The invisible burden: A meta-analysis of methodological evolutions and the reassessment of microplastic concentrations in human tissues.

Anthropometric factors are suggested to influence neck range of movement. However, which factors may be relevant, and their strength of association remains questionable. Examine the associations between selected anthropometric measurements and neck ranges of movement. 90 healthy participants 18-60 years (mean = 31 years) were measured for height, weight, anterior and posterior neck column length and neck circumference. Active range of neck movement was measured using an electromagnetic tracking system. Differences in neck column length, anterior and posterior slenderness ratios (ASR & PSR) and BMI were calculated. Associations between range of movement and explanatory variables were examined by correlation and linear regression for all participants and by sex. Factors significantly correlated with range of movement differed according to sex. Following regression, flexion was associated with ASR in females (adjR2 = 0.08) and BMI and neck column length difference in males (adjR2 = 0.34), extension with neck column length difference in females (adjR2 = 0.08) and ASR in males (adjR2 = 0.22), lateral flexion with age in females (adjR2 = 0.26) and ASR in males (adjR2 = 0.12), and rotation with PSR in females (adjR2 = 0.10) and BMI in males (adjR2 = 0.27). Association between anthropometrics and range is limited in explanatory power. Each sex exhibits different combinations of explanatory variables. ASR may better explain variance in measurements than PSR.

Integrating horizontal-vertical heterogeneity and environmental factors to unravel heavy metal distributions and phytoaccumulation in a soil-maize system.

BackgroundThe consumers' wants have gradually resulted in the shift toward the sustainable food paradigm, where foods that are environmentally friendly, ethically produced, and good for health are being emphasized. Thus, sustainability has become one of the most important purchasing decision criteria along with nutrition and quality.AimThe paper aims to see the effect on consumer's attitude and behavior towards sustainable food by the factors of health and environmental consciousness, with the focus on the mediation of a healthy lifestyle.MethodsThe PLS-SEM (Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling) method was used for the analysis of the data collected by the questionnaires given to 443 people in Haryana, India.SummaryThe study brought out the conclusion that health and environmental consciousness both significantly and positively influence consumer attitudes towards sustainability in food, along with the healthy lifestyle being a vigorous mediator of the consumer attitudes and, health and environmental consciousness. The model was found to have a very high explanatory power and also a high predictive relevance. The study in its theoretical aspect broadens the value-attitude-behavior framework by connecting awareness to lifestyle practices, while in its practical aspect it gives marketers and policymakers a signal to promote sustainable food through health and environmental consciousness.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, systemic inflammatory disease that impacts quality of life and functionality. Its management involves pharmacological and nonpharmacological strategies, including physical exercise and health education. Although patient education is essential, there is no consensus regarding the specific knowledge needs of individuals with RA. This study aimed to assess the health education needs of Brazilian individuals with RA using a mixed cross-sectional observational design and an online questionnaire. Adults over 18 years with a self-reported RA diagnosis were recruited via social media. The questionnaire collected sociodemographic data and information on educational needs. Quantitative data were analyzed descriptively using Microsoft Excel. A subgroup analysis explored the association between years since diagnosis and educational needs through Spearman's correlation and simple linear regression in SPSS, after confirming non-normal distribution (p < 0.05), with a significance level of 5%. Qualitative responses were analyzed using thematic content analysis based on Bardin's method, supported by Braun and Clarke's inductive approach. Results indicate that individuals with RA consider it important to understand basic disease information, biopsychosocial aspects, and topics such as diet, treatment options, patient rights, pain, and physical exercise. A very weak inverse correlation was observed between years since diagnosis and educational needs (ρ = -0.160; p = 0.027), while regression analysis showed no significant predictive effect (β = -0.108; p = 0.137), with low explanatory power (R² = 0.012). The study highlights the actual educational needs of this population and identifies often-overlooked topics, providing a foundation for developing tailored educational materials.

Artificial light at night (ALAN) is a growing environmental pressure linked to socioeconomic development. This study examines ALAN trends from 2012 to 2024 across 165 countries using harmonized VIIRS satellite data. Globally, ALAN increased at an annual rate of 3.2%. Highest radiance levels occur in developed regions (Europe, North America, and East Asia), while remote areas remain dark. A few countries, including France and Venezuela, show declines. The study extends the VIIRS time series and applies a calibrated Kaya-identity framework integrating the human development index (HDI) and Gini coefficient. It introduces radiance density (RD) as a normalized metric linked to per-capita development for cross-national comparison. ALAN shows associations with macroeconomic indicators. Absolute ALAN correlates with total GDP (log), energy consumption, and CO2 emissions ( -0.81). RD and light pollution density better reflect development quality, correlating with HDI ( ), GDP per capita (log) ( ), and life expectancy ( ). Predictive models achieve high explanatory power ( -0.89), with population and GDP per capita as the strongestdeterminants.

Promoting healthy eating through social media influencers: A multi-group analysis of generational cohorts.

Human-modified landscapes alter species interactions, yet the spatial scale at which landscape features influence predator-prey interactions remains poorly understood. Caudal autotomy, a widespread antipredator defense in many reptile species, has been proposed as a proxy of predation pressure. We investigated landscape-scale variation in tail autotomy frequency in two synanthropic lizards, Podarcis muralis and P. siculus, across four metropolitan areas in Italy. We combined extensive field sampling (386 individuals) across 33 localities along a gradient of urbanization with multi-scale analyses of landscape composition and configuration, as well as proxies of predator occurrence (citizen-science records, species distribution models, and the distribution of colonies of free-ranging cats). Using generalized linear mixed models, we assessed which landscape features and spatial scales best explained variation in autotomy frequency. Overall, 66% of individuals exhibited autotomy. The frequency of autotomy was higher in P. muralis than in P. siculus and increased significantly with body size. Landscape composition strongly influenced the frequency of autotomy. Forest cover within 50 m of capture sites was the strongest predictor of autotomy, with individuals from areas characterized by lower forest cover showing a higher probability of tail loss. The explanatory power of landscape composition decreased at broader spatial scales. Instead, neither landscape configuration metrics, estimated predator richness, nor proximity to cat colonies significantly improved model performance. The frequency of caudal autotomy in Podarcis lizards varies along the urbanization gradient and is primarily associated with fine-scale habitat structure. These findings underscore the strong role of landscape composition in shaping multiple animal traits and support the use of morphological indicators to assess the ecological effects of human-driven landscape change.

When struggle becomes strength: The psychology of grit, flourishing, and well-being as mediators of motivational intensity in STEM students.

Machine learning-driven prediction of reproductive outcomes for broodstock selection in rainbow trout using a Composite Reproductive Index

Decision-making readiness is essential for effective patient participation in treatment decisions, especially for lung cancer patients receiving chemotherapy who face repeated complicated treatment choices. However, existing research investigating their level of decision-making readiness and its associated influencing factors remains inadequate. This study aimed to investigate the level of decision-making readiness among hospitalized lung cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, and further explore the influencing factors of their decision-making readiness. A cross-sectional observational design was adopted. A total of 452 hospitalized lung cancer patients receiving chemotherapy were recruited using convenience sampling. Data were collected via multiple questionnaires: the Chinese Version of the Preparation for Decision Making Scale, Decisional Conflict Scale, Patient Attitude Toward Treatment Decision-Making Scale, Decision Regret Scale, and a self-designed questionnaire covering sociodemographic and clinical characteristics. Descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and hierarchical multiple linear regression were applied for data analysis. The median score of participants' decision-making readiness was 62.00 (56.00, 70.00), representing a moderate overall readiness level. Correlation analysis demonstrated that decision-making readiness was positively associated with patients' willingness to participate in treatment decision-making and negatively associated with decisional conflict. Hierarchical regression revealed that demographic variables could explain 9.2% of the total variance of decision-making readiness, and the inclusion of decisional conflict and decision participation attitude raised the explanatory power to 31.1%. Economic status, residential location, decisional conflict and participation attitude were identified as significant predictive factors of decision-making readiness. Lung cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy only possess moderate decision-making readiness. Compared with demographic characteristics, psychosocial factors (decisional conflict and decision participation attitude) exert a stronger impact on patients' decision-making readiness. These findings also support the applicability of the Common Sense Model of Self-Regulation in the field of cancer treatment decision-making research. Targeted nursing decision-support interventions are urgently needed to assess and elevate lung cancer patients' decision-making readiness, which can further promote the practice of patient-centered treatment decision-making.

Purpose This study was conducted to examine the effects of academic burnout and smartphone overdependence on sleep quality among university students majoring in dental hygiene. Methods A survey was conducted from May 12 to May 30, 2025, targeting college students enrolled in the Department of Dental Hygiene in region C. For the analysis, t-tests, ANOVA, Pearson's correlation coefficients, and Multiple Regression Analysis were used, and a total of 189 questionnaires were utilized in the final analysis. Results Academic burnout in dental hygiene major college students showed a statistically significant correlation with smartphone overdependence (r=.451, p&lt;.001) and sleep quality (r=.257, p&lt;.001), while there was no significant correlation between smartphone overdependence and sleep quality (p&gt;.05). In the effect of smartphone overdependence on sleep quality, academic burnout (β=-.211, p=.010) was found to have a full mediating effect, and the explanatory power was 3.6%. Conclusion As a measure to improve learning for university students majoring in dental hygiene, it is necessary to provide efficient time management strategies, and it is considered necessary to apply a sleep quality intervention program to maintain physical and mental health.

Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (IAHS) represents an important model for sustainable development, which faces increasing pressure under rapid modernization. This study investigates 205 Zhejiang Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (Zhejiang-IAHS) using spatial analytical methods and the GeoDetector model to examine their spatiotemporal evolution, spatial patterns, and driving factors. The results indicate that: (1) The temporal frequency of Zhejiang-IAHS formation follows an inverted U-shaped trajectory, and the spatial gravity center oscillated between Shaoxing and Jinhua across different historical periods; (2) Zhejiang-IAHS exhibits a polycentric and uneven clustering structure, high-density clusters are predominantly located in plains and basin areas, while different Zhejiang-IAHS types display distinct geographical affinities; (3) Regarding the driving mechanisms of the present-day distribution, the GeoDetector analysis reveals that the explanatory power of social factors and economic factors is significantly stronger than that of natural conditions. Specifically, contemporary elements such as cultural infrastructures are identified as dominant forces associated with the spatial clustering and retention of these heritage systems. Interaction analysis further reveals a synergistic mechanism wherein static resource endowments are activated by dynamic socioeconomic conditions, with the interaction between transportation networks and tourism development being particularly pronounced. These findings suggest that while natural endowments provided the initial foundation for heritage formation, modern socioeconomic vitality plays a decisive role in their current identification and preservation. These findings highlight that activating static natural endowments through dynamic social factors and economic factors is key to the contemporary persistence of IAHS, offering a theoretical framework for understanding their spatiotemporal evolution.

Biomedical waste management is an essential element of hospital infection control, particularly in Ayurveda facilities where panchakarma procedures generate diverse and potentially infectious waste. Despite its significance, there is absence of standardized tools to comprehensively measure the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of healthcare workers in this field. Hence the present research work aims to design and validate a questionnaire that is crucial to capture accurate, comparable data, identify knowledge gaps, and guide targeted training or policy interventions. A single-centre, cross-sectional psychometric study using convenience sampling was conducted on 190 Ayurveda healthcare workers in a tertiary care Ayurveda healthcare setting in Kerala, India. An initial 38-item questionnaire draft was generated on the basis of review of literature and focus group discussion with relevant area experts. Then judgement of questionnaire was based on Content validity and Face validity by expert panel. Test-retest reliability, internal consistency reliability, and construct validity of instrument were established later by using SPSS version 25. Measurement model and structural components were derived using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) with SmartPLS 4. Goodness- of- fit between model and actual data of study was determined through various fit indices. Item-level content validity (I-CVI > 0.79) and face validity (scores ≥ 8/10) confirmed relevance and clarity. Four items with weak test-retest reliability were removed. The final 34-item questionnaire demonstrated good internal consistency (Cronbach's α = 0.788-0.830, overall α = 0.877) and stability (ICC = 0.769-0.812, overall ICC = 0.771). Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) supported a three-factor structure (Knowledge, Attitude, Practice) explaining 54.98% of variance. PLS-SEM indicated large effect sizes for Knowledge and Attitude (f² = 0.492, 0.466) and moderate explanatory power for Practice (R² = 0.443), with overall good model fit. Results showed evidence for validity and reliability of questionnaire assessing knowledge, attitude and practice regarding biomedical waste management among Ayurveda healthcare workers. The tool was developed and validated in a single Ayurveda tertiary care centre; further validation is needed in other settings.

From quantity to quality: Differential effects of social practice on students' innovation and entrepreneurship capabilities-The mediating role of psychological capital.

Background: Hearing loss is a well-established modifiable risk factor for dementia at the individual level, but less is known about whether hearing loss prevalence aligns with dementia prevalence at the country level across diverse socioeconomic and demographic contexts. This study examined sex-stratified country-level associations between hearing loss prevalence and dementia prevalence, while avoiding causal interpretation of ecological associations. Methods: Country-level sex-specific prevalence estimates for hearing loss and dementia prevalence were obtained from the Global Burden of Disease data resources. Analyses were conducted separately for females and males and included descriptive sample summaries, Pearson and Spearman correlations, principal component analysis, partial correlations used as sequential robustness checks, and theory-informed multivariable linear regression. Variables were log10-transformed for the primary analyses. Models adjusted for economic development, urbanisation, the Henneberg Index, and sex-specific life expectancy at age 60. Formal sex comparison was evaluated using coefficient-comparison testing of the hearing-loss effect from comparable adjusted models. Results: The global bivariate association between hearing loss prevalence and dementia prevalence was strong in females (Pearson r = 0.827; Spearman rho = 0.845; p < 0.001) and males (Pearson r = 0.848; Spearman rho = 0.855; p < 0.001). Principal component analyses indicated that hearing loss prevalence clustered with socioeconomic and demographic indicators in both sexes, explaining more than 70% of total variance. In multivariable regression models, adding hearing loss increased explanatory power in females (R2 from 0.661 to 0.827) and males (R2 from 0.674 to 0.811). A formal coefficient-comparison test did not indicate a statistically meaningful difference between the female and male hearing-loss coefficients in the fully adjusted models (z = 0.82; p = 0.41). Conclusions: Hearing loss prevalence is strongly associated with dementia prevalence at the country level in both females and males after adjustment for macro-level socioeconomic and demographic covariates. The findings support the population-level relevance of hearing health for dementia surveillance and prevention, while indicating broad convergence rather than clear sex-based divergence in the hearing loss-dementia association.

Purpose This study investigates whether foreign directors from positive peace cultures enhance a firm’s environmental, social and governance (ESG) performance. Grounded in Social Learning Theory, we argue that such directors facilitate the diffusion of ethical values and sustainable governance practices in boardrooms. Design/methodology/approach Using a sample of 26,744 firm-year observations of Chinese firms listed on the Shanghai and Shenzhen stock exchanges from 2009 to 2024, we construct a novel board-level Positive Peace Index (PPI) based on the PPI scores of foreign directors’ countries of origin obtained from the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP). We then estimate a lead-lag OLS model, regressing ESG performance, measured using the Huazheng ESG composite score, on PPI alongside relevant control variables. Findings Firms with foreign directors from stronger positive peace cultures (i.e. a higher average of positive peace level on the board) demonstrate superior ESG performance, particularly in product quality, corporate governance, and environmental protection. The positive effect of PPI is more pronounced in firms with less government intervention, lower CEO power, and more frequent board meetings, reflecting conditions that foster open dialog and social learning. Importantly, PPI provides explanatory power beyond Hofstede’s cultural dimensions and generic board diversity measures. Originality/value This study introduces positive peace culture as a novel, values-based lens for examining the cultural influence of foreign directors on ESG, addressing prior mixed findings in the literature. By moving beyond Hofstede’s framework, we respond to calls for more nuanced, context-sensitive cultural metrics (Chanchani and MacGregor, 1999; Doupnik and Tsakumis, 2004). Our findings carry practical implications for firms, investors, and policymakers in emerging markets, advocating for thoughtful board composition strategies that prioritize cultural values such as positive peace that are aligned with ethical and sustainable business practices.

Epidemiological studies of Talaromyces marneffei (T. marneffei) infection are largely confined to HIV-positive populations and specific geographic regions, whereas its population-scale characteristics and environmental factors associated with infection in China are lacking. This study investigates spatiotemporal patterns, host susceptibility, and environmental correlates of T. marneffei detection in Chinese mainland. Targeted next-generation sequencing (tNGS) data from patients hospitalized for acute respiratory tract infections (ARTIs) from 2022 to 2024 were used for epidemiological, spatiotemporal, and co-detection analyses. Geographical detector models with the q-statistic were employed to quantify the associations of meteorological, host distribution, and social factors on detection risk, where the q-statistic measures the proportion of spatial variance explained by each factor. Among 2,316 reported cases, we identified significant spatial clustering, with bimodal seasonal peaks in detection rate. Males and individuals aged 41-50 showed the highest susceptibility. Pneumocystis jirovecii was the predominant co-detected pathogen; 5 pathogens were positively and 16 were negatively correlated with T. marneffei. Univariate analysis using the q-statistic revealed that dew point temperature had the strongest explanatory power for T. marneffei detection at 48.55%. Bivariate interaction analysis demonstrated that paired factor combinations exhibited enhanced explanatory power for disease prevalence compared with single factors. Average air pressure, which alone explained only 1.4% of the spatial variance, showed markedly higher explanatory power when paired with other variables. This study revealed spatiotemporal heterogeneity, population susceptibility, and environmental factors associated with T. marneffei detection in Chinese mainland, which can guide disease monitoring and control through enhanced surveillance and tailored interventions in epidemic hotspots and among high-risk groups.

Monitoring and forecasting of green tide biomass based on multi-source remote sensing.

Background Large-scale internal migration has become an important feature of China's urbanization, yet internal migrants often face challenges in social connection, community participation, and sense of belonging in destination cities. Although previous studies have linked sport participation with health, well-being, and social connection, less is known about how different forms of sport participation influence the social integration of internal migrants through psychological mechanisms. Objective This study examined the influence of sports participation on the social integration of China's migrant population, focusing on the mediating roles of subjective well-being and life satisfaction, along with age-related differences. Methods A sample of 1,660 migrants from the CGSS 2023 dataset was analyzed using Pearson correlation analysis and the PROCESS macro (Model 6) for SPSS to evaluate the serial mediation model. Additionally, heterogeneity analysis was performed across different age groups. Results (a) Both physical exercise and sports spectatorship significantly and positively predicted social integration; (b) physical exercise enhanced social integration through the mediating effects of subjective well-being and life satisfaction; (c) sports spectatorship did not significantly predict subjective well-being or life satisfaction, and its indirect effect lacked consistent statistical support, indicating that the effect was primarily direct; (d) age-group analysis demonstrated that subjective well-being maintained relatively stable explanatory power in the relationship between physical exercise and social integration, while the indirect effect of spectatorship was statistically supported only in the older cohort. Conclusion Participation in sports plays a significant role in promoting the social integration of migrant populations. However, the psychological mechanisms associated with various forms of participation exhibit distinct characteristics: engagement through physical exercise tends to be more stable, whereas the impact of spectatorship is influenced by age and specific contextual factors.