Intervention Tool Research Articles

Prediction of mental health risk in adolescents via a smartphone app: a feasibility pilot study

Abstract Background The prevalence of mental health problems in adolescents is a global public health concern. Machine learning (ML) can analyse multidimensional data collected by phone sensors (passive tracking) and symptom self-reporting (active tracking) to model and predict mental health states. However, research in adolescents is lacking. This study investigated the feasibility of using ML to predict mental health in a non-clinical population of adolescents from active and passive data collected through the Mindcraft mobile app. Methods We recruited 103 secondary students (aged 14-18) who first completed the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) and then used the Mindcraft app for two weeks. The app integrates sensor data (location, steps, noise, light, battery, app usage) and self-reports. We extracted 85 sensor-based features and 19 from questionnaires to develop a gradient-boosted ensemble ML model. This model identifies students with abnormal SDQ scores and was evaluated using leave-one-out cross-validation. Results All students completed the active questionnaires; 67 also provided passive sensor data. 31 had abnormal SDQ scores. Using passive data, the ML model reached a balanced accuracy of 0.64 and an AUC score of 0.57. Incorporating both data types improved accuracy to 0.67 and AUC to 0.70. Feature importance scores showed step count and questionnaire on racing thoughts and hopefulness as most significant. Conclusions Our findings affirm the potential of integrating passive and active data collection to monitor mental health in real-world settings. Our ML model demonstrated moderate accuracy in predicting adolescents’ mental health risk measured with a behavioural screening questionnaire. This study will guide the development of a ML-driven, personalised mobile intervention for early symptom detection and mental health self-management, which might constitute an innovative and scalable tool for mental health prevention and intervention in adolescents. Key messages • This study shows the feasibility of using active and passive data to predict mental health risk in adolescents. • This study informs the development of a personalised machine learning-driven mobile intervention.

EvalDepApps: How to evaluate depression management based on evidence and end users

Abstract The use of apps is increasing in the field of mental health due to their ease of use and accessibility, although there is not enough evidence on their effectiveness and safety. EvalDepApps aims to develop an evaluation tool for depression management apps. A systematic review with meta-analysis (SRMA) was performed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of apps for depression, and to identify the evaluation criteria used. PRISMA methodology was followed. The MEDLINE, PsycINFO, and Embase databases were consulted. The risk of bias was assessed with the RoB2 scale. An online 2 rounds Delphi was carried out to prioritize the most relevant criteria identified. 44 people (26 professionals, 18 patients) were invited. They were asked to rate the importance of each criterion on a Likert scale (1 - 6). Those that obtained a high consensus were selected; those with a medium were submitted to the 2nd round. Empathization (6) and co-design (6) sessions were held with patients (23) and professionals (33) in Catalonia, the Canary Islands and Andalusia to identify what relevant aspects the tool should have. Twenty-nine studies were included in the SRMA (67% unclear bias), finding a significant effect of mHealth interventions in reducing depressive symptoms compared to non-active control (Hedges g = −0.62, 95% CI: −0.87 to − 0.37, I2 = 87%). In Round 1 of the Delphi (59% participation) 24 criteria obtained a high consensus, 20 a medium and 7 a low. In Round 2 (52% participation), 4 criteria reached high consensus. The empathy sessions showed that the actions most requested by patients were reduce anxiety, and information about their condition; for professionals, suicide prevention. Regarding co-design, it was proposed that the tool provide ranking of the apps, recommendation systems and a very visual format. The RSMA and Delphi guarantee that the tool will be based on scientific evidence and expert judgment, while empathization and co-design that it will fit with the needs of end users. Key messages • It is relevant to evaluate the quality of health apps, especially those addressed to vulnerable populations such as people with depression. • It is crucial that the development of evaluation tools for digital health interventions will be developed based on evidence-based but also includes end users.

4.N. Scientific session: Equity in Child Health: Leveraging Universal Health Promotion Services for Families Amid Uncertainty

Abstract This workshop addresses the urgent need to foster resilience and equity in child health within the context of an increasingly uncertain Europe. Rapid societal changes, exacerbated by events such as the COVID-19 pandemic and heightened risks of conflict, climate change and economic instability, underscore the importance of nurturing environments where children can thrive despite challenging circumstances. The workshop aims to explore strategies for promoting well-being and addressing social inequalities in child health within the context of universal health promotion services, such as school health services and child health clinics. Objectives are to 1) Elucidate the importance and impact of universal health promotion services in addressing social inequalities and promoting equitable opportunities for all children, regardless of background or circumstance; 2) Identify actionable steps for interventions mitigating social inequalities and promoting equitable opportunities focusing on health literacy among parents with immigrant backgrounds; 3) Showcase successful models and initiatives in universal healthcare and health promotion services for children and families, emphasizing early intervention and standardized evaluation tools; and 4) Facilitate dialogue and knowledge exchange among professionals, policymakers, and stakeholders involved in child and adolescent health promotion. This workshop’s added value lies in its multidisciplinary approach, fostering collaboration for innovative solutions in child health resilience and equity. The coherence between presentations lies in their joint focus on addressing social inequalities in the context of universal health promotion services for children and families. Each presentation offers a unique perspective on these themes, contributing to a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities in child health promotion. • Hanne Nissen Bjørnsen’s presentation on the role of universal services in public health and addressing social inequality sets the stage by examining the structural factors contributing to disparities in child health outcomes. • Kirsti Riiseŕs presentation conveys the importance of user, stakeholder, and community involvement in creating culturally sensitive strategies for effective health promotion services in the context of health literacy among parents with immigrant backgrounds • Kristin Haraldstad’s presentation on Starting Right, an evidence-based assessment of children in municipalities healthcare centers, highlights the importance of early intervention and targeted support in mitigating health inequalities and promoting well-being. Format of the workshop: Three 10-minute presentations followed by a 20-minute moderated discussion to delve into empowerment and equity in child health, encouraging rich idea exchanges. Key messages • Leveraging universal health promotion services effectively empowers children and families while addressing social inequalities amidst periods of uncertainty. • Collaborative, user-centered approaches and evidence-based working strategies are key to promoting equity and building resilience in child health.

Call for Action for a Disaster Literacy Course for Disaster Risk Management Process.

There is a need to utilise formal education to ensure and support the effective participation of communities in the disaster risk management process. The negative outcomes of disasters occurring as a result of various disasters in Turkiye show that the society is inadequately prepared. Therefore, the best fight against disasters can be carried out within the scope of formal education activities. In this study, the content and infrastructure of a curriculum for the management of disaster risks at the university level is presented at the conceptual level. Disaster literacy curriculum can contribute to the management of current and future disaster risks. However, there is a need to expand the implementation and measurement of the effectiveness and feasibility of the curriculum as a public health intervention tool. Finally, the support of the national education system needs to be ensured.

A Virtual Reality Approach to Overcome Glossophobia among University Students

In the contemporary academic landscape, university students frequently deliver presentations in front of their peers and faculty, often leading to heightened levels of Public Speaking Anxiety (PSA). This study explores the potential of Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy (VRET) to alleviate PSA among students. Our study introduces "Manch," a realistic VR environment that simulates classroom public speaking scenarios with lifelike audience interactions and a slide-deck presentation feature. The study was conducted with N=28 participants, showing a significant reduction in PSA levels post-VR exposure, thereby establishing VR's efficacy in mitigating PSA. Additionally, we also incorporated a unique qualitative analysis through participant interviews, offering deeper insights into individual experiences with VRET. Manch shows great promise as a tool for future studies and interventions aimed at reducing PSA, particularly among university students.

Clinical Characteristics and Outcomes in Tracheobronchopathia Osteochondroplastica: A Scoping Review

Background and Objective: Tracheobronchopathia osteochondroplastica (TBOCP) is a rare, benign condition characterised by the presence of multiple bony and cartilaginous nodules in the tracheal and bronchial submucosa. Its etiology remains unknown, and clinical presentations and management vary. Methods: We conducted a scoping review to evaluate clinical and radiological characteristics, diagnostic investigations and prognostic outcomes of TBOCP in adults by exploring Pubmed and SCOPUS databases. Results: From the search results of 675 studies, 98 were included in this scoping review. TBOCP has a myriad of presenting symptoms and clinical severity but is notably an asthma mimic, displaying an obstructive pattern on spirometry. Bronchoscopic tools were the most common interventional diagnostic or management tool. Conclusion: While the etiology of TBOCP remains unknown, clinicians are alerted to its varied presentations and classical histopathological and gross morphological appearance.

Utility of Flexible Bronchoscopy as an Interventional Tool in Children: A Single-Center Cross-Sectional Study

AbstractThe aim of this study was to study the utility of pediatric flexible bronchoscopy as an interventional tool. This is a prospective study conducted in a tertiary care hospital. The studied patients underwent flexible bronchoscopy for various diagnostic and therapeutic reasons. The endpoint was to document the type of therapeutic procedure done in a patient, success rate, and any procedural complications encountered. During the 7-year period, a total of 824 different bronchoscopic procedures were conducted. The majority of procedures were for diagnostic reasons. A total of 68 therapeutic procedures were performed successfully, which included foreign body retrieval in 46 patients, bronchoscopic intubation in 5 patients, transbronchial needle aspiration (TBNA) in 4 patients, dilatation of tracheal stenosis in 4 patients, mucus plug removal in 3 patients for lung collapse, postoperative hydatid membrane removal in 3 patients, whole lung lavage in 2 patients, and transbronchial needle biopsy (TBNB) for suspected fibrosing mediastinitis in 1 patient. The 7-year audit of therapeutic role of flexible bronchoscopy (FB) in children revealed that the procedure is safe and can be utilized for many therapeutic procedures in children, including removal of aspirated foreign bodies, bronchoscopic intubation, dilatation of tracheal stenosis, treatment of atelectasis, and collection of biopsy specimens from the mediastinum. The procedure is safe and carried no major complication rate.

Validity and reproducibility of a food frequency questionnaire to determine dietary intakes among Lebanese athletes.

Nutrition is a basic need for athletes; thus, adequate dietary intake is crucial for maintaining overall health, facilitating training adaptations and boosting athletic performance. Accurate dietary assessment tools are required to minimize the challenges faced by athletes. This study verifies the validity and reproducibility of a 157 item semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) among Lebanese athletes. This is the only Arabic questionnaire in Lebanon that estimates food consumption for athletes which can also be used in Arabic speaking countries. There has been no previous validated food frequency questionnaire that estimated food consumption for athletes in Lebanon. A total of 194 athletes were included in the study to assess the validity of the food frequency questionnaire against four days dietary recalls by comparing the total nutrient intake values from the food frequency questionnaire with the mean values of four 24-hour dietary recalls using Spearman correlation coefficient and Bland Altman plots. In order to measure the reproducibility, the intra class correlation coefficients were calculated by repeating the same food frequency questionnaire after one month. The intra-class correlation coefficient between the two-food frequency questionnaires ranged from average (0.739 for carbohydrates) to good (0.870 for energy (Kcal)), to excellent (0.919 for proteins) concerning macronutrients and ranged from average (0.688 for vitamin D), to excellent (0.952 for vitamin B12), indicating an acceptable reproducibility. Spearman's correlation coefficients of dietary intake estimate from the food frequency questionnaire and the four dietary recalls varied between 0.304 for sodium, 0.469 for magnesium to 0.953 for caloric intake (kcal). Bland-Altman plots illustrated a percentage of agreement ranging between 94.3% for fats to 96.4% for proteins. This food frequency questionnaire has a reliable validity and reproducibility to evaluate dietary assessments and is an appropriate tool for future interventions to ensure the adoption of adequate eating strategies by athletes.

A Spatiotemporally Controlled and Mitochondria-Targeted Prodrug of Hydrogen Sulfide Enables Mild Mitochondrial Uncoupling for the Prevention of Lipid Deposition.

Mild mitochondrial uncoupling offers therapeutic benefits for various diseases like obesity by regulating cellular energy metabolism. However, effective chemical intervention tools for inducing mild mitochondria-targeted uncoupling are limited. Herein, we have developed a mitochondria-targeted H2S prodrug M1 with a unique property of on-demand photoactivated generation of H2S accompanied by self-reporting fluorescence for real-time tracking. Upon photoirradiation, M1 decomposes in mitochondria to generate H2S and a turn-on fluorescent coumarin derivative for the visualization and quantification of H2S. M1 is confirmed to induce reactive oxygen species (ROS)-dependent mild mitochondrial uncoupling, activating mitochondria-associated adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) to suppress palmitic acid (PA)-induced lipid deposition in hepatocytes. The uncoupling functions induced by M1 are strictly controlled in mitochondria, representing a fresh strategy to prevent lipid deposition and improve metabolic syndrome by increasing cellular energy expenditure.

Anterior ultrasound approach for evaluating posterior shoulder instability in brachial plexus birth palsy: A novel diagnostic technique

Brachial plexus birth palsy (BPBP) often leads to shoulder deformities, such as posterior subluxation and internal rotation of the humeral head, which can severely impact a patient’s quality of life. Traditional imaging techniques such as magnetic resonance imaging, while effective, often require sedation or anesthesia, limiting their routine use in pediatric patients. This technical note explores using ultrasound as a non-invasive alternative for evaluating and monitoring shoulder deformities in BPBP patients. We introduce a novel ultrasound method that focuses on the alignment of the coracoid process and the humeral head, revealing significant differences between affected and unaffected shoulders. This technique offers a reliable and accessible tool for early diagnosis and intervention, improving outcomes for patients with BPBP-related shoulder deformities.

Substance Use among Youth Presenting to the Pediatric Emergency Department.

Our primary objective was to determine the frequency and type of substance use in youth presenting to our pediatric ED (PED). Our secondary objective was to identify characteristics associated with higher-risk substance use. We conducted a tablet-based, anonymous, self-administered screening for substance use using a modified version of the Screening to Brief Intervention (S2BI) tool among a convenience sample of 383 patients 12-21 years presenting to an urban, academic PED from February to July 2023. Patients' attitudes toward ED screening and interventions for substance use also were collected. The frequency and type of substance use was analyzed by age group. Ordinal logistic regression was used to identify characteristics associated with higher-risk use (monthly or more substance use) and lower-risk use (past year use), as compared to no past year use. Among 14-17-year-olds (n = 144), 38% reported substance use in the past year; 25% had higher-risk use. Among 18-21-year-olds (n = 172), 67% reported substance use in the past year; 48% had higher-risk use. Alcohol, cannabis, and tobacco were most commonly used. Substance use was rare for 12-13-year-olds. Compared to youth 14-17 years, youth 18-21 years were more likely to have either higher-risk use (aOR 3.81, 95% CI (2.24-6.47)) or lower-risk use (aOR 2.74 (1.41-5.35)), rather than no use. Compared to Asian patients, Non-Hispanic White patients (aOR 5.23 (1.07-25.66)) and Hispanic patients (aOR 3.18 (1.06-9.58)) were more likely to have higher-risk use than no use. Most patients reported that it was important for youth to be asked about substance use in the ED and to be offered help for substance use. Youth substance use was common in this urban, academic PED, and many patients reported higher-risk use. These findings support future research to determine the best practices for ED substance use screening and ED-based interventions for youth.

The alterations of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation on the energy landscape of resting-state networks differ across the human cortex.

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is a promising intervention tool for the noninvasive modulation of brain activity and behavior in neuroscience research and clinical settings. However, the resting-state dynamic evolution of large-scale functional brain networks following rTMS has rarely been investigated. Here, using resting-state fMRI images collected from 23 healthy individuals before (baseline) and after 1 Hz rTMS of the left frontal (FRO) and occipital (OCC) lobes, we examined the different effects of rTMS on brain dynamics across the human cortex. By fitting a pairwise maximum entropy model (pMEM), we constructed an energy landscape for the baseline and poststimulus conditions by fitting a pMEM. We defined dominant brain states (local minima) in the energy landscape with synergistic activation and deactivation patterns of large-scale functional networks. We calculated state dynamics including appearance probability, transitions and duration. The results showed that 1 Hz rTMS induced increased and decreased state probability, transitions and duration when delivered to the FRO and OCC targets, respectively. Most importantly, the shortest path and minimum cost between dominant brain states were altered after stimulation. The absolute sum of the costs from the source states to the destinations was lower after OCC stimulation than after FRO stimulation. In conclusion, our study characterized the dynamic trajectory of state transitions in the energy landscape and suggested that local rTMS can induce significant dynamic perturbation involving stimulated and distant functional networks, which aligns with the modern view of the dynamic and complex brain. Our results suggest low-dimensional mapping of rTMS-induced brain adaption, which will contribute to a broader and more effective application of rTMS in clinical settings.

Detachment of a Guidewire Tip as an Intraoperative Complication during Revascularization of Chronic Coronary Artery Occlusion: A Clinical Case

Introduction. Cardiovascular diseases occupy a leading position in the structure of mortality in the world. In particular, coronary heart disease causes mortality in 48% of cases among cardiovascular diseases. Surgical treatment of patients with coronary heart disease is aimed at eliminating stenotic or occlusive lesions in the coronary arteries by heart bypass and/or percutaneous coronary intervention with stenting. The success rate of the procedure accounts for about 85%. In the remaining 15%, revascularization fails to achieve its goal, which may be caused, among other things, by a pronounced calcification of the occlusive segment of the coronary artery. Aim: to demonstrate the development of one of complications after revascularization of chronic coronary artery occlusion and a method for its elimination. Materials and methods. The paper demonstrates a clinical case of an 86­year­old patient with coronary heart disease treated in a non­emergency hospital. Coronary angiography revealed a multivessel lesion. Coronary artery bypass grafting was recommended after an intraoperative consultation with a cardiologist and a vascular surgeon. The next day, the patient underwent emergency coronary angiography in order to revascularize chronic occlusion. Results and discussion. The patient underwent attempted revascularization of chronic calcified occlusion, which resulted in such a complication as deformities and “detachment” of the distal tip of the guidewire. This complication was resolved with the help of a trifold snare and the creative and cold­blooded thinking of the operating surgeon. Conclusion. The clinical case shows that, despite any encouraging statistical success rate, the operating surgeon should be ready for possible intraoperative complications. The key to solving this problem lies in the availability of modern medical tools for coronary interventions, as well as in relevant experience of an operating surgeon and creativity in making certain decisions.

Empowering youth as Changemakers for gender-transformative action: a play-based participatory approach in South-East Nepal.

This study explored how youth participatory action research (YPAR) methods, specifically play-based activities integrated with cricket, can engage adolescent girls in Nepal's Terai region to identify and address gender-related health challenges. It aimed to assess how these methods contribute to empowering girls, developing research capacities, and promoting gender equity through sports. Three interactive workshops were held with adolescent girls forming 'Cricket Changemakers' teams. Through a combination of cricket-based activities, participatory games, and discussions, the workshops aimed to build research skills and explore gender issues in their communities. Qualitative data were gathered through observations, reflective notes, and outputs from play-based tasks. Data were analysed using framework analysis to evaluate the contribution of these activities to key YPAR processes such as power sharing, communication, and strategic thinking. The play-based methods improved collaboration, networking, and communication among participants. The cricket activities fostered collective power and provided opportunities for girls to reflect on and challenge local gender norms. Participants identified issues including restrictions on mobility, societal expectations, and the unequal distribution of household chores. The workshops facilitated the development of research action plans focused on increasing girls' participation in cricket and shifting community perceptions of girls' roles. The integration of play-based YPAR methods shows promise for fostering gender-transformative change among adolescent girls in Nepal. These methods created a space for girls to express challenges and co-develop strategies for social change. Findings suggest that sports-based participatory research can be a valuable tool in public health interventions for gender equity, though more work is needed to address methodological challenges and ensure meaningful participation.

Application of the Medical Research Council guidance for complex interventions in the development of VIeSA, an intervention to support healthy ageing among community-dwelling older adults

BackgroundThe ageing population, coupled with the desire to age-in-place, highlight the need for programs that target health promotion as a means of maintaining functional ability, autonomy, and independence among community-dwelling older adults. This paper describes the development of the VIeSA intervention, which aimed to model a healthy ageing trajectory, including the identification of the necessary tools and methods, that would allow people older people, in partnership with health and social care professionals, to define personal health-related goals and the actions to achieve them. A key element of the intervention development was the creation of a support tool intended to assist this process.MethodsThe UK Medical Research Council (MRC) guidance on developing and evaluating complex interventions was applied in the development of the intervention and of the support tool. A participatory approach was selected, with stakeholders engaged on different occasions to allow the refinement of the intervention and of the support tool. Following the steps and suggested actions in the MRC development phase, the development process was conducted by identifying (1) the evidence base and (2) the theoretical framework and (3) by modelling the process and outcomes of the intervention.ResultsFollowing a literature review on effective interventions for functional ability, draft 1 of the support tool was designed. Focus groups with stakeholders provided feedback on this draft allowing for its refinement in terms of content, language use, and structure (draft 2). A review of the approaches for health promotion delivery led to further additions to the tool (draft 3) and informed the content of the training of health and social care professionals. After their training, professionals provided feedback on the acceptability, appropriateness, and feasibility of different elements of the intervention. Results suggested that no further major refinement to the intervention or support tool was necessary.ConclusionsThe design and development of the VIeSA intervention using the MRC guidance allowed for a clarity of direction, an optimised content in terms of usefulness and accessibility for all concerned stakeholders, and greater opportunities for its implementation and uptake.

Disruption Dynamics Maturity Model: An empirical tool for Business Disruption Diagnosis and Intervention

Numerous models and frameworks addressing Digital Transformation and Business disruption have emerged in the last two decades. Generally, such models and frameworks can describe Business disruption well and even help with post-facto analysis as they delve mostly into prior popular examples and cases. The Disruption Dynamics Maturity Model (DDMM) proposed here takes a deeper and more action-oriented approach towards providing diagnosis and a path for possible Interventions. Disruption Dynamics Maturity Model can be applied empirically to business situations, to capture the emerging scenarios and analyze possibilities for the future. While a number of authors, researchers from all over the world and even major consulting firms like McKinsey, Deloitte, Accenture etc. have all tried to gauge this phenomenon, the challenge is that the factors triggering business disruption are becoming more granular and widespread, coming in from multiple directions, mostly not even identifiable in time. This makes it difficult to have a universal or at least a widely accepted model for diagnosing Business Disruption. Hence such a model must be dynamic, evolving in time and must also allow the practitioners or managers to track, group, pre-empt and envision various scenarios allowing them to deduce various strategic and tactical decisions. Through an integrative literature review, this working paper explores and captures significant dimensions to conceptualize such a model which can be used as an empirical tool for Business Disruption Diagnosis and Intervention. The outcome of this study is conceptualizing the Disruption Dynamics Maturity Model and demonstrating its dimensions.

Digital Interventions for Managing Medication and Health Care Service Delivery in West Africa: Systematic Review.

As a result of the recent advancements in technology, the incorporation of digital interventions into the health care system has gained a lot of attention and adoption globally. However, these interventions have not been fully adopted, thereby limiting their impact on health care delivery in West Africa. This review primarily aims at evaluating the current digital interventions for medication and health care delivery in West Africa. Its secondary aim is to assess the impacts of digital interventions in managing medication and health care service delivery with the intent of providing vital recommendations that would contribute to an excellent adoption of digital intervention tools in the health care space in West Africa. In line with PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses), a comprehensive search through various databases yielded 529 results. After a rigorous screening, 29 articles that provided information on 3 broad digital health intervention tools were found eligible for this review. Out of 29 studies, 16 (55%) studies examined phone-based interventions, 9 (31%) studies focused on tele- and e-based interventions, and 4 (14%) studies evaluated digital interventions. These interventions were used for diverse purposes, some of which are monitoring adverse drug reactions, general health, sexual and reproductive health, and training of health care practitioners. The phone-based intervention appears to be the most known and impactful of all the interventions, followed by tele- and e-based, while digital interventions were scarcely used. Digital interventions have had a considerable level of impact on medication and health care delivery across West Africa. However, the overall impact is limited. Therefore, strategies must be developed to address the challenges limiting the use of digital intervention tools so that these tools can be fully incorporated into the health care space in West Africa.

Refugee Minors’ Perspectives Explored with the Bridge Drawing and Children’s Hope Scale

AbstractMoving from one’s home country to a foreign country due to unforeseen circumstances such as war and unrest is a distressing life event. For minors, such an experience can impact their perception of the past and present alongside future goals and desires. With this background, a pilot study was done to assess the life transition reflected in the Bridge Drawing Test (BDT) of refugee minors who have moved from either Ukraine or Eritrea and are currently living in Israel, with a control group. A mixed-methods design involving BDT and the Children’s Hope Scale (CHS) was administered to a sample (N = 35, 20 girls and 15 boys) consisting of 16 refugee minors and 19 controls aged 4 to 14 years (M = 8.3 years, SD = 2.8). The BDT was assessed using indicators from the original bridge drawing directive and the Formal Elements Art Therapy Scale (FEATS) by two Art Therapists (Cohen’s Kappa ranged from 0.6 to 1). Results showed significant group differences in indicators: Prominence of colour, details of objects and environment, obviousness of Solidarity of bridge attachments and high versus low hope from the BDT (Medium effect size & p < .05). Associations between Pathway and Agency with BDT indicator and FEATS were seen. Refugee status also moderated the relationship between the CHS Total score and the subscale of Pathway and BDT indicator, namely Directionality (p = .01 & p = .02). Bridge drawings of refugee minors have differences that can aid in understanding their hope and goals, offering benefits as a diagnostic and therapeutic intervention tool. Future studies with larger samples, and diverse cultural groups are warranted to explore the same.

GAN-Augmented Naïve Bayes for identifying high-risk coronary artery disease patients using CT angiography data

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is one of the most common cardiovascular disorders affecting millions of individuals globally. It is the leading cause of mortality in both the wealthy and impoverished nations. CAD patients exhibit a wide range of symptoms, some of which are not evident until a major incident occurs. The development of techniques for early detection and precise diagnosis is heavily dependent on research. The proposed system introduces a novel approach, Generative Adversarial Networks Augmented Naïve Bayes (GAN-ANB), to classify high-risk CAD patients using Coronary Computed Tomography Angiography (CCTA) imaging data. The database included images from Coronary Computed Tomography Angiography (CCTA) records of 5,000 individuals. The developed GAN framework consists of a generator to generate synthetic patient profiles, and a discriminator to distinguish between genuine and synthetic profiles to improve the identification of high-risk CAD patients. Adding synthetic data to the training process allowed the discriminator to be utilized further to improve predictive modeling. The performance of the GAN-enhanced prediction model was assessed using accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, and area under the Receiver Operating Characteristic curve (ROC). The model exhibited an outstanding Dice Similarity Coefficient (0.91), Mean Intersection Over Union (0.90), recall (0.96), and precision (0.98) in differentiating between high-risk and low-risk individuals. The identification of high-risk patients with CAD is greatly enhanced by the integration of GANs with clinical and imaging data. ROC of 0.99 was achieved by the GAN-ANB model, which outperformed conventional machine learning models, was achieved using the GAN-ANB model. High cholesterol level, diabetes, and some CCTA-derived imaging characteristics, including plaque load and luminal stenosis, were among the major predictors. This method offers a powerful tool for early diagnosis and intervention, potentially leading to improved patient outcomes and lower healthcare expenditure.

Effects of Virtual Algebra Tiles on the Performance of Year 8 Students in Solving Algebraic Linear Equations

This study aims to examine the effects of Virtual Algebra Tiles (VAT) on the performance of 41 Year 8 students in solving algebraic equations. The VAT used in this research is accessible and free through a website called Didax. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected from Class 8X (21 students) and Class 8Y (20 students) through convenient sampling in a public secondary school. The Didax VAT was used as an intervention tool to aid students in solving algebraic equations. Quantitative data, in the form of pre-test, post-test, and questionnaire, was administered to the students and analysed to determine the statistical significance of the findings. Qualitative data were used in focus group interviews to explore students’ perceptions of Didax VAT further. The conclusions of this study indicated that the result of the paired sample t-test was not significant, the intervention had a small positive effect on student learning. The qualitative data revealed most students positively perceived using Didax VAT in their learning.