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Understanding youth online experiences and mental health:Development and validation of the Digital Activity and Feelings Inventory (DAFI)
Get PDFObjectives: We created the Digital Activity and Feelings Inventory (DAFI) to measure youth digital activities and the psychological reactions they evoke, established its psychometric properties and tested its validity in predicting mental health relative to screen time estimates. Methods: An initial pool of items was generated using the existing research on youth digital activity and mental health and further refined via consultations with experts and young people (online youth panel sessions, n = 14). The participants (n = 383, mean age = 19 years) completed the resulting DAFI alongside established measures of depression, anxiety, wellbeing, and screen time. The DAFI factor structure, reliability and predictive validity were tested. Results: Exploratory factor analyses identified five digital activity subscales: Risky Content, Risky Interactions, Social Comparison, Leisure Activities and Social Engagement and three psychological reactions subscales: Negative Self-Reactions, Negative Stress Reactions, and Positive Reactions. Internal consistency and test-retest reliability were high. Social Comparison and Negative Self-Reactions, but not screen time, independently predicted depression and anxiety symptoms. Positive Reactions, lack of Negative Self-Reactions, lower screen time and Social Engagement predicted wellbeing. Conclusion: The DAFI is a reliable measure of digital activities and associated psychological reactions and predicts youth mental health better than screen time
Does pupillometry provide a valid measure of spatial attentional bias (pseudoneglect)?
Get PDFStrauch et al. (2022) introduced a novel approach to assess biases of visual attention, by measuring pupillary constriction in response to split-field stimuli, in which a bright patch is presented to one visual field and a dark patch to the other. Their study suggested that pupillary constriction is more pronounced in response to bright stimuli in the left visual field compared to the right, consistent with a neurotypical attentional bias towards the left side (pseudoneglect). This pupillometric bias was also found to correlate with performance on the greyscales task, an established behavioural measure of pseudoneglect. The present study sought to replicate these findings, and investigated the influence of the eye of recording on the pupillary constriction bias measured by this split-field method (n = 80). There was a major influence of the eye of recording, whereby each pupil constricted more to light in the ipsilateral than the contralateral visual field (d = 1.67). Averaging across the eyes, we confirmed stronger pupillary constriction to bright stimuli in the left compared to the right visual field (pseudoneglect), but with a small effect size (d = −.31). While the split-field paradigm does detect pseudoneglect, it does not seem to be especially sensitive, and large sample sizes may be required to detect this subtle bias. However, the method may hold promise for studying stronger attentional biases, such as those seen in spatial neglect
Configurable antiferromagnetic domains and lateral exchange bias in atomically thin CrPS<sub>4</sub>
Get PDFInterfacial exchange coupling between antiferromagnets (AFMs) and ferromagnets (FMs) crucially makes it possible to shift the FM hysteresis, known as exchange bias, and to switch AFM states. Two-dimensional magnets unlock opportunities to combine AFM and FM materials; however, the buried AFM–FM interfaces obtained by stacking remains challenging to understand. Here we demonstrate interfacial control via intralayer exchange coupling in the layered AFM CrPS4, where connected even and odd layers realize pristine lateral interfaces between AFM-like and FM-like regions. We distinguish antiphase even-layer states by scanning nitrogen-vacancy centre magnetometry due to a weak surface magnetization. This surface magnetization enables control over the even-layer state, with different regions switching at distinct fields due to their own lateral couplings. We toggle three AFM domains adjacent to a FM-like region and demonstrate a tunable multilevel exchange bias. Our nanoscale visualization unveils the microscopic origins of exchange bias and advances single two-dimensional crystals for hybrid AFM–FM technologies
Iterative Solver of the Wet-Bed Step Riemann Problem
Get PDFThis study presents a one-dimensional solver of the shallow water equations designed for the wet-bed step Riemann problem. Nonlinear mass and momentum equations incorporating shock and rarefaction waves in a straight one-dimensional channel are expressed as a pair of equations that depend solely on local depth values either side of the step. These unified equations are uniquely designed for the four conditions involving shock and rarefaction waves that can occur in the Step Riemann Problem. The Levenberg–Marquardt method is used to solve these simplified nonlinear equations. Four verification tests are considered for shallow free surface flow in a wet-bed channel with a step. These cases involve two rarefactions, opposing shock-like hydraulic bores, and a rarefaction and shock-like bore. The numerical predictions are in close agreement with existing theory, demonstrating that the method is very effective at solving the wet-bed step Riemann problem
Optimizing international market selection:A dynamic approach integrating export and FDI entry modes
Get PDFEffectively evaluating and selecting foreign markets is essential for successful internationalization. Traditional International Market Selection (IMS) frameworks typically follow a linear, sequential process: identifying motives, selecting markets, and subsequently determining entry modes. However, such sequential frameworks inadequately account for today's dynamic global market conditions, often resulting in firms entering appropriate markets via an unsuitable entry mode—termed herein as Type III error. Addressing this dangerous error, our study proposes a novel IMS approach that simultaneously integrates market attractiveness and considerations of the suitability of the entry mode selected. Using a dual-criteria ranking method combined with a 45° line analysis, we evaluate 86 prospective international markets across 30 variables. This approach enables firms to align market selection and entry mode decisions from the outset and responds directly to recent research emphasizing their interdependent nature. Our findings reveal that not all markets are analogous, that is, equally attractive for export and FDI, and that some markets are quite distinct, requiring specific entry modes. By adopting this integrated, flexible framework, firms can make more nuanced, strategically coherent internationalization decisions, minimizing risks associated with entry mode misalignment and enhancing their global strategic effectiveness.</p
The UK Biobank mental health enhancement 2022:Methods and results
Get PDFBACKGROUND: This paper introduces the UK Biobank (UKB) second mental health questionnaire (MHQ2), describes its design, the respondents and some notable findings. UKB is a large cohort study with over 500,000 volunteer participants aged 40-69 years when recruited in 2006-2010. It is an important resource of extensive health, genetic and biomarker data. Enhancements to UKB enrich the data available. MHQ2 is an enhancement designed to enable and facilitate research with psychosocial and mental health aspects.METHODS: UKB sent participants a link to MHQ2 by email in October-November 2022. The MHQ2 was designed by a multi-institutional consortium to build on MHQ1. It characterises lifetime depression further, adds data on panic disorder and eating disorders, repeats 'current' mental health measures and updates information about social circumstances. It includes established measures, such as the PHQ-9 for current depression and CIDI-SF for lifetime panic, as well as bespoke questions. Algorithms and R code were developed to facilitate analysis.RESULTS: At the time of analysis, MHQ2 results were available for 169,253 UKB participants, of whom 111,275 had also completed the earlier MHQ1. Characteristics of respondents and the whole UKB cohort are compared. The major phenotypes are lifetime: depression (18%); panic disorder (4.0%); a specific eating disorder (2.8%); and bipolar affective disorder I (0.4%). All mental disorders are found less with older age and also seem to be related to selected social factors. In those participants who answered both MHQ1 (2016) and MHQ2 (2022), current mental health measure showed that fewer respondents have harmful alcohol use than in 2016 (relative risk 0.84), but current depression (RR 1.07) and anxiety (RR 0.98) have not fallen, as might have been expected given the relationship with age. We also compare lifetime concepts for test-retest reliability.CONCLUSIONS: There are some drawbacks to UKB due to its lack of population representativeness, but where the research question does not depend on this, it offers exceptional resources that any researcher can apply to access. This paper has just scratched the surface of the results from MHQ2 and how this can be combined with other tranches of UKB data, but we predict it will enable many future discoveries about mental health and health in general.</p
The Detection and Attribution Model Intercomparison Project (DAMIP v2.0) contribution to CMIP7
Get PDFThe first version of the Detection and Attribution Model Intercomparison Project (DAMIP v1.0) coordinated key simulations exploring the role of individual forcings in past, current and future climate as part of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project, Phase 6 (CMIP6). The simulations have been used extensively in the literature for detection and attribution of long-term changes, constraining projections of climate change, attributing extreme events and understanding drivers of past and future simulated climate changes. Attribution studies using DAMIP v1.0 simulations underpinned prominent assessments of human-induced warming in the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Sixth Assessment Report. Here, we describe the set of DAMIP v2.0 simulations, proposed for the next phase of CMIP, CMIP7. Detection and attribution studies rely on pre-industrial control simulations and historical simulations, which will be part of the Diagnostic, Evaluation and Characterization of Klima (DECK) set of simulations for CMIP7. In addition, we identify the three highest-priority single-forcing experiments for CMIP7 to be run as “Assessment Fast Track” simulations in support of the Seventh Assessment Report of the IPCC: simulations with natural forcings only, anthropogenic well-mixed greenhouse gases only and anthropogenic aerosols only. Beyond this, the DAMIP v2.0 experimental design includes full-column ozone-only simulations and land-use-only simulations, such that the set of individual forcing experiments, when these are considered together, represents the full set of historical forcings. While concentration-driven simulations are prioritised for attribution, emissions-driven versions of the DAMIP experiments are also proposed to support understanding of the influence of carbon-cycle feedbacks on the simulated responses to individual forcings
Multiple Symptoms Study 3 - An extended-role general practitioner clinic for patients with persistent physical symptoms:a Randomised Controlled Trial
Get PDFBACKGROUND: People with multiple and persistent physical symptoms have impaired quality of life and poor experiences of health care. We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a community-based Symptoms Clinic intervention in people with multiple and persistent physical symptoms.TRIAL DESIGN: Pragmatic multicentre individually randomised parallel group clinical trial.METHODS: Participants: Recruitment was between December 2018 and December 2021 in four areas of the UK. Eligibility was based on electronic health records, healthcare use and multiple physical symptoms (PHQ-15 between 10 and 20) which were not due to other medical conditions. Intervention delivery changed from face to face to online in 2020 in response to the pandemic. Interventions: Participants were randomised to receive the Symptoms Clinic plus usual care (intervention) or usual care alone (control). The Symptoms Clinic is a short-term extended medical consultation-based intervention delivered over approximately 8 weeks. Objective: To test the clinical and cost-effectiveness of an extended-role general practitioner 'Symptoms Clinic' for people with persistent physical symptoms. Outcome: The primary outcome measure was the PHQ-15 at 52 weeks post randomisation. Randomisation: Participants were randomised 1 : 1 using a centralised web-based system, stratified by study centre with random permuted blocks of varying sizes. Masking: It was not possible to mask participants to their allocation. Outcome assessors who handled patient-reported questionnaires were masked to allocation.RESULTS: Numbers randomised: 354 participants were randomised into the trial: 176 to the usual care group and 178 to the intervention group. Numbers analysed: 132 participants in the usual care group and 144 participants in the intervention group were included in the analysis representing 77.8% retention. Outcome: Mean (SD) PHQ-15 at baseline was 14.9 (3.0) in the control group and 15.0 (2.9) in the intervention group. At 52 weeks it was 14.1 (3.7) in the control group and 12.2 (4.5) in the intervention group. The between-group difference, adjusted for age, sex, baseline PHQ-15 and clinician effect was -1.82 (95% CI -2.67 to -0.97; p < 0.001) favouring the intervention. Harms: There were no significant between-group differences in the proportions of patients experiencing non-serious (-0.03, 95% CI -0.11 to 0.05) or serious (0.02, 95% CI -0.02 to 0.07) adverse events. All serious adverse events were deemed unrelated to trial interventions. Economic evaluation: Cost-effectiveness analysis indicated an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of £15,751/QALY. Process evaluation: The intervention was delivered with high fidelity and was acceptable to patients. The intervention appeared to act through the hypothesised mechanism of explanation as a bridge from uncertainty about the cause to actions to manage symptoms. Limitations and further research: The intervention was delivered by a small number of GPs in long consultations. Further research should examine wider implementation and how to integrate elements of the intervention into shorter consultations.CONCLUSIONS: The Symptoms Clinic delivered by specially trained GPs leads to a clinically meaningful improvement in physical symptoms at 52 weeks and is likely to be a cost-effective addition to current care.FUNDING: This synopsis presents independent research funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Health and Social Care Delivery Research programme as award number 15/136/07.</p
The COVID-19 pandemic in children and young people during 2022-24:what new did we learn?
Get PDFThe research conducted between 2022 and 2024 has advanced our understanding of COVID-19 in children and young people (CYP), particularly with the emergence of the Omicron variant and its subvariants. The findings have reinforced that, while Omicron infections are often milder compared to earlier variants, the overall seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 in children has increased, with notable regional and demographic disparities. COVID-19-related hospitalisation rates in children rose during Omicron waves, especially among infants, unvaccinated individuals, and CYP at higher risk, i.e. with comorbidities such as obesity, diabetes, and neurological or cardiac conditions. Despite this, severe disease and mortality in children remained very low. The observed increases in type 1 diabetes incidence and multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) have also highlighted the broader systemic effects of SARS-CoV-2 in paediatric populations. Evidence has underscored the protective effect of vaccination in preventing severe disease and MIS-C and vaccine safety, emphasising the need for targeted immunisation strategies, particularly among children who may be at higher risk. Studies have also estimated that a significant proportion of children experienced persistent post-COVID-19 infection symptoms such as fatigue, mood disturbances, sleep disorders, and respiratory difficulties, but the reported prevalence varied widely, from as low as 1.6% to as high as 70%, due to differences in study methodologies, case definitions, and populations studied. Standardised definitions and measurement tools, such as those developed through international consensus processes, are required to improve diagnosis, treatment, and research into this persisting condition. Ethnic disparities in vaccine uptake persist, implying that vaccine hesitancy and accessibility, alongside approaches to countering disinformation, are important areas for future research.</p
Holistic perspectives on complexities and implications of translanguaging in multilingual contexts:A commentary
Get PDFAs reflected in the title of the opening commentary for this special issue, holistic perspectives on the nature and potential of translanguaging emerged as the authors shared deep reflection of issues inherent in and growing from empirical research focussing on multilingual practices in EMI/CLIL-related classrooms. Translating global education goals such as ‘quality education for all’ into realities, involves a collective responsibility to promote pedagogies that address contextually sensitive challenges, cultural diversity and social inequalities. Multilingual classrooms embody spaces where more than one language is known, used, learned, encouraged or ‘forbidden,’ built on ideologies, power dynamics and marginalisation that impact on the way learners learn, and teachers teach. Moreover, throughout the last decade attitudes towards translanguaging have shifted significantly, leading to its increasing legitimization in multilingual educational contexts. Yet, the transformative potential of translanguaging in promoting equity and social justice requires further critical examination that situates classroom pedagogies in transparent sociopolitical and linguistic contexts. By emphasizing holistic (re)conceptualisations of the potential of translanguaging across multilingual studies in this issue, five distinct yet interrelated themes are evidenced. These are: translanguaging for equity and social justice; classroom interactions as translanguaging spaces; teacher awareness of the complexities of translanguaging; multimodality and translanguaging in assessment; and integrating technology-mediated translanguaging considering teacher competence and foregrounding student voice. The findings in this collection contribute significantly to a challenging futures-thinking research agenda serving as the springboard for further nuanced context-sensitive classroom-based studies unravelling practices and guiding principles along the pathway towards advancing quality multilingual education for all.</p
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