Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences

The confinement effects within coordination cages present powerful tools in modern chemistry, particularly for the synthesis and manipulation of complex molecules. This concept article reviews the use of coordination cages to stabilize and tune the properties of polyoxometalates (POMs), a class of nano‐sized metallic clusters, expanding the focus beyond traditional organic reactions. The article provides a brief overview of coordination cages, POM chemistry and discusses the encapsulation of POMs in coordination cages, highlighting how these cages provide a confinement effect that enhances the stability and reactivity of POMs. Additionally, the concept of cavity‐directed synthesis is explored as a method for creating labile POMs, which are often unstable in aqueous conditions, underlining its implications for supramolecular catalysis. Future research will focus on expanding the structures and applications of encapsulated POMs, as well as improving cage designs to unlock new cluster architectures.

Objectives To investigate changes in quality of life (QoL) up to 8 years after radical cystectomy (RC) and compare QoL after RC with a gender‐ and age‐matched Dutch normative population. Furthermore, we aimed to identify patient characteristics associated with QoL and QoL trajectories after RC. Patients and Methods Patients with bladder cancer were invited to complete QoL questionnaires at 3‐month intervals in the first year and yearly thereafter. Follow‐up data were available for a maximum of 8 years. We used linear mixed‐effect models to investigate changes in QoL subscales (physical functioning [PF], emotional functioning [EF], and QoL summary score [QoL‐sum]) over time, and to identify potential demographic and clinical correlates of QoL and QoL trajectories (i.e., interaction with time). Results Data from 278 patients was included. Post‐RC EF scores increased from 83.7 (95% confidence interval [CI] 81.7–85.6) to levels comparable to the normative population (90.1) 8 years after RC. PF (post‐RC: 82.4, 95% CI 78.5–86.3) and QoL‐sum (post‐RC: 88.2, 95% CI 85.2–91.2) remained lower compared to the normative population (88.9 and 91.4, respectively) 8 years after RC. Compared to patients with an American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score of 1 at diagnosis, those with ASA score 2 or ASA score 3 had significant lower post‐RC PF (mean difference (MD) = −8 and −22, respectively; P < 0.001), EF (MD = −1 and −11; P = 0.5 and P < 0.01) and QoL‐sum (MD = −2 and −9; P = 0.2 and P < 0.01). In addition, patients with a higher ASA score had a worse QoL‐sum trajectory (Pinteraction = 0.01). Older patients had a worse PF trajectory (Pinteraction < 0.01) but higher post‐RC EF (P < 0.01). Conclusions Directly after RC, patients have lower PF, EF and QoL‐sum, compared to a normative population. Notably, EF recovers to normative levels over a period of 8 years after RC. Clinicians are encouraged to administer supportive care interventions to enhance the QoL for patients undergoing RC, especially targeting older patients and those with higher ASA scores.

Many have suggested that AI-based interventions could enhance learning by personalization, improving teacher effectiveness, or by optimizing educational processes. However, they could also have unintended or unexpected side-effects, such as undermining learning by enabling procrastination, or reducing social interaction by individualizing learning processes. Responsible scientific experiments are required to map both the potential benefits and the side-effects. Current procedures used to screen experiments by research ethics committees do not take the specific risks and dilemmas that AI poses into account. Previous studies identified sixteen conditions that can be used to judge whether trials with experimental technology are responsible. These conditions, however, were not yet translated into practical procedures, nor do they distinguish between the different types of AI applications and risk categories. This paper explores how those conditions could be further specified into procedures that could help facilitate and organize responsible experiments with AI, while differentiating for the different types of AI applications based on their level of automation. The four procedures that we propose are (1) A process of gradual testing (2) Risk- and side-effect detection (3) Explainability and severity, and (4) Democratic oversight. These procedures can be used by researchers and ethics committees to enable responsible experiment with AI interventions in educational settings. Implementation and compliance will require collaboration between researchers, industry, policy makers, and educational institutions.

his study examines how philanthropic foundations develop innovative approaches to grant-making by collaborating with social entrepreneurs who are embedded in marginalized communities. Traditionally, foundations award grants that meet predetermined strategic objectives that support their theories of change. However, this study explores an alternative approach known as participatory grant-making, in which philanthropic foundations cede control over strategy and finance by adopting an innovative approach that is based more on trust and collaboration. By analyzing in-depth interviews from 16 executives, directors, and social entrepreneurs in the United States, we demonstrate how participatory grant-making constitutes a social innovation that inverts traditional power dynamics in the philanthropic field by enhancing legitimacy, and thereby facilitating a more interconnected, inclusive, and equitable approach to solving social problems. This article demonstrates how the implementation of participatory grant-making programs can help to counter the increasing criticisms levied at traditional approaches to grant-making.

Objective Determine whether there is a relationship between the number of different lower‐limb resistance exercises prescribed in a program and outcomes for people with knee osteoarthritis. Methods Systematic review with meta‐regression. We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE, and Embase up to 4th January 2024. We included randomised controlled trials that evaluated land‐based resistance exercise for knee osteoarthritis compared with non‐exercise interventions. We conducted meta‐regressions between number of different exercises prescribed and standardised mean differences (SMD) for pain and function. Covariates (intervention duration, frequency per week, use of resistance exercise machine/s, and comparator type) were applied to attempt to reduce between‐study heterogeneity. Results 44 trials (3,364 participants) were included. The number of resistance exercises ranged from 1‐12 (mean 5.0; standard deviation 3.0). Meta‐regression showed no relationship between the number of prescribed exercises and change in pain (slope coefficient: ‐0.04 SMD units [95% confidence interval (CI): ‐0.14 to 0.05) or self‐reported function (‐0.04 [‐0.12 to 0.05]). There was substantial heterogeneity and evidence of publication bias. However, even after removing 31 trials that had overall unclear/high risk of bias, there was no change in relationships. Conclusion There was no relationship between the number of different lower‐limb resistance exercises prescribed in a program and change in knee pain or self‐reported function. However, given that we were unable to account for all differences in program intensity, progression, and adherence, as well as the heterogeneity and overall low quality of included studies, our results should be interpreted with caution.

Content moderation is commonly used by social media platforms to curb the spread of hateful content. Yet, little is known about how users perceive this practice and which factors may influence their perceptions. Publicly denouncing content moderation—for example, portraying it as a limitation to free speech or as a form of political targeting—may play an important role in this context. Evaluations of moderation may also depend on interpersonal mechanisms triggered by perceived user characteristics. In this study, we disentangle these different factors by examining how the gender, perceived similarity, and social influence of a user publicly complaining about a content-removal decision influence evaluations of moderation. In an experiment ( n = 1,586) conducted in the United States, the Netherlands, and Portugal, participants witnessed the moderation of a hateful post, followed by a publicly posted complaint about moderation by the affected user. Evaluations of the fairness, legitimacy, and bias of the moderation decision were measured, as well as perceived similarity and social influence as mediators. The results indicate that arguments about freedom of speech significantly lower the perceived fairness of content moderation. Factors such as social influence of the moderated user impacted outcomes differently depending on the moderated user’s gender. We discuss implications of these findings for content-moderation practices.

A significant body of research supports the affective benefits of drama activities in foreign language (FL) learning, yet little is known about how to train teachers to implement such activities. In this study, we tested a professional development program (PDP) aimed at galvanizing FL teachers to integrate improvisational drama techniques (IDTs) into their repertoire. IDTs are defined here as activities which place pupils in a fictional situation and stimulate spoken interaction. Nineteen Dutch secondary school FL teachers participated in the PDP. The goal of this research was to discover the extent to which (1) teachers implement IDTs according to the study’s definition, (2) the techniques become integrated into the teacher’s repertoire, and (3) teachers develop the self-efficacy to execute IDTs. All three areas were met with positive results as evidenced through questionnaires, logbooks, observations and interviews. Teachers demonstrated that they could inspire the fictional artistry of drama while simultaneously stimulating FL speaking. Frequency of implementation also increased after the training. Self-efficacy furthermore improved widely, both in implementing IDTs and speaking activities in general.

Objective We wanted to determine if higher compliance with American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) exercise prescription guidelines influences exercise outcomes in knee osteoarthritis (OA). Methods We conducted a systematic review. We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, MEDLINE, and Embase up to January 4, 2024, for randomized controlled trials evaluating resistance and/or aerobic exercise for knee OA. Interventions were classified as higher compliance (meeting ≥60% of ACSM guideline recommendations for frequency, intensity, and duration) or lower compliance (meeting <60% of recommendations). Effects on pain and function were evaluated via meta‐analysis, stratified by compliance. Results Twenty‐five trials (3,290 participants) evaluated combined resistance and aerobic programs, with no differences in outcomes between those with higher and lower compliance (standardized mean difference [SMD] pain: −0.38 [95% confidence interval (CI) −0.59 to −0.17] vs −0.31 [95% CI −0.45 to −0.16], respectively; SMD function: −0.43 [95% CI −0.64 to −0.21] vs −0.36 [95% CI −0.58 to −0.14]). Sixty‐six trials (5,231 participants) evaluated resistance exercise, with no differences between interventions with higher and lower compliance (SMD pain: −0.60 [95% CI −0.81 to −0.39] vs −0.93 [95% CI −1.27 to −0.59]; SMD function: −0.64 [95% CI −0.83 to −0.44] vs −0.85 [95% CI −1.20 to −0.49]). Twelve trials (958 participants) evaluated aerobic exercise, with no differences between interventions with higher and lower compliance (SMD pain: −0.79 [95% CI −1.20 to −0.38] vs −1.00 [95% CI −2.52 to 0.53]; SMD function: −0.83 [95% CI −1.27 to −0.38] vs −0.76 [95% CI −2.02 to 0.50]). Conclusion Higher or lower compliance with ACSM exercise prescription guidelines did not influence exercise outcomes. Given there was substantial heterogeneity and many publications were at risk of bias, our results should be interpreted with caution.

Background Although physical activity (PA) has positive effects on health and well-being, physical inactivity is a worldwide problem. Mobile health interventions have been shown to be effective in promoting PA. Personalizing persuasive strategies improves intervention success and can be conducted using machine learning (ML). For PA, several studies have addressed personalized persuasive strategies without ML, whereas others have included personalization using ML without focusing on persuasive strategies. An overview of studies discussing ML to personalize persuasive strategies in PA-promoting interventions and corresponding categorizations could be helpful for such interventions to be designed in the future but is still missing. Objective First, we aimed to provide an overview of implemented ML techniques to personalize persuasive strategies in mobile health interventions promoting PA. Moreover, we aimed to present a categorization overview as a starting point for applying ML techniques in this field. Methods A scoping review was conducted based on the framework by Arksey and O’Malley and the PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews) criteria. Scopus, Web of Science, and PubMed were searched for studies that included ML to personalize persuasive strategies in interventions promoting PA. Papers were screened using the ASReview software. From the included papers, categorized by the research project they belonged to, we extracted data regarding general study information, target group, PA intervention, implemented technology, and study details. On the basis of the analysis of these data, a categorization overview was given. Results In total, 40 papers belonging to 27 different projects were included. These papers could be categorized in 4 groups based on their dimension of personalization. Then, for each dimension, 1 or 2 persuasive strategy categories were found together with a type of ML. The overview resulted in a categorization consisting of 3 levels: dimension of personalization, persuasive strategy, and type of ML. When personalizing the timing of the messages, most projects implemented reinforcement learning to personalize the timing of reminders and supervised learning (SL) to personalize the timing of feedback, monitoring, and goal-setting messages. Regarding the content of the messages, most projects implemented SL to personalize PA suggestions and feedback or educational messages. For personalizing PA suggestions, SL can be implemented either alone or combined with a recommender system. Finally, reinforcement learning was mostly used to personalize the type of feedback messages. Conclusions The overview of all implemented persuasive strategies and their corresponding ML methods is insightful for this interdisciplinary field. Moreover, it led to a categorization overview that provides insights into the design and development of personalized persuasive strategies to promote PA. In future papers, the categorization overview might be expanded with additional layers to specify ML methods or additional dimensions of personalization and persuasive strategies.

During a Critical Internationalization Studies Network (CISN) meeting centring ‘race and racism’, international education practitioners and faculty discussed how they infuse a diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) lens particularly oriented towards race, ethnicity, and nationality in their internationally focused practice. The speakers noted the strategies to prepare practitioners to work in international education with a lens towards race and racism in their particular contexts. They facilitated an interactive discussion with all present to consider successful approaches for incorporating and deepening a DEI perceptive in practitioner training. This discussion featured practical suggestions for implementing DEI in international higher education that were distilled into this paper.

Purpose of review The combined obesity and ageing pandemic require action to avoid a total health system infarct. Obesity is largely challenged with caloric restriction and endurance exercise, likely to be assisted by drugs. The older adults with the highest obesity levels may face extreme loss of muscle mass and increased risk of sarcopenic obesity. Within this context the question of what is the protein requirement is extremely urgent. Recent findings While the topic is essential, no trials have directly assessed protein requirements for obesity. Therefore, we will have to deal with more indirect evidence. Several systematic reviews have appeared for obesity treatment involving protein and a few randomized controlled trials during weight loss are worth mentioning considering the amount of protein needed, especially with increasing age. Summary Protein requirements are hard to derive for obesity defined by BMI over 30 perse. During weight loss the rebuilding of the body is likely to need at least 1.2 g/kg body weight/d with a maximum weight of BMI 30, especially in the aged. Obesity might increase protein requirements, however being obese with a healthy and active lifestyle might result in normal protein requirements.

Background Transmural palliative care interventions aim to identify older persons with palliative care needs and timely provide advance care planning, symptom management, and coordination of care. Nurses can have an important role in these interventions; however, their expertise is currently underused. A new transmural care pathway with a central role for the community care registered nurse in advance care planning aims to contribute to the quality of palliative care for older persons. Objective To examine the perspectives of community nurses on the feasibility of a new transmural care pathway for advance care planning for older persons. Design A qualitative study design using semi-structured interviews. Setting(s) Interviews were performed with community nurses of three participating homecare organizations in the Netherlands between March and May 2023. Participants 19 community nurses. Methods A topic guide was based on (1) challenges in advance care planning identified from the literature and (2) concepts that are important in assessing the feasibility of complex healthcare interventions provided by the Normalisation Process Theory framework. A combined inductive and deductive thematic analysis was performed. Results Four themes were identified: views on the transmural care pathway, community nurses’ needs to fulfil their role, key points regarding implementation, and evaluation of the new practice. In general, community nurses were positive about the feasibility of the new practice as it provided a more structured work process that could facilitate interprofessional collaboration and improve the quality of palliative care. Overall, the feasibility of the new practice, from community nurses perspective, was determined by (1) clear roles and responsibilities in the transmural care pathway, (2) standardized registration of advance care planning, and (3) close involvement of community nurses in the whole implementation process. Conclusions We highlighted important factors, from the perspectives of community nurses, that need to be considered in the implementation of a new transmural care pathway for advance care planning. A clear division of roles and responsibilities, standardized registration of advance care planning, and involvement of community nurses during the whole implementation process were mentioned as important enabling factors. This knowledge might contribute to successful implementation of a transmural care pathway that aims to enhance the quality of palliative care for older persons. Tweetable abstract Community nurses’ perspectives on the feasibility of a transmural care pathway for advance care planning for older persons.

Athletes-particularly gymnasts-are inevitably confronted with pressure during competitions. To ensure that athletes can perform their tasks despite experiencing pressure, it is essential to safely expose them to competition-like experiences during training. Therefore, we collaborated with two gymnastics coaches in developing a pressure protocol for elite-level youth gymnasts (n = 16) to assess whether psychological states that are typically experienced during competitions can be evoked during training. Our results show that cognitive anxiety, somatic anxiety, and mental effort were increased significantly, while self-confidence and performance indicated declines, albeit not significant, when training with a pressure protocol compared to regular training. Furthermore, none of these variables differed between the pressure training and competition. The current results inspire confidence that coaches may utilize pressure protocols to successfully introduce competition-like psychological states during training to help athletes perform better despite experiencing pressure and anxiety.

Background Telemonitoring (TM), as part of telehealth, allows physiotherapists to monitor and coach their patients using remotely collected data. The use of TM requires a different approach compared with face-to-face treatment. Although a telehealth capability framework exists for health care professionals, it remains unclear what specific capabilities are required to use TM during physiotherapy treatments. Objective This study aims to identify the capabilities required to use TM in physiotherapy treatment. Methods An exploratory qualitative study was conducted following a constructivist semistructured grounded theory approach. Three heterogeneous focus groups were conducted with 15 lecturers of the School of Physiotherapy (Bachelor of Science Physiotherapy program) from the Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences. Focus group discussions were audiotaped and transcribed verbatim. Capabilities for using TM in physiotherapy treatment were identified during an iterative process of data collection and analysis, based on an existing framework with 4 different domains. Team discussions supported further conceptualization of the findings. Results Sixteen capabilities for the use of TM in physiotherapy treatment were found addressing 3 different domains. Four capabilities were identified in the “digital health technologies, systems, and policies” domain, 7 capabilities in the “clinical practice and application” domain, and 5 capabilities in the “data analysis and knowledge creation” domain. No capabilities were identified in the “system and technology implementation” domain. Conclusions The use of TM in physiotherapy treatment requires specific skills from physiotherapists. To best use TM in physiotherapy treatment, it is important to integrate these capabilities into the education of current and future physiotherapists.

Given the substantial increase in children attending center-based childcare over the past decades, the consequences of center-based childcare for children’s development have gained more attention in developmental research. However, the relation between center-based childcare and children’s neurocognitive development remains relatively underexplored. The aim of this study was therefore to examine the relations between quantity of center-based childcare during infancy and the neurocognitive development (both functional brain networks and self-regulation) of 584 Dutch children. Small-world brain networks and children’s self-regulation were assessed during infancy (around 10 months of age) and the preschool period (2–6 years of age). The findings revealed that the quantity of center-based childcare during infancy was unrelated to individual differences in children’s functional brain networks. However, spending more hours per week in center-based childcare was positively related to the development of self-regulation in preschool age children, regardless of children’s sex or the levels of exposure to risk and maternal support in the home environment. More insight into the positive effects of center-based childcare on children’s development from infancy to toddlerhood can help to increase our insight into a better work–life balance and labor force participation of parents with young children. Moreover, this study highlights that Dutch center-based childcare offers opportunities to invest in positive child outcomes in children, including self-regulation.

Aims To report the changes in nutritional status, nutrition‐related complaints and risk of sarcopenia in individuals attending a primary care dietitian in the Netherlands after a COVID‐19 infection. Methods The study was registered on the clinicaltrials.gov registry (NCT04735744). Nutritional status and nutrition‐related complaints were assessed with the Patient‐Generated Subjective Global Assessment Short Form and body composition measurements when possible. Risk of sarcopenia was assessed with the Strength, Assistance with walking, Rise from a chair, Climb stairs and Falls questionnaire. Dietitians reported on treatment goals, content and volume of dietetic treatment. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the study population and outcomes at baseline and end of treatment. For continuous variables, paired samples t‐tests were used to compare scores at the start and the end of dietetic treatment. For dichotomous variables. McNemar tests and Wilcoxon signed‐rank tests were used to determine differences between the start and end of treatment. Results A total of 222 participants were included [mean age 50 (SD 13), 58% female, 34% overweight, 40% obese]. Malnutrition risk decreased from 44% (medium risk) and 20% (high risk) to 29% and 12% by the end of treatment ( p < 0.001). The risk of sarcopenia decreased from 31% to 22% ( p < 0.001). There was an imbalance between fat‐free mass and fat mass in about half of the participants. The most commonly reported nutrition‐related complaints were fatigue, no appetite, the feeling of being full and changed or loss of taste. Median treatment duration was 21 weeks [interquartile range (IQR) 13–26] and 5 consultations (IQR 4–7). Most participants (46%) aimed to maintain weight, with others aiming to lose (14%) or gain (14%) weight. At the end of treatment, 57% had achieved the goals. Conclusions Significant improvements in nutritional status and risk of sarcopenia were observed after dietetic treatment in primary care, and most participants achieved the treatment goals. Nevertheless, nutrition‐related complaints and the risk of malnutrition or sarcopenia remained prevalent.