Evaluation Plan Research Articles

An energy-conserving dose summation method for dose accumulation in radiotherapy.

Radiation therapy often requires the accumulation of doses from multiple treatment fractions or courses for plan evaluation and treatment response assessment. However, due to underlying mass changes, the accumulated dose may not accurately reflect the total deposited energy, leading to potential inaccuracies in characterizing the treatment input. This study introduces an energy-conserving dose summation method to calculate the total dose in scenarios where patients experience changes in body mass during treatment. The proposed method transfers dose and mass data from dosimetry images, where the delivered doses were calculated, to a reference image using an energy and mass-conserving dose reconstruction technique. The reconstructed dose assumes the same resolution and dimension as the reference image. The transferred masses are averaged at each image voxel in the reference image to generate an average mass. The transferred doses are then adjusted by multiplying by the ratio of their transferred mass to the average mass, and subsequently summed to calculate a mass-weighted (MW) total dose at each voxel. This method is demonstrated with a case of lung cancer retreatment. The MW total dose was shown to be equivalent to the total deposited energy divided by the average mass. In the lung cancer retreatment case, the energy derived from the MW total dose was consistent with the sum of energy transferred from two treatments across all evaluated organs. The MW dose summation method can produce a total dose that accurately reflects the total energy deposited in each organ. The consistency may provide a robust foundation for verifying dose accumulations in adaptive radiotherapy.

Fundamentals of emergency care support: a blended learning model to improve emergency and trauma care in a low-income country.

The burden of time-sensitive illnesses that require emergency care, such as heart diseases, respiratory tract infections, and road traffic injuries, is the leading cause of premature deaths. The healthcare providers of the emergency care system lack the essential knowledge and skills across different healthcare levels in our country. In this paper, we aim to describe the development and initial implementation of a blended learning curriculum for teaching and training non-EM-trained physicians working in the emergency departments of our country. We used a previously articulated curriculum designed by Patricia Thomas and David Kern. The model included general and specific need assessment, defining goals and objectives, selecting teaching and learning strategies, and implementation and evaluation plans. Based on the need assessment, a module-based blended learning model has been designed with well-defined goals and objectives covering knowledge and skills. This ten-week module-based course focuses on four areas of critically emergent conditions, i.e., trauma, shock, difficulty in breathing, and altered mental status. Evaluation will be made by comparing the pre and post-test scores of the participants. We have developed a blended course to teach non-EM-trained physicians working in the ED of our country. We hope that through this blended learning model, we will be able to adequately train our physicians working in the emergency department without any formal training in EM, which will lead to improved patient care and outcomes.

Optimizing Surgical Outcomes: A Case Series on BREAST-V for Treating Breast Asymmetries.

Breast asymmetry occurs when there is a discrepancy in the shape, volume, or positioning of the breasts. Various factors, including unequal development of breast buds, endocrine disorders, chest wall deformities, and surgical or posttraumatic sequelae, can contribute to this condition. Although breast asymmetry is common, clinically severe cases are rare and often require surgical correction because of potential postural, aesthetic, and psychological issues. Accurate assessment of the breast volume is crucial for planning and evaluating surgical interventions. This prospective, non-randomized, interventional study was conducted between 2019 and 2024 at the Breast Reconstruction Section of the Federal University of São Paulo, Brazil. Forty patients with breast asymmetry were evaluated using the BREAST-V, which calculates the breast volume based on three linear measurements. Patients underwent various surgical procedures, including augmentation, reduction mammoplasty, and mastopexy, tailored to their specific type of asymmetry. Preoperative and postoperative breast volumes were compared to assess the effectiveness of surgical correction RESULTS: The study included 40 participants, with an average age of 25.2 years. The mean preoperative breast volumes were 469.6g (right) and 448.8g (left). The postoperative volumes decreased to 338.3g (right) and 331.1g (left), showing an average reduction in asymmetry of 72.9%. The minimal clinically important difference (MCID) for pre-treatment asymmetry was 65.4g. The BREAST-V tool has significant potential for the objective assessment of breast asymmetry. Reliable volumetric measurements can aid in surgical planning and postoperative evaluation, ultimately enhancing the clinical outcomes. This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

INNV-26. FEASIBILITY EVALUATION OF TUMOR TREATING FIELDS (TTFIELDS) THERAPY FOR BRAINSTEM GLIOMAS

Abstract BACKGROUND Tumor Treating Fields (TTFields) therapy is a novel anti-mitotic therapy that is FDA-approved for use in patients with newly diagnosed and recurrent glioblastoma (GBM). However, TTFields therapy is currently only approved for supratentorial GBM, and the feasibility of TTFields therapy for treating infratentorial GBM remains unknown. TTFields values of average local minimum power density (LMiPD) >1.15 mW/cm3 and local minimum field intensity (LMiFI) >1.06 V/cm, were associated with improved OS and PFS based on a posthoc analysis of the EF-14 study. This is a dosimetric planning evaluation of the feasibility of TTFields therapy for brainstem gliomas. METHODS MRIs of patients with brainstem gliomas were used for this dosimetric evaluation, with planning conducted using MAXPOINT (Novocure, Switzerland). Gross tumor volume (GTV) for TTFields planning was defined as enhancing tumor on T1 post contrast MRI. Clinical target volume (CTV) was defined as GTV expanded by a 3 mm margin around sum total of resection cavity, necrotic core, and enhancing tumor. LMiPD and LMiFI to the GTV and CTV were evaluated. RESULTS A total of 5 patients with brainstem gliomas were included in this study. The median GTV volume was 8.2 cc (range: 3.8 – 13.5 cc), and median CTV volume was 18.6 cc (range: 9.1 – 23.4 cc). The median LMiPD for GTV and CTV were 1.9 (range: 1.1 – 2) and 1.9 (range: 1-2.1) mW/cm3, respectively. The median LMiFI for GTV and CTV were 1.3 (range: 1.1-1.6) and 1.2 (range: 1.1-1.6) V/cm, respectively. CONCLUSION LMiPD and LMiFI values for brainstem gliomas achieved levels that are consistent with those associated with improved OS and PFS in posthoc analyses in supratentorial GBM. This dosimetric planning study suggests feasibility and theoretical benefit of TTFields for brainstem gliomas. Further clinical evaluation is warranted to validate its efficacy.

Probabilistic Linguistic TODIM Method with Probabilistic Linguistic Entropy Weight and Hamming Distance for Teaching Reform Plan Evaluation

In the context of the construction of new liberal arts, the integration and intersection of disciplines have become a new trend in the development of higher education. How to promote the teaching reform of big data technology and application courses in the new liberal arts construction scenario has become an important issue in enhancing students’ digital talent literacy and social adaptability. In this study, an extended probabilistic linguistic TODIM (an acronym in Portuguese for interactive multi-criteria decision making) with probabilistic linguistic entropy weight and Hamming distance is presented for teaching reform plan evaluation for the core course “big data technology and applications” in the digital economy major. Firstly, probabilistic linguistic entropy weight, based on the entropy of the additive linguistic term set, is applied to generate weight information. Secondly, parameter sensitivity analysis is carried out to prove the stabilization and effectiveness of the extended TODIM approach. Thirdly, this extended approach can integrate the psychological factors and cognitive behaviors of decision-makers for effectively responding to education management in the new liberal arts construction scenario. Finally, a case study on teaching reform plan evaluation is carried out, and a comparative analysis with different criteria weights and different methods is conducted to verify the extended approach. The results indicate that the extended approach can provide an effective technical tool for scientific decision-making, especially in the teaching reform plan evaluation scenario in order to promote high-quality development of education.

A Conformance Variation Approach for Ex-Post Master Plan Evaluation: Unveiling Urban Realities in Indian Million-Plus Cities

Land use plans, a crucial component of statutory master plans, are often deemed failures. To test this hypothesis, an ex-post evaluation of seven master plans from five Indian million-plus cities was conducted using percentage implementation (PI) and conformance variation (CV) as evaluation factors to ascertain variation between proposed and subsequent existing land uses. Contrary to master plans, a significant difference in CV was observed among land uses after performing analysis of variance (ANOVA) across all master plans and land use categories. Post hoc tests revealed that residential, governmental/public and semi-public, industrial, and overall developed/urbanized areas grew relatively as expected compared to recreational use.

Developing a question prompt tool to prevent and manage early cardiovascular disease after hypertensive pregnancy: qualitative interviews with women and clinicians

BackgroundPersons (henceforth, women) who have hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) are at risk of premature cardiovascular disease (CVD). While largely preventable through lifestyle management, many women and clinicians are unaware of the risk. Based on prior research, we developed a question prompt tool (QPT) on preventing and managing CVD after HDP. The purpose of this study was to refine QPT design.MethodsWe recruited Canadian women who had HDP and clinicians who might care for them using multiple strategies, conducted telephone interviews with consenting participants, and used qualitative description and inductive content analysis to derive themes.ResultsWe interviewed 21 women who varied in HDP type, CVD status, years since HDP pregnancy, age, geography and ethno-cultural group; and 21 clinicians who varied in specialty (midwife, nurse practitioner, family physician, internist, obstetrician, cardiologist), geography and years in practice. Participating women and clinicians agreed on needed improvements: more instructions, lay and gender-neutral language, links to additional information, more space for answers, graphic appeal, and both print and electronic format. Both groups identified similar barriers: clinicians lack time/willingness, and low language/health literacy and access to technology among women; enablers: translated, credible source/endorser, culturally relevant, organized by health trajectory stages; and likely benefits: raise awareness, empower women, encourage them to adopt healthy lifestyle. Women desired exposure to the QPT before or during pregnancy, while clinicians recommended waiting until postpartum to avoid overwhelming women. Similarly, most women said the QPT should be available through multiple avenues to empower them for health self-advocacy, while clinicians thought they should introduce the QPT to women, and decide when and which questions to address. To mitigate reluctance, clinicians recommended self-directed educational materials accompany the QPT.ConclusionsWe will use this information to refine QPT design and plan for future evaluation. If found to be effective and widely disseminated, the QPT could improve awareness and communication about this issue, and may reduce CVD risk in many women who have hypertensive pregnancies. Ongoing research is needed to more fully understand how QPTs support patient-clinician communication, and how to alert and prime both patients and clinicians to use QPTs.

Design and evaluation of comprehensive rehabilitation plan for functional recovery of tennis players’ knee joint injuries

Design and evaluation of comprehensive rehabilitation plan for functional recovery of tennis players’ knee joint injuries

Optimizing quality and cost in remanufacturing under uncertainty

AbstractIn the context of growing sustainability demands, businesses are increasingly adapting their production practices by integrating remanufacturing. However, companies often face challenges in profitably implementing remanufacturing due to complexities arising from uncertainties in processes, product quality, and market conditions. This highlights the need for effective decision support in remanufacturing processes. Addressing this challenge, our research introduces an algorithm designed to identify cost-efficient process plans that optimize order fulfillment while considering a company’s specific capabilities and inventory levels. By modeling the remanufacturing planning process as a Markov process, our algorithm comprehensively accounts for both process-related and quality-related uncertainties. This approach enables the evaluation of all Pareto optimal process plans in terms of cost efficiency and reliability. We validate our methodology through a real-world application in the automation industry, specifically focusing on the remanufacturing of variable speed drives. This case study demonstrates the practical relevance of our approach and a potential for significant cost reductions, enhanced process efficiency, and improved labor productivity. Overall, businesses gain critical insights into the financial prospects of their remanufacturing efforts, identifying opportunities for optimization and expansion into new product quality categories. This enhances their economic potential and aligns with consumer preferences for distinct product qualities.

Qualitative evaluation and corrective planning for centrifugal pump maintenance at Soekarno-Hatta airport

This study focuses on enhancing the maintenance processes of centrifugal pumps at Soekarno-Hatta Airport’s Water Treatment Unit in Indonesia, crucial for meeting the clean water needs of the airport, which served around 19.8 million passengers in 2022. Using a qualitative methodology, the research involved focus group discussions with the unit’s operators, technicians, and engineers to pinpoint maintenance challenges and devise solutions. Key findings reveal issues such as insufficient routine maintenance, unplanned repairs, and inadequate staffing, leading to operational disruptions and pump failures. The study highlights the role of Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) in reducing machine breakdowns and improving efficiency. It emphasizes the critical role of centrifugal pumps in the airport’s water supply system. The research proposes several corrective measures, adhering to the 5W + 1H framework, including regular lubrication, bearing replacements, hiring more staff, and advanced training on PLC systems. These actions aim to rectify immediate maintenance problems and establish a foundation for the long-term effectiveness of the pump systems. Conclusively, the study underscores the need for a comprehensive maintenance strategy that aligns with standard operating procedures and preventive maintenance. This approach is essential for boosting the operational performance and reliability of the Water Treatment Unit. It has broader implications for similar infrastructure facilities, underscoring the importance of efficient maintenance management.

Beyond a constant proton relative biological effectiveness: A survey of clinical and research perspectives among proton institutions in Europe and the United States.

Although proton relative biological effectiveness (RBE) depends on factors like linear energy transfer (LET), tissue properties, dose, and biological endpoint, a constant RBE of 1.1 is recommended in clinical practice. This study surveys proton institutions to explore activities using functionalities beyond a constant proton RBE. Research versions of RayStation integrate functionalities considering variable proton RBE, LET, proton track-ends, and dirty dose. A survey of 19 institutions in Europe and the United States, with these functionalities available, investigated clinical adoption and research prospects using a 25-question online questionnaire. Of the 16 institutions that responded (84% response rate), 13 were clinically active. These clinical institutions prescribe RBE=1.1 but also employ planning strategies centered around special beam arrangements to address potentially enhanced RBE effects in serially structured organs at risk (OARs). Clinical plan evaluation encompassed beam angles/spot position (69%), dose-averaged LET (LETd) (46%), and variable RBE distributions (38%). High ratings (discrete scale: 1-5) were reported for the research functionalities using linear LETd-RBE models, LETd, track-end frequency and dirty dose (averages: 4.0-4.8), while LQ-based phenomenological RBE models dependent on LETd scored lower for optimization (average: 2.2) but congruent for evaluation (average: 4.1). The institutions preferred LET reported as LETd (94%), computed in unit-density water (56%), for all protons (63%), and lean toward LETd-based phenomenological RBE models for clinical use (>50%). Proton institutions recognize RBE variability but adhere to a constant RBE while actively mitigating potential enhancements, particularly in serially structured OARs. Research efforts focus on planning techniques that utilize functionalities beyond a constant RBE, emphasizing standardized LET and RBE calculations to facilitate their adoption in clinical practice and improve clinical data collection. LETd calculated in unit-density water for all protons as input to adaptable phenomenological RBE models was the most suggested approach, aligning with predominant clinical LET and variable RBE reporting.

Telemedicine ultrasound assessment for placenta accreta spectrum: Utility and interobserver reliability of asynchronous remote imaging review.

Management of patients with placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) by trained multidisciplinary teams is associated with improved outcomes. Ultrasound can predict intraoperative risks, but expert ultrasound imaging of PAS is often limited. Telemedicine is used increasingly in obstetrics, permitting expert consultation when essential resources are not available locally. Our objective was to evaluate the feasibility of teleconsultation using standardized ultrasound image acquisition and reporting, and to correlate prognosis with intraoperative findings in patients at risk for PAS. A total of 12 PAS imaging experts (teleconsultants) were selected to asynchronously review deidentified standardized grayscale and color Doppler ultrasound images for five patients who had completed treatment for PAS, resulting in 60 individual teleconsultations. All patients were managed at a center using standardized imaging acquisition and intraoperative topographic classification to individualize surgical management. Teleconsultants reported the predicted topographic classification and recommended a surgical approach based on the topographic classification algorithm. Prognoses were compared with that reported by the local sonologist and with intraoperative findings. In all five patients, local sonologist prognosis and antenatal topographic classification was confirmed during surgery and the final surgical approach matched that which was recommended preoperatively. Teleconsultant antenatal evaluation and management plans matched those of the local team in 71.7% of the cases. When reports differed, PAS severity was overestimated in nine reviews (16.9%) and was underestimated in six reviews (11.3%). Remote imaging teleconsultation provides accurate prenatal staging in most patients at risk for PAS. Teleconsultation is a feasible strategy to improve prenatal imaging, management planning, and guidance for local teams in settings with limited healthcare resources.

Framework for Analysis of Queueing Systems with Correlated Arrival Processes and Simultaneous Service of a Restricted Number of Customers in Scenarios with an Infinite Buffer and Retrials

In this paper, we create a framework for the uniform algorithmic analysis of queueing systems with the Markov arrival process and the simultaneous service of a restricted number of customers, described by a multidimensional Markov chain. This chain behaves as the finite-state quasi-death process between successive service-beginning epochs, with jumps occurring at these epochs. Such a description of the service process generalizes many known mechanisms of restricted resource sharing and is well suited for describing various future mechanisms. Scenarios involving customers who cannot enter service upon arrival, access via waiting in an infinite buffer, and access via retrials are considered. We compare the generators of the multidimensional Markov chains describing the operation of queueing systems with a buffer and with retrials and show that the sufficient conditions for the ergodicity of these systems coincide. The computation of the stationary distributions of these chains is briefly discussed. The results can be used for performance evaluation and capacity planning of various queueing models with the Markov arrival process and a variety of different service mechanisms that provide simultaneous service to many customers.

Long-term mortality and impact of implantation-associated factors on the incidence of patient-prosthesis mismatch after transcatheter aortic valve implantation in patients with small annuli

BackgroundProsthesis-patient mismatch (PPM) is a common phenomenon after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI), especially in patients with small aortic annuli (SAA). Whether factors during implantation, such as the implantation depth, have an impact on the occurrence of PPM is currently unclear. Objectives of our study were (i) to investigate the influence of procedure planning and implantation-related factors on the occurrence of PPM and (ii) to evaluate the impact of PPM on long-term mortality after TAVI. Methods and ResultsData from 315 patients with SAA, defined as multidetector computed tomography-derived annulus area < 400 mm2, treated with transfemoral TAVI between 2014 and 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. TAVI was performed with ballon-expandable valves (BEV) in 113 and self-expanding valves (SEV) in 202 cases. PPM was defined according to VARC 3 and follow-up was obtained within 5 years after TAVI.Overall, PPM occurred in 121 patients (38.4%) and was significantly more frequent in patients treated with BEV (54.9%) than with SEV (29.2%, p<0.001). Evaluation of planning- and implantation-related factors found that deeper implantation of BEV significantly increased the risk of PPM (p=0.014), while no association was observed in SEV. Overall mortality at 3 and 5 years was 25.5% and 43.1%, respectively, without significant differences between patients with and without PPM. ConclusionPPM occurred frequently, especially after BEV implantation. In these patients, implantation depth was identified as a predictor of PPM while no association was found for SEV implantation. In addition, there was no difference in longer-term mortality between patients with and without PPM.

Towards greener freight transport networks: An integrated model for location planning and carbon regulation policy evaluation

This paper proposes a mathematical model to assist governmental planning in the transport sector by suggesting optimal locations for logistics integration centers considering intermodality, logistics costs, and carbon costs. Seven scenarios were evaluated considering the assessment of carbon-tax and carbon-cap policies. The findings showed that logistic costs are more significant than carbon costs across the network investigated. Only non-competitive conditions such as considering carbon costs alone or adopting outrageous values for the carbon tax could change this situation. If no facility were opened, the total cost would be 2.8 times higher than the baseline scenario, while intermodality would reduce the baseline emissions by up to 3.753%. Therefore, the government should prioritize greener strategies and modal shifts in addition to implementing carbon policies to ensure a more sustainable and cost-effective transportation sector.

The Improvement Plan of Natural Ventilation Performance Evaluation of Residential Buildings in Green Building Certification (G-SEED)

The Improvement Plan of Natural Ventilation Performance Evaluation of Residential Buildings in Green Building Certification (G-SEED)

Successful pilot implementation of mailing lethal means safety devices to veterans calling the Veterans Crisis Line.

Veterans are at greater risk for suicide than non-veterans; veterans who call the Veterans Crisis Line are at even higher risk. Firearms and poisoning are among the most common methods by which people die by suicide in the United States and access to those lethal means are risk factors for suicide. The United States Department of Veterans Affairs' Veterans Crisis Line conducted a six-month pilot to enhance lethal means safety counseling conversations by mailing lethal means safety devices (cable gun locks and/or medication takeback envelopes) to veteran callers. Veterans Crisis Line responders were selected based on quality assurance ratings, received training, and passed a knowledge check prior to participating. Veterans were eligible if they were calling for themselves and had access to firearms and/or surplus medications. The pilot was assessed using operational data and qualitative interviews with responders to assess their experience, barriers and facilitators, and suggestions for improvement. Responders documented 8,323 calls from 7,005 unique phone numbers; 10.8% were eligible for cable gun locks and 8.7% were eligible for medication takeback envelopes. Responders offered cable gun locks to 652 veterans and medication takeback envelopes to 522 veterans. A total of 465 cable gun locks and 567 medication takeback envelopes were mailed to 307 veterans. Operationally, there was little impact of the pilot on call handle time. Five responders participated in qualitative interviews. They reported feeling comfortable incorporating mailing devices into their work and reported that response from veterans was positive. Their most frequent suggestion for improvement was additional training. Results demonstrate that mailing these devices to veterans was feasible and acceptable. Call handle time results show that the Veterans Crisis Line would not need additional personnel to manage changes in call handle time associated with offering devices to all veteran callers. Full implementation of this program will require updates to procedures and policies, training, documentation system changes, additional logistical support for mailing, and a plan for ongoing evaluation.

Analysis of mathematical methods for describing financial flows: dynamic modeling of an innovative company

Purpose. Development of a dynamic mathematical model of an innovative company operating in accordance with Ukrainian legislation, allowing for the analysis and adjustment of its financial activities. Methodology. When developing a model and description of financial flows, a factor analysis of the necessary indicators of the financial condition of the enterprise in question was carried out, which were used in the calculations of the presented mathematical modeling. A mathematical apparatus has been developed for calculating financial indicators depending on time. Using inductive, deductive and logical methods, an analysis of the financial situation for the year was carried out. Findings. The main methods and tools for describing financial flows have been analyzed. Mathematical modeling of the innovative company is carried out, which allows analyzing the costs of the enterprise and determining the size of its free funds. The calculation of financial indicators of the enterprise, which are demonstrated in the form of tables, is performed and the dynamics is shown in charts and graphs. All calculations were made on the basis of existing Ukrainian legislation using modern information technologies. Originality. A mathematical dynamic model of changes in financial flows at the enterprise has been developed and implemented. The proposed model takes into account various items of expenses and profits in accordance with the state legislation. Calculations allow for dynamic analysis and determination of the impact of various indicators on the financial condition of the enterprise, which allows for faster adoption and implementation of decisions in managing financial flows. This dynamic model is a convenient tool for any enterprise in Ukraine. Practical value. The results that were obtained during the study can become the basis for creating the necessary digital tools for researching, analyzing and adjusting the financial flows of a particular enterprise. Now methods are available that allow analyzing and describing financial flows more accurately and forecasting their changes in the future. The methodology presented allows the creation of dynamic models that can account for complex dependencies between different indicators and forecast the behavior of financial flows in real time. The financial model allows the simulation of cash flows of planned activities and the evaluation of financial planning in advance, taking into account the conducted research. It is straightforward to use and allows the analysis of different scenarios of business development, significantly reducing the time required.

КОНДИЦІЙНЕ ТРЕНУВАННЯ КІБЕРСПОРТСМЕНІВ З ВИКОРИСТАННЯМ МОБІЛЬНИХ ДОДАТКІВ

The issue of insufficient physical activity among computer game players remains relevant. This study proposes a solution based on the comprehensive use of gaming-oriented mobile applications for the conditioning training of esports athletes. A sequential pedagogical experiment was conducted to determine the effectiveness of esports athletes applying an aerobic-focused conditioning training program (slow running). The program’s unique feature is its implementation in a remote format using mobile applications for planning, execution, control, and performance evaluation. It is based on an original concept of implementing running training in the form of a mobile running application (the so-called “exergame”) with a game-like nature (“Zombies, Run!”). The program was designed for a six-week implementation. Its effectiveness was determined by evaluating the dynamics of indicators: 1600 m run time; calculated maximal oxygen consumption (VO2 max); and heart rate (HR). Subjective attitudes towards the program’s physical loads were assessed using the Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE) scale and the Physical Activity Satisfaction Needs scale. It was found that esports athletes significantly (p&lt;0.05) improved their 1600 m run time, VO2 max, and HR indicators under the influence of the slow running program. Along with the volume and intensity increase of the running load, a decrease in RPE scale indicators was observed. The obtained data confirmed the advantages of the comprehensive use of mobile applications for normalizing the motor activity of esports athletes in the form of conditioning training. Both the remote format of planning and accounting and the game format of activities contributed to increasing the engagement of esports athletes in physical activity. The effectiveness of the slow running training program for esports athletes using mobile applications was established in terms of increasing physical activity (regular, organized physical activity), improving physical fitness (duration and volume of slow running), enhancing physical condition (VO2 max, HR), and interest in physical activity (adherence).

Lessons from a participatory community cricket breeding project in Vientiane Province, Lao PDR

Abstract Edible insect production is a key tool for sustainable development and global food security, but its social dimensions and the organisation of farming operations remain understudied. Crickets are among the most recognised edible insects for farming and offer appealing development opportunities for Lao PDR – a Southeast Asian country whose cricket farming sector has lagged behind neighbouring Thailand and which continues to experience challenging economic and food security conditions. Concerning these sustainable development and research priorities, this paper presents the case study analysis of a service evaluation of Cricket Lao Farm, which implemented a project on the distributed (off-site) production of crickets among local community members. Data collection took place from September to November 2023 and included a survey with 30 participants complemented by qualitative information from discussion groups, home visits, informal conversations, and project documentation. While small-scale farming operations ended within a year due to widespread cricket mortality of unknown cause, community-based cricket farming was in principle profitable and demonstrated strong development potential and local relevance. Furthermore, most of the community-based farmers were motivated and interested in resuming operations in the future. The analysis of this case offers important lessons for further development of the cricket farming sector in Lao PDR, highlighting the challenges of the Western social enterprise model in a development setting, the need to actively manage participation, and to develop an understanding of local community structures before commencing operations. To ensure future success, projects should include robust monitoring and evaluation plans; regular and bidirectional communication between community members and the central farm; co-development of breeding strategies, response plans, and good animal husbandry practices; and community engagement activities involving local schools.