11237 research outputs found
Sort by
Prevalence of quitting decision and the impact of increased cigarette prices on the smoking behaviours among the male garment workers in Bangladesh
No full textObjectives: The prevalence of tobacco use is high in Bangladesh, with a cigarette being the most consumed tobacco product. Taxing tobacco is highly effective for tobacco control, raising costs and encouraging smokers to quit or reduce cigarette consumption. Garment workers are the major group of low-wage earners in Bangladesh. This study aims to determine the perceived effects of raising cigarette prices on smoking behaviors and their influences on quitting the decision of male garment workers in Bangladesh.Study design: Cross-sectional study.Methods: The Study adopted a cross-sectional method among 739 male garment workers from Gazipur and Savar, Dhaka, for six months, using a semi-structured questionnaire. Factors such as the prevalence of lifetime tobacco use and rising cigarette prices on smoking behaviors were analyzed.Results: The study found that most participants began smoking before age 16, and increased tobacco prices influenced quitting decisions for both smoking and smokeless tobacco users, with reductions of 79% and 68%, respectively. Higher prices notably impacted smoking cessation among lower-income individuals, decreasing smoking frequency by 12-fold. Significantly changing their smoking behavior, on average, daily cigarette or biri consumption decreased from 7 to 5, with some participants switching to less expensive tobacco products.Conclusion: Findings from the study depict that imposing a high tax on tobacco products such as cigarette or biri has a desirable impact on the smoking behavior of low earning community. The price of all tobacco products should be increased to auspicate a considerable positive change in the community.</p
Intelligent computing for crop monitoring in CIoT: leveraging AI and big data technologies
No full textConsumer Internet of Things (CIoT) has revolutionised agriculture by integrating intelligent computing, artificial intelligence and big data technologies in crop monitoring. This paper explores the application of intelligent computing and deep learning methodologies in crop monitoring within the CIoT framework. In CIoT‐based crop monitoring, a vision sensor collects real‐time data from crop leaf images. The image dataset is processed using state‐of‐the‐art deep learning models and intelligent computing algorithms. This integration enables the early detection of crop diseases by leveraging computer vision and deep learning. Intelligent computing systems provide accurate disease classification, real‐time alerts, and actionable recommendations for optimised crop management practises. This advanced system empowers farmers to make data‐driven decisions, such as irrigation optimization, targeted pesticide application and nutrient supplementation, to maximise crop productivity and minimise losses. A benchmark dataset of leaf images is used, and a deep learning based model is presented for classifying healthy and diseased leaves. Experimental results demonstrate an accuracy rate of 0.98, with detailed validation, including dataset size and model parameters. Key benefits of intelligent computing in CIoT‐based crop monitoring include enhanced resource efficiency, reduced environmental impact, and improved sustainability. The paper also addresses the challenges of implementing AI and big data technologies, such as data privacy, security, interoperability and resource management in agricultural settings.</p
Functional outcomes in children and adolescents with neurodisability accessing music therapy: a scoping review
No full textAim: To determine the evidence for functional outcomes experienced by a population with paediatric neurodisability (such as acquired brain injury, cerebral palsy, spinal cord injury, and other neurological disorders), who access music therapy through neurorehabilitation services across the rehabilitation spectrum.Method: Using scoping review methodology of the JBI and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta‐Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA‐ScR), a systematic search was conducted across eight databases and expert knowledge users were consulted. Articles were screened by title and abstract, and data from eligible studies were categorized using the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health: Children and Youth version (ICF‐CY).Results: From 1726 records identified, 53 eligible primary sources were included in the synthesis. Most literature (n = 30) related to children and adolescents with an acquired or traumatic brain injury. Physical function was the most frequently reported outcome across sources (n = 27), followed by communication (n = 25), social (n = 22), cognitive (n = 17), emotional (n = 13), psychological (n = 13), behavioural (n = 8), and sensory (n = 5).Interpretation: Evidence for functional outcomes experienced by children and adolescents accessing music therapy as part of their neurorehabilitation is limited. More than half of the included sources were clinical descriptions with small samples. High‐quality studies involving children, adolescents, families, and interprofessional teams are needed to identify the most effective music therapy methods and techniques for functional outcomes in paediatric neurodisability.</p
Geopolitical ramifications of cybersecurity threats: state responses and international cooperations in the digital warfare era
No full textAs the digital environment progresses, the complexities of cyber threats also advance, encompassing both hostile cyberattacks and sophisticated cyber espionage. In the face of these difficulties, cooperative endeavours between state and non-state actors have attracted considerable interest as crucial elements in improving global cyber resilience. This study examines cybersecurity governance’s evolving dynamics, specifically exploring non-state actors’ roles and their effects on global security. This highlights the increasing dangers presented by supply chain attacks, advanced persistent threats, ransomware, and vulnerabilities on the Internet of Things. Furthermore, it explores how non-state actors, such as terrorist organisations and armed groups, increasingly utilise cyberspace for strategic objectives. This issue can pose a challenge to conventional state-focused approaches to security management. Moreover, the research examines the crucial influence of informal governance processes on forming international cybersecurity regulations. The study emphasises the need for increased cooperation between governmental and non-governmental entities to create robust and flexible cybersecurity measures. This statement urges policymakers, security experts, and researchers to thoroughly examine the complex relationship between geopolitics, informal governance systems, and growing cyber threats to strengthen global digital resilience.</p
Amino acid‐based biostimulants and microbial biostimulants promote the growth, yield and resilience of strawberries in soilless glasshouse cultivation
No full textIntroduction: The increasing demand for strawberries in the United Kingdom, valued for their flavour, nutrition and economic significance, presents challenges in maintaining consistent production, especially under various biotic and abiotic stress conditions. Traditional reliance on conventional agrochemicals to meet these demands is tempered by concerns about their health and environmental impacts, paving the way for eco‐friendly alternatives, such as biostimulants. However, their efficiency in commercial table‐top systems for June‐bearing and ever‐bearing strawberries under glasshouse conditions remains underexplored.Materials and methods: This study investigated the efficiency of two commercial biostimulants in enhancing the growth, productivity and resilience of two strawberry varieties: ‘Malling Centenary’ (June‐bearer) and ‘Malling Ace’ (ever‐bearer) strawberry cultivars in a soilless hydroponic system within an unheated glasshouse. ‘Vitalnova Prime’ (VP), an amino acid and peptide‐based biostimulant derived from yeast, was applied every 2 weeks as a foliar spray (1 mL/L), whereas ‘Vitalnova Triboost’ (VT), a microbial inoculant with live cultures, was incorporated into the medium post‐transplanting (500 g/m3).ResultsVP significantly enhanced vegetative growth in both cultivars, resulting in substantial increases in number of leaves, crowns, crown diameter and shoot biomass accumulation compared to the control. VT also effectively improved multiple growth parameters compared to the control. Both biostimulants similarly improved crown formation and shoot dry weight in ‘Malling Centenary’. In terms of yield, both VP and VT increased yield in ‘Malling Ace’; notably, VP significantly enhanced the number of marketable fruits by 55% and average fruit weight by 56% compared to the control. Additionally, both biostimulants significantly reduced the occurrence of diseased fruits in both cultivars.ConclusionThis study demonstrates that biostimulants significantly enhance the growth, yield, and resilience of strawberries in soilless cultivation systems within unheated glasshouses. These findings suggest that biostimulants offer a sustainable and promising approach to addressing the increasing global demand for high‐quality strawberries.</p
Societal perceptions and acceptance of virtual humans: trust and ethics across different contexts
No full textThis article examines public perceptions of virtual humans across various contexts, including social media, business environments, and personal interactions. Using an experimental approach with 371 participants in the United Kingdom, this research explores how the disclosure of virtual human technology influences trust, performance perception, usage likelihood, and overall acceptance. Participants interacted with virtual humans in simulations, initially unaware of their virtual nature, and then completed surveys to capture their perceptions before and after disclosure. The results indicate that trust and acceptance are higher in social media contexts, whereas business and general settings reveal significant negative shifts post-disclosure. Trust emerged as a critical factor influencing overall acceptance, with social media interactions maintaining higher levels of trust and performance perceptions than business environments and general interactions. A qualitative analysis of open-ended responses and follow-up interviews highlights concerns about transparency, security, and the lack of human touch. Participants expressed fears about data exploitation and the ethical implications of virtual human technology, particularly in business and personal settings. This study underscores the importance of ethical guidelines and transparent protocols to enhance the adoption of virtual humans in diverse sectors. These findings offer valuable insights for developers, marketers, and policymakers to optimise virtual human integration while addressing societal apprehensions, ultimately contributing to more effective and ethical deployment of virtual human technologies
Exposure to simulated nature promotes positive body image irrespective of the presentation modality: a comparison of images, 2-dimensional film, and 360o immersive film
No full textPrevious studies have shown that exposure to simulated natural environments can elevate state body appreciation, but stimulus sets have been limited to the use of images and 2-dimensional (2D) film. To extend this work, we examined the relative impact of images, 2D film, and a 360o immersive film on immediate, state body appreciation. A total of 136 German-speaking adults from Austria (71.3% women; age range 18-69 years) were randomly assigned to one of three conditions, in which they viewed an image set, a 2D film, or a 360o film depicting the same natural environment. Before and after viewing the stimuli, they completed measures of state body appreciation, affect, and desire for aesthetics. Our results showed that state body appreciation improved in all three conditions, with effect sizes ranging from Cohen’s d = 0.26 (2D film) to 0.52 (360o film). Presentation modality did not significantly shape improvements in state body appreciation; that is, the elevation in state body appreciation was equivalent across all three groups. Participants also experienced improvements in feelings of pleasantness, but again this was independent of the experimental group. These results suggest exposure to simulated nature may improve state body appreciation irrespective of the presentation modality.</p
Equation for Attractiveness: Integrating Multidimensional Factors Through Computational Neuroaesthetics
No full textBackground: Understanding the multifaceted nature of attractiveness (A), which encompasses physical beauty (PB), genuineness (GEN), self-confidence (SC), and prior experience (RE), is crucial for various domains, including psychology and clinical aesthetics. Previous studies have often isolated specific elements, failing to capture their intricate interplay. This study aims to develop a comprehensive equation for attractiveness using computational neuroaesthetics. Method: The study began with a pilot study involving 250 participants (50 experts and 200 laypersons) who prerated 500 facial images on a Likert scale for traits such as physical beauty, genuineness, self-confidence, and perceived prior experience. Following the pilot, the main study recruited 11,780 participants through diverse media channels to rate a new set of 1,000 facial images. Advanced computational techniques, including multiple linear regression and Bayesian hierarchical modelling, were employed to analyse the data and formulate an attractiveness equation. Results: The analysis identified genuineness as the most significant factor, followed by physical beauty, self-confidence, and prior experience. The proposed equation for attractiveness, refined through Bayesian modelling, is: A=β0+(β1·PB+β2·GEN+β3·SC+β4·PE)+ϵA=1.82+(0.34·PB+0.44·GEN+0.26·SC+0.16·PE)+ϵ (β0 is the intercept; β1, β2, β3, β4 are the coefficients for each factor; and ϵ is the error term) Conclusion: The findings underscore the paramount importance of psychological traits in attractiveness assessments, suggesting a shift from purely physical enhancements to holistic interventions in clinical settings. This model provides a robust framework for understanding attractiveness and has potential applications in psychology, marketing, and AI. Level of Evidence IV: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266.</p
How do individuals cope at work in the context of the Imposter Phenomenon? A thematic analysis study
No full textThis study seeks to understand the coping mechanisms that individuals employ to deal with their experience of the Imposter Phenomenon (IP) when at work. IP is an inner sense of being a fraud despite external evidence to the contrary. The study also seeks to understand whether psychological courage plays a role in enabling these individuals to carry out their work when experiencing IP.This study contributes to the body of academic literature as there is a paucity of research into IP in the workplace and coping strategies. In addition, there is limited research on IP and psychological courage. Psychological courage is concerned not with physical risk or standing up for what is right, but with challenges to the very sense of the self. Drawing from the field of positive psychology, it is this challenge to the psyche by adopting a more positive self-view that is of interest to this study and informs the theoretical framework. The results of this study are of interest to both academics and practitioners.Over 100 people completed the Clance Imposter Phenomenon Scale (CIPS), a validated tool for indicating experiences of IP. The study’s criteria, including a CIPS score of more than 61 indicating frequent or intense levels of IP, were met by 42 participants who worked in the finance and insurance sector, 21 of whom took part in an in-depth semi-structured interview. Thematic analysis was used to develop themes from the data.Several themes were generated from the data including maladaptive preparation to prevent being ‘found out’, positive benefits from external support, dismissal of positive feedback and a lack of awareness of psychological courage. Indications are that introducing participants to the concept of psychological courage helps them reframe their actions and re-evaluate the external evidence and positive feedback, enabling them to revise their self-view more positively. Conclusions from the data provide directions for further research, potential practical interventions and implications for policy making for organisations and managers.</p
Meaningful relationships in foster care: an interpretive inquiry of supervising social workers within three independent fostering providers
No full textBackground: In England, nearly half (45%) of all children and young people in mainstream foster carer are in care provided by independent foster care providers (IFPs) (Department for Education, 2022). Yet, little is known about the relationships held between children and young people and their foster carers, nor the extent of the support they receive from their IFP, and its impact on their relationships. Focusing on the role of supervising social workers (SSWs) within three English-based IFPs, this study asks the question: ‘What are the essential factors and interpersonal qualities SSWs need to assist children and their foster carers in building and maintaining a meaningful relationship?’Methodology: This study has involved interpretive qualitative semi-structured interviews with three groups of four participants; a young person over the age of 16, their foster carer(s), their allocated SSW and their social work manager from three different IFPs, making a total of 13 participants. In each context, close attention is focused on the participants' voices and their own constructions of the relationship between the young people and their foster carers and the impact that the SSW may have had on their relationships.Findings: The study was not about good versus bad social work but how the SSWs position themselves and engage with the young people and their foster carers. The study’s rich findings provide a rare view into the way SSWs within three IFPs have improved relationship outcomes for young people and their foster carers through their statutory role, personal involvement and interpersonal skills, thereby demonstrating that SSWs are not working from the sideline.Conclusions: This explorative study adds to what is currently known about the importance of attachment for children looked after and their foster carers, as well as relationship-based social work. Furthermore, it highlights the advantages of SSWs spending more time with the children being cared for by the foster carers they supervise and support. This goes beyond customary practice for SSWs in England.</p
Data sources:
Access Repository Dashboard
Do you manage Open Research Online? Become a CORE Member to access insider analytics, issue reports and manage access to outputs from your repository in the CORE Repository Dashboard! 👇