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A network analysis of gender differences in unresolved attachment, post-traumatic stress following COVID-19, psychiatric comorbidity, and contamination fear in adolescents: Implications for psychotherapy
No full textObjectives: This study used a network approach to examine gender differences in adolescents regarding unresolved attachment styles, COVID-19 PTSD symptoms, comorbid psychiatric symptoms, and contamination fear. The rationale for the study stems from the suggestion that parents‘ relationships with adolescents (i.e., attachment) can influence how adolescents cope with distress during COVID-19. Since attachment is linked to gender differences, these differences should also be considered. Furthermore, while much has been documented on secure or insecure attachment, little is known about whether the impact of unresolved attachment can influence psychological distress in adolescents. Methods: Adolescents (n = 1715; 803 females, 912 males) from five Hong Kong secondary schools completed measures assessing unresolved attachment, contamination-related fears, PTSD symptoms, and general psychological disorders. Results: No significant gender differences were observed in network density or global strength. However, network structure analysis revealed weaker connections among males compared to females. For males, all unresolved attachment aspects were linked to COVID-19 PTSD and comorbid psychiatric symptoms, while for females, only perceived failed protection correlated with depression. Both genders showed associations between PTSD, comorbid symptoms, and contamination fear. Conclusions: While trauma and psychological reactions were shared, gender differences emerged in how unresolved attachment influenced distress. Males exhibited broader attachment-related distress links, whereas females showed more specific associations. These findings enhance understanding of adolescent psychotherapy needs during crises
Perceived Stress, Psychological Wellbeing, and Sleep Quality of Passport Control Officers
Full text linkResearch on the stress experienced by officers has identified several key findings that illustrate the diverse nature of their workplace stressors. Research specifically addressing the stressors encountered by passport control officers is limited when compared to studies on other law enforcement roles. This study aims to assess stress levels among passport control officers, identify psychological health impacts, determine the intersection of personal and occupational stress, and investigate the effects of shift work on stress intensity and related psychological issues. A mixed methodology incorporating qualitative and quantitative was used. The sample included 166 participants with a job title of passport control officer. Perceived stress, sleep quality, anxiety, and depression were assessed using the Perceived Stress Scale, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. A semi-structured interview was conducted on 10 participants with a total of 5 predetermined questions. Perceived stress accounted for 32% of the variance in anxiety and 28% in depression symptoms, whereas sleep quality explained 12% of the variance in anxiety and 17% in depression. Sleep quality partially mediated the relation between perceived stress and depression. Perceived stress fully mediated the association between sleep quality and anxiety, and partially mediated the association between sleep quality and depression. Four main over-arching themes were identified through thematic analysis (1) Routine Disruptions, (2) Health Burden, (3) Generational Differences, and (4) Stress Outcomes. This study significantly contributed to the limited research focusing on passport control officers, filling a gap in researc
What Can Student Perspectives Tell Us About the Value of Multicultural Counselling Training? A Q Methodology Study
No full textBackground: While multicultural counselling courses (MCCs) are central to developing culturally competent practitioners, little is known about how students themselves perceive the helpfulness of these training experiences. Prior research often focuses on general outcomes of multicultural competence, with limited attention to the nuanced, subjective viewpoints of students engaged in MCCs. Aim: This study aimed to explore how counselling students conceptualise the helpfulness of a semester-long MCC, identifying student personas that shape their learning focus and engagement with course content. Method: Seventeen master\u27s-level counselling students completed a Q sort of 38 statements related to their MCC experiences. Using Q methodology, a by-person factor analysis identified shared subjective viewpoints that reflect distinct learning preferences and interpretations of MCC value. Results: Three student personas emerged: Reflective Counsellors, Cultural Learners, and Pragmatic Counsellors—each prioritising different aspects of multicultural training, such as awareness, cultural knowledge, and skill application. The findings highlighted the importance of recognising diverse learning needs and incorporating tailored teaching strategies in MCCs to support the development of multicultural competence. Conclusion: Understanding the different ways students perceive MCC helpfulness can inform course design, educator reflexivity, and training strategies. These insights are vital for optimising the impact of multicultural counselling education on future practitioners working with diverse populations
Azide-Functionalized Mesoporous Silica SBA-15 for Sustainable Catalysis and Biological Applications
No full textIn the present study, azide (─N3) function was supported on SBA-15 through covalent post-functionalization via a substitution reaction after a chlorination step. Combined XRD and TEM analyses confirm the preservation of SBA-15′s hexagonal structure after functionalization. The successful incorporation of N₃ groups was verified by FTIR (2094 cm⁻¹) and XPS (N1s at 398–400 eV), while TEM/SEM imaging demonstrated maintained porosity. As a heterogeneous catalyst, SBA-15@N3 demonstrated high catalytic activity for Knoevenagel condensation without requiring the use of a solvent. It offers several advantages, such as light reaction conditions and a simple and environmentally friendly working mode. Knoevenagel products are obtained with high purity without additional purification, with high yields (61%–98%). Moreover, the SBA-15@N3 catalyst successfully mediated multicomponent chromene synthesis while demonstrating excellent recyclability without activity loss. Tested as an antimicrobial agent, our material shows promising results with inhibition zones of 12 mm (Bacillus sp.), 15 mm (S. aureus), 17 mm (C. albicans), and 50 mm (Ascochyta pisi). These results reveal notable antibacterial activity against Gram-positive bacteria, as well as strong antifungal potential, particularly marked against Ascochyta pisi. To summarize, the results of this work clearly indicate that the SBA-15@N3 catalyst is economical, environmentally friendly and promising for green chemical reactions, with many potential applications in chemistry and biology
Marine heatwaves select for thermal tolerance in a reef-building coral
No full textStanding genetic variation in fitness-related traits is critical to determine how fast populations can adapt to climate warming but is unknown for many species. Here we show that heritable genetic variation in heat tolerance in reef-building coral populations is widespread and strongly associated with selective pressure imposed by marine heatwaves. Our findings suggest that coral populations may be adapting to warming consistent with recent increases in their upper thermal limits
Shifting spectrums: how does media consumption alter political orientation?
No full textIn the contemporary digital age, media consumption is a pervasive force shaping political beliefs and behaviors. The interplay between traditional mass media and social media has created a complex environment where political orientation is continuously influenced and reshaped by the increased exposure to media content spanning the political spectrum. Understanding how these media sources impact political attitudes is crucial for understanding the broader dynamics of democratic societies, particularly in Western Europe, where democratic politics is undergoing significant disruption and fragmentation. This paper aims to investigate the drivers behind political orientation, specifically examining the role of mass and social media trust and consumption in reinforcing or reshaping political attitudes, thereby moderating or amplifying political polarization in European countries. The results reveal that media trust and consumption are associated with divergent effects on political attitudes, depending on the media type. Additionally, this study corroborates that media’s impact on political attitudes varies across European democracies, underscoring the role of national contexts in shaping these dynamics
How shifting diplomatic relations affect Gulf foreign investments: the case of Egypt
No full textThis study empirically examines the use of capital flows as a tool of economic statecraft by the Gulf Arab states in Egypt, with a particular focus on Qatar’s investments from 2005 to 2023, encompassing phases of support, the suspension of diplomatic relations, and renewed diplomacy. While empirical research on the Gulf states’ use of economic statecraft is growing, significant gaps remain. This study tests the hypothesis that Qatar/Gulf investments have been used as instruments of economic statecraft. It provides a seminal exploration of the impact of political frictions between Egypt and Qatar on FDI inflows from Qatar to Egypt. Using panel data on FDI flows to Egypt, the study employs a gravity model covering the period from 2005 to 2023. The analysis evaluates the effects of several political shocks, such as the Qatar blockade and the Al Ula Agreement, on capital flows. The findings reveal that Qatar’s investment flows into Egypt, as well as those from other Gulf countries, hinge on the state of bilateral relations and the presence of like-minded administrations. This confirms that capital flows are part of the Gulf’s economic statecraft
Towards Inclusive Educational AI: Auditing Frontier LLMs for Cultural Biases through a Multiplexity Lens
No full textAs large language models (LLMs) like GPT-4 and Llama 3 become integral to educational contexts, concerns are mounting over the cultural biases, power imbalances, and ethical limitations embedded within these technologies. Though generative AI tools aim to enhance learning experiences, they often reflect values rooted in Western, Educated, Industrialized, Rich, and Democratic (WEIRD) cultural paradigms, potentially sidelining diverse global perspectives. This paper proposes a framework to assess and mitigate cultural bias within LLMs through applied multiplexity. Multiplexity, inspired by Senturk et al. and rooted in Islamic and other wisdom traditions, emphasizes the coexistence of diverse cultural viewpoints, supporting a multilayered epistemology that integrates empirical sciences and normative values. Our analysis reveals that LLMs frequently exhibit cultural polarization in both overt responses and subtle contextual cues. To address these biases, we propose two strategies: Contextually-Implemented Multiplex LLMs, which embed multiplex principles directly into the system prompt, and Multi-Agent System (MAS)-Implemented Multiplex LLMs, where multiple LLM agents representing distinct cultural viewpoints collaboratively generate balanced responses. Our findings demonstrate that as mitigation strategies evolve from contextual prompting to MAS-implementation, cultural inclusivity markedly improves, evidenced by a significant rise in the Perspectives Distribution Score (PDS) and a PDS Entropy increase from 3.25% at baseline to 98% with the MAS-Implemented Multiplex LLMs. Sentiment analysis shows a shift towards positive sentiment across cultures, with the MAS-Implemented Multiplex LLMs achieving 0% negative sentiment. This study establishes a baseline for assessing and fostering cultural inclusivity in educational AI, laying the groundwork for a globally pluralistic approach that respects diverse cultural perspectives
Data privacy and security standards in AI-powered scientific research
No full textThe integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into scientific, technical, and medical (STM) research has unlocked transformative possibilities, enhancing discovery, analysis, and innovation at unprecedented scales. However, this rapid advancement also raises critical concerns regarding data privacy and security. This chapter explores the emerging standards, frameworks, and best practices designed to protect sensitive information within AI-driven STM research environments. It examines the ethical, legal, and technical challenges posed by AI systems, including data ownership, informed consent, bias mitigation, and cybersecurity risks. Furthermore, the chapter highlights international regulations, such as GDPR and HIPAA, and discusses the role of transparency, accountability, and secure data governance in maintaining the integrity and trustworthiness of AI-powered research. By offering a comprehensive overview, this chapter aims to equip researchers, policymakers, and technologists with the knowledge needed to navigate the evolving landscape of data protection in the AI era
Balancing act: Corporate governance and biodiversity conservation in extractive sector
Full text linkExtractive industries such as mining and oil extraction drive habitat loss, soil erosion, water pollution, and biodiversity decline. While prior research has examined corporate environmental performance in these sectors, little is known about how internal governance mechanisms, particularly equitable shareholder treatment, relate to biodiversity outcomes. Drawing on legitimacy theory, which holds that fair treatment signals genuine commitment to societal expectations, strengthens a firm\u27s social license, and motivates environmental stewardship, this study examines whether equitable shareholder practices promote biodiversity conservation. Using US and Canadian extractive firms from 2006 to 2020, we find that fair shareholder treatment is positively associated with better biodiversity outcomes. We also integrate stakeholder theory, which suggests that board meetings serve as forums for directors to engage community and environmental concerns, and resource dependence theory, which emphasizes how strategic investors supply critical capital and expertise for long-term stewardship, and find that more frequent board meetings and the presence of strategic investors strengthen this relationship. Findings remain robust under propensity score matching, two-stage least squares, and system generalised method of moments. These findings enrich corporate governance research, showing how fair shareholder treatment, active board deliberations, and strategic shareholders\u27 presence can embed biodiversity conservation into strategy and offer actionable guidance for regulators and industry leaders to empower investors and strengthen board oversight. We also provide valuable insights for future academic research and practical policy formulation aimed at reconciling economic pursuits with ecological stewardship