Mean Sum Research Articles

The role practice approach for exercise and enhancement of nursing research capacity: A qualitative study

BackgroundStrategies to improve the teaching effectiveness of nursing research courses are a fundamental objective of contemporary nursing educators. The role practice method is the sum of ways, means, and procedures used to perform role-specific practical learning activities through the adaptation of concepts, models and subjective abilities in an authentic environment. This technique enhances teaching effectiveness by encouraging students to actively participate in practice. ObjectiveThe main aim of this study was to explore the effectiveness of the role practice approach within the framework of nursing research courses and provide guidance for subsequent teaching efforts. MethodsThe purposive sampling method was used to recruit 16 students who participated in teaching of the role practice approach and completed all tasks set within the nursing research course in the third year of the undergraduate nursing program of a comprehensive university in south China. Data obtained from semi-structured interviews were analyzed using Colaizzi's seven-step analysis method. ResultsThree themes were evaluated, specifically, self-improvement, self-inadequacy and course optimization. ConclusionThe role practice method is effective in teaching nursing research courses and can enhance the ability of students to conduct research activities. However, deficiencies in the implementation plan exist that need further revision.

Generative Joint Source-Channel Coding for Semantic Image Transmission

Recent works have shown that joint source-channel coding (JSCC) schemes using deep neural networks (DNNs), called DeepJSCC, provide promising results in wireless image transmission. However, these methods mostly focus on the distortion of the reconstructed signals with respect to the input image, rather than their perception by humans. However, focusing on traditional distortion metrics alone does not necessarily result in high perceptual quality, especially in extreme physical conditions, such as very low bandwidth compression ratio (BCR) and low signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) regimes. In this work, we propose two novel JSCC schemes that leverage the perceptual quality of deep generative models (DGMs) for wireless image transmission, namely InverseJSCC and GenerativeJSCC. While the former is an inverse problem approach to DeepJSCC, the latter is an end-to-end optimized JSCC scheme. In both, we optimize a weighted sum of mean squared error (MSE) and learned perceptual image patch similarity (LPIPS) losses, which capture more semantic similarities than other distortion metrics. InverseJSCC performs denoising on the distorted reconstructions of a DeepJSCC model by solving an inverse optimization problem using the pre-trained style-based generative adversarial network (StyleGAN). Our simulation results show that InverseJSCC significantly improves the state-of-the-art DeepJSCC in terms of perceptual quality in edge cases. In GenerativeJSCC, we carry out end-to-end training of an encoder and a StyleGAN-based decoder, and show that GenerativeJSCC significantly outperforms DeepJSCC both in terms of distortion and perceptual quality.

Effect of Different Organic Manures and their Combina- tions on Growth, Yield and Quality of Bitter Gourd cv Pusa Do Mausami under Sub Tropical Condition of Garhwal Hills

Present research work on the effect of different organic manures and their combinations on growth, yield, and quality of bitter gourd cv Pusa Do Mausami were carried out at the Horticultural Research Center, Department of Horticulture, HNB Garhwal University, Uttarakhand during the summer season of 2017. The experiment was comprised of 11 treatments consisting of different organic manures and their combinations which were laid out in Randomized Block Design with three replications. The result of the analysis of variance revealed that the mean sum of squares due to treatment was significant at a 5% level for almost all the traits. The result showed that T9 (vermicompost + poultry manure) responded best for days taken to the appearance of the first male flower (55.53) and female flower (61.53), number of fruits/vine (28.06), weight of fruit (71.67g), days taken to first fruit harvest (80.53 days) and harvesting duration (60.40 days). The treatment T4 (neem cake) showed best for diameter of fruit (44.4 mm), fruit yield/vine (1793.06 g), yield/plot (16.13 kg/plot) and yield/hectare (179.25 q/ha), respectively. On the other hand, the highest TSS (5.28 oBrix) and ascorbic acid (89.99 mg/100 g) content was estimated in T3 (goat manure). Thus, it can be concluded that the treatment T4 (neem cake) and T3 (goat manure) showed superior results with respect to yield and quality traits of bitter gourd respectively. Hence, these treatments could be used to enhance the production of bitter gourd under subtropical condition of Garhwal hills.

Morpho-Molecular Genetic Diversity Analysis of Little Millet (Panicum sumatrense) using Yield Attributing Traits and ISSR Markers to Evaluate its Performance as a Summer Crop

The knowledge of genetic diversity among the genotypes and its relationship plays a vital role for genetic improvement in crop breeding programs. The present study was conducted to assess the performance of 18 little millet genotypes in local conditions of Bihar and analyze the genetic diversity by using morphological traits and 16 ISSR markers. The field experiment was conducted in RBD design in the month of April 2020, to evaluate the performance of the plant as a summer crop. ANOVA analysis revealed the presence of substantial amount of variability among 18 genotypes. The maximum mean sum of square values was recorded for plant height followed by flag leaf length within the genotypes. The descriptive statistical analysis showed that plant height followed by length of flag leaf contributed the most towards the divergence. A total of 117 alleles including 43 unique alleles and 74 shared alleles were obtained by amplification with ISSR primers. All the primers were highly polymorphic and produced amplified product with a size ranged between 354-2315 bp. The primers UBC 807 followed by HB 10 and UBC 814 were found to be the most effective in detecting genetic diversity. The dendrogram based on Dice’s similarities coefficient, grouped the genotypes into five clusters. The genotypes WV-168 and WV-115 followed by WV-122 and WV-124 were found to have greatest variability. The present study identified genotypes which can be grown as summer crops. The diversified genotypes among the population were also identified, which could be utilized as parents for breeding program.

Whole Body Substrate Metabolism during Different Exercise Intensities with Special Emphasis on Blood Protein Changes in Trained Subjects-A Pilot Study.

Contrary to carbohydrate and fat metabolism, the influence of a single exercise dose on protein metabolism has not been adequately explored yet. We assessed the effects of different exercise intensities and durations on blood protein changes and their association with carbohydrate (CHO) and fat metabolism in six eligible trained subjects. Subjects performed maximal incremental (IE100: at 100%VO2max) and submaximal continuous exercise (CE) at 75%VO2max for 30 min (CE75) and at 50%VO2max for 90 min (CE50). Blood samples were collected at rest (R), end of exercise (EE), and 1 h after recovery to assess blood urea nitrogen (BUN), plasma amino acids (AA), glucose, lactate, FFA, and glycerol. In IE100 blood lactate, CHO-oxidation (g/min), energy expenditure (kcal/min), and RER were significantly increased during rest (p < 0.05). CE50 induced significantly higher BUN, FFA, glycerol, and fat oxidation (g/min) (p < 0.05). At recovery, the mean sum of the free AA pool (µmol/L) reduced by 8% (p < 0.03) during CE50. Values for CE75 were between IE100 and CE50. Beside lipolysis, also proteolysis (BUN) was an important source of fuel for low-to-moderate intensity CE50. An increased uptake of AA from the plasma bed during CE50 suggests the importance for oxidation and synthesis of other metabolic sources such as gluconeogenesis necessary for recovery. Therefore, one needs to be cautious of protein diet following prolonged cycle exercise training.

Self-Reported Treatment Adherence in Patients of Diabetes Mellitus Type 2: A Cross-Sectional Study in Lahore, Pakistan

Objectives: Suboptimal adherence to therapy due to neglected self-care behavior in chronic diseases is a global crisis. The aim of this research was to gauge the prevalence of adherence and to assess the effect of age, sex, education level and socioeconomic status on adherence to self-care strategies. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at Diabetes Management Centre, Services Hospital Lahore. 357 patients were administered a standardized questionnaire, the Diabetes Self-Management Questionnaire. A cut off value of 7 on a 0-10 scale was labeled as good adherence. The influence of age, sex, education and income on adherence was examined by multiple logistic regression analysis.

Development and validation of a postoperative pulmonary infection prediction model for patients with primary hepatic carcinoma.

There are factors that significantly increase the risk of postoperative pulmonary infections in patients with primary hepatic carcinoma (PHC). Previous reports have shown that over 10% of patients with PHC experience postoperative pulmonary infections. Thus, it is crucial to prioritize the prevention and treatment of postoperative pulmonary infections in patients with PHC. To identify the risk factors for postoperative pulmonary infection in patients with PHC and develop a prediction model to aid in postoperative management. We retrospectively collected data from 505 patients who underwent hepatobiliary surgery between January 2015 and February 2023 in the Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreaticospleen Surgery. Radiomics data were selected for statistical analysis, and clinical pathological parameters and imaging data were included in the screening database as candidate predictive variables. We then developed a pulmonary infection prediction model using three different models: An artificial neural network model; a random forest model; and a generalized linear regression model. Finally, we evaluated the accuracy and robustness of the prediction model using the receiver operating characteristic curve and decision curve analyses. Among the 505 patients, 86 developed a postoperative pulmonary infection, resulting in an incidence rate of 17.03%. Based on the gray-level co-occurrence matrix, we identified 14 categories of radiomic data for variable screening of pulmonary infection prediction models. Among these, energy, contrast, the sum of squares (SOS), the inverse difference (IND), mean sum (MES), sum variance (SUV), sum entropy (SUE), and entropy were independent risk factors for pulmonary infection after hepatectomy and were listed as candidate variables of machine learning prediction models. The random forest model algorithm, in combination with IND, SOS, MES, SUE, SUV, and entropy, demonstrated the highest prediction efficiency in both the training and internal verification sets, with areas under the curve of 0.823 and 0.801 and a 95% confidence interval of 0.766-0.880 and 0.744-0.858, respectively. The other two types of prediction models had prediction efficiencies between areas under the curve of 0.734 and 0.815 and 95% confidence intervals of 0.677-0.791 and 0.766-0.864, respectively. Postoperative pulmonary infection in patients undergoing hepatectomy may be related to risk factors such as IND, SOS, MES, SUE, SUV, energy, and entropy. The prediction model in this study based on diffusion-weighted images, especially the random forest model algorithm, can better predict and estimate the risk of pulmonary infection in patients undergoing hepatectomy, providing valuable guidance for postoperative management.

Evaluating the Results of PISA Assessment: Are There Gaps Between the Teaching of Mathematical Literacy at Schools and in PISA Assessment?

&lt;p style="text-align:justify"&gt;The problems in education in the countries of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) vary from country to country. The differences between "upper class" and "lower class" countries in PISA assessment results have led to a research gap. The purpose of this study was to (a) test students' mathematical literacy skills on the Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) test and compare the results using the sum of means across OECD countries; (b) examine the relationship between students' mathematical competence, precision, and self-perception of mathematical literacy skills in the PISA test; and (c) analyze the gaps that exist between the implementation of mathematics instruction in school and the mathematical literacy as measured on the PISA test. This study was designed as a mixed method with an explanatory sequential design. The data collection methods included test procedures, questionnaires, and interviews. The result of this study showed that the overall mean score obtained was below the OECD average. In general, the respondents achieved only level 2 mathematics proficiency. A significant relationship was found between mathematical competence, precision, and self-perception in mathematical skills. On the other hand, there was a gap, namely the difference at the implementation level, where mathematical literacy measured by PISA differed from the measurement of mathematical learning achievement by teachers in school. The results showed that teaching that emphasizes only problem-solving procedures affects low mathematical competence and is not useful enough for students to deal with the PISA mathematics test.&lt;/p&gt;

Analysis of real-time energy losses of electric vehicle caused by non-stationary road irregularity

To enhance the road mobility of EVs, this research performs the accurate modeling of non-stationary road irregularity and estimates the real-time power consumption of shock absorbers and the energy slip loss of the driving wheel. First, a modulated white noise method is proposed to generate non-stationary road irregularity with different frequency exponents. Then, the parameter setting problem of the standard white noise is solved. To describe the detrimental effect of time-domain non-stationary road irregularity on the time-varying vehicle speed, a simple and effective lookup table method is presented with the real-time running distance and the corresponding road elevation as input and output, respectively. Next, a half electric vehicle model is developed to describe the interaction between vertical-pitching vibration and longitudinal driving motion. The non-stationary road irregularity-induced power consumptions of both pairs of shock absorbers and the energy slip loss of the driving wheel are analyzed under different frequency exponents and time-varying vehicle speed. The results show that the power consumption of shock absorbers increases when the frequency exponent decreases and the vehicle speed increases. Under the high running speed and large acceleration driving condition, the mean of slip energy loss of the driving wheel is several times larger than the mean sum of the power consumption of shock absorbers.

Heterosis and combining ability studies under artificial epiphytotic condition for yield and its related traits in Indian mustard

The performance of Indian mustard genotypes for eleven morpho-physiological traits was assessed. Genotypes (lines) having white rust resistance viz., BioYSR, Donskaja, Heera and Basanti, were crossed with genotypes (testers) having high per se performance for yield viz., Varuna, Kranti, RH749 and Giriraj in the line × tester fashion. The analysis of variance revealed significant mean sum of squares due to crosses for all traits. All traits, except area under disease progression curve and daysto 50% flowering, showed both, additive and a predominance of non-additive gene action. Results suggested that heterosis breeding would lead to good result. All traits had lower levels of narrow sense heritability, as well. Predominance of non-additive gene action coupled with low heritability suggested that, selection should be practised once plant reach sufficient levels of homozygosity. Single seed descent method with large F2 and diallel selective mating design would be preferable for obtaining superior pure lines. Additionally, all lines showed significant desirable general combining ability for disease resistance. Varuna × BioYSR was the only cross that showed significant heterosis for yield over national check, Kranti. It also revealed significant heterobeltiosis for: seeds per siliqua, number of primary branches, days to 50% flowering, AUDPC and days to maturity. This potential hybrid can be deployed with the help of cytoplasmic-genetic male sterility, or it can be utilised to obtain superior purelines through conventional breeding methods.

Combining ability analysis of newly developed male lines of castor (Ricinus communis L.) in Rajasthan

Genetic parameters of 50 castor hybrids developed using 10 newly developed male inbred lines and 5 stable pistillate lines were estimated in a line x tester design. Analysis of combining ability depicted significant mean sum of squares for both general combining ability (GCA) and specific combining ability (SCA) for all the characters which indicated the presence of both additive and non-additive gene actions. The high amount of s 2 SCA and ratioof GCAto SCA variances near to zero indicated that the dominance gene effect was predominant in newly developed lines for all the characters under study. The highest positive gca effect was exhibited by MCP-1-1, for seed yield and number of capsules on primary raceme, effective length of primary raceme and height up to primary raceme. SKP-84 was also good general combiner for traits such as 100-seed weight, number of capsule on primary raceme, nodes to primary raceme and height up to primary raceme. Among the male parents, MP-11-17 was found the best general combiner for cumulative seed yield, raceme length and number of capsule. Cross M-574 x MP-17-17 was identified as the best cross for cumulative seed yield followed by MCP-3 x MP-7-17 and SKP-84 x MP-11-17. These combinations of crosses would be useful in breeding programme for improvement in cumulative seed yield of castor.

Genetic variability, heritability, association and divergence studies in safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) genotypes

Genetic variability, heritability, genetic advance, divergence, association and path analysisstudieswere carried out in 13 safflower genotypes for nine yield and its contributing traits. Results of ANOVA showed highly significant mean sum of squares for all the traits indicating presence of high variability in the experimental material. Wide range of variation was noticed in seed yield followed by plant height, number of capitula/plant and number of seeds/capitulum. High phenotypic and genotypic coefficient of variation were recorded for number of seeds/capsule, 100 seed weight and seed yield. Low heritability coupled with high genetic advance as percent of mean was exhibited for seed yield indicated that yield is governed by additive gene effects and is highly influenced by environment. Hull content recorded strong correlation with seed yield followed by volume weight and 100 seedweight and in turn these traits were also strongly inter-correlated. Volume weight had high direct effect on seed yield and its indirect effect via hull content and 100 seed weight was also of high magnitude. In the experimental material, genetic divergence was mainly contributed by oil content, days to 50% flowering and number of seeds/capitulum.

On Rate of Convergence of Matrix Means of Corrected Fourier Series

The Gibbs phenomenon is a key obstacle in many practical applications of a Fourier series. The corrected Fourier series (CFS) combines Fourier series with polynomials to control the Gibbs phenomenon for functions having finite number of jump discontinuities and extremas. Our objective in the present study is to estimate the convergence rate of the summability means generated by an infinite regular matrix followed by some corollaries and examples.

Perceived burden and need for support among caregivers of cancer patients

Background The aims of this study were to examine (1) the perceived burden among caregivers and identify those in risk of high burden and (2) the need for support among caregivers and identify associated factors. Materials and methods Cancer patients who participated in an educational program at the Montebello Center (MBC) in Norway between May 2021 and February 2022 were asked to invite a caregiver to answer a questionnaire. The caregiving burden was assessed with the Caregivers Reaction Assessment (CRA) that consists of 24 questions scored from 1 (strongly disagree) to 5 (strongly agree), covering five domains. A mean sum score was calculated for each domain. Higher subscale scores indicate higher levels of burden, except for caregiver esteem where a high score indicates a low burden. Need for support was assessed with 13 questions. Results Of 464 invitations, 185 caregivers responded (response 40%), median age was 58.0 years and 58% were male. Caregiver burden mean scores were: 2.6 (SD 1.03) for Impact on schedule, 2.1 (SD 0.79) for Lack of family support, 2.1 (SD 0.76) for Impact on health, 2.0 (SD 0.86) for Impact on finances, and 4.2 (SD 0.47) for Caregiver esteem. Female caregivers, younger, higher education, having comorbidities, caring for patients having recurrence of cancer, and shorter time since diagnosis were associated with higher burden measured on individual subscales of the CRA. Most reported needs were information about: cancer, late effects and rehabilitation services and support from peers and professionals to cope with the new situation. Younger, caregiver comorbidity and recurrence of cancer of the patient were associated with more needs. Conclusions The results indicate that caregivers of cancer patients participating at the MBC report moderate caregiver burden, however, numerous caregivers reported need for support within several areas. Our findings need to be confirmed in a larger unselected group.

Insight the Quality Parameters of Diverse Rice Germplasm Set of Chhattisgarh

The present study focuses on the evaluation of quality parameters of 198 rice genotypes including standard checks in augmented RCBD design. In ANOVA treatment ignoring blocks, heterogeneity among block was eliminated and for every new added treatment the mean sum of square for all the traits were found to be significant at 1% level of significance. Traits viz., milling recovery, iron content and degree of milling were skewed, while rest were normally distributed. Trait paddy and grain length were found to be highest for accession Dokra dori (12.44mm),Milling recovery was noted high for Luchai mutant (72.66%). Degree of milling found highest for Jeeraphool (93.95%). Apparent amylose content was highest in Ambemohar mutant-1(33.2%). Principal component analysis revealed that PC1 and PC2 explains variation for the trait, length and width of paddy, brown rice and milled rice transgressive segregants can be obtained for these traits by crossing genotype Chiko and Chaptigurmatiya parent, Angur gucha and Gobi buta, Chiko and Visnubhog mutant V-80, Khatia pati and Shri kamal as these were depicted as most diverse genotype.

Genetic Parameters and Diversity Studies Among Morphological Traits in Breeding Lines of Garlic (Allium Sativum L.)

Thirty-four promising lines of garlic were grown in randomized block design with three replications under the latesown season in 2019-20 at Vegetable Research Farm of C. S. Azad University of Agriculture and Technology, Kalyanpur, Kanpur. The mean sum of squares showed highly significant differences among the lines for all the traits studied, indicating the presence of a sufficient amount of genetic variability. The moderate to higher magnitude of the coefficient of variation at genotypic as well as phenotypic levels was noticed for number of cloves per bulb, marketable bulb yield, average weight of bulb, average weight of cloves and plant height. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance as percent of mean was observed for plant height, leaf length, leaf width, polar diameter, number of cloves per bulb, average weight of bulb and average weight of cloves. Marketable bulb yield was positively and significantly correlated with the total bulb yield and dry matter content whereas, a significant negative correlation with leaf width. All the thirtyfour lines of garlic were grouped into five clusters based on Mahalanobis D2 statistics using Tocher’s method. The cluster II and V had among the moderate genetic distance having higher total bulb yield performance along with its contributing traits. The genotypes from cluster IV and V had the most divergent clusters and were suitable for high yielding garlic genotypes among the various advanced breeding lines under late sown conditions. Bangladesh J. Bot. 52(2): 225-233, 2023 (June)

Bearing Fault Diagnosis Method Based on Deep Learning and Health State Division

As a key component of motion support, the rolling bearing is currently a popular research topic for accurate diagnosis of bearing faults and prediction of remaining bearing life. However, most existing methods still have difficulties in learning representative features from the raw data. In this paper, the Xi’an Jiaotong University (XJTU-SY) rolling bearing dataset is taken as the research object, and a deep learning technique is applied to carry out the bearing fault diagnosis research. The root mean square (RMS), kurtosis, and sum of frequency energy per unit acquisition period of the short-time Fourier transform are used as health factor indicators to divide the whole life cycle of bearings into two phases: the health phase and the fault phase. This division not only expands the bearing dataset but also improves the fault diagnosis efficiency. The Deep Convolutional Neural Networks with Wide First-layer Kernels (WDCNN) network model is improved by introducing multi-scale large convolutional kernels and Gate Recurrent Unit (GRU) networks. The bearing signals with classified health states are trained and tested, and the training and testing process is visualized, then finally the experimental validation is performed for four failure locations in the dataset. The experimental results show that the proposed network model has excellent fault diagnosis and noise immunity, and can achieve the diagnosis of bearing faults under complex working conditions, with greater diagnostic accuracy and efficiency.

Patterns of pseudoprogression across different cancer entities treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors

BackgroundPseudoprogression (PsPD) is a rare response pattern to immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy in oncology. This study aims to reveal imaging features of PsPD, and their association to other relevant findings.MethodsPatients with PsPD who had at least three consecutive cross-sectional imaging studies at our comprehensive cancer center were retrospectively analyzed. Treatment response was assessed according to immune Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (iRECIST). PsPD was defined as the occurrence of immune unconfirmed progressive disease (iUPD) without follow-up confirmation. Target lesions (TL), non-target lesions (NTL), new lesions (NL) were analyzed over time. Tumor markers and immune-related adverse events (irAE) were correlated.ResultsThirty-two patients were included (mean age: 66.7 ± 13.6 years, 21.9% female) with mean baseline STL of 69.7 mm ± 55.6 mm. PsPD was observed in twenty-six patients (81.3%) at FU1, and no cases occurred after FU4. Patients with iUPD exhibited the following: TL increase in twelve patients, (37.5%), NTL increase in seven patients (21.9%), NL appearance in six patients (18.8%), and combinations thereof in four patients (12.5%). The mean and maximum increase for first iUPD in sum of TL was 19.8 and 96.8 mm (+ 700.8%). The mean and maximum decrease in sum of TL between iUPD and consecutive follow-up was − 19.1 mm and − 114.8 mm (-60.9%) respectively. The mean and maximum sum of new TL at first iUPD timepoint were 7.6 and 82.0 mm respectively. In two patients (10.5%), tumor-specific serologic markers were elevated at first iUPD, while the rest were stable or decreased among the other PsPD cases (89.5%). In fourteen patients (43.8%), irAE were observed.ConclusionsPsPD occurred most frequently at FU1 after initiation of ICI treatment. The two most prevalent reasons for PsPD were TL und NTL progression, with an increase in TL diameter commonly below + 100%. In few cases, PsPD was observed even if tumor markers were rising compared to baseline. Our findings also suggest a correlation between PsPD and irAE. These findings may guide decision-making of ICI continuation in suspected PsPD.

Acute exercise affects dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry body composition estimates but not standardised ultrasound measurements of subcutaneous adipose tissue.

Ultrasound has been demonstrated to be a highly accurate and reliable tool for measuring subcutaneous adipose tissue thickness and is robust against changes in hydration status or acute food or fluid intake. However, the effect of prior acute exercise is unexamined. This study examined the impact of an acute endurance exercise and resistance exercise session on standardised brightness-mode ultrasound measurements of subcutaneous adipose tissue thickness compared to skinfolds and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry body composition estimates. In a randomised cross-over design, 30 active adults (24.2 ± 4.9 years) undertook physique assessment via standardised brightness-mode ultrasound, skinfolds and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry before, immediately and 45 min after an acute endurance or resistance exercise session. The mean sum of eight subcutaneous adipose tissue thickness measured via standardised brightness-mode ultrasound increased (0.6 mm, p = 0.04) immediately postendurance exercise but was not meaningful when evaluated against the technical error of measurement of the investigator. A significant (p = 0.01) but not meaningful decrease in the sum of eight skinfolds occurred immediately (-1.1 ± 0.4 mm) and 45 min (-1.3 ± 0.4 mm) postresistance exercise. Comparatively, endurance exercise elicited a meaningful decrease of total mass (460 ± 30 g) and trunk lean mass (680 ± 90 g) dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry estimates. Findings from this study indicate standardised client presentation may be unnecessary when employing either standardised brightness-mode ultrasound or skinfolds for body composition assessment unlike dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry.

Perspective of patients on the use of telemedicine in cardiovascular care

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: Other. Main funding source(s): This study is part of Limburg Clinical Research Center, supported by the foundation Limburg Sterk Merk, province of Limburg, Flemish government, Hasselt University, Ziekenhuis Oost-Limburg and Jessa Hospital. Background Many cardiovascular patients are only seen by a physician once or twice a year unless urgent symptoms occur. However, secondary prevention, including self-management, is important in cardiovascular diseases. The use of digital technologies to follow patients remotely, i.e. telemedicine, is increasing. This creates opportunities to provide a more continuous way of follow-up. It is recommended to involve patients in the development of such tools in order to optimise their implementation in clinical practice. Purpose This survey-based study investigated patients’ perspectives on telemedicine and the defined features/services they consider important for using telemedicine in their (daily) care. Methods At two Belgian hospitals, both cardiology patients with various types of prior telemedicine follow-up and patients who never had a telemonitoring follow-up were included. A new self-developed survey was implemented in Qualtrics and took 5-10 minutes to complete. Patients with previous telemedicine follow-up were contacted by phone. If they agreed to participate, the survey was sent by email and filled in online. On the other hand, patients in the control group were included at the cardiology ward and filled in the survey independently on a tablet. The study was approved by the local Ethical Committees. Results In total, 231 patients (191 telemedicine and 40 controls) of the 786 contacted patients were included. Most patients owned a smartphone (84.8%) and only 2.2% of the patients did not own any digital device. As shown in Figure 1, patients with previous use of telemedicine are more interested in such new technologies than control patients (p=0.020). Of the defined services, personalized medicine in various formats attracted most interest in both groups (i.e. personalized health tips based on the medical history, 89.6%; personalized feedback on entered health parameters, 86.1%; and (personalized) information about their medical condition, 85.3%). Recommendation by a doctor is a motivating factor to use telemedicine (84.8%), while a decrease of in-person visits and replacing these with telemedicine follow-up is rather a barrier (24.7%). Two-thirds of the patients in this Belgian cohort (67.1%) would be willing to pay for telemedicine tools, with more patients in the experienced telemedicine group (69.6%) compared to the control group (55.0%; p=0.073). The patients willing to pay, would pay a mean monthly sum between €12.2 and €21.8 or a yearly global sum between €51.5 and €59.5 for telemedicine that supplements their regular insurance. Conclusion Cardiovascular patients have a positive attitude towards telemedicine, especially when it allows for more personalized care and lifestyle advice. Previous use of telemedicine led to a higher willingness to pay. Addressing patient concerns, highlighting the complementary value of telemedicine services, and maintaining equal access for all patients are important for effective implementation.