Global Well-being Research Articles

Telerehabilitation and onsite rehabilitation effectively improve quality of life, fatigue, balance, and cognition in people with multiple sclerosis: an interventional study.

Telerehabilitation (TR) offers a valuable opportunity to improve access to care and has shown results comparable to onsite rehabilitation (SR) across different conditions. The present study aimed to explore the efficacy of TR and SR in improving clinically meaningful outcomes in people with multiple sclerosis (pwMS). Subjects enrolled in the study were assigned to one of two treatment arms: a 6-week TR intervention or a 6-week onsite rehabilitation (SR) intervention. Pre-and post-intervention evaluation included assessment of global wellbeing using the Multiple Sclerosis Quality of Life-54 scale (QoL), fatigue using the Fatigue Severity Status scale (FSS), cognitive status using the Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT), and balance dysfunction using the Berg Balance Scale (BBS). Group-level and single-subject improvements were considered as outcome measures, with QoL as the primary endpoint. To determine significant group changes over time for the entire pwMS cohort, a paired t-test was applied to the overall QoL score, focusing on both physical and mental composites. An independent sample t-test was used to assess differences in baseline and follow-up performance, as well as changes over time between the intervention groups (TR and SR). This same analysis was repeated for the other clinical domains (FSS, BBS, and SDMT). The minimal clinically important difference (MCID) according to treatment group (TR vs. SR) was explored using logistic regression. Additionally, a multiple linear regression model was applied to evaluate the impact of baseline clinical-demographic features on the observed post-intervention modifications. A total of 51 subjects completed the study (37 women, mean age 46.3 ± 9.8, median Expanded Disability Status Scale 3.5, min. 2, max. 6.5). The entire sample benefited from the rehabilitation treatment, with significant improvements observed at both the group and individual levels across all measured domains for both intervention groups (TR vs. SR). Quality of life improved significantly (p = 0.005), as did fatigue and balance (both p < 0.001), and cognition (p = 0.003). Both SR and TR approaches effectively improved the perception of fatigue, cognitive performance, balance, and quality of life in a population of MS patients with moderate disability.

RUH SAĞLIĞI ve GEZEGEN SAĞLIĞI

Aim: While the mental health burden of the COVID-19 pandemic is turning into a public health problem, the global dimension of the problem makes it necessary to address the issue in the context of planetary health for a solution. The goal of this study was to examine the contents and challenges of managing mental health issues at the planetary health level during COVID-19. &#x0D; Method: The bibliographic method was used. Theses were searched by searching YOKSIS and PubMed for reviews with the keywords "mental health, planetary health, and COVID-19."&#x0D; Results: In the search made in June 2021, from 2018 till 27.02.2022; 19 related articles have been found. The most proportion of published reviews was about patients’ mental health via telehealth; only three of the reviews were about healthcare workers. Two of the researches were excluded because they were not reviewed. The same keywords are used for searching among the thesis of YOKSIS, only one research was found about fuzzy cognition maps and decision making. &#x0D; Conclusions: Research on managing mental health problems and planetary health during pandemics in the family medicine discipline is far from providing sufficient literature diversity. Advances in data analytics and information technologies are opening up new medical clinical problem-solving methods. In order to measure the effects of the COVID-19 pandemics and to establish global well-being and higher planetary mood in the future, research at the level of the individual, society and planet are required.

Based On Satiety Mechanism: The Effect of Dietary Therapy in Terms of Substitute Meal in Overweight and Diabetic Patients

Obesity is a widespread public health concern that poses a threat to global well-being. Effective dietary management stands out as a key component in the care of obesity and diabetes. It not only aids in regulating body fat and blood glucose levels but also demonstrates significant prowess in reducing fasting blood glucose and postprandial 2-hour blood glucose levels. Furthermore, it proves useful in assisting diabetic patients in achieving glycemic index targets and formulating tailored diet plans. However, not all patients possess the knowledge to establish a balanced diet. This is where meal substitutes step in, offering a convenient, pre-made solution. A well-balanced meal substitute can deliver ample satiety while ensuring essential nutrients, thus preventing overindulgence. Satiety, the sensation that increases fullness and reduces unnecessary food intake, plays a pivotal role in weight loss and overall health maintenance. It arises from the stomach's response to food ingestion, signaling to a person that they are comfortably full and no longer in need of further sustenance. Consequently, the exploration of meal substitutes as a novel form of diabetes intervention therapy has gained increasing attention in recent years.

Conspiracies and contagion: Two patterns of COVID-19 related beliefs associated with distinct mental symptomatology

The COVID-19 pandemic brought about unique challenges, leading to a simultaneous decline in global mental well-being and an increase in perceived social threats. The present study explores the interplay between COVID-19 beliefs and mental health symptoms in a multinational sample of 1523 individuals primarily from Canada, the US and Mexico. Between May 2020 and February 2021, participants completed an online survey assessing somatic symptoms, anxiety, depression, alexithymia, and psychotic-like symptoms, along with the newly developed COVID-19 beliefs questionnaire (CBQ). The CBQ consisted of a series of statements corresponding to different beliefs about the origins and consequences of the virus and it revealed two dimensions through Exploratory Factor Analysis: Fear of contagion of COVID-19 (FC) and COVID-19 denial/conspiratorial ideation (CI).Correlation analyses and linear regressions revealed a negative correlation between these two belief patterns as well their distinct associations with mental health symptoms. Fear of contagion was positively predicted by somatic symptoms and anxiety. In contrast, COVID-19 denial/conspiratorial ideation was positively predicted by positive psychotic-like experiences, alexithymia, and depression, and negatively predicted by negative psychotic-like symptoms. Furthermore, the relationship between positive psychotic-like symptoms and CI was mediated negatively by negative psychotic-like symptoms, suggesting that individuals with higher self-reported delusional ideation and bizarre experiences but lower avolition during the pandemic were the most likely to endorse COVID-19 related conspiracy theories.We provide an interpretation of these results according to which these two profiles represent distinct doxastic threat responses, shaped by the interaction between the non-specific pandemic distress response and individual proneness to mental health symptomatology.

Academia Mental Health and Well-Being: Promote Awareness of Mental Health and Transform it to a Global Operational Well-Being

Academia Mental Health and Well-Being: Promote Awareness of Mental Health and Transform it to a Global Operational Well-Being

Collective Housing Subsidies: A Public Policy Proposal for Sustainability

One way in which governments foster sustainable homebuilding and housing is by subsidizing single homes’ investment in sustainability technologies. The problem with these programs is that they incentivize inefficient investment by supporting technologies that make technical and economic sense on a small scale. Furthermore, this arrangement constitutes a flawed marketing system, producing a limited impact on global well-being and sustainability in the long term, as it rules out more efficient sustainability technologies. This paper addresses these shortcomings by designing a public policy proposal based on a contract between the government and homeowners that incentivizes the adoption of collective sustainable technologies, changing the marketing system with a shift in the behavior of a dominant actor, the government. Results indicate that an equilibrium in which the homeowners choose to participate in the new collective program in exchange for a subsidy is feasible and stable. Moreover, the generalization of the proposed program may generate a new way to incentivize the more efficient use of sustainable home technologies in the long run.

The mediating role of sport-specific PERMA in the relationship between physical activity/passive sport and global well-being/loneliness

The current study examined the mediating role of sport-specific PERMA in the relationship between physical activity/passive sport consumption and global well-being/loneliness. We collected data to establish two-wave panel data for a sample of 481 participants across Japan. Structural equation modeling was performed to examine the hypothesis model. The results showed that sport-specific eudaimonic well-being significantly mediated the hypothesized relationships between PA/passive sport consumption and all dependent variables, including life satisfaction, psychological well-being, and loneliness. The results indicate that eudaimonic well-being in sport plays a key role in increasing global well-being and decreasing loneliness. These findings can help authorities optimize local resources as promoting and maintaining individual well-being is essential for society. The results contribute to understanding the role of sport-specific PERMA in global well-being and loneliness in the body of literature.

A Phenomapping Tool and Clinical Score to Identify Low Diuretic Efficiency in Acute Decompensated Heart Failure

BackgroundIndividuals with acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) have a varying response to diuretic therapy. Strategies for the early identification of low diuretic efficiency to inform decongestion therapies are lacking. ObjectivesThe authors sought to develop and externally validate a machine learning–based phenomapping approach and integer-based diuresis score to identify patients with low diuretic efficiency. MethodsParticipants with ADHF from ROSE-AHF, CARRESS-HF, and ATHENA-HF were pooled in the derivation cohort (n = 794). Multivariable finite-mixture model-based phenomapping was performed to identify phenogroups based on diuretic efficiency (urine output over the first 72 hours per total intravenous furosemide equivalent loop diuretic dose). Phenogroups were externally validated in other pooled ADHF trials (DOSE/ESCAPE). An integer-based diuresis score (BAN-ADHF score: blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, natriuretic peptide levels, atrial fibrillation, diastolic blood pressure, hypertension and home diuretic, and heart failure hospitalization) was developed and validated based on predictors of the diuretic efficiency phenogroups to estimate the probability of low diuretic efficiency using the pooled ADHF trials described earlier. The associations of the BAN-ADHF score with markers and symptoms of congestion, length of stay, in-hospital mortality, and global well-being were assessed using adjusted regression models. ResultsClustering identified 3 phenogroups based on diuretic efficiency: phenogroup 1 (n = 370; 47%) had lower diuretic efficiency (median: 13.1 mL/mg; Q1-Q3: 7.7-19.4 mL/mg) than phenogroups 2 (n = 290; 37%) and 3 (n = 134; 17%) (median: 17.8 mL/mg; Q1-Q3: 10.8-26.1 mL/mg and median: 35.3 mL/mg; Q1-Q3: 17.5-49.0 mL/mg, respectively) (P < 0.001). The median urine output difference in response to 80 mg intravenous twice-daily furosemide between the lowest and highest diuretic efficiency group (phenogroup 1 vs 3) was 3,520 mL/d. The BAN-ADHF score demonstrated good model performance for predicting the lowest diuretic efficiency phenogroup membership (C-index: 0.92 in DOSE/ESCAPE validation cohort) that was superior to measures of kidney function (creatinine or blood urea nitrogen), natriuretic peptide levels, or home diuretic dose (DeLong P < 0.001 for all). Net urine output in response to 80 mg intravenous twice-daily furosemide among patients with a low vs high (5 vs 20) BAN-ADHF score was 2,650 vs 660 mL per 24 hours, respectively. Participants with higher BAN-ADHF scores had significantly lower global well-being, higher natriuretic peptide levels on discharge, a longer in-hospital stay, and a higher risk of in-hospital mortality in both derivation and validation cohorts. ConclusionsThe authors developed and validated a phenomapping strategy and diuresis score for individuals with ADHF and differential response to diuretic therapy, which was associated with length of stay and mortality.

Approaches to pandemic prevention - the chromatin vaccine.

Developing effective vaccines against viral infections have significant impacts on development, prosperity and well-being of human populations. Thus, successful vaccines such as smallpox and polio vaccines, have promoted global societal well-being. In contrast, ineffective vaccines may fuel arguments that retard scientific progress. We aim to stimulate a multilevel discussion on how to develop effective vaccines against recent and future pandemics by focusing on acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), coronavirus disease (COVID) and other viral infections. We appeal to harnessing recent achievements in this field specifically towards a cure for current pandemics and prevention of the next pandemics. Among these, we propose to apply the HIV DNA in chromatin format - an end product of aborted HIV integration in episomal forms, i.e., the chromatin vaccines (cVacc), to elicit the epigenetic silencing and memory that prevent viral replication and infection.

To perform or not to perform, that is the question: Drama activities and psychological wellbeing in adolescence

There is a substantial body of evidence on how important it is for adolescents’ wellbeing to engage in meaningful activities such as drama classes. The aim of this study is to assess whether the wellbeing and self-concept of young people who choose to take part in drama activities are significantly different from those adolescents who do not. A group of 198 subjects between the ages of 14 and 20 years participated in the study. The results showed some significant differences in certain wellbeing components – environmental mastery and personal growth – in favour of drama students. One of the most relevant results was the finding of important gender differences in the impact of drama experience on adolescents’ psychological wellbeing and self-concept. Drama girls showed higher levels of self-acceptance, environmental mastery and global wellbeing than non-drama girls. The study also revealed better academic, social and physical self-concepts. These results are discussed in terms of their educational implications in adolescence.

Global evidence of inequality in well-being among older adults.

By 2030, the UN expects 1.4 billion older adults and 2.1 billion by 2050. By 2050, 80 percent of older persons will live in developing nations. This demographic shift will present new challenges and opportunities in several areas, including health, migration, employment, and social safety nets. This study's aims were to: (1) present novel evidence on the trends and determinants of well-being and well-being inequality among older people around the world; and (2) highlight variation across World Bank development groups. The study utilizes individual-level survey data from nine waves of the Gallup World Poll (2009-2017), which is representative of about 99.5% of the global population. First, we report country-level panel evidence on well-being and well-being inequality for adults over 60 years of age. Second, we estimate regressions to identify the individual-level determinants of well-being and well-being inequality. Our results indicate that average levels of happiness vary little over time. This holds for all World Bank development groups. In contrast, we show that inequality in well-being increases for all categories except in high-income countries. Examining the factors that influence well-being and well-being inequality reveals the particular importance of income, social ties, and health. We also reveal gender differences in global well-being; women tend to be happier than men. Lastly, whereas variations in inequity-causing factors are minimal when comparing older to younger individuals, they vary substantially when comparing across development groups. Our findings suggest that rather than focusing on the average level of well-being among older people, governments should consider the full distribution of well-being. This requires a special emphasis on health, social networks, and education, as well as the assessment of distributional impacts in policy proposals.

Ethics in aquaculture: animal welfare and environmental sustainability.

In recent decades, also driven by the European Union, aquaculture has undergone significant development to meet the increasing demand for seafood products. However, the concentration of efforts and resources in the fishing industry raises complex ethical issues that have yet to be fully explored, concerning animal welfare, environmental impact, and social justice. Balancing economic interests with environmental and ethical concerns is a challenging yet crucial task to ensuring a sustainable future for aquaculture. The adoption of ethical values in the fishing industry not only promotes economic, environmental, and social responsibility but also fosters consumer trust in responsible food sourcing. Interventions such as developing animal welfare standards, implementing sustainable farming techniques, adopting environmental management policies, and promoting ethically responsible business practices are pivotal. A multidimensional approach is essential to ensure an ethical and sustainable future for aquaculture, critical for global food security and marine environmental well-being. This holistic approach requires collaborative efforts from various stakeholders, including policymakers, researchers, industry players, and consumers, to address the multifaceted challenges faced by the aquaculture sector. Additionally, raising awareness among consumers about the impact of their choices on the environment and animal welfare can further drive the demand for ethically produced seafood and encourage responsible practices within the industry.

Global Well-Being and Mental Health in the Internet Age

In the last 2 decades, the widespread adoption of Internet technologies has inspired concern that they have negatively affected mental health and psychological well-being. However, research on the topic is contested and hampered by methodological shortcomings, leaving the broader consequences of Internet adoption unknown. We show that the past 2 decades have seen only small and inconsistent changes in global well-being and mental health that are not suggestive of the idea that the adoption of Internet and mobile broadband is consistently linked to negative psychological outcomes. Further investigation of this topic requires transparent study of online behaviors where they occur (i.e., on online platforms). We call for increased collaborative efforts between independent scientists and the Internet-technology sector.

Proverbial positive psychology: can we leverage African ancient wisdom to promote flourishing?

ABSTRACT A potentially fructuous approach to fostering mental health and flourishing in Africa is to leverage traditional African proverbs and maxims aligned with positive psychology themes and constructs within the framework of positive psychology interventions (PPIs). This paper explores the potential for integrating (African) proverbs into PPIs to foster well-being and flourishing among African populations. I reference specific proverbs to explore their literal, metaphorical, moral, and epistemological import and inherent values, as well as their prospective utilization in promoting positive relationships, kindness and empathy, teamwork and collaboration, gratitude, truthfulness and honesty, and patience and humility, demonstrating how proverbs hold promise for promoting flourishing in the African context. I propose the CAPPI (Customization and Application of Proverbs in Positive Interventions) framework to guide researchers and practitioners in exploring and incorporating (African) proverbs into interventions. By embracing diverse cultural perspectives, positive psychology can enhance its impact on global well-being and create a more inclusive approach to research and intervention design.

Nostalgia and Online Autobiography: Implications for Global Self-Continuity and Psychological Well-Being

Nostalgia and Online Autobiography: Implications for Global Self-Continuity and Psychological Well-Being

Steps per day and health-related quality of life in schoolchildren: the mediator role of cardiorespiratory fitness.

To analyse the relationship between steps per day and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and to examine whether the relationship between steps per day and HRQoL is mediated by CRF in schoolchildren. This was a cross-sectional study including 501 schoolchildren (aged 9-12years, 47% girls), from Cuenca, Spain. Steps per day were measured using the Xiaomi Mi Band 3 Smart Bracelet, HRQoL was estimated by the KIDSCREEN-27 questionnaire, and CRF was assessed using the 20-m shuttle run test. Analysis of covariance and multivariate analysis of covariance models showed that children with a higher mean number of steps per day (> 9000 steps/day) had better HRQoL (global score, and physical and psychological well-being) and higher CRF levels than their peers with a lower number of steps per day (p < 0.05); however, these differences were no longer significant when controlling for sex, age, mother's education level, and CRF (p > 0.05). Linear regression models estimated that each 1000-step increment was associated with better CRF (β = 0.350; 95% CI, 0.192 to 0.508). In addition, the relationship between steps per day and HRQoL was mediated by CRF (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Steps per day are a good metric to estimate daily physical activity because of its positive relationship with CRF. Moreover, those children taking more than 9000 steps per day are associated with higher levels of physical and psychological well-being. Finally, a substantial part of the improvement in HRQoL achieved through the increase in physical activity (steps per day) is mediated by CRF. What is Known: • Physical activity is known to have a positive impact on health-related quality of life in children.Steps per day are commonly used as a measure of physical activity. • Cardiorespiratory fitness is a recognized indicator of overall health in youth. What is New: • Increments of steps per day were associated with better CRF, with a nonlinear association after approximately 9000 steps/day. • Schoolchildren with > 9000 steps/ day showed better HRQoL.

Energy Sovereignty and Security

In 21 century Energy security tuned to be a source of global wellbeing and security. Nowadays Human beings are using much more energy resources than ever. On the one hand it ensures global economic developments on the other it challenges energy consumer’s national security. So, natural resources are either source of geopolitical challenges or opportunities for countries. For producers gas and oil became not the source of ‘’short energy war’’ as it once happened in 1970s, but the tool for well-coordinated, long-term political goals. That’s why for producers’ energy security became source of gaining high, expensive economic and political value on International level. As energy producers perceived their legal and natural right to consider energy resources partof their sovereignty consumers were left only with getting supply at ‘’reasonable price ‘’. Despite differences consumers and producersturned to share one common character - energy security became part of their natural security. But still there is difference as producers more politicized the subject than consumers (for example Russia). It is obvious European failure to establish common energy policy and effective competitive Single Energy Market may lead to energy dependence on single supplier and creation of Gas OPEC with strong market division and intention to monopolize. The abovementioned threats can be responded with strong anti-trust law and diversification of suppliers. antitrust law (competition law) should disband production and distribution by the same company which will lead to healthy competition. Besides it is necessary to diversify energy resources and eliminate Isolation of Iran. Otherwise Europe’s dependence on Russian energy will acquire growing character and intensify International environment.

Internasional Trade Regulation and its Impact on Macroeconomics: An Internasional Law Perspective

This journal article examines the dynamic relationship between international trade regulation and macroeconomics from the lens of international law. International trade, with its complex legal framework, plays a pivotal role in shaping the global economic landscape. Understanding the intricate interplay between trade regulations and macroeconomic variables is crucial for policymakers, scholars, and practitioners alike.&#x0D; Through a comprehensive analysis of international trade agreements, dispute settlement mechanisms, and trade policies, this research investigates the legal mechanisms that govern global commerce. It explores the impact of trade regulations on key macroeconomic indicators, such as economic growth, employment, inflation, and balance of payments. This study takes into consideration both the multilateral trading system, exemplified by the World Trade Organization, and regional trade agreements to provide a holistic view of the subject.&#x0D; The findings highlight the significant influence of international trade regulation on a nation's economic performance. Effective trade regulation can stimulate economic growth, enhance market access for goods and services, and promote stability in global markets. Conversely, trade disputes and protectionist measures can disrupt economic activities and lead to adverse macroeconomic consequences.&#x0D; Furthermore, this research delves into the legal mechanisms available to states to address trade-related disputes and their potential implications on macroeconomic stability. It underscores the importance of a rules-based international trading system in promoting global economic well-being.&#x0D; By analyzing international trade regulation through an international law perspective, this article aims to contribute to the ongoing discourse on the relationship between law and economics. It underscores the significance of legal frameworks in shaping macroeconomic outcomes and highlights the need for harmonizing trade policies with broader economic objectives. Ultimately, the research underscores the role of international law as a tool for promoting economic development and stability in the context of global trade.

General Assessment of the Impact of the War in Ukraine on the Shipping Industry Using Parametric Methods

The ongoing Ukrainian war has introduced significant uncertainty and crisis into the global economy, particularly in financial and stock markets. This study is a part of a larger research project that aims to assess the impact of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine on shipping companies, given the direct influence of rising gas and oil prices on the valuation of freight transport service providers. Economic sanctions were imposed on Russia, leading to the destabilization of the global economy. Industries such as the global shipping and tourism sectors experienced significant declines in share value. Investors began reallocating their portfolios, seeking safer and less risky investments, such as gold stocks. The riskiness of a particular stock can be assessed by various methods, including volatility measurement. This paper focuses on calculating and presenting the volatility value of the shares of A. P. Moller-Maersk, the world's largest operator of container lines and vessels. Additionally, the STOXX50 index, i.e. the Euro Zone stock market index, representing the overall European market, is used for comparison. Another risk measure discussed in this paper is Value at Risk (VaR), a quantitative method used to predict potential cash losses over a certain time period. The parametric method of calculating VaR was used, which assumes the normal distribution of stock value fluctuations. VaR was calculated using historical stock price data of A. P. Moller-Maersk. Findings indicate significant volatility and high-risk environment in the financial markets. The calculated VaR of 27.66% for a 30-day period with the 95% confidence level reflects the substantial potential losses associated with investing in Maersk shares during the crisis, surpassing typical risk levels. In conclusion, the war in Ukraine has disrupted the maritime industry, which was already recovering from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The sanctions imposed on Russia and the war situation in Ukraine have created uncertainty and turbulence in financial markets, prompting investors to seek safer investment options. The study emphasizes the need for continued monitoring of the impact of the war on the global maritime industry. The devastating effects of the war on the sector have significant implications for the global economy, human well-being, and future research in the field.

From agenda to action: JBI Evidence Synthesis and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

This pilot study sought to map the alignment of publications in JBI Evidence Synthesis to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3 (global health and well-being) and to understand JBI authors' awareness of and engagement with the goals. This will contribute to a larger-scale analysis to assist the JBI Collaboration in engaging with and working toward achieving the SDGs. In 2015, the United Nations agreed on 17 SDGs as the central framework for sustainable development worldwide. However, in the wake of the global pandemic, the 2030 SDG agenda is in jeopardy due to multiple cascading and intersecting crises. The Global Commission on Evidence has urged the evidence community to consider how it might more meaningfully contribute to the evidence architecture. As we pass the midway point to the SDG 2030 target date, it is timely to reflect on the contribution of those in the evidence synthesis community to achieving these important global objectives. A 2-phase study was conducted utilizing desktop audit methods. SDG 3 targets were mapped across systematic and scoping reviews published in JBI Evidence Synthesis using established key terms, followed by a brief author survey and thematic analysis. The results of this pilot study indicate that 28.5% of syntheses published in JBI Evidence Synthesis address 11 of the 13 targets of SDG 3. SDGs are not currently a priority consideration for most JBI Evidence Synthesis authors, but there is a desire to learn more and integrate the goals into their prioritization processes. While this was only a small pilot study, it is indicative of a need to reset and recommit to mutual global agendas to transform the evidence ecosystem, and to maximize the limited resources available in order to truly have a global impact on health outcomes.