Human Connection Research Articles

Nanoplasmonic biosensors for environmental sustainability and human health.

Monitoring the health conditions of the environment and humans is essential for ensuring human well-being, promoting global health, and achieving sustainability. Innovative biosensors are crucial in accurately monitoring health conditions, uncovering the hidden connections between the environment and human well-being, and understanding how environmental factors trigger autoimmune diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, and infectious diseases. This review evaluates the use of nanoplasmonic biosensors that can monitor environmental health and human diseases according to target analytes of different sizes and scales, providing valuable insights for preventive medicine. We begin by explaining the fundamental principles and mechanisms of nanoplasmonic biosensors. We investigate the potential of nanoplasmonic techniques for detecting various biological molecules, extracellular vesicles (EVs), pathogens, and cells. We also explore the possibility of wearable nanoplasmonic biosensors to monitor the physiological network and healthy connectivity of humans, animals, plants, and organisms. This review will guide the design of next-generation nanoplasmonic biosensors to advance sustainable global healthcare for humans, the environment, and the planet.

A Cognitive Study of Deixis in TG Klune’s the House in the Cerulean Sea

This paper investigates the cognitive and linguistic features of deixis in T.J. Klune's The House in the Cerulean Sea. It examines how personal, temporal, geographical, rhetorical, and social deixis can enhance narrative immersion and reader engagement. The study uses mixed method to categorize deictic elements in the book. It argues that deictic shifts improve the reader's experience and narrative structure. By measuring the frequency and impact of deictic expressions, the study highlights their role in adjusting narrative pace, deepening thematic resonance, and engaging readers both intellectually and emotionally. The careful use of deictic phrases, especially those tied to interpersonal and geographical aspects, creates strong human connections and vivid setting descriptions. This intentional arrangement forms deep emotional bonds between readers and characters, leading to a rich and engaging environment. The paper explains how language and cognition enhance immersive reading experiences through emotional involvement and narrative understanding. Deictic changes show how narrative techniques affect reader engagement and the quality of the story.

A Qualitative Study with Informal Caregivers and Healthcare Professionals for Individuals with Head and Neck Cancer on the Usage of AI Chatbots.

Informal caregivers (ICs), including the patient's spouse, close relatives, or friends, play an important role in caregiving individuals with head and neck cancer (HNC). AI-based chatbots might offer information and assistance related to caregiving. This study presents the viewpoints of ICs and healthcare professionals (HCPs) on using AI-based chatbots in caring for individuals with HNC. A total of six focus groups were conducted with 15 ICs and 13 HCPs from three Swedish university hospitals. The study uncovers a widespread hesitancy toward the intention to use AI-based chatbots among ICs and HCPs. Factors contributing to this reluctance include their distrust in chatbot-provided information, negative past experiences of using chatbots, and lack of human connection in chatbot interactions. Embracing a holistic approach is crucial when designing chatbots, ensuring active user engagement and incorporating their perspectives into the design process.

Emotional attachment and philosophical worldviews explain human connectedness to nature in abandoned rural Spain

Land abandonment and rural depopulation are escalating worldwide, presenting sustainability dilemmas for both rural and urban regions. However, there remains a dearth of research on the sociocultural dimensions of abandonment from a local standpoint. This investigation focuses on a case study conducted in southeastern Spain, wherein a social survey was used to evaluate the perspectives of local communities concerning human–nature interconnectedness, land abandonment, and their impacts on quality of life. A survey campaign was administered in the case study region during the spring of 2021, and 122 surveys were collected. The findings identify, in the context of the progressive abandonment of rural lands in Spain, key factors that explain the desire of local people to inhabit and not abandon rural regions in southeastern Spain. Our results also show a strong connection between people and nature in rural Spain, which is explained by the capacity of locals to form relational values in rural environments and the existence of philosophical worldviews and emotional attachments to rural lifestyles. However, barriers to not abandoning rural environments were also identified, including a lack of professional and economic opportunities. Our results suggest that the mitigation of depopulation in rural areas in Spain requires actions to foster land stewardship and address socioeconomic imbalances.

The human connection: Leveraging storytelling in medical education for holistic patient care.

The human connection: Leveraging storytelling in medical education for holistic patient care.

“A pleasant walk on the Pakihi”: ecological orientations in mid-century nature study

PurposeA recent United Nations (2021) report stated that education needs to be concerned with enhancing human relationships with the natural world if we are to work toward building a sustainable future. This paper proposes that educational practices underpinned by an ecological orientation in mid-century Aotearoa offer insights for educators looking to enhance human connection with nature. It also argues that ecological thinking has implications for how research in the history of education might be carried out.Design/methodology/approachThe article responds to recent calls in history of education for researchers to attend to the intertwined ecologies of living and material worlds in research approaches by Maria Tamboukou (2020) and Karin Priem (2022). It conducts a close analysis of a 1952 nature diary, encountered in the national archive, written by a 9-year-old pupil on the West Coast of the South Island. The analysis attends to the human–nature interactions the diary records, and to the resonance of the text in the context of post-war curriculum changes.FindingsPost-war nature study in Aotearoa New Zealand built on an aim to nurture children’s connections with nature and to place. Analysis of an entry from the 1952 nature diary highlights these connections and demonstrates the possibilities for a reframing of human–nature relationships that emerge with an ecological orientation in education. These findings speak to urgent contemporary concerns with environmental sustainability and human–nature relationships.Originality/valueThe paper draws on educational philosophy and theory (Fesmire, 2012; Nicol, 2014) alongside recent conversations in the history of education (Priem, 2022; Grosvenor and Priem, 2022; Tamboukou, 2020) to consider human–nature relationality at the heart of ecological thought. It outlines an approach to archival research that is ecologically oriented, generating openness and receptivity to the material world.

Compassion matters in elite sports environments: Insights from high-performance coaches

It is an open question to which degree compassion—noticing, engaging with, and acting to alleviate suffering in self and others—is (considered) advantageous in elite sports. Addressing this question, we herein provide insights into high-performance coaches’ perceptions on the role of compassion in elite sports environments. Specifically, 12 coaches working at the highest level of their respective sport (in Denmark) partook in semi-structured interviews focusing on the utilization, implications, as well as barriers for implementing compassion in elite sports environments. Following a thematic analysis, three themes comprising various subthemes were identified and discussed. The first theme – Benefits of compassion – focuses on coaches’ perception of the use and implications of compassion and comprises four subthemes: Compassion is important when times are tough; Compassion stimulates human connection; Compassion fosters unity in competitive environments; and Compassion promotes performance. The second theme – Increasing compassionate competence – focuses on how a compassionate approach can flourish and comprises three subthemes: Reflection; Awareness and knowledge; and Keeping up with the times. The third theme – Barriers to compassion – focuses on barriers to implementing and enhancing compassion in elite sports environments and comprises four subthemes: Compassion is soft; Power dynamics can stand in the way; Requires prioritization; and Performance outcome orientation. We conclude that while compassion (beyond self-compassion) can be beneficial in elite sports, coaches still perceive barriers for successful implementation, and that research should further investigate the outcomes and consequences of compassion in the elite sport context.

Differential brainstem connectivity according to sex and menopausal status in healthy men and women.

Brainstem nuclei play a critical role in both ascending monoaminergic modulation of cortical function and arousal, and in descending bulbospinal pain modulation. Even though sex-related differences in the function of both systems have been reported in animal models, a complete understanding of sex differences, as well as menopausal effects, in brainstem connectivity in humans is lacking. This study evaluated resting-state connectivity of the dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN), right and left locus coeruleus complex (LCC), and periaqueductal gray (PAG) according to sex and menopausal status in healthy individuals. In addition, relationships between systemic estrogen levels and brainstem-network connectivity were examined in a subset of participants. Resting-state fMRI was performed in 50 healthy men (age, 31.2 ± 8.0 years), 53 healthy premenopausal women (age, 24.7 ± 7.3 years; 22 in the follicular phase, 31 in the luteal phase), and 20 postmenopausal women (age, 54.6 ± 7.2 years). Permutation Analysis of Linear Models (5000 permutations) was used to evaluate differences in brainstem-network connectivity according to sex and menopausal status, controlling for age. In 10 men and 17 women (9 premenopausal; 8 postmenopausal), estrogen and estrogen metabolite levels in plasma and stool were determined by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry. Relationships between estrogen levels and brainstem-network connectivity were evaluated by partial least squares analysis. Left LCC-executive control network (ECN) connectivity showed an overall sex difference (p = 0.02), with higher connectivity in women than in men; however, this was mainly due to differences between men and pre-menopausal women (p = 0.008). Additional sex differences were dependent on menopausal status: PAG-default mode network (DMN) connectivity was higher in postmenopausal women than in men (p = 0.04), and PAG-sensorimotor network (SMN) connectivity was higher in premenopausal women than in men (p = 0.03) and postmenopausal women (p = 0.007). Notably, higher free 2-hydroxyestrone levels in stool were associated with higher PAG-SMN and PAG-DMN connectivity in premenopausal women (p < 0.01). Healthy women show higher brainstem-network connectivity involved in cognitive control, sensorimotor function, and self-relevant processes than men, dependent on their menopausal status. Further, 2-hydroxyestrone, implicated in pain, may modulate PAG connectivity in premenopausal women. These findings may relate to differential vulnerabilities to chronic stress-sensitive disorders at different life stages.

Patient perceptions of digital and therapist-led CBT for insomnia: A qualitative study

ABSTRACT Objectives Technology has the potential to increase access to evidence-based insomnia treatment. Patient preferences/perceptions of automated digital cognitive behavior therapy for insomnia (CBTI) and telehealth-delivered CBTI remain largely unexplored among middle-aged and older adults. Using a qualitative approach, the current study describes patients' reasons for participating in the clinical trial, preferences for digital CBTI (dCBTI) versus therapist-led CBTI, patient attitudes toward dCBTI, and patient attitudes toward telehealth-delivered therapist-led CBTI. Method Middle-aged and older adults (N = 80) completed a semi-structured interview before CBTI exposure. Qualitative responses were coded, and themes were inductively extracted. Results Most (62.5%) of the participants expressed a preference for therapist-led CBTI to dCBTI. Convenience was the most commonly reported advantage of dCBTI (n = 55) and telehealth-delivered CBTI (n = 65). Decreasing transit time and pandemic-related health concerns were identified as advantages to dCBTI and telehealth-delivered CBTI. Lack of human connection and limited personalization were perceived as disadvantages of dCBTI. Only three participants reported technological barriers to dCBTI and telehealth-delivered CBTI. Conclusion Findings suggest that, despite an overall preference for therapist-led treatment, most middle-aged and older adults are open to dCBTI. As both dCBTI and telehealth-delivered CBTI are perceived as convenient, these modalities offer the potential to increase access to insomnia care.

Surprised by Joy: Professional Roles as Emotional Facets of News Production

ABSTRACT Research in the field often reflects the serious, labor-intensive nature of journalism; findings that would seem to reflect the understandable exodus from the profession. Equally profound however is that so many journalists stay. Building on Parks concept of joy as a news value, this study seeks to explore the ways that joy manifests in narrated journalism practice. Through in-depth interviews with US-based journalists (n = 20), this study finds that joy emerges through engaged practices and through service-oriented role performance. In this way, joy in journalism is not only experienced, but also summoned by journalists as a means to bring light to even the darkest moments of journalistic work. Professional roles then serve as an essential means for journalists to create joy, allowing for human connection that enhance journalists’ attachment to the field.

Characterizing normal perinatal development of the human brain structural connectivity.

Early brain development is characterized by the formation of a highly organized structural connectome, which underlies brain's cognitive abilities and influences its response to diseases and environmental factors. Hence, quantitative assessment of structural connectivity in the perinatal stage is useful for studying normal and abnormal neurodevelopment. However, estimation of the connectome from diffusion MRI data involves complex computations. For the perinatal period, these computations are further challenged by the rapid brain development, inherently low signal quality, imaging difficulties, and high inter-subject variability. These factors make it difficult to chart the normal development of the structural connectome. As a result, there is a lack of reliable normative baselines of structural connectivity metrics at this critical stage in brain development. In this study, we developed a computational method based on spatio-temporal averaging in the image space for determining such baselines. We used this method to analyze the structural connectivity between 33 and 44 postmenstrual weeks using data from 166 subjects. Our results unveiled clear and strong trends in the development of structural connectivity in the perinatal stage. We observed increases in measures of network integration and segregation, and widespread strengthening of the connections within and across brain lobes and hemispheres. We also observed asymmetry patterns that were consistent between different connection weighting approaches. Connection weighting based on fractional anisotropy and neurite density produced the most consistent results. Our proposed method also showed considerable agreement with an alternative technique based on connectome averaging. The new computational method and results of this study can be useful for assessing normal and abnormal development of the structural connectome early in life.

Beyond Information Overload: Leveraging How the Brain Learns for Meaningful Impact

Abstract: This article discusses the importance of understanding neuroscience principles of how the brain learns and integrates new information with prior knowledge through its natural associative processes, as when new concepts are linked to past experiences through meaningful connections and context. Emotion is also key to effective memory and learning, as emotional experiences are more vividly remembered due to evolutionary priorities, yet interactions often lack meaning and human connection to optimize learning. Practical applications for organizations are suggested, such as frontloading context in new initiatives by relating them to past strategies and challenges faced, explicitly connecting new hire onboarding information to personal experiences, enhancing trainings with impactful real-world examples, and leveraging empathy during product development by mapping user needs and tying features back to core motivations. By consciously activating neural networks through association, emotion, context and meaning, organizations can optimize the brain's innate learning abilities compared to passive data consumption, forming deeper, more accessible insights through simple yet intentional techniques. This allows companies to cut through information overload and strategically leverage knowledge in today's changing business environment by operationalizing cognitive principles of learning.

Human connection with nature improves wellbeing and pro-environmental behavior: A literature review

Given the world's continuous environmental concerns, there is a need for increased participation in nature protection. The ecological crisis of the last decade on Earth has become one of the causes of the rupture of society's relationship with nature. Such relationships can predict diverse attitudes, concerns, intentions, and pro-environmental behavior (PEB). A systematic literature review (SLR) aims to compare, study, and analyze journal articles that relate to issues related to nature as a major factor in pro-environmental behavior. The results of selecting articles indexed by SCOPUS found as many as 1716 publications. The 50 open-access publications of articles were chosen based on specific criteria and further examined to identify eight final articles that align with the Inclusion of Nature in Self (INS) scale. Pro-environmental behavior strengthens human relationships with nature and encourages a sense of ownership and involvement with the environment. Pro-environmental behavior refers to behaviors that are beneficial to the environment, such as supporting conservation policies, recycling, and participating in nature. Research using INS scale, which focuses on connections with nature, still has significant potential and should persist in making contributions to science and humanity.

Cultivating community-engaged pedagogy: a case study exploring student choices with community-based organizations in a volunteer management course

ABSTRACT Educators teaching at community-engaged universities can benefit from learning best practices to prepare 21st century citizens. This case study explores why undergraduate students in an online volunteer management course select an organization to complete a community-engaged learning activity. Theory-based teaching strategies integrating the characteristics of quality community-engaged learning are outlined. Qualitative analysis of student reflections resulted in six categories representing student choices including: social connections, exploring interests, positive human connection, organizational engagement, aligning values, and commitment to the cause. The lessons learned can help educators enhance students’ learning by nurturing diverse community connections, establishing student-centered course goals, and constructing significant learning strategies.

Determinant Factors of Forming Individual Tacit’s Knowledge: Teachers’ Experience Perspective

This study explores the factors influencing the exchange of tacit knowledge among teachers, which supports creativity, learning, and problem-solving in education. It focuses on how individual knowledge and the sharing of tacit knowledge are interconnected. The research examines four key factors: teaching experience (including education level and attitude), length of service, socialization, and training, and attitudes toward the Freedom of Learning Curriculum. A quantitative survey method was used to collect data from 123 vocational high school teachers between June 21-23, 2023. The participants were asked to complete an online questionnaire about their background and attitudes toward curriculum changes. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were applied to the data. The results show that teachers' experience-based knowledge is a crucial factor in acquiring and sharing tacit knowledge, which fosters human connections and collaboration. The findings also reveal that teachers' personal experiences and interactions play a key role in the exchange of unspoken knowledge, leading to improved relationships between teachers and students and expanding their social networks.

The Lived Experiences of Discharged Patients on Quality Care in a Crowded Emergency Department

Background and Aim: In the Philippines, the problem of overcrowding in emergency rooms causes serious negative effects to delivering quality care to patients. The study aims to investigate the lived experiences of discharged patients from a crowding emergency rooms revealing the difficulties that patients encounter and offer critical insights to improve the standard of care and emergency department flow.  Method: This qualitative study employed a phenomenological approach, using semi-structured interviews to gather data from 16 participants who had recently been discharged from an overcrowded emergency department in Iligan City, Lanao del Norte. The interviews were conducted in the local dialect, Bisaya, and were analyzed using Colaizzi's method for qualitative data analysis.  Results: The findings reveal key themes that emerged from the participants' responses; the stress and anxiety, the environmental stressors such as noise, overcrowding, lack of privacy, the Specific spaces like triage, examination rooms, and waiting areas, the technological environment, particularly equipment quality, the Extended waiting periods, rapid treatment progression, sudden discharge and contrasting temporal experiences. Lastly, human connection amidst chaos and feeling understood and cared for with kindness.  Conclusion: The findings emphasize the need for improved patient flow management, enhanced environmental design, and a patient-centered approach to care delivery to prioritize patient comfort, reduce distress, and promote better outcomes especially for patients. It also shows how nurses care compassionately with patients amidst piling responsibilities in crowding emergency department.

Exploring the possible effects of social vulnerability components on terrorism

ABSTRACT Although many studies on social vulnerability focus on mitigating negative effects and crisis management in terms of the physical, economic, structural, and non-structural resilience of countries we found limited research on the effects of these indicators on terrorism that has a great unfavourable footprint on human, global, and environmental security. Furthermore, despite the differing outlooks of the various countries, the last three factors; the physical indicator is the preeminent threat multiplier worldwide. Climate change further exacerbates this vulnerability for all. In this study, we aimed to visualize the four components of “The Commonwealth Universal Vulnerability Index (UVI)” and the “Global Terrorism Index (GTI)” and revealed the effects of independent variables on dependent variable. To actualize this, we obtained valid data of these variables concerning 109 countries covering the term of 2010–2018 and analyzed using Logarithmic Multiple Linear Regression (LMLR). We found that while climate change aggravates terrorism in one way, economy, and non-structural resilience affect terrorism in a negative direction at the 95% confidence interval. However, we did not encounter a statistically meaningful relationship between terrorism and structural resilience, which enables robust human development, market connectivity, and demographic structure.

La pedagogía crítica universitaria: Encuentros educativos interculturales entre la Universidad Nacional y la comunidad de Kachabri, en Costa Rica

Aim.To underscore the necessity of revising university pedagogy at the National University of Costa Rica (UNA). Discussion. Effective teaching and learning require stepping out of our comfort zones. This involves contextualization and practical application of theories. Therefore, intercultural educational tours are promoted as a didactic approach to develop and evaluate theoretical content of courses related to concepts of distinction, diversity, difference, and exteriority as an ethical proposal and policy. These field trips should be integrated across various courses to promote positive interactions, balance with nature, social justice, and the appreciation of various cosmogonies. Conclusion. The essay concludes by presenting the perspectives of students who have undergone these formative experiences. These students emphasize the significance of such experiences in enhancing educational processes that foster human awareness and connection with nature, integrating them as essential components within various university curricula.

Primary care team perspectives on approaches to engaging patients in treatment for opioid use disorder

IntroductionEngagement is a critical component of successful treatment for opioid use disorder (OUD). However, rates of patient engagement in OUD treatment, especially in outpatient settings, are variable and often low. Little is known about the specific strategies members of primary care teams use to initiate and encourage ongoing participation in OUD treatment. In a national cohort of primary care clinics in the U.S., we explored the perspectives of primary care team members on the meaning of and approaches to OUD treatment engagement. MethodsWe conducted semi-structured interviews with 35 providers from multidisciplinary primary care teams in an existing national cohort of 13 clinics across seven states. Teams were delivering OUD treatment via the Collaborative Care Model, a model that combines primary care providers (PCP), behavioral health care managers (BHCM) and consulting psychiatric providers (CPP) in a structured way to provide patient-centered, team-based, and measurement-based care. Interview participants included 14 PCPs, 13 BHCMs, and 8 CPPs. Interviews asked open-ended questions about provider experiences and practices that aided or hindered patient engagement in OUD treatment. Interview transcripts were double-coded by trained qualitative researchers and analyzed using a combination of deductive and inductive approaches to identify themes. ResultsTwo themes emerged that describe provider perspectives on the meaning of engagement: 1) qualifying engagement by the volume of contact with patients, and 2) the need for more multidimensional measures of engagement. Six themes emerged that characterized provider engagement practices: 1) creating an environment of disclosure, 2) normalizing OUD treatment, 3) offering gentle but persistent outreach, 4) providing human connection and encouragement, 5) tailoring treatment to patient needs, and 6) avoiding stigmatizing responses. Analysis identified multiple replicable strategies that providers used to support these engagement practices. ConclusionsProviders consistently apply a range of strategies when trying to engage patients in OUD treatment. Specific engagement strategies used embodied compassion and pragmatism, hallmarks of patient-centered care. Further research is needed to understand the impact of scaling engagement approaches across all care settings.

Effect of Communication Mode on Disclosure of Nutrition Impact Symptoms During Nutrition Intervention Delivered to People With Upper Gastrointestinal Cancer.

Individuals diagnosed with upper gastrointestinal cancers experience a myriad of nutrition impact symptoms (NIS) compromise a person's ability to adequately meet their nutritional requirements leading to malnutrition, reduced quality of life and poorer survival. Electronic health (eHealth) is a potential strategy for improving the delivery of nutrition interventions by improving early and sustained access to dietitians to address both NIS and malnutrition. This study aimed to explore whether the mode of delivery affected participant disclosure of NIS during a nutrition intervention. Participants in the intervention groups received a nutrition intervention for 18 weeks from a dietitian via telephone or mobile application (app) using behaviour change techniques to assist in goal achievement. Poisson regression determined the proportion of individuals who reported NIS compared between groups. Univariate and multiple regression analyses of demographic variables explored the relationship between demographics and reporting of NIS. The incidence of reporting of NIS was more than 1.8 times higher in the telephone group (n = 38) compared to the mobile group (n = 36). Telephone predicted a higher likelihood of disclosure of self-reported symptoms of fatigue, nausea, and anorexia throughout the intervention period. A trusting therapeutic relationship built on human connection is fundamental and may not be achieved with current models of mobile health technologies.