Physical as well as cognitive training interventions improve specific cognitive functions but effects barely generalize on global cognition. Combined physical and cognitive training may overcome this shortcoming as physical training may facilitate the neuroplastic potential which, in turn, may be guided by cognitive training. This study aimed at investigating the benefits of combined training on global cognition while assessing the effect of training dosage and exploring the role of several potential effect modifiers. In this multi-center study, 322 older adults with or without neurocognitive disorders (NCDs) were allocated to a computerized, game-based, combined physical and cognitive training group (n = 237) or a passive control group (n = 85). Training group participants were allocated to different training dosages ranging from 24 to 110 potential sessions. In a pre-post-test design, global cognition was assessed by averaging standardized performance in working memory, episodic memory and executive function tests. The intervention group increased in global cognition compared to the control group, p = 0.002, Cohen’s d = 0.31. Exploratory analysis revealed a trend for less benefits in participants with more severe NCD, p = 0.08 (cognitively healthy: d = 0.54; mild cognitive impairment: d = 0.19; dementia: d = 0.04). In participants without dementia, we found a dose-response effect of the potential number and of the completed number of training sessions on global cognition, p = 0.008 and p = 0.04, respectively. The results indicate that combined physical and cognitive training improves global cognition in a dose-responsive manner but these benefits may be less pronounced in older adults with more severe NCD. The long-lasting impact of combined training on the incidence and trajectory of NCDs in relation to its severity should be assessed in future long-term trials.

Over the past decade, mobile news production has had a growing prevalence and has been established as a new type by modern journalism industry. Journalists understand content capturing and sharing as parts of their role in newsrooms. Mobile journalism (mojo) is an evolving form of reporting in which where people use only a smartphone to create and file stories, and it has been gaining ground during the last decade. This paper aims to examine the difficulties, issues, and challenges in real-world mojo scenarios, analyzing the efficacy of prototype machine-assisted reporting services (MoJo-MATE). A usability evaluation is conducted in quantitative and qualitative terms, paying attention to the media literacy support provided through implemented tools and the proposed collaborations. Students of the School of Journalism and Mass Communications, along with postgraduate-level researchers and professional journalists, form the sample for this investigation, which has a two-folded target: To guide the rapid prototyping process for system development and to validate specific hypotheses by answering the corresponding research questions. The results indicate the impact of mobile/on-demand support and training on journalistic practices and the attitudes of future journalists towards specialized technology in the era of constantly evolving digital journalism.

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<p><strong>Objective</strong>. The present study aims to evaluate the symptoms of psychological distress during the COVID-19 pandemic, in Greek primary healthcare workers, correlating them with their individual characteristics.</p><p><strong>Materials and Methods</strong>. The research is based on a self-report questionnaire distributed to primary HCWs of Thessaloniki’s public health care units. A sample of 143 respondents was gathered. The questionnaire consists of 21 items: 6 demographic questions, 9 on personal distress, 5 on work-related distress and 1 on one dominant feeling of the participants. These items were based on existing validated measures, such as the “Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21”, the “Kessler Psychological Distress Scale-10”, “General Health Questionnaire-28” and “Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale”. The associations between participants’ gender, education, specialty and parenthood were determined with Pearson’s chi-squared (χ2) test.</p><p><strong>Results</strong>. Overall, 70.4% of HCWs were generally affected by the pandemic. The personal distress factors revealed that the majority (67%) experienced distress due to routine changes. The effects on health behavior (sleep, eating behavior and substance use) were not high. Psychological/psychiatric needs were relatively low, while negative emotions and need of social support were high. 31.4% displayed intense emotional instability. All work-related distress factors were rated high. Worry about contracting COVID-19 in the workplace scored the highest (82.6%). Almost half of the participants felt exposed to COVID-19 infection (47.0%). Anxiety (47.2%) and burn-out (78.4%) symptoms were also revealed. Female participants appeared to be more anxious (P&lt;0.01) and upset (P=0.013).</p><p><strong>Conclusion</strong>. The exposure to a constant risk could potentially lead to an increase in HCWs’ psychological distress. Designing the right tools and organizing the right plans are of paramount importance to prevent the deterioration of their wellness and quality of life.</p>