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Background This analysis estimates the association between smoking-related knowledge and smoking behaviour in a Chinese context. To identify the specific knowledge most directly related to smoking status, we used a novel latent variable analysis approach to adjust for the high correlations between different measures of knowledge about tobacco smoking. Method Data are from the Global Adult Tobacco China Survey, a nationally representative sample of 13 354 household-dwelling individuals 15 years of age or older. Multinomial logistic regressions estimated the association between smoking status (ie, never smoked, current smoker or past smoker) and four smoking-related beliefs: whether or not smoking causes lung cancer, heart attack and stroke, and whether or not low-tar cigarettes are less harmful. A latent variable approach reassessed these associations while taking into account the general level of knowledge about smoking. Results After demographic variables and general knowledge about smoking had been controlled for, the belief that low-tar cigarettes are not less harmful was more prevalent in persons who had never smoked than in current smokers (OR=1.3 (95% CI 1.0 to 1.7) in men and OR=2.8 (95% CI 1.3 to 5.9) in women); this association was even stronger when past smokers and current smokers were compared (OR=2.1 (95% CI 1.5 to 3.0) in men and OR=5.0 (95% CI 1.3 to 20.1) in women). Conclusions Compared with those who have never smoked and those who have ceased smoking, current smokers in China are more likely to believe that low-tar cigarettes are less harmful than regular cigarettes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background On 11 January 2009, Taiwan expanded its smoke-free legislation to all indoor public places and workplaces. This study examined the impact of this policy on secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure in adult non-smokers, across gender and socioeconomic status groups (SES). Methods An annual sample of about 13 000-14 000 non-smokers was drawn from cross-sectional nationwide data of Taiwan Adult Tobacco Behavior Surveys during 2005-2011. Logistic regressions were used to analyse the aggregate data to estimate the association between the 2009 smoke-free legislation and SHS exposures in homes and workplaces. Interaction terms were used to examine the impact of the 2009 smoke-free policy on reducing differences in SHS exposure across gender, education and income groups. Results The 2009 policy reduced the odds of SHS exposure in homes in 2009 (OR=0.76, 95% CI 0.68 to 0.84) and in workplaces (year 2009: OR=0.49, 95% CI 0.39 to 0.62; year 2010: OR=0.79, 95% CI 0.66 to 0.95). The model with interaction terms showed that men were more likely than women to be exposed to workplace SHS (OR=2.02, 95% CI 1.80 to 2.27) but were less likely to be exposed to home SHS (OR=0.79, 95% CI 0.73 to 0.86). SHS exposure in homes was significantly related to lower socioeconomic status, but the 2009 smoke-free policy reduced the difference in SHS exposure across education levels. Conclusions The 2009 smoke-free policy reduced the SHS exposure for non-smokers. However, this impact on home SHS did not persist after 2009, and the effect of protection was unequal across gender and SES groups. Thus, further enforcement of smoking restrictions would be needed to reduce the risk of SHS exposure and improve protection against SHS risk among parts of the population with lower socioeconomic status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Despite a long history of discrimination and persisting racial disparities in smoking prevalence, little research exists on the relationship between discrimination and smoking in South Africa. METHODS: This analysis examined chronic (day-to-day) and acute (lifetime) experiences of racial and non-racial (eg, age, gender or physical appearance) discrimination and smoking status among respondents to the South Africa Stress and Health study. Logistic regression models were constructed using SAS-Callable SUDAAN. RESULTS: Both chronic racial discrimination (RR=1.45, 95% CI 1.14 to 1.85) and chronic non-racial discrimination (RR=1.69, 95% CI 1.37 to 2.08) predicted a higher risk of smoking, but neither type of acute discrimination did. Total (sum of racial and non-racial) chronic discrimination (RR=1.46, 95% CI 1.20 to 1.78) and total acute discrimination (RR=1.28, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.60) predicted a higher risk of current smoking. CONCLUSIONS: Racial and non-racial discrimination may be related to South African adults' smoking behaviour, but this relationship likely varies by the timing and frequency of these experiences. Future research should use longitudinal data to identify the temporal ordering of the relationships studied, include areas outside of South Africa to increase generalisability and consider the implications of these findings for smoking cessation approaches in South Africa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVES: Describe tobacco companies' marketing strategies targeting low socioeconomic status (SES) females in the USA. METHODS: Analysis of previously secret tobacco industry documents. RESULTS: Tobacco companies focused marketing on low SES women starting in the late 1970s, including military wives, low-income inner-city minority women, 'discount-susceptible' older female smokers and less-educated young white women. Strategies included distributing discount coupons with food stamps to reach the very poor, discount offers at point-of-sale and via direct mail to keep cigarette prices low, developing new brands for low SES females and promoting luxury images to low SES African-American women. More recently, companies integrated promotional strategies targeting low-income women into marketing plans for established brands. CONCLUSIONS: Tobacco companies used numerous marketing strategies to reach low SES females in the USA for at least four decades. Strategies to counteract marketing to low SES women could include (1) counteracting price discounts and direct mail coupons that reduce the price of tobacco products, (2) instituting restrictions on point-of-sale advertising and retail display and (3) creating counteradvertising that builds resistance to psychosocial targeting of low SES women. To achieve health equity, tobacco control efforts are needed to counteract the influence of tobacco industry marketing to low-income women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To compare data based on computerized and paper versions of health status questionnaires (HSQs) for sampling patient-reported outcomes (PROs) in patients with fibromyalgia (FM). In addition, to examine associations between patient characteristics (age, education, computer experience) and differences between versions. Finally, to evaluate the acceptability of computer-based questionnaires among patients with FM.Method: The study population comprised female patients diagnosed with FM. All patients completed six HSQs: the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ), the Major Depression Inventory (MDI), the 36-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36), the painDETECT questionnaire (PDQ), the Coping Strategies Questionnaire (CSQ), and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Self-Assessment Questionnaire (GAD-10), both on paper and using a touch screen. One HSQ was tested at a time in a repeated randomized cross-over design. The two versions were completed with a 5-min interval and between each HSQ the participants had a 5-min break. Means, mean differences with 95% confidence intervals (CIs), medians, median differences, and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) were calculated for all HSQs, including relevant subscales. Associations between patient characteristics and differences between versions were explored using Spearman's correlation coefficients.Results: Twenty women, mean age 48.4 years, participated in the study. Except for one item, ICCs between touch-screen and paper versions of the HSQs examined indicated acceptable agreement (ICC = 0.71-0.99). Overall, mean and median differences revealed no differences between versions. No significant associations were observed for patient characteristics. None of the participants preferred paper questionnaires over computerized versions.Conclusions: The computerized HSQs using a touch screen gave comparable results to answers given on paper and were generally preferred by the participants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Background and Aims: Increasing numbers of school‐based drug surveys are transitioning data collection to electronic tablets from paper‐and‐pencil, which may produce a survey mode effect and consequent discontinuity in time trends for population estimates of drug prevalence. This study tested whether (a) overall, self‐reported drug use prevalence is higher on electronic tablets versus paper‐and‐pencil surveys, (b) socio‐demographics moderate survey mode effects and (c) levels of missing data are lower for electronic tablet versus paper‐and‐pencil modes. Design A randomized controlled experiment. Setting: Results are nationally representative of students in the contiguous United States. Participants: A total of 41 866 8th, 10th and 12th grade students who participated in the 2019 Monitoring the Future school‐based survey administration. Intervention and comparator: Surveys were administered to students in a randomly selected half of schools with electronic tablets (intervention) and with paper‐and‐pencil format (comparator) for the other half. Measurements Primary outcome was the total number of positive drug use responses. Secondary outcomes were the percentage of respondents completing all drug questions, percentage of drug questions unanswered and mean number of missing drug items. Findings The relative risk (RR) for total number of positive drug use responses for electronic tablets versus paper‐and‐pencil surveys were small and their 95% confidence intervals (CI) included the value of one for reporting intervals of life‐time (RR = 1.03; 95% CI, 0.93–1.14), past 12 months (RR = 1.01; 95% CI, 0.91–1.11), past 30 days (RR = 1.05; 95% CI, 0.93–1.20) and for heavy use (RR = 1.10; 95% CI, 0.93–1.29). Multiplicative interaction tests indicated no moderation of these relative risks by race (white versus non‐white), population density, census region, public/private school, year of school participation, survey version or non‐complete drug responses. Levels of missing data were significantly lower for electronic tablets versus paper‐and‐pencil surveys. Conclusions: Adolescent drug prevalence estimates in the United States differed little across electronic tablet versus paper‐and‐pencil survey modes, and showed little to no effect modification by socio‐demographics. Levels of missing data were lower for electronic tablets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Breast cancer is a highly prevalent malignancy leading to death across the world. However, patient survival is greatly affected by making a diabetes diagnosis. The present assessed the association between diabetes mellitus and the five-year survival rate of breast cancer patients at the cancer treatment centers. Methods: This retrospective follow‐up study was conducted on 534 diabetic women with breast cancer who had been diagnosed during 1999-2013 referring to cancer treatment centers of Mashhad University of Medical Sciences. Demographic and clinical data of patients were collected through questionnaires in these centers searching the patient’s available medical files. Notably, the patients were selected via systematic random sampling, and also the five-year survival of the patients was assessed during the follow-up period up to 2018. Results: In breast cancer patients, the diabetes prevalence was 12.7%. Of note, the mean and median five-year survival were 9.95 and 13, respectively. No significant difference was observed in the survival rate of the diabetic and non-diabetic patients (95% CI: 0.431-1.334; hazard ratio [HR]: 0.758; P=0.34). The survival time increased in the patients receiving metformin as a treatment protocol (95% CI: 0.226-0.950; HR: 0.5; P=0.04). Conclusion: Based on the results, training diabetic patients regarding risk factors of breast cancer and effective therapies in controlling hyperglycemia that need to screen in the early diagnosis of breast cancer are essential to improve health and increase survival rate in diabetic patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to their lack of periodontal ligaments (PLs) and the differences between dental implants and natural teeth, it is necessary to improve and generate a new occlusal scheme to prolong the life of implants and prostheses. The age and the sex of patients must be considered because of their effects on the stomatognathic system's physiology. Operators must manage all the changes to obtain good sensations during mastication and a better occlusal scheme for implanting fixed partial prostheses. Dentists should try to protect this type of prosthesis using adjacent teeth and the PL. This is why new digital systems were created. The combination of T-Scan® (digital software for occlusal analysis) and electromyography (EMG) could allow doctors to find areas where it is necessary to act and to find suitable solutions for the problems generated by using conventional methods of occlusal analysis (such as articulating paper). In this study, a new method for establishing occlusion on fixed partial implant prostheses has been created, combining digital systems with conventional articulating paper. This method consists of asking the patient to bite down with different forces and situations in an attempt to achieve Implant-Protected Occlusion (IPO). The use of digital systems has been shown to be more effective than using only conventional systems. This new method allows a safer mode of occlusion which protects implants and prostheses, saving all the differences between them and natural teeth, and increasing the satisfaction of patients. This method also helps to overcome the changes in the stomatognathic system as age increases, adjusting the occlusion to changes in PLs with age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Existing evidence suggests that clinician and organization engagement in research can improve healthcare processes of care and outcomes. However, current evidence has considered the relationship across all healthcare professions collectively. With the increase in allied health clinical academic and research activity, it is imperative for healthcare organizations, leaders and managers to understand engagement in research within these specific clinical fields. This systematic review aims to identify the effect of engagement in research by allied health professionals (AHPs) and organizations on healthcare performance. Methods: This systematic review has a two‐stage search strategy. The first stage will be to screen a previous systematic review examining the effectiveness of engagement in research in health and social care to identify relevant papers published pre‐2012. The search strategy used in the previous review will then be rerun, but with a specific focus on allied health. This multi‐database search will identify publications from 2012 to date. Only studies that assessed the effectiveness of allied health engagement in research will be included. All stages of the review will be conducted by two reviewers independently, plus documented discussions with the wider research team when discrepancies occur. This systematic review protocol follows the EQUATOR reporting guidelines of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses for Protocols (PRISMA‐P). Discussion: The findings of this review will make a significant contribution to the evidence base around the effect of allied health engagement in research on healthcare performance. It will provide insights for clinicians and managers looking to understand the consequences of developing AHP research capability and capacity. The findings of this review will also aim to make recommendations for future evaluation approaches for engagement in research interventions. Trial registration: This systematic review protocol has been registered with PROSPERO, registration number CRD42021253461. What this paper adds: What is already known on the subject: This study will provide valuable evidence for professionals and policymakers seeking to understand engagement in research in the allied health disciplines. Where supported by the data, there may be recommendations for future research regarding specific variables to be considered when planning and evaluating engagement in research in allied health practice. What this paper adds to existing knowledge: A previous systematic review identified a positive association between clinician and organization engagement in research and improved processes of care and health outcomes. The reviews' findings have been used as a justification for clinicians and organizations to increase research capacity. That review evaluated literature published before 2012 and the studies that were identified predominantly reported on engagement in research by medics and nurses. An updated review is now required to include research published since 2012. This review will specifically focus on the effect of engagement in research within allied health disciplines. What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this work?: Research activity among AHPs is gaining momentum. Given this growth in AHP research activity and the rise in dedicated clinical academic roles, a contemporary review to identify the specific effect of AHP engagement in research on healthcare performance is prudent. The findings will inform clinicians, clinical managers and leaders of the potential impact of research activities by AHP clinicians and organizations. This will support the planning and development of initiatives focused on research capacity, capability and culture within allied health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Difficulties in parent-child interaction are easily observed and are a potential target for early intervention. This review aimed to assess the utility of current observational methods used to assess parent-child interactions–within the first year of life–and their ability to screen and identify children from low-risk samples most at risk of developing childhood psychopathology. Methods: Six bibliographic databases were searched, and reference lists screened. All peer reviewed papers studying the association between an independent observation of parent-child interaction and later childhood psychopathology in community-based samples were included. Included studies were those recruiting from population or community-based birth cohort data, which we define as 'low-risk'. Studies based on populations known to have a diagnosis of psychiatric illness or developmental disorder, or at high genetic or environmental risk of being diagnosed with such disorder, were excluded. Results were synthesised qualitatively due to high heterogeneity. Results: 20,051 papers were identified, nine were included in this study. Childhood psychopathology was associated with fewer positive parent-infant interactions, lower parent vocalisation frequency and lower levels of adult speech and activity. Maternal sensitivity was inversely related to separation anxiety and oppositional defiant/conduct disorders were associated with lower shared look rates. Disruptive behaviour disorders were associated with higher frequency of child vocalisation. Conclusion: Assessment of parent-child interactions, particularly the level of maternal activity, may be an early indicator of later childhood psychopathology in low-risk samples. Further longitudinal, population-based studies are required. Trial registration: PROSPERO review registration: CRD42020162917https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-d&q=CRD42020162917. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Discovery environments are ubiquitous in academic libraries but studying their effectiveness and use in an academic environment has mostly centered around user satisfaction, experience, and task analysis. This study aims to create a quantitative, reproducible framework to test the relevancy of results and the overall success of Washington State University's discovery environment (Primo by Ex Libris). Within this framework, the authors use bibliographic citations from student research papers submitted as part of a required university class as the proxy for relevancy. In the context of this study, the researchers created a testing model that includes: (1) a process to produce machine-generated keywords from a corpus of research papers to compare against a set of human-created keywords, (2) a machine process to query a discovery environment to produce search result lists to compare against citation lists, and (3) four metrics to measure the comparative success of different search strategies and the relevancy of the results. This framework is used to move beyond a sentiment or task-based analysis to measure if materials cited in student papers appear in the results list of a production discovery environment. While this initial test of the framework produced fewer matches between researcher-generated search results and student bibliography sources than expected, the authors note that faceted searches represent a greater success rate when compared to open-ended searches. Future work will include comparative (A/B) testing of commonly deployed discovery layer configurations and limiters to measure the impact of local decisions on discovery layer efficacy as well as noting where in the results list a citation match occurs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aiming at the problem that the traditional rapidly exploring random tree (RRT) algorithm only considers the global path of unmanned vehicles in a static environment, which has the limitation of not being able to avoid unknown dynamic obstacles in real time, and that the traditional dynamic window approach (DWA) algorithm is prone to fall into a local optimum during local path planning, this paper proposes a path planning method for unmanned vehicles that integrates improved RRT and DWA algorithms. The RRT algorithm is improved by introducing strategies such as target-biased random sampling, adaptive step size, and adaptive radius node screening, which enhance the efficiency and safety of path planning. The global path key points generated by the improved RRT algorithm are used as the subtarget points of the DWA algorithm, and the DWA algorithm is optimized through the design of an adaptive evaluation function weighting method based on real-time obstacle distances to achieve more reasonable local path planning. Through simulation experiments, the fusion algorithm shows promising results in a variety of typical static and dynamic mixed driving scenarios, can effectively plan a path that meets the driving requirements of an unmanned vehicle, avoids unknown dynamic obstacles, and shows higher path optimization efficiency and driving stability in complex environments, which provides strong support for an unmanned vehicle's path planning in complex environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is affected by cognitive and emotional factors. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between sensitivity to anxiety and executive functions and the Quality of Life (QoL) of MS patients using path analysis. Methods: This descriptive correlational research was done on all patients with MS in Gorgan MS Association in 2020. The sample size was considered to be 290 people according to the sample selection formula and based on the values obtained from the previous study selected by simple random sampling. To collect data, the Executive Functions Questionnaire of Nejati (2013), QoL questionnaire of McGuigan & Hutchinson (2004), and Sensitivity to Anxiety Questionnaires of Taylor and Cox (1998) were used. Path analysis with SPSS v. 18 and AMOS v. 23 software was used to analyze the data. Results: The results showed that the executive functions had a positive relationship with QoL in MS patients and sensitivity to anxiety had a negative relationship with QoL in MS patients. Also, mediating role of the anxiety sensitivity variable in the relationship between executive functions with QoL in MS patients was confirmed (P≤0.01). Conclusion: The present study indicated the importance of cognitive factors, such as executive functions, and emotional factors, such as sensitivity to anxiety in explaining the QoL in MS patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this research is the examination of scientific production on badminton. The data were obtained from studies published in the British Medical Journal, Eric, ULAKBIM National Databases, WOS, Google Scholar, ProQuest, and YÖK National Theses Center databases between 1939 and 2020. A total of 856 publications, including 624 articles, 134 proceedings papers, 71 M.Sc. theses, and 27 Ph.D. dissertations, were included in the research. The data obtained from these studies was analyzed using content analysis. Most publications were produced between 2016 and 2020. 751 publications in English and 105 in Turkish. It was observed that the distribution of the number of productions and the number of authors were close to each other. 134 proceedings papers (90 full-texts, 44 abstracts) were identified. Of the studies, 670 were quantitative, 105 were qualitative, 54 were mixed design, and 27 were reviews. Experimental design was used the most, and historical design was used the least. Stratified and simple random sampling methods were mainly used. Most studies were conducted with athletes, and the least with instructors (coaches and teachers). Most studies were conducted on exercise and sports physiology and the least on physical education, games, and recreation. The studies focused on physiological, anthropometric, and motoric measurements as the main themes. As a result; it has been determined that scientific productions on badminton are mostly studies on exercise and sports physiology in which physiological, anthropometric and motoric measurements are taken by conducting experimental studies on athletes selected by simple random sampling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Family caregivers have a vital role to play in palliative care for chronically ill patients. In Taiwan, caregiver demographics are evolving, with the number of male caregivers increasing. Gender differences influence psychosocial behaviours, thought processes and communication styles. In healthcare, acknowledgement of gender differences facilitates effective delivery of high‐quality care. Aim: The aim of this study is to explore male caregivers' decision‐making process for palliative care for chronically ill family members. Methods: This study employed grounded theory to generate a substantive theory of male caregivers' decision‐making process for palliative care for chronically ill family members. We recruited 22 male participants from three inner‐city teaching hospitals in Taiwan. Findings: Regarding the decision‐making process of palliative care of chronic ill family, where male caregivers do not want their loved ones suffering anymore, the male caregivers' decision‐making process was impacted, first, by caregivers' views on the last stage of life; second, by their wish for good care during the end of life; and third, by their conviction that the patients' wishes should be respected. Furthermore, caregivers' philosophy of life and death is also a supportive ground for decision‐making. This philosophy was influenced by their education in palliative care, financial status and religious beliefs and practices. The core category emerging from this study is encapsulated by a participant's assertion, 'How difficult is it? There are no male and female differences'. Conclusion: We found that palliative care experiences of male caregivers are important for the decision‐making process for palliative care for their chronically ill family members. Caregivers want their loved ones to receive good care as the last step in life, to respect their wishes and no more suffering for the patient. Therefore, health professionals should be familiar with the palliative care process that caregivers go through to offer updated information when needed. Summary statement: What is already known about this topic? Taiwanese philosophy of end‐of‐life care focuses on family values and shares the power of making critical decisions between patients and their relatives.Due to cultural preferences, the dedicated family caregiver often becomes the only channel for honouring the patient's wishes.Male and female caregivers can have different coping mechanisms; males are less likely to seek support and are more stressed by financial burdens. What this paper adds? The patient and the whole family should be considered in the discussion of end‐of‐life care.Male caregivers indicated palliative care should be linked to comfort care, avoidance of suffering and respecting patients' wishes. The implication of this paper: Male caregivers should be well supported, good care for their loved ones and fulfil the patient's wishes and no more suffering.Education in palliative care and religious and financial support should be provided along with palliative care services to both male caregivers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To assess heart rate variability (HRV) as a measure to assess job stress and sleep quality among nurses in the post‐COVID‐19 period. Background: The COVID‐19 pandemic significantly affected nurses, with heightened job stress and impaired sleep quality impacting their well‐being and effectiveness in patient care. HRV could offer insights for supporting strategies in the pandemic aftermath. Design: A quantitative cross‐sectional study. Methods: This study involved 403 clinical nurses recruited from a teaching hospital in Taiwan. Data on job stress, work frustration, sleep quality and HRV were collected and analysed. Results: Among the nurses surveyed during the COVID‐19 pandemic, 72.7% reported poor sleep quality (PSQI = 9.369). Job stress emerged as a strong predictor of work frustration. High stress levels and poor sleep quality were correlated with significantly decreased HRV, indicating a potential physiological impact of stress on the nurses' health and well‐being. Conclusions: HRV is a valuable and cost‐effective measure for monitoring and managing nurses' well‐being in the post‐COVID‐19 era. Targeted interventions can be implemented to support nurses' overall performance and promote their well‐being by identifying those at high risk of job stress and poor sleep quality. Summary statement: What is already known about this topic? The COVID‐19 pandemic significantly impacted medical care capacity, leading to heightened physical and mental distress among frontline nurses. This has resulted in a marked increase in job stress, presenting a significant challenge to occupational health.The substantial changes in the medical environment caused by the pandemic are likely to induce job stress, which, in turn, can detrimentally affect sleep quality. This aspect is crucial, as sleep quality is a key determinant of nurses' ability to deliver optimal medical care to patients. What this paper adds? Job stress significantly impacts nurses' sleep quality and is a key predictor of work frustration, surpassing the sole influence of work frustration.The study highlights a significant link between high stress levels, reduced sleep quality and decreased heart rate variability in nurses. It further reveals that nurses with moderate COVID‐19‐related anxiety show heightened heart rate variability, indicating sympathetic nervous system activation to maintain alertness in emergency medical situations. The implications of this paper: Moderate anxiety as a positive factor: moderate levels of anxiety among nurses can contribute to maintaining alertness, reducing errors and lowering the risk of contracting COVID‐19.HRV as a monitoring and management measure: heart rate variability is a valuable and cost‐effective measure for monitoring and managing the health of nurses in the post‐COVID‐19 era. By identifying nurses with high work stress and poor sleep quality, targeted interventions can be implemented to support their overall performance and promote their well‐being.Targeted interventions for improved well‐being: the implementation of specific interventions aimed at supporting nurses' overall performance and enhancing their well‐being is crucial in maintaining a high standard of patient care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: This study aimed to investigate the feasibility of implementing a psychological first aid intervention for psychological distress, resilience capacity, quality and meaning of life among survivors affected by earthquake adversity in Northern Syria. Methods: A quasi‐experimental, pre‐posttest, two‐group research design was utilized. A convenience sample of 95 survivors (46 in the study group and 49 in the control group) was recruited for the psychological First Aid intervention at a 1:1 ratio. The psychological first aid intervention was delivered in 10 sessions, twice weekly, followed by 3‐month follow‐up. Results: A statistically significant improvement in the mean scores of resilience capacity, quality and meaning of life among survivors, along with a significant reduction in psychological distress, was registered among the study group compared with the control group. Conclusion: Our work verified the suitability of implementing psychological first aid following the catastrophic temblors which struck Northern Syria. Given that the psychological first aid intervention is grounded in psychological safety, cognitive reframing, mobilization of social support and installation of hope, the feasibility of its path following public health emergency, traumatic events or even a personal crisis can be favourable. Summary statement: What is already known about this topic? On 6 February 2023, a massive earthquake devastated large portions of war‐torn northwest Syria and southern Turkey, leaving millions in these regions battling to reconstruct their lives.In northwest Syria, strong aftershocks left more than 4500 people dead, injured hundreds more and demolished at least 10 000 structures.Disasters such as earthquakes can have a significant impact on the mental health and well‐being of those affected. Survivors may experience high levels of psychological distress and other negative mental health recovery outcomes.There is a need for psychologically supportive interventions such as the psychological first aid intervention to help survivors cope with the aftermath of such disasters.What this paper adds? A statistically significant improvement in the mean scores of resilience capacity, quality and meaning of life among survivors, along with a significant reduction in psychological distress, was registered among the study group compared to the control group.Our work verified the suitability of implementing the psychological first aid intervention following the catastrophic temblors which struck Northern Syria.The implications of this paper: Being ready for disasters is critical; health care professionals, including nurses, are one of the most frequently requested actors in disaster interventions.Nurses are an indispensable part in ascertaining the psychological repercussions of disasters on survivors, families and communities.Due to their training and professional experience, nurses can take the lead in reducing health‐threatening risks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: The purpose of this study was to investigate the status of self‐management behaviour and illness perceptions and to examine illness perceptions in relation to self‐management behaviour in elderly patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Methods: A cross‐sectional study was conducted, and 152 elderly COPD patients were recruited via the convenience sampling method. The COPD Self‐Management Scale and the Revised Illness Perception Questionnaire for COPD patients were used to examine self‐management behaviour and illness perceptions. Pearson correlation analysis, univariate analysis and hierarchical linear regression analysis were used to explore illness perceptions in relation to self‐management behaviour. Results: The mean overall score for self‐management behaviour was 2.90 ± 0.39. Among the subscales of self‐management behaviour, information management had the lowest score of 2.20 ± 0.76. Patients' demographic and clinical characteristics, including educational level, smoking status, type of primary caregiver, home oxygen therapy and COPD duration, were found to be significant determinants of self‐management behaviour. After controlling for these variables, several illness perception subscales, including treatment control, personal control, coherence, timeline cyclical and identity, were significantly correlated with self‐management behaviour. Conclusions: This study confirmed that elderly COPD patients' self‐management behaviour was unsatisfactory and that illness perceptions were significant determinants of self‐management behaviour. The findings may contribute to the development of self‐management interventions for elderly COPD patients. Summary statement: What is already known about this topic? Self‐management behaviour plays an essential role in managing COPD.Illness perceptions are predictors of self‐management behaviours in COPD patients, but little is known about how illness perceptions influence self‐management behaviour in elderly patients with COPD. What this paper adds? Several illness perception subscales, including treatment control, personal control, coherence, timeline cyclical and identity, were significantly correlated with self‐management behaviour.Patients' demographic and clinical characteristics, including educational level, smoking status, type of primary caregiver, home oxygen therapy and COPD duration, were found to be determinant of self‐management behaviour. The implications of this paper: The findings may contribute to developing tailored interventions that help patients establish beneficial illness perceptions to improve their self‐management behaviour. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: This study describes the incidence of fatigue in kidney transplant recipients and analyses the relationship between physiological factors, psychological factors, situational factors and fatigue in kidney transplant recipients. Background: Fatigue, as a common symptom after kidney transplantation, is affected by many factors, but the influence of some factors on the fatigue of kidney transplant recipients is still controversial. Design: This cross‐sectional study was designed based on the theory of unpleasant symptoms. Methods: Our survey involved 307 participants attending the kidney transplant outpatient clinic of a tertiary Class A hospital (Changsha, Hunan, China). Data were collected between February and April 2021 using a structured questionnaire and electronic medical records. Data were analysed using IBM SPSS 25.0 (SPSS Inc.) Results: It was found that the incidence of fatigue in kidney transplant recipients was 53.1%. According to the binary logistic regression analysis, sleep quality, hypokalemia, anxiety, depression and education level were independent risk factors for fatigue in kidney transplant recipients. Conclusion: The incidence of fatigue in kidney transplant recipients was high and was influenced by physical, psychological and situational factors. Clinical nurses should assess fatigue levels in a timely and multidimensional manner in clinical practice and provide effective and scientific guidance about fatigue self‐coping and symptom management for kidney transplant recipients. Summary statement: What is already known about this topic? Fatigue is a common symptom of kidney transplant recipients and can impair postoperative recovery, reemployment, quality of life, social activities and physical and mental states, causing the body to be in a state of chronic energy consumption.Owing to the imperceptible physical injury upon kidney transplant recipients, fatigue is often underappreciated or even disregarded. What this paper adds? It was found that the rate of fatigue in kidney transplant recipients was high.The risk factors for fatigue in kidney transplant recipients based on the theory of unpleasant symptoms were analysed in three ways: physiological, psychological and situational. The results showed that sleep quality, duration after transplantation, serum potassium level, anxiety, depression, education level, financial burden and social support were associated with fatigue in kidney transplant recipients. The implications of this paper: Clinical nurses should conduct timely and multidimensional fatigue evaluations of kidney transplant recipients and pay more attention to those with a high level of fatigue.The findings can provide a scientific basis for kidney transplant specialist nurses to conduct targeted interventions and facilitate fatigue management for kidney transplant recipients. They can also help to develop fatigue intervention models based on the displeasure symptom theory to improve fatigue in kidney transplant recipients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To assess the psychometric properties of the Thai version of Caregiver Contribution to Self‐Care of Chronic Illness Inventory version 2 (CC‐SC‐CII‐v2) among primary caregivers of individuals with any single or multiple chronic illnesses. Background: The instrument encompasses three scales that evaluate Caregiver Contribution to Self‐Care (CC‐SC) Maintenance, Monitoring and Management. Methods: The English version CC‐SC‐CII‐v2 was translated and adapted for Thai context, and a cross‐sectional multicenter study involved 430 caregivers from 16 primary care centres in Thailand. Structural validity, internal consistency reliability and test–retest reliability were examined. Results: The original two‐factor CC‐SC Maintenance scale required a re‐specified model for good fit, while the CC‐SC Monitoring and CC‐SC Management scales fit well. The simultaneous model of three scales demonstrated satisfactory fit. The CC‐SC Maintenance and CC‐SC Management scales both had a composite reliability index of 0.85, with omega coefficients of 0.86 and 0.83, respectively. CC‐SC Monitoring had an alpha coefficient of 0.89. The intraclass correlation coefficients ranging from 0.84 to 0.91, indicating good test–retest reliability. Conclusion: The Thai CC‐SC‐CII‐v2 is a valid and reliable instrument that can provide clinicians and investigators with an evaluation of the contributions of caregivers to the self‐care of patients with chronic illnesses. Summary statement: What is already known about this topic? The Caregiver Contribution to Self‐Care of Chronic Illness Inventory (CC‐SC‐CII) is a theoretical‐based instrument initially created in the Western context.This inventory consists of three separate but interconnected scales for assessing caregiver involvement in patient self‐care maintenance, monitoring and management.Rigorous psychometric assessments conducted in Western contexts have affirmed the validity, reliability and effectiveness of the CC‐SC‐CII. What this paper adds? The introduction of the updated version, CC‐SC‐CII‐v2, likely presents challenges linked to cultural adaptation when applying it within the Thai context.This research constitutes a novel contribution to the field of caregiving studies in Thailand and the broader Asian region.The study offers new insights into the validity and reliability of the CC‐SC‐CII‐v2 within the context of Thai caregiving. The implications of this paper: The CC‐SC‐CII‐v2 proves to be a valid and reliable instrument for evaluating caregiver involvement in the self‐care of patients with chronic illnesses.Its applicability extends to various culture, including Thai context, and it may be considered suitable for application in other Asian backgrounds as well. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The aim of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of the bladder stimulation technique (BST) to collect urine samples from newborns and its effects on physiological parameters and comfort of the newborn. Design: This was a randomized controlled trial conducted in a NICU. A total of 64 newborns were divided into 2 groups: 32 newborns in the experimental group and 32 newborns in the control group. Methods: Newborns in the experimental group (EG) were subjected to the BST, and in the control group (CG), urine collection was via sterile urine bags, which is routine practice. Procedural success was defined as the collection of urine samples within 3 min of beginning the stimulation technique in the experimental group and of placing the sterile urine bag in the control group. Results: The success rate of the procedure in 3 min was 62.5% in the EG and 28% in the CG (P = 0.006, absolute difference: 35%, 95% confidence interval 27% to 42%, NNT: 3). According to the comparison of the overall mean COMFORTneo scale and pain and distress subscale scores at the 1‐ and 3‐min marks, there was a significant difference between the EG and CG (p < 0.05). The mean scores in the EG were higher than those in the CG. The mean oxygen‐saturation was significantly lower in the EG than in the CG (p < 0.05), and the increase in heart rate was significantly higher in the EG (p = 0.018). Conclusions: BST is a more successful method within 3 min for collecting urine samples from newborns compared to sterile urine bags. However, the newborns' comfort levels minimally decreased at 3 min, and they had moderate pain and distress, while the BST was being implemented. This increase in physiologic parameters was statistically significant but not clinically significant. Summary statement: What is already known about this topic? Urinary tract infection is a commonly diagnosed bacterial infection in young infants with fever. However, the symptoms of this infection are non‐specific, so urine samples are needed to accurately diagnose and exclude it.There are multiple methods available for collecting urine samples, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.The bladder stimulation technique is a noninvasive and efficient method for collecting urine samples. However, few studies have examined the pain and distress effects of this technique, and these studies have reported varying results. What this paper adds? This study found that bladder stimulation techniques were more effective than sterile urine bags in collecting urine samples within 3 min from newborns.The bladder stimulation technique led to decreased saturation and comfort levels, increased heart rate, and increased pain and distress in the newborns during urine sampling; these increases in physiologic parameters were statistically significant but not clinically significant. The implications of this paper: The bladder stimulation technique is an effective noninvasive method for quickly collecting urine samples.Considering the pain and distress‐increasing properties of the technique, it may be recommended before invasive interventions (bladder catheterization and suprapubic aspiration) when urine sample collection with urine bags is not possible; it can be used in cases where urgent urine collection is required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The research was conducted to measure the effect of health literacy‐grounded web‐based education program on health literacy, nutrition and exercise behaviours in adolescents. Background: The increasing prevalence of obesity in adolescents is explained by a sedentary lifestyle and unhealthy diet. Health literacy is essential for adolescents to maintain their healthy behaviours. Methods: The research was conducted as a parallel group randomized controlled trial. The study was completed by 114 adolescents (experimental = 42, control = 72). The Personal Information Form, the Health Literacy Scale for School‐Age Children and the Nutrition and Exercise Subscales were used to collect data. A web‐based education program was implemented. Two‐way mixed design ANOVA with Bonferroni test was used to examine the group, time and group * time interaction of the measurements. Results: There was no statistically significant difference between the experimental and control groups regarding health literacy level, nutrition and exercise behaviours pre‐test mean scores (p > 0.05). In the post‐test, the mean scores of health literacy and nutrition behaviours in the experimental group were higher than the control group (p < 0.001). However, there was no significant difference in exercise behaviours (p > 0.05). The power and effect size in mean scores changes for health literacy (99.8%, η2 = 0.039) and nutrition (99.8%, η2 = 0.039) were moderate. Conclusion: The study concluded that health literacy‐grounded web‐based education program increased the health literacy levels of adolescents and improved their nutritional behaviours; however, there was no sufficient change in exercise behaviours. Summary statement: What is already known about the topic? The health literacy level of adolescents is inadequate or limited.Obesity and sedentary lifestyle are more common problems among adolescents.Interventions such as wellness coaching and health education were used to improve nutrition or exercise behaviours. What this paper adds? Health literacy‐grounded web‐based education program helps to increase the health literacy levels of adolescents.Health literacy‐grounded web‐based education program was found effective in improving nutrition behaviours. The implications of this paper: Nurses could implement web‐based education programs to prevent the negative consequences of unhealthy behaviours of adolescents.Nurses could provide opportunities to access health‐related information via web‐based interventions.Nurses could collaborate with school administrators to integrate nutrition and exercise behaviours into comprehensive and coordinated school‐based programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: This research aimed to determine the impact of problematic mobile phone use on negative mental health outcomes among nursing students in India, highlighting the necessity for targeted interventions and support mechanisms to enhance the overall well‐being and adaptability of future healthcare professionals. Methods: A cross‐sectional survey was conducted in three randomly selected nursing colleges in South India, employing validated and standardized tools such as the Mobile Phone Problematic Use Scale, Patient Health Questionnaire, Insomnia Severity Index Scale, Satisfaction with Life Scale and Rosenberg Self‐Esteem Scale. Results: The study included 402 nursing students with an average age of 20.47 years, revealing a 39% prevalence of severe problematic mobile phone usage. Positive correlations were observed between mobile phone problematic use and age, depression and insomnia. Additionally, strong negative correlations were found between satisfaction with life and self‐esteem. Depression and satisfaction with life served as chain mediators in the impact of self‐esteem on problematic mobile phone use, and both self‐esteem and satisfaction with life negatively predicted problematic mobile phone use. Conclusion: The study highlights a prevalent issue of problematic mobile phone use among nursing students, indicating a pressing need for timely intervention, as it correlates with depression, sleep insomnia, low self‐esteem and life dissatisfaction. Summary statement: What is already known about this topic? Over the last decade, using mobile phones has been prevalent among today's children and young people, coinciding with an increase in poor mental health in this population.Problematic mobile phone use may consist of various issues, including addiction/dependence, financial troubles, risky use (i.e. while driving) and restricted use (i.e. in prohibited places).From an epidemiological standpoint, prevalence rate estimates vary widely and there is little research and understanding regarding the aetiology of problematic and addicted mobile phone usage, particularly its progression. What this paper adds? The prevalence of severe problematic mobile phone use among nursing students is very high and needs immediate attention.There is a negative impact of mobile phone use on the mental health outcomes of nursing students.Positive life satisfaction and self‐esteem are protective variables that negatively predict problematic mobile phone use, while their influence is mediated by a chain reaction involving reduced depression, emphasizing the interconnected psychological dynamics. The implications of this paper: Further research is needed on the influencing factors of problematic mobile phone use and interventions to prevent mobile phone addiction among nursing students.The influence of mobile phone use on the mental health outcomes of nursing students can affect their clinical practice and productive life therefore the appropriate policies should be implemented.Implementation of short and rapid counselling services for the nursing students by the nurse educators should incorporate into the curriculum to achieve a better quality of nurses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: This study was conducted to examine the effect of monthly telephone message reminders after training on women's beliefs and practice behaviours regarding breast self‐examination. Methods: This randomized controlled study was conducted with 83 women aged 20–69 years living in Turkey between September 2021 and July 2022. Women were randomly assigned (1:1) to the intervention (n = 41) or control group (n = 42), both groups received online breast self‐examination training, and the intervention group received monthly reminders on their mobile phones for 3 months. Participants completed the Champion's Health Belief Model Scale and breast self‐examination practice evaluation form at baseline and 3 months after intervention. Results: After the intervention, the mean scores of the benefits and self‐efficacy subscales of Champion's Health Belief Model Scales were significantly higher in the intervention group compared to the control group, and the mean score of barriers was lower. The rate of performing breast self‐exam regularly and at the appropriate time was higher in the intervention group. The rate of forgetting to perform breast self‐examination was higher in control group. Conclusion: A monthly reminder message may be recommended to increase women's belief in breast self‐examination and increase regular practice. Summary statement: What is already known about this topic? Breast cancer is common, it is a type of cancer that progresses slowly and can be treated with early diagnosis and regular application of breast self‐examination is one of the effective non‐invasive screening methods for early diagnosis of breast cancer among women.Studies have found that forgetfulness and neglect, lack of awareness about BSE techniques and lack of knowledge are important obstacles to breast self‐examination. What this paper adds? Breast self‐examination training and then a monthly phone message reminder approach was used in women.It has been observed that the monthly telephone reminder message is an intervention that increases the belief in breast self‐examination in women, along with an increase in the rate of regular and timely examination practice and a decrease in the rate of forgetting to do so. The implications of this paper: The importance of regular phone message reminders about breast self‐examination should be included in the in‐service training given to all health professionals, especially midwives and nurses working in the delivery of primary health care services.A central message system could be developed to remind women of breast self‐examination at the national level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The present study aimed to examine the effects of a mindfulness‐based stress reduction (MBSR) program and deep relaxation exercises on pregnancy‐related anxiety levels. Materials and Methods: This randomized parallel‐group controlled trial was conducted with 95 pregnant women (MBSR: n = 32, deep relaxation exercises: n = 31, control: n = 32) between 1 August and 15 October 2022 with pregnant women who were registered at the pregnancy outpatient clinics of a hospital in the Southeastern Anatolia Region of Türkiye. CONSORT guidelines were followed in our study. The participants in the MBSR group were given an eight‐session MBSR program, consisting of two sessions per week for 4 weeks, whereas the participants in the deep relaxation exercises group were asked to do exercises at home with deep relaxation videos four times a week for 4 weeks. The participants in the control group received only routine prenatal care. Results: The mean PRAQ‐R2 Fear of Giving Birth subscale scores of the participants in the MBSR and deep relaxation exercises groups after the intervention were lower than that of the participants in the control group. Additionally, the mean total PRAQ‐R2, PRAQ‐R2 Worries about Bearing a Physically or Mentally Handicapped Child subscale and PRAQ‐R2 Concern about One's Own Appearance subscale scores of the participants in the MBSR group were found to be significantly lower than the scores of those in the deep relaxation exercises and control groups (p < 0.001). Conclusion: The MBSR program is an effective method for reducing pregnancy‐related anxiety levels. Additionally, deep relaxation exercises are alternative practices for reducing the fear of giving birth among pregnant women. Trial registration: NCT05447000 Summary statement: What is already known about this topic? Anxiety is common during pregnancy.Alternative methods are becoming important considering the effects of complications of medical treatment on the mother and the fetus from treatments for anxiety in the prenatal period.What this paper adds? The MBSR program is an effective method for reducing pregnancy‐related anxiety levels.Deep relaxation exercises are alternative practices for reducing the fear of giving birth among pregnant women.The implications of this paper: This research provides a solid basis for the use of an MBSR program during midwifery and nursing practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: The aim of this study is to introduce the Copenhagen Multi‐Centre Psychosocial Infertility (COMPI)‐Fertility Problem Stress Scales (COMPI‐FPSS) into China and test its applicability in Chinese infertile population. Background: Infertility‐related stress not only influences patients' psychological well‐being but is also strongly associated with reduced pregnancy rates and poorer assisted conception outcomes, thus warranting focussed attention. Design: The design used in this study is a cross‐sectional survey. Methods: A total of 418 participants were recruited by convenience sampling from March to July 2022. The data were randomly divided into two parts: one for item analysis and exploratory factor analysis and the other for confirmatory factor analysis and reliability test. The critical ratio and homogeneity test were used to verify the differentiation and homogeneity of the COMPI‐FPSS; the construct validity was determined by explanatory and confirmatory factor analyses; Cronbach's α coefficient and Spearman–Brown coefficient were used to assess the reliability; and criterion validity was expressed using correlation coefficients for the Perceived Stress Scale and the Negative Affect Scale as the validity criteria. Results: The revised Chinese version of COMPI‐FPSS has 11 items and 2 dimensions (i.e., personal stress domain and social stress domain). Exploratory factor analysis showed that the cumulative variance contribution rate of the two factors was 68.6%, and confirmatory factor analysis indicated that the model fitted well. The score of the COMPI‐FPSS was significantly and positively associated with perceived stress and negative affect. The Cronbach's α coefficient of the total scale was 0.905, and the Spearman–Brown coefficient was 0.836, explaining excellent reliability. Conclusion: The revised Chinese version of COMPI‐FPSS shows good reliability and validity, and it can be used to evaluate the infertility‐related stress of infertile patients in China. Summary statement: What is already known about this topic? With the number of infertile people on the rise globally, infertility‐related stress needs attention.Copenhagen Multi‐Centre Psychosocial Infertility (COMPI)‐Fertility Problem Stress Scales (COMPI‐FPSS) with its brief and accessible entries is extensively applied abroad.China currently lacks such a tool. What this paper adds? This study translated the COMPI‐FPSS into Chinese and the Chinese version of COMPI‐FPSS contains 11 items and 2 dimensions, including personal stress domain and social stress domain, which has good reliability and validity. The implications of this paper: The Chinese version of COMPI‐FPSS could provide a short and reliable tool for clinical practice and research, which will reduce the burden on researchers and patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The aim of this study is to determine the experience of primary health care nurses regarding the application of nurse‐led management in patients with acute minor illnesses. Background: Nursing leadership of care for acute minor illnesses is a new challenge faced by nurses in Spain. Design: Qualitative, hermeneutical, interpretive phenomenological approach is used. The Consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research guidelines were applied. Methods: Twenty primary care nurses participated; three focus group discussions and nine semi‐structured interviews were conducted between November 2019 and October 2020. All the focus group discussions and interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using content analysis. Results: Seven main themes emerged from the focus group discussions and interviews: concept, perception of the other actors, practice, history and social context, competencies, training, and legality. Conclusion: The study shows the diversity and complexity of nurses' experience when applying nurse‐led management in acute minor illnesses. This work has helped to show the gaps perceived by nurses, including the lack of training in the treatment of conditions historically attended by physicians, the lack of definition of the legal framework and the limitations on nurse prescribing. It also highlighted the power of the nursing profession in terms of autonomy, competencies and role expansion. Summary statement: What is already known about this topic? Nurse‐led management of acute minor illnesses is being applied in multiple countries.Nurse‐led management in patients with acute minor illnesses is known to have benefits for both the patient and the system.Nurses' perceptions of applying nurse‐led management in patients with acute minor illnesses are not known but such knowledge would allow the detection of drivers and barriers for this model of care.What this paper adds? The concept of nurse‐led management in patients with acute minor illnesses needs to be clarified to avoid confusion with triage.The topic was perceived as not properly covered in university studies and attended by a lack of ongoing training.Nurses express self‐doubt in their prescribing because they have been able to do so autonomously for only a short time.The implications of this paper: Nurses consider themselves competent to apply nurse‐led management of acute minor illnesses but need more training and knowledge of the legal framework.University curricula need reform and adaptation to the training needs of these new roles. In addition, continuing education will be required.National regulation is needed to enable this practice without dependence on other professionals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conducting research studies with vulnerable populations on sensitive topics such as adolescent pregnancy can be challenging depending on methodological approaches and ethical issues that may arise before, during, and after data collection. This methodological paper was developed based on experiences and lessons learned from a critical ethnographic study conducted to determine and understand the cultural and personal meaning of unintended adolescent pregnancy in the Rwandan context and to explore the perceived consequences and management of unintended adolescent pregnancy with and for single adolescent mothers. The purpose of this methodological paper is to discuss methodological and ethical challenges encountered while conducting this research, as well as various approaches used to overcome these challenges, and to provide guidance to researchers interested in conducting research about similar or other sensitive topics. Future researchers facing similar challenges should prioritize community engagement strategies, such as building strong relationships with gatekeepers and leaders, to facilitate access to potential participants. Additionally, researchers should engage in continuous ethical reflection and adaptation throughout the study, adjusting strategies if necessary to ensure the well-being and autonomy of participants. As a result of the practical and methodological strategies provided in this reflective paper, researchers could be able to navigate practical, methodological, and ethical challenges effectively while conducting sensitive studies on topics such as adolescent pregnancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research paper aimed to identify the level of psychological hardiness, the level of death anxiety, and the level of existential vacuum among the elderly, also the role of the predictive ability of death anxiety and existential vacuum in the psychological hardiness of the elderly at the governorates of Tafilyah and Ma'an in light of the Corona pandemic in Jordan. The descriptive-analytical approach was utilized. sample consists (500) elderly, that were selected by a simple random approach. Then the needed statistical measure was operated to achieve the required results. The results indicated a low level of psychological hardiness, a high level of death anxiety, and an existential vacuum in the elderly. The results show a suitable predictive ability for each of death anxiety and the existential vacuum in reducing psychological hardiness. The research paper recommended the necessity of rehabilitating the elderly in Jordan regarding the mental and psychological aspects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For the problem of slow search and tortuous paths in the Rapidly Exploring Random Tree (RRT) algorithm, a feedback-biased sampling RRT, called FS-RRT, is proposed based on RRT. Firstly, to improve the sampling efficiency of RRT to shorten the search time, the search area of the random tree is restricted to improve the sampling efficiency. Secondly, to obtain better information about obstacles to shorten the path length, a feedback-biased sampling strategy is used instead of the traditional random sampling, the collision of the expanding node with an obstacle generates feedback information so that the next expanding node avoids expanding within a specific angle range. Thirdly, this paper proposes using the inverse optimization strategy to remove redundancy points from the initial path, making the path shorter and more accurate. Finally, to satisfy the smooth operation of the robot in practice, auxiliary points are used to optimize the cubic Bezier curve to avoid path-crossing obstacles when using the Bezier curve optimization. The experimental results demonstrate that, compared to the traditional RRT algorithm, the proposed FS-RRT algorithm performs favorably against mainstream algorithms regarding running time, number of search iterations, and path length. Moreover, the improved algorithm also performs well in a narrow obstacle environment, and its effectiveness is further confirmed by experimental verification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

INTRODUCTION: Pilots are frequently exposed to thrombotic risk as a result of immobility from air travel. As hypoxemia is associated with secondary polycythemia, and polycythemia increases the risk of thrombosis, intermittent exposure to high-altitude hypoxic environments could escalate the risk of thrombosis in pilots. Our objectives were to find the prevalence of polycythemia in airplane pilots (primary outcome) and to assess associated risk factors of polycythemia (secondary outcome). METHODS: This study is a cross-sectional descriptive study. Data was collected from paper-based and computerized medical records of airplane pilots who applied for Class 1 Aviation Medical Certificate renewal at the Institute of Aviation Medicine, Royal Thai Air Force, Bangkok, Thailand, in 2018. The data was sampled by a simple random sampling technique. RESULTS: A total of 386 paper-based records were sampled. Of those, 29 (7.5%) of the pilots met polycythemia criteria. Spearman's correlation analysis showed a significant positive correlation between Body Mass Index (BMI) and hemoglobin (correlation coefficient = 0.127) and between BMI and hematocrit (correlation coefficient = 0.105). In multivariate logistic regression of each variable on polycythemia as defined by hemoglobin alone, piloting a non-pressurized aircraft was found to be an independent predictor of polycythemia (odds ratio = 4.3). DISCUSSION: The prevalence of polycythemia in airplane pilots was 7.5%. Operating a non-pressurized aircraft was a significant risk factor of polycythemia, and pilots with higher BMI were more likely to have increased red blood cell parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper extends existing work on teacher weighting in student-centered surveys by looking into aspects of practical implementation of deriving and using weights for teacher-centered analysis in the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) and the Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS). The formal conditions to compute teacher-centered weights are detailed, including mathematical equations. We provide a proposal on how to define the targeted populations as well as how to collect data that is needed to derive teacher-centered weights, yet currently unavailable. We also tackle the issue of teacher nonresponse by proposing a respective adjustment factor, as well as mentioning the challenge of multiple selection probabilities when teachers teach in multiple schools. The core part of the paper focuses on studying the level of accuracy that can be expected when estimating teacher population characteristics. We use TIMSS 2019 data and simulate likely scenarios regarding the variance in weights. The results show that (i) the different weighting scenarios lead to relatively similar estimates; however, the differences between the scenarios are sufficient to justify the recommendation to use correctly derived teacher weights; (ii) differences between estimated standard errors based on complex sampling and corresponding estimates based on simple random sampling are sufficiently consistent to support use of a procedure to estimate standard errors that accounts for both sample weights and the complex sampling design; (iii) sample sizes and variance in weights significantly limit estimate precision, so that total population estimates with sufficient precision are available in the majority of countries but subpopulation features are generally not sufficiently precise. To provide a critical evaluation of our results, we recommend implementation of the proposed method in one or more countries. This recommended study will permit examination of logistical considerations in implementation of required changes in data acquisition and will provide data to replicate the analysis with teacher-centered weights. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accessible Summary: What Is Known about the Subject?: One in five mothers and birthing parents are affected by postpartum depression (PPD), yet only a small proportion of those with PPD receive treatment.Given cost and accessibility barriers to treatment, brief therapies (e.g. 1 day) could help address PPD on a large scale, though understanding participants' unique experiences with this novel treatment will help guide its refinement and use. What this Paper Adds to Existing Knowledge?: This paper describes the experiences, perspectives and satisfaction of participants who attended a 1‐day workshop for PPD.Participants appreciate being taught practical techniques and the receipt of social support from facilitators and other attendees in the group setting, while some recommended further 'booster sessions' to enhance effectiveness. What Are the Implications for Practice?: One‐day CBT‐based workshops may be an effective, low‐intensity treatment option that provides helpful skills and builds social networks for individuals with PPD.Additional post‐workshop booster sessions may enhance participant satisfaction with this new treatment by providing a reinforcement of their learning and an opportunity to re‐connect with other birthing parents. Introduction: Postpartum depression (PPD) affects up to one in five mothers and birthing parents. Understanding their perceptions of therapeutic interventions is key to their effectiveness and scalability. Aim: The aim of the study was to understand participants' experiences attending an in‐person or online 1‐day cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)‐based workshop for PPD and compare their experiences participating in either modality. Method: This descriptive qualitative study was embedded in two separate randomized controlled trials evaluating the effectiveness of 1‐day CBT‐based workshops for PPD delivered in‐person or online. Responses were provided by 94 in‐person and 95 online participants about their experiences. Content analysis was used to code and categorize the data. Results: Participants appreciated learning skills to improve PPD symptoms and joining a community of individuals with shared experiences. Integrating practical coping techniques after the workshop was reported to be most useful, though some wanted additional post‐workshop support. Online participants identified additional barriers to workshop engagement. Discussion: Participants who attended either workshop found them to be valuable and effective. Participants valued psychoeducation, social connections and applying practical CBT techniques. Implications for Practice: One‐day CBT‐based workshops may be an accessible treatment option for individuals with PPD, providing new skills and social support, though some prefer to receive additional post‐workshop support. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To achieve an accurate measurement of tread size after fixed-length cutting, this paper proposes a point-cloud-based tread size measurement method. Firstly, a mathematical model of corner points and a reprojection error is established, and the optimal solution of the number of corner points is determined by the non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm II (NSGA-II), which reduces the reprojection error of the RGB-D camera. Secondly, to address the problem of the low accuracy of the traditional pixel metric ratio measurement method, the random sampling consensus point cloud segmentation algorithm (RANSAC) and the oriented bounding box (OBB) collision detection algorithm are introduced to complete the accurate detection of the tread size. By comparing the absolute error and relative error data of several groups of experiments, the accuracy of the detection method in this paper reaches 1 mm, and the measurement deviation is between 0.14% and 2.67%, which is in line with the highest accuracy standard of the national standard. In summary, the RGB-D visual inspection method constructed in this paper has the characteristics of low cost and high inspection accuracy, which is a potential solution to enhance the pickup guidance of tread size measurement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The bed bath is an important part of nursing care. There are few studies evaluating the effects of traditional and dry bed baths on patients. Aim: This study was performed with the aim of investigating the effect of traditional and dry bed baths given to intensive care unit patients on the patients' hemodynamic parameters, the duration of the bathing procedure and the cost of consumable items. Methods: This was a randomized crossover clinical trial and a prospective study. The study was conducted in a General Surgery Intensive Care Unit with 22 intensive care patients aged 18 and over, who had a nursing diagnosis of bathing personal care deficiency. Each patient was given two types of bed baths at an interval of 24 h: a traditional bed bath and a dry bed bath performed with single‐use tissues. Immediately before each bath, in the 5th, 10th and 15th minute of bathing, immediately after bathing and 30 min after bathing, body temperature, heart rate, blood pressure, breathing rate and peripheral oxygen saturation measurement changes over time were compared within the group using the Friedman test. The Wilcoxon signed ranks test was used to compare the variables of bathing duration and bathing consumable item costs between the bathing procedures. Results: It was found that at the completion of traditional and dry bed bathing, the participants' body temperature, blood pressure, heart rate and breathing rate parameters were statistically significantly lower than before bathing, whereas peripheral oxygen saturation values showed a significant increase (p < 0.05). It was found that the dry bed bath took a statistically significantly shorter time than the traditional bed bath and that the cost of consumable bathing materials was less (p < 0.05). Conclusions: It was concluded that traditional and dry bed baths given to intensive care patients affected their hemodynamic parameters and that the dry bed bath was superior to the traditional bed bath in that it took less time and that it cost less. Summary statement: What is already known about this topic? Traditional and dry bed baths are personal care procedures that are frequently carried out by nurses with patients in intensive care units.Bed baths may affect the hemodynamic parameters of patients in intensive care units, but few studies have evaluated their effects.Determination of the hemodynamic parameters of patients during bed baths, the duration of bathing and the cost of consumable bathing materials may help nurses to achieve patients' body hygiene in a more reliable way and to decide on and adopt measures to minimize risks. What this paper adds? This paper contributes to the performance of personal hygiene. It is necessary to closely monitor the hemodynamic parameters of intensive care patients when they are being given bed baths.This study has direct effects in awakening nurses to the potential risk of bed baths causing a change in hemodynamic parameters in intensive care patients and in taking measures to reduce these risks to a minimum. Also, giving dry bed baths, which are superior in taking less time and having lower costs, provides advantages to nurses in terms of work load, physical difficulties and finance. The implications of this paper: This study emphasizes the positive impacts of dry bed baths carried out by nurses for patients in intensive care units.The dry bed bath can be accepted as enhancing patient safety by being easy to perform and by shortening the time when the patient is exposed to environmental risks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The aim of this study is to describe and evaluate how nurses caring for COVID and non‐COVID patients assess changes in their work and in nursing activities during the two waves of the COVID‐19 pandemic. Methods: Two cross‐sectional surveys were conducted for Estonian nurses working during the first and second waves of the COVID‐19 pandemic, using The impact of COVID‐19 emergency on nursing care questionnaire. Based on convenience sampling, the data were collected among the members of professional organizations, unions and associations. Responses from the first (n = 162) and second wave (n = 284) were analysed using descriptive statistics, Fisher's exact test and McNemar's test. Results: The COVID‐19 pandemic changed the working context during both waves for nurses caring for COVID and non‐COVID patients. Changes were considered to a greater extent during the second wave, when Estonia was severely affected, and by nurses caring for COVID patients. During the second wave, the number and complexity of patients increased, and nurses caring for COVID patients performed fundamental care, nursing techniques and symptom control significantly more frequently compared to nurses caring for non‐COVID patients. Conclusion: Taking care of COVID patients is demanding, requiring nurses to perform more direct patient care. However, the pandemic also increased the frequency of activities not related with direct patient care. Summary statement: What is already known about this topic? The COVID‐19 pandemic has influenced the context of care and all dimensions of nurses' work.Despite increasing research on the impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on nursing care, little attention has been given to differences between caring for COVID and non‐COVID patients during the different waves of the COVID‐19 pandemic. What this paper adds? Nursing care for COVID patients requires from nurses more direct patient care through fundamental care activities, nursing techniques and symptom control compared to non‐COVID patients.The impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on nurses' work reflects the severity and progress of different waves of the pandemic, which needs to be considered in preparing for future pandemics.Nursing care during a pandemic may also lead to an extensive workload due to tasks not related to direct patient care as nurses contribute to the management of the pandemic on all levels of health care. The implications of this paper: The COVID‐19 pandemic has had a significant impact on nursing, where the mitigation of long‐term effects of the pandemic is still ongoing, and thus, knowledge about the details of the resulting changes is required.Study findings enable us to mitigate the impact of the pandemic on nurses and to highlight aspects that need to be taken into account when preparing for future pandemics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: This study aimed to explore the effects of compassion satisfaction and compassion fatigue on the posttraumatic growth of psychiatric nurses. Background: Psychiatric nurses' prolonged and repeated exposure to trauma and complex situations in the work environment can lead to negative emotions such as compassion fatigue, but they also experience positive consequences such as posttraumatic growth, and the relationship between compassion fatigue and posttraumatic growth is not unclear. Methods: A total of 336 nurses from psychiatry departments of seven tertiary hospitals in Sichuan Province, China, were administered an online questionnaire. Participants were recruited through convenience sampling. The posttraumatic growth level was measured with the Simplified Chinese version of the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory. The Professional Quality of Life Scale‐Chinese version was used to assess compassion satisfaction, burnout and secondary traumatic stress. T‐test and one‐way variance analysis, Pearson correlation analysis and hierarchical linear regression were used for data analysis. A STROBE checklist was used to guide the reporting of the research. Results: Psychiatric nurses' posttraumatic growth is at a low level, influenced by demographic and occupational factors, whereas compassion satisfaction, burnout and secondary traumatic stress are at a moderate level. Hierarchical regression analysis suggested that compassion satisfaction and secondary traumatic stress had a positive impact on posttraumatic growth, whereas burnout had a negative impact on posttraumatic growth. Conclusions: Findings suggest that nursing managers should attach importance to the mental health of psychiatric nurses, improve compassion satisfaction, alleviate burnout and promote posttraumatic growth. Summary statement: What is already known about this topic? Psychiatric patients generally have complex and special conditions, which makes psychiatric nursing work high‐risk and stressful, which often poses significant challenges for psychiatric nurses, such as compassion fatigue.There is a correlation between compassion satisfaction, compassion fatigue and posttraumatic growth among nurses. What this paper adds? Psychiatric nurses have low levels of posttraumatic growth and moderate levels of compassionate satisfaction, burnout and secondary traumatic stress, and posttraumatic growth is influenced by sleep hours per day, marital status, children and job satisfaction.Compassion satisfaction and secondary traumatic stress have a positive impact on posttraumatic growth of psychiatric nurses, whereas burnout has a negative impact on posttraumatic growth of psychiatric nurses. The implications of this paper: This study emphasizes that policy makers should clarify the relationship between posttraumatic growth, compassion satisfaction and compassion fatigue as soon as possible to support the rapid growth of psychiatric nurses in nursing work.This study provides a basis for nursing managers to explore and implement interventions to improve compassion satisfaction among psychiatric nurses, reduce burnout and promote personal psychological growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of the Roy adaptation model‐based strengthening program (RAMBSP) applied to nursing students on social media addiction, healthy lifestyle behaviours and self‐esteem. Methods: One hundred five nursing students studying at a nursing faculty of a university were included in this prospective, two‐armed (1:1), randomized controlled study. The study group (n:54) had 12 weeks of RAMBSP online group sessions. No intervention was made to the control group (n:51). The social media addiction level, which was the primary outcome of the study, was evaluated with the Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale (BSMAS) and healthy lifestyle behaviours and self‐esteem, which were secondary outcomes, were evaluated with the Healthy Lifestyle Behaviours Scale II (HLBS‐II) and the Rosenberg Self‐Esteem Inventory (REI). Students filled out BSMAS, HLBS‐II, and REI online via Google Forms before and after RAMBSP. Findings: At the end of the programme, there was no significant difference between the groups in terms of BSMAS scores of the students in the study group (p > 0.05); however, the difference was significant in terms of HLBS‐II and REI scores (p < 0.05). It was determined that the empowerment programme increased students' awareness of social media addiction. Conclusion: It is recommended to implement programmes that will increase students' awareness of social media addiction and its effects and to conduct new research that will cover large and different sample groups. Trial registration: It was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov in March 2021 (NCT04820517). Summary statement: What is already known about this topic? With the development of technology, social media addiction is widely seen in nursing students, who are a fragile group.Biopsychosocial approaches should be presented together in practices aimed at reducing or controlling the use of social media.It is not known whether an empowerment programme based on the nursing model (Roy adaptation model) to reduce social media addiction in nursing students is effective. What this paper adds? This programme constitutes an example of how to combine Roy adaptation model, one of the nursing models related to reducing social media addiction and providing controlled social media use, with the empowerment programme.The strengthening programme based on Roy adaptation model helped student nurses to acquire and maintain healthy lifestyle behaviours by increasing their awareness of social media addiction and improving their self‐esteem. The implications of this paper Roy adaptation model‐based psychoeducation should be conducted to enable nursing students to gain awareness of social media addiction and its consequences.Roy adaptation model‐based activities should be planned and implemented to intervene in students with social media addiction and to lead them to healthy social media use.Course contents should be added to the nursing curriculum to encourage the use of social media in a way that is effective, safe and contributes to personal development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many applications are driven by Machine Learning (ML) today. While complex ML models lead to an accurate prediction, their inner decision-making is obfuscated. However, especially for high-stakes decisions, interpretability and explainability of the model are necessary. Therefore, we develop a holistic interpretability and explainability framework (HIEF) to objectively describe and evaluate an intelligent system's explainable AI (XAI) capacities. This guides data scientists to create more transparent models. To evaluate our framework, we analyse 50 real estate appraisal papers to ensure the robustness of HIEF. Additionally, we identify six typical types of intelligent systems, so-called archetypes, which range from explanatory to predictive, and demonstrate how researchers can use the framework to identify blind-spot topics in their domain. Finally, regarding comprehensiveness, we used a random sample of six intelligent systems and conducted an applicability check to provide external validity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper seeks to examine the questions of what criteria definitions of Artificial Intelligence (AI) use to define AI, what the disagreements that revolve around the term AI are based on, and what correlations can be drawn to other parameters. Framed as a problem of classification, a random sample of 45 definitions from various text sources was subjected to a qualitative content analysis. The criteria found are concluded in five dimensions, namely (1) learning ability, (2) human likeness, (3) state of "mind", (4) complexity of the problem, and (5) successfulness. Further, the results support the view that there is no consensus neither on which of these criteria are crucial to define AI nor on how these criteria must be fulfilled. By opposing the frequencies of the dimensions found with the metadata collected, it can be seen that most of these, e.g., country, scientific field, or gender of the author, are statistically independent of content variables, while the medium in which the definition was published shows a strong correlation. Since different mediums target different purposes and different readers, it must be taken into account that writing a definition of AI is to be seen in the context of its distribution area and its goal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To identify the latent profiles and predictors of family management styles for children with asthma. Design: This is a secondary data analysis. The demographic data of 506 primary caregivers of children with asthma and their scores of the Family Management Scale in a cross‐sectional study were used. Latent profile analysis and multiple logistic regression analyses were employed. Results: Three family management styles were identified: Thriving (Profile 1), Accommodating (Profile 2), and Enduring (Profile 3) Family Management Style. The child's age, gender, mother's education level, family structure, influence of illness on parents' work and family life, whether they had follow‐up plans and whether their parents had read disease and health knowledge pamphlets were found to be the predictors of different styles. Conclusion: Three distinct family management styles exist for children with asthma. Future interventions designed to enhance family management for children with asthma should be based on their demographic characteristics and family management styles. Implications for the Profession and Patient Care: The precise classification of family management styles in this study can serve as a guide to form multi‐disciplinary teams of physicians and nurses to provide individualized care and conduct in‐depth research to explore the mechanisms of biomedicine and the social psychology of asthma in the future. Impact: This paper aims to identify the latent profiles and predictors of family management styles of children with asthma.Thriving, accommodating, and enduring family management styles were identified in this paper. Child's characteristics, family and organizational factors were the predictors of different family management styles.Findings of this paper provide guidance for physicians and nurses to offer individualized care and conduct in‐depth research to explore the mechanisms of biomedicine and the social psychology of asthma in the future. Reporting Method: The article was reported according to the STROBE Checklist. Patient or Public Contribution: No Patient or Public Contribution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To explore the rate of NUPs and associated factors in the PED of the 'Hospital Universitario y Politécnico La Fe' in Valencia (Spain) using Andersen's Behavioural Model. Methods: We conducted a descriptive cross‐sectional study using Andersen's Behavioural Model in parents visiting the PED with their children at the 'Hospital Universitario y Politécnico La Fe' in Valencia (Spain). Results: The study involved a total of 530 participants, of whom 419 (79%) had made an NUP. The predisposing factors identified were: (I) paediatric patients brought in by their fathers (OR = 0.460; p = 0.005), (II) lower educational attainment (OR = 3.841; p = 0.000), (III) first‐time parenthood (OR = 2.335; p = 0.000) and (IV) higher parental stress (OR = 1.974; p = 0.023). The enabling factors included: (I) responsibility for a significant part of the childcare shared with others (OR = 0.348; p = 0.041) and (II) the perception that PEDs provide better care than primary care (PC) services (OR = 1.628; p = 0.005). The need factors were: (I) existing chronic illness in the child seeking care (OR = 0.343; p = 0.000) and (II) the perceived severity of the urgency (OR = 0.440; p = 0.031). Conclusions: The NUP rates found in this study are similar to those found internationally. In accordance with Andersen's Behavioural Model, we identify predisposing, enabling and need factors to explain the multifactorial nature of NUPs in PEDs. Implications for Practice: Identifying the factors associated with NUPs enables interventions to be targeted at those groups most likely to engage in NUPs, thereby optimising the functioning of the PED and improving the well‐being of children and families. These interventions should focus on improving parental health literacy, providing education on making appropriate decisions about accessing health services and recognising severe symptoms in children, as well as improving access to high‐quality PC services. Providing support to parents during the transition to parenthood would also be beneficial. Reporting Method: This paper adheres to the STROBE initiative guidelines. Contribution from patients or members of the public: Participants, who voluntarily agreed to take part, contributed to the study by completing a paper‐based questionnaire containing all the study variables as prepared by the research team. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The gold standard treatment for periprosthetic joint infections is the two-stage revision that includes the spacer placement before definitive reimplantation. The management of PJI affects patients' joint function and, subsequently, their mental health. Even though significant advances have been achieved, little to no attention has been paid to the psychological implications. So, based on standardized patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), this study aimed to clarify the effect of spacer treatment of infected hip and knee arthroplasties on patients' mental health. Methods: We performed research on the literature on PJIs in the English language using the MEDLINE database with the search strings "spacer" OR "spacers" AND "hip" OR "knee" AND "SF-12" OR "SF-36" OR "EQ-5" OR "mental" OR "depression" OR "anxiety." The reference lists of selected articles were also hand-searched for any additional articles. Results: A total of 973 published papers were extracted, and 9 papers were finally included. A total of 384 patients who underwent spacer placement for PJI were identified. Of these 384 patients, 54% were female. The mean age ranged from 62 to 78.2 years. Of the11 papers identified for this review, 4 analyzed only hip spacers, including 119 patients; 4 only knee spacers, evaluating 153 patients; while a single study included 112 patients for both joints. Conclusions: Patients with the spacer are living in a state of mental upset, albeit better than the preoperative state. Clinical improvement with the review is not assured. The alteration of mental state turns out not to be transient for all the patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Link-Travel-Time (LTT) estimation is essential for the planning and operations of a variety of transportation services. Given the random sampling of a very large number of GPS-points over a highly complex urban network, the task of organizing these individual GPS readings to estimate LTTs requires the development and implementation of a novel comprehensive data processing and path-finding methodology which is described in detail in this paper. As part of this novel methodology, an innovative data-driven matching-algorithm to estimate urban LTT from high-sampling-rate GPS data projected onto the Open-Street-Map network is developed and implemented. Then, using these LTTs, we construct Path-Travel-Time (PTT) between major origin-destination pairs. PTT of Actual-Paths (AP) followed by GPS-enabled vehicles are compared with k-Shortest-Paths (SP), allowing us to better understand route-choice behavior and overall traffic conditions. We compare PTT from observed-trips (OD-trips), map-matched AP, and SP paths with Free-Flow (FF). Results show that OD-trips, AP, and SP exceed FF by 15%, 41%, and 15%, respectively. The difference in PTT between OD-AP is ∼5%, which means the map-matching process works well and does not create bias in our analysis. People using the shortest-path varies with the distance; for ∼3-mile-paths, 50% of users do not use it. For ∼6-mile-paths, the percentage reduces to 35%, and for ∼9-mile, the percentage is 25%. A relatively high number of trips spend more time than the average and much longer than the shortest PTT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adequate enterprise financial risk management (EFRM) represents a leading competitive advantage of enterprises that determines market survival and business success in an uncertain global environment. Over time, EFRM has become a constituent part of integral business dealings of enterprises and one of the strategic functions of enterprise management. The main purpose of the paper is to explore the effects of the EFRM function/system on the financial performance of enterprises in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH). The basic source of data in the research was collected by means of a structured questionnaire. The target population in the research consists of large enterprises that have continuously operated in the territory of BiH (2013-2017). The selection of enterprises was made applying a random sampling method and contains 72 enterprises. Appropriate descriptive and inferential statistical methods were used in the data analysis and panel data analysis was used to assess effects of EFRM function on financial performance. The scientific contribution of the paper is reflected in the fact that the research is pioneering for Bosnia and Herzegovina with the analysis of effects of the EFRM function on enterprise financial performance (EFP). The results show that there are no systematic, statistically significant differences between large enterprises that engage in risk management ('hedgers') and enterprises that do not engage in risk management ('non-hedgers') in BiH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A Rapid-exploration Random Tree (RRT) autonomous detection algorithm based on the multi-guide-node deflection strategy andKarto Simultaneous Localization andMapping (SLAM) algorithmwas proposed to solve the problems of low efficiency of detecting frontier boundary points and drift distortion in the process of map building in the traditional RRT algorithm in the autonomous detection strategy of mobile robot. Firstly, an RRT global frontier boundary point detection algorithm based on the multi-guide-node deflection strategy was put forward, which introduces the reference value of guide nodes' deflection probability into the random sampling function so that the global search tree can detect frontier boundary points towards the guide nodes according to random probability. After that, a new autonomous detection algorithm for mobile robots was proposed by combining the graph optimization-based Karto SLAM algorithm with the previously improved RRT algorithm. The algorithm simulation platform based on the Gazebo platform was built. The simulation results show that compared with the traditional RRT algorithm, the proposed RRT autonomous detection algorithm can effectively reduce the time of autonomous detection, plan the length of detection trajectory under the condition of high average detection coverage, and complete the task of autonomous detection mapping more efficiently. Finally, with the help of the ROS-based mobile robot experimental platform, the performance of the proposed algorithm was verified in the real environment of different obstacles. The experimental results show that in the actual environment of simple and complex obstacles, the proposed RRT autonomous detection algorithm was superior to the traditional RRT autonomous detection algorithm in the time of detection, length of detection trajectory, and average coverage, thus improving the efficiency and accuracy of autonomous detection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Determining patient outcomes is essential to quality health care. Administering electronic patient-reported outcomes measures (PROMs) offers potential advantages, including faster completion and efficient data access and storage. However, commonly used PROMs have not been studied across multiple administration modes, limiting clinicians to paper forms until the electronic versions are validated. Objective: To determine the validity of an electronic version of the Disablement in the Physically Active (DPA) scale compared with the paper version. Main Outcome Measure(s): Electronic and paper versions of the DPA scale were randomly administered to 117 participants (38 women, 79 men; age = 21.6 6 5.9 years) 24 to 48 hours apart. Responses were compared using Pearson product moment correlations, canonical correlations, and covariance modeling. Results: The electronic version of the DPA scale was strongly correlated with the paper version when compared using a bivariate correlation (r = 0.86, P, .001) or covariance modeling approach (r = 0.90, P, .001). Conclusions: The electronic version of the DPA scale was comparable with the paper version, making the former more efficient for use in athletic training. This study provides a template for other clinician-researchers to perform similar evaluations of electronic PROMs to determine their equivalency with the paper versions before implementing them in practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of MSS among office workers is high worldwide, having a significant effect on medical costs, absenteeism, and quality of life. In Bangladesh, there are many office workers but there is no data on the prevalence and impact of MSS. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this pilot study was to determine the prevalence and distribution of MSS among paper based office workers from one local office in order to determine whether or not an ergonomic intervention is required and the focus of the intervention needed.METHODS: A cross sectional study was conducted among 200 paper based office workers using a proportional stratified random sample. The Standardized Nordic Questionnaire was used to determine the prevalence and distribution of MSS. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 16.0. RESULTS: The mean age of the respondents was 43.0 years with a mean of 12.0 years work experience. 76.0% (n=152) of the respondents reported having MSS during the last 12 months. MSS complaints were reported primarily in the lower back region. 40.5% (n=81) of the respondents reported interruption of their normal daily activities within the last 12 months reportedly due to MSS.CONCLUSION: The current study showed the high prevalence rate of MSS among office workers in one workplace in Bangladesh. This was a pilot study, but it suggests that there is likely a need for further study into office workers' work sites and work practices to prevent work related injuries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the measurement equivalence of individual response scale types by using a patient reported outcome measure (PROM) collected on paper and migrated into electronic format for use on the subject's own mobile device (BYOD) and on a provisioned device (site device).Methods: Subjects suffering from chronic health conditions causing daily pain or discomfort were invited to participate in this single-site, single visit, three-way crossover study. Association between individual item and instrument subscale scores was assessed by using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and its CI. Participant attitudes toward the use of BYOD in a clinical trial were assessed through use of a questionnaire.Results: In this study, 155 subjects (females 83 [54%]; males 72 [46%]) ages 19 to 69 years (mean ± SD: 48.6 ± 13.1) were recruited. High association between the modes of administration (paper, BYOD, site device) was shown with analysis of ICCs (0.79-0.98) for each response scale type, including visual analogue scale, numeric rating scale, verbal response scale, and Likert scale. Of the subjects, 94% (146 of 155) stated that they would definitely or probably be willing to download an app onto their own mobile device for a forthcoming clinical trial. Forty-five percent of subjects felt BYOD would be more convenient compared with 15% preferring a provisioned device (40% had no preference).Conclusions: This study provides strong evidence supporting the use of BYOD for PROM collection in terms of the conservation of instrument measurement equivalence across the most widely used response scale types, and high patient acceptance of the approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]