Frequency Of Use Research Articles

Prevalence of Cannabis Use Disorder Among Primary Care Patients with Varying Frequency of Past-Year Cannabis Use.

Valid, single-item cannabis screens for the frequency of past-year use (SIS-C) can identify patients at risk for cannabis use disorder (CUD); however, the prevalence of CUD for patients who report varying frequencies of use in the clinical setting remains unexplored. Compare clinical responses about the frequency of past-year cannabis use to typical use and CUD severity reported on a confidential survey. Among adult patients in an integrated health system who completed the SIS-C as part of routine care (3/28/2019-9/12/2019; n = 108,950), 5000 were selected for a confidential survey using stratified random sampling. Among 1688 respondents (34% response rate), 1589 who reported past-year cannabis use on the SIS-C were included. We compared patients with varying frequency of cannabis use on the SIS-C (< monthly, monthly, weekly, daily) to survey responses on the Composite International Diagnostic Interview Substance Abuse Module for CUD (any and moderate-severe CUD) and cannabis exposure measures (typical use per-week, per-day). Adjusted multinomial (categorical) and logistic regression (binary), weighted for population estimates, estimated the prevalence of outcomes across frequencies. Patients were predominantly middle-aged (mean = 43.3years [SD = 16.9]), male (51.8%), white (78.2%), non-Hispanic (94.0%), and commercially insured (68.9%). The prevalence of any and moderate-severe CUD increased with greater frequency of past-year cannabis use reported on the SIS-C (p-values < 0.001) and ranged from 12.7% (6.3-19.2%) and 0.9% (0.0-2.7%) for < monthly to 44.6% (41.4-47.7%) and 20.3% (17.8-22.9%) for daily use, respectively. Greater frequency of use on the SIS-C in the clinical setting corresponded with greater per-week and per-day use on the confidential survey. Among patients who reported past-year cannabis use as part of routine screening, the prevalence of CUD and other cannabis exposure measures increased with greater frequency of cannabis use, underscoring the utility of brief cannabis screens for identifying patients at risk for CUD.

Exploring the Relationship Between Social Media Use and Symptoms of Depression and Anxiety Among Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Narrative Review.

Social media use is ubiquitous to the lives of children and adolescents. The body of research investigating its potential impact on mental health has risen exponentially. We systematically reviewed the present literature exploring potential linkages between social media use and symptoms of depression and anxiety in this vulnerable group. Using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses framework, articles were searched across Medline, EMBASE, CINAHL, and PsycINFO databases from inception to February 2024. Quantitative studies with social media as exposure and anxiety/depressive symptoms as outcomes in children and adolescents 5-18 years of age were included. Of the 4850 studies retrieved, 67 fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The most frequent measures of social media were "time spent on social media" and "frequency of use." Depressive symptoms were the outcome of 61 studies, whereas anxiety was measured in 27 studies. Most studies were of fair quality (n = 53). A meta-analysis was not possible due to study heterogeneity. Our review shows that (1) problematic social media use is associated with depressive and anxiety symptoms among children and adolescents, (2) duration of social media use was more consistently linked with anxiety and depression in girls compared with boys, and (3) mediating and moderating mechanisms were sleep deprivation, social comparison, and feedback-seeking behaviors, exercise, social support, and type of social media use. Qualitative work and robust large-scale longitudinal observations using a person-specific approach are needed to further our understanding of the impact of social media use on depression and anxiety in children and adolescents.

Concussion Assessment and Management Self-efficacy Among Irish Clinicians.

This study explored concussion assessment and management self-efficacy and practices of allied healthcare professionals in Ireland. (1) Self-efficacy levels and practices vary across different concussion assessment and management skills, (2) the ability to practice skills impacts self-efficacy most. Cross-sectional. Level 3. Survey of allied healthcare professionals (285 responders), investigating (1) demographics, (2) concussion assessment (immediate and office) and management (postconcussion advice and management/rehabilitation) self-efficacy levels and practices, and (3) factors affecting self-efficacy. Levels of self-efficacy among clinicians were 64.5 ± 26.6 (immediate assessment) and 56.6 ± 25.4 (postconcussion advice) (highest scores: concussion symptom checklist [80 ± 28.4], physical rest advice [80.1 ± 27.8]; lowest: Child Sport Concussion Assessment Tool [44.6 ± 41.2] and nutrition advice [34.1 ± 33.7]). Overall levels of self-efficacy among Certified Athletic Therapists and Chartered Physiotherapists were 51.5 ± 20.1 (assessment) and 62.1 ± 20.9 (management) (highest scores: history/clinical evaluation nonspecific to concussion [86.6 ± 16.2], physical rest advice [86.3 ± 20]; lowest: paper/pencil neuropsychological test [16.7 ± 28.6], advice on medication use [39.2 ± 35]). A strong positive correlation was observed between clinician self-efficacy and frequency of use of overall (r = 0.795; P < 0.01) and immediate (r = 0.728; P < 0.01) assessment, advice (r = 0.805; P < 0.01), and management (r = 0.812; P < 0.01) skills. Factors with greatest positive impact on clinician self-efficacy were the ability to practice skills during clinical placement (3.3 ± 0.9) and remaining emotionally (3.3 ± 0.8) and physically (3.3 ± 0.8) calm while practicing. Clinicians in Ireland had moderate self-efficacy in concussion care. Those who used concussion-relevant skills frequently in practice displayed higher self-efficacy for those skills. Concussion-related self-efficacy can be enhanced through practice in a clinical environment and through experiencing composure while practicing.

Exploring the Impact of Artificial Intelligence Generative Tools on Research in Higher Education Institutions: A Perspective from Portugal

Artificial Intelligence (AI) generative tools have emerged as transformative instruments in various domains, including research and academia. It is important to see what is positive and what is not. This study focuses on the integration of GAI in Portuguese higher education institutions and explores its multifaceted implications and potential. Our research was conducted through a comprehensive survey between April and June 2023, garnering 77 responses. To this purpose, the analysis will have several insights into the research process, namely, to assess the frequency of use and objectives of using generative AI for higher education research and to explore possible trends and future directions in the adoption and application of generative AI in this field.

Scooting into place: How comfort on different infrastructure types influences shared e-scooter trip making

Shared e-scooters are a growing disruptive micro-mobility technology. Several Canadian cities, including Calgary, have launched pilot programs to test these micro-mobility options. As part of the Calgarian pilot, a public engagement survey was launched to collect information about the public’s perception of shared e-scooters. The survey includes a set of questions related to users’ perception of comfort using shared e-scooters on various infrastructure types: roads, bike lanes, sidewalks and dedicated pathways, as well as a question related to the frequency of use of the e-scooters. Comfort in general and specific comfort on the type of infrastructure most used is expected to have a high degree of correlation with the frequency of use. We present a joint ordered choice model examining how different sociodemographic characteristics and typical travel patterns of the survey respondents influence perceptions of comfort on these different infrastructure types and their frequency of e-scooter use. The model estimation results show that e-scooter use is not uniform across age and gender demographics and that infrastructure, riding comfort, and e-scooter use are linked. E-scooter riding comfort was negatively associated with infrastructure types that led to more potential interactions with motor vehicles and pedestrians. These results will allow decision makers to tailor new policies and prioritize infrastructure to improve the overall usage of e-scooters and maximize the benefits these new technologies will provide.

Personal care product use and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in pregnant and lactating people in the Maternal-Infant Research on Environmental Chemicals study

BackgroundPer- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are ubiquitous chemicals routinely detected in personal care products (PCPs). However, few studies have evaluated the impact of PCP use on PFAS concentrations in pregnant and lactating populations. ObjectiveWe investigated associations between PCP use and PFAS concentrations in prenatal plasma and human milk. MethodsWe leveraged the Maternal-Infant Research on Environmental Chemicals (MIREC) Study to evaluate the contribution of PCP use on PFAS concentrations in prenatal plasma (6 to 13 weeks’ gestation; n = 1,940) and human-milk (2 to 10 weeks’ postpartum; n = 664). Participants reported frequency of use across 8 PCP categories during the 1st and 3rd trimesters, 1 to 2 days postpartum, and 2 to 10 weeks’ postpartum. We used adjusted linear regression models to quantify percent differences and corresponding 95 % confidence intervals. ResultsIn 1st trimester pregnant people, we found higher use of nailcare products (≥once a week vs. never: perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA): 21 % [9.7 %, 32 %]; perfluorooctane-sulfonic acid (PFOS): 11 % [0.3 %, 23 %]), fragrances (daily vs. never: PFOA: 14 % [7.8 %, 21 %]; PFOS: 7.8 % [1.3 %, 15 %]), makeup (daily vs. never: PFOA: 14 % [5.8 %, 23 %]), hair dyes (never vs. 1-2 times during pregnancy: PFOA: 8.3 % [2.4 %, 15 %]), and hair sprays or gels (daily vs. never: PFOA: 12 % [5.0 %, 19 %], PFOS: 7.1 % [0.2 %, 15 %]) were associated with higher plasma PFAS concentrations. Similar results were observed for 3rd trimester PCP use and 2 to 10 weeks’ postpartum human-milk PFAS concentrations. In addition, we also found that people using colored-permanent dye 1 to 2 days postpartum had higher Sm-PFOS (18 % [2.7 %, 35 %]), PFOA (16 % [4.3 %, 29 %]), and perfluorononanoic acid (17 % [3.6 %, 33 %]) postpartum human-milk concentrations. ConclusionsOur results show that PCP use may be a modifiable source of PFAS exposure in pregnant and lactating populations. These results along with growing scientific evidence can help inform PFAS regulation and guide individual choices to reduce PFAS exposure.

Dissemination Approaches that Enhance Adoption of Climate Resilient TIMPS for Pigeon Pea, Sorghum and Green Grams Value Chains in Machakos County, Kenya

Dissemination approaches play a key role in facilitating the adoption of climate smart technologies, innovations and management practices among farmers. Various approaches used in Kenya include the top down approaches and bottom up approaches. This study was conducted to determine and validate dissemination approaches that enhance sustainable adoption of climate resilient TIMPs for Sorghum, Green grams and pigeon peas value chains among farmers in Machakos county. The objectives included: to Identify dissemination approaches for TIMPS in sorghum, green grams and pigeon peas in Machakos county, to assess the frequency of use of dissemination approaches for TIMPS by stakeholders and to determine the stakeholders’ perception on the effectiveness of the dissemination approaches for TIMPS. The study used a survey research design where 27 key informants comprising champion farmers and extension service providers were purposively selected for data collection. The descriptive analysis was conducted using the SPSS version 16. A weighted index was computed to aid comparison for various values chains and categories. The results showed that farmer-to-farmer (96%) and T&amp;V (88.9%) dissemination approaches were the frequently used dissemination approaches whereas education institution (14.81%) was the least used dissemination approach in the three value chains in the county. Farmer to farmer effectiveness was ranked highest in Sorghum and Green grams while the T&amp;V was highest for Pigeon peas Enhanced utilization of farmer-to-farmer, T&amp;V and demand driven dissemination approaches for enhance adoption of green grams, pigeon peas and sorghum for improved productivity and household income.

AI-Powered E-Learning for Lifelong Learners: Impact on Performance and Knowledge Application

The widespread integration of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, such as generative AI tools like ChatGPT, in education and workplaces requires a clear understanding of the factors that influence their adoption and effectiveness. This study explores how the ease of using AI tools, the ability to apply knowledge gained from them, and users’ confidence in learning with AI impact individuals’ performance and frequency of use. We also examine how these factors affect academic success and job performance among adults engaged in lifelong learning. Using data from 300 participants analyzed with Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM), we found that, when AI tools are easy to use, individuals experience greater benefits and are more likely to use them regularly. Applying knowledge from AI tools enhances both personal performance and usage frequency. Additionally, having confidence in one’s ability to learn with AI leads to significant improvements in personal outcomes and an increased use of AI tools. These findings highlight the importance of designing user-friendly AI technologies, promoting the practical application of AI-generated knowledge, and building users’ confidence to maximize the benefits of AI. Educators, policymakers, and AI developers can use these insights to develop strategies that enhance academic and job performance through effective AI integration. Future research should consider other influencing factors and employ longitudinal studies to further validate these findings.

Perceptions of Yemeni EFL Students on the Use of AI Tools: Awareness, Frequency, and Preferred Applications

This study explores Yemeni EFL students' perceptions of using AI tools in their English language learning, focusing on awareness, frequency of use, and preferred applications. AI-powered tools like ChatGPT, Duolingo, and Grammarly offer personalized, interactive learning experiences that are especially valuable in regions with limited educational resources. The research utilized an online survey distributed via WhatsApp to gather data from Yemeni undergraduate students. Results indicate that while many students are familiar with AI tools and use them regularly for tasks such as vocabulary building and grammar checking, barriers like limited internet access and high AI tool costs remain significant. The study highlights the potential benefits of AI tools in accelerating learning, enhancing autonomy, and providing personalized feedback while addressing the need for improved infrastructure and support in under-resourced areas. The findings provide valuable insights for educators, policymakers, and AI developers to enhance the effectiveness and accessibility of AI tools in language learning, particularly in conflict-affected regions like Yemen.

Impact of Ultra-Rapid Insulin on Boost and Ease-Off in the Cambridge Hybrid Closed-Loop System for Individuals With Type 1 Diabetes.

The objective was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of ultra-rapid-acting insulin with the Boost and Ease-off features of the Cambridge hybrid closed-loop system. A secondary analysis of Boost and Ease-off from two double-blind, randomized, crossover hybrid closed-loop studies comparing (1) Fiasp to insulin aspart (n = 25), and (2) Lyumjev to insulin lispro (n = 26) was carried out. Mean glucose on initialization of Boost and Ease-off, change in glucose 60 and 120 minutes after initialization, duration and frequency of use, mean glucose, and time in, above, and below target glucose range were calculated for periods of Boost use, Ease-off use, or neither. Participants used Boost for longer with Fiasp than insulin aspart (median [interquartile range, IQR] = 75 [53-125] minutes vs 60 [49-75] minutes; P = .01). Mean glucose on Boost initialization with Fiasp was 238 ± 62 mg/dL compared with 218 ± 45 mg/dL with insulin aspart (P = .08). Fiasp use resulted in a greater glucose reduction 120 minutes after Boost initialization [-59 ± 34 mg/dL vs -43 ± 31 mg/dL; P = .02]. There were no statistically significant differences in sensor glucose endpoints during Boost or Ease-off periods between Fiasp and aspart. There were no statistically significant differences during Boost or Ease-off periods when comparing Lyumjev with insulin lispro. There were no safety issues when using Boost and Ease-off with ultra-rapid insulins. The use of Fiasp and Lyumjev during Boost or Ease-off resulted in comparable safety and efficacy to using insulin aspart and lispro.

Patient and carer feedback and engagement with ECHOMANTRA, a digital guided intervention for anorexia nervosa.

We developed ECHOMANTRA, a digital guided intervention for patients with anorexia nervosa and their carers to provide support during transition from inpatient care to community settings. This study reports on participants' engagement with, and feedback of, ECHOMANTRA. Patients and carers (N=184 dyads) were given access to ECHOMANTRA for 12months. The intervention included online groups, a workbook and recovery-oriented videoclips. Satisfactory engagement was defined as attendance of a minimum of four online groups by each dyad. Participants received an Intervention Feedback Form to measure frequency of use and provide feedback of the intervention. Those who did not meet the engagement criterion were asked to complete an Obstacles to Engagement Form. 19% of the sample reached the engagement criterion. Seventy-six patients and 60 carers completed the Intervention Feedback Form. Of those, approximately 60% reported using at least a quarter of the workbook and videoclips. Overall, participants found the materials useful and easy to access (median=3 on a scale 1-5). Obstacles to engagement (35 patients and 14 carers) included lack of time due to caring responsibilities, treatment, work/school commitments. A more personalised form of support may be needed to enhance motivation and ability to change following inpatient care.

Acceptance as a possible link between past psychedelic experiences and psychological flexibility

Increased psychological flexibility (PF) may underlie the lasting positive effects of psychedelic experiences on mental well-being. The associations between different components of PF, psychological inflexibility (PI), and well-being with psychedelic use are not well understood. We conducted a cross-sectional internet survey of participants (N = 629) with experience of classical psychedelics. Using network analysis, we examined how aspects of a single psychedelic experience (mystical-type features and psychological insights) and the frequency of past psychedelic use, were associated with current PF and PI components, as well as with mental well-being and ill-being. Mediation analyses explored whether PF mediated the relationship between past psychedelic use and well-being or ill-being. The network analysis linked psychological insight to the PF component Acceptance, with no association found between the frequency of past use and PF. Mediation analyses showed PF mediates the association between past psychedelic use and well-being and ill-being. These results suggest that the quality and depth of the psychedelic experience, rather than the frequency of use, are primarily linked to psychological flexibility, particularly Acceptance, and overall well-being. This underscores the importance of treating PF as a multidimensional construct to better understand the long-term mental health benefits of psychedelics.

Prenatal Cannabis Use and Offspring Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Disruptive Behavior Disorders: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

To examine whether maternal cannabis use during early pregnancy is associated with offspring attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and disruptive behavior disorders (DBD). We conducted a population-based retrospective birth cohort study of children (N = 141,570) born between 2011 and 2018 to pregnant individuals (N = 117,130) in Kaiser Permanente Northern California universally screened for any prenatal cannabis use at the entrance to prenatal care (at ∼8-10 wk gestation). Prenatal cannabis use was defined as (1) self-reported use and/or a positive toxicology test, (2) self-reported use, (3) a positive toxicology test, and (4) self-reported use frequency. Cox proportional hazards regression models adjusting for maternal characteristics (sociodemographics, other substance use and substance use disorders, prenatal care initiation, comorbidities) examined associations between prenatal cannabis use and offspring ADHD and DBD diagnosed by age 11 years. The sample of pregnant individuals was 27.2% Asian/Pacific Islander, 5.7% Black, 24.5% Hispanic, and 38.8% non-Hispanic White, with a mean (SD) age of 30.9 (5.2) years; 4.6% screened positive for any cannabis use (0.4% daily, 0.5% weekly, 1.1% monthly or less, 2.7% unknown frequency); 3.92% had a positive toxicology test and 1.8% self-reported use; 7.7% of offspring had ADHD and 6.8% had DBD. Maternal prenatal cannabis use was not associated with ADHD (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR]: 0.84, 95% CI, 0.70-1.01), and there was an inverse association with DBD (aHR: 0.83, 95% CI, 0.71-0.97), which remained when cannabis was defined by toxicology testing but not by self-report. Frequency of use was not associated with outcomes. Maternal prenatal cannabis use was not associated with an increased risk of offspring ADHD or DBD.

Word-Final /s/-/z/ Omission in Vietnamese English

Southeast Asian learners of English, including those from Vietnam, frequently omit word-final consonants in their English speech. Previous work on Vietnamese learners of English is limited, and errors are typically usually attributed to first-language transfer effects. No large-scale empirical study on Vietnamese learners has been carried out to aid the development of an evidence-based pedagogy. This study uses authentic spoken data to compare lexical and morphological word-final /s/ and /z/ in the speech of sixteen Vietnamese adult learners of English. We discuss the relative impact of frequency of use, whether the instance of a target /s/ or /z/ is in a root or bound morpheme, and whether the preceding phoneme is a consonant or vowel. An overall omission rate of 28.4% of expected instances was found. Morphological {-s} when it is preceded by a consonant has the highest error rate (50.7%). A multilevel binary logistic regression was performed to ascertain the relative effects. Morphological words containing /s/ or /z/ were significantly more likely to be pronounced with the /s/ or /z/ absent than lexical words containing a /s/ or /z/, as were those in clusters compared to those with a preceding vowel. The results indicate that phonological effects and morphological effects are stacked and not multiplicative and that the observed omission rates are not solely attributable to L1 transfer effects. Frequency of use is also highly correlated with accuracy.

The Mediating Role of Rape Myths in the Relationship Between the Use of Hentai Pornography and Sexually Aggressive Strategies: A Study with College Students.

The current study aims to test the hypothetical link between hentai pornography use, rape myths endorsement, and sexually aggressive strategies. Furthermore, it aims to capture if such a trajectory echoes across gender and human-realistic pornography. The work targeted a sample of 906 college students, of whom 533 were men and 373 were women, who completed an online survey to capture pornography use, rape myths, and sexually aggressive behavior. Participation criteria included being heterosexual, over 18, pursuing higher education, and using hentai pornography. The results revealed that the frequency of hentai pornography use predicts sexually aggressive behaviors in male and female participants. The endorsement of rape myths mediated the relationship between the frequency of hentai use and sexually aggressive behavior in both genders and the relationship between the intensity of hentai use and sexually aggressive behavior in men. When considering human-realistic pornography, it was found that the frequency of use predicts sexually aggressive behavior in female participants. The endorsement of rape myths mediated the relationship; no other relationship was found. This work aims to increase awareness about the implications of using hentai and human-realistic pornography and highlight the importance of sexual violence prevention in the college setting.

Digital technologies for pediatric rehabilitation: current access and use in the European Rehatech4child survey.

Digital technologies such as robotics and treadmill-systems (RobTS), virtual-reality and active video-gaming (VR-AVG), and telehealth and apps (T&Apps) used within pediatric motor rehabilitation may promote recovery and improve function. However, digital technology uptake may be limited in clinical practice. To explore access to and use of digital technologies for pediatric motor rehabilitation (DT4R) in Europe as a function of individual and environmental factors, as well as potential barriers to their use. This observational study was based on RehaTech4child, a cross-sectional survey (2022), supported by the European Academy of Childhood Disability. Online survey available in 20 European languages. The survey was disseminated through convenience and snowball sampling to pediatric motor rehabilitation professionals in Europe. The survey included items on outcomes (access, use, purposes of use and intention to use for the three categories of DT4R, i.e. RobTS, VR-AVG and T&Apps), determinants (socio-demographics, rehabilitation practice) and barriers. The association between access and use, and individual and environmental determinants was assessed using logistic regression adjusted for age, gender and profession. Of the 1397 responses received, 635 were included. Respectively 67.7% and 74.3% of respondents reported using and having access to at least one of the three categories of DT4R. T&Apps and VR-AVG were used by 50.8% and 45.5% of respondents, respectively, and RobTS by 36.6% (P<0.001). Ease of access was the main determinant of use and frequency of use. Individual (e.g. age) and environmental (e.g. healthcare facility, patients' age) factors were access determinants. At least 70% of professionals intended to use a DT4R if available. Lack of financial resources and training were the most frequently reported severe barriers. This study found that DT4R were already used in clinical practice by around two-thirds of respondents and that they generally wished to use them even more. Access was the main determinant of use and frequency of use. To facilitate access and use of DT4R, infrastructure and financial resources should be outlined, and training opportunities provided for professionals. Practice guidance should be developed and adapted for specific age groups and rehabilitation goals.

Wild-grown medicinal plants used by the Asháninka people from the Tambo River, Peruvian Amazonia

Ethnopharmacological relevanceThe Asháninka people are the largest Peruvian Amazonian group, yet the knowledge of their medicinal plants is scarce. This study on Asháninka herbal medicine offers an insight into the Asháninka aetiological system, resting within the wider ontological framework of animism, and cultural expressions of the biomedical understanding of illnesses. Aim of the studyTo document wild-grown (non-cultivated) plant species in current use by the Asháninka people and look closer at their herbal practices during the Covid-19 pandemic. The study examines whether the knowledge and use of medicinal plants is gendered in this society. It also compares the findings with available literature concerning the Arawakan groups from Peruvian Amazonia. Material and methodsThe fieldwork was conducted in 13 native communities of the Asháninka people along the Tambo River (Selva Central), Peru, between 2016 and 2018 and in 2022. The main field technique were guided walks in the forest with 27 female and 28 male participants, during which voucher specimens were collected and relevant information was recorded. Semi-structured interviews were performed with specialists in Asháninka traditional medicine and with lay Asháninka people to better understand Asháninka illness aetiologies. The analysis of medicinal plants included medicinal categories and uses, modes of preparations, the frequency of use and the knowledge about the plants between the genders. It also presents and discusses detailed testimonies of herbal remedies during the Covid-19 pandemic. The list of recorded plants was compared with ethnobotanical studies of other Arawakan groups from Peruvian Amazonia. ResultsAltogether, 169 wild-grown medicinal plant species were documented. Our findings highlight the importance of the Piperaceae and Acanthaceae botanical families in the Asháninka pharmacopoeia. The plants were used for 23 medicinal categories, of which dermatological disorders, digestive problems and venomous bites were the most prevalent. Over 70% of recorded plants were commonly and moderately known by the study participants. More exclusive species were found among the men than women; however, 64 % of all recorded plants were known to both genders. Sixty-one percent of recorded plants were not mentioned by any other study of medicinal plants among other Arawakan groups in Peruvian Amazonia. During the Covid-19 pandemic, nobody in the native communities at the Tambo River died directly due to the virus, which was attributed, amongst others, to effective and culturally-appropriate prophylaxis and treatments with medicinal plants. ConclusionTo this day, the Asháninka people at the Tambo River conserve the knowledge and practices related to medicinal plants which meet the daily needs of dwelling in subtropical forest; these are deeply rooted in animistic ontology, with the emphasis on spirit predation and retaliation. And yet, numerous applications of plants are compatible with the biomedical notion of illness and symptoms. Plant knowledge is shared between the genders, although specific plants exist for men and women, which are related to their gendered social and family roles. Some overlap and consensus exists with other studies regarding medicinal uses, which reflects the rich and diverse knowledge of medicinal plants among the Arawakan groups in Peruvian Amazonia, and this deserves further study.

University Students’ Attitudes and Perceptions towards AI Tools: Implications for Sustainable Educational Practices

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) tools in educational settings offers significant opportunities to promote sustainability by transforming learning experiences. This study analyses the usage, attitudes, and perceptions of AI tools among university students in Slovenia providing a comprehensive analysis that informs both academic practices and policy-making with emphasis on sustainability. We used a structured questionnaire with a sample of 422 participants reflecting a diverse demographic profile across various fields of study. The questionnaire was designed to measure the frequency of AI tool usage, the purposes for which these tools are employed, and students’ attitudes and perceptions towards AI’s potential benefits and drawbacks in education. Statistical analyses, including Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), were utilized to test hypotheses concerning differences in AI tool usage based on the level and field of study. Findings reveal that students recognize the efficiency of AI, but express concerns about its impact on learning quality and academic integrity, emphasizing the need for a balanced and responsible integration of AI in education to achieve sustainable outcomes. Results indicated that a majority of students are engaging with AI tools, with varied frequencies of use largely dependent on their field of study and academic level. The findings suggest that while AI tools are becoming an integral part of the educational landscape in Slovenia, there is a critical need to address the educational, ethical, and psychological impacts of these technologies. The results highlight the necessity for further research into the educational implications of AI, suggesting a balanced and sustainable approach to integrating these technologies into higher education curricula. Such an approach ensures that the adoption of AI not only enhances learning outcomes but also aligns with the principles of sustainability, promoting long-term benefits for both education and society.

Do Symptoms of Depression Moderate the Links Between Reactive and Proactive Aggression and Frequency of Substance Use?

Youth substance use continues to be a public health concern, with both aggressive behavior and symptoms of depression commonly identified as risk factors for adolescent substance use. However, more research is needed to understand how proactive and reactive functions of aggression are uniquely associated with the frequency of use of specific substances and how these functions of aggression interact with symptoms of depression to contribute to substance use. To this end, the current study examined these associations in a sample of detained youth (N = 229; 80.7% Male). Results suggested that reactive aggression is uniquely associated with traditional cigarette, alcohol, and marijuana use, while proactive aggression is uniquely associated with prescription drug use. Further, although symptoms of depression did not uniquely contribute to the frequency of substance use, symptoms of depression moderate links between proactive aggression and frequency of traditional cigarette, alcohol, and prescription drug use such that proactive aggression is associated with increased frequency of use only when symptoms of depression are low. Findings suggest the need to consider functions of aggression when identifying risk for frequent substance use, as there may be distinct targets of intervention depending on the function of aggression.

Prevalence and factors associated with the use of traditional medicine in individuals with hypercholesterolemia, hyperglycaemia, and arterial hypertension in Ecuador: results from a population-based study in two health districts.

While traditional medicine (TM) is employed by a significant portion of the global population for managing health issues, clinical guidelines and state recommendations often overlook this practice. The aim of this study was to describe the frequency of use of TM to control 3 metabolic risk factors (MRF): hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, and hyperglycaemia; and the sociodemographic, economic, and clinical characteristics associated with the use of TM. Cross-sectional descriptive study that analyses data obtained from a representative population survey in 2 health districts, one urban in the south of Quito and another in a forested rural area with diverse ethnic groups in Esmeraldas, Ecuador. We include 602 individuals with at least one MRF. We calculated the proportion of people reporting the regular use of TM (herbal or traditional remedy) to control their MRF and we assessed potential associations with sociodemographic, economic, and clinical characteristics with a multivariable logistic regression model. In two very different sociocultural contexts in Ecuador we found that use of TM to control MRF was frequent (39.4% in Esmeraldas, 31.1% in Quito), frequently in combination with CM. There is a notable percentage of people, 33.9% in Esmeraldas and 39.0% in Quito, who did not take any treatment for their MRF, and the remainder used CM alone. In both settings, an individual's education lever was significantly associated with TM use. Whereas in Quito individuals with higher education more frequently treated their MRF with TM (aOR 2.04, 95% CI 1.03-3.90), in the rural, hard-to-reach context of Esmeraldas, it was more frequent among people with no formal schooling (aOR: 3.76; 95%CI 1.59-8.88), as well as those of younger age (aOR by year: 0.97; 95% CI 0.95-0.99) and afro ethnicity (aOR: 2.13; 95%CI 1.02-4.45). Traditional medicine is used by a significant proportion of the population in Ecuador, highlighting the need for a more accessible and intercultural healthcare approach. The health system should ensure access to the necessary information and resources for the management of their metabolic risk factors.