Showing papers by "Saxion University of Applied Sciences published in 2018"

Using Psychological Artificial Intelligence (Tess) to Relieve Symptoms of Depression and Anxiety: Randomized Controlled Trial.

Abstract: Background: Students in need of mental health care face many barriers including cost, location, availability, and stigma Studies show that computer-assisted therapy and 1 conversational chatbot delivering cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) offer a less-intensive and more cost-effective alternative for treating depression and anxiety Although CBT is one of the most effective treatment methods, applying an integrative approach has been linked to equally effective posttreatment improvement Integrative psychological artificial intelligence (AI) offers a scalable solution as the demand for affordable, convenient, lasting, and secure support grows Objective: This study aimed to assess the feasibility and efficacy of using an integrative psychological AI, Tess, to reduce self-identified symptoms of depression and anxiety in college students Methods: In this randomized controlled trial, 75 participants were recruited from 15 universities across the United States All participants completed Web-based surveys, including the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7), and Positive and Negative Affect Scale (PANAS) at baseline and 2 to 4 weeks later (T2) The 2 test groups consisted of 50 participants in total and were randomized to receive unlimited access to Tess for either 2 weeks (n=24) or 4 weeks (n=26) The information-only control group participants (n=24) received an electronic link to the National Institute of Mental Health’s (NIMH) eBook on depression among college students and were only granted access to Tess after completion of the study Results: A sample of 74 participants completed this study with 0% attrition from the test group and less than 1% attrition from the control group (1/24) The average age of participants was 229 years, with 70% of participants being female (52/74), mostly Asian (37/74, 51%), and white (32/74, 41%) Group 1 received unlimited access to Tess, with daily check-ins for 2 weeks Group 2 received unlimited access to Tess with biweekly check-ins for 4 weeks The information-only control group was provided with an electronic link to the NIMH’s eBook Multivariate analysis of covariance was conducted We used an alpha level of 05 for all statistical tests Results revealed a statistically significant difference between the control group and group 1, such that group 1 reported a significant reduction in symptoms of depression as measured by the PHQ-9 (P=03), whereas those in the control group did not A statistically significant difference was found between the control group and both test groups 1 and 2 for symptoms of anxiety as measured by the GAD-7 Group 1 (P=045) and group 2 (P=02) reported a significant reduction in symptoms of anxiety, whereas the control group did not A statistically significant difference was found on the PANAS between the control group and group 1 (P=03) and suggests that Tess did impact scores Conclusions: This study offers evidence that AI can serve as a cost-effective and accessible therapeutic agent Although not designed to appropriate the role of a trained therapist, integrative psychological AI emerges as a feasible option for delivering support Trial Registration: International Standard Randomized Controlled Trial Number: ISRCTN61214172; https://doiorg/101186/ISRCTN61214172

Massively parallel sequencing techniques for forensics: A review

Abstract: DNA sequencing, starting with Sanger's chain termination method in 1977 and evolving into the next generation sequencing (NGS) techniques of today that employ massively parallel sequencing (MPS), has become essential in application areas such as biotechnology, virology, and medical diagnostics. Reflected by the growing number of articles published over the last 2-3 years, these techniques have also gained attention in the forensic field. This review contains a brief description of first, second, and third generation sequencing techniques, and focuses on the recent developments in human DNA analysis applicable in the forensic field. Relevance to the forensic analysis is that besides generation of standard STR-profiles, DNA repeats can also be sequenced to look for polymorphisms. Furthermore, additional SNPs can be sequenced to acquire information on ancestry, paternity or phenotype. The current MPS systems are also very helpful in cases where only a limited amount of DNA or highly degraded DNA has been secured from a crime scene. If enough autosomal DNA is not present, mitochondrial DNA can be sequenced for maternal lineage analysis. These developments clearly demonstrate that the use of NGS will grow into an indispensable tool for forensic science.

The Extraction and Recovery Efficiency of Pure DNA for Different Types of Swabs

Abstract: The extraction and recovery efficiency of swabs used to collect evidence at crime scenes is relatively low (typically <50%) for bacterial spores and body fluids. Cell-free deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) is an interesting alternative compared to whole cells as a source for forensic analysis, but extraction and recovery from swabs has not been tested before using pure DNA. In this study cotton, foam, nylon flocked, polyester and rayon swabs are investigated in order to collect pure DNA isolated from saliva samples. The morphology and absorption capacity of swabs is studied. Extraction and recovery efficiencies are determined and compared to the maximum theoretical efficiency. The results indicate that a substantial part of DNA is not extracted from the swab and some types of swab seem to bind effectively with DNA. The efficiency of the different types of swab never exceeds 50%. The nylon flocked 4N6FLOQSwab used for buccal sampling performs the best.

The use of advanced medical technologies at home: a systematic review of the literature.

Abstract: The number of medical technologies used in home settings has increased substantially over the last 10–15 years. In order to manage their use and to guarantee quality and safety, data on usage trends and practical experiences are important. This paper presents a literature review on types, trends and experiences with the use of advanced medical technologies at home. The study focused on advanced medical technologies that are part of the technical nursing process and ‘hands on’ processes by nurses, excluding information technology such as domotica. The systematic review of literature was performed by searching the databases MEDLINE, Scopus and Cinahl. We included papers from 2000 to 2015 and selected articles containing empirical material. The review identified 87 relevant articles, 62% was published in the period 2011–2015. Of the included studies, 45% considered devices for respiratory support, 39% devices for dialysis and 29% devices for oxygen therapy. Most research has been conducted on the topic ‘user experiences’ (36%), mainly regarding patients or informal caregivers. Results show that nurses have a key role in supporting patients and family caregivers in the process of homecare with advanced medical technologies and in providing information for, and as a member of multi-disciplinary teams. However, relatively low numbers of articles were found studying nurses perspective. Research on medical technologies used at home has increased considerably until 2015. Much is already known on topics, such as user experiences; safety, risks, incidents and complications; and design and technological development. We also identified a lack of research exploring the views of nurses with regard to medical technologies for homecare, such as user experiences of nurses with different technologies, training, instruction and education of nurses and human factors by nurses in risk management and patient safety.

Towards practical privacy-preserving genome-wide association study

Abstract: The deployment of Genome-wide association studies (GWASs) requires genomic information of a large population to produce reliable results. This raises significant privacy concerns, making people hesitate to contribute their genetic information to such studies. We propose two provably secure solutions to address this challenge: (1) a somewhat homomorphic encryption (HE) approach, and (2) a secure multiparty computation (MPC) approach. Unlike previous work, our approach does not rely on adding noise to the input data, nor does it reveal any information about the patients. Our protocols aim to prevent data breaches by calculating the χ2 statistic in a privacy-preserving manner, without revealing any information other than whether the statistic is significant or not. Specifically, our protocols compute the χ2 statistic, but only return a yes/no answer, indicating significance. By not revealing the statistic value itself but only the significance, our approach thwarts attacks exploiting statistic values. We significantly increased the efficiency of our HE protocols by introducing a new masking technique to perform the secure comparison that is necessary for determining significance. We show that full-scale privacy-preserving GWAS is practical, as long as the statistics can be computed by low degree polynomials. Our implementations demonstrated that both approaches are efficient. The secure multiparty computation technique completes its execution in approximately 2 ms for data contributed by one million subjects.

Development of Silicone Hydrogel Antimicrobial Contact Lenses with Mel4 Peptide Coating

Abstract: Significance This study investigated the development of an antimicrobial coating on silicone hydrogel contact lenses that may have the capacity to reduce contact lens-related infection and inflammatory events. Purpose The purpose of this study was to develop an effective antimicrobial coating for silicone hydrogel contact lenses by attachment of Mel4 peptide. Methods Lotrafilcon A, comfilcon A, somofilcon A, senofilcon A, and lotrafilcon B silicone hydrogel contact lenses were plasma coated with acrylic acid followed by Mel4 antimicrobial peptide immobilization by covalent coupling. Peptide immobilization was quantified by x-ray electron spectroscopy. Contact lens diameter, base curve, center thickness, and lens surface wettability were measured by captive-bubble contact-angle technique. Antimicrobial activity of the lenses was determined against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus by viable plate count and also after soaking with artificial tears solution for 1 day. In vivo safety and biocompatibility were determined in an animal model for 1 week. Results Mel4 peptide-coated silicone hydrogel contact lenses were associated with high antimicrobial inhibition (>2 log), except for lotrafilcon B and senofilcon A. Lotrafilcon B did not exhibit any activity, whereas senofilcon A showed 1.4- and 0.7-log inhibition against P. aeruginosa and S. aureus, respectively. X-ray electron spectroscopy revealed significant increases in the lens surface-bound amide nitrogen in all contact lenses except for lotrafilcon B. All contact lens parameters remained unchanged except for the base curve and center thickness for senofilcon A. Mel4 immobilization was associated with a decrease in contact angle. Mel4-coated contact lens wear was not associated with any signs or symptoms of ocular irritation in a rabbit model study. Reduced antimicrobial activity was observed with all the lenses after soaking with artificial tears solution or rabbit wear. Conclusions Mel4 antimicrobial coating may be an effective option for development of antimicrobial silicone hydrogel contact lenses.

Impact of public release of performance data on the behaviour of healthcare consumers and providers.

Abstract: BACKGROUND It is becoming increasingly common to publish information about the quality and performance of healthcare organisations and individual professionals However, we do not know how this information is used, or the extent to which such reporting leads to quality improvement by changing the behaviour of healthcare consumers, providers, and purchasers OBJECTIVES To estimate the effects of public release of performance data, from any source, on changing the healthcare utilisation behaviour of healthcare consumers, providers (professionals and organisations), and purchasers of care In addition, we sought to estimate the effects on healthcare provider performance, patient outcomes, and staff morale SEARCH METHODS We searched CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, and two trials registers on 26 June 2017 We checked reference lists of all included studies to identify additional studies SELECTION CRITERIA We searched for randomised or non-randomised trials, interrupted time series, and controlled before-after studies of the effects of publicly releasing data regarding any aspect of the performance of healthcare organisations or professionals Each study had to report at least one main outcome related to selecting or changing care DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two review authors independently screened studies for eligibility and extracted data For each study, we extracted data about the target groups (healthcare consumers, healthcare providers, and healthcare purchasers), performance data, main outcomes (choice of healthcare provider, and improvement by means of changes in care), and other outcomes (awareness, attitude, knowledge of performance data, and costs) Given the substantial degree of clinical and methodological heterogeneity between the studies, we presented the findings for each policy in a structured format, but did not undertake a meta-analysis MAIN RESULTS We included 12 studies that analysed data from more than 7570 providers (eg professionals and organisations), and a further 3,333,386 clinical encounters (eg patient referrals, prescriptions) We included four cluster-randomised trials, one cluster-non-randomised trial, six interrupted time series studies, and one controlled before-after study Eight studies were undertaken in the USA, and one each in Canada, Korea, China, and The Netherlands Four studies examined the effect of public release of performance data on consumer healthcare choices, and four on improving qualityThere was low-certainty evidence that public release of performance data may make little or no difference to long-term healthcare utilisation by healthcare consumers (3 studies; 18,294 insurance plan beneficiaries), or providers (4 studies; 3,000,000 births, and 67 healthcare providers), or to provider performance (1 study; 82 providers) However, there was also low-certainty evidence to suggest that public release of performance data may slightly improve some patient outcomes (5 studies, 315,092 hospitalisations, and 7502 providers) There was low-certainty evidence from a single study to suggest that public release of performance data may have differential effects on disadvantaged populations There was no evidence about effects on healthcare utilisation decisions by purchasers, or adverse effects AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS The existing evidence base is inadequate to directly inform policy and practice Further studies should consider whether public release of performance data can improve patient outcomes, as well as healthcare processes

Higher-level cognitive functions in Dutch elite and sub-elite table tennis players

Abstract: This study aimed to investigate the higher-level cognitive functions (i.e. metacognition and executive functions) of Dutch competitive table tennis players to better understand its relevance for performance in this fast and complex sport. Thirty elite (age 16 ± 4) and thirty age and sex-matched sub-elite peers (age 16 ± 5) were assessed on metacognition and executive functions (working memory, inhibitory control, cognitive flexibility) using D-KEFS tests. Compared to norm scores, both the Dutch competitive elite and sub-elite table tennis players scored above average on all tests (p 0.05). In conclusion, Dutch elite and sub-elite table tennis players are characterized by above-average scores on higher-level cognitive functions compared to norm scores. A relation with performance level has been shown, which may be explained by the greater exposure to table tennis for elite compared to sub-elite players. However, longitudinal research is needed to indicate the direction of this association.

A phased framework for long-term user acceptance of interactive technology in domestic environments

Abstract: The temporal dimension of acceptance is under-researched in technology acceptance research. Yet, people’s perceptions on technology use may change over time when gaining user experiences. Our 6-month home study deploying an interactive robot provides insight into the long-term use of use interactive technology in a domestic environment. We present a phased framework for the acceptance of interactive technology in domestic environments. Based on 97 interviews obtained from 21 participants living in different household types, the results provide an initial validation of our phased framework for long-term acceptance showing that acceptance phases are linked to certain user experiences which evolve over time when people gain experience with the technology. Involving end users in the early stages of development helps researchers understand the cultural and social contexts of acceptance and enables developers to apply this gained knowledge into their future designs.

Development of a Tool to Assess Fundamental Movement Skills in Applied Settings

Abstract: The main aim of this study was to evaluate a new combination of test items on its practical use as a tool for determining the fundamental movement skills performance in 6- to 10-year old primary school children. This combination of tests should cover the different aspects of fundamental movement skills (i.e. locomotion, balance and object control), measure performance levels within the broad spectrum of this age range in both boys and girls and be able to detect the existing performance differences between ages. For this purpose, 1121 primary school children (6-10 years) were assessed during their regular PE class using three test items of the Korper Koordinations Test fur Kinder (KTK-3), i.e. walking backwards (WB), moving sideways (MS), jumping sideways (JS), and an eye hand coordination test item (EHC). Univariate General Linear Model analyses were used to evaluate main and interaction effects of sex and age on the test outcomes. Pearson’s correlation coefficients were calculated to confirm the different constructs measured by the four test items. Moreover, in line with previous studies the raw scores were converted into movement quotients (i.e. MQKTK-3 and MQKTK-3+EHC) to classify the children’s performance level. Accordingly, percentage of agreement and Cohen’s kappa between both classifications was determined to gain insight in the influence of the addition of the EHC to the KTK-3. Significant effects for sex and age were found. Girls outperformed boys on WB and boys outperformed girls on EHC (P<0.05). On all test items children of a certain age group scored better than their 1-year younger peers, except at WB between 10- and the 8- and 9-year olds and at MS and JS between 10-year olds and 9-year olds. Moderate positive associations between the test items were found (P<0.05). An 80.8% agreement of classification of children was found based on the MQKTK-3 or the MQKTK-3+EHC (Cohen’s kappa 0.59 (P < 0.001)). Consequently, The KTK-3+EHC appears to adequately cover different aspects of the fundamental movement skills. It provides practitioners a tool that can objectively assess the broad performance spectrum within young children in applied settings, which better meets children’s individual developmental needs

Psychological contract fulfillment and expatriate intrinsic career success : the mediating role of identification with the multinational corporation

Abstract: In this study, we examined to what extent psychological contract fulfillment (PCF) positively affected two dimensions of expatriate intrinsic career success - job and career satisfaction. Moreover, we assessed whether these relationships were mediated by identification with the multinational corporation (MNC). One hundred ninety-seven expatriates of a large multinational technology company participated in this study. We used structural equation modeling to test our hypotheses. Results showed that identification with the MNC partially mediated the relationship between PCF and job satisfaction, and PCF and career satisfaction. This study highlights the important role of fulfilling promises vis-a-vis expatriates and identification with the MNC for expatriate intrinsic career success. Since intrinsic career success is an important predictor of intentions to remain with the organization, it is particularly important that MNCs attend to and manage the psychological contracts of their expatriates.

Depletion of DNMT1 in differentiated human cells highlights key classes of sensitive genes and an interplay with polycomb repression.

Abstract: DNA methylation plays a vital role in the cell, but loss-of-function mutations of the maintenance methyltransferase DNMT1 in normal human cells are lethal, precluding target identification, and existing hypomorphic lines are tumour cells. We generated instead a hypomorphic series in normal hTERT-immortalised fibroblasts using stably integrated short hairpin RNA. Approximately two-thirds of sites showed demethylation as expected, with one-third showing hypermethylation, and targets were shared between the three independently derived lines. Enrichment analysis indicated significant losses at promoters and gene bodies with four gene classes most affected: (1) protocadherins, which are key to neural cell identity; (2) genes involved in fat homoeostasis/body mass determination; (3) olfactory receptors and (4) cancer/testis antigen (CTA) genes. Overall effects on transcription were relatively small in these fibroblasts, but CTA genes showed robust derepression. Comparison with siRNA-treated cells indicated that shRNA lines show substantial remethylation over time. Regions showing persistent hypomethylation in the shRNA lines were associated with polycomb repression and were derepressed on addition of an EZH2 inhibitor. Persistent hypermethylation in shRNA lines was, in contrast, associated with poised promoters. We have assessed for the first time the effects of chronic depletion of DNMT1 in an untransformed, differentiated human cell type. Our results suggest polycomb marking blocks remethylation and indicate the sensitivity of key neural, adipose and cancer-associated genes to loss of maintenance methylation activity.

Alliance and Treatment Outcome in Family-Involved Treatment for Youth Problems: A Three-Level Meta-analysis

Abstract: Alliance has been shown to predict treatment outcome in family-involved treatment for youth problems in several studies. However, meta-analytic research on alliance in family-involved treatment is scarce, and to date, no meta-analytic study on the alliance–outcome association in this field has paid attention to moderating variables. We included 28 studies reporting on the alliance–outcome association in 21 independent study samples of families receiving family-involved treatment for youth problems (N = 2126 families, M age youth ranging from 10.6 to 16.1). We performed three multilevel meta-analyses of the associations between three types of alliance processes and treatment outcome, and of several moderator variables. The quality of the alliance was significantly associated with treatment outcome (r = .183, p < .001). Correlations were significantly stronger when alliance scores of different measurement moments were averaged or added, when families were help-seeking rather than receiving mandated care and when studies included younger children. The correlation between alliance improvement and treatment outcome just failed to reached significance (r = .281, p = .067), and no significant correlation was found between split alliances and treatment outcome (r = .106, p = .343). However, the number of included studies reporting on alliance change scores or split alliances was small. Our findings demonstrate that alliance plays a small but significant role in the effectiveness of family-involved treatment. Future research should focus on investigating the more complex systemic aspects of alliance to gain fuller understanding of the dynamic role of alliance in working with families.

Fatigue following Paediatric Acquired Brain Injury and its Impact on Functional Outcomes: A Systematic Review

Abstract: Fatigue is a commonly reported sequela following an acquired brain injury (ABI), and can have a negative impact on many areas of a child's life. However, there is minimal research that focuses on fatigue specifically, and so factors such as its occurrence, duration, and impact on functioning remain uncertain. This systematic review aims to provide a comprehensive summary of the research to date, bringing together a number of studies with a focus on paediatric ABI and fatigue. Terms were searched in relevant databases (PsycInfo, Medline, CINAHL), and articles were included or excluded based on specified criteria. Of the 1177 papers identified in the original search, a total of 9 papers met inclusion criteria, and were categorised as traumatic brain injury (TBI; n = 4), meningitis and meningococcal disease (n = 2), brain tumours (n = 2), and mixed ABI group (n = 1). Key findings suggest that fatigue is a problem encountered by a significant proportion of patients in all the studies reviewed, and often occurred regardless of the cause; fatigue was also associated with poor academic achievement, limited physical activity, and social and emotional problems. Injuries of greater severity were associated with higher levels of fatigue and worse outcomes. Several management options were suggested, though their efficacy was not reported. Future research is required with a suggested focus on using multiple time points to better understand the trajectories of fatigue following childhood ABI, and to build an evidence base to determine which management options are most suitable.

The prognostic relevance of psychological factors with regard to participation and success in table-tennis.

Abstract: This study examined the prognostic relevance of self-determined motivation, coping, burnout, perceived stress and recovery experienced by 159 youth table-tennis players involved in intensive training centers with regard to their participation and success six years later. Results of ANCOVAs showed that players who still practiced at time 2 (T2; six years later; n = 130) reported lower time 1 (T1; while they were involved in intensive training centers) amotivation (large effect), disengagement-oriented coping, sport devaluation and reduced accomplishment (moderate effects) than their counterparts who dropped out at T2 (n = 29). Results of ANCOVAs also showed that international (n = 18) and/or national players (n = 86) at T2 reported significantly lower T1 amotivation (large effect), disengagement-oriented coping and sport devaluation (moderate effects) in comparison to regional (n = 26) players at T2. Finally results of correlational analyses showed that T2 performance and/or six-year performance progress were significantly and weakly correlated with introjected and external regulations, perceived stress and perceived recovery, and significantly and moderately correlated with amotivation, disengagement-oriented coping, sport devaluation, and reduced accomplishment. Overall, this study provided insights into the role played by self-determined motivation, coping, burnout, perceived stress and recovery in the table-tennis players' dropout and performance level six years later.

Does the Lever Sign Test Have Added Value for Diagnosing Anterior Cruciate Ligament Ruptures

Abstract: Background:Diagnosing an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture based on a physical examination remains a challenge for both surgeons and physical therapists. The lever sign test was developed to...

Editorial: Philosophical Tools in Design Research : from empirical turn to practical turn.

Abstract: Collaboration between Design Research and Philosophy of Technology seems very promising The reflective, philosophical perspective brings the societal implications of design to the fore and this is an interesting focus for reinforcing research approaches for design Since the philosophy of technology in the current of the ‘empirical turn’ aims to study concrete technologies and contexts, contributions from philosophy to design have become all the more feasible Design Research can use the frameworks of philosophers to theorize the findings from practice, to make sense of the past, and for ethical reflection on the impacts of design and the moral responsibilities of designers Or, still more practical, philosophical insights in the relationships between humans and technology can contribute to design for usability and design for behaviour change On the other hand, the practice of designing actual things provides a laboratory for putting philosophical frameworks to the test and to use in the real world

Writing proficiency level and writing development of low-achieving adolescents: the roles of linguistic knowledge, fluency, and metacognitive knowledge

Abstract: In a longitudinal design, 51 low-achieving adolescents’ development in writing proficiency from Grades 7 to 9 was measured. There were 25 native-Dutch and 26 language-minority students. In addition, the roles of (1) linguistic knowledge, (2) metacognitive knowledge, and (3) linguistic fluency in predicting both the level and development of writing proficiency were assessed. Low-achieving students improved in writing proficiency, the language-minority students more so than the native-Dutch students. Regarding the level of writing proficiency, individual differences between low achieving adolescents could be accounted for by receptive vocabulary, grammatical knowledge, and speed of sentence verification, suggesting that these are important components in low-achieving adolescents’ writing. Regarding development in writing proficiency, grammatical knowledge predicted variation between low-achieving students. Explanations and educational implications of these findings are discussed.

Electrofusion of single cells in picoliter droplets.

Abstract: We present a microfluidic chip that enables electrofusion of cells in microdroplets, with exchange of nuclear components. It is shown, to our knowledge for the first time, electrofusion of two HL60 cells, inside a microdroplet. This is the crucial intermediate step for controlled hybridoma formation where a B cell is electrofused with a myeloma cell. We use a microfluidic device consisting of a microchannel structure in PDMS bonded to a glass substrate through which droplets with two differently stained HL60 cells are transported. An array of six recessed platinum electrode pairs is used for electrofusion. When applying six voltage pulses of 2–3 V, the membrane electrical field is about 1 MV/cm for 1 ms. This results in electrofusion of these cells with a fusion yield of around 5%. The operation with individual cell pairs, the appreciable efficiency and the potential to operate in high-throughput (up to 500 cells sec−1) makes the microdroplet fusion technology a promising platform for cell electrofusion, which has the potential to compete with the conventional methods. Besides, this platform is not restricted to cell fusion but is also applicable to various other cell-based assays such as single cell analysis and differentiation assays.

Does a perceptuomotor skills assessment have added value to detect talent for table tennis in primary school children

Abstract: Talent detection intends to support lifelong sports participation, reduce dropouts and stimulate sports at the elite level. For this purpose it is important to reveal the specific profile which directs children to the sports that connect to their strengths and preferences. This study evaluated a perceptuomotor skills assessment as part of talent detection for table tennis, a sport in which perceptuomotor skills are considered essential to cope with the difficult technical aspects. Primary school children (n = 121) and gifted young table tennis players (n = 146) were assessed using the Dutch perceptuomotor skills assessment measuring “ball control” and “gross motor function”. A discriminant function analysis confirmed the added value by identifying primary school children fitting the table tennis perceptuomotor profile of the young gifted table tennis players (28%). General linear model analyses for the assessment’s individual test items showed that the table tennis players outperformed their prima...

Effectiveness and Cost-benefit Evaluation of a Comprehensive Workers’ Health Surveillance Program for Sustainable Employability of Meat Processing Workers

Abstract: Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of a comprehensive workers' health surveillance (WHS) program on aspects of sustainable employability and cost-benefit. Methods A cluster randomized stepped wedge trial was performed in a Dutch meat processing company from february 2012 until march 2015. In total 305 workers participated in the trial. Outcomes were retrieved during a WHS program, by multiple questionnaires, and from company registries. Primary outcomes were sickness absence, work ability, and productivity. Secondary outcomes were health, vitality, and psychosocial workload. Data were analyzed with linear and logistic multilevel models. Cost-benefit analyses from the employer's perspective were performed as well. Results Primary outcomes sickness absence (OR = 1.40), work ability (B = -0.63) and productivity (OR = 0.71) were better in the control condition. Secondary outcomes did not or minimally differ between conditions. Of the 12 secondary outcomes, the only outcome that scored better in the experimental condition was meaning of work (B = 0.18). Controlling for confounders did not or minimally change the results. However, our stepped wedge design did not enable adjustment for confounding in the last two periods of the trial. The WHS program resulted in higher costs for the employer on the short and middle term. Conclusions Primary outcomes did not improve after program implementation and secondary outcomes remained equal after implementation. The program was not cost-beneficial after 1-3 year follow-up. Main limitation that may have contributed to absence of positive effects may be program failure, because interventions were not deployed as intended.

Strategies to improve effectiveness of physical activity coaching systems: Development of personas for providing tailored feedback:

Abstract: Mobile physical activity interventions can be improved by incorporating behavioural change theories. Relations between self-efficacy, stage of change, and physical activity are investigated, enabling development of feedback strategies that can be used to improve their effectiveness. A total of 325 healthy control participants and 82 patients wore an activity monitor. Participants completed a self-efficacy or stage of change questionnaire. Results show that higher self-efficacy is related to higher activity levels. Patients are less active than healthy controls and show a larger drop in physical activity over the day. Patients in the maintenance stage of change are more active than patients in lower stages of change, but show an equally large drop in level of physical activity. Findings suggest that coaching should at least be tailored to level of self-efficacy, stage of change, and physical activity pattern. Tailored coaching strategies are developed, which suggest that increasing self-efficacy of users is most important. Guidelines are provided.

The potential of a Mobility-as-a-Service platform in a depopulating area in The Netherlands: An exploration of small and big data

Abstract: This chapter describes a case study examining the potential of a community-driven Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS) platform in a rural and depopulating area in the Netherlands. The aim of the 5-year project is to examine if a MaaS platform can be an effective and efficient solution to improve accessibility and liveability of rural areas. The potential for a MaaS is examined by addressing the current mobility patterns and mobility and accessibility barriers. We use a mixed method approach using a combination of small data (primary data) and big data (secondary data).

E-IMR: e-health added to face-to-face delivery of Illness Management & Recovery programme for people with severe mental illness, an exploratory clustered randomized controlled trial

Abstract: E-mental health holds promise for people with severe mental illness, but has a limited evidence base. This study explored the effect of e-health added to face-to-face delivery of the Illness Management and Recovery Programme (e-IMR). In this multi-centre exploratory cluster randomized controlled trial, seven clusters (n = 60; 41 in intervention group and 19 in control group) were randomly assigned to e-IMR + IMR or IMR only. Outcomes of illness management, self-management, recovery, symptoms, quality of life, and general health were measured at baseline (T0), halfway (T1), and at twelve months (T2). The data were analysed using mixed model for repeated measurements in four models: in 1) we included fixed main effects for time trend and group, in 2) we controlled for confounding effects, in 3) we controlled for interaction effects, and in 4) we performed sub-group analyses within the intervention group. Notwithstanding low activity on e-IMR, significant effects were present in model 1 analyses for self-management (p = .01) and recovery (p = .02) at T1, and for general health perception (p = .02) at T2, all in favour of the intervention group. In model 2, the confounding covariate gender explained the effects at T1 and T2, except for self-management. In model 3, the interacting covariate non-completer explained the effects for self-management (p = .03) at T1. In model 4, the sub-group analyses of e-IMR-users versus non-users showed no differences in effect. Because of confounding and interaction modifications, effectiveness of e-IMR cannot be concluded. Low use of e-health precludes definite conclusions on its potential efficacy. Low use of e-IMR calls for a thorough process evaluation of the intervention. The Dutch Trial Register ( NTR4772 )

Musculoskeletal pain and associated factors among Ethiopian elementary school children

Abstract: Ethiopian school children often carry school supplies in heavy school bags and encounter limited school facilities. This stresses their vulnerable musculoskeletal system and may result in experiencing musculoskeletal pain. High prevalence of musculoskeletal pain has been documented, but data on musculoskeletal pain among elementary school children in Ethiopia is lacking. To determine the prevalence of musculoskeletal pain and associated factors among elementary school children in Gondar, Ethiopia. Cross-sectional study was conducted among children from six randomly selected elementary schools. Sample size was determined proportionally across school grades and governmental and private schools to ensure variety within the sample. Data collection consisted of physical measurements including height, weight and schoolbag weight, and a structured questionnaire on musculoskeletal pain, mode of transport, walking time and school facilities. Data were analysed descriptively and through uni- and multivariate logistic regression model. In total 723 children participated. The overall prevalence of self-reported musculoskeletal pain was 62%, with a significant difference between school types (governmental 68% versus private 51%). Shoulder, neck and lower leg/knee were most commonly reported. Walking to and from school for ≥20 min (OR = 2.94, 95% CI 2.05 to 4.21) and relative school bag weight (OR = 2.57, 95% CI 1.48 to 4.47) were found significantly associated with self-report musculoskeletal pain. Children with carrying heavy school supplies and also walking long duration have a 3.5 (95% CI = 1.80–6.95) times greater chance of reporting pain as compared to those who carry lesser weighed bags and reported shorter walking duration at the same time. Prevalence of self-reported musculoskeletal pain was high among children attending public schools and also those who walked a long way to and from school. Long walking duration and relative school bag weight were significantly associated with musculoskeletal pain. These findings can inform policymakers to provide transportation services and other facilities at elementary schools. The findings of this study should be interpreted with caution due to possible social desirability bias with higher prevalence of self-reported pain and more so in children population.

Sexual care for patients receiving dialysis: A cross-sectional study identifying the role of nurses working in the dialysis department.

Abstract: Aims To explore the role of nurses in the dialysis department in providing sexual care to patients receiving dialysis. Background Sexual health is not self-evident for patients undergoing dialysis; 70% experience sexual dysfunction. Nevertheless, sexual care is often not provided. Design A national cross-sectional survey. Methods Questionnaires (n=171) were sent to employees of 34 dialysis centres from January - May 2016. Descriptive statistics and statistical tests were used to describe and interpret data. Results The response rate was 45.6%. Three-quarter of nurses discussed sexual dysfunction with less than half of their patients. Main barriers for discussing were based on language and ethnicity (57.3%), culture and religion (54.1%) and the older age of the patient (49.7%). Eighteen percent of nurses had sufficient knowledge on sexual dysfunction, competence was present in 51.2% of nurses and 68.3% indicated a need for training. Forty-three percent knew about guidelines on sexual care by renal care providers. Nurses who rated their knowledge or competence higher or who were aware of guidelines, discussed sexuality more often. The accountability for discussing sexuality was appointed to nephrologists (82.8%) and their own group of professionals (66.3%). Nurses referred 1.16% of their patients to sexual care providers. Conclusion Dialysis nurses do not consistently address patients’ sexuality, although they feel accountable to do so. This seems due to self-imposed insufficient knowledge, cultural barriers and organizational problems. Study findings imply that current situation could benefit from guidelines, additional training, a private moment to discuss sexual dysfunction and adequate referral systems to specialized care providers. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.