Individual Changes Research Articles

Efficacy of personalized feedback in encouraging sustainable washing behavior: evidence from a pilot study in Germany

IntroductionReducing household energy consumption through behavioral changes is a key strategy in addressing the emissions driving the climate crisis. Behavioral changes in affluent households toward more sustainable practices can have a significant positive impact. Prior research highlighted the role of individual values and motivational factors in shaping sustainable clusters. A more personalized approach toward encouraging the resulting clusters of people to adopt more sustainable strategies seems promising. Such an approach could incorporate aligned feedback, which has been proven to be a powerful mechanism throughout learning processes.MethodOver 9 weeks, a pilot study with 50 participants investigated the impact of different types of feedback on washing behavior. The within-subjects design included (1) a baseline condition, (2) feedback on energy consumption (kWh), and (3) feedback on monetary costs per cycle (EUR). Data collection encompassed pre- and post-condition surveys, a final comprehensive survey, and a diary-formatted table. The primary objective was to evaluate the potential for individualization. Asynchronous structured interviews were conducted at the end to explore participants' perceptions and washing behaviors.ResultsWhile we found effects for the feedback manipulation, we found no differences between user clusters in individual washing behaviors. Furthermore, participants qualitatively reported habitual changes, feeling more knowledgeable about the monetary impacts of specific washing programs and temperatures, and wished for a more accessible preset time function. Most participants expressed willingness to switch to a dynamic energy price if it translated to significant cost savings.DiscussionOur findings may support the notion that individualized behavior change strategies are promising. In general, these strategies should be easily applicable, cost-effective, and promote habits to be exerted regularly. Arising methodological limitations suggest further research in this domain. From an applied perspective, our research provides valuable insights for designing products, services, and regulations by governments and companies, empowering them to develop more effective strategies for reducing energy consumption.

Precise prediction of size of a foldable capsular vitreous body via computerized three-dimensional ocular reconstruction in severe retinal detachment

BackgroundThis study aimed to precisely predict the size and silicone oil injection of a foldable capsular vitreous body (FCVB) via computerized three-dimensional (3D) ocular reconstruction in the treatment of severe retinal detachment in China.MethodsThe 3D software Unigraphics NX was applied to determine the volume of the inner cavity with 16–30 mm axial length, assigning the anterior and posterior chambers, the FCVB sizes, and the silicone oil injection volume, and modeling the data between the axial length and the FCVB size. In clinical practice, IOL Master was applied to accurately measure the axial length of the contralateral healthy eye to anchor the anterior-posterior and horizontal diameters of the operated eye in horizontal position CT, and compared with the model to recommend the FCVB size and silicone oil amount, and the clinical effect was validated in cases across five hospitals in China.ResultsFor the axial length of 16–30 mm, the volume of the inner cavity is 1.2 ml-8.4 ml. FCVB size and silicone oil volume were recommended based on this volume of the inner cavity. Of 253 cases, we noted 11 cases implanted with AV-10P and 1.05 ± 0.21 ml of silicone oil, 41 with AV-12P and 1.58 ± 0.18 ml of silicone oil, 163 with AV-13.5P and 2.48 ± 0.29 ml of silicone oil, 31 with AV-15P and 3.57 ± 0.39 ml of silicone oil, and 7 with AV-17P and 5.71 ± 0.81 ml of silicone oil. There was no significant difference in postoperative visual acuity scores compared with preoperative (P = 0.097), postoperative IOP(10.29 ± 0.57mmHg)was slightly higher than preoperative IOP (9.76 ± 0.48 mmHg), but there was still no statistically significant difference between the two comparisons (P = 0.405).ConclusionThree-dimensional reconstruction prediction is a good solution for eyeballs with obvious individualized changes in severe retinal detachment, and this method helps doctors standardize FCVB size selection and the silicone oil amount for patients.

Working Remotely, Feeling Remote? The Role of Digitally Mediated Communication in Shaping the Identity of Virtual Expatriates.

Utilizing the social identity theory, this conceptual article has proposed how digitally mediated communication between expatriates and host country nationals (HCNs) in a remote work arrangement is linked with individualized change experiences of virtual expatriates. The conceptualized model proposes that the lack of in-depth conversations via virtual communication platforms leads to the development of weak emotional interactions between virtual expatriates and HCNs. However, weakened emotional interactions might result in positive or negative impact on expatriates' identity based on personality-based differences. In this regard, expatriates with collective self-esteem are likely to experience social identity threats because of weakened social ties with HCNs. Contrary to the above group, expatriates having personal self-esteem would view weak socialization as an opportunity and experience an improvement in their leader identity, thus experience a positive social identity change over time. This research has conceptually explored outcomes of digitally mediated communication between expatriates and HCNs on the identity change experiences of expatriates, and holistically covers the role of positive as well as negative change experiences. Unlike the focus of the majority of literature on traditional expatriation, the proposed model has focused on experiences of virtual expatriates, and how working in remote work settings lead to long-term socio-psychological changes in these individuals.

Transcriptomic analysis of the human habenula in schizophrenia.

Transcriptomic analysis of the human habenula and identification of molecular changes associated with schizophrenia risk and illness state.

Reinterpretasi Hukum Islam terhadap Pembagian Warisan Bagi Anak Pasca Kematian Orang Tua

In the modern era, social dynamics continue to develop, including in terms of inheritance distribution. The issue of dividing inheritance for children after the death of parents is increasingly complex, with various factors that need to be considered. This journal aims to answer and analyze the comparison of the inheritance process for GS as an only child upon the death of both parents according to the Islamic legal system that applies in Indonesia and ensure that Islamic law remains relevant and in accordance with the needs of children in modern times. This journal uses a qualitative approach with literature study methods and critical analysis. Data is collected from various sources, including scientific journals, news articles, and research reports. Research findings show that the distribution of inheritance to children after the death of parents is influenced by various factors, such as social norms, culture, religion and law. This journal refers to efforts to reinterpret Islamic law regarding the distribution of inheritance to children after the death of parents by considering the current social, cultural and political context. Current social dynamics, such as changes in family structure, individualism, and globalization, also influence the inheritance distribution process. The division of inheritance in this journal takes a deeper look at inheritance rights to GS. The condition of GS, who is still a child, is not legally competent to take legal action. In this case, GS's grandfather and grandmother from BA are the guardians based on the paternal lineage attached to them who are the guardians. Further research is needed to understand the complexity of inheritance division in different social contexts. It is necessary to provide education and outreach to the public about the importance of proper inheritance planning and in accordance with applicable social norms and Islamic law.

Maintaining resilience over time: A qualitative exploration of the experiences of living with chronic musculoskeletal pain.

Living with chronic pain can have several negative consequences. However, some individuals are more resilient despite pain. Although a large body of research exploring resilience-enhancing factors exists, there is a lack of research focused on the changes of individual's resilience over time. This study aims to explore how people with chronic musculoskeletal pain (CMP) describe their experience regarding the maintenance of resilience in the long term. Within the framework of the qualitative research strategy, semi-structured interviews and two focus groups with 17 purposefully selected research participants (ages 29-64) were conducted. The data were analysed by integrating thematic analysis and narrative analysis. To maintain resilience in the long term, it is important to take responsibility for one's physical and mental well-being by practicing regular ability-adjusted physical activity, giving up unrealistic expectations, focussing on finding opportunities, not obstacles, maintaining a positive future perspective, and finding significance in life despite experiencing chronic pain. Financial support from the government and access to rehabilitation can facilitate better self-care for those with limited finances. This study may be useful for healthcare professionals, psychologists, social workers, and other specialists who daily encounter patients with CMP and aspire to understand the main challenges and needs of this particular group of patients.

Navigating agroecological urbanism: examining linkages and interdependencies within alternative food networks

In pursuing agroecological urbanism – a strategic endeavor to dismantle disempowering structures within urban food systems through cultivating mutual interdependencies – alternative food networks (AFNs) emerge as pivotal catalysts for transformative change. Indeed, there are increasing arguments for AFNs working on diverse issues to pool resources and address food system challenges from multiple perspectives under a common frame. However, a pressing need exists for greater clarity on tensions and challenges in establishing a network of AFNs within a shared framework, such as that fostered by agroecological urbanism. This study explores impediments to organizing AFNs into transformative networks, drawing insights from two diverse urban contexts – Preston, England, and Vitoria-Gasteiz, Basque Country – using a case study methodology comprising online semi-structured interviews and participant observation. Our findings underscore three primary barriers to this process: divergent conceptualizations of food questions, education and awareness-raising as a limited convergence point, and constrained resources. Such barriers generate a practical divorce between social and environmental goals in the experiences analyzed. Central to this division is also the pivotal question of the subject of justice – whether AFNs advocate primarily for urban citizens’ interests or prioritize peri-urban and rural farmers’ concerns. The analysis highlights the need to develop inclusive socio-ecological narratives within the overarching framework of agroecological urbanism as a critical step in fostering collaborative coalitions among AFNs that move beyond individualized change. Building these coalitions would depend on funding availability for long-term strategic collaborative efforts, emphasizing the crucial role of public authorities in such processes.

Development and Evaluation of a Digital App for Patient Self-Management of Opioid Use Disorder: Usability, Acceptability, and Utility Study.

Self-management of opioid use disorder (OUD) is an important component of treatment. Many patients receiving opioid agonist treatment in methadone maintenance treatment settings benefit from counseling treatments to help them improve their recovery skills but have insufficient access to these treatments between clinic appointments. In addition, many addiction medicine clinicians treating patients with OUD in a general medical clinic setting do not have consistent access to counseling referrals for their patients. This can lead to decreases in both treatment retention and overall progress in the patient's recovery from substance misuse. Digital apps may help to bridge this gap by coaching, supporting, and reinforcing behavioral change that is initiated and directed by their psychosocial and medical providers. This study aimed to conduct an acceptability, usability, and utility pilot study of the KIOS app to address these clinical needs. We developed a unique, patient-centered computational software system (KIOS; Biomedical Development Corporation) to assist in managing OUD in an outpatient, methadone maintenance clinic setting. KIOS tracks interacting self-reported symptoms (craving, depressed mood, anxiety, irritability, pain, agitation or restlessness, difficulty sleeping, absenteeism, difficulty with usual activities, and conflicts with others) to determine changes in both the trajectory and severity of symptom patterns over time. KIOS then applies a proprietary algorithm to assess the individual's patterns of symptom interaction in accordance with models previously established by OUD experts. After this analysis, KIOS provides specific behavioral advice addressing the individual's changing trajectory of symptoms to help the person self-manage their symptoms. The KIOS software also provides analytics on the self-reported data that can be used by patients, clinicians, and researchers to track outcomes. In a 4-week acceptability, usability (mean System Usability Scale-Modified score 89.5, SD 9.2, maximum of 10.0), and utility (mean KIOS utility questionnaire score 6.32, SD 0.25, maximum of 7.0) pilot study of 15 methadone-maintained participants with OUD, user experience, usability, and software-generated advice received high and positive assessment scores. The KIOS clinical variables closely correlated with craving self-report measures. Therefore, managing these variables with advice generated by the KIOS software could have an impact on craving and ultimately substance use. KIOS tracks key clinical variables and generates advice specifically relevant to the patient's current and changing clinical state. Patients in this pilot study assigned high positive values to the KIOS user experience, ease of use, and the appropriateness, relevance, and usefulness of the specific behavioral guidance they received to match their evolving experiences. KIOS may therefore be useful to augment in-person treatment of opioid agonist patients and help fill treatment gaps that currently exist in the continuum of care. A National Institute on Drug Abuse-funded randomized controlled trial of KIOS to augment in-person treatment of patients with OUD is currently being conducted.

Human Capital and Climate Change

Abstract Addressing climate change requires individual behavior change and voter support for proclimate policies, yet surprisingly little is known about how to achieve these outcomes. In this paper, we estimate causal effects of additional education on pro-climate outcomes using new compulsory schooling law data across 20 European countries. We analyze effects on proclimate beliefs and behaviors, as well as novel data on policy preferences and voting for green parties. Results show that a year of education substantially increases pro-climate beliefs, behaviors, and policy preferences.

Lessons from transdisciplinary urban research to promote sustainability transformation in real-world labs: Categories, pathways, and key principles for generating societal impact

Real-world labs aim to enhance societal impacts and advance sustainability transformations. Based on the empirical analysis of 48 urban research projects and six in-depth case studies, we present a systematization of these impacts and their connections, and provide key principles on how to design real-world lab projects to encourage sustainability transformations.Real-world labs and transdisciplinary urban research aim to initiate and support sustainability transformations. This paper explores the categories of societal impacts and their connections, as well as key principles to facilitate these impacts. The study is based on the empirical analysis of 48 projects by a series of surveys and interviews within an independent, accompanying research program. All projects were conducted under the heading of urban sustainability transformations and pursued a transdisciplinary real-world lab approach. Three categories of societal impacts were identified: 1. social and individual changes, 2. governance changes, and 3. changes in the physical environment. Six of the projects were selected as in-depth case studies, revealing three patterns of impact pathways. The case studies also explore the relationships between processes, results, and impacts leading to key principles for fostering societal impacts and thus, sustainability transformations. The findings enhance the understanding and the promotion of sustainability transformations in urban areas.

Neural attentional filters and behavioural outcome follow independent individual trajectories over the adult lifespan.

Preserved communication abilities promote healthy ageing. To this end, the age-typical loss of sensory acuity might in part be compensated for by an individual's preserved attentional neural filtering. Is such a compensatory brain-behaviour link longitudinally stable? Can it predict individual change in listening behaviour? We here show that individual listening behaviour and neural filtering ability follow largely independent developmental trajectories modelling electroencephalographic and behavioural data of N = 105 ageing individuals (39-82 y). First, despite the expected decline in hearing-threshold-derived sensory acuity, listening-task performance proved stable over 2 y. Second, neural filtering and behaviour were correlated only within each separate measurement timepoint (T1, T2). Longitudinally, however, our results raise caution on attention-guided neural filtering metrics as predictors of individual trajectories in listening behaviour: neither neural filtering at T1 nor its 2-year change could predict individual 2-year behavioural change, under a combination of modelling strategies.

Community Extension Programs Valuation as Basis in Proposing Higher Education Institutions as the Donation Program Facility Operating Partners

Establishing the centralized donation program facilities proposes the cooperation of selected higher education institutions per city or municipality where the facility will be located. The Commission on Higher Education’s directive to conduct community extension programs as part of the four-fold functions is an important role of a higher education institution to include communities to serve and help alleviate the standard of living. Community extension service is about relationships and community building through different related programs where activities are aimed at empowering people through long-term programming. The community extension programs of an HEI allow educational programs to reach and “touch the lives” of communities and the environment by providing services that transmit knowledge and technologies to have an impact on holistic and sustainable development programs and people empowerment. This study was conducted to provide a basis to justify the partnership between the educational institution, local government unit, and the proposed donation facility. The study used the Logic Model which is a visual representation of the relationship between a program’s resources, actions, and expected outcomes in assessing the community extension programs of selected higher education institutions. Logic models demonstrate how interventions affect behavior and achieve a goal straightforwardly and succinctly. The Logic Model was a road map outlining causal pathways and the step-by-step relationship between planned activity and desired outcomes. A logic model, in particular, is a visual representation of the resources or inputs required to perform a program, the activities and outputs of a program, and the expected program outcomes. Using the model, the researcher began with the inputs and actions and worked forward. Before starting the process, a clear and complete understanding of the specific research objective was addressed including the analysis of the existing data and pertinent research, as well as performing a formal or informal assessment of available capacity, inputs, and needs was conducted. This used indicators such as the resources required to carry out the activities (inputs), what to do with the resources (activities), tangible items and capabilities (outputs), changes in other individuals or conditions as a result of the activities and outputs (outcomes), distant results (effects) and contextual elements that are outside the program’s control but may aid or impede the achievement of the outcomes. Keywords: Logic model, community extension programs, higher education institution extension progra

Isolation and characterization of multiple-stress tolerant bacteria from radon springs.

Radon springs, characterized by their high concentrations of radon gas (Rn222), are extreme environments with unique physicochemical conditions distinct from conventional aquatic ecosystems. Our research aimed to investigate microbial life in radon springs, focusing on isolating extremophilic bacteria and assessing their resistance to adverse conditions. Our study revealed the prevalence of Actinomycetia species in the radon spring environment. We conducted various tests to evaluate the resistance of these isolates to oxidative stress, irradiation, desiccation, and metal ion content. These extremophilic bacteria showed overall higher resistance to these stresses compared to control strains. Lipidomic analysis was also employed to provide insights into the adaptive mechanisms of these bacteria which were found mainly in the correlations among individual clusters and changes in content of fatty acids (FA) as well as differences between content and type of FAs of environmental isolates and type strains.

Estradiol associations with brain functional connectivity in postmenopausal women.

Previous studies have found that estrogens play a role in functional connectivity in the brain; however, little research has been done regarding how estradiol is associated with functional connectivity in postmenopausal women. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between estradiol and functional connectivity in postmenopausal women. Structural and blood oxygenation level-dependent resting-state magnetic resonance imaging scans of 88 cognitively healthy postmenopausal individuals were obtained along with blood samples collected the same day as the magnetic resonance imaging to assess hormone levels. We generated connectivity values in CONN toolbox version 20.b, an SPM-based software. A regression analysis was run using estradiol level and regions of interest (ROI), including the hippocampus, parahippocampus, dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, and precuneus. Estradiol level was found to enhance parahippocampal gyrus anterior division left functional connectivity during ROI-to-ROI regression analysis. Estradiol enhanced functional connectivity between the parahippocampal gyrus anterior division left and the precuneus as well as the parahippocampal gyrus anterior division left and parahippocampal gyrus posterior division right. An exploratory analysis showed that years since the final menstrual period was related to enhanced connectivity between regions within the frontoparietal network. These results illustrated the relationship between estradiol level and functional connectivity in postmenopausal women. They have implications for understanding how the functioning of the brain changes for individuals after menopause that may eventually lead to changes in cognition and behavior in older ages.

Effects of Behavioral, Clinical, and Policy Interventions in Reducing Human Exposure to Bisphenols and Phthalates: A Scoping Review.

There is growing interest in evidence-based interventions, programs, and policies to mitigate exposures to bisphenols and phthalates and in using implementation science frameworks to evaluate hypotheses regarding the importance of specific approaches to individual or household behavior change or institutions adopting interventions. This scoping review aimed to identify, categorize, and summarize the effects of behavioral, clinical, and policy interventions focused on exposure to the most widely used and studied bisphenols [bisphenol A (BPA), bisphenol S (BPS), and bisphenol F (BPF)] and phthalates with an implementation science lens. A comprehensive search of all individual behavior, clinical, and policy interventions to reduce exposure to bisphenols and phthalates was conducted using PubMed, Web of Science, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), and Google Scholar. We included studies published between January 2000 and November 2022. Two reviewers screened references in CADIMA, then extracted data (population characteristics, intervention design, chemicals assessed, and outcomes) for studies meeting inclusion criteria for the present review. A total of 58 interventions met the inclusion criteria. We classified interventions as dietary (), clinical (), policy (), and those falling outside of these three categories as "other" (). Most interventions (81%, 47/58) demonstrated a decrease in exposure to bisphenols and/or phthalates, with policy level interventions having the largest magnitude of effect. Studies evaluating policy interventions that targeted the reduction of phthalates and BPA in goods and packaging showed widespread, long-term impact on decreasing exposure to bisphenols and phthalates. Clinical interventions removing bisphenol and phthalate materials from medical devices and equipment showed overall reductions in exposure biomarkers. Dietary interventions tended to lower exposure with the greatest magnitude of effect in trials where fresh foods were provided to participants. The lower exposure reductions observed in pragmatic nutrition education trials and the lack of diversity (sociodemographic backgrounds) present limitations for generalizability to all populations. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP11760.

Anthropogenic noise limits resource distribution without changing social hierarchies

Increasing evidence demonstrates that anthropogenic noise is a global pollutant that threatens marine ecosystems. Mounting numbers of studies show its diverse effects on individuals and their behaviour. However, little is known about how individual changes in response to anthropogenic noise could cascade through groups and populations affecting resource distribution vital for survival and fitness. Here we test the hypotheses that anthropogenic noise could alter resource distribution, associated hierarchies and consequently individual benefits. We used groups of hermit crabs, a globally distributed model system for assessing impacts of environmental change on wildlife and measured in controlled laboratory conditions the resource distribution of their reusable shelters (gastropod shells) under ship noise and ambient control playbacks. We applied vacancy chain theory to test three predictions about how new resource units create benefits for a population. A new resource unit leads to (i) a cascade of resource abandonments and acquisitions (= chain of vacancy moves) based on an internal (ii) hierarchy (here size-based) which allows (iii) more than one individual to benefit. All three predictions were supported under control sound. Under anthropogenic noise however, fewer individuals benefitted from the arrival of a new, empty shell, while the size-based hierarchy was maintained. The latter was apparent in chain structures, which were concordant between sound treatments. This experiment shows that anthropogenic noise can affect individual behaviours that cascade through groups. This has the potential to disrupt wider resource distribution in populations.

Anti-racist interventions to reduce ethnic disparities in healthcare in the UK: an umbrella review and findings from healthcare, education and criminal justice

ObjectivesTo assess the evidence for anti-racist interventions which aim to reduce ethnic disparities in healthcare, with a focus on implementation in the UK healthcare system.DesignUmbrella review.Data sourcesEmbase, Medline, Social Policy...

Redox-associated changes in healthy individuals at risk of Alzheimer's disease. A ten-year follow-up study

Carrying an allele 4 of the apolipoprotein E (ApoE) is the best-established genetic risk factor to develop Alzheimer's disease (AD). Fifty percent of ApoE4/4 individuals develop the disease at 70 years of age. ApoE3/4 carriers have a lower risk of developing the disease, still 50% of them suffer AD at around 80 years. In a previous study we showed that healthy young individuals, who had a parent with AD and were carriers of at least one ApoE4 allele displayed reductive stress. This was evidenced as a decrease in oxidative markers, such as oxidized glutathione, p-p38, and NADP+/NADPH ratio, and an increase of antioxidant enzymes, such as glutathione peroxidase (Gpx1) and both the catalytic and regulatory subunits of glutamyl-cysteinyl (GCLM and GCLC). Moreover, we found an increase in stress-related proteins involved in tau physiopathology.Now, 10 years later, we have conducted a follow-up study measuring the same parameters in the same cohort. Our results show that reductive stress has reversed, as we could now observe an increase in lipid peroxidation and in the oxidation of glutathione along with a decrease in the expression of Gpx1 and SOD1 antioxidant enzymes in ApoE4 carriers. Furthermore, we found an increase in plasma levels of IL1β levels and in PKR (eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2 alpha kinase 2) gene expression in isolated lymphocytes.Altogether, our results suggest that, in the continuum of Alzheimer's disease, people at risk of developing the disease go through different redox phases, from stablished reductive stress to oxidative stress.

Ladders and stairs: how the intervention ladder focuses blame on individuals and obscures systemic failings and interventions

Introduced in 2007 by the Nuffield Council on Bioethics, the intervention ladder has become an influential tool in bioethics and public health policy for weighing the justification for interventions and...

Tackling poor nutrition, lack of physical activity, and obesity in the general population

Background: Addressing the critical public health issues of poor nutrition, lack of physical activity, and obesity is essential for reducing non-communicable diseases. These factors contribute significantly to global morbidity and mortality, necessitating a comprehensive approach to improve dietary habits and increase physical activity among the general population. Methods and Materials: Utilizing an online survey targeted at medical students aged 19-25 from Kursk State Medical University, this study analyzes dietary habits, physical activity levels, and obesity perception. The survey, supplemented by academic literature and expert consultation, offers a multidimensional view of the prevailing health behaviors among students. Results: The findings indicate a concerning prevalence of unhealthy dietary choices, insufficient physical activity, and a notable perception of obesity among the participants. Statistical analysis of the survey results highlights the need for targeted interventions to address these health issues. Conclusion: The study underscores the importance of integrated strategies to promote healthy eating and regular physical activity. It calls for educational campaigns, policy measures, and individual behavioral changes to combat the growing challenge of obesity and associated health risks in the general population.