Systematic Observation Research Articles

Systematic observations of enhanced oil recovery and associated changes at carbonate-brine and carbonate-petroleum interfaces

Enhanced oil recovery (EOR) from carbonates is obtained by injection of controlled ionic strength brines containing “active ions” (e.g., SO42−, Mg2+, Ca2+). It is generally believed that this occurs through the interaction of the active ions at the carbonate-brine interface (e.g., within a thin brine layer separating the petroleum and the carbonate phases). Here, in-situ observations show how one active ion, SO42−, alters behavior at the carbonate-petroleum interface. Displacement of petroleum from initially oil-wet carbonate rocks using brines with variable SO4 concentrations systematically changes oil recovery, in situ contact angles, and connectivity of the oil phase, confirming that the active ion alters interactions at the oil/brine/carbonate interface, as expected. Measurements of model calcite-fluid interfaces show that there is no measurable sorption of SO4 to carbonate-brine interfaces but reveals that the carbonate-petroleum interface is altered by previous exposure to SO4-containing brines. These results suggest that EOR in carbonates is controlled indirectly by active ions. We propose that this may be due to a reduced oleophilicity of the carbonate caused by chemical complexation between the active ion and petroleum’s acidic and basic functional groups. This mechanism explains how both anions and cations act as active ions for EOR in carbonates.

Urban resilience and sustainability through and beyond crisis – evidence-based analysis and lessons learned from selected European cities

PurposeDespite striving for resilience and a sustainable urban future, European cities face a multitude of crisis caused by both natural and human-induced risks. This paper asks two key questions: How have cities experienced and managed crises situations they encountered? and What are the plans and actions for embedding sustainability at a local level within a clear decision-making structure? Hence, it aims to examine urban resilience in the context of urban crisis and the associated health concerns that took place because of crisis situations, while identifying sustainable urban development initiatives and strategies that were conceived and implemented beyond crisis.Design/methodology/approachAn evidence-based analytical approach is undertaken following two lines of inquiry. The first is case-based and identifies 11 cities that have experienced crisis situations and a further 10 cities that have instigated urban resilience strategies. The second is theme-based and engages with identifying strategies relevant to sustainable urban development at city and project levels. The outcomes of the two lines of inquiry are verified by mapping the lessons learned from the analysis to recent international guidance and a further co-visioning workshop with 6 experts.FindingsThe evidence-based analysis reveals key lessons which were classified under two primary types of findings: (a) lessons learned for a future urban resilience resulting from the 1st line of Inquiry (case-based) and (b) lessons learned for a future sustainable urban development resulting from the 2nd line of inquiry (theme-based). The verified lessons provide four areas that can be utilised as key priorities for future urban resilience and sustainable urban development including (a) Governance, effective communication, and decision making for city resilience and urban sustainability; (b) the social dimension of resilience and participatory practices for sustainable urban development; (c) from implicit strategies for health to positive impact on health; and (d) diversification of initiatives and localisation of sustainable development endeavours.Research limitations/implicationsThere is always limitation on what a bibliometrics analysis can offer in terms of the nature of evidence and the type of knowledge generated from the investigation. This limitation manifests in the fact that the analysis engages with the body of knowledge but not based on engaging physically or socially with the contexts within which the cases took place or through empirical investigations including systematic observations, focused interviews, and attitude surveys. While the study does not generate empirical findings, the rigour of the bibliometrics analysis offers a credible and reliable evidence on how cities experienced and managed crises situations and their current plans and priority actions for embedding and localising sustainable development measures.Practical implicationsThis research conveys significant implications for policy, practice, and action in that it crystalises the view that understanding urban resilience and sustainability, at the city or urban level, requires coupling the two. The findings offer a solid foundation for a more contextualised, evidence-based examination of urban resilience and sustainability during and beyond crisis. Highlighting urban and health challenges that emerged from experienced crisis situations, how these were managed and developing an understanding of sustainable urban development and local resilience strategies elucidate insights that can be adopted and acted upon by city councils and built environment practitioners.Originality/valueThe analysis provides comprehensive insights into urban resilience and sustainable urban development at both city and continental Europe scales in the form of key lessons that represent the first step towards developing rudiments for building a better urban future. Little is known about resilience and sustainability at these scales. The originality of this work lies in the breadth and depth for capturing an inclusive understanding of urban resilience and sustainable urban development based on systematic inquiry and scrutinising the body of knowledge emerged over the past 2 decades.

Absence of association between serve and winning point in professional padel.

The aim of this study was to analyze the efficiency of the serve in relation to different tactical parameters in men's professional padel. A total of 1089 points - from 217 games and 19 sets - from 8 World Padel Tour matches played in 2020 were analyzed by systematic observation. The results showed that the ordinary number of the set influences the efficiency of the serve (P=0.015) with more points won on serve during the second one, and more points lost during the third one. Differently, no difference emerged for the serve efficiency in terms of situation (P=0.233). Similarly, the serving situation does not affect the efficiency in key points (P=0.097) and in non-key points (P=0.706), producing more equality in Australian formation in key points. The direction of the serve in Australian formation (P=0.351) and conventional (P=0.32) does not affect its effectiveness, without effects for the second shot after the return in Australian formation (P=0.472) and conventional (P=0.458), being in both cases the backhand volley the most frequent stroke, for which the pair lose more points when serving. The number of strokes per point is associated to a higher probability of winning the point, being the number of strokes from 3 to 10 where the serving partner maintains the advantage, losing it from that stroke, in addition, there are no winning points neither with the serve nor with the serve-return. There are no significant differences (but only small divergences) in most of the tactical parameters considered in terms of serve efficiency.

Мучнистая роса дуба в защитных лесных насаждениях Волгоградской области

In the conditions of the Volgograd region, the source of infection of oak with powdery mildew (the causative agent is Erysiphe alphitoides (Griffon et Maubl.) U. Braun et S. Takam.) is the conidial and marsupial stages of the fungus – ascospores, which overwinter in fruit bodies (cleistothecium) almost within the entire range of the host. The development of the disease on the leaves of the shoots of the first growth depends on the phenological features of the oak and the weather conditions of the first growing season. When studying the regularities of oak phenology and the manifestations of the disease, systematic observations were carried out during the growing season in stands of pedunculate oak (Quercus robur L.) with a periodicity of 10 days. The phenology of oak was studied on 100 specimens of plants in protective forest stands on the territory adjacent to the city of Volgograd. At the same time, the development of powdery mildew of leaves was recorded, and conidium was captured using slides, with the help of agar-strips applied to them. The intensity of spore formation during the growth of the fungus was determined using the Goryaev counting chamber by the number of spores in a certain volume of suspension. Weather conditions for phenological observations were recorded using meteorological data for the period of studying the dynamics of the summer of powdery mildew-conidia and taken from the site “Pogoda i klimat”. It has been established that the seasonal development of conidia Erysiphe alphitoides is determined by a combination of the thermal regime and the conditions of humidification of the growing season. With the help of regression analysis for oak plantations in the arid zone of the Volgograd region, a prognostic model of a short-term meteorological and biological forecast of powdery mildew was developed, which made it possible to establish the dates of the disease and the terms of plant treatment through the dynamics of the spread of conidia.

Characteristics and discovery significance of the Upper Triassic–Lower Jurassic marine shale oil in Qiangtang Basin, China

Mesozoic marine shale oil was found in the Qiangtang Basin by a large number of hydrocarbon geological surveys and shallow drilling sampling. Based on systematic observation and experimental analysis of outcrop and core samples, the deposition and development conditions and characteristics of marine shale are revealed, the geochemical and reservoir characteristics of marine shale are evaluated, and the layers of marine shale oil in the Mesozoic are determined. The following geological understandings are obtained. First, there are two sets of marine organic-rich shales, the Lower Jurassic Quse Formation and the Upper Triassic Bagong Formation, in the Qiangtang Basin. They are mainly composed of laminated shale with massive mudstone. The laminated organic-rich shale of the Quse Formation is located in the lower part of the stratum, with a thickness of 50–75 m, and mainly distributed in southern Qiangtang Basin and the central-west of northern Qiangtang Basin. The laminated organic-rich shale of the Bagong Formation is located in the middle of the stratum, with a thickness of 250–350 m, and distributed in both northern and southern Qiangtang Basin. Second, the two sets of laminated organic-rich shales develop foliation, and various types of micropores and microfractures. The average content of brittle minerals is 70%, implying a high fracturability. The average porosity is 5.89%, indicating good reservoir physical properties to the level of moderate–good shale oil reservoirs. Third, the organic-rich shale of the Quse Formation contains organic matters of types II1 and II2, with the average TOC of 8.34%, the average content of chloroform bitumen ‘A’ of 0.66%, the average residual hydrocarbon generation potential (S1+S2) of 29.93 mg/g, and the Ro value of 0.9%–1.3%, meeting the standard of high-quality source rock. The organic-rich shale of the Bagong Formation contains mixed organic matters, with the TOC of 0.65%–3.10% and the Ro value of 1.17%–1.59%, meeting the standard of moderate source rock. Fourth, four shallow wells (depth of 50–250 m) with oil shows have been found in the organic shales at 50–90 m in the lower part of the Bagong Formation and 30–75 m in the middle part of the Quse Formation. The crude oil contains a high content of saturated hydrocarbon. Analysis and testing of outcrop and shallow well samples confirm the presence of marine shale oil in the Bagong Formation and the Quse Formation. Good shale oil intervals in the Bagong Formation are observed in layers 18–20 in the lower part of the section, where the shales with (S0+S1) higher than 1 mg/g are 206.7 m thick, with the maximum and average (S0+S1) of 1.92 mg/g and 1.81 mg/g, respectively. Good shale oil intervals in the Quse Formation are found in layers 4–8 in the lower part of the section, where the shales with (S0+S1) higher than 1 mg/g are 58.8 m thick, with the maximum and average (S0+S1) of 6.46 mg/g and 2.23 mg/g, respectively.

Examining the Differences Between Playoff Teams and Non-Playoff Teams in Men’s Euroleague; Play-Type Statistics Perspective

The offensive tactics of basketball teams consist of a series of actions performed with the collaboration of two or more players on the court. The study aimed to determine the differences in the possessions and the points of the play-type statistics of the eight playoff teams and the other ten non-playoff teams of the 2020 to 2021 men’s Euroleague season. The study sample consists of a total of 13,056 play types obtained through systematic observation methodology, which examined 272 matches involving 17 teams. Descriptive statistics and the Mann–Whitney U test was employed to obtain the findings. It was found that the catch’n & shoot, pick and roll ball handler are the most frequently used possessions and points that produced play-type statistics for all teams. Results showed that isolation ( U = 3,7740.5; z = −3.93; p < .05) pick and roll handler’s ( U = 39,932; z = −2.91; p < .05), post-up ( U = 39,878.5; z = −2.94; p < .05) and Screen-off possessions ( U = 41,689; z = −2,107; p < .05) of the playoff teams were statistically higher than non-playoff teams. Positively significant differences were also observed in isolation ( U = 38,172; z = −3,744; p < .05), pick and roll handler’s ( U = 40,278.5; z = −2,748; p < .05), post-up ( U = 38,353.5; z = −3,659; p < .05), and Screen-off ( U = 38,819.5; z = −3,434; p < .05) points of the playoff teams and non-playoff teams. These results show that playoff teams are prominent with the screen-off possessions and points as a team play, but post-ups, pick’n roll handlers selection, and catch’n shoot possessions and points are displayed by highly talented players. The findings may assist coaches and managers in roster building. Coaches might consider including these play-types in offensive sets and can create a more productive system. This understanding can be integrated into youth organizations’ training programs to raise high-level players.

Non-cardiac sequelae of Kawasaki Disease. The survey study of 90 cases and literature review

Introduction and objectiveThe best-known long-term complications of Kawasaki Disease (KD) are coronary artery aneurysms. However, there are numerous case reports about other unusual chronic complications. These data are only anecdotal, and more systematic observation is missing. We aimed to detect and describe chronic non-cardiac complications of KD.Material and methodsWe surveyed parents of children with KD diagnosed between 2014 and 2019 by phone with the use of standardized questionnaire. Clinical data about the acute phase of the disease, treatment, outcome, and symptoms and signs observed within three months since KD diagnosis were recorded from the caregivers. We recruited children from 3 children’s hospitals in Warsaw and a support group on social media.ResultsNinety children met the inclusion criteria. Parents of 30 children (33%) reported some neurologic sequelae, with persistent irritability being the most common, followed by sleep disturbances, aggression, and chronic fatigue. Seventeen children (19%) suffered either arthralgia or unspecific pain in the upper and lower extremities. In nine children (10%), either atopic or seborrheic dermatitis began shortly after KD. Five children (6%) presented with ophthalmic complications.ConclusionsVarious unspecific complications may emerge after the acute phase of KD. Although correlation does not imply causation, and possible explanations of observed abnormalities are numerous, our data may enhance clinicians’ awareness of frequent and poorly understood findings observed after KD in children. It also might help reassure parents that what they observe lies within a range of common and usually transient KD sequelae.

PROMOTING PRESCHOOL CHILDREN'S SOCIAL-EMOTIONAL LEARNING SKILLS THROUGH CREATIVE DRAMA INTEGRATED MUSIC ACTIVITIES

This study investigates the progression of social-emotional learning skills in children by integrating music activities into creative drama. The research was executed employing a pre-and post-test control group research design. The research cohort consisted of 40 five-year-old participants, separated into two groups of 20 each, experimental and control. An 8-week comprehensive music education program was implemented exclusively for the experimental group to enhance their social-emotional proficiencies. A personalized information questionnaire was also employed to gather demographic information about the children and their respective parents. The "Vineland Social-Emotional Early Childhood Scale" (VSEECS) and the "Expression of Emotions Test" (EET) were applied as pre-and post-tests to determine children's social-emotional behaviors. The results of this investigation revealed a statistically significant difference in the EET pre-and post-test scores within the experimental group. Conversely, comparing both study groups, no statistically significant difference in EET scores was observed. The lack of a significant difference could be attributed to social-emotional learning activities in the curriculum that were carried out at school. This result may positively affect the control group's emotional expression and social skills. The analysis revealed that no statistically significant difference was observed in the mean scores of the (VSEECS) between the two groups at both the pre-test and post-test scores. In the context of forthcoming research, it is advisable to procure data through systematic observation, interviews, and the implementation of longitudinal investigations to elucidate the impact of music education on the development of children's social-emotional learning skills.

Analysis of the Effect of U-Turn Access Closure on the Performance of Gajah Mada Road, Batam Indonesia

Purpose: Gajah Mada Road, Batam Taman Kota area is a primary collector road 1 that has a U-Turn and dense current if passed by motorists on weekdays in the afternoon. This study aims to analyze road performance due to the closure and opening of U-Turn access.
 Design/methodology/approach: The research method used systematic observation is carried out on Mondays and Fridays (weekdays when the U-Turn is closed and opens) at 17.15 - 18.00 WIB in MKJI 1997.
 Findings: The volume of vehicles and the average speed of vehicles passing when the U-Turn is closed is higher compared to the U-Turn is opened. Meanwhile, the level of road service (LoS) is classified as good because of the stable current and normal volume even though the vehicle speed is limited and affected by traffic.
 Research limitations/implications: The U-Turn closure policy is believed to be a solution to reducing vehicle congestion.
 Practical implications: Vehicle buildup factors due to U-Turn access are the main factors hampering road performance.
 Originality/value: This paper is an original work.
 Paper type: Research papers.

Rock deformation vs. radon emission: some constraints from shear stress-controlled experiments

Numerous field and laboratory studies have been conducted to investigate the relationship between radon variation and seismic events, as well as the complex link between radon emission and rock deformation mechanisms. However, a clear understanding of this correspondence and systematic observations of these phenomena are still lacking, and recent experimental studies have yet to yield conclusive results. In this study, we investigate the possible relationships between radon migration dynamics and rock deformation at the micro-scale through laboratory experiments using the SHIVA apparatus under shear stress-controlled conditions and simultaneous high-resolution radon measurements. We studied the behaviour of three different lithologies to show that radon emission varies in response to rock deformation and this variation is highly dependent on the mineralogy and microstructure. This study represents the first attempt to define radon gas as an indicator of transient and rapid rock deformation at the micro-scale.

The Scientific Observation Experiences of Gifted/Talented Students: Observing Circadian Rhythm in the Common Bean Plant

The activity described here was designed to center on the observation of circadian rhythms in plants through the example of growing beans. The aim was to develop students’ skills of systematic observation of various variables in the long-term. Our study took place at a Science and Arts Center with 17 gifted students in the third and fourth grades who were receiving supplementary education at the center. In the first stage of the study, the teacher initiated the cultivation of the plant and the process of observation 2 weeks ahead of the class and based on the experience of the observation, set up a detailed plan for a classroom activity. The activity was carried out in three phases. The first phase involved the planting and germination of the beans in pots. The second phase focused on the first appearance of the plant’s leaves, while the third phase comprised the process of observing the effects of the intensity of light and the changes in temperature in the environment on the opening and closing movements of the leaves. It was found that the gifted students were successful in making long-term, systematic observations of various variables, and that as time passed, their dedication to the project increased. This motivation led them to delve deeper using different individual skills of scientific observation to discover how circadian rhythm is manifested in different plants, thus expanding their framework of accurate observation. We recommend the widespread use of this activity in the education of gifted students.

Assessment of menstrual cycle self-observation skills using the double-check symptom-thermal method based on chart evaluation

Abstract : Meticulous and systematic observation of the menstrual cycle allows a woman to monitor her procreative health, which has great diagnostic value. It gives the opportunity to learn about the natural rhythm of fertility and, in the case of observing abnormalities, reduces the time until the first medical consultation. Reliable learning of observation takes time and is carried out through a certified teacher of a particular method of fertility awarness.. Therefore, this skill from the area of prevention and diagnosis should occupy an important place in the teaching of both health care workers and the education of women themselves. In Poland, there are several non-governmental non-profit organizations that provide professional teaching support in the field of health-promoting education and natural family planning. Method: I and III of self- cycle observation chart were studied. The total number of analyzed charts was 74. The study was based upon the SPSS Statistics package version 25. The p < 0.05 level was considered statistically significant. Results: The majority of women with high self-observation skills in menstrual cycle charting using the double-check symptom-thermal method were single , with a university degree (53.65%, n=22), learning the method at the Lublin branch of Polish Association of Natural Family Planning Teachers (51.21%, n=21), motivated to learn charting for procreative health monitor (75.60%, n=31), with no support from a husband/fiancé/partner (60.96%, n=25). Conclusions: : The study group of women was homogeneous in terms of the eligibility criteria applied, i.e. they were all at reproductive age, had typical cycles and did not use contraception methods. The women's high skills in cycles self-observation are the result of the excellent quality of the NFP teacher work with the client, the ability to communicate and convey the principles of self-observation skills as well as the user's motivation to keep charting their cycles. The main goal of the women learning the method was to monitor their own procreative health.

Impact of a high-volume overdose prevention site on social and drug disorder in surrounding areas in San Francisco

BackgroundBetween January and December 2022 a multi-service center incorporating an overdose prevention site (OPS) operated with city government sanction in San Francisco. One concern often expressed about OPS is that they may increase social nuisance associated with drug use in the surrounding area, despite international evidence that this is not the case. MethodsWe conducted systematic street observation of 10 indicators of drug- and homelessness-related social nuisance in a 500 m radius around the OPS and around a comparison point in the same city before and after the introduction of the OPS. We estimated the risk that any given street within sampling areas would have nuisance post-intervention relative to the control area using Poisson regression. ResultsRatio of relative risks of any reported nuisance in the 500 m area surrounding the OPS from pre- to post-intervention to that of the comparison area was 0.69 (95% CI: 0.54, 0.87; p=0.002). The relative risk of drug-specific nuisance was similar to the comparison area pre/post intervention (0.90; 95% CI 0.66, 1.24; p=0.53). The risk of homelessness-specific nuisance decreased around the OPS (RR 0.7., 95% CI 0.52, 0.93; p=0.02) whereas they increased around the comparison area (RR 1.33, 95% CI 1.06, 1.68; p=0.02). ConclusionWe found that implementing authorized OPS services in a U.S. city did not increase the prevalence of visible signs of drug use and homelessness in the surrounding area. These findings are similar to those found at OPS outside the U.S.

From “arrow storks” to search engine data: Google Trends reveals seasonality in search interest for migratory white storks (Ciconia ciconia) in Germany

Bird migration is a fascinating natural phenomenon, with curiosities such as “arrow storks”, systematic observations, bird ringing, and, increasingly, modern technologies, such as radio transmitters and satellite telemetry, contributing to its research. The aim of this study is to investigate whether Google Trends data are suitable for capturing the migration of the white stork (Ciconia ciconia) in Germany.We used search engine data to track seasonal levels of public awareness for the white stork in Germany. The public search interest was compared with interest in other migratory and non-migratory bird species, and with interest in the topic “white stork” along migration routes. Our analysis demonstrated public interest in the topic “white stork” in Germany with a seasonal pattern. In contrast, we were not able to detect a clear seasonality in all countries along the migration routes, which traced white stork migration in time and place. Google Trends was a useful tool to track the seasonality in Germany, for example. However, some limitations were also identified in tracking migration routes using Google Trends data.

Keys to Responsive Feeding in Early Education: Systematic Observation of Pikler-Lóczy’s Educators’ Behaviour During Breakfast

AbstractThe responsive feeding style has been researched to date using indirect techniques, mainly in family contexts. This style supports children’s capacity for self-regulation, which is why the present study aims to directly and systematically observe the method in a school context, focusing specifically on the behaviour of two educators working at the Emmi Pikler Nursery School during breakfast time with two different groups. The observation instrument used was a field format created ad hoc that measures two basic dimensions in said behaviour: instrumental and relational. A total of 25 sessions were recorded and a lag sequential analysis was performed to detect behavioural patterns during the care activity. The results reveal a common pattern shared by both educators in both dimensions (instrumental and relational) that includes key elements of group-based responsive feeding.

The effect of specialized content knowledge in reciprocal peer learning in a university content class

ABSTRACT Background Teaching strategies using peers to influence student-learning outcomes are commonly used in physical education. Reciprocal peer learning is a teaching strategy where students work in pairs as tutor and tutee. Effective peer tutoring requires knowledge about the critical elements for correct performance (i.e. common content knowledge, CCK) and knowing how to detect and address common errors (i.e. specialized content knowledge, SCK). Research on training students for their task as tutor to increase peer learning effectiveness is limited. Purpose and research question This study documents an online approach to prepare students for their role as tutor during reciprocal peer learning. Also, it investigates the effect of online CCK + SCK-training versus online CCK-only training on (a) skill performance by tutees and error detection by tutors during peer learning; and (b) individual skill performance at a 1-week retention test. Methods Seventy-seven undergraduate students (25 female, 52 male) were randomly assigned to an online CCK + SCK (n = 37) or CCK-only (n = 40) training for learning Basic Life Support (BLS) as part of their curriculum. All participants learned online the correct procedure for BLS according to international guidelines (i.e. CCK). In the CCK + SCK condition, students additionally learned online to detect and correct four common errors related to chest compression. Following the online training all students learned BLS using reciprocal peer learning with manikins. For each student pair skill performance during practice by tutees was reported using digital manikins and error detection by tutors was collected using systematic observation of video recordings. One week following practice (i.e. retention), BLS-performance was assessed individually using a validated protocol. Findings During peer learning, SCK-trained tutees performed less unique errors (Mdn = 2 vs. 1, p < .05) and SCK-trained tutors detected a higher proportion of unique errors (Mdn 100% vs. 0%, p < .05) compared to CCK-only trained students. At retention, SCK-trained students outperformed the CCK-group for chest compressions with adequate rate (Mdn 91% vs. 69% p < .05) and complete release (Mdn 81% vs. 35% p < .05). Conclusions Teaching undergraduate students online to detect and correct errors positively impacted the quality of practice during peer learning and the performance at retention.

O.6.3-10 Investigating the impact of a school garden intervention on children’s school motivation, climate literacy, food literacy and physical activity: the FoodACT protocol

Abstract Background Globally, too many children are not sufficient physically active and have unhealthy food habits with the highest prevalence seen in families with low socio-economic-status (SES). Previous research has stated that schools are considered a key setting for promoting children physical activity (PA), food literacy (FL) and to improve their social health. School gardens is exactly such an intervention where teaching is relocated to an outdoor setting. Relocation of teaching, which is a central ingredient of school gardens, has shown to be positively related to increased PA in both boys and girls during the school day. School gardens aim towards practical experience and education in food and climate. PA is not I focus, but the school garden learning environment provides pupils opportunities to be active. Therefore, the FoodACT study aims to investigate how a school gardening intervention impact pupils school motivation, CL, FL and PA with a special attention on children with low SES. Methods The FoodACT study is designed in three sub-studies. An efficacy study, quantifying the effects of school gardens using a pre-post quasi-experimental design measuring the pupils’ FL, CL and SM. A within-subject-design association study, quantifying the influence of the school garden activities on pupils PA at two sessional periods during the intervention. An association study, investigating the contextual characteristics of the school garden activities using the systematic observations instrument, The Physical Activity Research and Assessment tool for Garden Observation (PARAGON), which can capture pupils’ movements and motions categorised in ‘overall PA-level’, ‘garden-related tasks’, ‘garden related motions’, ‘social associations’, and ‘interaction’. The observations is supplemented by pupil focus-group interviews about their experience of the school garden intervention. Results Study design, recruitment experience and pilot-study data on PA and garden activity observations will be presented. Funding The FoodACT study is funded by the Novo Nordisk Foundation (Grant no: 077522).

The impact of urban graffiti with facial expressions on human behavioral and emotional experiences in a VR environment

PurposeThe present study investigates human behavioral and emotional experiences based on human-built environment interaction with a specific interest in urban graffiti displaying fear and pleasure-inducing facial expressions. Regarding human behavioral and emotional experience, two questions are asked for the outcome of human responses and two hypotheses are formulated. H1 is based on the behavioral experience and posits that the urban graffiti displaying fear and pleasure-inducing facial expressions elicit specified behavioral fear and pleasure responses. H2 is based on emotional experience and states that the urban graffiti displaying fear and pleasure-inducing facial expressions elicit specified emotional fear and pleasure responses.Design/methodology/approachThe research design is developed as a multi-method approach, applying a lab-based experimental strategy (N:39). The research equipment includes a mobile electroencephalogram (EEG) and a Virtual Reality (VR) headset. The behavioral and emotional human responses concerning the representational features of urban graffiti are assessed objectively by measuring physiological variables, EEG signals and subjectively by behavioral variables, systematic behavioral observation and self-report variables, Self-assessment Manikin (SAM) questionnaire. Additionally, correlational analyses between behavioral and emotional results are performed.FindingsThe findings of behavioral and emotional evaluations and correlational results show that specialized fear and pleasure response patterns occur due to the affective characteristics of the urban graffiti's representational features, supporting our hypotheses. As a result, the characteristics of behavioral fear and pleasure response and emotional fear and pleasure response are identified.Originality/valueThe present paper contributes to the literature on human-built environment interactions by using physiological, behavioral and self-report measurements as indicators of human behavioral and emotional experiences. Additionally, the literature on urban graffiti is expanded by studying the representational features of urban graffiti as a parameter of investigating human experience in the built environment.

Using systematic social observations to measure crime prevention through environmental design and disorder : in-situ observations, photographs, and google street view imagery

Using systematic social observations to measure crime prevention through environmental design and disorder : in-situ observations, photographs, and google street view imagery

Developing a virtual reality (VR) application for practicing the ABCDE approach for systematic clinical observation

BackgroundThe Airways, Breathing, Circulation, Disability, Exposure (ABCDE) approach is an international approach for systematic clinical observation. It is an essential clinical skill for medical and healthcare professionals and should be practiced repeatedly. One way to do so is by using virtual reality (VR). The aim was therefore to develop a VR application to be used by inexperienced health students and professionals for self-instructed practice of systematic clinical observation using the ABCDE approach.MethodsAn iterative human-centred approach done in three overlapping phases; deciding on the ABCDE approach, specifying the requirements, and developing the application.ResultsA total of 138 persons were involved. Eight clinical observations were included in the ABCDE approach. The requirements included making it possible for inexperienced users to do self-instructed practice, a high level of immersion, and a sense of presence including mirroring the physical activities needed to do the ABCDE approach, allowing for both single and multiplayer, and automatic feedback with encouragement to repeat the training. In addition to many refinements, the testing led to the development of some new solutions. Prominent among them was to get players to understand how to use the VR hand controllers and start to interact with the VR environment and more instructions like showing videos on how to do observations. The solutions in the developed version were categorised into 15 core features like onboarding, instructions, quiz, and feedback.ConclusionA virtual reality application for self-instructed practice of systematic clinical observation using the ABCDE approach can be developed with sufficient testing by inexperienced health students and professionals.