, 3, and 4, respectively. Two time-on-task conditions were implemented: uncontrolled time on task, where participants in different groups completed tasks with varied durations, and controlled time on task, where participants in different groups completed tasks with roughly equal durations. Five intact classes comprising 256 Chinese middle school students participated and were randomly assigned to one of five designed tasks aimed at learning 10 carefully selected target words. The results of a three-way repeated measures ANOVA indicate a significant three-way interaction effect among task-induced involvement, time on task, and post-test time, as well as a significant two-way interaction effect between task-induced involvement and time on task. These findings demonstrate that task-induced involvement and time on task interact to significantly influence both initial acquisition and retention of incidental L2 vocabulary. Specifically, under uncontrolled time conditions, tasks with higher ILs and longer durations yield better initial vocabulary gains and retention, partially supporting the ILH. Conversely, under controlled time conditions, tasks with lower ILs exhibit superior initial vocabulary gains and retention, contradicting the predictions of the ILH. Relevant implications are also discussed.

Co-creation process of an intervention to implement a multiparameter point-of-care testing device in a primary healthcare setting for non-communicable diseases in Peru

BackgroundPoint-of-care testing (POCT) devices are diagnostic tools that can provide quick and accurate results within minutes, making them suitable for diagnosing non-communicable diseases (NCDs). However, these devices are not widely implemented in healthcare systems and for this reason is relevant to understand the implementation process.AimTo describe the process and define a strategy to implement a multiparameter POCT device for diagnosing and managing NCDs in one region of Peru.MethodsA descriptive and non-experimental study, using the participatory methodologies of co-creation process. It was conducted in one region of Peru (Tumbes) to design an intervention for implementing a multiparameter POCT device. Two co-creation sessions were conducted involving five groups: community members, primary healthcare workers, these groups in both rural and urban settings, and regional decision-makers. These sessions included activities to understand patient journeys in receiving care for NCDs, identify facilitators and barriers to POCT devices usage, and define an implementation strategy for POCT devices in both rural and urban settings of Tumbes. The research team analysed the data and summarized key topics for discussion after each session.ResultsA total of 78 participants were enrolled across the five groups. Among community members: 22.2% had only diabetes, 24.1% had only hypertension, and 18.5% had both diagnoses. In the patient journey, community members mentioned that it took at least three days to receive a diagnosis and treatment for an NCD. Most of the participants agreed that the POCT devices would be beneficial for their communities, but they also identified some concerns. The strategy for POCT devices implementation included healthcare workers training, POCT devices must be placed in the laboratory area and must be able to perform tests for glucose, glycated haemoglobin, cholesterol, and creatinine. Advertising about POCT devices should be displayed at the healthcare centres and the municipality using billboards and flyers.ConclusionsThe co-creation process was useful to develop strategies for the implementation of multiparameter POCT devices for NCDs, involving the participation of different groups of stakeholders guided by moderators in both, rural and urban, settings in Peru.

Automated anatomical landmark detection on 3D facial images using U-NET-based deep learning algorithm.

Facial anthropometry based on 3-dimensional (3D) imaging technology, or 3D photogrammetry, has gained increasing popularity among surgeons. It outperforms direct measurement and 2-dimensional (2D) photogrammetry because of many advantages. However, a main limitation of 3D photogrammetry is the time-consuming process of manual landmark localization. To address this problem, this study developed a U-NET-based deep learning algorithm to enable automated and accurate anatomical landmark detection on 3D facial models. The main structure of the algorithm stacked 2 U-NETs. In each U-NET block, we used 3×3 convolution kernel and rectified linear unit (ReLU) as activation function. A total of 200 3D images of healthy cases, acromegaly patients, and localized scleroderma patients were captured by Vectra H1 handheld 3D camera and input for algorithm training. The algorithm was tested to detect 20 landmarks on 3D images. Percentage of correct key points (PCK) and normalized mean error (NME) were used to evaluate facial landmark detection accuracy. Among healthy cases, the average NME was 1.4 mm. The PCK reached 90% when the threshold was set to the clinically acceptable limit of 2 mm. The average NME was 2.8 and 2.2 mm among acromegaly patients and localized scleroderma patients, respectively. This study developed a deep learning algorithm for automated facial landmark detection on 3D images. The algorithm was innovatively validated in 3 different groups of participants. It achieved accurate landmark detection and improved the efficiency of 3D image analysis.

A Holistic Evaluation of BIM Implementation Barriers in the Indian Construction Industry: Pre- and Post-Adoption Perspectives

ABSTRACT The existing Building Information Modelling (BIM) research does not provide a holistic understanding of pre- and post-adoption barriers to its implementation, especially in developing countries such as India, where BIM adoption lags. First, a total of 32 barriers to BIM implementation were identified after a comprehensive literature review. Second, after discussion with experts, the barriers were classified into 23 pre- and 21 post-adoption barriers. Next, the barriers were ranked based on 218 completed survey responses from professionals working in 125 organizations in the Indian construction industry. Finally, an independent samples t-test was conducted to understand differences in the perceptions of different groups of participants. The top five pre-adoption barriers were (1) high hardware costs, (2) high software costs, (3) low adoption across the supply chain, (4) low market support, and (5) unclear benefit evaluation. In comparison, the top five post-adoption barriers were (1) high ongoing cost (license renewal, training cost, etc.), (2) shortage of skills and expertise, (3) unclear benefit evaluation, (4) client’s lack of understanding, and (5) user resistance. Moreover, clients, contractors and consultants shared different views on very few barriers, which shows that these barriers are prevalent across different types of organizations in the Indian construction industry.

Exploring Gender Stereotype Perceptions: An Eye-Tracking Study on Household Product Commercials

Gender stereotyping, characterized by oversimplified perceptions of women and men in society, engenders prejudices that significantly impact individuals’ evaluations of different genders. The media, as a potent carrier of cultural and social norms, plays a pivotal role in shaping societal views on gender stereotypes. Advertising is a prevalent form of mass media that widely appears in people’s daily lives. Commercials embed cultural and social concepts when promoting products and establishing brand images. This study measures people’s gender stereotypes while viewing advertisements, specifically focusing on household products traditionally associated with females. Different groups of participants were exposed to advertisements adopting female and male models, respectively, with an eye-tracking device employed to record and quantify gaze distribution, which reflects people’s attention. Results revealed that female and male participants exhibited a greater attention bias toward male models in the advertisements.Additionally, female participants demonstrated heightened sensitivity to male models compared to the male participants in this experiment. This attention bias suggests a noteworthy phenomenon in household product advertisements, where traditionally female-associated tasks are incongruously portrayed with male models, prompting increased viewer attention due to the perceived disparity. This research utilizes a novel eye-tracking approach, providing quantitative and precise insights into gender stereotypes within advertising. The results revealed the enduring presence of gender stereotypes in today’s society. It is crucial to advocate for a more inclusive, fair, and unbiased perspective on gender to promote societal change, and the media plays a significant role in this responsibility.

Urinary lipoarabinomannan in individuals with sputum-negative pulmonary tuberculosis.

Tuberculosis (TB) is a major global cause of ill health. Sputum microscopy for confirmation of presumptive pulmonary TB (PTB) has a reportedly low sensitivity of 22-43 per cent for single smear and up to 60 per cent under optimal conditions. National TB Elimination Programme in India recommends the use of cartridge-based nucleic acid amplification test (CBNAAT) and culture for microbiological confirmation in presumptive PTB individuals with sputum smear negative test. The use of lateral flow urine lipoarabinomannan (LF-LAM) is usually recommended for the diagnosis of TB in HIV-positive individuals with low CD4 counts or those who are seriously ill. The objective of this study was to detect urinary LAM using cage nanotechnology that does not require a physiologic or immunologic consequence of HIV infection for LAM quantification in human urine in 50 HIV-seronegative sputum smear-negative PTB individuals. To study the diagnostic value of urinary LAM in sputum smear negative PTB individuals, a cage based nanotechnology ELISA technique was used for urinary LAM in three different groups of participants. Fifty smears negative PTB clinically diagnosed, 15 smear positive PTB and 15 post TB sequel individuals. Sputum was tested by smear, CBNAAT, and culture along with urine LAM before treatment. The results were interpreted by ROC curve in comparison to the standard tests like CBNAAT and culture. The mean urinary LAM value was 0.84 ng/ml in 37 culture-positive [Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M.tb)] and 0.49 ng/ml in 13 culture-negative (M.tb) smear-negative individuals with PTB, respectively. In 47 smear-negative PTB cases with microbiologically confirmed TB by CBNAAT, the mean urinary LAM was 0.76 ng/ml. The mean urinary LAM in post-TB sequel individuals was 0.47 ng/ml. As per the receiver operating characteristic curve, cut-off value of urinary LAM in individuals with smear-negative PTB microbiologically confirmed by: (i) CBNAAT was 0.695 ng/ml and (ii) culture was 0.615 ng/ml. The findings of this study suggest that individuals with smear-negative PTB and a urinary LAM value of >0.615 ng/ml were most likely to have microbiological confirmed TB while those with a LAM value <0.615 ng/ml >0.478 ng/ml are less likely and those with a value <0.478 ng/ml are unlikely to have microbiological confirmed TB.

The transformation of spiritual consciousness in modern conditions

Relevance. The relevance of this article lies in shedding light on the changes in understanding and application of spiritual values and legal principles in contemporary society.Purpose. The aim of this research is to analyze modern trends in spiritual consciousness and identify the factors influencing its transformation. In particular, the following factors are considered: technological progress, mass culture, ecological awareness, intercultural dialogue, social movements and activism, new scientific discoveries, and philosophical ideas.Methodology. The research methodology included the following methods: analytical, systematization, and generalization.Results. The research results have shown that in the past few decades, there has been a rapid globalization in all spheres of human life. People are increasingly dependent on technologies such as the internet and social networks, which influence their modes of communication and value perception. Additionally, new ecological challenges arise, various social movements advocate for human rights, and new scientific and philosophical ideas emerge. All these factors bring about changes in the understanding and application of spiritual and legal values in modern society, reflecting its demands. The legal regulation of these changes can be a complex task, as spiritual consciousness partially pertains to individual aspects of each person's life. However, there are mechanisms that can help regulate these changes. For example, the development of educational and enlightenment programs, legislative encouragement of dialogue and participation of different groups in societal life, the development of anti-discrimination legislation, and the regulation of communication on social networks in accordance with the rights and freedoms of each citizen, among others.Conclusions. The research findings can be utilized by practicing professionals in the fields of law, cultural studies, and social work, helping them better understand how spiritual consciousness functions and what impact it has on society in the modern world.

CAN WE USE SMARTPHONES TO MONITOR ORTHOPAEDIC PATIENTS' PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES DURING THE PERIOPERATIVE PERIOD? A PROSPECTIVE OBSERVATIONAL STUDY

Smartphones are often equipped with inertial sensors capable of measuring individuals' physical activities. Their role in monitoring the patients' physical activities in telemedicine, however, needs to be explored. The main objective of this study was to explore the correlation between a participant's daily step counts and the daily step counts reported by their smartphone. This prospective observational study was conducted on patients undergoing lower limb orthopedic surgery and a group of non-patients. The data collection period was from 2 weeks before until four weeks after the surgery for the patients and two weeks for the non-patients. The participants' daily steps were recorded by physical activity trackers employed 24/7, and an application recorded the number of daily steps registered by the participants' smartphones. We compared the cross-correlation between the daily steps time-series taken from the smartphones and physical activity trackers in different groups of participants. We also employed mixed modeling to estimate the total number of steps. Overall, 1067 days of data were collected from 21 patients (11 females) and 10 non-patients (6 females). The cross-correlation coefficient between the smartphone and physical activity tracker was 0.70 [0.53–0.83]. The correlation in the non-patients was slightly higher than in the patients (0.74 [0.60–0.90] and 0.69 [0.52–0.81], respectively). Considering the ubiquity, convenience, and practicality of smartphones, the high correlation between the smartphones and the total daily step time-series highlights the potential usefulness of smartphones in detecting the change in the step counts in remote monitoring of the patient's physical activity.