New mental health apps to navigate through hardships

Mar 29, 2024 | Books, Business

MAINZ, Germany – March 28, 2024 – PRLog — The 6-year-long research project DynaMORE – funded by the European research program “Horizon 2020” and coordinated by the Leibniz Institute for Resilience Research in Mainz  – has now come to an end. The DynaMORE consortium developed mathematical computer models to determine and strengthen psychological resilience and two apps that successfully provided psychological support to young people in daily life ‘just-in-time’, i.e. precisely when a stressful situation arose. In the digital age, this is a huge breakthrough to make us more resilient to daily stressors and stay mentally stable during a crisis. It is also a big step towards mental health apps that may soon be adaptable to individual needs.

Six years of intensive collaboration between 17 leading research institutes, universities, and companies in Europe and Israel as part of the DynaMORE project have provided crucial insights into how digital tools can help maintain a healthy psyche. Key technological breakthroughs of DynaMORE are two new mobile health apps, ‘ReApp’ and ‘Imager’, for young adults (Marciniak et al. 2023a and Marciniak et al. 2023b) and the successful implementation of ‘Just-in-Time Adaptive Interventions’ (JITAIs), i.e. targeted psychological interventions exactly when they are needed. Not only a global crisis like the COVID-19 pandemic, but also everyday stressors such as constant time pressure at work, upcoming exams, or arguments with your partner can, if they occur frequently, cause serious mental illness. By measuring physiological stress states with a smartwatch and linking them to simultaneous smartphone data, the DynaMORE team was able to apply individually adaptive interventions to strengthen the mental health of students in everyday life – taking into account each person’s individual needs (source: Bögemann et al. 2023a).

“Every person is different. Technology must adapt to the individual, not the other way around. In the future, personalized mental health apps will support us in our everyday lives – for example, to cope better with daily stressors or navigate through a crisis more healthily.” – Prof. Dr Raffael Kalisch

Researchers from 6 countries (Belgium, Germany, Israel, Poland, Switzerland, and the Netherlands) worked on the DynaMORE project from the beginning of April 2018 to the end of March 2024 to identify resilience factors that strengthen the psyche (sources: Veer et al. 2021 and Schäfer et al. 2022) and develop well-targeted, individualized interventions in everyday life. The scientific results of the international research project have been published in more than 40 scientific papers. These include groundbreaking methodological publications on the quantification and modeling of resilience (Kalisch et al. 2021, Köber et al. 2022, and Petri-Romão et al. 2024), the central observation protocol of the so-called ‘DynaM-OBS’ study (Wackerhagen et al. 2023), the worldwide DynaCORE-C studies on the psychological resilience and mental health of young people during the COVID-19 crisis – in which almost 16,000 people participated in 20 different languages (Veer et al. 2021 und Bögemann et al. 2023b), and the aforementioned mobile health intervention study ‘DynaM-INT’ (Bögemann et al. 2023a).

Above all, the DynaMORE project has proven that the tendency to perceive challenging situations positively – in other words, a positive appraisal style (PAS) – is healthy and promotes psychological resilience; PAS helps people recover more quickly from the effects of an acute stressor, and this appears to make them more stable during hard times. Humans are also extremely social creatures. It is therefore not surprising that an individual’s social network and positively perceived support from family, friends, and colleagues have also been demonstrated to be essential for resilience. Importantly, social support is good for resilience because it strengthens PAS. So, PAS seems to be a key to mental health.

During the last General Assembly of the DynaMORE consortium in Warsaw, Poland, from March 6th to 8th 2024, final results were presented and future collaborations planned. Some follow-up projects have already received funding and will continue to strengthen the mental health of young Europeans and, of course, relieve the financial burden on national healthcare systems.

Project Website
https://dynamore-project.eu

Coordinating Institution
https://lir-mainz.de

References
Bögemann et al. 2023a: https://bmcpsychology.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s40359-023-01249-5
Bögemann et al. 2023b: https://mental.jmir.org/2023/1/e46518
Kalisch et al. 2021: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.710493/full
Köber et al. 2022: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-022-11650-6
Marciniak et al. 2023a: https://osf.io/preprints/psyarxiv/u4f5e
Marciniak et al. 2023b: https://iaap-journals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/aphw.12505
Petri-Romão et al. 2024: https://osf.io/preprints/psyarxiv/58ft9
Schäfer et al. 2022: https://www.cell.com/action/showPdf?pii=S1364-6613%2822%2900238-8
Veer et al. 2021: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41398-020-01150-4
Wackerhagen et al 2023: https://www.researchprotocols.org/2023/1/e39817

Social Media
https://twitter.com/DynaMORE_H2020
https://www.facebook.com/DynaMOREproject
https://www.instagram.com/dynamore_project
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLO8jG2hfQd33BOtZ4X4oBetGBXx2P3h_0

Contact
Univ.-Prof. Dr. Raffael Kalisch
Scientific Coordination
Raffael.Kalisch@lir-mainz.de

INTRESA
Public Relations
rkalisch@uni-mainz.de

Nina Donner, PhD
Science Communication
nina.donner@concentris.de

Funding
This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 777084. This press release reflects only the authors’ view and the European Commission is not responsible for any use that may be made of the information it contains. Reproduction is permitted provided the source is acknowledged.

New National Survey Reveals Employers are Not Meeting Employee Benefit Expectations

Mar 29, 2024 | Books, Business

Benefits Like Life, Disability and Long-Term Care Insurance Can Significantly Impact Talent Acquisition and Retention

Employers are not meeting expectations

Employers are not meeting expectations

SCOTCH PLAINS, N.J. – March 27, 2024 – PRLog — Employee Benefits Day, observed this year on April 6th, is a time when the hard work done by employers to provide benefits to their workforce is celebrated.  The current state of the job market and the U.S. economy have prompted a shift in employee priorities, however, and employers should reevaluate the benefits they are offering.  According to a new exclusive survey among 2,000 full-time employed Americans conducted by global research company Wired Research and commissioned by Jazmarc Services, employers are falling short in providing their employees with the benefits they want.

The new survey results are part of the inaugural 2024 Employee Benefits Report, a deep dive into the current state of employee benefits in the United States.  Key insights from the work reveal some powerful takeaways:

Employers are not delivering the benefits employees want: A majority of employees consider benefits to be important; far fewer report that their employer offers them:

o Short-term disability (84% important vs. 67% offered)
o Long-term disability (82% important vs. 64% offered)
o Long-term care (78% important vs. 56% offered)
o Term life insurance (75% important vs. 62% offered)
o Whole/permanent life insurance (75% important vs. 56% offered)

Employees are more likely to prioritize “old-school” benefits.  Employees place greater importance on benefits like disability, long-term care, and life insurance than they do newer benefits like remote work (67%) and student loan repayment (46%).

Millions more employees across the country would use employer-provided benefits if given the chance: About 2 in 3 of those not offered insurance would use them if their employer made them available:

o Long-Term Disability (67%)
o Short-Term Disability (66%)
o Long-Term Care (64%)
o Term Life (60%)
o Whole/Permanent Life (58%)

Benefits directly impact retention:  Nearly all employees report that the benefits offered by their employer would have an impact on:

o Staying at their current job (96%)
o Accepting a job offer (95%)
o Looking at other job opportunities (93%)

When they aren’t offered benefits, employees don’t feel like they are a priority:  About 1 in 2 employees report that if the benefits they consider important are not provided, they would think their employer:

o Doesn’t value its employees (55%)
o Wants to do the bare minimum while getting the most from employees (50%)
o Prioritizes the bottom line over employee satisfaction (45%)

According to Danielle Sherman, founder and CEO of Wired Research, this research comes at a time when employers across the country are getting rid of vital benefits to cut costs.  She says “The research has revealed that employees are hungry for benefits that may sometimes get deprioritized.  When an employer doesn’t offer benefits like disability, long-term care or life insurance, they are putting employee satisfaction at risk, which directly impacts retention.”

And Joshua Marcus, founder of Jazmarc Services, agrees.  He says, “The research highlights the shifting priorities of employees and their benefits expectations. Employee Benefits Day is the perfect time for employers to think about how they can better meet their employees’ needs today and in the long-term.”

For more information about the research and to get a copy of the 2024 Employee Benefits Report, visit Jazmarc Services at http://www.jazmarcllc.com where you can create an account and download.  Alternatively, reach out to Wired Research at info@wiredresearch.com.

Introducing Narratiff: Pioneering the Future of Art and Storytelling in the Digital Age

Mar 28, 2024 | Books, Business

PHILADELPHIA – March 25, 2024 – PRLog — Today marks the official launch of Narratiff, a revolutionary platform at the forefront of merging fine art photography with the boundless possibilities of digital technology. Designed to bridge the gap between traditional artistry and contemporary digital innovation, Narratiff offers a new dimension of immersive storytelling, connecting artists and audiences like never before.

A New Era of Storytelling

Narratiff emerges in response to the digital age’s challenge to traditional art forms, offering a groundbreaking platform that not only showcases but also elevates the art of storytelling through photography. By integrating blockchain technology, Narratiff provides a secure and innovative space for artists to share their visions, offering collectors a unique opportunity to engage with art on a multi-dimensional level.

360º Narrative Experiences

At the heart of Narratiff is the commitment to create 360º narrative experiences that encompass digital, physical, audio, and written forms. This approach allows for a deeper connection with the art, granting access to the artist’s process, vision, and the stories behind each piece. From NFTs and limited edition prints to recorded interviews and longform essays, Narratiff is redefining what it means to collect and experience art.

Empowering Artists and Collectors

Narratiff is not just a platform; it’s a community. It empowers artists by providing them with the tools to protect their work, share their stories, and reach a global audience. For collectors, Narratiff offers an unparalleled opportunity to own not just a piece of art, but a part of its history and soul, making each collection a deeply personal and valuable experience.

The Future is Now

“We believe that the future of art lies in our ability to adapt and innovate,” said Michele Colonna founder of Colonna Contemporary. “Narratiff is more than a platform; it’s a movement towards a new era of art and storytelling. We are excited to invite artists, collectors, and art enthusiasts to join us on this journey.”

Narratiff is set to host a series of exclusive projects, starting with “Where Dinosaurs Walked” by Heather N. Stout, a compelling exploration of the American Southwest’s ancient landscapes. This project exemplifies Narratiff’s vision to offer profound, story-driven art experiences that resonate with audiences worldwide.

Join the Revolution

To explore Narratiff’s offerings, learn more about upcoming projects, or to become a part of the Narratiff community, visit https://www.colonnacontemporary.com/narratiff

About Colonna Contemporary

Colonna Contemporary stands at the vanguard of modern art galleries, dedicated to showcasing the works of emerging and established artists who push the boundaries of creativity and expression. With a keen eye for talent and a commitment to art that challenges and inspires, Colonna Contemporary has become a vital hub for art lovers seeking the new, the unseen, and the transformative.

About Heather N. Stout

Heather N. Stout is an artist whose work transcends the mere capture of images, delving deep into the narratives woven into the fabric of the natural world. With a portfolio that spans breathtaking landscapes to intimate portraits, Stout’s photography invites viewers on a journey of discovery and reflection. Her collaboration with Narratiff on “Where Dinosaurs Walked” heralds a new chapter in art that honors the past while boldly stepping into the future.

Contact Information:

Michele Colonna
Founder
michele@colonnacontemporary.com
484.793.5114

Dr. Tekemia Dorsey Set to Host First-Ever Poverty Townhalls and Leadership Training in Baltimore Cou

Mar 25, 2024 | Books, Business

Blueprint Development & Poverty Townhall Tour Aims to Equip Leaders and Aspiring Leaders With Actionable Blueprints Tailored to Combating Poverty on a Local Level

Dr Tekemia Dorsey Photo Min

Dr Tekemia Dorsey Photo Min

BALTIMORE – March 23, 2024 – PRLog — In a groundbreaking move to combat poverty from the top down, Dr. Tekemia Dorsey, CEO, speaker, author, and founder of Breaking The Cycle of Poverty, is launching the Blueprint Development & Poverty Townhall Tour. This first-of-its-kind initiative will provide comprehensive poverty training and development for leaders and aspiring leaders as they design blueprints to address poverty in their communities, organizations, or a combination thereof.

The comprehensive program has a dual focus – providing in-depth poverty training through leadership development sessions while facilitating a series of groundbreaking Poverty Townhalls. These town halls will be the inaugural events of their kind worldwide, creating a forum for communities to construct actionable blueprints tailored to combating poverty on a local level.

While government agencies and non-profits strive to assist those in need through funding and resources, a glaring gap exists in preparing leaders with the necessary knowledge and strategy to enact lasting solutions. Dr. Dorsey’s initiatives aim to bridge this divide, empowering participants with poverty specific training to drive measurable impact.

With the support of Governor Wes Moore, Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski, Baltimore City Mayor Brandon Scott, County- and City Councilman, Delegates, and Congressmen, Dr. Dorsey’s tour kicks off a yearlong slate of events, activities, and initiatives aimed at transformative solutions to the vexing issue of poverty.

“Poverty statistics in Baltimore County sit at 9.9% of roughly 828,000 residents and 22.3% in Baltimore City with 565,239 residents. Poverty statistics influx throughout the state of Maryland but remain a concern for humanity and longevity of life and success.” Dr. Dorsey stated.

The Blueprint Development & Poverty Townhall Tour, in partnership with the esteemed Community College of Baltimore County, marks the second major initiative in Dr. Dorsey’s comprehensive efforts. It follows on the heels of the successful Parent & Youth Transition Conference themed “Breaking Poverty Cycles.” This ongoing momentum underscores her steadfast commitment to moving the needle on one of society’s most pervasive and complex challenges.

The tour will span six CCBC campuses – Essex, Catonsville, Dundalk, Hunt Valley, Randallstown, and Owings Mills – from late April through May 2024. Due to capacity constraints, seating for the invaluable training will be limited.

Registration for the Blueprint Development & Poverty Townhall Tour opens on March 27, 2024, with ticket prices starting at $249.00 for those seeking CPD/CEU credits. General Admission is FREE. Participants may be eligible to receive continuing professional development (CPD) or continuing education units (CEUs) through their involvement.

Community organizations and volunteers are encouraged to join this groundswell effort, uniting stakeholders in the war on poverty. As this pioneering initiative takes shape, all eyes will be on Baltimore as a potential model for nationwide replication and impact.

To learn more about Dr. Dorsey’s impactful work, visit https://www.dtdenterprises.com or email info@dtdenterprises.com.

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About Dr. Tekemia Dorsey

A renowned expert on breaking the cycles of poverty, Dr. Tekemia Dorsey is the founder and driving force behind the Breaking The Cycle of Poverty movement. Through her books, speaking engagements, and trailblazing initiatives like the Blueprint Tour, she propels sustainable solutions and equips communities for transformative change.

Oodle: Redefining Friendship in the Digital Era

Mar 24, 2024 | Books, Business

Innovative App Launches to Combat Loneliness, Encouraging Genuine Connections Beyond the Screen

BOSTON – March 22, 2024 – PRLog — Oodle: Introducing the Future of Friendship
In a bold move to redefine social interaction, a new app called Oodle is set to launch in the United States, promising to revolutionize the way we connect with others. At a time when loneliness has become an epidemic, Oodle emerges as a beacon of hope, challenging the swipe culture and addictive nature of traditional social media, dating, and friendship platforms. With its innovative approach to building connections, Oodle is not just an app—it’s a solution to a problem that has persisted in plain sight.

Addressing the Loneliness Epidemic with Technology

Oodle’s mission is to combat the growing sense of isolation brought on by superficial social media interactions. In a world where making genuine connections has become increasingly difficult, Oodle offers an intuitive and impactful way to meet new people and forge meaningful relationships. By emphasizing real-world interactions over digital ones, Oodle aims to close the gap between being online and feeling connected.

A Step Towards Meaningful Connections

Oodle is designed with simplicity and efficiency at its core, making it incredibly easy for users to discover and engage with like-minded individuals in their vicinity. The app employs sophisticated algorithms to ensure that users are matched with potential friends who share their interests and values, fostering a sense of community and belonging.

  • Nearby Discovery: Leveraging location technology, Oodle introduces users to people around them, presenting opportunities for interaction based on shared content, interests, and social media activity. This feature encourages spontaneous real-life connections, breaking down the barriers to conversation.
  • Mood-Based Search: Recognizing the diverse needs and moods of its users, Oodle includes a search functionality that allows users to find companions for specific activities or emotional support, further personalizing the friend-making experience.

An Obvious Solution to a Modern Problem

Oodle stands out as an obvious yet innovative solution to the 21st-century challenge of building meaningful connections. By facilitating the introduction of people to one another, Oodle addresses the root causes of loneliness, offering a platform where friendships can blossom. In doing so, Oodle not only enriches individual lives but also strengthens the fabric of our social world.

Join the Friendship Revolution
As we stand on the brink of a new era in social connectivity, Oodle invites everyone to be part of a movement that values depth and authenticity in relationships. With its user-friendly interface and thoughtful features, Oodle is poised to become a vital tool in the quest to end loneliness and bring people together.
In the words of Oodle’s visionary, Sid Aurora, “In a world that’s more connected than ever, no one should feel alone. Oodle is here to make sure of that.”

Siddhant Aurora
To get started,
download Oodle here: https://oodle.social/download.php
Email: sid@oodle.social

Two NEW Diamondback HAANJO Gravel Bikes are Ready to Rip!

Mar 23, 2024 | Books, Business

All New Geometry Loaded with Features Haanjo 4 EXP – Equipped with SR GVX 60mm suspension fork. and Haanjo 5 – Equipped with SRAM AXS wireless shifting.

SEATTLE – March 21, 2024 – PRLog — Diamondback announces the immediate availability of the two highly anticipated Haanjo Gravel Bikes, the model 4 EXP front suspension equipped and the model 5.   “The Haanjo 4 EXP is ready to do it all, and the Haanjo 5 is a gravel race or roam-ready bike,” says Michael Brown, VP of Product Development at Diamondback.

The Haanjo 4 EXP has big 44c tires, Sram Apex 1×11 wide-range gearing, and a GVX front suspension fork. What more could you ask for?  The beauty of the Haanjo 4 EXP begins with all-new suspension corrected geometry available in 5 sizes, XS through XL. The new geometry has a more balanced rider position that enhances comfort, climbing, handling control, and increased stand-over clearance. The designers at Diamondback paid particular attention to accommodating smaller riders and a wide range of body types with its new geometry without compromising performance.  Couple these geometry enhancements with the SR GVX 60mm travel fork and a KS Dropper post; the Haanjo 4 EXP offers unmatched gravel performance and control. The Haanjo 4 EXP’s lightweight aluminum frame has various accessory mounting points, including enduro mounts on the top tube.   These additional mounts will allow the rider to carry more gear easily. The increased number of frame mounting points allows the rider to dial in water bottle locations to create more space within the frame to carry even more water or gear! Of course, there are rack and fender mounts as well! Sram Apex 1×11 speed shifting and TRP Spyre dual piston mechanical disc brakes ensure confident performance.  According to Brown, “the Haanjo 4EXP is a perfect example of Diamondback’s ethos of bringing the most performance and value to any rider.”

For more information on the Haanjo 4EXP:  https://www.diamondback.com/haanjo-4-exp-5079
https://youtu.be/wTw0T_-Xouc?si=7aAejjn04Ucdgakv

MSRP $2200.00

The Haanjo 5 is loaded with rider and gravel performance features! Beginning with all-new geometry like the 4 EXP. Couple these features with the installed KS Dropper post, the Haanjo 5 offers unmatched rough terrain performance and control. The new geometry is suspension corrected to allow for the fitment of up to a 60mm travel gravel suspension fork. However, out of the box, the Haanjo 5 comes equipped with a completely redesigned full carbon monocoque fork, with a tapered steerer and 10mm thru-axle, along with accessory mounts that can carry two additional 24oz water bottles or other needed accessories. The Haanjo 5’s lightweight aluminum frame offers many accessory mounting points, including the top tube, rack, and fender mounts. Sram Apex AXS Eagle eTap 1×12 speed wireless shifting and hydraulic disc brakes position the Haanjo 5 as one of the most affordable and performance-packed bikes on the market with this incredible drive train.

For more information on the Haanjo 5:

https://www.diamondback.com/bikes/road-gravel-bikes/adventure-gravel/haanjo-5-5078
https://youtu.be/VwIJQK-DT9M?si=xuZJmZZWkVp23Wt_

MSRP $2950.00

The Haanjo 4 EXP and the Haanjo 5 is available from your local Diamondback Dealer or online at Diamondback.com.