bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spiritual Direction
Authors: Breen Sidney F.
Published: September 2024

One of the tragedies of our time is that practically the whole world has the idea that it is not called to prayer. Yet the paths of prayer form the map of life. It seems odd that, at a time when men are not ony off the road but have forgotten there is one, the need for direction is still questioned. For it is spiritual direction which helps men both to find and follow the ways of God. But there are still those who deny its neccesity completely, even in the pursuit of the highest sanctity. More commonly it is simply stated that it is not so necessary these days. This applies, presumably, even to the youth of today. It is argued that the young show no liking for direction. They are more independent of mind and better educated than in the past, and so less in need of direction, and sooner able to read spiritual authors for themselves.
THE VACUITY OF LUDWIG VON MISES’S APRIORISM
Authors: Scheall Scott
Published: September 2024

Ludwig von Mises’s methodological apriorism is often attributed to the broader Austrian School of economics. However, there is considerable controversy concerning the meaning of Mises’s justification of his apriorism. There are inconsistencies within and across Mises’s methodological writings that engender confusion in the secondary literature. This confusion is aggravated by the fact that his apriorism cannot be interpreted as an artifact of his historical milieu. The two prevailing families of interpretation both treat Mises’s apriorism as anachronistic, albeit in divergent senses. I conclude that the primary and secondary literatures on Mises’s apriorism indicate its inconsistency and incoherence. We have no idea what justification Mises intended when he asserted the a priori nature of the fundamental propositions of economics. If this is right, then, whatever method(s) they follow, Austrian economists cannot (deliberately) follow Mises’s apriorism, because no one knows well enough how Mises meant to justify it to follow it purposefully.
Anmerkungen zur Problematik fehlender Psychotherapieplätze
Authors: Roth Marcus , Steins Gisela
Published: September 2024

Zusammenfassung: Der vorliegende Beitrag geht auf das Missverhältnis zwischen Angebot und Nachfrage von kassenfinanzierten Psychotherapieplätzen in Deutschland im Bereich der Erwachsenenversorgung ein. Anhand verfügbarer Statistiken wird vermutet, dass sich in den letzten Jahren die psychotherapeutische Versorgung verbessert hat, während die Prävalenzen für psychische Störungen weitgehend unverändert geblieben sind. Dabei wird diskutiert, inwieweit auch Pathologisierungstendenzen sowohl durch Therapeut_innen (z. B. durch die Diagnosestellung) wie auch Patient_innen (z. B. durch eine verstärkte Pathologisierung normaler Lebensumstände) für den gegenwärtigen Mangel an zur Verfügung stehenden Psychotherapieplätzen verantwortlich sein könnten.
Correction: DNAzyme-activated CRISPR/Cas assay for sensitive and one-pot detection of lead contamination
Authors: Deng Ruijie , Bai Yaxuan , Liu Yumei , Lu Yunhao , Zhao Zhifeng , Deng Yi , Yang Hao
Published: September 2024

Correction for ‘DNAzyme-activated CRISPR/Cas assay for sensitive and one-pot detection of lead contamination’ by Ruijie Deng et al., Chem. Commun., 2024, 60, 5976–5979, https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC01852D.
Ferrocene- and ruthenium arene-containing glycomimetics as selective inhibitors of human galectin-1 and -3
Authors: Hamala Vojtěch , Kurfiřt Martin , Červenková Šťastná Lucie , Hujerová Hedvika , Bernášková Jana , Parkan Kamil , Kaminský Jakub , Habanová Nina , Kozák Jaroslav , Magdolenová Alžběta , Zavřel Martin , Staroňová Tatiana , Ostatná Veronika , Žaloudková Lucie , Daňhel Aleš , Holčáková Jitka , Voňka Petr , Hrstka Roman , Karban Jindřich
Published: September 2024

This work presents a novel series of galectin inhibitors with ferrocene and ruthenium arene motifs. Diferrocene thiodigalactoside exhibited high binding affinity and selectivity for human galectin-1 over human galectin-3.
In situ growth of δ-MnO2/C fibers as a binder-free and free-standing cathode for advanced aqueous Zn-ion batteries
Authors: Li Yan , Zhang Fei , Wu Miaomiao , Guo Yong , Liang Yuanyuan , Ababaikeri Reyihanguli , Wang Luyang , Liu Qiao , Wang Xingchao
Published: September 2024

δ-MnO2 anchored in N-doped carbon fibers, derived from coal, was prepared using an electrospinning method, demonstrating enhanced performance in AZIBs.
Activity-induced phase transition and coarsening dynamics in dry apolar active nematics
Authors: Sinha Arpan , Chaudhuri Debasish
Published: September 2024

Using an active Lebwohl–Lasher model, we present a comprehensive phase diagram for a dry, apolar, active nematic system and analyze its phase separation dynamics.
Abundant invariant solutions of extended (3+1)-dimensional KP–Boussinesq equation
Authors: Hu 胡 Hengchun 恒春 , Kang 康 Jiali 佳丽
Published: September 2024

Lie group analysis method is applied to the extended (3+1)-dimensional Kadomtsev–Petviashvili–Boussinesq equation and the corresponding similarity reduction equations are obtained with various infinitesimal generators. By selecting suitable arbitrary functions in the similarity reduction solutions, we obtain abundant invariant solutions, including the trigonometric solution, the kink-lump interaction solution, the interaction solution between lump wave and triangular periodic wave, the two-kink solution, the lump solution, the interaction between a lump and two-kink and the periodic lump solution in different planes. These exact solutions are also given graphically to show the detailed structures of this high dimensional integrable system.
Technical survey of end-to-end signal processing in BCIs using invasive MEAs
Authors: Erbslöh Andreas , Buron Leo , Ur-Rehman Zia , Musall Simon , Hrycak Camilla , Löhler Philipp , Klaes Christian , Seidl Karsten , Schiele Gregor
Published: September 2024

Modern brain-computer interfaces and neural implants allow interaction between the tissue, the user and the environment, where people suffer from neurodegenerative diseases or injuries.This interaction can be achieved by using penetrating/invasive microelectrodes for extracellular recordings and stimulation, such as Utah or Michigan arrays. The application-specific signal processing of the extracellular recording enables the detection of interactions and enables user interaction. For example, it allows to read out movement intentions from recordings of brain signals for controlling a prosthesis or an exoskeleton. To enable this, computationally complex algorithms are used in research that cannot be executed on-chip or on embedded systems. Therefore, an optimization of the end-to-end processing pipeline, from the signal condition on the electrode array over the analog pre-processing to spike-sorting and finally the neural decoding process, is necessary for hardware inference in order to enable a local signal processing in real-time and to enable a compact system for achieving a high comfort level. This paper presents a survey of system architectures and algorithms for end-to-end signal processing pipelines of neural activity on the hardware of such neural devices, including (i) on-chip signal pre-processing, (ii) spike-sorting on-chip or on embedded hardware and (iii) neural decoding on workstations. A particular focus for the hardware implementation is on low-power electronic design and artifact-robust algorithms with low computational effort and very short latency. For this, current challenges and possible solutions with support of novel machine learning techniques are presented in brief. In addition, we describe our future vision for next-generation BCIs.
Triple exposure: the geographic correlation between flood risk, climate skepticism, and social vulnerability in the United States
Authors: Gounaridis Dimitrios , Waweru Wanja , Newell Joshua P
Published: September 2024

This study investigates the geographic correlation between flood risk, climate skepticism, and social vulnerability across the United States. Our results reveal a systematic underestimation of flood risk in the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Flood Insurance Rate Maps, especially in Appalachia, parts of New England, and the Northwest. These three regions face two additional risks: high levels of social vulnerability and skepticism about climate change. Nationally, there is a statisically significant correlation (0.19, p < 0.005) between flood risk and climate change skepticism, which increases (0.28, p < 0.005) in regions with high FEMA undercounts and elevated flood risk. Climate change skepticism manifests as distrust in science, an underestimation of property and community risk, and a resistance to mitigation and adaptation efforts. Indicators of social vulnerability, such as poverty rates, physical disabilities, unemployment, households in mobile homes, and lack of vehicle access, are especially pronounced in Appalachia. Addressing this geographically-embedded triple exposure—flood risk, social vulnerability, climate change skepticism— requires strategies to enhance local resilience. These include revising the 100-year floodplain categorization in FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program to better reflect climate change, conducting public education campaigns in vulnerable communities, and scaling-up financial assistance for flood mitigation and adaptation projects.
Theoretical advances in predicting the thermoelectric performance of materials
Authors: Jakhar Mukesh , Chauhan Poonam , Kumar Ashok , Pandey Ravindra
Published: September 2024

Eco-friendly and high-performance thermoelectric materials have proven effective in converting heat energy into electricity. Theoretical methods for understanding the transport mechanisms of electrons and phonons play a vital role in predicting the overall thermoelectric performance of a given material. In this perspective, we review recent advances in theoretical methods for predicting electron and phonon transport properties in materials. In addition, we highlight the various methodologies adopted to estimate the electronic relaxation time and identify challenges and potential directions. The in-depth understanding obtained from these theoretical explorations will lead researchers to rely on computational methods to screen novel thermoelectric materials for economically viable performance.
Stories
Authors: Townend Matthew
Published: September 2024

This chapter explores J. R. R. Tolkien’s instincts and activities as a story-teller. It suggests that one of Tolkien’s mainsprings of his creativity was the tension between story-telling and system-making, or narrative and world-building. The chapter examines each of Tolkien’s major creative endeavours in sequence: the ‘Silmarillion’, his Elvish mythology which he worked on for over 50 years and which resulted in many different literary forms and texts (all unpublished in his lifetime); The Hobbit, which took elements from fairy tale and medieval literature and created a new form of children’s fantasy for the twentieth century; and The Lord of the Rings, a giant and unparalleled work of story-telling and world-building which effectively invented a whole new genre of modern literature, now usually called fantasy.
Faërie
Authors: Townend Matthew
Published: September 2024

This chapter examines J. R. R. Tolkien’s ideas regarding what he called ‘Faërie’. It reviews the main arguments of his essay, ‘On Fairy-Stories’, where he explored what fairy tales mean as a literary form and also presented the notion of Faërie as a more abstract quality of enchantment or healing. The chapter then examines Tolkien’s own changing conception of Elves in his stories, and explores the association made between Elves and England not only in Tolkien’s own works but also in other writings of the time. Finally, the chapter examines hobbits, the little people invented by Tolkien, and explains how hobbits at the same time can be seen as both residents of Faërie and also representations of a certain kind of Englishness.
Rifampin in device-related infections: Assessing the modern evidence
Authors: Durham Spencer H , Covington Elizabeth W , Roberts Megan Z , Chahine Elias B
Published: September 2024

Purpose

Rifampin is commonly used to treat device-related infections (DRIs) due to its activity against biofilms, despite a history of limited clinical evidence to support its use. Evidence published since 2011 regarding rifampin use for DRIs is reviewed to describe the contemporary findings and ongoing considerations for rifampin use in these infections.

A literature review was performed by searching PubMed and Google Scholar to identify relevant studies evaluating systemic rifampin use for the treatment of DRIs published from 2011 to 2023. References of identified studies were also screened for additional pertinent studies. Sixty-eight studies were identified, and 48 met the inclusion criteria. Rifampin efficacy was evaluated as both a primary outcome for cardiac device infections (n = 3) and prosthetic joint infections (n = 21) and as a nonprimary outcome (n = 24). Overall, the studies were primarily retrospective (n = 36) and small, with sample sizes ranging from 14 to 842 patients, and varied greatly with respect to prosthesis site, surgical intervention, pathogen, infection time frame, and antibiotic combination and duration. Efficacy outcome results varied greatly, with statistically significant evidence for the efficacy of rifampin combination in DRIs limited to a single study of prosthetic vascular graft infections and 13 studies of prosthetic joint infections.

Conclusion

The modern literature provides conflicting results regarding the benefit and lack of benefit with rifampin combination therapy in DRIs. Additional, robust research is imperative to solidify the ongoing role of rifampin in DRIs.
3t-seq: automatic gene expression analysis of single-copy genes, transposable elements, and tRNAs from RNA-seq data
Authors: Tabaro Francesco , Boulard Matthieu
Published: September 2024

RNA sequencing is the gold-standard method to quantify transcriptomic changes between two conditions. The overwhelming majority of data analysis methods available are focused on polyadenylated RNA transcribed from single-copy genes and overlook transcripts from repeated sequences such as transposable elements (TEs). These self-autonomous genetic elements are increasingly studied, and specialized tools designed to handle multimapping sequencing reads are available. Transfer RNAs are transcribed by RNA polymerase III and are essential for protein translation. There is a need for integrated software that is able to analyze multiple types of RNA. Here, we present 3t-seq, a Snakemake pipeline for integrated differential expression analysis of transcripts from single-copy genes, TEs, and tRNA. 3t-seq produces an accessible report and easy-to-use results for downstream analysis starting from raw sequencing data and performing quality control, genome mapping, gene expression quantification, and statistical testing. It implements three methods to quantify TEs expression and one for tRNA genes. It provides an easy-to-configure method to manage software dependencies that lets the user focus on results. 3t-seq is released under MIT license and is available at https://github.com/boulardlab/3t-seq
227 Analysing the success of RetoKids.org through user engagement
Authors: Brazo-Sayavera Javier , Garay Garazi Angulo , López-Gil José Francisco
Published: September 2024

Purpose

In the digital age, engaging users in health-promoting activities through online platforms has become increasingly important. These platforms facilitate the easy sharing of accessible information, thereby mitigating the information gap regarding physical and sports activities for the young population. This project aimed to engage users in sharing their favourite activities on an online platform named RETO!

Project Description

The hybrid application, RETO!, accessible at retoKids.org, is a website dedicated to promoting physical and sports activities among children and adolescents. It aims to serve as a prime example of how digital platforms can effectively engage individuals interested in these activities. The initial step of development involved identifying online platforms that offer specific physical and sports activities for children and adolescents in Spain. Access to this information is primarily through generic search engines like Google, which presented numerous options, making it challenging to pinpoint activities tailored to this specific population. To develop the platform, consultation was sought from the Active Healthy Kids Spanish Network, which comprises scientists and practitioners from various fields related to paediatric health. Several members offered insights on the features of the activities to be added. Subsequently, a technology company was engaged to develop the hybrid app. Upon completion, the app was distributed among the Active Healthy Kids Spanish Network for further dissemination among their contacts. The platform has 54 registered users, who uploaded information about only 8 activities across 3 different Spanish cities. Launched in 2022, the platform has been promoted in various academic forums, with plans underway to extend its dissemination to other stakeholders, including primary and secondary school teachers, as well as parents.

Conclusions

The hybrid app RETO! has demonstrated limited success among the target population. It is imperative to explore and implement new dissemination strategies to enhance its effectiveness. This experience could be useful for new projects about online platforms in other countries trying to promote physical and sports activities among the young population.
201 Assessing medical students satisfaction with a physical activity and health course: results from the VANGUARD European Union Erasmus+ Project implementation in Portugal
Authors: Barbosa Ana , Barros Henrique , Mendes Romeu
Published: September 2024

Purpose

The inclusion of physical activity into the undergraduate curricula of healthcare professionals is recommended by the World Health Organization and the European Commission as a key policy to promote health-enhancing physical activity (HEPA).

The VANGUARD project implementation in Portugal, led by the Institute of Public Health of the University of Porto (ISPUP), was supported by the European Union Erasmus+ Programme and had the goal of including physical activity in the academic curricula of healthcare professionals across European nations.

The purpose of this work was to assess the satisfaction of medical students regarding a Physical Activity and Health course implemented in a Portuguese Medical School.

Project description

Students enrolled in the second year (academic year 2022/2023) of the Integrated Master’s Degree in Medicine of the School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences of the University of Porto (ICBAS), were invited to participate in a Physical Activity and Health course using a self-paced learning method. The course was designed by the ISPUP with the support of the Board of Directors of the Integrated Master in Medicine of ICBAS. It was available for six weeks on an online training platform. The course comprised a total of 26 thematic sessions, continuous evaluation and a final case study. After the course completion, students rated their satisfaction with several features of the course on a 5-point Likert scale (1: very dissatisfied; 5: very satisfied).

Out of the 185 students registered, 46 expressed the desire to participate, 34 joined the course, and 27 successfully completed it. More than half of students were satisfied or very satisfied, respectively, with: online training platform (55.6% and 33.3%); self-paced learning method (33.3%, 51.9%); sessions’ content quality (51.9%, 37.0%); continuous evaluation (48.1%, 29.6%); and the final case study (55.6%, 18.5%). Globally, most students were very satisfied with the course (51.9%).

Conclusions

Medical students revealed an overall good satisfaction with the Physical Activity and Health course, which supports the inclusion of this course in the Integrated Master’s Degree in Medicine. These results may have positive implications for future medical doctors in terms of promoting HEPA among patients and communities.
133 Data-infrastructure Sport and Physical Activity in the Netherlands: studying data availability and quality for 164 indicators
Authors: van Mourik Suzanne , Duijvestijn Marjolein , Wendel-Vos Wanda
Published: September 2024

Purpose

A lot of data is available on sports and physical activity in the Netherlands; however, a clear overview is lacking. Information can be challenging to find. This project aimed to provide an overview of available national representative data on indicators related to sports and physical activity, providing valuable information for policymakers, municipalities and researchers, and to foster harmonization in data collection and analysis by publishing source and methodology descriptions.

Project description

In this project, the availability of nationally representative mean figures and/or prevalence rates was assessed for the 164 most relevant indicators for long-term monitoring in sports and physical activity (inventoried and divided over twelve topics earlier). If available, meta data on source and methodology descriptions for data collection and data handling were obtained from responsible researchers. Otherwise, it was investigated whether the indicator had been included in small-sample studies or in structural data collection, without publication of figures. Input was provided by 40 researchers, 3 policymakers, and 9 practice experts.

Webpages were developed for maintaining a dynamic, up-to-date overview and facilitating easy access to source and methodology descriptions.

To obtain the most comprehensive overview:

1. Essential components for the overview and source and methodology descriptions were established with research experts;

2. A preliminary inventory of the indicators was compiled by RIVM researchers;

3. Experts related to the topic of the indicators were approached individually and asked to provide input on the availability of mean figures and/or prevalence rates, and information about the source and methods used;

4. All inventoried information was evaluated by the experts per topic.

Conclusions

The inventory showed that in January 2024 nationally representative information was structurally available for 74 (45%) of the indicators. Another 21 indicators (13%) could be provided with information based on existing structural data collection and 35 indicators (21%) had been previously studied in non-structural or non-representative data collections. For 34 indicators (21%) no information was available. The overview serves as a resource for policymakers, offering insights into available data and guiding investments in knowledge development. Furthermore, the overview facilitates researchers in sharing the quality of methodologies and enhances data comparability.
175 FunFit: A Collaborative Community-based Physical Activity Programme for Children aged 6-12 with Diagnosed Delayed Gross Motor Skill Development
Authors: Deasy Clare , Kaar Eoin
Published: September 2024

Main Purpose

FunFit is a FREE community based physical activity programme for children aged 6-12 with diagnosed delayed gross motor skill development. The programme was developed in response to a gap identified by paediatric therapists around a lack of appropriate community programmes to signpost children attending their services to. FunFit aims to provide a physical activity opportunity in a fun, inclusive, non-competitive environment to build not only movement skills but also confidence & self-efficacy around being active.

Project Description

Development: FunFit was developed by the Cork Kerry Community Healthcare Health Promotion & Improvement Physical Activity team in partnership with HSE primary care Paediatric Physiotherapists & Cork Sports Partnership.

Implementation

FunFit is a group activity programme offered in blocks of 8 x 1hr weekly sessions, held in community-based facilities in Cork. Sessions are delivered by appropriately qualified and vetted exercise professionals who have attended specifically developed FunFit Tutor Training. Access to the programme is by paediatric healthcare professional referral only. Referrals are co-ordinated by the Health Promotion & Improvement Department whilst Cork Sports Partnership co-ordinates tutor and venue requirements.

Evaluation

A subset of children formed part of a pre & post intervention evaluation.

PA levels remained low post intervention, yet an upward trend in mean days of PA per week was observed (4.31±1.55 versus 3.69±1.6).

In intervention group 2 (N = 9), statistically significant improvements were found post-intervention in total locomotor (P = 0.012, effect size (ES) = 0.589), total object control (P = 0.034, ES = 0.499) and total FMS (P = 0.008, ES = 0.629). A statistically significant increase in mean days of PA per week was observed (4.33±1.55 versus 3.25±1.76). A positive improvement in enjoyment of PA (P = 0.014, ES = 0.502), and self-efficacy (P = 0.035, ES = 0.430), were also reported post-intervention.

Dissemination

A key goal for 2024 is to expand FunFit to Kerry as well as prioritising areas of deprivation in Cork, where need is greatest.

Conclusions

FunFit has demonstrated the importance of interagency collaboration & referral only programmes when trying to engage children who are at risk of low lifetime physical activity participation.
136 Link workers promoting physical activity - who are they linking?
Authors: O’Grady Megan , Barrett Emer , Connolly Deirdre
Published: September 2024

Purpose

Improvements in health and wellbeing can be achieved in individuals who are connected to community and voluntary services though link workers (LW). There is emerging evidence of their potential role in promoting local, community-based physical activity (local PA). More research is needed to understand the characteristics of individuals who attend this intervention, including health and demographic information.

Methods

This abstract presents results from two studies. In Study 1, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 27 Irish LW, including local sports partnership officers (LSPO) and social prescribing link workers (SPLW), to describe the profile of their service users. Study 2 (currently ongoing) is a mixed-methods pilot feasibility study. Demographic, PA (International Physical Activity Questionnaire - Short Form, Self-Efficacy for Exercise Scale) and health-related data (Short Warwick Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale) were collected from 23 individuals attending a LW intervention, which included referral to local PA.

Results

In Study 1, Irish LW reported that their service users were often mid- to older-aged adults with significant physical and mental health comorbidities (including social isolation) which limited participation in PA. Link workers addressed these barriers to PA throughout their intervention. In Study 2, fifteen participants were recruited from LSPO and eight from SPLW. Participants were predominantly female (20/23, 87%) with a mean age of 69.2 (SD 6.7). Six in ten (14/23, 61%) reported a chronic disease. Almost half did not meet current PA guidelines (11/23, 48%) and had moderate levels of self-efficacy for exercise (mean 54.8 (SD 16.1)). Six in ten (14/23, 61%) reported only moderate levels of wellbeing. Preliminary analysis of PA and health-related data shows differences between LSPO and SPLW groups.

Conclusions

Irish LW service users experience many barriers to PA including social isolation, chronic disease and reduced self-efficacy for exercise. They may benefit from individualised support and targeted referrals to local PA provided by LW. By examining the potential differences in characteristics of people attending SPLW and LSPO services we hope to inform future referral pathways.

Support/Funding Source

Supported by the Glennon Bursary, awarded by the Irish Society of Chartered Physiotherapists: January 2023 – January 2024.
160 MoveWell: Providing Healthcare Professionals the opportunity to support patients with specific chronic conditions to be active for better health
Authors: Kelleher Caroline
Published: September 2024

MoveWell is a programme dedicated to promoting physical activity among individuals with low activity levels and specific chronic diseases, aiming to reduce the risks associated with chronic conditions, and premature death. Despite the significant health benefits of physical activity, only 46% of the population meets national guidelines, with 64% expressing a desire for change but lacking guidance(1).

Healthcare professionals often feel uncertain about advising individuals with symptomatic medical conditions, and fear of exacerbating symptoms hinders people from increasing their physical activity(2). MoveWell supports the delivery of integrated secondary prevention services in the community that Healthcare professionals can be confident and happy referring to.

MoveWell focuses on providing suitable and confidence-inspiring activity opportunities for patients with chronic diseases, acknowledging their higher likelihood of relapse in physical activity behaviour.

Description

This low-intensity resistance exercise class, led by qualified exercise professionals, caters to patients with Type II Diabetes, Asthma, COPD, and Cardiovascular Disease. MoveWell aims to enhance confidence for independent physical activity. It is not a rehabilitation programme but it does give Healthcare professionals the opportunity to recommend low-intensity activities in a safe environment.

Development & Implementation

MoveWell was developed and implemented in partnership with local stakeholders. Primary care professional identified the need, Health Promotion and Improvement designed the solution. Cork Sports Partnership secured initial funding and LeisureWorld Bishopstown provide the venue and tutor.

Implementation began with one weekly class, expanding to two classes per week through targeted promotion to primary care staff and community outreach.

Evaluation

MoveWell is still in a pilot stage and evaluation is just beginning.

The evaluation will involve participants completing a survey when they join the class, which asks about activity levels, confidence being physically active, and participation in community based activities. At 12 and 24 weeks they are surveyed again to monitor any changes.

Dissemination & Conclusions

MoveWell’s expansion is underway, with plans to embed it in various networks, providing a cost-effective pathway that links chronic disease hubs, ICPOP, and local community networks. The programme’s structured approach, emphasising simplicity and accessibility, contributes to its potential to positively impact the physical activity levels of individuals with chronic conditions.
190 A feasibility randomised controlled trial of an intervention to increase physical activity and reduce sedentary behaviour in people with severe mental illness
Authors: Howes Sarah , Brady John , Clarke Mary , Clarke Mike , Dillon Maurice , McAuley Judith , McDonough Catherine , Murphy Marie , Niven Ailsa , Tully Mark , Williams Julie , Wilson Iseult , McDonough Suzanne
Published: September 2024

Purpose

People with severe mental illness (SMI), such as schizophrenia, psychosis, bipolar disorder and major depressive disorder, are less physically active and more sedentary than healthy controls, contributing to poorer physical health outcomes in this population. This study aimed to test the feasibility of a multi-component behaviour change intervention aimed at increasing physical activity (PA) and reducing sedentary behaviour (SB) compared with a one-off education session in people with SMI.

Methods

The Walking fOR Health (WORtH) study was a 13-week feasibility randomised controlled trial (RCT) that recruited adults with SMI. Participants were randomised (2:1) to the WORtH intervention or a one-off education session. The WORtH intervention comprised an education session, a wrist-worn activity monitor and six health coaching sessions. Primary outcomes were feasibility (recruitment, retention and adherence rates) and acceptability (semi-structured interviews with participants and clinicians delivering the intervention). Secondary outcomes, including device-measured (Axivity AX3) and self-reported PA and SB, were reported descriptively.

Results

Fifty-four participants (25 male:29 female; mean age 51.6 years) were recruited, representing 90% target recruitment, and 94% provided follow-up data. Adherence with all core intervention components was >80%. Qualitative feedback indicated high levels of satisfaction, particularly related to walking an acceptable form of PA and the activity tracker and coach. Valid device-measured moderate-vigorous PA (MVPA), the intended primary outcome for a definitive trial, was obtained from 90% participants at baseline and 75% participants at post-intervention. Point estimates indicated a mean increase of 8.6 minutes/day of MVPA in the intervention group at post-intervention, and a mean increase of 1.0 minute/day in the control group.

Conclusions

The findings of this study support the feasibility of a multicomponent behaviour change intervention aimed at improving PA and SB in adults with SMI and will be used to optimise the design of a definitive RCT. Supporting adults with SMI to engage in and sustain PA could reduce the health disparity observed in this population.

Support/Funding Source

Funding by the European Union’s INTERREG VA Programme, managed by the Special EU Programmes Body, awarded to the Health and Social Care Research & Development Division Cross-border Healthcare Intervention Trials in Ireland Network (CHITIN) programme.
32 A Qualitative Analysis of Elite Athletes Perceptions of Pregnancy in the United Kingdom
Authors: Caro Catherine , Trow Storm , Bell Zoë , Flynn Angela , Lavelle Fiona
Published: September 2024

Purpose

Female athletes train and compete at an elite level during their reproductive years, with an increasing number of athletes navigating an athletic career alongside pregnancy. There is a paucity of research exploring the antenatal experiences of elite athletes. The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of elite athletes in the United Kingdom as they navigated pregnancy and provide considerations for future research and policy surrounding elite sport participation during pregnancy.

Methods

Semi-structured online interviews were conducted in elite athletes ≥ 18 years old, who resided in the UK, and who trained and/or competed at the highest level of their sport prior to and/or during pregnancy. A topic guide was used to cover the athletes’ experiences in elite sport, specifically during preconception, pregnancy and the postpartum period. The interviews were recorded, transcribed and analysed using inductive thematic analysis. Demographic data was summarised using IBM SPSS Statistics.

Results

Eleven UK athletes (mean age 31 ± 3 years) from nine team and individual sports, including sprint, endurance, ball game, power, precision and technical and combat, participated in the study. Four key themes; (1) The identity shift: athlete to mother, (2) From podium to parenthood: preconception and pregnancy planning, (3) Is that my career over?: upon becoming pregnant (4) Navigating the bump: elite training and pregnancy, were developed. The participants spoke about the intrinsic and extrinic challenges, decisions and considerations related to maternal health and elite sport. The experiences described the shifting paradigm of being an athlete and becoming a mother, physical and mental health changes, adapting training, support networks and gaps in knowledge, research and guidance around pregnancy and elite sport.

Conclusions

This study highlights the challenges elite athletes encounter in balancing an athletic career with motherhood. The findings support policy and research recommendations, advocating for improved access to physical and mental health support, modified training behaviours, tailored nutrition guidance, increased preconception health awareness and maternity funding to enhance inclusivity and better support elite athletes during pregnancy.
132 Behavioural change for Parkinson’s Disease: A randomised controlled feasibility study to promote physical activity and exercise adherence among people with Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Ahern Leanne , Timmons Suzanne , Lamb Sarah E , McCullagh Ruth
Published: September 2024

Background

Physical activity and exercise can improve health, but many people with Parkinson’s (PwP) have trouble achieving the recommended dosage. Our novel behavioural change intervention is informed by a recent literature review, qualitative study, and patient-public input. This is designed to complement an existing exercise programme, to improve exercise adherence and physical activity.

Objective

To evaluate recruitment, data collection procedures, acceptability of the program, resources required for the study, and trends in the range and variability in measures of physical activity, function, and self-efficacy in PwP.

Methods

A parallel-arm, single blinded, randomised feasibility study. Participants (Hoehn and Yahr stage 1-3) were recruited from a physiotherapy primary-care waiting list and randomly allocated (stratified by sex) to the intervention (PEEP+BC) or the control group (PEEP). Both groups received usual care; a 12-week program of weekly multidisciplinary education sessions, supervised exercise, and prescribed home exercises. The intervention group received additional behavioural change techniques, targeting behaviour regulation, belief about capabilities and social influences. Enrolment, attendance and exercise adherence rates, and negative events were recorded. Physical activity, function, falls, and exercise self-efficacy were measured. We used surveys to examine acceptability and satisfaction and exit interviews to further explore the experience of the behavioural change techniques.

Results

Twenty-six people were screened; sixteen people participated. Attendance rates (PEEP+BC; 86%, PEEP; 75%), and home adherence (PEEP+BC, 83%; PEEP, 70%) were high. No negative events were detected. Time resources were estimated as acceptable [2-2.5 hours per week] and pre-post assessments took an average of 30 minutes. Accelerometery data, self-efficacy and exercise endurance were most sensitive to changes. The acceptability of behavioural change techniques was mixed and suggests that profiling preferences could lead to a more individualised intervention. All participants enjoyed the group dynamic and gaining knowledge and skills was frequently perceived as important.

Conclusion

Findings suggest that the study of PEEP+BC is feasible and acceptable in PwP. Preference profiling could lead to a more tailored behavioural change intervention. Future research is required to compare effectiveness in a larger sample.

Trial Registration

ClincialTrials.gov NCT06192628

Support/Funding Source

Irish Research Council Enterprise Partnership Scheme (in conjunction with the Parkinson’s Association of Ireland).
96 Building the customer experience in sports services
Authors: Harmokivi-Saloranta Paula , Stellberg Tuulia
Published: September 2024

Purpose

The experience of the service is not a conscious decision. Customer experience is built on the customer’s interpretations and feelings that they experience during customer journey. The customer experience is influenced by different interaction situations, as well as, for example, the physical environment. In sports services, customers and instructors are in various interaction situations during service journey. Each customer experiences the service in their own way, and for this reason, the experiences of sports services vary between customers. The aim of this study was to examine the factors that influence customer experience in sports services.

Methods

The study was carried out using qualitative methods. There were 22 participants in the study who occasionally use or do not use sports services. On average, the participants were 48 years old. The data were collected through written stories during autumn 2023. Participants described thoughts and feelings related to different phases of sports service journey with the help of assistive questions. The data were analyzed using content analysis.

Results

The results showed that safety experience, encounters, and the instructor’s expertise strengthen the customer experience in sports services. The experience of safety was related to the activities of the sports service and the instructor, the content of the group, other participants of the group, and the surrounding environment. When using the sports service, customers experience fear of how their own competence, fitness, and skill fit into the selected group.

Conclusion

This study provided a broader understanding of the construction of customer experience in sports services. It makes visible which are the main elements that strengthen the customer experience in sports services. The results can be used to develop the customer experience of users of sports services and to promote the use of people’s sports services as part of physical activity promotion.

The research has been co-funded by the European Union.
208 Correlates of sedentary behaviour and physical activity in individuals with Crohn’s disease
Authors: Wilson Jason , Lynch Barry , Graham Nathan , McClean Conor , Tully Mark
Published: September 2024

Purpose

Evidence suggests that being physically active could offer a range of benefits for those with Crohn’s disease. However, there is a need to extend this evidence base to increase certainty in how physical activity may provide benefits in terms of quality of life, mental health and wellbeing. There is also a need to examine the correlates of physical activity in Crohn’s disease, and the role reducing levels of sedentary behaviour might have on the health status in this specific population. This study aimed to explore the correlates of sedentary behaviour and physical activity in individuals with Crohn’s disease.

Methods

Adults with Crohn’s disease from the UK and Ireland completed an online survey. Participants completed questions on: demographic characteristics; physical activity; sedentary behaviour; Crohn’s disease severity; health-related quality of life (QOL); anxiety and depressive symptoms; and mental wellbeing. Multiple linear regression analysis using forward selection based on likelihood ratio statistics explored the correlates of sedentary behaviour and physical activity.

Results

One-hundred and eleven individuals (78% female) completed the survey. For sedentary behaviour, mean time was 9.40±3.20 hours/day and the only correlate was age (β = −0.07, t(107) = −2.65, p = 0.009). For both total (mean MET/minutes=2251.49±2363.78) and vigorous physical activity, the QOL physical domain was the only correlate (β = 29.14, t(107)=2.53, p = 0.013 and β = 23.10, t(107)=3.55, p = <0.001, respectively). For moderate physical activity, sex was the only correlate (β = −510.54, t(106) = −2.68, p = 0.009). For walking, there were no correlates.

Conclusions

Higher levels of daily sedentary behaviour were associated with lower age, potentially due to the type of work younger participants were undertaking (i.e. office-based jobs). Higher levels of total physical activity were associated with higher QOL physical domain scores, which demonstrates the potential role partaking in physical activity might have in improving quality of life in individuals with Crohn’s disease. There is a need for more research using device-based tools (i.e. accelerometry) to more accurately measure sedentary behaviour and physical activity in individuals with Crohn’s disease, as these might be useful lifestyle variables to target for health improvement.

Support/Funding Source

This study received no funding, but was supported through advertising by Crohn’s & Colitis Ireland and IBD Relief.
99 Delivery of advice on physical activity by general practitioners in Germany: a cross-sectional population survey in people with chronic ischemic heart disease (OptiCor study)
Authors: Hoppe Sabrina , Kotz Daniel , Mons Ute , Prinz Alicia , Kastaun Sabrina
Published: September 2024

Purpose

The current German treatment guideline “chronic ischemic heart disease (IHD)” recommends that general practitioners (GPs) deliver advice on physical activity (PA) to patients with IHD. Such advice is particularly effective in motivating individuals to increase their PA when it consists of three elements: (1) asking for/assessing the PA level, (2) advising on PA, and (3) assisting with PA (e.g., providing concrete support/recommendations). However, in Germany, current and representative data on the receipt of these elements of GP advice in individuals with IHD is lacking. This study aims at collecting such data on a population level.

Methods

Nationwide, computer-assisted, face-to-face cross-sectional survey of ≃1000 individuals (35+ years) with self-reported IHD on the receipt of the three elements of GP advice on PA (ask/assess, advise, assist) since their last remembered IHD-event/intervention (e.g., myocardial infarction, stent insertion). The survey started in June 2023 and will continue until May 2024. Six of eight survey waves have been completed. When the complete data set is available, associations with person characteristics (e.g., sex, income, region of living, body mass index, PA level) will be analysed using adjusted regression models. Results on the associations will be presented at the conference.

Results

Of the current sample of 682 individuals with IHD, 35.3% (95% confidence interval (CI) = 32-39) received all three elements of GP advice (ask/assess, advise, assist), 44.4% (95%CI = 41-48) received one or two elements (e.g., ask/assess only), and 10.0% (95%CI = 8-12) received any advice (2.9% received the advice to refrain from PA, 7.3% did not remember/refused to answer). Men (38.0%; 95%CI = 34-43) versus women (30.5%; 95%CI = 25-36), individuals from urban (40.7%; 95%CI = 36-46) versus rural regions (26.2%; 95%CI = 21-32), and those with a PA level of 1-149 minutes/week (43.1%; 95%CI = 36-51) and of 150+ minutes/week (39.0%; 95%CI = 31-47) versus non-active individuals (20.7%; 95%CI = 15-28) reported the receipt of all elements of PA advice more often.

Conclusions

In Germany, about one third of individuals with IHD received all relevant elements of GP advice on PA since their last IHD-event/intervention. In order to increase the delivery and enhance the effectiveness of GP advice, target group-specific measures need to be implemented.

Funding

German Ministry of Education and Research (01GY2103).