Narratives are pervasive in video games and have been found to increase physical activity in active video games. However, the effect of incorporating narrative elements has seldom been examined in fully immersive virtual reality games. We investigated the effect of narrative element incorporation (between-subject: narrative vs. no narrative) in active virtual reality and sedentary virtual reality games (within-subject) and examined between- and within-subject effects on physical activity behavior, game experience, and physical activity engagement. We randomized 36 sedentary college students to either the narrative or the non-narrative group. All participants played an active virtual reality and a sedentary virtual reality game in counter-balanced order. Before each game session, they either watched a 5-min narrative video (narrative) or directly played the original virtual reality games without narratives (non-narrative). We collected participants’ physical activity data using wrist-worn accelerometers; we obtained their game experience and physical activity engagement via questionnaires. The narrative group spent a greater proportion of time in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (%) and had less non-movement time during the active virtual reality gameplay than the non-narrative group (all p values < .05). The active virtual reality sessions induced a greater positive affect and greater physical activity engagement ratings than the sedentary virtual reality sessions. The incorporation of narrative elements in active virtual reality increased the relative time spent in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity and reduced non-movement time, compared to the non-narrative group. Active virtual reality encouraged more activity by participants and offered them a more enjoyable gaming experience in which they engaged more. Active virtual reality is a feasible physical activity promotion option among sedentary adults; the incorporation of narrative elements in active virtual reality helps increase relative moderate-to-vigorous physical activity and should be further explored for its efficacy.

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The goal of this article is to provide an in-depth review of rare disease policies and the reimbursement of ODs in 3 European countries, two EU members (Poland, the Netherlands) and a non-EU one (Russia). A review of publicly available information on rare disorder policies and HTA processes was performed. Experts were consulted in case of unclear or scarce information. Russia has a five times higher frequency threshold for its rare disease definition than Poland and the Netherlands (both using the EU definition). The Netherlands has vastly increased its disease registries by instituting 300 expert centers via its National Plan, in Poland there are only 6 registries while in Russia one central registry exists. All 3 countries have an HTA process in place, however, the Russian one is relatively undeveloped. Access to ODs in the Netherlands is the broadest with 80 out of 83 EMA approved ODs reimbursed in 2015; Poland reimbursed 49, whereas Russia reimbursed 4 on the federal level and 43 in Moscow region. In all countries, new rare disease policies are under development. The availability of healthcare system solutions and the reimbursement of ODs differs greatly between all 3 countries. Even though both states are EU member with common regulations and access to EMA approved drugs, marked differences exist between Poland and the Netherlands in the range of policies, access to treatments and screening programs.

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Artykuł przedstawia wyniki analizy wybranych reklam (marek Almette, Artresan, E. Wedel, Ultrablanc, Amol), do której zastosowano arystotelesowskie reguły preferencji. Autorka odwołuje się do wskazywanych przez Arystotelesa sposobów budowania argumentacji oraz współczesnych badań dotyczących wywierania wpływu społecznego. Analizuje konkretne rozwiązania wykorzystywane przez reklamodawców, takie jak: środki językowe (w tym frazeologiczne) i narzędzia pozawerbalne (kolorystyka, muzyka), pokazując, w jaki sposób przywołują one wybrane emocje, wartości czy symbole kulturowe.

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