Self-reported Performance Research Articles

Mind wandering about the beloved: self-reported distraction, task performance, and enjoyment.

Romantic love is associated with mind wandering about the beloved. We tested associations between mind wandering about the beloved and infatuation, attachment, self-reported distraction, task performance, and enjoyment. Participants who were in love completed self-report measures and a sustained attention response task with thought probes. Participants reported thinking about their beloved for 67% of the time in general and up to 42% of the time during task performance. Thinking about the beloved in general was positively associated with infatuation (passionate love) but not with attachment (companionate love). The more time participants reported thinking about their beloved in general, the more distracting they found it and the less they could withhold a response to no go stimuli. The more participants thought about their beloved during the task, the slower their responses to go stimuli were. In contrast to the negative terminology typically used to describe frequent thoughts about the beloved, such as intrusive or obsessive thinking, participants overwhelmingly enjoyed thinking about their beloved. The findings suggest that romantic love impairs cognitive task performance because people are thinking about their beloved instead, which may negatively impact performance at school and work. Nevertheless, people seem to greatly enjoy thinking about their beloved.

Imaging the translocator protein 18 kDa within cognitive control and declarative memory circuits in virally-suppressed people with HIV.

Virally-suppressed people with HIV (VS-PWH) show heterogeneity in patterns of cognitive dysfunction. To better understand the relationship between the neuroimmune response and cognition, we used positron emission tomography (PET) to image the translocator protein 18 kDa (TSPO). The study examined HIV-serostatus differences in TSPO as well as associations between regional TSPO and select cognitive processes defined using the Research Domain Criteria (RDoC) framework. Cross-sectional investigation in VS-PWH (n = 25) versus HIV-uninfected individuals (n = 18) of cognitive control and declarative memory, as well as [11C]DPA-713 PET measures of TSPO within cognitive control and declarative memory regions of interest. Group differences in [11C]DPA-713 binding (VT) in cognitive control or declarative memory regions were examined using linear mixed models. Tests of associations between factor-derived cognitive system measures and PET measures were performed, controlling for TSPO genotype. There were no group differences in any of the four factor-derived cognitive system measures. VS-PWH had higher log [11C]DPA-713 VT across cognitive control regions(unstandardized beta coefficient reflecting mean difference [B] = 0.23, SE = 0.11, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.01, 0.45, P = 0.04) and declarative memory regions (B = 0.24, SE = 0.11, 95%CI 0.02, 0.45, P = 0.03). Higher log [11C]DPA-713 VT in cognitive control regions related to poorer cognitive control in each group, and to worse self-reported cognitive performance in VS-PWH. Log [11C]DPA-713 VT in each declarative memory region did not associate with measured declarative memory. A localized neuroimmune response marked by high TSPO in brain regions that subserve cognitive control may contribute to poorer cognitive control in VS-PWH.

Unleashing potential: The impact of supervisor trust on organizational citizenship and job performance

This study investigates the complex interplay among trust in supervisors (TIS), organizational citizenship behaviours (OCB), and work performance (WP) in the workplace, aiming to determine whether trust in supervisors directly influences job performance or if this relationship is mediated by organizational citizenship behaviours. Using Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) via Smart PLS, data were collected from 215 officials through a structured questionnaire, capturing perspectives on trust in supervisors, engagement in OCB, and self-reported job performance. The results reveal that while trust in supervisors significantly fosters OCB, its direct impact on job performance is not statistically significant; however, OCB significantly enhances job performance, emphasizing its crucial mediating role. These findings highlight the importance of trust in supervisors in cultivating organizational citizenship behaviours that indirectly elevate job performance. Organizations should focus on trust-building initiatives to promote a supportive environment that encourages proactive engagement and performance excellence among employees, while future research should explore longitudinal data and diverse samples to further validate these findings.

Associations between wearable device metrics and performance status in adult patients with cancer.

427 Background: Wearable devices present a promising method for monitoring physical performance in cancer patients, potentially bridging the gap between patient experiences at home and clinical evaluations. This study assesses associations between performance status, home-based wearable device metrics, and patient-reported outcomes (PROs) among adults with cancer. (NCT03952767). Methods: This prospective cohort study enrolled 62 adults undergoing treatment for cancer, irrespective of primary site. Participants wore GENEActiv wrist accelerometer sensors (Activinsights Ltd., Kimbolton, UK) on the lumbar region and non-dominant wrist for 2 weeks, tracking gait speed and activity levels. Patients concurrently completed PRO questionnaires on physical function (PF) and fatigue (PROMIS Fatigue 7a & PROMIS Physical Function 10a). Study participants were stratified by baseline self-reported Karnofsky performance status (KPS; 100, 80-90, & ≤70). Linear regression models were used to assess associations between (1) KPS and device metrics and (2) device metrics and PROs. Covariates included age and a binary indicator for COVID period (pre/post 3/1/2020). Results: Average device wear time across the cohort was 22.2 hours/day. Significant differences in gait speed and moderate activity time were observed between the KPS≤70 group and the higher KPS groups ( Table ). Significant associations were also observed between device metrics and PROs. Each 1-hour increment moderate activity was associated with 5.5 point greater PROMIS PF score (95% CI: 3.3, 7.7; p<0.0001) and 4.6 point lower PROMIS Fatigue score (-6.7, -2.5; p<0.0001). Each 0.1 meter/sec increment in gait speed was associated with 4.6 point greater PF score (95% CI: 2.2, 7.1; p=0.0004) and 4.8 point lower Fatigue score (-6.9, -2.7; p<0.0001). Similar associations were observed between in-clinic assessments of gait speed and physical function scores. Conclusions: The associations between wearable device metrics and KPS indicate that wearable technology is both feasible and reliable for remote health monitoring in cancer patients. The associations between device metrics and PROs demonstrate that these metrics reflect patient experiences and outcomes relevant to both patients and regulatory authorities. The associations with physical function, a key PRO in the FDA’s Patient-Focused Drug Development guidance, are particularly noteworthy. Clinical trial information: NCT03952767 . Group 1(KPS 100) Group 2(KPS 80-90) Group 3(KPS ≤70) p (Group 1 vs 3) p (2 vs 3) Gait Speed (m/s) - adjusted mean, 95% CI 0.74 (0.70, 0.78) 0.72 (0.69, 0.74) 0.65 (0.60, 0.70) 0.0058 0.0210 Sedentary time (hours) 11.2 (9.8, 12.6) 10.2 (9.3, 11.0) 10.7 (9.1, 12.2) 0.5912 0.5647 Light activity (hours) 1.4 (1.0, 1.7) 1.3 (1.1, 1.5) 0.9 (0.5, 1.3) 0.0570 0.0474 Moderate activity (hours) 1.4 (1.0, 1.8) 1.2 (0.9, 1.5) 0.5 (0.0, 1.0) 0.0068 0.0159 Vigorous activity (hours) 0.1 (0.0, 0.2) 0.0 (0.0, 0.1) 0.0 (0.0, 0.1) 0.1201 0.2835

Using patient-reported performance status to guide management of advanced cancer: A quality improvement initiative.

379 Background: Performance status is a key prognostic factor among patients with advanced cancer and can inform the need for supportive care services. However, assessment and documentation of performance status is inconsistently integrated into standard oncology care. Patient-reported performance status (PRPS) is a surrogate for clinician-assessed performance status and has the potential to address this challenge. We piloted a decision support tool in our electronic health record (EHR) that uses PRPS to prompt clinician assessment of performance status and suggest referrals to supportive care services. Methods: We identified patients with advanced cancer using a pre-built and validated registry driven by ICD codes in our EHR (EPIC). For patients with advanced cancer seen at one of our clinics, a multiple-choice question with options derived from the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) scale in patient-friendly language was added to the pre-visit questionnaire sent electronically prior to oncology visits. For patients with a poor PRPS (2 or greater), a clinical decision support tool alerted providers of the patient’s self-reported performance status, encouraged input of the clinician’s ECOG assessment, and suggested referral orders to supportive care services such as palliative care, nutrition, and social work. We are currently evaluating how our PRPS-driven decision support tool impacts the rate of clinician-assessed ECOG documentation, referral rates, and clinical outcomes. Results: Between 3/13/24 and 5/13/24, of 336 patients identified by the advanced cancer registry, 70% (235) of patients completed the PRPS questionnaire. Among patients with an available PRPS score, 18% (42) of patients reported a poor performance status (2 or greater) at least once, triggering the decision support tool. Providers entered ECOG assessments for 93% (39) of patients and sent referrals to supportive care services for 10% (4) of the patients. Three patients died during this time period, and all three of them reported a poor performance status of 3 or 4. Oncologists at the clinic reported no significant disruption to routine workflow. Conclusions: Preliminary results suggest feasibility of a PRPS-driven decision support tool to flag patients with advanced cancer and declining function and improve discrete documentation of clinician-assessed performance status. Notably, the rate of referrals to supportive care services remains low. Next steps include obtaining longitudinal data from this pilot, assessing the impact of the pilot on goals of care documentation, and validating the concordance of PRPS and ECOG and their effect on clinical outcomes. Ultimately, we aim to use the resulting data and harness our dashboard of patients with advanced cancer and poor performance status to develop innovative, automated, and targeted quality improvement interventions.

Relationship between Pharmacists' Emotional Intelligence and Job Performance: A Cross-Sectional Study in Saudi Arabia.

Pharmacists' job performance is crucial for improving pharmacy services. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association of emotional intelligence with the job performance of pharmacists in Saudi Arabia. Using social media platforms, we disseminated an online questionnaire to pharmacists licensed to practice in Saudi Arabia between June and July 2022. The questionnaire was filled out by 352 pharmacists. The majority of the participants were women (60.5%) and working as community pharmacists (55.7%). On self-reported emotional intelligence and job performance scales, the respondents scored an average of 5.5 ± 0.9 (out of 7) and 4.0 ± 0.6 (out of 5), respectively. Multiple linear regression analyses revealed that emotional intelligence had a significant relationship with job performance (β = 0.43, p < 0.001). In conclusion, the findings indicated that emotional intelligence may influence the job performance of pharmacists in Saudi Arabia. As the primary objective of every organization is to accomplish the best possible performance, prioritizing emotional intelligence is important. Further research is needed to identify the impact of emotional intelligence on work performance, which could potentially enhance clinical outcomes for patients.

Student interaction with ChatGPT can promote complex critical thinking skills

BackgroundThe widespread adoption of AI-based chatbots has revolutionized the interaction between individuals and machines, providing personalized and immediate responses. Within the educational sector, students increasingly rely on ChatGPT to address academic challenges, but the consequences of this interaction on critical thinking abilities are not well understood. This study aims to explore the relationship between factors such as attitudes and trust towards AI, engagement, knowledge, and the ability to solve complex critical thinking in a sample of Italian students. MethodsTwo hundred and thirteen students completed self-report questionnaires and performance measures on the Critical Reasoning Assessment. ResultsThe results highlighted significant relationships among the variables considered, emphasizing a direct impact of attitude and trust on knowledge and engagement with AI. Furthermore, engagement proved to have a particularly significant impact on critical thinking performance compared to knowledge. ConclusionsThese findings are relevant in the educational context, suggesting that interaction with AI-based chatbots can be a valuable resource for the development of students' critical thinking skills. However, it is emphasized the importance of adopting an educational approach that fosters active engagement and in-depth understanding to promote the critical analysis of information provided by AI-based chatbots.

Composite fluorescence probe towards a smart coating for early corrosion detection of carbon steel

Herein, a composite fluorescent probe was developed as a smart indicator in acrylic resin-based coatings for the early detection of steel corrosion. The Fe3+-sensitive Rhodamine B derivative probe (Rxbxja) was synthesized, and the SiO2 nanoparticle-supported probe S-Rxbxja was prepared through the hydrolysis of tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS). The successful synthesis of S-Rxbxja was confirmed using a variety of techniques i.e. SEM and FTIR. A fluorescence microscope was utilized to assess the self-reporting performance of coatings. EIS and seawater immersion tests were employed to evaluate the corrosion resistance of the coating. The fluorescence test results revealed the absence of premature fluorescence in the composite coating, owing to the exceptional compatibility between S-Rxbxja and the coating. The scratched area in the 0.5 wt% sensor-doped coatings exhibited fluorescent and colorimetric dual-channel signals after soaking in 3.5 wt% NaCl solution for 2 h before any visible corrosion phenomenon. The EIS results demonstrated that the |Z|0.01Hz value of composite coating maintained 107 Ω cm2 even after being immersed in a 3.5 wt% NaCl solution for 7 days, indicating the excellent anti-corrosion properties of the S-Rxbxja coating. Moreover, mechanical property tests showed that the S-Rxbxja coating had excellent mechanical properties due to the introduction of SiO2 nanoparticles.

Cancer-related cognitive impairment: updates to treatment, the need for more evidence, and impact on quality of life-a narrative review.

Due to advances in early detection and treatment options, non-central nervous system (non-CNS) cancer survivors are living longer, even those with metastatic disease. Many of these survivors will experience enduring symptoms of breast cancer, such as cancer-related cognitive impairment (CRCI). Although CRCI is bothersome and, in some cases, potentially debilitating, little research has been done to address this symptom. Thus, the overarching goal of this narrative review is to provide both an overview of the problem of CRCI and its impact and focus on the latest research aimed at addressing CRCI in non-CNS cancer survivors. A MEDLINE database (PubMed) search was conducted for terms related to non-CNS cancer, cognition, impacts of CRCI, and interventions. The English-language articles published until April 8th, 2024, were included in the search. CRCI includes self-reported cognitive complaints and/or impaired performance in multiple cognitive domains, including memory, processing speed, attention, and executive function. CRCI, in turn, can have a significant impact on everyday functioning, work ability, work engagement and productivity, and overall quality of life (QoL) of cancer survivors. While some researchers have examined pharmacological approaches, the vast majority of the interventional studies to date to address CRCI has focused on non-pharmacological approaches. Three of the most common non-pharmacological approaches are physical activity or exercise, mind-body approaches [e.g., mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR)], and cognitive rehabilitative approaches [e.g., cognitive training (CT) and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)]. Addressing the cognitive health of cancer survivors is imperative but has only recently been the focus of interventional research. More research in larger and more diverse samples of non-CNS cancer survivors is needed to identify effective ways to manage CRCI for all cancer survivors. Overall, maintaining cognitive health, especially in cancer survivors who are at increased risk for deficits, is a national health care priority that should not be ignored.

Determining the Impact of Menstrual Cycle on Collegiate Athletes: Self-reported Health Issues, Sports Performance, and Willingness to Discuss Regarding Menstruation

Determining the Impact of Menstrual Cycle on Collegiate Athletes: Self-reported Health Issues, Sports Performance, and Willingness to Discuss Regarding Menstruation

Does B2B salespeople’s love of money attitude mediate the relationships between a growth mindset, a fixed mindset, grit, and job performance?

Purpose To most people, money is a motivator, which is robustly true for salespeople. A high love of money attitude predicts university students’ poor academic performance in a business course and cheating in laboratory experiments and multiple panel studies, but money (income) itself does not predict dishonesty. Extrinsic reward undermines intrinsic motivation. Very little research has incorporated the grit construct in the sales literature and explored the relationship between grit and the love of money. Further, a growth mindset and a fixed mindset may also impact salespeople’s job performance. This study aims to explore a brand-new theoretical structural equation model (SEM) and investigate the relationships between individual characteristics (growth and fixed mindsets and grit orientation) and job performance directly and indirectly through a mediator – salespeople’s love of money attitude. Design/methodology/approach This study uses Qualtrics and collects data from 330 business-to-business (B2B) salespeople across several industries in the USA. This study uses a formative SEM model to test this study’s hypotheses. Findings First, there are significant correlations among grit, a growth mindset and a fixed mindset, revealing no construct duplication or redundancy. Second, both a growth mindset and grit indirectly enhance job performance through the love of money attitude – a mediator, offering a brand-new discovery. Third, counter-intuitively, a growth mindset and grit do not directly improve job performance. Fourth, grit is significantly and negatively related to the love of money attitude, adding a new twist to this study’s theoretical model. Fifth, a fixed mindset undermines job performance directly but is unrelated to the love of money. Overall, B2B salespeople’s love of money attitude (employee demand) undermines sales personnel’s self-reported job performance (organization demand) in the organization and employee’s supply and demand exchange relationship. Originality/value The findings reveal that a growth mindset, a fixed mindset and grit contribute differently to sales personnel’s love of money attitude and job performance in this study’s theoretical model. The love of money serves as a mediator. A commonly accepted belief is that money is a motivator. Money (income) itself and the love of money attitude are two separate constructs. This study’s novel discoveries provide the essential missing monetary-aspirations-to-job-performance link in the literature – ardent monetary aspiration undermines self-reported job performance. This study offers inspiration to help decision-makers make happy, healthy and wealthy decisions and improve performance.

Mindful Awareness Related to Working Memory Capacity and Response Inhibition

Objectives: This study investigated the associations among trait mindfulness, working memory capacity (WMC), and response inhibition. Mindfulness and WMC are thought to involve goal maintenance while resolving competing responses (inhibition), and studies have indeed found associations among mindfulness, WMC, and response inhibition. However, previous studies focused primarily on behavioral inhibition and many failed to differentiate components of mindfulness (awareness and acceptance). This study examined how self-reported mindfulness (awareness and acceptance) related to performance on tasks of WMC and multiple types of response inhibition (i.e., behavioral inhibition, interference control, and cognitive inhibition). Methods: Sixty-seven undergraduate students (75% female) received extra credit for participation. Measures included the Philadelphia Mindfulness Scale (measuring awareness and acceptance), Hayling Task (cognitive inhibition), go/nogo task (behavioral inhibition), Attention Network Test (interference control), n-back task (WMC), and Automated Reading Span Task (WMC). Results: Higher self-reported awareness was related to stronger performance on two measures of WMC (r =.29; r =.32) and multiple measures of response inhibition, including behavioral inhibition (r = -.25), interference control (r = -.25), and cognitive inhibition (r = -.28); response inhibition and WMC accounted for 22% and 16% of the variance in awareness respectively. No relations were found between self-reported acceptance and cognitive performance. Conclusions: Overall, this study found that the Mindfulness component of higher awareness (but not the component of acceptance) was related to stronger WMC and response inhibition. Because Mindfulness, WMC, and response inhibition are related in unique ways to healthy functioning and wellbeing; learning about how they interact increases scientific understanding, and suggests a direction for potential interventions to target these areas.

Comparison of two popular transducers to measure sit-to-stand power in older adults.

The Tendo Unit (TU) and GymAware (GA) are the two most frequently used linear transducers for assessing muscle power in older adults via the sit-to-stand (STS) test. Unlike TU, GA incorporates a sensor mechanism to correct for non-vertical movements, which may lead to systematic differences between devices. The aim of this study therefore was to compare GA to TU for measuring STS power in community-dwelling older adults. Community-dwelling adults (n = 51, aged ≥65 years, 61% female) completed a single chair stand, with peak power measured simultaneously using GA and TU. Participants also completed the pneumatic leg press, 8-Foot Up and Go (TUG) test, Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), and self-reported measures of physical function. Intraclass correlations (ICC) were used to assess agreement, and Pearson's correlations were used to assess correlations. The study protocol was prospectively registered on the Open Science Framework. In alignment with our pre-registered hypothesis, peak power demonstrated an ICC of 0.93 (95% CI: 0.88, 0.96). For secondary aims, both transducers showed a correlation greater than 0.8 compared to pneumatic leg press power. For physical performance outcomes, both TU and GA showed similar correlations, as hypothesized: SPPB (r = 0.29 for TU vs. 0.33 for GA), Chair Stands (r = -0.41 vs. -0.38), TUG Fast (r = -0.53 vs. -0.52), mobility questionnaire (r = 0.52 vs. 0.52) and physical function questionnaire (r = 0.44 vs. 0.43). GA and TU peak power showed a high degree of agreement and similar correlations with physical and self-reported performance measures, suggesting that both methods can be used for assessing STS power in older adults.

Job satisfaction and performance among employed Bangladeshi women working from home during COVID-19 pandemic: A cross-sectional study.

The emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic led to the adoption of telework modalities by individuals in Bangladesh. The study's objective was to determine the job satisfaction and performance level of employed Bangladeshi women working from home during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown. A cross-sectional study was conducted among women employees of different professions in Dhaka city. The Minnesota Satisfaction Questionnaire (MSQ) was used to measure job satisfaction. Work arrangement satisfaction and self-reported performance were measured by two separate subscales which contain five items each. Responses from 118 employed women were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson Chi-square tests, Independent t-tests, one-way analysis of variance, and Pearson Correlation tests through the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS), version 26. The findings indicated that 51.7% of women reported a high degree of satisfaction on the MSQ scale; 61.9% expressed high satisfaction with their work arrangements at home and 66.9% reported a high level of performance. Job satisfaction was significantly associated with the number of children and the number of family members. A positive association was found between job satisfaction and total working experience and work arrangements. Work performance was strongly associated with higher educational qualifications. A statistically significant association between job satisfaction and performance was revealed. The findings from this study indicated a high degree of job satisfaction and a high level of performance found in women employees who worked from home during the COVID-19 pandemic. These findings encourage organizations to foster more policies for telework alternatives for employed women to help them keep a balance between work responsibilities and household chores.

Upper Limb Robots for Recovery of Motor Arm Function in Patients With Stroke: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Robot technology to support upper limb (UL) rehabilitation poststroke has rapidly developed over the past 3 decades. We aimed to assess the effects of UL-robots (UL-RTs) on recovery of UL motor functioning and capacity poststroke when compared with any non-UL-RT and to identify variables that are associated with the found effect sizes (ESs). Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing UL-RTs with any other intervention on patients with UL limitations poststroke were identified in electronic searches from PubMed, Wiley/Cochrane Libraries, Embase, Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Web of Science, SportDISCUS, Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro), and Google Scholar from inception until August 1, 2022. Two reviewers independently extracted relevant data using a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet. Meta-analyses were performed for measures of UL-muscle synergism, muscle power, muscle tone, capacity, self-reported motor performance, and basic activities of daily living (ADLs). Subgroup, sensitivity, and meta-regression analyses were applied to identify factors potentially associated with found ESs. Analyses were performed using Review Manager version 5.4 or IBM SPSS statistics version 27. Ninety RCTs (N = 4,311) were included (median PEDro score 6 [6-7]). Meta-analyses of 86 trials (N = 4,240) showed small significant improvements in UL-muscle synergism (Fugl-Meyer Assessment of the UL [FM-UL]) (mean difference 2.23 [1.11-3.35]), muscle power (standardized mean difference [SMD] 0.39 [0.16-0.61]), motor performance (SMD 0.11 [0.00-0.21]), and basic ADLs (SMD 0.28 [0.10-0.45]). No overall effects were found for muscle tone (SMD -0.1 [-0.26 to 0.07]) or UL-capacity (SMD 0.04 [-0.10 to 0.18]), except with exoskeletons (SMD 0.27 [0.10-0.43]). Meta-regressions showed a significant positive association between baseline mean FM-UL and ESs for UL-capacity (r = 0.339; p = 0.03), in particular in the acute and early-subacute phases poststroke (r = 0.65; p = 0.01). No further significant subgroup differences or associations were found in our analyses. The small significant effects found at the level of motor impairment do not show generalization to clinically meaningful effects at the level of UL-capacity. Meta-regressions suggest that selected participants with some potential of UL-recovery may benefit most from UL-RT, especially earlier poststroke. The robustness and consistency of our findings suggest that the development of the next generation of UL-RT needs to be guided by a better mechanistic understanding about assumed underlying interaction effects between motor learning and motor recovery poststroke. A prospectively registered study protocol is available in the PROSPERO database under ID CRD42020197450.

Effect of crosslinking density on the self-healing and self-reporting properties of epoxy anti-corrosion coatings

This work developed a novel coating with self-healing and self-reporting performance by embedding polyurethane/poly-(urea-formaldehyde) (PU/UF) microcapsules in a shape memory epoxy polymer. 2’7’-Dichlorofluorescein (DCF) and linseed oil were applied as the coloring agent and healing agent, respectively, which are encapsulated into the PU/UF microcapsules (DL@PU/UF microcapsules) via a facile one-step method. To adjust the shape memory effect and the self-reporting performance of epoxy system, two kinds of curing agents (D230 and D400) were reacted with bisphenol A diglycidyl ether epoxy monomer to design a series of coating samples, finally the optimal coating system was selected by three indexes including barrier performance, residual amino content and coating hardness. When the composite coating was damaged, DCF can flow out of the broken microcapsules and react with the residual amino groups in the epoxy coating matrix, which can be recognized red signals in natural light and yellow fluorescent signals under ultraviolet light irradiation. More importantly, the excellent self-reporting property of the coating can be achieved on various metal substrates that broaden the application range of the coating. As for self-healing performance, the damaged coating can be healed quickly due to the shape memory effect of the coating as well as the filling of linseed oil in the scratched region. The Rct value of the healed coating containing 6 % DL@PU/UF microcapsules after immersing in 3.5 wt% NaCl solution for 5 days was more than 3 times that of the scratched coating, and the Rc value was about 16 times that of the scratched coating, indicating its corrosion protection performance. The novel coting not only achieve timely self-reporting ability of color and fluorescence, but also rapidly repair the coating damage, which is essential to practical applications.

Assessing Nutrition Awareness and Education within Active Population in MENA and its Effect on Professional Performance

ABSTRACT Background The MENA region witnesses significant changes in lifestyle and dietary patterns. These shifts raise concerns about the potential impact on nutritional awareness and dietary habits, which can influence professional performance. Purpose This study assessed the relationship between nutritional awareness, dietary quality, and professional performance within the region. Methods A cross-sectional study relied on data collected from 967 individuals in various countries. The research focused on evaluating nutritional awareness, dietary quality, and their association with self-reported professional performance. Data analysis was done with SPSS. Results The analysis revealed a robust correlation between nutritional awareness, the quality of diet, and professional performance. Individuals with heightened nutritional knowledge demonstrated a propensity for making healthier dietary choices, positively influencing their well-being. This translated into enhanced job performance, emphasizing a positive association between nutrition-related factors and professional success. Discussion The findings highlight the importance of nutritional awareness and healthy dietary choices in promoting higher professional performance within the region. Translation to Health Education Practice The results of the present study reflect prospects for Certified Health Education Specialists (CHES) focused on the need for interventions promoting nutritional education to optimize the well-being and productivity of the workforce in the MENA region in evolving socio-economic landscape. By targeting individuals and workplaces, health educators can play a crucial role in this endeavor.

Learning Outcomes and Educational Effectiveness of Social Media as a Continuing Professional Development Intervention for Practicing Surgeons: A Systematic Review and Narrative Synthesis.

The objective of this systematic review was to assess the learning outcomes and educational effectiveness of social media as a continuing professional development intervention for surgeons in practice. Social media has the potential to improve global access to educational resources and collaborative networking. However, the learning outcomes and educational effectiveness of social media as a continuing professional development (CPD) intervention are yet to be summarized. We searched MEDLINE and Embase databases from 1946 to 2022. We included studies that assessed the learning outcomes and educational effectiveness of social media as a CPD intervention for practicing surgeons. We excluded studies that were not original research, involved only trainees, did not evaluate educational effectiveness, or involved an in-person component. The 18-point Medical Education Research Study Quality Instrument (MERSQI) was used for quality appraisal. Learning outcomes were categorized according to Moore's Expanded Outcomes Framework (MEOF). A total of 830 unique studies revealed 14 studies for inclusion. The mean MERSQI score of the included studies was 9.0 ± 0.8. In total, 3227 surgeons from 105 countries and various surgical specialties were included. Twelve studies (86%) evaluated surgeons' satisfaction (MEOF level 2), 3 studies (21%) evaluated changes in self-reported declarative or procedural knowledge (MEOF levels 3A and 3B), 1 study (7%) evaluated changes in self-reported competence (MEOF level 4), and 5 studies (36%) evaluated changes in self-reported performance in practice (MEOF level 5). No studies evaluated changes in patient or community health (MEOF levels 6 and 7). The use of social media as a CPD intervention among practicing surgeons is associated with improved self-reported declarative and procedural knowledge, self-reported competence, and self-reported performance in practice. Further research is required to assess whether social media use for CPD in surgeons is associated with improvements in higher level and objectively measured learning outcomes.

Physical Health in Patients with Post-COVID-19 6 and 12 Months after an Inpatient Rehabilitation: An Observational Study.

Background: Rehabilitation is an effective and feasible approach for post-COVID patients to improve physical health. However, knowledge regarding the long-term impact of rehabilitation on the physical health of these patients is lacking. Methods: Changes in physical health of 127 patients with COVID-19 as an occupational disease or work accident were assessed in a longitudinal observational study. Post-COVID symptoms, functional status, functional exercise capacity, endurance capacity, physical performance, quadricep strength, handgrip strength, motor balance ability, and self-reported physical performance were examined at the beginning as well as 6 and 12 months after the rehabilitation. Group differences concerning sex, age, acute COVID status, comorbidities prior to COVID-19, and aftercare interventions were also analysed. Results: Even 12 months after rehabilitation, the prevalence of post-COVID symptoms (28.6-94.7%) remained remarkably high in the study population. Significant improvements in various aspects of physical health were observed 6 (r = 0.288-0.755) and 12 months (r = 0.189-0.681) after the rehabilitation. Participants demonstrated enhanced endurance, strength, and balance function, as well as improvement in subjective physical ability. Significant group differences were observed between younger and older patients, those with mild-moderate and severe-critical COVID-19, and patients with and without pre-existing cardiovascular disease, metabolic disease, psychological disease, neuro-sensory disease, musculoskeletal disease, and exercising in an outpatient group. Conclusions: The study identifies persistent challenges in COVID-19 recovery, despite significant improvements in physical health 6 and 12 months after rehabilitation. Further research and the implementation of standardised approaches are required to enhance the outcomes of post-COVID rehabilitation, with a focus on developing personalised care strategies for long-term recovery.

Development of a self-administered online battery for remote assessment of executive functions and verbal memory: equivalence with face-to-face administration, preliminary norms, and acceptance

ABSTRACT Objectives Interest in teleneuropsychology services increased considerably after the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the utility of unsupervised administration of computerized tests remains largely unexplored. In the present study, we developed a brief computerized battery that assesses self-reported cognitive abilities and performances on executive functioning and verbal memory. We investigated the equivalence of the self-administration online (SAO) procedure and the face-to-face (FTF) administration. Preliminary normative data were developed and the acceptance of the SAO procedure was explored. Methods A community sample of 169 Greek adults [94 women; mean age: 41.95 (SD = 13.40) years, mean years of education: 15.10 (SD = 2.65)] completed the SAO assessment. A subgroup of 40 participants was tested in a counterbalanced way both with SAO and FTF. Participants’ performances were compared with paired sample t-tests and the agreement between the two methods was estimated with intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs). Multiple linear regression analyses were applied to investigate the effect of demographic characteristics on SAO measures. Results No difference between SAO and FTF scores was observed. ICCs indicated moderate to good agreement (.418–.848) for most measures. Age was positively associated with self-reported cognitive state and negatively with neuropsychological performances and the level of acceptance of the SAO procedure. Approximately 80% of participants reported satisfaction from the SAO assessment, 69% good compliance with the instructions, but less than 30% belief that the FTF assessment could be adequately replaced. Conclusion SAO testing is feasible and well accepted among Greek adults yielding equivalent results with FTF testing. Despite the wide satisfaction, though, notable reluctance was noted for the substitution of FTF with SAO procedures.