Professional Interests Research Articles

Thermal indices for evaluating the impact of thermal conditions on human health: a systematic review

Abstract Background Thermal indices assess individuals’ perception of their ambient thermal surroundings (thermal comfort and heat/cold stress) considering several meteorological factors, such as temperature, humidity, wind, and radiation. As climate change progresses, there is an increased demand for accurately monitoring the association between thermal environment and human health. This study summarizes the available evidence on the association between thermal indices and health outcomes. Methods We conducted a systematic search in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science until December 31st, 2023, to identify all relevant studies examining the association between thermal indices and health outcomes in outdoor environments. Results A total of 5,034 electronic records were screened. Of these, 310 were considered eligible, examining 1,143 associations. Seventeen indices were identified, with 32 (10.3%) articles using more than one index. The most commonly employed index was Apparent Temperature (articles: n = 141, 38.2%; associations: n = 634, 55.5%). The specific-cause health outcomes examined spanned 18 categories of the International Classification of Diseases. Most associations (n = 304, 26.6%) pertained to mortality/morbidity related to diseases of the circulatory system, followed by all-cause morbidity/mortality (n = 288, 25.2%). The 48.6% (n = 556) of the associations suggested an increased risk of adverse health outcomes when indices increased while 32.5% (n = 372) of the associations were non-significant. The 14.2% (n = 162) of the associations suggested an increased risk of adverse outcomes when indices decreased while 16% (n = 183) of the associations were non-significant. Conclusions The relevant literature revealed associations between thermal indices and health outcomes. Therefore, thermal indices, considering several meteorological variables, could be a useful tool for public health planning. However, there is diversity in their methodologies and reporting. Key messages • Summarizing the published evidence regarding thermal indices is expected to attract the interest of public health professionals and policy makers, and enhance their use. • Implementing integrated methods to monitor the association between thermal conditions and health, including using thermal indices, could be valuable for developing and evaluating policies.

Protocolizing social prescribing in mental health and addiction services: barriers and opportunities

Abstract Issue Social Prescribing (SP) is a structured approach where health professionals recommend community activities to enhance well-being. Starting in Catalonia in 2012, it expanded to the entire primary care network by 2016. By 2023, 23,338 patients received SP, showing a 2.3-fold increase from 2022. Two-thirds experienced improvement in mental well-being. Now, efforts focus on applying SP to mental health and addiction services (MHAS), where SP can be used for restoring health and well-being. Description A literature review was conducted and a working group was initiated with MHAS professionals was initiated to exchange experiences and identify needs and best practices. This was done in preparation for designing a pilot experience, which will include a qualitative study through focus groups to validate the action plan and determine barriers and facilitators in MHAS. The groups will be segmented into MHAS users and frontline professionals. Results The results of the review process and the working group sessions demonstrated that SP can be useful and beneficial for the health MHAS users. However, barriers and opportunities were identified. The main barriers detected include: the need for strong support during referrals to community activities; increased awareness of addiction among activity providers to reduce stigmatization; define inclusion and exclusion criteria; determining monitoring and evaluation tools; and mapping and updating community assets. Regarding opportunities, the following were highligthed: the interest of MHAS professionals in promoting and implementing a SP program in this area; the existence of organizations already conducting community activities focused MHAS users; and political prioritization of this issue. Lessons The implementation of a SP program protocol in MHAS is considered beneficial. It is necessary to analyse barriers to effectively address them and to identify opportunities to leverage them. Key messages • Social Prescribing has significantly enhanced mental health outcomes in Primary Care, which can imply a potential improvement in well-being of mental health and addiction services users. • Implementing Social Prescribing in mental health and addiction services offers promising integrated care opportunities, requiring barriers resolution and maximizing existing prospects.

Drug-resistant epilepsy cases in chromosomal pathology

Two cases of epilepsy in patients with a rare hereditary pathology associated with a chromosomal mutation caused deletion of chromosome 14 are presented. In the first case, this pathology was manifested in the child by generalized tonic-clonic seizures, delayed psycho-verbal development, and facial skull microanomaly. In the second case, it was expressed in tonic epileptic seizures, delayed psycho-verbal development, developmental microanomalies, pyramidal atactic syndrome and hand joint hypermobility. Such clinical observations are of professional and scientific interest, as they relate to a rare neurological pathology, with drug-resistant epilepsy as a leading sign.

U.S. students learning Czech in study abroad: motivational dynamics

Abstract While study-abroad students generally prefer destinations where the local language relates to their personal, academic, or professional pursuits, the Czech Republic ranks as the 25th most popular destination for U.S. study abroad, signalling an interest in exploring beyond traditional language choices. This study addresses the gap in the literature on learning a less commonly taught language in the study abroad setting, which is unrelated to the student’s major fields of study (Czech). Over thirteen weeks, data were gathered through a qualitative methodology involving initial questionnaires, learner diaries, and semi-structured interviews with a sample of five students. Drawing on the L2 Motivational Self System (L2MSS), the research underscores the impact of the L2 learning experience and the construct of the ideal L2 self on motivation. Findings revealed a general increase in motivation for learning Czech throughout the semester, accompanied by a decline in the ideal Czech self by the end and an indicative enhancement in the ideal multilingual self-concept. This study additionally emphasizes the vital role of mandatory language courses in augmenting motivation, particularly when aligned with learners’ objectives. These insights broaden the understanding of motivational dynamics in acquiring languages other than English (LOTEs), highlighting the necessity for continued exploration of the multilingual motivational self-system within study-abroad contexts.

MyMS: An Interface for Patient-Reported Outcomes for Finnish Individuals With Multiple Sclerosis.

Patient-generated data are a cornerstone of individualized multiple sclerosis (MS) treatment. MyMS, an interface for patient-reported outcomes (PROs) was developed by the Finnish MS Register to enable systematic collection of PROs. MyMS collects data on demographics, lifestyle factors, disease-related factors, and validated questionnaires, including the Quality of Life Questionnaire (15D), the Multiple Sclerosis Impact Scale (MSIS-29), and the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS). At the end of 2020, the patient-reported Expanded Disability Status Scale (PREDSS), the EuroQOL-5 Dimension (EQ-5D), the Fatigue Scale for Motor and Cognitive Functions (FSMC), and the Multiple Sclerosis Neuropsychological Questionnaire (MSNQ) were added. As of January 1, 2023, 1201 individuals with MS (79% female) have added data to MyMS. Of the validated PRO measures (PROMs), the 15D, MSIS-29, and FSS are the most used. The mean PREDSS score is 3.0 and median disease duration is 6.4 years. According to the existing PROMs, patients report mildly compromised quality of life and problems with fatigue and cognition. The patient interface of the Finnish MS Register consists of data from 17 of 21 counties with well-being services. The interface is used by 10% of Finnish individuals with MS. The addition of the PREDSS, EQ-5D, FSMC, and MSNQ to the interface has increased health care professional and patient interest in the use of PROMs. We suggest that PROs should be integrated into electronic health records to improve shared decision-making and diminish documentation burden.

Long COVID in Children: A Call for Paying More Attention

Long COVID in pediatric patients has lately attracted the interest of healthcare professionals and researchers around. Children, although typically less susceptible to severe sickness caused by the virus, can still have enduring symptoms such as weariness, impaired concentration, and respiratory problems long after their first infection. Acknowledging and dealing with these persistent consequences is essential to guaranteeing the general health and welfare of pediatric patients. Healthcare practitioners need to dedicate more focus to the phenomena of Long COVID in children, undertaking additional research to comprehend its frequency, risk factors, and best therapies. By enhancing knowledge and executing customized interventions for those impacted, we can more effectively facilitate the process of recovery and enhance results for this susceptible group.

Assessment of the Relationship Between Music Students' Self‐Efficacy, Academic Performance and Their Artificial Intelligence Readiness

ABSTRACTIn recent years, the intersection of self‐efficacy and technological readiness has become increasingly relevant in educational research, particularly within specialised fields like music education. Understanding how these factors interplay can offer valuable insights into enhancing educational practices and fostering academic achievement among music students. This study investigates the relationship between music students' self‐efficacy, academic performance and artificial intelligence (AI) readiness within the context of Chinese Music education. Adopting a random sampling method, the researchers distributed questionnaires to 1082 Chinese music students to assess their self‐efficacy, academic performance and AI readiness. Utilising SPSS (version 27) and AMOS (version 24) for data analysis, the researchers explored the statistical relationships among these variables. The findings indicate that a significant 63% of variations in students' academic performance can be explained by the combined influence of self‐efficacy and AI readiness. This highlights a strong relationship between these factors and students' overall success in their professional pursuits. Specifically, students' self‐efficacy uniquely predicts 52% of changes in academic performance, emphasising the importance of self‐belief in academic achievement, whereas their AI readiness uniquely predicts 60% of changes in academic performance, showcasing the critical role of technological fluency in driving academic success. These results provide valuable insights into the interconnected dynamics of self‐efficacy, academic performance and AI readiness among Chinese music students. The study underscores the significance of confidence, technological proficiency and their impact on students' educational trajectories, offering implications for enhancing educational practices and fostering student success in the context of music education.

Associations between eating habits and mental health among adolescents in five nordic countries: a cross-sectional survey

BackgroundThe role of eating habits in adolescent mental health has become a growing area of interest for researchers and health professionals. Recent studies suggest that healthy eating habits may play a role in the development and management of mental health. However, existing literature is largely based on clinical populations, and comparisons are challenged by sociocultural differences and methodological issues. The aim of the present study was to use nationally representative data based on standardized procedures, to explore associations between adolescents eating habits and mental health, considering the importance of age, gender, socioeconomic factors, and country.MethodsThe study was based on data from Nordic adolescents (age 11, 13 and 15 years) who participated in the 2017/2018 Health Behavior in School-aged Children (HBSC) study (n = 22384). General linear modelling and multigroup regression analysis were used to examine the relationship between food habits (intake of fruit, vegetables, sweets, soft drinks), meal habits (intake of breakfast and having family meals together), and mental health (life satisfaction and subjective health complaints). The analyses were weighted and adjusted for age, gender, socio-economic status, and country.ResultsOverall, healthier eating habits were associated with better mental health. The strongest associations were found between meal habits (breakfast consumption and having family meals together) and mental health. Gender and country differences were seen, with weaker associations found among Danish boys.ConclusionEating habits should be considered when promoting mental health in the adolescent population. While gender differences and cross-country variations exist, even minor enhancements in eating behaviors could yield meaningful benefits.

History of Educational Migration in Georgia: From Ancient Times to the Soviet Period

Aim. The problem of “brain drain” is currently very relevant for Georgia. It is a fact that, despite the country’s low economic development, the number of people wishing to obtain higher education abroad has grown rapidly. This process often leads to permanent migration thus reducing the intellectual and labour potential of the country. Our goal was to find out whether this event also took place in Georgia in the historical past and how our ancestors managed it. Methods. The present work is based on historical documents, some of which were found by the author in the personal archives of Georgian scientists. Results. The research has revealed that educational migration is not new to Georgia. For thousands of years it has been both organised and unorganised in nature. It has been established that still in early 1900s, educational migration was studied in Georgia under the leadership of Prof. Ivane Javakhishvili. This allowed us to identify the geographical area and professional interests of those who went to study abroad. Conclusion. It was also established that against the backdrop of incessant wars that continued for hundreds of years, educational migration has contributed to the preservation of a more or less stable regime of social and cultural development of the country.

Crossing the disciplines - a starter toolkit for researchers who wish to explore early Irish literature

The inspiration behind this paper came from both authors’ long-term collaboration with our friend and colleague, Professor Ralph Kenna. This connection emerged initially through his interest in Rathcroghan and in our paper, ‘Exploring the Nature of the Fráoch Saga’, which we concluded with the statement that we believed it ‘presents a case that will hopefully ignite conversation between disciplines’. This led us to consider the potential value for researchers of compiling a template list of useful and reliable sources and resources to consult, in other words a type of starter toolkit or guide for any individual from an alternative discipline or background, who might possess, or, in time, develop a personal or professional interest in Early Ireland and Early Irish literature. In doing this, we decided for ease of illustration, to take the example of the location name Rathcroghan/Cruachan Aí, (the prehistoric Royal Site of Connacht in the west of Ireland and the place that we both work in and interact with on a daily basis), as a case study in order to demonstrate an initial methodological approach to not only the types of resources and information available, but also to highlight some potential pitfalls that may arise in the course of an investigation.

Transforming Educator Growth: Professional Development at Tribhuvan University

Professional development is an inevitable facet of our life. The study aimed to explore the teachers’ professional development at Tribhuvan University. To achieve the objective, I used explanatory sequential design under mixed-methods research. The data were collected from 30 teachers of a constituent campus of TU using a set of questionnaires as a research tool. The findings reveal that more than 55% teachers strongly agreed with the importance of academic degrees for better classroom performance. Less than half of them were satisfied with their reading, and writing position. Similarly, many teachers (93%) were not satisfied with their research position. More than 90% teachers have published general articles, but only 10% teachers published their academic books. Many teachers come to the classroom with full preparation; they talk to their colleagues about their issues and professional pursuits, support one another in taking professional actions, and insist on taking professional actions with the campus administration. Different strategies such as reading and writing, achieving a higher degree, doing action and mini-research, writing articles and books, attending workshops and seminars, networking, and self-monitoring are the key strategies for their professional development. The present study can be equally beneficial not only to university teachers but also for to the teachers who wish to develop their teaching career in one hand and writers, researchers and trainers on the other.

Exploring the impact of stuttering simulation-based learning and personality traits on clinical self-efficacy and professional interest among speech-language pathology students.

Research suggests that participating in a stuttering simulation-based learning (SBL) program could help speech-language pathology (SLP) students feel more at ease, less nervous and more capable while interacting with people who stutter. Personality traits may influence SLP students' self-efficacy beliefs as well as their level of interest in working with clients who stutter. In particular, we suggest that the combination of low neuroticism and high extraversion, previously linked with a more outgoing, emotionally stable and social personality, may enhance self-efficacy. To examine the impact of participating in a stuttering SBL program on clinical self-efficacy (CSE) in managing stuttering therapy among SLP students, as well as its influence on their interest in working with fluency disorders and their associations with personality dimensions. The study also evaluated satisfaction with the SBL experience. SLP students (n = 49) underwent a fluency disorders academic course, self-reported on CSE, and had an interest in working in the field of stuttering and NEO-Five-Factor Inventory (NEO-FFI). Post-stuttering SBL program participation, CSE and level of interest in practice of stuttering were reassessed. Satisfaction with the simulation was also gauged. Students interested in working with fluency disorders scored lower in neuroticism and higher in extraversion than their uninterested counterparts. Before the SBL activity, interest ratings were negatively correlated with neuroticism and positively correlated with extraversion. Pre-SBL neuroticism was negatively correlated with CSE. Following the SBL activity, increased CSE and interest in working with fluency disorders were evident, indicating robust and medium effects of the simulation on those indices, respectively. Post-SBL neuroticism was also negatively correlated with CSE. Overall, participants reported high satisfaction with the SBL experience. The study suggests SBL is an effective tool for enhancing motivation to work with fluency disorders. Consideration of personality traits and professional interests in designing educational interventions for SLP students, along with tailoring approaches to individual differences, may enhance learning outcomes. The study also highlights the need to differentiate between CSE and objectively assessed clinical competence and the fact that professional development is influenced by various factors. Nonetheless, the positive correlations between personality traits, CSE and satisfaction emphasize the potential of SBL programs in shaping not only clinical skills but also the attitudes and preferences of future SLPs. What is already known on this subject SLPs in the field of stuttering therapy reportedly experience low levels of comfort and professional confidence, possibly due to insufficient clinical experience. According to earlier research, taking part in SBL programs may elevate the CSE of SLP students and help them feel more confident about treating people with stuttering. What this study adds to the existing knowledge In addition to showing the beneficial effects of an SBL activity on SLP students' self-efficacy and interest in working in stuttering therapy, our research shows a significant relationship between personality traits and CSE. Specifically, the combination of high extraversion and low neuroticism was found to be associated with higher CSE and higher levels of satisfaction from the SBL. What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this work? The study shows that SBL is an effective tool for enhancing motivation to work with fluency disorders. Overall, students who exhibit high extraversion and low neuroticism show higher levels of CSE, greater motivation in stuttering treatment, and higher levels of SBL stratification. Development of future SBL activities and other educational interventions should take into consideration such personality traits, to enhance learning outcomes.

Exploring General Practitioners' Management of Self-Harm in Young People: A Qualitative Study.

General practitioners (GPs) are key to the frontline assessment and treatment of young people after self-harm. Young people value GP-led self-harm care, but little is known about how GPs manage young people after self-harm. This study aimed to understand the approaches of GPs to self-harm in young people and explore their perspectives on ways they might help young people avoid repeat self-harm. We conducted semi-structured interviews with GPs from the National Health Service in England in 2021. GPs were recruited from four geographically spread clinical research networks and a professional special interest group. Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. The study's patient and public involvement and community of practice groups supported participant recruitment and data analysis. Fifteen interviews were undertaken with a mean age of participants being 41 years and a breadth of experience in practice ranging from 1 to 22 years. Four themes were generated: GPs' understanding of self-harm; approaches to managing self-harm; impact of COVID-19 on consultations about self-harm; and ways to avoid future self-harm. Negative attitudes towards self-harm within clinical settings are well documented, but GPs said they took self-harm seriously, listened to young people, sought specialist support when concerned and described appropriate ways to help young people avoid self-harm. GPs felt that relationship-based care is an important element of self-harm care but feared remote consultations for self-harm may impede on this. There is a need for brief GP-led interventions to reduce repeat self-harm in young people. A study advisory group consisting of young people aged 16-25 years with personal experience of self-harm and parents and carers of young people who have self-harmed designed the recruitment poster of this study, informed its topic guide and contributed to its findings.

1592P Awareness and interest of oncology professionals in sex and gender differences in cancer risk and outcome: Analysis of an ESMO Gender Medicine Task Force survey

1592P Awareness and interest of oncology professionals in sex and gender differences in cancer risk and outcome: Analysis of an ESMO Gender Medicine Task Force survey

Determinant of undergraduates’ academic performance: a case study at a public university in Seremban Campus

Achieving academic success is important for every student's well-being and ability to contribute meaningfully to the educational institution. College students who succeed academically are more likely to transition successfully into adulthood and achieve success in their professional and financial pursuits. Academic success significantly influences individuals' actions and their relationships with peers and family members. Thus, this research aims to identify the factors influencing the academic success of undergraduate students at UiTM Seremban 3. The analysis revealed that most students came from families with a monthly income averaging RM4850, predominantly from B40 households, accounting for 50.79% of the sample. Additionally, females constitute the predominant gender among the undergraduate population. Furthermore, the application of logistic regression showed a significant association (p-value=0.000) between family income, particularly within the B40 category, and academic achievement, as measured by the Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA). In summary, the respondents expressed a satisfactory level of overall satisfaction regarding the determinants of academic performance among undergraduates. The study successfully achieved its objectives, as demonstrated by the model's fitness and the significant factors influencing academic performance.

Patient satisfaction with nursing triage care in hospital emergency departments: Scoping review

IntroductionPerceived quality of patient care is essential in healthcare, particularly in hospital emergency departments (EDs), where the triage process, performed by nurses, is fundamental yet under-researched. The aim is to explore patient satisfaction in triage, identify improvement opportunities, and provide guidance for future research to enhance ED care. MethodologyA scoping review was conducted across databases including PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus, Cochrane, Joanna Briggs, Google, and Google Scholar. Empirical articles from January 2014 to December 2023 were selected, excluding non-face-to-face triage, pediatrics, and aspects not related to nursing care. ResultsSix studies were included, demonstrating a high level of patient satisfaction with triage, especially regarding nurses’ skills and professional competence, courtesy, respect, interest, and empathy. However, pain management and confidence in treatment scored lower. Patient satisfaction was related to age, gender, reason for consultation, and perception of nurses’ professional competence. DiscussionSimilar opinions were observed regarding areas for improvement in care and nurses’ skills in triage. The need for qualitative research and more rigorous sampling methods was highlighted. ConclusionsNurse training and education in triage are crucial for patient satisfaction. Further research is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of nursing interventions in triage and address remaining challenges.

Psychosocial stress and working conditions of nursing home staff in Covid-19 pandemic: A cross-sectional study

Psychosocial stress and working conditions of nursing home staff in Covid-19 pandemic: A cross-sectional study Abstract: Background: With the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic in March 2020 there were numerous changes in the daily professional lives of healthcare professionals. Aim: Since the focus has been mainly on hospital staff so far, it is also important to watch the care situation in old people's and nursing homes. This study aimed to investigate the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the daily professional life, the psychosocial situation and the interpersonal relationships of nursing staff in old people's and nursing homes in Brandenburg. Methods: Cross-sectional survey of nursing staff from old people's and nursing homes in Brandenburg in the period from August to December 2020. The questionnaires were analysed using descriptive statistics and qualitative thematic analysis. Results: On the one hand, the increased workload with more difficult working conditions due to Covid-19 hygiene measures or increased working hours led to physical and psychosocial stress. In private life, increased social isolation was evident and changes in interpersonal relationships were stressful. On the other hand, the participants reported recognition and increased professional political interest. Conclusions: The Covid 19 pandemic highlighted pre-existing pressures on caregivers. In the future, it is important to improve the known workloads for nursing staff in old people's and nursing homes and to work out measures to counteract an increase of stress in situations like the pandemic.

Library and Bibliographic Classifications of Art Literature in the Documents of the M.I. Fabrikant Archive

The professional art history interests of professor M.I. Fabrikant (1887—1966) in the field of book studies, bibliography, library and museum studies are reflected in the documents of his personal archive in the Department of Rare Books and Manuscripts of the Scientific Library of the Lomonosov Moscow State University. Based on his extensive experience, the scientist drafted in the 1920s a scientific classification of art literature. In addition, working in the 1930s in the scientific libraries of major Moscow museums (the Pushkin State Museum of Fine Arts, the State Tretyakov Gallery), he drafted the structures of branch catalogues. M.I. Fabrikant also participated as a consultant in the development of projects for the organisation of departments and catalogues in the new building of the Lenin State Library of the USSR in 1936.

Information needs of students and the problem of their satisfaction in higher school

The higher school forms reading, social, and professional interests of the students. The investigation of students' information needs enables better service to readers, improves the promotion of books, enhances reference and bibliographic work, and creates optimal methods in information skills training. The article analyzes students' information needs, ways of satisfying these needs, readers' attitudes towards library resources, and the use of information opportunities in universities in Ukraine, Moscow, Vilnius, and other higher education institutions in our country. Based on students' interests, purposes of their activities, and work in scientific and social circles, six types of students were identified. By connecting these types with the students' information culture formation program, it is possible to develop the structure of students' information needs. The article provides suggestions for training information users. On one hand, it helps to meet students' information needs, and on the other, it trains creative information users and creators of new information.

A probational experiment on directing citizens of Vilnius to libraries and its preliminary results

A series of experiments on directing town people to libraries was carried out under the program of sociological-psychological research on the theme "The role of libraries in developing and satisfying professional and spiritual interests of young workers." Between October 1, 1981, and December 31, 1981, a test experiment was carried out in 23 departments of the Vilnius Central Library and its branches. Its purpose was to ascertain the importance of a newspaper announcement in the form of an invitation/information in directing young workers and other categories of readers to libraries. The total data accumulated over the experimental and pre-experimental control period (1980) covered 3,263 working days, 10,372 new readers (of whom 2,112 were workers), and 143,157 visits to the library. The preliminary results of the analysis of the general tendencies in the development of these processes have shown that the announcement had a practical impact in the communication system "Newspaper - reader - library." The announcement had particularly enhanced the dynamics of these processes: over the period of the experiment, the direction of workers to libraries increased by 8.49 percent, the number of new readers by 16.99 percent, and the number of visits to the library by 15.77 percent, as compared with the pre-experimental control period. Besides, the experiment has tested in practice and confirmed the correctness of the methodological conception underlying it as well as its technological model.