Browse Articles
Discover research articles across all indexed journals
Cultural factors in mid- and later life volunteerism in the United States: A scoping review protocol
Introduction Volunteerism in midlife and later life is linked to improved well-being for individuals and stronger communities, but participation rates differ widely across groups. Most existing research has focused on socioeconomic factors to explain volunteering, while cultural factors have received less attention and are often narrowly defined, usually in terms of religiosity. As a result, it remains unclear how culture is conceptualized and examined in relation to volunteering in later life. To address this gap, it is important to systematically review how cultural factors have been defined and studied in relation to volunteerism among older adults. Methods and analysis This protocol describes a scoping review that will follow the JBI Scoping Review Framework and the PRISMA-ScR guidelines. The review aims to identify and map how cultural factors are conceptualized and operationalized in studies of formal and informal volunteerism among adults aged 50 and older in the United States. Searches will include several academic databases. Two reviewers will independently screen studies and extract data. Findings will be synthesized using descriptive and thematic analysis. Cultural factors identified across studies will be grouped into themes based on conceptual similarity to summarize how culture has been conceptualized and operationalized in U.S.-based volunteerism research and study. As this is a protocol, no results are reported. Registration: This protocol has been registered on the Open Science Framework (OSF) ( https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/4SZVU ).
Parameter-free optimization algorithm effective and precise solution of the optimal power flow problem
Abstract Difficult Optimization problems can be efficiently solved through nature-inspired optimization algorithms, which remain problem-independent and are computational models at a conceptual level. In this work, a Jaya algorithm will be offered for tackling the Optimal Power Flow (OPF) problem. The basic idea of the Jaya algorithm for optimization problems is that the candidate solutions should move closer to the global optimum solution without converging at suboptimal solutions. Like other nature-inspired optimization techniques, the Jaya method is parameter-free and does not require any algorithm-specific control factors, such as learning or mutant parameters. The parameter freedom of an optimization algorithm not only improves its simplicity, but it also overcomes the challenge of adjusting optimization algorithm parameters, which affects performance as indicated in the literature, and can be expensive for some computations. The OPF problem aims to optimize the different objective functions using the control variables of the power systems. These include improving the voltage stability, decreasing the cost and emissions, and reducing power loss. For comparison purposes, the Jaya optimization technique for the OPF problem has been tested on the IEEE 30-Bus, 57-Bus and IEEE 118 Bus systems. The results were compared to previously reported outcomes of optimization approaches. The result of the computational study reveals the effectiveness of the Jaya optimization technique when compared with the other reported techniques. For instance, when the Jaya algorithm was applied to the IEEE 30-bus system, the fuel cost was reduced by approximately 11.31% compared to the initial operating condition.
In vivo evaluation of binder jet 3D-Printed monetite, brushite, and octacalcium phosphate: A comparative study for bone regeneration in a rat calvarial defect model
Background Three-dimensional (3D)-printed hydroxyapatite (3DP-HA), fabricated via binder jetting of calcium sulfate-based powders followed by phase conversion, has demonstrated bone regeneration efficacy in both in vitro and in vivo studies. However, the inherently low solubility nature of hydroxyapatite (HA) led to slow resorption, which may impede new bone formation. This study aimed to evaluate the in vivo bone regeneration efficacy of three newly developed resorbable 3D-printed calcium phosphate scaffolds, including brushite (3DP-BRU), monetite (3DP-MO), and octacalcium phosphate (3DP-OCP), fabricated using the similar technology as 3DP-HA. Methods The scaffolds were implanted in a rat calvarial defect model and compared with control groups, including 3DP-HA and two commercial bone grafts: bovine bone graft (BBG) and freeze-dried bone allograft (FDBA). Bone regeneration and material resorption were assessed using micro-computed tomography (micro-CT), histological, and immunohistochemical analyses. Results Micro-CT and histological evaluations demonstrated that 3DP-MO and 3DP-BRU scaffolds significantly enhanced new bone formation and bone cell activities within the defect sites compared with the controls. Furthermore, both 3DP-MO and 3DP-BRU exhibited considerably lower residual graft material compared to the controls, indicating superior resorption characteristics. Conclusion Resorbable 3D-printed calcium phosphate scaffolds, particularly 3DP-MO and 3DP-BRU, exhibit superior resorbability and enhanced bone regeneration compared with conventional materials. These findings highlight their potential as promising biomaterials for clinical application in bone defect repair.
Consistently longer silent gaps in autistic speaker pairs across three conversational contexts
Abstract We investigated the timing of turn-taking in matched autistic compared to non-autistic pairs of adult speakers. Turn-taking—the organisation of who speaks when—is the fundamental mechanism of communicative interaction, and has been found to be remarkably fast and robust across different groups of speakers. We build on the only previous study of turn-timing in in matched autistic dyads, while also conducting one of the first within-speaker comparisons of turn-timing across different conversational contexts. We recorded 18 autistic and 28 non-autistic speakers in matched dyads, conversing in three sequential conversational contexts. We analysed 10,251 turn transitions using the measure of Floor Transfer Offset (comprising silent and overlapping transitions). Bayesian inferential modelling was used for statistical analysis. Our results show longer silent gaps 1) in autistic speaker pairs and 2) in the task-based conversational context. The finding of longer silent gaps in autism does not align with the only previous study on conversations between autistic adults. We discuss the importance of investigating naturalistic, face-to-face interaction and question the idea that there is a single, fixed target for conversational turn-timing. We argue that speaker pairs skilfully adjust their turn-taking rhythm to match both interpersonal and situational factors.
Social factors related to the quality of life among older adults in southwestern Poland
Background The quality of life of older adults is closely linked to functioning in the living environment. This study aims to assess the quality of life of older adults in southwestern Poland and the social factors determining it. Methods This cross-sectional study included a voluntary sample of 1108 older adults aged 60‒90. The WHOQoL-BREF questionnaire was used to assess quality of life. Results The overall quality of life of the respondents (57%) was good. Men had a better quality of life in the psychological (69.0 ± 9.5 vs. 63.0 ± 6.5, p < 0.001) and environmental (69.0 ± 6.0 vs. 63.0 ± 9.5, p < 0.01) domains compared to women. In comparison, those living in a relationship had a better quality of life in the somatic (75.0 ± 9.0 vs. 69.0 ± 9.0, p = 0.034), social (75.0 ± 12.5 vs. 69.0 ± 9.5, p < 0.001), and environmental (69.0 ± 6.0 vs. 63.0 ± 9.5, p < 0.001) domains. Those with higher education had a better quality of life in the somatic (75.0 ± 6.0 vs. 69.0 ± 9.0 and 69.0 ± 9.0, p < 0.001), psychological (69.0 ± 6.5 vs. 63.0 ± 9.5 and 63.0 ± 6.5, p < 0.001), and environmental (69.0 ± 6.0 vs. 63.0 ± 9.5 and 63.0 ± 6.5, p < 0.001) domains compared to those with secondary and primary education. Respondents in good health had a better quality of life in all domains. Conclusions Good quality of life in older adults surveyed is determined by male gender, marital status in a relationship, higher education, good health ratings, and fewer chronic diseases. Our results can guide policymakers, highlighting the fact that good health, fewer chronic diseases, and higher education, translate into a better quality of life. Therefore, there should be improved access to education for all people. And good population health should be prioritized by decision-makers. Trial registration ISRCTN platform as 18225729; January 2021.
Non-invasive near-field characterization of Bloch mode dispersion in sinusoidally modulated metasurfaces via transient infrared thermography
Trauma-informed care for everyone: A study on patient and provider perspectives in an urban primary care setting
Background The importance of trauma-informed care is increasingly acknowledged as essential to generating a trusted relationship and safe environment in which to mitigate harms or effects of seeking health services by both patient and primary health care providers. Despite established models and principles of trauma-informed care, in practice there is limited research on the implementation of trauma-informed care within interdisciplinary primary care settings. Methods This research was conducted at a multi-site interdisciplinary primary health care team in Toronto, Canada. Guided by an interpretative qualitative and patient-oriented methodological approach, we conducted semi-structured interviews with 10 patients and 13 primary care providers from January 2023 to March 2024. Results Patients and primary health care providers conceptualized trauma-informed care as a holistic, patient-centred approach that is foundational to delivering quality, primary health care. Ensuring that primary health care is universally trauma-informed was perceived by all participants as essential to better understanding patients’ health, care-seeking, and health system experiences. Primary care providers are uniquely positioned to integrate trauma-informed care into clinical practices given sustained relationships and trust with patients. The availability and accessibility of trauma-specific supports and underlying contextual factors also inherently shaped the lived experiences of obtaining or delivering care among patients and providers. Conclusions A paradigmatic shift towards a more holistic and person-centred approach is fundamental to integrating trauma awareness and precautions in primary care and the health system. Overcoming obstacles that circumscribe the availability and accessibility of trauma-informed care and trauma-specific resources is paramount to promoting health, mental health, and health equity.
Load distribution factor for moment in large-offset staggered widening bridges
Towards sustainable pharmacy practice: Community pharmacists’ experiences with medicine waste, reuse and disposal
Objective To explore the perspectives and experiences of community pharmacists in Northern Ireland regarding returned medicines, pharmaceutical waste, and safe disposal practices, with a focus on identifying barriers, opportunities, and policy implications. Methods A qualitative study using semi-structured in-depth interviews was conducted with 15 community pharmacists recruited through purposive sampling. Interviews were held online using Zoom or Microsoft Teams, lasting 30–45 minutes each. Data was audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analysed using Braun and Clarke’s six-step inductive thematic analysis framework. Two researchers independently coded the data, and discrepancies were resolved through discussion. Results Seven key themes were identified: (1) Equitable access to return services, highlighting variability in public awareness and participation; (2) Safe pharmacy disposal practices, reflecting structured yet resource-dependent protocols; (3) Waste reduction through supply control, where pharmacists actively worked to minimise unnecessary dispensing; (4) Collaborative waste management, revealing informal partnerships with GPs and care homes; (5) Financial/Operational Burden of Disposal Services, showing frustration at the destruction of potentially reusable medications; (6) Workforce skills and support, noting a lack of formal training and clear guidance; and (7) Legal Tensions in Medicine Reuse, capturing the stiffness between waste reduction and strict safety regulations. Conclusion Community pharmacists in Northern Ireland are committed to reducing medicine waste and ensuring safe disposal, but face regulatory, operational, and workforce-related barriers. Addressing these challenges will require standardised protocols, pharmacist-led public education, and greater integration into prescribing processes. These actions directly support global efforts toward achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, including Good Health and Well-being, Responsible Consumption and Production, and Climate Action. Empowering pharmacists through training, policy support, and interprofessional collaboration is essential for building a more sustainable, equitable, and environmentally responsible healthcare system.
Media analysis reveals the conservation risk of lost and active fishing gear in freshwater ecosystems of Hungary
Abstract Bycatch by fishing gear is a major cause of biodiversity loss. While bycatch is relatively well studied in marine ecosystems, there is limited information available on the frequency and the importance of bycatch in freshwater habitats, and the breadth of wildlife taxa affected. To explore this question, we conducted research based on online resources, including four social media platforms. We recorded 200 cases of fishing gear interactions with animals (excluding fish) between 1984 and 2024 in Hungary, along with information on the affected species and the location of the event. A total of 226 individuals of 64 animal species were affected by bycatch. Birds were the most frequently affected (60.6%), followed by reptiles (27.9%), while other taxa accounted for a total of 11.5% of records. The majority (72.6%) of the 226 bycaught individuals belonged to taxa protected by Hungarian law. The overwhelming majority of cases (n = 192, 96.0%) involved only two types of fishing gear: lines and/or fishing hook. Lost fishing gear was responsible for the majority of entanglements (n = 111, 55.5%), but actively used fishing gear was responsible for a comparable number of cases (n = 86, 43%). Our study highlights that bycatch from lost or active fishing gear poses a potential conservation concern requiring systematic investigation in freshwater ecosystems. Many of the affected taxa include species of conservation concern, underscoring the ecological significance of these interactions. In summary, our study highlights the conservation implication of bycatch in freshwater ecosystems, and calls for evaluating the true magnitude of its impact, especially in areas of high conservation importance.
Integrated effects of land cover, topography, urban morphology, and PM2.5 on land surface temperature
Rapid urbanization profoundly alters land surface characteristics, intensifying thermal stress and air pollution, yet the seasonal dynamics of land surface temperature (LST) in high-altitude cities remain poorly understood. This study focuses on Xining, a representative plateau city, to examine how land cover, topography, urban morphology, and atmospheric pollution jointly regulate urban thermal environments. We integrated multi-source remote sensing data into a multidimensional indicator system and applied XGBoost, SHAP, and structural equation modeling to quantify nonlinear contributions, threshold effects, and interaction pathways. The results reveal pronounced spatiotemporal heterogeneity, with the strongest urban heat island effects in summer and dominant topographic regulation in spring and winter. Seasonal shifts in leading drivers were evident: population density was most influential in summer, vegetation indices in autumn, and landscape fragmentation and terrain parameters in spring and winter. Nonlinear thresholds were identified, including enhanced cooling at moderate NDVI values and intensified warming once built-up intensity exceeded critical levels. Significant interaction effects, such as vegetation–impervious coupling in spring and terrain–albedo mediation in winter, further highlighted the complexity of urban thermal regulation. Collectively, these findings advance understanding of seasonally varying mechanisms in plateau cities and provide a scientific basis for climate-resilient urban planning in topographically complex regions.
How semantic context and temporal dynamics affect egocentric and allocentric spatial representations
Chrysoprase color grading with machine learning: A systematic approach
The color of gemstones plays a pivotal role in determining their quality and significantly impacts their market value. However, inconsistencies in gemstone color evaluation, stemming from the subjective nature of color perception, have hindered standardization in the market. Chrysoprase, celebrated for its distinctive apple-green color, is no exception. To address these challenges, this study employs a machine learning-based approach to automate chrysoprase color grading. CIE (1976) L * a * b * data were measured for 51 chrysoprase samples and 676 green reference points generated using the GemDialogue Color Reference using an X-Rite SP62 spectrophotometer. K-means was applied for color clustering, with Fisher discriminant analysis used to validate the clustering results. Various machine learning algorithms, including logistic regression, neural networks, k-nearest neighbors, support vector machines, and random forest, were trained on labeled data to assign chrysoprase colors to different groups. Logistic regression and neural network achieved comparably high macro F1-scores, and logistic regression was ultimately selected due to its simplicity, interpretability, and computational efficiency. In independent evaluation on 51 real chrysoprase samples, all samples were correctly classified within the present dataset. Additional mixed cross-validation incorporating both synthetic and real samples yielded consistent performance (macro F1-score = 99.59%), further supporting the robustness of the proposed approach. These results demonstrate the feasibility of applying machine learning techniques to structured gemstone color grading. The proposed framework provides a reproducible approach for objective chrysoprase color evaluation and may be adaptable to other gemstones with comparable colorimetric characteristics, subject to further validation. A publicly accessible chrysoprase color grading application is available at: https://github.com/harden2009190006/Chrysoprasecolorclassifier .
Phenotypic evaluation of all-stage (ASR) and adult-plant resistance (APR) to leaf rust (Puccinia triticina Eriks) in an Iranian bread wheat germplasm
Health commodities inventory management performance and associated challenges in selected public health facilities of South Gondar Zone, Amhara Region, North Central Ethiopia: A mixed-methods cross-sectional study
Introduction In the healthcare system, the supply chain refers to the coordinated flow of physical and technical resources needed to deliver quality patient care while adhering to budget constraints. To achieve this, measuring inventory management performance is essential. This process involves evaluating the efficiency and effectiveness of activities against predefined standards using established indicators. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the inventory management performance of health facilities in the South Gondar Zone, Northcentral Ethiopia. Methods This study employed a facility-based cross-sectional study design with a concurrent mixed-methods approach. Eighteen health facilities, representing 30% of the 57 health facilities in the South Gondar Zone, were included in this study. Quantitative data were collected using structured tools and analyzed in Microsoft Excel. Meanwhile, qualitative data were gathered from expert interviews and thematically analyzed to identify the major challenges faced by these facilities. Results Emergency ordering was frequent, with 83.3% of facilities placing at least one emergency order in 2020–2021, increasing to 100% placing two or more orders in 2021–2022. Inventory record accuracy was suboptimal, with an average accuracy rate of 71.3% (±9.6), and only 16.7% of facilities maintained up-to-date stock cards. While reporting rates were high (98.2%), report completeness (52.8%) and accuracy (72.2%) remained inconsistent. Storage performance was inadequate, as only 16.7% of facilities met acceptable storage standards (≥80% of criteria), despite high compliance with vaccine cold-chain requirements (94.1%). Qualitative findings identified human resource constraints, limited training, weak data management systems, and inadequate infrastructure as key contributors to poor inventory performance. Conclusion The performance of inventory management for health commodities in the study health facilities is low. This is primarily due to a shortage of skilled personnel, insufficient management support and budget, a lack of ongoing professional training, poor record-keeping practices, inaccurate data quality, and inadequate storage conditions. This investigation discovered that the frequency of emergency orders is the most important indicator, and all responsible bodies should pay more attention to reducing it, in addition to implementing other sound inventory management operations to build a strong health care delivery system.
Social determinants of health and temporospatial trends associated with Giardia duodenalis infection in Texas canines
YTHDF1 impacts cardiomyocyte differentiation by regulating the TET2 mRNA
Cardiac diseases frequently arise from compromised cardiomyocyte differentiation and function. Although studies have demonstrated that loss of the m 6 A modification reader YTHDF1 impairs cardiomyocyte differentiation, the specific mRNA transcripts it directly regulates remain to be identified. Comprehensive analysis of public databases was conducted to examine the correlation between YTHDF1 expression and cardiac differentiation processes as well as specific cardiac pathology. Stable YTHDF1-knockdown cell lines were generated in the rat H9C2 cardiomyoblasts. After retinoic acid (RA) induction, cardiomyocyte differentiation was assessed. RNA immunoprecipitation sequencing (RIP-seq) was performed in H9C2 cells, and the resulting data were integrated with known cardiomyocyte differentiation regulators to identify direct YTHDF1 mRNA targets. Here we found that YTHDF1 expression increases progressively during cardiomyocyte differentiation but gradually declines upon cellular/organ maturation in mice. Human left ventricle (LV) exhibited higher YTHDF1 expression than right ventricle (RV), while LV from dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) patients showed modestly reduced YTHDF1 levels compared to healthy controls. In differentiating H9C2 cardiomyoblasts, YTHDF1 expression progressively increased. YTHDF1 knockdown impaired differentiation, reducing maturation markers cTnT/cTnI, which was aligned with RNA-seq analysis. RIP-seq identified significant TET2 mRNA enrichment in YTHDF1 complexes. YTHDF1 knockdown selectively reduced TET2 protein level without affecting its mRNA level, while YTHDF1 overexpression enhanced TET2 translation. Additionally, we identified a novel rat tet2 variant. Complementation with this variant in YTHDF1-knockdown H9C2 cells rescued the differentiation defect. Collectively, YTHDF1 promotes cardiomyocyte differentiation by regulating TET2 mRNA during cardiac development.
Collimator position optimization for proton minibeam radiation therapy
Communicating unexpected news to pregnant people living with mental health conditions in fetal medicine (the UNDERSTAND study): Healthcare professionals’ perspectives
Objectives This study explores the perspectives and experiences of healthcare professionals (HCPs) in a multidisciplinary fetal medicine (FM) team when delivering unexpected news in fetal medicine, with a particular focus on pregnant people living with mental health conditions (MHCs). It aims to identify communication strategies and highlight facilitators and barriers to effective consultations in these challenging situations. Methods Qualitative study involving 20 semi-structured interviews with HCPs from multi-disciplinary FM teams in a large NHS Trust in East London. Participants included FM specialists, neonatologists, midwives, and specialist nurses. Data were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis to identify key themes representing participants’ perspectives. Results Five key themes emerged: (1) enhancing patient understanding, (2) supporting patients (3) individualizing care, (4) supporting HCPs and (5) the impact of health inequalities in FM. Facilitators of effective communication included optimizing the setting, avoiding ambiguity, fostering understanding, and involving significant others in discussions. Barriers included language limitations, where reliance on interpreters hindered effective and compassionate communication, and poor pregnancy-related health literacy, particularly in socio-economically deprived populations, which impeded informed decision-making. Clinician-related barriers included reluctance to address MHC due to lack of training, stigma around mental health, and time constraints. The emotional toll of frequently delivering distressing news was identified as a significant challenge for HCPs, yet formal support mechanisms were lacking. Conclusion HCPs in FM emphasized that delivering unexpected news requires a patient-centred approach that considers individual needs, is culturally sensitive, and addresses language and health literacy barriers. The mental health and well-being of both those receiving and delivering the news remains largely overlooked. Currently, no specific communication training exists for HCPs in FM and limited or no support is available for individuals with mild, pre-existing, or suspected MHC, despite their prevalence and the recognition that difficult news during pregnancy may exacerbate these conditions. Future research should evaluate communication frameworks co-produced by HCPs and individuals with lived experience to improve FM consultations for patients with and without MHC. Enhanced mental health support is urgently needed for both patients and HCPs in FM.