Readiness For Participation Research Articles

Субъектность горожан: понятие и его операционализация

The research is relevant because it explores a new phenomenon – city dwellers’ agency – and introduces it in the thesaurus of social psychology of the city. The aim of the research is to formulate the concept of “city dweller’s agency” and to conduct its operationalization. Hypothesis: There is a connection between an individual’s internal sense of responsibility for positive urban changes and their attitudes towards city dwellers’ engagement across various platforms including online, discussions, and physical actions. Participants: 324 respondents aged from 18 to 75 years (M = 43, SD = 18) living in Moscow (49% women and 51% men). Methods (tools): The study employed several methodologies, including “Readiness for Active Participation in the Life of the City” (T .P. Emelyanova, T. V. Drobysheva, E. N. Vikent'eva, S. V. Tarasov) to identify attitudes towards active participation in the public life of the city, “Attribution of City Dwellers’ Responsibility” (T. V. Drobysheva) to analyze how the responsibility for urban conditions is manifested. Additionally, a questionnaire collected the socio-demographic data from the respondents. Results: The concept of “city dwellers’ agency” was formulated based on theoretical analysis. Key indicators (activity, responsibility) and empirical referents (manifestations of activity and responsibility of city dwellers) were identified. Selected methods underwent their primary psychometric verification, revealing issues that effectively demonstrate city dwellers’ internal sense of responsibility and various forms of engagement in the urban environment aimed at improving the quality of urban life. The research also revealed a correla tion between the indicators of the internal sense of responsibility of city dwellers who participated in urban community service and their readiness to engage in public life. Main Conclusions: City dwellers’ agency refers to an individual’s capacity to assume responsibility for urban conditions and to direct their activity to transform the urban environment in order to improve conditions for urban living. It has been empirically confirmed that taking responsibility for urban conditions correlates with respondents’ willingness to directly participate in community service and discuss urban life problems with other residents. Practical Significance: The results can aid municipal employees in developing programs to actively involve the population in urban improvement efforts.

SiteRx AI‐Enabled Clinical Intelligence Platform Delivers Superior Amyloid PET Conversion in Early Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) Trial

AbstractBackgroundAccurate participant selection is pivotal for the success of Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) clinical trials, particularly in studies requiring confirmation of amyloid plaque presence via PET scans. SiteRx’s AI platform, InclusionAI, enabled 2.7x higher amyloid PET pass rates1 compared to other sources, delivering a significant enrollment contribution to an ongoing Phase 1 study in Early AD (the “Study”).MethodSiteRx democratizes access to clinical research via the largest neuro focused real world data network in the US. The SiteRx AI‐enabled process leverages structured and unstructured data from longitudinal health records and relevant data against trial inclusion/exclusion criteria to match candidates to trials. The SiteRx platform captures clinical insights and detailed recruitment funnel conversion across screening activities, including amyloid PET. This research compares outcomes between the SiteRx platform and all other study recruitment sources, including site databases and central advertising campaigns.ResultSiteRx patients demonstrated an amyloid PET pass rate of 64%, significantly exceeding the 23% pass rate from other sources—a testament to the predictive power of SiteRx AI‐enabled clinical intelligence. This effectiveness translated to savings of approximately $16,200 per patient in PET scan costs, amounting to over $3 million for the patients screened to date. Additionally, 85% of SiteRx’s PET‐eligible patients progressed to randomization, reflecting a higher readiness and suitability for trial participation compared to 66% from all other sources. The cumulative benefits of SiteRx have contributed more than a full Study cohort of randomizations.ConclusionSiteRx InclusionAI platform underscores a scalable and economically potent approach to AD clinical research recruitment. Access to longitudinal medical records and other relevant data such as previous brain imaging, cognitive inventory exams (e.g. MMSE, MoCA), current medications, documented ICD codes and formal AD diagnoses drive superior amyloid PET pass rates. This data showcases how targeted, data‐driven recruitment strategies can profoundly impact AD recruitment quality, efficiency and speed for clinical trial sponsors.

Evaluation of Return to Military Activities after Combining Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction with Modified Lateral Extra-articular Tenodesis Versus Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Alone in Primary Anterior Cruciate Ligament Tear in Soldiers. A Randomized Comparative Study

Abstract Background: This study aimed to assess the clinical result, complications, failure rate, and return to resuming military duty of a single-stage anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) procedure utilizing quadrupled semitendinosus tendon graft joint with modified lateral extra-articular tenodesis (LET). This study evaluates the potential impact of combined modified LET with ACLR versus ACLR alone on the rate of return to high-impact military activities, which we call return to sports (RTSs), and the subsequent rate of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) graft failure. Materials and Methods: A total of 198 soldiers with primary ACL tears with a high-grade pivot test (grade 3) were included and randomized using the simple randomized method and divided into two groups. A consecutive cohort of military personnel with an isolated ACL tear undergoing ACLR with modified LET (group A, n = 116) and ACLR alone (group B, n = 82) were analyzed between 2016 and 2021. Both groups were followed up for a minimum of 2 years. Soldiers underwent a survey evaluating knee function (knee injury and osteoarthritis outcome score [KOOS]), RTS criteria (RTS type), symptoms (International Knee Documentation Committee [IKDC] subjective), activity level (Tegner score), and fear of movement (Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia-11) to assess psychological readiness for sport participation. Results: Among these, a mean age of 32 ± 2.93 years underwent primary ACLR with modified LET (n = 116) or without LET (n = 82) procedure. A total of 31 soldiers (15.6%) experienced ACL graft failure, including 26 (31.7%) reconstructions without LET and 5 (4.3%) with LET. Combined with LET during primary ACLR, it lowered the risk of graft failure by 2.8 times. Multivariable analysis revealed a significant reduction in graft rupture risk (relative risk = 0.325, P = 0.029) associated with LET compared to ACLR alone after adjusting for age, anthropometric factors, and tibial slopes. 105 out of 113 (90.5%) soldiers were able to return to military duty in group A (combined ACLR with modified LET), whereas 51 of 81 (62.9%) of the soldiers who underwent ACLR alone (group B) returned to military duty (P = 0.05). Conclusion: At 24 months postoperatively, combined ACLR plus LET showed a significantly higher RTS rate than ACLR alone. The combined ACLR with the modified LET group also showed a lower failure rate than the ACLR alone group. No marked differences were observed in KOOS sub-scores, IKDCsubjective, and Tegner activity scores.

Management of physical culture and sports in the territorial communities of Ukraine

The article examines the essence and necessity of managing physical culture and sports in the territorial communities of Ukraine. It is emphasized that in the conditions of territorial communities, the role of ma naging physical culture and sports takes on a new dimension. Scientific opinions on the understanding of physical culture and sports are considered. It was determined that the modern market socio-economic system of Ukraine contributes to the formation and development of key aspects of the market of physical culture and sports services. It is highlighted that the field of physical culture and sports serves as an indicator of the quality of life of an individual, social groups and society in general. The state of its activity helps to identify types of social inequality and to some extent can overcome certain types of inequality, thereby improving the quality of life of a significant number of people. It has been established that the management of physical culture and sports in the territorial communities of Ukraine is a key factor for the social, economic and cultural development of the country, covers various spheres of public life and has a great impact on the general state of society. It is noted that the important aspects of physical culture and sports management at the local level are: physical activity and sports are the basis of a healthy lifestyle; sport unites citizens of different age groups, social classes and cultures; sport is an effective tool for developing youth potential; developed sports infrastructure attracts tourists and contributes to the development of the service sector; sport develops discipline, dedication and team spirit; active participation in physical exercises and sports events contributes to the formation of civic culture, increases the level of patriotism and readiness for active participation in public life. It has been proven that the management of physical culture and sports in territorial communities is a strategically important task for ensuring the sustainable development of society, improving the quality of life of citizens, and preserving national health. The creation of a favorable environment for physical activity, the development of sports infrastructure and the support of sports initiatives contribute to the preservation and strengthening of the health of citizens, social integration and the formation of a unified national identity.

Before hitting the slopes: athlete and staff perspectives on warm-up and activation in high-performance snowsports

To explore warm-up and activation (W&A) practices in high-performance snowsports to describe their importance, application and potential improvements based on the perspectives of elite-level athletes and staff members. Qualitative study...

Pathways to belonging in the transition to school: the perspectives of children

ABSTRACT This article presents the perspectives of children on the topic of belonging in school in connection with the transition to school. The study is based primarily on pictures drawn by children who have just entered the school system. We asked children to draw pictures of what makes school a place where a new pupil feel they belong – especially if they are new and struggling a little. Our specific focus is on belonging as a significant resiliency factor. The study was undertaken in Denmark and based on 32 drawings and eight observational video recordings. We applied a qualitative content analysis. Using the process of drawing is a meaningful methodical approach when children are asked what it takes to feel they belong in school. The results and analysis of the drawings show that the focus of the children is child communities, friendships with other children and play – and they link this to spaces and places. Two things are absent from this focus: the school and adults. Two of the striking elements when asking children about this matter is that they display a great readiness for participation as well as inclusion of newcomers in their child communities.

Social phobia and evasiveness: trial protocol for a randomized controlled feasibility and superiority trial of the effect of Modified Collaborative Assessment vs. standard assessment on patients’ readiness for psychotherapy (CO-ASSM-RCT)

BackgroundEvasive personality disorder (AvPD) and social phobia (SP) have substantial costs for patients and their families and great economic costs to the society. While psychotherapy can be an efficacious treatment, many patients drop out during treatment. Increased knowledge on how to decrease dropout from psychotherapy is warranted, including how to increase a patient’s readiness for psychotherapy.MethodsWe describe a randomized controlled feasibility and superiority trial of 42 individuals with a clinical diagnosis of either SP or AvPD, who are to initiate psychotherapeutic treatment in Danish outpatient mental health services. They will be randomized in a 1:1 ratio to either assessment-as-usual and receive no further assessment or to a Modified Collaborative Assessment (MCA) provided as a pre-treatment intervention before psychotherapy initiation. MCA will include a battery of psychological tests designed to thoroughly assess the patients’ psychopathology. The tests are administered in collaboration with the patient, including detailed oral and written feedback. We hypothesize that the intervention is feasible regarding patient’s acceptance and adherence. We further hypothesize that patients randomized to MCA will reach higher levels of readiness for psychotherapy as assessed with the University of Rhode Island Change Assessment Scale (URICA).DiscussionThis protocol assesses the feasibility, efficacy, acceptability, and safety of an intervention aimed at changing the readiness for participation in psychotherapy of patients with SP and AvPD. Results from this feasibility study could guide the development of future large-scale trials of MCA and procedures for MCA treatment fidelity assessment.Trial registrationNCT2021001.

Activity of Muscovites in the Urban Environment: The Role of the Responsibility Factor

The article examines the role of responsibility of residents of a metropolis as a resource for their social activity aimed at ensuring the well-being of the urban environment. This problem is investigated by the authors on the example of Moscow residents. The study involved Muscovites (N = 359) aged 18-75 living in different administrative districts of the city. The following methods were used: questionnaires composed by the authors to identify the type of responsibility of the citizens and their readiness for active participation in the life of the city; value orientation technique by E.B. Fantalova; and set of questions about socio-demographic characteristics of the respondents. The first stage consisted in (1) dividing the respondents into three groups according to different levels of responsibility; (2) determining the direction of responsibility in these groups; (3) identifying the relationship between value orientations and indicators of responsibility; and (4) describing the readiness of the respondents with different levels of responsibility to take an active part in the life of their city. At the second stage, based on the data of regression analysis, the authors show the role of responsibility as a predictor of the activity of the respondents to improve living conditions in their city. It is found that the levels of responsibility for what is happening in their city in the three groups of the respondents differ mainly in the severity of their internal/external judgments or their pessimistic/optimistic moods regarding belief in their own strengths, willingness of other people to support initiatives, and positive/negative expectations of changes in urban life, subject to the active participation of all citizens in any transformations or events. Based on the results of the age analysis of the sample, it is concluded that young people are poorly represented in the group with a high level of responsibility. Prospects for further research are also outlined.

Students’ Participation In The Socio-Cultural Development Of The City: Socio-Cultural Agency Issues (International Research Perspectives)

The article tackles the issue of youth agency, understood as the desire and ability of young people to engage in the socio-cultural development of their cities of choice for pursuing higher education. This contribution tries to clarify factors to be considered in analyzing youth agency in an international perspective. It is based on an internationally conducted survey, in 2020, among students in regional centers from Russia, Armenia, Poland and Romania (target sample No =1272). Across their different socio-cultural backgrounds and context of living and studying, young people share similarities regarding their readiness to get involved in projects of territorial development but also display significant distinctive features to be considered in international comparisons. The cross-countrycomparison highlighted the existence of four models of agency. Russian youth is characterized mainlyby an "escapist" model of agency, with a low level of readiness for social participation and a lack of experience in such activities. Two models dominate in Armenia: "active" with a high level of readinessand real involvement, as well as the model of "potential development". In Poland, the level of socialparticipation among students is much higher than in other countries, but it is predominantly passive. Romanian students demonstrate an actualized "active" model of socio-cultural agency. At the same time, the potential for its development is low. These findings help explain the variations in students’ readiness to participate in urban socio-cultural development projects.

Assessment of organizational readiness for participatory occupational safety, health and well-being programs

BACKGROUND: Organizational readiness for change measures were reviewed to develop an assessment tool for guiding implementation of an occupational safety and health program based on Total Worker Health (TWH) principles. Considerable conceptual ambiguity in the theoretical and empirical peer-reviewed literature was revealed. OBJECTIVE: Develop and validate an assessment tool that organizations can use to prepare for implementation of a participatory TWH program. METHODS: Inclusion criteria identified 29 relevant publications. Analysis revealed eight key organizational characteristics and predictors of successful organizational change. A conceptual framework was created that subject matter experts used to generate prospective survey items. Items were revised after pretesting with 10 cognitive interviews with upper-level management and pilot-tested in five healthcare organizations. Reliability of the domain subscales were tested based on Cronbach’s α. RESULTS: The Organizational Readiness Tool (ORT) showed adequate psychometric properties and specificity in these eight domains: 1) Current safety/health/well-being programs; 2) Current organizational approaches to safety/health/well-being; 3) Resources available for safety/health/well-being; 4) Resources and readiness for change initiatives to improve safety/health/well-being; 5) Resources and readiness for use of teams in programmatic initiatives; 6) Teamwork; 7) Resources and readiness for employee participation; and 8) Management communication about safety/health/well-being. Acceptable ranges of internal consistency statistics for the domain subscales were observed. CONCLUSIONS: A conceptual model of organizational readiness for change guided development of the Organizational Readiness Tool (ORT), a survey instrument designed to provide actionable guidance for implementing a participatory TWH program. Initial internal consistency was demonstrated following administration at multiple organizations prior to implementation of a participatory Total Worker Health® program.

Testing Photovoltaic Power Plants for Participation in General Primary Frequency Control under Various Topology and Operating Conditions

The energy transition is accompanied by developing a digital decentralized low-carbon energy infrastructure with renewable-based generating plants as its main elements. In 2020, 15 photovoltaic power plants (PVPs) with an installed capacity of 364 MW were commissioned in Russia, which is 21.08% of the total installed PVP capacity of Russia. The findings of an analysis of Russia’s current regulatory and technical documents (RTD) concerning the frequency and active power flow control are presented. They indicate that all PVPs must participate in the general primary frequency control (GPFC). This requirement is due to large frequency deviations of transient processes resulting from an emergency active power shortage, which can shut down frequency-maintaining generating plants by relay or process protection devices and industrial consumers with significant damage to them. The requirements suggest full-scale tests of PVP to confirm their readiness for participation in GPFC. The program and results of checking the algorithm of change in the PVP active power, depending on frequency, are demonstrated with an example of one PVP. The full-scale tests confirmed the compliance of the certified PVP with this requirement. The plans for involving PVPs in the power flow control under various topology and operation conditions are considered.

An Investigation into Undergraduate Students’ Readiness for Intercultural Written Communication in a Foreign Language

Employees’ ability to interact with international business partners in writing determines the success of their work, but difficulties conducting business correspondence in a foreign language complicate this process. The study aims to assess undergraduate students’ readiness for participation in intercultural written communication in a foreign language. The initial research data included the English language proficiency level for 169 undergraduate economics and management students and a list of difficulties performing written assignments. The study determined the degree of students’ awareness of how to write a business letter and readiness to conduct intercultural written communication. The level of the readiness was divided into high (8.88%), medium (66.27%), and low (24.85%). Such levels are enough for development of the students’ writing skills.

Sermons to Address Obesity in Partnership With African American and Latino Churches

Sermons to Address Obesity in Partnership With African American and Latino Churches

Meaning-in-Life Profiles among Chinese Late Adolescents: Associations with Readiness for Political Participation.

This study explored the association between meaning in life and readiness for political participation based on meaning-in-life profiles among Chinese late adolescents. A total of 1030 college students (mean age = 19.69 ± 1.47 years) in Hong Kong participated in this study. First, we used a cluster analysis to investigate meaning-in-life profiles based on two dimensions: “presence of meaning” and “search for meaning”. Furthermore, we investigated the association between meaning profiles and readiness for political participation. Results revealed three distinguishable profiles, which emerged in both male and female adolescents. Students with “high-presence” and “high-search” attributes and students with “low-presence” and “high-search” characteristics showed greater readiness to engage in normative and non-normative political actions than did those with a “high-presence” and “low-search” profile. Our research fills the research gap on meaning profiles in Asian adolescents and provides the empirical basis for an alternative account of youth political participation.

Digital and informatics competencies: Requirements for nursing leaders in Canada.

The use of health information technologies continues to grow, especially with the increase in virtual care in response to COVID-19. As the largest health professional group in Canada, nurses are key stakeholders and their active engagement is essential for the meaningful adoption and use of digital health technologies to support patient care. Nurse leaders in particular are uniquely positioned to inform key technology decisions; therefore, enhancing their informatics capacity is paramount to the success of digital health initiatives and investments. The purpose of this commentary is to reflect on current projects relevant to the development of informatics competencies for nurse leaders in the Canadian context and offer our perspectives on ways to enhance current and future nurse leaders' readiness for participation in digital health initiatives. Addressing the digital health knowledge and abilities of nurse leaders will improve their capacity to champion and lead transformative health system changes through digital innovation.

Advanced training enhances readiness to return to sport after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

Patients with anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) are often psychologically and physically under-prepared for sports participation. This study compared readiness to return to sport based on completion of advanced training after ACLR. Patients with ACLR who self-selected participation in a 6-week group-format advanced training program (TRAINING) were compared to age- and sex-matched patients who did not participate (NoTRAINING). Each group had 23 participants (14 females). Advanced training consisted of plyometric, strengthening, and agility exercises. Baseline and follow-up testing included psychological measures (Anterior Cruciate Ligament Return to Sport after Injury [ACL-RSI]; Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia [TSK-11]; Knee Activity Self-Efficacy [KASE]; and fear intensity for the primary fear-evoking task or situation) and a hop test battery. Return to sport criteria were ACL-RSI score ≥70 points and limb symmetry index ≥90% on all hop tests. At follow-up, KASE score was higher in TRAINING than NoTRAINING (92.7 vs. 89.1 points; respectively), but ACL-RSI, TSK-11 and fear intensity scores were not significantly different between groups. Return to sport criteria passing rate was not significantly different between groups at baseline (TRAINING: 13%, NoTRAINING: 30%) or follow-up (TRAINING: 52%, NoTRAINING: 43%); however, the distribution of criteria met at follow-up differed with more patients in TRAINING than NoTRAINING meeting hop test criteria (30% vs. 4%, respectively) and more patients in NoTRAINING than TRAINING failing to meet any criteria (25% vs. 0%, respectively). Advanced training after ACLR facilitated readiness for sport participation by improving confidence and hop performance, but may not have a preferential effect on fear.

Readiness of individuals with visual impairments for participation in distance education

Individuals with visual impairments (VI) may face difficulties fitting in a distance education (DE) program mainly because of accessibility issues and a pervading lack of readiness. The main question was which difficulties and, specifically, which specific aspects of participants’ readiness could jeopardize their attendance in a DE program. The aims of this study were to examine the readiness of individuals with VI for participation in DE and the possible relationships between participants’ readiness for participation and their personal characteristics. A 42-item questionnaire has been developed to examine readiness for participation through five sub-scales referring to motivation, skills, self-management, interaction, and access to technological means (including means of assistive technology). The findings revealed a slightly positive degree of readiness as far as participants’ motivation, perception of their skills, and self-management are concerned and an approximate neutral degree of readiness regarding the aspects of interaction and access to technological means in the context of a DE program. The greater the educational level and the frequency of computer usage, the more positive the readiness for participation.

Designing Educational Objectives in the Aspect of Innovative Activities of the Motor Transport Profile

The implementation of innovation development strategies is a prerequisite for the effective functioning of modern transport complex enterprises. The need for innovation activities, formed in the sphere of profile production, actualizes the orientation of the educational process of the university on the formation of the graduates’ readiness for active participation in industrial innovation activities. The multidimensional nature of innovation activities causes the application of interdisciplinary and competence approaches as a methodological basis for the design of educational goals. The student’s understanding of their own professional identity is a prerequisite to achieve effective preparation for core innovation activities. The pedagogical potential of projective teaching, on the basis of the generalized structural composition of the innovation process, corresponds to the productive implementation of the innovation-oriented educational process of the engineering profile.

Pedagogical support of initiative and independence of preschool children in motor activity: from model to practice

Abstract. The authors consider necessary to foster preschool children’s leadership and independence in their motion activity. They give scientific substantiation to the structural-functional model of pedagogical support for the development of initiative and independence of preschool children in motion activity. The effectiveness of its implementation in stimulating children’s activity is proved. Relevance. Children’s physical capabilities are limited not only by age, but also by individual differences. This requires teachers to be able to maintain diversе and off-standard manifestations in motion activity, to provide variable forms of initiative and independence support. Problem: determination of the content and implementation algorithm of pedagogical support for children’s initiative and independence in motion activity. Purpose: to develop and substantiate scientifically the model of pedagogical support for initiative and independence of preschool children in motion activity. Tasks: to reveal the level of children’s readiness for initiative and independent participation in motion activity. Research Materials and Methods. The study involved 106 children aged 5-7 years. The methods of analysis, research results summary, modeling, observation, step quantity monitoring, Student’s T-distribution were used. Results and Discussion. Pedagogical support of children’s initiative in motion activity was built on the basis of a functional-structural model developed as a result of the analysis of modern research and innovative experience. The given model included such clusters as conceptual-target, content, activity and criterion-evaluative. Summary and Conclusion. The implementation of the pedagogical support model has provided a significant increase in the indicators of preschool children’s initiative and independence in motion activity. The optimization of boys’ and girls’ daily motion activity has been achieved.

Medical interns; the neglected learners of the maternity ward learning environment.

BACKGROUND:Clinical training during internship is an important part of medical education. The maternity ward is a clinical environment in which medical students pass their obstetrics and gynecology internship to obtain competencies in this field. The present study was conducted to explain medical interns' manner of learning in the maternity ward.MATERIAL AND METHODS:The present study was conducted using a qualitative approach with the inductive content analysis method. This study observed the maternity wards of teaching hospitals affiliated to medical sciences universities of Isfahan and Shahrekord. Data were collected through observation and semi-structured individual interviews.RESULTS:Two main categories and seven subcategories emerged from the analysis of the data. Inadequate participation in learning opportunities included the following three subcategories: the incongruousness of the learning opportunities with the educational goals, inadequate readiness for participation in learning opportunities, and the overlap between learning opportunities and diminished autonomous practice. Inadequate formal and structured education included the following four subcategories: inadequate learning support and direction, subordinate roles and aimless presence, the pale educational role played by the attendants and senior residents, and learning through the support of midwifery educators.CONCLUSION:Participation in and access to learning opportunities in the maternity ward are very difficult for interns. Interns, therefore, need to attend the maternity ward by a structured program and in the company of training supervisors or competent educators to obtain the required competencies in pregnancy and childbirth.