134125 research outputs found
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Psychosocial mediators of the relationship between body weight and exercise-related cognitions and behaviours
No full textThe current study investigated the link between body weight (measured via BMI) and exercise-related cognitions (fitness mindset) and behaviours (exercise frequency and effort), as well as the mediating role of three psychosocial factors: self-presentational concerns, negative social comparison, and social physique anxiety. Data were collected cross-sectionally via validated questionnaires from a large sample of undergraduate psychology students (n = 707, Mage = 22.28, SD = 7.72). The findings challenge the notion that body weight is an impediment to exercise participation; although BMI predicted worse psychosocial outcomes, the overall mediation model revealed that BMI predicted more exercise frequency and effort. Moreover, the psychosocial variables mediated these associations, but in different directions. BMI predicted lower fitness mindset and less exercise frequency and effort via heightened self-presentational concern, and BMI predicted less exercise effort via more negative social comparison. Conversely, BMI predicted more, rather than less, exercise frequency and effort via heightened social physique anxiety. Negative self-referent evaluations (i.e., regarding effective impression management and relative standing) were more likely to be demotivating via reduced confidence and belongingness, whereas the threat of external judgement (i.e., regarding negative physique-related evaluation) was more likely to be motivating perhaps via compensatory mechanisms. The findings further illuminate the importance of considering the interaction between personal characteristics and psychosocial context when understanding exercise as a health-promoting activity for people across the full spectrum of body weight. Future research should disentangle the contexts in which psychosocial factors are motivating or demotivating for certain individuals, perhaps via in-the-moment methodologies.No Full Tex
Investigation of small-angle SiC ICP etching assisted by optical emission spectroscopy diagnostics
No full textSmall-angle etching of SiC is widely applied in the fabrication of advanced power and optoelectronic devices. Therefore, this paper presents a method for forming small-angle trenches with high surface quality on 4H-SiC by inductively coupled plasma (ICP) etching. By combining optical emission spectroscopy (OES) technique, the effects of ICP power, RF power and the O2 ratio in the SF6/O2 gas mixture on the SiC etch angle and surface roughness were investigated. Our results suggest that the O2 ratio plays the dominant role among the three factors. Based on the analysis of characteristic peaks in OES, a model parameter K was established for the first time which exhibits a strong nonlinear exponential correlation with the SiC etch angle. This enables in-situ estimation of the etch angle without requiring additional complex measurements. Finally, the SiC avalanche photodiode (APD) was fabricated under the optimal etching condition. The device achieves a dark current on the order of pA and a maximum gain exceeding 106. This study provides key insights for the development and fabrication of small-angle beveled SiC devices with simplified processes.No Full Tex
Public Participation in Tropical Conservation and Environmental Management Research: Toward a Locally Grounded and Reflexive Practice
No full textPublic participation in scientific research (PPSR) is the intentional engagement of the public in scientific inquiry and is increasingly popular in conservation and related fields. It advances knowledge, participant learning opportunities, local innovation and empowerment, and more equitable natural resource management. While the published literature recognizes various PPSR types, many reviews—especially those labeled “citizen science”—have overlooked comparable experiences in tropical regions. Consequently, our current knowledge of PPSR in the tropics is limited to disparate case studies, hindering broader connections and lessons. This review aims to clarify PPSR and the interactions between institutions, the environment, and local and non-local actors by drawing from a bibliometric review and authorial experiences to illustrate the role of PPSR across the tropics. Results show that public participation has significantly contributed to tropical conservation and environmental management for at least 50 years. However, international authorities and scholarly sources only began recognizing its value and potential in the early 1990s. Most publications reviewed (383/453 papers) describe one place-based research activity, with high representation from terrestrial-oriented research, in the field of resource management, and developed countries (e.g., Australia and British, French, and US territories). We follow with vignettes to illustrate participation and make recommendations from our synthesis of lessons. These recommendations present public participation as an opportunity for tropical conservation and environmental management to better value the local context and contributions from diverse communities. This approach encourages embedding participation in more reflexive practices to enhance the overall effectiveness and inclusivity of conservation efforts.No Full Tex
Tracing the evolution of workplace sexual harassment reporting and investigations: A historical scoping review
Full text linkRecent legislation has expanded organizational responsibility for employee safety, reframing workplace sexual harassment reporting and investigation procedures as an essential risk management strategy. Initially shaped by legal frameworks that prioritized criminal investigation models, these processes focus heavily on punitive measures and overlook a growing interest in educational, restorative and supportive mechanisms that better sustain psychological safety and strong business practice. This chronologically structured scoping review (N = 55) traces the evolving landscape of workplace sexual harassment management across several decades, highlighting key shifts in both academic research and legislative frameworks. The findings reveal persistent challenges such as bias, limited sample diversity, and inconsistent methodologies across decades. A notable gap in the literature is the lack of longitudinal research assessing the long-term effectiveness of current reporting procedures. Our thematic analysis presents the progression of scholarly inquiry into WSH reporting, showcasing the evolution from punitive measures (i.e., disciplinary actions and legal protections for the organization) to acknowledgement of the underlying structural factors that perpetuate harassment and the need to relieve victims of the burden of proof and responsibility. By mapping changes in the literature, this review illustrates how both societal and legal developments have shaped current practices and exposed ongoing challenges. The findings underscore the need for future research to prioritize evidence-based, alternative approaches that promote safer and more transparent organizational cultures.Full Tex
Cavitation in blood-contacting biomedical devices
Full text linkCardiovascular disease, coupled with the growing demand for advanced therapeutic interventions, has driven the development of more effective treatment strategies; medical devices that support or replace components of the cardiovascular system have become conventional for extending the lives of patients. When organic biological components interface with non-physiological engineered stopgaps, suboptimal interactions can impact device function, durability, and even propagate life-threatening complications through the advent of foreign material and flow conditions. Cavitation is one such non-physiological event; while uncommon, it can occur within these devices, causing damage to material surfaces, surrounding tissues, and circulating blood cells. This review presents a contemporary overview of cavitation in blood-contacting biomedical devices, focusing on the underlying mechanisms, cavitation-prone locations, cavitation impact, and mitigation strategies. This paper discusses possible solutions and outlook that would enhance the performance of medical devices and avoid adverse effects of cavitation with modified device designs, operational control, material innovation, and surface treatments (e.g., microstructures, coatings).Full Tex
Seasonality and water source strategies in the Neolithic Near East (ca. 8,000-5,000 BCE): Insights from multi-proxy isotopic and elemental analyses
No full textPrevious studies have demonstrated that enamel oxygen isotope values (δ18O) reflect rainfall variability experienced by wild primates and ancient humans, providing insights into local climatic conditions. However, it remains less clear whether seasonal patterns can be consistently detected in premodern human communities experiencing different local water dynamics, or how these patterns may vary regionally. Here we present 1958 ion microprobe δ18O measurements linked to enamel growth increments in 15 molars from 13 individuals, representing a combined total of 48 years of enamel formation sampled at approximately weekly resolution. We additionally integrate 87Sr/86Sr and trace-element datasets, contextualized by the δ18O enamel profiles, to assess seasonal adaptation and the likelihood that observed isotopic patterns reflect local rather than non-local signatures. Our dataset spans three Neolithic archaeological sites characterized by distinct water sources: Ali Kosh, Iran (ca. 7,500–6,500 cal BCE); Nemrik 9, Iraq (ca. 8,000–6,500 BCE); and Tepe Sialk North, Iran (ca. 5,800–4,900 BCE). Individuals from Ali Kosh exhibited the highest δ18O values in the dataset along with substantial intra-individual variability, consistent with reliance on evaporatively enriched transient and isotopically diverse water sources—possibly shaped by local mobility or water management strategies. In contrast, individuals from Nemrik 9 displayed clear, large-amplitude annual cycles in their enamel δ18O values, a pattern consistent with a settlement situated near a perennial river subjected to pronounced climatic seasonality. Tepe Sialk North individuals exhibited the lowest δ18O variability, consistent with consumption of isotopically buffered sources such as springs or artesian-fed systems. Predicted drinking water δ18O values for most of the Nemrik 9 and Ali Kosh individuals align well with modern regional rainfall isotope values, while those from Tepe Sialk North underestimate local precipitation δ18O values, as expected for groundwater-fed sources. Additionally, site-specific seasonal patterns were observed in Ba/Ca and Li/Ca elemental ratios, likely shaped by the interplay of regional geology and hydrology. Together, our findings provide valuable insights into Neolithic water access strategies in arid regions, while also underscoring the limitations of identifying bioarchaeological migrants based solely on δ18O values from tooth enamel.Full Tex
An integrative educational framework to enhance logical reasoning and cognitive skills in undergraduate nursing students: A constructivist grounded theory approach
No full textAim: The study aimed to explore an educational and learning approach that integrates bioscience concepts, utilizing concept maps and situated cases, to systematically enhance the progression from lower- to higher-order cognitive and logical reasoning skills, thereby strengthening clinical decision-making among undergraduate nursing students. Background: Students' cognitive development from their previous learning experiences is often limited, resulting in difficulty retaining knowledge related to biosciences and care. These limited opportunities to develop logical reasoning and cognitive skills during prior learning can hinder students' clinical judgment and professional growth. Methods: A constructivist grounded theory approach was employed to conduct individual interviews, facilitating qualitative data collection from 17 undergraduate nursing students through purposive and theoretical sampling. Data was analyzed using a constant comparative analysis methodology, involving initial, focused, and axial coding. Credibility, originality, resonance, and usefulness criteria affirmed the study's trustworthiness. The study was conducted from January to June 2024. Results: The educational approach enhances students' logical reasoning and cognitive abilities with integrated concepts. Emphasizing concept mapping, this methodology allows students to engage in a logical reasoning process that includes deductive, inductive, and abductive reasoning. Such an approach fosters cognitive skills development, enabling students to create concept maps for specific scenarios and implement effective care interventions. Based on the findings, this novel framework has been termed the Bioscience Concepts-Visual Hypotheses-Concrete Applications (B-V-C) model. Conclusions: The B-V-C learning model enhances cognitive and logical thinking skills by blending bioscience concepts, visual hypotheses, and practical applications. However, cognitive overload during the learning process may hinder students' ability to integrate complex bioscience concepts effectively, potentially impacting their learning outcomes. Additional research is needed to assess the effectiveness of the B-V-C learning model across diverse populations and explore factors influencing its implementation and efficiency in enhancing cognitive and logical reasoning skills.No Full Tex
The impact of dysphagia on carers of people with head and neck cancer: development and preliminary validation of the significant other scale for eating in head and neck cancer (SOSE-H&N)
No full textPurpose: This study aimed to develop a tool to measure the impact of dysphagia on carers of people with head and neck cancer (HNC) and conduct preliminary psychometric testing. Materials and Methods: The Significant Other Scale for Eating in Head and Neck Cancer (SOSE-H&N) was developed using a mixed-methods, exploratory-sequential approach. Initial item development was based on thematic analysis of qualitative interviews with 24 carers. The SOSE-H&N was then presented to a sample of five carers and 11 clinicians for preliminary validity testing and item reduction. Psychometric analysis was conducted based on the responses of 63 carers, to evaluate the reliability and validity of the tool. Result: Four themes, 16 categories, and 34 sub-categories described the impact of dysphagia on carers. These themes, categories, and sub-categories were operationalised into a 55-item instrument that was subsequently reduced to 26 items. Preliminary psychometric testing demonstrated face validity and good internal consistency. Principal component analysis confirmed the construct validity, identified four potential sub-scales, and identified two items for removal. Conclusion: The SOSE-H&N is a self-administered instrument with preliminary evidence of validity and reliability. The SOSE-H&N could potentially serve as a means of identifying carers of people with dysphagia who require additional support, though further testing is needed.No Full Tex
What Magnitude of Change in FEV1 is Associated With Increased Odds for Asthma Exacerbation and Loss of Control?
No full textBACKGROUND: Spirometry (FEV1) is often measured as part of ongoing asthma management, but little is understood about what merits a clinically meaningful change in FEV1. METHOLOLOGY: Data were collated from five clinical trials where FEV1 was measured at 3-month intervals. Change in FEV1 over 3-months was expressed as: FEV1 change score (Zc), absolute change in %FEV1 (∆FEV1%) and absolute change in FEV1 z score (∆FEV1z). The association between change in FEV1 over 3 months and asthma outcomes in the following 3 months was estimated using logistic regression. RESULTS: Data from 1264 children were analysed. Declines in in Zc between 1.1 and 2.9, in ∆FEV1% between 12% and 23% and in ∆FEV1z between 0.9 and 2.0, were associated with increased odds ratio (OR) for later asthma exacerbation of between 1.3 and 2.3. Unexpectedly, rises in Zc of 1.7-1.9 and in ∆FEV1% of 14 and 18 were also associated with increased OR for a future exacerbation of between 1.3 and 1.6. Among children with controlled asthma symptoms, declines in Zc of 1.7, in ∆FEV1% of 11 and 14 and in ∆FEV1z of 0.8-1.1 were associated with increases in OR for future loss of control of between 1.5 and 1.7. Rises in all three indices of change in FEV1 were associated with reduced OR between 0.4 and 0.7 for future loss of control. A lower initial FEV1 z score was associated with higher variability in longitudinal FEV1 z-score measurements. CONCLUSIONS: FEV1 variability, and not simply a fall in FEV1, identifies children at increased risk for future asthma exacerbations. The clinical relevance of a single FEV1 may be uncertain.No Full Tex
Eating Disorders Prevention and Management Among Australian and New Zealand Dietetic Professionals: A Repeat Cross-Sectional Study Exploring Training Needs and Future Opportunities
No full textObjective: Eating disorders are associated with high morbidity and mortality, requiring timely treatment by a competent workforce. Dietitians are important members of the eating disorders health care team. This study aimed to explore the perceived and changing eating disorders education and training needs of practising dietitians in Australia and New Zealand across two time points. Method: A cross-sectional survey was administered to Australian and New Zealand dietitian members of professional associations in 2009 and 2022. The 2022 survey was administered online via Microsoft Forms and contained 51 items, including Likert scale, tick-box and open-ended responses. Descriptive analysis and logistic regression models were used to identify predictors of perceived knowledge, skill, comfort, confidence and educational need. Qualitative data was analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. Results: 286 dietitians completed the 2009 survey and 147 the 2022 survey. In 2022 98% were female and 74% aged 20–40 years. Compared with 2009, dietitians in 2022 undertook more eating disorders education and training, reported greater knowledge and skill, and were more likely to express a need for education and training. Across both surveys, prior training, clinical experience and workplace setting predicted knowledge, skill, comfort or confidence. Prevention, detection, referral and a broad range of treatment aspects were identified as important educational areas. Discussion: Improvements over time in access to eating disorders training and perceived knowledge and skill were evident. Key educational areas of prevention, detection, referral and treatment require action as a priority to ensure dietitians are well equipped to practice in eating disorders.No Full Tex