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Correction: Deeper effects of fiscal multidimensional poverty reduction: Household characteristics, financial lags and elite capture
A novel multimodel medical image fusion framework with edge enhancement and cross-scale transformer
Correction: Copying fidelity of functional and non-functional features in ni-Vanuatu children: A transmission chain study
Research on the sustainable development capability of Chinese rural E-Commerce based on multidimensional perspective
Safe spaces for youth mental health: A scoping review
Introduction Mental illness is a significant challenge during adolescence and youth period, posing a threat to individuals’ mental health, well-being, and productivity. Despite the global burden, comprehensive evidence on the use of youth-safe spaces to improve their mental health has been limited. Therefore, this review aims to explore the existing literature on the role of safe spaces in shaping the mental health outcomes of youth. Methods We followed the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) scoping review guidelines. This review focused on individuals aged 10 to 25. It explores safe spaces for youth, including community centers, schools, clubs, and online forums, and their role in promoting youth mental health. We conducted a comprehensive search using PubMed/MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Web of Science, Scopus, Google Scholar, and grey literature sources. Study selection and screening were done using Covidence software, with two independent reviewers applying predefined criteria. We used the standardized table for data extraction; findings were presented using graphical and tabular formats alongside narrative synthesis. Reporting followed the PRISMA extension for scoping reviews (PRISMA-ScR) framework. Results The review included 23 studies from various regions, notably North America (USA) and Europe. These studies found that safe spaces, primarily within schools, offered youth mental health support, resources, and guidance. Additionally, community organizations, outreach programs, and primary care clinics were identified as safe spaces to enhance the mental well-being of young adults. The interventions used in these safe spaces included cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness programs, and multi-component approaches. Positive outcomes included reduced posttraumatic stress disorders, anxiety, and substance use, along with improved mental well-being and interpersonal relationships. However, there needs to be more focus on methodological diversity and research in other regions. Geographic imbalances exist, and evidence beyond schools and communities as safe spaces is limited. Intersectional factors are often overlooked. Conclusion This review emphasizes the significant impact of safe spaces on youth mental health. It suggests that fostering supportive environments within schools, recreational clubs, and communities can significantly benefit youth mental well-being. The findings highlight the need to expand safe space initiatives to address young people’s challenges during their developmental stage.
Knowledge, attitude and practice toward liraglutide and semaglutide among endocrinology medical staff
The influence of language proficiency, acculturation stress, and institutional support in enhancing personal development of international students in China
This study highlights the significance of understanding how diversity experiences and innovative learning environments contribute to the personal development of international students in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in Shaanxi, China. Despite existing studies, there remains a notable gap in exploring their combined effects specifically within Chinese HEIs. This research aims to address this gap by analyzing the relationships among diversity experiences, language proficiency, and personal development, thereby offering valuable insights for educators and policymakers to enhance institutional support for international students. To achieve this, we conducted a quantitative survey involving 364 international students, utilizing a structured questionnaire and employing Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) for data analysis. The results reveal a positive relationship between diversity experiences and personal development. However, no direct relationship was found between innovative learning environments and personal development. Furthermore, language proficiency mediates the relationship between diversity experiences and personal development. Moreover, innovative learning environments were positively associated with both acculturation stress and language proficiency, which in turn were related to personal development. The findings underscore the vital role of institutional support in enhancing international students’ personal development through improved diversity experiences and language proficiency. To achieve this, educators and policymakers should integrate diversity initiatives and create adaptable learning environments that specifically address the needs of international students.
A comparative analysis of three risk assessment scales for predicting venous thromboembolism in traumatic brain injury patients
Position specific peak running demands, and influence of bout type in professional rugby union
Objectives To quantify peak running intensity in professional rugby union across position groups, and peak running intensity differences between bout types (i.e., whole, starter, substitute). Design Longitudinal study. Method Global positioning systems were used to assess the activity of 36 professional rugby union players. A moving average approach was used to identify the 1- to 10-minute peak intensity period distances, and time spent above 80% and 90% of individual 1-minute match peak. Differences between position groups and bout type were determined by magnitude-based inferences. Results All position groups showed most likely moderate to most likely large differences in peak intensity periods, except for tight 5 vs. backrow (possibly trivial small and possibly small), and half-backs vs. outside backs (very likely trivial small to likely trivial small). No position group comparison for time spent above 80% and 90% of 1-minute match peak resulted in moderate or greater differences. Possibly moderate to most likely moderate difference were observed between forwards whole vs. forward substitutes in 2- to 10-minute peak periods; most likely moderate differences were observed between forwards starters vs. forward substitutes in 10-minute peak intensity period; and most likely moderate differences were observed between backs whole vs. backs substitutes in the 1-minute peak intensity period. For time spent above 80% and 90% of 1-minute match peak all bout type comparisons resulted in most likely moderate to most likely large differences. Conclusions There are meaningful differences between position groups in peak running intensity in professional rugby union, and substitute players perform lower peak intensity running than whole or starters.
Responsible CVD screening with a blockchain assisted chatbot powered by explainable AI
Is Boccia XR an enjoyable and effective rehabilitation exercise for older adults?
Background and objectives Maintaining activities of daily living (ADL) in older adults requires muscle strength and physical activity. However, exercise motivation often declines with age. Enjoyable activities can enhance motivation and effectiveness. Boccia is a recreational sport with rehabilitation potential but requires substantial space. This study evaluated the enjoyment and lower limb muscle activity of “Boccia XR,” a virtual adaptation designed for limited spaces, comparing it with traditional Boccia and treadmill walking. Methods Eighteen healthy older adults (mean age 73.3 ± 5.4 years) participated. Each performed Boccia XR, traditional Boccia, and treadmill walking in random order. Mood changes were assessed using the Profile of Mood States 2nd Edition (POMS2), and lower-limb muscle activity was measured via electromyography (EMG). Results Both Boccia XR and traditional Boccia significantly improved positive mood (Vigor-Activity) and reduced negative mood (Total Mood Disturbance) as compared to treadmill walking. Muscle activity analysis revealed that Boccia XR and traditional Boccia imposed muscle loads comparable to treadmill walking. Rectus femoris activity exceeded that of treadmill walking, and medial gastrocnemius activation was sufficient for strengthening in sedentary older adults during Boccia tasks. Conclusion Boccia XR is an enjoyable and effective physical activity for older adults, requiring less space, than traditional Boccia while providing physical benefits similar to treadmill walking. It may enhance exercise adherence and overall function in space-limited settings.
Associations of fluctuations in blood glucose and insulin with hypoglycemic symptoms
Correction: A quantitative comparison between the mHand Adapt passive adjustable hand prosthesis and its predecessor, the Delft Self-Grasping Hand
Dense-stream YOLOv8n: a lightweight framework for real-time crowd monitoring in smart libraries
Enhancing the compression resistance of buffer cushions using an inner concave negative Poisson’s ratio structure
To enhance the compression resistance of the existing buffer cushions, this paper developed a novel buffer cushion with an inner concave negative Poisson’s ratio (NPR) structure. The structure parameters of buffer cushion were optimized based on orthogonal experimental design and theoretical analysis. Furthermore, the finite element models of the NPR cushion and a comparable hexagonal cushion were established. Then the quasi-static compression and dynamic impact compression simulations and compression experiments using a 3D printed model were conducted to analyze the compression resistance of the NPR cushion. The results showed that the developed NPR cushion exhibited good compressive properties under a uniform load of at most 47 MPa, and its deformation was 73.49% of the deformation of the hexagonal cushion, indicating an improvement in compressive resistance. In the simulation analysis, the stresses of the two buffer cushions in the case of dynamic impact compression were much larger than those in quasi-static compression. The consistency between simulations and experiments results validated the design’s effectiveness in improving compression resistance, offering a valuable reference for the application of NPR structures in cushion design.
Robust estimation methods for addressing multicollinearity and outliers in beta regression models
Population, demographic and socioeconomic characteristics associated with state preemption laws in the United States, 2009–2018
Objective In the United States, preemption laws enacted by state governments can remove local government authority to enact policy and undermine community self-determination and local democracy. No study to date has evaluated the population, demographic, and socioeconomic characteristics associated with state preemption of public health policies. Our study identifies state characteristics associated with preemption of local paid sick leave, food and nutrition, tobacco control, and firearm safety policies. Methods We conducted a Classification and Regression Tree (CART) analysis using state-level demographic, socioeconomic, and population health indicators from 2009 to 2018 to predict state ceiling preemption of local paid sick leave, food and nutrition, tobacco control, and firearm safety policies. Results Several demographic, economic, political, and health factors best distinguish states with and without preemption in each of the four domains. Total state population was an important characteristic in all four trees and the non-Hispanic Black population was important in three trees. All other age- and race/ethnicity-related demographic variables included were important characteristics in at least one tree. Additionally, adult obesity and flu vaccination were relevant in the paid sick leave tree and firearm-deaths, suicide-deaths, and the unemployment rate were relevant in the firearm safety tree. The relationship between specific factors and preemption in each of the four domains varied depending on the location of the factor within the trees. Conclusions and relevance Specific population, demographic and economic characteristics in a state are associated with the adoption of ceiling preemption of paid sick, food and nutrition, tobacco, and firearm safety laws, but these characteristics vary by domain. Our study identified which populations within groups of states may be affected by preemption. The findings can inform whether preemption laws considered or adopted in a state may also require protective measures for population groups that could be adversely affected by these laws.
Relationships between distance from the fovea to the disc and macular retinal layer thickness differ between normal and glaucomatous eyes
The reliability of cold region tunnels considering deterioration of the insulation layer
Frost heave is a most common form of tunnel defect in cold regions. Installing an insulation layer is a key solution. However, the insulation layer deteriorates with freeze-thaw cycles and temperature changes. These significantly impact tunnel reliability in these areas. To determine the influence of insulation layer deterioration and temperature change to reliability of cold region tunnel, this paper examines a tunnel in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. It uses projected temperature increases of 2.6 °C and 4 °C over the next 50 years as boundary conditions. The study analyzes the evolution of freeze-thaw thickness, temperature fields, and stress fields in the surrounding rock. It considers both scenarios: with and without insulation layer deterioration. Using the Monte-Carlo method, the study investigates the variation in tunnel reliability. The results indicate that, with insulation layer deterioration, freeze-thaw thickness, temperature fields, and stress fields in the surrounding rock increase under both temperature scenarios. Consequently, tunnel reliability decreases. Specifically, with temperature increases of 2.6 °C and 4 °C, tunnel reliability decreases by approximately 4.5% and 6.3%, respectively, when considering insulation layer deterioration.